By Aishat Araoye, Osogbo
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has announced the establishment of a ₦500 million Election Violence Victims Endowment Fund to support families affected by violence during the last gubernatorial election.
The Governor made the announcement on Wednesday in Osogbo while receiving his Certificate of Return. He said the fund will be used to support verified victims and their families, regardless of political affiliation, religion, ethnicity, gender or social status.
Adeleke also noted that the election period was marred by injuries, destruction of property and loss of lives. He named Ezekiel Olapade, Aderogba Ajayi, Remi Abass, Kolade Eluyera and other victims of electoral violence, and said no political ambition is worth the life of any citizen.
“We remember Ezekiel Olapade, Aderogba Ajayi, Remi Abass, Kolade Eluyera, and every other victim of electoral violence. Regardless of political affiliation, they were first our brothers, sisters and fellow citizens. To their families, your pain is our pain, and your loved ones will never be reduced to mere statistics,” he said.
The Governor added that a Verification and Relief Committee chaired by the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adewale Olumide Egbedun, will oversee the transparent identification of victims and ensure equitable distribution of support from the fund.
“This is not a political intervention. It is a humanitarian responsibility,” adding that “In grief, there is no political party. In our common humanity, we are one people.”
He also disclosed that the Adeleke family, through the Springtime Development Foundation, will provide full scholarships up to university level for children and dependants of those who lost their lives.
Adeleke described his re-election as a renewed contract with the people of Osun State and pledged to focus on governance, unity, healing and development. He said his administration will continue to work on infrastructure, healthcare, education, workers’ welfare, youth empowerment and economic development with accountability, inclusion and transparency.
The Governor concluded that he accepts the responsibility with humility and promised to work harder, listen more and do more for the people of Osun State.
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