Ondo State Commissioner for Information, Wale Akinlosotu, has lauded Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for improving residents’ lives through the various developments in different sectors and areas of the state.

Akinlosotu, who said the governor’s developmental efforts have given the people of the state a new lease of life, explained that “both the state and its citizens are better off due to the governor’s interventions”.

In a statement released in Akure on Tuesday, the commissioner noted that Aiyedatiwa’s initiative of involving people in his government had also yielded good results for the state, earning him accolades within the short time he has spent as governor.

He said, “Even members of opposition parties cannot hide their admiration for what the governor is doing and the steps he is taking to improve the people’s lives. That is why the governing party in the state, the All Progressives Congress, has been receiving defectors from other parties, particularly from the Peoples Democratic Party, ahead of the November governorship election.”

“On infrastructure, Governor Aiyedatiwa has been constructing roads with a view to saving lives, providing comfort, ensuring easy movement of food from rural areas, and attracting investors to the state. New roads are being developed in different areas, and contractors have returned to sites where they had previously abandoned projects.”

Akinlosotu noted that Aiyedatiwa has continued to prioritise education in a bid to improve its standards in the state and has made more buses available for the free shuttle bus programme for students.

He said, “With a focus on improved and conducive learning environments for schoolchildren, school buildings are being rehabilitated or newly constructed at different levels, necessary amenities are being provided, and teachers are being employed to strengthen capacity and enhance instruction.”

The commissioner remarked that Aiyedatiwa’s administration has demonstrated a worker-friendly approach by addressing their welfare needs, including promotions and clearing the backlog of unpaid salaries and pension arrears. He added, “The governor also approved a monthly palliative allowance for all public workers following the hardship caused by the removal of the petroleum subsidy.”

“Those in the informal sector, including struggling entrepreneurs, petty traders, artisans, and peasant farmers, have not been left out as Governor Aiyedatiwa approved over N2 billion in soft loans, which they can access to grow their ventures.”

He further stated that the government is prioritising the needs of rural areas, commissioning 54 boreholes in rural communities for potable water and approving the installation of 1,600 solar-powered streetlights for illumination and security.

“The governor is addressing the recent hike in food prices and its impact on the people. He acted promptly with immediate palliative measures and long-term solutions to ensure food sufficiency in the state.”

“The Thursday Market at the Ministry of Agriculture, where affordable foodstuffs are available, and the ongoing test-run of the purchase of grains like rice, beans, and garri for direct sales to the masses ahead of full-scale operations, are part of these efforts,” he said.

Akinlosotu noted that the government is providing necessary support to farmers through land cultivation, distribution of farm tools, equipment, and inputs to boost food production and attract others, including youths, into farming.

He reiterated the Aiyedatiwa administration’s commitment to the health of the people of Ondo State through the “revamping and upgrading of the state’s healthcare infrastructure, including the ongoing construction of 250-bed hospitals in Akure and Ondo, recent recruitment of health workers for primary healthcare centres in the 203 wards, and the secondary health facilities in the 18 local government areas in the state, as well as the enhancement of doctors’ salaries to retain medical personnel.”

“On Monday, Mr Governor rolled out the Orange Health Insurance Scheme (ORANGHIS) to ensure that all residents, including artisans, market women, farmers, commercial transport operators, and private sector workers, have access to affordable healthcare.”

“The essence of ORANGHIS is to lower the financial barriers for residents by reducing their healthcare costs through a sustainable funding source created by the state government.”

“Other ongoing healthcare initiatives under the Aiyedatiwa administration include the Abiyamo Maternal and Child Health Insurance Scheme, which covers antenatal care, delivery, and other essential services for pregnant women and children under five. The goal is to enhance service delivery to residents,” he said.

The commissioner also praised the governor for fulfilling his promise of involving everyone in governance by appointing about 344 Special Assistants and Senior Special Assistants last week, adding, “Aiyedatiwa’s all-inclusive government style continues to be a reference point.”