Aiyedatiwa vows to run inclusive, transparent govt

Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has disclosed that in the year 2025, governance under his watch in the state will be inclusive and transparent, with an accountable system that will prioritize the overall welfare of the people.

While expressing gratitude to God for the successes recorded in the past year, Aiyedatiwa stressed that 2024 was filled with challenges, but God saw the state through it all.

The governor stated this during the 2025 First Working Day Prayer Meeting held at the governor’s office in Akure, the state capital.

According to him, the state remained one of the safest and most peaceful states in the country, making it an investment destination due to what he described as the continued support for the security architecture.

He said, “Despite the challenges, God restored peace and tranquility in our state, and for that, we are deeply grateful.

“Our administration has deliberately prioritized good governance, translating to massive developments in all sectors of our economy. We owe no promotion in arrears, have recruited personnel into critical sectors, and have ensured the regular payment of salaries and pensions, including the implementation of the new minimum wage of N73,000.

“Work continues on ongoing infrastructural projects, especially urban and rural roads. In education, bursaries and scholarships have been provided for indigenous students, while in the judiciary, we have appointed new judges to improve access to justice.

“As the state transitions into a new mandate period from February 24, 2025, Aiyedatiwa unveiled his administration’s new policy blueprint, ‘OUR EASE,’ which he said will focus on areas such as security, urban and rural development, technological advancement, efficient healthcare, sustainable agriculture, and education.

“This blueprint will guide our efforts to accelerate the development of Ondo State. We are resolute in our commitment to making 2025 a year of economic recovery and growth,” he said.

On his part, the Head of Service, Bayo Philips, said that the hope of the civil service is anchored on Jesus Christ. He urged workers to cultivate an attitude of gratitude toward God.

He commended the public service for being fortunate to have a governor dedicated to the welfare of civil servants.

Earlier, in his sermon titled “Now That We Are Here, What Should We Do?”, Michael Ogunbayode, the Senior Elder at Seasons of Life Ministry, Lagos, drew insights from Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 and verse 11, as well as James 4:17, emphasizing the importance of understanding divine timing and aligning actions with God’s purpose.

Ogunbayode noted that the purpose of the meeting was not only to appreciate God but also to seek His direction for the year ahead. He emphasized that those who recognize the right thing to do at the right time position themselves for divine favor and alignment with God’s will.