Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has pledged to swiftly justify the fresh four-year mandate given to him by the electorate, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to rapid development.
Speaking after his swearing-in as the seventh Executive Governor of Ondo State, Aiyedatiwa highlighted the state’s progress in infrastructure, social amenities, and public welfare, reaffirming his dedication to improving the lives of residents.
He promised to prioritize the welfare of the most vulnerable, the poor, and the marginalized while working with investors and development partners to make Port Ondo a reality.
Additionally, he vowed to harness the state’s vast bitumen deposits for both local use and export to generate revenue.
Aiyedatiwa also announced a new Development Policy Thrust, O’DATIWA O’ DIRORUN (“Our Ease”), replacing the REDEEMED Agenda of late former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
The seven-point pillar, he said, is designed to drive sustainable development and enhance the quality of life in the state.
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He further assured residents of his administration’s commitment to consolidating Ondo’s reputation 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.
According to him, “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 healthcare infrastructure, enhance access to quality healthcare services, improve the quality of healthcare services through training and capacity building and promote health education and awareness.
He said, “This component of our policy thrust is to ensure that our citizens have access to quality healthcare services and that our State becomes a model for efficient healthcare delivery. Recently, we have extended the 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 that 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 that 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 ground 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 also expressed sadness that his predecessor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, was not alive to witness his inauguration as Governor of the state.
Late Akeredolu had in 2021 said he would go down for Aiyedatiwa to go up.
Governor Aiyedatiwa said Akeredolu’s public and undisguised prophetic declaration set the tone for him to succeed Akeredolu.
Security was beefed up around Akure metropolis and the Akure township stadium where the event 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 servour this auspicious occasion which marks the fulfilment of what God spoke through him.”
Wife of Governor Aiyedatowa, Oluwaseun, proved naysayers wrong as she was presented 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 First Lady.
Meanwhile, Governor Aiyedatiwa freed 43 convicts to celebrate his inauguration.
He ordered outright release of eight persons who were previously incarcerated.
The Ondo Governor commuted death sentences on15 inmates to various prison terms while 20 other convicts serving life imprisonment have their sentences adjusted to more lenient terms.