Yemi Obafemi
Ondo state Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has vowed to put the welfare of citizens first, with a special focus on the most vulnerable.
The governor stated this during his speech immediately following his inauguration on Monday.
The event was held at the Ondo State Sports Complex in Akure, the state capital, two months after he secured victory in the governorship election under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Aiyedatiwa also pardon 43 convicts in Ondo State.
After being sworn into office, Aiyedatiwa stated, “Before I start my address, let me briefly make this remark in honor of today’s inauguration.”
“Having had time with the state advisory council’s objective of mercy, this administration on the 24 of December 2024, considered the list of convicts deserving the mercy of the governor of Ondo State.
“And on this day, I am exercising that authority, that power conferred on me to pardon some convicts who had been sentenced or condemned for various offences. Today I am setting free a total number of 43 of them.
Governor Aiyedatiwa stated that his administration has regained the people’s trust in the government and assured that he and his deputy would not become complacent.
“We like to assure you that the overwhelming renewed mandate you have freely given to us has further placed on us a huge burden of leadership and we promise never to rest on our oars.
“I and my deputy, we make a solemn pledge this day that we shall lead and govern with the fear of God and utmost dedication to the progress of the state. We will prioritise the welfare of our people particularly most vulnerable among us, that is the poor, the sick and the marginalised.”
“In the next four years, we will work with interested investors and our development partners in ensuring that our Port Ondo becomes a reality.
“We will also facilitate investors to explore our large deposit of bitumen for local use and export purposes thereby generating huge revenue for the state.”
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including APC Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Osun State Governor Bisi Akande, former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba, Minister of Youth Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and others.
