By Fisayo Akinduro &
Adedotun Aderoboye

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The Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu is now the toast of investors and prominent Nigerians following the approved Sea Port for the state by the Federal Government.

As the news of the approval broke, Akeredolu’s name was on the lips of discussants who expressed joy that the long anticipated project is now a reality.

The story which came through the social media was roundly and severally shared by subscribers who saw it as a parting and compensatory gift from the outgoing administration believed to be unfavourably disposed to the state.

And elated Minister of the state for Transportation, Prince Ademola Adegoroye said the Port gesture was a fulfillment of what Governor Akeredolu mandated him to do when he became Minister.

The declaration of Ondo Sea Port and its eventual take off will launch the state into the global economy.

This was the submission of a cross-section of people of Ondo State, while jubilating and rejoicing with Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on the approval of the project by the Federal Executive Council last Wednesday.

Adegoroye said: “When I was graciously appointed Minister by President Buhari about 10 months ago, precisely July 6, 2022. My Governor, elder brother and leader, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, gave me one major task.

He told me Ondo State was not sending me to Abuja to make money or facilitate contracts but simply to get the Federal Government to approve our port and get the port licence. On my own, I added the reconstruction of Akure – Ado road to my task list.”

Chief Olusola Oke said the Deep Seaport project will launch the state into a global visage and create a pathway to economic prosperity the state needs

He appreciated Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, for his commitment and untiring efforts at making the project a reality. It is indeed a long walk to success.

“There is no gainsaying the fact that Akeredolu’s vision of an economically viable Ondo State and the unyielding commitment of his administration to the project resulted in the big win that the seaport represents to our dear state and country.

“The current shape of global economy and its corollaries have, especially, renewed the need for expansion of the revenue base of government at all levels in order to foster purposeful development.

Commissioner representing Ondo State on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Mr Gbenga Edema congratulated Gov. Akeredolu on the Federal government’s approval of the Sea Port.

Edema, in a statement, commended the relentless efforts of Akeredolu to the project that ensured the Federal Executive Council’s approval.

According to him, the port will not only open Ondo State to the world, but other Niger Delta states to which Ondo belongs will also greatly benefit from its establishment.

He maintained that with the project, the state was gradually moving away from a purely civil service state to a business and commercial hub, which would reduce the unemployment rate in the state.

“The relentless efforts of Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu at ensuring that the sea port materialised is an attestation of the governor’s determination to ensure a greater Ondo State.

“The establishment of a sea port will no doubt provide numerous benefits to Ondo State, including increased trade, tourism, and transportation opportunities.

“The sea port will also attract tourists to the state, as ports often serve as major cruise ship destinations. This can help boost the local economy through increased spending on tourism-related activities.

A former Deputy National President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joseph Akinlaja who expressed delight over the approval said its benefits to various segments of the country are many.

His words “it is a welcome development and a cheering news to the people of Ondo state in particular. Even states that share borders with Ondo State and Nigeria as a country will benefit from this decision. There are both direct and indirect benefits of the establishment of a deep sea port in Ondo state.”

“Ondo state has the largest coastal area in Nigeria. A deep sea port here will help decongest Lagos. Since the draft is favourable to the establishment of a deep sea port in Ondo state, it will be of benefit to decongest Lagos. If we can bring these big vessels to Ondo, it will be an advantage for the economy. Lagos traffic will be reduced and life will be better for the people living in Lagos and those traveling there for business transactions.”