Prince Demola Adeloye, Convener of OWN ONDO 2028, has said the recently concluded Ekiti State governorship election offers important lessons for citizens of Ondo State, stressing that the future of any society is ultimately determined by those who actively participate in shaping it.
According to Adeloye, the outcome of the election underscored the importance of civic engagement and the need for citizens to move beyond political apathy towards constructive participation in governance and development.
He noted that available statistics from the Ekiti poll showed that only 38.7 per cent of registered voters participated in the election, while the eventual winner secured the mandate with votes representing about 8.4 per cent of the state’s total population.
“These figures are not merely electoral statistics; they reveal a broader reality about democratic societies. The future is often shaped not by the majority who remain indifferent, but by citizens who are informed, engaged and willing to participate,” he said.
Adeloye emphasized that the lessons from Ekiti go beyond politics and elections, adding that they speak to the larger question of citizens’ involvement in the affairs of their communities and states.
He maintained that Ondo State possesses enormous human and natural resources capable of driving sustainable growth and prosperity, but argued that achieving such aspirations requires greater participation from the people.
According to him, meaningful development cannot be left to government alone, stressing that citizens have a responsibility to contribute ideas, promote accountability and support initiatives capable of advancing the collective interest of society.
He said active citizen engagement in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, security, infrastructure, technology and economic development would help unlock the state’s vast potential and accelerate progress.
Adeloye further observed that societies that record lasting development are those where citizens are not merely spectators but active stakeholders committed to shaping public discourse and influencing positive change.
“The lesson from Ekiti is simple. The future belongs to those who show up. Development thrives where citizens are informed, where conversations are constructive, and where people are prepared to take ownership of their destiny,” he stated.
The OWN ONDO 2028 Convener called for increased public consciousness and greater involvement of citizens in issues affecting the state’s future, noting that sustainable progress requires collaboration between leaders and the people.
He added that the challenge before Ondo people is no longer limited to what government can accomplish on its own, but what government and citizens can collectively achieve through partnership, accountability and a shared commitment to development.
Adeloye urged residents of the state, particularly young people and professionals, to embrace active citizenship and contribute their quota towards building a prosperous, inclusive and forward-looking Ondo State.
He reiterated that the vision of OWN ONDO 2028 remains anchored on encouraging informed conversations, promoting civic responsibility and inspiring a culture of participation capable of delivering sustainable development for future generations.
“The future we desire will not emerge by chance. It will be built by citizens who are prepared to engage, contribute and work together in pursuit of the common good,” he added.
