The Ondo State Government has reassured residents of strengthened security operations and continued development efforts across the state, urging citizens to support ongoing reforms aimed at safeguarding lives and property.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Idowu Ajanaku, gave the assurance while speaking on Public Square, a live programme on Adaba 88.9FM in Akure.
Ajanaku explained that although the administration of Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has largely maintained peace since assuming office, recent isolated kidnapping incidents were traced through intelligence to criminal networks operating within certain communities.
"To curb the trend, the government has introduced restrictions on commercial motorcycle operations between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., while also directing all operators to register within two weeks to enable security agencies identify genuine operators and fish out criminal elements".
He added that the government has also taken steps to regulate the activities of truck pushers, popularly known as “boller,” in Akure metropolis after investigations linked some individuals within the group to information leaks aiding criminal operations.
The commissioner appealed to traditional rulers and community leaders to work closely with security agencies, noting that effective security management requires grassroots participation since criminal elements are often known within their communities.
Ajanaku further revealed that the state has recruited about 500 additional personnel into the Amotekun Corps to strengthen community-based security operations across the 18 local government areas.
According to him, some of the newly recruited operatives have already been deployed back to their communities to improve intelligence gathering and enhance the state’s overall security architecture.
On development, Ajanaku highlighted ongoing infrastructure and social investment programmes, including the construction of five kilometres of roads in each local government area and the rehabilitation and construction of primary healthcare centres across the 203 wards of the state.
He also cited major economic initiatives which have attracted investors to Ondo State.
The Backbone Infrastructure Nigeria Limited has signed MoU with the government on a whopping sum of ₦50 billion investment in the state, with much concentration on the Araromi Seaport where mapping of the site has been concluded, a modular refinery and the Okeluse Cement Factory as part of efforts to transform the state from a civil service-driven economy to an industrial hub capable of attracting investors and generating employment.
Addressing political issues, the commissioner dismissed reports of crisis within the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State following the party’s recent congress, describing the exercise as a routine democratic process.
According to him, party leaders from the ward, local government and state levels have met and resolved all concerns, adding that members remain united and committed to supporting the administration as well as the re-election bid of Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
Ajanaku also addressed speculation surrounding a possible second-term ambition of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, clarifying that the governor did not institute any legal action regarding his eligibility.
He explained that the court matter was initiated by private individuals and that the governor’s response was only to assert the constitutional immunity attached to his office.
He further dismissed rumours of a political rift between the governor and the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, insisting that both leaders are working together in the interest of the state and remain focused on delivering good governance to the people of Ondo.
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