Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has called on political actors and residents to prioritise peace and issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections, while outlining ongoing government projects across key sectors of the state.
Aiyedatiwa made the call on Thursday at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade in Akure during the state’s celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The governor urged political leaders, party members and youths to reject violence and respect the political choices of others, stressing the need for responsible citizenship and peaceful engagement.
He described Nigeria’s independence as a responsibility shared by successive generations and urged citizens to contribute to the country’s development.
Speaking on his administration’s activities, Aiyedatiwa said the government was implementing projects and programmes in healthcare, education, agriculture, power and infrastructure to improve living conditions and strengthen the state’s economy.
He said about 3,323 health professionals had been recruited across the 18 local government areas, while the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital Complex had received a 1.5 Tesla MRI machine and a 160-slice CT scanner.
According to him, the state has also expanded its health insurance programme to cover retirees and pensioners.
In the agricultural sector, the governor said 26,000 hectares of farmland had been secured, while more than two million cocoa seedlings had been distributed to farmers.
He added that about 14,000 smallholder cocoa and oil-palm farmers had been profiled under a programme supported by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
Aiyedatiwa also highlighted efforts to improve electricity supply and attract private investment, including plans to encourage private-sector participation in the 30MW Ore Independent Power Plant.
He identified the Olokola Industrial and Free Trade Zone and the proposed Ondo Deep Sea Port as other areas with investment potential.
On workers’ welfare, the governor said his administration had maintained regular salary payments and continued efforts to settle pension and gratuity obligations.
He also cited the recruitment of teachers and the provision of bursaries and scholarships for students as part of measures to support education in the state.
Aiyedatiwa further pledged continued cooperation with security agencies and urged residents to provide relevant information to authorities to help protect communities, farms and businesses across Ondo State.
