Ondo Assembly Pledges Stronger Support for Commerce, Industry, Lottery Commission to Drive Revenue Growth
By Awodeyi Elizabeth
The Ondo State House of Assembly has described commerce and industry as vital antidotes for sustainable development in the country, assuring of its continuous support for initiatives that will drive industrial and commercial revolution in the state.
This assurance was given by the House Committee on Commerce and Industry, led by its Chairman, Hon Felix Afe, during a familiarization visit to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperative Services and the Ondo State Lottery Regulation Commission in Akure.
The Committee commended the Commissioner and his team and sought clarifications on the ministry’s mandate, especially its relationship with the Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA).
Charging the Ministry to continue to live up to expectations in the State,Members acknowledged the significance of the ministry to the state’s economy, and the need for all hands to continue to be on deck to boost the commercial and industrial activities of the State.
At the Lottery Commission, the Committee explained that the visit was to acquaint with the agency’s operations and challenges, assuring that the Assembly would maintain its robust relationship with the commission.They urged the agency to forward any necessary amendments to its enabling law to the House.
The Lawmakers reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to addressing the concerns raised by both the ministry and the commission, stressing that effective legislative oversight is crucial to achieving Ondo State’s economic and industrial goals.
Welcoming the Lawmakers, Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperative Services, Pastor Adebola Ademuwagun, described the visit as a symbol of friendship and partnership between the Assembly and the ministry. He pledged to work closely with the legislature to ensure transparency and accountability in budget implementation.
“Though I assumed office barely a month ago, I assure you that the Assembly will be carried along in all our projects and programmes. This will ensure transparency, accountability, and effective oversight,” Ademuwagun stated.
The Commissioner explained that while ONDIPA manages state-owned investments, the ministry facilitates new investments, supports small and medium-scale enterprises, and drives entrepreneurship through loans, grants and industrial initiatives. He also disclosed plans to establish a trade fair complex to boost local businesses and improve the state’s internally generated revenue.
In his welcome remarks, Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Olajide Dickson, thanked the lawmakers for their visit and acknowledged the Assembly’s role in passing the Lottery Bill two years ago.
He however expressed concern over budgetary constraints, lamenting that adjustments made during last year’s budget defense were not implemented.
He assured that the commission would continue to work with stakeholders to increase the state’s revenue base.
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