I Inherited 80% Infrastructural Deficit, Says Adeleke

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke yesterday said he inherited more than 80 per cent infrastructural deficit from the immediate past administration of the state.

Adeleke disclosed this at a programme organised by the Osun Development Association in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the programme was, ‘A celebration of Founding Members, Inauguration of Council of Elders, Induction of New Members and Thought Leadership’.

Adeleke, represented by Chief Lai Orilowo, Group Managing Director ,Odua Investment Company Limited, said he worked assiduously to solve the problem, adding that the positive results were there for all to see.

He noted that almost all the projects not completed by his predecessor had been completed.

Adeleke said he had also ended the regime of “half salary” for workers, noting that workers and pensioners were being paid as and when due.

He said: “We are paying back the diverted contributory pensions of our senior citizens.

“Our pensioners are registered for a health insurance scheme with the state paying the bills.

“We have reformed the public service and have ensured regular payment of salaries and promotion arrears.

“In Osun, there is a nexus between the formal and informal workforce.

“So, taking care of public servants boosts, enlivens and strengthens the informal workforce in the state.”

The governor said the completion of all inherited projects was in line with the commitment of the present administration to ensure accelerated development of the state.

He said: “We live it and act it. I retained all contractors inherited from my predecessor; none of those contracts were terminated.

“No contractor was fired. My only insistence was that they must deliver on what they signed with the state.”