Hakeem Gbadamosi, Author at Tribune Online

Ondo state Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Thursday pledged that the current administration would operate an inclusive, transparent, and accountable system, focused on the best interests of the people. He also promised workers in the state that his administration would continue to prioritize their welfare and the overall best interests of the people. Speaking during the 2025 First Working Day Prayer Meeting held at the Governor’s Office in Akure, the state capital, Aiyedatiwa assured attendees that his government would be driven by utmost dedication, selflessness, and love. Aiyedatiwa noted that the First Working Day Prayer Meeting, which brought together public servants, political office holders, and religious leaders to reflect on the past year and commit the new year into God’s hands, has become a tradition in the state. ALSO READ: Ondo govt reviews over 120 submissions on traditional rulers’ declarations Expressing gratitude to God for successes recorded in the past year, the governor acknowledged that 2024 came with challenges but stated that God had seen the state through. “Despite the challenges, God restored peace and tranquility in our state, and for that, we are deeply grateful,” he said. “Our administration has deliberately prioritized good governance, translating into massive developments in all sectors of our economy. "We owe no arrears of promotion, have recruited personnel into critical sectors, and ensured the regular payment of salaries and pensions, including implementing 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. "Ondo State remains one of the safest and most peaceful states in Nigeria, making the state an investment destination, thanks to the support of our security architecture, including the Amotekun Corps,” Aiyedatiwa added. The governor also unveiled his administration’s new policy blueprint, ‘OUR EASE’, which focuses 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. Aiyedatiwa urged public servants and political officeholders to remain loyal and committed to the vision of a vibrant Ondo State. “Our people deserve the very best, and we must be committed to delivering responsible and responsive governance. We will run an all-inclusive, open, and accountable administration in the best interest of our people,” he assured. He also announced plans for a retreat for top government officials and public servants to align their efforts with the administration’s goals. The Head of Service, Bayo Philips, emphasized that the hope of the civil service is anchored in Jesus Christ, urging 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. Reflecting on the government’s achievements, Philips highlighted milestones such as implementing the new minimum wage, paying gratuities and pensions, recruiting personnel in education, health, and judiciary sectors, creating employment opportunities across various sectors, and ensuring widespread promotions. Earlier, in his sermon titled “Now That We Are Here, What Should We Do?” Senior Elder at Seasons of Life Ministry, Lagos, Michael Ogunbayode, drew insights from Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 and verse 11, as well as James 4:17. He emphasized the importance of understanding divine timing and aligning actions with God’s purpose. Ogunbayode noted that the meeting aimed not only to appreciate God but also to seek His direction for the year ahead. He stressed that those who recognize the right thing to do at the right time position themselves for divine favor and alignment with God’s will. Highlights of the event included prayers for Nigeria, Ondo State, the present administration, and the public service of Ondo State. Those in attendance included the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, alongside other Assembly members; Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola; APC State Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin; Others included Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; members of the State Executive Council; labor leaders; religious leaders; and other top government functionaries. NIGERIAN TRIBUNE