Ladies and Gentlemen, may I use this opportunity to tag my speech as “celebrating unity, progress and our collective vision for Osun state”.
Today, as we gather on this auspicious occasion, we come together not only to celebrate the 64th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence but also to reaffirm our commitment to the core values that define our great nation: unity, progress, and the unwavering belief in our collective ability to shape a brighter future.
On this Independence Day, we reflect upon the journey of our nation since attaining sovereignty on October 1st, 1960. We remembered the struggles, sacrifices, and the unbreakable spirit that have brought us this far. Today, as we celebrate, we also look to the future, filled with hope, aspiration, and the determination to make Osun State a beacon of excellence within our nation.
It is a matter of great pride to announce that Osun State, under our administration, will continue to be a shining example of what can be achieved and my government is highly committed to the welfare and development of its people. My administration has made remarkable strides in a short period of almost two (2) years. We took over power from the governance of the past, our state has grown in leaps and bounds, and we have every reason to be proud of our achievements. From the development of our infrastructure to the empowerment of our youth, from the preservation of our rich cultural heritage to the promotion of peace and security, Osun State has continued to evolve, becoming a model for other states in the Federation.
We have seen progress in education sector with renovation of schools across the State, healthcare with complete renovation of 332 Primary Health Facilities and full stocking of drugs, infrastructure on roads across the state and modern flyover across our urban cities in the state, and economic development, public service reform and timely payment of monthly salary with payment of palliative allowance to all civil servants to ameliorate the suffering of workers from fuel subsidy removal, as welfare of the civil servant is one of our administration priorities. Our cultural heritage remains a source of pride, and our people continue to excel in various fields, contributing to the growth of not only our state but Nigeria as a whole.
These achievements are a testament to the dedication of our public servants, the resilience of our people, and the support of our esteemed partners.
As we stand here on this historic occasion, I am filled with immense pride in the strides we have made as a state and as a nation. Our unity, resilience, and unwavering commitment to progress have carried us through challenges and propelled us towards a better tomorrow. Together, we have overcome obstacles that once seemed insurmountable, as we continue to strive for excellence in all facets of our lives.
As we know Osun State, with its rich cultural heritage, vibrant communities, and committed citizens, has always played a significant part in Nigeria’s progress. Our state has been a shining example of unity in diversity, where people from various backgrounds come together in harmony to build a brighter future.
Today, we are not just celebrating Nigeria’s 64th independence: we are celebrating our collective achievements and the milestones we have reached as a Nation and State. Our resolve to build a better Osun State, where every citizen has access to quality education, infrastructural development, healthcare, and economic opportunities, remains steadfast.
Ladies and gentlemen, as we all aware that education is the cornerstone of any prosperous society, and nurturing the intellectual growth of our youth is a responsibility that we take very seriously and as one of my five points agenda, and in line with this commitment, the Osun State government initiated the 2024 Debate Competition among our students, and today, we have the privilege of appraising the successful completion of this competition.
The year 2024 Debate Competition aimed to ignite the minds of our young schools, encourage critical thinking, and foster a culture of research and not only provided a platform for our students to express their thoughts and ideas but also fostered a sense of unity and purpose among them. It is heartwarming to witness the depth of insight and the innovative solutions our young minds bring to the forefront. The response to this competition has been overwhelming, with students from various schools across the Nation who are Osun State indigene enthusiastically participating. The Debate did not only showcase their intellectual ability but also the student’s passion for our great nation.
One of the most heartening aspects of our progress is the immense talent and potential that resides in our youth. They are the driving force behind our aspirations for a brighter future. Today, I am delighted to announce the successful completion of the Osun State 2024 Debate competition, where our students showcased their exceptional intellect, creativity, and dedication to excellence.
At this juncture, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the participants, their teachers/lectures, and their parents who have supported and encouraged them on this journey. Your hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed, and your commitment to education is paving the way for a brighter future for our state and our nation.
As we celebrate this Independence Day, let us remember that our progress as a nation is inextricably linked to the success and well-being of our youth. It is our duty to provide them with quality education, opportunities, and support they need to thrive and lead our great nation towards greater heights.
In conclusion, I want to express my gratitude to the organizing committee of the year 2024 Debate Competition for their dedication and commitment to nurturing the talents of our youth. Together, we are building a brighter future for Osun State and Nigeria as a whole. Let me also stress the importance of having a greater hope for this nation and urge all and sundry to be an active participant/great player in re-building our common project called “NIGERIA”.
I wish you all a joyous Independence Day celebration, filled with hope, unity, and a renewed commitment to making our nation the best it can be.
●Text of an address by Governor Ademola Adeleke at the Independence Day Celebration today at Osogbo
