By Fisayo Akinduro
The Ondo State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Olaolu Akindolire, has expressed optimism that the state will witness accelerated economic growth and improved prosperity under the administration of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.
Akindolire, who assured residents that “good times are here”, said the government’s EASE Agenda was being implemented with commitment and at the required pace to deliver sustainable development.
The commissioner stated this in an interview with WEEKEND HOPE in Akure, noting that the administration had continued to make progress through strategic projects and investments across critical sectors of the state.
“My message to the people of Ondo State is that good times are here. We have a friendly governor who is willing to satisfy the aspirations of the people and take Ondo State to greater heights,” he said.
He listed infrastructure, healthcare, education and water supply as some of the key areas receiving government attention, adding that ongoing interventions were aimed at strengthening the economy and improving residents’ welfare.
According to him, several road projects were ongoing across the state, while contracts had been awarded for the construction of 100-bed hospitals in Okitipupa, Ikare and Owo.
“Many roads are undergoing construction and reconstruction. Contracts have also been awarded for the construction of 100-bed hospitals in Okitipupa, Ikare and Owo. That has gone on to lift the facilities in our health institutions,” he said.
Akindolire also disclosed that the government was executing dam projects and drilling boreholes to improve access to potable water across the state.
He added that public schools were being renovated, while technical colleges had received new equipment to enhance technical education.
“In the education sector, a lot is being done in the renovation of public schools. Technical schools have also been renovated and equipment procured for the technical colleges,” he said.
On economic expansion, the commissioner said the state was set to commence strategic projects, including the local aquaculture zone, fertiliser plant and deep seaport, which he described as catalysts for industrial growth.
“The state is investor-ready now. It is now an industrial hub for both local and international investors,” he said.
Akindolire maintained that Ondo had become a preferred investment destination, noting that the state had secured the operating licence for the deep seaport.
He further revealed that the President and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Group recently visited the state government to begin discussions on a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) for the Ondo Olokola Export Processing Zone.
The commissioner said the economic potential of the Olokola Free Trade Zone and the deep seaport project had continued to attract investors to the state.
“Foreign investors are coming on their own because they have seen the economic potential of Ondo State in the Olokola Free Trade Zone. The deep seaport will attract investors from neighbouring states because they will be shipping their products, as well as Nigerian products, through the port,” he said.
Akindolire expressed confidence that the completion of ongoing projects would drive unprecedented economic growth, assuring residents that the Aiyedatiwa administration would continue to deliver more development initiatives.
“Our EASE Agenda is being pursued with all the speed required, and almost all its objectives are being realised. I can assure the people of Ondo State that they will get more from Mr Governor in the years to come,” he stated.