Economic Planning has now been accepted throughout the developing world as the main way of mobilizing resources for accelerated development. It is generally accepted as a means of achieving set goal objectives in the most efficient manner and the shortest time possible. This is not to say however that the preparation of development plans and their implementation have not faced immense difficulties. Whilst there has been considerable improvement over the years in the writing of plan documents, such improvement had not been matched in their implementation. This situation is being addressed through the State Economic Empowerment Development Strategy (SEEDS). The Ondo State Economic Empowerment Development Strategy (ODSEEDS) is unique in many respects. It is a derivative of the National Economic Empowerment Development Strategy (NEEDS) but adopted specifically for Ondo State needs. What is contained in the document represents a follow up action plan to the State’s Road Map to Progress, a document that was put together with the full participation of a large cross-section of the people of the state from various interest groups and stakeholders. For the first time, in the history of development plan formulation in Ondo State, people are being involved in charting a way on how they want to be governed. In the second place, ODSEEDS is a reform development strategy initiated to respond to development challenges aimed at developing the land and her people. Ondo State came into existence with the creation of the 19 state structure in Nigeria in 1976. The state has therefore had experience of development planning for about two and a half decades. Ondo State is also endowed with abundant human and natural resources. In spite of this, the level of poverty and the near prostrate state of the state economy poses a daunting task and challenge which the present administration is poised to tackle head-long. Considering the abundant human and natural resources that the State is endowed with, it has no reason to be poor. What is required is a purposeful leadership to harness valuable resources and channel them to preferred and productive sectors. Since May, 2003 when this administration came on board, it has succeeded in laying a solid foundation for a well focused and purposeful governance. It has also recorded modest achievements in the realm of socio - economic emancipation of the people through the calendarised work plan – Road Map to Progress. The basic objective of ODSEEDS therefore is to complement and consolidate the achievements of the past twenty-four (24) months in laying the solid foundation for sustainable poverty reduction; employment generation; wealth creation; and value re-orientation within the next few years. Ondo State has the potentials to be one of the leading and strongest economies in the country. The ultimate goal of ODSEEDS therefore is to mobilize the resources of the State to make fundamental break with the economic woes of the past and bequeath to future generation not only a prosperous but a vibrant state with potentials for sustainable development. The programmes in the ODSEEDS document are people oriented as the focus is mainly on poverty alleviation; job creation; wealth creation; accountability; transparency and good governance. It is important to emphasize that the ODSEEDS document is not based on public sector alone. Private sector participation is also given substantial consideration. As a matter of fact, the essence of ODSEEDS is to grow private sector economy in the State. It is for all well-meaning citizens of Ondo State through whose active participation the targets, goals and aspirations of ODSEEDS will be realized. It is therefore commended to all the people of Ondo State with full faith in our joint efforts to build a more prosperous and sustainable future for our people.

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