Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke’s administration in Osun State has entered a new phase following his re-election, renewing attention on the record of his first term, the impact of his policies on residents and the challenges that will shape his second term.

Since assuming office in November 2022, Governor Adeleke has focused his administration on infrastructure, workers’ welfare, education, healthcare, economic development and agriculture. While some of these areas have recorded visible interventions, residents and stakeholders continue to expect stronger attention to employment, security, project quality, healthcare delivery and grassroots development.

Roads, Infrastructure and Visible Development

Infrastructure has remained one of the most visible aspects of Governor Adeleke’s administration.

The government embarked on road rehabilitation and construction across the state, alongside road dualisation and major flyover projects. The administration has reported work on more than 350 kilometres of roads, with major projects in locations including Osogbo, Ilesa, Ila, Iwo, Ile-Ife and Ede.

Some residents have acknowledged the impact of these interventions, particularly in improving movement between communities. Residents interviewed by PREMIUM TIMES cited newly constructed and rehabilitated roads among the areas where they felt the administration had made visible progress.

Beyond roads, the administration has also invested in public infrastructure, including schools, healthcare centres, water facilities and other projects. These interventions have increased the visibility of government activity across several parts of the state.

Gbongan also benefited from Governor Ademola Adeleke’s infrastructure and development drive, with the reconstruction of the long-dilapidated Olufi Palace Road and the construction of the Oke-Ola Bridge, located beside the residence of the late Madam Wule, former Iyalode of Gbonganland. The administration also carried out interventions at Olufi Memorial Primary School, alongside other community infrastructure works in the town. These interventions formed part of the administration’s efforts to improve movement, connectivity and public infrastructure in Gbongan.

However, the long-term value of infrastructure will depend on the quality, durability and maintenance of completed projects. Some flagship projects remained works in progress, while concerns have also been raised about the quality of some projects.

Workers, Education and Healthcare

Workers’ welfare has been another prominent area of the administration.

Governor Adeleke inherited outstanding salary and pension obligations and subsequently undertook payments towards inherited arrears. His administration also implemented the new minimum wage and addressed promotion-related arrears. The state government reported that it had cleared more than ₦50 billion in pension arrears and other inherited obligations by May 2026.

The impact has been recognised by sections of the organised labour movement and workers. PREMIUM TIMES reported that some workers praised the administration for regular salary payments and improved welfare, while the Osun State NLC leadership also commended the government for addressing salary and promotion arrears.

In education, the administration has reported rehabilitation of public schools, interventions at Osun State University and continued development of the University of Ilesa. The state government has also highlighted improvements in examination performance. However, examination results should not automatically be attributed entirely to one administration, as many factors influence students’ performance.

Healthcare has also received significant attention, particularly through the rehabilitation of primary healthcare centres. The government has reported the rehabilitation of more than 200 PHCs, including interventions involving water and solar power.

These improvements can help expand access to basic healthcare, particularly in underserved communities. Yet residents have continued to raise concerns about staffing, equipment and pressure on existing facilities. The next stage therefore requires the government to complement physical rehabilitation with adequate medical personnel, medicines, equipment and affordable healthcare services.

Revenue, Agriculture and Economic Opportunities

The administration’s financial record also provides measurable areas for assessment.

Data from the Debt Management Office showed Osun’s domestic debt at ₦83.32 billion as of March 31, 2025. Independent reporting also found that the state’s internally generated revenue increased from ₦27.72 billion in 2023 to ₦54.7 billion in 2024.

The figures indicate progress in revenue mobilisation and debt management, although increased internally generated revenue must be matched with responsible expenditure and investments that create lasting economic value.

Agriculture and business development have also featured in the administration’s programmes. Government interventions have included agricultural mechanisation, farm inputs, cooperative financing and support for businesses and young people.

However, the challenge is to move beyond short-term empowerment and create sustainable economic opportunities. Osun’s agricultural potential can support jobs and revenue if greater attention is given to processing, storage, modern farming methods, access to finance and reliable markets.

What Still Needs Attention

Despite the visible projects and interventions, important challenges remain.

Employment and economic opportunities are among the areas requiring greater attention. Young people need more sustainable pathways into employment, entrepreneurship and productive skills. Rather than relying mainly on temporary empowerment programmes, the state can strengthen industrialisation, technology, agriculture and support for small and medium-sized businesses.

Infrastructure also requires continuous maintenance. Constructing roads and public facilities is only one part of development; ensuring that they remain functional and durable is equally important. Ongoing projects should be completed, while existing infrastructure should receive regular maintenance.

Education requires attention beyond school buildings. More qualified teachers, teaching materials, functional laboratories, digital facilities and improved learning environments are necessary to translate infrastructure investment into better educational outcomes.

The same applies to healthcare. Rehabilitated facilities need medical personnel, equipment, medicines and effective service delivery if the investment is to produce meaningful improvements in the lives of residents.

Security remains another area requiring sustained attention. The Osun Government activated the Osun Security Trust Fund in April 2026, with Governor Adeleke announcing a ₦300 million government contribution towards strengthening security support. The governor also identified security concerns including illegal arms and the threat of insecurity spreading into communities.

The administration therefore needs to continue strengthening cooperation with security agencies, intelligence gathering and protection for rural communities, farmers and businesses.

Accountability, Equity and Grassroots Development

As Governor Adeleke begins his second term, transparency and accountability should remain central to governance.

Residents should be able to understand how public funds are being used, the progress of major projects and the expected timelines for completion. Clear communication can also help reduce misinformation and strengthen public confidence.

Grassroots development deserves equal attention. While major roads, flyovers and urban projects are highly visible, communities across all local government areas should benefit from government programmes and basic infrastructure.

The differing views expressed by residents about the spread of projects make equitable development particularly important. Some residents have praised the reach of government projects, while others have called for greater attention to their communities.

The Road Ahead for Governor Ademola Adeleke

Governor Adeleke’s second term provides an opportunity to consolidate the gains of his first administration while addressing areas where residents still expect more.

The priority should not simply be the launching of new projects. Completing ongoing projects, maintaining existing infrastructure and ensuring that government programmes produce measurable benefits should receive equal attention.

The administration should also strengthen healthcare delivery, improve education through better staffing and facilities, create sustainable employment opportunities and develop Osun’s agricultural sector into a stronger agro-industrial economy.

Governor Adeleke should continue listening to young people, students, workers, farmers, entrepreneurs and residents at the grassroots. Their experiences can provide important guidance on whether government policies are achieving their intended purposes.

A successful second term should ultimately be measured not only by the number of projects commissioned but by their quality, durability and impact on ordinary residents.

Governor Adeleke’s first term produced visible gains, particularly in infrastructure and workers’ welfare, while challenges remain in areas including healthcare, employment, security, economic development and project sustainability.

The task ahead is therefore one of consolidation and improvement: building on what has worked, correcting weaknesses and ensuring that development reaches more people across Osun State.

The ultimate measure of the administration’s legacy will be whether its achievements translate into stronger institutions, better public services, sustainable economic opportunities and a better quality of life for the people of Osun State.