I Will Support Whoever Emerges Party Candidate” — U.S.-Based Scholar, Prof. Durodoye, Unveils Plan for Ideological Team in Osun

 

Osogbo-born retired Professor from the University of Dallas, Texas, Prof. Raifu Durodoye, has unveiled plans to inaugurate an ideological team that will work toward realizing his vision for a new Osun State anchored on education, innovation, and human capital development.

Speaking with journalists, Prof. Durodoye said his goal is to redirect his knowledge, potential, and global experience to drive Osun’s development and empower its people for sustainable growth.

 “I want to redirect my knowledge, potential, and experience to Osun people so they can benefit from real growth,” he said. “Whoever the APC decides as the party’s flag bearer, we would support. I will pledge my commitment to anyone chosen.”

The U.S.-based academic, who has spent over 41 years teaching and researching across American universities, said he returned home with a deep conviction that Osun can be transformed through purposeful and value-based leadership.

 “For over three decades, I’ve worked in different universities in the United States of America. I’ve acquired enough experience to share with those who need to grow. God bless Chief Awolowo who gave me the opportunity to be here today. We respect all our leaders, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola; Baba Bisi Akande; and Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Whoever they choose, we will respect and support,” he stated.

Prof. Durodoye lamented the growing rate of youth unemployment and educational decay in Osun, describing them as major motivations behind his resolve to initiate transformational change.

He disclosed that his team has begun strategic discussions with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the United States, who have expressed readiness to partner with Osun on educational development, digital innovation, and capacity building.

He emphasized that the ideological team he is forming will include scholars, professionals, and grassroots leaders to shape the philosophical foundation of his mission and develop a practical roadmap for sustainable governance in Osun State.

 “This will not just be a political campaign; it will be a movement of ideas. We are building an ideological team, a team that will think, plan, and execute the dream of a new Osun that works for all,” he declared.

Prof. Dorodoye also highlighted his commitment to tackling Osun’s poor healthcare infrastructure, describing it as unacceptable that “a state of intellectuals has no single MRI machine.”

 “Our people, young and old, are dying too early. I’m already arranging an MRI facility on a private partnership basis. Someone who hasn’t eaten yesterday may not afford healthcare, but we will provide access so they can live a peaceful and productive life,” he said.

The professor further noted that his global network includes collaborators in China and Japan, who are working with him on an economic and innovation blueprint designed to create jobs and empower Osun’s youth.

“We are here to flip Osun into a more progressive and positive environment. I’m planning to sponsor at least four young people to China to acquire knowledge and bring back what will improve our state,” he added.

Reflecting on Osun’s future, Prof. Dorodoye posed a thought-provoking question:

“Fifty years from now, what kind of Osun do we imagine with the present dynamic?”