Lucky Aiyedatiwa sworn in as 7th Governor Ondo

…Makes key promises

Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has been sworn in as the governor of Ondo State, officially commencing his first full four-year term following the passing of his predecessor, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in 2023.

The inauguration/swearing-in ceremony, which was held on Monday at the Ondo State Sports Complex in Akure, the state capital, two months after Aiyedatiwa secured victory in the governorship election under the All Progressives Congress (APC), was performed by the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola.

Aiyedatiwa, who took the oath of office shortly after his deputy, Olayide Adelami said his administration will work tirelessly to ensure that the state becomes a model for sustainable development and good governance.

According to him, “Our Ease Agenda”, Order, Security and the rule of law, Urban and rural development through agriculture and blue economy, Revolutionary technological advancement and industrialization, Efficient healthcare and socio-economic welfare, Adequate power and affordable energy, Sustainable infrastructural development and tourism and Education human capital development and entrepreneurship would go a long way towards developing the state.

Aiyedatiwa, the 7th elected governor of Ondo State, and a native of Obe-Nla, an oil-bearing community in Ilaje Local Government Area of the state said; “this administration aims to transform our State into a leading tourist destination while promoting sustainable infrastructural development. We intend to achieve this by investing in eco-friendly infrastructure, developing tourist facilities, and promoting cultural heritage preservation. Our focus will be on creating an enabling environment that supports the growth of the tourism sector, while ensuring that our infrastructural development is environment friendly, sustainable and socially responsible.

Read also: Aiyedatiwa pledges all round benefit from ‘Our Ease Agenda’

“We shall ensure that all the on-going infrastructure projects across the three senatorial zones of Ondo State are completed within the tenure of our administration. The ultimate outcome of this pillar will be to create a thriving tourism industry that generates employment opportunities, stimulates economic growth, and enhances quality of life for our people.

“We envision a future where our State is renowned for its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality. By achieving this vision, we will not only improve the livelihoods of our citizens but also preserve our cultural identity and protect our environment for future generations.

“We shall refocus more on the five Technical Schools in the three senatorial districts of the State. These schools will produce reliable, supportive and mid-level skilled manpower to service the labour requirements for all categories of industries in the State.

“We will prioritise investment in healthcare infrastructure, enhance access to quality healthcare services, improve the quality of healthcare services through training and capacity building and promote health education and awareness. As a deliberate policy, our administration will invest in our social investment scheme to reduce the level of poverty in the State and also to ensure that the most vulnerable in the State are taken care of, in order to feel the impact of government.

“Education, human capital development and entrepreneurship; huge investment in education and skills development shall be prioritised, while also promoting social protection programmes and enhancing access to social services for our citizens. We will ensure that our citizens continue to have access to quality education and vocational skills training, enabling them to compete in the global economy and drive economic growth in our dear State.

“Our administration shall invest more in critical infrastructure in our primary and secondary schools, ensuring there are functional libraries and laboratories. We shall equally invest in the human resources in our schools, ensuring that qualified tutors are recruited and are regularly trained from time to time. In addition, we will ensure that our tertiary institutions in the State continue to maintain their heights and records as the best State tertiary institutions in Nigeria by investing in their critical infrastructure.

“Our vast army of able, energetic and willing youths and adults are capable of putting this State on the path of prosperity if properly directed. We shall create a conducive environment for them to unleash their potential and talents. To achieve this, therefore, they must be stimulated through employment, capacity building, sports and income generation. We will promote youth entrepreneurship, encourage innovation and creative economy among the populace.

“My fellow citizens, we have no illusion that the task ahead of us is daunting, but we are confident with your continued support, cooperation and loyalty, we can navigate this journey together, we can overcome any obstacle. We have a duty to pursue your welfare vigorously and to work tirelessly to sustain peace and security, to revitalise our economy and to cause accelerated infrastructural development of the Sunshine State.

“Our administration will continue to foster a harmonious working relationship with the legislative and judicial arms of government, recognising that our collective success depends on collaboration, mutual respect and a shared commitment to the well-being of our populace.

“As we embark on this journey together, the importance of peace and stability in our State cannot be overemphasised. Development, as we all know, can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace. I, therefore, urge all residents of Ondo State to work towards this goal. We must strive to eschew violence, promote understanding and foster a sense of community and shared purpose.

“We will work tirelessly to ensure that our State becomes a model for sustainable development and good governance. We will be transparent, accountable and responsive to the needs of our people. We shall govern with integrity and the fear of God.

“We shall provide a level playing ground for all to maximise their God-given potential, while creating an enabling environment for all to optimise the countless opportunities that abound in our State.

“Let me assure you that nobody will be discriminated against on account of political, cultural, religious, gender or ethnic propensities. By the same token, I like to appeal to our friends in the opposition parties to join hands with our administration to develop the Sunshine State.

“We have no need for unnecessary political distractions which are costing us time, resources and energies that could be redirected and gainfully utilised for accelerated development of the State. There is room enough for all.”

BusinessDay reports that the colourful ceremony had dignitaries like; Abdullai Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bisi Akande, Olusegun Mimiko, Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebamiji, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Olusegun Osoba, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo Minister for Interior among others in attendance.