STATE BROADCAST ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE CREATION OF OSUN STATE

My good people of Osun state

It is with deep sense of gratitude and appreciation that I address you on this occasion of the 35th anniversary of the creation of our dear state. When I look back and review the past and recent developments, I cannot but applaud the commitment and unrivalled passion of our people for the growth and development of Osun state.

I recognise the pains and sacrifices of our people in the last few months. We all recognise the unfortunate disruptions in our lives due to the recent governorship election. In many fora, I empathize with many families who lost loved ones. Your sacrifices and those of many who were injured will not go in vain.

My people, you demonstrated tenacious belief in democracy and the rule of law. For over two years now, you complied with my admonition not to take laws into your own hands. Even in the face of the worst form of provocations, you endured the gruesome unleashing of violence without fighting back.

On the day of election, you trooped out en masse to exercise your voting rights. You did so with candour and fearlessness. Amidst reign of terror, you rejected the guns and embraced the ballot. As true sons and daughters of the source, you not only voted but you defended your votes even at personal risk to your lives. Again, I doff my cap for your courage and patriotism.

Of all developments in the last 35 years of the creation of our dear state, this last state election stands out as the toughest test of who we are as a people. By your conduct and the outcome of the polls, Osun people demonstrated to the world that we are indeed the cradle of the Yoruba race, that we are people of valour and integrity. Nationally, my people have emerged as a shining light for democratic practice.

Our founding fathers must be proud of the accomplishments of the state especially at this point in time. By standing for democracy through pains and hardship, our people paid glowing tributes to the founding fathers of Osun state, alive and in eternal transition. Our recent experience as a state is not only a defence of democracy but of good governance and rule of law.

My people, as you have again conferred the leadership mandate on me under recent difficult circumstances, I promise to heal the wounds, unite the people and uphold equity and fairness. Our administration will be all inclusive and attentive to criticisms in our bid to strengthen state development.

We will build on our achievements on state infrastructure, digital economy, sports development, agricultural mechanisation, education and healthcare expansion. The youth, women and students will continue to receive special attention. We will expand industrialisation within the scope of workers’ welfare. Our state will witness particular attention to rural integrated development alongside a renewed focus on ease of doing business. We will focus more on creating wealth and deepening anti- poverty initiatives.

We will continue to implement our renewed five point agenda within the compass of due process, procurement regulations and project implementation best practices. We will further refine the adoption of the local content model while expanding financial inclusion through cooperative sector financing.

As we celebrate the anniversary of the creation of our dear state, I urge all residents to be law abiding and avoid violence. We must not engage in reprisal attacks. Our administration is setting up a Commission of Inquiry on election violence. The body will take memorandum from all victims and residents who are affected by recent electoral violence. This initiative is to identify the causes and remedies and proffer ways to stop such recurrence in the future.

Our administration has also set up an election victim compensation fund headed by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun. This initiative is to cushion the effect of the recent needless violence.

On this anniversary day, we have a lot to be proud of despite our challenges. I seek your continued cooperation to further deliver good governance. I will work harder never to disappoint you, the great people of Osun state.

Happy Anniversary celebrations
Long live Osun State
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.