Gov Aiyedatiwa Says Political Crisis In Ondo Panacea For Unity, As Ekiti Gov Oyebanji Takes Stock

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has said events of last year in the state have tested the people in diverse ways.

Apparently referring to political crisis occasioned by the health challenges of late former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Aiyedatiwa in a new year message, stated that

“those challenges have shaped our resolve to, more than ever before, bring our people together and pursue the attainment of a peaceful and prosperous Ondo State.”

Describing year 2023 as one of the most trying years since creation of the state, the governor advised that

“It is time to put the past behind us and focus all our human and material resources into building on the foundation that this administration has so far laid.

“While acknowledging that 2023 was a very tough year, it also gave renewed hope that we will again brave any storms that lay ahead in 2024 and beyond. I am filled with fresh hope about the possibilities of better days to come.”

On the focus of his administration he disclosed that “we will strive to complete all the developmental projects embarked upon by the late Governor of Ondo State.

“As we are all aware, this is also the year for our governorship election. Expectedly, political activities will gain prominence as we march towards the election.

“However, let me implore all political parties, aspirants and their followers to eschew violent conducts that can threaten the peace and tranquility of our State and ensure that they follow strictly the guidelines issued by the electoral umpire.

“The election should be a contest of ideas and choices and not an opportunity to settle political scores or an excuse for calumny.”

Ekiti state Governor, Biodun Oyebanji in his message, catalogue some of the successes of the administration in its first year.

“I am glad to report that indeed, it has been a giant lift for us in Ekiti in the last one year. We began the administration on a strong footing of continuity and shared prosperity.  We therefore had a clear direction without having to waste time. Accordingly, development in the last one year has been phenomenally exciting, a fact which many have acknowledged and generously commended us for.

“In the course of the last year, we have completed and inaugurated a considerable number of inherited and new projects which include: the Ado Central Bus Terminal, Governor’s Office Extension Remodeling, and the Ekiti  Traditional Rulers’ Chambers. We have also completed major channelization and erosion control projects in Ado-Ekiti, Efon Alaaye and Ikere Local Government.

“Just a couple of weeks ago, we commissioned the 3.6MW Independent Power Plant which will add to the stock of power supply to the State and further guarantee more power availability in our rapidly expanding capital. Also, we have reconnected communities in Ekiti East LGA, Gboyin/Aiyekire LGA/LCDA , Ekameta LCDA to the national grid after many years of being in blackout.

“In the state capital here, we have lighted up many streets with solar powered streetlights facilities that have positively impacted the night life of the city. We have also awarded the contract to reconnect Ijesa-Isu and Ikole  through Ilumoba and Iyemero through Eruku to service our Special Agric Processing Zone.”