By Ayo Komolafe
In a bid to enhance the economic stability of the state and alleviate poverty amongst its citizens, the Ondo state government under the governance of Arakunrin Odunayo Akeredolu (SAN) has organised a two day economic summit tagged: Develop Ondo 2018. The two day summit was organised to develop strategies towards economic development and relaunch Ondo State Education Endowment Fund.
In his opening speech, the vice president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Prof. Yemi Osinbajo who was represented by Ali Isah Aliyu commended the state governor for his tremendous efforts in ensuring the economic system of the state is improved and boosting and boosting the Internally Generated Revenue of the state in an effort to enhance infrastructural development in the state. He further identify the state as one of the resourceful and enriched states in the country pointing out that the state contributes 12% of the oil and gas which the country has.
He stressed out the willingness of Federal Government to support any decision reached by the stakeholders at the end if the summit to ensure they are effectively implemented.
While delivering his welcome address, the governor of Ondo state, Arakunrin Odunayo Akeredolu (SAN) appreciated the presence of the vice President, top government officials, royal fathers, and dignitaries there present. In his address he said Ondo state had the potential of becoming a key player in the economy of Nigeria ad the state ranks fifth in the listing of states with oil and gas. He pointed out that the summit aims to gets development partners for the state’s development, stressing that sustainable development can be accomplished through proposed partnership with key players. Also the summit seeks to establish investment regulatory system that will allow the private sector to thrive.
The governor gave the assurance of ensuring adequate follow-up and implementation of decisions reached at the summit.
In his goodwill message, the ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi applauded the state governor’s effort in infrastructural development and his giant stride to knock out poverty in the state.
In its bid of implementing one of the major goals of the summit, the members of the Ondo state Educational Endowment Fund Board of Trustees were inaugurated. With Mr Sola Akinfenwa as the chairman of the board, other board members include Mr Kayode Falowo, Mr Segun Oloketuyi, Mr Segun Adegbulugbe, Engr Akin Odumakinde and Mr Segun Olugboyegun.
Dignitaries, Managing Directors, Top Government Officials, Roayal Fathers and other stakeholders were in attendance at the summit.
A communique was reached and memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed at the end of the summit.
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