….A Consistent Aiyedatiwa’s Loyal Ally.
…..Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa recorded historic victory in the recently conducted November 16, 2024 gubernatorial election. Hon. Abiola Makinde, the strategic man who led the campaign of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC Governorship Election in Ondo State as the Director General speaks with SUNEHINETRUTH News Magazine and Online news in this Exclusive Interview on how the feat was achieved….
- Who is Hon Abiola Peter Makinde?
I’m the Member representing Ondo East and Ondo West local government in the Federal House of Representatives and also doubles as the Chairman, House committee on Human Rights. An accomplished businessman, political strategist, a loving husband and a compassionate father. I’m married to Dr. Rhoda Oluwatoberu Makinde, the founder of Dr. Rhoda Makinde Initiative (DROMI), a philanthropic organization that seeks to empower women and other vulnerable groups across Nigeria and beyond.
I am a second term member of the green chamber and his official manifesto is code-named WEALTH AGENDA. The WEALTH AGENDA is a body of key societal area of intervention for the overall benefit of the Ondo East/West Federal Constituency.
Honorable Abiola Makinde was appointed the Director-General of the Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Olayide Adelami Governorship campaign council and he delivered an empathetic and landslide victory for the APC in all 18 local government area of the state.
- What have been your major achievements since you were elected a federal lawmaker?
To the glory of God and the fervent support and prayers of my constituents, I have been able to occasion a handful of developmental endeavors in my Federal Constituency. As a matter of fact, my interventions are well-thought out and carefully crafted as the WEALTH AGENDA meaning Water, Education, Agriculture, Light, Training and Health.
As a matter of fact, I have a very long and exhaustive list of achievements to my credit, but for the want of time, I will quickly run through a summarized list of my accomplishments over the last 5 years.
They include but not limited to:
*Sponsored HB 426 Bill to upgrade Adeyemi College of Education to a Federal University of Education from its old status since 1988. This has actually become a reality now. The university is there now, doing well, to God be the glory.
- Facilitated the construction of six blocks classroom to St Andrew Anglican Grammar School, Ondo
- Facilitated the construction of an ultra-modern Skill Acquisition Centre.
- Facilitated the construction of a primary school at Ajangbala Community in Oka, Ondo.
- Facilitated the construction of a primary school at Odowo Community.
- Facilitated the asphalt overlaying of GRA Itanla and Ajangbale, Oka, others foretold to come.
- Facilitated the installation of Solar powered boreholes at Ifore, Kajola, Oboto, Owena-leshin, IgboOja, Igunshin, Jimekun, Igbado, to mention a few.
- Annual Provision of instructional materials, School bags, Writing Materials, Textbooks, Laptops, Projectors, Desktop Computers etc to students and teachers across Ondo East and West local government areas.
- Facilitated the installation of Solar Panel lights across Ondo in numerous streets to illuminate the city.
- Sponsored and currently sponsoring over 30 indigent Ondo Students for Post Graduate studies overseas including UK, Sweden, Norway, Canada, India and Germany amongst others.
- Completed and delivered the building of an Ultra Modern Library at the heart of Ondo for the continued development of academics of our students.
- Currently constructing Ekiwood Movie Village in Epe, Ondo East, which when completed will be the biggest movie village in Ondo state.
- Constructed Ondo City Ultra-modern Children Park and Zoo with swimming pool as attraction for children constituents.
- Provided four patrol vehicles across all police divisions in Ondo East and West to promote security of lives and properties.
- Facilitated a first-of-its-kind mega empowerment for his constituents across Ondo East and West which saw the distribution of tricycles, motorcycles, deep freezers, grinding machines, hair dryers amongst many others.
- Sponsored several welfare interventions for our aged, widows and orphans by distributing food items, cash and other packages to them.
- Matriculated and graduated hundreds of youths who had acquired one skill or another through the HAMDROMI Entrepreneurship school all for free.
- Facilitated Federal employments for numerous youths from Ondo East and West across several federal institutions, ministries, departments and agencies.
- Facilitated a mini empowerment to farmers by supplying farm tools and training in modern farming techniques.
- Provided transformers to several communities in need within my constituency.
The above stated achievements are just the major ones that time can permit me to note. The residents and constituents of Ondo East and West Federal constituency would continue to bear witness and attest to the able and dynamic representation that they’ve enjoyed over the years.
It’s noteworthy that the huge achievements have been earning me many honours and Awards from my people and other reputable bodies across Ondo Kingdom, Ondo State, nationwide and even outside the country. We shall not relent.
- You recently led the 2024 APC Governorship Campaign Council as the DG, what was the magic of the 18-0 historic accomplishment and now a popular slogan?
It just as it sounds, for the first time in the history of Ondo state, APC is the first political party to win all the local government in the state in a major election like the governorship election. In the November 16, 2024 election, we won in all 18 local government areas in the state.
This shows people’s love and absolute confidence in the ability of His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and in our party, knowing that Mr Governor has the capacity to deliver for them inclusive and qualitative governance. So, 18-0 will remain in the history book many years to come.
- You led campaigns in the 18 LGAs, what can you described as the most challenging movement before Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa won the election historically?
Whatever victory we had was well-deserved. We put in the work. We campaigned massively and worked tirelessly, day and night. I think the whole process was challenging up till after election was conducted and declaration of the deserved winner. We give glory to God and appreciate our people for the unprecedented support.
- What are the lessons of that landslide victory of the APC in the election?
The major lesson in it for me is that of belief and trust that the citizens of Ondo state have freely bestowed on our Governor, H.E Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa by giving him their mandate in trust to see to the affairs of Ondo state for the next 4 years. Our landslide victory was that of trust, hardwork, tenacity and togetherness. I also learnt that a lot can be achieved through positive cohesion and unity.
7. What should the people of Ondo State expect from the APC government in the next 4years?
The people of Ondo state should expect Mr Governor to drive home his “OUR EASE” agenda which implies; Order, Security and the Rule of Law, Urban and Rural Development through Agriculture and Blue Economy, Revolutionary technological Advancement and Industrialization, Efficient Healthcare and socio- economic welfare, Adequate power and affordable energy, Sustainable infrastructural development and tourism and finally, Education, human capital development and entrepreneurship.
Looking at the agenda of Mr Governor, it is clear what he intends to achieve. His set goals and objectives are intentionally spelt out and I urge all stakeholders to give him maximum support to the realization of these goals for the development of the state.
HON. ABIOLA MAKINDE AS A GREAT LOYAL ALLY OF GOVERNOR LUCKY AIYEDATIWA
Hon. Makinde has consistently been in the forefront of defending the interest of Mr Governor even during the 2023 impeachment saga against him as the Deputy Governor and the recent attacks on him and the Finance Commissioner, you are the first federal lawmaker to protect the administration.
Hon. Makinde is one of the few political associates of Hon. Aiyedatiwa whose loyalty to ‘Mr Governor’s projects’ can always be taken to the market for great value. Loyalty in politics is a key ingredient of compensating associates when it is time to do so by the principal.
…..LET THE COMMISSIONER FOR FINANCE FOCUS ON HER WORK —Hon Makinde
A Bold Move for Ondo State.
In today’s challenging political landscape, strong leadership and clear priorities are more important than ever. In Ondo State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has demonstrated these qualities by appointing a highly capable Commissioner for Finance—a decision that should be celebrated and supported. Instead of fueling distractions, our focus must remain on empowering competent leaders to drive progress and build a better future for our state.
A PRUDENT CHOICE BY GOVERNOR LUCKY AYEDATIWA;
Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa’s appointment of the current Commissioner for Finance is a testament to his commitment to effective governance. By choosing a skilled professional for this critical role, the Governor has sent a clear message: competence and dedication to public service are the foundation of sustainable development. In an environment where political games and partisan distractions often take center stage, this decision stands out as a beacon of rationality and purpose.
THE NEED FOR A DISTRACTION-FREE ADMINISTRATION;
While healthy political debate is essential in a vibrant democracy, unnecessary distractions can hamper the ability of our government to address pressing fiscal and developmental challenges. The current political climate—marked by partisan infighting—detracts from the critical work being done in the finance ministry. It is imperative that all parties, including PDP, refrain from
interfering in the professional duties of those entrusted with managing the state’s finances. Allowing the Commissioner to focus solely on her work will not only improve our state’s financial management but also set a standard for future administrations.
WHY COMPETENCE MUST TRUMP POLITICS:
When capable officials are given the freedom to execute their roles without undue political interference, the entire state benefits. This principle is particularly crucial in financial management, where clear-eyed decisions and expert handling of resources can pave the way for economic stability and growth. Another sterling example of competence is Mr Governor’s recent appointment of Engr. Ayorinde Olawoye Abiola, FNSE, as the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Ondo State on Infrastructure, Lands, and Housing.
With his extensive background in civil engineering, construction, project management, and consultancy, he is armed with the necessary experience to move Ondo forward; a round peg in a round hole. Governor Ayedatiwa’s decision is an example of leadership that values skill over spectacle—a move that should be emulated by all political actors in Ondo State. The focus should be on building a robust and transparent financial framework, robust infrastructural development amongst other things rather than engaging in distractions that only serve short-term political interests.
A CALL FOR UNITY AND FOCUS;
As citizens and political stakeholders, it is our responsibility to support initiatives that aim to improve the functioning of our state government. The current Commissioner for Finance has the expertise and the mandate to steer our finances toward a brighter future. Let us respect this professional appointment by stepping aside from unnecessary distractions and instead, join in efforts to enhance accountability, efficiency, and progress in our state.
Afterall, Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa’s decision reinforces the need for meritocracy and focused governance. Hence, It is time for all political parties and other agitating groups to acknowledge that distraction serves no one—not the people of Ondo State, not our economy, and certainly not the future we all aspire to build.
Let’s give our current and to-be appointees the room they need to work and, in doing so, contribute to a more prosperous and well-governed Ondo State. Sincerely, this is my heart desire – Ondo need to catch up on a lot of things. We have a lot of work to do ahead: Our Oil, Seaport, airport, road infrastructure, security, free education, free health, sports, entertainment, entrepreneurship/job creation etc all are being attended to by our amiable Governor, pls let’s allow him and his team to focused. Scripture says in Ecclesiastes 3:11-12 GNT: “He has set the right time for everything. He has given us a desire to know the future, but never gives us the satisfaction of fully understanding what he does. (12)So I realized that all we can do is be happy and do the best we can while we are still alive.” Hence, If it’s not your turn or you’re not picked to serve, just find a second address, I beg you. Life goes on.
May God bless Ondo State, our dear Sunshine State.
Hon. Dr. Abiola Peter Makinde, PhD, RMHR (Ranking Member, House of Reps)
February 11,2025.
