PREPARATIONS for the inauguration of Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko is in high gear for the February 24 event, with the capital city of Akure wearing a new look.
A tour of the city, hosted by the state commissioner for information, Mr. Kayode Akinmade shed light on the enormous work being done to ensure that inauguration ceremonies are not only hitch-free, but also for visitors who will be thronging Akure by their numbers to see and enjoy the developments that has won accolades and awards for Governor Mimiko at home and abroad.
Governor Mimiko won the mandate of the people of Ondo State for a second term of office on October 20, 2012. Four years ago on February 24, 2009, he began his term of office after fighting all the way to the appeal court to regain a mandate initially denied him.
Akinmade said sweepers, who had been ensuring that the city was always clean, had widened their scope of operation to ensure that the entire city was cleaner, even beyond the inauguration ceremony.
He stated further that the transportation ministry had also earmarked parking spaces and road diversion created to make for free flow of traffic on Oba Adesida road where the venue of the inauguration is located. Hinting that the state wants to use the opportunity of the ceremony to set a standard for such events in the country and beyond, Akinmade said the people of the state were also poised to make a statement with the event.
“You will agree with me that the victory culminating in the inauguration was a unique one and the people are poised to make a bold statement with this ceremony,” Akinmade informed. He revealed that artisans under various trade unions were identifying with the victory by having a special uniform for the ceremony.
The commissioner also informed that for the state to maintain its status as the safest in the country, its boarders to Edo, Osun and Ekiti states had been solidly secured. Over 10,000 guests are expected to grace the inauguration ceremony.