By Adekola Afolabi

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Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has said his administration is determined to continue to champion the needed progress in the country.

The Governor who spoke yesterday while delivering his keynote address at the ongoing three-day retreat for political office holders and accounting officers in the state, held at Mydas Hotel, equally promised that he remains consistent and resilience in the defense of the people.

He however lamented that the state civil service is too heavy, insisting that government cannot continue to run in the usual old way.

He disclosed that his administration organized the three-day retreat, so as to let the political office holders and accounting officers understand the philosophy of the government.

The theme is, “One Administration: Improved Service Delivery Will Lead to Improved Revenue Generation. ”

The Governor reeled out some of his achievements, called for more synergy and collaboration among all participants to ensure more dividends of good governance in the state.

Akeredolu said there must be a way that those who have stayed too long in a position in the civil service could leave and allow the young ones come in.

“This retreat is to ensure that all of us key into the REDEEMED agenda of this government.

Governor Akeredolu declared that his administration has delivered on massive infrastructure in the state, adding that he is proud of the work that has been done.

He said his administration has also done its best at developing schools in the state, especially the massive reconstruction of the public primary schools across the state.

“We inherited schools that were just created without any equipment. We have developed schools and equipped them. We have done massive infrastructure in this state and we are proud of our work.

“In UNIMED, we facilitated TETFUND to develop buildings there. Also, our 250 -bed facility has gone to an advanced stage. We have better beds and facilities in our hospitals now. I have been informed that a number of our facilities are under-utilized. We are proud to have facilitated labs in Owo, Akure and Ondo.

“On security, we must pride ourselves on what we have done about security in this state. There is nowhere I go to that we have not been singled out that we have championed a good cause. We will not stop. Security is crucial to us. That’s why we are elected to protect lives and property.

“Our youths must be interested in self-employment. They must be employers of labour. They can become entrepreneurs and agro-preneur.

“This state is the land of the brave and the virtuous. Wherever we go, we are people imbued with indomitable spirit. We cannot be subdued. It is our collective haven. Remain bold. Resist all attempts by the impetuous and naive people.

“We crave for collaboration. But, that we crave for collaboration and collective heritage,” he added.

In her opening address, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Princess Oladunni Odu, observed that the present administration parades the best set of technocrats and bureaucrats who are ready to utilize their knowledge, expertise and experience to ensure better management of the numerous human and material resources in the State towards improving the lives of the people and placing the accomplishments of the Akeredolu-led administration on the global map.

“This retreat is a platform to deliberate, rejig, synergize and familiarize ourselves with the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats ahead of us, in the task of promoting the socio-economic and political status of Ondo State”.

“This forum is set out to refresh our minds and ensure we understand better how this administration will transform Ondo State and make it a society that is well-grounded and economically driven. It will also birth improved service delivery that translates into increased revenue generation.

“We shall proceed with keener enthusiasm to justify the renewal of our mandate to serve the people.

An examination of this extract reveals that our Governor is determined to reposition the State on the path of real growth and development and this zeal led to the repackaged programmes code named “REDEEMED” agenda, with a view to achieving more improvement in service to the people, ” the SSG stressed.

The first lecture entitled, “Achieving success against all odds (Leaving the Tarmac: Buying a Bank in Africa)”, was delivered by the Chairman, Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, while the second lecture, entitled, “JMPPR to REDEEMED in Summary” was delivered by the DG, PPIMU, Mr Babajide Akeredolu.

There was also Fireside chat involving the Governor and Aig-Imoukhuede.

The day one of the programme witnessed other presentations including “Realistic Budgeting: Imperative for achievement of the state development plan” by Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Emmanuel Igbasan; “Benefits of having accurate data and benefits of transparency (user feedback)” by Country Director, BudgiT Nigeria, Gabriel Okeowo; and “Protocol and public service procedures” by the state Head of Service, ‘Niran Adeyemo.

The event also featured interactive session.