With Adedotun Ajayi

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s engagements over the past week underscore his administration’s commitment to governance, security, and development. From strengthening security measures to facilitating key infrastructural projects and pioneering electricity-driven initiatives, his leadership continues to position Ondo State for growth and prosperity.

On Tuesday, Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his confidence in the judiciary following the Supreme Court’s dismissal of an appeal challenging his candidacy in the last gubernatorial election. The ruling upheld the legitimacy of his emergence as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, reinforcing democratic principles.

Upon his return to Akure from Abuja, the Governor expressed satisfaction with the verdict, describing it as a testament to the fairness and integrity of the judiciary.

“It shows that the Supreme Court and the Appeal Court are doing a good job in ensuring that democracy is upheld. The courts have consistently based their judgments on facts and the law,” Aiyedatiwa said.

Beyond electoral matters, the governor addressed pressing security concerns in the state, assuring residents that his administration remains proactive in supporting security agencies.

“The protection of lives and property is the primary duty of any government. We have been working tirelessly with all security agencies to ensure that Ondo State remains safe for all residents,” he said.

He further disclosed that his administration has been equipping the police, Amotekun Corps, and other security agencies with the necessary resources to enhance their operations, while plans are underway to procure advanced security gadgets to bolster safety across the state.

During a high-level engagement with the Minister of Works, David Umahi, on Thursday, Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed Ondo State’s commitment to the successful execution of federal road projects, including the 71km alignment of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway passing through the state.

The governor lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for increasing federal infrastructural presence in Ondo, citing projects such as the Ore-Ondo-Akure dualisation, the Akure-Ado-Ekiti expressway, and the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital.

“We have not had it this good in recent times with federal projects in our state,” Aiyedatiwa noted, appealing for additional federal support for the Ondo Deep Sea Port and the Aiyetoro shoreline protection project.

Umahi, in response, assured that all federal road projects in Ondo State would be expedited, while also promising that the federal government would soon shift focus to addressing the Aiyetoro sea incursion crisis.

Meanwhile, on Friday, Governor Aiyedatiwa took a significant step towards advancing rural development by inaugurating a Steering Committee for the e-HEART initiative—an electricity-driven project aimed at transforming key sectors such as health, education, agriculture, rural development, and transportation.

Speaking at the inauguration, the Governor emphasised the importance of leveraging electricity to improve governance and service delivery in rural areas.

“With states now empowered to generate and regulate electricity, Ondo is taking proactive steps to enhance power supply for the benefit of our people,” he stated, pledging adequate funding for the programme.

The initiative, in partnership with the Federal Government and the private sector, will be funded on a 60:30:10 ratio, ensuring its sustainability and effectiveness in driving economic growth.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Power, Engr. Johnson Alabi, who chairs the committee, described the initiative as a transformative project that will significantly enhance socio-economic development in the state.

Residents are encouraged to support these efforts as the government remains steadfast in its vision for a safer, more connected, and economically vibrant state.

Other key government officials, including Deputy Governor Dr Olayide Adelami and Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, attended the inauguration, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of the people.