Ondo State Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has announced that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the revalidation of the state’s deep sea port licence, describing the development as a major breakthrough for industrial growth and investment attraction in the state.
The governor made the disclosure on Friday while addressing leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the party’s final expanded quarterly meeting for 2025, held at the International Culture and Event Centre, The Dome, Akure.
According to Aiyedatiwa, the deep sea port licence was originally obtained during his tenure as deputy governor but suffered setbacks due to technical issues surrounding the identity of the proposed investor in the initial business documentation.
He explained that the error necessitated a fresh application process and the preparation of a new comprehensive business case.
“There was a problem with the name of the potential investor in the original documentation. Because the licence was not registered in the name of Deep Sea Port Limited, the process stalled.
” We had to restart and submit a completely new business case, which has now been approved,” the governor said.
He disclosed that the proposed deep sea port will be sited in Erunona, Ilaje Local Government Area, an area noted for having Ondo State’s longest coastline and strategic access to international maritime trade routes.
The governor further revealed that the port would serve as the anchor for a broader industrial corridor, which would include chemical plants for fertiliser production, the Sunshine Petroleum Zone, and a modular refinery with an estimated capacity of 500,000 barrels.
He noted that the projects were at varying stages of planning and development.
“A lot of groundwork has already been done. Memoranda of Understanding have been signed, land has been allocated, and preliminary activities are ongoing.
”Construction work on the modular refinery has already commenced,” he said, stressing the state’s readiness to accommodate large-scale investments.
Aiyedatiwa said infrastructure development remains a cornerstone of his administration’s economic agenda, with ongoing road dualisation projects leading to industrial hubs and upgrades to critical facilities across the state.
He added that plans were in place for housing, schools and hospitality infrastructure to cater for population growth expected from increased industrial activity.
On the social sector, the governor highlighted improvements in healthcare delivery, noting that 412 primary healthcare centres have either been completed or were nearing completion.
He also said ambulances have been provided to all local government areas, while doctors’ welfare has been prioritised to strengthen the health system.
Security, he said, continued to receive significant attention, with the deployment of 512 security personnel across the state, supported by command-and-control centres.
Traditional rulers have also benefited from improved remuneration and mobility support to enhance grassroots security and governance.
Addressing party affairs, Governor Aiyedatiwa urged APC members to remain united, warning against internal divisions driven by personal ambitions.
Reflecting on the party’s governorship primary election, he said unity was key to the party’s strength.
“Even when your preferred aspirant does not emerge, it should not lead to division.
”After the primary, eight out of 15 aspirants supported me immediately, and the others later joined.
”That is how a party should function,” he said, while also calling for cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Linking the state’s progress to broader national economic reforms, the governor said improved fiscal policies at the federal level have enabled Ondo State to invest more in infrastructure, security and industrial projects while reducing its debt profile.
“We began by strengthening infrastructure and security to attract investors.
”Once the port, refinery nd petrochemical projects become operational, we will be better positioned to access additional funding for larger development initiatives,” he explained.
The governor also announced that February 2026 would mark the first anniversary of the elected administration.
He added that the milestone would be commemorated with an investment summit aimed at showcasing Ondo State’s industrial and economic opportunities to both local and international investors.
He assured stakeholders that development would be inclusive, stressing that all local government areas would benefit from the state’s industrial drive, with coastal communities such as those in Ilaje playing a key role in transforming the state’s economy.
Speaking at the event, the South-West APC Vice Chairman, Hon. Isaac Kekemeke, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for what he described as his humility and inclusive leadership style.
He encouraged legislators to be actively involved in party activities and noted the expansion of delegate representation from 10 to 60 per local government area, which he said has strengthened grassroots participation across the state.
In a goodwill message, Dr Tunji Abayomi praised the administration’s performance, highlighting the regular quarterly stakeholders’ meetings and the establishment of the Governorship Advisory Council.
He also described as unprecedented the recent dialogue between state party executives and the government.
Another party leader, Chief Jamiu Ekungba, applauded the governor’s efforts and urged party members to speak positively about the administration’s achievements.
“When someone is making genuine efforts and you refuse to acknowledge it, that is not right. We must encourage good work,” he said.
