By Kanu Samuel
The Convener of the Ondo State Football Stakeholders Group, Otunba Dele Ologbese, has commended President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, for reaffirming his commitment to developing what is expected to become Nigeria’s largest industrial and free trade zone at Olokola in Ondo State.
Ologbese described the investment announcement, made during Dangote’s recent courtesy visit to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in Akure, as a major endorsement of the state’s economic prospects and the administration’s efforts to attract large-scale investments.
In a statement, Ologbese said the proposed investment framework, which includes power generation, cement production, gas infrastructure and industrial manufacturing, has the potential to transform Ondo State into one of Nigeria’s leading industrial and economic centres.
According to him, the development reflects the investor-friendly policies and stable business environment being promoted by Governor Aiyedatiwa.
He noted that the project would create thousands of direct and indirect jobs while stimulating industrial growth, increasing internally generated revenue, promoting technology transfer and encouraging local entrepreneurship.
“The Olokola Free Trade Zone project, when fully operational, is expected to significantly enhance the socio-economic well-being of residents and position Ondo State as a strategic destination for both local and foreign investors,” he said.
While applauding the initiative, Ologbese appealed to Dangote and other prospective investors to extend their corporate social responsibility programmes to the sports sector, describing sports as a critical tool for youth empowerment, social inclusion and economic development.
He observed that Ondo State has produced several athletes and footballers who have represented Nigeria with distinction at national and international levels, but said sports infrastructure across the state remains inadequate.
Ologbese called for investments in modern stadiums, football academies, training facilities, indoor sports complexes and youth development centres, arguing that such projects would complement the anticipated industrial expansion and provide additional opportunities for young people.
He said collaboration between the private sector and the Ondo State Government in sports infrastructure development would help reduce youth unemployment, discourage social vices and promote healthy community engagement.
According to him, enhanced investment in sports would also strengthen sports tourism and further raise the profile of Ondo State as a destination for excellence in both industry and sports.
Ologbese therefore urged the Dangote Group to explore opportunities for supporting sports development initiatives as part of its wider investment and community development strategy.
He congratulated Governor Aiyedatiwa for his efforts in attracting transformative investments to the state and commended Dangote for demonstrating confidence in Ondo State’s future.
He expressed optimism that the combined efforts of government and investors would accelerate the state’s journey towards industrialisation, economic prosperity and inclusive development.
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