Ondo State, under the stewardship of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, is experiencing remarkable strides in governance, defying orchestrated blackmail and political distractions. His focus, discipline, and commitment to responsible leadership continue to deliver tangible results across key sectors.
Echoing the words of Pope Francis “Sometimes they have to put out a fire, but the vocation of the politicians is not that of firefighters” Governor Aiyedatiwa has remained undeterred in his mission to serve the people of Ondo State, refusing to be sidetracked by cynicism or controversy.
According to the latest figures from the Debt Management Office (DMO), Ondo State now leads in domestic debt reduction among Nigerian states. The state’s domestic debt dropped dramatically from N74 billion in 2023 to N12 billion in 2024 a massive 82.6% reduction, amounting to N61 billion. This achievement not only reflects sound fiscal management but also boosts investor confidence in the state’s economy.
Governor Aiyedatiwa’s prudent use of public funds often choosing to use his personal resources for official duties recalls the legacy of the late Dr. Olusegun Agagu. His attention to detail and transparency have become hallmarks of his administration.
Despite his financial caution, Governor Aiyedatiwa has continued to deliver impactful projects. The Ministry of Environment, for instance, is actively engaged in desilting canals and clearing waterways to prevent flooding. Additionally, the recently launched dualization of the Oke-Aro, Akure–Idanre road is poised to enhance transportation and tourism, especially around the famous Idanre Hills.
At the May 1st Workers’ Day celebration, labour leaders commended the Governor’s pro-worker policies particularly the approval of the new N73,000 minimum wage and the ongoing efforts to clear outstanding salaries and gratuities.
In the area of security, his administration has increased the funding of the Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun) by nearly 60%, while also harmonizing officers’ salary structure to boost morale and performance.
The launch of the Orange Health Insurance Scheme (ORANGHIS) is another commendable milestone. Originally initiated under the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu for civil servants, the scheme has now been expanded to cover informal workers—traders, artisans, farmers, and transporters.
Healthcare infrastructure is also receiving a boost, with ongoing construction and rehabilitation of comprehensive health centres across all 203 wards of the state.
In education, the deployment of over 2,000 newly recruited teachers to public schools is set to enhance teaching quality and learning outcomes.
Youth development remains a top priority. On April 30, 2025, the Governor flagged off an ICT training program for 500 young people, positioning them for success in the digital economy.
One of the most human-centered aspects of Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration is his commitment to settling outstanding entitlements. A personal account shared by Comrade Allen Sowore, Esq. Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Strategic Communication revealed the joy of a widow who recently received her late husband’s long-awaited gratuity. Such stories underscore the administration’s dedication to touching lives, not just making headlines.
While the Governor’s achievements are many, perhaps the most compelling is his unwavering integrity and vision. As Allen Sowore aptly puts it, “Despite the false narratives and coordinated media attacks, the Governor continues to lead with integrity, vision, and measurable progress especially in domestic debt reduction. And the Debt Management Office bears witness to this truth.”
Indeed, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is steadily repositioning Ondo State on the path of sustainable growth and prosperity.
