The Ondo State Scholars Arena for Development Initiative (OSSADI) has called on the Ondo State Government to publicly disclose the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Dangote Group concerning the development of the Olokola Free Trade Zone (OKFTZ).
In an open letter addressed to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the group commended the administration for attracting the Dangote Group to invest in the long-awaited Olokola project, describing the move as a major step towards economic transformation in Ondo State.
OSSADI, which said it comprises over 10,000 members drawn from the state’s 18 local government areas, including former student leaders, professionals, academics, journalists, lawyers, doctors, and lecturers, noted that the project has the potential to create thousands of jobs, attract foreign direct investment, stimulate industrialization, increase export earnings, and strengthen critical infrastructure.
The organization praised Governor Aiyedatiwa for reviving efforts to unlock the economic potential of the state’s coastal corridor after previous attempts to fully develop the Olokola Free Trade Zone failed to materialize.
“History will remember this administration for taking a bold step towards unlocking the enormous economic resources of the state’s coastal corridor,” the group stated.
Despite its support for the project, OSSADI emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in all public-private partnerships involving state assets and resources.
According to the group, the people of Ondo State have a right to know the details of agreements entered into on their behalf, particularly given the state’s reputation as one of the most educated and politically conscious states in Nigeria.
The organization therefore urged the government to make the MoU signed with the Dangote Group available for public scrutiny.
OSSADI specifically requested clarification on key aspects of the agreement, including the exact terms and conditions of the deal, the equity stake held by Ondo State, the percentage ownership allocated to the state government, the obligations of both parties, the long-term economic benefits expected for residents, and the safeguards put in place to protect the interests of future generations.
The group stressed that its demand should not be interpreted as opposition to the project but rather as a call for openness, inclusiveness, and democratic accountability.
It argued that public disclosure of the agreement would strengthen public confidence, eliminate speculation, and reinforce trust between the government and the people.
While reiterating its support for investment-driven development, industrial growth, and job creation, OSSADI maintained that transparency remains essential to the success and public acceptance of the project.
“The people of Ondo State deserve to know what has been negotiated in their name and what benefits accrue to them from this historic agreement,” the organization stated.
The open letter was signed by the General Secretary of OSSADI, Moyoloye Oloruntimilehin J., and the Convener, Odofin Oluwafemi O. (C-Banking).
