Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has promised to justify the confidence placed in him by the people of the state following his re-election for a second term.
Adeleke made the commitment on Sunday while speaking with journalists after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared him winner of the August 15 governorship election.
The governor said his victory had brought an end to months of political tension surrounding the election, assuring residents that his administration would consolidate its achievements while addressing areas where it had fallen short.
Reflecting on the period leading up to the election, Adeleke said, “In the last few months, Osun people have been under very intense pressure. Today, the issues are settled by the grace of God and people.”
He dedicated the victory to the people of Osun State, commending their resilience and commitment to democratic values.
“I, therefore, dedicate this victory to the good people of Osun State. I deeply appreciate your resilience, your strong will, and your unwavering commitment to democracy,” he said.
Adeleke promised that his second term would focus on improving the areas where his administration had performed well while correcting identified shortcomings.
He said the government would operate under a renewed five-point agenda designed to strengthen governance and accelerate development across the state.
“As you have trusted me again for the second term in office, I will not disappoint you. To serve you better, I will reinforce my strong points and correct my errors under my renewed five-point agenda,” the governor stated.
The governor also thanked individuals and groups, both within Nigeria and abroad, whom he said supported the democratic process during the election period.
According to him, the support he received had further strengthened his belief in democracy.
“To all lovers of democracy, I thank you for supporting our struggle from home and abroad. The support is overwhelming. My faith in democracy is deepened,” Adeleke said.
He equally expressed appreciation to the media for its coverage of the election and related political developments.
“Most importantly, I thank the media for standing by me, by us. The constant coverage in support of democracy emboldened us. We are grateful,” he added.
Looking ahead, Adeleke called for unity among political actors in the state, extending an olive branch to his opponents and promising to govern in the interest of all residents.
“Osun State is on the march again. We shall expand development and widen the net of good governance. In this race, there is no victor, no vanquished. I extend my olive branch to my co-contestants. I am the governor of all Osun State people,” he declared.
The governor further outlined his long-term vision of transforming Osun from a state largely dependent on the civil service into a major centre for industrial activity and investment.
“My vision: taking Osun from a civil service state to an industrial state and an investment destination,” Adeleke said.
He said the administration would therefore intensify efforts to attract investment, expand development and improve governance throughout his second term.
