Quiet efficiency rarely makes the news. In Nigeria’s current climate of noise and outrage, it almost feels suspicious. That may explain why some whisper that Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Governor of Ondo State, is “too quiet.” As if diligence without drama must be hiding something.
Since stepping fully into the seat once held by the late Rotimi Akeredolu, Aiyedatiwa has governed with a steadiness that borders on invisible. He flags off projects, visits communities, signs cheques for pensioners, and leaves. There are no theatrics. No viral moments. Just receipts, literal ones, for N1.6 billion in unpaid gratuities and a trail of fulfilled promises to retirees and local government workers.
In September, he approved payments for hundreds of pensioners who had long given up hope of full benefits. The initiative, which began while he was deputy governor, now runs like a quiet clockwork: save a little, pay a little, until no one is left waiting. Even his party, the APC, sounds slightly amazed at his consistency, calling his attention to civil servants’ welfare “uncommon.”