..Ondo’s next era ‘ll be driven by innovation, human capital- Aiyedatiwa

Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Prof. Taiwo Oyedele, has outlined an ambitious long-term development roadmap for Ondo State, urging a decisive shift from reflection on the past to strategic planning for the future as the state marks its Golden Jubilee.

Speaking at a commemorative lecture held at the Dome Akure on monday, titled “Ondo State: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow – Celebration of 5 Decades of Progress and Agenda Setting for the Next 50 Years,” Oyedele described Ondo’s 50th anniversary as a turning point to reposition the state as a leading subnational economy in Nigeria and Africa.

He proposed what he termed “Ondo State Agenda 2076,” a multi-stakeholder development blueprint anchored on five strategic pathways aimed at driving sustainable growth and prosperity over the next 50 years.

On the economy, Oyedele called for a transition from primary production to value creation through industrialisation.

He highlighted opportunities in the blue economy via deep-sea port development, fisheries and logistics, as well as the establishment of industrial parks around solid minerals such as bitumen, limestone and granite.

He also advocated an agro-industrial revolution to move from subsistence farming to large-scale processing of cocoa, cassava and oil palm, positioning the state as a hub for finished products rather than raw materials.

The fiscal expert stressed the need to grow Ondo’s economy faster than the national GDP, achieve key Sustainable Development Goals and reduce poverty, ultimately moving the state toward an upper-income economy.

On technology, he proposed a “Silicon Coast Initiative” to transform Ondo into a leading innovation and digital hub in Africa.

This, he said, would involve investments in tech incubation centres, digital skills training, research and development, and leveraging innovations from institutions such as the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA).

He also advocated digital governance, broadband expansion and e-government solutions to improve service delivery, transparency and internally generated revenue.

Addressing security and the investment climate, Oyedele called for the strengthening of security architecture, including the Amotekun Corps, alongside comprehensive land reforms to ease property ownership and unlock economic value.

He emphasised the importance of improving the ease of doing business through simplified regulations, better tax registration systems and harmonised government services.

He urged the implementation of tax reform laws, the enactment of a State Tax Harmonisation Law, and the introduction of an annual Tax Accountability Report for citizens.

He further recommended the establishment of a Task Force on Government Efficiency, the strengthening of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MoFI) to manage state assets, and the creation of a proper assets and investment register.

He also proposed greater grassroots accountability through economic development plans and financial reporting by local governments.

Focusing on youth development, Oyedele described young people as the state’s most energetic resource and called for structured platforms to transform them from job seekers into job creators.

He advocated large-scale investment in technical and vocational education, mentorship, access to capital and startup grants, noting that inclusion of all segments of society—from market women to fishermen and tech entrepreneurs—was both a social and economic imperative.

Oyedele stressed the need for a long-term development mindset, urging policy consistency, strong institutions and governance that transcends political cycles.

According to him, development should focus on generational impact, including stable electricity, poverty reduction and sustainable wealth creation.

The professor, who traced his roots to Ikaram-Akoko, shared a personal story of receiving a N500 scholarship from his village association 35 years ago, which enabled him to sit for his final secondary school examination.

He said the gesture shaped his belief in community support and collective progress.As part of his contribution to the state’s future, Oyedele announced a scholarship of up to N500,000 for the best graduating final-year student in every public secondary school in Ondo State during the Golden Jubilee year.

Oyedele concluded that the future of Ondo State requires collective responsibility, with government providing the platform, the private sector driving growth, traditional institutions promoting cohesion, and citizens committing to unity and diligence.

He pledged his support to the Ondo State Government in designing and implementing transformative fiscal and governance reforms.

In his keynote address, the Governor of Ondo State, Hon.. Lucky Aiyedatiwa described the anniversary as a defining moment for reflection, responsibility and renewed commitment to the future, saying the golden jubilee represents both a milestone and a mirror for the people.

The governor said the occasion provides an opportunity to assess the state’s collective choices, sacrifices and achievements over the past five decades, while also challenging citizens to shape the next era with wisdom and courage.

He noted that the story of Ondo State would be incomplete without acknowledging the critical role of its people, both at home and in the diaspora.

He stressed that citizens must see themselves as partners in progress, whose ideas, investments and sense of responsibility are essential to building a more prosperous and stable Ondo State.

“Our citizens must continue to contribute through entrepreneurship, innovation, community service and civic engagement, while our Diaspora should bring invaluable skills, capital, networks and global perspectives”. He said.

Looking ahead to the next 50 years, Aiyedatiwa envisioned an Ondo State with broad-based and sustainable economic prosperity, an education system that produces innovators and ethical leaders, and infrastructure that supports growth, inclusion and environmental sustainability, alongside transparent and accountable governance.

“This future will be driven by economic diversification, technology and innovation, human capital development and strong institutions”, says the governor.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the President of Nigeria on Energy, Mrs. Olu Verheijen averred that the 50th anniversary must be a moment of recommitment.

She emphasised the need for the state to unite vision with integrity, heritage with innovation and provide  empowerment opportunities for the youths.