Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to an inclusive, transparent, and accountable governance model centered on the welfare and best interests of the people. During the first working day prayer meeting of 2025, held at the Governor’s Office in Akure, Aiyedatiwa emphasized that his leadership will be guided by dedication, selflessness, and a genuine love for the people of Ondo State. He expressed profound gratitude for the successes achieved in the preceding year, acknowledging the numerous challenges faced in 2024 while highlighting the prevailing peace and tranquility as a testament to divine intervention and effective governance.
Aiyedatiwa outlined key achievements of his administration, emphasizing the prioritization of good governance and its positive impact on various sectors of the state’s economy. He underscored the government’s commitment to its workforce by ensuring that there are no outstanding promotion arrears and by actively recruiting personnel in crucial sectors. Furthermore, he highlighted the regular payment of salaries and pensions, including the implementation of the new N73,000 minimum wage, demonstrating a commitment to improving the living standards of public servants. The Governor also noted the ongoing work on various infrastructure projects, particularly urban and rural roads, which are crucial for connecting communities and fostering economic development.
The Aiyedatiwa administration has also placed a significant emphasis on education, providing bursaries and scholarships to indigenous students to support their academic pursuits and empower them for future contributions to the state’s development. Recognizing the importance of a robust and accessible justice system, the government has appointed new judges to enhance access to justice for all citizens. Aiyedatiwa proudly declared Ondo State as one of the safest and most peaceful in Nigeria, attributing this achievement to the collaborative efforts of the state’s security architecture, including the Amotekun Corps. This peaceful environment has been instrumental in attracting investments and fostering economic growth.
Looking ahead, Governor Aiyedatiwa called upon public servants and political officeholders to maintain their loyalty and dedication to the shared vision of a vibrant and prosperous Ondo State. He stressed the importance of delivering responsible and responsive governance, emphasizing that the people deserve nothing less than the best. Reiterating his commitment to an inclusive, transparent, and accountable administration, Aiyedatiwa outlined plans for a retreat designed to align the efforts of top government officials and public servants with the administration’s overarching goals. This retreat will serve as a platform for strategic planning and collaborative decision-making, ensuring that the government’s actions are effectively coordinated and targeted towards achieving its objectives.
Pastor Michael Ogunbayode of Seasons of Life Ministry, Lagos, delivered the sermon during the prayer meeting, highlighting the significance of not only expressing gratitude to God but also seeking divine guidance for the year ahead. He emphasized that recognizing the right course of action and acting upon it at the opportune moment positions individuals for divine favor and alignment with God’s will. This message underscores the importance of seeking divine guidance in governance and aligning actions with a higher purpose.
In essence, Governor Aiyedatiwa’s address at the 2025 first working day prayer meeting served as a reaffirmation of his administration’s commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability. By highlighting the achievements of the past year and outlining the plans for the future, Aiyedatiwa emphasized his dedication to serving the people of Ondo State and creating a more prosperous and secure environment for all. The emphasis on inclusive governance, coupled with the commitment to investing in key sectors such as education, infrastructure, and security, underscores the administration’s holistic approach to development. The planned retreat for top government officials and public servants further reinforces the commitment to strategic planning and collaborative action, ensuring that the government remains focused on achieving its goals and delivering on its promises to the people of Ondo State.
