The management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on Tuesday paid a condolence visit to the Ondo government over the demise of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

The chairman of the governing board of NDDC, Chinedu Ebie, who led the delegation of other commission members to Government House, Akure, described Mr Akeredolu as a simple man.

Mr Ebie commiserated with the people of Ondo and the family over his demise, describing him as a fulfilled man. He added that ‘Aketi’, as he was fondly called, contributed immensely to the state’s socioeconomic development and Nigeria in general.

“Ondo state is an integral part of the commission, so we thought it wise to condole with the people of Ondo state on the demise of Akeredolu. ‘Aketi’, as he was fondly called, is a man of simplistic nature. He contributed immensely to the NBA and the socioeconomic development of Ondo state and Nigeria.

“I met him in May 2021, when he chaired the Southern Governors Forum. I was SSG in Delta then, and for the few moments we spent together. He wowed me. For us as a commission, we came here today for condolence on the people of Ondo State. In the same vein, we wish you very well. We are sure you will succeed as you ascend the ‘throne’,” Mr Ebie said.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa described his late boss as a visionary leader with integrity, which earned him the nickname ‘Mr talk and Do’. Mr Aiyedatiwa said he would forever appreciate Akeredolu for the opportunity to serve in government.

Mr Aiyedatiwa said Mr Akeredolu would be given a deserving state burial because he died in service.

He said the state government was waiting for the immediate family’s communication on the burial date.

(NAN)