The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has congratulated the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye, on the auspicious occasion of his birthday, hailing him as an exceptional administrator, whose experience and commitment has made much difference in the implementation of the administration’s objectives for the people.
Governor Ademola Adeleke has re-asserted the positive effect of his administration on all sectors of Osun society, stating that Osun and its people have been experiencing impactful governance in the last three years.
Governor Ademola Adeleke has commiserated with the opposition, All Progressive Congress (APC) over the transition of its former state chairman, Adegboyega Famodun, praying to God to grant the family and the opposition the strength to bear the loss.
Our administration operates a disciplined, transparent, innovative and forward-looking public finance agenda. The goal includes blocking leakages, expanding revenue inflows, efficient management of state debt, harnessing of revenue opportunities and complying with best practices in public finance management.
We have recorded substantial achievements in this sector. We restored fiscal stability, strengthened revenue performance, and renewed public confidence that government can be both accountable and visionary.
One of the most standout achievements is the almost 94 percent growth in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) within a year. This means a growth from Twenty-Seven Million plus (N27.72bn) in 2023 to Fifty-Four Billion plus (N54.7bn) in 2024. This was a product of carefully designed reforms that reshaped the way Osun manages its finances.
The reforms we introduced include Tax Harmonization which streamline the tax structure and eliminate duplication. Others include Digitization of Revenue Collection; and Enforcement and Compliance. Our administration also ensures substantial reduction of the state’s debt profile,
Osun Domestic Debt was reduced from One Hundred and Forty Eight Billion plus (₦148.37 billion) in December 2022 to Eighty Three Billion plus (₦83.32 billion ) by early 2025, a staggering ₦65 billion drop of 43.84%.
Osun External Debt was lowered from Ninety One million plus dollars ($91.78 million) to Seventy Five million dollar plus ($75.14 million), a $16 million plus reduction of 18.13%.
Under my watch, fiscal discipline is a promise kept.
We all remember the neglected state of the Osun Tech sector as at 2022. As at then, Osun state has no ICT policy. Our administration has introduced the State ICT policy now under implementation. As of 2022, Osun has no Tech innovation policy. Our government has developed and delivered the Osun State Tech Innovation Policy also under implementation. We started the fibre optics broadband project which is presently under review for sustainability. Osun domesticated the National Start up Act to enhance development and empowerment of Tech entrepreneurs and local tech hubs for thriving innovations and collective prosperity. Osun was the second state to so domesticate the law. Our government increased goggle mapping coverage of Osun from below 50 percent then to over 60 percent. Presently, a digital economy advisory board composed of leading lights of the Nigerian tech sector has been inaugurated to drive delivery of a tech prosperous Osun state.
Our administration inherited a neglected agricultural sector where the previous government, for instance, seemed to mistake the ceremonial distribution of cassava stem for meaningful agricultural development. Our administration crafted and delivered an agricultural plan which conformed with our plans for agro-industrialisation.
Our immediate action was the revival of some long-abandoned tractors which had been left to rot. After twelve years without tractors in Osun State, we acquired 31 brand new tractors. Those tractors are now in farms across Osun state at highly subsidized rates of #20,000 per acre as against #35,000 – #40,000 per acres in the private sector.
Aside mechanization, we ensured regular availability of seeds, seedlings and agronomic inputs such as fertilizers and chemicals. Over 200,000 hybrid cashew and cocoa seedlings have been distributed to farmers across the state.
Our administration further introduced an aggressive subsidy initiative for high-value crop seedlings. The cocoa and palm oil sectors, received a new lease of life. I approved the sale of cocoa pods at a subsidized rate of #300 far below the market price of #1,100. Similarly, palm pods were sold to farmers at #500 instead of the #1,500 market rate. Through the Osun Broiler Out-growers Production Scheme (OBOPS), hundreds of poultry farmers were empowered with chicks, feeds, and technical support.
Our administration inherited an education sector in deep state of neglect with very low national examinations rating. To revive the sector, our government targeted fundamental reforms. We spotlighted two key areas namely teachers’ welfare and school infrastructure upgrade. We rehabilitated 120 schools across the state. Similar numbers are also currently under upgrade to enhance the learning environment for pupils. At Osun State University, the completion of a 52-unit complex has increased lecture and administrative space, strengthening the university’s capacity to serve a growing student body. Five other abandoned projects were completed by our administration.
At the University of Ilesa, we made it a reality by releasing take off grant and getting over 100 courses accredited for the university. We are currently constructing the campus infrastructure. The construction of the first-ever student hostel has eased accommodation challenges, while the regularization of temporary staff into permanent roles has boosted morale and stability within the institution.
Our administration also invested heavily in teachers’ development such as training programs on modern teaching techniques. Teachers’ welfare is at the zenith as attested to the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT). Regular payment of entitlements and others benefits of teachers raises their morale. Our reforms and policies have ensured Osun movement from number 33 to number 7 on the national examination rating.
Our government also introduced the Government–Alumni Partnership Board. We intend to rigorously implement the initiative to strengthen public private partnership in our school development.
Aside school upgrade and teacher welfare, our government has restored bursaries for tertiary students after years of neglect by previous administration. The state government under my watch restored the payment of bursaries to indigenes enrolled in the Nigerian Law School.
The results are unmistakable. Under our leadership, Osun surged from 33rd place to 7th nationally in WAEC and NECO rankings. Beyond examinations, Osun students have taken their talents to the world stage, representing Nigeria at the World Debate Day in Malaysia.
To strengthen the education sector, our government is navigating the externally imposed financial constraints. In due course, we will release appointment letters for new teachers to address personnel shortages in our schools.
When I assumed office in 2022, the Osun infra deficit was above eighty percent. Today, we have reduced the infra deficit by over 50 percent. This makes Osun one of the fastest growing states in road connectivity. Our administration focused on infra upgrade because it is the smartest route to economic development.
My good people of Osun state, today marks three years of my assumption of office as your governor. I start by expressing our deep appreciation for your strong support from the beginning till date despite all the challenges. We are eternally grateful to the people and residents of Osun state for their understanding and appreciation of our achievements in the last three years.
Osun State Security Council has met again to review and draft new service wide security measures to protect lives and properties from local and external threats.
