Osun State House of Assembly member, Hon. Adewumi Adeyemi Irekandu, has reiterated the critical role of strategic investments in education and agriculture in reducing poverty across the state.
Speaking in an interview in Osogbo on Friday, he emphasised the importance of education in driving economic growth and self-reliance.
Irekandu, who represents Obokun Constituency, outlined how Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration is working towards transforming Osun from a predominantly civil-servant state into an industrial and agricultural hub.
He expressed confidence in the Governor’s approach, citing ongoing projects aimed at diversifying the state’s economy.
Empowering youth through education
During the interview, Irekandu stressed the importance of educational initiatives, stating, “Education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty. I have programs focused on education that ensure students in my constituency have access to quality learning opportunities.”
He noted his efforts to provide scholarships and grants for students, particularly those from low-income families. “If we want to reduce poverty, we must prioritise education and ensure our students are not only educated but also equipped to compete globally,” he added.
Irekandu also discussed his push for the domestication of the Federal Government’s Students Loan Bill in Osun State, which would provide financial support for students pursuing tertiary education. “We are working to ensure this initiative becomes a reality in Osun,” he said.
Furthermore, he emphasised that education must be both accessible and relevant to current market demands.
He advocated for vocational training and skill acquisition programs, stating, “We need to align our educational curriculum with the skills that are in demand in today’s job market.” He also emphasised the importance of partnerships with local industries.
Agriculture as a path to growth
Addressing the role of agriculture, Irekandu spoke about its potential to combat poverty and drive economic growth in Osun.
He praised Governor Adeleke’s commitment to making Osun a food basket for Nigeria, noting initiatives such as the distribution of tractors, fertilizers, and other farming inputs to local farmers.
“The Governor has started working on ensuring Osun becomes an industrious state, and a major part of that vision is agricultural development,” Irekandu stated.
He expressed his commitment to supporting local farmers and small-scale traders in his constituency, believing that these efforts would lead to financial independence and job creation.
He further highlighted recent agricultural programs that have significantly increased productivity in the region. “By empowering our farmers with modern equipment and resources, we are not only improving yields but also creating a sustainable economy,” he explained.
Irekandu also mentioned plans to establish agricultural cooperatives to help farmers access resources and markets more effectively.
Legislative goals for growth
Looking ahead, Irekandu shared his legislative priorities for the coming year, which include several bills aimed at addressing social and economic challenges.
One key bill he highlighted is the Community Social Responsibility bill, which would require companies to invest in local development projects as part of their corporate accountability.
He also spoke about the Local Content bill, designed to promote the purchase of locally made products from indigenous businesses. “Supporting our local industries is essential for creating jobs and reducing dependency on imports,” he explained.
Additionally, he is working on a Property Protection bill to hold individuals accountable for damage to properties during protests, emphasizing the need for a legal framework that protects both public and private assets.
In continuing his focus on education, Irekandu reiterated his advocacy for the domestication of the Federal Government’s Students Loan Bill. “Education is the foundation of our development, and we must provide our students with the financial support they need to succeed,” he stressed.
Ensuring balanced development
Irekandu encouraged Governor Adeleke to continue pursuing his development vision despite criticisms. “I encourage the Governor not to give up on his vision. People are watching, and they see the positive impact his administration is making,” he stated.
He acknowledged the challenges of governance, particularly regarding public perception and the equitable distribution of resources.
In response to claims that development projects are concentrated in Ede, Irekandu dismissed the notion of an “Edenization” of Osun, pointing to ongoing developments in other areas such as Osogbo, Ile-Ife, and Ilesha. “If we only focus on one area, we risk leaving others behind. Our aim is to ensure balanced development across the state,” he asserted.
A vision for progress
Irekandu concluded the meeting by reaffirming his commitment to quality representation and impactful development. “I want my people to be proud of my time in office. I aim to inspire leadership in others and ensure that my community thrives economically and socially,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of community engagement, noting that he regularly seeks feedback from his constituents to understand their needs and priorities.
Through sustained investments in education and agriculture, Irekandu believes Osun can forge a path toward poverty reduction, economic growth, and a brighter future for its citizens.
Irekandu remains optimistic about the prospects for both his constituency and the state, urging all stakeholders to collaborate in creating a thriving environment for development.
