By Kikelomo Isijola

Today, December 27, marks exactly one year since Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa took the oath of office as the Governor of Ondo State. One year in office? How time flies! It feels just like yesterday.

There is a sweet spot between challenge and hope, but good leaders create pathways that keep both firmly in view. For Ondo State, the emergence of Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa as the governor of the Sunshine State has restored the faith of its people that the state can still realise the goals of its founding fathers.

Taking over the mantle on Wednesday, 27th December 2023, Aiyedatiwa began navigating the murky waters of administration with vitality and focus, leaving no one in doubt that he understood the task at hand.

During the swearing-in ceremony held at the Cocoa Conference Hall in the Governor’s Office at Alagbaka, Akure, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, to the admiration of his audience, promised to complete ongoing projects initiated by his predecessor—the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN.

He also pledged to execute more life-changing projects across the state.

The demise of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, is indeed a great loss to me as an individual, as our relationship dates back many years, having closely worked with him since his gubernatorial journey began in 2012.

Governor Akeredolu was a man of courage and conviction who always stood for the truth, even at his own detriment. I remember vividly during the time we faced a court challenge to our second-term victory.

Despite this, he pursued the establishment of a strong security network for the Southwest, codenamed Amotekun Corps.

The people of Ondo State and the entire Southwest will be eternally grateful for this bold initiative, which has greatly improved the security architecture in the region and significantly reduced incidents of kidnapping, banditry, and other criminal activities.

“I want to assure the people of Ondo State that, under my watch, this administration shall continue to advance their welfare. Today’s event is a watershed moment in the history of Ondo State as this is the first time we are witnessing a transition within an administration. This places a burden on all of us to pull together and stay united, as we have the responsibility to sustain the legacies of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, particularly in the area of good governance.

“Our leader and Governor embarked on several landmark projects, many of which have been completed, while others are ongoing. We now have the duty to complete them. I assure the people of Ondo State that this administration will continue to prioritise their welfare, ensuring that every decision we take benefits the greatest number of citizens,” Aiyedatiwa said.

True to his words, Governor Aiyedatiwa has pursued progress and development in Ondo State with vitality, vigour, and dexterity.

By any standard, Ondo State has been in safe hands over the past 365 days under Aiyedatiwa’s leadership. His administration promised at its inauguration to work for the people and provide appropriate leadership by striving to make decisions that benefit the majority.

One of the core principles of the Aiyedatiwa-led administration’s developmental agenda is ensuring quality and accessible education for all citizens. He has consistently demonstrated his commitment to improving the sector.

At the primary level, his government sustained massive investment in education infrastructure by contributing N3.5 billion as the state’s counterpart fund for the Federal Government-supported UBEC/SUBEB programme. In total, N7 billion has been deployed to address primary education infrastructure and other needs.

At the secondary and technical levels, contracts for the renovation of secondary schools and technical colleges have been awarded at a total sum of N2.858 billion.

Additionally, over N550 million has been allocated to cover the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fees for 26,088 public secondary school students.

Governor Aiyedatiwa also initiated massive school renovations, prioritised teacher recruitment and training, and moved towards digitalising the education sector. An additional 2,000 teachers are being recruited, with a focus on improving schools in rural areas.

To support teachers’ welfare and development, the administration trained 40 education secretaries, zonal/area education officers, and 50 data officers on the BESDA Attendance Management Information System.

Additionally, 750 head teachers and 190 principals from junior public secondary schools across the 18 Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs) were trained on the BAMUS Attendance App for effective school attendance monitoring.

In November 2024, Ondo State workers began receiving the ₦73,000 minimum wage with their salaries, making Aiyedatiwa one of the first governors to implement the new wage structure.

Beyond salaries, Governor Aiyedatiwa approved the release of employment letters to 165 newly recruited staff of the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS), providing employment opportunities for the youth.

Infrastructure and Healthcare

The administration’s commitment to infrastructural development is evident in the construction of over 34 road projects spanning 182.73 km, with some roads already completed.

The second flyover at Onyeagbulem–Shagari/Irese Road is 55% completed, while the Akure–Oda dual carriageway has reached 80% completion.

In healthcare, the Abiyamo Maternity and Child Health Insurance Scheme has benefited over 49,267 pregnant women and children under five.

Additionally, the Orange Health Insurance Scheme (ORANGHIS) now covers over 101,160 public servants and their dependants.

The state government distributed agricultural inputs worth N317,980,200 to 20,556 farmers, including cassava stems, seeds, fertilisers, poultry feeds, and fingerlings. An additional N2 billion was approved to enhance food security and alleviate the economic challenges faced by the people.

As Governor Aiyedatiwa marks one year in office, his administration has recorded significant milestones in education, infrastructure, healthcare, workers’ welfare, and agriculture. With the new development agenda, “O’ Datiwa, O’Dirorun” (literally meaning “Our Ease”), the future holds promise for Ondo State.

Happy anniversary to my boss!

Hon. Kikelomo Isijola is the Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor on Digital Media.