The President of the Association of Yoruba in Diaspora South Africa (AYIDSA), Dr. Olusola Agbeniyi, has endorsed the transformation drive of Osun State Governor, Nurudeen Jackson Ademola Adeleke, following a high-level meeting in Cape Town.
The endorsement came after a three-hour closed-door session held during Governor Adeleke’s visit to South Africa for the Investing in African Mining Indaba, which took place from February 9 to 12.
According to a statement issued by AYIDSA’s Media Unit, Dr. Agbeniyi commended the governor for what he described as rapid socio-economic progress in Osun State since the inception of his administration. He referenced the “Imole Osun” (Light of Osun) vision, noting that the administration’s reforms and development efforts are visible even to indigenes living abroad.
During the meeting, the AYIDSA president highlighted key achievements of the Adeleke administration, including ongoing infrastructure projects across the state’s three senatorial districts, consistent payment of salaries and pensions, and the clearing of inherited debt backlogs.
He also praised the state government’s efforts to attract investors to Osun’s growing economy, particularly in the mining and agricultural sectors.
In the health sector, Dr. Agbeniyi expressed delight over the recent ₦34 billion research hospital donation by philanthropist Folorunso Alakija, describing it as evidence of successful public-private partnerships under the current administration.
The discussion further touched on Osun’s recent recognition by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the best-performing state in primary healthcare delivery in South-West Nigeria for two consecutive years, 2024 and 2025. The recognition reportedly came with a combined cash reward of $1 million, earmarked for healthcare improvements.
Dr. Agbeniyi lauded Governor Adeleke’s resource management, noting that the state had recorded notable gains despite receiving relatively modest federal allocations.
“If Nigeria had just ten leaders like Governor Ademola Adeleke, the country would be in a far better state than it is today,” he said. “He has shown that transparency and commitment can deliver development even with limited resources.”
In his response, Governor Adeleke reaffirmed his commitment to sustained development across Osun State. He commended AYIDSA members for promoting Yoruba language and culture in South Africa, particularly through initiatives such as the annual Yoruba Heritage Day celebration and the promotion of Omoluabi values.
He urged members of the diaspora group to remain good ambassadors of Nigeria and to continue contributing to the development of their home communities.
The engagement capped what officials described as a productive investment-focused visit to South Africa, as the governor continues efforts to position Osun as an attractive destination for global mining and agricultural investment.
