Gov Aiyedatiwa backs 10-year development plan for Akure-speaking communities

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has thrown his weight behind the proposed 10-year development plan for Akure-speaking communities, pledging his administration’s support for the implementation of recommendations aimed at accelerating socio-economic growth across Akure North, Akure South and Ifedore Local Government Areas.

The Governor made the pledge on Sunday, while receiving members of the Central Planning Committee of the recently concluded Akure Speaking Communities Development Summit, led by its Chairman, Air Commodore Adewale Ogunmodede (Rtd.), at the Government House.

Aiyedatiwa described the three-day summit, held from July 8 to 10 at the International Event Centre (The Dome), Akure, as a timely and commendable initiative that would strengthen regional cooperation and promote sustainable development in the Akure-speaking axis.

He said the summit’s objective of producing a 10-year development roadmap for the three local government areas aligns with his administration’s commitment to inclusive and community-driven development.

The Governor assured the committee that his administration would carefully study the communiqué and recommendations from the summit, expressing readiness to partner with stakeholders to ensure their effective implementation.

“We will ensure that we partner with you as a responsive government to ensure that some of the recommendations are timely and effectively implemented.

“We will critically examine the recommendations and work together as development partners to ensure our communities witness steady progress through home-grown initiatives and community development efforts”, he concluded.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Air Commodore Ogunmodede (Rtd.), said the summit was convened to develop a shared vision for the future of Akure-speaking communities through strategic planning and broad stakeholder engagement.

According to him, discussions during the summit focused on key sectors, including urban planning and infrastructure, digital innovation and investment, agriculture and agro-processing, the creative economy, governance, and human capital development.

He explained that the outcome of the summit would form the basis of a comprehensive 10-year development roadmap with practical recommendations designed to transform the Akure corridor into a smart, integrated and prosperous economic zone.

Ogunmodede also advocated the establishment of a Central Coordinating Body and an Akure Speaking Communities Traditional Council, noting that the proposed structures would complement existing community associations by promoting unity, strengthening collaboration and providing a common platform for traditional rulers across Akure North, Akure South and Ifedore.

The summit, themed “Building a Smart, Integrated and Prosperous Development Corridor,” attracted traditional rulers, political leaders, professionals and other stakeholders from the three local government areas.