TEXT OF A STATE BROADCAST BY THE GOVERNOR OF OSUN STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, SENATOR NURUDEEN ADEMOLA ADELEKE, ON THE ILLEGAL OCCUPATION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT SECRETARIATS AND THE DEFENCE OF DEMOCRATIC ORDER IN OSUN STATE.

My dear people of Osun State, the urgent necessity to restore lawful, peaceful, and effective governance at the grassroots in our state compels me to speak to you at this time.

For close to one year now, local government secretariats across Osun State have been under illegal occupation by the court-sacked APC chairmen and councillors, whose election was nullified by the Federal High Court, Osogbo, in November 2022, and affirmed by the Court of Appeal on 10 February 2025 and again on 13 June 2025.

Their election was struck down because it was conducted in clear violation of the requirements of the law.

I did not remove these APC chairmen and councillors from office. The court did. Since then, they have had no lawful mandate whatsoever.

Yet, in brazen contempt of the law and in repudiation of democratic decency, they have refused to vacate the secretariats, emboldened by the backing of the Nigerian Police, as allegedly instructed by former Governor Gboyega Oyetola.
By contrast, pursuant to subsisting court orders, the Osun State High Court directed the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission to conduct fresh local government elections.

In compliance, after giving the required 360 days’ notice, lawful local government elections were held on 22 February 2025, and duly elected chairmen and councillors were sworn in on 23 February 2025. These officials constitute the only lawful local government leadership in Osun State today.

Illegal Tenure Elongation

It is a settled matter of law that the tenure of elected officials in Nigeria cannot be extended for a single day after the expiration of their tenure. The Supreme Court, in the case of former Governor Ladoja of Oyo State, ruled that the governor’s tenure could not be extended after finding in his favour that he was removed from office illegally for about eleven months and reinstating him to office.

In several filings that have become public documents in our courts, including the Supreme Court, their lawyers and the Attorney-General of the Federation admitted that these APC chairmen and councillors have no claim to office beyond October 22, 2025.
To further confirm that their so-called tenure has expired, the APC chairmen and councillors approached the Federal High Court, seeking an extension of their expired tenure.

That case has not been heard. But the very act of seeking an extension amounts to a clear admission, both in law and in fact, that whatever so-called tenure they claimed they had had expired. Assuming, without conceding, that the APC chairmen and councillors had any tenure, that tenure expired on October 22, 2025.

Despite these incontrovertible legal facts, they have continued to occupy the local government secretariats by brute force, with police protection allegedly acting on the instructions of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola.

A few days ago, believing that these APC imposters would honour even their own admission that their tenure had expired, local government workers attempted to resume their duties.

Although the police initially promised protection, many of these workers were instead beaten, harassed, and intimidated by a combination of armed police officers and APC thugs. The use of armed police officers to occupy local government secretariats and intimidate civil servants is a grave abuse of power and an affront to democracy.

My administration took serious exception to this development. However, we have deliberately chosen the path of peace. This is because the ultimate objective of these enemies of our people is to provoke violence, unleash mayhem, and then manufacture conditions for the imposition of a state of emergency on Osun State.

It is saddening that in a democracy, these APC chairmen and councillors threaten, on their various social media platforms, that they will continue to occupy the local government secretariats for as long as they want because they claim to have the backing of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, and that any attempt to remove them from their illegal occupation of the local government secretariats will surely result in the imposition of a state of emergency on Osun State, with the suspension of my administration.

Time and again, we have frustrated their plans by responding with restraint, maturity, and respect for the rule of law. But sometimes, I wonder if we are really under a democratic system of government where nobody is above the law.

In Osun State, it seems that the APC chairmen and councillors, whose so-called tenure has expired, are above the law by the grace of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola. I have formally written to the heads of relevant federal security agencies regarding actions that threaten peace and order in Osun State.

It is deeply unfortunate that former Governor Gboyega Oyetola has chosen to weaponize federal institutions, particularly the Nigerian Police Force. He has equally applied the same approach to the United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) to impose hardship and suffering on the good people of Osun State through alleged illegal instructions.

As you are aware, since February 2025, statutory allocations to Osun State local governments have been withheld. As of the last FAAC meeting, a total of One Hundred and Thirty Billion Naira of our local government funds is being illegally withheld by the Federal Government.
Attempts were made to divert those funds through accounts opened with United Bank for Africa (UBA) by people not authorized by law to be signatories to local government funds.

What I do not understand is why a reputable international bank like UBA has allowed itself to be used to break our laws and permit people who are not recognized by law to be signatories to Osun State local government accounts, after it has been advised on those whom the law says can be signatories to these accounts.

Can UBA wilfully break the laws of New York State or the laws of the City of London where it operates?
The answer is a CAPITAL NO.
But as far as they are concerned, this is Nigeria, where our laws can be trampled upon without consequence, as long as they are allegedly breaking the law to satisfy former Governor Gboyega Oyetola.

I want to inform the good people of Osun State that those senior managers in UBA who aided and abetted the opening of Osun State local government accounts by people not allowed by law are already facing criminal prosecution before our courts.

The local government statutory allocation is the primary source for the remuneration of primary school teachers, nurses, and other health workers at the 332 health care centres in Osun State, all local government workers, the traditional councils, as well as retirees in each local government in Osun State.

Imagine the level of suffering these people who depend on local government statutory allocations for the payment of their salaries would have gone through if my government had not stepped in to borrow from the state government to pay the salaries of these workers over the last almost 12 months, with the exception of traditional council salaries.

To be able to come up with the funds from the state government, a lot of sacrifices had to be made. Allowances due to senior civil servants and political appointees had to be put on hold, at great discomfort to these men and women, in addition to slowing down some of the state’s ongoing projects. We have done this because governance is, above all, about humanity, responsibility, and compassion. But this is not sustainable.

While Osun local government funds are being withheld to the detriment of primary school teachers, nurses in our primary health care centres, local government civil servants, retirees, and the good people of Osun State in general by UBA, allegedly under the directive of former Governor Oyetola, the APC chairmen and councillors whose so-called tenure has lapsed are receiving payments in the millions from UBA, again allegedly under the directive of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola.
How this barefaced illegality can be happening in a democracy is very unfortunate, to say the least.

At this point, I respectfully appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene. I wish to assure the good people of Osun State that Mr. President is not involved in this illegality. Mr. President is among those who fought the military for our democracy.

I believe Mr. President’s name is being used without his knowledge by Governor Gboyega Oyetola to get the Nigerian Police and UBA to obey his alleged illegal directives. I therefore urge Mr. President to protect the integrity of our democracy by rescuing Osun State local governments from the vice grip of those whose self-awarded tenure has lapsed.
I respectfully request that Governor Gboyega Oyetola be restrained from further issuance of illegal directives to the Nigerian Police, which undermine the very fabric of our democracy.

There is no place in our Constitution and laws that allows for tenure elongation for any elected official.

What confronts us here is law versus lawlessness, constitutional order versus naked impunity.

I therefore call on Nigerians and all those who sacrificed so much for our democracy to join us in demanding an immediate end to the siege on our local governments.

Former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, please allow Osun State to breathe. Enough is enough.

I thank you all for your support and steadfastness. Continue to pray for us and trust in our resolve to protect your interests.

As your governor, I will uphold the Constitution and safeguard your welfare.
I urge you to remain peaceful, lawful, and watchful.

May God bless you.
May God bless Osun State.
And may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

GOVERNOR ADELEKE SLAMS OYEBAMIJI’S ECONOMIC BLUEPRINT, SAYS IT SEEKS TO REVERSE CURRENT GAINS, THEN IMPOVERISHES OSUN PEOPLE

Governor Ademola Adeleke has condemned the recently released economic blueprint of the governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress, Muniru Bola Oyebamiji, describing it as “capital flight oriented, old school thinking and behind news of current socio-economic advances under Governor Ademola Adeleke.

In a statement issued on Sunday at Osogbo, Governor Adeleke noted that a review of Mr Oyebamiji economic plans confirms that his ideas are outdated, in conflict with progressive ideals he professes and a condemnable attempt to reverse the economic boom currently being enjoyed by Osun people, declaring that “Mr Oyebamiji by his own admission seeks to return Osun to the old era of capital flight to Lagos and suppressive tax regime to reimpose extreme poverty on Osun people.

“The Adeleke’s economic blueprint is focused on local content for citizens’ empowerment, grassroots and artisans’ financial inclusion, bridging infra deficit to fast track economic growth, widening tax base with reduced tax rates, integrated easing of business environment to attract investment, agro-industrialisation through revived economic and free trade zones, mining sector reforms to diversify state economy among others. The current plan is people – based m in conception and people – focussed in implementation.

“The Adeleke economic plan currently being implemented has empowered grassroots economy through artisan and cooperative financing of almost four billion naira; enhanced local businesses through strict implementation of the local content policy in procurement and workforce management; reinvigorated Osun Digital Economy hub to tap into multi-billion dollar global industry; increased Internally generated revenue through tax harmonization and digitisation; relaunched industrialisation through revival of Osun free trade zones; reduced state debt stock through sustainable debt management; revived agro – mechanisation and cocoa revolution; re – engineered partnership for growth with Osun businesses through Osun State Chamber of Commerce; and deepen investment drive through strong public private partnership among others.

“Mr Oyebamiji’s plan is imbecilic and deficient in depth and orientation. It regurgitated and copied policies already under implementation by the current government in the area of tax reforms, industrialisation, revenue digitisation and management, innovative investment drive, public private partnership, agro – industrial revolution. The AMBO plan is a recipe for economic retrogression, disempowerment of the local economy through abandonment of vital local content policy, reversal of current policy of Osun money serving Osun economy and residents.

“Osun economy is already on a sustainable growth trajectory. Power generation, transmission and distribution is critical to economic growth and development. Governor Adeleke has already signed into law the state electricity bill to regulate generation and distribution of electricity. An implementation process is underway. Mr Oyebamiji has no clue in such an arena. The digital economy is a global multi- billion dollar industry. Governor Adeleke has primed Osun as a digital hub to tap into the sector through a series of ICT and digital legislation now under implementation. Again, Mr Oyebamiji is oblivious of this new global trend.

“It is particularly shocking and insultive to Osun people to read of the fresh intention by Mr Oyebamiji to tie Osun economy to Lagos through capital flight of the old. While South West inter-state collaboration under Oodua framework is already ongoing, the idea of Lagos corridor from Mr Oyebamiji is a direct intention to kill Osun local content policy, destroy the drive to grow Osun economy on a sustainable agro-industrial platform and put an end to the successful push to grow Osun prosperity through digital economy.

“The height of deficiency in the AMBO plan is the ludicrous mention of the blue economy strategy. We assert that as the head of the national waterway agency, Mr Oyebamiji failed to stop waterway deaths which stood at almost 1000 by the time he left office. He failed to introduce or implement a modern waterways transport system despite an abundance of functioning systems that can be adapted. The Lagos Waterways Authority has an impressive record than what we had under AMBO leadership of NIWA.

“It is apt to note that under Governor Adeleke, the Owala Lake beach resort is functioning under PPP arrangements after decades of abandonment by governments under which Oyebamiji was a key player. Similar internal lakes at Modakeke and others are being projected for similar revival while key tourist sites are witnessing upgrades and modernisation under PPP model. Osun does not need sordid records at NIWA in Osun state.

“Like that popular song, Osun can never go back; Osun has gone too far in economic liberation, prosperity and sustainability; It is already too late for Osun to retrogress; it won’t make sense for Osun to go back to the era of corporate slavery enforced by some corporate hawks masquerading as people – loving politicians”, the statement concluded.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the State Governor.

OSUN STATE LAUNCHES INVESTMENT BROCHURE TO ATTRACT GLOBAL CAPITAL, DRIVE SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, has formally launched the Osun State Investment Brochure, describing it as a strategic instrument to open the state to investment, innovation, and long-term economic growth.

The launch, which took place on Thursday, 22nd January, 2026 at the Government House Banquet Hall, Osogbo, underscores the Adeleke administration’s commitment to reposition Osun State as a competitive, and investor-friendly destination within Nigeria and across international markets.

Speaking at the event, Governor Adeleke restated his administration’s clear policy direction, declaring that “Osun State is open for business. We offer policy consistency, government support, and investment security. In Osun, investors are not just welcomed; they are valued partners in progress.”

The Governor noted that since assuming office, his administration has pursued an investment-driven development agenda anchored on strong public-private partnership as a pathway to sustainable growth, job creation, and shared prosperity. He emphasized that government policies and actions are deliberately structured to support credible investors and stimulate economic expansion.

He disclosed that the state recently hosted a high-level delegation of investors from Mainland China and Hong Kong, in the company of the Owa of Ijeshaland, with discussions focused on concrete industrial development plans in sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, mining, and infrastructure.

Governor Adeleke also referenced the successful hosting of the Osun State Dinner and Industrial Investment Roundtable, which brought together investors, industry leaders, policymakers, and development partners to engage directly on opportunities, incentives, and partnerships available in the state. He explained that through the ‘Invest in Osun’ initiative, the state has continued to actively promote its investment potential locally, and internationally.

The Governor explained that the Investment Brochure, developed under the coordination of the Osun State Investment Promotion Agency (OSIPA), presents clear, and structured opportunities across priority sectors such as agriculture, solid minerals, tourism, hospitality, infrastructure, manufacturing, renewable energy, healthcare, education, and the creative economy.

He further pronounced Osun State’s comparative advantages, including fertile land, abundant mineral resources, strategic location, a youthful workforce, and a peaceful environment for business. According to His Excellency; Governor Adeleke’s deliberate reforms have been implemented to improve ease of doing business, including the establishment of a one-stop investment shop at the OSIPA building to simplify processes, strengthen institutions and protect investors.

Governor Adeleke commended the management of OSIPA, led by the Special Adviser to the Governor, Hon. Felix Olatunji, for their professionalism and foresight in producing the Investment Brochure, describing it as a clear statement of the state’s readiness to engage, partner, and grow. He also acknowledged the role of the media in projecting Osun State to the global investment community.

He concluded by inviting investors, and development partners to explore the opportunities outlined in the brochure, and collaborate with OSIPA to become part of Osun State’s growth story, with a shared objective of unlocking economic potential, creating sustainable jobs and securing a prosperous future for the people of the state.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed
Spokesperson to the Osun State Governor

GOVERNOR ADELEKE: EPITOME OF POLITICS BEYOND BOUNDARIES

The Executive Governor of Osun State, His Excellency, Sen. Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke has proven beyond reasonable doubts, that politics, which many players have misinterpreted to a do-or-die affair, can be played beyond the boundaries of self-interest, bitterness, vendetta and needless aggrandizement.

The Governor’s arrival at the residence of Chief Bisi Akande with his cabinet members was on Saturday 17th January, 2026.

The recent visit of Governor Ademola Adeleke to the erstwhile Governor of the State and elder statesman, Chief Bisi Akande at his Ila-Orangun countryhome for his 87th birthday anniversary, is a pointer to leaving a resounding legacy that is worthy of emulation.

It lends credence to the fact that leadership is about all, not only about the segment or sentiment about religion, race, political platform or vantage points in social, economic and societal values.

Governor Adeleke in his magnanimity, has deemed it fit to honour the elder statesman despite known political parties’ differences. The major unifier in both figures, remains the good, growth and development of the masses, in every nook and cranny of Osun State.

The scenario captured the humility, respect and the spirit of sacrificial service to mankind. The Governor, despite the highly coveted position he occupies, needless ego, popularity or eulogies have not tampered with his honesty, humility and humanity in general.

While the actions and specifically the august visit of His Excellency are highly commendable, this is wishing the elder statesman, Chief Bisi Akande, a resounding celebration and many more fulfilling decades ahead, AMEN.

Osun indegenes at home and in the Diaspora are proud of this development and wish everyone, especially those highly placed, can borrow and turn a new leaf from bitter politics and selfish adventures.

KIDNAPPED ELDER TITILAYO OWOLABI REGAINS FREEDOM AFTER FOUR WEEKS

The people of Ora-Igbomina have announced the release of Elder Titilayo Owolabi of Ora, who was kidnapped over four weeks ago and held by suspected bandits.

In a press statement issued on behalf of the community, Ambassador Yemi Farounbi, OON, the Asiwaju of Ora-Igbomina, expressed gratitude to God for the safe return of the elder statesman, describing him as a patriot and a worthy senior citizen.

The community also appreciated the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, and the state government for their support and assistance throughout the period of captivity, while expressing confidence that the government would continue to strengthen security and expand government presence, particularly in boundary areas of the state.

Commendation was extended to the Police, the Military, and other security and intelligence agencies for their efforts and sacrifices in safeguarding lives and property across the country.

Ora-Igbomina residents further acknowledged the role of both the mass and social media for bringing the incident to national attention despite the community’s remote location.

Traditional rulers in Ifedayo Local Government Area were also praised, particularly the Orangun and the Asaoni, for their concern, support, and intervention. The statement emphasized that unity remains the community’s greatest strength.

The Akesin, chiefs, pastors, imams, and citizens of Ora-Igbomina were equally commended for their prayers, solidarity, and collective efforts during the difficult period.

The statement concluded with a call for continued unity and self-reliance, stressing that community cooperation remains essential to addressing shared challenges.

Signed
Ambassador Yemi Farounbi, OON,
Asiwaju of Ora-Igbomina

GOVERNOR ADELEKE BAGS BUSINESSDAY AWARD 2026

● AS OSUN EARNS NATIONAL RECOGNITION AS TOP RANKING STATE IN EDUCATION AND HUMAN CAPITAL COMPETITIVENESS

OSOGBO – 12/01/2026 – Osunstate.gov.ng

Osun State has again earned national recognition as the Governor, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, is set to receive the BusinessDay Award 2026 in honour of the state’s outstanding performance in Education and Human Capital Competitiveness under his administration.

The award will be presented at the 2026 States Competitiveness and Investment Readiness Awards (SCIRA) holding in Abuja, placing Osun on the national stage for reforms that are already being felt in schools, communities, and households across the state.

The recognition follows a detailed assessment by BusinessDay Newspapers, which irrefutably ranked Osun among the top-performing states in education delivery, youth development, skills readiness, and long-term human capital planning. The evaluation reflects practical improvements at the grassroots level, including better learning environments, improved teachers’ welfare in public schools, renewed attention to vocational and technical skills, and deliberate policies that prioritise young people.

It is worthy of note that across Osun’s urban centres and rural communities, the impact of these reforms is visibly evident. From rehabilitated classrooms to strengthened teacher support systems and expanded youth empowerment initiatives, the Adeleke administration’s focus on education is translating into real opportunities for students, artisans, and young professionals.

Speaking on the recognition, Governor Adeleke described the award as a collective achievement of the people of Osun, noting that development must be measured by how policies improve everyday lives.

“This recognition belongs to the people of Osun, because my leadership is people-centric, and our government is working for the ordinary citizen by investing in education and human capacity-building. When our children learn better and our youths acquire skills, the future of Osun is secure,” the Governor said.

Community leaders and education stakeholders have welcomed the development, describing it as further proof that Osun is moving in the right direction under a leadership that understands grassroots needs, and places human development above political showmanship.

From Osogbo to Ilesa, through Ikire, and into the nooks and crannies of the Central, East, and West Senatorial Districts, Governor Adeleke is proving to the people of Osun that when leadership works, the people feel it.

The BusinessDay Award 2026 reinforces Osun State’s growing reputation as a state where governance connects directly with the people, and where investment in education is treated with utmost priority. Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke is not just winning awards for Osun; he is winning trust and a clear vote of confidence from the people.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the State Governor.

IMOLE FREE TRAIN RETURNS THOUSANDS OF PASSENGERS BACK TO LAGOS

The Imole Free Train Service, put in place by the Executive Governor of Osun State, His Excellency, Sen. Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke has returned thousands of passengers from Osogbo Train Station back to Iddo Terminus, Lagos on Saturday.

Some of the passengers with their baggage had arrived at the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park Osogbo as early as 7:00 am in the morning to board the train.

Commending the Osun State Governor for such a wonderful initiative, the passengers expressed happiness and satisfaction over their experiences over the train and the transformational gesture of Governor Ademola Adeleke, in every nook and cranny of Osun State.

While speaking, the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev. Dr. Bunmi Jenyo who bidded the passengers farewell to their varying destinations of Ibadan, Abeokuta and Lagos respectively, commended the Governor for the provision of the Imole Free Train Ride.

According to the Commissioner, “the Governor of Osun State, Sen. Dr. Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, in his magnanimity, despite the paucity of funds, made it possible. Both coming all the way from Iddo Terminus, Lagos to Osogbo for Christmas and New Year celebrations”.

“This morning, the passengers, in their thousands with happiness and appreciation to Mr. Governor, have been conveyed back to their base”, he said.

“The period of their stay within the State has given them the opportunity to access the transformations that are taking place across Osun State”.

“We have gotten their feedback, it is encouraging His Excellency to continue. The people, who are the direct beneficiaries of Governor Adeleke’s giant strides in every sector of the economy are happy, and they are solidly behind him for his reelection bid, to continue in office till 2030”, the Commissioner said.

The Imole Free Train initiative was anchored by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Osun State.

APPRECIATION! APPRECIATION!! APPRECIATION!!!

The Honourable Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in Osun State, Rev. Dr. Bunmi Jenyo has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all those who attended his Christmas celebration event, held in his Country Home on the 2025 Boxing Day.

This was contained in a special message by the Commissioner, which was made available to newsmen in Osogbo on Sunday.

Dr. Jenyo appreciated the spirit of love, peace and harmony in all the critical stakeholders of Ila-Orangun community, who attended the celebration of JESUS CHRIST.

Both the politicians and the community leaders in attendance have made a great statement of love, unity and progress that will resonate across the community, for a very long time.

According to the Commissioner, “I sincerely appreciate all those who attended my Christmas celebration event. I recognized the presence of critical stakeholders of Ila-Orangun community (Politicians and Community Leaders) who showed up in the spirit of love, peace and progress”.

“I sincerely appreciate those who thonged my country home, from outside Ila-Orangun and Osun State for the celebration. You travelled from your varying Local Governments to honour GOD, HE will also honour you in return, Amen”.

“Our LORD JESUS CHRIST will continue to bless and honour you all and grant us all abundant life to celebrate many more Christmas together, AMEN.
Thank you all and l wish you happy new year in advance”, he said.

Signed:
Rev. Bunmi Jenyo Ph.D,
Honourable Commissioner,
Ministry of Commerce and Industry,
Osun State.
28th December, 2025.

IMOLE FREE TRAIN SERVICE IS GOVERNOR ADELEKE’S WORTHY ASSISTANCE – PASSENGERS

Passengers of the Imole Free Train Service, an initiative of the present administration under the leadership of the Asiwaju of Edeland, Sen. Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke have commended the Governor, describing the gesture as a worthy assistance.

Governor Ademola Adeleke was also applauded for his passionate leadership which has transformed Osun State citizenry in all the strata of the economy.

This was as the holidaymakers reunited with their family members, friends and loved ones in the early hours on the Christmas Eve, at the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo on Wednesday.

Welcoming the travellers on behalf of the State Governor, the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev. Dr. Bunmi Jenyo expressed happiness for the hitch-free journey of the train, despite delays.

Flanked by the management of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Rev. Dr. Jenyo who interacted with some of the passengers charged them to use their time in Osun to access the transformation agenda of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

He lauded Governor Adeleke’s government for its resilience and consistency of the Free Train Ride for all the citizens of Osun State, in Lagos, Ogun and Oyo States who wanted to celebrate Christmas with their loved ones in Osun State.

According to the Commissioner, the initiative has brought unprecedented financial reliefs to homes of the thousands of passengers, who benefited from the Imole Free Train Ride.

According to him, “I want to use this opportunity to appreciate His Excellency, Sen. Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke for this Free Train Ride initiative. Omo Balogun has done it again. His love, passion and mission for the masses cannot be underestimated”.

“You can see the radiating joy in the eyes of the thousands of passengers and their people, who have been waiting to receive them”, the Commissioner said.

Some of the passengers charged the Governor to shun all manners of distraction and continue in the same spirit of promoting love, happiness and the well-being of the people of Osun State.

“We love him. Mr. Governor has done well, he continues to make us happy and proud. He has transformed our dear Osun State, we will continue to support him”, one Mr. Adeyinka Oloyede said.

The Imole Free Train Service continues on Tuesday 30th December, 2025 when it will convey passengers from Iddo Terminus, Lagos, Ogun and Oyo States to Osogbo, the Osun State Capital.

GOVERNOR ADELEKE LAUDS ARMY FOR CONTAINING BANDITRY IN OSUN AS ARMY CHIEF GRACE 89 REGULAR RECRUITS PASSING OUT PARADE IN OSOGBO

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has charged officers and men of the Nigerian Army to be dedicated to the protection of teritorial integrity of Nigeria, describing the Army as the heartbeat of the Nation.

Governor Adeleke stated this today when he joined the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, and other senior military officers at the maiden Passing Out Parade of the 89 Regular Recruits Intake of the Nigerian Army, held at the Nigerian Army Depot, Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

Senator Adeleke while saluting the military for it’s decades of service in the protection of the nation and her citizens said “today’s event is a reminder of the critical role of the military in the protection of the territorial integrity of Nigeria. At the heart of military tradition is the unbending patriotism and loyalty to the constitution and to the fatherland”.

The Governor appealed to political leaders in the country to always apply political solution to address national situation saying there’s the need to foster national cohesion at the national and subnational levels.

While commending President Bola Tinubu for his giant strides to develop Nigeria, Senator Adeleke appealed to the President to “always be open in accomodating multiple, diverse interests as we interface the electoral process.

“For us in Osun State, we are open to political solution to our challenges and we will go out of our ways to seek peace and harmony in the political process” Governor Adeleke assured the President. This he said will reduce political tension and enable the security services to be focused on their traditional responsibilities.

Governor Adeleke reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies in Osun State, stressing that sustained peace and security are vital for social stability and economic growth across the state.

He sought the support of the military and especially the Army to contain infiltration of bandits from Kwara State saying the threat is real and “we strongly believe the ongoing operation will contain the threats”, he opined.

In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, charged the newly inducted soldiers to uphold loyalty, discipline, and professionalism in the discharge of their duties. He reminded them of the high expectations placed on the Nigerian Army and urged the recruits to remain committed to the core values of integrity, patriotism, and respect for constituted authority as they begin their military careers.

The parade marked the successful completion of months of rigorous military training by the new recruits, who showcased drills, physical fitness, and combat skills, reflecting their readiness to serve the nation.

The event attracted top military commanders, government officials, traditional rulers, families of the recruits, and other invited guests, highlighting the importance of the ceremony in strengthening civil military relations and national cohesion.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed
Spokesperson to the Osun State Governor