Photo caption: Engnr Dideolu Falobi (m) flanked by Friends during his presentation and plans for the forthcoming Osun State Governorship Election held at Limeridge Hotel ,Ikeja GRA. Lagos
It was an evening of connection, recognition, and gratitude as friends, stakeholders, well-wishers, and family members gathered on Sunday, 16th November, to witness the plans, aspirations, and fundraising activities for Engr. Dideolu Falobi, Managing Director of Krestal Laurel and a leading aspirant in the forthcoming 2026 Osun State Governorship Election.
The event, tagged “An Evening with Engr. Dideolu Falobi and Friends,” was held at Limeridge Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.
In his presentation, Falobi explained that his decision to contest was shaped by years of observing the state from the outside and recognising the urgent need for decisive intervention to restore its lost glory.
The leading gubernatorial aspirant assured attendees that effective governance structures would be established and properly implemented.
“So, what is my vision? I have studied the four Rs. The first is Reconstruction—which means rebuilding the basic pillars required for a functional government. We need to rebuild or properly maintain our roads, schools, and hospitals. We must also strengthen governance structures and ensure they work as they should. What we currently have is a government that lacks proper systems and practices.”
Expressing disappointment in the declining state of education, Falobi advocated the development of a 25-year strategic plan supported by sustainable structures.
“You must have a plan. You must know what the state should look like in 25 years and work deliberately towards it. You must know how many children need primary, secondary, and university education and plan accordingly. You must build rural roads so farmers can move their produce. The network is bad. Power supply is poor. Nothing functions properly, and we cannot compete in such an environment. We must make our state attractive—not just to investors seeking profit, but to those who want to build and contribute meaningfully.”
Speaking on the second pillar, he noted that revitalising the state’s economy is essential.
“We must shift from consumption without production to a production-based economy—agric processing, tourism, technology, and mining. To do that effectively, we must first define and establish the right foundation.”
Falobi stated that the third aspect of his agenda focuses on rebuilding public trust through reinforcement of transparency and accountability.
“During the screening, I told them one of our biggest challenges is that citizens no longer trust their leaders. Leaders have betrayed and disappointed them repeatedly. When you speak to people, they think you’ve only come to make promises you will never fulfil. We must change that perception. Governance must be open, accountable, and inclusive. Security must be real. People must feel that the government thinks about their welfare. They must be confident enough to go about their daily lives without fear that misgovernance will disrupt everything.”
He pledged to set up systems that will create wealth.
“We must create wealth. We must increase farmers’ incomes and broaden employment opportunities. We must stop the mass movement from Osun to Lagos. We need to make things functional again. Public-private partnerships will also be crucial—but that requires trust. No one will partner with you unless they are convinced of your sincerity and genuine intentions.”
Falobi also promised to engage Osun indigenes in the diaspora by creating models that attract their participation, stressing that investors—local and foreign—must be encouraged.
“There is significant development funding available globally. If we work with our people in the diaspora, we can attract substantial resources to develop the state. With proper feasibility studies—not copy-and-paste proposals—we can secure multilateral support and strong partnerships.”
The Ijesa-born aspirant further noted that his ongoing statewide tour has been productive and that his administration would strengthen the traditional rulers’ institution to curb communal clashes, especially in border communities.
The next Osun State Governorship Election is scheduled for Saturday, August 8, 2026. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has already released the timetable and schedule of activities for the election.
