In a significant show of political solidarity, the Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has publicly commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his focused governance and strategic initiatives aimed at repositioning the state’s economy for long-term prosperity. This endorsement, detailed in a statement by the party’s Director of Media and Publicity, Mr. Steve Otaloro, highlights a pivotal moment in the state’s development trajectory.
The commendation centers on what the party describes as a transformative first year in office, marked not by short-term populist measures, but by foundational projects designed to unlock Ondo State’s latent economic potential. This approach signals a shift towards legacy-building governance.
The Cornerstone Achievement: Reviving the Ondo Deep Seaport
The APC singled out the recent Federal Executive Council approval for the Ondo Deep Seaport as Governor Aiyedatiwa’s flagship achievement. The party contextualized this win, noting that the project had languished for years due to procedural bottlenecks and bureaucratic inertia. Its revival, according to the statement, was a direct result of the governor’s “focused leadership, strategic engagement with relevant federal institutions, and strict compliance with regulatory requirements.”
Deeper Context & Potential Impact: A deep seaport is more than just a port; it’s an economic game-changer. Unlike shallow ports, it can accommodate the largest container ships globally, positioning Ondo State as a major gateway for international trade in West Africa. The anticipated ripple effects are substantial:
- Massive Investment Influx: It will attract ancillary industries like shipping lines, logistics hubs, warehousing, and customs brokerage firms.
- Job Creation Catalyst: Thousands of direct jobs in construction, port operations, and security will be created, alongside tens of thousands of indirect jobs in related supply chains and services.
- Industrial Expansion Driver: The port provides a cost-effective export route for local goods (like agricultural produce and solid minerals) and an import channel for raw materials, incentivizing manufacturing companies to establish plants in the state to reduce logistics costs.
Beyond the Port: A Multi-Pronged Economic Strategy
The APC outlined a broader suite of deliberate actions underpinning the governor’s economic vision, suggesting a cohesive strategy rather than isolated projects:
- Prioritizing Industrial Development: Moving the state’s economy beyond primary resource extraction to value-added manufacturing.
- Strengthening Investor Confidence: Through policy consistency, transparency, and active engagement, crucial for attracting both domestic and foreign capital.
- Advancing Strategic Road Infrastructure: Critical connectivity projects across all three senatorial districts ensure the seaport and industrial zones are linked to hinterlands, facilitating the movement of goods and people.
- Laying Foundations for Petrochemical & FTZ Initiatives: Leveraging the state’s natural gas resources to develop fertilizer plants and petrochemical industries, often clustered within a Free Trade Zone (FTZ) to benefit from tax incentives and streamlined regulations.
Governance Style: Inclusivity and Expert-Driven Policy
The party also praised Governor Aiyedatiwa’s governance style, emphasizing two key pillars:
- Inclusive Appointments: The strategic placement of qualified women and technocrats in key positions, which brings diverse perspectives and specialized expertise into the administration’s decision-making core.
- Consultative Leadership: An openness to expert advice, which the APC claims has “continued to yield tangible results across critical sectors.” This suggests a data-informed and collaborative approach to problem-solving, reducing the risk of policy missteps.
As Ondo State prepares to mark its 50th anniversary, the APC’s statement frames Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration as one focused on “laying durable foundations for long-term prosperity rather than pursuing short-term gains.” This narrative positions the governor as a strategic planner whose work, particularly on the deep seaport, is intended to benefit the state for decades to come, transforming its economic geography and creating a more resilient and diversified economy for future generations.
