Ondo Redemption Front Congratulates Governor Aiyedatiwa, Outlines Development Expectations
The Ondo Redemption Front (ORF), a prominent civil society organization, has congratulated Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa on his inauguration as the 7th elected executive Governor of Ondo State. In a press statement, the ORF highlighted key areas that require attention to ensure rapid and sustainable development in Ondo State.
Bello is the full press statement;
PRESS STATEMENT BY THE ONDO REDEMPTION FRONT (ORF) ON THE SWEARING-IN OF GOVERNOR LUCKY ORIMISAN AIYEDATIWA AS THE 7TH ELECTED EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR AND DR. OLAYIDE OWOLABI ADELAMI AS DEPUTY GOVERNOR OF ONDO STATE
Today marks a historic moment in the political evolution of Ondo State as Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa takes the oath of office as the 7th elected executive Governor of our dear state. Having completed the remaining 14 months of the joint ticket he shared with his late boss, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, and on 24th, February heralds the beginning of his own tenure, despite attended controversies that surrounded his victory and eventual swearing in.
The Ondo Redemption Front (ORF), as a prominent civil society organization committed to the development and progress of our state, extends our congratulations to Governor Aiyedatiwa on this significant turn in the history of our dear state.
We acknowledge the controversies that heralded his victory in his party and the stance of the opposition in his announcement as the winner of the last Gubernatorial election. We also acknowledge the resilience that he demonstrated during his trying times, when forces sought to remove him from office unjustly as the then deputy Governor.
We have put those stories and histories behind us and moved on as a state and we congratulate him for the place of destiny at this crucial time in our history.
It is on this note that we want to state that It is now time to prove that he is worthy of the enviable office he occupies and that can only be with exemplary governance that will transform the state and improve the quality of life for all citizens.
THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE PEOPLE
Governor Aiyedatiwa, as you embark on this fresh mandate, we charge you to prioritize the following key areas to ensure rapid and sustainable development in Ondo State:
1. Health Sector: Restoring the Glorious Days
The health sector in Ondo State, once a model for other states, is in dire need of urgent intervention. We call on your administration to:
i. Revamp the dilapidated healthcare facilities across the state.
ii Recruit and adequately compensate healthcare professionals, workers to prevent brain drain.
iii. Ensure free maternal and child healthcare services, which were once the pride of the state.
iii. Equip general hospitals and primary healthcare centers with modern medical technology.
2. Education: Investing in the Future
The foundation of any progressive society lies in the quality of its education system. We urge you to:
i. Improve the welfare of teachers and lecturers at all levels.
ii. Ensure adequate funding for public schools and tertiary institutions.
iii. Strengthen vocational and technical education to create job-ready graduates.
iv. Introduce modern teaching tools and digital learning platforms.
3. Infrastructure and Urban Development
Ondo State needs a robust infrastructure plan that will drive economic growth and enhance the living conditions of the people. We charge your administration to:
i. Complete abandoned road projects and initiate new ones in critical areas.
ii. Expand rural road networks to facilitate easy movement of goods and people.
iii. Upgrade and maintain existing public utilities such as water supply and electricity.
iv. Develop new housing schemes to address urban congestion- Government has not done anything around this after Sunshine Gardens.
4. Agriculture: Strengthening Food Security and Job Creation
Agriculture remains a key sector in Ondo State’s economy. To maximize its potential, we call on your administration to:
i. Provide soft loans and grants to farmers and agripreneurs.
ii. Invest in mechanised farming and introduce modern agricultural techniques.
iii. Encourage value addition through agro-processing industries.
iv. Establish a robust irrigation system to reduce dependence on seasonal rainfall.
5. Technology and Digital Economy
The future of economic development lies in technology and innovation. We urge your administration to:
i. Establish an ICT hub that will nurture young tech entrepreneurs.
ii. Promote digital literacy in schools and rural communities.
iii. Partner with private investors to provide broadband internet access across the state.
iv. Leverage technology in governance to ensure transparency and efficiency.
6. Security: Strengthening Law and Order
A state cannot thrive in an environment of insecurity. We urge you to:
i. Strengthen Amotekun and other security agencies to combat crime.
ii. Ensure adequate funding for security operations, especially in rural and coastal areas.
iii. Promote community policing initiatives for enhanced safety.
iv. Foster collaborations with federal security agencies to curb banditry, kidnapping, and cultism.
7. Economic Development and Job Creation.
The people of Ondo State deserve a thriving economy that guarantees employment opportunities. To achieve this, we urge your administration to:
i. Attract investors by continuing to create a business-friendly environment.
ii. Support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through funding and training.
iii. Establish industrial parks and special economic zones.
iv. Explore the blue economy by harnessing the state’s coastal resources for economic growth.
8. Good Governance and Transparency
Accountability and transparency should be the hallmarks of your administration. We expect:
i. An inclusive government where all segments of the society are carried along.
ii. Regular town hall meetings to engage the people and take feedback.
iii. Strict adherence to due process and zero tolerance for corruption.
iv. Efficient public service reforms that enhance productivity and service delivery.
9. The Judiciary: Aware of the ongoing effort to improve the infrastructural facility of the Court rooms; same is commended but should not be short of total revamp which must inculcate modern technology to ensure speedy dispensation of Justice. An organized judiciary will enormously impact on security of lives and properties by considering Prison decongestion, by ensuring that the core objectives of imprisonment of offenders beside punishment but rehabilitation, reintegration, deterrence and incapacitation are strictly adhered to within the ambit of extant laws.
A CALL TO ACTION
The people of Ondo State have given you their mandate, believing in your ability to lead them into a new era of development. We urge you to see this as an opportunity to write your name in gold. This is not a time for political distractions or sectional favouritism, it is a time for action, for service, and for the fulfillment of your promises to the people.
The Ondo Redemption Front (ORF) will remain steadfast in monitoring and evaluating your government’s performance. We will support positive policies while holding your administration accountable to the people’s aspirations.
Congratulations once again, Mr. Governor. May your tenure bring prosperity, peace, and progress to Ondo State.
Signed:
Ayodeji Ologun (Chairman) Barrister Dotun Ajulo (secretary)
For: Ondo Redemption Front (ORF)