*Governor declares ‘Ondo for President Tinubu’
* Yakassai hails Ondo’s infrastructural transformation
By Fisayo Akinduro & Bukola Olamona
Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has been invested as the Grand Patron of the Tinubu Support Group (TSG) in recognition of his loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration’s developmental achievements across the state.
The investiture, which took place on Friday at the Cocoa Conference Hall, Governor’s Office, Akure, formed part of the TSG’s visit to officially inaugurate its Ondo State executive and strengthen grassroots mobilisation for President Tinubu’s agenda.
Leading the delegation, the National Director General of the Tinubu Support Group, Alhaji Umaru Tanko Yakassai, said the recognition was a tribute to Governor Aiyedatiwa’s exemplary leadership and commitment to the ideals of progressive governance.
Yakassai, who represented the group’s National Convener, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, commended Aiyedatiwa for the strides recorded in infrastructure, education, healthcare and youth empowerment.
He said, “Since I arrived in Akure, I have seen massive transformation. Roads with drainages and streetlights, ongoing construction works, and the general beauty of this city all show that the governor is working tirelessly. He has given hope to the youth, women, and elderly through people-centred programmes. This shows that Ondo State has a leader in tune with President Tinubu’s vision.”
He disclosed that the Tinubu Support Group, founded in 2020, has established its presence across all states to mobilise grassroots support for President Tinubu. Yakassai added that Ondo remained a model of political stability and loyalty within the APC structure.
“Your Excellency, you have demonstrated exceptional loyalty to the President and to the progressive family. Ondo State was the first to declare full support for President Tinubu’s continuity in office, and we are proud of that commitment,” Yakassai remarked.
In his response, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed appreciation to the group for the recognition, describing it as an encouragement to sustain his administration’s developmental efforts and strengthen collaboration with the President.
“Our administration shares the same vision with the President, building sustainable systems that work for the people.
“We are implementing programmes that improve lives, expand opportunities, and drive inclusive growth. The synergy between the federal and state governments is producing results the people can feel,” Aiyedatiwa said.
He reaffirmed his commitment to continue supporting President Tinubu’s administration, saying Ondo State would remain a stronghold of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“We have built a solid foundation as a party and as a government. During the 2024 governorship election, we won across all 18 local government areas with 366,781 votes, a record in the history of our state. That victory was not by accident; it was the product of unity, hard work and shared belief in the APC vision,” he noted.
Aiyedatiwa further pledged to provide every necessary support for the Tinubu Support Group and other political platforms working for the success of the APC and President Tinubu in future elections.
Delivering the vote of thanks, former Minister of State for Transport, Prince Ademola Adegoroye, described the governor as a focused and dependable leader who had brought stability and renewed confidence to governance in Ondo State.
He said, “Governor Aiyedatiwa has changed the story of Ondo. Salaries and pensions are now paid as and when due, roads are being constructed and infrastructure is springing up everywhere. He is a calm, result-oriented leader who listens and acts.”
Adegoroye assured that members of the Tinubu Support Group would intensify grassroots mobilisation to further strengthen the APC’s presence across the 18 local government areas.
“We will go to every community to spread the message of progress and continuity. The time has come to consolidate our political leadership and secure the future of our people,” he assured.