Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has garnered praise for his developmental achievements across various sectors, including education and agriculture, as the state’s gubernatorial election approaches. Osabinu Olufemi, the National Coordinator of the Nigeria in Safe Hands Project and former President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), highlighted Aiyedatiwa’s accomplishments since he took office in December 2023.
The group outlined several key achievements, including:
- Civil Service Welfare: Clearing a N3.2 billion backlog of gratuities owed to pensioners and ensuring timely salary payments.
- Education Sector Reforms: Recruiting over 2,000 teachers, underwriting WAEC fees for public school students, and allocating N335 million for bursaries and scholarships.
- Infrastructure Development: Implementing rural road construction projects to enhance connectivity and stimulate economic activity in underserved regions.
- Youth Empowerment and Agriculture: Launching initiatives aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and creating employment opportunities for the youth.
Olufemi emphasized the economic potential of the Ilaje Local Government Area, renowned for its natural resources, including crude oil and silica gel. He stated that the upcoming election on November 16, 2024, could see Aiyedatiwa become the first deputy governor in Nigeria to be democratically elected as governor.
Urging residents of Ondo State to support Aiyedatiwa’s candidacy, Olufemi described it as “a divine arrangement” and a recognition of Ilaje’s significance in the state’s political history.