In a resolute move to strengthen governance and accelerate the delivery of democratic dividends, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has issued a series of directives to members of the State Executive Council (SEC). During a pivotal SEC meeting held on Friday, September 12, 2025, the Governor tasked cabinet members with prioritizing the implementation of key policies, including those related to electricity, information and communication technology (ICT), infrastructure, agriculture, sports, and local governance. These directives underscore his administration’s commitment to transformative governance despite prevailing challenges. The Governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, released a detailed statement outlining the outcomes of the meeting, emphasizing the administration’s focus on actionable outcomes and measurable progress.
Governor Adeleke’s charge to his cabinet was clear: there must be no relenting in the delivery of democratic dividends to the people of Osun State. He acknowledged the challenges facing the state but reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to fulfill its obligations, particularly in critical areas of governance. “Despite the challenges facing us, we are fulfilling our obligations, especially in critical areas of governance,” the Governor was quoted as saying. This statement reflects his determination to maintain momentum in delivering on campaign promises and improving the quality of life for residents.
Infrastructure Development: A Cornerstone of Progress
One of the key areas of focus during the SEC meeting was the ongoing infrastructure projects across Osun State. Governor Adeleke commended the Ministry of Works for its efforts in advancing critical infrastructure initiatives. He noted that projects such as the Ilesa dualization, the Ile Ife flyover, the Oke Fia/Lameco flyovers, and the Iwo dualization are progressing according to schedule. These projects are central to the administration’s vision of enhancing connectivity, easing transportation, and stimulating economic growth in the state.
The Ilesa dualization project, for instance, is a significant undertaking aimed at improving road infrastructure in one of Osun’s major towns. By expanding and upgrading the road network, the administration seeks to reduce traffic congestion, enhance safety, and boost commercial activities in the region. Similarly, the Ile Ife flyover and the Oke Fia/Lameco flyovers are designed to address longstanding traffic bottlenecks in urban centers, ensuring smoother vehicular movement and improved urban aesthetics.
The Iwo dualization project is another flagship initiative, aimed at transforming the town’s road infrastructure to support its growing population and economic activities. Governor Adeleke emphasized the need for the Ministry of Works to maintain its pace and ensure timely completion of these projects. He urged the ministry to continue collaborating with relevant stakeholders, including contractors and local communities, to address any challenges that may arise during the execution phase.
Electricity Policy: Powering Osun’s Future
A significant highlight of the SEC meeting was the Governor’s directive on the implementation of the State Electricity Market Law, recently passed by the Osun State House of Assembly. This legislation represents a bold step toward improving the state’s energy sector, which is critical to economic development and improving the quality of life for residents. The law is designed to enhance the state’s control over its electricity market, ensuring a more reliable and efficient power supply.
Governor Adeleke directed the Commissioner for Energy to develop a comprehensive implementation plan for the new law. This plan is expected to outline clear timelines, strategies, and milestones for achieving the objectives of the legislation. Additionally, the Governor instructed the Commissioner to seek supportive assistance from the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). This collaboration is crucial for aligning Osun’s electricity policy with national standards and securing technical and financial support to ensure its success.
By prioritizing the electricity sector, the Adeleke administration aims to address one of the most pressing challenges facing businesses and households in Osun State: unreliable power supply. Improved electricity access is expected to stimulate industrial growth, attract investment, and enhance the productivity of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Governor’s proactive approach to this issue demonstrates his commitment to creating an enabling environment for economic prosperity.
Addressing Local Governance Challenges
Governor Adeleke also turned his attention to local governance, issuing a directive to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to address a concerning situation in Ipetumodu. The recent conviction and imprisonment of the town’s traditional ruler in the United States has raised questions about the leadership and governance structure in the community. The Governor described the development as “ugly” and urged the Commissioner to take immediate action to stabilize the situation and ensure continuity in local governance.
This directive reflects the administration’s commitment to upholding the integrity of traditional institutions while addressing any disruptions that may affect community cohesion. The Commissioner is expected to engage with relevant stakeholders, including community leaders and residents, to find a sustainable resolution to the issue. By addressing this matter promptly, the administration aims to maintain trust in traditional leadership and prevent any potential unrest in Ipetumodu.
Advancing Science, Technology, and Innovation
The Ministry of Science and Innovations received significant attention during the SEC meeting, with Governor Adeleke emphasizing the importance of fast-tracking the implementation of two recently endorsed policies: the State ICT Policy and the State Tech Innovation Policy. These policies are designed to position Osun State as a hub for technological advancement and innovation in Nigeria.
The State ICT Policy aims to enhance digital infrastructure, promote digital literacy, and integrate technology into governance and public service delivery. By creating a robust ICT ecosystem, the administration seeks to improve access to information, streamline government processes, and empower citizens through technology. The State Tech Innovation Policy, on the other hand, focuses on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly among young people, by providing support for startups, tech hubs, and research initiatives.
Governor Adeleke commended the Ministry of Science and Innovations for the recent launch of the Imole Wi-Fi Initiative, a program designed to provide free internet access in strategic locations across the state. This initiative is a critical component of the administration’s digital inclusion agenda, ensuring that residents, particularly students and young entrepreneurs, have access to the internet for education, business, and personal development.
In addition to commending the ministry’s efforts, the Governor issued a forward-looking directive for the development of a state roadmap for the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Blockchain technology. These emerging technologies have the potential to revolutionize various sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, and governance. By investing in AI and Blockchain, Osun State aims to stay ahead of the curve in technological innovation, creating new opportunities for economic growth and job creation.
Agricultural Transformation through Youth Empowerment
Agriculture, a cornerstone of Osun State’s economy, was another key focus of the Governor’s directives. He called for urgent action to fully implement the Statewide Youth Agropreneurship Project, which was launched in Oriade. This initiative is designed to engage young people in agricultural entrepreneurship, providing them with the training, resources, and support needed to succeed in agribusiness.
The Governor directed the Ministry of Agriculture to dust off its implementation plan and ensure that the program is rolled out across all local governments in the state. By empowering young people to participate in agriculture, the administration aims to address youth unemployment, boost food security, and drive rural development. The Youth Agropreneurship Project is expected to create a new generation of farmers and agribusiness leaders who will contribute to the state’s economic diversification and resilience.
Sports Development: Building a Vibrant Ecosystem
Sports development also featured prominently in the Governor’s directives, with a call for urgent action on several legislative proposals. Governor Adeleke instructed the relevant ministry to work closely with the Osun State House of Assembly to fast-track the passage of bills for the establishment of the Osun Sports Commission, the Police Trust Fund, and the Osun Sports Development Fund.
The Osun Sports Commission is envisioned as a dedicated body to oversee the development of sports in the state, promoting talent identification, training, and infrastructure development. The Police Trust Fund and the Osun Sports Development Fund are expected to provide the financial resources needed to support sports initiatives and ensure the security of sporting events.
By prioritizing sports development, the administration aims to harness the potential of Osun’s youth, promote healthy lifestyles, and position the state as a hub for sporting excellence. The Governor’s directive to expedite the legislative process underscores his commitment to creating a vibrant sports ecosystem that benefits both athletes and the broader community.
Preparing for the 2026 Gubernatorial Elections
As Osun State approaches the 2026 gubernatorial elections, Governor Adeleke emphasized the importance of data-driven governance. He called for the generation of comprehensive statistics and data on the administration’s performance across various sectors of the state’s economy. “As we move towards the election period, we need statistics and data on our performance across various sectors of the state economy. We should start to generate our governance data,” the Governor stated.
He directed the state agency responsible for statistics and data to adopt modern best practices in data collection and analysis. This directive is aimed at ensuring that the administration can effectively communicate its achievements to the electorate and make informed decisions based on accurate and reliable data. By prioritizing governance data, Governor Adeleke seeks to enhance transparency, accountability, and evidence-based policymaking.
A Vision for Transformative Governance
Governor Adeleke’s directives during the SEC meeting reflect a comprehensive and forward-looking vision for Osun State. By addressing critical areas such as infrastructure, electricity, local governance, technology, agriculture, sports, and data-driven governance, the administration is laying the foundation for sustainable development and improved quality of life for residents.
The emphasis on policy implementation demonstrates the Governor’s commitment to translating plans into tangible outcomes. His call for collaboration with national bodies like the NERC and the State House of Assembly highlights the importance of partnerships in achieving the administration’s goals. Moreover, the focus on emerging technologies like AI and Blockchain positions Osun State as a forward-thinking region ready to embrace the opportunities of the digital age.
As the administration continues to navigate challenges, including economic constraints and local governance issues, Governor Adeleke’s proactive leadership and clear directives provide a roadmap for progress. The SEC meeting serves as a testament to his administration’s determination to deliver on its promises and build a brighter future for Osun State.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Governor Ademola Adeleke’s directives to the State Executive Council underscore his administration’s commitment to transformative governance. By prioritizing infrastructure, electricity, technology, agriculture, sports, and data-driven decision-making, the Governor is addressing the diverse needs of Osun State’s residents. His call for urgent action and collaboration reflects a sense of purpose and determination to overcome challenges and deliver democratic dividends. As Osun State moves toward the 2026 gubernatorial elections, the administration’s focus on measurable progress and innovative policies will likely shape its legacy and influence the state’s development trajectory for years to come.
