By Adekola Afolabi
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Positive reactions have trailed the Federal Government’s approval of Ondo Deep Sea Port.
Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Pastor Emmanuel Igbasan, while highlighting the economic implications of the Deep Sea Port on Thursday, described Ports across the globe as economic drivers that attract diverse kinds of businesses.
Igbasan revealed that the Port project would create thousands of direct jobs and millions of indirect jobs, stimulate the economy, and reduce unemployment and poverty.
The commissioner who explained that the next step will be the engagement of private investors who have signified interest to partner the state for the port development and operations, further said that the influx of businesses in the state will help boost the internally generated revenue of the state in the long run.
“The economic implications of deep sea port are huge for Ondo State, it is the game changer. Port across the globe is an economic driver that attracts diverse kinds of business.
“Right from its construction, it’s going to create thousands of direct jobs and millions of indirect jobs, stimulate the economy, and reduce unemployment and poverty .
“The port will equally have positive effects on land and real estate value chain across the state with particular impact on the catchment areas.
The influx of businesses will help boost the internally generated revenue of the state in the long run.
“The next step will be the engagement of private investors who have signified interest to partner the state for the port development and operations.
“The state will also need to engage the local communities that may be impacted one way or the other around areas designated for the location of the deep sea port and other ancillary activities”, Igbasan added.
Special Adviser to Governor Akeredolu, on Transport, Tobi Ogunleye Esq. expressed delight over the approval of the Ondo Deep Sea Port ” PORT ONDO ” by the Federal Executive Council of the country, noting that it has opened a new frontier for the state transport sector.
The Governor’s aide who stressed that the project would facilitate massive development to the state and create employment for the people, saluted the doggedness and candour of the state Governor, for actualising the lofty vision, which he held dearly to his heart, right from the inception of his administration..
Ogunleye also congratulated the good people of the state in what he described as the beginning of a new chapter of economic prosperity for the State.
He said the development has laid the foundation for economic prosperity of the state and can favourably compete with other states like Lagos financially when completed.
