In line with his promise during the national protest, Governor Ademola Adeleke has issued a series of policy directives aimed at alleviating the economic pains and hardships faced by residents.
Governor Adeleke, who had assured protesters of ongoing steps to fulfill their demands as they pertain to the state government, today instructed government agencies to expedite the implementation of programs and policies on food security, internal security, minimum wage, fuel affordability, and more.
“I am committed to implementing our commitments, especially those arising from the recent national protests, as they relate to issues within our mandate. We are passionate about advancing our welfare agenda, which remains the top priority in our governance programs.
“It is in that vein that I hereby direct the Ministry of Agriculture and the Food Security Action Committee to commence the implementation process without further delay. We must roll out action plans with specific timelines to achieve the goals of food access, farm security, and food affordability.
“Next week, I will flag off the distribution of farm equipment, seedlings, and farm inputs, including fertilizers and tractors, among other resources. We must hit the ground running.
“The Ministry is further directed to finalize plans for the cultivation of hundreds of hectares across local governments under the Young Agropreneurs Incubation Program. We must implement a comprehensive ‘Back to Farm’ project, including state assistance for farm preparation, tractorization, and off-taking mechanisms,” the Governor stated.
The State Governor, who also promised broader governance consultations with stakeholders such as civil society, students, and youths, tasked the Ministry of Science and Innovation with producing an implementation plan for the recently amended and approved State ICT Policy and State Innovation Policy to expand opportunities for youth engagement.
“Our Government recognizes the deployment of ICT for job creation and youth engagement. Hence, we recently approved state ICT and Tech Innovation policies. The relevant ministry is expected to prepare for implementation, particularly for job creation among our teeming youth.
“Our Government has begun paying bursaries to students. The first phase is complete, and we are working on the second phase.
“We are committed to supporting the education of youth in various institutions. We have a program in the pipeline for students in tertiary institutions, including a talent hunt initiative to be implemented in collaboration with student leadership across the state.
“Meanwhile, we continue to address the backlog of half salaries and pension debts inherited from previous governments. We will continue to alleviate the hardships faced by our senior citizens and workers.
“On the minimum wage, we have set up an implementation committee. Relevant stakeholders are included to ensure an inclusive process. We are committed to supporting our workers as a labor-friendly government.
“Our labor leaders are aware of and appreciate our passion for improving the lives of workers and pensioners,” Governor Adeleke noted.
While acknowledging that inflation contributes to the high cost of food, the State Governor expressed optimism that the ongoing actions of the Food Security Action Committee will ease the harsh impact of food inflation.
He further directed the State Task Force on Petrol Monitoring to engage marketers across the state, adding, “I urge petrol retailers and marketers not to hoard petrol products. They need to support the people by not exploiting the situation for personal gain.
“The State Task Force is to swing into action immediately. We must engage the fuel marketers. The pain of our people must not be compounded,” the Governor emphasized.
Governor Adeleke said his government has carefully considered the demands of various interest groups, including the organizers of the recent national protest, assuring that his government is “a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.”
“Our Government is committed to good governance and delivering democratic dividends. We will not relent in our public-spirited service to our dear state,” the Governor concluded.
