Ondo govt partners investors on Ilaje Free Trade Zone

In a bid to further develop the coastal region of the state, the Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has stated that his administration is ready to partner investors to develop the state’s inland waterway.

Akeredolu disclosed that the state government has discussed with the National Inland Waterways Authority on its intention to have an inland port in Alape, Ilaje local government area of the state.

The governor, stated this at the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between the state government and ZGM investment group of companies Ltd and China – Africa Investment company Ltd for development, management and operation of free trade zone in Ilaje local government area of the state.

He said the inland port badge would accommodate a minimum of twenty 40ft containers at once.

The governor said the idea is to decongest Lagos State and open up the coastal region in Ondo State for better economic activities.

Akeredolu who noted that the state has a natural draft and the deepest shore, reiterated the commitment of his administration to establishing the Ondo port.

He said it’s a project that is very crucial to his administration, stressing that it’s a way of building the state for future generation.

Akeredolu called on investors to come and develop the port and run it. He noted that the state government would only get percent from the investment.

“Many people have shown interest, but we are particular about those people who are serious. The Ondo port with greater opportunity will be a big advantage to the free trade zone”.

Meanwhile, the governor assured the free trade zone investors of his government necessary support, security and enabling environment for them to thrive well.

Stressing the need for the project to fly, he said:”We want to plant a tree under which shade generations to come can rest. We are trying to build a state that will cater for future generations”, Akeredolu said.

The Chairman of the investment companies, Mr. Abbey Onas commended the governor for his foresight and love for his people and for the assurance of his support towards ensuring the project comes to fruition.

“I want to appreciate the governor foresight and the love he has for his people. The governor has given us assurance of his support and I want to ensure too that I will not betray the trust repose in me”

Enumerating the benefits the project would offer, the ZGM chairman said the project will create lots of jobs which consequently will serve as a measure to control crime as everyone will get busy with one engagement or the other.

“Job creation that will have social impact and reduce crime, attraction of new capital investment sourcing for raw materials from local economy, rapid community development, growth and empowerment of local businesses, development of high productive and competitive industrial processes among other benefits will be accrued to the state”, he stated.

He stressed the commitment of his team to ensure that the project commences and is completed within a short time

“We hope to put in place all the necessary infrastructure in the first quarter of next year and begin operations in the second quarter. Very soon, we will come to do the flag off of the industrial park free trade zone’.

Signing the MoU, the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde noted that the Akeredolu led administration obliged them the opportunity to partner with the state to industrialise the riverrine area of the state.

He therefore urged the project partners to be faithful and do as expected of them and key into the vision of the present administration in the state to further develop it for the benefit of all.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the governor on investment and development and CEO of the Ondo Investment and Property Agency (ONDIPA), Mr Boye Oyewunmi said the government is more interested to see results on the field beyond the MoU signing.

“We have seen what you have done in Ogun State and we want you to do more here. We are more interested in a statement of results. Please go to the field and do the needful,” he urged the investors.