The Ondo State Executive Council, chaired by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has approved major initiatives aimed at boosting energy security, infrastructure, education, water supply and grassroots development across the state.
Key decisions include:
* Energy: Approval of a $1.6 million UNIDO-funded 350kW Small Hydropower Project at the Owena Dam, with the state providing a 30% counterpart contribution.
* Power Generation: Approval of a 7.5MW gas-fired turbine at the Alagbaka Commissioners’ Quarters to provide dedicated electricity for government facilities, reducing dependence on BEDC and generators. The project is expected to be completed within five months.
* Infrastructure: Ratification of 21 previously awarded infrastructure projects, including the Okela–NYSC Camp–Federal Technical College Road in Ikare-Akoko and the construction of 27 four-bedroom terrace houses for members of the State House of Assembly.
* Education: Approval of the conversion of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, into Rufus Giwa University of Agriculture, Science and Technology.
* Water Supply: Approval of the state’s counterpart funding for the ongoing Urban Water Project linked to the multipurpose Owena Dam, ensuring uninterrupted implementation.
* Traditional Institutions: Ratification of the appointment of Prince Adewale Fatusin Richard as the Onisupare of Supare-Akoko and approval of Prince Tayo Ajisegiri as the Olujigba of Ijigba.
* Governance: The Commissioner for Information, Hon. Idowu Ajanaku, described the EXCO meeting as one that produced far-reaching decisions covering infrastructure, health, legal reforms and local government, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to grassroots development.
The approvals underscore Governor Aiyedatiwa’s focus on expanding critical infrastructure, strengthening energy independence, improving public utilities, advancing education, and accelerating development across Ondo State.
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has honoured outstanding students, teachers and NYSC award recipients in Ondo State, rewarding academic excellence with cash prizes and employment opportunities.
At the ceremony held at the Cocoa Conference Centre in Akure, the Governor announced automatic employment into the Ondo State Public Service for seven recipients of the prestigious NYSC National Award. He also presented ₦1 million each to 66 awardees in recognition of their exceptional achievements.
Governor Aiyedatiwa described the event as a celebration of excellence and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in education and human capital development through the OUR EASE agenda. He praised teachers as the foundation of national development and emphasized that education must produce innovative, responsible and globally competitive citizens.
The awards recognised seven NYSC National Award recipients, 54 students who scored above 300 in the 2026 UTME, students who represented Ondo State and Nigeria in international academic competitions, including the National Spelling Bee Global Competition in the United States, the World Olympiad in Paris and the Chemistry Olympiad in Uzbekistan, as well as two outstanding teachers from the public and private school sectors.
Commissioner for Education, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, described the initiative as a landmark effort to inspire excellence and encourage academic achievement across the state.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, members of the State Executive Council, lawmakers, education stakeholders and NYSC officials.
A well-deserved honour! 🏆
Congratulations to Hon. Tajudeen Adefisoye (@SmallAlhaji_) on emerging as Youth Icon of the Year at the Democracy Heroes Award Africa 2026.
Congratulations, Small Alhaji! 🎉🇳🇬
#SmallAlhaji2027
Today, I inaugurated the Technical Committee on the Olokola Free Trade Zone (OKFTZ), a decisive step towards reviving one of the most strategic economic projects in our state’s history.
For nearly two decades, the enormous potential of the Olokola corridor has remained largely untapped. Yet, our coastline holds immense opportunities for industrial growth, maritime development, investment attraction, and the creation of thousands of jobs for our people.
With renewed interest from the Dangote Group to establish what is projected to become Nigeria’s largest industrial and free trade hub at Olokola, our administration is determined to ensure that all legal, technical, infrastructural and community-related issues are addressed with urgency and transparency.
The committee has been given a clear mandate to fast-track the processes required for the reactivation of the project and position Ondo State as a leading destination for industrial investment in Africa.
The vision is clear: a world-class industrial ecosystem powered by modern infrastructure, independent energy solutions, robust logistics, and a business-friendly environment capable of attracting local and international investors.
I have charged the committee to approach this assignment with patriotism, diligence and integrity. The future of Olokola is not just about infrastructure; it is about jobs, economic prosperity, industrialisation and sustainable development for generations of Ondo State citizens.
Our administration remains committed to transforming opportunities into tangible progress and ensuring that Ondo State occupies its rightful place as Nigeria’s premier destination for investment and economic growth.
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has reiterated Ondo State’s commitment to supporting the reactivation of a dormant oil field that has remained inactive since 1998, during a meeting with executives of Sahara Energy Group in Akure.
The governor emphasized that reviving the asset would boost Ondo’s contribution to Nigeria’s oil production target of 2 million barrels per day and improve the state’s standing among oil-producing states. He stressed the need to address infrastructure deficiencies, curb leakages, modernize equipment, and adopt digital systems to enhance efficiency and transparency in production.
Aiyedatiwa assured investors of a peaceful and business-friendly environment, highlighting ongoing dredging projects and planned interventions to improve access to oil-producing communities and production sites.
Speaking on behalf of Sahara Energy, Kola Adesina described the oil field as a stranded asset with significant untapped potential. He disclosed that the company is carrying out technical assessments and integrity tests to determine the requirements for full reactivation.
Both parties agreed that increased investment, technological innovation, and strong collaboration between government and operators are essential to unlocking the asset’s value, increasing national oil output, and delivering benefits to host communities.
@LuckyAiyedatiwa Mr. Governor, this is leadership with results. While others make noise, you are bringing investments and opportunities to Ondo State. Keep the good work going, sir.
ONDO GOVT SETS UP TECHNICAL COMMITTEE ON OLOKOLA FREE TRADE ZONE REVIEW
The Ondo State Government has constituted a Technical Committee on the Olokola Free Trade Zone (OKFTZ) project to review all legal, administrative and operational issues surrounding the initiative and advise government on the way forward.
The Governor of the State, His Excellency, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, announced the setting up of the committee on Monday.
The committee is chaired by Chief Bode Sunmonu, while Mr. Emmanuel Omomowo, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA), will serve as Secretary.
Other members are Barr. Yinka Orokoto; Mr. Sola Adebisi; Mr. Idowu Ojo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance; and Engr. Femi Akarakiri, Director, ONDIPA.
The committee is expected to function strictly under defined Terms of Reference covering legal review, stakeholder engagement, land verification, community relations, inter-state coordination, and any other matters referred to it by the state government.
Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
June 15, 2026.
@OndoStateOnline@DangoteGroup Mr. Governor, this is leadership with results. While others make noise, you are bringing investments and opportunities to Ondo State. Keep the good work going, sir.
President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has announced plans to build Nigeria’s largest industrial and free trade zone at Olokola, Ondo State, with construction expected to begin in the last quarter of 2026.
The project will provide dedicated power, water, gas, and logistics infrastructure to attract manufacturers and remove major business bottlenecks. It will also include investments in power generation, cement production, and gas infrastructure.
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa welcomed the investment, describing it as a major step toward Ondo’s industrial transformation. The state government has set up a technical committee to work with Dangote Group and pledged full support for the project, which is expected to create thousands of jobs and boost economic growth across the region.
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