We’re attracting investments to drive our economy, devt — Aiyedatiwa

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said on Tuesday that the state is open to investors as part of efforts to drive economic growth and development.

The Governor made this statement during a meeting with the management board of Sahara Energy in his office in Akure, the state capital.

Aiyedatiwa, who expressed gratitude for Sahara Energy’s commitment to investing in the state, emphasized the state’s readiness to provide an enabling environment for their operations to thrive.

He said, “Ondo State is fortunate at this time,” the governor remarked. “Although licenses are issued by the federal government, we assure you of our full support to ensure your activities flourish. We remain committed to maintaining Ondo as the safest state in the country and fostering an investor-friendly climate.”

The Governor noted that the government alone cannot achieve comprehensive development in the region but reiterated the state’s openness to more investors.

Aiyedatiwa also appealed to the host communities to provide the necessary support and create an enabling environment for the oil company to operate smoothly, benefiting both the state and the communities.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Board of Sahara Energy, Engr. Funsho Kupolokun, described the visit as a crucial step toward kick-starting the company’s operations in the state. Kupolokun, who hails from Ondo State, is a former Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

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Kupolokun stated, “We are here to share good news with the Ondo State government, and it must begin with His Excellency. Before commencing operations, we seek the governor’s permission and blessings to ensure a smooth working relationship with the state.”

Commending the governor for making the state an investor-friendly destination, Kupolokun assured him that Sahara Energy would adhere to all state rules and regulations.

In attendance at the meeting were the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philips; and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN.

Sahara Energy has recently been licensed by the federal government, through the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), to manage two new oil fields (PPL 270 and PPL 271) in the riverine communities of Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.