By Francis Akinnodi
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Marine economy expert, Otunba Sola Olatunji has commended the Federal Government and Ondo State on the approval of Deep Sea Port in the state, saying the venture would be a life changer to the people of the state and an astronomical lift to the economy and resources of the state.
The Hope reports that the Federal Executive Council last week gave the approval for the operating license for the port at the last Federal Executive Council meeting held at the State House in Abuja, which means the project would kick off any moment from now.
According to Olatunji, “I want to join millions of citizens of the state who have gone haywire on the social network, to applaud the doggedness of the state government in making this project a reality after several years of delay.
He commended all stakeholders who have worked towards the Federal Government’s approval of the Deep Sea Port, stressing that the big work has just begun.
Olatunji hails the yeoman efforts of the Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for getting the Federal Government’s approval, insisting that the project would be a great life changer to the people and the economic development of the state.
In a special message to the governor, Olatunji said: “As an industry player, this approval is a great milestone and catalyst for economic growth of Ondo State and Nigeria.
“With this development, the stage is now set for the crystalization of this project through the provision of Port infrastructure by investors that should be in league of Lekki Deep Seaports currently in operations and Badagry Deep Seaports that is undergoing development.
“This is a deliberate attempt to recalibrate the economic potentials of Ondo State as direct and indirect jobs will be created.
” This will ultimately put the state on the league of industrial hub in the country and Internally Generated Revenue will be increased without necessarily increasing tax burden on same taxable income earners.
“Ondo seaport would certainly decongest Lagos ports when in operation. And I say a big congratulations to the Government and people of the state for this milestone.”
The Chairman of the Ikale Heritage Development Association also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari, the Minister of Transportation, Muazu Sambo and the Minister of State for Transportation, Prince Ademola Adegoroye for all they did to make the project a reality.