Governor Akeredolu sworn in for second term.
– Steve Ovirih.
Akure, the capital of Ondo State was agog today, the 24th February as well meaning Nigerians and prominent politicians as well as first class royal fathers gathered at the International Event and Cultural Center, Igbatoro , Akure for the inauguration of Governor Akeredolu for second term.
The swearing – in ceremony featured special police parade and inspection of the Guard of Honor by the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu. Also featured was the special presentation of anthem which chronicled Gov. Akeredolu’s giant strides and projections by the Emerald choral group.
After the administration of oath on the Deputy Governor and the Governor by the state Chief Judge, Her Lordship, Mrs. Akeredolu, the Governor, His Excellency Oluwarotimi Akeredolu gave the inauguration speech which expressed the direction of his government as the second term begins.
Governor Akeredolu in his speech saluted all APC stakeholders both at the national level and in Ondo State for their support and the proactive roles played towards ensuring his success at the October Guber poll of 2020.
” Exactly four years ago, this journey began; a journey into realizing the new Ondo State.
” The journey has been eventful and we have put the interest of the people ahead as we continue to leverage on the social contract between the government and the good people of Ondo State,” Gov. Akeredolu noted.
The Ondo State Chief Executive said he remained eternally grateful to God to be alive and healthy to start the second term in office with his Deputy Governor , whom he described as lucky in name and in disposition.
Akeredolu stated that the template of his government in his first term which was hinged on “JMPPR which stands for job creation through agriculture , massive infrastructural development and maintenance, promotion of functional education and technological growth among others has now been changed to anchor the ” Redeemed agenda ” which stands for rural and agricultural development, educational advancement and human capital development, development through massive infrastructure, efficient service delivery , development and policy, effective healthcare and social services , maitainance of law and order among others.
” We will not depart from the trodden part which has earned us affection and deep reverence from the citizenry. We shall continue with more vigour to justify the trust earned by our administration,” Gov. Akeredolu stated.
He stressed that his Government which has shown concern for workers’ welfare met on ground salary arrears of seven months and paid up the backlog remaining just one month arrears. He however lamented the covid 19 challenge and the danger of insecurity which has affected global, national and the Ondo State economy adversely.
“The second term for us is not a time for relaxation . We are not under any illusion that it will be easy . We are however ready to proceed on the journey with renewed enthusiasm and vigour,” Gov. Akeredolu enthused.
Governor Akeredolu reeled his list of achievement which he noted include massive construction works and infrastructural development across the three senatorial districts of Ondo State. While promising more economic growth for the state, he noted that his Government will fast track the process of Bitumen exploration and exploitation in Irele and Agbabu axis , adding that the Deep sea port project in the Coastal waters of Ilaje is afoot gradually.
Among the dignitaries who witnessed the event were the National leaders of APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, Chief Pius Akinyelure ; APC Governors in the Southwest: Jide Sanwoolu( Lagos), Prince Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Gboyega Oyetola ( Osun), and Kayode Fayemi( Ekiti) who doubles as Chairman Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) and the Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki.
Others are Senator Kenneth Nnamani, Chief Tunji Abayomi, Senator Ajayi Borrofice, Dr. Dayo Faduyile ( ex NMA President); Honorable Bunmi Tunji Ojo, Hon. Timileyin Adelegbe, Senator Olorunimbe Mamora, APC Chairman , Ondo State, Engr. Ade Adetimehin and a host of others.
Ondo State Royal Fathers were also in attendance at the event.
The wives of the Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty- Anyanwu Akeredolu and members of the first family as well as the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Aiyedatiwa and their children were on the dais with the Governor and the Deputy Governor.
