Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to massive infrastructural and economic development in Ilaje Local Government Area, calling on residents to continue supporting ongoing state and federal government projects.
The Governor made this known on Sunday during a Thank-You Tour of Ilaje, where he received a warm reception from party faithful and community members. He described Ilaje as a uniquely endowed coastal council with enormous untapped potential capable of driving economic growth for Ondo State and Nigeria at large.
Governor Aiyedatiwa announced that the operating licence for the Ondo Deep Sea Port had been successfully revalidated, describing the development as a major economic milestone. He said the port was one of several transformative projects planned for the area.
According to him, the state government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with investors for the establishment of a fertiliser and petrochemical plant, alongside plans for a 500,000-barrel-per-day modular refinery. He disclosed that the Deep Sea Port, petrochemical plant and refinery would be located along the same axis within the Sunshine Free Trade Zone in Ilaje Kingdom.
The Governor also revealed that the contract for the Araromi seaside tourism corridor had been awarded, noting that the project would unlock the tourism potential of the coastal belt. He added that other projects, including the Agerige–Zion Pepe Road, would be awarded in the coming year.
“All the projects mentioned, apart from others, have commenced in Ilaje Local Government,” he said, urging residents to take time to visit project sites to witness ongoing developments, including road construction and concrete walkways in riverine communities.
On federal interventions, Governor Aiyedatiwa highlighted the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway being executed under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He said construction of the Ondo State segment, linking the state to Ogun, had already begun from Ebute-Pare, noting that the highway would connect Ilaje directly to Lagos. He added that travel time to Lagos would be reduced to about 35 minutes upon completion.
In the areas of education and health, the Governor announced the approval of a College of Nursing Sciences at Kofawe, saying construction would commence next year at the permanent site following approval by the State Executive Council. He confirmed that land had already been acquired for the project.
Governor Aiyedatiwa thanked residents for their support, urged them to engage more actively with government programmes, and encouraged them to raise concerns where necessary, assuring that his administration would respond promptly. He also extended Christmas greetings to the people of Ilaje.
Earlier, the Ilaje APC Local Government Chairman, Hon. Raphael Adegboye, commended the Governor for what he described as visible and commendable development strides across the state.
Dignitaries at the event included Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; APC chieftain, Chief Olusola Oke; members of the Ondo State House of Assembly representing Ilaje Constituencies I and II, Rt. Hon. Abayomi Akinruntan and Hon. Olawunmi Fayemi-Obayelu; Director-General of OSRC Media Group, Mr. Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson; Commissioners, party leaders, and other political stakeholders.
