Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has pledged that the 2026 budget, recently signed into law, will be fully implemented with strict adherence to its targets, accountability and transparency across the public service.
Gatekeepers News reports thats describing the budget as critical to sustaining the state’s development trajectory, the governor said it contains provisions that will positively impact all sectors of the state’s economy and governance.
Aiyedatiwa spoke during the first working-day prayer meeting for 2026 at the Governor’s Office in Akure, where he urged all ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to commence implementation immediately to meet public expectations through prompt delivery of projects and programmes.
He stressed that public servants and political office holders must prioritise the overall interest of the state, calling on citizens to support the government by meeting their civic obligations and embracing the new year with optimism, patriotism and a shared sense of responsibility.
Reflecting on achievements recorded in the past year, the governor listed the construction and rehabilitation of about 190 kilometres of roads, the construction and renovation of 280 classrooms across primary, secondary and technical schools, as well as perimeter fencing of several schools.
On healthcare, Aiyedatiwa said the 112 health centres awarded for renovation and new construction in 2025 were nearing completion and being put into use. He added that the solar lighting initiative, which began in Akure, was being expanded to all local government areas of the state.
The governor also highlighted the revalidation of the Ondo Deep Sea Port licence and ongoing engagements with development partners for the establishment of a refinery and allied petrochemical industries in the Free Trade Zone, alongside other industrial projects along the Ondo South–Ogun–Lagos road corridor.
He disclosed that the administration was reviving moribund industries such as the Ifon Ceramic Industry and Okitipupa Oil Mill, while new industrial projects are planned for the Ore axis.
Reaffirming his commitment to workers’ welfare, Aiyedatiwa said the government had sustained regular promotions, prompt payment of salaries and the gradual settlement of inherited gratuities for state and local government retirees. He added that gradual recruitment would continue to strengthen succession planning and create employment opportunities for young graduates.
The governor commended labour union leaders for their cooperation in maintaining industrial harmony and urged public servants to uphold professionalism, dedication and ethical standards in advancing the state’s development agenda.
In his remarks, the Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip, said the public service had recorded steady and verifiable progress under the Aiyedatiwa administration, describing the achievements as undeniable.
According to him, the government currently leads in prompt and large-scale recruitment into the civil service, decisive efforts to stabilise gratuity and pension backlogs, an open-door policy on labour issues that has ensured lasting industrial peace, improved workers’ healthcare through a contributory health scheme, and timely payment of salaries and allowances.
In his exhortation, the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Most Rev. Dr Jude Ayodeji Arogundade, urged leaders and senior civil servants in the state to embrace purpose-driven leadership, integrity and sacrifice.
The bishop called on public office holders to administer public resources for the common good, guide the people responsibly and unlock development through their God-given talents.
