The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, hosted an engaging interactive session titled “A Day with BSA,” bringing together media professionals and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 Oyo State election, Barrister Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli (BSA). The event provided an opportunity for journalists to engage directly with the APC standard-bearer on his vision, policy direction and development agenda for Oyo State ahead of the next governorship election.
The interactive forum was designed to promote transparency, strengthen democratic engagement and encourage constructive dialogue between the media and political leaders. During the session, Barrister Alli fielded questions from journalists on a broad range of issues affecting Oyo State, including governance, infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, job creation, security, economic development and local government administration.
Speaking before members of the press, Alli reiterated his commitment to delivering people-centred governance anchored on accountability, transparency and inclusive development. He outlined his administration's priorities if elected governor, stressing the importance of restoring public confidence in government institutions while ensuring that development reaches every part of the state.
The APC governorship candidate emphasised that sustainable economic growth would require strategic investments in agriculture, improved infrastructure, support for small and medium-scale enterprises, quality education and accessible healthcare services. He also highlighted the need to create a business-friendly environment capable of attracting both local and foreign investments that would generate employment opportunities for the state's growing youth population.
Throughout the session, journalists posed questions on the challenges confronting Oyo State and sought clarification on the APC's policy direction. Barrister Alli responded extensively, presenting his plans to improve service delivery, strengthen public institutions and promote responsible governance through prudent management of public resources.
The discussion also touched on local government autonomy, rural development and the importance of empowering communities through effective grassroots governance. Alli maintained that meaningful development must extend beyond the state capital to rural communities, where improved infrastructure, social amenities and economic opportunities are equally essential.
As the current senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Barrister Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli noted that his public service experience has shaped his understanding of the developmental needs of Oyo State. Over the years, he has served in several public offices, including Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Chief of Staff and Chairman of Odu'a Investment Company before his election to the National Assembly.
The session equally provided an opportunity for the APC candidate to reaffirm his commitment to unity, inclusive leadership and collaboration with all stakeholders, including traditional institutions, the private sector, civil society organisations and the media. He acknowledged the critical role journalists play in strengthening democracy by informing the public and holding leaders accountable.
Members of the NUJ welcomed the interactive engagement as an important platform for promoting issue-based politics and fostering healthy conversations ahead of the 2027 governorship election. The programme reinforced the media's responsibility to provide citizens with factual information that enables them to make informed electoral decisions.
With political activities gradually gathering momentum ahead of the 2027 elections, “A Day with BSA” served as a significant opportunity for Barrister Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli to communicate his policy priorities directly to the media while presenting his vision for a more prosperous, inclusive and development-driven Oyo State. The event underscored the growing importance of constructive engagement between political leaders and the press as democratic stakeholders continue to shape conversations around the future of governance in the Pacesetter State.
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