Independence: Ondo Govt Secures 26,000 Hectares of Land, Earmarks ₦7.5 Billion for Agriculture
By Exponent Akure, Nigeria October 1, 2025
As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence Anniversary, the Ondo State Government has announced a major push to boost food security and economic growth through agriculture, securing 26,000 hectares of land and earmarking ₦7.5 billion for sectoral development.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, speaking at the state’s Independence Day celebration in Akure, said the initiative is part of a broader agenda to drive sustainable development across critical sectors of the state. “This initiative will boost food security, create jobs, and open new opportunities for agribusiness investors,” he stated.
The event, which crowned a series of commemorative activities—including Jumat prayers and a thanksgiving service—served as a platform to reflect on Nigeria’s 65-year journey since independence and showcase the state’s development milestones.
A Nation United in Progress
“Today is not just a date in history. It is a moment to reflect on our journey as a people,” the governor remarked, paying tribute to Nigeria’s founding fathers and the country’s resilience through civil strife, military rule, and democratic evolution.
Highlighting Nigeria’s role as Africa’s largest democracy and a peacekeeping force on the continent, he added, “Independence gave us more than self-rule. It gave us the dignity of identity and the right to dream as Nigerians.”
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his bold economic reforms and infrastructure initiatives, stating that “Nigeria is making steady progress under the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Ondo’s Development Strides
Since the current administration took office in February 2025, several transformative projects have been launched across Ondo State:
Infrastructure: Major road dualizations such as Akungba-Ikare and Okitipupa-Igbokoda are underway. Five kilometers of road are being constructed in each of the 18 LGAs to improve rural access and commerce.
Healthcare: Over 112 Primary Health Care Centers have been renovated. A pharma-grade warehouse has been commissioned to ensure steady drug supply, and the state has prioritized recruitment into the health sector.
Education: Classroom renovations, digital learning platforms, free shuttle buses, and bursaries for students of Ondo origin are ongoing. Sporting and instructional facilities have also been improved.
Housing & Governance: The government is constructing 32 four-bedroom terraced houses for cabinet members and has plans to expand similar schemes to civil servants and the general public.
Security: The state has invested in 75 high-grade vehicles equipped with modern security tools to aid security agencies.
Public Service & Welfare: The state continues to reduce its domestic debt profile, maintain financial discipline, and ensure prompt payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities.
A Call to Unity and Responsibility
In his closing remarks, the governor urged citizens to remain hopeful and united. “Freedom comes with responsibility. We must remain committed to peace and to building a future that is better than our past.”
“As we celebrate this milestone, let us continue to choose hope, hard work, and faith in God and in ourselves,” he said. “Ondo State is moving forward. Nigeria is moving forward. And nothing is beyond our reach.”
The speech ended with a resounding call: “God bless Ondo State, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
