The Ondo State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Honourable Sunday Olajide, has commended Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for creating an enabling environment that has attracted the renewed investment interest of the Dangote Group in the Olokola Free Trade Zone project.
Olajide described the planned development of a large-scale industrial and free trade zone at Olokola as a landmark achievement that would accelerate industrialisation, boost economic growth and create thousands of employment opportunities for residents of Ondo State and neighbouring communities.
The Commissioner noted that the governor’s commitment to infrastructure development, investment-friendly policies and strategic economic planning had restored investors’ confidence in the state, leading to the renewed engagement of the Dangote Group after years of inactivity on the Olokola project.
According to him, the proposed industrial hub, which will be equipped with independent power generation, water supply and modern logistics infrastructure, aligns perfectly with the state government’s vision of transforming Ondo into a major industrial and commercial destination in the South-West region.
Olajide said the project would significantly enhance physical development within the Olokola axis, stimulate urban expansion and increase the value of land and property across the area, while opening up new opportunities for businesses and investors.
He particularly praised Governor Aiyedatiwa for his proactive approach in setting up a technical committee to engage with the Dangote Group on issues relating to land, legal frameworks, host communities and operational matters, describing the move as a demonstration of purposeful leadership.
The Commissioner further expressed confidence that the planned commencement of construction later in the year would mark the beginning of a new era of economic prosperity for the state, stressing that the industrial zone would reshape the economic landscape of the South-West corridor and attract additional local and foreign investments.
Olajide therefore urged residents and stakeholders to support the initiative, assuring that the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development would continue to work closely with relevant agencies to ensure orderly development and sustainable growth as Ondo State prepares for a major industrial take-off under the leadership of Governor Aiyedatiwa.
