Odun Inspires

One of the most commendable features of the administration of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa is the consistency and timeliness with which the salaries of workers in Ondo State are being paid. 

This may appear ordinary to some people, but for civil servants and their families, receiving their salaries on time is a matter of great importance.

In recent months, workers in the state have developed a strong sense of confidence that their salaries will be paid promptly. Interestingly, from around 24th - 25th of every month, workers are already looking forward to receiving salary alerts, reflecting the growing reliability of the state's salary payment system.

Prompt payment of salaries goes beyond putting money into workers' bank accounts. It demonstrates respect for the workforce and provides families with the financial stability needed to meet their obligations. Workers have school fees of their children to pay, food to purchase, transportation costs to meet, rent and other household responsibilities to handle. When salaries are paid on time, these responsibilities become easier to manage.

A government that pays its workers promptly also creates a more motivated workforce. When employees are confident that their legitimate earnings will not be unnecessarily delayed, slipping to the next month thereby becoming an unnecessary arrea, they are more likely to approach their duties with greater commitment and peace of mind. This ultimately contributes to improved productivity and better public service delivery.

Governor Aiyedatiwa therefore deserves commendation for sustaining a culture of prompt salary payment. At a time when workers in some places still have to wait for prolonged periods before receiving their earnings, the experience in Ondo State is worthy of recognition and admiration.

The significance of this achievement should not be measured only by the salary alert itself. It should also be measured by the relief it brings to thousands of families, the confidence it inspires among workers and the stability it contributes to the state's economy.

For many Ondo State workers, the expectation is now becoming clear: once the 24th of the month approaches, the salary alert is not far away. This is a positive development that deserves to be acknowledged and sustained. Prompt payment of workers' salaries is not merely an administrative responsibility, it is a demonstration of responsive leadership and commitment to the welfare of the people.

A government that remembers its workers on time deserves to be appreciated!

Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (Omo-Ekun), has been tested and trusted in his first term in the office.

From empowerment programmes and scholarships to employment facilitation and interventions in infrastructure, Omo-Ekun has demonstrated commitment to improving the lives of his constituents. 

His efforts in various capacities which have influenced great supports for constituency development initiatives have further shown that he understands the importance of both human and physical development.

The choice before us is therefore very clear - continuity with proven performance!

If a representative has delivered, supported his people and demonstrated capacity, the logical step is to give him the opportunity to do more.

For the people of Ondo Central Senatorial District, the time is now! Let the sun continue to shine in Omo-Ekun.

Leadership should not be judged merely by the number of promises made during campaigns, but by the footprints left behind after the mandate has been entrusted. It is about impact, accessibility, advocacy, empowerment and the ability to attract opportunities and development to the constituents.

Over time, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire, SAN, has demonstrated that his understanding of representation goes beyond occupying a seat at the National Assembly. His interventions in the areas of empowerment, education, employment facilitation and constituency development have continued to provide reasons for the people of Ondo Central to pay attention to his record.

 

Representation is most meaningful when it translates into opportunities that touch ordinary lives. A scholarship can keep a young person in school. An empowerment initiative can give a family a means of livelihood. Employment facilitation can change the economic circumstances of an individual. A development project can transform an entire community.

These are the kinds of interventions that make political representation meaningful.

Politics should not be reduced to propaganda, personal attacks or empty rhetoric. At every electoral season, the people deserve the opportunity to look at the records of those seeking their continued support.

Who has served sincerely? Omo-Ekun!

Who has been so accessible? Omo-Ekun!

Who has created several opportunities? Omo-Ekun!

Who has attracted attention to the needs of the constituency? Omo-Ekun!

Who has demonstrated the capacity to do more? Omo-Ekun!

Where there is evidence of service, the people should have the courage to acknowledge it. Where a representative has performed creditably, continuity should not be considered a weakness, but a strategic choice for consolidating achievements and opening the door to greater possibilities.

If communities have received interventions, the people should remember.

If the interests of the district have been defended and promoted, the people should remember.

Democracy is a two-way relationship. Citizens give leaders mandates, while leaders are expected to convert those mandates into meaningful representation. When a representative demonstrates commitment to that responsibility, the electorate has every right to consider continuity.

Ondo Central deserves continuity. 

 Adeniyi Adegbonmire has surpassed his campaign promises. Let us entrust him with this mandate again.

Today's Sunday Service started at 8:00am with an Opening Prayer led by the General Overseer, Evangelist Kolawole Asaolu.

The Opening Hymn was thereafter sung in unison, and then followed by the worship songs.

Afterwards, the Morning Prayer was led by Pastor Felix Ayodele. He led prayer songs both in worship and praises to glorify GOD Almighty. 

Sunday school was later held. It was a general class, and led by Pastor Felix Ayodele.

The only Lesson for the Service was taken from Exodus 33:27-31. This was read in Yoruba language by Elder Sunday Alaka, while the English version was read by the Church Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Ogunmodede.

Collection of tithe and offerings was coordinated by Elder Omojowo, and during this time, testimonies were said and special thanksgivings were allowed as well.

The above was followed by Choir ministration, then, preaching.

Elder Sunday Alaka In his Sermon titled, "Prayer and God's plan". He said in his preaching that there is time for everything and that GOD never forgets anyone.

After the preaching, the general announcement was made by the Church Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Ogunmodede.

The Service was finally brought to a close around 12pm when the General Overseer led the Closing Prayer and Benediction.

By Comrade John Samuel O. 

National Convener, United Voice for Progress in Nigeria

State and Local Governments now receive more funds than at any point in our history. Yet in too many communities, water projects remain abandoned. Public schools still lack desks. Inner-city roads remain impassable.

The people are asking a simple question: If federal reforms have increased revenue, why has daily life not improved at the ward level?

*1. Increased Allocations Have Not Translated to Service Delivery*  

Despite record FAAC disbursements, basic amenities remain scarce. The gap between what comes in and what citizens feel is too wide to ignore.

*2. The Grassroots Economy Needs Urgent Attention*  

Forex stability is a federal matter. But market fees, transport charges, shop levies, and food prices fall under your control. So does support for farming, local manufacturing, and youth skills. These are the tools that cushion reform. Yet in many states, priority still goes to cosmetic projects over productive ones.

*3. Local Governments Must Be Allowed to Function*  

The tier of government closest to the people has been weakened by joint accounts, appointed caretaker committees, and centralized control of contracts. A chairman who must seek approval for minor repairs cannot respond quickly to poverty or emergencies.

*4. Communication Has Been Inadequate*  

Reforms are hard. Citizens will bear hardship when they trust the process. But prolonged silence from state and LGA leadership has created doubt. One-off palliatives shared for cameras do not replace a clear, consistent plan explained directly to the people.

*5. Accountability Is Most Visible Locally*  

The President is assessed in Abuja.  

You are assessed in every polling unit.  

When a clinic has no drugs, the complaint comes to your office.  

When pupils sit on the floor, parents visit the Local Government Secretariat.

THIS IS A DEFINING MOMENT

History will not only record national growth figures.  

History will record what you did when resources increased.  

History will record whether you chose to ease suffering or to delay action.

It is no longer sufficient to reference federal policy while managing unprecedented allocations. The old way of governing cannot produce new results.

1. *Practice Full Transparency.* Release monthly records of FAAC receipts and spending for every state and LGA. Make it public and easy to track.

2. *Prioritize the People’s Economy.* Fund agriculture, local markets, feeder roads, transport, and micro-enterprises. Shift focus from prestige projects to livelihood projects.

3. *Restore Local Government Autonomy.* Comply with the Constitution. Let elected councils control their funds and deliver services without interference.

4. *Engage Directly and Regularly.* Hold town halls. Explain the challenges. Present your plan. Show measurable progress every quarter.

5. *Remember the Core Goal.* Economic stability at the national level must be felt in homes. If families still sleep hungry, the job is not done.

Federal reforms may be setting the foundation for national recovery.  

But you, as Governors and Chairmen, will determine if that recovery reaches the Nigerian people.

Let it not be written that while the country stabilized at the top, citizens continued to suffer at the grassroots on your watch.

The duty is now yours. In your state. In your LGA.

Nigerians have waited. Now we expect action.

National Convener, United Voice for Progress in Nigeria