A renowned industrialist, Dr Femi Akinkuebi, has charged the privileged elite of Ondo community across the globe to join hands with government at all levels to propel development that would be in the interest of all and drive more investment and economic activities to the town.
Akinkuebi who stated this during the ground breaking ceremony of the first cocoa cottage processing factory, in the town urged all Ondo town indigenes to use their new status and offices to attract development to the town and state, using necessary connections and lobbying processes.
He charged all the stakeholders on the need for the people to see community development beyond the input of the government.
Akinkuebi commended the Federal lawmaker representing the area, Ondo East/West Federal Constituency, Hon. Abiola Makinde, for facilitating the cocoa cottage processing factory saying this will ensure aggressive drive towards development.
He also called on local government administrators to embark on aggressive food production by investing massively in agricultural implements and inputs to make the town and the state the food basket of the nation.
According to him, the Eki Industrial Hub, which housed the new ‘cocoa cottage processing factory will aid community development and called for partnership between government and the people, saying “the people must take the lead”.
While commending Makinde for taking advantage of the Eki Industrial Hub to cite the new project, he explained that the hub has been projected to become an essential part of the state’s economy due to its vast range of features, including uninterrupted power supply, water, security, and internet facilities.
“One of the most critical features of the Eki Industrial Hub is its uninterrupted power supply.
“This feature ensures that industries in the hub can operate efficiently without experiencing power outages, which can result in significant losses.
“With the hub’s uninterrupted power supply, industries can focus on their operations and increase productivity.”
Also speaking, Dr. Nelson Osungbemiro, said “the government can create an environment that supports development, but it’s ultimately up to the community itself to identify its needs and develop its own solutions”.
The chairman of Ekinvest, Mr. Bimbo Oladapo, who urged the people to tap into the business friendly atmosphere of Eki-Industrial hub to birth sustainable businesses and project which will contribute more to the development of the community.
“Community development is a shared responsibility, we all have a role to play in creating vibrant, inclusive and thriving communities,” he stated.
Former National lawmaker, Hon. Joseph Akinlaja, reiterated the need for the community to open its arms to accommodate investors in the community.
He noted that the present administration of Rotimi Akeredolu, has shown its readiness to support community and has continued to give all the support needed to foster more public and private partnership for community development in the kingdom.
The Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Victor Ademefun Kiladejo, Jilo, urged Ondo indigenes both home and abroad to intensify their efforts to pushing for more projects to sustain the progress which is currently being witnessed in the kingdom, saying community development is beyond government alone.
“Community development is not just about government programs, it is about engaging all of us, neighbors, businesses, non-profits, to take ownership and pride in our community”, the monarch said.
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