Gov urges support for Renewed Hope Ward Development Progrmamme
By Adedotun Ajayi
The Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Friday, hosted a special meeting of the Ondo State Leaders Caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in a move to strengthen the ruling party in the State.
The meeting, held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Akure, was for the statutory members of the party’s Caucus under the leadership of the Governor, to replicate the National Caucus of the party in the state.
Addressing the party leaders after an interactive session, Governor Aiyedatiwa called for unity and expressed optimism that the APC will continue to wax stronger in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Stressing that the State Caucus will now meet on a regular basis, the Governor reiterated the supremacy of the party, adding that all groups in the State must work under the leadership of the party.
Governor Aiyedatiwa used the occasion to intimate the party leaders with the efforts of his administration towards the development of the state, particularly since he began his first full term in office in February.
The Governor also disclosed the decision of the National Economic Council to launch the Renewed Hope Ward Development Progrmamme, which is aimed at taking development further to the grassroots.
At the end of the meeting, the party leaders unanimously endorsed the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, floating an umbrella structure named ‘Ondo State for Tinubu 2027’.
The Caucus later appointed the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti and the State Secretary of the APC, Mrs. Roseline Okafor, to coordinate the state secretariat of the Caucus.
Those who attended the meeting included the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami and two of his predecessors, Alhaji Ali Olanusi and Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo.
Others included Senator Jide Ipinsagba of Ondo North and Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire of Ondo Central, as well as former Senators Titus Olupitan and Remi Okunrinboye.
The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji, was also in attendance, as well as former Speakers Kenneth Olawale, Victor Olabimtan and Bamidele Oleyeloogun. There were also Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Ololade Gbegudu and former Deputy Speakers Dare Emiola and Abayomi Akinruntan.
Members of the House of Representatives in attendance included Hon. Abiola Makinde, Hon. Derin Adesida and Hon. Jimi Odimayo, as well as former Reps Ifedayo Abegunde, Gbenga Elegbeleye, Kolawole Babatunde and Tajudeen Adefisoye.
The party leadership in the state was led by the Chairman, Engr Ade Adetimehin. Former Chairmen of the defunct ACN, Mrs. Jumoke Ajasin-Anifowose and Ambassador Sola Iji, were also in attendance.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the meeting, the member representing Akure North/South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Derin Adesida, explained that the gathering was enshrined in the APC constitution to enable leaders to meet and deliberate on the party’s future.
Also speaking, APC chieftain, Ambassador Sola Iji, noted that the constitutional caucus meeting is primarily reserved for top echelons of the party, commending the Governor for conveying the meeting.
Similarly, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde applauded Governor Aiyedatiwa for his proactive leadership and foresight in steering the party in the right direction, as well as his commitment to the rapid development of the state.