Ex-Ondo MILAD, Usman, commends Mimiko over new face of Ondo
Olusegun Mimiko
The former Military Administrator of Ondo State, Col Ahmed Usman (rtd) at the weekend commended what he termed the unprecedented developmental projects being carried out all over the State by Governor Dr Olusegun Mimiko saying Mimiko has turned Ondo State into a modern one.
Usman who ruled the State between 1994 and 1996 before he was redeployed to Oyo State was the Chairman of Oka Day 2011 celebration in Oka Akoko where the community gave Dr Olusegun Mimiko the Okarufe Golden Merit Award, the first to be conferred on a sitting Governor in the State.
According to him, the giant strides being made in Ondo State by Governor Mimiko in the past two and a half years was unprecedented and very excited thus making him eager to visit the State for the first time since he left the State 14 years ago and see things for himself.
While commending the Oka Community for honouring Mimiko who he described as a True Democrat and Indeed a patriotic Nigerian who has distinguished himself through impeccable credential, Usman noted that he was abreast of happenings in Ondo State since Mimiko took over even though he lived in far away Plateau State.
His words: "May I humbly inform this August gathering that the situation reports in Ondo State since the inception of Dr Olusegun Mimiko's administration in Ondo State has been quite impressing, exciting and commendable. For example, I nearly missed my way into the Government House because of the monumental reconstruction and improvement of township roads. I was really impressed by the new look being given to Akure, the State capital.
"Just yesterday, I had the privilege of making a limited tour of facilities put in place in Akure by His Excellency, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko within the last two years. They are: (1) Neighbourhood Market: the first phase which was completed and occupied within three months of his assumption of office. I observed that the market women were very happy with the Governor for providing them with cheap, modern, neat and secure place to do business. I even purchased some plantain from the markets.
"(2) Mega Primary School Complex: Almost completed, meant to contain about four (4) primary schools in one location. The concept is unique and he structures are children-friendly and of international standard comparable to what are found in advanced countries. (3) Mother and child Hospital; the hospital, I understand is one of the best in the world serving not only Ondo indigenes but other States in Nigeria.
"The unique thing about the hospital is that treatment for mothers and children is free even for non State indigenes. I have not seen any hospital in Nigeria that is as well equipped and maintained as this one and it was completed within one year. It takes only a focused and purposeful Governor to do that or much within a short time. (4) Auto Mart: The last but not the least place I visited was the Auto Mart Complex completed with offices, licensing office, solar powered lights, fire service, water, bank, security etc, etc
"There is no gainsaying the fact that the administration has recorded a lot of monumental achievements which are not only there for people to see but also to celebrate in times like this. Hence, I consider this maiden visit of mine as worthwhile because it has afforded me the rare privilege of joining Kabiyesi and his chiefs to celebrate excellence and give honour to whom honour is due.
"I, therefore, wish to congratulate Dr. Olusegun Mimiko on this yet another special award and for being a pride to all of us. I wish you good health and many more years of useful service to our fatherland."
The Olubaka of Okaland, Oba Yusuf Adebori Adeleye in his address disclosed that the Community decided to bestow Governor Mimiko with the highest award in the land for his exemplary service to the State, Oka Akoko and Nigeria as a whole. He revealed that Mimiko would be the first sitting Governor to be conferred with such honour in the annals of the town.
His words: "Dr Mimiko has no doubt contributed in no small measure to the development of this community as well as Ondo State as a whole.
The various developmental projects which you have embarked upon in this community indeed speak volumes of your goodwill for the good people of Ondo State. It also attests to your zeal and commitment to transform Oka community to enable it makes its mark in the map of events in our Sunshine State."
In his remarks, Governor Mimiko who dedicated the Okarufe Goldem merit Award to the people of the State promised to work more on the transformation of the State into an investors' haven and one that would be a cynosure of all eyes. He also promised to ensure that all the road networks in the entire Akokoland are made motor able adding that all the on-going projects awarded by his administration in the area are also completed in record time.