The excitement that trailed the approval of the Ondo Deep Sea Port for execution by the Federal Government is yet to subside.
Various interest groups, including the Ondo State Government and business community have hailed the approval as a piece of cheering news and pathway to the economic prosperity of the Sunshine State.
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Richard Olatunde, projected the actualisation of the sea port as very important to the state.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over last week by President Muhammadu Buhari gave the approval for the operating licence for the Port.
The governor, who thanked the President for the approval, described it as an impressive parting gift from the Buhari administration.
Akeredolu said: “The Port of 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.”
Akeredolu also appreciated the Minister of Transportation, Hon. Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, for his intervention and support, adding that the people of Ondo State were grateful for the Minister’s valuable services as history would be kind to him.
He equally noted with candour, the role played by the Minister of State for Transportation, Prince Ademola Adegoroye, towards the port approval.
Akeredolu, while lauding Adegoroye, said “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”
Also, the Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA) praised the state government and other relevant stakeholders for working towards the deep sea port approval.
ONDIPA, in a statement issued by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr Gbenga Badejo, described the approval of the port project as the biggest breakthrough that has come to Ondo State since its creation in 1976.
The statement equally saluted Governor Akeredolu for his efforts in getting the Federal Government approval.
With the deep sea port approval, according to ONDIPA, the economic development narrative of Ond State will change for the better.
Meanwhile, some stakeholders have advised the business community and other relevant enterprises to key into the development of the deep sea port project.
In their opinion, the port will bring many other economic advantages to Ondo State.
An excited communication expert and a former Maritime Archivist, Mr. Tunde Awe, asked interested individuals and groups not to waste time in mobilising their respective resources to establish needed facilities near the site and grow alongside it.
Mr. Awe said: “In sincerity, the Ondo Deep Sea Port will enhance the economic stature of the state generally and as as well improve the physical/infrastructural growth, economic and social status of the location. In reality, goods and services logistics, transportation business, access to easy exportation and importations will be enhanced, and bring businesses closer to the people of the state.”
According to him, taxes from shipping companies, Clearing & Forwarding Agencies, Customs duties and relevant maritime organisations among others will enhance further, the revenue collections for the state and the nation at large as added values..
He advised that for the people of the state and community to benefit, they must key into effective transportation businesses that will entail more needs for haulage vehicles, mechanics and spare parts dealers, allied artisans and logistic services must brace up for new opportunities formerly far from them that will now be on their doorsteps.
He envisaged various businesses such as tailoring, food vendors, estate agencies, medicals, hospitality and hotels, and in general all service providers that will greatly benefit, and by so doing, must prepare to improve in their quantity and quality of services.
Mr. Awe added: “Naturally, the port will bring about population surge in the communities close to its location and the state.
“The port will open opportunities for employments, trainings and experiments for Ondo State indigenes to a great extent. This will be a plus for the natives of the state and the communities.
“The locals will benefit greatly from the Port as their macro and micro economy will be positively impacted.”
The achivist, however, forsee that security will definitely be imparted negatively in the areas close to the port location.
According to him, ” Crime rates will increase with the deluge of immigrants: both genuine and fake inhabitants who will hide under the new employment needs that will rise.”
Likewise, a Lagos based administrator and retired teacher, Mr. Jimoh Balogun, agreed that the port development would engender creation of various jobs across all the sectors of the economy.
Mr. Balogun urged young jobless Nigerian graduates to look into the various benefits the port will create and take advantage of them.
In the area of employment, Mr. Balogun said: “The port will generate the following advantages: Clearing and forwarding activities will spring up.Youths will get jobs.Procurement of trucks for transportation of goods to various parts of the country will also be enhanced.
“Those interested in engaging in food and soft drinks business will spring up. Raw food that would be bought from farmers will lead to greater produce and income to farmers.
“There will be inrease in demand for accommodation within the environment. Home owners and Estate Agents will have access to more income.”
For the development of the port to be smooth without hindrances, the administrator asked Ondo State Government to make the development of infrastructure around the location a priority.
According to him, “Roads must be developed for easy movement and evacuation of goods and by this greater and easy accessibility to goods will be enhanced.
“In all, this is an overdue glorious time for the state and affected localities, and the people of Ondo State are grateful for this prosperous gesture of the President Muhammadu Buhari led government at this landmark government of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.”
Fisayo Falodi writes from Akure, Ondo State
