By Segun Giwa
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has said that he is not under any illusions that his administration’s task ahead will be easy.
Aiyedatiwa, who stated this yesterday in Akure at his inauguration as governor, however, expressed confidence that the administration will succeed with the continued support and cooperation of the people of the state.
The Governor also announced the pardon of 43 convicts in Ondo State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor and his Deputy, Mr Olayide Adelami, were sworn in by the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Olusegun Odusola, at a ceremony witnessed by APC National Chairman Alhaj Abdulahi Ganduje.
Also present at the occasion were Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, former APC Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, and former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba.
Also in attendance were the Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Youths, Mr Olawande Ayodele, and the former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, among others.
NAN reports that Aiyedatiwa and his deputy were elected on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform in the Nov. 16 governorship election.
In his inaugural speech, Aiyedatiwa paid tribute to past state leaders for laying the foundation upon which successive governments have been built.
He said that his administration had been able to restore the people’s confidence in government in the last 14 months.
Aiyedatiwa said that despite the political division and crisis brought about by the sickness and the eventual death of the former governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, he had demonstrated utter commitment to the development and welfare of the people.
He acknowledged and appreciated President Bola Tinubu’s support and goodwill, the confidence he reposed in the state, his leadership, and his unwavering commitment to evolving a new Nigeria.
The governor stated that security of lives and properties would remain at the top of his agenda, as would the creation of jobs for the people.
Aiyedatiwa said that technology and innovation would also be given a focus as part of efforts to create new opportunities for the unemployed youth.
He added that the government would build technical schools across the state’s senatorial districts.
“Our dear Sunshine State has witnessed tremendous progress in infrastructural development and the provision of social amenities and public buildings, while we have kept the social well-being of the people on the front burner.
“We have impacted the state positively in agriculture, health, revenue generation, urban renewal, rural roads construction, education, employment, investment promotion, and entrepreneurship.
“We would like to assure you that the overwhelming renewed mandate you have freely given us has further placed on us a considerable burden of leadership, and we promise never to rest on our oars.
“We make a solemn pledge this day that we shall lead and govern with the fear of God and utmost dedication to the state’s progress.
“We will prioritise the welfare of our people, particularly the most vulnerable among us – the poor, the sick and the marginalised,” the governor said.
Aiyedatiwa also appealed to opposition parties to join hands with his administration to develop the state.
He added that there was no need for unnecessary political distractions which would cost time, resources and energies that could be redirected and gainfully utilised for accelerated development.
On the pardons of 43 convicts, Aiyedatiwa said in his speech shortly after taking the oath of office, “Before I begin my address, let me quickly make this remark in commemoration of this inauguration of today.
“Having had time with the state advisory council’s objective of mercy, this administration, on December 24, 2024, considered the list of convicts deserving the mercy of the governor of Ondo State.
“And on this day, I am exercising that power conferred on me to pardon some convicts who had been sentenced or condemned for various offences. Today, I am setting free a total number of 43 of them.”
