Osun: Gov Adeleke Lists Infrastructural Development, Improved Internal Revenue As Achievement In His Three Years

By Ayodele Oni

Osun state Governor, Ademola Adeleke has revealed that his administration, has within three years, transformed the economy of the state in a way that people now feel impact of government in all areas.

Adeleke, in a broadcast to mark the three years of his administration on Friday listed infrastructural transformation of the state and improved internally generated revenue as some of his landmark achievements.

“We must remember the state of governance when we took over in 2022 – the non-payment of pensions and backlogs of half salaries;  over 80 percent infrastructure deficit; the very poor performance of our pupils in national examinations; the lack of access to health care; the corruption ridden mining sector; the neglect of science and technology innovation; the poor state of sports development; the lip service to agriculture; non-existence of cooperative empowerments; the abandonment of critical projects in our universities; and general climate of insensitive leadership to the yearnings and aspirations of the people.

“Three years later, the Osun story is positively different. From far and near, the turning around of Osun for the better is applauded. Osun has become a national reference point in the delivery of good governance and democratic dividends. We dedicate our sterling records of achievements to all cadres of Osun society.

“Financial transparency has become a defining feature of this administration. Osun State adopted the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), improved audit processes, and recovered millions of naira in over-payments to retirees.

“These measures have tightened fiscal control, curbed waste, and places accountability at the heart of public governance. Our administration has restored integrity, stability, and hope for Osun’s public service.

“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 crafted a preventive health care agenda that targeted primary health care access as a starting point for secondary and tertiary health care. This ensures a generally healthy population. We implemented the plans with high level of success.

“Amidst inherited mismanagement of 20 million dollar primary health care grant by the previous administration, we executed the comprehensive rehabilitation of over 200 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) spread across the state’s 30 local government areas and area office.

“The renovation drive covered structural upgrades, installation of clean water systems, proper fencing, roofing repairs, furnishing, and improvement of sanitation facilities.

“We also installed solar-powered energy systems in the renovated PHCs. Another rehabilitation of close 200 primary health care centres is currently ongoing.

“Furthermore, our administration revitalized the Osun Health Insurance Scheme (OHIS) with increased coverage of under-served population.

“Specifically, I ordered the enrolment of the pensioners under the state insurance scheme (OHIS). This singular action eased the burden of our senior citizens. It is on record that the Federal Government has introduced similar measures in some federal sectors.

“Our Imole Free surgical scheme implemented across the nine federal constituencies till date has over 70, 000 beneficiaries. Our Secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities have also experienced visible improvements. Two General Hospitals have been approved for upgrade.

“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.”