With Adedotun Ajayi

The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, had a week filled with developmental strides that stressed his administration’s dedication to agricultural sustainability, educational development, and cultural preservation.

The week began with Governor Aiyedatiwa setting the tone for national discourse on agricultural sustainability as he declared open the National Cocoa Stakeholders’ Workshop and Excellence Award Ceremony at The Dome, Akure.

The two-day event, organised by the Cocoa Association of Nigeria (CAN) in partnership with Lutheran World Relief (LWR), brought together major players in Nigeria’s cocoa value chain –farmers, processors, exporters, policy makers, and international partners.

During the event, Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized the urgent need to address the structural and environmental challenges confronting cocoa production in Nigeria, especially in light of global shifts toward sustainable and traceable agricultural practices.

Highlighting his administration’s proactive policies, the Governor outlined interventions such as the free distribution of improved seedlings and fertilizers, farmers’ training, enhanced market access, and a push for technology-driven agricultural systems.

 He also addressed climate change, inefficient value chains, aging plantations, and lack of farmer succession plans as key obstacles needing urgent attention.

Governor Aiyedatiwa charged participants to use the workshop as a platform to share ideas and craft actionable solutions that will position Nigeria’s cocoa industry for global competitiveness.

In their goodwill messages, stakeholders including Mr. M.O. Abolarinwa, CAN National President; Dr. Victor Halim Iyama, Chairman, Board of Trustees; and Hajara Usman, representative of the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, all commended the governor for hosting the workshop.

They reiterated the importance of aligning Nigeria’s cocoa sector with international sustainability benchmarks and the growing need to adopt the National Traceability System to meet new trade requirements in Europe and other export destinations.

Governor Aiyedatiwa’s reformist zeal was once again on display on Thursday as he flagged off the distribution of instructional materials and sports equipment to primary and junior secondary schools across the state. The event, held at St. James Mega Primary School, Irowo, Akure, marked a significant step in the implementation of the 2023 and 2024 UBEC/SUBEB intervention programmes.

Addressing an enthusiastic audience of teachers, education managers, parents, and pupils, the governor declared that his administration was unwavering in its resolve to ensure equitable access to quality education for every child, irrespective of their background or location.

Governor Aiyedatiwa announced that Ondo State had successfully accessed the UBEC/SUBEB funds up to 2024, placing the state among a select few in the country.

The governor also disclosed that over 75,000 textbooks and Android tablets programmed with up-to-date educational content were being distributed, alongside extensive sporting equipment such as football kits, chess boards, table tennis sets, and swimming gear for 52 public schools.

Governor Aiyedatiwa reiterated the state’s continued payment of WASSCE fees for eligible students and its commitment to sustaining scholarship and bursary programs for indigent students in tertiary institutions.

In his remarks, Mr. Victor Olabimtan, Chairman of the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board, praised the governor for ensuring consistent counterpart funding and described the event as a turning point in the quest for a 1:1 textbook-to-learner ratio in the state.

Governor Aiyedatiwa concluded the week on a high cultural note as he joined prominent dignitaries, academics, and traditional rulers at the Chief Reuben Fasoranti Public Service Lecture, held in honour of the Yoruba elder statesman’s 99th birthday.

The event, hosted by the University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA), Ondo State chapter, took place at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, and focused on reviving Yoruba cultural values under the theme: “Wanted: A Strong and United Yoruba Race as Panacea for Reviving the Vanishing Yoruba Values and Culture.”

Describing Pa Fasoranti as “a rare symbol of patriotism, courage, and integrity,” Governor Aiyedatiwa paid glowing tribute to the nonagenarian’s enduring legacy of principled leadership, civic advocacy, and moral uprightness.

The governor called for deliberate efforts to engage the youth in preserving Yoruba identity through cultural education, intergenerational dialogue, and creative empowerment.

Other speakers at the event included Otunba Gbenga Daniel, former Governor of Ogun State; Prof. Williams Olu Aderounmu, Chairman of the event; Mr. Yinka Akinola, UIAA Chairman; and the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, represented by Registrar Mr. G.O. Saliu. They all extolled Pa Fasoranti’s selfless contributions to education, cultural preservation, and Yoruba unity.

Among the dignitaries present were the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye, Deji of Akure, Oba (Dr.) Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, Ondo state former governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko and other senior government officials.