By Kanu Samuel
As Ondo State marks its 50th anniversary, a former Special Adviser on Political and Mobilisation Matters to the Government of Dr Olusegun Mimiko, and current Chairman of Atunluse Socio-Political Organisation, Otunba Akin Akinbobola, has called on the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, to adopt a comprehensive developmental master plan for the state.
Akinbobola stated that the proposed plan should serve as a long-term developmental roadmap and compass, not only for the present administration but also for successive governments, in order to ensure continuity and measurable progress in the state’s development.
Speaking to journalists in Akure, the state capital, while reacting to the condition of the state as it celebrates its golden jubilee, Akinbobola expressed dissatisfaction with the level of development in Ondo State 50 years after its creation. He noted that the state has fallen behind other South-West and South-East states of similar age.
According to him, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive and inclusive development framework that would be widely accepted by the people, curb frivolous governance and provide a benchmark for evaluating government performance. He stressed that, given the volume of funds available to the state and its abundant mineral resources, Ondo State ought to be far more developed than it currently is.
“We need a clear blueprint that defines what Ondo State should look like in the next 30 years, so that development can be pursued with focus, speed and measured steps towards a truly advanced state,” he said.
On the issue of unity, Akinbobola lamented that the vision of the state’s founding fathers anchored on unity for growth and advancement has not been fully realised. He advocated for inclusive town hall meetings across the state as a means of uniting the people and promoting people-centred development.
He further called for a non-partisan stakeholders’ conference bringing together representatives from all sectors to brainstorm and develop policies for the Sunshine State in critical areas such as education, healthcare delivery, the economy, infrastructure, agriculture, sports development, security architecture and other key sectors capable of driving sustainable growth.
“Given the direction things are heading, the Governor needs to convene a stakeholders’ forum devoid of politics, where ideas and expertise can be shared on how to move the state forward,”
Akinbobola added.
The Atunluse Group founder also noted that if the state’s vast human resources are effectively mobilised beyond rigid political divisions, the founding vision of rapid development could be reignited and achieved within the next 15 years.
He commended past leaders such as Chief Adekunle Ajasin, Chief Adebayo Adefarati, Dr Olusegun Agagu and Dr Olusegun Mimiko for their conscientious efforts and contributions to the state’s development.
He highlighted the need for modern sports stadiums capable of hosting national events, additional flyovers in Akure, smart road networks across major towns and cities in the three senatorial districts, as well as functional and affordable healthcare facilities.
“I want to state emphatically that the dreams of our founding fathers have not yet been met, both developmentally and socially. However, there is still room for the present administration to lay a solid foundation that can be built upon over the next 25 to 30 years,” he said.
While wishing Ondo State continued progress, Akinbobola congratulated Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, his administration and the people of Ondo State on the celebration of the state’s golden jubilee.
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