Editorial: Mimiko at 7
Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, the current Governor of Ondo State, is today, Wednesday, February 24, 2016, seven years in office.
HE came to power in 2009, and having meritoriously completed his first term in the saddle as the elected Governor of Ondo State, he was re-elected for a second term in 2013. Three years into the second term, Mimiko will have by this time next year spent the constitutionally approved two terms of eight years in office.
WHAT is news to the good people of Ondo State is that seven years on, Mimiko and his government are still popular with the people, as the blessings of God and the dividends of democracy continue to flow unabated.
BY any standard and in whatever form or manner it is perceived, Ondo State has truly been in safe hands under the proficient leadership of the Mimiko-led administration, which promised at inauguration to work for the people, by striving at all times to make decisions that will benefit the greatest number of the citizenry. Governing with consummate ease, Mimiko, who was apparently prepared for governance, has matched his campaign promises with actions, ensuring absolute fidelity to his 12-point agenda, not only in the erection of physical structures but in the espoused values of sensitivity and empathy for his people.
WITH a promise to govern with ‘A Caring Heart’, Mimiko’s vision and drive, coupled with landmark strides, have raised the profile of governance, and set a model for coming governments to copy.
THE Mimiko administration achieved this through life-changing interventions in rural communities, restructuring of the health sector, over-due resuscitation of decaying infrastructure, environmental revival and upgrading the standard of Education through well-articulated policies.
OF course, one reason for seeking political power and position of authority in any human setting should be based on genuine desire to alleviate the suffering of the people.
SADLY, the nation is lagging behind for want of the God-fearing leaders in that category.
GLADLY, however, despite the ugly political and economic situations in the country, some politicians still make a difference, because of the human face they are giving to all facets of life in their domain. Mimiko’s empirical achievements in all sectors have put him as a primus inter pares in this category. In the Health sector, the state has won global recognition and become a haven for those seeking healthcare, even of the most advanced type. It has lived up to its Sunshine State tag through Mimiko’s health initiatives such as Abiye Safe Motherhood; Agbebiye, Orirewa; and establishment of Trauma Centre, Kidney Care Centre and Mother and Child Hospitals. Mimiko also embarked on the massive renewal of Akure, the state capital, where Arakale Road was dualised and Oba Adesida Road upgraded with road furniture and street lights as well as the befitting roundabout.
The commitment of Governor Mimiko to the infrastructural development of the state even made him go the extra mile in repairing federal roads in the state. This much was acknowledged by the current Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, who recently paid a courtesy visit to Mimiko, on plans to reimburse Ondo State with the whopping sum of N11 billion spent on federal roads in the state.
TO prove that his desire to ensure the capital city wears a new look is not a knee-jerk approach to urban renewal, the governor carefully carried out the building of a modern Democracy Park, Auto Mart, Modern Motor Park, Mechanic Village, Neighbourhood Markets, Mega schools, and the International Event Centre (The Dome) among others.
THE numerous visitors trooping into the state for one service or the other is an eloquent testimony to Ondo being a choice destination for many. This has also given an unprecedented boom to the hospitality business in the state.
THE Mega schools are not only mega in structure, they are well-equipped with spacious classrooms, modern computers, well-stocked libraries, as well as well-trained teachers. There are school buses that convey about 54,000 students of both public and private schools to and fro and free of charge. This is coupled with the payment of N550 million for various external examinations for students by the government.
AT the tertiary education level, the Adekunle Ajasin University is rated the best state university in Nigeria, while the Ondo State University of Science and Technology continues to play strong roles in the training of future scientists.
THIS is in addition to the University of Medical Sciences, a world-class training ground for future medical doctors and other health care professionals.
AS if these were not enough, about 2,000 youths have been trained under the state’s Agricultural Entrepreneurship Scheme and are now operating their own agro-businesses. In addition, 3,513 women have been recruited into the state civil service as a way of providing employment for the people and strengthening service delivery to the populace.
IN all reasonableness, this is the best thing any sensible citizen would expect his Governor to do.
IN recognition of good governance, Mimiko has been inundated with laurels from local, national and international organizations.
THE HOPE congratulates the present administration on its numerous result-oriented initiatives that have a direct impact on the socio-economic life of the people.
THE government has indeed distinguished itself in bridging the gap between the privileged and less- privileged, particularly through its education and health policies.
WE equally commend the ‘Caring Heart’ policy behind the achievements of this government, led by a trusted leader and an accomplished manager of men and resources.
THE HOPE salutes the dexterity of the entire team and urges indigenes and residents of the state to join hands with the government to finish the job, so there would be more cause for celebration at the completion of the constitutionally approved eight years in office.
ALL should continue to be committed stakeholders in the Ondo project.
Source:The Hope