By Sunday Olugbenga Abire, Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor of Ondo State
Leadership in this dynamic 21st century demands that leaders see beyond their noses in ensuring the equitable redistribution of whatever nature has dismally distributed. It is no longer a tea party. It is arduous, sometimes frustrating and consuming.
Now that our nation is grappling with the idea of having a nationwide protest or not, it is on record that Governor Aiyedatiwa stood tall to protest against hunger in Ondo state. He didn’t shirk. He didn’t complain. He did what responsible leaders should do in moments of grief and despair. He led by example. He provided clear direction.
Filled with empathy while protesting against hunger, Governor Aiyedatiwa deftly moved on Monday to approve the sum of 2 billion naira as additional intervention fund to enhance food security in a bid to cushion the effects of the inclement economy that is sending almost everyone to the Golgotha.
The intervention fund is designed to have both short and long term benefits for the good people of Ondo state. In the interim, government has moved swiftly to create price controlled neighborhood markets where commodities like beans, rice, garri and other staple foods will be sold in order to provide relief for the people while clamping down on the activities of Shylocks who are mercilessly milking the people.
Aware that any nation that cannot provide for itself will remain subservient, Governor Aiyedatiwa initiated an action-plan in partnership with selected tertiary institutions and government agencies in the state. This partnership is to enhance food production by engaging in a monitored mechanised farming in order to test-run its effectiveness before expanding the scope. The Governor has saddled the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources to declare a radical shift from seasonal farming by identifying dams and water boards across the state for seamless supply of water for farming activities in these designated places even during dry season. This will help the state combat hunger throughout the year.
However, the onerous task to create food banks in the 18 LGAs is just laudable. Governor Aiyedatiwa has resolved that Ondo state with its arable land cannot continue to depend on other states for food intervention when the state is supposed to be a leading light in agricultural products and services.
Driven by a resolute repugnance for bad road, Governor Aiyedatiwa has flagged off the repair of 20km township roads in Akure, Ondo and Akoko. This is aimed at getting rid of potholes that have caused serious road accidents for road users in the state. Recall that the Governor earlier repaired and constructed rural roads to enhance ease of transporting agricultural products from rural communities to urban areas in the state.
Governor Aiyedatiwa will continue to prioritize the needs of the people of Ondo state as he combats those things that may be clogging the collective progress of the people of Ondo state who God has raised him to lead at a critical time like this.
Peoplesmind
