• Unveils Administration’s Agenda for State

• Safiu Kehinde

Newly Sworn-in Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has expressed his gratitude to his late predecessor, Rotimi Akeredolu, for choosing him as his deputy and paving way for him.

Aiyedatiwa held that he remained indebted to the late governor as he lauded his contribution and impact to the state.

He stated this while delivering his first public address following his swear-in as the 17th elected Governor of the state on Monday at the Ondo State Sports Complex in Akure.

In his tribute to the founding fathers and former governors of the state, Aiyedatiwa specially acknowledged the Akeredolu, stressing that his legacy continues to inspire him.

“Permit me to express special gratitude to my immediate predecessor and visionary leader, the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu who worked tirelessly to develop our state for about seven years before he took a glorious bow.

“We must not forget this courageous and passionate leader who literally emptied himself in the service of Ondo state and Nigeria as his legacy continues to inspire us to continue to build upon the foundation he laid.

“I am particularly indebted to him for choosing me as his deputy and for his public and undisguised prophetic declaration at about this time four years ago- particularly on the 24th of February 2021.

“Just like on this podium four years ago where he was being sworn in for his second term as governor and my humble self then as deputy governor.

“That prophetic declaration must be appreciated for setting the tone for me as the successor to the office of the governor.” Akeredolu said.

Declaring a transition from Akeredolu’s REDEEMED Agenda, Aiyedatiwa unveiled a seven-point agenda of his new administration for the state.

While assuring the state of continued commitment to social and infrastructural development, Aiyedatiwa declared the transition into a new development policy thrust under the new OUR EASE agenda.

According to the governor, the seven-point pillar will propel his administration’s agenda for the next four years.

“From this day, our state will transit from the REDEEMED agenda of the four years to a new development policy thrust, Odatiwa, Odirorun, which was our electioneering campaign mantra to the people which literarily translates to OUR EASE.

“This seven-point pillar shall propel our development agenda for the next four years as careful designed to drive sustainable development and improve quality of life of our people.” Aiydatiwa said.

He further gave breakdown of the acronymn and its components.

According to him, the “O” stands for order, security, rule of law; “U” for Urban and Rural Development through Blue economy and “R” for Revolutionary Technological advancement and Industrialization.

The last four agenda were contained include “E” for Efficient Health Care and Social Investment Scheme,; “A” for Adequate Power and access to affordable energy; “S” for Sustainable Infrastructural Development and Tourism; and the last “E” for Education, human capital development, and entrpreneurship.