Aiyedatiwa Secures Backing for Mega Projects in Ilaje Free Trade Zone

Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Sunday enumerated a string of major projects being executed by his administration in Ilaje Local Government Area, describing the coastal council as a uniquely blessed part of Nigeria with vast resources and opportunities.

Speaking during a Thank-You Tour at Ilaje, where he received a rousing welcome, the Governor announced that the operating licence for the Ondo Deep Sea Port had just been revalidated, describing the development as a major economic milestone for the state.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, who described Ilaje as a unique local government, added that the deep sea port was only one of several transformative projects lined up for the area.

He disclosed that a fertiliser and petrochemical plant was also in the works, noting that the state government had already signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the project’s promoters.

The Governor further revealed plans for a 500,000-barrel-per-day modular refinery, expressing confidence that the projects would significantly boost the local economy.

According to him, the deep sea port, the petrochemical plant and the modular refinery would all be located along same axis within the Sunshine Free Trade Zone in Ilaje Kingdom.

Governor Aiyedatiwa also announced that the contract for the development of the Araromi seaside corridor for tourism had been signed with a company tasked with executing the project, adding that the initiative was part of broader efforts to unlock the tourism potential of the coastal area.

“All of these projects I have mentioned, aside from other projects, have been started in Ilaje Local Government,” the Governor said, adding that more projects would be awarded in the coming year, including the Agerige–Zion Pepe road.

He urged residents to tour the area to witness ongoing developments, citing road construction along the corridor and the concrete walkway being built along the riverine areas.

Governor Aiyedatiwa also spoke on federal projects impacting the area, particularly the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He said the construction of the Ondo State portion of the highway, linking the state with Ogun, had already commenced.

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According to him, work had begun from Ebute–Pare down to Ogun State, noting that the highway would link Ondo State through Ilaje to Lagos, Nigeria’s largest market.

He said that upon completion, travel time from the area to Lagos would be reduced to about 35 minutes.

On education and health infrastructure, the Governor announced that he had approved the establishment of a College of Nursing Sciences at Kofawe.

He said construction would commence next year at the permanent site, adding that the approval had been granted by the State Executive Council.

He disclosed that land had already been acquired in Ilaje Local Government for the project, assuring residents that more initiatives were on the way.

The Governor thanked residents and supporters who contributed to the success of his administration, urging the people to take greater interest in government activities.

He encouraged residents to raise concerns in areas they felt had not been adequately addressed, promising that the government would listen and intervene where necessary.

As the festive season approached, Governor Aiyedatiwa extended Christmas greetings to the people, wishing them a joyful celebration.

Earlier in his address, Ilaje Local Government Chairman of APC, Hon. Raphael Adegboye, appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa, stating that the developmental process in the state was worthy of commendation.