By Precious Oluwole

The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has said that his administration would embark on policies and projects that will benefit the women across the State.

The Governor made this known while addressing representatives of various women groups in Ondo State at the Cocoa conference hall on Wednesday.

Governor Aiyedatiwa acknowledged the difficult times Nigerians are facing and called for cooperation between the government and the people to combat hunger and poverty.

“We recognize the hard times, but synergy between the government and the people is crucial to overcoming these challenges,” he stated.

Governor Aiyedatiwa assured the women that, in addition to federal efforts to address hunger, his administration has developed plans to engage women and youths in programs aimed at eradicating poverty. He emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and avoiding protests that could destabilize the state.

“Our administration has urged youths and other stakeholders not to engage in protests to maintain stability in the state,” the governor said.

He outlined several measures the government has implemented to combat hunger and poverty, including improved security measures to protect farmers, provision of farm inputs, sales of subsidized food items, and the employment of teachers.

The governor concluded by emphasizing the importance of collective efforts to ensure peace and development in Ondo State, underscoring the government’s commitment to supporting its citizens during these challenging times.

Earlier in her address, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on women mobilization, Mrs Bola Aina stated that Ondo State women are against protest as they are always at the receiving end of any violent protest.

The Special Adviser on gender to the Governor, Mrs Olamide Falana urged the women to caution their wards against partaking in the protest.

In their joint speech, Mrs Oladiji from Ondo Central, Mrs Taiwo Adetimehin from the Ondo North and Mrs Kosoko from Ondo South assured the Governor that they would talk to their children not to be involved in the protest. They appealed to the Governor not to forget the women.

The women, primarily artisans and traders from the 18 local government areas of the State unanimously opposed the proposed nationwide protest.

In attendance were; The Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, Secretary to the State government, Hon. Tayo Oluwatuyi, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, commissioner for information, Otunba Wale Akinlosotu, commissioner for budget and economic planning, Pastor Emmanuel Igbasan.