Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Friday played host to his Bauchi State counterpart, Senator Bala Mohammed, in a strategic meeting aimed at deepening inter-state collaboration for agricultural development and industrialisation.
The high-level engagement has already yielded significant dividends, with the announcement of a $2.6 billion investment in Ondo State. The investment, to be undertaken by Residents Group Cement, includes the establishment of a fertilizer production and harmonial plant, alongside a petrochemical industry, all expected to come on stream within the next 12 months.
The development is set to boost the state’s economy, generate thousands of jobs, and catalyze agricultural productivity and industrial expansion.
The investor, Dr. Abbas Waziri, Executive Director of Residents Group Cement, accompanied Governor Mohammed to Akure for the formal engagement with the Ondo State Government.
Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed profound gratitude to his Bauchi State counterpart for facilitating the opportunity and described the development as perfectly aligned with his administration’s mission to drive economic growth and job creation.
“I want to specially thank Governor Bala Mohammed for this groundbreaking development and for personally visiting us. I have been following your strides in Bauchi—attracting both local and international investors—and I commend your commitment to transformational governance,” Governor Aiyedatiwa stated.
He further highlighted his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, referencing the Ondo Deep Seaport project as a game-changer for the state.
“We have the longest coastline in Nigeria with the deepest draft. Although it’s long been identified as a strategic asset, this is the first time serious steps are being taken to actualize the deep seaport vision. It will be the first in Nigeria capable of accommodating modern vessels,” he said.
Governor Aiyedatiwa disclosed that more investors are showing interest in tapping into the state’s vast natural resources. He assured that his government is proactively building the required infrastructure to support industrial growth.
“We just flagged off the dualisation of the Igbokoda-Okitipupa road, with plans to extend it to Ore. By the time your plant is ready, the roads would have been completed,” he assured the investor.
He emphasized that the chosen site falls within a Free Trade Zone, offering immense benefits to both the investors and the host communities.
“The typography is ideal for petrochemical and refinery operations, and we are providing a serene and secure business environment,” the Governor added.
In his remarks, Governor Bala Mohammed lauded Governor Aiyedatiwa for his visionary leadership and commitment to diversifying the state’s revenue base.
“What you are doing in Ondo State mirrors our efforts in Bauchi. We are committed to peer learning and collaboration, creating opportunities for our people to thrive through industrial and agricultural investment,” he noted.
Governor Mohammed revealed that Residents Group Cement had already established a $1.5 billion cement plant in Bauchi and expressed excitement about replicating similar success in Ondo State.
Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Abbas Waziri, the lead investor, confirmed his company’s readiness to invest $2.6 billion in Ondo State within a year, covering fertilizer production, harmonial plants, and other petrochemical ventures.
“We’re impressed by the cooperation between both state governments. We are confident this partnership will deliver tangible results within 12 months,” Dr. Waziri said.
Dignitaries at the meeting included Deputy Governor Dr. Olayide Adelami, Secretary to the State Government Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, Chief of Staff Prince Segun Omojuwa, and Administrative Secretary of ONDIPA Barr. Emmanuel Omomowo.
