The Ondo State Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has declared that the deep seaport proposed for the state will be delivered before the end of his administration.

The governor made the remarks on Thursday while addressing journalists on the activities lined up for the state’s 50th anniversary, noting that approval for the project had already been secured and that it was firmly on course for execution during his tenure.

The seaport project, planned for Ilaje Local Government, was approved by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari and recently had its licence revalidated by the Federal Government.

Aiyedatiwa described the project as a game-changer for the state’s economic future.

According to him, Ondo’s coastal advantage, waterways, and natural resources position it for the kind of economic expansion experienced by Lagos State, stressing that the seaport would unlock massive industrial and commercial opportunities

He said, “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.

“Ondo State has similar terrain to Lagos — coastline, waterways and the sea. Once the seaport is built, it will support industrialisation, agriculture, bitumen exploration and movement of people into our state.”

The governor expressed confidence that the project would stimulate job creation, infrastructure development, hospitality growth, and population inflow, laying the foundation for long-term prosperity.

On the golden jubilee anniversary, he said it was “not merely commemorative; it is civilisational in significance,” offering “an opportunity to reflect on the state’s past, evaluate its present, and plan strategically for the future.”

He emphasised that half a century was long enough to assess the vision that inspired Ondo State’s creation and the contributions of successive administrations in pursuing that goal.

Paying tribute to Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin, the state’s first civilian governor, Aiyedatiwa described him as “a rare gem, a statesman of extraordinary integrity whose principled leadership set enduring standards for governance, public morality and the benchmark within which

governments were assessed in Ondo State.”

He also acknowledged the contributions of other nationalists and elders, including the late Chief Ayo Fasanmi, late Barrister Deji Adegoroye, Pa Reuben Fasoranti and Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, noting that their legacy remains ingrained in the state’s political consciousness.

“From its inception, Ondo State has been guided by a succession of administrators and governors, military and civilian, each operating within the peculiar constraints and possibilities of their time. Beginning with Wing Commander David Ikpeme, the pioneer military administrator, to the last military administrator, Colonel Moses Fasanya, through subsequent administrations, the state has benefitted from leadership efforts that collectively advanced its institutional growth.

“We respectfully acknowledge the contributions of Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin, Chief Bamidele Olumilua, Chief Adebayo Adefarati, Dr Olusegun Agagu, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, and my immediate predecessor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, whose commitment to democratic consolidation, welfare, and security of the people of Ondo State remains indelible,” the governor eulogised.

Ondo State was created on February 3, 1976, by the military government of Major General Murtala Muhammed. (The PUNCH)

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