We’ll develop Ondo, empower people – Gov Aiyedatiwa

……. Says diaspora city, aviation college, coastal highway to boost Ondo economy

By Precious Oluwole

Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustainable development and people-centred governance, declaring that his government will prioritise both infrastructural growth and human capital empowerment across Ondo State.

The Governor made this known at the grand finale of his first-year anniversary in office, held at the International Culture and Event Centre, The Dome, in Akure, on Tuesday.

 

He expressed appreciation to traditional rulers, religious leaders and key stakeholders in Ondo State for their steadfast support over the past year, declaring that his administration remains committed to deepening development, strengthening institutions and driving economic growth across the state.

He noted that their early support, alongside that of other stakeholders, laid the foundation for what he described as a historic victory across all local government areas in the state.

The Governor also thanked members of his cabinet, aides, civil servants, political appointees, board chairmen and members for their loyalty and dedication, describing the civil service as the engine room of government.

 

He highlighted prompt payment of salaries, promotions, bonuses, hazard allowances for medical personnel and gratuities for retirees as part of efforts to boost morale within the public service.

Governor Aiyedatiwa also commended the harmonious relationship between the executive, legislature and judiciary, stressing that collaboration among the three arms of government had ensured smooth governance without rancour.

He disclosed that the number of judges in the state had been increased from 24 to 35 to accelerate justice delivery and reduce workload, adding that a new judiciary complex was underway.

Reviewing his administration’s seven-point development agenda, the governor said significant strides had been made in security and rule of law through strengthened support for the state security network, improved collaboration among security agencies and the installation of traffic lights to promote orderliness.

On urban and rural development, he pointed to ongoing urban renewal projects in Akure, including road infrastructure and plans to replace dilapidated structures with modern buildings.

He added that rural access roads were being constructed to link farm settlements and boost agricultural productivity.

In the area of industrialisation and technology, the governor disclosed that the state had signed memoranda of understanding to attract investment, including plans for a refinery project.

He said the state information technology agency had been strengthened to enhance digital skills acquisition among youths.

Governor Aiyedatiwa highlighted reforms in the health sector, including the strengthening of the state health insurance scheme, renovation of primary health care centres and improved remuneration for doctors and youth corps medical personnel to curb workforce migration.

He said over 2,000 teachers had been recruited in primary and secondary schools after years of stagnation, while subventions to tertiary institutions had been increased.

He stressed that students were also encouraged to take advantage of the federal government’s loan scheme to support their education.

The Governor acknowledged the support of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing federal projects benefiting the state, including the proposed Diaspora City, an aviation college in Akure, a new federal teaching hospital and the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway expected to boost tourism and commerce along the state’s coastline.

He expressed optimism that the ongoing infrastructure drive, coupled with anticipated projects such as a deep seaport along the coastal corridor, would unlock vast economic opportunities for Ondo State.

“As we enter the second year of this administration, we will renew our commitment to deliver greater dividends of democracy. The glory of the years ahead will surpass what we have recorded so far,” the governor assured.

Governor Aiyedatiwa concluded by reiterating his resolve to steer Ondo State toward sustainable growth, inviting citizens and partners to collaborate in building what he described as a new era of prosperity for the state.

In his welcome address, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prince Segun Omojuwa, declared that within one year, the administration had brought peace to families and communities across the length and breadth of Ondo State.

According to him: “Exactly one year ago, the Governor and the Deputy Governor were given the mantle of leadership to govern Ondo State and were sworn into their respective capacities. Tonight, we gather to celebrate a milestone achieved, a year of dedication and the promise of a brighter future for our great state, the Sunshine State.”

Omojuwa described the past three days as a “harvest of commissioning” across the Central, Northern and Southern senatorial districts, with roads, hospitals, health centres and water projects inaugurated.

According to him, the entire state has, in the last year, become a construction site, stressing that the administration has ushered the people into an era of ease – ease of prosperity, progress, safety and a better future.

He said the governor was noted for three things: “Transformation, transformation and transformation,” adding that the infrastructural strides had left a huge signature on the napkin of history.

He also commended the spirit of collaboration, inclusivity and partnership that has defined the administration, particularly the reshaping of Akure, which he said now reflects its status as a state capital.

In his goodwill message, the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, represented by his deputy, Ololade Gbegudu, said the legislature had passed over 15 bills into law within the year under review.

He listed the Anti-Land Grabbing Law, which provides sanctions and punishment for those who grab and convert other people’s lands and houses.

He also mentioned the Anti-Cultism Law for secondary schools, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, prescribing punishments including prison terms and community service for students involved in cult-related activities.

Gbegudu further cited the Coastal Agency Law, aimed at protecting shorelines and coastal parts of the state.

He assured that the legislature and executive had maintained a harmonious working relationship, resulting in life-enhancing laws for the people.

On his part, the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Olusegun Odusola, said the state had enjoyed relative peace since the governor assumed office, a development he said had attracted investors.

He referenced the recent investment summit, during which memoranda of understanding were signed for a deep seaport project with a Hong Kong company and for a petrochemical fertiliser company, describing the projects as transformative for the state’s economy.

Odusola urged guests to consult page 50 of a commemorative publication titled The Lucky Strides, highlighting achievements and Ondo Judiciary complex projects, and expressed anticipation over occupying a new judicial building.

The Head of Service, Mr Bayo Phillips, speaking on behalf of the state’s strong workforce comprising messengers, cleaners, doctors, teachers, engineers, legal officers, directors and permanent secretaries, described the governor as worker-friendly.

He cited prompt wage increases, regular promotions, consistent payment of salaries and allowances, elevation of officers to permanent secretary cadre, settlement of inherited gratuities, healthcare support and steady recruitment into critical cadres, noting that the service had enjoyed industrial peace.

In his remarks, the Olowo of Owo and Chairman, Council of Obas, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, congratulated the governor on his first anniversary and praised his strides in education, health, infrastructure, social services and capital development.

He specifically appreciated the completion of the long-abandoned Oba House, now in use and which hosted the Vice President of Nigeria, as well as the approval of five per cent government funds to traditional rulers and the provision of official vehicles.

According to him, no Oba would again have to ride a motorcycle to official functions, as dignity and respect had been restored to the traditional institution.

The monarch assured the governor of the continued support and prayers of traditional rulers, describing them as partners in progress.

 

The event had in attendance: Ondo State First Lady, Mrs Esther Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa; Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; President, Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Eunice Alade; members of the Ondo State Executive Council; members of the Ondo State House of Assembly; traditional rulers; heads of security agencies; APC chieftains; political appointees; among other eminent personalities.