The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has said the state is open to investors as part of efforts to drive economic growth and development of the state.
The Governor made this assertion during a meeting with the management board of Sahara Energy at his office in Akure, on Tuesday.
Sahara Energy has just been licenced 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.
During the meeting, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude for Sahara Energy’s commitment to investing in Ondo State, emphasizing the state’s readiness to provide an enabling environment for their operations to thrive.
“Ondo State is lucky at this time,” the governor said. “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”, he added.
The Governor noted that the government alone cannot achieve comprehensive development in the region and reiterated the state’s openness to more investors.
Governor Aiyedatiwa appealed to the host communities to provide the necessary support and enabling environment for the oil company to operate smoothly, for the benefit of the state and the communities.
Earlier, in his address, the Chairman of the Board of Sahara Energy, Engr. Funsho Kupolokun, described the visit as a crucial step toward kickstarting the operations of the company in the state.
Engr. Kupolokun, who hails from Ondo State, is a former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
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.
Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
January 21, 2025.
