Ondo State is fast shedding its old image as a civil service-dominated economy and emerging as one of Nigeria’s most promising business and investment destinations, thanks to the proactive reforms of the administration of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Idowu Ajanaku, made this known in Akure while highlighting the government’s multi-sectoral efforts aimed at transforming the state into a vibrant economic hub through the OUR EASE Agenda.
Ajanaku explained that the state’s transformation is being anchored on strategic investments in infrastructure, power, agriculture, tourism, and revenue generation, all of which are repositioning Ondo State for sustainable growth and investor confidence.
The Commissioner commended the Ministry of Energy and Power for its remarkable progress in improving electricity access and reliability across the state.
According to him, the distribution of over 13,000 prepaid meters to residents and small business owners has drastically reduced estimated billing, enhanced transparency, and boosted the confidence of investors.
He further noted that the Ondo State Power Company (OSPC) has intensified regulatory oversight and coordination with distribution companies to ensure stable power supply. This, he said, has led to increased productivity and expansion for many small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), creating a new wave of business optimism across the state.
“Regular electricity supply is the backbone of industrial development, and Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration understands this clearly. The renewed energy policy and the state power company’s efficiency are already driving business growth,” Ajanaku added.
The Commissioner also commended the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS) for its excellent drive and dedication in boosting the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
He said ODIRS has improved revenue collection systems through digital innovation, tax education, and transparent operations — strategies that have strengthened the state’s fiscal capacity to fund infrastructure and social projects.
“The IGR drive has not only increased the state’s financial independence but also built public confidence in government accountability and service delivery,” Ajanaku emphasized.
Ajanaku described infrastructure as a cornerstone of the Aiyedatiwa administration’s economic policy. He listed several ongoing road projects including the Ikare–Akungba dualization, Akure–Idanre dualization, Okitipupa–Igbokoda road, flyover bridge on Akure – Ilesa expressway and multiple internal road rehabilitations as evidence of the government’s commitment to ease movement and business accessibility.
He further mentioned Araromi–Lekki road, which will link Ondo directly to Lagos, significantly expanding trade, logistics, and tourism opportunities if completed.
“When these infrastructure projects are completed, Ondo will naturally attract industries, logistics companies, and investors seeking a business-friendly location between the South-West and South-South corridors,” he stated.
He also spoke on the forthcoming Port Ondo project, describing it as a “game changer” that will open up new frontiers in maritime trade, logistics, and industrialization.
Highlighting the state’s vast agricultural potential, Ajanaku reiterated that Ondo remains Nigeria’s leading cocoa producer and the second largest in West Africa. He said the government is strengthening value addition and agribusiness investment to create jobs and boost export revenue.
In tourism, he announced the government’s approval for the revival of the annual MARE Mountain Climbing Festival in Idanre, scheduled for December, which will further stimulate the local economy and attract investors through public-private partnerships.
Hon. Ajanaku concluded with a confident appeal to both local and foreign investors to take advantage of the state’s ongoing transformation.
“Ondo State is ready for business. We have the resources, strategic location, power stability, and transparent governance that investors are looking for. The Aiyedatiwa administration is determined to turn Ondo into Nigeria’s next business hub.”
