Bola Ojuola, Akure.
Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has appealed to Nigerian to be patriotic irrespective of where they find themselves, uphold peace and unity.
Aiyedatiwa who described Nigeria’s 66 years of independence as a continuing responsibility to the past, present and future, urging Nigerians to renew their faith in the country and contribute to building the nation they desire.
The Governor who spoke on Thursday at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade, Akure, during the state’s celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, said the country’s freedom was secured 66 years ago by a generation that believed people of different tongues, traditions and faiths could share one destiny.
He said that generation did not bequeath a finished country to succeeding generations but the responsibility to build, preserve and improve it.
“Independence, therefore, is more than the memory of a date; it is a continuing responsibility to the past, the present and the future,” the governor said.
He said the anniversary should prompt every generation to ask: “What have you done with the inheritance entrusted to you?”
According to him, building the Nigeria of citizens’ dreams could not be left to government alone, stressing that it required the collective efforts of Nigerians.
“The Nigeria we desire will not be built by government alone, but by the collective efforts of its citizens,” he said.
The governor consequently urged Nigerians to uphold peace, unity, patriotism and responsible citizenship, saying the bonds of unity, peace and shared purpose celebrated at independence must continue to guide the country.
He appealed to political leaders, party members and young people to approach the unfolding electoral process with maturity, tolerance and restraint.
Aiyedatiwa said political differences were natural in a democracy but must not destroy the bonds that unite people as families, neighbours and citizens.
“I particularly appeal to our political leaders, party members and young people to eschew violence, embrace issue-based engagement and respect the right of every citizen to participate peacefully,” he said.
The governor expressed gratitude to Almighty God for His faithfulness, mercy and continued protection over Ondo State and Nigeria, as well as for the peace being enjoyed, the strength to confront prevailing challenges and the privilege of witnessing another year in the life of the country.
He also appreciated the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for its continued support and partnership with the state.
Aiyedatiwa acknowledged the Federal Government’s efforts towards strengthening the economy, infrastructure and investment environment, particularly the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, proposed Deep-Sea Port and other projects capable of expanding Ondo State’s economic prospects.
“We look forward to deeper collaboration in the interest of our people and the continued development of Nigeria,” he said.
Reviewing his administration’s activities under the OUR EASE agenda, Aiyedatiwa disclosed that about 3,323 health professionals had been recruited and deployed across the 18 local government areas.
He said diagnostic capacity had also been enhanced with the provision of a 1.5 Tesla MRI machine and a 160-slice CT scanner at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital Complex.
The governor added that fully funded health insurance coverage had been extended to retirees and pensioners through ORANGHIS.
“In healthcare, we have continued to strengthen both human and technological capacity,” he said.
On education, Aiyedatiwa said the government had continued to recruit teachers into primary and secondary schools, with plans to further strengthen the teaching workforce.
On agriculture, the governor said the state had secured 26,000 hectares of agricultural land and distributed more than two million cocoa seedlings to support production.
He said interventions under the L-PRES programme had continued, rural market development had been strengthened and the establishment of a modern Farmers’ Market in Akure advanced.
About 14,000 smallholder cocoa and oil-palm farmers, he added, had been profiled under an FAO-supported programme, with attention to climate-smart agriculture, agroforestry, mapping and forest restoration.
He said the state was also pursuing measures towards compliance with international standards for deforestation-free cocoa while encouraging private-sector investment in agricultural value chains.
On power, Aiyedatiwa said electricity remained fundamental to economic development, adding that the state was taking steps to sustain improved electricity supply.
He said the Ondo State Power Sector Law had strengthened the legal and institutional framework through the establishment of the Ondo State Electricity Regulatory Commission.
He said the government was equally advancing strategic investment opportunities around the Olokola Industrial and Free Trade Zone and proposed Ondo Deep Sea Port, alongside other major projects, including the proposed petrochemical fertiliser plant.
Aiyedatiwa wished Nigerians a happy, memorable and joyous 66th Independence Anniversary and prayed that the bonds of unity, peace and shared purpose celebrated on the occasion would continue to guide the country.
In his welcome address, the Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, called for renewed hope and a stronger sense of collective responsibility among Nigerians towards building a greater country and a more prosperous Ondo State.
“Our objective is to translate these opportunities into industries, jobs, stronger value chains and broader economic prosperity for our people,” he said.
The governor commended public servants for their dedication and continued service to the state, saying the government had sustained regular payment of salaries and continued the progressive settlement of pension and gratuity obligations.
He said regular promotion exercises had also been sustained, while 32 Permanent Secretaries had recently been appointed to strengthen the administrative leadership of the bureaucracy.
“We remain committed to a public service where merit, professionalism, career progression and accountability are encouraged,” he said.
On security, Aiyedatiwa said the government would continue to strengthen the state’s security architecture and support security agencies operating in the state.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and provide useful information to the appropriate authorities, stressing that farmers, businesses and rural communities must be able to operate in safety.
He said governance had also been strengthened through the appointment of commissioners, special advisers, senior special assistants and special assistants across the 203 political wards, as well as chairmen and members of boards and commissions.
“These appointments are intended to bring competence, expertise, fresh ideas and stronger grassroots engagement into government,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa appreciated the people of Ondo State for their continued support, patience, understanding and constructive feedback, assuring them that his administration would continue to listen to the people, improve where necessary, attract investment, expand opportunities and ensure that the benefits of governance reached communities across the state.
“I, therefore, urge you to continue to believe in Ondo State, support one another and contribute your part to the development of our dear State,” he said.
He assured the people that his administration remained committed to building a better, stronger and more prosperous Sunshine State.
Aiyedatiwa wished Nigerians a happy, memorable and joyous 66th Independence Anniversary and prayed that the bonds of unity, peace and shared purpose celebrated on the occasion would continue to guide the country.
In his welcome address, the Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, called for renewed hope and a stronger sense of collective responsibility among Nigerians towards building a greater country and a more prosperous Ondo State.
He thanked God for His grace and mercy over Nigeria, particularly Ondo State, and wished Nigerians a happy Independence anniversary.
Fasoranti said the October 1 celebration was the third and final day of the anniversary programme, which began on Friday, September 25, 2026, with a human service at the Central Mosque and continued on Sunday, September 27, with a Thanksgiving service at Agape Ministry.
He said Nigeria’s journey since independence on October 1, 1960, had been marked by “seasons of promise and difficulty, moments of triumph and trial”.
