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As Governor Marks State Creation Anniversary
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Pledges Industralisation, Rural Development
- Safiu Kehinde
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has identified the 2026 Governorship Election as the toughest test ever faced by the state since its creation.
Adeleke made the claim during a state broadcast in celebration of Osun state’s 35th year anniversary on Thursday.
Reflecting on the events that have shaped the state over the years, Adeleke identified the August 15 poll as the most tasking as he appreciated Osun people foe their support.
“On the day of election, you trooped out en masse to exercise your voting rights. You did so with candour and fearlessness. Amidst reign of terror, you rejected the guns and embraced the ballot.
“As true sons and daughters of the source, you not only voted but you defended your votes even at personal risk to your lives. Again, I doff my cap for your courage and patriotism.
“Of all developments in the last 35 years of the creation of our dear state, this last state election stands out as the toughest test of who we are as a people.” He said.
Adeleke commended tge peaceful conduct of the voters at the poll, stressing that the state’s founding fathers will be proud of what has been accomplished over the years.
“By your conduct and the outcome of the polls, Osun people demonstrated to the world that we are indeed the cradle of the Yoruba race, that we are people of valour and integrity. Nationally, my people have emerged as a shining light for democratic practice.
“Our founding fathers must be proud of the accomplishments of the state especially at this point in time.
“By standing for democracy through pains and hardship, our people paid glowing tributes to the founding fathers of Osun state, alive and in eternal transition.
“Our recent experience as a state is not only a defence of democracy but of good governance and rule of law.” The governor said.
Adeleke thereafter reaffirmed his re-election campaign promises while pledging to reunite the state.
“My people, as you have again conferred the leadership mandate on me under recent difficult circumstances, I promise to heal the wounds, unite the people and uphold equity and fairness.
“Our administration will be all inclusive and attentive to criticisms in our bid to strengthen state development.
“We will build on our achievements on state infrastructure, digital economy, sports development, agricultural mechanisation, education and healthcare expansion.
“The youth, women and students will continue to receive special attention. We will expand industrialisation within the scope of workers’ welfare.” He said.
Adeleke held that the state will witness particular attention to rural integrated development alongside a renewed focus on ease of doing business. We will focus more on creating wealth and deepening anti- poverty initiatives.
He also pledged continued implementation of his renewed five point agenda within the compass of due process, procurement regulations and project implementation best practices.
The governor however urged Osun residents to remain law abiding and desist from reprisal attacks while assuring victims of the political violence which marred the governorship election of neccessary compensation.
“As we celebrate the anniversary of the creation of our dear state, I urge all residents to be law abiding and avoid violence.
“We must not engage in reprisal attacks. Our administration is setting up a Commission of Inquiry on election violence.
“The body will take memorandum from all victims and residents who are affected by recent electoral violence.
“This initiative is to identify the causes and remedies and proffer ways to stop such recurrence in the future.
“Our administration has also set up an election victim compensation fund headed by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun. This initiative is to cushion the effect of the recent needless violence.” He added