By Law Ibitoye
As the June 20, 2026 governorship election approaches, the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Pastor Ayodele Olaniyi Praise (AOP), an indigene of Ikere-Ekiti in Ekiti South Senatorial District, has unveiled six-point development agenda aimed at transforming Ekiti State and improving the welfare of its citizens.
Speaking with journalists in Ado-Ekiti on Monday, the PRP standard-bearer appealed to Ekiti voters to look beyond party popularity and focus on competence, integrity, vision and proven capacity when choosing the next governor of the state.
Pastor Ayodele said his administration would be guided by the PRAISE PACT Agenda, designed to deliver prosperity and sustainable development across all sectors of the state.
He said the agenda comprises:
P – Prosperity and Health for All
R – Rural Development
A – Agriculture and Industrialisation
I – Infrastructure Development
S – Security and Social Stability
E – Education, Empowerment and Employment
According to him, the agenda reflects his commitment to people-centred governance and equitable distribution of the dividends of democracy.
“Democracy is the government of the people, by the people and for the people. The benefits of governance should not be for a select few. Every citizen must enjoy the dividends of democracy,” he said.
The Ikere-Ekiti-born politician maintained that Ekiti possesses enormous human and natural resources capable of making every resident prosperous if properly harnessed through transparent and visionary leadership.
Explaining his agenda, Pastor Ayodele promised affordable and subsidised medical services, including access to drugs for chronic ailments such as hypertension and diabetes. He added that special attention would be given to the elderly, pregnant women, children and persons living with disabilities. The PRP candidate also pledged massive rural development programmes aimed at connecting communities through quality roads, modern markets and industrial hubs.
Emphasising the importance of agriculture to Ekiti’s economy, he promised to industrialise farming, create farm-to-market roads, establish processing centres and guarantee off-takers for farmers’ produce. “There is no reason why a farmer should remain poor. Agriculture must become a profitable venture for our people,” he stated.
On infrastructure, Pastor Ayodele proposed the establishment of cottage industries in all 16 local government areas and the development of alternative energy sources through solar, hydro, biomass and turbine-powered solutions to boost economic activities. Addressing security concerns, he reiterated his support for state and community policing, stressing that the safety of lives and property would remain a top priority under his administration.
“Security is not negotiable. We must deploy every legitimate means to protect our people and secure our communities,” he said.
The governorship hopeful also promised to revolutionise education through practical and skill-based learning while establishing vocational acquisition centres across the state. He said youths and women would have access to interest-free or low-interest loans, training opportunities and entrepreneurship support programmes.
Confident of victory at the polls, Pastor Ayodele urged Ekiti people to vote based on character, competence and credibility rather than financial inducement.
“Do not sell your conscience for ₦2,000 or ₦5,000. Vote for the candidate with the vision, capacity and passion to transform Ekiti. Waste your vote on the best candidate,” he declared.
Highlighting his leadership credentials, the former student union president, Offa, Kwara State recalled his achievements in office , including the construction of hostels, a radio station and a library, saying these accomplishments demonstrate his capacity to deliver on his promises.
