By Duchess Ifeoluwa
Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has announced plans to revive moribund industries in the state, including the Ifon Ceramic Industry and the Okitipupa Oil Mill, as part of broader efforts to stimulate economic growth, create jobs and reposition the state for sustainable development.
The governor made this known on Monday while addressing workers and political office holders at the First Working Day Prayer Meeting for 2026, held at the Governor’s Office Car Park in Akure.
He said the industrial revival programme would be complemented by new industrial projects planned for the Ore axis and along the Ondo South–Ogun–Lagos road corridor.
Governor Aiyedatiwa urged public servants to place the overall interest of Ondo State above personal considerations and to work diligently towards rapid development in line with his administration’s “OUR EASE” agenda.
He charged ministries, departments and agencies to commence the year’s work immediately, stressing that public expectations must be matched by timely delivery of government projects and programmes.
He reaffirmed that the 2026 Budget would be implemented strictly and faithfully, with emphasis on accountability, transparency and adherence to set targets, describing these as essential for sustaining the state’s development trajectory.
He also called on citizens to support government efforts by meeting their civic obligations and approaching the New Year with optimism, patriotism and a shared sense of responsibility.
Reviewing achievements recorded in 2025, the governor said his administration constructed and rehabilitated about 190 kilometres of roads, built and renovated 280 classrooms across primary, secondary and technical schools, and fenced several schools to enhance safety.
He added that the 2026 Budget made further provisions to strengthen educational infrastructure.
On healthcare, Governor Aiyedatiwa disclosed that 112 health centres awarded for renovation and new construction in 2025 were being completed and put into use, while the solar lighting initiative earlier launched in Akure was being extended to all local government areas.
He also highlighted progress in the state’s industrial and maritime ambitions, noting that the licence for the Ondo Deep Sea Port had been revalidated, while arrangements were ongoing with development partners for the establishment of a refinery and allied petrochemical industries within the Free Trade Zone.
On security, the governor said Ondo State had recorded significant improvements through enhanced collaboration among security agencies, improved logistics and stronger operational capacity.
To further strengthen the Amotekun Corps, he announced the approval of the recruitment of 500 additional personnel, alongside investments in equipment, assuring continued synergy among all agencies to safeguard lives and property.
Reiterating his commitment to workers’ welfare, Governor Aiyedatiwa said regular promotions, prompt payment of salaries and the steady settlement of inherited gratuities for state and local government retirees had been sustained.
He added that gradual recruitment into the public service would continue to ensure effective succession planning and create opportunities for young graduates.
He also commended labour leaders for their cooperation in maintaining industrial peace and urged workers to uphold professionalism, dedication and ethical standards.
In his welcome address, the Head of Service of Ondo State, Mr Bayo Philip, said the public service had recorded steady and verifiable progress under the current administration.
He cited prompt and large-scale recruitment, steps to stabilise gratuity and pension backlogs, an open-door policy to labour issues that had ensured lasting industrial harmony, improved healthcare for workers through a contributory health scheme, and regular payment of salaries and allowances.
While appreciating the governor’s labour-friendly disposition, Philip acknowledged the challenge of addressing all service-related issues simultaneously, urging workers to reciprocate government’s goodwill by embracing discipline, punctuality, diligence and zero tolerance for waste, corruption and indiscipline.
In his exhortation, the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Most Rev Dr Jude Ayodeji Arogundade, called on leaders and senior civil servants to embrace purpose-driven leadership anchored on integrity and sacrifice.
He urged office holders to administer public resources for the common good and described 2026 as a defining moment that required collective sacrifice to secure a better future for the state.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Ondo State, Comrade Ademola Olapade, in his vote of thanks, appreciated the governor for implementing the minimum wage and approving workers’ promotions, assuring him of the continued support of organised labour.
The event featured prayers by Christian and Muslim clerics for the governor, the state, workers and the nation.
Dignitaries present included the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji; Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Ayedun Odusola; Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; state chairman of the APC, Engr Ade Adetimehin; members of the State Executive Council and House of Assembly, labour leaders, permanent secretaries, religious leaders and other top government officials.
