The Ondo Seaport has received the Federal Government approval for an operating licence.
The approval was given by President Muhammadu Buhari, at the FEC meeting on Wednesday.
In view of the development, the Minister of State for Transportation, Mr Ademola Adegoroye, expressed excitement over the approval.
This is contained in a statement issued on Thursday in Akure, by the Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Minister, Mr Ebenezer Adeniyan.
Adegoroye, who said he feels fulfilled that the port licence has become a reality, said that the port, a multipurpose Port in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, would be driven by investors through Public Private Partnership (PPP), with a 50-year concession period.
“I was graciously appointed Minister by President Buhari about 10 months ago, precisely July 6, 2022.
“My Governor, elder brother and Leader, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, gave me one major task. He told me that Ondo State was sending me to Abuja not to make money or facilitate contracts but simply to get the Federal Government to approve our port and get the port licence.
“On my own, I added the reconstruction of Akure-Ado Road, to my task list. I feel fulfilled today that I have delivered on my mandate. God is good.
“I thank God and I appreciate, Mr President and members of the FEC in particular, my colleague and senior minister in my ministry, Muazu Jaji Sambo, for helping me achieve this feat. I am fulfilled,” he said.
The port’s efforts were renewed by Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, and became intensified upon the appointment of an indigene of the state, Adegoroye, as minister in 2022.
NAN/Emmanuel Ukoh
