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Lessons from Kigali: Transforming Osun State for a Sustainable Future

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By Bamikole Omishore

Effective governance has proven to be an essential phenomenon in today’s world. This is the reason the journey of transformation started by the government in Osun State draws a striking parallel with the remarkable progress witnessed in Kigali, Rwanda. I was privileged to accompany Governor Ademola Adeleke on a leadership retreat to Kigali, Rwanda, and he was no doubt impressed by the level of orderliness and organization right from the airport. As the airport gates opened in Kigali, it was impossible not to notice the seamless order and organization that guided the process. This experience sets the stage for lessons that will shape the basis of learning for Osun State.

The hallmark of Kigali’s transformation is not merely its infrastructural advancements but the leadership mindset that propelled it forward. Rwanda’s leaders dared to dream big, inspiring unity and a shared vision of growth. In a similar vein, Governor Adeleke has committed himself to leading by example in Osun State. From improved healthcare services to enhanced education initiatives, the Governor is already sowing the seeds of positive change. And this is only the beginning.

One cannot help but be impressed by the lush greenery that envelops Kigali. The city’s commitment to climate sustainability is a testament to responsible governance. It is heartening to note that just a few days ago, Governor Adeleke pledged to plant over 100,000 trees in Osun State. This will not only help to beautify the state, but also help to combat climate change. Besides, this isn’t just an environmental gesture; it’s a solid commitment to a healthier, greener future for the good people of our state.

To further catalyze growth, Adeleke recognizes the importance of fostering an environment that nurtures innovation. According to Governor Adeleke during the visit, “We are taking steps to improve the ease of doing business in Osun, ensuring that startups with groundbreaking ideas have the support they need to flourish. These startups hold the potential to address local challenges with fresh solutions, driving not just economic progress, but social betterment as well.

“To encourage start-ups that will address local problems in Osun State, I have identified five steps that we need to take to improve the ease of doing business. These steps include: Simplifying the process of registering a business in Osun State, providing access to funding for start-ups, creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive, providing training and mentorship for budding entrepreneurs and encouraging collaboration between businesses and the government,” the Governor said.

Furthermore, the governor’s aspirations don’t only stop at the state’s borders. By initiating a culture of peer review and challenge, it is hoped, the visit will spark a nationwide revolution in leadership, starting with his counterparts that also undertook the trip. “Just as Rwanda’s success story inspired me, I believe that our commitment to change will inspire the other governors across Nigeria. Together, we can set the stage for a new era of cooperative governance that transcends political boundaries,” Governor Adeleke said.

But the journey doesn’t end there. Governor Adeleke intends to harness the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a blueprint for innovation and development in Osun. According to him, the SDGs provide a framework for driving development in Osun State.

He said: “Here are four ways that we can aggressively use the SDGs to drive development in Osun State in the next seven years: We will focus on providing access to quality education for all children in Osun State. This will help to reduce poverty and improve the standard of living in the state.

“We will work to provide access to clean water and sanitation for all residents of Osun State. This will help to improve health outcomes and reduce the incidence of water-borne diseases.

“We will focus on promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls in Osun State. This will help to reduce poverty and improve the standard of living for women and girls in our state.

“Above all, we will work to provide access to affordable and clean energy for all residents of Osun State. This will help to reduce poverty and improve the standard of living in the state. Besides, by aligning our efforts with these global objectives, we will not only foster growth but also contribute to a more sustainable world.”

As a leader of impact, Governor Adeleke understands the profound impact of setting a personal example. Just as Rwanda’s leaders led the way in creating a clean, green city, he has committed to leading Osun by example.

“By ensuring that our cities are clean and sustainable, we’re not just building a better environment; we’re instilling a sense of pride and responsibility in our citizens.

“From Rwanda’s orderly airport to Osun’s pledge for a greener future, the lessons are clear: visionary leadership, sustainability, and innovation are the cornerstones of progress.

“As we navigate this path of transformation, I am confident that Osun State will emerge as a shining example of positive change – a testament to what’s possible when leadership is driven by a passion for growth, a commitment to the people, adherence to due process and rule of law and an unwavering belief in a better tomorrow.”

Moreover, it is hoped that as Governor Adeleke focuses on creating enabling environments, businesses will find Osun state as the most suitable destination in Africa to do business.

He said: “From investing in the value chain of agriculture such as cassava to starch, to opportunities in energy and mineral sectors, to driving an agrotech-led agricultural transformation, to building on the tourism opportunities, to investing in sports as a business, Osun State is open and ready for investments and we welcome investors home and abroad to come to our dear state.”

Governor Adeleke at the leadership retreat organized by United Nations Developmental Partners and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, reiterated his administration’s readiness to drive sports development through public-private partnerships. The Governor made this known while responding to an address by Masai Michael Ujiri, a British born Nigerian-Canadian professional basketball executive and President of the Toronto Raptors in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Ujiri, during his brief interaction with the Nigerian delegation described sports as an important sector that needs proper attention by the government in order to drive the needed development in the sector. He said the government needed to bring in private investors and cited examples of how commercializing sports had helped many developed countries. Governor Adeleke, who assured the delegation of the readiness of his administration to develop sports in the state, extended an invitation to Ujiri to further consolidate his administration’s plans and efforts for the sector. “I will invite you to Osun state in Nigeria. Come with sports’ investors. Osun is open for sports as a tool for economic development,” Governor Adeleke said.

Instructively, during a workshop session at the retreat, Tolani Alli, ex-aide of former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, referenced Governor Adeleke’s giant strides of completing multiple projects by his predecessor and embarking on groundbreaking projects without taking any loans.

In conclusion, Governor Adeleke’s visit to Kigali remains a lesson in leadership and development, and he is committed to implementing the lessons learnt in Osun State to make it a shining light among the league of states. It therefore behooves all residents of Osun State to join hands with the performing Governor on this journey towards a better Osun State.

Bamikole Omishore is the Special Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals and Multilateral Relations to Governor of Osun State.

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Buhari’s Era Was Marked by Service, Discipline and Patriotism, Abike Dabiri-Erewa Mourns Passing of Ex-President

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The Chairman/CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has expressed deep sadness over the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing his demise as the end of an era marked by service, discipline, and patriotic dedication to Nigeria.

Hon. Dabiri-Erewa commiserated with the Buhari family, the Government and People of Katsina State, as well as all Nigerians, on the irreparable loss of a statesman whose contributions to national development spanned decades.

In a statement issued by Mr Gabriel Odu of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, she recalled the late President’s efforts in repositioning Nigeria on the global stage, strengthening foreign relations, and promoting the active engagement of Nigerians in the Diaspora in national growth and development.

“President Buhari’s support for the establishment of NiDCOM in 2019 demonstrated his deep appreciation for the Nigerian Diaspora and his belief in their capacity to contribute meaningfully to the nation,” she said.

While praying for the repose of his soul, Hon. Dabiri-Erewa urged Nigerians at home and abroad to uphold the values of integrity, patriotism, and selfless service that the late President exemplified.

She also prayed that the Almighty Gid comforts the family and grants them the fortitude to bear the loss.

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Glo Partners Samsung to Unveil Latest Phones, Rewards Customers with Free Data

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Digital solutions company, Globacom, has partnered with Samsung, leading electronic device manufacturer, to offer an exclusive opportunity to Glo subscribers to pre-order the highly coveted Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 smartphones.

Those pre-ordering any of the sleek devices are also to get free 18GB data from Globacom as well as various gift items worth up to N1.2 million.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 series with advanced design, camera capabilities, and AI integration, were jointly unveiled by the two companies at a masterclass session held at the corporate headquarters of Globacom, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Tuesday at an event attended by  high net-worth Glo customers, special guests, journalists and officials of the two companies.

The pre-ordering of Fold 7 regarded as the thinnest and lightest in the series to date, and the Flip 7 which features a larger cover screen and enhanced FlexWindow usability with Galaxy AI, commenced immediately at the venue with several Glo subscribers ordering for the latest masterpiece from Samsung.

Speaking at the event, Samsung’s Head of Product Marketing, Stephen Okwarah, spoke on how Samsung has built a strong relationship with Globacom over time as the telco has always given Samsung good numbers in terms of sales orders from subscribers. He also explained the huge benefits and amazing features of the new devices for the benefits of those who want to  upgrade their current phones or who want to switch to the new devices.

Earlier, Abdulrazaq Ande, Globacom’s Head of Division (West), noted that the two devices “represent the cutting edge of mobile innovation, adding that Globacom is “proud to make them available exclusively at Glo retail outlets across Nigeria”.

He also noted that the partnership with Samsung to launch the devices “also reflects our broader commitment to innovation. With our fiber-optic expansion, and smart solutions for homes and businesses, Globacom is building the future of digital life in Nigeria — and we’re doing it with world-class partners”.

He encouraged discerning phone enthusiasts to visit any Gloworld outlet and pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 series to take advantage of the offer.

Some of the high net-worth individuals who have already pre-ordered the phones, picked up various gift items in a lucky dip at the event. The star gift of the day was a 55 inch Samsung QLED Television set, which was won by Idowu Emmanuel, a telecoms products dealer in Lagos.

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A Great Royal Icon is Gone, Sir Kesington Adebutu Mourns Passing of Awujale of Ijebuland

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By Eric Elezuo

The Odole-Oodua of The Source, Sir Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu, on behalf of the Ogbagba Royal Family & the entire Sons and Daughters of Ijebu-Land, has mourned the passing of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025 at the age of 91.

In a statement the Founder/Chairman, Premier Lotto, signed himself, he expressed profound melancholy at the demise while acknowledging the Oba’s wisdom courage, and an unwavering commitment to the development and progress of Ijebu-Ode during his lifetime.

Adebutu recalled how the late Awujale “worked tirelessly to promote peace, unity, and cooperation among the various communities within his kingdom, and his efforts earned him the respect and admiration of his people.”

Below is the full details of the statement

FAREWELL TO A FOREMOST ROYAL MAJESTY- OBA DR SIKIRU KAYODE ADETONA GCON OGBAGBA11, AWUJALE AND PARAMOUNT RULER OF IJEBU-LAND.

It is with profound melancholy that I write to bid farewell to His Royal Majesty Oba Dr Kayode Sikiru Adetona GCON, a Monarch whose legacy will forever be etched in the annals of history.

The Late Awujale’s reign was marked by wisdom, courage, and an unwavering commitment to the development and progress of Ijebu-Land.

His Majesty’s leadership was characterized by a deep understanding of the complexities of modern governance and a keen sense of diplomacy. He worked tirelessly to promote peace, unity, and cooperation among the various communities within his kingdom, and his efforts earned him the respect and admiration of his people.

The Late Awujale’s impact on the cultural heritage of Ijebu-Land cannot be overstated. He was a custodian of tradition and a champion of the arts, and his court was renowned for its vibrant cultural displays. His love for his people and his land was evident in every decision he made, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

As we mourn the loss of this great Royal Icon, we take solace in the knowledge that his impact will be felt for years to come in Ijebu-Land nay- Nigeria. May his soul rest in peace, and may his legacies continue to guide and inspire us. Amen.

With Affectionate Regards

Sir Dr Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu OON CON CFR,KJW FISM FGPS,FNIJ FAmedS
The Pillar of Methodism is Nigeria and Odole-Oodua of The Source

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