The Ondo State Government has inaugurated a Technical Committee to undertake a comprehensive review of the Olokola Free Trade Zone (OKFTZ) project and provide recommendations on the next steps for its implementation.
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa announced the constitution of the committee on Monday as part of ongoing efforts to reposition the long-awaited industrial and economic development initiative.
According to the state government, the committee has been tasked with examining all legal, administrative and operational issues relating to the project, with a view to ensuring a smooth and sustainable path forward.
The committee is 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 of the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Idowu Ojo, and Engr. Femi Akarakiri, Director at ONDIPA.
The committee will operate under clearly defined Terms of Reference covering legal review, stakeholder engagement, land verification, community relations, inter-state coordination, as well as other matters that may be referred to it by the state government.
The move comes amid renewed efforts by the Ondo State Government to revive and advance the Olokola Free Trade Zone project, which is expected to drive industrialisation, attract investments, create employment opportunities and boost economic growth in the state.
The government expressed confidence that the committee’s work will provide a solid framework for addressing outstanding issues and unlocking the full potential of the Olokola Free Trade Zone as a major economic hub in the region.