Adeleke assures Osun residents of better years ahead
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has assured residents that the next four years of his administration will bring more development and improved living conditions across the state.
Adeleke gave the assurance on Thursday at Fakunle Comprehensive High School, Osogbo, during activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary and the presentation of prizes to winners of the 2026 Osun State Essay Competition.
The governor said his administration would consolidate its achievements while paying attention to areas where more work was needed.
He said Nigeria’s 66 years of independence had been characterised by moments of progress as well as difficult periods, including economic challenges and insecurity, but maintained that the resilience of Nigerians remained a major strength of the country.
“October 1 is always a reminder of our journey, the sacrifices of those who came before us and the responsibility we have to build a country that our children will be proud to inherit,” Adeleke said.
According to him, the people centred approach of his administration was designed to ensure that government policies and programmes translated into tangible improvements in the lives of residents.
He listed education, healthcare, infrastructure and agriculture among the sectors where his administration had recorded progress over the past four years.
On education, Adeleke said the government had continued to improve school facilities, strengthen the learning environment and employ teachers, stressing that the future of the state depended largely on the quality of education available to its young people.
He noted that Osun moved from seventh position in the 2025 National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination ranking to fifth position in the 2026 ranking.
The governor described the improvement as an indication of progress in the state’s education sector.
He also commended participants in the 2026 Osun State Essay Competition, saying the initiative had provided students with an opportunity to express their views on the future of the state and the country.
“I congratulate all the participants, the winners, their teachers and their parents. Your dedication reminds us that when we invest in the minds of our young people, we are investing in the future of Osun and Nigeria,” he said.
Adeleke said the government had also continued to strengthen primary healthcare services and improve access to essential medical care across communities.
He added that healthcare facilities had received attention, while health insurance coverage and medical interventions had been expanded to reach more residents.
On infrastructure, the governor said the administration had continued with road construction and rehabilitation, bridge projects and other interventions aimed at improving transportation and supporting economic activities across the state.
He said the government was equally supporting farmers through improved agricultural inputs, mechanisation and better access to markets.
“Agriculture must not only feed our people but must also provide a dignified means of livelihood for our families and create wealth for our communities,” Adeleke said.
The governor acknowledged that challenges remained despite the progress recorded by the administration, but said the government was determined to sustain its development efforts.
According to him, the people remained Osun’s greatest asset, with young people, farmers, entrepreneurs, teachers and workers contributing to the growth of the state.
Adeleke also thanked residents for their participation in the recently concluded elections, appreciating them for turning out to exercise their civic responsibilities.
“I deeply appreciate your confidence, resilience and support. I assure you that the next four years will be even more rewarding for the people of Osun State,” he said.
“Our Administration will continue to work with renewed determination to consolidate our achievements, address areas where more needs to be done and improve the lives of our people.”
The governor called for greater attention to the development of young people, urging governments and other stakeholders to provide quality education, employment opportunities and platforms through which young Nigerians could develop their talents.
He also appealed to Nigerians to protect peace and unity, despite differences in political views, religious beliefs and social backgrounds.
“We may have different political opinions, religious beliefs, backgrounds and perspectives, but we are one people and we share one future,” Adeleke said.
“Let us disagree without becoming enemies. Let us listen to one another. Let us resolve our differences peacefully as there can be no meaningful development without peace.”
Adeleke assured residents that his administration would continue to listen to their concerns and implement programmes aimed at improving their welfare.
“We may not achieve everything overnight, but we will not stop trying,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and committed to the development of the country, saying collective efforts were necessary to build a society where citizens could live with dignity and young people could look forward to a better future.
“Together, we can build an Osun and a Nigeria where every child has a fair chance, where hard work is rewarded, where our young people can dream without fear and where every citizen can live with dignity,” the governor said.
