Press Release
FG’s Approval of Port of Ondo, Cheering —Akeredolu
Ondo State Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, has described as cheering the Federal Government’s approval of Ondo Deep Sea Port.
Governor Akeredolu, who thanked President Muhammadu Buhari and other members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), said the approval was an impressive parting gift from the Buhari administration.
The Governor, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, noted that actualising the port project was very important to his administration.
“The Port Ondo is one of the most important projects of this administration. We are determined and committed to actualising this project that will set our state on the path of economic prosperity.
“Our dream for this port of Ondo is to serve as a conduit for our goods, agricultural produce, and very soon, our bitumen.
“It is the goal of this administration to ensure that the potential of Ondo State is maximised and that all necessary infrastructure required to make this a reality is put in place to achieve this.
“We thank the minister of Transportation, Hon. Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, for his interventions and commitment. Our state is very grateful for this yeoman service. History will be kind to him.
“We equally noted with candour, the role of the Minister of State for Transportation, our own, Prince Ademola Adegoroye. Your impactful struggles and efforts have started yielding enduring fruit of development. Indeed, you have proven to be a true representative of your people. Your doggedness is admirable.
“We also appreciate everyone who has, one way or the other, contributed to the process of getting this approval. It is just a phase. We expect that this development will renew our vigour and drive our passion to deliver the Port Ondo project.
“Like we say, we are planting a tree, under which shade we may not rest. Nevertheless, it is a worthy cause for the generation yet unborn. We are committed to any effort that targets the good of the next generation.
PRESS STATEMENT
ONDO’S 1.4 BILLION USD DEEP SEA PORT TO BE PPP-DRIVEN, AS FG GRANTS OPERATING LICENCE
I have delivered on my ministerial mandate; I’m fulfilled —Adegoroye
The federal government on Wednesday approved the establishment of a deep sea port in Ondo State.
The Federal Executive Council, presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari, gave the approval for the operating licence for the Port at the FEC meeting held at the State House in Abuja.
The development of the Ondo Multipurpose Port in Ilaje local government area of the State, will be driven by investors through Public Private Partnership (PPP), with a 50-year concession period.
The Memo for the approval was presented by the Federal Ministry of Transportation through the Minister of Transportation, Eng Muazu Jaji Sambo, following years of efforts by the Ondo state Government to establish a deep sea port, first at Olokola which failed to materialise since 2004.
The efforts were renewed by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, CON upon his assumption of office as Governor in 2017 and became intensified upon the appointment of an indigene of Ondo state, Prince Ademola Adegoroye, as Minister of State in the Federal Ministry of Transportation in July 2022, just about 10 months ago .
Governor Akeredolu had submitted the proposal for the establishment of the Port to the federal government, with series of due diligence undertaken by both the State and federal governments.
Speaking on the development, the Minister of State for Transportation, Prince Ademola Adegoroye, expressed his excitement over the approval, saying he feels fulfilled that the port licence has become a reality.
Adegoroye said: “I was graciously appointed Minister by President Buhari about 10 months ago, precisely 6th July 2022. My Governor, elder brother and Leader, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, gave me one major task. He told me Ondo state was sending me to Abuja not to make money or facilitate contracts but simply to get the Federal government approve our Port and get the Port licence. On my own, I added the reconstruction Akure – Ado road to my task list.
“I feel fulfilled today that I have delivered on my mandate. God is good. I thank God and I appreciate Mr. President and members of the FEC and in particular, my colleague and Senior Minister in my Ministry, Muazu Jaji Sambo, for helping me achieve this feat. I am fulfilled!”
Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan,
Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Minister of State for Transportation
May 17, 2023