The Akure Stadium gleamed with elegance, as dignitaries from both far and near were in attendance to witness the swearing in ceremony of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and his Deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, marking the beginning of a new dawn in Ondo State.
Taking the oath of office as the 7th democratically elected Governor of Ondo State, Aiyedatiwa vowed to devote himself to the well being of the people of the State.
"My people of the Sunshine State, today, with a heart full of gratitude, we have accepted on oath with all humility and sense of responsibility to be your Governor and Deputy Governor. We are in a hurry to justify this fresh mandate entrusted to us. In the next four years, we will work with interested investors and our development partners in ensuring that our Port Ondo becomes a reality.
"We will also facilitate investors to explore our large deposits of bitumen for local use and export purposes, thereby generating huge revenue to the State. This has been the vision and goals of our founding fathers. There is no doubt that this would not be an easy task but we are prepared to frontally confront these challenges and succeed.
"From this day, our State will transit from the REDEEMED AGENDA of the last four years to a new Development Policy Thrust, O'DATIWA O' DIRORUN, which was our electioneering campaign mantra to the people and which literally translates to "OUR EASE". This 7-point pillar shall propel our development agenda for the next four years as carefully designed to drive sustainable development and improve quality of life for our citizens".
The various components of "OUR EASE" are; Order, Security and the Rule of Law, Urban and Rural Development through Agriculture and Blue Economy, Revolutionary Technological Advancement and Industrialisation, Efficient Healthcare and Socio-economic Welfare, Adequate Power and Affordable Energy, Sustainable Infrastructural Development and Tourism, Education, Human Capital Development and Entrepreneurship.
"We have no illusion that the task ahead of us is daunting, but we are confident with your continued support, cooperation and loyalty, we can navigate this journey together, we can overcome any obstacle. We have a duty to pursue your welfare vigorously and to work tirelessly to sustain peace and security, to revitalise our economy and to cause accelerated infrastructural development of the Sunshine State.
"Our administration will continue to foster a harmonious working relationship with the legislative and judicial arms of government, recognising that our collective success depends on collaboration, mutual respect and a shared commitment to the well-being of our populace".
While urging the urge all residents of Ondo State to work towards this goal, the Governor said "We must strive to eschew violence, promote understanding and foster a sense of community and shared purpose. We will work tirelessly to ensure that our State becomes a model for sustainable development and good governance.
"We will be transparent, accountable and responsive to the needs of our people. We shall govern with integrity and the fear of God. We shall provide a level playing ground for all to maximise their God-given potential, while creating an enabling environment for all to optimise the countless opportunities that abound in our State".
He assured the people that nobody will be discriminated against on account of political, cultural, religious, gender or ethnic propensities.
The Governor acknowledged his predecessor, late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, who worked tirelessly to develop Ondo State and for choosing him as his Deputy then.
He also appreciated President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, APC national and State Chairmen for their exemplary leadership and INEC for conducting a free and fair election.
In attendance were:The Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Olamide Oladiji, State Chairman of APC, Engr Ade Adetimehin, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, Former Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abdulahi Ganduje, former Governor of Odun State, Bisi Akande, NNPC Chairman, Chief Pius Akinyelure, former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip, Members, House of Representatives, Members of Ondo State House of Assembly, Immediate past members of the State Executive Council, members of Ondo State House of Assembly, Director of Cooperate Services, NDDC, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, APC chieftains, traditional rulers, religious leaders, Heads of security agencies, among other dignitaries.
