With Akin Orimolade

 Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa is indeed a lucky man. He is the 10th Governor of Ondo State and has been in office for 18 months, since December 2023, succeeding the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

He previously served as Deputy Governor under Governor Akeredolu from 2021 to 2023. The governor, from all indications, believes in the timeless quote of Alexander Graham Bell showing that preparation lays the foundation for achievement. According to Bell, “Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.”

On that note, Governor Aiyedatiwa has a distinct similarity with  Joseph Vincent Paterno, sometimes referred to as JoePa -an American college football player, athletic director, and coach who was the head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions from 1966 to 2011. With 409 victories, Paterno was the most victorious coach in NCAA FBS history who recorded his 409th victory on October 29, 2011. Paterno was quoted as saying, “The will to win is important, but the will to prepare is vital”.

On assumption of office, the governor paid special attention to a neglected economic axis of the state which when developed, would put the state in the league of the big states -the southern senatorial district of the state where the potentials in the coastal area have been grossly untapped.

 According to a former Minister of State for Transport, Prince Ademola Adegoroye, ” I have observed his focus on agricultural development and tourism, as seen in his frequent visits to Araromi seaside, which—when fully developed—will become a prime destination for tourists from across the world. It will offer a unique experience for all. He added: “The governor is also doing everything necessary to remove any bottlenecks that may hinder the immediate development of the Araromi Seaport, which, by God’s grace, I, along with the Akeredolu/Aiyedatiwa government, successfully secured Federal Executive Council approval for in 2023.

 Like the 17th-Century French mystic, Nostradamus, the former minister said, “I can assure the people of Ondo State that this single project, once completed, has the potential to transform the state’s economy and bring unprecedented prosperity to the riverine communities of our dear state”. The governor believes that the gap between a dream and reality is bridged by a clear goal and relentless effort. He has, therefore, intensified efforts with regular supervision of the project.

But the governor is not putting all the state’s eggs in one basket, as he also focuses attention on road infrastructure  development. In addition to making all local government areas in the state have a feel of real development, he has singled out areas where cash crops are produced and farmers are having difficulty in bringing their crops to where there are buyers. Recently, the governor flagged off the construction and dualisation of the Akure-Idanre Road. It was the governor’s  practical approach to project initiation and diligent execution across the state.

In the same vein, Governor Aiyedatiwa  launched an ambitious infrastructure development agenda aimed at revitalising Ondo State’s economy and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. The “Budget of Recovery” for 2025 allocates a record-breaking ₦698.66 billion, with a significant 62.06%—approximately ₦433.62 billion—dedicated to capital expenditure; thus underscoring the administration’s commitment to infrastructural renewal .

The administration also approved the construction of a 28-kilometer Akotogbo–Iju-Osun road in Irele Local Government area. This road is strategically designed to connect the state’s Free Trade Zone with the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Edo State border, thereby facilitating trade and attracting investment.

A cornerstone of the infrastructure plan is the comprehensive rehabilitation and expansion of road networks across the state’s 18 local government areas. Over 50 township roads are slated for reconstruction, asphalt overlay, and rehabilitation.

Notable projects include the Iwaro-Ayegunle Road in Akoko, Kajola Lane in Owo, and the Sunshine Estate Roads . These projects aim to improve transportation efficiency, stimulate economic activities, and enhance connectivity within the state.

In addition, the executive council also approved the construction of buildings and renovation of all the technical colleges, Unity Secondary Schools and selected secondary schools across the State.

The projects  include: Renovation of male and female hostels at Unity Secondary School, Epinmi Akoko,

Construction of 4 classroom blocks at A.U.D. Akungba Akoko, renovation of SS1 block at Unity Secondary School, Owo, Renovation of male and female hostels at Unity Secondary School, Owo and construction of perimeter fence at Ejioba High School, Oba lle, Akure North LG

Others include renovation of six classroom blocks at African Church High School, Alagbaka, Akure, construction of four classroom blocks at Idanre High School, Alade,Idanre,renovation of Science Laboratory block at Ekimogun Grammar School, Bolorunduro, Ondo,construction of four classroom blocks at Ikoya Grammar School, Ikoya, Okitipupa LG, renovation of female hostel at Unity Secondary School, Ode-Aye, Okitipupa LG.

Others are construction of four classroom blocks at Community High School, Ode Mahin, Ilaje LG;

construction of 4 classroom blocks at Laje Grammar School, Atijire, Ilaje LG; construction of four classroom blocks at Igi Moni Community Girls School, Ebutte-Ipare, Ilaje LG, and renovation of selected buildings/ new constructions in all Technical Colleges in Ondo State .

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr Abiola Olawoye, disclosed that other projects approved by the council include the construction of Omuro International Market at Ode – Ugbo, construction of concrete sedimentation tank at Aboto and construction of Concrete landing walkways in various locations in llaje and Ese Odo Local Govemment areas.

Others include the upgrading and Vertical Enhancement of Fasoranti Park, Alagbaka, Akure, Supply of Laboratory Equipment to the Quality Control Department of the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure and Construction of 32 terraced four-bedroom apartments at Alagbaka, Akure.

To boost the general performance of students from Ondo state in general external examinations, the state government in a recent recruitment efforts,  employed a total of 2,110 new teachers, including 1,010 secondary school teachers and 1,100 primary school teachers. These hirings address teacher shortages in the state’s public schools. On hand for commendation too, are projects such as the Akure-Oda Road, the flyover at Shagari Village Junction, and the Ijoka Road dualisation.

In a move to modernise public infrastructure, ₦6 billion has been earmarked for the construction and furnishing of a new Governor’s Lodge and banquet hall, while over ₦1 billion is allocated for a new Governor’s Office . Additionally, plans are underway to construct a new judicial complex and renovate the Akure Township Stadium to meet international standards, enhancing the state’s capacity to host significant events and improving the administration of justice .

Governor Aiyedatiwa has also expressed strong support for federal infrastructure projects within Ondo State, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Akure–Ore and Akure–Ado Ekiti dual carriageways, and the establishment of a Federal Teaching Hospital in Akure. These projects are expected to bolster the state’s economic prospects and improve access to essential services .

Recognising the strategic importance of Ore as an economic hub, the governor has pledged to integrate infrastructural enhancements for the area into the 2025 budget. This initiative aims to address infrastructural deficits and stimulate economic growth in the region .

Governor Aiyedatiwa’s infrastructure development plan represents a comprehensive approach to revitalising Ondo State’s economy and improving the well-being of its citizens. By prioritising capital expenditure and focusing on strategic projects, the administration aims to lay a solid foundation for sustainable development and prosperity in the state.

The Aiyedatiwa administration has confirmed the wise saying that a dreamer with a goal is not just hoping; he is also building the future, one step at a time.