Ondo Media & Publicity

16/06/2026

16/06/2026

GOV AIYEDATIWA HOSTS SAHARA ENERGY EXECS, BACKS REACTIVATION OF ONDO OIL FIELD

…reaffirms govt’s readiness to support operators, host communities

Ondo State Governor, His Excellency, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has called for urgent action to revive a long-dormant oil asset in the state, warning that delays in investment decisions and infrastructure gaps must be addressed if Nigeria is to meet its crude oil production targets.

He made the call during a courtesy visit by Sahara Energy Group executives to the Governor’s Office in Akure, where discussions centred on reactivating an oil field that has remained inactive since 1998.

The engagement also aligns with Nigeria’s broader objective of raising crude oil output from about 1.6 million barrels per day to 2 million barrels per day.

Governor Aiyedatiwa said Ondo State must take a stronger position in national oil production, stressing that its oil assets, if properly developed, could significantly boost output.

Recalling a past fire incident linked to the field, he said the episode exposed inconsistencies in operational information management.

“I remember when there was a fire outbreak in that very well, and then I was in NDDC as the representative of the state. They claimed then that there was no operation in that place, that there's no oil...and I was like, how can a place with no oil be on fire? Is it water that is bringing out the fire?”

The governor said Ondo’s ranking among oil-producing states - at number 5 - could improve with renewed activity and stronger operational systems.

He stressed that production growth would depend on addressing structural and operational constraints, including leakages and outdated systems.

“If leakages are being blocked and the management of the production and the movement of products to the point where it can be calculated, the equipment, if they can digitalize it, remove some human errors and all that, maybe we'll be able to hit that,” he said.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, who said modernisation and fresh investment inflows are key to efficiency and higher output, assured investors of a secure and supportive environment, describing Ondo State as peaceful and open to oil operations.

He disclosed that the state had awarded dredging contracts to improve waterways and ease logistics to production sites, with further interventions planned for affected communities.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to boosting investor confidence, expanding production capacity, and ensuring oil-producing areas benefit from development.

Earlier, the Executive Director of Sahara Energy, Kola Adesina, said efforts were underway to unlock the asset’s production potential through technical evaluation and structured recovery plans.

Adesina said the asset had not been fully utilised for the benefit of the people, noting that its prolonged inactivity represents significant untapped value.

“The asset we have here, the last time it was operated was 1998. Of course, it simply means that's a stranded asset that has not been unlocked fully to the advantage of the people,” he said.

He commended the state government for its engagement and support, describing discussions as productive and encouraging.

Adesina said the company is conducting technical integrity tests and assessments to determine the asset’s condition and requirements for full reactivation.

He explained that the initiative is part of broader efforts to align operations with government priorities and ensure development outcomes translate into shared prosperity for host communities and stakeholders.

Adesina further said improving Nigeria’s oil output would require sustained investment, technical commitment and strong partnerships between operators and government institutions.

He added that Sahara Energy remains committed to responsible development, technological application, and continuous stakeholder engagement to return the asset to production.

Those present at the meeting included the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Commissioner for Finance, Mrs Omowunmi Isaac; Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Johnson Alabi; Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperative Services, Pastor Bola Ademuwagun; Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Tob Loko; and Chief Executive Officer, Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA), Barr. Emmanuel Omomowo.

Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
June 16, 2026.

📷 Motunrayo Oyedele

16/06/2026

UWAHALA: Netizen writes de facto APC Leader in Ondo State, BTO to warn his “overzealous” supporters ahead of 2028 gubernatorial election

Details in comment section

15/06/2026

• Ondo now set for industrial revolution, says Gov Aiyedatiwa

The President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has reaffirmed plans to develop a large-scale industrial and free trade zone at Olokola in Ondo State, describing it as a power-driven investment hub designed to attract manufacturers and reduce infrastructure constraints for investors.

Dangote made the disclosure during a courtesy visit to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa in his office in Akure, on Monday, where he outlined a renewed investment framework covering power generation, cement production, gas infrastructure and industrial manufacturing.

He said the proposed Olokola project would go beyond a conventional free trade zone, stressing that it would be fully equipped with power, water and logistics infrastructure to enable investors to operate without delays associated with basic utilities.

“We want to create the biggest free trade zone where investors can just come and plug in. We will generate power, provide infrastructure and remove the bottlenecks around doing business,” he said.

Dangote said the initiative was designed to address Nigeria’s long-standing power deficit, which he described as the country’s biggest industrial constraint for over 30 years, noting that most manufacturers currently rely on self-generated electricity.

He explained that the absence of reliable power had slowed industrial expansion across the country, adding that the new model would integrate dedicated energy supply into the industrial zone.

He also disclosed plans to integrate gas infrastructure through an east-west gas corridor to support energy-intensive industries within the zone.

Dangote said the group had previously attempted to develop investments in Olokola but was constrained by operational challenges at the time, leading to the concentration of projects in Lagos.

He, however, said the renewed engagement reflects improved conditions and stronger collaboration prospects with the state government.

According to him, contractors are expected to mobilise to site within three to four months, with full construction scheduled to commence in the last quarter of the year.

He also indicated that the project structure would include government participation, requesting the nomination of a state representative to the board of the industrial zone to facilitate coordination and ex*****on.

Dangote said the initiative would stimulate large-scale job creation and industrial expansion across Ondo State and surrounding regions, noting that similar projects in Lagos had delivered significant employment and export revenues.

Responding, Governor Aiyedatiwa welcomed Dangote’s renewed investment drive, describing it as a major milestone in Ondo State’s industrialisation agenda.

He said the project aligns with his administration’s efforts to position the state as a leading industrial destination in the South-West, noting its strategic location along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway corridor.

Governor Aiyedatiwa also highlighted the state’s deep seaport licence, describing it as a key logistics advantage capable of handling large vessels without transshipment.

He disclosed that limestone deposits in the state had been tested and found suitable for industrial use, signalling potential for cement production expansion.

The Governor said a technical committee had been established to engage with Dangote Group on legal, land, community and operational frameworks, while confirming readiness to nominate a state representative to the project board.

He assured full government backing for the initiative, stressing that Ondo State would work closely with investors and host communities to ensure smooth implementation and long-term sustainability.

In attendance were the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Commissioner for Finance, Mrs Omowunmi Isaac; Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Johnson Alabi; Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperative Services, Pastor Bola Ademuwagun; Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Tob Loko; Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Com. Gani Mohammed; and the Chief Executive Officer of the Ondo State Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA), Barr. Emmanuel Omomowo.

Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
June 15, 2025.

15/06/2026

ONDO GOVT SETS UP TECHNICAL COMMITTEE ON OLOKOLA FREE TRADE ZONE REVIEW

The Ondo State Government has constituted a Technical Committee on the Olokola Free Trade Zone (OKFTZ) project to review all legal, administrative and operational issues surrounding the initiative and advise government on the way forward.

The Governor of the State, His Excellency, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, announced the setting up of the committee on Monday.

The committee is chaired by Chief Bode Sunmonu, while Mr. Emmanuel Omomowo, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA), will serve as Secretary.

Other members are Barr. Yinka Orokoto; Mr. Sola Adebisi; Mr. Idowu Ojo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance; and Engr. Femi Akarakiri, Director, ONDIPA.

The committee is expected to function strictly under defined Terms of Reference covering legal review, stakeholder engagement, land verification, community relations, inter-state coordination, and any other matters referred to it by the state government.

Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
June 15, 2026.

15/06/2026

UWAHALA: Court orders INEC to deregister ADC, Accord, 3 other political parties

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties.

Details later

11/06/2026

UWAHALA: South Africa Win 2 Red Cards, as Mexico Score Two Goals to Win 2026 FIFA World Cup Opening Match

South Africa set Records:

First defeated team.
First team to be Red-carded.
First team to be Yellow-carded.
First team to get two red cards in one match.

Congratulations to the Xenophobic Nation