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I Have Delivered Across All Sectors – Adeleke Chides Critics
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The Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, on Sunday took a swipe at critics of his administration, declaring that his performance in the last three years speaks for him.
In statement made available to newsmen by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke challenged those questioning his governance style to assess him on the strength of his record and achievements rather than perceptions or political bias.
He stressed that his administration has demonstrated competence and capacity to keep steering the state forward.
He said, “Governance is about making a direct positive impact on the lives of the people. Your delivery as a governor is the best judge of your performance and capacity to lead. Judge me on my records, outputs and agenda as a governor. That is the best globally accepted parameters to measure leadership.
“My people, I have delivered across sectors in the last three years. I positively touched all sectors and federal constituencies. My records affirm and validate my capacity and competence to continue to lead our dear state.
“When we came on board in late 2022, Ijesaland was being plundered without accountability. There was an inglorious rape of the land actively aided by the government of the time. Environmental degradation caused by illegal mining was so pervasive that the underground water across Ijesaland was declared polluted. Illegal mining was not just the challenge; the revenue flow from the mining sector was then to private pockets rather than the state treasury.
“Our administration launched a mining sector reform. Today, Osun shareholding within the Segilola Gold Project is secured. Concerted war is being waged on illegal mining. Environmental cleaning up is now a continuous exercise. We launched a river clean up project manned by tested professionals.
“The Ilesa Water project, which was a center of corruption under the previous government, was reviewed and anti-corruption measures yielded positive results. A project meant to provide water supply to Ijesa people was turned into a channel of self-enrichment by some people from this land. Today, the contract for the water project has been cleaned up and the project is set to continue after processing by the Islamic Development Bank.
“Beyond several infrastructure projects already executed across this great land, the late Adimula made two requests from me when I was campaigning for the governorship. By the grace of God, we have delivered and even exceeded the demands of our late father.
“The first demand was the dualisation of Ereja palace junction to brewery junction. We have completed the dualisation. Solar street lights are installed. The second demand was for the University of Ilesa. With application of due process and support of men and women of good will, University of Ilesa is now a reality. We ensured local content by appointing an experienced Ijesha academian as a Vice Chancellor. We also ensured that the Chairman of the governing council is another proud Ijesaman.
“Today, the University of Ilesa has close to 100 accredited courses. Our government is upgrading and expanding internal infrastructure to ensure a conducive learning environment.
“Our government has a huge dose of Ijesa appointees in key areas of responsibilities. The commissioners for agriculture, environment, Health, local governments and cooperative empowerment are from Ijesaland. Several advisers and other senior appointees were appointed from this great land. They are change agents, proudly representing the interest of ijesaland and the state at large. Ijesa people are at the heart of our government.
“Ilesa is a land of entrepreneurs. How can we forget the thriving entrepreneurs like the Omole dynasty. In pursuit of business which Ijesa people are best known for, we are partnering with the Palace of Adimula on a holistic industrialization agenda. Our imperial majesty is making his wealth of experience, contacts and resources available to the government in a renewed public private partnership. This is to fast track the industrial development of this great land of entrepreneurs.
“I have a beautiful blueprint to take Ijesaland and her people to new heights. We have innovative ideas never dreamt of in the past. As a trade and commerce dominated people, transport connectivity is a major need of Ijesa people. I am happy to report that Osun’s upcoming airport has a leg in an area of Ijesaland. This will boost commerce and enhance trade.
“In the near future and in partnership with Ijesa sons and daughters, linking Ilesa and Ile Ife with the national railway line within Osun state is a strong possibility. This will provide freight haulage opportunities for enterprising and industrious ijesa people. When combined with a nearby international cargo airport, the Osun East senatorial district will thrive as an industrial hub for Osun state”, the governor told ijesa monarchs, chiefs and elites.
“I call on you all to renew your dedication to our joint mission of taking our dear state to a new, greater height. We must not allow political and developmental setbacks to afflict us again.”
