By John Dike, Osogbo
As Osun State celebrates its 34th year of existence, Governor Ademola Adeleke declared jubilantly: “We have made Osun better than we met it.”
His remarks, delivered at the anniversary ceremony held at Adolack Hotel in Osogbo, painted a picture of a state once grappling with structural challenges, but now steadily finding its economic and governance footing.
Adeleke acknowledged the foundational efforts of his predecessors, but noted that since assuming office in 2022, his administration has focused on correcting deep-seated governance imbalances.
“Today, I am proud to say we have stabilized the public service by ensuring that civil servants and pensioners receive their rightful entitlements,” he said, highlighting restored morale and growing trust in government among workers and retirees.
Faced with what he described as an “80% infrastructure deficit,” Adeleke’s government launched an aggressive revitalization campaign — targeting road construction, bridges, and urban renewal projects aimed at turning Osun’s major cities into economic hubs.
He noted, “No society can thrive economically without adequate infrastructure, We took up the challenge deliberately and decisively.”
In a strategic bid to transform Osun’s business environment, the administration harmonized taxation, simplified land acquisition, digitized investment portals, and laid the groundwork for a state-driven electricity market.
A new legal framework now allows for licensing of independent power producers, while new regulatory policies protect consumer rights and reduce energy costs for small and medium enterprises.
Osun is also betting big on tech. A Digital Economy Advisory Board is being set up, along with policies to foster ICT innovation — positioning the state as a South-West digital hub.
Also, the mining sector has seen a major breakthrough: for the first time, Osun became a shareholder in the Segilola Gold Project, while over 16 state-owned mining licenses are being monetized through partnerships with investors.
“Our goal is to ensure Osun’s natural assets serve Osun people,” the governor said.
Adeleke’s green agenda has brought national recognition. Osun’s work in recycling, renewable energy, and climate action has earned multiple awards, bolstering its role in national environmental conversations.
In sports, a new five-star stadium is underway, and laws are being passed to create the Osun Sports Development Commission and Sports Development Fund, aimed at broadening support for disciplines beyond football.
On tourism, the administration is banking on culture — including reclaiming ownership of Adire, Osun’s signature fabric, with a flagship festival coming this November. “We’ve adopted a decentralized approach,” Adeleke said, “focusing on diverse sub-sectors of the creative economy.”
With upgraded health centers and expanded insurance coverage, Osun was recently ranked best in the South West for access to primary healthcare. General hospitals are next in line.
The state has also improved its education rankings nationally, thanks to investments in school infrastructure and teacher training. Recruitment of new secondary school teachers is scheduled soon.
Adeleke made a strong appeal to political actors to respect democratic norms, warning , “Governance must never be reduced to a game of vendetta. It is anti-God and anti-democratic to inflict hardship on the people for political gain.”
As Osun enters its 35th year, Adeleke says the path forward is clear: people-first policies, accountable governance, and unity of purpose.
He affirmed, “We will never trade the people’s interest for anything, We are here to serve — and we will do so with humility, courage, and purpose.”
