Ondo: National Rebirth Agenda says Aiyedatiwa’s record in infrastructure, healthcare, education speaks for itself

…Urges critics to channel resources to Tinubu’s 2027 re-election —

The National Rebirth Agenda, a national group, has dismissed the Ondo Redemption Front, ORF, as a politically motivated pressure group allegedly sponsored to undermine the administration of Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

The group urged the governor to remain focused on governance and the development of the state, rather than being distracted by what it described as politically motivated attacks.

In a statement on Sunday, signed by its National President, Dr Bala Al-Majeed, the group said the latest criticism of the Aiyedatiwa administration was another attempt to create unnecessary political tension in the state and distract the governor from delivering projects across key sectors.

It said rather than attacking the governor over issues it claimed were already being addressed, those behind the ORF should acknowledge the administration’s record in infrastructure, education, healthcare, water supply, agriculture and economic development.

According to the group, the Aiyedatiwa administration has recorded significant progress in road construction and rehabilitation, with about 190 kilometres of roads delivered or under development, alongside investments in rural roads and urban infrastructure.

It cited the Akure-Idanre road and other strategic corridors as projects it said were improving connectivity across the state.

“The people of Ondo State can see the difference between political noise and actual governance. Governor Aiyedatiwa inherited challenges, but he has chosen to confront them through projects that directly affect the lives of ordinary people.

“Roads are being constructed, schools are being renovated, healthcare facilities are being expanded and water projects are being revived. This is not an administration that has abandoned governance,” the group said.

On education, the National Rebirth Agenda cited the recruitment of 2,100 teachers, payment of WAEC fees for more than 23,000 students, scholarships for thousands of tertiary institution students and the renovation of 134 primary and 60 secondary schools.

The group also highlighted what it described as significant interventions in the healthcare sector, including the upgrade of more than 100 primary healthcare centres and the approval of new hospital facilities in Ikare-Akoko, Ore, Okitipupa, Igbokoda and other locations.

“An administration that is simultaneously expanding healthcare infrastructure, investing in schools, improving roads and addressing water supply cannot honestly be presented as doing nothing.

“Constructive criticism is welcome, but deliberately ignoring these achievements to create the impression of failure is dishonest and politically motivated,” it said.

The group further cited the administration’s efforts to address water shortages, including the rehabilitation of the Owena Dam Water Supply Project and other water schemes.

It said the intervention at the Owena project was expected to improve access to reliable water for residents across several local government areas.

The National Rebirth Agenda also urged residents and stakeholders to support the governor’s efforts to attract private investment into the state.

It pointed to agreements for a deep-sea port and a proposed $4 billion petrochemical and fertiliser plant as evidence of the administration’s efforts to position Ondo for stronger economic growth and industrial development.

The group, however, challenged the alleged sponsors of what it described as the “anti-Aiyedatiwa campaign” to redirect their resources towards supporting President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid and allow the governor to concentrate on delivering his mandate.

“Those financing these needless campaigns should ask themselves what Ondo State gains from permanent political warfare.

“If their concern is truly development, they should support the governor’s efforts and channel their energy and resources towards strengthening the Tinubu administration and securing the continuity of the reforms that are benefiting the states,” it said.

The group urged Aiyedatiwa to remain focused on his OUR EASE agenda, strengthen his relationship with the Federal Government and continue attracting projects and investments to Ondo State.

It said the governor’s relationship with President Tinubu should be viewed as an opportunity for the state to secure more federal interventions rather than as a basis for political confrontation.

“The governor should not be distracted. His responsibility is to govern, deliver projects and improve the lives of Ondo people.

“Those who have political ambitions should wait for the appropriate time, while those who claim to speak for the people should allow the people to judge the administration by what they can see on the ground,” the group said.