Osun voters have given Ademola Adeleke another four years in office. Now, it’s time for him to deliver on that trust by creating better job opportunities, strengthening institutions, driving economic transformation, and ensuring that governance reaches every corner of the state. TOYE FALEYE writes that a second-term mandate shouldn’t be seen as a political blank check; instead, it’s a commitment to complete the work, address any shortcomings, and leave Osun in a better state than he found it.
Election Is over, The Real Work Begins.
Governor Ademola Adeleke has secured another four years in Osun, marking a pivotal moment. But what truly matters is what he does next. The people have made their choice. They’ve renewed his mandate, and with that comes a heightened sense of responsibility.
His first term was about demonstrating his ability to govern; the second must focus on showcasing the true value of that governance.
Adeleke garnered 511,067 votes, defeating Bola Oyebamiji, who received 444,815 votes, giving him a margin of 66,252 votes. He triumphed in 19 out of the state’s 30 local government areas.
This significant victory provides him with genuine political strength. However, he must not let that lead to complacency.
The most straightforward interpretation of the results isn’t that Osun has granted him a free pass for another four years.
Instead, it’s that voters recognize the progress made and are willing to give him the opportunity to achieve even more.
This distinction matters. Adeleke’s second term should focus on transforming that goodwill into something enduring.
The Governor Has Already Set The Stage
Interestingly, Adeleke has shared his vision for this next chapter. In an interview following his victory, he mentioned his goal of transitioning Osun from a primarily civil-service economy to a more industrial one.
This is definitely the right path. Osun can’t rely solely on salaries and federal funding to shape its future. With a youthful population, a robust agricultural sector, an expanding education system, and a vibrant cultural identity, the state needs a thriving economy that generates real job opportunities.
The true measure of this second term won’t be the number of projects launched, but whether young people can secure good jobs without having to leave the state. That’s the benchmark he’ll be evaluated against.
From Roads to Real Economic Vitality
During his first term, there was a strong focus on roads and physical infrastructure. The administration has highlighted the construction of hundreds of kilometers of roads, urban renewal initiatives, and bridge projects.
While that work should certainly continue, the pressing question now is: what do these roads actually lead to?
A road shouldn’t just be a backdrop for a photo opportunity. If it connects a farming community to a market, the government needs to consider what happens along that route—like storage, processing, transportation, and production.
If it opens up a burgeoning town, then essential services like drainage, electricity, water, housing, and transport must follow suit.
If it alleviates traffic in a city, then the surrounding areas should be developed for business and growth. The focus now needs to shift from merely building infrastructure to fostering economies around that infrastructure.
Osun requires roads that lead to factories, farms that supply processing plants, and markets that genuinely connect people to opportunities.
Industrialization Needs to Be More Than Just Catchy Phrase
Adeleke’s commitment to industrializing Osun stands out as a key focus for his second term. But let’s be clear: industrialization isn’t achieved through mere announcements or policy papers.
It requires consistent, hands-on effort. Investors are on the lookout for reliable electricity, clean water, security, available land, transparent regulations, and a government that follows through on its promises.
With that in mind, the state should hone in on its strengths, particularly in agriculture and agro-processing. Osun is rich in resources like cocoa, cassava, palm products, and plantains, yet too often, the real value is generated elsewhere.
The aim should be straightforward: stop sending raw materials out and start creating finished products right here. That’s where job opportunities will flourish.
Young People Need to See Real Change
The true test of this government will be its impact on the youth. Osun can’t keep educating its young people only for them to leave in search of better prospects.
The government has talked about youth empowerment, the digital economy, and agro-industrial development. Now it’s time to turn those ideas into reality.
A young person in Osun should have the chance to launch a tech startup, manage a small factory, process agricultural products, or create a business in the arts without getting bogged down by red tape. And empowerment shouldn’t just mean handing out cash or starter kits. Real empowerment is when businesses thrive long after government initiatives wrap up.
Education Needs to Reach New Heights
The administration has made strides in renovating schools and enhancing higher education, including efforts at Osun State University and the University of Ilesa, claiming improvements in exam results.
That’s a good start, but the second term must push further. Fixing up buildings isn’t enough. The crucial question is what students are actually learning.
Osun should place a greater emphasis on science, technology, vocational training, digital skills, and entrepreneurship. Teachers require ongoing training, and schools need to uphold higher standards. The goal shouldn’t just be better test scores, but rather young people who can compete on a global stage.
Osun should really ramp up its focus on science, technology, vocational skills, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship. It’s crucial for teachers to receive ongoing training, and schools need to uphold stronger standards.
The aim shouldn’t just be about improving exam scores; Osun State should nurture young people who can hold their own anywhere in the world.
Osun used to be known for its robust public education system. This is a golden opportunity to restore that reputation the right way.
Health Must Work in Real Life, Not Just on Paper
The government has highlighted the hundreds of health centers that have been rehabilitated and a free surgical program that has benefited many.
The next step is ensuring that the system operates smoothly every single day. A health center is more than just a building; it requires staff, medications, electricity, water, and a reliable referral system.
Primary healthcare should serve as the cornerstone of the next phase. Every ward should have a facility that people can count on. Pregnant women shouldn’t have to travel long distances for basic care, and children should be able to get their immunizations close to home.
Emergencies shouldn’t turn into tragedies just because help is too far away. This is where the government’s impact is felt most directly.
Water Needs to Evolve into Real, Statewide System
Clean water often flies under the radar, but it has the power to transform lives. The administration has talked about boreholes and various water projects, including the Ora water scheme.
Now, the emphasis should be on making these systems reliable. Communities should be informed about when water will be available, who is responsible for its maintenance, and how quickly repairs can be made when things go wrong.
A borehole that breaks down after a few months isn’t true development. Osun needs sustainable water systems, not just projects that are launched and forgotten.
Workers Deserve Robust System That Goes beyond Paychecks
Adeleke has taken steps to tackle salary backlogs, pensions, and promotions, while also reinstating essential administrative frameworks. This groundwork should now pave the way for more profound reforms.
A civil service should be about more than just collecting salaries—it should be about delivering tangible results. Recruitment needs to be equitable. Promotions should be based on merit. Ministries ought to have specific goals. Digital systems should streamline processes and cut down on delays.
Governance Should Not Be a Reward System
If Osun aims to transform into an industrial hub, its bureaucracy must also step up its game. Governance shouldn’t turn into a system of rewards.
Entering a second term often brings its own set of pressures—political allies, supporters, and interest groups all looking for their share of the pie.
However, the most impactful legacy comes from standing firm against that pressure. Good governance isn’t about playing favorites; it’s about ensuring fairness. A road should be constructed where it’s truly needed, not just where it’s politically advantageous. Contracts should be awarded to the most qualified bidders, not merely to the most loyal supporters.
Development should touch every community, not just the ones with political clout. That’s how trust is cultivated.
Traditional Matters Need Calmer Handling
Traditional matters require a more measured approach. During the first term, the government found itself embroiled in various chieftaincy disputes throughout the state.
These issues often ignited strong feelings. In this second term, there’s an opportunity to tackle them with greater restraint and a clearer process.
Traditional institutions deserve respect, court rulings should be honored, and disputes need to be resolved transparently. Palaces shouldn’t turn into arenas for political conflict. Establishing a clearer system now could help prevent recurring disputes down the line.
Culture, Tourism Have The Potential to Generate Real Income
Osun boasts something that many other states don’t: a rich cultural identity. With its Osun-Osogbo festival, the heritage of Ile-Ife, vibrant music, and captivating art, there’s a wealth of economic opportunity waiting to be tapped into.
However, culture only becomes truly valuable when it’s tied to business. For tourism to thrive, we need hotels, transportation, knowledgeable guides, security, restaurants, and craft markets.
A well-thought-out tourism strategy that connects Osogbo, Ife, Ilesa, and other key areas could create jobs and provide a steady income for local communities.
The Environment Needs Attention Now, Not Later
“We must pay attention to the environment now, not later. As our towns expand, effective planning becomes crucial. We can’t overlook drainage, waste management, urban design, and environmental control,” says an expert.
Roads without proper drainage will inevitably fail, and cities that grow without a solid plan will face challenges. The focus of the next term should be on developing towns that will continue to function well for decades to come.
Institution Matters More Than Individuals
A completed hospital is far more valuable than a bunch of unfinished ones. A thriving industrial estate beats a series of empty announcements any day.
A well-maintained road network is definitely more useful than a constant stream of new flag-offs. The government needs to be clear about what projects will be finished and when.
What Osun Voters Truly Want
The people have given Adeleke another chance. What they’re hoping for in return is pretty straightforward: Jobs that keep the youth at home, schools that actually prepare kids for the real world, hospitals that work as they should, water that flows consistently, and roads that foster trade and growth.
The people want security that allows life to carry on peacefully, a government that treats every community with fairness, and institutions strong enough to endure beyond any single administration.
Adeleke has expressed his desire to shift Osun from a civil-service economy to an industrial one. This shouldn’t just be a catchy slogan. It needs to be the focus for the next four years.
The Opportunity Ahead
As the governor steps into his second term, he carries something crucial: continuity and public trust. His first term was about stabilizing and rebuilding confidence.
The second must focus on transformation. Recovery fixes what’s broken. Transformation creates something even better. Osun is now in need of the latter. Adeleke has secured his election victory. The tougher challenge ahead is to ensure that, years down the line, even those who didn’t vote for him can look back and say that renewing his mandate was the right choice.
That would be the true reward for Osun. Ultimately, that’s what will shape his legacy in the state’s history.
