I want to be remembered like Awolowo, says Akeredolu

Rotimi Akeredolu, governor of Ondo state, on Sunday, told the people of the state to expect a purposeful and business-oriented government if re-elected for second term.

Speaking during a debate organised by the state radio television corporation, OSRC, Akeredolu said the first term of his administration was used to initiate policies that would prepare a good ground to push the state towards the pact of industrialisation in line with the vision of the founding fathers of western Nigeria.

The governor promised to run the state the way Obafemi Awolowo governed the then western region.

He also denied the rumour that his nuclear family members have taken over the rein of governance in the state, challenging anyone with fact to come out to prove that any of his children has been awarded contract in the state.

“Contrary to the believe of many Nigerians that second term Governors do not do well, I want to say, today, by the grace of God, that my second term shall be a positive reference point in Nigeria. You know, I willl govern the people without much distractions. I want to return Ondo State to the reign of Baba Ajasin when factories were competing with each other’s,” Akeredolu said.

“I want to run Ondo the way our sage, Awolowo governed Yoruba Land. I want history to be kind to me. You see how our baba, Awolowo is being remembered today, almost 35 years after he died, me too, I want to be remembered like him.

“I’m not yet satisfied with the number of jobs we have created. I am determined to do more. Yes, we have a number of industries that we have facilitated here and I’m proud of that. But I’m saying we can do more.

“This state has been industrialized in a way that it has never been industrialized since Baba Ajasin left Government house. Today, the first cassava to Ethanol plant in the nation of Nigeria is in Ore, Ondo State through our investment drive. The first HDF plant in Nigeria is in Ondo State. We are talking about the textile industry and the paper mill all at Ore industrial park. These are the things we have brought here. It is for the people to see.

“We have Dongfeng that’s assembling trucks at our industrial hub in Ore. That’s monumental. Like I said ealier, Ore will be the new Nnewi before 2024. We are talking serious investment here not like those who spent eight years and cleared a vast land in Bolorunduro for truck assembly plant but they only ended up assembling grass.

“On the drive of his administration to have a Deep Sea Port in Ilaje Local Government Area of the State, Akeredolu said ”We have done what no Governor has done in this state. Today, we have the outline Business Case. We have the implementation plans.

“We have taken this to the Port Authority. It’s leaving there now for the ministry of Transport. By the time it gets to the Federal Executive Council (FEC), we will get the port declaration. I am sure that there will be a functional port in Ondo state before 2024 by the grace of God.”