EXPECTED POSITIVE IMPACT OF A NEW MANDATE TRAJECTORY
BY
ASIWAJU ASEYORI AYOWOLE ADEMOYEGUN
Leadership is often associated with values like wisdom, integrity, and compassion. A good leader is expected to prioritize the well-being of their people and make decisions that benefit the community as a whole.
People’s expectations from Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa, who has just been re-elected for a second term (2025-2029), are likely to be high, especially considering his landslide victory in the recent governorship election.
The Attorney General of Ondo State, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, emphasizes that the current administration is committed to proactive governance, prioritizing the welfare of citizens, and securing the state’s future. With a focus on sustainable development, the government aims to create a more prosperous and stable Ondo State.
Overall, the expectations are high, and the people of Ondo State are eager to see positive change and progress under Governor Aiyedatiwa’s leadership.
The new mandate trajectory in Ondo State is expected to have a profoundly positive impact on the state’s development. With Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa at the helm, citizens can look forward to improved infrastructure, economic growth, and enhanced access to essential services like healthcare and education.
Infrastructure Development: The state Government has already begun investing in critical infrastructure projects, such as the new High Court Complex (Judiciary Village) already named after our Late Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu and the renovation of the VIP lodge. These projects will not only boost economic growth but also improve access to justice and enhance the state’s reputation as a hub for business and investment.
Enhanced Healthcare and Education: People may be looking forward to improvements in the healthcare and education sectors, including better-equipped hospitals, schools, and trained personnel. Improved access to social services, such as healthcare, education, and social welfare. Increased investment in social infrastructure, such as community centers and social housing. Enhanced support for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, women, and children. Improved community engagement and participation and focus on addressing social determinants of health, such as poverty and inequality. Improved access to quality education, especially in rural areas. Increased investment in educational infrastructure, such as schools and libraries. Enhanced training and capacity-building programs for teachers. Improved access to educational resources and materials and Increased focus on vocational and technical education.
Economic Empowerment: The Aiyedatiwa administration has prioritized economic empowerment, with initiatives aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), promoting entrepreneurship, and creating jobs. This focus on economic growth is expected to have a ripple effect, benefiting local businesses and stimulating economic activity across multiple industries. The new mandate can prioritize transparency, accountability, and effective governance. This can lead to reduced corruption, improved public services, and increased trust in institutions.
Good Governance and Accountability: Ayedatiwa may be expected to maintain transparency and accountability in governance, ensuring that the state’s resources are managed efficiently and effectively. This commitment to good governance is expected to foster a sense of trust and confidence among citizens, investors, and stakeholders.
Social Progress: A new mandate can address social inequalities, improve access to education and healthcare, and promote social justice. This can lead to a more equitable and inclusive society.
Agriculture: Increased investment in agricultural infrastructure, such as irrigation systems and storage facilities. Improved access to credit and other financial services for farmers. Enhanced extension services and training programs for farmers. Increased support for agricultural research and development. Improved market access and prices for agricultural produce by removing middlemen in the chain of distribution. Abrogation of agricultural products Associations.
Road Development: Improved road network and infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and highways. Increased investment in road maintenance and rehabilitation. Enhanced safety features, such as streetlights and pedestrian crossings. Improved traffic management and congestion reduction and Increased access to rural areas and hard-to-reach communities. Also of note is the promised attention that shall be given to the completion of different road projects located in different parts of the State. New roads projects particularly the significant dualization of Oke-Aro to Idanre Road and several other new road projects in the State. A new mandate can prioritize infrastructure development, such as upgrading roads, bridges, and public transportation. This can improve connectivity, reduce congestion, and increase access to essential services.
Security: Improved safety and security, especially in rural areas. Increased investment in security infrastructure, such as police stations and surveillance systems. Enhanced training and capacity-building programs for security personnel. Improved community policing and engagement. Increased focus on addressing root causes of insecurity, such as poverty and unemployment. Security and Safety: Citizens may be expecting the governor to prioritize security and safety, working to reduce crime rates and improve emergency response systems.
Youth Development: Improved access to education, training, and employment opportunities. Increased investment in youth programs and initiatives, such as mentorship and leadership development. Enhanced support for youth entrepreneurship and innovation. Improved youth engagement and participation in decision-making processes. Increased focus on addressing youth-specific challenges, such as unemployment and substance abuse.
Sports Development: Improved access to sports facilities and equipment. Increased investment in sports programs and initiatives, such as training and coaching. Enhanced support for sports development at the grassroots level. Improved sports infrastructure, including stadiums and arenas. Increased focus on promoting sports as a tool for social development and community engagement
Effective use of Private Public Partnerships (PPPs): This can be a game-changer for Ondo State’s development. Here are some potential benefits and key sectors where PPPs can make a significant impact. Benefits of PPPs include among others:
Increased investment: PPPs can attract private sector investment, reducing the financial burden on the government.
Improved efficiency: Private sector partners can bring in expertise and innovative solutions, leading to more efficient service delivery.
Enhanced quality: PPPs can lead to better-quality infrastructure and services, as private sector partners have a vested interest in delivering high-quality outcomes.
Job creation: PPPs can create new job opportunities in various sectors, contributing to economic growth and development.
Key Sectors for PPPs
Infrastructure development: PPPs can be used to develop critical infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, airports, and seaports.
Energy and power: PPPs can help improve energy generation, transmission, and distribution, ensuring a reliable and efficient power supply.
Water and sanitation: PPPs can support the development of water treatment plants, sewage systems, and irrigation projects, improving access to clean water and sanitation.
Healthcare: PPPs can enhance healthcare services, including hospital management, medical equipment supply, and healthcare staffing.
Education: PPPs can improve educational infrastructure, including school construction, equipment supply, and teacher training.
Agriculture: PPPs can support agricultural development, including irrigation systems, farm-to-market roads, and agricultural equipment supply.
Tourism PPPs can help develop tourism infrastructure, including hotels, resorts, and tourist attractions.
By adopting a strategic and collaborative approach to PPPs, Ondo State can unlock private sector investment, expertise, and innovation to drive sustainable development and improve the lives of its citizens.
Overall, the new mandate trajectory in Ondo State promises to bring about transformative changes that will benefit citizens, investors, stakeholders, the economy, environment, society, and governance.
ASIWAJU ASEYORI ADEMOYEGUN writes from Ward 7, Akure South Local Government, Ondo State.