The African Development Bank (AfDB) has lauded the Governor Rauf Aregbesola led administration in Osun for economically developing the state through the implementation of its people-oriented policies and programmes.
The AfDB scored Osun high on its social investment programmes, describing them as most laudable, impactful and commendable in the democratic history of the country.
The leadership of the AfDB led by its Country Director, Mr. Ebrima Faal, gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to the governor at Government House in Osogbo.
Faal commended the state’s Six-Point Integral Action Plan which he said is in line with the organisation’s objectives.
The AfDB Director commended the state government for being committed to human and capital development as manifested in the positive results the state has recorded in all its policies and programmes.
Faal noted that the organisation was aware of the tremendous achievements the state has recorded particularly in the areas of education, technical and vocational training as well as infrastructure development.
“We are here to commend the state government for being committed to human and capital development as we have seen the positive impacts made in the lives of the citizens.
“We have seen the wonderful works going on across the state, particularly the massive infrastructural development and the efforts the state is making to turn around the economic fortunes of the state.
“We are enthused to be here to express our commitment to support the state in some critical areas of interest in line with our primary objective to stimulate the economy of our people on the continent.
“As a way of contributing to the Nigeria’s economy particularly on the need to diversify her economy from crude-oil to sustainable industrialised and commercialised economy through the advancement of non-oil sectors for the benefit of all, we have deemed it fit to partner Osun government.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure that the Nigeria and Africa’ economy objectives are actualised through the required socio-economic support and collaboration.
“We have seen the tremendous physical and social infrastructural development that spreads around every nook and cranny of the state.
“We want to shift the direction a bit to ensure a holistic performance at supporting governments at various levels to improve on their economy”
He added, “Since assumption of duty in Nigeria, I have never been to any state; Osun is the first and this is because I have heard so much about this state and I needed to come and see things for myself.
“And sincerely speaking, with what I have seen on ground since I arrived at Osun, the present administration has really raised the bar of governance through its various investments in infrastructure and the people of the state.
“There are very few states in this part of the world that has invested heavily in the people and I am so happy about this because it means that there is so much hope for the people of the state and this explains why the state is so peaceful.
“Another significant fact is that after a careful study of various government policies of Osun for its people, we have discovered that the Six-Point Integral Action Plans which the state is using as guide to move the state forward is completely in line with our own policies.”
In his response, Governor Aregbesola stated that his administration is passionate about the welfare and well- being of the people, hence the huge investment of the government in physical and social sectors of the economy.
He said the present administration in the state is a focused one which is people friendly and always willing to put smiles on the faces of the people which it serves.
Aregbesola said for Africa to maximise its potential which Nigeria must champion, the initiative must start from somewhere, no matter how small, stressing that Osun is ready to take the initiative to show what governance should be.
While expressing the hope that the AfDB will fully support the state, the governor explained that the present administration in the state is not frivolous and is ready to make life better for the people of the state.
He said, “We are ready to take the initiative to make Nigeria great and put Africa on the world map of development.
“Even before we came into office we already set out on what we want to achieve for our people and that’s why we came up with the six-point integral action plans for our government.
“We are a focused government and we want the best in terms of everything for our people, if you support us you will be doing the right thing for our people who will be better for it.
