Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has reiterated his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on criminality, declaring that no criminal will find comfort in the state. He gave the assurance during an interactive session with youth groups held in Akure, the state capital.
The governor disclosed that recent security operations have begun yielding results, targeting individuals who had infiltrated forests and farmsteads across the state. “Calm is gradually returning,” Aiyedatiwa said. “Law-abiding citizens are assured of protection, while we continue to smoke out elements that threaten our peace and security.”
He emphasized that his administration is working closely with security agencies to rid the state of criminal elements, adding that order and security remain a top priority under his government’s 7-point developmental agenda tagged “Our Ease.”
Aiyedatiwa also spotlighted youth empowerment as a central pillar of his administration. He described young people as the “backbone of Ondo’s development” and highlighted ongoing efforts to boost entrepreneurship and skills development.
According to him, 5,000 youth entrepreneurs have received nano grants, 15,000 others engaged through labour-intensive public works, and Youth Skill Centres launched under the One-Youth-One-Skill Scheme. He further pledged to appoint a young person as Commissioner for Youth Affairs and expand employment opportunities.
Encouraging active participation in governance, Aiyedatiwa advised youths to make the most of government initiatives rather than engage in disruptive activities. “Peaceful protest is part of democracy but must come only after dialogue and negotiation,” he noted.
The governor thanked the youth for their overwhelming support during the November 2024 governorship election, which he said was instrumental to his victory across all 18 local government areas.
He unveiled progress under his administration’s developmental agenda, including the payment of WAEC and NABTEB fees, provision of scholarships and bursaries for undergraduates, recruitment of over 2,000 teachers, and the renovation of schools across the state.
Stakeholders representing the three senatorial districts — Abiola Obanoyen (North), Yewande Omobomi (Central), and Jonathan Obatola (South) — commended Aiyedatiwa’s youth-friendly policies, urging him to deepen efforts to make young people feel even more included.
Chief Adetunji Adeleye, Commander of the Amotekun Corps in Ondo State, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, despite facing several challenges. He called for collective action in addressing security concerns across communities.
The interactive session underscored the administration’s focus on security, youth inclusion, and sustainable development as cornerstones of its governance strategy.
