Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering the long-awaited deep seaport in Ilaje Local Government Area before the end of his tenure, saying the project will be a “game-changer” for the state’s economic future.
Speaking with journalists on Thursday during briefings ahead of events marking Ondo’s 50th anniversary, the governor said the deep seaport, whose licence has been revalidated by the Federal Government, is firmly on course for execution under his leadership.
Describing Ondo’s coastal geography as a strategic advantage, Aiyedatiwa compared the state’s potential to that of neighboring Lagos State, which has benefitted immensely from maritime and industrial infrastructure.
“The deep seaport, by the grace of God, will be built during our time. We already have the approval, and I believe strongly that this project will be delivered before I leave office.”
He noted that the state’s coastline, waterways and natural resources position Ondo for significant industrial and commercial expansion. According to the governor, the seaport once built “will support industrialisation, agriculture, bitumen exploration and movement of people into our state.”
Aiyedatiwa also expressed confidence that the deep seaport will spur job creation, infrastructure development, a boom in hospitality industries and a rise in population inflow, laying the foundation for long-term prosperity in the Sunshine State.
The deep seaport project, initially approved under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, recently saw its operating licence revalidated by the Federal Government, a milestone widely viewed as unlocking fresh momentum for the venture.
Officials in the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy formally presented the revalidated certificate to Governor Aiyedatiwa in Abuja late last year, underscoring federal backing for the state’s maritime ambitions.
Commenting on the importance of the certificate, Minister Adegboyega Oyetola described the endorsement as a strategic intervention to unleash Ondo’s maritime and blue economy potential, adding that the deep seaport could act as a catalyst for trade, industrialisation and regional integration.
On the occasion of the state’s golden jubilee celebrations, Governor Aiyedatiwa said the anniversary was “not merely commemorative; it is civilisational in significance,” offering a moment to reflect on Ondo’s progress and chart a strategic path forward.
He paid tribute to past leaders who have shaped the state since its creation on February 3, 1976, including Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin, Chief Ayo Fasanmi, and his immediate predecessor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, whose legacy he described as “indelible.”
