….. 2023 POLLS PROVES NIGERIANS AS PEOPLE UNITED BY COMMON DESTINY, SAYS GOV AKEREDOLU
***Commends FG for Devolving Power to State, while Re-Emphasizing Calls for True Federalism.
***As the Book, “AKETI: The Courage to Lead in Trying Times” was launched.
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON has said that the just concluded 2023 elections in the country have proved that Nigerians are ready to continue as a people united by common destiny.
The Governor spoke through his Deputy, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa at the public presentation of the Book, “AKETI: The Courage to Lead in Trying Times” , held at International Culture and Event Center (The Dome), Alagbaka Akure on Friday.
The book was reviewed by the Director of Corporate Communication, NARSDA, Dr Felix Ale.
He said, “the outcome of the just concluded general elections showed that majority of Nigerians hearkened to our persistent calls for a just country and they have displayed their sense of patriotism at this crucial period in the history of democratic governance in the country” .
“The elections have again proved that Nigerians are ready to continue as a people united by common destiny” , he said.
While commending President Muhammadu Buhari for his recent assent to some Bills that supports devolution of powers, the Governor further re-emphasized his calls for true federalism, saying there was the need for the country, to imbibe the tenets of true federalism.
His words, “for the umpteenth time that, the Nigerian states must administered true to it’s acclaimed federal status” .
“The government and people of Ondo State hope to engage the Federal Government vigorously on these issues”.
“On this struggle, we will never waver” .
Governor Akeredolu further said ” it is in this direction that the Governors in the Southwest midwives and created the Amotekun Corps, and i am happy that this Boock has put on record some of the achievements of the security outfit in the State in the last three years” .
“We will therefore continue to strengthen the Amotekun Corps and we will not relent in our call for the Corps to be allowed to bear tools and weapons allowed by law to protect the people and their properties” , he said.
The Governor equally disclosed at the well attended event that the State have taken several steps towards the realization of Ondo Deep Sea Port while awaiting Port Declaration by the Federal Government.
Deepening good governance in the Sunshine State, Governor Akeredolu explained that his administration’s mission to redeem the State has been marched with courage and determination.
“Our determination to have the State better than we met it and bridge infrastructural gap is yielding impressive results” .
“We promised to give priority attention to workers’ welfare, and today we have offset six out of the inherited seven months salary arrears, while we are now up-to-date with the payment of the monthly salary” , he further said.
While launching the Book as the chairman of the event, Senator-Elect, Dr Jimoh Ibrahim CFR said, Governor Akeredolu has indeed led and continue to lead with courage in our trying times.
“Aketi is hope in a hopeless situations” , he said.
The Book Author who is also the publisher of Trace Magazine, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan described Governor Akeredolu as a leader that prosecutes his convictions with courage.
“Maintaining your honesty and audacity and selflessness in the face of challenges is inspirational… fighting for the people even at the expense of your personal interest and comfort is a trait that all of us must learn to masters” , he said.
Other speakers at the event are Minister of State for Transportation, Prince Ademola Adegoroye, Ekiti State Governor represented by Secretary to Ekiti State Government, Dr Habibat Omolara Adubiaro, Ondo State commissioner of Information and Orientation, Mrs Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, Chairman, Ondo State Council of Obas and Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Chief Olusola Oke SAN, while the Ondo State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Prince Leke Adegbite led colleagues.
Other dignitaries at the occasion included the state Commissioner for Finance, Mr Wale Akinterinwa; the Olowa of Igbara Oke, Oba Adefarakanmi Agbede; Iresi of Osi Kingdom in Akure North local government area, Oba David Olajide as well as the Iralepo of Isikan in Akure South, Oba Olofin Adumula Ojo; State lawmakers as well as some recently elected federal and state lawmakers.
The highlight of the occasion was the launching of multi-million naira library for Adu Memorial Secondary School, Akure by Prince Adeniyan where he graduated from.
