Ondo State is to witness a new economic development strategy in line with the agenda of Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa if elected, NewsSpecng learnt.

His predecessor, late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredoluinitiated the  REDEEMED agenda as the developmental policy thrust of his second term.

However, this is to change to State Economic Empowerment Development Strategy (SEEDS), the governor who formally declared his intention to seek a fresh term in office after completing the tenure of late former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu said on Tuesday.

The new programme would  focus on eight key areas of development such as Rural and Agricultural Development; Educational and Human Capital Development; Development through massive infrastructure; Efficient service delivery, Development and Policy Implementation; Effective Health care and Social Welfare Services; Maintenance of law and order for adequate security; Energy, Mining and Sustainable Industries; Digital Revolution and Entrepreneurship.

Aiyedatiwa promised to harmonise all plans for economic development under SEEDS to lead to wealth creation, employment generation, sustenance of high standard of living and consequently eradicate poverty among the people.

He said SEEDS would enhance economic growth in the rural areas by improving productivity in agriculture, accelerate economic growth in urban areas by encouraging private enterprises and economic activities for the urban poor, improve essential infrastructure and social amenities of the State such as roads, water, electricity amongst others.

Aiyedatiwa said late Akeredolu had always wished “that I succeed him, not in death though, as the next Governor of the State.”

He said late Akeredolu was a courageous and visionary leader who had no time for pretense and expressed ‘this wish at different fora in both public and private.

Aiyedatiwa said Akeredolu spoke with conviction and implicit confidence in him to carry on the torch of accelerated development.

He further stated that “our departed leader would be proud of me as a worthy constitutional successor who has not derailed on the path of development we jointly pursued.”

The Ondo Governor said he has put the welfare of the people first by ordering all contractors back to sites as well as payment of outstanding salary arrears.

He said he paraded very rich political credentials and vast experience in governance.

Aiyedatiwa stated that his being a former Representative of Ondo State on the Board of NDDC, one-time Deputy Governor, and three times Acting Governor under our late sage and now the incumbent Governor of Ondo State were too material to be wished away.

According to him: “Today, I have come before you in response to the popular yearnings and aspirations of our people to sustain this path of progress and development in the State. Our people and party faithfuls, through multi-dimensional platforms, have expressed their desire for the continuity of this administration beyond 2025.

“The poser therefore is whether or not to respect the people’s yearnings for sustainable good governance they have enjoyed in the last seven years. The people of Ondo State must not suddenly find themselves in Egypt. Never!

“I offer myself, in difference to your popular yearnings and upon wide consultations, not just to run the race, but to be the candidate of our great party, ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS in the 2024 gubernatorial election.

“My mission would focus on key developmental issues to alleviate poverty, banish hunger and make Ondo State self-sustaining. My development agenda is to emplace a State Economic Empowerment Development Strategy (SEEDS).

“My dear people of Ondo State, the gubernatorial primary election is at hand. Your vote is a potent weapon that must be wisely used. We must reject those who seek to buy our conscience with money. We must stop those who seek to govern this State by muscles.That is not what our late legends and founding fathers who once governed this State handed unto our generation.”

The event was attended by Ondo SUBEB Chairman Victor Olaibitan; Speaker Olamide Olajide; the lawmaker representing Ondo Federal Constituency, Ho. Abiola Makinde and Senator Ajayi Boroffice amongst others

A governorship aspirant, Tunji Moreyo, announced his decision to step down for Aiyedatiwa.

Moreyo said he stepped down because he share the same political ideology with Aiyedatiwa and that it would a difficult task to defeat an incumbent Governor.

Speaker Olajidi told the gathering that 18 lawmakers have pledged support for Aiyedatiwa.

He called on leaders to carry on with reconciliation efforts at the grassroot.