Some 33 years ago, specifically on August 27, 1991, I was in an Isiaku Rabiu Transport Service luxurious bus traveling at night from Kano to Ibadan after the completion of my one-year compulsory NYSC.
It was 7.00 p.m., somewhere around Kadawa on Kano-Kaduna highway, the then Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida was on air on Radio Nigeria to address the Nation to mark his 6 years in power.
The solemn voice of the Military Leader at one point while delivering the national address stated, “The Armed Forces Ruling Council has approved the creation of nine new states: Abia (Umuahia), Enugu (Enugu), Delta (Asaba), Jigawa (Dutse), Kebbi (Birni Kebbi), Osun (Osogbo), Kogi (Lokoja), Taraba (Jalingo), and Yobe (Damaturu).”
This single sentence pronouncement culminated in the enactment of Decree that raised the total number of States in Nigeria to thirty in 1991 (States –Creation and Transitional Provisions- Decree
No. 2). The modern Osun State was created from part of the old Oyo State. The State’s name is derived from the River Osun, the venerated natural spring that is the manifestation of the Yoruba goddess of the same name.
Therefore, the Babangida era remains a crucial and essential part of the narrative of the Nigerian state and space, especially the military power that created our dear State.
There may be good in bad………military regime, despite our resentment, created our State.But Osun State did not happen just like lightening or can I say, it is not a miracle, not at all……
History has it that the struggle for the creation of Osun started as early as 1950.
At that time, the present senatorial districts namely Osun West, Central and part of Osun East were subordinate towns under the administration of Ibadan District Native Authority. But our people, some of them being honoured today, were determined to get independence, therefore traditional rulers and citizens of Osun Area submitted a petition to the British Colonial Administration in Nigeria demanding autonomy for Osun Division, with Osogbo proposed as the headquarters.
Our fathers fought without carrying guns and without shedding blood. They didn’t mount roadblocks, they did not do any mud slinging.
They argued the case of their generation, the case of the present generation and the case of the future generation of Osun people. And in 1991 the struggle gavebirth to Osun State without any surgery. Something resonates very well in my memory and I doubt I will forget until my last day on this planet earth.
In that night bus from Kano to Ibadan, immediately after General Babangida’s public pronouncement of nine new States, very hot discussion started in the bus with several questions on the viability and sustainability of the new States.
I remember the bus was half-filled by fellow university graduates, male and female, of different categories and disciplines traveling down south after the NYSC service year.
You may want to imagine the diverse opinions and type of grammar that would pervade the space. It was like the case of newspapers readers association who gather at newspapers stands every morning to analyse national or State issues that they don’t understand.
We had a stop at Kagara at about 11.00pm in the night and I took the time to engage some of the fellow corpers in a discussion while we were eating Tuwo Shinkafa… I said, “How many of us here are children of rich men? Yet we are university graduates today.” I further said, “Water will always find its level anywhere anytime.
The States will emerge prosperous if they turn their challenges to opportunities”. I slept off thereafter and woke up at Ojoo roundabout in Ibadan at 6.45a.m.
Today, I’m the one selected to deliver the 33rd birthday anniversary lecture of one of the then States, Osun State, my own dear State. The State of great people who speak variants of the sweet Yoruba language. The Oyos, Ifes, Ijesas, Igbomjnas all converge to build a community of the Yorubas with a common tradition of OMOLUABI, RANTI OMO ENI TI IWO N SE. Yes, we are special because to a large extent we have grown and developed beyond the divides of religion and ethnicism.
Religion is not our problem because our family system is unique, mixing all interests in synergistic manner to make life better.
We are very tolerant and accommodating. No wonder we are the most peaceful community in Nigeria today, populated with happy people and being led by always-happy Governor……
Your Excellency, the Governor sir, I am therefore very happy that 33 years after my night travel post-NYSC from Kano to Ibadan, marking 34 years of my graduation from the University, I am here on the invitation and approval of our Governor, Asiwaju Senator Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, to deliver the 33rd birthday lecture of our very dear State, Osun State.
This is a great moment for me because it is happening at a time when this State is experiencing all-round growth and development in socio-econo-political terms.
I am therefore deeply delighted that His Excellency The Governor approved my nomination to deliver the 2024 lecture so that I can add my voice to that of the patriotic indigenes of this State who constitute the major stakeholders in the development of our State.
I want to thank the State Committee that is saddled with the responsibility of organizing this event. I acknowledge the efforts of my friends and the men in the lead, Dr B. T. Salam and Barr Dr Kamal Adekilekun.
I want to humbly thank all the officers of the Ministry of Regional Integration and Special Duties for all your efforts to organize this event.
You have chosen the topic: OSUN AT 33: BUILDING A STRONG ECONOMY IN THE FACE OF CURRENT CHALLENGES.
I have decided to adopt the topic because it is all-inclusive, allowing me to discuss the State since creation with a clear basis for comparison of the different phases of development of this State.
I will also be proposing some values that we may consider adding to further develop our State.No doubt, from our humble beginning on August 27, 1991, our State has evolved gradually and steadily with each leader either Military Administrator (MILAD) or Civilian Governor contributing in various ways to the progress and development of the State.
There have been strategies and policies practically designed to propel the economy and improve the quality of life of our people. There have also been technical measures to utilize available resources to instigate economic growth and improve people’s quality of life.
I will remind us of some developments which will help us to assess development both in quantitative parameters and in qualitative changes to understand the economic performance of our State. We will see how far our policies have led to activation and acceleration of economic growth and general improvement in the quality of life of our people.
I will show us that no plan or amount of money can develop an economy if it leaves out culture, which governs the attitudes and the ways of thinking of the people who would be managing the proposed development strategies and programs. Plans and money are tools, only humans with the right frame of mind can use them effectively and efficiently to drive development.
In developing this paper, I have consulted and read a good number of publications, both on-shelf and online resources, and I have used them to support the production of this lecture. I acknowledge all the authors of such documents.OSUN STATE IN CONTEXT:With a land area of 9,251 km2 (3,572 sq mi), Osun is the ninth smallest in land area and with a population of about 5.0 million, Osun is 25th most populous State in Nigeria.
The World Bank has projected the population of Osun State is projected to increase from about 5 million to over 10 million people in 2050. We rank number 7 in literacy rate in Nigeria with 90.57% of our people being able to read and write.
The people of Osun are politically sophisticated and their dynamism is seen in their ability to elect people who can serve their interest. Different political parties have ruled the State but the progressive nature is always reflected in their choice of leaders.
But before I commence the discussion on money, economy, plans, development and people, I want to salute the courage and dedication of the past leaders of the State who had contributed at whatever level to the growth of our State:Col Leo Segun Ajiborisha, first Military Administrator (MILAD) (Aug 1991 to Jan 1992)
His Excellency, Late Asiwaju Alhaji Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke as first civilian Governor from Jan1992 to November 1993.
Col Abel F.K. Akale as MILAD from 27 Nov 1993-Dec 8, 1993Col
Anthony Udofia as MILAD from 9 Dec 1993-Aug 1996
Col Anthony Obi as MILAD from Aug 1996-Aug 1998
Col Theophilus Bamigboye as MILAD from Aug 1998- May 1999
Chief Adebisi Abdukareem Akande second civilian Governor from 29th May 1999- 29th May 2003.
Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola from 29th May 2003- 26th November 2010 was on his second term when the Court removed him Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola from 26th Nov 2010 to Nov 26th 2018.Alhaji Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola Nov 27, 2018 to Nov 27, 2022.
His Excellency Asiwaju Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke from Nov 27, 2022 as the sixth executive Governor of our State.How far have we gone?From a State without a single furniture in place in 1991, we have grown to become a force to reckon with in Nigeria. I will like to provide very few instances and statistical evidence to show where we are today.
Human Development Index (HDI)The Human Development Index (HDI) is a single index measure that aims to record the three key dimensions of human development: access to knowledge, a decent standard of living, and long and healthy life. All the 36 States in Nigeria in 2023. The States were categorized in Medium Human Development and Low Human Development.
23 States were ranked as having Medium Development while 13 others were classified as having Low Development. Osun State was classified among the 23 States with Medium Development, 13th in the rank along with other frontline States like Lagos, Ogun, Oyo Ondo, etc.Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the total market value of all the goods and services produced by a country or State’s economy during a specified period of time. It is a common measure for the size of an economy and provides a comprehensive scorecard of a country’s economic health. It measures the economic output of a State, it gauges a State’s economic growth, and it informs policy decisions and attracts investments. In the ranking Osun State emerged the 24th State in terms of GDP, surpassing 13 other States of the Federation.Literacy RateLiteracy rate is the percentage of a population that can read and write. In 2023 as recorded by Africa Facts Zone, Osun was ranked the 7th State with a literacy level 90.57% surpassing such 29 other States.Fiscal Performance Index
A Fiscal Performance Index (FPI) is a composite measure that evaluates the overall financial health and management of a government or organization. Osun State ranked 11th in the federation. This is an indication that we are not doing badly in the areas of fiscal discipline, revenue mobilization and expenditure efficiency.Number of UniversitiesThe National Universities’ Commission (2024) reported that Osun State ranked Number 3 overall, with 11 universities fully operating.
The universities provide employment and socioeconomic empowerment for a large number of residents; and they serve as direct and indirect sources of revenue for the State.Peace and Security IndexOsun is about the safest State in Nigeria with happy people being governed by an always-happy Governor.
It is instructive to inform that the United States Travel Advisory has blacklisted 14 States of the Federation for violence and insecurity, Osun State is excluded. We are a highly peaceful and security conscious people in the State. Happy people being led by a always-happy Governor.Way to Go:Some factors are critical for the continued success of the foundational issues for State Development.
Key among the critical success factors are the following which have been frontally and decisively confronted by the government of His Excellency, Asiwaju Senator Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke:Responsible and responsive citizenry: Internally generated revenue:The problem of our society is positively related to the attitude of the citizens.
Story of my father on first Monday of January 1974…… Availability of funds is crucial to implementation of the development agenda. Development is expensive and capital intensive.
The current level of internally generated revenue is grossly inadequate to meet the expectation of the State. I know that the government is sweating profusely to implement all the ongoing projects. If the government is as willing as this, the citizens must also be willing. I always ask people. “What if the Abuja monthly allocation stops?” And it can indeed stop……….
Therefore, effective implementation of the State Development agenda requires steady and regular inflow of financial resources to ensure sustainability of the implementation process. Let’s us educate our people that in Canada, US and Europe people pay taxes and fines….. How many people pay property tax, tenement rate, vehicle and motorcycle renewal licences, business taxes etc…
Government needs to intensify efforts on advocacy and awareness creation to boost our local revenue through payment of taxes. Manpower development: Agenda for development should be driven and implanted by those who possess proven track records on each issue and who possess requisite skills, experience and commitment. Therefore, government should embark on deliberate talent hunt to identify people who possess the skills to propel growth and development.
Where extra training is required, needs analysis should be carried out to identify training needs for implementation of the agenda and training should be provided as identified. Private sector participation: The role of the private sector in the implementation of development agenda is key and critical.
Therefore, efforts should be made to encourage the private sector to live up to its responsibility. There are enough opportunities for private sector investment and participation in agriculture, commerce and industry, and development of infrastructure.
Appropriate incentives, good business environment, friendly tax regimes and information should be provided to attract private investors to take up the opportunities in Osun. Massive awareness creation and advocacy should also be deployed to effectively sensitize the private sector to the available investment opportunities in our State.
Local and International Development partners’ support: Development Partners play key roles in the provision of funds, logistics and share best practices, which are critical for the development process.
Efforts should be made to attract the support of development partners without compromising the focus and independence of Osun State.Commitment to implementation of the plan: The highest political authority must be strongly committed to the implementation of the Plan and commitment must be stepped down to all levels of the government. Among other things, the highest political commitment will ensure that resources are released for implementation of the Plan as and when needed; that the implementation is diligently monitored, and performance is critically evaluated; that all role players play their roles effectively and lapses be appropriately sanctioned while commendable performance is rewarded.
Strict adherence to the Plan is an important element of commitment to its implementation. The Plan is to be implemented as designed; and deviating from the process should be done only when it is absolutely necessary.
Involving the Osun culture via Community mobilization and stakeholder engagement: This is important for ensuring the appropriateness of programmes to be implemented at various locations; for ensuring effective monitoring of the implementation and for ownership and buy-in by the people. Communities, civil society organizations and other stakeholders must be part of the development and review of our plans.
They will also be fully involved in the implementation of the Plan. Preparing for the unforeseeable future:These plans are always there written at different times but humans are to drive the process of implementation.
As humans, in formulating policies we must not forget the Covid 19 experience……. Our world was shut down, like play, like play…… We became helpless between January 2020 and December 2021…….
I was taken out Nigeria through an evacuation flight on April 1, 2020. The Airbus A350 carried only 75 of us, Schiphol and Toronto Airports looked like oceans of silence….. That was a time in human history.
Therefore, our strategies or actions must address the emerging issues or unforeseen or unpredictable risks such as natural disasters, future pandemic, general global violence etc. I charge the government to start planning for the events of 2050.
I am persuaded to believe the World Bank projection that the population of Nigeria will exceed 400 million by the year 2050, and Osun State population will increase from under 5 million to over 10 million people.
So, Osun State will be the size of the present Benin Republic or Togo and bigger than Seirra Leone, Liberia or Gambia…… This is enough reason for a State to be concerned with how to identify and bridge gaps that exist between the current stock of capital and expected deliveries to take care of the population growth.
Therefore, Your Excellency sir, our State needs to embark on a comprehensive review of the State Development Agenda to prepare for the future and accommodate what we do not expect. It is for the good of the generation coming behind us.
Major Achievements between Nov 27, 2022 and now:I am sure that majority or some people in this auditorium know that I don’t smoke and I don’t drink alcohol. Not at all on account of religion but on account of self-discipline….. I am not also too religious, therefore I neither see vision nor hear from the devil (Awusubilahi, mina sheitaini rohim…).
Therefore, my next concerns and comments are neither alcohol-induced or weed-induced…. I am not also looking for job or appointment….. From my humble and professional training, I have learnt never to deceive myself, because it is the worst crime.
Therefore, it is my pleasure to appreciate the government of His Excellency, Asiwaju Senator Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke….. my appreciation on behalf of the good people of our State is genuine and unbiased, and it is a product of what the eyes of even the blind can see.
In a matter of less than 2 years in office, your achievements are indeed significant, except to those who don’t value good things:Construction of 45 kms of roads across the 30 LGs,Sinking of 332 functioning boreholes, Rehabilitation of water works, Major actions on roads for example Osogbo-Ikirun Road and the Osogbo ring road among others
Commencement of construction of two flyovers in Osogbo, one in Ile-Ife, To commence soon, one in Owode-Ede and one in Ikirun town.
Rehabilitation of 345 health centres in the 332 Wards of Osun State, Phase two of potable water provision in 332 wards of Osun State, Phase two of the rehabilitation of 31 schools in the 30 mother local governments of Osun State. Employment of primary and secondary school teachers in the pipelineFood security programme startingImproved security network
Cooperative loans and grantsExpansion of scope of network and partnership to industrialize the stateGeneral domestic support for the vulnerable citizensActualization of the University of Ilesa, Ilesa and academic programmes have started
Absorption of all part-time broadcasters at OSBC into full-time employment Absorption of all IGR lecturers in UNILESA into full-time employment (We are doing same on your behalf in UNIOSUN soon)
Support for UNIOSUN…….Isale OsunAnatomy Road to MOFARMRTH
Network of campusesAppointment of POsRegular check on peopleYour Excellency, The Governor, Asiwaju Senator Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, I want to leave you with two major quotes, sir:“Try to appreciate those who gossip about you. It’s not easy for someone to leave his/her problems and carry yours on their head”
“Even if you kill yourself for some people, they will still complain at your burial that you didn’t die in a proper way. Do your best and leave the rest, you can’t satisfy human beings”Your excellency, The Governor, Asiwaju Senator Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, the Deputy Governor, all other VVIPs and functionaries of government.
I thank you for granting me this special privilege to celebrate our State, Osun State at 33… x Thank you.
Odunayo Clement ADEBOOYE PhD, FAvH, Fellow DAAD, Fellow UNU.
The Vice-Chancellor, Osun State University, Osogbo, delivered this lecture at the Osun @ 33 celebration celebration held at Osogbo.
