HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT

Ondo State of Nigeria was one of the seven states created on 3rd February 1976 by the then Federal Military Government of Nigeria. It was carved out of the old Western State. The state covered the total area of the former Ondo Province, created in 1915 with Akure as the provincial headquarters. Ondo State took off formally on 1st April, 1976, consisting of the nine administrative divisions of the former Western State (Ministry of Information and Culture, 1979). These nine divisions then were Akoko, Akure, Ekiti Central, Ekiti North, Ekiti South, Ekiti West, Okitipupa, Ondo and Owo. Akure Township was retained as the state headquarters.

Location

The state lies between latitudes 5^o45' and 7^o52'N and longitudes 4^o20' and 6^o5'E. Its land area is about 15,500 square kilometers. Edo and Delta States bound Ondo State on the east, on the west by Ogun and Osun States, on the north by Ekiti and Kogi States and to the south by the Bight of Benin and the Atlantic Ocean.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE AREAS

The apex of the administrative structure is the state headquarters, Akure. Prior to the carving out of Ekiti State from Ondo State there were twenty-six Local Government Areas (LGAs). Fourteen of these remained in Ondo State, and from these, additional four LGAs were created. As at now, there are eighteen LGAs in Ondo State.

 

Ethnic Composition, Languages, Culture and the Arts

The people of the state are Yoruba (except for the Ijaw or Ijo settlement in the littoral part of the state), although other Nigerians and foreign nationals co-exist peacefully in the state. The most known ethnic sub-groups are the Akure, the Akoko, the Ondo, the Ijo (made up of a part of Apoi [note that some Apoi claim Yoruba ancestry] and Arogbo), the Ikale, the Ilaje and the Owo. Generally, the people have similar customs, traditions and language although there are some variations, most observable with the Ijo. In the field of arts and culture, Ondo State is among the richest in the federation in the variety and quality of its traditional sculpture. The people are lovers of arts, music (e.g. Obitun dancers), with sayings and poetry. The ivory carvings, bronze works and wood carvings from Owo are basically Yoruba sculptures; excavated at Egberen Street in the town in 1971, they showed the naturalist out of the classical Ife (Ministry of Information & Culture, 1976).

 

Population Structure and Distribution

Although the detailed analyses of the 1991 census are yet to be done, information already provided indicates that Ondo State has a total of 2,255,728 persons made up of 1,134,703 males and 1,121,025 females. Curent projection however put the people at way over 3 million. The structure and distribution of population in Ondo State have been affected by high incidence of migration of Ondo people to other parts of the country. Ondo indigenes are found in various services and especially in education and civil service. Some are traders in many large cities of the federation, while in recent times, many industrialists have established plants in cities in Ondo State and other parts of the country. It is also pertinent to observe that Ondo State harbours many migrant farmers from all the southwestern states and from Kwara, Kogi and Benue states (the agatu, labourers from the north, phenomenon is quite popular in the state). Most of these migrant farmers cultivate cocoa, while some serve as farm labourers.

 

Urban Development

Like in the other Yoruba areas, the people of Ondo state live mainly in urban centres. Most of these urban centres are compact settlements each with a population of over 30,000 inhabitants. During the years of military administration, there were consistent effort to encourage urbanization through the creation of more states and local government areas. Other factors aiding urban development are the establishment of tertiary institutions such as Colleges of Education, Technical Colleges, Polytechnics and Universities, industrial plants such as glass factory and services whether financial or commercial. Some of the notable settlements are Akure, Ondo, Owo, Ikare, Okitipupa, Idanre, Ile-Oluji and Ore.

 

Rural Development

Ondo State is primarily an agricultural state and therefore has many rural centres. Prior to 1985, there had been a conspicuous neglect of the rural areas of the state. However, since 1985, Ondo State has been a beneficiary of concerted programmes to revitalize, develop and transform rural areas. The most important programmes in this regard were those implemented by DFRRI, NDE, as well as the recently inaugurated Accelerated Poverty Alleviation Programme under the Accelerated Poverty Alleviation Agency APAA  including the latter's Self-Help Programme. The role of third party rural development including the UNDP etc between 1994 and 1999 must also be noted.

Not only did DFRRI open up many rural areas in the State by constructing feeder roads (more than 1,230km in length) (Ministry of Information & Culture, 1992), it contributed immensely to the overall development and well-being of rural dwellers by sinking deep wells and bore-holes in many villages and suburban areas. In addition, DFRRI assisted communities in the electrification of their areas. In terms of economic development, DFRRI encouraged the rural dwellers to establish their own banks through the setting up Community Banks. Some of the banks are still found in many LGAs with many of the rural dwellers as shareholders.

The Youths in Agricultural programme of the present government is focusing on rural youth & women participation. Women are actively involve in processing local food and fibre items such as cassava (gari), maize, rice and sisal-hemp for better prices.  The The programme has helped in making available on-the-job training to young school leavers (both secondary and tertiary) in modern farming, traders and industry. The programme has also helped to open up the rural areas in all parts of the state.

It is noteworthy to observe that the present civilian administration in the State has rural development and rural integration as a major focus of its policies and has therefore created an agency to address poverty.

 

Problem of Urban Primacy

Akure, the state capital, has expanded over a large area, as a result of many developmental processes. Hence, it has now grown to be a primate city, which continues to attract people from the rural areas and smaller towns. This primacy has led to some problems. For example, the traditional area of Akure, now the attraction of low-income earners and the unemployed, has deteriorated into slums, while in the CBD, traffic hold-up is a common phenomenon.
 

SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Education

Among the states of the Federation, Ondo State is one of those with the largest number of public primary and secondary schools. There are over 880 public primary schools and over 190 public secondary schools spread all over the state. There are five other state unity secondary schools and two Federal unity secondary schools at Akure and Idoani. There are also several private nursery and primary schools in many towns. For example, Akure township alone has more than sixty of these schools. Secondary education is also in the hands of private individuals, agencies and organizations especially in Akure, Ondo, Owo and Ikare. There are also Continuing Education Centres for Senior Secondary Certificate (SSC) Examinations in all major towns of the state. It is heartening that the products of these secondary schools are well provided for, as many tertiary institutions have been established to cater for them.

 

Healthcare Delivery

Various categories of health and medical facilities exist in the state belonging to governments, religious organizations and private individuals. Once, there used to be free medical services for all people below the age of eighteen years. However, the present administration in the state has promised free medical care for every citizen. The government of Dr. Olusegun Agagu has also directed that the State's Health Management Board and the Ministry of Health work out modalities of establishing a 3-layer health facility in: each quarter, each ward and each local government headquarter.

Presently, there is a Federal Medical Centre at Owo. The state government has specialist hospitals at Akure, Ikare and Ondo while it has established general hospitals at Idanre, Igbara-Oke, Ile-Oluji and Okitipupa. There is a government psychiatric hospital at Akure. Besides, there are several private full-fledged hospitals especially in Akure, Ondo, Owo, Ikare and Okitipupa; and in other Local Government Headquarters and other towns. Next in the category of hospitals are the primary health centres with consulting medical doctors. There are over fifteen of such, including mobile ones for the riverine areas of the state. LGAs operate dispensaries and maternity homes in all towns and many villages.

 

Mass Media

In order to disseminate information and to provide entertainment, the state has the Radio-vision Corporation with the Radio Complex (AM) at Oba-Ile near Akure and the Television  and radio (FM) House at Orita-Obele, Akure. Besides the Government Press at the Ministry of Information, there is a government-owned publishing company which publishes a daily newspaper, Owena News. The state is also a major partner of the Daily Sketch Organisation. Furthermore, most newspapers and weekly magazines have distribution centres and agencies in all the towns of the state.

 

Water Supply and Electrification Projects

Water

The marked improvement in the provision of potable water and electricity in the state has to do with the activities of Ondo State Water Corporation, the establishment of DFRRI and, in recent times, PTF. These establishments have at various times, all been actively involved in the provision of these amenities. Today, all major urban centres and towns have potable water. Many villages have benefited from over twenty-five water schemes operated by Ondo State Water Corporation. For instance, the little Ose River Water Supply Project serves not less than sixty-six towns and villages in Akoko and Owo areas and part of Ekiti State. Borehole schemes have been established in many towns including Owo, Ode-Irele, Ilutitun, Okeluse and Ute (Ondo State Water Corporation, 1988). The target of the present administration is to raise the portable water availability in the state to 66% by 2007.
 

Electricity
The State government continues to execute its various phases of electrification programme for towns and villages. Indeed, a lot of improvement has been made in the electrification of major streets in urban centres while rural areas still attract a lot of attention.

 

Banking and other Financial Institutions

Banking and other financial services are now available in many communities in the state as a result of the efforts of the federal and state governments, and private organizations and individuals. The national rural banking policy, the establishment of the People's Bank of Nigeria and the Community Banks have helped to bring banking services to many settlements in the state. Furthermore, the state government went into banking business with a foreign partner in 1982 and established the Owena Bank PLC with its headquarters in Akure and with branches in most LGA headquarters of Ondo and Ekiti States, and in other cities such as Lagos, Ibadan, Abeokuta, Kaduna, Osogbo and Port-Harcourt. Other financial institutions include Finance Houses for loans and mortgage, Insurance Companies and Brokers, and a government - owned Pools Betting and Lotteries Agency (Ministry of Finance & Economic Planning, 1982).  SEE LIST OF BANKS

 

Transport and Communications

At the inception of Ondo State in 1976, it was maintaining a total of 1,868km of roads. By 1980, the total length reached 3,093km and by 1992, it was over 5,970km. In the present Ondo State and with the activities of PTF and World Bank Assisted Road Projects, many more roads have been constructed, while many rural areas now have access routes. The most significant aspect of road development in Ondo State is their quality, as most roads have been taken over and tarred by the Federal Government e.g. Akure-Owo-Ikera, Akure-Ondo et cetera. The state is also involved in constructing all weather roads. Local Governments have also shown keen interest in tarring both township and inter-settlement routes within their jurisdiction. As stated earlier, the contributions of DFRRI, PTF and the World Bank in the opening up of rural areas and the rehabilitation of existing roads, are substantial. If all these are added together, the total length of roads in Ondo State at present approaches 4,950km.

Ondo State, as a beneficiary of the nationwide Mass Transit Programme, launched its Owena Mass Transit scheme for both intra and inter-state commuters. This programme has gone a long way to solve transportation problems in the state. It is noteworthy that most LGAs have started operating their own Mass Transit schemes, for both intra-and-inter-state transportation.

There is an airport at Akure, which will soon be operational. When operational, it will serve as a quick link between the state and other parts of the country. Ordinarily, Akure being equidistant from Lagos and Abuja is a strategic commercial advantage to the state.

The state's NIPOST headquarters is at Akure, while zonal offices are at Ondo, Okitipupa, Owo and Ikare. By 1991, NITEL had connected seven settlements with telephone services. These are Akure, Idoani, Ifon, Ikare, Okitipupa, Ondo and Owo.

 

Tourism and Recreation

A variety of tourist attractions abound in the state. Among the leading spots are the historic Idanre Hills with guesthouses built by the government. Others are Ayetoro Community of Holy Apostles, the Owo Museum of Antiquities, Oke Maria at Oka-Akoko, the Palace of the Deji of Akure, Ebomi Lake at Ipesi-Akoko and Iho Eleru at Isarun.

The state government, as far back as 1988, commenced beautification projects in the major towns of the state. These projects are intended to brighten the dull outlook of the environment. The projects, include the erection of historic and cultural statutes, water fountains, planting of ornamental flowers and recreation parks. All these have provided the necessary aesthetic attractions for tourists visiting the state.

Hotel services are readily available in major towns and in most of the LGA headquarters. The state owns a hotel, Owena Motels Ltd., located at Akure.

 

TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN ONDO STATE

Federal Government-owned

1. Federal College of Agriculture, Akure

2. Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo

3. Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)

State and Private Individual-owned

1. Technical Colleges, Okitipupa, Owo

2. College of Technology, Ondo

3. School of Nursing, Akure

4. School of Midwifery, Akure

5. School of Health Technology, Akure

6. Rufus Folorunso Giwa Polytechnic, Owo

7. College of Education, Ikere

8. Michael Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko

NATURAL RESOURCES AND POTENTIALS FOR DEVELOPMENT

Nature has endowed Ondo State with a lot of resources. Most of these resources have been profitably tapped, while others need be developed.

 

Agriculture, Forestry and other Basic Activities

Agriculture is the dominant occupation of the people of Ondo State providing income and employment opportunities for over seventy per cent of the population. It also contributes well over seventy-five per cent to the state's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The main revenue-yielding crops are cocoa, palm produce and timber. In fact, Ondo region is now the core of the Nigerian cocoa belt accounting for well over sixty per cent of Nigeria's annual output. In order to make cocoa contribute more to the economic viability of the state, a Cocoa Products Company Ltd., has been established in Ile-Oluji.

Next to cocoa is palm produce. The state has very large oil palm plantations at Okitipupa, Ode-Irele and Araromi-Obu.

Other tree crops include kola, rubber, coffee, oil palm and exotics. The government has been involved in the establishment of extensive plantations in respect of oil palm, rubber and exotics especially Tectona grandis and Gmelina arborea.

Arable crops are cultivated mostly in the northern part of the state. These crops include rice, cassava, maize, yam, pepper, beans, tomatoes and a host of other vegetables. The activities of the Ondo State Agricultural Development Project and the Benin/Owena River Basin and Rural Development Authority, in enhancing arable cropping in the state, are commendable.

Ondo State is one of the most important timber producing states in Nigeria. some of the hardwood species are Iroko, mahogany, Obeche, omo, afara, tick. Timber has encouraged the establishment of saw-milling industries, which litter every nook, and corner of the state. Nigeria-Romania Wood Industry (NIROWI) located in Ondo is the largest wood industry. The present government has also established an afforestation & sawmill company.

 

Mineral Resources

Ondo State has become a member of the Nigerian oil-producing states as petroleum is now extracted offshore (Ministry of Information & Culture, 1989). Other minerals available include tar sand (bitumen), especially in Okitipupa and Irele LGAs; kaolin clay in Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo, Ondo and Odigbo LGAs; iron ore in Ifedore, Akure, Idanre, Odigbo and Akoko North East, Akoko North West, Akoko South East and Akoko South West LGAs; and quartz sand at Ilaje, Okitipupa and Ese Odo LGAs. Furthermore, there are other minerals, such as coal, columbite, tin and marble, many of which are at different stages of prospecting, extracting and development.

Ondo State has the longest coastline in Nigeria. Her coast is with great potentials for fishing industry. In fact, the creeks and coastlands of the state are now recognized for their richness in prawns and lobsters. In fact, it has just been discovered that Ondo has reserve for stock fish. This resource calls for better development. The inland river systems and lakes also offer development potentialities, even though; they have been harnessed for domestic and agricultural purposes.

 

Industrial Potentials

Industrialization is rapidly taking place in the state. At present, the major industrial ventures include the Okitipupa Oil Palm Mill Plc at Okitipupa, NIROWI at Ondo, Cocoa Products Company Ltd. at Ile-Oluji and Oluwa Glass Company Plc at Igbokoda. Others include the Nigerian-Italian Ceramics Factory at Ifon, Alpha Paper Industries at Arigidi-Akoko, Ondo State Asphalt Company at Aponmu, Araromi-Ayesan Oil Palm Plc at Araromi-Obu and Foam Industry at Akure, to mention but a few. A survey has shown that the number of private establishments employing more than five people and above is on the increase. While in 1980, the number of the latter was about 960 by 1992, the number was more than 2,830, with Akure having over 950. By September 1999, it is estimated to have grown to over 3,500 with Akure having over 2,000.

 

Local Sourcing of Raw Materials

Many small and large-scale industrial concerns now depend almost entirely on local raw materials.

 

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND PROSPECTS FOR THE FUTURE

Economic Climate

The economic climate of Ondo State has been boosted by the inauguration of the boards of seven OASIS Companies in the state on 10th June 1989. These companies were established to serve as agricultural processing units that will attract prospective investors to use processed products for their industrial ventures. The intention of the government was to enhance agro-industrial development in the state based on the available major food crops and kaolin at Ishan thereby laying a solid foundation for rural development. To further attract investors, the state government has established industrial estates in Akure, the state capital.

Another attraction to investors is the location of a branch of the Nigerian Industrial and Development Bank (NIDB) in Akure. There is also a Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in the State. There is no doubt therefore, that the industrial potentialities in Ondo State are limitless considering the myriad of its agricultural, forest, mineral and water resources that call for development. SEE INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The first index of a bright future for the state is the availability, in large quantities, of tar sand (bitumen). The exploration of this mineral is at an advanced stage. The next stage is the exploitation. With all the necessary structures already set up, the exploitation will soon start. Going by the nature of petrochemicals, these minerals will bring about establishment of allied industries and manufacturing plants. The latter will attract both local and foreign investors. Besides, many other services will be attracted to the area of operation. In short, the multiplier effect of this mineral in the realms of human, education, healthcare, financial, actuarial and environmental services etc, will be of immense development for the state. Indeed, through this mineral, the Ondo State government's revenue will increase astronomically bearing in mind the thirteen per cent derivation for mineral producing states. The money realized will be available for developmental purposes especially as over twenty new oil wells were recently credited to Ondo State after Federal Government arbitration in land dispute between Ondo and Delta states (August 2004). Also, a new product calling for good management is stock fish recently discovered in Ode-Irele area.

 

Availability of Manpower

The Federal Government, with Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as the President, has launched the Universal Basic Education (UBE) programme for the country, as contained in the People's Democratic Party's manifesto, to provide compulsory and free up to the Junior Secondary School throughout the country. You can read Ondo State Government's education programmes on education HERE.

Priority Investment Areas

Areas of great potentialities in Ondo State include agriculture, forestry and tourism. Indeed, forestry offers a lot of investment opportunities in the state. Exotic species such as teak (Teckona grandis) and pulp wood (Gmelina arborea) are now cultivated in many places. Other forestry products like twines, canes are common along rivers and are being used for weaving hats, bags and rope making.

Since the state government has the intention to focus attention on rural integration and development, it is envisaged that more roads will be constructed and many rehabilitated. It is also hoped that infrastructure such as potable water, electricity and other social amenities will be provided in rural areas under this programme. Furthermore, it is expected that agro-based industries will spring up in the rural areas of the state, which will take advantage of the large plantations of tree crops and large-scale arable farms in the wooded savannah areas of the northern part of the state, especially in Akoko area.

Forestry should attract the attention of the government. If the government could invest on this, it will yield a big dividend so that before long, the state will be able to provide timber for its countless sawmills and still be in a position to export same.

Many investment opportunities on tourism and recreation exist, particularly, the coastal sceneries as well as the presence of numerous lagoons and the forest reserves. For example, the forest reserves could be developed as Games Reserves while a relaxation centre could be built for weekend retreats and leisure along the creeks. SEE INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES in Crude Oil and Bitumen.

 

KEY GOVERNMENT AGENCIES IN ONDO STATE

i. State Administrative Structure

A. State Cabinet

 

1. The Executive Governor

2. The Deputy Governor

3. Secretary to the State Government

4. Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries

5. Commissioner, Ministry of Education & Youths

6. Commissioner, Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning

7. Commissioner, Ministry of Health

8. Commissioner, Ministry of Information and Sports

9. Commissioner, Ministry of Culture and Tourism

10. Commissioner, Ministry of Justice

11. Commissioner, Ministry of Works, Lands and Housing

12. Commissioner, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development

13. Commissioner, Ministry of Special Duties

B. State Legislature
 

1. The Speaker of the House of Assembly

2. The Deputy Speaker

3. The Majority Leader 

4. The Chief Whip

5. Other Honourable Members

C. The Judiciary

 

1. The Chief Judge

2. The High Court Judges

3. The Magistrates

4. The Customary Court Presidents

ii. LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION

A. Local Government Cabinet

 

1. The Chairman

2. The Deputy Chairman

3. The Secretary to the Local Government

4. Supervisory Councilor for Education

5. Supervisory Councilor for Finance

6. Supervisory Councilor for Health

7. Supervisory Councilor for Works

8. Supervisory Councilor for Agriculture

9. Director, Personnel Management

B. Local Government Legislature

 

1. The Speaker

2. The Chief Whip

3. Other Councilors

4. Indigenous Institutions

5. The Oba or Baale

6. The High Chiefs (usually the King-makers)

7. Other Traditional Chiefs

8. Honorary Chiefs

GOVERNMENT PARASTATALS IN ONDO STATE

A. Federal Parastatals at Akure

1. Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN)

2. Federal Loans Board

3. Federal Scholarship Board

4. Federal Inland Revenue and Cash Office

5. Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

6. National Population Commission (NPC)

7. News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

8. Nigerian Television Authority (NTA)

9. National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)

10. Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC)

11. Benin/Owena River Basin and Rural Development Authority

B. State Parastatals
 

1. Civil Service Commission

2. Post-Primary Schools Teaching Board

3. Local Government Service Commission

4. Hospitals Management Board

5. Ondo State Housing Corporation/Capital Urban Development Authority

6. Ondo State Investment (Holding) Company

7. Ondo State Water Corporation

8. Ondo State Electricity Board

9. Ondo State Radiovision Corporation

10. Judicial Service Commission

11. Ondo State Sports Council

12. Ondo State Transport Corporation (Owena Mass Transit)

13. Ondo State Library Board

14. Ondo State Agricultural Development Project

15. Owena Press Limited

16. Tourism Board

17. Owena Motels Limited

18. Ondo State Waste Management Authority

19. Pools Betting and Lotteries Board

20. Board of Internal Revenue

21. Board of Trade and Industries

22. Christians Pilgrims Welfare Board

23. Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Board

24. State Information Technology Development Centre (SITDEC)

25. Project & Price Monitoring Unit (PPMU)

INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING IN ONDO STATE

1. Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko
2. Rufus Folorunso Giwa Polytechnic, Owo
3. Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo
4. Federal College of Agriculture, Akure
5. Federal University of Technology, Akure


 

MEDIA HOUSES WITH OFFICES IN ONDO STATE

1. Ondo State Radiovision Corporation (OSRC)
   Orita Obele Akure
   Oba-Ile, Akure

2. Nigerian Television Authority (NTA)
   Oke-Isikan, Isikan Area, Akure, Akure

3. News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
   Ondo State Housing Estate
   Oba-Ile, Akure

4. Daily Times
   139A, Oyemekun Road, Akure

5. Daily Sketch
   17, Ondo Bye-pass, Akure

6. Nigerian Observer
   139A, Oyemekun Road, Akure

7. National Concord
   102, Aragbaka GRA, Akure

8. FRCN (Ibadan)
   41, Alagbaka GRA, Akure

9. New Nigerian
   137 Oyemekun Road, Akure

10. Vanguard
    137 Oyemekun Road, Akure

11. Nigerian Tribune
    48 Oyemekun Road, Akure

12. FRCN (Kaduna)
    139A Oyemekun Road, Akure

13. The Punch
    137 Oyemekun Road, Akure

14. Federal Information Centre
    43A, Ondo Road, Akure

15. The Guardian
    122, Oyemekun Road, Akure

16. The Comet
    Oyemekun Road, Akure

TOWN TELEPHONE CODES IN ONDO STATE

1. Akure 034
2. Ido-Ani 051
3. Ifon 051
4. Ikare 050
5. Okitipupa 059
6. Ondo 034
7. Owo 051
 

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN ONDO STATE

1. Idanre Hill-top Chalets, Idanre

2. Palace of the Deji of Akure.

3. Oke Maria, Oka-Akoko

4. Ebomi Lake, Ipesi - Akoko

5. Owo Museum of Antiquities, Owo

6. Alagbaka Cenotaph, Akure

7. Iho Eleeru, Isarun.