The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) has congratulated Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on his re-election, describing the victory as a renewed confidence in his administration and the principles of progressive governance.

COSEYL, in a statement signed by its President General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, also congratulated the people of Osun State for participating in the governorship election and exercising their democratic rights through the ballot. Blueprint reports

The group said Adeleke’s victory should not be viewed merely as a personal or political triumph but as an affirmation of the power of the electorate to determine who governs them.

‘Renewed mandate is not blank cheque’

According to COSEYL, the outcome of the election represents a victory for democratic choice, continuity and the principle that political power ultimately belongs to the people.

The group commended Osun voters for making their voices heard through the electoral process, while also appreciating stakeholders who contributed to the conduct of the election.

It urged all political actors to respect the outcome and work towards preserving the peace and stability of the state.

However, COSEYL cautioned Adeleke that his renewed mandate should not be interpreted as a blank cheque from the electorate.

The group said the victory comes with a greater responsibility to deliver on the expectations of Osun residents during his second term.

“A renewed mandate is not a blank cheque. It is a renewed social contract with the people,” the group said.

COSEYL demands youth-focused second term

The South East youth organisation urged the governor to make youth development a major priority of his second-term agenda.

It called for increased employment opportunities, skills acquisition programmes and greater access to economic opportunities for young people across the state.

COSEYL said Nigerian youths should not be regarded merely as election-day crowds, social media foot soldiers or instruments of political mobilisation.

Rather, it argued that young people should be treated as important stakeholders in governance and given meaningful opportunities to contribute to economic and political development.

The group challenged the Adeleke administration to create an environment where young people in Osun can acquire skills, establish businesses and build sustainable livelihoods without being compelled to leave their communities in search of opportunities.

Calls for wider development

Beyond youth empowerment, COSEYL urged Adeleke to use his second term to accelerate development across the state.

The group listed quality education, improved healthcare delivery, infrastructure renewal, agricultural development, workers’ welfare, security and greater accountability among areas that should receive priority.

It also called for an administration that remains accessible to ordinary citizens and responsive to their needs.

COSEYL said workers, pensioners, students, farmers, traders, artisans, entrepreneurs and vulnerable members of society should be able to feel the impact of government policies directly.

The group maintained that the success of Adeleke’s second term should ultimately be measured by improvements in the lives of ordinary residents rather than political achievements alone.

Opposition urged to accept result

The coalition also appealed to opposition parties and other candidates who participated in the election to accept the outcome with maturity and patriotism.

It urged political leaders and their supporters to place the peace, unity and development of Osun above partisan interests.

“There will always be another political contest, but there is only one Osun State,” COSEYL said.

The organisation stressed that democracy should remain bigger than individual politicians, political parties and particular elections, urging all stakeholders to work together for the progress of the state.

‘The work begins now’

While congratulating Adeleke once again, COSEYL urged him to see the second-term mandate as an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy in Osun.

The group said the governor should strive to make his second term “bigger than the first in vision, stronger in execution and deeper in its impact on ordinary citizens.”

It also urged the governor to ensure that young people see government as a partner in their aspirations rather than a distant institution.

“The people have renewed the mandate. The responsibility has become greater. The expectations are higher. The work begins now,” COSEYL said.

The group wished Adeleke wisdom, courage, good health and determination as he begins his second term, while expressing hope that his administration would use the renewed mandate to deepen accountability, inclusion and development across Osun State.