The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Ondo State has commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for attracting renewed investment interest from the Dangote Group, particularly the planned development of the Olokola Free Trade Zone in the state.
The party described the proposed project as a major economic breakthrough that could transform Ondo State’s industrial landscape and create significant employment opportunities for residents.
President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, reaffirmed plans to develop a large-scale industrial and free trade zone in Olokola, located in Ilaje Local Government Area, during a courtesy visit to Governor Aiyedatiwa on Monday.
Dangote said the Olokola Free Trade Zone would serve as a strategic investment hub capable of attracting manufacturers, stimulating economic activities and reducing infrastructure challenges facing investors.
Reacting to the development, the Ondo State Chairman of the NNPP, Peter Olagookun, said the project would become one of the defining achievements of the Aiyedatiwa administration if successfully implemented.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Olagookun noted that the governor’s performance over the past one and a half years had impressed even opposition parties in the state.
“Many people have been wondering why oppositions have been silent in Ondo State. We opposition parties are not silent because we didn’t exist or someone silenced us. We opposition parties are silent because for some one and a half years now, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has shocked us with his unprecedented achievements in the state,” he said.
According to him, the administration has recorded notable progress in employment generation, infrastructure development and public sector recruitment.
He cited ongoing recruitment exercises into the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), and community health programmes as examples of the government’s efforts to improve public service delivery and create jobs.
Olagookun also praised the governor’s infrastructure projects, including road construction and flyover developments in Akure, the state capital.
He attributed Dangote’s renewed interest in investing in Ondo State to the governor’s leadership style and commitment to development.
“The President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, said that he brought this project back to our State because of the good leadership of the state governor. If someone is doing well, let’s commend him that he is doing well so that he can do more. The second flyover bridge for Akure has commenced after he completed the first one,” he stated.
The NNPP chairman also dismissed claims that the party had become inactive following the departure of its former national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
He maintained that the party remains active and organised in Ondo State, adding that it would participate fully in the 2027 general elections.
According to Olagookun, the NNPP remains “fully on ground” and is preparing candidates for various elective positions ahead of the next electoral cycle.
