Where thousands of joyful public servants are shouting the governor’s rallying cry, “Imole,” as flags are raised and the atmosphere is charged with optimism. In the middle of the mob, on the dusty side of the road, stands Oluwatosin Adejumo, holding a tray of puff-puffs on her head, her fingers quivering slightly, not in terror, but in anticipation of her meager income.

Life had not been pleasant. Adejumo was a 30-year-old graduate with a National Certificate in Education (NCE), but she had to abandon her plans to continue her education after losing her mother. However, she persisted, obtaining guidance from a caterer named Mrs. Funmilayo Grace and making ends meet with a puff-puff company backed by vendors who gave her their money in exchange for each sale.

Governor Ademola Adeleke saw her inside his bus. In the middle of the crowd’s shout, he called her forward and inquired about the cost of all the puff-puff. She said nervously, “₦20,000.” Instead, Adeleke generously reached for ₦50,000, ordering her food and sharing them with the others. As others applauded and snatched the food from her tray, she knelt in appreciation.

The governor welcomed her to board the bus, asked about her qualifications, and discovered that she was a graduate, thus the moment went beyond simple goodwill. He inquired about the foods she could prepare, and as she talked and shared her expertise, the governor made the decision right away that she would no longer need to sell things to make ends meet. She is going to work in the Osun State Government House as a chef.