Aiyedatiwa Unveils Bold Agenda for Ondo: ‘I Am in a Hurry to Deliver on My Mandate’

Aiyedatiwa Unveils Bold Agenda for Ondo: ‘I Am in a Hurry to Deliver on My Mandate’

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has vowed to swiftly deliver on his new four-year mandate, emphasizing his administration’s focus on rapid development and economic transformation.

Speaking during his swearing-in as the seventh Executive Governor of Ondo State, Aiyedatiwa outlined his commitment to infrastructure expansion, social welfare, and economic growth, pledging to uplift the most vulnerable communities. He assured residents that his government would work closely with investors and development partners to realize the long-awaited Port Ondo project. Additionally, he promised to tap into the state’s rich bitumen reserves for both local utilization and export to boost revenue generation.

Aiyedatiwa introduced a new Development Policy Thrust, O’DATIWA O’DIRORUN (“Our Ease”), replacing the REDEEMED Agenda of the late former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu. The new seven-point agenda, he explained, is designed to drive sustainable development and improve the quality of life for Ondo residents. Reaffirming his commitment to security, the governor pledged to maintain Ondo’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s safest states, uphold the rule of law, and ensure an efficient judicial system.

According to him, “We will improve agricultural productivity, enhance access to markets and credit for farmers, invest in rural infrastructure, and promote the development of the Blue Economy. We shall be intentional about our urban renewal policy in a manner to instigate an influx of more investors.”

He further emphasized his administration’s focus on economic growth, promising to boost industrialization through special economic zones and promote entrepreneurship. He highlighted healthcare as a priority, expanding the Ondo State Contributory Health Insurance Scheme (ORANGHIS) to include artisans, traders, and private-sector workers. On energy, he pledged to enhance power supply through renewable energy and ensure the completion of the Independent Power Plant Project at Omotosho to drive economic growth. For youth empowerment, he promised to create employment, foster innovation, and promote sports to unlock the potential of Ondo’s young population.

Aiyedatiwa paid tribute to his late predecessor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, recalling his prophetic endorsement in 2021, where Akeredolu had declared his readiness to step down for Aiyedatiwa’s political rise.

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Security was heightened across Akure during the inauguration, with traffic diversions in major streets leading to the venue. Thousands of Ondo residents thronged the stadium to witness the historic event.

To mark his inauguration, Governor Aiyedatiwa granted clemency to 43 prisoners, including the outright release of eight inmates. He also commuted the death sentences of 15 convicts and reduced the life sentences of 20 others.

Meanwhile, the First Lady, Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, made a surprise appearance at the event, putting to rest speculations about her absence from the public eye in recent months.

With a clear vision and a strong mandate, Governor Aiyedatiwa has set the tone for a transformative era in Ondo State.