The Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has urged United States investors to explore opportunities in the state’s industrial and agribusiness sectors, affirming that his administration will continue to provide an enabling environment to attract foreign investment.
They Governor made the appeal on Tuesday, during a visit to the United States Embassy in Abuja, where he held discussions with officials on strategic projects in Ondo State.
This was contained in a statement signed by Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State, which reads partly: “Of interest to them is our deep sea port and the petrochemical and refinery plants coming up in the free trade zone area.They encouraged us strongly because it is something good not only for the state, but for the country. They also noted our long coastline, with proximity to Lagos through the coastal highway. Given our location, Ondo State will host a worthy port. They assured us that Ondo State is now on the list of sub-nationals in Nigeria that can be recommended to potential investors.
“They were impressed with our mineral resources, business opportunities, and our status as the leading producer of cocoa in the country. The issue of security is key to them when mentioning destinations to their citizens and investors.
“They were pleased to learn that our efforts have yielded positive results. They also found it impressive that the United Nations has recognized Amotekun with a World Amotekun Day, to be celebrated every July 7.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa highlighted that the state would warmly welcome U.S. investors for key economic projects, including the proposed deep sea port, petrochemical hub, refinery within the free trade zone, and initiatives in agriculture and agribusiness. He emphasised that the deep sea port, once realised, would alleviate congestion at Lagos’ Apapa and Tin Can ports, and that Ondo’s coastal location makes it a viable alternative for international maritime trade.
The Governor further noted that his administration had signed Memoranda of Understanding with more than five major local and foreign investors over the past six months, reflecting growing interest in the state’s economic potential.
Responding, the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, commended the Ondo State Government for its efforts to make the state investor-friendly, particularly in ease of doing business and improved security. He disclosed that Ondo has been listed among states recommended to U.S. investors seeking opportunities in Nigeria.
Beyond economic discussions, Governor Aiyedatiwa noted that security in the state was also a focus, particularly the success of the Amotekun Corps in complementing conventional security agencies. He described the engagement as timely and fruitful, stressing that the discussions laid a strong foundation for stronger U.S.–Ondo State relations in trade and investment.
