Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has appointed Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, son of Afenifere leader Pa Reuben Fasoranti, as the Secretary to the State Government.
The announcement came just hours after Aiyedatiwa was inaugurated as the seventh executive governor of the state on Monday.
The appointments were detailed in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan.
The statement read: “The Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has approved the appointment of Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti as the Secretary to the State Government. Until he was appointed SSG, Dr Fasoranti, who hails from Akure South Local Government Area, was the Chairman of the Ondo State Hospitals Management Board.”
Additionally, the statement confirmed the reappointment of Kayode Ajulo (SAN) as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, and Mrs. Omowunmi Isaac as Commissioner for Finance.
Other reappointed special advisers include: Johnson Alabi (Power), Seun Osamaye (Women Affairs), Bola Taiwo (Union Matters and Special Duties), and Simidele Odimayo (Health).
Furthermore, Abiola Olawoye, formerly the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Infrastructure, Lands, and Housing, has been elevated to the position of Special Adviser in the same portfolio.
Governor Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, were sworn in at the Akure Township Stadium by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Olusegun Odusola.
Dignitaries at the event included: APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji; former Governors of Ondo, Osun, and Ogun States: Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, Chief Bisi Akande, and Chief Segun Osoba respectively; Minister for Interior, Mr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister for Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande; federal and state lawmakers and traditional rulers.
In his inaugural speech, Aiyedatiwa pledged to focus on various sectors, including security, education, tourism, power supply, agriculture, urban renewal, and infrastructure development across the 18 local government areas. His seven-point agenda, titled OUR EASE, outlines his vision for the state.
Regarding security, he stated: “We shall strengthen the capacity of our security agencies, improve intelligence gathering and sharing, enhance community policing and engagement, and address the root causes of crime. Our goal is to ensure a safer state for all citizens, investors, and visitors.
“We will improve agricultural productivity, enhance market and credit access for farmers, invest in rural infrastructure, and promote the Blue Economy.”
“We will invest in research and development, enhance access to technology and infrastructure for businesses, and promote special economic zones and industrial parks. Our technical schools will be revitalized to produce skilled manpower for industries,” he said.
He also promised to prioritize investment in healthcare infrastructure, improve access to quality services, and enhance training and capacity building.
He added that his administration aimed to transform Ondo State into a leading tourist destination through sustainable infrastructure development and cultural heritage preservation.”
“On education, we will invest in primary and secondary schools, ensuring functional libraries and laboratories, while prioritizing skills development,” he added.
Ahead of his inauguration, Aiyedatiwa granted amnesty to 43 prison inmates based on recommendations from the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy. The decision, announced by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, aimed to commemorate his swearing-in and promote reformative justice.
The amnesty included the outright release of eight inmates, commuting the death sentences of 15 inmates to various prison terms, and reducing the sentences of 20 life-term convicts to lesser terms.
According to the statement, “This decision reflects the governor’s belief in second chances and rehabilitation. It aligns with his commitment to justice system reform and social reintegration.”
Meanwhile, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum, Prince Dapo Abiodun, congratulated Aiyedatiwa, describing his inauguration as the start of a new chapter for Ondo State.
Abiodun stated: “Governor Aiyedatiwa has demonstrated dedication and competence. His resounding victory at the November 16, 2024, election and subsequent inauguration marked a glorious dawn for the state. He and his deputy bring valuable experience to governance.”
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, also congratulated Aiyedatiwa, emphasizing that his emergence through a free and fair election demonstrates the strength of democracy in Ondo State. Oyebanji urged him to work collaboratively with all stakeholders for the state’s development.(Punch)
