Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to reviving moribund industries, creating jobs and prioritising the welfare of workers as key pillars of the state’s development agenda in 2026.
The governor made this known on Monday at the First Working Day Prayer Meeting for 2026, held at the Governor’s Car Park, Governor’s Office, Akure, where he charged public servants and political office holders to place the interest of the state above personal considerations and work diligently towards rapid development under the “OUR EASE” agenda.
Governor Aiyedatiwa urged ministries, departments and agencies to hit the ground running, stressing that the expectations of the people must be met with prompt delivery of projects and programmes. He assured that the 2026 Budget would be implemented faithfully, with strict adherence to targets, accountability and transparency across the public service.
He called on citizens to support government efforts by fulfilling their civic obligations and embracing the New Year with optimism, patriotism and a shared sense of responsibility for Ondo State’s progress.
Highlighting achievements recorded in the past year, the governor listed the construction and rehabilitation of about 190 kilometres of roads, the building and renovation of 280 classrooms across primary, secondary and technical schools, and the fencing of several school premises. He added that the 2026 Budget contains additional provisions to further strengthen educational infrastructure.
In the health sector, Governor Aiyedatiwa said the renovation and construction of 112 health centres awarded in 2025 were nearing completion, while the solar lighting initiative introduced in Akure was being extended to all local government areas of the state.
On economic development, the governor disclosed that the revalidation of the Ondo Deep Sea Port licence had opened new investment opportunities, with ongoing engagements with development partners for a refinery and allied petrochemical industries in the Free Trade Zone, alongside other industries along the Ondo South–Ogun–Lagos road corridor.
He also announced concrete steps to revive moribund industries such as the Ifon Ceramic Industry and the Okitipupa Oil Mill, while revealing plans for new industrial projects around the Ore axis as part of efforts to stimulate economic growth and job creation.
Governor Aiyedatiwa said security in the state had improved significantly through enhanced collaboration among security agencies, improved logistics and operational capacity. To further strengthen security, he approved the recruitment of 500 additional personnel into the Amotekun Corps, alongside increased investment in equipment.
Reaffirming his commitment to workers’ welfare, the governor said his administration had sustained regular promotions, prompt payment of salaries and the gradual settlement of inherited gratuities for state and local government retirees. He added that phased recruitment would continue to ensure succession planning and provide employment opportunities for young graduates.
He commended labour union leaders for maintaining industrial harmony and urged public servants to uphold professionalism, dedication and ethical standards in service delivery.
Earlier, the Head of Service of Ondo State, Mr Bayo Philip, described the achievements of the Aiyedatiwa administration as steady and verifiable, citing prompt recruitment, efforts to stabilise gratuity and pension backlogs, improved workers’ healthcare through a contributory health scheme, and regular payment of salaries and allowances.
In his exhortation, the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Most Rev Dr Jude Ayodeji Arogundade, urged leaders to embrace purpose-driven leadership, integrity and sacrifice, describing 2026 as a defining moment for collective responsibility in building a better Ondo State.
The event was attended by top government officials, labour leaders, religious leaders and political stakeholders, who also offered prayers for the state, its leadership and workers.
