Ex-APC National Chairman, Akande, applauds Aiyedatiwa’s drive to transform Ondo into Industrial powerhouse
By Julius Alabi, Akure
Former Interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande, has lauded Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for what he described as far-reaching reforms repositioning the state for industrial growth.
Speaking at the recently concluded Southwest Summit in Akure, Akande said Ondo was “breaking away from the limitations of a civil service state” and charting a new course anchored on large-scale investment and infrastructural expansion.
He pointed to the landmark $50 billion investment sealed with Backbone Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (BINL) and the Sunshine Infrastructure Joint Venture as emblematic of the administration’s ambition.
The projects, a proposed 500,000-barrels-per-day refinery, a 1,471-hectare Free Trade Zone in Ilaje, and a major egg-production venture in Owo would, he said, redefine the state’s economic base, spur job creation and strengthen energy sufficiency.
Akande praised Aiyedatiwa’s leadership style, describing him as a “stabilising presence” within the ruling party.
He noted that the governor had opened up governance to technocrats and seasoned professionals, citing the appointments of Dr Taiwo Fasoranti as Secretary to the State Government and veteran journalist Idowu Ajanaku as Commissioner for Information and Orientation.
The APC chieftain also highlighted the administration’s deliberate inclusion of young people, noting the appointment of Segun Omoyefunmi as Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, alongside several other youthful aides across ministries and agencies.
Reviewing achievements recorded in less than a year in office, Akande listed ongoing road construction, rehabilitation of strategic routes, improved support systems for farmers, interventions in the power sector, and renovations in schools and health centres as evidence of what he termed “purposeful, development-driven governance.”
He urged residents, party members and stakeholders to rally behind the governor as he pushes forward with what he described as a bold and ambitious development agenda for the state.
