…as Aiyedatiwa releases N2.9bn counterpart fund
. Gov also promises protection for cocoa farmers against encroachers
By Adedotun Ajayi
Ondo State Governor, Hon Luck Ayedatiwa says his administration is determined to bring clean water to approximately 5,000 households with the aim of impacting an estimated four million people.
The governor stated this yesterday during his campaign rally held in Idanre, in Idanre Local Government area, where he engaged traditional rulers, while addressing pressing community concerns and ongoing efforts to improve water supply across the region.
Governor Aiyedatiwa said he had prioritised water infrastructure as a major project-the Akure Water Project, which Idanre people are beneficiaries, and that it is underway.
He stressed that the project would benefit vast communities in Ondo Central Senatorial District.
Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasised that the water issue “is a settled matter”.
“This project, expected to be awarded within the next couple of months, has already received approval from the French Development Bank, in collaboration with the International Development Agency and the African Development Bank,” he said.
He also informed that he had released the first tranche of a counterpart fund amounting to ₦2.9 billion, demonstrating a clear commitment to ensuring residents have access to clean and safe water.
Aiyedatiwa further assured the community that the government would consider their requests, emphasising his administration’s commitment to development projects that uplift the entire region.
The Governor also expressed confidence in the electoral support from Atosin-Idanre, a community in the area, saying, “I look forward with anticipation to the results from this community because I am certain they will pleasantly surprise me.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa reassured the people of Aponmu Lona-Idanre, another community, of his administration’s dedication to ensuring their safety.
He specifically promised that incidents of cocoa farms being indiscriminately cleared would be addressed urgently, emphasising his administration’s focus on protecting farmers’ livelihood.
“Adequate security will be provided, and we will prioritise the well-being of our farmers and ensure their investments are safeguarded,” he assured.
The State Commissioner for Water Resources, Mr Sunday Akinwalire, speaking on ongoing efforts to improve water supply across the region, explained that Governor Aiyedatiwa had prioritised water infrastructure, with the Akure Water Project underway.
He highlighted that “Governor Aiyedatiwa is deeply interested in the health and well-being of our citizens, and we are seeing the fruit of his leadership.”
In the palace of the Aladeokun of Alade-Idanre, the Regent and Lisa of Alade-Idanre, High Chief Oladipo Akinsanwan, expressed confidence in an overwhelming victory for Governor Aiyedatiwa in the upcoming election.
At the palace of Oba Olakunle Ogunlowo, the Awosunye of Atosin-Idanre, the monarch appealed passionately for the proper channelisation of the Owena Dam to make it more beneficial for local residents.
He also called for the revamping of the Idanre Golf Course, which has the potential to boost tourism and economic development.
Earlier, at Aponmu Lona-Idanre, the Olu of Aponmu Lona, Oba Akinadeju Babatola Bajulaye, raised the need for fertiliser, and enhanced security; highlighting that farming is the primary means of livelihood of the residents.
In his address, the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Ade Adetimehin, pledged that the government would take every request seriously, noting, “Governor Aiyedatiwa is a leader who prioritises the welfare of all citizens, and you can trust that your needs will be addressed.
“Governor Aiyedatiwa is deeply interested in the health and well-being of our citizens, and we are seeing the fruit of his leadership,” he added.
The Regent, Chief Oladipo Akinsanwan, however, assured of overwhelming victory for Governor Aiyedatiwa in the coming election.
He, nonetheless, appealed for the provision of solar-powered streetlights within the metropolis, as well as improved road networks, and better access to water.
In his response, Governor Aiyedatiwa reiterated that the water issue is a settled matter.
He also assured the community of a peaceful election, promising that no lives would be lost.
Equally, the Governor has announced that the dualisation of the Akure-Idanre road is a top priority for his administration.
He emphasised that this project would significantly enhance transportation, particularly for investors keen on exploring tourism opportunities in Idanre Local Government Area.
Aiyedatiwa made this statement during his campaign visit to Idanre Local Government on Tuesday, where he reassured the people of comprehensive development across the council area.
He elaborated that his administration is committed to improving critical infrastructure, boosting economic activities, and ensuring the welfare of residents through sustained and strategic investments.
During the visit at the palace of the Owa of Idanre, High Chief Emmanuel Aladetuyi, the Odunwo of Idanre kingdom, expressed gratitude for the governor’s various developmental accomplishments across the state.
The high chief pledged the community’s full electoral support, promising 100 percent of their votes. However, he raised concerns about the state of healthcare in the area, noting severe understaffing and urging the governor to prioritise this issue urgently.
On tourism, High Chief Odunwo stressed the need for immediate intervention to unlock the area’s tourism potential, which would, in turn, benefit both the local council and the state economy.
He also highlighted the importance of revitalising the educational system, calling for the recruitment of more teachers and the creation of a conducive learning environment. Additionally, he appealed for improvements in road infrastructure to facilitate better connectivity.
High Chief odunwo also recalled the governor’s unwavering support when the Owa of Idanre passed away, expressing deep appreciation for standing by the community during that difficult time.
He further urged the governor to address boundary disputes with Akure to foster lasting peace and harmony.
In a show of solidarity, women leaders in the kingdom offered prayers for Governor Aiyedatiwa’s success in the upcoming election.
The event featured a significant highlight: the presentation of a ram to the governor, a traditional gesture of appreciation for his developmental efforts across Ondo State.