Aiyedatiwa Vows Inclusive Development, Commends Tinubu’s Reforms

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that no community in the state is left behind in his administration’s development drive.

Speaking during a thanksgiving service held at the Chapel of the Annunciation, Archbishop Vining College of Theology, Oke-Emeso, Akure, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, the governor promised that every part of Ondo State would feel the impact of his government’s agenda, with a strong focus on inclusive growth and security.

“In the last several months, much has been achieved, yet I stand before you to humbly say that we are only just beginning. By God’s grace, we shall not relent until every community in the state can feel the touch of development. Our works are ongoing and the results are spreading. More will be done, because we too will do new things” Aiyedatiwa assured.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s Independence, he described it as more than the ceremonial lowering and raising of flags, noting that it symbolises unity, sacrifice, and shared responsibility. He urged Nigerians to remember the efforts of the nation’s heroes who secured freedom and held the country together through turbulent times.

Citing the country’s survival of civil war, ethnic and religious crises, economic downturns and the COVID-19 pandemic, the governor turned to Psalms 124: “If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, then they had swallowed us up quick. Truly, if not for God, there would not have been any entity called Nigeria.”

On insecurity, Aiyedatiwa emphasised that safety must not be seen as the sole duty of government but a collective responsibility. “Security is the primary duty of government, but it is everybody’s business. It is not the elephants or bamboos that cause insecurity; it is human beings breaking the laws. Citizens’ participation is very key” he said.

He commended the Church for upholding morality and peace in society, while also praising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he called revolutionary reforms and infrastructural strides. “We are very proud of the exemplary leadership of the President. It is our collective duty to support him and remain loyal to his Renewed Hope Agenda” the governor added.

Delivering the sermon, Chairman of the Board of Vining College and Bishop of Ijesa North Diocese, Rt. Rev. Joseph Alaba Olusola, urged Nigerians to embrace repentance, unity, and a return to God. Drawing from the book of Isaiah, he said God was sending a message of hope at Nigeria’s 65th anniversary.

“There must be a national moral divide, and the new belief must begin with repentance and with everyone returning to God. Nigerians must be able to sleep without fear and travel without anxiety. The new thing must mean honest management of our resources, industrial growth, and an economy that works for all. Our young people are the future of this nation. God’s new thing must empower our youth with education, innovation, jobs and leadership” he said.

Also speaking, the Rector and Vicar of the College, Ven. Dr. Moses Adetunbi, applauded Governor Aiyedatiwa for ongoing infrastructural projects across Ondo State, particularly road construction beyond Akure. He also commended the administration’s commitment to prompt payment of salaries and pensions.