Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Tuesday said the state is open to investors as part of efforts to boost economic growth and development.
The governor made this statement during a meeting with the board of directors of Sahara Energy at his office in Akure, the state capital.
Aiyedatiwa, who expressed gratitude for Sahara Energy's commitment to investing in the state, emphasized the state's readiness to provide an enabling environment for its operations to thrive.
He said: “Ondo State is fortunate at this time,” the governor remarked. “Although licenses are issued by the federal government, we assure you of our full support to ensure your activities prosper. “We remain committed to maintaining Ondo as the safest state in the country and fostering a favorable investor climate.”
The Governor noted that the government alone cannot achieve comprehensive development in the region, but reiterated the opening of the state to more investors.
Aiyedatiwa also called on the host communities to provide the necessary support and create an enabling environment for the oil company to operate smoothly, benefiting both the State and the communities.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sahara Energy, Eng. Funsho Kupolokun, described the visit as a crucial step in kick-starting the company's operations in the state. Kupolokun, who hails from Ondo State, is a former Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
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Kupolokun stated: “We are here to share good news with the Ondo State Government and we must start with His Excellency. Before commencing operations, we sought permission and blessings from the governor to ensure a smooth working relationship with the state.”
Kupolokun commended the governor for making the state an investor-friendly destination and assured him that Sahara Energy would comply with all state rules and regulations.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philips; and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN.
Sahara Energy has recently obtained a license from the Federal Government, through the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), to manage two new oil fields (PPL 270 and PPL 271) in the riverine communities of Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.