NNPP hails Aiyedatiwa over Dangote’s Ondo Free Trade Zone plan

The New Nigeria People’s Party in Ondo State has commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa over the planned development of the Olokola Free Trade Zone by the Dangote Group, describing the project as a major economic boost for the state.

President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, had during a courtesy visit to the governor on Monday reaffirmed plans to develop a large-scale industrial and free trade zone at Olokola in Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.

Dangote described the Olokola Free Trade Zone as a powerful investment hub that would transform Ondo State, attract manufacturers and reduce infrastructure constraints for investors.

In a statement on Wednesday, the state Chairman of the NNPP, Peter Olagookun, said the initiative, when fully realised, would become a lasting legacy of the Aiyedatiwa administration.

He said the governor’s developmental strides had significantly reduced opposition criticism in the state, noting that many political actors had been impressed by ongoing projects.

“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.

Olagookun listed employment initiatives, infrastructure development and ongoing recruitment into SUBEB, TESCOM and community health programmes as some of the administration’s achievements.

He also praised the governor’s infrastructure drive, including road and flyover projects in Akure, while attributing Dangote’s renewed interest in the state to what he described as good governance.

“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.

According to him, the NNPP remains active in Ondo State and will participate fully in the 2027 general elections.

He, however, dismissed claims that the party had become inactive following the exit of its former national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, insisting that the NNPP remains “fully on ground” with candidates across various elective positions.