By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Government has reminded the All Progressives Congress (APC) that youths in the state are neither politically naïve nor historically amnesic.
It said they remember vividly the years of hardship under APC governance, particularly how families suffered, how homes were destabilised, and who presided over that painful era.
Governor Ademola Adeleke’s spokesman, Mallam Olawale Rasheed said the recent attempt by the APC and its governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, to repackage APC and himself as champions of youth-friendly governance is not only hollow but deeply insulting.
He said that parading one of the principal architects of the infamous half-salary regime as a pro-youth candidate amounts to political mockery of the highest order.
According to Rasheed, history has consistently shown that Osun youths do not vote based on slogans, propaganda, or manipulative narratives. They vote based on lived experiences.
He said the youths remember a time when salaries were unpaid or arbitrarily slashed, pensioners abandoned, and families thrown into uncertainty. They remember the anxiety in their homes when school fees became unbearable and survival replaced planning.
In his words, “That era inflicted lasting damage. When parents were unpaid or underpaid, the burden shifted to their children. When pensioners were ignored, they became unintended dependants on already struggling youths.
“Frustration, despair, and uncertainty became widespread realities for young people across the state. This painful history is what the APC now seeks to erase with empty promises.
“Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke has chosen a different path — one anchored on empathy, responsibility, and people-centred governance.
“His administration deliberately prioritises the welfare of citizens and creates an enabling environment for the safe realisation of the dreams and aspirations of young people, fully understanding that when parents suffer, children inevitably bear the consequences.
“This is why salaries are now paid promptly and in full. This is why pensions are paid as and when due. This is why outstanding arrears inherited from previous administrations are being cleared.
“This is why the minimum wage has been implemented and improved upon. These are deliberate policy choices rooted in compassion, not political calculations.
“When parents cannot afford school fees, the consequences are devastating — dreams are disrupted, confidence is shattered, and frustration deepens.
“Governor Adeleke understands this human reality and has restored dignity to workers and retirees.
“Today, families can plan again, homes are stabilised, and youths can focus on building their futures rather than struggling for survival.
“Beyond this, the administration’s strong local content policies have empowered artisans, traders, and small business owners — many of whom are youths and parents now able to earn decent livelihoods and support their families.
“When parents are economically active, young people are shielded from social pressure, desperation, and moral decline.
“This is what genuine youth-friendly governance looks like in practice, not in propaganda.
“For the sake of posterity, rather than attempting to manipulate Osun youths with recycled narratives, the APC should seek forgiveness for the hardship it inflicted on families during its years in office.
“No amount of rebranding can erase pain without accountability and remorse.”
ARasheed said Governor Ademola Adeleke remains confident of the people’s support because his administration has reduced suffering, restored dignity, and governed with a human face.
He said, “Osun youths feel the difference. Osun homes feel the difference.’
According to him, “They are resolute in their determination never to return to an era that broke families and threatened the future of an entire generation.
“It is therefore important to state clearly that Osun youths have already made their choice. The 2026 election will not be decided by political tricks or empty promises, but by performance, compassion, and lived realities.”
