With Fisayo Akinduro
Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, last week demonstrated a rare blend of spiritual reflection and pragmatic governance as he engaged diverse groups, from faith-based organisations to students and community leaders in what has been described as a reaffirmation of his people-centred leadership.
The governor’s week began on a reflective note at the Sound of Grace concert in Akure, where he attributed the state’s relative peace and stability to divine grace. Addressing worshippers, Aiyedatiwa said the event symbolised the enduring strength of faith in uniting people across political, social and religious divides.
He lauded the organiser, Opeyemi Idiowo, Chief Executive Officer of G-Sound, for turning an early-life disappointment into a successful venture that today inspires creativity and self-belief among young people. The governor said his administration remained committed to creating an enabling environment for innovation to thrive.
Assuring residents of the continuation of his administration’s development drive, Aiyedatiwa said delays in some road projects were only temporary due to the rainy season, adding that work would resume fully once the weather improved.
In a shift from the spiritual to the civic, the governor later in the week met with student union leaders from tertiary institutions across Ondo State in Akure. The parley, which focused on welfare and educational development, provided a platform for open dialogue between government and students.
Aiyedatiwa commended the student leaders for maintaining peace and constructive engagement, noting that their maturity had helped sustain stability across campuses. He approved five new buses for student associations and encouraged private investors to support hostel development to ease accommodation pressure.
He emphasised that technical and vocational education would remain a core priority of his administration, describing it as vital to equipping young people with the skills required for industrial and economic advancement.
On national issues, the governor said the economic reforms following fuel subsidy removal had brought temporary hardship but assured that the long-term benefits would be evident through improved infrastructure and fiscal stability. “Our people are making sacrifices, and we acknowledge that, but we are already seeing the first signs of progress,” he stated.
At the weekend, Aiyedatiwa’s focus shifted to regional collaboration as he joined dignitaries at the thanksgiving reception in honour of Dr Jide Martins Adewinle, the newly appointed Federal Commissioner representing Ondo State on the South-West Development Commission (SWDC).
The governor hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Commission, describing it as a bold step toward accelerating regional development and integration. He pledged Ondo State’s readiness to partner with the SWDC in driving industrialisation, agriculture, and youth empowerment initiatives.
In his response, Dr Adewinle aligned the Commission’s mission with the progressive ideals of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, stressing that its programmes would focus on improving education, infrastructure and welfare across the South-West.
The event, which drew traditional rulers, political figures and business leaders, reinforced Aiyedatiwa’s call for unity and collective responsibility in pursuing regional prosperity.
Rounding off his engagements, the governor attended the National Convention of Junior Chamber International (JCI) Nigeria in Akure, where he charged young Nigerians to lead with integrity, innovation and discipline. He reiterated his administration’s resolve to deepen youth empowerment through skill acquisition and entrepreneurship support.
From the harmony of gospel music to student dialogues and developmental partnerships, Aiyedatiwa’s week reflected a leadership approach grounded in humility, inclusion and service, a blend of faith-inspired conviction and pragmatic governance driving Ondo State’s steady journey towards inclusive progress.