Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Ayedatiwa, has endorsed the resolutions of the recently concluded Akure Speaking Communities Development Summit, pledging his administration’s support for the implementation of recommendations aimed at accelerating development across Akure North, Akure South and Ifedore Local Government Areas.
The governor gave the assurance while receiving members of the summit’s Central Planning Committee, led by its Chairman, retired Air Commodore Adewale Ogunmodede, at the Government House in Akure.
Ayedatiwa described the three-day summit, held from July 8 to 10 at the International Event Centre (The Dome), Akure, as a timely initiative that would strengthen regional cooperation and provide a clear framework for sustainable development.
He said the summit’s vision of producing a 10-year development roadmap for the Akure-speaking communities aligns with his administration’s commitment to inclusive and community-driven growth.
According to the governor, the state government will work closely with stakeholders to ensure that key recommendations from the summit are carefully reviewed and implemented.
“We will partner with you as a responsive government to ensure that the recommendations are implemented in a timely and effective manner. We are committed to working with all stakeholders to drive steady progress through home-grown development initiatives and community-based solutions,” he said.
Earlier, Ogunmodede said the summit was convened to develop a long-term strategy for the economic and social transformation of the Akure-speaking communities.
He explained that deliberations focused on critical sectors, including urban planning and infrastructure, digital innovation and investment, agriculture and agro-processing, the creative economy, governance and human capital development.
According to him, the outcome of the summit will form the basis of a 10-year development roadmap containing practical and implementable recommendations.
He added that the initiative seeks to harmonise development plans across Akure North, Akure South and Ifedore Local Government Areas with the objective of positioning the corridor as a smart, integrated and economically competitive region.
Ogunmodede also advocated the establishment of a central coordinating body and an Akure Speaking Communities Traditional Council to complement existing community associations, promote unity among traditional rulers and provide a common platform for advancing the collective interests of the three local government areas.
The summit, themed “Building a Smart, Integrated and Prosperous Development Corridor,” attracted traditional rulers, political leaders, professionals, development experts and other stakeholders from across the Akure-speaking communities.
The visit ended with the presentation of a special recognition plaque to Governor Ayedatiwa by the Central Planning Committee in appreciation of his support for the initiative.
