05/12/2024 – OSOGBO

The Governor of Osun State, Senator Nurudeen Jackson Ademola Adeleke, today distributed N250 million (N250,000,000) in microcredit cheques to various beneficiaries across the state at the foundation-laying ceremony of the Osun Micro Credit Agency’s office complex. The event took place at the agency’s permanent site in Oranmiyan New Town, behind the State Secretariat, Abeere, Osun State.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Teslim Igbalaye, the Governor emphasized the importance of the occasion, describing it as a “new chapter” for the agency, which has been instrumental in providing accessible credit to citizens across the state. The Governor also addressed the long-standing issue of the agency operating from rented premises, calling it unacceptable. He pledged to expedite the completion of the new office complex, assuring that the project would be finished sooner than initially projected. The Medium-Term Sector Strategy (MTSS) had set 2027 as the expected completion date, but Adeleke vowed to fast-track the development using all necessary resources.

“For over a decade, it is disheartening to note that an agency as critical as the Osun Micro Credit Agency has operated from rented premises. This reality is both unacceptable and a reflection of the neglect and complacency we inherited. However, we are here today to rewrite that story and restore hope to this agency and the people it serves,” the Governor stated.

“Our administration is committed to improving the lives of the people of Osun State,” he added, highlighting that the office complex was only one of many projects slated for completion by 2025.

The N250 million funding boost for the Osun Micro Credit Agency includes a N200 million injection into the agency’s working capital, with N50 million specifically allocated for new applicants and beneficiaries. This funding is part of the administration’s broader effort to empower small businesses and drive economic growth in the state.

Addressing the beneficiaries of the microcredit loans, Adeleke urged them to use the funds prudently to grow their businesses and contribute to the state’s economic development. The loans come with favorable repayment terms, offering a 12-month tenor at an annual interest rate of 9%, making it one of the most affordable loan options in the country. The loans are revolving, ensuring that others can access credit as well.

“To the beneficiaries of these funds, I urge you to use the resources wisely to grow your businesses and create lasting value. As you know, these loans are revolving in nature, and timely repayment is essential to ensure others also benefit,” Adeleke stated.

The Governor also encouraged individuals, cooperative groups, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the Osun Micro Credit Agency. He assured the people of Osun that his administration is committed to driving the state’s economic growth through these initiatives.

Despite criticism from opposition parties, the Governor reiterated his administration’s resolve to continue working for the benefit of the people. “The people of Osun have seen the light,” he said, adding that the state’s progress would not be hindered by detractors. He called on the people to continue supporting his government beyond 2026 for sustained growth and development.

Signed:
Kehinde Adeoye,
Special Assistant on Media to the Secretary to the Osun State Government.

PROTOCOLS

It is with gratitude to God and the universe that I warmly welcome you to this commissioning event. This is another key milestone in our administration’s drive to upgrade the capital city of Osun State.

I appreciate the presence of my dear brother, Governor Seyi Makinde, to witness the outcome of good governance in the state of the living spring. Today’s gathering is another manifestation of the strong bond of brotherhood between Oyo and Osun states. Your Excellency, welcome to the cradle of Yoruba race, Osun state.

I must also pay tribute to my brother, former Governor Rauf Aregbesola. His administration started the Osogbo Ring Road project before it was abandoned by the previous government. Today, Ogbeni Aregbesola must be happy at the final completion of the project.

At the inception of our administration, I had promised my God and the people of Osun state that I would not abandon projects inherited from my predecessors. It is my considered view that public projects are public assets which must not be wasted on the altar of political vendetta. I followed my conviction by directing my team to compile a list of all abandoned projects and submit a plan of completion.

Based on the plan of action, our administration has completed several projects across the sectors. In under 100 days, we completed the Osogbo – Ikirun road dualisation with full solar street lights. It has been open to use since then. We expanded the inherited reconstruction of Iwo – Osogbo road to include dualisation of a major internal road inside Iwo. We completed several abandoned projects inside Osun State University including the one at Isale Osun which was neglected for almost eleven years.

Aside from our resolve to complete inherited projects, the road we are about to commission has important significance for the economic well being and safety of our people. Before our assumption of office, we had reports of multiple fatal accidents and traffic gridlock on this road. Many voters actually demanded completion of the road during our electioneering campaign.

I thank God that today we fulfill our promises to the people of our dear State. The completion of the dualisation within record time has expanded economic growth of the capital city. It will save our people from untimely death and injuries.

I must however advise against reckless driving and breaching of driving safety protocols. We are recording increasing accidents on many freshly completed roads due to over – speeding and one way driving. I appeal to road users to be safety conscious.

I am therefore directing security agencies and road safety authorities to enforce safety codes on our brand new roads. The Ministry of Works should also consider the possibility of constructing speed breakers where necessary. We must secure our people as we are providing better roads and services across the sectors.

As I earlier promised our people, the commissioning of several completed projects continues to mark our two years in office. From over 150 kilometers of completed roads, the commissioning crew moves to Iresi town next week to be followed by other towns.

I reassure Osun people that our administration will not relent in our desire to satisfy their developmental needs. We will not relent until our infrastructure is fixed and until collective prosperity is achieved in our dear state.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honour to invite my brother, Governor Seyi Makinde to commission this completed dualisation project.

I thank you for listening.

HE, GOVERNOR ADEMOLA ADELEKE,
DECEMBER 4TH, 2024.