Nigerian leaders lack capacity to tackle insecurity – Ogun ADC guber candidate, Ogundipe

…promises tech-driven security

By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ogun State, Dr. Biodun Collins Ogundipe, has declared that many Nigerian leaders lack the capacity and expertise required to effectively address the country’s worsening insecurity, insisting that the persistent security crisis is a reflection of poor leadership.

Ogundipe, who spoke at the BCO Unemployed Graduates Convergence in Abeokuta, themed “AI & Prompt Engineering,” expressed confidence that insecurity in Ogun State could be substantially curtailed through the deployment of intelligence and technology-driven security solutions.

According to him, insecurity has become the greatest obstacle to economic growth, forcing farmers, traders, healthcare workers and residents to live and work in fear.

“You cannot give what you don’t have. The people governing these states, even Nigeria, don’t have what it takes to provide security,” he said.

“I have built security architecture for multinational organisations. I will secure Ogun State in less than 12 months with intelligence-driven, technology-driven applications.”

The ADC standard-bearer maintained that restoring security would unlock economic opportunities across the state by encouraging farming, commerce, education and healthcare delivery.

“Today, farmers are afraid to go to farms because of kidnapping. Traders who should remain in the market until 6 or 7 p.m. now close by 3 or 4 p.m. because they fear for their safety. Once government provides security, development naturally follows,” he stated.

Ogundipe said his administration would prioritise security as the foundation for achieving a vibrant economy, adding that his vision is to build a 24-hour economy comparable to what obtains in parts of Lagos State.

He also lamented the impact of insecurity on education and healthcare, noting that many schools can no longer organise inter-house sports competitions, while health workers increasingly avoid rural communities over kidnapping fears.

Speaking on youth unemployment, the governorship hopeful pledged that no graduate in Ogun State would remain unemployed two years after he assumes office, declaring that he would resign if he failed to fulfil the promise.

“As governor, no Ogun graduate will be without a job in two years, or I will resign,” he declared.

Ogundipe explained that his commitment to youth empowerment predates his governorship ambition, noting that through the BCO Foundation, about 97 undergraduates have benefited from scholarships, while artisans and small business owners have also received financial support.

“What we have done over the past six years is only a little drop. That is one of the reasons I am running for governor. Accountability will define my administration,” he said.

The AI expert also unveiled his economic blueprint, tagged “Ogun One Economy,” which he described as a comprehensive development plan, designed after two years of research covering agriculture, education, healthcare, technology, infrastructure and industrial development.

“We have spent the last two years with a team of research analysts developing this blueprint. It covers every critical sector of Ogun State’s economy,” he said.

He disclosed that discussions were already ongoing with international development partners and investors to attract major investments into Ogun State, including a proposed deep seaport project.

According to him, many political office holders lack the knowledge required to leverage technology and attract global partnerships capable of driving sustainable economic growth.

“Most of those in government today do not have what it takes to attract the kind of partnerships that understand where the world is heading technologically. If the person at the helm cannot articulate how technology can create jobs, then where do we start?” he queried.

He urged young people to support leaders with competence, integrity and global exposure rather than remain loyal to politicians who had failed to improve their living conditions.

“My message to the youth is simple: stop following people who have not bettered your lives. Elect leaders with exposure, knowledge and sincerity of purpose,” he said.

Earlier, Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr. Olumide Onabajo, said the convergence was organised to equip unemployed graduates with practical digital skills needed to compete in today’s technology-driven economy.

According to him, artificial intelligence is no longer the future but the present, stressing that graduates must embrace innovation, entrepreneurship and continuous learning.

“Government alone cannot provide jobs for every graduate. Opportunities now exist in food processing, renewable energy, fintech, software development, digital marketing and the global freelance economy,” Onabajo said.

He commended Ogundipe for investing in youth development and encouraged participants to acquire relevant digital skills and build networks that would enhance their employability.

Also speaking, former Chairman of Odeda Local Government, Mr. Wale Adebayo, urged young people to embrace vocational and digital skills instead of relying solely on white-collar jobs.

He noted that self-employment and entrepreneurship remain viable pathways to economic independence, encouraging youths to develop competencies in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), construction trades and other practical skills.

Highlights of the event included the presentation of financial support to a young widow to boost her business, alongside a promise of a new freezer to expand her enterprise. Other participants with viable business ideas were also promised financial assistance.

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