Agricultural entrepreneur and philanthropist Paul Oche Adoyi, chief executive of [Fama Giant Nigeria Limited](https://www.famagiant.com.ng), has declared his candidacy for the Oyo South Senatorial District seat in the Senate, running on the platform of the [Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigeria_Democratic_Conference). In a recent interview, he detailed his legislative priorities, which include boosting agricultural mechanisation, expanding youth training programmes, and improving welfare for vulnerable Nigerians.
**Why is a farmer‑investor seeking a Senate seat for Oyo South?**
Adoyi explained that Nigeria must transition from a consumer‑driven economy to a production‑oriented one. He said his business philosophy of locally manufacturing equipment, cutting import reliance and saving foreign exchange drives his political ambition. He added that the NDC, led by figures such as [Peter Obi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Obi) and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, offers a platform for responsible governance and economic growth. Rather than staying outside the corridors of power, he wants to help shape policies that benefit ordinary Nigerians, especially in Oyo South, which he described as having vast agricultural and commercial potential.
**What problems has he identified in Oyo South and how does he plan to solve them?**
He noted that the district faces both rural and urban challenges. In the Ido and Ibarapa rural areas, many farmers still practice subsistence agriculture due to a lack of modern equipment and affordable credit. Adoyi pledged to push for agricultural mechanisation, low‑interest loans and public‑private partnerships to raise productivity. In urban centres, he highlighted persistent poverty among women running small businesses and called for accessible financing that avoids predatory lenders. Youth empowerment also features prominently; he intends to promote vocational training, graduate retraining, entrepreneurship and collaborations with private firms to generate jobs.
**What are his main legislative priorities?**
- Enhance welfare for vulnerable groups, including people with mental health conditions, abandoned elders, disadvantaged children and extremely poor households.
- Advance youth development through skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and policies that foster innovation and self‑employment.
- Strengthen federal presence in Oyo South by improving infrastructure and encouraging industrial development, especially agro‑processing linked to the region’s agricultural resources.
- Reduce the cost of governance so that more public funds can be allocated to healthcare, education, infrastructure and social welfare.
- Promote higher wages, greater agricultural productivity and policies that lower production costs.
**How realistic is his call for a ₦600,000 minimum wage?**
Adoyi believes the country should work toward a ₦600,000 minimum wage, introduced gradually within a sustainable economic framework. He argued that a graduate teacher earning about ₦150,000 per month cannot comfortably meet rising living costs, and that essential workers deserve a decent standard of living. While higher wages could stimulate economic activity by increasing consumer spending, he warned that the government must balance wage growth with productivity, revenue, inflation and employers’ capacity to pay.
**How will he tackle inflation and rising production costs in agriculture?**
He cited the example of garri production, where input costs sometimes exceed market prices due to expensive cassava, transport, diesel, labour, chemicals and processing. Many inputs are imported, exposing farmers to foreign‑exchange volatility. Adoyi called for local production of agricultural inputs, affordable fertiliser, mechanisation support and improved rural infrastructure. He also advocated for a transparent framework for supplying crude oil to domestic refineries to help lower fuel costs, provided strict oversight prevents corruption and smuggling.
**What role should the Federal Government play in Oyo South’s development?**
According to Adoyi, the federal government must create an enabling environment through reliable electricity, accessible roads and supportive economic policies. He believes Oyo South’s agricultural resources and human capital can sustain agro‑processing and other industries. Establishing processing plants near farms would create jobs, cut post‑harvest losses and raise farmers’ incomes. He pledged to work with ministries, agencies, investors and fellow lawmakers to attract investment and ensure that communities beyond major urban centres benefit from industrial growth.
**Does he think Peter Obi can win the presidency and govern effectively?**
Adoyi expressed confidence in Obi’s chances, noting that the ADC (likely a typo for NDC) provides a platform to mobilise Nigerians seeking change. He cited Obi’s record of fiscal discipline, prudent spending and public revenue management, as well as Kwankwaso’s focus on education and youth development, as policies Nigeria needs. However, he cautioned that electoral success will depend on effective organisation, credible candidates, voter mobilisation and vote protection.
**Why does he believe Obi can confront entrenched interests?**
Adoyi highlighted Obi’s determination during his tenure as Anambra State governor, especially his legal battles over tenure and his approach to public expenditure and revenue administration. Supporters also credit Obi’s efforts to address insecurity and strengthen the state’s revenue base. Adoyi argued that Nigeria needs leaders who can challenge vested interests while respecting the law and strengthening institutions, and he believes Obi has shown such willingness.
**Why should Oyo South voters trust him with their mandate?**
He argued that Oyo South’s electorate is politically conscious and will judge candidates on competence and commitment. His background in agriculture, manufacturing and job creation gives him practical insight into the challenges faced by businesses and ordinary citizens. He aims to bring this experience to the Senate to advocate for agricultural development, youth empowerment, better infrastructure and greater federal attention to the district. While acknowledging that a senator cannot solve every problem alone, he believes purposeful representation, effective legislation and sustained engagement can make a difference.
**Overall vision**
Adoyi concluded that Nigeria possesses the resources and human capacity to prosper, but responsible leadership and policies that serve the majority rather than a privileged few are essential for sustainable development.