On August 27, 2025, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke delivered a statewide broadcast to commemorate the 34th anniversary of Osun’s creation, reaffirming his administration’s dedication to driving development and prosperity. In a heartfelt address, Adeleke outlined his government’s achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic empowerment, while paying tribute to the visionaries who fought for the state’s establishment in 1991. Highlighting initiatives such as borehole water provision, road rehabilitation, healthcare outreach, and agricultural support, the governor emphasized the importance of unity, transparency, and the Omoluabi ethos in building a prosperous Osun. This article explores Adeleke’s message, the historical significance of Osun’s creation, the administration’s achievements, and the broader implications for the state’s future.
Celebrating Osun’s Creation: A Legacy of Vision and Sacrifice
The anniversary of Osun State’s creation on August 27, 1991, marks a significant milestone in the state’s history, reflecting years of advocacy, sacrifice, and determination by community leaders, traditional rulers, and political actors. Governor Adeleke, in his broadcast, described the state’s founding as the culmination of a collective vision for self-determination, aimed at fostering development and cultural identity for the people of Osun. “Their labour was not in vain; they fought tirelessly, not for themselves, but for the future generations yet unborn,” he said, paying tribute to the agitators whose efforts laid the foundation for the state.
Osun’s creation was part of a broader wave of state formations in Nigeria under the military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida, designed to address regional imbalances and promote local governance. For the people of Osun, the establishment of the state was a triumph of resilience, as it provided a platform to harness their cultural heritage, economic potential, and human capital. Adeleke’s acknowledgment of this legacy underscores the importance of historical reflection in shaping the state’s future, framing the anniversary as both a celebration and a call to action.
The governor’s reference to the “Omoluabi ethos”—a Yoruba cultural principle emphasizing integrity, hard work, and communal responsibility—highlights the values that continue to define Osun’s identity. By invoking this ethos, Adeleke called on residents to embrace unity and transparency as they work collectively to build a prosperous and inclusive state. This message resonates in a diverse and dynamic state like Osun, where cultural heritage and modern governance must coexist to drive sustainable development.
A Commitment to People-Focused Governance
Governor Adeleke’s broadcast centered on his administration’s commitment to prioritizing development initiatives that drive economic growth, improve social services, and enhance the quality of life for Osun residents. “Our administration remains committed to building a stronger economy, improving education and healthcare, boosting agricultural productivity, and ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach every home,” he declared. This vision aligns with the broader goals of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes economic diversification, social welfare, and infrastructure development.
Since taking office in November 2022, Adeleke’s administration has pursued a people-focused governance model, prioritizing initiatives that address the immediate needs of residents while laying the foundation for long-term prosperity. The governor’s emphasis on inclusivity—ensuring that “every home” benefits from democratic dividends—reflects a commitment to reducing inequality and fostering social cohesion in a state with diverse urban and rural communities.
Adeleke’s leadership style, characterized by accessibility and engagement with stakeholders, has earned him significant goodwill among Osun residents. His call for partnership with traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil servants, farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs underscores the importance of collective action in achieving the state’s development goals. By fostering collaboration across sectors, Adeleke is building a governance framework that leverages Osun’s diversity and human capital to drive progress.
Key Achievements of the Adeleke Administration
Governor Adeleke outlined a series of achievements that highlight the tangible impact of his administration’s policies. These accomplishments span infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic empowerment, reflecting a holistic approach to development.
Infrastructure Development: One of the administration’s flagship initiatives is the provision of borehole water in all 332 wards of Osun State, ensuring access to clean water for communities across urban and rural areas. Access to potable water is a critical component of public health and economic productivity, reducing the burden of waterborne diseases and freeing up time for residents to engage in income-generating activities. Additionally, the government has undertaken extensive road construction and rehabilitation projects, improving connectivity and facilitating trade within the state. Rural electrification and the delivery of transformers to underserved areas have also enhanced access to power, supporting small businesses and improving living standards.
Healthcare Initiatives: In the healthcare sector, Adeleke reported that over 60,000 residents have benefited from the Imole Surgical and Medical Outreach programme, which provides free medical services to underserved communities. This initiative addresses critical healthcare needs, particularly for low-income households that lack access to quality medical care. Furthermore, over 30,000 indigenes have been enrolled in the Osun Health Insurance Scheme, expanding access to affordable healthcare and reducing out-of-pocket expenses. The renovation of over 200 primary healthcare centers has strengthened the state’s healthcare infrastructure, ensuring that facilities are equipped to deliver essential services.
Education Reforms: The administration’s focus on education includes ongoing renovations across schools to improve learning environments and enhance educational outcomes. By upgrading facilities and providing resources, the government is addressing longstanding challenges such as dilapidated classrooms and inadequate teaching materials. These efforts are critical for equipping Osun’s youth with the skills and knowledge needed to compete in a rapidly changing economy.
Economic Interventions: Adeleke highlighted several economic initiatives aimed at supporting workers, farmers, and small-scale businesses. The regular payment of salaries and pensions has provided financial stability for civil servants and retirees, boosting consumer spending and local economies. Agricultural support programs, including fertilizer subsidies and tractor provision, have enhanced productivity for farmers, who form a significant portion of Osun’s population. Empowerment initiatives for small-scale businesses, such as access to microcredit and training programs, are fostering entrepreneurship and reducing poverty.
These achievements demonstrate the administration’s commitment to addressing the diverse needs of Osun residents, from urban centers like Osogbo and Ile-Ife to rural communities in Iwo and Ilesa. By prioritizing infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic empowerment, Adeleke is laying the foundation for sustainable development and inclusive growth.
Challenges and the Path Forward
While celebrating these achievements, Governor Adeleke acknowledged that challenges remain, including economic pressures, infrastructure deficits, and the need for sustained investment. The removal of fuel subsidies in May 2023 has driven inflation to 34.2 percent nationally as of July 2025, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, increasing the cost of living and straining households and businesses. In Osun, where agriculture and small-scale enterprises are key economic drivers, these pressures have underscored the need for targeted interventions to support vulnerable populations.
Infrastructure challenges, such as unreliable power supply and poor road networks in some areas, continue to hinder economic activity. While the provision of transformers and road rehabilitation projects are steps in the right direction, scaling up these efforts will require significant investment and collaboration with the private sector. The government’s focus on rural electrification and borehole water provision demonstrates a commitment to addressing these challenges, but sustained funding and implementation are critical for long-term success.
The education sector, despite ongoing renovations, faces challenges such as teacher shortages and curriculum modernization. Ensuring that reinvigorated schools are staffed with qualified educators and equipped with relevant teaching materials is essential for improving learning outcomes. Similarly, in healthcare, expanding the reach of the Imole Surgical and Medical Outreach programme and the Osun Health Insurance Scheme will require continued investment and stakeholder engagement.
Economic empowerment initiatives, while impactful, must be scaled up to reach more residents, particularly women and youth. Microcredit programs and vocational training can play a critical role in fostering entrepreneurship and reducing unemployment, which remains a significant challenge in Osun and Nigeria as a whole. By leveraging partnerships with financial institutions and development agencies, the government can expand access to these programs and drive inclusive growth.
The Role of Unity and the Omoluabi Ethos
Governor Adeleke’s call for unity and the embrace of the Omoluabi ethos is a powerful message in a state known for its cultural heritage and diversity. The Omoluabi ethos, rooted in Yoruba values, emphasizes integrity, respect, and communal responsibility, qualities that are essential for fostering social cohesion and collective progress. By invoking this ethos, Adeleke is rallying residents to work together across ethnic, religious, and political lines to achieve shared goals.
The governor’s appeal to traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil servants, farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs reflects a commitment to inclusive governance. These stakeholders play a critical role in shaping Osun’s future, from preserving cultural heritage to driving economic activity. By positioning them as partners, Adeleke is fostering a sense of ownership and accountability, ensuring that development efforts are grounded in community needs and aspirations.
Unity is particularly important in the context of Nigeria’s complex socio-political landscape, where regional and ethnic tensions can undermine progress. Osun, with its diverse population and history of political rivalry, has the potential to serve as a model for inclusive governance. Adeleke’s emphasis on collaboration and transparency sets a tone for constructive dialogue, encouraging residents to prioritize the state’s collective interests over individual or factional agendas.
The Significance of the Anniversary
Adeleke’s description of anniversaries as “calls to renewed action” underscores the importance of the August 27 celebration as more than a historical commemoration. The anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on Osun’s journey, celebrate its achievements, and chart a path forward. By highlighting the sacrifices of the state’s founders, Adeleke is inspiring residents to draw on their resilience and vision to address contemporary challenges.
The broadcast also serves as a platform to communicate the administration’s achievements and rally public support for ongoing initiatives. By engaging residents directly, Adeleke is fostering transparency and accountability, key pillars of good governance. The call for collective action—“the Osun of our dreams, prosperous, peaceful, inclusive, and self-reliant, is within our reach, but it will take the collective hands of all”—emphasizes the shared responsibility of building a better future.
Implications for Osun’s Future
The achievements outlined by Governor Adeleke have significant implications for Osun’s future. The provision of borehole water, road rehabilitation, and rural electrification will enhance economic productivity and improve living standards, particularly in underserved areas. Healthcare initiatives like the Imole Surgical and Medical Outreach programme and the Osun Health Insurance Scheme are reducing health disparities and promoting well-being, critical for human capital development.
Education reforms, including school renovations, are equipping Osun’s youth with the tools to succeed in a competitive economy. Agricultural support and economic empowerment initiatives are fostering entrepreneurship and reducing poverty, aligning with the state’s goal of becoming a hub for agro-industrial development. These efforts position Osun as a model for sustainable development in Nigeria, demonstrating the power of people-focused governance.
The administration’s emphasis on unity and collaboration sets a foundation for long-term progress. By engaging diverse stakeholders, Adeleke is building a governance model that leverages Osun’s cultural and economic strengths. The Omoluabi ethos, with its focus on integrity and communal responsibility, provides a guiding framework for addressing challenges and seizing opportunities.
Conclusion
Governor Ademola Adeleke’s statewide broadcast on August 27, 2025, marking the 34th anniversary of Osun State’s creation, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to driving development and prosperity. By highlighting achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic empowerment, Adeleke demonstrated the tangible impact of his people-focused governance model. The call for unity, transparency, and the embrace of the Omoluabi ethos underscores the importance of collective action in building a prosperous and inclusive Osun.
While challenges such as inflation, infrastructure deficits, and unemployment remain, the administration’s initiatives provide a strong foundation for progress. By partnering with traditional rulers, civil servants, farmers, and entrepreneurs, Adeleke is fostering a collaborative approach to governance that aligns with Nigeria’s broader development goals. As Osun looks to the future, the anniversary serves as a reminder of the state’s potential to become a model of excellence and progress, driven by the resilience and vision of its people.