The Ondo State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) to boost sustainable development across key sectors of the state’s economy.
The agreement, signed in Nairobi, Kenya, will support coordinated interventions in physical planning, tourism, environmental protection, waste management, investment promotion, infrastructure, commerce, and industry.
The Ondo State delegation was led by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, alongside the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hon. Sunday Olajide. Others included the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Chief Oluwagbenga Akingbasote, Director of Master Plan, Town Planner Abimbola Tofowomo, Director of Finance and Administration, Mr. Obafemi Ehinmero, and a representative of the Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Funmilayo Adejumo.
Under the partnership, UN-Habitat will assist the state in preparing regional development master plans for the three senatorial districts, and master plans for the cities of Akure, Owo, and Ore. It also includes the establishment of one-stop youth centres in each senatorial district and capacity building for ministry officials in GIS, data analysis, and urban planning.
The delegation further explored collaboration opportunities in waste management, agriculture, transportation, and the blue economy.
Addressing the signing ceremony, Dr. Fasoranti said the Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa administration has embarked on transformative urban renewal and infrastructure projects across the state. He reaffirmed the governor’s commitment to development anchored on the “OUR EASE” policy framework.
He disclosed ongoing efforts toward a comprehensive tourism and physical development plan for Araromi Seaside in Ilaje Local Government Area, noting its vast economic potential.
“Partnering with UN-Habitat reflects the governor’s dedication to sustainable physical and economic development. We urge UN-Habitat to support resource mobilization to actualize these projects,” he added.
Commissioner Olajide said the Aiyedatiwa administration remained committed to multi-sectoral development and had already secured Federal Government approval for a deep seaport in the state’s coastal region.
He said the Araromi Seaside project, designed to become a world-class tourism hub, will attract investments in real estate, ICT, hospitality, and related sectors while involving local communities in its execution.
UN-Habitat’s Regional Director for Africa, Oumar Sylla, commended the state government’s dedication to development and assured the agency’s full cooperation.
“We are convinced of Governor Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to progress, as demonstrated by the high-level presence at this MoU signing,” Sylla said, adding that UN-Habitat will soon conduct a scoping mission to Ondo State to assess project needs and prepare financial plans for funding partners.
Other UN officials present included heads of policy, governance, waste management, planning, and data units, who pledged their support for the state’s agenda.
In his vote of thanks, Chief Akingbasote praised Governor Aiyedatiwa for providing the leadership to make the partnership possible and assured of the ministry’s readiness to maximize the partnership’s outcomes.
The ceremony marked a significant step in Ondo State’s drive to position itself as a model for sustainable urban and regional development in Nigeria.
