By Banji Ayoola
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ondo State has congratulated the people of the state over the approval of the long-term Deep Seaport Project in the state.
The project, initiated by the PDP administration of the late Dr. Olusegun Kokumo Agagu in 2004, was on Wednesday, approved for implementation at a meeting of the Federal Executive Council, FEC, presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Besides, the Federal Government granted the operating licence for the port.
Thrilled by the development, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu described the twin-approval as a memorable parting gift to the State by the outgoing President Buhari, who will vacate office on May 29, less than two weeks away, at the completion of his two-term tenure.
In a statement on Thursday by its State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kennedy Ikantu Peretei, the PDP described the approval as a welcome development, and a dream come true stimulus, with robust potential to rapidly transform the economy of the state, and the fortunes of its people.
The party said in the statement titled “Ondo Deep Seaport approval by FG is a welcome development”:
“On Wednesday 17th May, 2023 at a Federal Executive Council meeting, presided over by the outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari, granted approval for Ondo Deep Seaport operating license.
“It is a dream come true for Ondo State, because, it is a project that dates back to 2004 when Dr. Olusegun Agagu was Governor of Ondo State.
“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ondo State Chapter, congratulates the people of Ondo State for this welcome development that is capable of transforming the fortunes of the people.
“The deep seaport will stimulate economic growth through direct job creation.
“It will require workforce to handle various operations such as cargo handling, vessel operation, maintenance, security and administration.
“Logistics and supply chain will all require both skilled and unskilled workers.
“The opening for regional integration, transshipment and trade between neighbouring states will in no small way light up the economic environment of the state.
“From conservative estimates, more than 100,000 direct jobs will be created when the seaport becomes operational.
“The infrastructural turn-around, tourism and hospitality boosts are all direct fall outs of a seaport.
“Mention must be made of the Honourable Minister for Transport Mu’Azu Jaji Sambo, and Minister of State, Prince Ademola Adegoroye because presentation of the memorandum at FEC rested on their shoulders.
“Senator Nicholas Tofowomo, representing Ondo South at the 9th National Assembly also presented a bill at plenary in 2021 for the establishment of a seaport in Ilaje Local Government Area. His efforts too cannot be discounted.
“Our party urges the government of Akeredolu to fast-track the due diligence that will make the seaport operational in the shortest possible time and not fritter away this great opportunity.”
