By Shina Abubakar

GOVERNOR Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, yesterday, described devolution of power and responsibility to the state as the solution to the current economic crisis in the country.

Speaking at the 10th undergraduate and 6th postgraduate convocation of Adeleke University, Ede in Osun State, Governor Adeleke said more centralization of duties the state can handle could worsen the situation.

While tasking the graduating students to see the present economic hardship as an opportunity to break through as entrepreneurs, he said both the federal and state governments are regularly brainstorming on solving the current economic crisis.

His words: “You may also want to note that governments, at levels, are working hard to address the parlous state of the economy. At the National Economic Council meetings, both the federal and the state governments regularly brainstorm on finding solutions to the economic hardship, unemployment, and hyperinflation facing the nation. Several options are being experimented on.

“For us as a state, we believe the solution lies in the devolution of powers and financing to the state governments. There is an urgent need to move many items on the exclusive legislative list to the concurrent list. The states are better positioned to handle many items for which the centre is presently responsible.

“So, the solution is more devolution rather than more centralisation of governance powers and responsibilities. We must as a nation focus on economic federalism. This will deepen subnational prosperity and create an enabling environment for job creation and boost local capacity across the sectors.”

In his address, the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Professor Solomon Adebola said 976 students graduated with first degree out of which 115 had first class, 456 had second class (Upper Division), 379 bagged second classes (Lower Division), while 26 had third class.

He added that 116 graduated from Post Graduate College with 33 bagging doctorate degrees, 2 with Master of Philosophy, 70 bagged Masters and 11 with post-graduate degrees.