By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
In a significant stride towards economic transformation, Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Friday hosted the Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, in Akure, where both leaders agreed on a landmark partnership poised to reshape the industrial and agricultural future of the sunshine state.
The high-level meeting culminated in the announcement of a $2.6 billion investment deal that will see the construction of a fertilizer and harmonial plant, alongside a petrochemical facility in the state, all scheduled for completion within the next 12 months.
The initiative is led by Dr Abbas Waziri, Executive Director of RESIDENTS GROUP CEMENT, who accompanied Governor Mohammed to the Ondo State capital for the strategic engagement.
Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed profound gratitude to his Bauchi counterpart for facilitating the investment, describing it as a timely boost to his administration’s economic agenda and job creation drive.
He praised Senator Mohammed’s development model in Bauchi, especially in fostering partnerships with both local and international investors, which he said mirrors his own efforts in Ondo.
The Governor also used the occasion to reaffirm his commitment to actualising the long-anticipated Ondo Deep Seaport project.
Highlighting the state’s geographical advantage, Aiyedatiwa said: “We have the longest coastline in Nigeria with the deepest draft. It has always been there, but for some reasons, it has not been tapped. This time around, we are ready to complete what the last administration started and deliver a deep seaport that will accommodate modern vessels.”
On the new petrochemical and cement plant, he assured the investor of the state’s readiness, noting that infrastructure projects, including the dualisation of the Igbokoda–Okitipupa–Ore road corridor, are already underway to support the upcoming industrial hub.
He added that the area designated for the project is part of a free trade zone, offering additional incentives to prospective investors.
“We are not just talking; we are working. The typography is beautiful, and everything is in place—space, infrastructure, and policy support. I want to thank you for choosing Ondo State for this historic investment,” Aiyedatiwa declared.
In response, Governor Bala Mohammed commended Aiyedatiwa for his progressive leadership and innovative approach to economic diversification, stating that Ondo’s model aligns closely with Bauchi’s own drive for sustainable development.
“Far away in Bauchi, we’ve been watching with keen interest. What you’re doing here—creating opportunities and alternatives for your people—is exactly what we are striving for too,” he remarked.
Senator Mohammed disclosed that RESIDENTS GROUP CEMENT had previously established a $1.5 billion cement factory in Bauchi, which now serves as a successful template for the Ondo initiative.
Speaking on behalf of the investing firm, Dr Abbas Waziri confirmed the company’s readiness to deploy the full $2.6 billion investment within 12 months, adding that the collaboration between the two governors was instrumental in bringing the project to life.
“We are impressed with the support from both states. This is a game-changing partnership,” he said.
Present at the meeting were Ondo State Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; and Administrative Secretary of the Ondo State Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA), Barr Emmanuel Omomowo.
