By Olubunmi Ololajulo is Special Assistant on Digital Media to the Governor of Ondo State
In the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of Nigerian politics, leadership is often defined by its ability to navigate complex challenges and drive sustainable development which Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has emerged as a figure of transformative change.
Since assuming office, Governor Aiyedatiwa has been unwavering in his commitment to redefining governance in Ondo State, focusing on principles of transparency, accountability, and people-centered development. His approach has not only steered the state towards progress but also prioritized economic reforms, infrastructure development, social welfare, and environmental sustainability, thereby setting a new standard for governance that other State’s Governors are beginning to notice and emulate.
Governor Aiyedatiwa’s approach to governance is inclusive, ensuring that the benefits of progress are shared across all segments of society. His administration has rolled out various social welfare programs aimed at supporting the most vulnerable populations, including women, children, and the elderly.
Governor Aiyedatiwa’s leadership is built on a foundation of clear vision and unwavering commitment to public service. From the beginning, he made it clear that his administration would prioritize the interests of the people over personal or political gain. This vision has been central to his approach, guiding his efforts to build a government that is both transparent and accountable.
Central to this effort, the Ondo state government has targeted 500,000 homes for potable water supply and approximately 2 million individuals. Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has called for the support and cooperation of residents, security agencies, and other stakeholders as the construction and channelization of water supply projects begin across the State. Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized that in addition to providing clean water, the project aims to create job opportunities for skilled workers and enhance sanitation. The Governor made this appeal during a stakeholders meeting in Akure,where he addressed the urban water reform and Akure water supply and sanitation project.
Moreover, Economic development has been a cornerstone of Governor Aiyedatiwa’s agenda. Understanding that essence of strong economy and the essence of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and how important it is for improving living standards, his administration has implemented a series of strategic reforms aimed at boosting growth and ensuring long-term, the Governor has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enhancing private investments across all sectors to drive the overall growth and development of the state, and to identify and address pressing challenges, leverage resources and expertise, foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, and lastly enhance transparency and accountability. He made this pledge during an engagement with private sector players at an ‘Evening with the Governor’ event, organized by the Friends of Lucky, held at the International Centre for Culture and Events in Akure. The event, themed “The Role of Private Sector in Governance and the Development of Ondo State,” was a platform for the government and the private sector to exchange ideas on a governance model that would secure the state’s future development.
Adding that the successfully implementation of PPPs can enhance their attractiveness to foreign investors. Well-executed PPP projects signal to international investors that the state is open to business, has a stable regulatory environment, and can manage complex projects effectively. This can lead to increased foreign direct investment (FDI), which further stimulates economic growth, creates jobs, and enhances the state’s global competitive , which the Governor has expressed confidence in the potential of the State, emphasizing its natural and human resources, including extensive fertile land suitable for agriculture, abundant mineral resources, and a large, energetic youth population.
However, the Ondo State Agricultural Transformation Initiative stands out as a key success story in this regard. Agriculture, being the backbone of the state’s economy, has been revitalized through the introduction of modern farming techniques, better access to inputs, and the development of value chains that connect farmers directly with markets. As part of his administration’s commitment to enhancing food security and supporting the agriculture sector, Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, last week officially launched the distribution of fertilizers to farmers across the State.
During the ceremony, Governor Aiyedatiwa launched the distribution of 5,520 bags of NPK 20-10-10, 4,140 bags of NPK 27-13-13, 4,140 bags of NPK 15-15-15, and 4,200 bags of Urea fertilizers to farmers to all the 18 local government areas. This initiative has not only increased agricultural output but has also created jobs and improved the livelihoods of many rural residents, helping to reduce poverty across the state even as the Governor assured that the distribution would be conducted fairly and transparently, emphasizing that the fertilizers are not for sale and must not be politicized. Governor Aiyedatiwa also announced new measures, including a N1billion fund for subsidized agricultural inputs and tractor hiring, and another N1billion for subsidized food commodities.
Additionally, Infrastructure development is a critical area where Governor Aiyedatiwa’s leadership has made a tangible impact. Recognizing that infrastructure is the backbone of economic growth and essential for improving the quality of life, his administration has undertaken several major projects.
The Governor identified several factors contributing to food scarcity, including insecurity, lack of financing, poor road networks, climate change, urbanization, and limited access to farmland and to address these challenges, he highlighted several government initiatives, including construction of rural roads, enhancing security
Social infrastructure has also received significant attention.
The Ondo State Educational sector, has made significant progress under the leadership of Governor Aiyedatiwa. The Governor has promised to construct new schools, rehabilitate existing ones, and provide essential learning materials for Students across the State. By improving access to quality education, Governor Aiyedatiwa is laying the groundwork for a more prosperous future for the youths of Ondo State.
Governor Aiyedatiwa’s transformative leadership has redefined governance in Ondo State, setting a new benchmark that other states can follow. His administration’s emphasis on transparency, accountability, and sustainable development has brought about significant improvements in the lives of the people of Ondo State.
The governor has reaffirmed that his administration will continue to advance the welfare of the people, ensuring no segment is left untouched. The Governor made this pledge during the flag-off ceremony for the third batch of payment of N3.2billion in backlog of gratuities to retirees in the State. The new round of payment is made up of N2.2billion in gratuities to state civil service retirees and N1billion in gratuities to local government retirees. Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized that the government is committed to making both bulk and piecemeal payments to alleviate the economic difficulties retirees face.
In the healthcare sector, the Ondo State Health Improvement Initiative has focused on building and upgrading healthcare facilities across the state. By improving healthcare infrastructure and ensuring that medical professionals have the tools they need, the initiative has significantly enhanced healthcare delivery, making it more accessible and effective for the state’s residents. This, he said, is in addition to other efforts to improve the health sector including the ongoing recruitment of health workers. The government of Ondo State is going into a partnership with the World Bank to build facilities in 203 wards of the State to support primary healthcare delivery to the people at the grassroots. The Governor said the World Bank-sponsored project, which has the counterpart funding from the state government, will take healthcare delivery closer to rural dwellers and reduce pressure on secondary and tertiary, According to him, the new facilities in the 203 wards will complement the primary health centres across the 18 local government areas of the State.
Through strategic economic reforms, infrastructural development, inclusive governance, and a commitment to environmental sustainability, Governor Aiyedatiwa has demonstrated that good governance is not just about managing the present but also about planning for the future. His leadership has positioned Ondo State as a model of good governance in Nigeria, offering valuable lessons for other states and the nation as a whole.
As Ondo State continues to grow and develop under Governor Aiyedatiwa’s guidance, it is clear that his legacy will be one of transformative change, not only in the state but also in the broader context of Nigerian governance. His achievements stand as a testament to what can be accomplished when
Peoplesmind