As part of ways to leverage on the untapped resources in the Diaspora and to improve Diaspora engagement activities, Ondo State Government has signed an agreement with certified consultants in Business Networking and Investment promotion, trajectory in enhancing the State.
This was disclosed by the state Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, Prince Boye Ologbese when he spoke during the signing held at the Secretary to the State Government’s office in Akure.
In a statement issued by the Media officer of the Ministry of Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, Debbie Funmilayo, Ologbese, said the agreement between the duo was necessary to aid sourcing of funds from the Diaspora and to further intensify interventions that could rapidly bring to fruition various developmental projects.
The Commissioner hinted that the consultants are to work as technical partners representing the State in facilitating funds from the diaspora and connect with International organizations with relevant programmes and grants that the State can access.
He added that the Ministry, having aptly reviewed their proposals, certified their capabilities to source funds from the diaspora to drive desired development in the area of industrialization and infrastructure to the State.
Prince Ologbese further stated that the performance of the companies would be evaluated biennially to ensure efficiency and to avoid deviation from the agreement noting also, that before commissions could be paid to the consultants, a minimum of Fifty million naira grant must be presented to the State.
The Commissioner informed that the Ministry shall provide relevant information necessary to assist consultants and identify specific projects in the State in which the funds could be expended, emphasizing that the funds to be sourced must not be loans but, grants or donations from philanthropists, organisations, or individuals.
Prince Ologbese reckoned that the challenges of directly meeting the obligation of diaspora investors was quite enormous, hence the need for counterpart funding to propel willing donors ready to assist in government programs.
He reiterated that the State government, having created an investor-friendly environment is committed to providing essential amenities in which the citizenry can relish through the exploration of such partnerships.
Furthermore, he mentioned that a monitoring team would be set up to ensure proper management and disbursement of funds to guarantee the actualization of the project within the specified time frame.
The Commissioner while calling on the following partners which included: Bamatech Nigeria Limited, Ontario Incorporation, Beejay Integrated Services Limited, African Diaspora Development Initiative and Diaspora Innovative Institute, said that they must strive to ensure the purpose of the agreement is being justified.
One of the consultants Mr Akinwale Apoola, Director, Bamatech Nigeria Limited explained that his company decided to be a part of changing the narrative of the State from the core civil service to a business-driven one and most importantly to drive the Diaspora city, which is aimed at boosting tourism aided by indigenes in the diaspora.
While thanking the State government for the opportunity, the partners unanimously promised a beneficial collaboration with the State government.
Earlier the Secretary to Ondo State Government, Princess Catherine Oladunni Odu on behalf of the State government, commended the Commissioner, Prince Boye Ologbese for consistently thinking out of the box to bring innovations that would spur development in the State.
Princess Odu used the occasion to appreciate the partners for their willingness to support the government,” knowing full well that government cannot do it alone, the State anticipates the various projects that would be implemented and expects that more money would be attracted to float more lofty projects, ensure you all give your best” she said.
