At 65th independence anniversary service, Aiyedatiwa pledges equitable development

Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has assured residents that no community in the state will be excluded from his administration’s development plans.

Speaking on Sunday at the Chapel of the Annunciation, Archbishop Vining College of Theology, Oke-Emeso, Akure, during a thanksgiving service to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, the Governor said governance for him had only just begun despite recorded achievements in the past months.

“In the last several months, much has been achieved, yet I stand before you to humbly say that we are only just beginning. By God’s grace, we shall not relent until every community in the state can feel the touch of development,” he said.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, who reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive growth and enhanced security, stressed that his administration was anchored on service, accountability, and progress. He noted that Nigeria’s independence should be seen as a reminder of unity, sacrifice, and responsibility beyond the symbolic flag rituals.

“Independence is more than the lowering of one flag and the raising of another. It is a constant reminder of freedom, responsibility and nationhood. We must not forget the sacrifices of our heroes who laid down their lives so that we may inherit a free and united Nigeria,” he stated.

Recalling Nigeria’s survival of civil war, ethnic and religious crises, economic downturns, and the COVID-19 pandemic, the Governor quoted Psalms 124, describing the country’s survival as divine. He stressed that thanksgiving was not only for past victories but also for future breakthroughs.

On insecurity, Aiyedatiwa maintained that government could not shoulder the responsibility alone, urging citizens to actively participate in securing the state. “Security is the primary duty of government, but it is everybody’s business. It is not the elephants or bamboos that cause insecurity; it is human beings breaking the laws. Citizens’ participation is very key,” he said.

The Governor commended the Church for its role in peacebuilding and morality, while applauding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as “revolutionary reforms and infrastructural development.” He pledged Ondo State’s support for the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

In his sermon, Chairman of the Board of Vining College and Bishop of Ijesa North Diocese, Rt. Rev. Joseph Alaba Olusola, called for national repentance, unity, and a return to God. He said the Almighty was sending a message of restoration and hope at 65, urging honest resource management, industrial growth, and youth empowerment through innovation, jobs, and education.

Also, the Rector and Vicar of the College, Ven. Dr. Moses Adetunbi, praised the Governor for infrastructural projects beyond Akure and lauded his administration for prompt payment of salaries and pensions. Former Bishop of the Anglican Communion, Bishop Michael Ipinmoye, later offered special prayers for the Governor, his cabinet, and the people of the state.