Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has made a firm commitment to ensure the strict and transparent implementation of the state's 2026 budget, which he recently signed into law. He delivered this pledge during the first working day prayer meeting for the year 2026 at the Governor's Office in Akure.
A Call for Accountability and Swift Action
Aiyedatiwa described the faithful execution of the budget as critical for maintaining the state's development momentum. He directed all ministries, departments, and agencies to hit the ground running, stressing that the government must match public expectations with the prompt delivery of projects and programmes.
The governor urged public servants and political office holders to prioritize the state's broader interests above all else. He also called on citizens to support the government by fulfilling their obligations and embracing the new year with optimism, patriotism, and a shared sense of responsibility as stakeholders in Ondo's progress.
Reviewing Key Achievements and Ongoing Projects
Governor Aiyedatiwa took stock of notable accomplishments from the past year, which he said laid a foundation for the current budget's goals. He highlighted several infrastructural and social investments:
- Road Construction: Rehabilitation and construction covering 190 kilometres.
- Education: Construction and renovation of 280 classrooms across primary, secondary, and technical schools, plus perimeter fencing for a substantial number of schools.
- Healthcare: The completion and commissioning of 112 health centres awarded for renovation and new construction in 2025.
- Solar Power: Expansion of the solar lighting initiative, launched in Akure, to all local government areas.
Economic Revitalization and Industrial Plans
On economic development, Aiyedatiwa pointed to significant strides. He mentioned the revalidation of the Ondo Deep Sea Port licence and ongoing arrangements with development partners for a refinery and allied petrochemical industries within the state's Free Trade Zone. Other industries are planned along the Ondo South–Ogun–Lagos road corridor.
The administration is also focused on reviving moribund state industries, including the Ifon Ceramic Industry and the Okitipupa Oil Mill. New industrial projects are slated for development along the Ore axis.
Sustained Commitment to Workers and Industrial Peace
Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his dedication to the state's workforce. He noted the sustained practice of regular promotions, prompt salary payments, and the steady settlement of inherited gratuity arrears for retirees from both state and local government services.
Gradual recruitment into the civil service will continue to ensure effective succession planning and provide employment opportunities for young graduates. The governor commended labour union leaders for their cooperation in maintaining industrial peace and urged all public servants to uphold high standards of professionalism, dedication, and ethics.
Corroborating the governor's stance, the State Head of Service, Bayo Philip, stated that the public service had recorded steady and verifiable progress under Aiyedatiwa's administration. He listed achievements including massive recruitment, bold steps to stabilize gratuity and pension backlogs, an open-door policy on labour matters, and the improved workers' healthcare scheme.
In his exhortation, the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Most Rev. Dr Jude Ayodeji Arogundade, urged leaders and senior civil servants in the state to embrace purpose-driven leadership, integrity, and sacrifice for the common good.
