By Chris Chimezie
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Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), has stated that the present administration would galvanize support from interested individuals and provide political will for the actualization of the proposed Deep Sea Port in the Southern Senatorial District of the state.
The Governor made this known while receiving a preliminary report on the project in his office in Akure.
The report was presented by a team from Maritime Transport Bussiness Solutions, Netherlands (MTBS) led by the Company’s Senior Manager, Mr Willem Slendeboek.
Governor Akeredolu proposed a detailed documentary on the efforts made so far on the Deep Sea Port, to be put out for Nigerians to see why the project is inevitable in the state.
According to him, putting together a detailed documentary is a way to hit the heart of the people and make them see the need for a deep sea port in Ondo State.
Akeredolu said his administration is determined to start the deep sea port, stressing that he’s aware that it’s not a day bussiness.
“This project is going to be like a tree we are going to plant, we may not benefit from the shade it is going to provide, but the next generation would benefit from it and that is the way to grow an economy”, he said.
In his presentation, Mr. Slendebroek submitted that the Deep Sea Port is possible, adding that when completed, would bring the state into the maritime bussiness.
He noted that Ondo State has abundant and under-utilized resources suitable for exports and a well founded bases for the exports of locally produced products.
Slendebroek explained that the state would provide solutions to key issues by providing cargo handling capacity and secure Bussiness climate.
He highlighted the five major key factors as : Containers, general cargo, dry bull, vehicles and liquid bulk.
He said: “Target market should be easily developed and captured, thereby ensuring the required political support and strong project economy.
“The most favourable location for the port development is in the middle coast section due to its landslide and nautical connectivity and space availability.
“The artificial island and the dig out Port layout have been selected as preferred port layout for further analysis.
“Both Ondo Port and Ondo Free Trade Zone are necessary as a platform for local socio-ecomic development and economic diversification.
“We have a proper land for deep sea port. But we have to do proper land preparation. Ondo Port can not exist without the free trade zone. And the free trade zone cannot exist without the port”, he explained.
At the event were; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Olugbenga Ale, Commissioner for Finance, Mr Wale Akinterinwa, Chris Borha and Mr Alexander Uytthbroek of MTBS, SSA to the Governor on Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr Femi Akarakiri, Secretary, ONDIPA, Mr Emmanuel Omomowo and Head, Free Trade Zone /Deep Sea Port (ONDIPA), Engr Taiwo Adeyemi.
