By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has presented a comprehensive account of his administration’s performance over the last three years, declaring that the state has undergone “a positive and unprecedented transformation” since he assumed office in November 2022.
In a statewide broadcast on Thursday, the governor thanked residents for what he described as “unwavering support through thick and thin,” noting that Osun has emerged as a national reference point for good governance.
Adeleke recalled the state’s condition at the time he took office — including unpaid pensions, half-salary backlogs, collapsed infrastructure, low educational performance, abandoned health facilities, corruption in the mining sector, and widespread institutional decay.
“Three years later, the Osun story is positively different. From far and near, the turnaround is applauded,” he said.
The governor outlined achievements across key sectors:
Water Sector: Revival and Expansion
Adeleke said his government implemented a sweeping water reform programme that revived the abandoned and corruption-laden Ilesa Water Project, rehabilitated major urban water schemes, and delivered motorized boreholes in all 332 wards.
The long-abandoned Ora-Igbomina Water Scheme, deserted for 13 years, was re-awarded and is now being completed to serve residents of Ifedayo and Ila LGAs.
Sports Development
Osun is remodeling the Osogbo City Stadium into a five-star sports facility and has established:
Osun Sports Commission
Osun Sports Development Fund
Adeleke said para-sports have now been integrated into the state’s new inclusive sports policy.
Land Reforms: C of O in 45 Days
The administration overhauled land administration, eliminating double allocation and forgery, and introducing the widely praised Certificate of Occupancy in 45 Days system that has attracted investors and strengthened the state’s digital governance framework.
Public Service Reforms
Adeleke said his government restored integrity to the civil service by:
Paying nearly ₦100bn in inherited pensions and salary arrears
Cash-backing long-overdue promotions
Adopting IPSAS accounting standards
Strengthening audit processes and recovering overpayments
He described the public service as “revived, motivated, and stabilized.”
Science, Technology & Innovation
From having no ICT or innovation policy in 2022, Osun now:
Has a State ICT Policy
Has a Tech Innovation Policy
Has domesticated the Nigeria Startup Act
Increased Google Mapping coverage from below 50% to over 60%
Established a Digital Economy Advisory Board
A fibre-optic broadband rollout is also underway.
Environmental & Climate Achievements
The state reportedly ended years of seasonal flooding, instituted major climate policies, won over six local and international climate awards, and secured Osun’s stake in the Segilola Gold Mine for the first time in history.
Health Sector: Massive PHC Revival
Despite inheriting a mismanaged $20m primary healthcare grant, the administration rehabilitated:
Over 200 PHCs (completed)
Another ~200 PHCs currently ongoing
The facilities now have solar power, clean water, fencing, and modern sanitation.
The Imole Free Surgical Scheme has reached over 70,000 beneficiaries, while the Osun Health Insurance Scheme was expanded to include pensioners.
Osun also won $500,000 as the best-performing state in the Southwest in Universal Healthcare Coverage.
Education: From 33rd to 7th National Ranking
The state rehabilitated 120 schools, upgraded universities, completed long-abandoned projects, and improved teachers’ welfare and training.
Highlights include:
Upgrading of Osun State University facilities
Accreditation of over 100 courses at the University of Ilesa
Restoration of student bursaries and Law School allowances
Osun moved from 33rd to 7th position in national exam ratings (WAEC/NECO).
Agriculture: Mechanisation and Subsidies
After 12 years without tractors, Adeleke procured 31 new tractors and subsidized land preparation.
His administration distributed:
200,000 hybrid cashew and cocoa seedlings
Subsidized cocoa pods at ₦300 (market price ₦1,100)
Subsidized palm pods at ₦500 (market price ₦1,500)
The Broiler Out-growers Scheme also empowered hundreds of poultry farmers.
Cooperative and Grassroots Empowerment
Through ward-based and conventional cooperatives:
Nearly ₦2bn has been disbursed
Over 40,000 beneficiaries reached
Diaspora cooperatives (Abuja & Northern Nigeria) received ₦50m
The Imole Business Empowerment Scheme supported nearly 20,000 people in partnership with First Bank and Fidelity Bank.
Adeleke also revived the Isiaka Adeleke Cooperative College, now a newly approved UNIOSUN campus.
Safety and Pilgrimage Infrastructure
The government procured five new fire trucks and commenced construction of a modern Hajj Camp, now near completion.
Culture, Tourism & Creative Economy
Adeleke said Osun is “fast becoming a cultural capital,” citing:
Adire Osun Àgbáyé Fiesta
Rehabilitation of the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove
Cleaning of Osun River
Partnerships with the British Museum
Upgrades to tourist sites including Erin-Ijesa Waterfall and Ifa Agbaye Temple
The administration aims to increase tourist inflow by over 60% in one year.
Infrastructure: Reducing Deficit by 50%
Osun has constructed over 255 km of roads with an additional 160 km ongoing.
Major flyovers and dualizations nearing completion include:
Ilesa Dualization — 99%
Oke-Fia Flyover — 99%
Lameco Flyover — 80%
Ife Flyover — 78%
A statewide “Operation Light Up Osun” has installed solar lighting on completed roads.
Adeleke emphasized local content, saying artisans, engineers, and contractors from Osun were intentionally prioritized.
Finance Reforms: IGR Doubles by 94%
Adeleke said Osun achieved:
IGR growth from ₦27.7bn (2023) to ₦54.7bn (2024)
₦65bn reduction in domestic debt
$16m reduction in external debt
Reforms include tax harmonization, digitized revenue collection, and stricter enforcement.
Appeal to Citizens
The governor acknowledged ongoing challenges, especially the withholding of local government allocations, which he said has slowed development efforts. He expressed confidence in a favourable Supreme Court judgment.
He thanked traditional rulers, youths, women, and students, promising a new empowerment scheme that will directly involve them in planning and implementation.
> “I have ensured that Osun money serves Osun people,” he concluded.
“We rededicate ourselves to selfless service and public good.”
