ECONOMIC SELF- RELIANCE: ODSG SEEKS WAYS TO STRENGHTEN BILATERAL RELATIONS WITH DIASPORANS
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ECONOMIC SELF- RELIANCE: ODSG SEEKS WAYS TO STRENGHTEN BILATERAL RELATIONS WITH DIASPORANS
In his determination to reform the Ministry of Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, the Commissioner, Prince Boye Ologbese has stated that Ondo State is at the verge of metamorphosing from a core Civil service state to a business driven one.
Prince Ologbese, disclosed this while on a work visit alongside top management staff to the office of the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Catherine Oladunni Odu in Akure.
While giving his remarks, he posited that Ondo State is overdue to commence the use of alternative means for seeking revenue.
“Under the leadership of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, we want to change the narrative from being a Civil service state to a business driven one as a means of increasing the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the State, the Ministry is working on a project with Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission and Nigerians In Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) which has to do with designing Ondo State as a business hub of the entire South West” he said.
According to him, self reliance is very crucial and critical at this point in time for the State.
” Now that technology is fast moving ahead of our crude oil, we must be able to look beyond our means without waiting on the Federal government before embarking on major projects, which would sustain us in the nearest future if properly harnessed”
The commissioner hinted that the Ministry had been in and out of discussions with its parent Ministry DAWN commission in Ibadan as to know the kind of businesses to be done in which sister states like Ekiti, Osun, Oyo and Lagos states, could benefit so as to strengthen the SouthWest region for self reliance.
He added that Lagos State would also be brought on board to offer Ondo State all the support needed being that it stands alone as a self reliant State and so that Ondo State does not burden them on the long run.
As a part of the Ministry’s reforms, Prince Ologbese disclosed that feasibility studies were being carried out on how best to identify and reach out to diasporans who have made significant social and economic impact inorder to present them awards based on their achievements to further strengthen the States’ global community.
Similarly, the Regional Integration Commissioner, said that the Ministry had engaged in other diaspora relation activities in recent times such of which enabled them to earn a liscence to set up Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) office now situated in Akure.
” It would interest you to know that under the leadership of the Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri, the Ministry has been able to secure NIDCOM office to further projects in the South West” he said.
He thanked Princess Oladunni Odu for previously providing support to the Ministry and seized the opportunity to note that in as much as the Ministry has alot of plans underway, they are being faced with the challenge of utility vehicles to enable them carry out quick tasks when the need arises.
Prince Ologbese however called on the office of the Secretary to the State Government to assist in enabling the provision of vehicles so that members of the Ministry could move as a team whenever duty calls.
The Secretary to Ondo State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu, while responding appreciated the Commissioner and his team for how well they are striving to improve the Ministry and for intimating her with their activities so far and as well congratulated them on the success of being able to secure a license to operate an office under the leadership of Abike Dabiri.
In her earlier response to their need for a utility vehicle, she implored them to reach out to the Governor since they had already included it to the year’s budget.
She encouraged them to keep trying and stay focused considering that it is a new Ministry.
Management team accompanied by the Commissioner were as follows: Mrs. Lola Amuda Permanent Secretary, Prince Adeyinka Adekolurejo, Director of Finance and Administration, Mrs. Afolake Komolafe, Director Diaspora and Mr. Oniye Charles
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