Today marks a milestone in Ondo State as Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Olayide Adelami take the oath of office, officially becoming the elected governor of the state.
Aiyedatiwa will be completing the second term tenure of late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, whom he deputised till his death in 2023.
Already, he has declared today as a public holiday in the State.
With his administration now in full swing, all eyes are on Aiyedatiwa and the promises he has made to lead the state toward greater development, unity, and prosperity.
NewsDirect reports that in his inaugural address, Aiyedatiwa made it clear that his leadership will be transformative, focusing on creating opportunities for the people of Ondo State while ensuring that governance is responsive to their needs.
“As I assume office today, I do so with a deep sense of responsibility. My vision is to ensure that Ondo State thrives economically, socially, and politically and that every citizen enjoys the benefits of good governance,” Aiyedatiwa said.
One of Governor Aiyedatiwa’s first and foremost promises is to uphold peace and unity in Ondo State. This was echoed during his pre-inauguration events, where he consistently spoke about the importance of peaceful coexistence among Ondo’s diverse population.
“I am committed to making Ondo State a place where all residents, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or religion, live together in harmony,” Aiyedatiwa declared during a gathering of traditional rulers and religious leaders.
The Governor stressed that his administration would prioritise building bridges between different communities within the state.
He mentioned that unity is the key to unlocking the state’s true potential and urged Ondo’s citizens to embrace peace and work together toward collective progress.
“A peaceful state is a prosperous state. I ask for your support and prayers as we embark on this journey of unity and development,” he added.
Also, Aiyedatiwa’s administration pledged to focus heavily on economic diversification to ensure sustainable growth for Ondo State.
He has expressed his commitment to tapping into the state’s abundant natural resources, including oil, gas, and agriculture, while also exploring emerging sectors like technology and tourism. “We will prioritise investments that create jobs and empower the people of Ondo State,” he emphasised in his address.
The governor’s commitment to developing the state’s oil and gas sector is evident from his recent engagement with Sahara Energy, where he affirmed his administration’s readiness to support companies operating within Ondo State.
“Ondo is rich in resources, and we will work to ensure that these resources benefit our communities and contribute to job creation, particularly in the local oil and gas industry,” Aiyedatiwa explained.
In addition to the energy sector, Governor Aiyedatiwa outlined plans to boost Ondo’s agricultural sector by modernising farming practices and improving access to markets.
“We will invest in agro-processing, agricultural technology, and modern infrastructure to make Ondo a leader in food production and agribusiness,” he pledged.
A crucial part of Governor Aiyedatiwa’s vision for the state is the development of infrastructure that connects all parts of Ondo, enhancing both economic activity and the quality of life for its residents.
“Our roads, bridges, and public facilities will undergo transformation. My administration will prioritise building modern roads that will connect our cities, towns, and villages, creating a network that promotes business and social interaction,” Aiyedatiwa affirmed.
He also promised to complete ongoing infrastructure projects while also embarking on new ones to tackle the state’s infrastructural deficits.
“Our roads, hospitals, and schools will receive the attention they need to provide essential services to all our people. We will build infrastructure that will benefit all sectors of society from the urban centers to the rural communities,” Aiyedatiwa declared.
Education and healthcare are at the heart of Aiyedatiwa’s agenda, with the governor pledging to improve both sectors significantly during his tenure.
In healthcare, Aiyedatiwa promised to address the challenges faced by the sector, especially in rural areas.
“I will ensure that health services are available to every citizen, whether they live in the cities or the remote villages. A healthy population is a productive one, and we will invest in healthcare infrastructure and services to improve the quality of life for everyone,” he stated.
On the issue of security, Aiyedatiwa has promised to maintain Ondo State as one of the safest in the country.
“Security will remain a priority for my administration. We will collaborate with all relevant agencies and local communities to ensure that Ondo remains a safe haven for its citizens,” Aiyedatiwa affirmed. His administration plans to invest in law enforcement and community policing, with a focus on intelligence gathering and preventive measures.
His pledge to build an inclusive government has been a key theme throughout his campaign and pre-inauguration speeches. His promise to work closely with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community groups highlights the collaborative nature of his governance.
Governor Aiyedatiwa closed his address by calling on the people of Ondo State to support his vision for the state. “I ask for your prayers, your patience, and your collaboration. This journey will not be easy, but I know that with your help, we can achieve greatness for Ondo State,” he said.
As he is sworn in today, Governor Aiyedatiwa’s leadership promises a fresh chapter in the history of Ondo State. His administration is set to deliver on its promises of economic development, unity, and progress.
