Ondo State has taken a bold step towards redefining its economic future, with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa unveiling plans to turn the Araromi coastline into a world-class tourism destination.
Speaking at the Araromi Seaside Carnival yesterday, the governor said the state was ready to claim its place on Africa’s tourism map.
Despite boasting a 72-kilometre stretch of coastline—one of the longest on the continent— Aiyedatiwa acknowledged that the area had remained largely underdeveloped for years.
Aiyedatiwa made it clear that the state government would not sit back and wait for investors to take the first step.
Instead, it has already completed designs for a government-backed beach resort, with construction expected to commence later this year and completion targeted for 2027.
He stressed that the project was deliberate and strategic, noting that while the government would take the lead, it was actively seeking up to ten serious private investors to help shape the coastline into a premier leisure hub.
Land, he said, was readily available for developers willing to tap into the area’s natural appeal and growing potential.
Encouragingly, early signs of progress have begun to emerge.
A private operator has already introduced mobile kitchens and basic shelters, offering a glimpse of what a more structured beachfront experience could look like.
Addressing concerns around safety, the governor assured stakeholders that Araromi remains one of the more secure coastal locations in the country.
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He pointed to its unique geography—bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and accessed through a single, controlled entry route—as a natural advantage.
According to him, the calm security situation, reinforced by community vigilance, provides a stable environment for both tourists and investors.
He also highlighted the significance of the proposed Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, describing it as a potential game-changer.
Once completed, the road is expected to place the beach corridor just minutes away from a major transport route, opening it up to visitors from Lagos and across the region.
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Government officials see the Araromi project as more than just a tourism initiative—it is a catalyst for broader economic development.
The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Adesoji Afolabi, explained that the seaside carnival forms part of a wider plan to revitalise the sector, including the development of modern chalets and event spaces.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service, Bayo Rojugbokan, described the opportunity as time-sensitive, urging investors to act quickly as interest in the area continues to build.
At the grassroots level, leaders in Ilaje and Ese-Odo local government areas expressed optimism about the project’s impact.
They noted that it would create jobs, stimulate local businesses and improve livelihoods, with expectations that international investors may soon begin site visits.
Reflecting on his personal connection to the region, Aiyedatiwa recalled travelling by water from Obenla to Lagos in the 1970s, underscoring the long-standing role of the coastline in trade and movement.
He maintained that Araromi holds the potential to reconnect Ondo State to global tourism and commerce.
With the right investment and planning, he said, the coastline could offer a clean, less congested alternative to some of West Africa’s more crowded beach destinations.
In his view, what has long been an overlooked natural asset could soon become one of the state’s most defining economic drivers.
