By Ayo Arowojolu
The man, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has had many dates with history. Born on January 12, 1965, the Nigerian businessman and astute political leader, has served as Governor of Ondo State since 27th December 2023, when he was sworn into office by divine orchestration.
For Aiyedatiwa, the day, February 24, 2021, four years ago, had effectively positioned him on an unstoppable glorious journey to the very top when he was sworn-in as Deputy Governor to his boss and mentor, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu(now of blessed memory).
Twice in 2023, 13th June and on 13th December that year, he was sworn-in as Acting Governor of Ondo State until he eventually took over in substantive capacity as Governor on 27th December, 2023.
Again tomorrow, Monday 24th February, 2025, is another day of showing for Aiyedatiwa who would be sworn-in as Governor for a fresh glorious tenure of office after having been declared the winner of the 2024 Ondo State gubernatorial election, held on 16th November 2024, defeating his closest rival, Hon. Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Like a man whose foot is dipped in oil, Dr Aiyedatiwa has put the right foot forward in an intentional move to prioritize tourism as the lynch pin for the economic transformation of the Sunshine State.
As part of the activities leading to his inauguration on Monday, the Governor on Saturday led a team of top government functionaries and dignitaries including his Deputy, Dr Olayide Owolabi Adelami to Araromi Seaside in Ilaje Local Government Area of the State.
For those who know, Ilaje area of the state boasts the largest coastline in Nigeria, approximately 180 kilometers of Nigeria’s 759km coastline which is conducive to thriving fishing activities aside from the touristic potentials on parade. In particular, the state uniquely has the longest unbroken shoreline along the Atlantic Ocean.
The transformation of Araromi Seaside Beach has for long been a project on the card. But this time around, the Governor’s visit to the beach, in a pre-Regatta event format parading over a thousand tourism picnickers, represents a bold move to commit resources to ginger development in that axis.
Indeed, it forms part of the commitment of his Administration to expand the tourism and investment prospects of the State.
The Governor who addressed the jubilant picnickers said his visit aimed to showcase the riverine region’s vast economic opportunities, adding that investors are already showing interest in those opportunities.
“The strategic location of this area, just a 45-minute journey away from Lagos, will become even more accessible with the ongoing development of the Coastal Highway. This project will enhance connectivity and boost tourism,” the Governor noted.
Governor Aiyedatiwa revealed that La Campagne Tropicana and others are already in discussion with the government, adding that such partnerships would materialize in the coming months.
He also said plans are afoot to facilitate the availability of more boats such that accessing the area would be seamless, thus opening doors for job creation and economic growth.
Hear Gov. Aiyedatiwa: “This visit is all about showcasing what Ondo State has to offer. We want investors, both local and international, to see the untapped opportunities that exist in Araromi and other parts of the state. Our coastline, infrastructure projects, and strategic partnerships all point to a bright future for tourism, trade, and economic expansion.
“Ondo State is open for business, and we are ready to work with stakeholders to transform our natural assets into thriving economic hubs that will create jobs, boost revenue, and enhance the quality of life for our people”.
During an interactive session with journalists, themed ‘Unlocking Investment Opportunities Around the Sea’, Governor Aiyedatiwa assured that every sector of the economy would benefit from his Administration’s Our Ease agenda, which is designed to drive holistic development.
On concerns over the delayed deep sea port project, which had received licensing approval from former President Muhammadu Buhari, the Governor explained that an error in the initial approval process necessitated a restart. However, he assured that progress is underway, revealing that he has engaged with international investors to ensure the Ondo State Deep Sea Port becomes a reality.
A unique slant was introduced to the event when the Governor took a dive at the beach, encouraging the people to take advantage of the leisure the seaside offers, just as popular musicians like Daddy Showkey and Teni Entertainer, as well as the State Cultural Troupe and local performers entertained the crowd at the event.
*The author of this piece, Dr Ayo Arowojolu, a media professional, wrote from Abeokuta, Ogun State
