The community of Ondo State indigenes in the diaspora, on Saturday, expressed delight at the concern shown for the less privileged by the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, citing the governor’s recent disbursement of over N200 million in soft loans to artisans and other enterprise owners across the state.

The governor fulfilled the promise he made a few months ago, last Wednesday, at a ceremony where he was represented by his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, in Akure, the state capital.

Reflecting on the significance of this gesture, the diaspora community, in a statement issued by its coordinator, Hon Dare Aliu, remarked that the lump sum disbursed to artisans and other grassroots-level enterprise owners across the state was a much-needed balm that would alleviate the hardship currently experienced among them.

“We are greatly impressed that we have, in Ondo State, a governor with a genuine sense of compassion, as he has sufficiently demonstrated through his various people-oriented programmes since assuming office in December last year.

“Many of us indigenes of Ondo State living in Europe, the Americas, and elsewhere in the world have been following Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s performance and are proud to say that he has exceeded our expectations through his achievements in public welfare, social infrastructure, and human empowerment,” Aliu commended.

He added that Nigerians living abroad believe that the federal government should not bear the sole blame for the country’s economic hardship, stressing that state administrations must also be tasked with implementing palliative measures and other welfare programmes to provide relief to the people.

“This is where Governor Aiyedatiwa has proven exceptional if assessed since he became governor, following the passing of his predecessor, the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, last December.

“We have not forgotten that upon taking office, he cleared all outstanding salaries, allowances, pensions, and gratuities, bringing relief to public workers and retirees alike.

“In response to the hardships caused by the removal of the fuel subsidy, the governor not only approved monthly palliative payments to civil servants but has also continued to provide free bus shuttles for schoolchildren and civil servants across the state.

“This is aside from setting aside over N2 billion in soft loans for petty traders, artisans, and struggling entrepreneurs, part of which was disbursed a few days ago.”

Aliu also commended Aiyedatiwa for mobilising previously disgruntled road contractors back to work and for initiating new road and infrastructural projects across the state’s 18 local government areas.

“The truth must be told that prioritising human welfare and manpower development is the hallmark of good governance, as evidenced by how governments in the Western world supported their citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Thus, Aiyedatiwa has done well to empower the people financially in these challenging times.”

Aliu further praised the governor for the recent appointment of 344 aides, representing all the local government areas, stating, “This shows that the governor is in touch with the needs of the people and is committed to improving their lives through these appointments.”

He, therefore, called on other state governors across the country to emulate Aiyedatiwa’s innovative approach to governance.