Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Sunday assured that no part of the state would be left behind in his administration’s development agenda, declaring that the implementation of his Our Ease programme was already taking shape across multiple sectors.
The Governor gave the assurance at the Chapel of the Annunciation, Archbishop Vining College of Theology, Oke-Emeso, Akure, during a thanksgiving service to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary.
“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,” Dr Aiyedatiwa told the congregation.
He stressed that his government was anchored on service, accountability and progress, adding: “Our works are ongoing and the results are spreading. More will be done, because we too will do new things.”
The Governor also used the occasion to reflect on Nigeria’s independence, describing it as a reminder of unity, freedom and sacrifice.
He said: “Independence is more than the lowering of one flag and the raising of another. It is a constant reminder of freedom, responsibility and nationhood. We must not forget the sacrifices of our heroes who laid down their lives so that we may inherit a free and united Nigeria.”
Recalling the nation’s survival of civil war, economic downturns, religious crises and the COVID-19 pandemic, the Governor emphasised the importance of thanksgiving.
Quoting Psalms 124, he declared: “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. Thanksgiving is not only for what God has done, but for what He will yet do.”On insecurity, he called for citizens’ participation, noting that government alone could not shoulder the task.
“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.
Dr Aiyedatiwa also commended the Church for its role in morality and peace, while hailing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as “revolutionary reforms and infrastructural development.”
He said: “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.”
Earlier, Rt Rev Joseph Alaba Olusola, Bishop of Ijesa North Diocese, urged Nigerians to embrace repentance and unity, stressing that God was sending a word of hope at 65. He said the new national direction must reflect honesty, innovation, youth empowerment and a working economy.
The Rector and Vicar of the College, Ven Dr Moses Adetunbi, commended the Governor for extending road projects beyond Akure and for prompt payment of salaries and pensions, while former Bishop of the Anglican Communion, Bishop Michael Ipinmoye, offered special prayers for the state leadership.
The thanksgiving service was attended by top government officials, lawmakers, clerics and security chiefs, including Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami, Speaker Olamide Oladiji, Secretary to the State Government Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, and Chief of Staff Prince Olusegun Omojuwa.
