Reels out pathways to rescue economy
… Club Elan urges new inductees on commitment
An associate professor of African socio-cultural, diplomatic and military history at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Solomon Tai Okajare, PhD, at the weekend stressed that Ondo State has no moral and logical justification to remain among Nigeria’s economically struggling states.
According to Okajare, given the state’s overwhelming endowment of natural and human resources alongside substantial economic potential, the state ought to be among high-flying states in the country.
The don stated this while delivering a lecture titled ‘Unlocking Subnational Economic Power: Practical Pathways for Sustainable Economic Growth in Ondo State’ during the lecture series and induction of new members into Club Elan, Akure, Ondo State capital.
With the Okajare dissecting the paradox of poverty amidst plenty in the Sunshine State, he stressed that the state’s fertile lands, extensive coastline, oil and bitumen deposits as well as diverse tourism attractions should undoubtedly position the state as what he described as an “economic gem” among its peers in the country.
While identifying the impediments to the state’s economic transformation to include planning without foundational knowledge, weak and obsolete infrastructure, macroeconomic instability, among others, Okajare urged all sons, daughters, and residents of the state to enlist in efforts to reposition it.
He said, “For Ondo State, the foregoing discourse stands firm more at the epicentre of potentiality and hope with little to show for actual achievement of the accruable benefits, thus propelling mere projection than calculation of gains.”
“This is the crux of the matter, whereas successive governments in the state, including the incumbent, have severally demonstrated and reiterated their desire to return the Sunshine State to the lane of self-sufficiency and sustainable development.
“In particular, the Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa-led government has convincingly shown its commitment to creating a business-friendly environment, offering incentives and supporting investors.
“As long as Ondo State is not yet in the league of states that can operate without heavily relying on the Monthly Dinner from the Federation Account, its economic story remains a paradox of wealth in poverty. This compels the need to identify the challenges and proffer applicable strategies for solutions.”
Meanwhile, President of Club Elan, Mobolaji Adeyeye, disclosed that the arrival of the calibre of new inductees into the club signified that Club Elan remains a destination of choice for professionals and businessmen seeking camaraderie.
“It is a reminder that our club remains a destination of choice for men of calibre and that our story is still very much being written. And what a story it is. Later this month, we mark our twenty-ninth founding anniversary – nearly three decades of fellowship, purpose, and impact.
“That we are still here, still growing, and still inspiring is not by accident. It is the fruit of collective will, shared values, and an unwillingness to be anything less than excellent. To our new members, you do not simply join a club tonight – you join a legacy. Bring your energy, your ideas, and your best self. The Elan family expects nothing less and will give nothing less in return.
Speaking on behalf of the inductees, Chief Akindele Omole assured the club’s leadership and members that the new intake would contribute meaningfully to the club’s objectives and legacy of impact within Ondo State and beyond.
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