‘Lagos already congested for business’ — Akeredolu invites investors to Ondo

Rotimi Akeredolu, governor of Ondo state, on Thursday flagged off the construction of the Nigeria’s first privately owned Gas Inland LPG Terminal and Oil Palm Mills in Ore Industrial Park situated in Odigbo local government area of the state.

Akeredolu said the projects which are public-private initiative, are in furtherance of the commitment of his administration towards transforming the state to the economic and industrial hub of Nigeria.

The projects, the 2,000 Megatonnes Alles Charis LPG Inland Terminal and the Red Gold Oil Palm Mills, were flagged off in commemoration of his 100 days in office as a second term governor.

The LPG Inland Terminal and Red Gold Project is a public-private partnership between the Ondo state government and private investments.

The Alles Charis LPG, “aimed to deploy quantity 8 inland storage within the next 5 years”, is the first privately-owned and biggest LPG Inland Terminal in Nigeria while the Red Gold Project is a partnership between Ondo and the National Oil Palm Producing Association of Nigeria (NPPAN) with the objective of focusing on a large scale palm oil cultivation and production.

Speaking at the event, Akeredolu assured the people of the state that his administration will continue to intensify efforts to ensure the growth of existing industries in the state as well as create an enabling environment to attract new investors.

He said upon the inception of his government in the year 2017, the state could not boast of having any industry, however, his government has now attracted numerous industries into the state.

“When we took over, the Ore Industrial Park was just a forest, however, within the space of 5 years, we have brought Linyi Hub which has 5 industries and three new ones to be added.”

Akeredolu said through the Ore Industrial Park, over 120,000 jobs opportunities will be created in the state.

He also expressed high optimism that the LPG plant will catapult Ondo State as the nation’s LPG distribution nerve center.