Former Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, Prince Boye Ologbese, has heaped praise on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration, marking the governor’s first 100 days in office with a glowing endorsement of the “OUR EASE” program—a bold initiative that’s already beginning to reposition Ondo State as a leading economic hub in Southwest Nigeria.

Speaking recently, Ologbese highlighted the impressive strides the administration has made across key sectors, from economic integration to diaspora engagement, and most notably, green economy implementation.

Driving Southwest Nigeria’s Economic Transformation

At the center of Ologbese’s commendation is the “OUR EASE” initiative—a comprehensive economic and development blueprint launched by Governor Aiyedatiwa that’s being hailed as a game-changer for regional progress.

A major highlight is the administration’s strategic partnership with Dangote Group to revitalize and optimize the Olokola Free Trade Zone, which spans Ondo and Ogun States. According to the governor, the partnership represents “a paradigm shift” in regional development.

“We are creating an economic ecosystem that positions Ondo State as the gateway to Southwest prosperity while generating thousands of employment opportunities for our youth,” Governor Aiyedatiwa said.

Ologbese described this move as a bold step toward microeconomic growth across multiple sectors, particularly noting that it’s the first of its kind in terms of deep business integration between Ondo and neighboring Ekiti State.

A Model for Diaspora Engagement and Green Growth

Drawing on his experience in diaspora affairs, Ologbese was especially impressed with the administration’s Diaspora Smart City Initiative, which aligns closely with green economy goals. The project targets the needs of Nigerians living abroad—particularly their demand for culturally relevant foods—by scaling up local agricultural production for both domestic and international markets.

“Our diaspora engagement activities show that Nigerians abroad want to eat home-grown foods, but high prices make them inaccessible. The OUR EASE program is addressing that by boosting production and slashing costs,” Ologbese explained.

With sustainable farming practices, secured farmland operations, and cost-effective supply chains, the initiative is also expected to generate significant foreign exchange while creating local jobs.

Strengthening Security for Sustainable Growth

Ologbese didn’t shy away from praising the administration’s robust security reforms, especially those targeting Amotekun Corps operations. He noted that Governor Aiyedatiwa has taken a hands-on approach to addressing the real threats affecting farmlands and rural communities, which has long been a concern for economic activities in the state.

Through the DAWN Commission, the administration has improved regional collaboration on security, laying the groundwork for safer agricultural and commercial environments.

“We’re implementing permanent solutions to eliminate threats on our farmlands,” the governor said. “This is about separating real farming from criminal elements hiding under the guise of agriculture.”

 

Creating Jobs, Building Futures

One of the most exciting aspects of the OUR EASE program is its multi-pronged job creation strategy. With opportunities in agriculture, tech, manufacturing, and services, the initiative is attracting praise as a youth-focused development model.

Ologbese noted that the Dangote Group partnership alone is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs. Combined with agricultural security improvements and green economy infrastructure, Ondo State is steadily building an economic future that is inclusive, forward-thinking, and sustainable.

Laying the Foundation for a New Ondo State

In conclusion, Ologbese described the first 100 days of Governor Aiyedatiwa’s leadership as visionary and transformative, applauding the administration’s strategic focus on economic, security, and diaspora-driven development.

“These first 100 days have laid the foundation for Ondo State’s transformation into Southwest Nigeria’s economic and security leader,” Ologbese said. “The OUR EASE program and Diaspora Smart City initiative represent just the beginning of what will be achieved for the people of Ondo State.”

 

With such an endorsement from a key stakeholder, it’s clear that the administration's ambitious plans are not only gaining traction but also sparking optimism among citizens and policymakers alike.