By Adedotun Ajayi

Ahead of the November 16 gubernatorial election, Ondo state Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has intensified engagements with key stakeholders, including Christian leaders, traditional rulers, and the state’s labour unions, in a bid to rally support and foster unity.

On Monday, Governor Aiyedatiwa met with Christian leaders at St. David’s Anglican Cathedral in Akure, where he affirmed his administration’s commitment to upholding Christian values in governance. “As a born-again Christian, I understand the spiritual responsibilities tied to leadership,” he declared.

“The Ondo State government is anchored on the body of Christ, and we are committed to serving our people with integrity. I appeal to you to continue praying for us, for wisdom in governance and a peaceful, fair election.”

In response, Reverend Anselm Ologunwa, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Ondo State, praised Governor Aiyedatiwa’s attentive leadership and announced a three-day prayer session starting November 10, dedicated to peace and divine guidance for the state. Reverend Ologunwa underscored CAN’s non-partisan stance, affirming that their mission is to uphold Christian values irrespective of political affiliations.

Later on Monday, Governor Aiyedatiwa continued his campaign in Akure North Local Government, receiving an enthusiastic welcome from communities such as Iju, Itaogbolu, Igoba, Ogbese, Ilu-Abo, and Oba-Ile. His first stop was at the palace of Oba Idowu Faborode, Ogbolu of Itaogbolu, who pledged his support for the governor’s re-election bid and highlighted the community’s needs, including road rehabilitation and other infrastructure.

The governor acknowledged these concerns, noting, “Our administration values the peace and stability our traditional rulers help maintain across the state.” He also assured the communities of intensified efforts to develop rural-urban road networks, particularly for agricultural areas, aiming to strengthen the state’s economic base.

The governor’s engagement in Akure North drew extensive support from party leaders and community members, with Olu Falae, the Olu of Ilu-Abo, emphasising that the November 16 election should prioritise Governor Aiyedatiwa’s continuity. The event saw a notable boost as hundreds of members of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

On Tuesday, Governor Aiyedatiwa signed the 2024 supplementary budget of N96.8 billion, bringing the state’s total budget for the year to N492 billion. This budget will cover the new minimum wage of N73,000, recently approved for workers, as well as the salaries of newly recruited employees. At the signing event, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to workers’ welfare and development, saying, “This supplementary budget is essential to our goal of advancing Ondo State and supporting our workforce.”

The governor also signed bills expanding the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) board and amending the Assembly Service Commission Law, further underscoring his administration’s inclusivity efforts.

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria, Ondo State Council, formally endorsed Governor Aiyedatiwa on Tuesday for election during a rally in Akure. TUC Chairman Comrade Clement Fatuase highlighted the governor’s achievements, including prompt salary payments, a recent wage award, and substantial investment in education and healthcare staffing. He said, “Mr Governor’s dedication to workers’ welfare places Ondo among leading states in the South-West.” The TUC also appealed for further action on affordable housing and agricultural support for civil servants.

In response, Governor Aiyedatiwa assured the Congress of his continued commitment to enhancing workers’ welfare, stressing that timely salary payments are a fundamental right of the workforce.

Later on Tuesday, Governor Aiyedatiwa visited Idanre Local Government, pledging to dualise the Akure-Idanre road to bolster local tourism and economic activities. He emphasised that this project, extending from Oke Aro junction in Akure to Idanre, is already underway with contracting documentation in process.

During his visit to traditional leaders, including the Odunwo of Idanre and the Awosunye of Atosin-Idanre, the governor was praised for his developmental accomplishments but urged to address specific needs such as healthcare, potable water, and the channelisation of the Owena Dam. Governor Aiyedatiwa reassured them of his administration’s commitment to addressing these requests, seeing them as essential to the broader progress of Ondo State.

Continuing his campaign trail, on Wednesday, Governor Aiyedatiwa visited Odigbo Local Government. The day began at the palace of Oba Rufus Olugboyega Akinrinmade, Orunja of Odigbo, where the Governor received high praise for his administration’s achievements. The Orunja declared the Governor’s mandate as divinely endorsed, urging the people to support Aiyedatiwa in the upcoming election.B