Gov Aiyedatiwa Hails SUGA’s grassroots network, assures partnership

By Precious Oluwole

The Governor of Ondo State, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has hailed the grassroots network and experience of the Sunshine Grassroot Alliance (SUGA), assuring the group of partnership and inclusion in the affairs of government.

The governor gave the assurance on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Governor’s Office in Akure.

Governor Aiyedatiwa commended members of the group for stepping forward to contribute their experience, knowledge and networks toward supporting governance in the state, noting that many retirees often withdraw from public life after leaving service.

He said members of the alliance had instead chosen to remain active and make meaningful contributions to governance and community development.

“You are too young to be put behind. And you have decided to come forward to present yourselves. With all the experiences you have gained in the course of your service, the relationships you have built and the network you have, you cannot allow them to just remain in the bedroom or the sitting room while you watch television and read newspapers every day.”

The Governor noted that many retirees often limit their activities to waiting for news hours or the next newspaper to read, stressing that members of the group still possessed valuable experience that could support the system.

Governor Aiyedatiwa said he had been aware of the alliance and its activities even before the visit, adding that various groups had shown support for him, particularly during the period leading to his emergence as governor.

According to him, many aspirants contested the party primaries and some people did not give him a chance of emerging victorious, but the eventual election results showed overwhelming support from the people.

He said the alliance had formally offered its structure to support the current administration and render services whenever called upon.

While noting that other political groups were putting structures together, the governor said SUGA had chosen to align with what he described as transformational leadership in the state.

He described the alliance’s emphasis on inclusion and partnership as significant, assuring members that the government would work with them.

“We will receive you in this government. And I have just demonstrated that by including you. We are also going to partner with you.”

The Governor further assured the group that some of its members would be considered for appointments in the coming days, especially as new boards and committees would soon be constituted following the expiration of the tenure of some existing ones.

He also directed that members of the alliance from various local governments be included in the expanded stakeholders’ meetings usually held periodically by the government.

However, Governor Aiyedatiwa advised members of the group who were still in active public service to maintain neutrality and avoid open participation in partisan political activities.

“Except those who are still serving. Because if you are still serving, you need to maintain neutrality. You cannot come in openly to join the political class as it were.”

The Governor added that participation in the stakeholders’ meetings must not exceed 60 persons, explaining that some individuals would have to step aside while others would be included to maintain balance.

He acknowledged that those present at the meeting were representatives of the alliance, which he said had over 4,000 members across the state, and urged them to continue working together for the development of Ondo State.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Sunshine Grassroot Alliance, Dr Deji Akinwalere, said he led members of the leadership of the group on a peaceful and purposeful maiden courtesy visit to the Governor.

Akinwalere explained that the alliance comprised members of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners with about 40,000 members, about 14,000 local government employees and over 6,200 members of the Nigerian Union of Teachers.

He described SUGA as a coalition of experienced grassroots actors, including veteran trade unionists, dedicated local government employees, seasoned teachers and respected elders within the Nigerian Union of Pensioners.

“For decades, we have not just lived in Ondo State; we have served at the grassroots level. We have taught in classrooms, worked in the councils, fought for workers’ rights and managed the affairs of our local communities,” he said.

Akinwalere noted that members of the alliance understood the pulse of the common people because they were part of the grassroots.

He said the group believed in progressive leadership and strongly supported the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that its members had worked for the President’s electoral victory and remained committed to the success of his administration.

According to him, the visit was also to formally declare the alliance’s support for Governor Aiyedatiwa.

Akinwalere said the group had closely observed the governor’s leadership style and believed he was committed to deepening democracy, strengthening institutions, promoting inclusive governance and accelerating development in the state.

He added that the alliance was offering its structure, manpower and grassroots network to support the governor’s administration and also work for the success of President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

The SUGA chairman appealed for inclusion and partnership in governance so that the voices of local government workers, teachers and pensioners could be reflected in government policies and programmes.

“We have not come to ask for money. We have come to offer our hands, our hearts and our history of grassroots service,” he said.

Among government officials present at the meeting were the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Special Adviser on Union Matters and Special Duties, Comrade Bola Taiwo; Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Barr. Allen Sowore; and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Political Matters.