The Federal Government has rated Ondo State as one of the states with the lowest levels of multidimensional poverty in Nigeria, attributing the feat to sustained governance and development efforts.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Mohammed Doro, disclosed this on Tuesday at a luncheon hosted by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for traditional rulers at the Government House Banquet Hall, Akure.
Dr. Doro said while Nigeria’s national poverty rate stands at 63 per cent, with about 30 per cent of citizens classified as ultra-poor, Ondo State has recorded a significantly lower rate of 27.7 per cent.
He added that the Federal Government has begun implementing targeted policies aimed at reducing poverty and promoting resilience, independence and self-sufficiency among citizens.
The minister assured that his ministry would work closely with the Ondo State Government to further drive down poverty levels, stressing that collaboration with state and local governments remains central to the Federal Government’s poverty-reduction agenda.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude to traditional rulers for their unwavering support, describing their contributions as vital to the peace, security and development of the state.
“The reason for this gathering is to formally thank our Kabiyesis. Your support and guidance have been invaluable to our state, our people and this administration,” the governor said.
He noted that the endorsement of traditional institutions during the last governorship election played a key role in his victory, which produced a record 366,781 votes — the highest in Ondo State’s gubernatorial history.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also commended the monarchs for maintaining peace, especially in border communities, and for their cooperation with security agencies, which he said has helped position Ondo as one of the safest states in the country. He equally appreciated religious leaders for their prayers and moral support.
The governor assured that his administration remains stable and focused, with all arms of government working in harmony, while reiterating that the welfare and security of residents remain top priorities.
Highlighting ongoing projects, he listed the deep seaport, refinery, petrochemical and fertiliser plants, as well as Nigeria’s first methanol plant producing ammonia bicarbonate, which is already operational and scheduled for commissioning in early January.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, praised the governor for his respect for culture and traditional institutions.
In his goodwill message, the Olowo of Owo and Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa’s leadership, citing achievements in infrastructure, governance, community development and the revival of abandoned projects.
He also lauded the provision of official vehicles to over 200 traditional rulers and the allocation of five per cent of local government funds for community revitalisation.
Former Deputy Governor, Ambassador Omolade Oliwateru, also praised the governor for ongoing development projects across the state, particularly in Akure.
The event was attended by 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; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philips; members of the State Executive Council; legislators; former deputy governors; traditional rulers; and other political appointees.
