Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to attracting investments to drive economic growth and development. The Governor made this known during a meeting with the management board of Sahara Energy, held at his office in Akure on Tuesday.
In a statement released by Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, it was announced that Sahara Energy has been licensed by the federal government, through the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), to manage two new oil fields PPL 270 and PPL 271 located in the riverine communities of Ilaje Local Government Area.
Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed his gratitude for Sahara Energy’s decision to invest in Ondo State, highlighting the state’s readiness to provide an enabling environment for their operations. “Ondo State is lucky 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 flourish. We remain committed to maintaining Ondo as the safest state in the country and fostering an investor-friendly climate,” he added.
He emphasized that the state government alone cannot achieve comprehensive development and reiterated the openness of the state to more investors. The Governor also appealed to the host communities to support the oil company’s operations, ensuring a smooth process that would benefit both the state and the local communities.
In his address, the Chairman of Sahara Energy, Engr. Funsho Kupolokun, described the visit as a pivotal step toward commencing the company’s operations in Ondo State. Kupolokun, a former Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and an indigene of Ondo State, expressed the company’s commitment to adhering to all state regulations.
“We are here to share good news with the Ondo State government, and it must begin with His Excellency. Before commencing operations, we seek the governor’s permission and blessings to ensure a smooth working relationship with the state,” Kupolokun stated. He commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for making Ondo State an investor-friendly destination and assured him of Sahara Energy’s dedication to contributing positively to the state’s economy.
The meeting was attended by key government officials, including 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.
