The Lord Bishop of the Diocese of Owo, Rt. Revd. Dr. Stephen Ayodeji Fagbemi, has commended the Ondo State Government under the leadership of Governor Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa for its commendable strides in governance, education, infrastructure, and renewed commitment to security in the Sunshine State.
Bishop Fagbemi, who made the remarks during his address at the 15th Synod of the Diocese held at St. John’s Anglican Church, Iyere, congratulated Governor Ayedatiwa and his Deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, on their recent inauguration and charged them to focus on fulfilling the promises made to the people.
He particularly praised the administration for the recent employment of over 1,100 teachers and for the payment of WAEC fees totaling N633.9 million for more than 23,000 students in public secondary schools, urging that similar support be extended to indigenes in private schools.
On infrastructure, the Bishop described the dualization of the Supare-Akungba-Ikare road as a life-saving intervention, especially in the accident-prone corridor near Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba. He further appealed to the state government to extend the dual carriageway to Owo and to prioritize the completion of all road projects initiated by past administrations, emphasizing that “governance is a continuum.”
However, the Bishop expressed deep concern over the growing insecurity in the country and within Ondo State, citing rising incidents of kidnapping, cultism, and banditry in areas such as Akure North, Ose, and Owo. He welcomed the recent review of the state’s anti-kidnapping law and encouraged swift implementation, calling for improved coordination among security agencies, intelligence gathering, and stronger surveillance, especially in the forests.
He recalled the unfortunate murder of the APC Chairman in Ifon despite the payment of ransom and stressed that such perpetrators must be brought to justice without delay.
On the issue of education policy, Bishop Fagbemi also raised concerns over the increasing trend of admitting underage children into universities, arguing that emotional maturity is crucial for tertiary education. He called on the federal government to review policies in line with global best practices, particularly the model in the United Kingdom.
In closing, the Bishop applauded the efforts of the Ayedatiwa-led administration in addressing key developmental challenges and expressed hope that the autonomy recently granted to local governments by the Supreme Court would be implemented fully.
“May God bless Ondo State and guide its leaders to govern with the fear of God, with justice, and with compassion,” Bishop Fagbemi prayed.
