Former Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations in Ondo State, Boye Ologbese has commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on his remarkable achievements during his first 100 days in office.
He said the ‘OUR EASE’ initiative has transformed the State into the Southwest’s economic hub through the green economy initiative.
Ologbese highlighted the administration’s groundbreaking progress in the Diaspora Smart City initiative and strategic partnerships that have positioned Ondo State at the forefront of Nigeria’s economic transformation
The former commissioner praised Governor Aiyedatiwa’s announcement of a landmark partnership with Dangote Group to optimize the Olokola Free Trade Zone development spanning Ogun and Ondo States. This collaboration under the OUR EASE program framework promises to revolutionize the Southwest economic landscape.
“This partnership represents a paradigm shift in how we approach regional development,” Aiyedatiwa stated. “By working with Dangote Group on the Olokola Free Trade Zone, we are creating an economic ecosystem that positions Ondo State as the gateway to Southwest prosperity while generating thousands of employment opportunities for our youth.”
Ologbese noted that this initiative is driving microeconomic growth across multiple sectors while establishing Ondo State as a strategic advantage point for regional economic activities.
He said that, under the leadership of Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, Ondo State government was able to create a business integration between Ondo State and Ekiti State, being the first of it kind since the creation of the two states.
Aiyedatiwa and HE Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji plan to expore the green economy initiative project.
The former commissioner acknowledged the administration’s security achievements through the DAWN Commission, which has created the stable environment necessary for economic growth across the Southwest region. The coordinated approach has resulted in improved security conditions that support agricultural and commercial activities.
Ologbese recognized Governor Aiyedatiwa’s identification of specific challenges confronting Amotekun operations that require immediate attention under the OUR EASE program’s comprehensive security strategy.
The former commissioner praised the sweeping reforms introduced under the OUR EASE program to enhance Amotekun’s effectiveness, particularly in securing agricultural areas across Ondo State.
“Security remains paramount to our administration,” Governor Aiyedatiwa had emphasized. “We are implementing permanent solutions to eliminate security threats on our farmlands, ensuring complete separation of genuine agricultural business from criminal activities operating under the pretense of legitimate farming.”
Prince Ologbese commended this enhanced security framework that aims to achieve complete safety for citizens engaged in agricultural pursuits while boosting the state’s Internally Generated Revenue through increased agricultural productivity.
Drawing from his experience as former Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, Prince Ologbese particularly praised the administration’s strategic approach to diaspora engagement. Through collaboration with NIDCOM, the administration has identified significant market opportunities arising from Nigeria’s growing diaspora population.
“Our diaspora engagement activities reveal that Nigerians living abroad want to maintain their cultural food preferences, but current market prices make these items expensive,” Prince Ologbese explained. “Under the OUR EASE program, Governor Aiyedatiwa is scaling up agricultural production to meet domestic and international demand at competitive prices.”
The former commissioner highlighted how the Diaspora Smart City initiative, operating within the green economy framework, strategically addresses this market gap while creating local employment and generating foreign exchange earnings for the state.
Prince Ologbese praised the administration’s comprehensive approach to agricultural development, which includes maximum production increases to meet growing diaspora demand, secured farmland operations through reformed Amotekun strategies, cost-effective supply chains connecting Ondo farms to international markets, and sustainable practices aligned with green economy principles.
These initiatives collectively aim to reduce food costs domestically while capturing premium international markets, creating benefits for both local farmers and diaspora communities.
The former commissioner commended how all OUR EASE program initiatives operate within a comprehensive green economy framework that prioritizes environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and renewable energy integration. He noted that the Diaspora Smart City project serves as the flagship demonstration of how economic development can align with environmental stewardship.
Prince Ologbese highlighted the multi-pronged approach under the OUR EASE program that creates diverse employment opportunities for Ondo State’s youth across agriculture, technology, manufacturing, and service sectors. He noted that the Dangote partnership alone is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, while the agricultural security improvements enable expanded farming activities.
The former commissioner expressed confidence in Governor Aiyedatiwa’s outlined priorities for the next phase, including finalizing operational frameworks for the Dangote Group partnership, launching pilot agricultural security operations in key zones, establishing direct supply chains to international diaspora markets, and expanding green economy infrastructure development.
Prince Ologbese concluded by praising how the comprehensive OUR EASE program approach demonstrates strategic planning, security enhancement, and international market engagement can transform a state’s economic trajectory. He noted that by addressing diaspora needs while strengthening local production capacity, Ondo State is creating a sustainable model for other Southwest states.
“These first 100 days have laid the foundation for Ondo State’s transformation into Southwest Nigeria’s economic and security leader,” Prince Ologbese stated, echoing Governor Aiyedatiwa’s vision. “The OUR EASE program and the Diaspora Smart City initiative represent just the beginning of what will be achieved for the people of Ondo State.”
The former commissioner’s endorsement underscores the broad support for Governor Aiyedatiwa’s transformative approach to governance and economic development in Ondo State.
