A gubernatorial aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Dr. Ololade Usman Bakare, has unveiled a new development agenda anchored on ethical leadership, social justice, and inclusive growth, declaring that leadership is a sacred trust that must be exercised with accountability and compassion.
Dr. Bakare made this known on Sunday, March 22, 2026, while hosting the Ololade Usman Bakare Foundation (OUBF) Post-Ramadan Lecture held at the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, where he officially launched the “ÌGBÈGÀ OYỌ” initiative a social and democratic movement aimed at driving sustainable development across education, healthcare, and youth empowerment.
Addressing a distinguished audience comprising traditional rulers, Islamic scholars, and community leaders, the Ibadan indigene stressed that governance must transcend the mere acquisition of power and instead reflect the principles of justice, service, and moral responsibility. He noted that the spiritual discipline imbibed during the holy month of Ramadan offers a valuable template for public office holders.
“Leadership is not a pursuit of power, but a sacred trust (Amanah) rooted in justice and service to humanity,” Bakare stated, drawing inspiration from the legacy of the Rightly Guided Caliphs. Quoting Abu Bakr As-Siddiq, he emphasized his commitment to protecting the vulnerable, noting that “the weak among you shall be strong with me until I secure their rights.”
The gubernatorial hopeful, a global digital transformation and cybersecurity consultant, highlighted his extensive experience in safeguarding critical systems and contributing to national discourse on digital security. He said his vision for Oyo State integrates technology-driven governance with people-oriented policies to address pressing challenges such as youth unemployment and infrastructural deficits.
According to him, the newly launched ÌGBÈGÀ OYỌ Initiative—meaning “Upliftment and Progress”will deliver free humanitarian services to the underprivileged while equipping young people with digital and entrepreneurial skills. He added that his foundation has, over the past decade, supported indigent individuals through scholarships, school fee payments, and other empowerment interventions.
Bakare also underscored the importance of sustaining the consciousness of God (Taqwa) beyond Ramadan, urging leaders to embody integrity and fairness in all dealings. He called for unity among Nigerians, stressing that national progress depends on peaceful coexistence across religious and ethnic lines.
“We must build a society that unites people across faiths and backgrounds, anchored on justice, mutual respect, and shared prosperity,” he said.
The event featured the presence of prominent personalities, including His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Sen.) Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, who served as Royal Father of the Day, and Sheikh Abdul-Ganiy Agbotomokekere as Spiritual Father. Other notable speakers, such as Hon. (Dr.) Abdulhakeem Abdullateef and Shaykh AbdurRahman Ahmad, reinforced the call for governance guided by the principles of justice (Adl) and consultation (Shura).
In his closing remarks, Dr. Bakare urged residents of Oyo State to take an active role in shaping the future of the state, emphasizing that collective responsibility is key to achieving lasting development.
The launch of ÌGBÈGÀ OYỌ, observers said, signaled a strategic step in Bakare’s political journey, combining faith-based values with a modern governance framework aimed at fostering a just, inclusive, and prosperous society.
