Ondo State Launches 30-Year Development Plan for Transformative Growth
The government of Ondo State has rolled out a comprehensive 30-year development plan aimed at driving infrastructural and socio-economic development across the state. The plan, which seeks to transform all communities into modern environments, was prepared in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Emmanuel Igbasan, unveiled the development plan in the state capital, Akure, highlighting the need for a long-term strategy to exploit the abundant natural resources found in the 18 local government areas of Ondo State.
Igbasan stressed the importance of having a clear and sustainable trajectory for progress and development. He explained that the current administration, in compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Law 2017, initiated the process of charting a path that would address present challenges and drive accelerated development for the next three decades.
The core objective of this exercise is to engage all citizens and stakeholders in Ondo State to collectively set the policy direction and optimize efforts and resources. The development plan, named Ondo 2054, is designed to foster socio-economic activities that will ensure shared prosperity for all, regardless of political affiliation.
Igbasan expressed gratitude to the UNDP for supporting the needs assessment conducted throughout the state’s local government areas and for providing system dynamics training to technical staff. He highlighted Ondo State’s potential, ranking it as the 7th largest economy in Nigeria. The state boasts abundant mineral resources, including cocoa, bitumen, fertile land for agriculture, and a long coastline suitable for maritime activities.
To ensure the success of the development plan, a steering committee will be established to facilitate partnerships between the state government, the people of Ondo State, and potential investors. The plan will be legislated upon by the state House of Assembly to become a legal instrument.
The commissioner urged everyone to contribute to the realization of a prosperous Ondo State, emphasizing the importance of harnessing development strides, focusing efforts, and concentrating resources for both present and future development.
To facilitate engagement with the state government, an email address has been created for people and investors to share their input and ideas regarding the home-grown plan. The email address is [email protected]
In conclusion, the launch of the 30-year development plan in Ondo State demonstrates a commitment to sustainable growth and transformation. By harnessing the state’s vast resources and engaging all stakeholders, Ondo State aims to become a leading economic powerhouse in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. With the UNDP’s support and the active participation of the people, this ambitious plan has the potential to establish Ondo State as a model for inclusive and prosperous development.
