
ONDO ASSURES OF ADEQUATE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IN INVESTMENT ZONES
…As Secretary to State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasonranti presides over One-Day Lecture in honour of NIPSS Course 47 Participants
The Ondo State Government has said that protection of the environment and inhabitants is a major component of the Memoranda of Understanding being signed with investors.
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasonranti was addressing participants of Senior Executive Course 47 of the National Institute For Policy and Strategic Studies who are on a study tour of the state.
The SSG emphasized that the protection of the people is prioritised in the law and agreement with the stakeholders.
In his words, ” though Mr Governor, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa is particular about changing the state of the economy of this state, he is also particular about the well-being of the people”.
“The state government made it clear that they must protect our environment and the people”, Fasonranti stressed.
The SSG hinted of the plan of the state government to work with relevant stakeholders and investors to embark on bitumen exploration which he expressed the hope would not be allowed to be a waste.
He noted that Governor Aiyedatiwa has put in place the required structures and processes that would herald the much needed development of the Araromi Seaside area into a tourism hub.
According to him, “we are promoting tourism at all levels and Mr. Governor is so much committed to this. Just last week, we hosted tourism operators in Nigeria and Mr. Governor has always displayed the determination of his administration to showcase numerous potentials in the state”.
Dr. Fasonranti also used the medium to notify the gathering of the decision of a number of medical practitioners in the administration to rub minds and justify their existence by adding values.
The SSG said the health institutions in the state which include 15 General Hospitals, 29 Comprehensive Health Centers and 203 Basic Health Centers as well as the tertiary health institutions are well staffed while most of them are currently undergoing renovations in line with the Universal Health Converge of the administration.
In his remarks, the leader of the team, Mohammed Kabir Suleiman said the study tour of the participants of the Senior Executive Course 47 of National Institute For Policy and Strategic Studies is built around the need for sustainable development.
While reflecting on the demise of two prominent Nigerians on Sunday, former President Muhammadu Buhari and the Awujale of Ijebuland who reigned for over 60 years, Suleiman led the observation of a minute silence in honour of the duo.
He also noted that the late Awujale played significant roles in promoting the vision and mission of the National Institute For Policy and Strategic Studies.
Lectures presented include Unlocking Investment Potential in the Blue Economy: The proposed Deep-Sea Port and Free Trade Zone in Ondo by the Administrative Secretary of Ondo State Investment Promotion Development Agency, Barrister Emmanuel Omomowo and Promoting Environmental Stewardship and Coastal Ecosystem Protection for a Sustainable Blue Economy by the Administrative Secretary of Environment Ministry, Mr Olumide Kinga.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Chief Gbenga Akingbasote, mni also presented a paper on Proposed Araromi Seaside Master Plan. He was represented by the Director of Master Plan, Abimbola Tofowomo.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Chief Gbenga Akingbasote said the present administration has embarked on production of master plan for all the major towns in the state.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Cabinet and Special Services Department of the Governor’s Office, Pastor Adeyemi Adeyemo had welcomed the participants, assuring that various papers to be presented would contribute to the economy of the state and the nation.
He also stated that government is enforcing that people get approval for development permit which he said would reduce cases of collapsed buildings.
The event also attracted the newly-sworn in Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hon. Sunday Olajide who expressed the readiness to play his part in ensuring that the dream of turning Araromi Seaside to tourism hub by Aiyedatiwa administration is made a reality.
Olajide expressed confidence that the study tour by the Senior Executive Course 47 of NIPSS would contribute meaningfully to the much needed sustainable development in the state and Nigeria.
The event also witnessed presentation of souvenirs to dignitaries who include the Secretary to State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasonranti, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hon. Sunday Olajide and Permanent Secretary, ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Chief Gbenga Akingbasote.
The event also had in attendance Hon. Dipo Ogunleye who represented the members of the National Institute from Ekiti State.