Governor of Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State says his administration is committed to meeting all his campaign promises and vision.
Aiyedatiwa said his administration’s efforts were vindicated by visible turnaround in public infrastructure, and the sustained development and growth in the state
The governor spoke on Wednesday during the celebration of the nation’s 65th Independence anniversary held at the Gani Fawehinmi Arcade, Akure.
At the occasion, Aiyedatiwa gave a breakdown of achievements of his administration in sectors such as security, education, roads, health, agriculture, transportation, human capital development and workers’ welfare.
“Since the inauguration of our administration on 24th February, 2025, under the guiding framework of “OUR EASE” policy thrust, I have promised that our government will be about service, actions and visible results. I am not here to reel off all that have been achieved, because our works are obvious across every nook and cranny of the State.
“Just to mention but a few, in the last few months, in infrastructure, dualisation and rehabilitation of key roads across the State, such as Akungba-Ikare and Okitipupa-Igbokoda dual carriage ways, are speedily ongoing.
“We have embarked on the construction of walkways and jetties in the riverine areas, we have approved the construction of five kilometres of roads in each of our 18 Local Government Areas. These would open up communities, ease transportation and bring development closer to the grassroots.
“Roads are not just pathways, they are lifelines that will boost commerce, agriculture, reduce travel stress and encourage economic activities and the daily life of our people,” he stated.
In the health sector, the governor said: “We have successfully expanded the Contributory Health Scheme, which focuses on providing affordable healthcare services to citizens across the State. This guarantees the inclusion of informal sector workers, ensuring that even those outside the formal employment system including the vulnerable have access to quality healthcare.
“Our Pharma-grade warehouse has been completed and commissioned. This will ensure the steady supply of quality medicines to hospitals and health centres across the State.”
According to him, apart from the on-going renovation of State Hospitals, the government is also carrying out revitalisation and rehabilitation works in many of the primary healthcare centres in different communities across the State, noting that people in rural areas would no longer need to travel far to access basic healthcare.
“Recruitment of Staff into the health sector is also being given priority attention. Beyond this, we have resolved that all health facilities in the State would be upgraded to meet global medical standards,” the governor disclosed.
Continuing, Aiyedatiwa said: “We have continued to make steady improvements in the education sector. More classrooms have been rehabilitated across our schools, instructional materials have been provided and sporting facilities are being revived to encourage an all-round development.
“Our students are benefiting from digital learning opportunities, free shuttle buses and boats have continued to operate across the State. Fund is being disbursed for scholarship and bursary for students of Ondo State origin, in higher institutions.
“In agriculture, we have secured 26,000 hectares of land and earmarked ₦7.5 billion for agricultural development. This initiative will boost food security, create jobs and open new opportunities for agribusiness investors.
“Concerning governance, we have taken steps to strengthen leadership and service delivery. The State Executive Council is fully at work, bringing fresh energy and ideas into government.
“To address the inadequacy of government quarters for cabinet members, we have embarked on the construction of 32 units of four bedroom terraced residential buildings for members of the State Executive Council. We assure you that similar housing schemes will be extended to other arms of government and our hardworking public servants.
“We have also reduced the domestic debt profile of the State and continue to maintain financial discipline so that public funds are used responsibly. Workers’ salaries and pensions are paid regularly and up to date. Gratuities are being given more attention, to put an end to the sufferings of the pensioners.
“Salaries are paid promptly and recruitment into different critical sectors in the public service is ongoing. This is with a view to keeping our workforce vibrant and effective.”
On security, Aiyedatiwa said his administration had invested massively to secure lives and property in the state.
“We have provided not less than 75 High-grade Hilux vehicles equipped with modern security gadgets to our security agencies to help them respond quickly and effectively to threats. Our goal is that every citizen of Ondo State should feel safe in their homes, farms, markets, schools and places of work,” he stated.
The governor appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his bold economic reforms, social re-engineering and massive infrastructural developments since assuming office on May 29, 2023.
According to him, Nigeria is blessed to have Tinubu, who will take the country to the next level with his renewed hope initiatives.
Aiyedatiwa said that Ondo State had always played its part in that national trajectory, promising that his government would always be about service, actions and visible results.
“This celebration is not just about remembering a date in history, it is about reflecting on our journey as a people. It is about remembering the courage of our founding fathers, who laboured and sacrificed so that we may stand free and govern ourselves.
“Independence gave us more than self-rule. It gave us the dignity of identity, the right to dream as Nigerians and the opportunity to chart a good course. Since Oct. 1 1960, 65 years today, we have witnessed both challenges and triumphs, times of national struggle and times of shared pride.
“We have kept our unity in diversity, we have expanded opportunities for our people and we continue to draw strength from our culture, our creativity and our collective resilience. As a country, we have come far. We have weathered through civil strife and military rule and we stand tall as the largest democracy in Africa,” he said.
Concluding, the governor urged the people of the state to continue to support and trust his administration.
