Ondo @ 50: I Remain Committed To Building On Past Gains, Gov. Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has assured people of the State of his administration’s commitment to build on past gains as the state marks golden jubilee celebration of its creation.

In a broadcast on Tuesday , as part of activities marking the celebration, the governor stated that “As we celebrate this Golden Jubilee, our administration remains steadfast in consolidating past gains, while pursuing a bold, realistic and inclusive development agenda.

“We are strengthening our security architecture, investing in critical infrastructure, revitalising agriculture, expanding healthcare access, empowering youths and women and fostering an enabling environment for enterprise and innovation.”

Envisioning the prospect of the state in the next 50 years, Aiyedatiwa said “My dear people, the next fifty years call for renewal of purpose, unity, innovation, discipline and faith.

“Let us, therefore, recommit ourselves to hard work, civic responsibility and mutual trust. Let us support the government to continue to advance the frontiers of development of our dear Sunshine State.

“Let us build cities and rural communities that are productive, inclusive and environmentally sustainable.”

Going down the memory lane, the governor revealed that “Long before the proclamation of statehood, Ondo Province stood as a major economic pillar of the defunct Western Region.

“Historical records attest to its overwhelming contributions in cocoa, palm produce, timber and other agricultural export commodities that financed regional infrastructure, iconic projects in the Southwest like the famous Cocoa House in lbadan and underwrote national growth.

“Like all enduring institutions, Ondo State began humbly. Ministries operated from rented and improvised spaces; public servants travelled daily from Ondo, Owo, Ikere and neighbouring towns.

“Under the pioneer administration of Wing Commander Ita David Ikpeme, the foundation of a functional public service was firmly laid. From the early days at Oke-Eda to the eventual emergence of the Alagbaka Secretariat Complex, the State steadily acquired administrative coherence and stability.

We must pay glowing tribute to the pioneer Head of Service, Chief Theophilus Ayebogbon Iwajomo, his successor Chief Elkanah Adeneye Emuleomo and the first generation of public servants whose sacrifices laid a solid foundation for institutionalised public service and governance in Ondo State.

“We also acknowledge the quiet heroism of ordinary citizens, market women, artisans, farmers and transport workers, who bore the inconveniences of urban renewal with patience and patriotism.

“Our traditional rulers and religious leaders were indispensable partners in mobilising social consensus during these formative years.

“Over the past five decades, Ondo State has traversed periods of military rule and democratic governance, policy disruptions and reforms, economic downturns and recoveries.

“However, democracy eventually deepened civic participation and long-term planning.  The State has recorded measurable progress in education, healthcare, agriculture, urban development, industrialisation and public service reform.

“Commerce expanded, infrastructure networks grew and our vast endowments in solid minerals, oil and gas, tourism and human capital increasingly commanded national relevance.

“Ondo State has also given birth to another State with the creation of Ekiti State on 1st October, 1996. This development marked another defining moment, reshaping administrative boundaries.

“Today, Ondo State stands proud as a crucible of excellence with our sons and daughters distinguishing themselves in medicine, law, academia, public administration, science, technology, arts, sports, enterprise and other areas of public endeavour.”