Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has challenged public servants and political appointees in Ondo State to “roll up their sleeves” and prioritise the collective interest of the state over personal or partisan gains.
Speaking on Monday, during the traditional First Working Day Prayer Meeting at the Governor’s Office in Akure, Aiyedatiwa urged the state’s workforce to work with a renewed sense of urgency to match the rising expectations of the people.
The governor emphasised that 2026 is a year for rapid development, anchored on his “OUR EASE” (O’datiwa O’ Dirorun) agenda, which focuses on sustainable growth, industrialisation, and human capital development.
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A major highlight of the governor’s address was the commitment to breathing new life into the state’s moribund industrial assets.
The administration has concluded plans to revive the Ifon Ceramic Industry, with the aim of resuscitating the long-dormant factory to create jobs and strengthen local supply chains.
It also plans to modernise the Okitipupa Oil Mill by partnering with new core investors to reposition the facility as a major player in the oil palm value chain.
In addition, the government intends to develop the Ore axis through the launch of new industrial projects designed to transform the South–Ogun–Lagos road corridor into a thriving manufacturing hub.
The governor reassured workers that his administration would faithfully implement the ₦524.4 billion “Budget of Economic Consolation” signed into law just days ago.
He pledged that the fiscal plan—which allocates nearly 58% to capital projects—will be managed with “strict adherence to targets, accountability, and transparency.”
He outlined key welfare commitments for 2026, including the continued prompt payment of salaries and the conduct of regular promotion exercises.
He also pledged to sustain the steady clearance of outstanding gratuity backlogs inherited from previous years.
In addition, Aiyedatiwa said it would implement a structured succession plan through the gradual recruitment of young graduates into the civil service to prevent gaps within the bureaucracy.
Addressing public safety, Aiyedatiwa announced the approval for the recruitment of 500 additional personnel for the Amotekun Corps.
This expansion is intended to strengthen the state’s security network, particularly in rural and forest-bordering communities.
“The expectations of our people must be matched with the prompt delivery of projects. Ministries and agencies must hit the ground running,” the Governor asserted.
The Head of Service, Bayo Philip, and the State NLC Chairman, Ademola Olapade, both lauded the governor’s “labour-friendly” disposition.
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They noted that the administration’s open-door policy has maintained industrial peace, especially following the implementation of the new minimum wage.
Adding a spiritual dimension, the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Jude Arogundade, urged civil servants to see their roles as a “sacred stewardship,” calling on them to administer the state’s commonwealth for the common good as Ondo approaches its 50th anniversary in February.
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