… Ratifies 21 infrastructure projects

Ondo State Executive Council has approved a $1.6 million

United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) Small Hydropower Project at the Owena Dam and a 7.5-megawatt gas-fired turbine to power government facilities across the state in order to ensure energy self-sufficiency.

The approvals were taken at the Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, where the conversion of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, to Rufus Giwa University of Agriculture, Science and Technology was also approved.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, stated that the executive council ratified 21 infrastructure projects and approved counterpart funding for the ongoing Urban Water Project, with the confirmation of two traditional rulers.

He said, “The length of time that was spent shows that far-reaching decisions have been taken pertaining to the development of Ondo State, ranging from the area of infrastructure to health to legal reforms and, more importantly, to the local government.”

Speaking on the energy sector, Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources Johnson Alabi said the 350-kilowatt hydropower project would be funded through a UNIDO grant, while the state government would provide a 30 per cent counterpart contribution.

He also announced the approval of a 7.5-megawatt gas-fired turbine to be sited at the Alagbaka Commissioners’ Quarters to provide electricity for government facilities across the state.

Alabi disclosed that the project is expected to be completed within five months, with the aim of ending the state’s reliance on the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) and generators.

“The essence of that plant is to power all government facilities in Ondo State. We will no longer rely on BEDC or rely on generators anymore. The project has about five months to be completed, and after five months it will be commissioned for the use of Ondo State,” he stated.

On infrastructure development, Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Abiola Olawoye, said the council ratified about 21 projects previously awarded across the state’s local council areas.

Among the ratified projects are the construction of Okela–NYSC Camp–Federal Technical College Road in Ikare-Akoko and the construction of 27 units of four-bedroom terrace buildings for members of the legislature.

In the area of traditional institutions, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Amidu Takuro revealed the ratification of the appointment of Prince Adewale Fatusin Richard as the new Onisupare of Supare-Akoko in the Akoko South-West Local Government Area.

He also disclosed that the Executive Council approved the appointment of Prince Tayo Ajisegiri as the new Olujigba of Ijigba in Akure South Local Government Area.

The Commissioner for Water Resources, Ayodele Akande, said the Executive Council approved the state’s counterpart funding for the ongoing Urban Water Project sourced from the multipurpose Owena Dam in Igbara-Oke.

According to Akande, the donor agencies have fulfilled their obligations, and the state government’s approval ensures the project will continue without interruption.