Adeleke receives certificate of return, pledges N500m fund for victims

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke officially received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday, solidifying his victory in the recent governorship election. The ceremony in Osogbo marked a moment for the governor to thank the state's citizens for renewing their mandate.

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This certificate does not belong to Ademola Adeleke alone. It belongs to the people of Osun State: our workers, market men and women, youths, traditional and religious leaders, and every citizen who participated in this democratic process.

However, Adeleke's address also focused on the violence that marred the electoral process. He acknowledged the injuries, property destruction, and loss of life that occurred, emphasizing a need for sober reflection. To address the aftermath, the governor announced the creation of a N500 million Election Violence Victims Endowment Fund. This fund aims to support verified victims and the families affected by the violence, ensuring their pain is recognized beyond mere statistics.

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But even in victory, we must be sober in reflection. Citizens were injured, properties and livelihoods were destroyed and, most painfully, precious lives were lost.

Further demonstrating his commitment to the victims, Adeleke revealed that the Adeleke family, through the Springtime Development Foundation, would provide full scholarships for the children and dependants of those who lost their lives during the election violence. This initiative aims to offer a path forward for the affected families, providing educational opportunities as a form of support.

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Regardless of political affiliation, they were first our brothers, sisters and fellow citizens. To their families, your pain is our pain, and your loved ones will never be reduced to mere statistics.

Concluding his remarks, Governor Adeleke urged residents to set aside electoral differences and unite for the collective development of Osun State. "The election is over. The campaign is over. The contest is over. Now is the time to govern, unite, heal and build," he stated, signaling a focus on governance and progress for the state.

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No eligible victim will be excluded because of political affiliation, religion, ethnicity, gender or social status. In grief, there is no political party. In our common humanity, we are one people.