Olusegun ARIYO
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has criticised the economic blueprint unveiled by the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Oyebamiji.
Governor Adeleke also warned that the proposals could undermine recent economic reforms in the state.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, on Sunday in Osogbo, Adeleke said an assessment of Oyebamiji’s document showed policy directions that differ sharply from the development framework currently being implemented by his administration.
According to the statement, “The Adeleke administration’s strategy is anchored on local content utilisation, grassroots empowerment and reduced tax burdens, while the opposition blueprint allegedly promotes policies that may encourage capital movement outside the state.
“Our approach is designed to ensure Osun resources directly benefit Osun residents.”
The governor outlined “ongoing initiatives, including artisan and cooperative financing programmes valued at nearly ₦4 billion, enforcement of local content policies in procurement, and the revitalisation of the Osun Digital Economy Hub to boost participation in the global technology sector”.
It added that “reforms in tax harmonisation and digitisation have improved internally generated revenue, while the revival of free trade zones and agro-mechanisation programmes has repositioned the state for industrial growth and agricultural expansion”.
Responding to similarities between both policy documents, the governor alleged that aspects of the APC blueprint mirrored projects already being executed.
“Several elements highlighted by the APC candidate are policies that are currently under implementation by this administration,” the statement noted.
Governor Adeleke also referenced recent legislative actions, including the signing of the state electricity law to regulate power generation and distribution.
He said implementation processes were ongoing to strengthen energy supply as a foundation for economic development.
On regional collaboration, the governor maintained that inter-state partnerships within the South-West were already active, but cautioned against arrangements that could weaken Osun’s local economy.
“Any framework that sidelines local content risks reversing hard-earned gains,” the statement said.
Adeleke addressed references to the blue economy, pointing to ongoing public-private partnership projects such as the Owala Lake Beach Resort, which he said had been revived after years of neglect, alongside plans to develop other inland water and tourism assets.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining current reforms and warned against policy shifts that could derail progress.
“Osun is on a path of inclusive growth and economic stability, and we remain focused on policies that protect and advance these gains,” the statement said.
