Dr. Femi Akinkuebi, MD Ore Industrial Park
The recent All Progressives Congress primary election in Ondo State has seen the emergence of Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the party’s gubernatorial candidate, and we extend our warmest congratulations to him on this impressive achievement.
His resounding victory is not only a testament to the collective will and desire of the majority, but also a crucial step towards consolidating our democratic institutions and ensuring the continuity of good governance in our beloved state. His triumph is a clear indication that the people of Ondo State are eager for a leader who embodies the qualities necessary to propel the state towards greater heights.
As the state prepares for the upcoming governorship election, it is crucial to acknowledge the significant economic challenges facing Ondo State and the nation at large.
The current economic landscape is marked by rising inflation, unemployment, and poverty, making it imperative for the government to prioritize economic growth and development. In light of this, we urge Governor Aiyedatiwa to prioritize the development of a comprehensive economic growth template for the state, one that addresses the pressing issues of job creation, infrastructure development, and poverty reduction.
Building on the successes of the past administration, it is essential to ensure continuity and leverage the state’s vast potential to create a robust local economy across all 18 local government areas. This can be achieved by identifying and harnessing the state’s comparative advantages, such as its rich natural resources, strategic location, and skilled workforce. By doing so, Ondo State can become a hub for economic growth and development in the region.
In the past year, we have witnessed the immense impact of various economic summits in the state, like the Ondo Development Economic Summit (ODES), many which has opened our eyes to the immense wealth that we as a state can generate locally, however it’s time for us to move to the next stage, which is the execution stage, the birthing of both small and large scale industrial outfits across our local government areas, who will be well supported with business growing incentives especially for our youths.
Drawing inspiration from the exemplary model of Lagos State, the Ondo State government must invest in world-class infrastructure to drive industrialization and foster economic growth. This includes developing critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and ports, as well as investing in digital infrastructure to enhance connectivity and facilitate trade.
The Port Ondo project located at the Olokola in Ilaje Local Government Area of the state is one which the state earnestly look forward to, the immediate past administration has seen to it that the Federal Executive Council approved the operating license for the seaport last year.
As far as this project is concerned, Ondo State should be at the forefront and take advantage of this project to the benefit of the economic well-being of the state by liaising with the newly- -established Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy for the early take-off of the deep seaport.
We can no longer afford to sit on the fence. Even our neighboring states like Ogun and Lagos State are even more prepared for the effective use of the Ondo deep seaport. One important fact we must all realise is that all over the world, the richest city/location, as well as massive employment centre in any country, is the seaport. The economic viability of seaport can not be overemphasised.
We do have a lot to gain by creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, the state can attract investments, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth.
To achieve this, Governor Aiyedatiwa must create an economic growth blueprint that encourages community participation and involvement in the industrialization drive. This includes engaging with local communities, businesses, and stakeholders to identify their needs and priorities, and developing policies and programs that address these concerns. By doing so, the state can generate sustainable wealth for its people, particularly at the grassroots level, and ensure that the benefits of economic growth are shared equitably.
Furthermore, the state government must create an enabling environment for public-private partnerships to thrive, facilitating collaboration and innovation that will drive the state’s industrialization agenda forward. This includes providing incentives for private sector investments, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.
We wish Governor Aiyedatiwa the best of luck in his endeavors and urge him to remain committed to the economic development and prosperity of Ondo State. By prioritizing economic growth, investing in infrastructure, and promoting public-private partnerships, the state can achieve sustainable economic growth and become a model for other states in Nigeria to follow.