Dr. Femi Akinkuebi, a renowned industrialist and Managing Director of Ore Industrial Park, has congratulated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on his swearing-in as the Executive Governor of Ondo State.
He described the governor’s mandate as a chance to drive meaningful progress, expressing confidence in Aiyedatiwa’s ability to advance industrialization, security, and youth empowerment.
Dr. Akinkuebi emphasized the importance of harnessing the state’s natural and human resources by transitioning from raw material exports to value-added processing, particularly in the cocoa sector. He proposed the creation of Cocoa Processing Zones in Idanre, Ondo West, and Owo to stimulate economic growth and employment opportunities.
Advocating improved infrastructure, he urged the government to collaborate with the World Bank’s RAAMP-SU project to enhance rural road networks, ensuring smooth transportation of agricultural and industrial goods.
He also introduced the Ise Logun Ise initiative, a community-based industrialization model aimed at establishing specialized industries across local governments. His recommendations included cocoa processing in Idanre and Ondo West, palm oil refining in Okitipupa and Ese-Odo, cassava processing in Akoko, and fisheries development in Ilaje, highlighting their potential to boost job creation and economic expansion.
Dr. Akinkuebi called for the full execution of the Ondo Deep Seaport project, describing it as a billion-dollar investment that could transform the state into a major trade hub. Additionally, he encouraged the development of Araromi Beach into a premier tourist destination to strengthen the hospitality sector and boost revenue.
On security, he emphasized the need to equip the Amotekun Corps with advanced surveillance technology and enhance cooperation between security agencies to foster a safe business environment.
To address rising fuel costs, he advocated a shift to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a viable alternative to petrol, urging investment in CNG conversion centers and filling stations to ease financial burdens on residents and businesses.
Recognizing the importance of a technology-driven future, Dr. Akinkuebi proposed the establishment of innovation hubs, startup grants, and partnerships with global tech firms to equip Ondo’s youth with skills in AI, blockchain, and software development.
Reaffirming his support for Aiyedatiwa’s administration, he stressed the need for strategic policies and public-private collaboration to propel Ondo State toward sustainable economic growth and prosperity.
