LUCKY AIYEDATIWA’S ONE YEAR IN OFFICE
The spate of project commissioning and the exuded joy round Ondo State during the Golden Jubilee of the creation of the state and the marking of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s one year in office has added another feather to the cap of the governor as he has been nicknamed, “Mr. Project.” The nomenclature is the people’s response to the laudable futuristic developmental gusto of the ‘Our Ease’ leaning of the governor and his team, which has yielded laudable results in healthcare, road construction, educational development and state-wide renewal.
Political observers in the state had predicted the starlight that the governor has become on his avowed commitment to pursue the completion of the projects started by his predecessor in office, before introducing new ones. This tenacity was informed by studied exposure of Aiyedatiwa on “Omoluabi” philosophy of the Yorubas, and the conservative world, and of course, a passion to do the right thing. He came fully convinced to do the best for the people.
The degree of resistance he had to overcome by intelligence and share force of personality is impossible to overestimate. His commitment to the people was total and his openness and simplicity convinced his followers to join in the dream to shine the light that Ondo State may join the frontline states, where development is the order of the day. Little wonder, his political leaning was strong enough to radically change the outlook of Ondo State for good within the spate of one year.
Recalling the little beginnings at the commissioning of the Akungba – Ikare road recently, Aiyedatiwa said the road was flagged off last year as part of a broader infrastructural expansion in the axis. That extended to Owo where the Opomulero, Iselu and Isuada roads had been recently commissioned. He said the rehabilitation and construction of roads symbolized the rekindling and steady progress across the state, insisting: “The years of dilapidation are over.” He regretted that the years of degradation had imposed hardship on the people and constrained productivity. He expressed happiness that the road network linked Falodun, Kajola and Iselu-Isuada road, thereby enhancing connectivity, convenience and reduced travel time. He promised the people: “No community would be sidelined again. This administration is guided by fairness, equity, and shared prosperity, in line with “OUR Ease” policy thrust.” Little wonder the state is now glowing with new road networks, improved education, healthcare delivery and commerce.
Youthful and progressive, yes. Aiyedatiwa’s decision to serve the people was not just a bold idea. It symbolized something that is as true today as it was in days of Action Group when the development of the people was the concern of the government. The idea that we separate the trifling from the essential is the value proposition that has humanized his administration from day one, and still does today.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, within one year in the saddle, has created Ondo Free Zone which no governor ever thought about since the creation of the state in 1976. This Free Zone would house one of the largest refinery and petrol chemical companies in Africa, deep sea port and international airport
One mystery that dazzles observers about Aiyedatiwa’s one year governance is the seamless administration gusto. His social contract with the people is so solid that impostors are now biting their fingers for the balmy misadventure into Ondo politics. It is important to state that what they anticipated would result in a blaze and sharp cracks, ebbed into ashes of inconsequential effect.
Many had wondered why Aiyedatiwa took the recent attempt by the Interior Minister, Bunmi Ojo with a conciliating smile and conducted himself with appropriate caution. He is a man who, like the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo or Asiwaju Bola Tinubu himself, would react to a supposed fatal attack with an indestructible smile, cracked across from the front of his face like the brim of the hat. The governor wants everyone to be happy and would not really bother himself with the antics of a political Lilliputian.
Chief Olu Ayela, Veteran Journalist, Lagos
