The proposed Ondo Deep Seaport got a big boost as the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo declared that, the Federal Government would support Ondo State Government to ensure the port becomes a reality.
The Vice President made the commitment when the State Acting Governor and Deputy Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s visited the Vice President, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Aiyedatiwa who was accompanied on the visit by the Chairman/CEO, Nigeria in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM ), Hon Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa commended the State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, CON, for his vision on the Deep Seaport, believed to be the needed turning point in the Sunshine State.
Responding, Aiyedatiwa thanked the Vice President for the audience and federal Government’s commitment to the actualization of the seaport, promising that Governor Akeredolu’s administration would not relent in it’s efforts for a new and prosperous Ondo State.
Ondo State Executive Council led by the Chief of Staff to Governor, Chief Olugbenga Ale accompanied Acting Governor/Deputy Governor’s visit.
Meanwhile, the State Government has expressed it’s commitment to deepening business and investment partnerships with Nigerians in Diospora by providing opportunities for business owners.
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu disclosed this news at the 5th Nigeria Diospora Investment Summit,
The summit hosted by Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), in collaboration with Ondo State Government was held at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The well attended summit was an assembly of big-league investors and economic gurus .
The Governor who was represented by the Acting Governor/Deputy Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa welcomed the partnership with NIDCOM which has resulted in NIDCOM establishing a Desk Office of the commission in the State.
“We are changing the narrative of Ondo State from Public-Service State , to business and investments hub,” he said.
“We have recorded commendable development in manufacturing, creation of Innovation Hubs, engendering Private-Public-Partnerships ( PPPs ) and promoting agriculture as a business” .
“According to a survey by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, Ondo State now ranks 8th among subnational in Nigeria in ease-of-doing business” , he disclosed.
Appraising Nigerians in the Diaspora for their outstanding achievements, the Governor said, “globally, the Nigerians in Diaspora are emerging as potent forces in knowledge, economy, trade and investments”
Investing in Ondo State as one of the most desirable investment destinations in Nigeria would lead to accelerated growth and improved quality of life for it’s citizens, he said.
“The competitive advantage of the proposed Ondo Deep Seaport are in the areas of Dry and Cold storage facilities, world class Warehousing Infrastructures and Management systems to handle Full Container Loads (FCL ), Less Container Loads ( LCL ), Full Truckloads (FTL) and Less than Truckloads (LTL).”
“This will drive agribusiness, promote the creation of allied businesses like packaging along the port corridor and improved Forex for Nigeria”, he explained.
“I’m calling on you to invest in our Country, help us develop our dear Sunshine State” , he appealed.
In her welcome address, the Director General of NIDCOM, Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa praised Ondo State for taking the bold step to follow through with the Ondo Port Project, which according to her will further contribute to the business competiveness of the state and Nigeria.
Dabiri-Erewa expressed her sincere appreciation to the government and the good people of Ondo State for partnering with NIDCOM in putting the 5th Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit together.
The keynote speaker, Dr. Chris Brooks, Managing Partner, Briwn Venture Group Llc Management, United States of America, called on African leaders to see the continent as the most important continent in the world and do everything possible to harness the opportunities available to develop and grow the continent.