The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has hailed the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, over his foresight in creating industries that would put the state on the path of economic independence.
RMAFC saluted Governor Akeredolu for using Agriculture to give the state an economic independence particularly through the Ondo-Linyi industrial hub.
The RMAFC team led by Alhaji Abdullahi Shuaibu Yaman spoke during a courtesy visit to the Governor at the Governor’s office, Alagabaka, Akure.
He stated:”States must start thinking now on how to generate revenue and use the FAAC for capital projects. We are entering the era of dwindling oil revenue. What Arakunrin Akeredolu is doing is for the future of Ondo State. He’s performing from his heart.
“I’m so happy and I want to congratulate you on this foresight. You are already thinking about the deep sea port. You are already working on the bitumen that has never been explored in the state.”
The RMAFC team also applauded Governor Akeredolu for turning the fortune of the state around by improving on the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from the N700 million monthly IGR he inherited to N2Billion.
While assuring Governor Akeredolu of the team’s support, the leader said though elections are unpredictable, but it was clear that Governor Akeredolu would win his re-election based on the giant strides he has recorded in the state.
The RMAFC team also solicited the Governor’s support in making case for the independence of the body, stressing that the RMAFC should be an independent organization devoid of government interference and financial obligations.
Responding, Governor Akeredolu said there was a need to look into the law backing the organization again, stressing that the duties of the RMAFC is one that the independence must be asserted.
“The fact that state nominate their representatives is a semblance of independence. We can fine-tune the arrangement.”Akeredolu noted.
While making case for devolution of power, the Governor said most states in the country do not have the capacity to employ the unemployed youths.
He said the call for restructuring can not be louder than now , adding that there must be a fundamental change in the approach to the system of the government in the country.
He said:”The oil will not be in support of our economy in no distance future. Very soon, gas is coming. We are going to start running it, even in Ondo state.”
Olabode Richard Olatunde
Special Assistant to the Governor (New Media)