Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has said the first phase of his administration’s multi-billion naira infrastructure project has reached an advanced stage.
Governor Adeleke said this on Monday in Osogbo when he received the team of Independent Anti-Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission, ICPC, led by its Chairman, Dr Musa Aliyu at Government House.
The Governor said his administration is executing the project through financial discipline and prudent management of resources.
“The ambitious agenda had surprised both friends and foes when I announced the plan in December 2023. Many challenged our government on how and where we are going to get the funding. The scale of the projects listed in the plan raises so much dust as this is the first of its kind in the history of Osun state,” Adeleke said.
“But we assured the public then that we will ensure full implementation of the infra plan through financial discipline and a new tone in the management of state finance. Our government rolled out several initiatives then which include creation of special project accounts, blocking leakages in revenue collection system, increase in internally generated revenue, reduction of overhead cost as well as deliberately saving from governments earnings.
“Midway into the implementation period, I am happy to report that we have made significant headway. The projects are ongoing in line with the approved schedule supervised by tested professionals in the field. As the infra plan is being implemented in phases, the first phase has reached an advanced stage. Our government has turned Osun into a huge construction site with all the Senatorial districts and local government benefitting.”
He said his ambition to be governor has been to render selfless service to the people of the State.
“Mr Chairman, permit me to inform you and your team that my sole ambition in this governorship is selfless public service. As God has blessed me and my family before attaining this office, we are giving back to the people by ensuring judicious application of public funds and resources. During the inauguration of my cabinet, I openly warned those with a corrupt mindset should opt out before it is too late. We apply rigorous vetting in the financial approval process. We ensure enforcement of the procurement laws without fear or favour.”
Earlier in his address, ICPC Chairman described the signing of Memorandum of Understanding as historic, stating that it will entrench the fight against corruption.
Aliyu said, “Today’s signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Osun State Government is a historic step forward. Leveraging the directives of UNCAC, our Constitution (as amended), and the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, we commit to a robust partnership focused on anti-corruption initiatives, public education, and activities designed to enhance integrity and accountability within Osun State.
“As the Chairman of the ICPC and a former State Attorney General, I firmly believe that the fight against corruption cannot be won by any single individual or agency. It requires the concerted efforts of all stakeholders in the three tiers of government. Our collaboration with the Osun State Government is a testament to this belief.
‘Together, we will galvanise support, implement necessary preventive measures, and adopt a more effective strategy in our battle against corruption. This also aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda for “improved governance for effective service delivery.”
