Aiyedatiwa's Dangote FTZ Initiative Garners Praise from Ondo NNPP

The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Ondo State has expressed strong approval for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s efforts concerning the proposed Olokola Free Trade Zone, a project spearheaded by the Dangote Group. The party sees this initiative as a significant economic catalyst for the region.

During a recent courtesy visit to Governor Aiyedatiwa on Monday, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who chairs the Dangote Group, reiterated his organisation's commitment to establishing a substantial industrial and free trade zone within the Olokola area of Ilaje Local Government. Dangote highlighted the Olokola Free Trade Zone's potential as a powerful investment magnet, predicting it would revolutionize Ondo State by drawing in manufacturers and alleviating infrastructure challenges for potential investors.

On Wednesday, Peter Olagookun, the Ondo State Chairman of the NNPP, issued a statement asserting that the project, once fully operational, would stand as an enduring achievement of the Aiyedatiwa government. Olagookun further noted that the governor's various developmental initiatives had considerably quieted opposition voices within the state, with numerous political figures reportedly impressed by the progress of ongoing projects.

He was quoted saying, “Many people have been wondering why oppositions have been silent in Ondo State. We opposition parties are not silent because we didn’t exist or someone silenced us. We opposition parties are silent because for some one and a half years now, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has shocked us with his unprecedented achievements in the state.”

Among the administration's notable accomplishments, Olagookun specifically mentioned employment generation schemes, advancements in infrastructure, and ongoing recruitment drives for SUBEB, TESCOM, and community health programs. The NNPP Chairman also lauded the governor's commitment to infrastructure development, highlighting road construction and flyover projects in Akure. He linked Dangote's renewed investment interest in the state directly to what he termed the governor's effective governance.

He quoted Alhaji Aliko Dangote, saying, “The President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, said that he brought this project back to our State because of the good leadership of the state governor. If someone is doing well, let’s commend him that he is doing well so that he can do more. The second flyover bridge for Akure has commenced after he completed the first one.”

Olagookun confirmed that the NNPP maintains an active presence in Ondo State and intends to fully participate in the upcoming 2027 general elections. He refuted suggestions that the party had become dormant after the departure of its former national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, stressing that the NNPP remains "fully on ground" with viable candidates poised for various elective offices.