Ademola Adeleke, the Osun State Governor, declared on Tuesday that his administration paid over N80 billion in inherited pension debt. He spoke at a town hall meeting organised by Arise TV for candidates in the August 15 governorship election.
He further stated that the government settled more than two-thirds of the half-salary arrears. Meanwhile, he recalled the situation in 2022 when the state’s finances could not cover the accumulated debts.
Adeleke noted that his predecessor, Gboyega Oyetola, had said payment of the half-salary and pension debts was not possible. However, he affirmed political will resolved the difficult issues.
“Our government has paid over two-thirds of the half-salary debt. We have paid over N80 billion of inherited pension debt,” Adeleke said. He added that the administration reformed the public service and introduced several measures for workers’ welfare.
Osun workers appreciated the efforts and endorsed him for re-election, according to his statement.
Adeleke held the welfare of workers in high esteem and described it as his greatest sense of fulfilment. He said the administration did a lot to redeem pensioners and workers in the state.
“I’m proud of all I have achieved in the last four years. But specifically, I am happy about workers’ welfare. We did a lot to redeem our pensioners and workers in Osun State,” he stated.
“I’m truly happy about how we addressed the problems and challenges facing Osun public workers. The pensioners, senior citizens, are happy with me. The workers love me. The first job of a government is the welfare of the people. I fulfilled that responsibility,” he concluded.
In addition, Adeleke maintained that his administration delivered beyond expectations in nearly four years. He listed achievements that included 350 kilometres of roads, three flyover bridges, six dualised roads, rehabilitation of over 200 primary healthcare centres, rehabilitation of 150 schools, the establishment of the University of Ilesa, the purchase of 31 new tractors and disbursement of almost N2 billion in cooperative funds.
The governor, who sought a second term on the Accord Party platform after winning in 2022 on the Peoples Democratic Party ticket, shared plans for the next four years if re-elected.
