Ondo poised to become Nigeria’s next business hub — Ajanaku

Ondo State is steadily transforming from a civil service–dependent economy into one of Nigeria’s most attractive business and investment destinations, driven by the bold reforms of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s administration.

The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Idowu Ajanaku, stated this in Akure while outlining the government’s efforts under the OUR EASE Agenda to reposition the state as a dynamic economic hub through strategic investments in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, tourism, and revenue generation.

Ajanaku commended the Ministry of Energy and Power for its achievements in improving electricity access and reliability across the state. He revealed that over 13,000 prepaid meters have been distributed to households and small businesses, reducing estimated billing and boosting investor confidence.

According to him, the Ondo State Power Company (OSPC) has enhanced coordination with electricity distribution firms to stabilize power supply, a development that has stimulated productivity and growth among small and medium enterprises.

“Regular power supply is the backbone of industrial development, and Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration understands this. The renewed energy policy and the efficiency of the power company are already energizing the state’s business landscape,” Ajanaku said.

He also praised the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS) for its innovation-driven approach to boosting Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). Through digital reforms, tax education, and transparent operations, ODIRS has strengthened the state’s fiscal capacity and public trust in governance.

“The IGR drive has not only enhanced Ondo’s financial independence but also reinforced citizens’ confidence in government accountability and service delivery,” he noted.

Highlighting infrastructure as a key pillar of economic growth, Ajanaku listed major road projects including the Ikare–Akungba dualization, Akure–Idanre dualization, Okitipupa–Igbokoda road, and the flyover bridge on the Akure–Ilesa expressway. He added that the Araromi–Lekki road, when completed, will connect Ondo directly to Lagos, opening up vast trade, tourism, and logistics opportunities.

“When these projects are completed, Ondo will naturally attract industries and investors seeking a strategic location between the South-West and South-South corridors,” he said.

Ajanaku further described the proposed Port Ondo project as a “game changer” that will expand the state’s footprint in maritime trade and industrialization.

Speaking on agriculture, he reaffirmed that Ondo remains Nigeria’s top cocoa producer and the second-largest in West Africa, with the government prioritizing value addition and agribusiness investment to create jobs and boost exports.

In tourism, he announced the return of the annual MARE Mountain Climbing Festival in Idanre this December, expected to stimulate the local economy and attract investors through public-private partnerships.

Concluding, Ajanaku called on both local and foreign investors to take advantage of the state’s ongoing transformation.

“Ondo State is open for business. We have the resources, strategic location, stable power, and transparent governance investors desire. Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration is determined to make Ondo Nigeria’s next business hub,” he said.