Ayobami Agboola 
As Nigeria celebrates her 64th independence anniversary, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has called on all Nigerians to be more committed to the core values that define the great nation.
These core values according to the Governor include unity, progress, and the unwavering belief in our collective ability to shape a brighter future.
Adeleke in a message delivered to mark Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary called on the people of the country on the need for them to reflect on the journey of the country since October 1960.
In his words: “We must reflect upon the journey of our nation since attaining sovereignty on 1st October 1960.
“We remember the struggles, sacrifices, and the unbreakable spirit that have brought us this far. Today, as we celebrate, we also look to the future, filled with hope, aspiration, and the determination to make Osun State a beacon of excellence within our nation.”
He promised that under his leadership, Osun State will continue to be a shining example for other states to emulate.
“What can be achieved is immense, and my government is highly committed to the welfare and development of its people. My administration has made remarkable strides in just under two years.
“Since taking over from the previous administration, our state has grown in leaps and bounds, and we have every reason to be proud of our achievements.
“From the development of our infrastructure to the empowerment of our youth, from the preservation of our rich cultural heritage to the promotion of peace and security, Osun State has continued to evolve, becoming a model for other states in the Federation.
“We have seen progress in the education sector with the renovation of schools across the state, healthcare improvements with the complete renovation of 332 Primary Health Facilities and the full stocking of drugs, infrastructure development with roads and modern flyovers across urban cities, economic development, public service reforms, timely payment of monthly salaries, and the payment of palliative allowances to all civil servants to mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal.”
Adeleke emphasised that the welfare of civil servants is one of his administration’s top priorities.
“Our cultural heritage remains a source of pride, and our people continue to excel in various fields, contributing to the growth of not only our state but Nigeria as a whole.”
According to him, these achievements are a testament to the dedication of public servants, the resilience of the people, and the support of esteemed partners.
“As we stand here on this historic occasion, I am filled with immense pride in the strides we have made as a state and as a nation.
“Our unity, resilience, and unwavering commitment to progress have carried us through challenges and propelled us towards a better tomorrow. Together, we have overcome obstacles that once seemed insurmountable, as we continue to strive for excellence in all facets of our lives.
“As we know, Osun State, with its rich cultural heritage, vibrant communities, and committed citizens, has always played a significant role in Nigeria’s progress. Our state has been a shining example of unity in diversity, where people from various backgrounds come together in harmony to build a brighter future.
“We are celebrating our collective achievements and the milestones we have reached as a nation and state. Our resolve to build a better Osun State, where every citizen has access to quality education, infrastructural development, healthcare, and economic opportunities, remains steadfast.”
He said, “Education is the cornerstone of any prosperous society, and nurturing the intellectual growth of our youth is a responsibility we take very seriously.”
“My five-point agenda aligns with this commitment, and as part of it, the Osun State government initiated the 2024 Debate Competition among our students. Today, we have the privilege of celebrating the successful completion of this competition.”
