Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke
Governor Ademola Adeleke has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting young entrepreneurs and attracting more investments to Osun State as part of efforts to strengthen the local economy and create employment opportunities.
The governor made the pledge during the commissioning of the Backroom Lounge in Osogbo, where he highlighted what he described as the growing transformation of Osun from a civil service-dependent state into an emerging hub for private sector investment and commercial activities.
Represented at the event by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Bunmi Jenyo, Adeleke said recent government policies have helped stimulate economic growth, attract investors, and expand business operations across the state.
According to him, Osogbo and several surrounding communities are witnessing increased commercial activities, with some areas of the state capital now operating a vibrant 24-hour economy.
“Osun has changed from being a civil service state. This present administration changed that narrative. You can now see that every sector of Osun is working. We have had a lot of foreign investors,” the governor stated.
Adeleke pointed to the achievements of entrepreneur Tunde Oladimeji, owner of the newly commissioned leisure facility, as an example of how local investments can contribute to economic growth and improve the quality of life for residents.
Oladimeji, who traces his roots to Osun despite spending much of his life outside the state, launched a mini stadium in 2024 before expanding into the hospitality sector with the addition of a restaurant and lounge.
The governor noted that such investments are helping to reshape Osogbo’s entertainment landscape by providing residents with quality leisure options closer to home.
“We don’t have to go to Lagos to have our weekends. You can enjoy your weekend here,” Adeleke said.
He further assured that his administration would continue to encourage and support youth-led investments, particularly in sectors such as hospitality, sports, and entertainment, which have strong potential for job creation and economic development.
According to the governor, empowering young entrepreneurs remains a critical component of his broader vision for building a diversified and sustainable economy capable of creating opportunities across multiple sectors.
Speaking at the event, Oladimeji explained that the lounge was established to complement the mini stadium and provide visitors with a comfortable space to relax and socialize.
“It was borne from that deep thought. People who come with footballers want to relax, have a good time, and wait for their loved ones to finish playing football,” he said.
He also commended the state government for creating an environment that encourages investment and urged more young people to take advantage of available opportunities within the state.
In another sign of growing investor confidence, the Osun State Government revealed that land has been allocated to about 12 new industries within the revitalised Living Spring Free Trade Zone in Ede.
Officials say the development is expected to create more than 10,000 direct jobs while boosting industrial and commercial activities across the state.
The latest developments reflect the Adeleke administration’s ongoing efforts to position Osun as a destination for business, innovation, and entrepreneurship. With increasing private sector participation and strategic investments, the state is gradually building a more diversified economy capable of delivering long-term growth and prosperity.
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