— The Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Hon. Kolapo Alimi, has lauded Governor Ademola Adeleke’s performance across key sectors of governance, describing his nearly three-year administration as impactful and people-oriented.
Addressing journalists during a media parley in Osogbo, Alimi praised the governor for prioritizing security and the welfare of residents—responsibilities he described as fundamental to good governance.
“The primary responsibility of any government is to ensure the security and welfare of its people,” the commissioner stated. “Today, Osun is widely regarded as one of the most peaceful states in the country, and that is the result of Governor Adeleke’s proactive leadership.”
Alimi recalled that when the current administration took office, the Amotekun Corps had only 300 operatives. He said the governor approved the recruitment of an additional 1,150 personnel, bringing the total to 1,450, all of whom have been deployed across the state to enhance public safety.
On the welfare of civil servants, the commissioner noted that the government had addressed long-standing issues affecting promotions and training. “Civil servants whose promotions had been stalled for years have now been elevated, and various capacity-building initiatives have been approved. Governor Adeleke also reactivated car and housing loan schemes, which are now being accessed by workers,” he said.
Alimi further disclosed that the administration had almost completed the payment of half-salary arrears owed by the previous administration, while retirees are now receiving their due entitlements.
Speaking on infrastructure, Alimi said the Adeleke administration has embarked on extensive road construction across the state. “Several intercity roads in Osogbo, Ede, and other towns have been completed, and we are ensuring that each local government gets at least 1.5 kilometers of new roads,” he said. Major projects mentioned include a flyover in Ile-Ife, a dual carriageway in Ilesa from the palace of the Owa Obokun, and an ongoing flyover at Oke-Fia in Osogbo.
The commissioner also highlighted the state’s investment in education, noting the construction of new classrooms and improved welfare for teachers.
According to him, part of a ₦2 billion federal government grant was used to refurbish the Imole Bus fleet—originally introduced under the Aregbesola administration—for student transportation. The remainder of the funds was directed toward enrolling prison inmates in the state’s health insurance scheme, granting them access to free healthcare.
Alimi, however, raised concern over the alleged withholding of local government allocations by the federal government, stating that the state has been using its resources to pay salaries of local government workers, primary school teachers, and traditional rulers.
He appealed to the federal government to release the withheld funds to enable the state to deepen its developmental efforts. “We are calling on the federal government to release Osun’s local government allocations to further enhance the welfare of our people,” Alimi said.
