Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), has reiterated the commitment of his administration to serve the people of the state diligently, truthfully and make their welfare centre of government activities.
He made this known during the 2017 Democracy Day celebrations, themed; 'Democracy and Development in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and the Way Forward', held at the International Culture and Event Centre (The Dome) in Akure.
"We, on our part, reiterate our vow to make the welfare of the people the centre of all governmental activities in our dear Ondo State. Good governance is the most potent armour against any form of insurrection. This is our creed for service", he stated.
He assured of their determination to act anew and truthfully in service to the people.
Akeredolu further thanked the people for the overwhelming support extended to his administration from inception till date.
"The continued cooperation and solidarity evident in the warmth that you liberally extended to us in this state from inauguration till date is reassuring.
"We will be aggressive in our quest to bring succour to our people whose psyche has been badly bruised by insensitive and directionless leadership and we will encourage our youths to participate actively in governance and in Agriculture, Education and in every other profitable ventures.
"For me, agriculture is the most effective and realistic way to engage the army of dispossessed, disappointed and disillusioned youths. For us to make a productive present, we need to engage our youths".
"We identify with the determination of the federal government to secure lives and property within our borders. Our administration acknowledges the doggedness of our security agents at different levels in combating the insidious phenomenon of kidnapping, armed robbery and other endemic social vices in our state."
He enjoined Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the cause of nation-building and shun all divisive tendencies, especially now that the country is on the right path to economic recovery.
The Governor also declared June 12 a work-free day in the state in honour of the acclaimed winner of the annulled June 1993 Presidential election, the late Chief Moshood Kasimawo Abiola.
Earlier, Chairman of the occasion, Dr Amos Akingba, in his opening remarks, had urged Nigerians to always tell their leaders the truth.
"We owe our government sincerity of views. The truth is very bitter but it remains the truth and if you see it, tell your leaders at all levels because it is only the truth that can liberate us.
"If the government does something good, then all of us regardless of religion, geographical location or political party, it will be for the benefit of all.
"But any government in power at any time, let's open our eyes, advise them and push them to do the right thing," he said.
Akingba also urged the people not to condemn any outgoing party because everyone is a citizen of Nigeria.
"When one party succeeds another in a different political party, Nigerians condemn the outgoing government and party, and then when the present one also gets done, we condemn them too, please let's not do that," he said.
Also speaking, the Guest Lecturer, Dr Tunji Abayomi, noted that Democracy is a hard form of government that requires serious and responsible leaders to help the people benefit from democratic promises.
According to him, it requires serious and responsible laws for the management of national affairs and interest, it requires conscious and exposed people to affirm its stability and duties through electoral choices, adding that democracy cannot function well on a state of poverty, because poverty is the surest source of death for democracy.
Abayomi observed that there is only one way to develop Nigeria and make it great.
"A constitutional democracy must be founded on a freely negotiated constitution among the people of Nigeria.
"There is nothing wrong in building a united nation of Nigeria. But a united nation of Nigeria can only be negotiated and agreed upon, it cannot be forced.
"Once we agree on the terms and conditions of our unity and encode same in the agreed Constitution.
We can begin properly the business of material and human development tapping on the wealth encapsulated in the many diverse possibilities of the people of Nigeria," he concluded."
