AIYEDATIWA CONSTITUTES ONDO DIASPORA SMART CITY TECHNICAL COMMITTEE
The Ondo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the actualization of the Ondo Diaspora Smart City Project – an ambitious initiative aimed at creating a world-class residential and investment hub for Nigerians in the Diaspora as well as other global investors willing to explore opportunities in the State.
This renewed commitment follows the formal constitution of the Ondo Diaspora Smart City Technical Committee by the Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, marking another significant milestone in the administration’s drive to promote innovation, sustainable development, and Diaspora engagement.
The Technical Committee, chaired by the Honourable Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, Otunba Wale Akinlosotu, comprises Permanent Secretaries and Administrative Secretaries of the Ministries of Infrastructure; Lands and Housing; Environment; Commerce and Industry; Physical Planning and Urban Development; Information and Orientation; Justice; Culture and Tourism; and Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, as well as the Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA).
Addressing members during their inaugural meeting in Akure, Otunba Wale Akinlosotu lauded Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for his visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to inclusive governance, and approval of the Smart City initiative.
According to Akinlosotu, the Diaspora Smart City project aligns perfectly with the Aiyedatiwa administration’s “OUR EASE” Agenda, which is designed to provide a conducive environment for residents, investors, and Nigerians in the Diaspora to live, work, and contribute meaningfully to the State’s socio-economic transformation.
He emphasized that the Smart City project would yield multiple benefits, including increased tourism, job creation, foreign investment inflow, and a significant boost to the State’s internally generated revenue (IGR).
“The constitution of this technical committee once again demonstrates Mr. Governor’s determination to harness the immense potential of our Diaspora community for the growth of Ondo State. The Smart City initiative will not only attract Diaspora investment but will also promote innovation, green infrastructure, and redefine urban living in our State,” Akinlosotu stated.
Giving an overview of the project, the Administrative Secretary of the Ministry of Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, Mr. Olakunle Ajibade, explained that the initiative had been in development since 2024 and represents a bold step toward a more inclusive, technology-driven, and environmentally responsible urban future.
Also speaking, the Administrative Secretary of the Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA), Mr. Emmanuel Omomowo, underscored the need for continuous reassessment of the project’s business model and greater private sector involvement to ensure long-term sustainability and impact.
The Ondo Diaspora Smart City Initiative is envisioned as a flagship Diaspora-driven urban project – a modern, technology-enabled city built on innovation, green infrastructure, sustainability, and industrial growth. It seeks to attract global partnerships, promote knowledge transfer, and position Ondo State as a leading hub for the digital economy and modern urban development in Nigeria.
Partner Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) represented at the inaugural meeting included the Ministries of Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Environment, Commerce and Industry, Physical Planning and Urban Development, Information and Orientation, Justice, Finance, Culture and Tourism, as well as ONDIPA.
The inauguration of the committee marks another bold stride in Governor Aiyedatiwa’s OUR EASE Agenda, aimed at driving inclusive growth, urban modernization, and Diaspora-led industrial advancement in Ondo State.
Signed:
Tayelolu Oladuti
Head, Media Unit
Ministry of Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations
October 20, 2025
