Sam Philip
Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa has been sworn in as the governor of Ondo State on Monday.
The swearing-in ceremony was conducted by the Chief Judge of the state, Hon. Justice Olusegun Odusola at the Akure Sports Stadium.
In his address, Governor Aiyedatiwa in his disclosed that he would drive the state’s economy with ICT and renewable energy for sustainable development and improve quality of life for the citizens.
Aiyedatiwa promised to explore the blue economy and other natural resources, including bitumen, to boost employment opportunities and generate revenue for the state.
He said the five technical schools in the state would be equipped for the training of youths in the state to provide the technical skills needed in new vistas of economy he’s opening up.
He assured of improving on the security architecture of the state to encourage investors, protect life and property among other programmes.
Aiyedatiwa said: “We are in a hurry to justify this fresh mandate entrusted to us. In the next four years, we will work with interested investors and our development partners in ensuring that our Port Ondo becomes a reality.
“We will also facilitate investors to explore our large deposits of bitumen for local use and export purposes, thereby generating huge revenue to the State. This has been the vision and goals of our founding fathers.
“There is no doubt that this would not be an easy task but we are prepared to frontally confront these challenges and succeed.
“We shall strengthen the capacity of our security agencies, improve intelligence gathering and sharing, enhance community policing and engagement; and address the root causes of crimes.
“The ultimate outcome of this component is to ensure that our security agencies respond timely to security concerns and challenges towards ensuring that our State is safe and secure for all citizens, investors and visitors.
“We will improve agricultural productivity, enhance access to markets and credit for farmers, invest in rural infrastructure and promote the development of the Blue Economy.
“We shall be intentional about our urban renewal policy in a manner to instigate influx of more investors. There is no better time than now to unlock and explore the abundance of economic opportunities around the sea for the benefit of our people.
“What we will strive to achieve through this pillar is to transform our State into a major agricultural hub and a leading player in the blue economy, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.
“The blue economy boasts of diverse components, including established traditional ocean industries such as fisheries, tourism, and maritime transport; and also new and emerging activities, such as offshore renewable energy, aquaculture, seabed extractive activities, and marine biotechnology and bioprospecting.”
At the event are Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Abiodun Oyebanji(Ekiti), Olusegun Mimiko, a former of Ondo State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, a former governor, Ogun State, Chief Bisi Akande, a former governor, Odun State, Minister of Youths Development, Ayo Olawande, Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, APC National Chairman, Abdulahi Ganduje, Ondo State Chairman of APC, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, Prince Derin Adesida, Member House of Representatives, representing Akure North/South federal constituency, among others.
