Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has declared that Nigeria is making significant progress under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Governor Aiyedatiwa said that while there are challenges in the country, President Tinubu’s administration has made strides with his economic reforms through his Renewed Hope Agenda.
He spoke on Thursday at the 2025 June 12 Democracy Day celebration held at the International Event Centre, Dome, in Akure, Ondo State capital.
“In spite of the challenges we faced, we have made notable progress in the consolidation of our democratic institutions. Citizens now enjoy greater freedom to express their opinions, assemble, and constructively criticise the government without fear of arrest or harassment,” the governor said.
However, Aiyedatiwa said the June 12 occasion called for sober reflection on the progress and development made in the country since the return to civil rule in 1999.
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He also described the June 12, 1993 election, won by the late MKO Abiola, as a historic landmark in the nation’s political evolution, noting that the annulment denied Nigeria an opportunity for more accelerated democratic advancement.
He explained that past interruptions to democratic governance had far-reaching consequences, including economic stagnation, weakened institutions, limited access to social services, and human rights violations.
While highlighting the achievements of his government, Aiyedatiwa noted that his government is people-oriented and committed to the promotion of good governance.
The governor listed some of his administration’s key achievements to include investments in education, improved welfare for workers and pensioners, enhanced student support, bolstered security architecture, ongoing road and health projects, rural development, economic support for small businesses, agricultural revitalisation, and expanded electricity access.
“Since the commencement of our administration, we have worked tirelessly to ensure that it is people-driven. We are putting adequate security measures in place to ensure peace and safety of lives and property throughout the state,” Aiyedatiwa stated.
Earlier, Tunji Abayomi noted that Governor Aiyedatiwa has a duty to preserve the legacy of June 12 and ensure that the spirit of democracy continues to thrive.
He tasked the governor to redouble his efforts and urged politicians to remain committed to the essence of the June 12 struggle.
“Leadership requires courage to take important decisions in the interest of the people. Democracy is useless unless it meets people’s needs,” Abayomi said.