By Opeyemi Adelakun
Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has highlighted ongoing government projects and interventions across the health, education, agriculture, power and infrastructure sectors, saying his administration remains focused on improving the welfare and economic prospects of residents.
Aiyedatiwa spoke on Thursday at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade in Akure during the state’s celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The governor said Nigeria’s independence should be viewed not only as a historical milestone but as a continuing responsibility for successive generations to preserve and develop the country.
“Independence, therefore, is more than the memory of a date; it is a continuing responsibility to the past, the present and the future,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa said building the Nigeria citizens desire required contributions from both government and the people, urging Nigerians to uphold peace, unity, patriotism and responsible citizenship.
He also appealed to political leaders, party members and young people to approach the emerging electoral process with restraint and tolerance.
“I particularly appeal to our political leaders, party members and young people to eschew violence, embrace issue-based engagement and respect the right of every citizen to participate peacefully,” he said.
3,323 health workers recruited
Reviewing his administration’s activities under the OUR EASE agenda, Aiyedatiwa said 3,323 health professionals had been recruited and deployed across the state’s 18 local government areas.
He added that diagnostic services had been strengthened through the provision of a 1.5 Tesla MRI machine and a 160-slice CT scanner at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital Complex.
According to the governor, fully funded health insurance coverage had also been extended to retirees and pensioners through ORANGHIS.
“In healthcare, we have continued to strengthen both human and technological capacity,” he said.
“We shall continue to ensure that these investments translate into compassionate, professional and quality healthcare for our people.”
On education, Aiyedatiwa said his administration had continued to recruit teachers for primary and secondary schools, while increasing subventions to state-owned tertiary institutions.
He said the government had also approved implementation of the Federal Government/union agreement and continued to support students through bursaries, scholarships and other forms of financial assistance.
26,000 hectares secured for agriculture
The governor said Ondo had secured 26,000 hectares of agricultural land and distributed more than two million cocoa seedlings to boost agricultural production.
He said interventions under the L-PRES programme were ongoing, while efforts had also been made to strengthen rural markets and advance the establishment of a modern Farmers’ Market in Akure.
Aiyedatiwa added that about 14,000 smallholder cocoa and oil-palm farmers had been profiled under an FAO-supported programme focusing on climate-smart agriculture, agroforestry, mapping and forest restoration.
He said the state was also pursuing measures to comply with international standards on deforestation-free cocoa while encouraging private investment across agricultural value chains.
Government targets power, industrial investments
On electricity, the governor said his administration was taking steps to sustain improved power supply, describing electricity as critical to economic development.
He said the Ondo State Power Sector Law had established the Ondo State Electricity Regulatory Commission and provided a framework for the sector.
According to him, work was ongoing towards private-sector participation in the 30MW Ore Independent Power Plant, alongside other opportunities for reliable and affordable electricity.
Aiyedatiwa also listed the Olokola Industrial and Free Trade Zone, proposed Ondo Deep Sea Port and proposed petrochemical fertiliser plant among strategic investment opportunities being pursued by the state.
“Our objective is to translate these opportunities into industries, jobs, stronger value chains and broader economic prosperity for our people,” he said.
The governor also commended the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for its support and partnership with the state, particularly on projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road and the proposed Deep Sea Port.
Workers, security and grassroots governance
Aiyedatiwa said his administration had maintained regular payment of salaries while progressively addressing pension and gratuity obligations.
He added that regular promotion exercises had continued and 32 Permanent Secretaries were recently appointed to strengthen the administrative leadership of the state civil service.
On security, the governor said the government would continue to strengthen the state’s security architecture and support security agencies.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and provide useful information to relevant authorities to enable farmers, businesses and rural communities operate safely.
The governor also said governance had been expanded through the appointment of commissioners, special advisers, senior special assistants and special assistants across the 203 political wards, as well as members of boards and commissions.
“These appointments are intended to bring competence, expertise, fresh ideas and stronger grassroots engagement into government,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa thanked residents for their support, patience and feedback, assuring them that his administration would continue to improve its programmes, attract investment and expand opportunities across the state.
SSG calls for renewed hope
In his welcome address, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, called for renewed hope and collective responsibility in building Nigeria and a more prosperous Ondo State.
Fasoranti said the October 1 event marked the third and final day of the anniversary programme, which began with a Jumat service at the Akure Central Mosque on September 25 and continued with a Thanksgiving service at Agape Christian Church of God in Akure on September 27.
He described Nigeria’s journey since independence on October 1, 1960, as one marked by “seasons of promise and difficulty, moments of triumph and trial”.
The SSG, however, said the country had remained hopeful despite its challenges and urged Nigerians to continue believing in its possibilities and the capacity of its leaders to translate their vision into tangible development.
The event was attended by Deputy Governor Dr Olayide Adelami, Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji, Chief Judge Justice Olusegun Odusola, APC State Chairman Hon Kolawole Babatunde, Senator representing Ondo South Prof Dayo Faduyile, Chief of Staff Prince Segun Omojuwa, Head of Service Chief Olusegun Odusanya, lawmakers, traditional and religious leaders, labour leaders, security chiefs, political appointees and other dignitaries.
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