OSOGBO- 13/10/2024 – Osunstate.gov.ng

Several diaspora groups have described the mining reforms and other good governance initiatives of Governor Ademola Adeleke as “impressive” and “unprecedented” since the creation of Osun State.

The Governor who was on transit to Nigeria in the United Kingdom after attending a livestock conference in Northern France hosted several leaders and indegenes of Osun in London with many listing several sectors for which the Governor has placed the state on global map of good governance.

A group called Osun UK. Professionals led by Bimbo Adekemi expressed surprise at the fast pace at which the Governor is pursuing infrastructure upgrade across the state at a time of tight economic situation across Nigeria.

The group noted that pursuing infra upgrade is a smart way of jumpstarting the local economy and ease environment of doing business to attract investment into the state.

The group particularly commended the courage of Governor Adeleke for demanding Osun’s rights from mining companies operating in the state, citing ongoing faceoff with Thors Explorations Limited as “a courageous move by selfless leader.

“We note the demand notice on the Thors Explorations as a bold move by a state Governor. Where others pursue under the table deals, Governor Adeleke is seeking due payments into the coffer of Osun state. This is about the first time we will see a Governor not asking for gold bars from mining companies but is seeking validation of state shareholding, payment of PAYE as demanded by law and calling out mining firms on degradation of the environment.

“We salute the courage of Mr Governor in his drive to secure state economic assets. Please don’t give up in your multiple efforts to deliver good governance. Many of us here are encouraged to look back home for home bound investment”, Mrs Adekemi noted.

Another group, named Osun UK Royal Group led by Timileyin Oluyemi Ajayi from Ijesaland said Governor Adeleke has raised the hope of many Osun indigenes in Europe by his delivery of good programmes in digital economy, health, education, agriculture, climate change and infrastructure.

“Your Excellency, we praise your commitment to public service and your visionary approach to governance. We read all you are doing and our members visited home and also came back with reports of your touching so many areas , towns and villages. We are proud to call ourselves Osun indigenes.

“You have given Osun new tech policy, new energy policy, new procurement policy, new cocoa and cashew initiatives among others. You are doing so much in empowerment and cooperatives with billions being disbursed to grassroots businesses and artisans.

“You are paying billions of naira in pension and salary debts. Workers welfare is a priority areas you have delivered so excellently well. To imagine you have done so much under less than two years is an amazing testimony. We will head home to register to vote ahead of the 2026 governorship election, Prince Oluyemi posited on behalf of the group.

While receiving the various Osun indegenes in London, Governor Adeleke expressed delight at the positive feedback from the diaspora community, assuring that his administration is poised to do more in service of the people.

Describing his main goal as selfless service, Governor Adeleke repeated that leadership is about service and that he is running a race to uplift Osun and her people as quickly as possible.

“We are less than two years in office. We are running a good governance race. I seek to deliver a four year plan within less than alloted time. The reason is Osun demands urgent actions to fill in the massive developmental gap.

“We need you to join hands with us. Be agents of development by marketing Osun in the diaspora. Set up your business at home. Give back to the community. I promise to ramp up delivery of programmes and projects even as we near two years in office by November 27”, the Governor was quoted as saying.

Governor Adeleke has since returned to Nigeria.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to Governor Adeleke

OSOGBO – 10/10/2024 – Osunstate.gov.ng

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has opened on its far reaching, ongoing agenda to introduce and implement multi sectoral green economy and climate initiatives as tolls of state development.

The State’s consultant on climate change and renewable energy, Prof Chinwe Obuaku who represented Governor Ademola Adeleke made the disclosure at a twin events in Lagos namely the 11th German-Nigerian Business Forum and the West African Clean Energy & Environment Trade Fair and Conference (WACEE) under the theme “Sustainability Showcase: Stimulating Green Economy Investments.”

Advancing Osun as a prime destination for green economy investments, the Governor’s representative presented the state’s strategic vision for sustainable growth and emphasized the state’s readiness to embrace clean energy initiatives and drive environmentally responsible development.

While listing the enormous potential that Osun holds in sectors such as renewable energy, waste management, and eco-friendly infrastructure, the consultant expressed the state’s interests in investment opportunities in renewable energy, with a focus on cutting-edge solutions like energy efficiency, mini grids, and green hydrogen which are crucial components of Nigeria’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

She further offered valuable insights into how the public and private sectors can collaborate to harness these technologies for broader economic growth even as she highlighted how Osun State is positioning itself as a leader in clean energy by actively seeking partnerships and investments that focus on renewable energy integration, particularly in off-grid solutions and mini grids.

At the circular economy roundtable, Prof Obuaku who identified challenges facing circular economy challenges in Nigeria cited Osun State’s ongoing efforts, where attention is focussed on creation of a conducive environment for circular economy businesses.

“In Osun, we’ve developed policies that provide financial incentives, such as tax breaks and grants, to encourage businesses to adopt sustainable practices. We’ve also been working on establishing public-private partnerships that leverage private sector innovation and government resources to scale circular economy initiatives.

“One such example is our commitment to improving waste-to-energy projects, which convert agricultural and household waste into sustainable energy sources, reducing environmental degradation while creating economic value”, the consultant told the audience.

“Osun State remains committed to sustainability, and the steps we are taking serve as a model that other states can replicate. By focusing on renewable energy investments, waste management innovations, and strong public-private partnerships, Osun is leading the charge in creating a green economy that benefits both the environment and the local population.

“We are working tirelessly to ensure that the policies and practices we implement today will lead to long-term economic growth and environmental preservation, both in Osun and across Nigeria”, the representative of the Governor posited.

Other highlights of the event include the meeting with representatives of the Nigerian-German Chamber of Commerce with a membership offer that would open doors for Osun-based businesses to access a network of German and international companies, facilitating potential investments and partnerships in key sectors like renewable energy, manufacturing, and sustainable agriculture.

Signed
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the State Governor