The Ondo State Government has inaugurated a Technical Committee to undertake a comprehensive review of the long-awaited Olokola Free Trade Zone (OKFTZ) project, signaling renewed efforts to address lingering legal, administrative and operational issues surrounding the initiative.
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa announced the constitution of the committee on Monday, tasking it with examining all matters related to the project and advising the government on the best course of action.
According to a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, the committee will be chaired by Chief Bode Sunmonu, while the Chief Executive Officer of the Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA), Mr. Emmanuel Omomowo, will serve as secretary.
Other members of the committee include Barrister Yinka Orokoto, Mr. Sola Adebisi, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Idowu Ojo, and Engr. Femi Akarakiri, Director at ONDIPA.
The committee has been mandated to operate under clearly defined terms of reference, which include conducting a legal review of the project, engaging key stakeholders, verifying land-related issues, addressing community relations concerns, and facilitating inter-state coordination where necessary.
It will also handle any additional assignments that may be referred to it by the state government as part of efforts to reposition the project for effective implementation.
The Olokola Free Trade Zone, conceived as a major industrial and economic hub capable of attracting local and foreign investments, has faced several setbacks over the years, slowing its development despite its strategic importance to Ondo State and the wider South-West region.
The establishment of the committee is seen as a significant step by the Aiyedatiwa administration toward resolving outstanding issues and unlocking the economic potential of the ambitious project.
