Dele Awogbami

Thursday, 20th February 2025 will continue to remain a historic day of progress in Ondo State. It was a day destined for growth driving and way paving for progress and development. Obviously, just like any other day, the day was chosen for the commissioning of projects by the Governor of Ondo State, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa. Not one project, not two, but three projects in a day. Although, commissioning of these projects can be symbolically linked to the concept of trinity, which is a representation of unity in diversity, these three projects, though separate in purpose,  contribute to a unified goal of progress and transformation.

Governor Aiyedatiwa kick-started his itinerary for the day with the inauguration of the new Secretariat Building of the State Council of Traditional Rulers, along Igbatoro road in Akure, the state capital. Prior to the groundbreaking commissioning, the monthly meetings and other emergency engagements of the traditional rulers were held in the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s office.

 The project, which was conceived over two decades ago was finally completed and commissioned by the Governor Aiyedatiwa.

The joy of the traditional rulers, who graced the occasion, including the Chairman of the council, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr) Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Odundun II, Deji of Akure knew no bound due to the fact that the Governor has delivered a befitting edifice, which will serve as a unifying hub for them.

Oba Aladelusi appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa for his unwavering support for traditional rulers and also affirmed that the secretariat would facilitate improved coordination among traditional rulers and also enhance their contributions to governance and community development.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, who could not hide his joy, hailed the monarchs for their wisdom, guidance and the leadership qualities which he identified as the bedrock of progress and development. He noted that the edifice will stand as a symbol of respect and recognition for the status of traditional institution in the State.

According to him “This edifice will undoubtedly serve as a centre for administrative excellence, a hub for consultations and a meeting point for deliberations that will positively impact the development of Ondo State. I enjoin you to let this secretariat be a place where progressive ideas are nurtured, where conflicts are resolved amicably and where the interests of our people remain a top priority”.

The edifice is equipped with facilities, comprising 2 big halls, 4 meeting rooms, chairman’s office and other conveniences.

From the traditional arena, the next point of attraction was the venue of the commissioning of the new Investment House, located in the heart of Akure, which will facilitate unhindered access for investors and open up the State for  the global investment community. The Edifice, a storey building is equipped with facilities for ease of doing business.

The Administrative Secretary of the Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA), Barrister Emmanuel Omomowo described the event as another milestone in the administration’s efforts to attract investors and ensure economic prosperity. He noted that the building would accommodate local, national and international agencies for the purpose of attracting investment to the State. Governor Aiyedatiwa, while commissioning the facility reiterated his administration’s commitment to economic growth and investment promotion through Public Private Partnership. His words “Today, we gather to witness the realization of that vision, this investment House will serve as a hub for economic activities and investment promotion, as well as provide a conducive environment for both public and private sector partnerships”.

While charging occupants of the building to ensure proper maintenance and judicious use of the facilities, the Governor described the timely and successful completion of the edifice as a testament to his administration’s determination to open up the State for genuine investors. Aiyedatiwa, who paid glowing tributes to his predecessor, late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, CON for his concept of the new Investment House, said “Akeredolu’s vision was to establish a one-stop shop for investment activities to enhance the ease of doing business in Ondo State”.

The final groundbreaking event of the day was the commissioning and handing over of fire fighting trucks to the State Fire Service. The administration of Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, no doubt is poised towards protection of lives and property of the people of the State through the provision of well equipped state- of -the -art fire fighting trucks with a view to enhancing firefighting and emergency response capabilities. With the modern firefighting trucks, the firefighters have been better equipped to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies.

In his speech, Governor Aiyedatiwa explained that the acquisition of the trucks is part of broader efforts to enhance disaster response and ensure safety of all residents of the State. He noted that an efficient fire service is indispensable for the protection of communities, businesses and critical infrastructure, adding that government would continue to invest in modern firefighting equipment and training of personnel.

The Special Adviser to  Governor on Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engineer  Abiola Olawoye, who appreciated the commitment of the Governor  to the well being of the people of the State, assured that the firefighting trucks, which have 200-300 shooting range capacity, 60,000 revolution per minute water shooting capacity, 10,000 water tank capacity, 1,000 litres foam tank and 4 holes water outlet per side would be used efficiently in delivering services to the people of the State.