Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Friday announced a major breakthrough for the state’s industrialisation drive as the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the revalidation of the Ondo Deep Sea Port licence.
Addressing All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders and stakeholders at the final expanded quarterly meeting for 2025, held at the International Culture and Event Centre, The Dome, Akure, the governor described the approval as a critical step toward unlocking billion-naira investments and transforming the state into a major economic hub.
Aiyedatiwa explained that the port licence, originally obtained during his tenure as deputy governor, suffered setbacks due to an error in the official documentation. The business case, he said, had to be completely redone because the licence was not initially issued in the name of Deep Sea Port Limited.
“There was an error in the name of the potential investor, and that delayed the entire process. We have prepared a brand-new full business case, and today, FEC has approved the revalidation,” the governor said.
He revealed that the deep sea port would be sited in Erona, Ilaje Local Government Area, a coastal corridor he described as Ondo’s gateway to global trade.
He added that the zone would host a fertiliser-producing chemical plant, the Sunshine Petroleum Zone, and a 500,000-barrel-capacity modular refinery, projects that are already progressing through various development stages.
“The MOU has been signed, land allocated, and preliminary work completed. Construction on the modular refinery has already started. A lot is happening,” he assured.
The governor emphasised that his administration’s infrastructural push is deliberately targeted at preparing Ondo for large-scale industrialisation.
He highlighted ongoing dualisation of roads leading to industrial corridors, modernisation projects across the state, and plans for residential, educational and hospitality infrastructure to support anticipated population growth.
Aiyedatiwa also showcased social sector achievements, including the completion or near-completion of 412 primary healthcare centres, distribution of ambulances to all LGAs, and improved welfare for medical personnel.
On security, he said 512 personnel had been deployed with enhanced command-and-control systems, while traditional rulers have been supported with increased salaries and official vehicles to strengthen local oversight.
Turning to party affairs, Aiyedatiwa urged members to close ranks and place unity above personal political ambitions. He recalled that even after a competitive APC primary, the majority of aspirants rallied behind him, a spirit he said must guide the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
On the state’s fiscal reforms, he credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s national economic policies for improved revenue inflows, enabling Ondo to pursue major projects without resorting to borrowing.
“We have prioritised infrastructure and security to attract investors. Once the port, refinery, and petrochemical industries come onstream, we can unlock additional funding for mega developments,” he added.
He also announced that the first anniversary of the elected administration in February 2026 will feature an international investment summit to showcase Ondo’s opportunities to global investors.
Earlier, Southwest APC Vice Chairman, Hon. Isaac Kekemeke, praised the governor’s inclusive leadership, while calling for stronger legislative participation in party activities.
Also speaking, Dr Tunji Abayomi, Chief Jamiu Ekungba and Dr S.B. Akerele commended the administration for its achievements, fiscal prudence and political unity efforts, urging stakeholders to amplify the government’s strides for the benefit of citizens.
Dignitaries at the event included Deputy Governor Dr Olayide Adelami; Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ololade Gbegudu (representing the Speaker); Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; Special Adviser on Legislative and Party Affairs, Hon. Kolawole Babatunde; and APC chieftains from all 18 local government areas.
