By Engr. Shakbab

Ademola Adekunle’s opinion piece attempts to paint a distorted picture of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration while conveniently ignoring the transformative progress Osun State has experienced under his leadership. It is crucial to set the record straight and highlight the glaring contrast between the 12 years of APC’s maladministration and the unparalleled strides achieved in just two years by Governor Adeleke of the PDP.

Under Governor Ademola Adeleke’s visionary leadership, Osun is undergoing a remarkable renaissance. Roads like the Akoda–Oke Gada and LAMECO–Old Garage have been reconstructed and beautified to international standards, with streetlights now illuminating our streets, improving both safety and aesthetics. These are not “cosmetic” projects, as Adekunle claims, but tangible evidence of an administration that prioritizes the welfare of the people over politics.

In stark contrast, the APC era left Osun littered with abandoned projects, poor-quality roads, and a crippling debt. The so-called progressives had a knack for putting politics ahead of people, prioritizing their cronies over the masses.

Governor Adeleke has demonstrated what governance with a human face looks like. In just two short years, his administration has prioritized the following:

Healthcare: Over 200 PHCs have been rehabilitated, making Osun the best-performing state in healthcare across the South-West. Additionally, the state has earned a $500,000 award for healthcare excellence, a stark contrast to the neglect and failures of the past.

Education: Governor Adeleke has taken bold steps to improve school infrastructure, teacher welfare, and access to quality education for all students. Schools that were once in disrepair are now receiving the attention they deserve, creating a better learning environment for our children.

Agriculture: The agriculture sector has received targeted investments, ensuring Osun’s farmers have the resources and support they need to thrive.

Welfare: Governor Adeleke’s administration has worked tirelessly to improve infrastructure and services, while also prioritizing the welfare of Osun’s most vulnerable citizens. The government is paying half of the salaries owed by the previous APC administration, ensuring that workers and pensioners are supported despite the difficult financial conditions inherited from APC’s reckless governance.

Disability Welfare: The welfare of people living with disabilities has also been a priority. Governor Adeleke has ensured that they receive much-needed care and support, with policies aimed at improving accessibility, education, and employment opportunities across the state. This is the kind of compassionate leadership Osun deserves.

Unlike the opaque dealings of the APC, Adeleke’s administration has consistently adhered to due process, earning the people’s trust. These achievements starkly contrast with APC’s legacy of unpaid salaries, decaying infrastructure, and neglect of critical sectors like education and healthcare.

It is laughable that Adekunle accuses Governor Adeleke of “mental incapacity” and dancing at events. Leadership is about results, not empty speeches. Under Adeleke, Osun residents have seen more progress in two years than during APC’s entire 12-year rule. If singing and dancing are what it takes to inspire and connect with the people while delivering results, then may he dance all the way to another term!

On the other hand, the APC remains plagued by internal strife, clannish politics, and a refusal to embrace progress. Adekunle’s lament about APC’s inability to accommodate youths like Tele Michael Oyegoke only highlights the party’s disconnect from the aspirations of Osun’s vibrant population.

The people of Osun have firmly said NO to returning to Egypt. The 2022 election was a resounding rejection of APC’s mediocrity and an endorsement of Governor Adeleke’s vision. Osun deserves a leader who prioritizes the people, not one who lines their pockets or pushes recycled candidates with no vision for the future.

Governor Adeleke’s leadership is a divine blessing for Osun. His administration has proven that good governance is possible when leaders prioritize citizens over self-interest. As we look to the future, Osun must continue to build on this progress. After eight years of excellence under Adeleke, we will ensure that the PDP hands over to another visionary leader who will sustain the momentum.

Osun has chosen progress over stagnation, unity over division, and development over decay. Governor Adeleke is the leader we prayed for, and his track record speaks for itself. To Adekunle and the APC, Osun is not interested in your backward agenda. The people have moved on, and no amount of propaganda can erase the tangible benefits they are experiencing today.

May Osun never return to the dark days of APC’s misrule. Together, we will continue to march forward under the PDP’s banner of progress, development, and hope.

God bless Osun State.
God bless Governor Ademola Adeleke

ImoleTill2030

Shakirullai Babatunde (Engr. Shakbab)
Writes from Ward 08, Oke Ola/Oke Aloyin, Ila Local Government, Osun State.