Adeleke unveils second-term plans, vows to transform Osun into industrial hub

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has unveiled his plans for his second term, promising to transform the state from a predominantly civil service state into an industrial and investment hub.

Adeleke made the disclosure during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Sunday, days after securing re-election in the August 15, 2026 Osun governorship election.

The governor said industrialisation would be one of the central priorities of his second administration, as he seeks to attract investors, create jobs and expand economic opportunities across the state.

“I am tired of hearing Osun State as a civil service state. I want to make sure I move it to an industrial state where investors will come in,” Adeleke said.

He identified the development of a free trade zone and the state’s industrialisation programme as key components of his strategy to attract businesses and stimulate economic growth.

Adeleke also listed the completion of the Osun airport project and further infrastructure development among the major priorities for his second term.

The governor expressed confidence that the projects would be completed within the next four years, adding that increasing interest from people returning to Osun and prospective investors indicated growing confidence in the state.

He said his ultimate ambition was to leave behind a legacy that would make Osun a reference point for other Nigerian states.

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“I would like to be remembered that when Governor Ademola Adeleke came as a governor, he left a legacy of making Osun State a reference point that other states can look up to,” he said.

Beyond economic development, Adeleke said his second term would focus on political reconciliation and inclusive governance following a highly contested election.

The governor said he would establish a reconciliation committee to bring political actors and residents together and create an avenue for people across party lines to contribute ideas to the development of Osun.

He extended a “hand of fellowship” to his former opponent, Bola Oyebamiji, saying he was prepared to consider any useful proposals from the APC candidate.

“If you have any ideas, put them on the table. If the idea is good, I am going to utilise it,” Adeleke said.

The governor also expressed willingness to work with Oyebamiji and former governor Gboyega Oyetola, despite their membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), where such cooperation would benefit Osun and support the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Adeleke further declared his support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, saying he would “go all out” for the President.

He denied having any agreement with Tinubu linked to the Osun governorship election, insisting that his decision to support the President was based on his own political considerations.

Adeleke said he also wanted the Federal Government to sustain infrastructure development in the South-West, particularly the rehabilitation and construction of federal roads linking the region to other parts of Nigeria.

The governor ruled out returning to the APC, saying such a move was not part of his current political plans.

“As I’m talking to you, I’m not even thinking about that. It’s not on my agenda. But that doesn’t mean that I cannot support Mr President,” he said.

Adeleke also said he had directed the Osun State Attorney-General to withdraw a legal matter involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), describing the decision as part of efforts to reduce political tensions.

He said President Tinubu’s personal intervention had helped ease some of the tensions between the state government and the Federal Government.

On allegations that some of his associates were being detained or questioned by the EFCC, Adeleke said his lawyers had been instructed to intervene.

He maintained that his associates had nothing to hide but criticised what he described as continued questioning and intimidation.

The governor also defended his public image as a politician known for dancing, saying dancing was simply his hobby and did not interfere with his responsibilities as governor.

“My hobby is dancing. I have loved dancing right from when I was little, so that doesn’t stop me from doing my job. And my job speaks for itself,” he said.

Adeleke attributed his re-election victory to the confidence voters had developed in his administration, saying he had fulfilled many of the promises made during his first campaign.

“Of all the things that I promised them I would do, I kept my promises. I have been tested and trusted,” he said.

The governor also called for peace following the political tension and violence reported in parts of Osun ahead of the election.

He said he instructed his supporters not to retaliate when campaign materials were destroyed, arguing that political differences should not be allowed to damage the state’s social fabric.

“I’m a very peaceful person. I told my people that they should not retaliate. They destroyed my posters all over. I told my people not to touch their people. Just leave them alone,” Adeleke said.

He added that political power ultimately belonged to the people and should not be pursued through intimidation or violence.

Adeleke also embraced the “Bulldozer” nickname associated with his campaign, saying it reflected his political strength and ability to overcome obstacles.

Asked whom he would thank for his election victory, the governor credited God, recalling that he also emerged victorious in the 2022 election.

“I have a God that never fails. I praise Him all the time,” he said.

With his second term secured, Adeleke now faces the challenge of turning his promises into measurable results, particularly in industrialisation, infrastructure, investment, job creation and economic development.

His pledge to move Osun beyond its traditional civil service identity and establish it as an industrial and investment destination is expected to be a defining test of his second administration.

Adeleke unveils second-term plans, vows to transform Osun into industrial hub

UK Opens 2026/27 Commonwealth Fellowship Applications for Nigerians – How to Apply

The United Kingdom has opened applications for the 2026/27 Commonwealth Fellowship Programme, offering fully funded opportunities for mid-career professionals and university academics from Commonwealth countries, including Nigeria. The UK in Nigeria announced the opening via its X handle on Thursday, urging eligible candidates to apply before the August 25, 2026 deadline. The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission administers the programme under two distinct strands: Commonwealth Professional Fellowships and Commonwealth Academic Fellowships. These fellowships enable professionals and academics from eligible Commonwealth countries to spend time in the UK at host organisations working on programmes of professional or academic development that will have a developmental impact upon their return home.

The programme is divided into two categories, each designed for different career paths. Commonwealth Professional Fellowships target mid-career professionals seeking development at a UK host organisation in their sector. Professional Fellowships are expected to last between six weeks and three months, with start dates between mid-February and mid-March 2027. Applicants must have at least five years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, relevant work experience by the proposed start of the fellowship, and voluntary work experience does not count toward this minimum. Commonwealth Academic Fellowships are designed for university academic staff who hold a PhD and are employed at a university in a Commonwealth country outside the UK. These fellowships last three months and are scheduled to begin in January or February 2027, focusing on academic skills updates, knowledge exchange, and networking, with the goal of establishing future collaborations with UK universities.

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The CSC has provisionally planned approximately 40 fellowships for the 2026/27 cycle. Approximately 30 fellowships are available for citizens of Commonwealth countries eligible for Official Development Assistance, which includes Nigeria, while approximately 10 fellowships are available for citizens of Commonwealth countries not eligible for ODA. All fellowship proposals must align with one of the CSC’s six development themes. These themes include science and technology for development; improving population health, health systems and capacity; promoting innovation and entrepreneurship; strengthening peace, security and governance; strengthening resilience and response to crises; and access, inclusion and opportunity.

To be eligible for these fellowships, prospective Fellows must meet several general requirements. They must be citizens of, or have been granted refugee status by, an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person, and must be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country. They must not have indefinite leave to remain in the UK and must be in employment at the time of application at an organisation they will return to after completing the fellowship. Applicants must provide at least two references, one of which must be from their current employer, as applications without references will be considered ineligible. They must not have undertaken a Commonwealth Fellowship within the last five years at the time of taking up the award and must be available to undertake the fellowship from the prescribed start date. Nigeria is listed among the eligible Commonwealth countries.

Applicants for Professional Fellowships must have at least five years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, relevant work experience in a profession related to the subject of the fellowship programme by the proposed start date, and voluntary work experience will not be counted toward this minimum. Applicants for Academic Fellowships must hold a PhD and be employed by a university in a Commonwealth country other than the UK.

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The CSC provides comprehensive funding for all fellowships, including approved return airfare from the Fellow’s home country to the UK and reimbursement of the standard visa application fee. Fellows will receive a monthly stipend living allowance of £2,218 per month for organisations outside London or £2,753 per month for organisations in the London metropolitan area, based on 2025/26 levels. The package also includes an arrival allowance of up to £1,247.09, including an element for warm clothing. Additional funding is available for programmes from six weeks to two months, which can claim up to £1,000 for short courses, conferences, or travel to other UK organisations, while programmes of two months to three months can claim up to £2,000. If a Fellow declares a disability, a full assessment of needs and eligibility for additional financial support will be offered by the CSC.

Applications opened at 9:00 AM BST on July 28, 2026, and will close at 4:00 PM BST on August 25, 2026. Interested applicants must complete the online application form through the CSC application portal. Required information and documents include educational qualifications, employment history, relevant work experience, publications and prizes where applicable, at least two references with one from the current employer, a development impact statement explaining how the fellowship relates to one of the CSC’s six development themes and how skills will be applied after returning home, a personal statement of up to 500 words summarising how personal background has encouraged the applicant to want to make an impact in their home country, a summary of voluntary and leadership experience of up to 500 words, and a scanned copy of passport or national identity card. The application is free, and no money is required. Nigerian applicants can contact the Federal Scholarship Board for further information via email at fsb@education.gov.ng or by phone at 09124516750 or 09082454557.

Fellows must adhere to several conditions, including returning to their home country and previous place of employment within five days of the award’s end, not undertaking paid employment during the award, residing in the UK throughout the award period, securing suitable UK entry clearance and meeting all immigration regulations, and not receiving other fellowships, awards, or bursaries covering the same costs concurrently. In line with the UK Bribery Act 2010, any applicant convicted of bribery will be banned from reapplying for a Commonwealth Scholarship or Fellowship for up to five years.

UK Opens 2026/27 Commonwealth Fellowship Applications for Nigerians – How to Apply