Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday commended the federal government for its economic policies, encouraging citizens to look for ways to earn more amid complains of hardship.
Speaking after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Aiyedatiwa acknowledged the challenges arising from the removal of the petrol subsidy but emphasized the need for citizens to adapt.
“The only thing we need to do now is look for a way to earn more so we can meet the cost of living,” Aiyedatiwa said. He also called on the opposition in Ondo to collaborate with his administration to ensure the people benefit from good policies.
Aiyedatiwa, who was re-elected Governor in the November 16 Ondo State governorship election, also thanked the President for creating an enabling environment for the election’s success. He attributed his victory to the people’s growing confidence in the government, aided by his efforts during the August #EndBadGovernance protest.
Addressing the ongoing economic challenges, Aiyedatiwa explained that, although the removal of the fuel subsidy had increased the cost of living, it had also boosted agricultural income. He highlighted the significant rise in the price of cocoa, Ondo’s main agricultural product, from about $2,000 a few years ago to $10,000 today.
Aiyedatiwa used the opportunity to stress the need for a collective effort to adapt to the changing economic landscape.
“Society evolves, and this evolution brings about different issues,” he said. He pointed out the change in the minimum wage, which was N125 in 1982 and is now N70,000, demonstrating how the economy and society have evolved.
The governor also extended an olive branch to opposition leader Agboola Ajayi, urging him to join forces for the state’s development.
He said, “If he has good ideas, we will incorporate them into our policies so that the people will be the overall winner at the end of the day.”
