By Shola Ajayi
In his first six months in office, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has moved decisively to honour his commitment to the people of Ondo State. Focusing on the core pillars of his administration – Security, Education, Economic Revival, and Infrastructure, his government has taken concrete steps to build a safer, more prosperous future for all.
Securing Our State and Communities
– Boosted our security agencies with a new fleet of operational vehicles and increased funding to ensure the safety of every citizen and business.
– Inaugurated a special task force to combat the menace of land grabbing, protecting property rights and preventing conflict.
Revolutionising Education and Empowering Our Youth
– Invested heavily in the future of our youth by employing over 2,000 new teachers to improve education quality and reduce classroom overcrowding.
– Launched a landmark initiative to achieve a 1:1 textbook-to-learner ratio, distributing new books, tablets, and sports equipment to elementary schools across the state.
– Directly invested in 23,000 secondary school students by covering their WASSCE examination fees, relieving financial pressure on parents.
– Opened a new Youth Skills Development Centre in Akure, already training 500 young Ondo citizens in high-demand ICT skills for the modern economy.
Building a Modern, Connected State (Critical Infrastructure)
– Commissioned over 70km of newly rehabilitated and reconstructed roads across all three senatorial districts, improving connectivity and commerce.
– Broke ground on the transformative dualisation of three critical arterial roads: the Akure-Idanre, Akungba-Ikare, and Igbokoda-Okitipupa highways.
– Completed and opened the new Oda Road dual-carriageway, easing traffic and boosting economic activity in the capital.
Laying the Groundwork for Economic Transformation
– Achieved the highest domestic debt reduction rate in Nigeria at 82.6%, restoring fiscal responsibility and attracting investor confidence.
– Acquired 10,000 hectares of land for new commercial farming ventures and the development of strategic food hubs to drive agricultural growth.
– Secured major investment partnerships through signed MoUs for the establishment of petrochemical and fertilizer production plants, a cornerstone of our industrial strategy.
– Partnered with the Federal Government’s Rural Electrification Agency to develop a plan for delivering stable, affordable power to homes and industries.
Investing in Health and Social Welfare
– Launched a comprehensive rehabilitation program for 50 primary healthcare facilities to bring quality care closer to our people.
– Provided direct financial grants to 1,000 low-income women across the state, supporting families and promoting entrepreneurship.
While proud of this progress, Governor Aiyedatiwa views these as the essential first steps in a long-term plan to unlock the vast potential of Ondo State. His administration remains focused on delivering tangible results for every citizen
Shola Ajayi, a political communications expert, writes from Akure.
