Ondo state Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has said Nigeria’s leadership has exhausted all excuses for its underdevelopment 59 years after independence.
The governor in his independence speech said the country has not gotten to where it should be since it got independence from the British government 59 years ago.
Akeredolu, who was represented by his deputy, Agboola Ajayi, said the task before the leadership of the country is to build a strong and viable economy that would generate a prosperous, progressive and dignified life for the good of the country and the state.
The governor said the country could get to her desired destination with more hard work, enterprise, creativity and constant fight against corruption.
Akeredolu said, “The nation is going through some challenges ranging from insecurity of lives and properties, poor welfare, corruption and other vices which are making lives difficult for our people”.
However, he said the foundations are being laid and frantic efforts are being made to solve all the challenges being faced by the citizenry.
Akeredolu said the state government is collaborating with the federal government and South-west states to map out strategies to stamp out banditry.
The governor said his administration has procured 120 motorcycles and 20 Hilux buses to aid in tackling insecurity in and around the state.
He said Operation Amotekun would soon be inaugurated in the South-west geo-political zone in order to tackle insecurity in the zone.
Akeredolu said his administration is doing everything possible to improve the economy of the state and ensure that the citizens enjoy new lease of life.
He added that his government would fight corruption, waste, inefficiency, ineffectiveness and unpatriotic attitude of some people in the state.
In the same vein, the Olowa of Igbara-Oke kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Francis Adefarakanmi Agbede, said the nation’s diversities should not be seen as weakness but as strength to move the country forward. He charged the leaders to rise to the great task of building social trust between the people and the nation.
The monarch made this known in his independence message to Nigerians in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Ayodeji Owolabi.
He called on Nigerians not to forget the sacrifices made by our heroes and heroines in the struggle for the actualisation of an independent Nigeria.
He added that in the midst of this patriotic celebration, there is need to take time to remember and honour the courage and foresight of our brave men and women who have sacrificed their all to protect the unity of our beloved country.
