In the buildup to the last and upcoming meet and greet events in Europe and other parts of the world, I constantly think about a wide range of subjects. I watch my friends, colleagues, long-time partners, and associates invest so much into this project, the enthusiasm they bring to deliver on plans, and the sheer physical strength they exert to make things work perfectly.
This dedication goes beyond words or something I can easily express. How can I possibly put words together to describe the late-night calls coordinating logistics, the detailed spreadsheets mapping out agendas, and the personal sacrifices of time and energy? As someone who has navigated public service and the education sector for decades, I recognise this as the essence of collective effort, where individual contributions align to create a huge momentum.
It’s also a reminder of how humans resolve, when channelled toward a common goal like advancing the future of Oyo State, can birth tangible results from abstract ideas. To me, it is a further inspiration to value every role in this journey.
I experienced the same intensity during the pioneering event we held in Australia. It was a gathering that left me with much to reminisce about and draw lesson from. There, amidst a diverse crowd of Oyo indigenes and Nigerians, I saw commitments that spoke of genuine love and a desire to make real change happen. People were volunteering hours to organise, sponsoring elements like venues and media, and mobilising communities across ethnic lines. But it speaks more to me than just surface-level support; it reveals a deeper trust in the vision we’ve shared, a belief that our work can bridge distances and build bridges back home. That event, with its success, showed me the power of unity in action, where passion translates into progress. It is these moments that, indeed, reinforce my conviction that our efforts are not solitary but part of a larger story of hope for Oyo State.
I believe this is the level of passion people generally put into their day-to-day activities, their personal endeavours across all walks of life; whether in corporate establishments managing global supply chains or informal sectors like market trading where survival hinges on daily ingenuity. Facts and results don’t lie. I’ve seen it in the artisan who refines his craft over years to sustain a family, the entrepreneur who find his way through economic hurdles to grow a business, and the professional who innovates to solve complex problems. I can see it, I can feel it, in the quiet determination that drives Nigerians at home and abroad to excel despite obstacles. And it further spurs me to keep thinking and rethinking how much WE CAN’T AFFORD TO FAIL PEOPLE IN THE FUTURE WE PROMISE THEM, as well, to ensure that our leadership matches the same intensity they bring to their lives.
Efforts must be commensurate with results. If people invest genuine effort and strategic commitment into an endeavour, the outcomes should follow, a principle that holds true in every field of life. When this balance is missing, initiatives will falter, and it’ll leave many aspirations unfulfilled, and trust will be eroded, as we’ve seen in past governance attempts where plans lacked follow-through. For Oyo State, this means we deserve more than what we presently get; the people warrant leadership that delivers on promises with the same rigour they apply to their daily lives and turn resources into real advancements like improved roads, schools, and jobs. It’s this logic that drives my manifesto where I have articulated reforms with assurance of accountability so that hard work from all levels yields the prosperity our state needs.
I will continue to reiterate these thoughts and views, more especially in the next town hall meeting and engagement happening in London in October. I have a resolution that all these will materialise into success, and it’ll be by design matrix. Structured steps, clear timelines, and measured outcomes that align passion with performance. Going forward, I invite everyone to join the train and be assured that our combined resolve will shape a future where Oyo State leads with the excellence its people embody. I have no doubt about that.
Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem (AKK)
Oyo State APC Gubernatorial Aspirant
APC, PROGRESS!
Oyo 2027
AKK 2027
Governor 2027
AKK! Aseyori ni tiwa.
AKK!! Ajose Ajoje
AKK!!! A Task that must be done.
Monday, September 22, 2025.
