– As Gov. Aiyedatiwa Marks 18 Months with ‘Our Ease’ Gains, Prioritises Water Supply for Residents
By Goke Williams
The Ondo State Government says it has recorded significant strides within its first 18 months of governance under Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, with sustained attention on alleviating the cost of living through enhanced water provision, improved healthcare delivery, infrastructural expansion, and job creation.
Speaking on Friday at an interactive session with journalists at the NUJ Press Centre, Alagbaka, Akure, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, stated that the administration’s OUR EASE agenda—anchored on ease of living, ease of doing business, and ease of governance—is already translating into tangible outcomes across all 18 local government areas.
According to him, water supply has remained one of the focal points of government intervention. He highlighted key initiatives including the $223 million Akure Water Supply and Sanitation Project under the Nigeria Urban Water Sector Reform Programme, the revitalisation of the long-neglected Owena Dam, and a statewide pipeline expansion designed to extend reliable water access to homes, schools, and hospitals.
The government also completed the Omi Irorun Rural Water Scheme, delivering over 50 boreholes to rural communities. In riverine areas, concrete jetties and walkways are being constructed to facilitate easier movement on water transportation. He noted that Phase 1 has been commissioned, while Phase 2 is currently ongoing.
The urban renewal drive, he added, includes the upgrade of Fasoranti Park and the installation of approximately 5,000 solar streetlights statewide under the Light-Up initiative.
Prince Adeniyan further itemized major achievements spanning fiscal discipline, healthcare, road infrastructure, education, and security. He noted that domestic debt has been reduced by 82.6%—described as the highest figure nationwide—while all salary arrears, pensions, and the 10-year gratuity backlog have been fully cleared.
Within the health sector, he said the government recruited over 2,000 health workers and renovated 100+ health centres. Ondo State was also ranked first nationally for reductions recorded in neonatal, infant, and under-5 mortality.
On infrastructure, the government reported the completion of more than 200 km of roads, the flag-off of a new Akure Flyover, and the ongoing execution of three intercity dualisation projects. The administration also stated that 6,000 individuals were recruited directly; 1,000 women and hundreds of youths were trained through skills programmes, and more than ₦10 billion was mobilised for agriculture, in addition to a $50 billion MoU for refinery, Free Trade Zone, and petrochemical projects.
Regarding security, Prince Adeniyan said the state recruited 500 new Amotekun personnel and distributed 100+ operational vehicles, adding that Ondo has been rated among the most peaceful states in the country.
Responding to concerns about the recurring early-morning offensive odor reported in some parts of Ondo State—particularly Akure—Prince Adeniyan maintained that the situation is not peculiar to Ondo, noting that similar incidents had been reported in Ekiti and some parts of Ogun State.
He, however, affirmed that the Ondo State Government has made substantial resources available for thorough investigation and for measures to stem the undesirable trend. He advised residents to observe appropriate health and safety precautions whenever such incidents occur, stressing that the government is working diligently to identify a lasting solution.
Prince Adeniyan assured that the Aiyedatiwa administration remains committed to delivering on the OUR EASE mandate, with more projects at various stages of completion.



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