Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has charged public servants and political office holders to put the interest of the state above personal considerations and commit fully to rapid development in 2026, while assuring workers of improved welfare and renewed economic expansion.

The governor gave the charge on Monday at the First Working Day Prayer Meeting for 2026, held at the Governor’s Office Car Park in Akure, where he urged ministries, departments and agencies to begin the year with renewed urgency and responsibility.

In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, the governor reiterated that the 2026 Budget would be implemented strictly, warning that accountability, transparency and measurable delivery would define the administration’s approach in the New Year.

The statement reads partly: “As we step into 2026, all hands must be on deck to deliver on the expectations of our people. Public service is a call to duty, and the interest of Ondo State must always come first.

“This administration will implement the 2026 Budget faithfully and to the letter. Every ministry, department and agency must adhere strictly to set targets, timelines and standards of accountability.

“Our development journey must be sustained through discipline, transparency and collective responsibility across all arms of government.

“I urge all citizens to support government efforts, meet their civic obligations and embrace the New Year with optimism, patriotism and a shared commitment to the progress of Ondo State.”

Governor Aiyedatiwa said the measures were essential to sustaining the state’s development momentum, stressing that governance in 2026 would focus on results rather than rhetoric.

Reeling out achievements recorded under the “OUR EASE” agenda in the past year, the governor disclosed that over 190 kilometres of roads had been constructed or rehabilitated across the state, while 280 classrooms had been built or renovated in primary, secondary and technical schools, alongside the fencing of several school premises.

He said the 2026 Budget made further provisions to strengthen educational infrastructure, noting that investment in education remained a cornerstone of the administration’s development strategy.

On healthcare delivery, the governor said 112 health centres awarded for renovation and new construction in 2025 were nearing completion and already being put to use, adding that the solar lighting project launched in Akure would be expanded to all local government areas.

Addressing economic development, Aiyedatiwa announced the revalidation of the Ondo Deep Sea Port licence and ongoing engagements with development partners on a refinery and allied petrochemical industries within the Free Trade Zone.

He added that new industrial activities were also planned along the Ondo South–Ogun–Lagos road corridor.

He further revealed that the state government was reviving moribund industries, including the Ifon Ceramic Industry and the Okitipupa Oil Mill, while new industrial projects were being planned for the Ore axis to stimulate employment and local economic growth.

On security, the governor said collaboration among security agencies had improved safety across the state, resulting in better logistics, enhanced operational capacity and quicker response to crime.

To further strengthen the Amotekun Corps, he disclosed that approval had been granted for the recruitment of 500 additional personnel, alongside investment in modern equipment.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, Aiyedatiwa said regular promotions, prompt payment of salaries and the steady settlement of inherited gratuities for state and local government retirees had been sustained.

He added that gradual recruitment into the public service would continue to ensure effective succession planning and create opportunities for young graduates.

He commended labour unions for maintaining industrial peace, urging public servants to uphold professionalism, dedication and ethical standards in the discharge of their duties.

Earlier, the Head of Service of Ondo State, Mr Bayo Philip, said the public service had recorded steady and verifiable progress under Governor Aiyedatiwa, citing prompt and large-scale recruitment, improved gratuity and pension management, enhanced workers’ healthcare and timely payment of salaries and allowances.

While acknowledging existing challenges, Philip urged workers to reciprocate government’s goodwill by embracing discipline, punctuality, diligence and zero tolerance for corruption and waste.

In his exhortation, the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Most Rev Dr Jude Ayodeji Arogundade, called on leaders and senior civil servants to embrace integrity, sacrifice and purpose-driven leadership, urging them to administer public resources for the common good.

Also speaking, the Ondo State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Ademola Olapade, commended the governor for implementing the minimum wage and approving workers’ promotions, assuring organised labour of continued support for the administration.

The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji; Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Ayedun Odusola; Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; members of the State Executive Council; lawmakers; labour leaders; religious leaders and other top government officials.