By Adedotun Ajayi

The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has presented Hilux vehicles to the newly elected local government chairmen across the 18 local government areas of the state.

The official presentation ceremony, held on Monday at the Government House in Akure, reaffirmed the governor’s commitment to strengthening grassroots governance and enhancing service delivery at the local level.

Addressing the chairmen, Aiyedatiwa said the provision of utility vehicles was aimed at facilitating their movement and improving efficiency in the discharge of their duties.

He emphasised that local government administration plays a critical role in governance, adding that his government remains committed to ensuring that council bosses have the necessary tools to function effectively.

“This administration prioritises grassroots development, and we are determined to support the local government system in every way possible. Personally, I believe in local government autonomy, and I will wholeheartedly support it. These vehicles are not for luxury but to aid you in reaching every corner of your local government to serve the people better,” he said.

The governor urged the chairmen to remain accountable, transparent, and responsive to the needs of the people, stressing that the success of their administration at the local level would contribute significantly to the overall development of Ondo State.

Also speaking at the event, Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami, whose office oversees local government affairs, described Aiyedatiwa as a performing leader, ushering in a new dawn in the state. 

He said the vehicles would enable the newly elected chairmen to commence work immediately and expressed confidence that the governor would seamlessly fulfil his promises to the people.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Ondo State chapter, who is also the elected Chairman of Akure South Local Government, Gbenga Fasua, thanked Aiyedatiwa for the gesture, assuring him of their commitment to good governance, grassroots development, and the implementation of people-oriented policies.

The event was attended by the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji; Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties, Bola Taiwo; Chairman of the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board, Victor Olabimtan; and other top government functionaries.