By Adedotun Ajayi

The past week marked a significant chapter in the history of Ondo State as Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa assumed office as the seventh Executive Governor. His inauguration was not merely a ceremonial event but the beginning of a series of transformative actions aimed at repositioning the state for growth and progress.

From granting clemency to prisoners to making strategic appointments, approving major policy shifts in education, and investing in agriculture and technology, the governor wasted no time in setting the tone for his administration.

On Monday, Aiyedatiwa took the oath of office, marking the commencement of a new administration committed to progressive governance and development.

In an act of justice and compassion, the governor approved the release and sentence reduction of 43 prisoners, following recommendations from the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr  Olukayode Ajulo, SAN.

Eight prisoners were granted outright release, while 15 death-row inmates had their sentences commuted to prison terms. Additionally, 20 convicts serving life imprisonment had their sentences reduced. The governor’s decision aligns with his commitment to justice reform and humane governance.

That same day, Aiyedatiwa wasted no time in assembling his core team, appointing Dr Taiwo Fasoranti as Secretary to the State Government. Other key appointments included:

Dr Kayode Ajulo, SAN – Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice

Mrs  Omowunmi Isaac – Commissioner for Finance

Engr Johnson Alabi – Special Adviser on Power

Dr  Seun Osamaye – Special Adviser on Women Affairs

Comrade Bola Taiwo – Special Adviser on Union Matters & Special Duties

Prof Simidele Odimayo – Special Adviser on Health

Engr Abiola Olawoye – Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Lands, and Housing

These appointments took immediate effect, with the governor urging the officials to hit the ground running in delivering effective governance to the people of Ondo State.

On Wednesday, Aiyedatiwa approved the conversion of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, into a specialised University of Agriculture and Agribusiness. This move aligns with his administration’s agricultural and food security agenda, ensuring the institution becomes a model for practical and innovative farming.

To facilitate this transition, he announced the formation of a committee to oversee the implementation while assuring that current students and staff would not be negatively affected.

In a bold move to empower young people and boost food production, the governor approved a Memorandum of Understanding between the state government and AgroMall Discovery and Extension Limited. The agreement will see a N15bn investment in the Young Ranchers Agricultural Cluster Development Programme.

The initiative, which will utilise land across three higher institutions in the state, is designed to provide hands-on agricultural training and create economic opportunities for youths.

Aiyedatiwa also approved a partnership with BBA Consult for the development of a secured ICT system to enhance state resource planning and increase internally generated revenue. The project will operate on a Build-Operate-Transfer basis, ensuring long-term sustainability.

On Thursday, during the swearing-in of newly appointed and reappointed officials, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to rapid governance, declaring that his administration was in a hurry to deliver results.

He introduced performance measurement mechanisms to ensure accountability and stated that his administration would not tolerate corruption, indolence, or disloyalty. He charged his team to align with the OUR-EASE seven-point agenda, which outlines the government’s developmental priorities.

The event was attended by dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; the Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji; and other top government officials.

On Friday, Aiyedatiwa approved the payment of N633,918,000 to cover the 2025 WAEC registration fees for 23,048 secondary school students in public schools across the state.

This initiative ensures that no student is denied the opportunity to sit for their final examinations due to financial constraints. It aligns with his administration’s commitment to education under the OUR-EASE policy framework.

Governor Aiyedatiwa’s first week in office has been marked by swift, impactful decisions aimed at governance efficiency, economic development, and social welfare. From strategic appointments to major policy approvals in education, agriculture, and revenue generation, he has demonstrated a clear vision for the future of Ondo State.