Nigeria of our dreams requires collective effort, says Aiyedatiwa
By Julius Alabi, Akure
Ondo State Governor, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has called on Nigerians to make the building of a prosperous nation a collective responsibility, saying government alone cannot deliver the Nigeria of citizens’ dreams.
Aiyedatiwa made the call on Thursday at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade, Akure, during the state’s celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The governor, while reflecting on the significance of the country’s independence, said Nigeria’s freedom was secured 66 years ago by a generation that believed people of different tongues, traditions and faiths could live together and pursue a common destiny.
He urged Nigerians to renew their commitment to peace, unity, patriotism and responsible citizenship, stressing that the values that sustained the country at independence must continue to guide its people.
Aiyedatiwa also appealed to political leaders, party members and young Nigerians to approach the unfolding 2027 electoral process with maturity, tolerance and restraint.
He warned against allowing political differences to destroy the bonds that unite Nigerians as families, neighbours and citizens, urging political actors to embrace peaceful and issue-based engagement.
“I particularly appeal to our political leaders, party members and young people to eschew violence, embrace issue-based engagement and respect the right of every citizen to participate peacefully,” he said.
According to him, the democratic process should provide an opportunity for citizens to express their choices freely without fear, intimidation or violence.
The governor expressed gratitude to Almighty God for His faithfulness, mercy and continued protection over Ondo State and Nigeria, as well as for the peace being enjoyed by the people despite the challenges confronting the country.
He also appreciated the people of Ondo State for their support and cooperation with his administration, assuring that the government would continue to strengthen human and technological capacity across critical sectors.
Aiyedatiwa disclosed that his administration had recruited and deployed about 3,323 health professionals across the 18 local government areas of the state as part of efforts to improve healthcare delivery.
He added that the diagnostic capacity of the state had been enhanced with the provision of a 1.5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine and a 160-slice Computed Tomography (CT) scanner at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital Complex.
The governor said education remained central to his administration’s investment in the future, noting that teachers had continued to be recruited into primary and secondary schools, while further measures were being planned to strengthen the teaching workforce.
He commended public servants in the state for their dedication and commitment to duty, saying the government had sustained the regular payment of salaries while progressively addressing pension and gratuity obligations.
On the relationship between Ondo State and the Federal Government, Aiyedatiwa expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support and partnership with the state.
He specifically acknowledged Federal Government initiatives aimed at strengthening the economy, infrastructure and investment environment, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road and the proposed Deep-Sea Port, which he said could expand the economic prospects of Ondo State.
“We look forward to deeper collaboration in the interest of our people and the continued development of Nigeria,” the governor said.
Aiyedatiwa called on Nigerians to use the 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in the country and recommit themselves to nation-building, insisting that the responsibility for building a better Nigeria rests not only with government but with every citizen.
“As we celebrate this Independence Anniversary, let us renew our faith in Nigeria and our commitment to the work of nation-building.
“Let us continue to uphold peace, unity, patriotism and responsible citizenship, knowing that the Nigeria we desire will not be built by government alone, but by the collective efforts of its citizens,” he added.
