By Ismail Azeez
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has formally declared his intention to seek a second term, marking the official commencement of his campaign for the August 15, governorship election.
Speaking on Wednesday at the Government House Banquet Hall while receiving members of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Adeleke asserted that his administration’s achievements over the last three years justify his re-election.
Governor Adeleke outlined a comprehensive list of accomplishments, highlighting the Imole Medical Outreach, which has provided free healthcare to nearly 80,000 residents, and the injection of N4 billion into the state’s cooperative movement to boost local businesses.
He also pointed to a significant reduction in the state’s debt stock, citing a 40% decrease as verified by the National Debt Management Office, and the payment of approximately N100 billion in inherited pension arrears.
The Governor’s scorecard further included the revival of the state’s cocoa economy through the aggressive distribution of seedlings, the digitisation of tax and revenue collection systems, and the ongoing dualisation of township roads in Iwo, Ila Orangun, Ile Ife, and Osogbo.
Infrastructure upgrades have also been a priority, with the rehabilitation of six moribund waterworks and the construction of 332 boreholes across the state’s 332 wards.
Central to his re-election bid is an upgraded Five-Point Agenda designed to build upon his initial 2022 manifesto.
This reloaded strategy focuses on integrated welfare and empowerment for youth, women, and workers, alongside infrastructure consolidation for social and economic well-being.
The agenda also prioritizes agro-industrial expansion for human development, affordable access to qualitative health and education, and the creation of a secure business environment to drive job creation.
Responding to an appeal from the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society regarding their central mosque in Iwo, which was damaged due to ongoing road dualisation, Adeleke promised the state’s partnership in constructing a new mosque at a secure location.
He directed the Commissioner for Home Affairs to facilitate the project immediately.
With the election scheduled for August, the Governor urged religious and community leaders to support a transparent and peaceful electoral process, expressing confidence that his servant leadership style continues to align with the yearnings of the people.