Ondo state Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, said the task before the leadership of the country is to build a strong and viable economy that would generate a prosperous, progressive and dignified life for the good of the country and the State.
Akeredolu in his speech yesterday in Akure at the 59th independent anniversary Celebration believed that the country has not got to where it should be since it got independence from the British government 59 years ago.
The celebration held at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade Ground in Akure also witnessed parade and march past by the Nigerian police, selected schools across the 18 Local Government areas, various associations and groups.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Agboola Ajayi noted that the leadership of the country has exhausted all excuses for its underdevelopment 59 years after independence, adding that the country could get to her desired destination with more hard work, enterprise, creativity and constant fight against corruption
He lauded the founding fathers who laboured so hard and sacrificed so much to build and bequeath to us what he called wonderful nation, saying “it is our duty to consolidate this great legacy.”
Akeredolu particularly disclosed that the task before the leadership of the country is to build a strong and viable economy that would generate a prosperous, progressive and dignified life for the good of the country and the State.
The governor who noted that the nation was going through some challenges ranging from insecurity of lives and properties, poor welfare and other social vices which are making lives difficult for the people, however, said solid foundations are being laid and frantic efforts are being made to solve all the challenges and bring succour to the people.
He revealed that security of lives and properties was of utmost importance to his administration, hence the state government was collaborating with the Federal Government and other South-West states to map out strategies to stamp out banditry and violence in the affected states.
The governor said his administration has procured 120 motorcycles and 20 Hilux vehicles to aid in tackling insecurity.
He said the operation Amotekun would soon be inaugurated in the southwest geo-political zone in order to tackle insecurity in the zone.
Akeredolu said that the government was doing everything possible to improve the economy of the State and ensure that the citizens enjoy new lease of life.
He added that his government would fight corruption, waste, inefficiency, ineffectiveness and unpatriotic attitude of some people in the state.
According to him, no price is too great to be paid for peace and national unity, saying that “we shall continue to work hard to curtail the enemies of democracy, agents of instability and associates of undemocratic conducts.”
In separate interviews at the celebration, the Special Adviser to the governor on Political Mobilisation and Strategy, Victor Olabimtan, Commissioner for Works and infrastructure, Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye and Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Titi Adeyemi, they appreciated God for still making Nigeria one country after Independence 59 years ago despite the challenges.
The trio also commended the state governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for leading the state well and moving it to the next level of greatness in education, infrastructure, improved welfare of the people, youth and women empowerment, agriculture, industrialisation among others.
Present at the event were the Secretary to the State Government, Ifedayo Abegunde, the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Bamidele Oleyelogun, and other members of the Assembly, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Olugbenga Ale, Head of Service, Dare Aragbaiye, members of the State Executive Council, the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Olutoyin Akeredolu and other Judges, traditional rulers led by the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladelusi Aladetoyinbo, religious leaders and other top government officials.
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