By Fisayo Akinduro & Kemi Olatunde
Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Wednesday displayed the scorecard of his administration, declaring that his government had delivered visible results in key sectors.
He listed them to include health, education, agriculture, infrastructure, housing, and security; with a promise of greater progress in the months ahead.
Speaking at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade, Akure, during the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, the governor said the state had witnessed remarkable transformation under the “OUR EASE” policy framework.
According to him, several projects were being executed simultaneously across the state, ranging from the dualisation of Akungba–Ikare and Okitipupa–Igbokoda roads, the construction of jetties and walkways in the riverine areas, and approval of five kilometres of roads in each of the 18 local government areas.
He said, “Roads are not just pathways, they are lifelines that will boost commerce, agriculture, reduce travel stress and encourage economic activities and the daily life of our people.”
On healthcare, Aiyedatiwa said his administration had expanded the state’s contributory health scheme, completed a pharma-grade warehouse to guarantee supply of medicines, renovated hospitals and prioritised recruitment into the health sector.
He added: “Our people in rural areas will no longer need to travel far to access basic healthcare. Beyond this, we have resolved that all health facilities in the state would be upgraded to meet global medical standards.”
The governor also cited strides in education, with classrooms rehabilitation, provision of instructional materials, bursaries and scholarships, digital learning opportunities, as well as continuous operation of free shuttle buses and boats. Buy vitamins and supplements
In the agriculture sector, he disclosed that the state had secured 26,000 hectares of land and earmarked ₦7.5 billion for development to strengthen food security and create jobs.
Aiyedatiwa also informed that efforts were being made to reduce the state’s debt profile, pay salaries and pensions regularly and provide new housing for members of the State Executive Council.
On security, he said “We have provided not less than 75 high-grade Hilux vehicles equipped with modern security gadgets to our security agencies to help them respond quickly and effectively to threats. Our goal is that every citizen of Ondo State should feel safe in their homes, farms, markets, schools and places of work.”
While commending citizens for their trust, he pledged: “In the coming months, you will see more progress. Ondo State is moving forward, Nigeria is moving forward; and nothing is beyond our reach.”
Earlier, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, in his welcome address, said the celebration was a recognition of the struggles of Nigeria’s forebearers and an opportunity to highlight the administration’s achievements.
He said “In recent times, the state has witnessed unprecedented socio-economic revival and restoration. Mr Governor has deliberately provided an ambience that opened up the industrial and economic frontiers of development in the state, thus strategically placing Ondo State on the world map. Hence, our people are now endowed with limitless opportunities to thrive and contribute to the development of our nation.”
Fasoranti lauded the governor’s fiscal transparency and accountability, describing them as key enablers of reforms and transformational programmes.
Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, while speaking with Weekend Hope urged Nigerians, particularly those at the grassroots, to rededicate themselves to prayers and to sustain their trust in the government as the country marked its 65th Independence Anniversary.
He noted that despite challenges, Nigeria had made significant progress over the years and stressed the importance of acknowledging the nation’s journey so far.
According to him, “65 years is not a small journey,” adding that the grassroots remain the heartbeat of national growth.
Takuro explained that development had steadily reached communities that were once neglected, citing access to electricity and roads as major milestones.
He observed that many communities that lacked basic infrastructure in the past now enjoy improved amenities. While admitting that coverage was not yet universal, he maintained that the steady progress being made signalled hope for greater transformation in the years to come.
“The people at the grassroots should also put it at the back of their mind that their today is better than their yesterday,” he said.
Also speaking with Weekend Hope, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Klick Connect Networks International, Chief Alex Ajipe, described Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary as a moment of thanksgiving and renewed hope.
Ajipe said despite the challenges facing the nation, Nigerians have every reason to appreciate God for sustaining the country’s unity.
According to him, while many nations with less diversity have disintegrated, Nigeria has remained together, which is in itself worth celebrating.
He noted that things are better than in the past and expressed optimism that the country’s future holds greater promise.
On President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Ajipe rated the government’s performance as “so far, so good.”
The event featured a parade mounted by the Nigeria Police, schools, political and non-political groups, and attracted top government officials and dignitaries, including Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Chief Olamide Oladiji; the Chief Judge, Justice A.O. Odusola; Commissioners, Chairman of the Council of Obas, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye; Chief Imam of Akure, Sheikh Dr. Abdulhakeem Yayi Akorede; State Vice Chairman of CAN, Bishop Ayodeji Komolafe, and the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, who was represented by the Osolo of Isolo, Akure, Oba Edward Adewole.
Chairmen of Boards and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) were also present, among others.