••• As Late Murtala Muhammed, Others Top Ondo Golden Jubilee Honours List
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has declared that the proposed Ondo Deep Seaport will be delivered before the end of his first tenure, describing the project as a game-changer for the state’s economic future.
Speaking on Thursday while addressing journalists as part of activities marking Ondo State’s 50th anniversary, the governor said the approval already secured for the seaport places the project firmly on course for execution during his administration.
“The deep seaport, by the grace of God, will be built during our time,” Aiyedatiwa said. “We already have the approval, and I believe strongly that this project will be delivered before I leave office.”
He explained that Ondo State’s coastal advantage, waterways and natural resources position it for the kind of economic expansion experienced by Lagos State, stressing that the seaport would unlock massive industrial and commercial opportunities.
“Ondo State has similar terrain with Lagos — coastline, waterways and the sea. Once the seaport is built, it will support industrialisation, agriculture, bitumen exploration and movement of people into our state,” he said.
According to the governor, the project will stimulate job creation, infrastructure development, hospitality growth and population inflow, laying the foundation for long-term prosperity.
Other Legacy Projects
Aiyedatiwa also disclosed that his administration has signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a refinery project, with developers expected to move to site soon.
“The refinery will be remembered. I signed the MOU and laid the foundation, and hopefully before the end of my first tenure, it will be commissioned,” he said.
He further announced that a fertiliser and petrochemical plant, which has received approval from national security authorities, will have its groundbreaking in the first quarter of the year.
Ondo @ 50: Honouring Founders and Heroes
As part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations, the governor revealed that Ondo State will honour individuals who played key roles in the creation and development of the state.
“Those who laboured for the creation of Ondo State, as well as those who governed the state at one time or the other, dead or alive, will be honoured,” he said.
He confirmed that late General Murtala Ramat Mohammed, who created Ondo State in 1976, will be honoured during the anniversary events.
“Even the man who made the pronouncement that created the state, General Murtala Mohammed, will be honoured,” Aiyedatiwa stated.
The governor added that distinguished indigenes who have made outstanding contributions in various fields will also receive recognition at the Gala and Award Night, where the full list of awardees will be unveiled.
Reaffirming his administration’s vision, Aiyedatiwa said Ondo State is being positioned not just to respond to change, but to shape it.
“We are laying the groundwork for a state where opportunity is inclusive and prosperity is sustainable,” he said.
