By Precious Oluwole
The Ondo State House of Assembly Committee on Inter-Parliamentary and Diaspora Matters has called for strengthened collaboration between the state government and Ondo indigenes in the diaspora to enhance development efforts.
This call was made during an oversight visit to the Ministry of Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations in Akure. The committee, led by its Chairman and Majority Leader, Hon. Olatunji Osatti, was received by the Commissioner, Otunba Wale Akinlosotu.
Hon. Osatti emphasized the need for synergy between the ministry and diaspora leaders, noting that such partnerships are crucial in unlocking the vast expertise and resources available through Ondo State citizens living abroad.
“We believe that working closely with the diaspora community will open up new opportunities for development and improve the lives of our people,” Osatti said.
The committee explained that the visit was aimed at reviewing the ministry’s budget performance, assessing operational challenges, and identifying areas where legislative support could strengthen the ministry’s mandate.
Committee members—Hon. Stephen Abitogun, Hon. Nelson Akinsuroju, and Hon. Fatai Atere—also urged the ministry to maintain consistent engagement with the Assembly to ensure proper alignment of policies and activities with the state’s development goals.
“We are committed to a collaborative approach that ensures transparency, legislative backing, and accountability in the ministry’s operations,” they stated.
Responding, Commissioner Akinlosotu expressed gratitude for the lawmakers’ visit and commended the Governor for reappointing him as commissioner for a third term. He reaffirmed the strategic relevance of the ministry to the state’s growth.
“The ministry is pivotal to Ondo State’s development, especially as it relates to harnessing regional and diaspora-driven opportunities,” he said.
Highlighting the ministry’s dual focus, Akinlosotu spoke on ongoing efforts to deepen regional cooperation, particularly with neighboring South-West and South-South states, for economic integration and investment promotion.
He cited the collaborative establishment of the Amotekun security network across the South-West as a notable achievement of regional partnership, adding that the initiative remains active and impactful.
The commissioner also revealed the ministry’s flagship Smart City project, aimed at creating a dedicated hub for diaspora investment and innovation.
“This Smart City initiative is a strategic move to attract investment from our people abroad and further drive economic transformation in Ondo State,” he noted.
The visit concluded with a shared commitment to sustaining dialogue and partnerships that would amplify the impact of the ministry’s work and advance the overall development of the state.
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