Objective & Accurate

Stories By: Temilade Odedele

For over a decade, the town of Ife Odan, once a vibrant agricultural heartbeat of Osun State, has remained largely abandoned by successive governments. During the two previous administrations of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Ife Odan’s infrastructural development was not only overlooked, but its strategic importance to Osun State’s agricultural economy was completely forgotten. Now under the leadership of Governor Ademola Adeleke — a man whose victory was massively supported by the people of Ife Odan — the town is hopeful that this neglect will finally be corrected.

Ife Odan is not just a rural town tucked away in the state’s western axis; it is a highly productive agricultural zone, contributing significantly to Osun State’s food basket. From maize to cassava, from yam to vegetables, Ife Odan’s fertile lands have sustained families, fed markets, and powered the local economy. The town’s productivity has not waned, despite limited access to modern farming tools, poor road networks, and a lack of government support. This resilience alone demands attention and investment.

Successive APC governments paid lip service to rural development, and Ife Odan became a textbook example of marginalization. Critical feeder roads remain untarred, healthcare services are under-equipped, and educational facilities are crying for attention. Farmers in Ife Odan have remained committed to feeding the state, yet they struggle to access capital, extension services, and markets due to decayed infrastructure. The silence from the previous administrations was deafening.

When Governor Adeleke campaigned in 2022, his message of “people-first governance” resonated deeply in Ife Odan. The town, tired of broken promises, voted massively for him — not because of political affiliations, but because of hope. That hope is rooted in the belief that Governor Adeleke, with his populist posture, would finally give Ife Odan the attention it rightfully deserves. Nearly three years into his administration, the people are still waiting.

This call is not one borne out of entitlement, but of loyalty and merit. Ife Odan has consistently remained peaceful, law-abiding, and politically active. Its contribution to the electoral strength of Osun West is undisputable. Yet, the dividends of democracy seem to stop just short of our borders. If a government is truly of the people, then a community that gave its trust deserves to see that trust returned in the form of developmental presence.

Beyond agriculture, Ife Odan is brimming with untapped human capital. Youths here are eager to contribute to the economy through agribusiness, education, and entrepreneurship. But without digital access, good roads, power supply, and training programs, their dreams are stifled. The state government under Governor Adeleke has championed youth empowerment — it is time to bring that vision into communities like Ife Odan where it is most needed.

We urge the governor to remember that real grassroots transformation begins in places like ours. A small investment in Ife Odan can trigger a ripple effect across the entire Osun West axis. Reviving the agricultural extension program, constructing access roads, supporting local processing industries, and upgrading health and education facilities would not only uplift the town, but also create sustainable jobs and curb rural-urban migration.

Governor Adeleke has proven himself as a responsive leader. His recent projects in other parts of the state are commendable, and we celebrate his passion for development. However, we ask him not to forget those who stood with him when it mattered most. A visit to Ife Odan, a town hall with local stakeholders, and an action plan for our integration into the state’s development blueprint will go a long way in restoring confidence.

It is not too late. The people of Ife Odan still believe in Governor Adeleke’s leadership. We know he has the political will and empathy to do what others before him refused to do — give Ife Odan its rightful place in the state’s development agenda. Our patience should not be mistaken for passivity. The town is watching, waiting, and praying.

Governor Adeleke, the time to remember Ife Odan is now. Let your administration be remembered not just for dancing into power, but for walking boldly into history — as the government that finally remembered a town that never stopped giving.

Written By;
Temilade Odedele
(Journalist, PR Expert, Human Rights Activist).

Cc;
Osun State Government
Sen Adeleke Ademola Nurudin
Bamidele Salam
Sen Ademola Adeleke
Olujinmi Asagade
Adeyemo Kehinde
PEOPLE DEMOCRATIC PARTY PDP