….Urges political leaders, youths to shun electoral violence
…….Fasoranti urges collective effort to build greater Ondo, Nigeria
By Tolulope Eniola
Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has called for collective efforts among Nigerians to build a peaceful, united and prosperous nation, saying the responsibility of nation-building cannot be left to government alone.
Aiyedatiwa made the call on Thursday at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade, Akure, during the commemoration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The Governor, who described the anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on the country’s journey and the responsibilities of citizens to its future, said the progress of Nigeria depended on the contributions of every citizen.
He said the generation that secured Nigeria’s independence handed down not a finished country, but a responsibility to build, preserve and improve the nation through courage, sacrifice and conviction.
“Independence, therefore, is more than the memory of a date; it is a continuing responsibility to the past, the present and the future,” Aiyedatiwa said.
The Governor urged Nigerians to renew their faith in the country while upholding peace, unity, patriotism and responsible citizenship.
Aiyedatiwa, who appreciated the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for its continued support and partnership with Ondo State, noted that initiatives in infrastructure and investment were capable of expanding the economic prospects of the state.
He specifically cited the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, the proposed Deep-Sea Port and other strategic projects as areas of collaboration between the state and Federal Government.
On the forthcoming electoral process, the Governor urged the people of Ondo State to approach it with maturity, tolerance and restraint.
He appealed to political leaders, party members and youths to shun violence, embrace issue-based engagement and respect the rights of citizens to participate peacefully in the democratic process.
According to him, political differences are natural in a democracy but should not be allowed to destroy the bonds that unite families, neighbours and citizens.
The Governor also highlighted some of the achievements of his administration under the “OUR EASE” agenda, saying the government had recorded progress across key sectors while recognising that more remained to be done.
In the health sector, Aiyedatiwa disclosed that about 3,323 health professionals had been recruited and deployed across the 18 local government areas of the state.
He added that the state had strengthened its diagnostic capacity through the provision of a 1.5 Tesla MRI machine and a 160-slice CT scanner at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital Complex.
He said fully funded health insurance coverage had also been extended to retirees and pensioners through ORANGHIS.
On education, the Governor said the government had continued to recruit teachers into primary and secondary schools, while plans were underway to further strengthen the teaching workforce.
He added that subventions to state-owned tertiary institutions had been increased, while the government had approved the implementation of the Federal Government/union agreement and continued to support students through bursaries, scholarships and financial assistance.
Aiyedatiwa also appreciated public servants for their dedication, saying his administration had sustained regular payment of salaries and continued the progressive settlement of pension and gratuity obligations.
He disclosed that regular promotion exercises had been sustained, while the recent appointment of 32 Permanent Secretaries had strengthened the administrative leadership of the state civil service.
In agriculture, the Governor said the state had secured 26,000 hectares of agricultural land and distributed over two million cocoa seedlings to boost production.
He added that about 14,000 smallholder cocoa and oil-palm farmers had been profiled under an FAO-supported programme, with focus on climate-smart agriculture, agroforestry, mapping and forest restoration.
On power and industrial development, Aiyedatiwa said the state had recorded improved electricity supply and was taking steps to sustain the progress.
He said the Ondo State Power Sector Law had strengthened the legal and institutional framework for the sector through the establishment of the Ondo State Electricity Regulatory Commission.
The Governor further disclosed that the state was pursuing private-sector participation in the 30MW Ore Independent Power Plant, alongside investment opportunities around the Olokola Industrial and Free Trade Zone, the proposed Ondo Deep Sea Port and a proposed petrochemical fertiliser plant.
Aiyedatiwa said the administration’s objective was to translate the opportunities into industries, jobs, stronger value chains and broader economic prosperity for the people.
On security, the Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the state’s security architecture and supporting security agencies operating across Ondo State.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and provide useful information to relevant authorities, stressing that farmers, businesses and rural communities must be able to operate in safety.
The Governor also said his administration was strengthening governance through appointments to various positions, including commissioners, special advisers, senior special assistants, special assistants, as well as chairmen and members of boards and commissions.
He said the appointments were intended to bring competence, expertise, fresh ideas and stronger grassroots engagement into government.
Aiyedatiwa urged the people of Ondo State to continue to support one another and contribute their quota to the development of the state, assuring that his administration remained committed to building a better, stronger and more prosperous Sunshine State.
He wished Nigerians a happy and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary and prayed for continued peace, unity and shared purpose in Ondo State and Nigeria.
Earlier in his address, the Secretary to the Ondo State Government Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, called for collective efforts by Nigerians and residents of Ondo State towards building a greater, more prosperous and peaceful society.
He noted that the anniversary provided an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the nation’s journey since independence while renewing their hope in its future.
He expressed gratitude to God for His faithfulness and sustaining grace over Nigeria and Ondo State, noting that the country had weathered several challenges since gaining independence on October 1, 1960.
According to him, Nigeria’s 66-year journey has been characterised by “seasons of promise and difficulty, moments of triumph and trial,” but the resilience of the people and their enduring hope have continued to keep the nation moving forward.
Quoting Governor Aiyedatiwa’s message during the Thanksgiving Service held as part of the anniversary activities, Fasoranti said: “Sixty-six years after independence, we have passed through seasons of promise and difficulty, moments of triumph and trial, yet, through every season, the hand of God has sustained us. We are still standing, still hopeful and still moving forward.”
Fasoranti urged citizens to continue to believe in the possibilities before the country, stressing the need for renewed commitment to building a prosperous Nigeria and a brighter future for generations to come.
He also called on the people of Ondo State to support the vision of the Aiyedatiwa administration, anchored on the “OUR EASE” mantra.
Fasoranti said the administration had recorded achievements across various sectors, expressing confidence that greater accomplishments would be recorded as the government continued to implement its development agenda.
He urged the people to remain hopeful and supportive of the administration, saying the future of Ondo State required the collective contribution of government, citizens and other stakeholders.
“This is a time to be excited, hopeful and expectant about the future of our dear state,” he said.
He further stressed the importance of collective responsibility in achieving the Nigeria and Ondo State of the people’s dreams.
He urged citizens to contribute positively to the development of their communities and the country, noting that the progress of society could not be achieved by the government alone.
Fasoranti also encouraged participants at the anniversary celebration to enjoy the activities while paying attention to the address by Governor Aiyedatiwa.
He said the celebration should go beyond festivities, serving as an opportunity for citizens to renew their hope, strengthen their confidence in the future and reaffirm their commitment to the development of the state and nation.
In attendance were; The Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji; Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola; State Chairman of APC, Hon. Kolawole Babatunde; Senator representing Ondo South, Senator Dayo Faduyile; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Head of Service, Chief Olusegun Odusanya; Members of Ondo State House of Assembly; Members of the State Executive Council; Traditional Rulers, Religious Leaders, Labour leaders; Heads of Security Agencies; Political Appointees; Civil Society Organisations; Top Government functionaries;
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