Frontline aspirant for the 2026 Osun governorship election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Kunle Rasheed Adegoke, SAN, known widely as K-Rad has congratulated all sons and daughters of the state on the occasion of its 34th anniversary.
NewsClick Nigeria reports that the military government of General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida on August 27, 1991 created 11 new states: Abia, Adamawa, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Jigawa, Kebbi, Osun, Taraba, Yobe and Kogi. These new states increased Nigeria’s total from 21 to 30, with the number later growing to 36 in 1996.
In a statement commemorating the 34th anniversary of the state’s creation, K-Rad appreciated the founding fathers of the state while extolling her virtues.
The erudite lawyer noted that in the past 34 years, the state has not only stood as a beacon of cultural heritage but intellectual excellence with lots of opportunities for economic development.
‘My dear people of Osun State, distinguished leaders, and esteemed stakeholders, today, as we commemorate the 34th anniversary of the creation of Osun State, I join millions of our citizens, both at home and in the diaspora, in celebrating the vision, resilience and indomitable spirit of our founding fathers who, through relentless advocacy, secured the establishment of our beloved State on August 27, 1991. This milestone is not merely a historical marker but a testament to the collective will of our people to build a prosperous, united and progressive State.
For 34 years, Osun State has stood as a beacon of cultural heritage, intellectual excellence with lots of opportunities for economic development. From the cradle of Yoruba civilization in Ile Ife and the State capital in Osogbo to the vibrant communities across our 30 local government areas, we have made remarkable strides in education, agriculture, infrastructure, and governance. The labour of heroes past has not been in vain.’
He went on to explain that despite the modest achievements through the 34 years, challenges exist and call for bold leadership to unveil the state’s full potentials while offering himself to undertake the onerous job.
‘Yet, as we reflect on our achievements, we must also acknowledge the challenges that call for bold, visionary leadership to unlock the full potentials of our State.
‘As a proud indigene of Osun and a committed servant of our people, I reaffirm my dedication to the transformation of Osun State.
‘My vision, encapsulated in the “Tiwa N Tiwa L’Osun” publications and All Progressives Congress (APC) manifesto, is to harness our abundant human and natural resources to drive an economic revival, create jobs, and foster sustainable development. Our state is blessed with fertile lands, a diligent workforce, and a rich cultural legacy. It is time to translate these assets into tangible prosperity for every child, youth, and elder in Osun,’ he noted.
The governorship hopeful saluted the worthy contributions of past and present leaders, including incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke and also urged him to further make more efforts in steering the state to the desired height.
The aspirant declared that his blueprint outlines roadmap for a better Osun that is less reliant on federal allocation.
‘On this auspicious occasion, I salute the contributions of past and present leaders, traditional rulers, and citizens who have worked tirelessly to advance our State. I greet His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke, and urge him to make more efforts in steering Osun toward the path of greater progress.
‘However, the journey ahead demands a proactive, inclusive, and innovative government—one that prioritizes agricultural revolution, modern land management, and youth and women empowerment through 21st-century skills. My blueprint, Assured Future (Ọjọ Ola to Daju), outlines a roadmap to reduce reliance on federal allocations by fostering partnerships with local and foreign investors, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and revitalizing key sectors like agriculture, mining, industrialization, and tourism in a manner unprecedented in our history as a people.
‘As we celebrate this 34th anniversary, I call on all Osun indigenes to unite in building a State where every child can dream, every young person can find opportunity, and every elder can live in dignity. Let us recommit to the values of unity, hard work and progress that define us as the “State of the Living Spring.”
‘Together, we can make Osun a model of good governance, economic prosperity, and social justice.
‘I congratulate all citizens of Osun State on this momentous day. May our State continue to shine as a symbol of hope and possibility for generations to come.
Happy 34th Anniversary, Osun State!,’ the statement concluded.
