ONDO State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko and his deputy, Alhaji Ali Olanusi were, on Sunday, sworn in for another term in office, with a pledge from the governor that he would ensure that the next four years bring further development to the people of the state.
Mimiko, at the inauguration ceremony witnessed by a former head of state, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, four serving governors, former governors and captains of industry, said he had, in the last four years, lived to his promise of working for the people of the state, adding, however, that the work remained unfinished.
“My good people, exactly four years ago, I promised to work for you. With all sense of humility, you are witnesses to the fact that I have worked for you. I have worked with you. Together, we have posted great accomplishments. But, the work remains unfinished,” he said.
The governor, in his inaugural speech, said his government would, in the next four years, unveil a new stream of programmes directed at enhancing the quality of life of the people.
After taking his oath of office for another four years, Mimiko was later anointed by Pastor Tunde Adesida of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), following prayers for him, his family and the entire state.
According to the governor, the major focus of government would be creation of job for the teeming youth, through innovative and durable programmes that would engender sustainable livelihood.
Part of the programmes that could lead to massive employment, according to the governor, was the establishment of a 30MW independent power project in Ore, to provide independent power that would attract several industries to the state.
Mimiko, however, noted that government would need the people in its quest to take governance a notch higher, urging them to continue to exercise ownership of government facilities that provide common good.
He also stressed the need for the people to fulfill their parts of the social contract, by paying their taxes to enable government to do more for them.
“We must acknowledge that the good of all translates into the good of the individual and not necessarily vice versa. In this context, the central purpose of our involvement in politics and governance has been and will continue to be what government policies and institutions can make available to the collective and not what each individual politician or government official can corner for himself or herself.
“We are a proud people with a proud heritage; we are Akikanju and must not bow to gods of corruption, sleaze and indolence,” he said.
Mimiko also reiterated his commitment to the regional integration of the South-West states, saying that “we assure our sister states of our commitment to cooperation, such that our region can benefit from the individual strength of each state and possibilities of our aggregated potentials.”
He said “we remain steadfast in our call for a restructuring of the country to achieve true federalism. We demand more equity in the revenue sharing formula and the devolution of more powers to the federating units,” adding that “in the course of finding lasting solutions to the challenges facing us as a nation, we assure that we shall not waste any opportunity for functional, patriotic collaboration across party lines for the overall development of our great nation”.
The governor expressed his readiness to continue to work for the people of the state and ensure equal development of its communities.
Traditional rulers on the occasion included the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade; the Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, Oba Obateru Akinruntan and the Deji of Akure, Oba Adebiyi Adesida.
Dignitaries were governors of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi; Anambra, Peter Obi; Abia, Theodore Orji; Nasarawa, Umaru Al-Makura; Ogun, Ibikunle Amosun, represented by his deputy, Segun Adesegun; former governors Rashidi Ladoja, Adebayo Alao-Akala, Ayo Fayose and Gbenga Daniel.
Others were chairman of Labour Party, Dan Nwayanwu; Great Ogboru; General Adeyinka Adebayo, leaders of Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasoranti; Chief Olu Falae and Chief Ayo Adebanjo; Dr Kunle Olajide; chairman, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; chairman, Honeywell Group, Oba Otudeko; chairman, Toyota Nigeria Limited, Chief Ade Ojo; Dr Tunji Braithwaite, Dr Frederick Fasheun, Chief Gani Adams; wife of the late legal luminary, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Ganiyat, among others.
Meanwhile, Governor Mimiko has been enjoined to ask for wisdom to serve the people of the state as he begins his second term in office.
Widow of Chief Adebayo Adefarati, former governor of the state, Deaconness Adetutu Adefarati, gave the charge on Sunday, in the United States (US).
Deaconness Adefarati, in her charge to Mimiko, said “I pray that God will give you more wisdom to make the state lives its name as Sunshine State.
“I join millions of Ondo sons and daughters, both home and abroad, in congratulating you for a second term of great service to the electorate. Your determination to serve Ondo State cannot but be recognised in the comity of states.”
She further implored the governor to embark on more masses-oriented programmes that would make life worth living for the citizens.
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Source: Tribune
