Governor Adeleke Pushes for Energy Reform, Digital Economy Growth in Osun’s 33rd Anniversary Initiatives
As Osun State marks its 33rd anniversary, Governor Ademola Adeleke has outlined a series of ambitious initiatives across key sectors, including power, digital economy, and climate change.
These moves are aimed at positioning Osun as a leading economy in the 21st century, according to his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed.
During a press briefing in Osogbo, Rasheed detailed the Governor’s proactive approach, particularly in the power sector, where the state is set to make a significant legislative push. “Osun today has a draft legislation and policy framework for the power sector that will soon be submitted to the State House of Assembly for consideration and passage,” Rasheed said.
This bill, which follows best practices and has passed through the state Ministry of Justice, is expected to establish a state electricity regulatory agency. This agency will mirror the functions of the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) at the state level, licensing power producers and regulating distribution activities.
The Governor’s focus on the digital economy is also a significant part of his agenda. Rasheed highlighted that before Adeleke’s administration, “Osun had no state policy on ICT.” Now, under the Governor’s leadership, a comprehensive ICT policy is set for implementation, guided by professionals with over 30 years of experience. Additionally, the state has developed a Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) policy, aimed at boosting the state’s stake in the global digital economy. This policy, which has undergone rigorous public consultation, is now in its implementation phase.
In agriculture, Governor Adeleke’s administration has taken bold steps to transform Osun from a civil service-focused state into an agro-based industrial economy. For the first time in 13 years, the state has acquired new tractors, which will be unveiled this Friday. Rasheed underscored the significance of this achievement, noting that “throughout the 12 years of APC government, no single tractor was purchased.” The Governor is also working on establishing a tractor assembly plant in Osun, which would further bolster the state’s agricultural capabilities.
Rasheed further revealed that Osun is finalising a comprehensive climate change agenda with the help of a world-class consultant. The goal is to position Osun as a leader among subnational entities in Africa on climate issues.
Governor Adeleke’s commitment to infrastructure development was also emphasised, with Rasheed explaining that the ongoing construction of flyovers and dualised roads are “economic tools for economic development, trade, connectivity, tourism, and cultural industry expansion.” These projects are part of a larger multi-billion-naira plan aimed at upgrading the state’s socio-economic infrastructure.
Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi
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