Adeleke demands decentralisation of power

• Published On: 21 July 2024 at 14:56

Ademola Adeleke, Governor of Osun State, has advocated for the devolution of authority to the states rather than the centralization of governance authorities and responsibilities.

The governor stated that implementing such a plan to address the challenge of inflation devastating Nigeria's economy would provide the promised results.

Adeleke made the statement on Sunday at Adeleke University's combined 10th undergraduate and 6th post-graduate convocation in Ede, where 1092 students received first, master's, and doctorate degrees at the university's stadium.

He observed that the government was experimenting with a variety of strategies to address the issue of inflation, noting that there was an urgent need to move many items from the exclusive legislative list to the concurrent list, and that states are better positioned to handle many items for which the centre is currently responsible.


"You may also want to note that governments at all levels are working hard to remedy the economy's dire situation. During National Economic Council sessions, both the federal and state governments periodically brainstorm solutions to the nation's economic difficulties, unemployment, and hyperinflation. Several options are being explored.

"As a state, we feel that the solution lies in devolving authorities and funding to state governments. There is an urgent need to move numerous issues from the exclusive legislative list to the concurrent list. The states are better positioned to handle many issues for which the center is currently responsible.

Decentralization of government authority and responsibility. We must, as a nation, prioritize economic federalism. This would increase subnational prosperity, establish a conducive environment for job growth, and build local capacity across sectors.


"We must, however, continue to ensure national stability and unity." We cannot avoid the numerous difficulties that confront us as a nation unless we harness our potential across areas. Only when there is peace can we address the economic issue. "We will continue to support President Bola Tinubu as all levels of government deal with the current crisis," Adeleke added.

The governor advised the graduates to use the country's current economic crisis as an opportunity.

He tasked them with being imaginative and ambitious, saying they needed to capitalize on the volatility to create a prosperous future.

In a commencement speech, Nigerian history Prof Toyin Falola advised graduating students to face the world with courage and turn problems into opportunities for excellence.