We made Ondo the most peaceful state in Nigeria, says Mimiko

Ondo became the most peaceful state in the Niger Delta, south-west and Nigeria in the last eight years, said Olusegun Mimiko, the former governor, in his farewell address.

Reading out his achievements on Thursday, Mimiko said his administration recorded successes but also noted that its biggest challenge was being unable to pay salaries at the right time.

The ex-governor thanked the people of the state for standing by him while pledging to remain active “even outside government”.

“We have recorded successes and also have our own measure of insurmountable challenges among which is the inability to pay salaries as at when due. We have made friends and admirers, we have also attracted detractors,” he said.

“We have not targeted anybody or institution for witch-hunt but have been true to our determination of ensuring that the interest of the greatest number of people is the determinant of all the decisions and choices we made.

“My good people of Ondo State, to everything there is a season, so the holy book says. It is time now for me to go, having enjoyed the unique privilege of serving as your Governor these past eight years.

“I thank you for your support. I thank you for believing in me, and standing by me through thick and thin. I value your support and friendship at all times.

“By God’s own special grace, I will continue to repay the honour you did me by standing up in your support at all times. I pledge to remain a part of our communities even outside of government.

“What remains for me is to enjoin you, in the name of God, and for the good of our State, to extend your full support to our incoming Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN.

“To the glory of God, we made Ondo State the most peaceful State not just in the Niger Delta and the South-West, but arguably across the entire nation.

“We enhanced the self-confidence of students in our higher institutions, which has propelled them to the top of their game, either in the Law School, or the debating halls across the country.

“Our women no longer cut the destitute image as they ply their trade having now modern, clean and inviting facilities and stalls built across the State for their use.

“Our traditional institutions have been accorded their rightful place in the scheme of things as key players in the administration of our communities,” said Mimiko.