The chances of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa in the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State received a major boost on Thursday as the Muslim community in the State declared a unanimous support for him.
The endorsement of the Governor for the election took place at a ceremony held at the International Culture and Events Centre (The Dome) in Akure, which also featured an empowerment program.
The event was marked by expressions of solidarity from prominent Muslim leaders from across the state, each affirming their support for the governor’s election.
Alhaji Sheikh Ahmad Olagoke Aladesawe, the Chief Imam of Owo land and Chairman of the League of Imams and Alfas in Ondo State, expressed the muslim community’s united support for the governor, offering prayers for a peaceful election.
Chief Jamiu Ekungba, the Baba Adinni of Owo Kingdom, said, “As we stood by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the presidential election, we are ready to do the same for Governor Aiyedatiwa. Let the governor be rest assured that the Muslim community is behind him. People once thought Muslims stayed out of politics, but with Governor Aiyedatiwa, we are prepared to be fully involved.”
The Grand Mufti of Ondo State, Alhaji Surajudeen Batuta, who said Governor Aiyedatiwa’s leadership is divinely guided, added: “I believe it is God’s plan that Governor Aiyedatiwa should lead this state during this period.
"This election will be the most peaceful election in the histroy of the State, by God’s grace, and I am confident that the governor’s decision to appoint Muslims into political offices will bring positive results. He will not regret it.”
In his goodwill message, Oba Yusuf Adebori Adeleye, the Olubaka of Oka Land, said the muslim community has taken a bold step in openly declaring support for the election.
The monarch, however, requested for the recruitment of more Arabic teachers to strengthen Islamic education while advocating for government-funded schools in place of return of schools to religious bodies.
The Chief Imam of Akure, Sheikh Abdulhakeem Yayi Akorede, said with the unanimous support, the governor can now sleep with both eyes closed with the assurance that the election has been won by him.
Akorede called for increased Muslim representation in government, added: “On behalf of all Muslims in Ondo State, I assure the governor that the entire Muslim community stands solidly behind him."
Highlights of the event included the presentation of a Performance of Excellence award to Governor Aiyedatiwa and the launch of an empowerment initiative, providing sewing machines, clippers, and grinding machines to support economic self-reliance within the Muslim community.
Responding, Governor Aiyedatiwa thanked the Muslim community for the endorsement and expressed appreciation for their steadfast support and prayers, which he noted had strengthened the administration since inception.
The Governor, who commended the religious harmony in the state, promised that Muslims across the state won’t be deprived of their rights and privileges.
Governor Aiyedatiwa acknowledged the contributions of Muslims in his administration and highlighted that while many Muslims currently hold political appointments, his government will continue to do more.
He emphasised that his administration values inclusivity, pledging that everyone will be given equal rights, irrespective of religious differences.
Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
October 31, 2024.
FG UNVEILS 63KM ONDO STATE AXIS OF LAGOS-CALABAR COASTAL HIGHWAY PROJECT
The federal government on Thursday unvieled the details of the 63-kilometre axis of Ondo State in the ongoing construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, revealed the specifications of the project during a town hall meeting with stakeholders held at the Government House in Akure.
Umahi, who highlighted the federal government’s commitment to infrastructure as a crucial national investment, said work would soon begin on the Ondo State axis of the coastal highway project.
The Minister commeded Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for his efforts towards making the project a reality in the State.
He stressed that the project would not be politically driven but rather serve as a practical improvement to the socio-economic welfare of the people.
The Minister reiterated the administration’s commitment to working closely with Governor Aiyedatiwa, reinforcing that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project represents President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's commitment to the welfare of all Nigerians, transcending political motivations.
In his remarks, Governor Aiyedatiwa, who thanked the Minister for the stakeholders engagement, emphasized the transformative impact of the project.
The Governor said the expansive highway will connect several states as it aims to bridge the western and southeastern regions of Nigeria, facilitating improved cross-country connectivity and strengthening trade relations.
Governor Aiyedatiwa assured stakeholders that the project would not merely be left to contractors but would be diligently monitored to ensure effective utilisation and sustained progress.
“This will not be one of those projects that get abandoned. This road will bring tremendous benefits to the people of Ondo State, and we are fully committed to partnering with the Federal Government to make it a reality”, the Governor said.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also disclosed that the state government is partnering with the Federal Government on the protection and restoration projects at Aiyetoro in Ilaje local government area of the state.
Those who delivered goodwill messages at the event, praising the project, included Senator Niyi Adegbonmire, SAN, Hon. Akin Alabi, Member of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Committee on Works and Banji Okunomo, former Chairman of Ilaje Local Government, who spoke on behalf of the coastal communities of the State.
Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
October 31, 2024.
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