Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has assured workers in the state of his administration’s resolve to continue to place premium on their welfare despite the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic, which he said has led the country into the present harsh economic realities.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Richard Olatunde, said that he charged the workers to remain loyal, steadfast and hard working, while they must improve upon their attitude to work and dedicate their minds fully to whatever assignment that is given in the New Year.
The Governor spoke at the Annual General Prayer Meeting With the Public Servants for the first working day in the year 2022, held at the Governor’s office premises, Alagbaka, Akure.
He said his administration will continue to reward diligence, integrity, trustworthiness and dedication to the service of the people, noting that he will not shy away from taking audacious decisions.
His words: “It is in this way that we can deliver on the full import of the REDEEMED Agenda to mutually develop the service, our land and its people. We will ensure that all those who deserve elevation are duly promoted. We shall equally not shun our responsibility to take audacious decisions, even if they are unlikable.
“Anyone who works against the general interest of the people will be tracked down and sanctioned forcefully. We will continue to encourage and reward diligence, integrity, trustworthiness and dedication to the service of the people.”
He also called on workers in the state to be prepared to make sacrifices in view of the daunting challenges of this time.
He added: “We must live responsibly and continually protect ourselves and those around us by getting vaccinated as well as observing the all the non-pharmaceutical COVID-19 protocols. If anyone tests positive for COVID-19, please isolate and report yourself to the designated health facilities.”
While assuring to continue to explore all available windows to position the State as the hub of enterprise and good governance, Akeredolu reiterated his administration’s commitment to the regular payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities, subventions and other financial obligations, saying “I assure you that better days await us and the best is yet to come for all of us in our dear Sunshine State.”
Noting that his administration takes the security of lives and property very seriously, he said the birth of Amotekun was timely as Ondo state is now being adjudged the most peaceful state in the federation.
He said: “One of the parameters to measure a healthy State is the security of lives and property of the citizens. Fortunately, Ondo State has been adjudged one of the most peaceful States in the Federation.
“The birth of Amotekun Corps in Ondo State was timely and I can say without mincing words that the Amotekun Corps has performed creditably. Until recently, the army has been a team player in the security architecture of Ondo State. We salute the military, police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps and other paramilitary agencies for their efforts in sustaining the peace in our State.
“While acknowledging their roles in the peace efforts, let me reiterate for the umpteenth time that the Amotekun Corps has been put in place to complement their efforts. It is not in competition in any form. It goes without saying that the successes and comportment of the Corps have demonstrated that the State Government had made no mistake in setting it up. It has equally helped to take several of our employable youths off the unemployment market.”
