•Governor: I’m in a hurry to perform
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa says he is in a hurry to justify the fresh four years mandate given to him by the electorate.
He said the state had witnessed progress in infrastructural development, provision of social amenities and public buildings, adding that he kept on the front burner, the social well-being of the people.
He spoke yesterday after he was sworn in as the seventh governor of Ondo State.
Aiyedatiwa, who promised to prioritise people’s welfare, particularly the most vulnerable, the poor, the sick and the marginalised, said his administration would work with interested investors and development partners to ensure Port Ondo became a reality.
He said he would facilitate investors to explore the state’s large deposits of bitumen for local use and export purposes, thereby generating huge revenue to the state.
The governor said his administration would invest in the state’s social investment scheme, to reduce the level of poverty in the state and ensure the most vulnerable in the state were taken care of, in order to feel the impact of government.
Explaining his plan to do away with the REDEEMED Agenda of the late former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Aiyedatiwa unveiled a new Development Policy Thrust tagged: ‘O’DATIWA O’ DIRORUN’, which translated to ‘OUR EASE’.
The governor said the seven-point pillar was carefully designed to drive sustainable development and improve quality of life for the people.
He said he would consolidate on the state’s record as one of the safest and most secure states in Nigeria.
He promised to continue to uphold the rule of law, promote an independent judiciary and efficient administration of justice in the state.
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Aiyedatiwa said: “We will improve agricultural productivity, enhance access to markets and credit for farmers, invest in rural infrastructure and promote the development of the blue economy. We shall be intentional about our urban renewal policy in a manner to instigate influx of more investors.
“We will invest in research and development, enhance access to technology and infrastructure for businesses, promote the development of special economic zones and industrial parks and encourage entrepreneurship and innovation.
“We will prioritise investment in health care infrastructure, enhance access to quality health care services, improve the quality of health care services through training and capacity building and promote health education and awareness.’’
He said: “This component of our policy thrust is to ensure our citizens have access to quality health care services and that our state becomes a model for efficient health care delivery. Recently, we have extended Ondo State Contributory Health Insurance Scheme – ORANGHIS beyond the public servants to accommodate people in the informal sector such as artisans, traders, market women, farmers, commercial transport operators and private sector workers. We hope to consolidate more on this valuable and beneficial health scheme.
“We shall focus on power generation and distribution, promote the use of renewable energy and enhance access to affordable energy for our citizens. We will ensure our state has a reliable and efficient power supply, driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for our citizens.
“We will also work assiduously to ensure our ongoing Independent Power Plant Project at Omotosho is completed in record time for the benefit of our people.
“Our vast army of able, energetic and willing youths and adults are capable of putting this state on the path of prosperity if properly directed. We shall create a conducive environment for them to unleash their potential and talents. To achieve this, therefore, they must be stimulated through employment, capacity building, sports and income generation. We will promote youth entrepreneurship, encourage innovation and creative economy among the populace.
“We shall provide a level playing field for all to maximise their God-given potential, while creating an enabling environment for all to optimise the countless opportunities that abound in our state. Let me assure you that nobody will be discriminated against on account of political, cultural, religious, gender or ethnic propensities.’’
Aiyedatiwa expressed sadness that his predecessor, Akeredolu, was not alive to witness his inauguration as governor of the state.
Security was beefed up around Akure metropolis and Akure Township Stadium where the event was held.
Vehicular traffic was diverted from major streets in Akure.
Many residents of the state stormed the stadium to witness the event.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, who paid tributes to founding fathers of the state, said he was pained that “this great leader, who saw tomorrow, is not here with us to witness and savour this auspicious occasion, which marks the fulfilment of what God spoke through him.”
Wife of Governor Aiyedatiwa, Oluwaseun, proved naysayers wrong as she was present at the event alongside her children.
Aiyedatiwa’s wife has been absent from the state for some months before her husband emerged governor in December 2023.
She did not return to play the role of a governor’s wife.
Governor Aiyedatiwa has freed 43 convicts to celebrate his inauguration.
He ordered outright release of eight persons, who were previously incarcerated.
The governor commuted death sentences on 15 inmates to various prison terms, while 20 other convicts serving life imprisonment have their sentences adjusted to more lenient terms.