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Osun @33: Adeleke Eulogises Founding Fathers, Calls For Solidarity
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has used the occasion of the 33rd anniversary of the creation of the state to pay tribute to the founding fathers and urged all to close ranks to build on already laid foundations.
He shared these views in a statewide broadcast on Tuesday August 26, 2024 to mark the 33rd anniversary of the state.
Gov Adeleke said, “as we celebrate our past, we must also look to the future. The journey ahead requires that we continue to work together irrespective of political affiliation in the spirit of unity and purpose that has brought us this far.”
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Full text of his broadcast below:
STATE BROADCAST ON THE 33RD ANNIVERSARY OF THE CREATION OF OSUN STATE BY HIS EXCELLENCY, ASIWAJU, SENATOR (DR.) ADEMOLA JACKSON NURUDEEN ADELEKE ON 27TH AUGUST, 2024.
Dear citizens of Osun State.
I am filled with immense pride and joy as I address you on the 33rd anniversary of the creation of our beloved Osun State. Today, we stand united in celebration of a journey that began three decades ago, a journey marked by determination, resilience, and a strong belief in our collective future.
On this day in 1991, our dream of having a state that we could call our own was realized. The creation of Osun State was a testament to the power of unity and the unwavering spirit of our people. It was the result of years of advocacy, sacrifice, and the courageous efforts of our founding fathers, who fought tirelessly for the recognition of our unique identity and aspirations.
Going down the memory lane, the struggle for the creation of Osun State started as early as 1950’s with a series of commissions of inquiry in the old Oyo State. And on August 27th, 1991, our state was carved out as a distinct entity from the old Oyo State with a vision for progress, unity, and prosperity.
33 years ago, the dream of a state that could stand tall and independent within the Nigerian federation became a reality. The creation of Osun State in 1991 was not merely a political event, but the fulfillment of the hopes and aspirations of our people. It was the result of years of unwavering commitment and sacrifice by those who believed that our unique cultural heritage, resources, and potential deserved recognition and development.
My dear people of Osun State, today marks a significant milestone in the history of our great state, a day of pride, reflection, and celebration for every son and daughter of this great land. Our state’s creation was a culmination of the aspirations and struggles of our people. The vision is the pathway and the guiding light into the future. This was what the founding fathers and the agitators for the creation of a state to be named “Osun” had in mind and did everything possible to realize the vision.
Today, we remember and honor those who championed the creation of Osun State, their labor was not in vain. They fought tirelessly, not for themselves, but for the future generation yet unborn. Their sacrifices remain the foundation upon which we stand today.
To these heroes, we owe our deepest gratitude and we are forever grateful to their resolve, advocating for a state where the voices of our people could be heard and their potentials fully harnessed.
We owe loads of gratitude to our founding royal fathers, politicians and activists such as the late Ooni of ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, late Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Oyewale Matanmi, late Orangun of Ila, Oba William Ayeni, Ariwajoye II, and other prominent traditional rulers to mention a few that played significant roles in the creation of the State.
The history will not be complete without mentioning some politicians and activists who fought tooth and nails to ensure successful creation of Osun State such as late Chief Bola Ige; late Senator Mojisoluwa Akinfenwa; my father, late Senator Raji Adeleke; Pa Samson Adeola Siyanbola; Chief Kolawole Balogun; Chief Aiyelaagbe Laogun; Professor Olu Aina; Alhaji Rasheed Igbalaye; Chief Bisi Akande; Dr. Olu Alabi; Alhaji Tunde Badmus (TUNS); Chief Gunju Adesakin; Hon. Jonathan O. Awofisayo; General Alani Akinrinade; Engineer Tunde Ponle; late Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke; and other prominent sons and daughters of the state, dead or alive. They are all honored and remembered. May their good work continue to live after them.
Good people of the State, in the 33 years since our state’s creation, we have faced both triumphs and challenges, but we have also made significant strides. Our state has grown in leaps and bounds, and we have every reason to be proud of our achievements. From the development of our infrastructure to the empowerment of our youth, from the preservation of our rich cultural heritage to the promotion of peace and security, Osun State has continued to evolve, becoming a model for other states in the Federation.
We have seen progress in education sector with renovation of schools across the State; expansion of healthcare access with complete renovation of 332 Primary Health Care Centers; infrastructure growth across the state with modern flyover across our urban centers; renewed attention to development of digital economy; transitioning to an agro industrialized economy; workers’ centered public service reform; revival of the agric sector; development of state energy legal and policy infrastructure; active support for students’ population; harnessing of state cultural and entertainment assets; integrated approach to youth development; refocusing of attention on sports development; empowerment of small businesses, cooperatives and artisans with operating funds; enforcement of local content in state governance; and ongoing payment of billions of naira in pension and half salary debt.
As we celebrate the birth of Osun State today, we must also look to the future with renewed determination, as the work of building a greater Osun is ongoing. It is a responsibility we all share. We must continue to pursue development with vigour and passion, ensuring that every citizen of this state benefits from the fruits of our labour.
Dear good people of Osun State, as we celebrate our past, we must also look to the future. The journey ahead requires that we continue to work together irrespective of political affiliation in the spirit of unity and purpose that has brought us this far. Our challenges are not insurmountable; they are opportunities for us to demonstrate our resilience, our innovation, and our commitment to building a prosperous state for all.
My fellow citizens, as we mark this 33rd anniversary, let us renew our pledge to contribute to the development of our state. Let us embrace the values of hard work, integrity, and community that have defined us as a people. Together, we can ensure that the Osun of tomorrow is even greater than the Osun of today.
As your Governor, I am committed to leading this charge with transparency, dedication, and accountability. As we all know that governance is a collective responsibility, I call on all of you—our traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil servants, artisans, farmers, and entrepreneurs — to continue to play your part in the development of our state. Together, we can make Osun a model of excellence and progress.
Today, let us renew our commitment to the vision that inspired the creation of Osun State. Let us continue to work towards a future where every citizen can thrive, where opportunities abound, and where the legacy of our founding fathers remains strong.
In the face of challenges, we must remain steadfast. Together, we can overcome any obstacle that stands in our way. Our strength lies in our unity, our diversity, and our shared vision for a prosperous and peaceful Osun State.
On this 33rd anniversary, I ask that we all take a moment to reflect on the journey so far and to recommit ourselves to the ideals of our founding fathers. Osun State is our home, and it is our collective duty to ensure it continues to thrive.
In closing, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to every citizen of Osun State. Your support, your contributions, and your unwavering belief in the potential of our state have been the driving force behind our progress. Let us continue to walk this path together, hand in hand, towards a brighter and more prosperous future.
Thank you for your continued support of our government.
Happy Anniversary to us all.
May God bless Osun State, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Thank you.
As part of efforts to address the long-standing plight of retired civil servants, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has approved the payment of outstanding gratuities dating back to 2012.
According to a government house statement on Monday, the state government has, therefore, commenced the disbursement of N1 billion as the first batch of payments, fulfilling a commitment to clear the backlog inherited from previous administrations.
Gov Okpebholo emphasized his administration’s resolve to prioritize the welfare of retired civil servants who have dedicated their years of service to the state.
He noted that “For over a decade, many of our retirees have suffered due to the non-payment of their gratuities. This administration is putting an end to that hardship. I have approved the release of N1 billion for the first phase of payments, and we will not rest until all outstanding entitlements are cleared.”
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The Governor reiterated that his administration is committed to restoring the dignity of pensioners by ensuring that they receive their due benefits without further delay.
“We recognize the sacrifices made by our retirees, and it is unacceptable that they have had to wait this long for what is rightfully theirs. Our administration will not only clear these arrears but will also put measures in place to ensure such delays do not happen in the future,” Gov Okpebholo added.
He reaffirmed that his administration’s goal is to clear all outstanding gratuities in phases, ensuring that retirees enjoy the fruits of their labour.
The Governor further assured that the disbursement process will be transparent and fair, with pensioners receiving payments in batches based on a structured verification process.
“This is just the beginning. We will not abandon our pensioners. We are determined to ensure that those who served Edo State diligently are treated with the respect and care they deserve,” he concluded.
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its support for the rights of Nigerian citizens, especially young people, to stage protests and express their dissatisfaction with pressing national issues.
However, it cautioned that such actions must remain peaceful and must not result in the destruction of public infrastructure.
Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, made this known in Abuja on Monday in response to recent youth-led protests across parts of the country.
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“Everyone has the right to protest. In fact, if I had the time, I would join the protest myself. There is freedom of expression for all. The young people who are protesting have valid reasons, they see certain issues and feel the need to speak up,” Olawande said.
While backing the right to demonstrate, the minister emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and order during such actions.
He warned that any attempt to damage national infrastructure under the guise of protest would not be tolerated.
“However, while exercising this right, let it not escalate into something else. We will not allow anyone to destroy the infrastructural developments that support our economy and the progress we’ve made in this country,” he stated.
He further urged protesters to express their concerns in ways that do not obstruct public movement or endanger lives, suggesting that peaceful advocacy is more effective and likely to attract genuine attention from authorities.
“Yes, you have the right to speak, to come out and make your voice heard even to stand by the roadside but do not block the roads. Find a peaceful way to express your concerns; people will listen. If I have the opportunity, I’ll be there to speak with them as well.”
Olawande assured that the government is not opposed to demonstrations, but stressed that such activities must be carried out with a sense of responsibility and respect for public property.
“Protesting is a normal part of any society, and we are here to listen. No government is saying you shouldn’t protest but there must be limits and a sense of responsibility,” he added.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, is of the view that a wave of massive defections will soon hit opposition political parties in the South-South zone ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections.
He bared his mind over the weekend at a special reception in his honour at Ewatto, Esan South East local government area of Edo State after his victory at the election petition tribunal ruling.
He expressed gratitude to Edo people for their support, prayers, and counting him worthy to lead the State and assured the people that Edo would progress and develop under his watch.
In his words, “The people of Edo State will not regret voting me as their Governor. I am happy today that l am in a winning party. A party that was rejected by all and now has become the party that everybody wants to join. APC has come to stay as the government at the center is APC.
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“Very soon, there will be a lot of defections into the APC. People will move and cross carpet from PDP, LP and other opposition parties into the APC and that will be the beginning of South South keying into the reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Today, I am happy and proud to say that I am a son to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I am also proud to say I carry uncommon grace and uncommon transformation which I am already using to transform and develop Edo State.
“Words that come out of my mouth are prophetic and i am using these words to develop Edo State. My administration is working to ensure motorable roads and reducing traveling time for our people.
“Our development is also covering other neighboring States because South South must speak with one voice as we approach 2027.”
He had kind words for the royal fathers.
“I want to use this opportunity to appreciate our royal fathers for their support and prayers. I also appreciate Edo people for finding me worthy to cast their votes for me on September 21st governorship election in Edo State.
“It is not easy to run two elections in a year and win the two offices. I give God the glory. I am not the talking type and never interested in politics, but really want to develop Edo State.
“In 2021, we looked for an Esan man that would contest for Senate and we did not find any one who wanted to contest under the All Progressives Congress (APC) as everyone wanted to contest under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“The drive to contest came in 2022 when some people came to appeal to me to contest for the Senate and our discussion became an eye opener which led me into contesting for the Senate seat.
“I lost a beloved sister due to bad water which she consumed and I vowed to ensure good water is available across the State.
“I am really going to ensure good water runs in Edo State. Our development will not just be roads, schools, healthcare, providing the people with good drinking water across the State.”
The Governor and his entourage visited the place of the Onojie of Ewatto, HRH Osagie Sylvanus Ikhumen I, who was joined by other traditional rulers from Edo Central who received the Governor and prayed for the success of his administration.
He also inspected Chief Lee Ikpea’s Medical Center, Idumuiyase, Ewatto, where he was taken round the facility of the hospital, which is yet to be completed by the donor, Dr. Lemon Ikpea.
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