GOV AIYEDATIWA DIASPORA VISION GAINS LEGISLATIVE SUPPORT AS ODHA COMMITTEE PAYS FAMILIARISATION VISIT TO REGIONAL INTEGRATION MINISTRY

… Akinlosotu Hails Lawmakers, Unveils the Ministry’s Vision for Smart City, Diaspora Bond, 2026 Festival

A familiarisation visit by the House Committee on Inter-Parliamentary and Diaspora Matters to the Ondo State Ministry of Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations has further deepened legislative-executive collaboration aimed at advancing regional integration and diaspora engagement across the state.

According to a statement released by the Press Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Lanre Cole, and obtained by the WorldView News, the visit was part of the committee’s oversight function to better understand the Ministry’s operations, structure, and strategic direction—laying a solid foundation for sustained legislative support and cooperation.

Receiving the delegation, the Honourable Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, Otunba Wale Akinlosotu, described the engagement as timely and strategic, adding that such an interface is essential to achieving the Ministry’s far-reaching objectives.

Akinlosotu gave a historical account of the Ministry, which was established in 2016 by the late Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN. He noted that it had been previously led by notable figures such as the late Prof. Bayonle Ademodi, Hon. Mrs. Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, and Prince Boye Ologbese.

The Commissioner, who officially resumed office on July 15, 2025, expressed gratitude to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for entrusting him with the responsibility to lead the Ministry. He pledged to explore the unlimited opportunities and to elevate its profile and reposition it for impactful service delivery.

Unveiling his strategic vision, Akinlosotu highlighted key initiatives including the Diaspora Smart City Project, the establishment of a Diaspora Trust Fund and Diaspora Bond, the hosting of the Diaspora Summit, Diaspora Festival, and a targeted Road Show Campaign across key regions.

He further disclosed plans to strengthen partnerships with national bodies, particularly the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) under the leadership of Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, to ensure effective implementation of the outlined programmes.

Speaking during the visit, Hon. Fatai Atere affirmed the House’s willingness to support the Ministry’s initiatives, provided there is continued engagement and inclusivity between both parties.

Hon. Abitogun, another member of the committee, applauded the Ministry’s performance on budget implementation and encouraged its leadership to maintain synergy by contributing fresh ideas that can shape legislative discourse.

The Committee Chairman, Hon. Olatunji Oshatti, commended the Commissioner’s vision and assured that the House would provide the necessary legislative backing to actualise the Ministry’s goals.

Also contributing, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Integration, Hon. Muyiwa Ogunyemi, spoke on the Ministry’s current challenges and outlined practical solutions, urging continued trust in Governor Aiyedatiwa’s “OUR EASE” Agenda.

Mrs. Asanbe, the Committee Clerk, urged the Ministry to continue fostering mutual trust and collaboration with the legislature, while the Ministry’s Administrative Secretary rounded off the session by appreciating both the lawmakers and staff for their steadfastness and dedication to duty.

The visit, the statement concluded, underscored a renewed commitment to a shared vision of progress, with the lawmakers and Ministry leadership united in their resolve to promote diaspora welfare and regional integration across Ondo State.