GOVERNOR ADELEKE REITERATES DELIVERY OF DEMOCRACY DIVIDENDS ACROSS OSUN STATE AS ODA MARKS 30TH ANNIVERSARY
The Osun State Governor, His Excellency, Sen. Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke has reiterated his selfless commitment to deliver democracy dividends across all the sectors of the economy, to boost people’s welfare and develop the State.
The Governor made this known at the Osun Development Association (ODA)’s 30th anniversary gala, held at the Antonia Hall, 11B Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi Lagos on Sunday 25th January, 2026, where he was the special guest of honour.
Represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev. Dr. Bunmi Jenyo, the Governor was grateful to ODA for acknowledging his administration’s unwavering commitment to the progress of Osun State.
Thirty years ago in 1995, ODA was founded by committed patriots who believed deeply that the development of Osun State must be driven by sound ideas, integrity, and a shared sense of responsibility. These visionaries were also part of the historic struggle that led to the creation of Osun State in 1991.
As a recipient of the ODA State Leadership Appreciation Award, Governor Adeleke who appreciated the ODA’s passion for the growth of the State, reflected proudly his administration’s milestones, since he took the oath of office on 27th November 2022.
According to the Governor, “the theme for this year’s Osun Development Association’s 30th Anniversary Gala, ‘building Osun’s future together – 30 years of impact, innovation and inclusion’ resonates deeply with our administration’s vision for the State’s development. It highlights the importance of collective effort and strategic planning in driving progress”.
The Governor who acknowledged his sterling performance and tangible results in his five-point agenda namely welfare, economic growth, home-grown infrastructure, people-focused policies and agro-based industrialisation also itemized his achievements in the key sectors of the economy, such as health, education, worker’s welfare and infrastructure.
According to Governor Adeleke, “initiatives in Entrepreneurship, Commerce & Industry, Digital Economy, Tourism and Cooperatives are igniting sustainable prosperity”.
“In the Commerce and Industry Sector, we have unlocked new opportunities. The 2024 Osun Industrial Investment Summit and the 2025 Osun State Dinner and Industrial Investment Roundtable drew local and global investors, spotlighting our State’s vast potential. We have also revitalised the Living Spring Free Trade Zone in Ede, creating a dynamic hub for industrial expansion”.
“As a fall out of the 2024 Osun Industrial Investment Summit and the recently concluded 2025 Osun State Dinner and Industrial Investment Roundtable, several investors have indicated interest in establishing industries in the Free Trade Zone and I have already approved allocation of industrial plots to some investors”.
“This project is expected to provide over 500,000 direct and indirect jobs for our people.The Osun State Government has also improved on the Ease of Doing Business in the State through provision of incentives, interventions and enabling investment environment to boost economic and industrial activities. We are therefore laying a solid foundation and attracting strategic investments in different sectors of our economy”.
“This is as a result of our bold vision to reposition Osun as a centre of commercial, industrial, and economic activities in Southwest Nigeria. Osun State is now recognised as one of the most Investment-friendly States in Nigeria”.
“As we celebrate three decades of ODA’s contributions to Osun’s socio-economic growth, we are reminded of the power of partnership and inclusivity in shaping our State’s future”.
“Let us continue working together to harness our resources, promote innovation, and build a brighter future for all Osun citizens.Together, we will forge ahead, steadfast in our mandate to serve the people and build a thriving Osun State”.
While speaking, the ODA Chairman, Dr. Segun Aina OFR, who described the 30th anniversary as a renewed call to impact, said his association “deeply values it’s constructive relationships with successive military and civilian administrations since the creation of Osun State. These partnerships have enabled us to contribute meaningfully to the State’s development through shared purpose and mutual commitment”.
Dr. Aina also highlighted the activities marking the 30th anniversary of ODA. According to him, “the December 4th, 2025 symposium, which examined the role of subnational entities in nation building, the 30th anniversary gala on Sunday January 25th, 2026 where present and past State governors, leaders, eminent members and young achievers were honoured and 27 new members inducted – bringing total membership close to 160; and finally, on Thursday January 29th, 2026, the groundbreaking of the proposed ODA house in GRA Osogbo, alongside the launch of the Teacher Transformation and Empowerment Initiative, aimed at strengthening education in Osun State. Together, these initiatives reaffirm ODA’s role as a bridge between ideas and impact, working collaboratively with government and stakeholders”.
“Our greatest strength lies in our diverse and distinguished membership – drawn from all sectors and the Diaspora. As we embark on the next 30 years, we recommit ourselves to sustainable development, youth empowerment, industrialisation, peacebuilding and a prosperous future for Osun State”, he said.
The ODA 30th anniversary Gala was marked by different categories of awards among which State leadership awards were given to the past leaders of Osun State. The first executive Governor of the State, Late Sen. Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke was also given a posthumous award.
The dignitaries at the occasion include the event Chairperson, Engr. Mrs Joanah Maduka, MFR, the keynote Speaker, Mr. Niyi Yusuf, former Osun Military administrators, Col. (Rtd) Chief Theophilus Oladapo Bamigboye, Navy Captain Anthony Udofia (Rtd), among others.
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