By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has appealed to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to continue praying for his administration and support efforts to ensure a peaceful governorship election in the state.
He made the appeal on Wednesday during an interactive session with the state’s chapter of CAN, where he also unveiled his administration’s IMOLE Upgraded Five-Point Agenda, which he described as the roadmap for consolidating achievements recorded during his first term.
Addressing Christian leaders, Adeleke expressed gratitude to the leadership of CAN for its prayers and support, saying the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, justice and development in Osun State.
“I am deeply honoured to be with you, servants in the vineyard of the Lord. We sincerely appreciate the leadership of CAN for your prayers in this trying period of our dear state. Your prayers have strengthened us and stabilised our state and government,” he said.
The governor noted that nearly four years after assuming office, his administration has fulfilled key electoral promises through improvements in workers’ welfare, infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture and support for small businesses.
He also highlighted his government’s commitment to religious harmony, stating that both Christianity and Islam have been treated with fairness, equity and respect through continued support for pilgrimages and collaboration with faith-based organisations.
According to Adeleke, appointments into government have reflected competence, fairness and inclusiveness, while cordial relationships have been maintained with Christian missions and mission-owned educational institutions across the state.
Looking ahead, the governor outlined five priority areas that will drive his administration if re-elected.
The agenda includes integrated youth, women and workers’ welfare and empowerment; infrastructure consolidation for social and economic wellbeing; agro-industrial expansion through agricultural value chains and processing; affordable and quality healthcare and education; and the creation of a more secure and business-friendly environment to attract investment and generate employment.
He said the agenda represents the next phase of Osun’s development and is built on prudent management of public resources, transparency and people-oriented governance.
As the state prepares for the forthcoming governorship election, Adeleke urged religious leaders to continue promoting peace and appealed to political actors and residents to reject violence.
“Elections should never divide us. Political competition must not become an excuse for violence,” the governor said.
He assured that his administration would continue to collaborate with security agencies, the electoral commission, religious leaders and traditional institutions to guarantee a peaceful atmosphere in which every eligible voter can freely exercise his or her democratic rights.
Adeleke concluded by seeking the continued prayers, counsel and support of the Christian community, pledging to sustain accountable, compassionate and God-fearing leadership that promotes unity, protects the vulnerable and delivers tangible dividends of democracy to the people of Osun State.
