With Fisayo Akinduro
Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, capped a week of dynamic engagements that spanned youth empowerment, judicial reforms, infrastructure development, regional cooperation, political mobilisation and faith-based recognition, underscoring his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and sustainable development.
The week began with the official launch of the O’DATIWA Under-17 Football Competition at Akure Sports Stadium. Covering all 18 local government areas, the tournament aims to identify and nurture young football talents under the theme, “Catching Them Young for a Greater Future in Sports.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa stressed that the initiative is more than a sporting event, describing it as a platform for discipline, social integration and youth development.
“We are investing in the dreams of our young people, providing them with opportunities to excel locally and internationally,” he said.
Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Henry Omoyofunmi, lauded the governor’s vision, noting the competition’s potential to channel youth energy into productive endeavours while promoting teamwork and resilience.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to judicial autonomy during the 2025/2026 Legal Year Thanksgiving Service and Special Court Session.
He praised the judiciary for stabilising democracy in Ondo State and announced plans for the construction of the Akeredolu Judiciary Complex in honour of the late former governor, Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN.
Governor Aiyedatiwa sanctioned official vehicles for magistrates and confirmed that full autonomy would be institutionalised. Chief Judge, Justice Olusegun Odusola and Attorney-General, Dr Olukayode Abraham Ajulo, highlighted reforms, including digitisation of court processes, establishment of Small Claims Courts and expansion of e-Filing and online mediation systems.
During the State Executive Council meeting, Governor Aiyedatiwa approved 101.036 kilometres of roads for construction and rehabilitation across the state, including major urban thoroughfares and intercity routes. Key projects include College Road–Okoga Junction to Irewole Roundabout, Omotosho–Igbotako–Ijolu-Odo Road, and Akure–Ijare Road.
The council also approved a 216-bed hostel at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Ikare-Akoko, new facilities for the Public Complaints, Financial Crimes and Anti-Corruption Commission, and renovations for several ministry offices. Three new traditional rulers were appointed and a committee was constituted for the Olojoda chieftaincy, reflecting the administration’s commitment to cultural development and community leadership.
On Thursday Governor Aiyedatiwa hosted the Southwest Leaders’ Dialogue at The Dome, Akure, convening governors, traditional rulers, ministers and regional stakeholders to discuss power devolution, federalism and inter-state collaboration.
He emphasised that dialogue must translate into actionable reforms and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic initiatives, citing federal projects, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, Ilaje Deep Sea Port, Akure–Ado-Ekiti Dual Carriageway and a proposed aviation school.
Speakers, including Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by his deputy, endorsed regional integration, participatory governance and youth inclusion.
Traditional rulers, such as the Alaafin of Oyo and Olowo of Owo, urged continued dialogue, moral governance and investment in youth empowerment. Elder statesman Chief Bisi Akande called for genuine federalism and economic decentralisation through the proposed Southwest Development Commission.
Governor Aiyedatiwa was on Friday invested as Grand Patron of the Tinubu Support Group (TSG), recognising his loyalty to President Tinubu and his administration’s developmental achievements. Alhaji Umaru Tanko Yakassai praised the governor’s record in infrastructure, education, healthcare and youth programmes.
Aiyedatiwa, in response, reaffirmed Ondo State’s commitment to supporting the President and maintaining the state as a stronghold of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The governor, at the weekend, also attended the 70th birthday celebration of Pastor Michael Ogunbayode in Lagos, describing the cleric as a mentor and friend whose prayers and guidance have shaped his political journey. He acknowledged the crucial support of Pastor Ogunbayode’s wife, Mrs Susan Ogunbayode, in sustaining the cleric’s ministry.