The Ondo State Government has assured residents that it is taking proactive steps to prevent the state from becoming a haven for bandits and kidnappers, as it intensifies efforts to strengthen security and attract investment.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, gave the assurance on Thursday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, where he acknowledged that insecurity remains one of the state’s biggest challenges.
According to him, the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has adopted preventive measures aimed at ensuring criminal groups do not gain a foothold in the state.
“We put certain measures in order to ensure that Ondo State does not become a battleground for bandits and kidnappers,” Ajanaku said.
He stressed that the government recognises the security threat and is committed to protecting lives and property while maintaining peace and stability across the state.
Ajanaku added that the state’s development agenda depends on a secure environment, noting that the government is determined to prevent insecurity from undermining economic growth.
Speaking on the state’s economic prospects, the commissioner said the government is pursuing policies to transform Ondo from a predominantly civil service-driven economy into an industrial hub.
He said the state possesses enormous investment potential and recalled that the Dangote Refinery, which eventually took off in Lagos, was initially proposed for Ondo State in 2009.
“We have discovered that Ondo State has a lot of potential to transform from a civil servant state to an industrialised state,” he said.
Ajanaku disclosed that businessman Aliko Dangote visited Ondo State last week for discussions with Governor Aiyedatiwa, describing the meeting as the beginning of renewed conversations on possible investment opportunities in the state.
On the issue of local government administration, the commissioner dismissed suggestions that the state government controls council allocations.
He maintained that local governments in Ondo enjoy financial autonomy and independently determine projects that address the needs of their respective communities.
“Let me make it clear that the Ondo State Government has nothing to do with the local government funding,” he said.
According to Ajanaku, the collaborative relationship between the state government and local councils has, however, strengthened efforts to improve security and public safety across Ondo.
The commissioner also described the relationship between Governor Aiyedatiwa and the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, as cordial, saying their cooperation has further enhanced the state’s security architecture.
“The relationship between the governor of Ondo State and the Minister of Interior is perfectly excellent,” he said, adding that the partnership is built on mutual respect and has complemented the government’s efforts to curb insecurity.
Commenting on the political situation in the state, Ajanaku said members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) remain united in their support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the next general election.
“The reality is that all of us in the state are working towards one goal, working for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the victory of the party in the state,” he said.
He added that party members across Ondo are committed to ensuring the APC retains its dominance and secures victory in future elections.
