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Tag: Ademola Adeleke

  • Osun government reaffirms commitment to labour welfare

    Osun government reaffirms commitment to labour welfare

    Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has called on the labour union to continue to dialogue with government, both at the federal amd state level. 

    Adeleke, who saluted the Nigeria labour movement, emphasised that government is ready to partner more with workers.

    Speaking at the award ceremony organised by the Labour Writers’ Association of Nigeria (LAWAN) at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Ibadan, Governor Adeleke dedicated his “Most Outstanding Governor of the Year” award to the workers and pensioners of Osun State, describing them as the backbone of his administration’s success.

    He expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying it symbolised a celebration of Osun’s workforce and their unwavering resilience.

    “This award is not just a recognition of my person, but a celebration of the workers of Osun State whose trust, cooperation and resilience continue to inspire our administration every day,” the governor said.

    Adeleke recalled that upon assuming office in November 2022, he pledged to restore the dignity of labour and bring smiles back to the faces of Osun workers and pensioners.

    According to him, his government has remained faithful to that promise by clearing the backlog of 30 months’ half salaries and pension arrears inherited from previous administrations.

    The governor said his administration had ensured regular payment of gratuities, prompt promotions, annual increments, and timely leave approvals for civil servants, describing them as “acts of justice and respect for those who serve the state diligently.”

    He also noted that his government fully paid all outstanding cooperative deductions owed by past administrations, thereby restoring confidence between the government and its workforce.

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    Highlighting his government’s pro-labour initiatives, Adeleke said all Osun pensioners now enjoy free registration under the Osun Health Insurance Scheme (OHIS), guaranteeing access to quality healthcare without financial hardship.

    He further announced that since November 2024, Osun had begun paying a new minimum wage of  N75,554.28—one of the most generous in Nigeria—well before the Federal Government implemented the same.

    “In Osun, we believe that the welfare of workers should never be delayed or politicised,” Adeleke declared.

    Reacting to the economic strain caused by fuel subsidy removal, the governor said his administration introduced a unique work-leave arrangement to cushion the impact. Workers on grade levels 1–9 were given two days off weekly, while those on levels 10 and above received one day off, in addition to their regular annual leave.

    Adeleke also stated that all previous promotions without financial backing had been regularised with full payment, adding that these labour-friendly actions were achieved without slowing the state’s ongoing infrastructural development in roads, schools, healthcare, and digital innovation.

    On capacity building, the governor revealed that his administration had launched regular training programmes to equip civil servants with modern skills as technology continues to redefine the world of work. He commended LAWAN for choosing the theme “The Future of Work in the Era of Artificial Intelligence (AI)” for its 2025 workshop, saying Osun was already integrating digital literacy and innovation into its governance framework.

    Adeleke thanked LAWAN for the honour, saying it affirmed the state’s guiding principles of fairness, inclusiveness, and workers’ welfare.

    “This award challenges us to do more and remain steadfast in our mission to build a state that truly works for its people,” he said.

    He saluted the Nigerian labour movement for its courage and urged continued dialogue between government and labour as partners in progress. Concluding, Governor Adeleke dedicated the award to all Osun civil servants, teachers, health workers, and pensioners, reaffirming his administration’s unwavering commitment to their welfare.

    “Together, we are proving that good governance anchored on compassion and justice can transform lives,” he said.

  • Adeleke’s N16b broadband fibre optic project stalled two years after kick-off

    Adeleke’s N16b broadband fibre optic project stalled two years after kick-off

    Two years after Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke launched the building of a 64- kilometre broadband fibre optic cable, the multi-billion naira project has suffered a setback, sparking fresh concerns among residents and tech start-ups.

    Adeleke launched the project on March 6, 2023, promising that the N16billion infrastructure would be routed through Ikire, Ede, Osogbo and Ile-Ife.

    He said the project was designed to deliver free broadband internet access to schools, health institutions and government establishments, while also expanding internet penetration across the state, in line with the National Broadband Policy.

    However, two years later, it was observed that the project was stalled.  Adeleke then announced a separate free Wi-Fi internet service for schools, mall and others tagged: Imole Wi-Fi.

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    The governor through the Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi, said the initiative was launched by the Innovation, Science, Technology and Digital Economy Office under the Office of the Special Adviser.

    This new development has, however, raised questions about the fate of the original 64km fibre optic cable project. Stakeholders are querying whether the initial broadband project has been abandoned or quietly substituted with the new Wi-Fi model.

    A civil society group, Dialogue 365, led by Waheed Saka, lamented over the uncertainty, insisting that a proper fibre optic backbone would have provided stable connectivity for their businesses, instead of relying on patchy mobile data.

    A tech entrepreneur, Abdulwasi, speaking with our reporter, said: “We have people outside the state willing to come home and invest in start-ups. But when they experience the poor internet service here, they get discouraged. Fibre optic would have solved this. Right now, it is a major bottleneck.”

    When the Special Adviser to the Governor on ICT and Innovation, Azeez Badmus, was contacted at press time, he did not respond to the text messages, WhatsApp messages and calls from our reporter.

  • Adeleke brokers peace between deputy, PDP leaders after vote of no confidence

    Adeleke brokers peace between deputy, PDP leaders after vote of no confidence

    Governor Ademola Adeleke has resolved the feud between his deputy, Kola Adewusi after leaders of his party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) passed vote of no confidence in him for alleged anti-party activities. 

    The Nation recalls that party leaders from Ife Federal Constituency, led by the state Financial Secretary, Prince Adesoji Adegoke, former Deputy Speaker Ropo Oyewole, two serving commissioners, Dipo Eluwole and Biyi Odunlade, along with 35 others, had taken the decision at a meeting last week Monday.

    However, in a statement by the Governor’s spokesman, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke confirmed that the matter had been resolved, urging all stakeholders to resist attempts by the opposition to create division within the PDP.

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    The reconciliation was sealed at a high-powered meeting attended by Deputy Governor Adewusi, Deputy Senate Minority Leader Senator Lere Oyewumi, State PDP Chairman Hon. Sunday Bisi, Secretary to the State Government Hon. Teslim Igbalaye, Chief of Staff Hon. Kazeem Akinleye, Chairman of the Commissioners’ Forum Alhaji Ganiyu Olaoluwa, and other party stalwarts.

    Governor Adeleke described the disagreement as a product of communication gaps and external influences, praising party leaders for their openness and commitment to unity ahead of next year’s elections.

    “Throughout this meeting today, I see Ile Ife PDP very truly united. I listen to all the leaders here and I see clearly a communication gap among the leaders. There is also a strong sign of an outsider plot to divide Ife PDP.

    “Now that we have seen the roots of the matter, I charge us to get back to work. Our administration has done so much for Ifeland and we are still going to do more.

    “Ile Ife is a PDP territory. Go back and sustain the tempo. I commend the elders and leaders, the senatorial leader, the local party chairmen, the elected party chairmen, party chiefs and operatives. Go back and continue working for victory of the party” the Governor told the party chiefs.

    Earlier, the party chairman, Hon Sunday Bisi described the incident leading to a vote of no confidence as a family affair, adding that “all parties have demonstrated true love for the party.

    “We are glad that all issues have been ironed out. It is the resolution of this meeting that all statutory meetings for party mobilisation should reconvene and all party members and leaders should decisively frown at any act capable of misinterpretation as anti-party activity”, the party chairman told the meeting.

  • Adeleke’s wife gets honour on birthday

    Adeleke’s wife gets honour on birthday

    Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has congratulated his wife,  Erelu Ngozi, as she celebrates her birthday and induction into Nigerian Books of Record’s ‘Hall of Fame.’

    A party in her honour at Admus Hotels, Osogbo, attracted monarchs, among others.

    Adeleke,  who said his wife is “a dependable partner, said the birthday is also a celebration of blessings on the family.

    He said: “I rejoice with my wife. She is a pillar of support and a beautiful mother. I praise her years of passionate support for me and the family.

    “I note her contributions to  governance. Her role as facilitator of empowerment is appreciated,” he noted.

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    The governor extolled her recognition by Nigerian Books of Record, urging her not to relent as a mover of empowerment and support for the state.

    “As you add another chapter, I rejoice your induction into Nigerian Books of Record.  This recognition is not just a personal achievement but a national honour that reflects the depth of your impact.

    “Redouble your efforts in support of the poor and less privileged. On behalf of the government and people, I wish you more blessed years in divine grace”, he said.

    A UN Peace Ambassador, she has made impact through her Esther Adeleke Humanitarian Foundation, lifting individuals in Osun and beyond.

  • Adeleke to U.S. political leaders, investors: Osun ready for partnership

    Adeleke to U.S. political leaders, investors: Osun ready for partnership

    Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has expressed the state’s readiness for partnership with Georgia’s top political leaders, mayors, and business leaders in Atlanta, United States of America (U.S.A.).

    A statement by his spokesman, Olawale Rasheed, said Adeleke spoke after a meeting with the Americans in Georgia.

    It said the governor’s meeting was part of his administration’s efforts to build cross-border partnerships and drive investment into key sectors of Osun State’s economy.

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    He said: “The roundtable, hosted at Zanzibar Cuisine and Lounge in Atlanta, Georgia, and coordinated by Samuel Oyedotun, current Chairman of the Osun State Water Corporation, brought together Osun indigenes in Georgia, young entrepreneurs, policy makers, city mayors, political and business leaders from sectors including real estate, fintech, automobile, agriculture, and more.

    “Governor Adeleke, accompanied by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Revd. Bunmi Jenyo, and the Commissioner for Rural Development, Alhaji Gani Olaoluwa, reiterated his administration’s commitment to driving foreign direct investment into Osun through infrastructure and business-friendly reforms.”

  • We’ll overcome ‘Pharaohs’, get our councils back, Adeleke assures PDP members

    We’ll overcome ‘Pharaohs’, get our councils back, Adeleke assures PDP members

    Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has assured members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and residents of the state that he would overcome Pharaohs and get back the control of local governments.

    He gave the assurance to his party members during a home-coming reception after his return from the United States of America (USA), held at the PDP state secretariat on Ikirun Road, Osogbo, yesterday.

    The Nation recalls that there is crisis over control of local governments in Osun State, fuelled by disputes between All Progressives Congress (APC) and PDP over conflicting court rulings, which stalled governance at the grassroots level.

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    Adeleke praised his supporters for their steadfastness, noting that he would continue the good work after a short vacation.

    He said: “From 2022 to date, we have moved Osun State from pity to confidence, poverty to prosperity, hopelessness to hope.

    We have a promising today and a prosperous future. We have put smiles on the faces of pensioners. We have restored hope and faith of workers. We have provided water in remote areas.

    “We have mechanised agriculture. We have connected villages to towns. We have built roads and bridges. In place of darkness, we brought light in major corners, we rehabilitate our schools, we strengthen primary health care, we support artisans through finance, we empower financial cooperatives, we reduce tax burden through harmonisation, we simplify C of O acquisition, we claim our state’s heritage in the mining sector.”

    The governor urged members of the party to remain united ahead of 2026 governorship poll for his re-election, noting that Osun must not go back to dark days of bad governance.

    “We must sustain good governance. We must sustain the tempo. The good work must continue. Osun people are with us. God is with us. We shall overcome the Pharaohs facing us. We will get our local governments back and running. They want to hold Osun down.”

    He urged party leaders and members to continue to mobilise for the Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) and get their voter cards updated.

    PDP state Chairman, Sunday Bisi, said APC does not have an electable aspirant for 2026 governorship poll.

    “If all of them make themselves one, we will defeat them in a landslide victory. They won’t win one local government.

    “We will defeat any of them in 2026, Adeleke has proved them wrong. He has been delivering on good governance since he emerged as the governor. Adeleke has been defeating them all these while.”

    Speaking about CVR, he said: “Our people are participating very well in CVR. We will use vote to bury them finally in 2026 by the grace of God.”

    House of Assembly Speaker Adewale Egbedun said: “Those that defected to their party cannot come home again because people are opposed to them. If the party gives you N10,000, you would have suffered N10million. We are solidly behind Adeleke in Osun Central.”

  • Adeleke flag off Africa’s first Artificial Intelligence university in Osun

    Adeleke flag off Africa’s first Artificial Intelligence university in Osun

    Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke on Friday laid the foundation for Africa’s first Artificial Intelligence University in Modakeke. 

    The institution, Curators University, is to offer diverse courses in Artificial Intelligence relating to Machine Learning Specialisation, Computer Hardware Engineering, Data Analytics and Database Administration, Arbitration and conflict resolution, 3D printing and polymer science among other disciplines. 

    Adeleke, joined by the Ogunsua of Modakeke, Oba Joseph Toriola, said the proposed institution is in tandem with his five point agenda for the state especially to boost education and youth empowerment. 

    The Governor, who was represented by Commissioner for Education, Hon. Dipo Eluwole, said: “The establishment of this university here in Modakeke is a milestone achievement, which aligns with our drive to boost the educational sector. I charge you to make sure that this institution is one of the best universities in Nigeria both in academic and culture.”

    Founder of the institution, Mr. Olusola Amusan, highlighted the needs for Public-Private Partnership in promotion tertiary education and national development.

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    He called Public private partnerships in developing education sector, saying “There are education endowment funds from the federal government and in the area of loans, specifically, we believe that to be able to get cutting-edge education our government must collaborate with private bodies to advance education.

    “We aim to support the country through this institution and also to boost the economy of Osun State especially Modakeke. This institution if government can partner with us, it will further enable our youths to access education in area of AI that we will be providing here.”

    Also, institution’s the Chairman Planning Committee, Barrister Abimbola Amusan, said Curators University will be a global academic and innovation hub that will empower youth, create jobs, spark economic growth for generations to come.”

  • Osun PDP leaders to Oke: stop your verbal attacks on Adeleke

    Osun PDP leaders to Oke: stop your verbal attacks on Adeleke

    The leadership of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has warned a lawmaker representing Obokun/Ori-Ade Federal Constituency, Oluwole Oke, to desist from verbally attacking Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke.

    The Nation recalls that Oke, who was a member of PDP, dumped the party for All Progressives Congress (APC), blaming poor party management for his reason.

    PDP leaders in a communiqué signed by the Commissioner for Environmental, Mayowa Adejoorin, Mrs Eniola Omotoso,  Bayo Ogungbangbe and Tola Faseru condemned Oke over his verbal attacks on Governor Adeleke.

    They said:  “We unanimously condemn in strong terms the unwarranted verbal attacks and acts of sabotage directed at our leader, Governor Adeleke.

    “Oke has been a beneficiary of the PDP’s goodwill and support since 2003. When he joined the party, he had little to his name, but through the grace of God and the commitment of party faithful, we stood by him, defended him and helped elevate him to where he is today.”

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    They lamented that it was disheartening to witness any attempt to undermine the leadership from individuals who once drew strength from the same platform ‘’Oke seeks to destroy.’’

    “We issue a stern warning to Oke to immediately desist from these antagonistic actions.

    ‘’While we continue to uphold peace and party discipline, we must remind him that no one has the monopoly of provocation or political intimidation. We are not cowards. If pushed further, we know what steps to take to defend the integrity of our party and protect our collective mandate.”

    They said the defection of Oke and Senator Francis Fadahunsi to APC was never discussed with them, hence, their actions were not only unilateral and self-serving, but also a complete betrayal of the party and its loyal grassroots supporters.

  • Adeleke sad over council crisis, says commissioner

    Adeleke sad over council crisis, says commissioner

    Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke is said to be unhappy over the crisis rocking local government administration.

    Osun State has been embroiled in crisis after the Appeal Court reinstated All Progressives Congress (APC) council executives earlier sacked, which the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) kicked against, resulting in withholding of allocation to local government areas since February.

    Commissioner for Education, Dipo Eluwole, speaking at a Digital Literacy Training for teachers held in Ede, said Governor Adeleke was unhappy over the crisis rocking local government administration.

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    He lamented that Osun State used to witness peace and growth before the crisis in the councils, which led to paucity of funds after the allocations of local governments were withheld, making it difficult to fund infrastructure and other programmes of the government.

    He called for prayers for Adeleke, saying: “God will guide his feet from stumbling, he will not lead us astray.’’

  • Adeleke rebukes NBA, Supreme Court over Osun council crisis, autonomy verdict

    Adeleke rebukes NBA, Supreme Court over Osun council crisis, autonomy verdict

    Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke has berated the Nigerian Bar Association(NBA) for keeping mum over the ongoing control crisis on local government areas in the State. 

    He also faulted the Supreme Court’s pronouncement granting local government financial autonomy. 

    Adeleke, while speaking in Osogbo capital of Osun State at the commencement of 2025 NBA Law week, berated NBA for failing to speak on the review and remark of Attorney-General of the Federation on Appeal Court and Federal High court verdict on the council seat. 

    The Governor, who was represented by Commissioner for Information, Barrister Kolapo Alimi, said: “The NBA Osogbo chairman and other branches’ chairmen that are here, we have a charge for you. We want you to be more proactive sir, anybody that is observing what is going on in Osun State today will know that we have imbroglio in our local governments and the issue we are discussing.”

    He said there are two Court of Appeal verdict and two Federal High Court judgements but NBA failed to make any statement on them. 

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    He also lambasted NBA for not defending the Judges who wanted to hear the matter but were allegedly intimidated by politicians tagging the action as Contempt Ex Facie Curiae.

    “The NBA needs to wake up when you feel somebody wants to rubbish the judiciary it is the duty of NBA to come out and speak against that kind of atrocity,” the Governor said. 

    On the Supreme Court verdict granting financial autonomy, he argued it was wrong of the Apex Court to delete section 62 of the Constitution noting that “Supreme Court was created by the constitution, hence it can’t delete the section. The implementation of the verdict is a ruse.”