The Ondo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening security and accelerating development across the state, while dismissing claims of internal crisis within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, gave the assurance during an appearance on Public Square, a live programme on Adaba FM 88.9 in Akure.
Ajanaku stated that the administration of Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has largely maintained peace and stability since assuming office, noting that the few recent kidnapping incidents recorded in parts of the state have been traced to criminal networks operating within some communities.
According to him, the government has introduced fresh security measures to curb the activities of criminals. Among these measures is the restriction of commercial motorcycle operations between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., while operators have been directed to register with relevant authorities within two weeks to enable security agencies properly identify legitimate riders and flush out criminal elements.
The commissioner also disclosed that the state government has moved to regulate the activities of truck pushers, popularly known as “boller,” in the Akure metropolis. Investigations, he said, revealed that some individuals within the group were involved in leaking sensitive information that aided criminal operations.
He therefore appealed to traditional rulers and community leaders across the state to strengthen collaboration with security agencies, emphasizing that effective community policing requires grassroots participation, as criminal elements are often known within their localities.
Ajanaku further announced that about 500 additional personnel have been recruited into the Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps) to boost community-based security operations across the state’s 18 local government areas. Some of the newly recruited operatives, he noted, have already been deployed to their respective communities to improve intelligence gathering and strengthen the overall security architecture of the state.
On infrastructure and economic development, the commissioner highlighted several ongoing projects under the present administration. These include the construction of five kilometres of roads in each local government area and the rehabilitation as well as construction of primary healthcare centres across the state’s 203 wards.
He also revealed that the government has continued to attract significant investments aimed at transforming Ondo State into an industrial hub. According to him, Backbone Infrastructure Nigeria Limited recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the state government for a ₦50 billion investment.
The investment, he explained, will focus on key projects including the development of the Araromi Seaport Project, where site mapping has already been concluded, as well as the establishment of a modular refinery and the development of the Okeluse Cement Factory. These initiatives, he said, are designed to shift the state from a largely civil service-driven economy to an industrialised one capable of attracting investors and generating employment.
Addressing political developments, Ajanaku dismissed reports of a crisis within the All Progressives Congress in the state following the party’s recent congress. He described the exercise as a normal democratic process, adding that party leaders at the ward, local government and state levels have already resolved any concerns that arose during the process.
He maintained that party members remain united and committed to supporting the administration as well as the re-election bid of Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
The commissioner also addressed speculation regarding the eligibility of Governor Aiyedatiwa to seek a second term. He clarified that the governor did not initiate any legal action concerning the matter, explaining that the court case was filed by private individuals and that the governor merely responded by asserting the constitutional immunity attached to his office.
He further dismissed rumours of a political rift between Governor Aiyedatiwa and the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, insisting that both leaders maintain a cordial working relationship and remain committed to the progress and development of Ondo State.
