By John Dike Osogbo
Three years ago, when Senator Ademola Adeleke stepped into the Office of Governor, many in Osun State hoped for change. Few, however, could have predicted the scale of transformation that would follow. Today, as the state marks the third anniversary of his administration, that hope has matured into a story of visible progress, restored trust, and renewed pride.
Chief of Staff Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye, who has watched this journey up close, describes these past years as nothing short of a renaissance — a rebirth of governance driven by vision, compassion, and decisive action.
Under Governor Adeleke’s leadership, roads that once stood as symbols of neglect have been rebuilt into corridors of opportunity. From bustling urban centres to the most remote rural villages, newly constructed and rehabilitated roads now stitch communities together, boosting trade, simplifying travel, and bringing life back to areas long forgotten.
Bridges have been strengthened, culverts expanded, and critical infrastructure revived, transforming the physical landscape in ways residents had long prayed for.
In many communities, the true measure of governance is felt in the health centres that families rely on. Today, those centres — once dilapidated — have been renovated, equipped, and staffed. New medical equipment has replaced outdated tools, and more families now have access to quality care without traveling long distances.
For mothers, children, and the elderly, these changes are more than policy achievements — they are improvements that save lives, reduce suffering, and restore dignity.
Governor Adeleke’s impact on education is equally profound. Public schools now wear a new look; roofs have been repaired, classrooms rebuilt, and learning environments revived. Tertiary institutions that once battled neglect now receive attention, funding, and direction.
With the return of scholarships and youth empowerment programmes like the Imole Youth Corps, thousands of young people now see a future in Osun that once seemed out of reach. Their dreams are no longer limited by circumstance but lifted by opportunity.
Communities historically plunged in darkness now experience the glow of stable electricity. Strategic power projects — from relocating the 33KV line from Ilesha to Osunjela, to installing transformers across key towns — are reshaping how people live and work.
Electricity is no longer a luxury in many areas; it has become a tool for productivity, business growth, and better living standards.
Agriculture, once the heartbeat of Osun, is beating stronger. Farmers have received tools, training, and mechanized support, while small businesses now benefit from government-backed loans and cooperatives. The mining sector, once chaotic and unregulated, is being reformed into a more transparent and profitable industry. Digital innovation has also entered the centre stage, positioning Osun as a modern, investment-ready state.
These strides are not merely administrative goals; they are everyday realities shaping businesses, households, and livelihoods.
Perhaps what sets Governor Adeleke apart is not just his developmental strides but the spirit behind them. He leads with empathy, listens to the people, and takes decisions that reflect a deep understanding of their struggles. Workers, pensioners, and ordinary citizens can now feel the presence of a government that responds — not with excuses, but with action.
It is this blend of humility and courage that has restored confidence in governance across the state.
“A Visionary Beyond the Office” — Akinleye Reflects
Reflecting on the journey, Alhaji Akinleye describes the Governor as a visionary whose leadership has already changed the face of Osun.
“His legacy is everywhere,” he said. “In the roads we drive on, the schools our children attend, the hospitals caring for our families, and in the hearts of citizens whose hope has been renewed.”
A Future Bright With Possibilities
As Osun looks beyond the third anniversary toward 2030 and beyond, one thing is clear: the state is on a historic path. What began as a promise has evolved into progress — visible, measurable, and deeply felt.
Governor Ademola Adeleke has not just governed; he has inspired. He has not just built projects; he has rebuilt trust. And he has not just changed landscapes; he has changed lives.
This is the story of three years that reshaped Osun — and the beginning of a future that promises even more.
