The Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, has unveiled his plan to build infrastructure worth N100 billion for the state.
The infrastructure would cover 45 major roads, 345 healthcare centres, 5 flyover bridges, statewide portable water provision as well as street lighting network among others.
Adeleke did the unveiling on Friday, at the Excos Lounge of the Governor’s Office in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.
To fund the 100 Billion infrastructure plan. Our administration is committed to avoiding loans by identifying and eliminating financial inefficiencies. Our IGR has seen a significant boost, and we’ve recently received 7 billion from FG, providing us with a strong starting point
— Gov Ademola Adeleke (@AAdeleke_01) October 27, 2023
The Governor stated that having a solid infrastructure base in all sectors of the economy would help catalyze growth and development in the state.
He added that the imperative of bridging the state’s infrastructure gap necessitated his current urgency and commitment in this regard.
“I have used the last 11 months to address the over 90 percent infrastructure deficit our administration inherited.
“But more still needs to be done, hence the ambitious plan to launch this infra plan that covers roads, health, water, schools among others.
“By investing so much in infrastructure upgrades, we are laying the foundation for effective public private partnership”, the Governor said.
In terms of finance, Governor Adeleke said the infrastructure plan would be sponsored entirely by the state without procuring loans from any financial institution.
He added that his plan entailed complying with all procurement laws and due process while also ensuring that the local content part of the implementation was adequately satisfied.
He said: “Very importantly, our administration is ensuring localisation in the implementation process. Local content in terms of sourcing materials and workforce are key to transferring skills and economically empowering our people.
“This is in line with the five point agenda of our administration which seeks to boost the local economy. High local content is married with a strong maintenance plan to ensure the sustainability of the infrastructure.”
Governor Adeleke said his administration would hit the ground running after the unveiling and promised that 95% of the projects would be executed through local content in order to curb capital flight.
Philanthropy
In another development, Governor Adeleke called on rich and Nigerians to invest part of their wealth in philanthropy.
Adeleke made the call during a poverty alleviation and empowerment programme sponsored by the Yeye Dupe Adeleke Foundation in Ede, Osun State.
The Governor said helping the less privileged to stand on their feet was equal to building the blocks of a virile and enterprising society.
He noted that philanthropy was a call to service that every privileged citizen must heed, regardless of religion, ethnicity and political leaning.
He said further that no human society could truly be called great if it left behind a sizeable segment of its population to wallow in abject poverty and want.
“I am happy to associate with my sister and mother as she keeps the family tradition growing. This is a very commendable action.
“This is a challenge to all well to do Osun residents. We must support the poor, the weak and the challenged. Society grows best when we love our neighbour as ourselves”, the Governor said.
The founder, Mrs Dupe Adeleke Sanni, in her remarks, said her greatest passion was bringing happiness and laughter to the troubled.
She stated that the major reason for the empowerment initiative was to give some of the less privileged across the state a new lease of life.
“My life is an embodiment of giving and caring to the needy. Behind my public activism is a very strong passion for the materially challenged in the society.
“Today is thus a day of empowerment from me as a private individual who is upholding a glorious family tradition.
“For this empowerment event, beneficiaries cut across the entire state. The goal is to equip beneficiaries with sustainable economic materials”, she said.
Some of the empowerment items distributed included sewing machines, deep freezers, grinding machines, beauty salon equipment, cash gifts and brand new mini buses.
The philanthropist said her initiative would venture next into supporting early school leavers, school drop outs, street urchins, teen mothers and orphans.
