Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has urged the newly sworn in 16 commissioners to hit the ground running, stressing the need for them to deliver on his administration’s electioneering promises.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to accountability and excellent service delivery to the people.

Aiyedatiwa spoke yesterday in Akure during the swearing-in of the second batch of commissioners into the Executive Council (Exco).

The governor described the event as a “significant milestone in the journey to building a greater state.”

He said his administration believed in slow and steady governance by prioritising consistency, goal attainment and sustained progress over haste.

He said people’s expectations were high, ‘’hence only the best is acceptable.’’

“The people of Ondo State expect nothing but the best from us, having entrusted us with an overwhelming mandate. We must strive to deliver on our electioneering promises.

“This concept highlights the value of persistence, patience and steady progress in achieving goals. Within the first 100 days of our administration, we have proved that slow and steady wins the race,” he said.

The governor urged the families and associates of the new commissioners against exerting undue pressure on them for personal or sectional gains.

He said his administration had maintained continuity on building existing projects and by introducing new initiatives across the state.

Aiyedatiwa added that proactive engagements with credible investors were already yielding positive results for the state’s economy.

“Our administration is committed to integrity, transparency, accountability and excellent service.

“We enjoin the new appointees to key fully into these values toward developing a more virile and prosperous Ondo State,” he said.

Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, described the appointment of the commissioners as a strategic step toward inclusive and people-focused governance.

He praised Aiyedatiwa’s visionary leadership and commitment to development, noting that the appointees were carefully selected based on merit, competence and loyalty to the administration’s agenda.

He advised the commissioners to see their roles as a call to impactful service and enjoined them to uphold the trust placed in them.

Responding on behalf of the newly- inaugurated commissioners, Mr Segun Omoyofunmi expressed gratitude to the governor for the trust and opportunity to serve.

He said they would discharge their duties diligently and serve the state to the best of their abilities.

The new commissioners are Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, Ayorinde Olawoye, an engineer; Mr Ayodele Akande, Alabi Johnson, an engineer; Mr Amidu Takuro and Mr Adewale Akinlosotu.

Others are Mr Idowu Ajanaku, Dr. Oluwaseun Osamaye, Mr. Tob Loko, Mr. Olaolu Akindolire, Sunday Olajide, Mr. Segun Omoyofunmi, Mr. Bola Ademuwagun, Mr. Leye Akinola, Dr. Banji Ajaka and Mr. Adesoji Afolabi.