Ondo Moving from Civil Service State to Industrial Powerhouse — Bisi Akande

…hails Aiyedatiwa’s transformational strides

The pioneer National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande, said the policy direction of the Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa administration has set Ondo State on a historic path of economic expansion and long-term industrial growth.

Akande stated this in Akure, Ondo state capital, commending the governor for adopting what he described as clear, measurable, and transformative policies that are repositioning the state for sustainable development.

According to Akande, the administration’s policy thrust is deliberately shifting Ondo away from over-dependence on the civil service toward a diversified, production-driven economy capable of attracting global investment. 

He cited the strategic policy reforms that facilitated the $50 billion investment agreement with Backbone Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (BINL) and Sunshine Infrastructure Joint Venture as a major validation of this new direction.

He said, “Through these policies, the state is set to host a 500,000 barrels-per-day refinery, a 1,471-hectare Free Trade Zone in Ilaje, and an agric-industrial expansion project in Owo.”

Akande noted that these projects are not just investments, but outcomes of deliberate policy choices designed to boost employment, expand the industrial base, widen the state’s revenue sources, and strengthen energy independence.

Akande further stressed that Aiyedatiwa has demonstrated a governance model built on policy continuity, merit-based appointments, and institutional stability. 

He highlighted the inclusion of technocrats such as Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti (Secretary to the State Government) and communication expert, Idowu Ajanaku (Commissioner for Information and Orientation) as part of the government’s broader policy of professionalising public administration.

He also commended the administration’s youth-focused policy reforms, which have seen young professionals appointed into key roles, including Segun Omoyefunmi, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports. 

Akande said this approach reflects a deliberate strategy to renew the public sector with fresh ideas and ensure long-term leadership succession.

Akande identified infrastructure development as one of the strongest policy fronts of the administration, noting ongoing road construction, rehabilitation of critical routes, power sector interventions, and support for agricultural value chains.

He described these as foundational policies needed to enhance private sector confidence and stimulate production activities across the state.

The APC elder statesman added that reforms in health, education, and community development—including the renovation of health centres and public schools—underscore the administration’s commitment to human capital development as a core pillar of governance.

He urged residents and political stakeholders to support the implementation of these long-term policies, noting that their success will determine the future competitiveness of Ondo State.

 “Governor Aiyedatiwa has laid down the policy framework for an industrialised Ondo State. What the state needs now is continuity, stability, and collective support,” Akande said.