Adeleke assents to Osun 2026 budget, highlights gains, eyes second term

 

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has signed the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, pledging full implementation while reeling out what he described as major achievements recorded by his administration in the last three budget years.

The governor signed the bill in Osogbo on Monday, accompanied by the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi; Speaker of the House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun; Chief of Staff, Hon. Kazeem Akinleye; Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina, and members of the State Executive Council.

Adeleke said the 2026 budget was designed to consolidate and expand governance and service delivery in line with the five-point agenda of his administration.

According to him, the signing formally ushers in the final year of his first term, with a renewed commitment to completing ongoing projects and initiating new ones for the benefit of residents.

He said: “In the last three budget years, our administration laid a solid foundation for sustainable development. We completed many abandoned projects and initiated new ones. We paid billions of naira in pension and salary arrears and prioritised workers’ welfare through payment of promotion arrears and allowances neglected by the previous administration.”

The governor listed interventions in agriculture, healthcare, education and infrastructure, including agricultural mechanisation, rehabilitation of schools and health facilities, construction of a five-star stadium in Osogbo, over 250 kilometres of roads across the state, six road dualisation projects in five major towns and three major flyover bridges to ease traffic congestion.

He also cited innovations in energy, science and climate change, stressing that his administration ensured value for money through procurement reforms, moderation of project costs and the implementation of a local content policy.

Adeleke said his government approved close to N4 billion for disbursement to cooperative societies to deepen grassroots economic activities and promote inclusive financing.

On economic reforms, the governor said the business environment had improved through tax harmonisation to curb multiple taxation and a 45-day window for issuance of Certificates of Occupancy. He added that previously moribund free trade zones had been reactivated, while investment inflow had risen significantly since 2022.

He said Osun ranked first in the South-West in primary healthcare access in 2024 and 2025, while performance in national examinations improved from 33rd position in 2022 to seventh in 2024 and 2025.

According to him, the state’s debt profile has reduced by over 40 per cent, while infrastructure deficit has dropped from about 80 per cent in 2022 to 45 per cent.

Adeleke said the administration had received several local and international awards, which he described as unsolicited recognition of its performance.

On the 2026 budget, the governor said the year would be both a consolidation period and an election year, stressing that governance would not be sacrificed for politics.

“By God and the people, our mandate will be renewed, but governance must not suffer. We will multi-task and ensure full implementation of the 2026 budget,” he said, charging ministries and agencies to adhere strictly to budget timelines.

He thanked residents for their support and goodwill, assuring that his administration would remain focused on the welfare of workers, artisans, youths, students, women and traditional institutions.

“I will not disappoint the people. I remain committed to service of the people, for the people and by the people,” Adeleke said.