Ondo State may at last be on the path to industriali-sation going by the current drive and the ingenuity of the State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who has expressed his desire to start the construction of a seaport at Olokola in the state.
He has recently also midwifed 10,000 hectares afforestation project at Omotosho in Okitipupa local government area of the state.
The afforestation project is believed would create job opportunities for thousands of youths in the state.
On the seaport development, the government is to partner with a South African company.
During a courtesy visit by the South African Company in his office, Governor Akeredolu said Ondo State has the longest coastline and did not yet have the opportunity of having a sea port.
"We are working at it, because if we have the deepest portion of the ocean, then the level and traffic of cargo in West Africa should be to Ondo State.
"It is not possible to do everything in four years, but we have to start at this port because that opens up everything. If South Africa is prepared to assist, we would be prepared to go into partnership," he said.
The Governor further expressed the readiness of his administration to partner with South Africa in order to further develop both countries agriculturally.
He said the state had an abundance of palm oil which is available and ready to be exported to South Africa.
Earlier, Consul to South Africa in Nigeria, Mr. Darker Africa had said they were here to further deepen the bilateral relations of South Africa and Nigeria since both countries came a long way historically and politically.
"We are also here to reinforce and rekindle people to people relationship between both countries because Nigeria and South Africa form the cornerstone to a better Africa.
"If we both work together, we will make our forebears very great. Today should be the beginning of a consolidated and enduring partnership which benefits will remain a permanent monument in our relationship.
"There are many South African companies doing well here and creating jobs. They are committed and want to invest even further in many other areas, create jobs and take young people for training," he said.
He further expressed their commitment to become partners to lubricate the relationship existing between both countries.
"Our relationship has come a long way, historically and politically. This is an administration of what we think is the significance of this relationship which great leaders of our countries have cemented.
"We are attracted to your administration's blueprint with its 5 cardinal programmes which serves as a platform for change, it resonates with South Africa's 9-point plan.
"In 2030, we want to see a South Africa that is well-developed, industrialized, a South Africa in which young people would have an opportunity to participate in various areas of governance", he stated.
Meanwhile, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Prince Orimisan Adelokiki has commended Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu over the flag-off of the 10,000 hectares afforestation project at Omotosho in Okitipupa Local Government Area of the state.
The project is a partnership between the Ondo State government and a Chinese company, Wewood Limited.
Adelokiki in a chat with newsmen in Okitipupa thanked the governor for the initiative which he said will have positive effect on the economy and social status of the local government and the Southern Senatorial District in general.
He said despite the short period of his administration, Governor Akeredolu has been able to initiate such laudable project in the state.
The APC chieftain noted that there is unwavering assurance that the people of the Sunshine State will reap more dividends of democracy under Akeredolu government.
He said despite the economic challenges in the country presently, the governor has started delivering on his electoral promises.
The APC chieftain who hails from Okitipupa local government expressed appreciation to the governor for kick starting his road to redemption on industrialisation from the area.
He said the people of the area will benefit a great deal from the siting of the wewood project in Omotosho.
He said "I am happy this is taking place in Omotosho, we are lucky that good things are returning to our area, we are grateful
"Now, our unemployed youths will be gainfully employed, Governor Akeredolu has not spent up to one hundred days, and there is a hand of revolution everywhere
"The Governor is concerned about the welfare of the people, he is concerned about the unemployed, he is concerned about bringing industries into the state, he is so passionate about developing Ondo State," he said
The APC chieftain noted that the APC administration has made another history in the state, saying such gigantic project was last done in 1979 during Late Pa. Ajasin regime.
Adelokiki appealed to traditional leadership in the area to cooperate with the Governor in educating the people on the need to emphasise on the economic advantage of the project.
