2026: Aiyedatiwa Tasks Workers on State Interest, Unveils Fresh Development Push
5th January, 2026
* Gov pledges improved workers’ welfare, strict budget implementation
* Govt to revive Ifon Ceramic, Okitipupa Oil Mill, others
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has charged public servants and political office holders to recommit themselves to the overall interest of the state, urging them to begin the New Year with renewed diligence, unity of purpose and unwavering dedication to rapid development under his administration’s “OUR EASE” agenda.
The governor gave the charge on Monday during the First Working Day Prayer Meeting for 2026 held at the Governor’s Car Park, Governor’s Office, Akure, where he called on ministries, departments and agencies to immediately commence implementation of government programmes in line with public expectations.
Governor Aiyedatiwa stressed that the success of his administration in 2026 would depend largely on the prompt and efficient execution of projects and policies, adding that citizens expected tangible dividends of governance without delay.
He assured that the 2026 Budget would be implemented strictly as approved, noting that adherence to budgetary provisions, accountability and transparency across the public service would remain non-negotiable.
According to him, faithful budget implementation was central to sustaining the state’s development momentum and ensuring value for public resources.
The governor also appealed to residents of the state to support government efforts by fulfilling their civic responsibilities and approaching the New Year with optimism, patriotism and a collective sense of ownership of Ondo State’s progress.
Reviewing achievements recorded in the past year under the “OUR EASE” agenda, Aiyedatiwa listed the construction and rehabilitation of about 190 kilometres of roads, as well as the construction and renovation of 280 classrooms across primary, secondary and technical schools, alongside perimeter fencing of several schools.
He disclosed that the 2026 Budget made further provisions for the upgrade of educational infrastructure across the state.
In the health sector, the governor said the 112 health centres awarded for renovation and new construction in 2025 were nearing completion and being put into use, while the solar-powered street lighting initiative introduced in Akure was being extended to all local government areas.
On the economic front, he announced the revalidation of the Ondo Deep Sea Port licence and ongoing engagements with development partners on plans for a refinery and allied petrochemical industries within the Free Trade Zone, as well as other industrial projects along the Ondo South–Ogun–Lagos corridor.
Governor Aiyedatiwa added that the administration had commenced the revival of long-abandoned industries, including the Ifon Ceramic Industry and the Okitipupa Oil Mill, with additional industrial projects earmarked for the Ore axis of the state.
He said security had improved significantly through enhanced collaboration among security agencies, increased logistics support and improved operational capacity, leading to better crime response across the state.
To further strengthen the Amotekun Corps, the governor announced the approval of 500 additional personnel and further investment in equipment, assuring continued synergy among all security outfits to protect lives and property.
Reiterating his commitment to workers’ welfare, Aiyedatiwa said regular promotions, prompt payment of salaries and the steady settlement of inherited gratuities for both state and local government retirees had been sustained. He added that gradual recruitment would continue to ensure succession planning and job opportunities for young graduates.
He commended labour leaders for maintaining industrial harmony in the state and urged public servants to uphold professionalism, dedication and ethical conduct in the discharge of their duties.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Head of Service of Ondo State, Mr Bayo Philip, said the public service had recorded measurable and verifiable progress under Governor Aiyedatiwa, describing the achievements as evident and commendable.
He noted that the administration had distinguished itself through prompt and large-scale recruitment, deliberate efforts to stabilise gratuity and pension backlogs, an open-door approach to labour relations that fostered lasting peace, improved workers’ healthcare via a contributory health scheme, and the timely payment of salaries and allowances.
While applauding the governor’s labour-friendly posture, Philip acknowledged that not all challenges could be resolved at once, noting that leadership involved balancing limited resources against competing needs.
He urged workers to reciprocate government’s goodwill by seeing themselves as stewards of public trust, stressing discipline, punctuality, diligence and zero tolerance for corruption, wastefulness 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 anchored on integrity and sacrifice.
The bishop urged office holders to administer public resources for the common good, unlock development through their talents and ensure governance truly served the people.
Describing 2026 as a defining year, Arogundade appealed for collective sacrifice to build Ondo State, preserve its core values and secure a better future, encouraging leaders and citizens to continually assess their contributions to societal progress.
In his vote of thanks, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Ademola Olapade, thanked the governor for implementing the minimum wage and approving workers’ promotions, while urging him to sustain and expand pro-labour policies.
He assured the governor of the continued support of organised labour for his 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 senior government officials.
