Governor Ademola Adeleke: The Awards, The Challenges, The Need For Continuity In Osun

By Ojuolape Odetola

Osun State Governor, Asiwaju Ademola Adeleke has continued to leave an indelible mark on the state’s human and infrastructure development, earning him numerous outstanding achievement awards.

The accolades, praises and recognition from reputable organizations and groups have kept pouring in for Mr. Governor like torrential rainfall since assuming office. In less than 21 months as governor, the man at the helm of Osun has bagged a chuck full of major awards, including: Governor of the Year Award by The Boss Newspaper; Governor of the Year Award (Infrastructure) by Vanguard Newspaper, High-Performance Rate Award by Labour Leaders in Osun; Best Governor in Infrastructure Development Award (2022).

Others are Most Innovative Governor in Nigeria Award (2023); Governor of the Year Award by Nigerian Guild of Editors (2022); Outstanding Leadership Award by Osun State University; Excellence in Governance Award by Nigerian Union of Journalists; Best Governor in Education Award by National Parent-Teacher Association and Most Youth-Friendly Governor Award by National Youth Council of Nigeria, among others.

To add to the unending list of recognition for his outstanding achievement, on 15th August 2024, the National President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers(NSE), Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala presented an excellence award in infrastructure development to Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke.

The award plaque was received by the Governor during the visit of NSE and COREN executives to inspect, audit, and validate all ongoing infrastructure projects in the state.

According to Engr Oguntala, “This award recognizes Governor Adeleke’s outstanding efforts in infrastructure development, demonstrating his commitment to enhancing the state’s infrastructure and improving the lives of its citizens.”

-A Call to Greater Service-

This plethora of awards bestowed upon Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State is a resounding testament to his unwavering dedication to the development and progress of the state.

The numerous outstanding achievement awards, including the Excellence Award in Infrastructure Development presented by the Nigerian Society of Engineers, serve as a clarion call to the governor to continue his exceptional service to the people of Osun.

These awards are not mere recognition, but a validation of Governor Adeleke’s tireless efforts to transform Osun State. His administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and economic growth has not gone unnoticed.

They are a challenge to the governor to continue his good work and strive for even greater heights.

As Governor Adeleke continues to serve the people of Osun, it is essential to remember that these awards are a reminder of the trust and confidence reposed in him by the people.

He must continue to work tirelessly to justify this trust and ensure that Osun State remains a beacon of hope and development in Nigeria.

-Challenges and Obstacles-

However, beneath the surface of these achievements lies a complex web of challenges and obstacles that the governor has had to navigate.

The inefficiency of the APC-led Federal Government in handling the economic crisis in Nigeria has had a ripple effect on the efforts of the Governor.

Socio-economic issues mismanaged by FG has affected virtually all states, including Osun. The entire country now grapples with high rates of poverty, unemployment, and insecurity, demanding extra efforts from governors.

In addition, the several years of maladministration by the ousted APC government in Osun and the vast damage done to the system by its leadership will take some time to fix. Backlog of wages and pension owed workers and retirees are currently being cleared despite financial constraints and Osun State’s limited resources.

Governor Adeleke also faces opposition from within and outside his party, threatening his vision for the state.

-The Need for Continuity-

Governor Adeleke’s re-election is crucial for Osun State’s continued growth in all spheres of the society.

It is evident through the accolades he continues to receive that his second term will enable him to consolidate on his achievements, complete ongoing projects and implement new initiatives for sustainable development.

Continuity is essential to ensure that the governor’s vision for Osun State is realized, and the state’s transformation drive is not derailed.

Governor Ademola Adeleke’s awards and achievements are a testament to his dedication to Osun State’s development. However, the challenges he faces highlight the need for continuity and support.

As the state looks to the future, it is essential to recognize the importance of leadership stability and the need to build on the progress made so far.

Governor Adeleke’s high performance rating by labour leaders for excellent delivery of governance, strides concerning workers’ welfare, his provision of potable borehole water in each of the 333 wards, construction of 20km of roads across board, reform and expansion of the creative sector of the state economy, covering tourism, entertainment, and craft sub-sectors etc are all efforts designed to rejuvenate every sector of Osun.

Governor Adeleke’s re-election is vital for Osun State’s continued transformation. His second term will enable him to consolidate on his achievements, complete ongoing projects and implement new initiatives for sustainable development

His second term is essential to build on his accomplishments and ensure the state’s continued growth and prosperity. Osun State residents must keep supporting him to guarantee a brighter future.