The task of building a strong and viable economy that would generate a prosperous, progressive and dignified life for Nigerians can only be attained through hardwork, enterprise, creativity, consistent fight against corruption and defence of the people.
The Ondo state Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu made this statement at a Jumat service to commemorate the celebration of 63rd Independence Anniversary held at the Akure Central Mosque on Friday.
Akeredolu, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Raimi Aminu urged Nigerians to be patient and double their efforts towards moving the country forward as government is making frantic efforts to solve the challenges confronting the nation and bring succour to the people.
He assured that no effort will be spared at improving the lots of all Ondo state residents, noting that the state is moving away from the past, building new structures and consolidating new ways of doing things.
He urged the people to embrace peace across the state as he urged everyone to eschew evil, defend and protect the state.
He implored the people to imbibe the spirit of unity, love, patience, tolerance, and perseverance, which are the cornerstone of the teachings and life of the Prophet.
He reels out several efforts the state government has put in place to ameliorate the sufferings of the people occasioned by the fuel subsidy.
Among these are distribution of food items to poorest set of people, cash transfer to vulnerable households, N10,000 to pensioners for a period of five months, financial support for 400 Small and Medium Scale Entrepreneurs (SMSE) business per local government across the state and processing of provision of farm implement/inputs to Farmers to boost food production.
Government, he said has also suspended the payment of registration and consultancy fees across all government hospitals, re-introduction of the shuttle buses and the newly introduced boat shuttle in the riverine area of the state among several others.
He however appreciated God for sparing his life and the Muslim faithfuls for their support and prayers during his turbulent moment.
Earlier in his sermon, the Chief Imam of Akure kingdom, Alhaji Sheik AbdulHakeem Yayi-Akorede prayed that God will reposition Nigeria to a better position.
Akorede appreciated government for giving the youths the opportunity to strive through encouraging them for leadership positions.
He expressed disappointment on Nigeria describing the independence celebration as celebrating bad influence and leadership in nigeria pointing to the big brother Nija show where million of naira is being wasted rather than spending such on programmes such as the Buhari competition and lots like that.
While thanking God for the governor’s safe return and perfection in his healing, Akorede appealed to the governor to reconcile with his Deputy, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
