• Deputy, Adelami, also sworn in, as Gov unfolds seven-point agenda

• Govs Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Oyebanji (Ekiti), Ganduje, Bisi Akande, ex-Gov Mimiko, others grace event

By Adedotun Ajayi

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The Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has declared that his administration’s seven-point development agenda tagged, “O’DATIWA O’DIRORUN” (Our Ease) is the blueprint that will bring about the transformation of the State.

He said the agenda, Our Ease, had been structured to address critical sectors of the state’s economy, to enhance quality of lives.

The governor stated this yesterday during his inauguration ceremony as the seventh Executive Governor in Akure, the state’s capital.

The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Akure Township Stadium, saw Governor Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, take the oath of office as governor and deputy governor respectively, which was administered by the State Chief Judge, Justice Olusegun Odusola.

The duo took the oath amid cheers from supporters, party leaders, and government officials.

The event marked the beginning of a fresh mandate after emerging victorious in the November 16, 2024 gubernatorial election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The event also drew dignitaries from across the country, including APC National Chairman, Alhaji Abdulahi Ganduje, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Abiodun Oyebanji, former Governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande, former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, the Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Chief Olamide Oladiji, and Minister For Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande Wisdom.

Others are: a former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Alhaji Ali Olanusi; State Chairman of APC, Mr Ade Adetimehin; NNPC Chairman, Chief Pius Akinyelure; Chief of Staff to the Ondo State Governor, Prince Segun Omojuwa; the State Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip, National Assembly members, members of the State House of Assembly, immediate past members of the State Executive Council, Director of Corperate Services, NDDC, Ifedayo Abegunde, APC chieftains, and traditional rulers including the Chairman, Ondo State Council of Obas and Deji of Akure, Oba Aladelusi Aladetoyinbo.

Also in attendance were religious leaders, heads of security agencies, among other dignitaries.

In his inaugural speech, Governor Aiyedatiwa paid glowing tributes to the state’s founding fathers and past leaders, with special recognition for his immediate predecessor, the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

Reflecting on the legacy of the former governor, he recalled Akeredolu’s public “prophetic declaration” during his second-term inauguration four years ago, where he recognized him as a worthy successor.

“I must say that I am deeply pained that this great leader who saw tomorrow is not here with us to witness this occasion,” Aiyedatiwa said.

Addressing the people of the state, he stressed that, “the overwhelming, renewed mandate you have freely given to us has placed on us a huge burden of leadership, and we promise never to rest on our oars.”

“We fully understand the expectations of our people, and we are prepared to meet them head-on with determination and strategic action,” he assured.

He outlined the key focus areas of “Our ease,” as Order, Security, and Rule of Law; Urban and Rural Development through Agriculture and the Blue Economy; Revolutionary Technological Advancement and Industrialization; Efficient Healthcare and Socio-Economic Welfare; Adequate Power and Affordable Energy; Sustainable Infrastructure and Tourism; and Education, Human Capital Development, and Entrepreneurship.

Expanding on each of the points, the governor emphasised the need for a secure environment to drive economic growth.

He said, “We will strengthen our security apparatus, enhance community policing, and ensure that law and order are upheld across the state. No investor will put money where there is insecurity; therefore, security remains our top priority,” he stated.

He also spoke of the state’s vast potential in agriculture and the blue economy, saying his administration would create policies to maximize the benefits of Ondo’s coastal resources and promote mechanized farming to improve food production.

On industrialization, Aiyedatiwa noted that technological advancement must be at the core of Ondo’s economic transformation. “We will promote innovation, encourage tech startups, and provide the necessary infrastructure for industrial growth. Ondo State must be a hub for technology and manufacturing,” he declared.

He further assured that healthcare would receive serious attention, particularly through the expansion of the Ondo State Contributory Health Insurance Scheme (ORANGHIS) to cover informal workers such as artisans and traders.

The governor also stressed the importance of affordable energy, revealing that his administration would work towards completing the Omotosho Independent Power Plant to improve electricity supply in the state. “We will also expand the O’DATIWA MASS METERS initiative to ensure fair billing and energy distribution,” he said.

On infrastructure, he pledged to complete ongoing projects and develop tourism as an economic driver, especially in areas with eco-tourism potential.

“Ondo State is blessed with beautiful landscapes and natural resources. We will harness these to attract local and international tourists, thereby creating jobs and boosting our economy,” he explained.

Addressing education and human capital development, Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to equipping youths with relevant skills.

“We will strengthen our technical colleges, invest in digital education, and promote entrepreneurship among our young people, so that they can create wealth rather than just seek jobs,” he noted.

He also reassured the people of his determination to complete key projects like Port Ondo and the exploration of bitumen deposits, which he described as a game-changer for the state’s economy.

Calling for unity and collaboration, Aiyedatiwa extended a hand of fellowship to opposition parties, urging them to join in the collective task of developing Ondo State.

“Elections are over, and now is the time for governance. We must put aside political differences and work together for the progress of our dear state. We have no need for unnecessary political distractions that cost us time, resources, and energy. This is our moment; together, we have a chance to make a difference,” he said.

He also emphasized that his government would operate with transparency, accountability, and fairness, ensuring that no one is marginalized based on political, ethnic, or religious affiliations.

The governor expressed gratitude to various stakeholders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, and other party leaders for their support. He also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and the people of Ondo State for ensuring a peaceful and credible election. He reserved special appreciation for his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, whom he described as “a dedicated, loyal, and highly experienced partner in governance.”

Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his commitment to delivering on his promises and urged the people to support his administration in building a prosperous Ondo State.

“We shall provide a level playing field for all to maximize their potentials and create an enabling environment for economic prosperity. Our vision is clear, our mission is defined, and our resolve is unshakable. Let us work together to make Ondo State a shining example of good governance and economic progress,” he declared.