Osun State governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on Tuesday said the state remains the reference point for the progressive philosophy of the sage and former Premier of Western Region, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Making this disclosure while receiving the Group Chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL), Bimbo Ashiru, during a courtesy call in his office, in Osogbo, Adeleke, who described Awolowo and his crop of administrators of those days are legendary figures, said his vision and leadership style were tailored after true progressive philosophy.
He contended that Awolowo and his team saw the future and attempted to create the future in the present through the implementation of people-driven policies that enhanced the socioeconomic development of the South West.
“The inspiration of Awoism is a strong motivation for me as a governor. That was the reason why, under two years, we implemented far-reaching developmental programmes. We are as ambitious as the Awoist cabinet of the First Republic. Hence, we are building flyovers, dualising roads and upgrading schools, health facilities and water schemes all over the state.
“We venture into areas our critics see as impossible terrains. We launched multi-billion naira infrastructure programmes even as we are paying billions. of naira in unpaid pensions and salary debt. We emphasise workers’ welfare and enrol retirees and pensioners in a free health insurance scheme, “Adeleke posited.
He explained that his government will study and review potential areas of investment and participation with OICL, adding that “when you are talking of progressive politics, don’t look any further. We are the true progressives. We are building people and society. We are the true definition of pro-people leadership as we attend to the direct and the immediate needs of the people.”
Earlier in his remark, the Group Chairman of OICL, Bimbo Ashiru, hinted that the organisation, collectively owned by the six South West states, including Osun State, remains committed to its mandate of driving economic prosperity for our shareholder states through strategic investments and partnerships.
He explained that the company is strategically positioned to unlock the vast solid mineral potential within Osun State.
According to him, to actualise our planned investments, we have recently incorporated a Special Purpose Company, SouthWest Resources Limited (SWRL), and we require the gracious intervention of Your Excellency in facilitating access to mining licenses, consents, and the necessary government support.
“We believe that with your backing, we can catalyse responsible mining operations that will not only generate significant revenue for the state, but also create meaningful employment opportunities for our people, while ensuring strict adherence to environmental and social standards, “Ashiru averred.
