**The Bitter Taste of Underdevelopment in Ondo State** As we continue to celebrate our nation's progress, it's disheartening to see some of our states lag behind in terms of development. Ondo State, one of Nigeria's oil-producing states, recently marked its governor's first-year anniversary in office with the commissioning of a borehole and a tricycle ambulance. While this may seem like a harmless gesture, it has sparked outrage among residents who feel the state deserves better. With Ondo State receiving significant allocations from the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), many residents feel that the state should be doing more to improve the lives of its citizens. The commissioning of a tricycle ambulance, especially, has been met with criticism. How can a state that produces oil and receives huge allocations from the federal government make do with such a basic mode of transportation for emergency medical services? Human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, described the situation as an "affliction" and questioned why a state like Ondo, which is not bankrupt, landlocked, or a war zone, would resort to using tricycles as ambulances. Resident, Odunayo, also expressed disappointment, stating that the commissioning of the tricycle ambulance and a renovated primary health centre was a "show of shame" and a sign of the state's declining status among leading states. The contrast between Ondo State and other states like Lagos, Abia, and Borno, which are undertaking ambitious development projects, is stark. While these states are investing in modern infrastructure and healthcare facilities, Ondo State seems to be struggling with basic amenities. The question on everyone's mind is: what has gone wrong in Ondo State? In response to the criticism, an aide to Governor Aiyedatiwa claimed that the tricycle ambulances are a strategic addition to the state's healthcare system, designed for hard-to-reach rural communities and riverine areas. While this explanation may make sense, it's hard to shake off the feeling that Ondo State deserves better. With the state's oil revenue and FAAC allocations, it's time for the government to invest in more comprehensive and sustainable development projects that will improve the lives of its citizens. The commissioning of a borehole and a tricycle ambulance may have seemed like a harmless gesture, but it has exposed the deep-seated development challenges facing Ondo State. It's time for the government to take a hard look