…as govt constitutes technical committee
The Ondo State Government has reiterated its commitment to the actualisation of the Ondo Diaspora Smart City Project, a visionary initiative aimed at establishing a world-class residential and investment hub for Nigerians in the Diaspora and other global investors interested in exploring opportunities in the state.
This commitment was further demonstrated with the formal constitution of the Ondo Diaspora Smart City Technical Committee by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, marking another milestone in his administration’s drive to promote innovation, sustainable development, and Diaspora engagement.
The Technical Committee is chaired by the Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, Otunba Wale Akinlosotu. Members of the committee include Permanent Secretaries and Administrative Secretaries from key ministries such as Infrastructure; Lands and Housing; Environment; Commerce and Industry; Physical Planning and Urban Development; Information and Orientation; Justice; Culture and Tourism; and Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, as well as representatives from the Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA), as contained in a statement issued by the Head, Media Unit, Ministry of Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, Tayelolu Oladuti, on October 20, 2025.
Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the committee held in Akure, Akinlosotu commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to inclusive governance, and approval of the Smart City initiative.
He explained that the Diaspora Smart City Project aligns perfectly with the Aiyedatiwa administration’s “OUR EASE” Agenda, which seeks to create an enabling environment for residents, investors, and Nigerians in the Diaspora to live, work, and contribute to the state’s socio-economic transformation.
Akinlosotu noted that the Smart City Project would bring numerous benefits to the state, including job creation, increased tourism, foreign investment inflow, and an increase in the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR).
“The constitution of this Technical Committee once again demonstrates Mr. Governor’s determination to harness the immense potential of our Diaspora community for the growth of Ondo State. The Smart City initiative will not only attract Diaspora investment but also promote innovation, green infrastructure, and redefine urban living in our state,” he said.
Giving an overview of the project, the Administrative Secretary of the Ministry of Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, Mr. Olakunle Ajibade, said the initiative had been under development since 2024. He described it as a bold step towards a more inclusive, technology-driven, and environmentally responsible urban future.
In his remarks, the Administrative Secretary of ONDIPA, Mr. Emmanuel Omomowo, emphasised the need for continuous reassessment of the project’s business model and greater private sector participation to ensure long-term sustainability and impact.
The Ondo Diaspora Smart City Initiative is envisioned as a flagship Diaspora-driven urban development project — a modern, technology-enabled city built on the principles of innovation, green infrastructure, sustainability, and industrial growth. It is designed to attract global partnerships, encourage knowledge transfer, and position Ondo State as a leading hub for the digital economy and modern urban development in Nigeria.
Partner Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) represented at the inaugural meeting included the Ministries of Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Environment, Commerce and Industry, Physical Planning and Urban Development, Information and Orientation, Justice, Finance, Culture and Tourism, as well as ONDIPA.
The inauguration of the committee marks another major stride in Governor Aiyedatiwa’s “OUR EASE” Agenda, aimed at fostering inclusive growth, urban modernisation, and Diaspora-led industrial development in Ondo State.