Residents of Odigbo, Ondo West and Ondo East Local Government Areas of Ondo State are set to benefit from renewed infrastructural development and empowerment programmes as Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa rolled out fresh assurances during the continuation of his Thank-You Tour on Saturday.
Addressing party leaders, market women and residents across the councils, Governor Aiyedatiwa commended the communities for their consistent loyalty to the progressive movement, noting that Odigbo had remained steadfast since the era of the Action Congress of Nigeria.
Recalling past elections, the governor said the people had always stood by the progressive platform, adding that their sons currently serving in government were performing creditably. He also acknowledged the contributions of party leaders without official positions, including Hon. Ogundeji Iroju, Mayowa Akinfolarin and Dr Rotimi Wilson, describing them as critical to the success of his administration.
On political alignment, Aiyedatiwa reminded the gathering of the executive order he issued endorsing President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election, noting that Odigbo Local Government had fully embraced the directive, as reflected in the massive turnout and attires worn at the event.
Speaking on infrastructure, the governor described the Ore–Akure Road as a vital Federal Government project helping to reduce accidents and ease travel within the state. He disclosed that the Ondo State Government had approved the dualisation of the Igbokoda–Okitipupa Road, adding that Senator Jimoh Ibrahim had also called for the extension of the Ore–Akure dualisation to Okitipupa.
He further assured residents that requested infrastructure projects, including roads and bridges, had been inspected and that work would commence before Christmas. Market women were urged to return to their stalls and continue to support the Tinubu-led Federal Government.
Highlighting women empowerment, Governor Aiyedatiwa announced that over 900 women in Odigbo Local Government would benefit from empowerment programmes, describing women as “the salt of life.” Some beneficiaries received cash support at the event.
In Ondo West Local Government, the governor reiterated that the Ondo State House of Assembly under his administration had no opposition, while listing several ongoing and completed projects in Ondo town, including road construction, rehabilitation works and street lighting.
He also commissioned a transformer attached to the civic centre, donated by the member representing Ondo West/Ondo East Federal Constituency, Hon. Abiola Makinde, to improve power supply and living conditions in the area.
The governor acknowledged that the reforms introduced by President Tinubu were initially challenging but noted that Nigerians were beginning to reap their benefits. He urged parents to encourage their children to take advantage of the Federal Government’s student loan scheme.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, described Governor Aiyedatiwa as a people’s governor and an indigene of Odigbo Local Government, calling the council his second home. He said the visit reflected the strong bond between the governor and the people and urged residents to continue to show appreciation for his leadership.
Dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji; Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; and several commissioners, lawmakers, party leaders and political stakeholders from across the state.
