N17 Billion Ecological Fund: Where Is the Impact in Osun?

By Adebayo Adedeji 

The Saturday's rainstorms in Osogbo have brought tears and blood. Many citizens have become displaced and helpless. Many spirited citizens are giving helping hands, providing temporary shelters in hotels, worship places, etc. But in all of these, where is the Ọsun State Government? How has the state government assisted victims to regain hope? Yes, the state government has promised to compensate the victims.

That is not the first time we would hear that. It has become a chorus often recited by the Adélékè government to distract attention and earn public applause. When the issue settles, government will fizzle into a thin air, leaving the affected citizens to carry their cross. We have the incident in Ikire as a standpoint. In 2023 or thereabout, there was a heavy flood in Ikire which wreaked havoc. The Osun State Government promised heaven and earth. That was how it ended. Rhetorics with no actions. Nothing came afterwards. 

 In the earlier havoc that happened in Osogbo some months ago, many families and businesses were affected. No life was lost then though, perhaps that was why the incident did not make newspaper headlines. 

Citizens complained that several substandard and poorly constructed billboards were destroyed. So also some haphazardly installed street lights. Rather than addressing the issue, the government chose to play a ostrich, looking away while those damaged billboards were put back without observing safety measures. It is deeply saddening that lives have now been lost, some traced to the impact of the billboards ...

It is disheartening that in Ọsun fund designed for fighting and addressing challenges arising from ecological implications are often diverted to line pockets of politicians and government officials.

The people of Osun must demand accountability from the administration of Senator Ademola Adeleke regarding funds allocated for ecological interventions. It is on record that on August 30, 2024, President Bola Tinubu approved N11.9 billion for Osun State to address ecological challenges. In addition, N5 billion was released in 2025 for similar purpose---bringing the total to N17 billion within two years. Yet, there is little evidence of impact, while victims of flooding, erosion and rainstorms continue to suffer without support. 

Governor Adeleke should ensure the victims of the rainstorms in Osogbo are given immediate supports. Temporary shelters should be provided. Food items should be supplied, as well as cash support. This does not require complicated administrative rituals to get it done. 

Let's sort the immediate needs while the government works on the real compensation. The state monthly allocation from FAAC now hovers around N15 billion. This money should work for all the citizens: not only for the governor and the horde of unproductive politicians around him.