Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has urged public servants and political office holders to remain committed to the effective implementation of his administration’s agenda in 2026.

Mr Aiyedatiwa made the call on Monday in Akure at the 2026 first working day prayer meeting, marking the first official working day of the year.

The governor said that the gathering was to thank God for the outgone year and to seek divine guidance for the new year.

He said that his administration had recorded progress in infrastructure, education, healthcare and security, noting that about 190km of roads were under construction or rehabilitation across the state.

According to him, no fewer than 280 classrooms have been constructed or renovated, while 112 health centres were awarded for renovation and expansion.

Mr Aiyedatiwa said that the state had secured revalidation of the Ondo Deep Sea Port licence and was strengthening the Amotekun corps with the recruitment of 500 additional personnel.

He assured workers of continued prompt payment of salaries, regular promotions and steady payment of gratuities, while calling on residents to support government programmes.

The governor assured that the 2026 budget would be faithfully implemented.

“Our focus on the economic transformation of the state is non-negotiable. We are pursuing economic heights that will drive the transition of Ondo State from a predominantly civil service state to an industrial giant. Arrangements are also ongoing through public-private partnerships to reactivate and remodernise some moribund industries, including the ceramic industry, Ifon and the oil mill in Okitipupa, alongside a host of new industries planned for the Ore axis.

“The security situation in Ondo State has improved tremendously through the synergy among security agencies in the area of provision of logistics and support. We have continued to strengthen our public service for optimum efficiency and effectiveness. It is our firm belief that no administration can rise above the delivery capacity and capability of its bureaucracy. I wish to, therefore, acknowledge the commitment and dedication of our public service: the backbone of our administration.

“I express my profound gratitude to every civil servant, teacher, health worker and political office holder for your patriotism and hard work. I cherish you all; be assured that this administration will continue to recognise and reward your invaluable contributions to the steady implementation of our administration’s policy blueprint,” he said.

Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami, in his Bible reading from Psalm 100:1-5, harped on thanksgiving and dedication to their duty.

In his sermon, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, Jude Arogundade, said time was important in the planning and management of resources of Ondo by civil servants.

Mr Arogundade reminded public servants that their time in office would determine who they were after they might have left.

He said God’s love and blessing could be seen in the different natural resources in the state and urged civil servants to also sacrifice for the development of the state as they also asked for their benefits from the government.

The prayers were later held for the country, the governor, the entire state and the public servants.

(NAN)