A significant step forward has been taken in the creation of a new coastal state, as a bill seeking to establish the state from the present Ondo State has passed its first reading in the Senate.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, APC, Ondo South, aims to facilitate the speedy development of riverine communities in the Southern Senatorial District of Ondo State.
Senator Ibrahim expressed confidence that the bill will successfully navigate its second and third readings when presented at the next Senate sitting.
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He reiterated his stance that the Coastal State should be created from Ondo State, emphasizing that Ondo South cannot be part of the proposed Ijebu State.
The senator’s insistence on this point underscores the importance of preserving the identity and autonomy of the riverine communities in Ondo State. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it is likely to be closely watched by stakeholders in the region.
The creation of a new coastal state could have significant implications for the economic and social development of the region. It remains to be seen how the bill will fare in its subsequent readings, but for now, it marks a promising step forward for the people of Ondo State.