Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, says he went through some challenges before he was elected into office.
Adeleke, however, urged young people to focus on their goals in life, noting that the deciding factor in achieving one’s dream is being determined.
He gave the charge while speaking at the convocation of Adeleke University in Ede, Osun State, on Sunday, July 16, 2023.
The governor, who described education as a tool to propel people to become whatever they want to become in life, said he went through challenges to be where he is today.
Holding on July 16, a date that marks one year that he won election as the governor of Osun State, Adeleke stated that he went on self-exile after he was allegedly robbed of the election he won on the first ballot in 2018 before a violent rerun.
Governor Adeleke said: “Today marks a year since my election as the governor of Osun State.
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“Four years before then, in 2018, I was rigged out and our mandate was stolen. I was subjected to the worst personality attacks and assaults in Osun political history.
“After a manipulated judicial process, I went on self-exile for two major reasons. Firstly, to escape the evil plot of enemies who were not satisfied with stealing the people’s mandate. Secondly, to complete my degree programmes especially as my educational qualifications dominated the 2018 campaigns.
“At my age then, I successfully re-enrolled and completed my degree programme. I am proud of that achievement and I thank my family and friends for their total support. I came back to re-contest in 2022 as a brand-new graduate. The rest is now history.”
Adeleke said the lesson from achieving his goal of becoming governor was that there should never be a barrier in educational pursuit, adding: “What we need is commitment and passion to succeed.
“It is that passion and hardwork that put these beautiful academic gowns on you today. So go out and conquer the wider world.
“Be a good ambassador of this university in all post-school activities. You are blessed already by these attainments. The sky is no longer your limit.”
The governor, therefore, congratulated the management and staff of Adeleke University for keeping the flag flying, showering encomium on the Chancellor of the school and his brother, Dr Adedeji Adeleke, for his vision and dedication.
“Ditto for my workaholic sister and mother, Chief Yeye Modupeola Adeleke-Sanni,” he added.
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