My fellow citizens of Ondo State, I sincerely want to thank you all for your overwhelming support, and for the new mandate you gave me through the ballot as your Governor-elect on Saturday, 16th November, 2024. You have collectively spoken loud and clear with your votes, in a free, fair, peaceful and credible election.
- I must say that I feel greatly humbled and honoured by this renewal of mandate to continue in office as Governor of the Sunshine State for a fresh dispensation of four years. This victory is not just for me but for us as a people in our collective determination to propel Ondo State to another enviable height. Together with my Deputy Governor-elect, we pledge to provide an exemplary leadership and to work tirelessly to justify the trust you have reposed in us.
- . Let me commend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting a free, fair, and credible election. You have genuinely reaffirmed your status as an independent umpire and our democracy is further enirched by it. The security agencies across board are also deserving of our appreciation for being very professional in their assignment and conduct; and for maintaining peace throughout the exercise.
- I must appreciate the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Amhed Tinubu, GCFR for providing exemplary leadership and for also ensuring a level playing ground in the just concluded election. I also thank my Party, All Progressives Congress, under the able leadership of the National Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the National Campaign Council for Ondo Governorship Election led by the Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, We have benefitted immensely from your doggedness and unwavering support throughout this journey. To the State Chairman and Working Committee of our Party, Campaign Teams, my family and friends, we appreciate you all, for we could not have achieved this huge success without your love, commitment, encouragement, and hard work. I also acknowledge and thank members of the Press for your effective and unbiased coverage of the voting exercise.
- As your Governor, I promise to continue to run an inclusive and participatory government, where every citizen has a voice and an opportunity to contribute to our collective progress. We will continue to prioritize the welfare of our people, foster economic growth, and ensure that our state remains a beacon of hope and prosperity for generations to come.
6.. Now that the elections are over, it is time to rededicate ourselves to the service of our dear State. I therefore want to extend a hand of fellowship to our friends in the opposition parties and to invite you to collaborate with us in the onerous task of building a better Ondo State for the overall good of our people. Let us put our differences aside and work together to create a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and our communities.
- Finally, I dedicate this unprecedented victory to the Almighty God, the good people of the Sunshine State and the memories of our departed leader and former Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON.
- Thank you and God bless.