As the New Year officially commenced, Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has charged public servants and political office holders to put the collective interest of the state above personal considerations and work diligently towards accelerated development, in line with the administration’s “OUR EASE” agenda.

The governor gave the charge on Monday at the First Working Day Prayer Meeting for 2026, held at the Governor’s Car Park, Governor’s Office, Akure.

He urged ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to hit the ground running, stressing that the expectations of the people must be met with prompt delivery of impactful projects and programmes.

Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed that the 2026 Budget would be implemented faithfully and strictly in accordance with its provisions, emphasising accountability, transparency and adherence to set targets across the public service as critical drivers of sustained development.

He also called on citizens to support government efforts by fulfilling their civic responsibilities and embracing the New Year with optimism, patriotism and a shared sense of ownership in the state’s progress.

Reviewing the administration’s achievements in the past year under the “OUR EASE” agenda, the governor highlighted the construction and rehabilitation of about 190 kilometres of roads, the building and renovation of 280 classrooms across primary, secondary and technical schools, as well as the fencing of several school premises.

He added that the 2026 Budget made further provisions to enhance educational infrastructure.
On healthcare delivery, Governor Aiyedatiwa disclosed that 112 health centres awarded for renovation and new construction in 2025 were nearing completion and already being put into use.

He also said the solar lighting initiative, earlier launched in Akure, was being extended to all local government areas of the state.
In the area of economic development, the governor announced the revalidation of the Ondo Deep Sea Port licence and ongoing engagements with development partners on the establishment of a refinery and allied petrochemical industries within the Free Trade Zone.

He added that arrangements were underway for additional industries along the Ondo South–Ogun–Lagos road corridor.

The governor further revealed that the administration was reviving moribund industries, including the Ifon Ceramic Industry and Okitipupa Oil Mill, while new industrial projects were being planned for the Ore axis.

On security, Governor Aiyedatiwa said the state had recorded significant improvements through enhanced collaboration among security agencies, improved logistics and strengthened operational capacity.

To further boost the Amotekun Corps, he approved the recruitment of 500 additional personnel and increased investment in equipment, pledging sustained synergy to safeguard lives and property.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, the governor said regular promotions, prompt payment of salaries and the steady settlement of inherited gratuities for state and local government retirees had been sustained.

He added that gradual recruitment would continue to ensure effective succession planning and provide employment opportunities for young graduates.

Governor Aiyedatiwa commended labour leaders for their cooperation in maintaining industrial harmony and urged public servants to uphold professionalism, dedication and ethical standards in the discharge of their duties.

In his welcome address, the Head of Service of Ondo State, Mr Bayo Philip, said the public service had recorded steady and verifiable progress under Governor Aiyedatiwa’s leadership.

He described the achievements of the administration as undeniable, citing prompt and massive recruitment, efforts to stabilise gratuity and pension backlogs, improved labour relations, enhanced workers’ healthcare through the contributory health scheme, and the regular payment of salaries and allowances.

While appreciating the governor’s labour-friendly disposition, Philip noted that it was unrealistic to address all service-related challenges at once, explaining that leadership required prudent allocation of scarce resources amid competing demands.

He urged workers to reciprocate government’s goodwill by seeing themselves as stewards rather than mere employees, and by embracing discipline, punctuality, diligence and zero tolerance for corruption, waste and indiscipline.

In his exhortation, the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Most Rev Dr Jude Ayodeji Arogundade, called on leaders and senior civil servants to embrace purpose-driven leadership rooted in integrity and sacrifice.

He urged office holders to administer public resources for the common good and to unlock development through their God-given talents.

Describing 2026 as a defining year, the bishop appealed for collective sacrifice to build Ondo State, preserve its values and secure a better future, urging leaders and citizens alike to constantly assess their commitment to the welfare of the people.

Delivering the vote of thanks, the Ondo State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ademola Olapade, expressed appreciation to the governor for implementing the minimum wage and approving promotions for workers.

While urging him to do more, he assured that organised labour in the state remained solidly behind the administration.

Prayers were offered by Christian and Muslim clerics for the governor, the state, workers and the nation.

Dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji; Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Ayedun Odusola; Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; APC State Chairman, Engr Ade Adetimehin; members of the State Executive Council; lawmakers; labour leaders; permanent secretaries; religious leaders; political appointees and other top government officials.