‘Adeleke Needs Sharper Industrialisation Direction, Osun Electricity Law to Stand Out’

Adetayo Adegbemle, the Executive Director of PowerUp Nigeria, highlighted the need for Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to strengthen his industrialization strategy during his second term. He noted that while his first term focused on infrastructure, education, and grassroots welfare, two additional priorities are industrialization and the implementation of the Osun Electricity Law.

Adeleke defeated a strong opposition in a closely contested election, receiving 66,000 more votes than his nearest rival, but Adegbemle stressed that this victory must translate into tangible progress. To boost industrialization, Adegbemle suggested fast-tracking agro-processing clusters around the state's cocoa, cassava, and cashew regions instead of exporting raw goods.

He also proposed converting unused industrial facilities in key towns into operational parks equipped with stable power supplies and efficient road access. Crucially, Adegbemle emphasized that industrialization without reliable power is merely a slogan, which is why operationalizing the Osun Electricity Law is essential. The recent passage of the Osun State Electricity Market Regulatory Law in 2025 provides a legal framework to establish a regulatory agency, permit generation, and attract renewable energy investors.

However, merely having the law on paper is insufficient; Adegbemle stressed that the second-term mandate requires implementing the regulations, licensing framework, and enforcing accountability within the electricity distribution system.