……..Boosts coastal security
By Precious Oluwole
Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Monday, assured residents of Ilaje, Ese Odo, Okitipupa and Ile Oluji/Oke Igbo Local Government Areas that their overwhelming support in the last governorship election would continue to yield tangible dividends, as he highlighted key achievements and more commitments during his Thank-You Tour of the councils.
The governor, who clarified that his visit was not to solicit votes, reminded the people that they had freely given him their mandate about a year ago, delivering an unprecedented 18–0 electoral victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Recalling the electioneering campaign, Aiyedatiwa noted that he had often arrived in the communities late at night but was met by residents who patiently waited to receive him, a gesture he described as a strong signal of trust and solidarity.
On the protracted Irele kingship dispute, the governor assured that a monarch would soon be installed, stressing that the process must strictly adhere to the existing chieftaincy declaration.
He noted that when residents clamoured for a king during the campaign, he had made clear that the responsibility rested with the people, adding that the two ruling houses, Opatusi and Oyenusi, had been directed to withdraw their cases from court to allow the process to progress.
Aiyedatiwa disclosed that the warrant chiefs list was already with the state government and would be presented at the next State Executive Council meeting for approval, expressing confidence that the long-standing issue would soon be resolved.
Acknowledging that not all amenities could be provided at once, the governor assured residents that electricity supply would be addressed, stressing that development remained a gradual process.
Reviewing his administration’s performance, he said several milestones had been recorded, including school renovations, road rehabilitation and massive employment across critical sectors.
“Over 2,000 teachers had been recruited into primary and secondary schools, marking the first major recruitment exercise in about 15 years, while pensioners were now being paid regularly.”
On security, Aiyedatiwa said protecting lives and property remained a top priority, noting that residents could now conduct their businesses without fear. He added that private security outfits had been engaged, while CMAX had been contracted to secure the waterways, stressing that the firm was locally staffed and continued to receive government support.
The governor said his administration had deepened inclusivity by making what he described as the highest number of appointments in the history of Ondo State, to ensure broad participation in governance.
On investment and economic growth, he said his government had created a conducive environment for business, citing the revalidation of the deep seaport licence in Ilaje as a major breakthrough. He explained that although the project dated back to previous administrations, errors associated with the operating licence had stalled its take-off until his government corrected them to attract investors.
“Today, that amendment has been made and validated. So we are good to go now,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa further disclosed that the state government had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a modular refinery operator, with plans underway for the construction of housing units around the refinery.
“An MoU had also been signed for the establishment of a fertiliser and petrochemical plant in Ilaje Local Government Area, with relevant national security authorities engaged on the project.”
Assuring residents of more dividends of democracy, the governor announced approval for key road projects, including the Agadagda – Obon Road and the Irelinko 2–Sabomi Road.
He said each commissioner had been directed to nominate five kilometres of road from their local government areas for construction, with submissions already before the Ministry of Infrastructure, Lands and Housing.
According to him, the Agadagda Obon–Ilerikiri Road, covering five kilometres, would be the first of its kind in over 10 years, urging residents to closely monitor and supervise the project.
The governor also highlighted ongoing projects in the councils, including employment of teachers and medical practitioners, alongside improvements in road infrastructure.
Among those in attendance were the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; South West APC Vice Chairman, Dr Isaac Kekemeke; Commissioner for Environment, Dr Tob Loko; Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Seun Osamaye; Member representing Ese Odo constituency, Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon Allen Oluwatoyin; Member representing Irele constituency, Christopher Ogunlana; Members representing Okitipupa Constituencies 1 and 2, Hon Chris Aiyebusiwa and Rt Hon Ololade Gbegudu; and APC chieftains, among others.
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