By John Dike, Osogbo
In a landmark achievement, Osun State has emerged as the best-performing state in the South-West and 6th nationwide in creating an enabling operational environment for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
This recognition was announced during the 2025 South-West Conference for Civil Society Stakeholders, held on Thursday, at JAGZ Hotel, Ibadan.
The event was organized by Global Rights Nigeria, a Community of Practice initiative, with support from the European Union.
A few years ago, Osun State ranked 26th nationwide. Now, under the leadership of Governor Ademola Adeleke, the state has surged into the top 10, surpassing all South-West counterparts in fostering civil society growth and collaboration.
The state’s dramatic rise is credited to the governor’s commitment to inclusive governance, transparency, and citizen engagement.
It is also noted that his administration has institutionalized mechanisms for regular dialogue with civil society actors, including the appointment of Senior Special Assistants on Civil Society Engagement, ensuring consistent liaison between government and CSOs.
Some of the landmark achievements credited to the Adeleke administration include:becoming a signatory to the Open Government Partnership (OGP): signifying a commitment to transparency, accountability, and citizen participation.
They also include official recognition of CSOs; and issuance of commendation certificates and financial support to high-performing NGOs operating at the grassroots level.
Others include deliberate inclusion of civil society voices in policy formulation and program implementation; and fostering trust and synergy between the government and its people.
It is noted that these reforms have strengthened democratic governance and redefined the civic space in the state, positioning Osun as a national model for collaborative governance.
Besides, it is noted that Governor Adeleke’s leadership has not only elevated the state’s standing but has also shown that purposeful governance can yield measurable improvements in public participation and development outcomes.
“Under Governor Adeleke, Osun is not just participating — it is leading,” a stakeholder remarked at the conference.
Several top officials from Osun State were present at the Ibadan conference, including:Hon. Ibrahim Abiodun, Chairman, Osun State House of Assembly Committee on Women Affairs, Children and Social Welfare
Others are Comrade Ebenezer Olusegun Ige, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Civil Society Engagement, Comrade Solanke Hamzat, Chairman, Osun Internal Revenue Service and Barr. Abimbola Babatunde, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Social Welfare
This latest accolade reaffirms Osun’s commitment to inclusive, transparent governance and serves as a benchmark for other states across the country.
