A University Don, Prof Akin Stephen Arikawe has said the completion of Olokola Free Trade Zone and exploration of the Bitumen deposit in Agbabu will fast-track the economy buoyancy of Ondo State.
Arikawe stated this while delivering a lecture titled "Economy Recover of Ondo State via the Akeredolu's Perspective" in Okitipupa, local government area of the state.
He noted that the economy of the state needs a proactive measure to resuscitate the slumbering situation the last administration in the state left behind.
According to the don, some abandoned projects which are considered critical to the development of the state must also be completed.
He described Infrastructural development and prompt payment of workers salary as veritable ways of stimulating the economy of the state.
Arikawe, a Prof from University of North Carolina who also identified Agro-allied industrization as one of the effective ways of reviving the state economy noted that the state must develop, encourage and nurture agro- allied business.
He said: "Most of the agro – allied businesses in the state are small and some are in the medium range. The state needs to help these businesses to access funds made available for their development and expansion.
"Agriculture, which contributes over 28% of the GDP of Africa, holds key for the accelerated growth and diversification and job creation for our economy
"No region of the world has moved to industrialized economy status without passing through the transformation of the agricultural sector," he said.
Arikawe further emphasised the need to site a sea port in the state, saying since the longest and deepest shoreline is found is in the state, government must seized the opportunity for development.
In his welcome address, the President of Ikale United Front, Prince Orimisan Adelokiki urged the youths to key into the agricultural agenda of the Akeredolu led government.
He lauded the governor for bringing development into the state within one hundred days in office.
He particularly disclosed that Akeredolu government has exposed the inadequacies in government by the last administration through regular payment of salary.
He said: "Least among his many unprecedented feats, is the prompt payment of salary to civil servant.Thus, bringing unfading smile on the faces of workers who had hitherto wallowed in abject poverty despite working like an elephant".
Others who spoke at the lecture included the caretaker chairman of Okitipupa local government, Mrs Alaka Morenike and Chairman APC in the local government, Mr. Wole Akeremale.
