Ondo @50: Continuity, prudent governance driving state’s progress – Kolawole

By Precious Oluwole

The Special Adviser to the Ondo State Governor on Legislative Matters and Party Affairs, Babatunde Kolawole, has attributed the state’s sustained development over the past five decades to resilience, continuity and prudent governance.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Hope on Ondo State’s golden jubilee celebration, Kolawole traced the political evolution of the state from the civilian administration through successive military regimes to later civilian governments.

He noted that despite the challenges accompanying changing political landscapes, the state has consistently recorded progress across critical sectors, including infrastructure, education, healthcare and economic development.

Kolawole emphasised that this growth has been underpinned by the judicious utilisation of the state’s abundant natural resources.

Highlighting strategic interventions, the governor’s aide drew attention to Ondoport, describing it as a transformative infrastructure project.

“Although the port was conceived during the tenure of the late Governor Oluwaroritimi Akeredolu, documentation was not fully completed. The present administration revisited the project, ensured proper certification and has now positioned it as a critical driver for trade and economic growth,” he said.

Kolawole also pointed to cocoa production as a key contributor to the state’s foreign exchange earnings, noting that Ondo remains one of Nigeria’s leading cocoa producers.

He further emphasised the synergy between the state’s EASE Agenda and the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which, he said, has reinforced developmental initiatives and strengthened public confidence in governance.

He explained that recent federal economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies, have improved financial inflows to states, enabling Ondo to pay salaries promptly and expand investments in essential services.

“The increased resources have allowed the state to implement projects in roads, healthcare, water supply and urban renewal, while ongoing dualisation and community-based interventions reflect a commitment to efficient and inclusive governance,” Kolawole added.

The Special Adviser concluded that Ondo State’s progress over the past 50 years demonstrates the importance of continuity, strategic planning and prudent stewardship of resources, setting a solid foundation for the next phase of development and the empowerment of its citizens.