By Michael Ofulue Osogbo

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State yesterday issued a series of policy directives aimed at alleviating residents’ economic hardships being experienced in the state.

This was contained in a statement from the Governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, made available to newsmen in Osogbo on Thursday.

Adeleke instructed government agencies to fast-track the implementation of programmes and policies on food security, internal security, minimum wage, fuel affordability, and other related issues.

“I am committed to implementing our promises, especially in response to the recent national protests as they relate to our areas of responsibility. We are determined to advance our welfare agenda, which is a top priority in our governance programme.

“It is in this context that I hereby direct the Ministry of Agriculture and the Food Security Committee to commence the implementation process without any further delay. We must roll out action plans in a timely manner to achieve the goals of food access, farm security, and food affordability.

“By next week, I will be flagging off the distribution of farm equipment, seedlings, and farm inputs, including fertilisers and tractors, among other things. We must hit the ground running.

“The Ministry is further directed to finalise plans for the cultivation of hundreds of hectares of land across the local governments under the Young Agropreneurs Incubation programme. We must implement a comprehensive back-to-farm project that includes state assistance for farm preparation, tractorisation, and off-taking mechanisms,” the Governor was quoted as saying.

The State Governor, who promised expanded governance consultations with stakeholders such as civil societies, students, and youths, also tasked the Ministry of Science and Innovation with producing an implementation plan for the recently amended and approved State ICT Policy and State Innovation Policy to broaden opportunities for youth engagement.

“Our Government recognises the role of ICT in job creation and youth engagement. Hence, we recently approved state ICT and Tech Innovation policies. The relevant ministry is expected to prepare for implementation, particularly for job creation among our burgeoning youth population.

“Our Government has started paying bursaries to students. The first phase is completed, and we are working on the second phase.

“We are committed to supporting the education of youth in various institutions. We have a programme in the pipeline for students in tertiary institutions, including a talent hunt programme to be implemented with student leadership in the state.

“Meanwhile, we continue to pay the half-salary and pension debts inherited from previous governments. We will continue to alleviate the burdens of our senior citizens and workers.

“Regarding the minimum wage, we have set up an implementation committee. Relevant stakeholders are included to ensure an inclusive process. We are committed to supporting our workers as a labour-friendly government.

“Our labour leaders are aware of and appreciative of our commitment to improving the lives of workers and pensioners,” Governor Adeleke noted.

While acknowledging that inflation contributes to the high cost of food, the State Governor expressed optimism that the ongoing actions of the Food Security Action Committee will mitigate the adverse effects of food inflation.

He further directed the state taskforce on petrol monitoring to engage with marketers across the state, adding, “I urge petrol retailers and marketers not to hoard petrol products. They need to support the people by not exploiting the situation for personal gain.

“The State Task Force is to swing into action immediately. We must engage with the fuel marketers. The pain of our people must not be compounded,” the Governor asserted.

Governor Adeleke said his government has considered the demands of various interest groups, including the organisers of the recent national protest, assuring that his government is “a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.”

“Our Government is an agent of good governance and democratic dividends. We will not relent in our public-spirited service to our dear state,” the Governor concluded.