This past week, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa reinforced his administration’s commitment to regional security, food security, and the welfare of workers and retirees. From high-level strategic meetings to impactful policy implementation, the Governor’s engagements underscored his dedication to sustainable development and improved living conditions for the people of Ondo State.

On Thursday, Governor Aiyedatiwa joined his counterparts from Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, and Ekiti States at the South-West Governors’ Forum meeting in Lagos, where key resolutions were made to enhance security, boost food production, and foster regional economic collaboration.

One major outcome of the meeting was the decision to establish a special security outfit to combat banditry and other criminal activities in the South-West. This initiative aims to strengthen security and protect lives and property across the region, complementing the existing Amotekun Corps.

Additionally, the governors agreed to address rising food prices by setting up food hubs in each state to improve storage, transportation, and distribution. These hubs will help curb inflation, enhance food security, and ensure a stable supply of agricultural products across the region.

The meeting also saw the governors formally agree that the South-West Development Commission will be headquartered in Ibadan, within the Cocoa House of Odu’a Investment Limited. They praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his efforts in fostering regional growth, particularly his ongoing economic reforms, which have contributed to a more stable naira and consistent fuel supply.

Speaking on the resolutions, Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed the State’s readiness to implement the agreements, emphasising that regional cooperation is essential for sustainable development.

Fulfilling his administration’s promise to improve the welfare of retirees, on Friday, Governor Aiyedatiwa launched the fourth batch of gratuity payments for retired local government workers and primary school teachers. The event, held at the Cocoa Conference Hall, Governor’s Office, Akure, saw the disbursement of N2.5 billion to retirees from 2013.

Addressing the beneficiaries, the Governor reiterated his commitment to clearing all outstanding gratuities in phases. He disclosed that in previous phases, a total of N3 billion had already been spent to clear gratuity backlogs up to 2012.

“Retirees deserve to enjoy the fruits of their labour in peace and dignity. This initiative is part of our broader strategy to improve their welfare and ensure they are not forgotten after years of meritorious service,” Governor Aiyedatiwa stated.

He further assured that his administration had established a structured funding system to ensure the seamless and consistent payment of gratuities, eliminating delays and ensuring retirees are paid based on their year of retirement, without political interference.

The Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for prioritising retirees, acknowledging his timely payments, commitment to pension increases, and approval of the new minimum wage for pensioners, a move that places Ondo State among a few in Nigeria actively improving retirees’ welfare.

Some beneficiaries, including Ahmed Babatunde, Cecilia Olasimbo, and Francis Adejuwon, expressed gratitude, noting that the payments would significantly ease their financial burdens. They described the Governor’s approach as transparent, fair, and commendable.

As Ondo State moves forward, Governor Aiyedatiwa remains focused on security, economic stability, and social welfare. With strategic regional partnerships, proactive policy implementation, and a firm commitment to financial accountability, his administration continues to deliver tangible benefits to the people of the state.