The Ondo State Government has directed contractors handling the rehabilitation and construction of technical colleges across the state to return to the sites, with the mandate to accelerate work to meet project completion deadlines.

While giving the directive on Thursday in Akure, the state capital, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Technical and Vocational Education, Ogbeni Tayo Oluyi, vowed that the government will take necessary action against underperforming contractors.

According to Oluyi, during a familiarisation and sensitisation meeting with the contractors, said no excuse will be tenable, stressing that most of the wherewithal had been disbursed for their operations and that no contractor will be owed a dime upon completion.

The governor’s aide maintained that the meeting became imperative to interface directly with the contractors, assess progress since the project’s inception, and establish concrete measures to ensure timely delivery.

Oluyi revealed that following his appointment last year, he undertook an extensive tour of all the technical school sites to evaluate the work firsthand. He added that the assessment was supplemented by detailed briefings that provided records outlining specific challenges hindering some contractors.

“The Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, understands that skilled trade is the backbone of any industry. This is why he has committed the necessary financial resources to ensure our students learn in a modern, safe, and industry-standard environment. He is expecting to see these projects delivered within record time,” Oluyi stated.

The technical education boss, however, commended contractors who had completed their projects and those with an appreciable level of progress on record.

He therefore charged all contractors with pending projects to return to the site with immediate effect, promising that the state government would ensure the cooperation of the benefitting communities so that the project could be executed successfully.

On his part, the Project Supervisor of the board, Onibudo Gbenga, urged the contractors to ensure not only timely delivery but also a high-quality project for the benefit of the community.

One of the contractors, Mr Yemi Dara, on behalf of his colleagues, expressed gratitude to the state government for its support in areas that had been challenging for them in the past.

I other news, the Commissioner for Water Resources and Public Sanitation in Ondo State, Ayodele Akande, has hailed Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his dedication and commitment to the development of the state.

While describing Aiyedatiwa as an industrial and visionary leader, Akande, who congratulated the governor on his 61st birthday, noted that since assuming office, he has demonstrated dynamism, focus and candour in the management of the state’s affairs.

In a goodwill message, Akande stated that since assuming office, Aiyedatiwa has earned the confidence and respect of citizens across the state, adding that the government’s renewed focus on public sanitation has improved environmental hygiene, reduced health risks, and promoted a cleaner, safer living environment.