It is not every time that we have had cause to write about an individual singing praise of his exemplary leadership in the corridors of government. But as patriotic Nigerians and of course, amongst the country's leaders of thought, there is a high need for us to appreciate good governance and exemplary leadership wherever they are been exhibited.
In Ondo State, there is over a thousand reasons for us to appreciate a good administration of a State Governor, emphasizing the relevance of doing the right thing by our political leaders and the importance of advancing on the exemplary dispensation of the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
It is often said that the best way to understand the actions of any individuals (that is the reason behind observed behavioural pattern), is to find out the 'motives'. Once motive is known, the individual's actions are better understood. Then one would decide if such an individual is someone of integrity that can be trusted or not, with every word that comes out of his/her mouth. Hence, when we look at the 'motives' behind every actions/inactions of our Nigerian Politicians as leaders in government circles, we are often left bewildered and disappointed. Most of our political leaders, who are fond of making promises they end up not keeping, are the reason why Nigeria, despite its enormous human and natural resources is bedeviled with a baggage of problems that have left us in a deplorable status as a 'developing nation'. It is simply because, the true ' motives' of most typical Nigerian politicians, is never about 'selfless service,' neither is it about transformation and economic elevation of the citizenry. That is why we are glad when someone like Arakunrin Akeredolu, has proven to be an exception.
Sincerely speaking, it is not every time that we hear or see a governor in Nigeria who has been prudent in the handling and management of state funds.
Having inherited a state with a near empty treasury which was submerged in the waters of debts , Arakunrin Akeredolu has proven his mettle by strategically creating policies and initiatives that will see to a change in the financial fortunes of the state. These moves has proven successful as the state has recorded massive economic growth within two years as Governor of the Sunshine state.
According to the recent statistics, Ondo State ranks high among the top 10 States in Nigeria with the highest IGR growth rate after generating N19Billion in half year 2019. This represents a 101% increase from the N9.4Billion generated in half year 2018.
By thinking out of the box, thinking anew, acting anew, and doing things differently, the state's IGR has increased astronomically.
While we celebrate the Akeredolu led adminiatration in Ondo State, we must not forget to appreciate the very impressive manner at which he has judiciously managed these funds. For most governors amd public office holders it is another means for them to plunder the state fund, emptying it to the last coins while enriching themselves and their accounts with these public funds, pacifying the state with white elephants projects which has no intrinsic value to the citizenry.
Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has not only prudently managed the state funds but has also seen to the good use of these funds for community based projects right from Infrastructural developments; industrial drive ; empowernment and creation of Jobs for young school leavers.
Also noticeable is the approach of the state government to cutting excess spending. While Every successive government in Nigeria spends huge amount of money in procuring new vehicles for Its officials and leave the old ones to waste. Instead of buying new vehicles, Ondo State Government has contracted 384 grounded vehicles for total refurbishment,The contracted vehincles were delivered back to the state government with new engines and in the conditions of a newlybl brought vehincles saving the state a whooping sum of N463million.
Also in the Educational sector, According to 2017 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey(MICS), Ondo State recorded 113,746 out-of-school children. To improve access to quality education, over 800 dilapidated public primary schools have been reconstructed across the 18 LGAs of the state with standard facilities. With the renovation of these over 800 dilapidated schools across the State, Arakunrin Akeredolu has saved the state from spending in excess on the construction of new buildings when the old ones could have been easily renovated to give our pupils a standard environment for learning.
"When you find a good man, keep him" Arakunrin Akeredolu has proven himself to be a good man, a prudent one at that. While he has continued to manage the state funds well, saving the state treasury from extravagant and excess spending, he has also put the state funds to good use.
The massive industrialization drive experienced in the state has raised the economic growth ratings of the state. The little town to Ore has come to live with the establishment of the Linyl Industrial hub which will not only see to the generating of income for the state,but has created massive employment opportunities for youths in the state.
The various opening of rural areas through the dualisation of road networks will go along way in ensuring the transportation of raw materials from the rural areas to the cities, which will in no small way contribute to the state's economic growth.
Arakunrin has shown to the good sons and daughters of Ondo State that he is a strategic planner, while the state has continued to see its economic rating soar high, they are also well assured that the state fund is safe under the leadership of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu
