By Ayodele Oni
Ondo State Commissioner for regional integration and diaspora relations, Boye Ologbese, has revealed that the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria Commission, (DAWN) has announced an integrated transport network of a rail system which which will link at least 44 cities and towns in the south west.
According to him, this is part of measures to ensure speedy development for the South-West region.
Ologbese, who is the commission’s Chairman and State Focal Officer, said the proposed integrated transportation network project was part of the blueprint of the commission to fast-track the development of the region.
In a statement in Akure, at the weekend by his media aide, Debbie Funmilayo, Ologbese explained that the proposal of a regional railway route to link 44 cities and towns would enhance the economic development of the region.
“DAWN has a mandate to effectively ensure sustainable development in the South-West region and the commission has a blueprint to fast-track development in the area of power and railway.
“The integrated transportation network project aims to deal with the problem of transportation network in the South-West region, providing succour to ease of movement of people, goods and services while opening up the hinterland.
“The rail infrastructure will improve access to other South-Western states thereby aiding economic opportunities therein.
“We hope that improved mobility through the rail project will grossly aid in coping with Nigeria’s rapidly growing population likewise.”
He also lauded the performance of the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, saying the administration has presented the state and the region with opportunities for economic expansion and partnerships.
He pointed out that Akeredolu’s efforts in ensuring the creation of a state security network also known as Amotekun corps, to add to the conventional security agencies to give adequate protection to the lives and property of the South-West people, was commendable.
“Peace and security play a crucial role in strengthening the regional economic integration of any society.
“That is why we are commending Akeredolu’s interventions in the region such as; establishing Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, the actualisation of Ondo Deep Sea Port; export-driven port for regional enhancement and mechanisms for farm production.
“Boosting the agricultural capacity of the state has presented Ondo State with great opportunities for economic expansion and partnerships.”
He called on all other South-West states’ focal representatives in the commission for more collective action towards the development agenda, promising harmonized efforts to ensure the mandate of the commission was optimally accomplished.
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