Sir: Time moves quietly, but its effects are loud. Days are already rolling into weeks, weeks into months, and the tenure of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is gradually thinning out. In truth, Mr Governor has only about three years left to make history—three years to write his name in gold, or to govern without any strong and memorable dividends of democracy attached to his leadership.

Although Governor Aiyedatiwa has effectively been in charge of Ondo State for close to two years, some observers remain unsure of his performance rating. But the beauty of leadership is that one bold decision, one strategic policy direction, can radically transform a leader’s record and reposition him as a visionary.
One of the most powerful opportunities before the governor is the strategic opening up of the state’s coastal corridor—linking Lekki, Epe, and the entire coastal stretch of Ondo State. This single decision can unlock unprecedented economic prosperity.

Ondo State sits next to Lagos, the economic and commercial engine of Africa. Yet the state has not fully tapped the economic overflow coming from this proximity. Ogun State did—and today enjoys significant industrial growth. Ondo State can do the same and even more if it acts with vision and speed.

The governor is certainly aware of the enormous, yet largely unexplored, economic potential of the coastal axis. What is needed now is decisive action.

One major game-changer is the proposed refinery earmarked for the coastal axis. Governor Aiyedatiwa must pursue its take-off with dexterity, urgency, and strategic leadership.

History has shown how missed opportunities can haunt a state for decades. Former leaders like Dr. Olusegun Mimiko and Senator Ibikunle Amosun painfully watched Dangote’s massive refinery project slip away to Lagos. Ondo State must not repeat such an error.

If construction of the refinery begins, it will mark a turning point—an economic transformation so significant that even the northern senatorial district will feel its impact. Jobs, industrial clusters, logistics businesses, housing expansion, and service industries will spring up across the state.

The Aiyedatiwa administration should actively partner with the Federal Government to designate the coastal axis as an Export Processing Zone (EPZ). Such classification will attract industries, export-oriented businesses, and massive investment inflows. With the right incentives and infrastructure, the zone can become one of Nigeria’s new industrial powerhouses.

The Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road is a once-in-a-lifetime infrastructure gift passing through Ondo State. The governor must survey the corridor immediately and construct strategic linking roads that connect communities, open up land assets, and multiply the economic benefits of the federal road.

These access roads will ignite industrial expansion, attract real estate developers, and make the coastal zone one of the fastest-growing economic regions in the country.

With a refinery in view, a deep seaport is no longer optional—it becomes a natural extension. The Federal Government is already considering the construction of a deep seaport in the zone. Governor Aiyedatiwa should use diplomatic skill, professional coordination, and persistent follow-up to ensure the project becomes a reality under his watch.

A refinery plus a deep seaport will transform Ondo State into a logistics, maritime, and industrial hub—creating jobs, increasing internally generated revenue, and uplifting local communities.

Your Excellency, sir, a gentle but potent advice:
Do not allow these opportunities to slip away.

Do not let these projects become another set of brilliant announcements that never materialised—like the Millennium City in Abuja during the Jonathan era and several other high-sounding ideas that never went beyond the pages of newspapers.

Seek out the right team—professionals who are experienced, circumspect, and committed to turning vision into reality. Build quietly, work diligently, and let the results speak loudly.

Mr Governor, I pray that God strengthens you to govern for legacy. May He empower you to undertake landmark projects that will transform Ondo State socially, economically, and industrially. You have the rare opportunity to shape the future of millions and to inscribe your name in the honour roll of history.

Governing for legacy is not just an option—it is a responsibility. And the time to act is now.
 
Prof. Sunday Ayodele Enikanselu wrote from Lagos.