According to the report from the Vanguard, A coalition of civil societies in Osun State, known as The Osun Mastermind (TOM), has called upon Governor Ademola Adeleke to ensure that the federal government's fertilizer palliative reaches genuine end users for the benefit of the state.
The group emphasized the need for proper monitoring of contractors handling ongoing road projects in the state, alleging that some of these projects are of substandard quality.
Responding to these concerns, Governor Adeleke's spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, dismissed the criticisms as politically motivated, asserting that the administration maintains transparency in the distribution of fertilizers arriving in the state.
Speaking to reporters in Osogbo, Professor Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, the group's Executive Director, urged Governor Adeleke to prevent civil servants from manipulating the fertilizer distribution to favor certain powerful politicians over genuine farmers.
"We urge the state government to distribute fertilizers fairly, equitably, and transparently across all 30 local government areas and area offices. Public servants managing the palliative scheme must ensure it reaches its intended recipients rather than benefiting cronies or political actors," Professor Oyedokun-Alli emphasized.
He further stressed, "The fertilizer palliative, aimed at mitigating the impact of the removal of petroleum subsidy on Nigerians, is crucial for alleviating hardship among the less privileged. It should support agricultural production and benefit agrarian communities in Osun State."
The coalition also called on the Governor to take action against contractors delivering substandard work on ongoing road projects, citing specific examples like the Osogbo – Iwo – Ibadan Road reconstruction.
"For example, the Dele Yes Sir section of the approved 91km road has developed potholes and progress has been alarmingly slow. Despite significant funding, the deterioration raises questions about the Ministry of Works' oversight under the Governor's leadership. Why was such an important project entrusted to an evidently incompetent contractor? Was it purely for financial gain?" the group queried.
They also highlighted issues with the Lameco – Old Garage Road and the Oke Fia flyover project in Osogbo, urging the state government to consider blacklisting underperforming contractors.
In conclusion, TOM reiterated its commitment to ensuring accountability and efficiency in governance, urging Governor Adeleke to prioritize the interests of Osun State residents in all developmental initiatives.