The Ondo State Government has reiterated its commitment to protecting the environment and safeguarding the well-being of its people as a key component of all Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed with investors.
Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasonranti, gave the assurance while addressing participants of Senior Executive Course 47 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), who are on a study tour of the state.
Dr. Fasonranti emphasized that Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa is not only focused on transforming the state’s economy but is equally committed to the welfare of the people.
“In all our agreements with stakeholders, we have made it clear that the protection of our environment and people must be a priority,” he stated.
The SSG revealed the state’s plans to partner with relevant stakeholders and investors on bitumen exploration, expressing optimism that the vast deposits would be efficiently harnessed.
He also disclosed that Governor Aiyedatiwa has laid the groundwork for the development of the Araromi Seaside into a major tourism hub.
“We are promoting tourism at all levels. Just last week, the state hosted top tourism operators across Nigeria, and Mr. Governor has consistently shown determination to showcase the state’s vast tourism potential,” Fasonranti said.
On healthcare, the SSG noted that several medical professionals in the current administration are committed to improving service delivery across the state’s health institutions, which include 15 General Hospitals, 29 Comprehensive Health Centres, 203 Basic Health Centres, and tertiary facilities—all undergoing renovation in line with the Universal Health Coverage agenda of the government.
In his remarks, the leader of the NIPSS delegation, Mohammed Kabir Suleiman, explained that the study tour is centered around the theme of sustainable development. He also led a minute of silence in honour of two prominent Nigerians who passed on recently—former President Muhammadu Buhari and the Awujale of Ijebuland, who reigned for over 60 years.
Suleiman commended the late Awujale for his contribution to the growth of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies.
Presentations at the event included: Unlocking Investment Potential in the Blue Economy: The Proposed Deep-Sea Port and Free Trade Zone in Ondo by Barrister Emmanuel Omomowo, Administrative Secretary of the Ondo State Investment Promotion and Development Agency. Promoting Environmental Stewardship and Coastal Ecosystem Protection for a Sustainable Blue Economy by Mr. Olumide Kinga, Administrative Secretary, Ministry of Environment. Proposed Araromi Seaside Master Plan presented on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Chief Gbenga Akingbasote (mni), by the Director of Master Plan, Abimbola Tofowomo.
Chief Akingbasote said the state has commenced the production of master plans for all major towns, and emphasized the government’s insistence on obtaining development permits to prevent building collapses.
Also present at the event was the newly inaugurated Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hon. Sunday Olajide, who pledged to contribute his quota towards actualizing the Aiyedatiwa administration’s vision for Araromi Seaside.
He expressed confidence that the study tour by the NIPSS participants would significantly support the drive for sustainable development in Ondo State and the country at large.
Dignitaries were presented with souvenirs, including Dr. Taiwo Fasonranti, Hon. Sunday Olajide, and Chief Gbenga Akingbasote.
The event also had in attendance Hon. Dipo Ogunleye, who represented members of the National Institute from Ekiti State.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet and Special Services Department in the Governor’s Office, Pastor Adeyemi Adeyemo, welcomed the participants and expressed optimism that the lectures presented would contribute meaningfully to the economic development of Ondo State and Nigeria.
