Gov Aiyedatiwa lists major projects, assures Ilaje LG of accelerated development of Ilaje Local Government Area of sustained investment in infrastructure, education, employment and industrial growth.
The Governor, in continuation of his “Thank You Tour”, on Sunday, visited Ilaje Local Government where he expressed appreciation to the people for their overwhelming support during the last gubernatorial election, describing their votes as a strong mandate that continues to inspire his administration’s development-driven agenda across the state.
Governor Aiyedatiwa said his government has recorded notable progress in delivering democratic dividends, particularly at the grassroots, stressing that development in Ilaje and other local governments remains a top priority.
On employment and education, the governor disclosed that his administration has embarked on massive recruitment to address manpower shortages in public institutions. He said additional teachers have been employed across primary and secondary schools, significantly improving learning outcomes, while similar interventions are being extended to tertiary institutions in the state.
Highlighting Ilaje’s strategic economic importance, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the area as richly endowed with natural and maritime resources capable of driving industrialisation, tourism and job creation.
He explained that the deep sea port, petrochemical plant and modular refinery would all be situated along the same axis.
According to him, the projects will be located within the Sunshine Free Trade Zone in Uku Kingdom, following the signing of memoranda of understanding with investors, and are expected to unlock massive economic opportunities for Ondo State and the Niger Delta areas.
The governor further revealed that contracts have been awarded for the development of the coastal corridor for tourism, while several road construction projects are ongoing within Ilaje Local Government. These include concrete walkways in riverine communities and the proposed Agerige -Zion pepe road, which he said has reached the design stage ahead of full construction.
At the federal level, Governor Aiyedatiwa said the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, initiated under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has commenced on the Ondo State axis, linking Ilaje to Ogun State and Lagos. He explained that the project will enhance regional connectivity, boost trade, and drastically reduce travel time between Ilaje and Lagos.
In the education and health sectors, the governor announced that the Ondo State Executive Council has approved the establishment of a College of Nursing Sciences in Kofawe, with construction of the permanent site scheduled to begin next year following the acquisition of land for the project.
Governor Aiyedatiwa assured residents that his administration remains focused on delivering people-oriented projects, adding that more interventions would be unveiled in the coming months to further position Ilaje Local Government and Ondo State for sustainable growth.
Earlier in his address, Ilaje Local Government Chairman of APC, Hon. Raphael Adegboye, appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa, stating that the developmental process in the state is worthy of commendation.
In attendance were; The Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; APC chieftain, Chief Olusola Oke; Member representing Ilaje Constituencies 1 and 2, Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abayomi Akinruntan, Hon. Olawunmi Fayemi-Obayelu; Director General, OSRC Media group, Mr Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson; Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka; Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Mr Segun Omoyofunmi; Ilaje Local Government Chairman, Hon. Maurice Oripenaye; Special Adviser to the Governor on Legislative and party affairs; party leaders and members, as well as other political stalwarts.