Ondo govt votes N3.5bn for renovation of public schools

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo state has approved a N3.5 billion counterpart fund for the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to support the construction and renovation of public primary schools across the state.

The Commissioner for Education, Mr. Olaolu Akindolire, who disclosed this said the decision follows the meeting of the State Executive Council, chaired by the Governor, on Thursday.

Akindolire explained that the approved counterpart fund paid to the UBEC would fetch the state over N7billion for the construction and renovation of public schools across the three senatorial districts of the State.

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He commended the state governor for prioritizing education and achieving significant progress in the sector.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, also disclosed that the State Executive Council has approved the appointment of Oba Daramola Oluwasola Samuel as the new Olupele of Ipele in Owo Local Government Area.

He said the council also granted approval to upgrade the Olusan of Ayesan chieftaincy to a monarchical status and divided the Alale of Idasen stool into two—Alale Ile and Alale Oko.

The Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Oyeniyi Oseni, in his remark, expressed the state government’s sympathy towards the people of Aiyetoro in Ilaje local government area, who have been impacted by recurring sea incursions.

He noted that the government had completed a technical review of the Aiyetoro shoreline protection project and would soon implement both temporary and long-term solutions to prevent further flooding.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Prof. Simidele Odimayo, announced the government’s satisfaction with the low incidence of Lassa fever in September, alongside zero cases of cholera and monkeypox.

He urged communities to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to maintain public health.

Prof. Odimayo also highlighted the upcoming “Project 10 Million,” a nationwide health initiative scheduled for October 13-19, 2024, aimed at screening residents for hypertension and diabetes, two major causes of sudden death.

As part of ongoing healthcare improvements, the government has also approved the renovation of primary healthcare facilities in all 203 wards of the state.

He said the renovations will include security fencing, staff accommodation, solar power, and borehole installations to ensure the facilities are well-equipped and secured.

The Commissioner for Information, Otunba Wale Akinlosotu, reaffirmed the governor’s commitment to fixing all potholes in the state, with the Governor mandating the Ministry of Infrastructure to ensure that by December 2024, the major roads in Ondo State are pothole-free.

He also reaffirmed the Governor’s commitment to regular salary payments for workers, while urging citizens to remain law-abiding as the state’s gubernatorial election approaches.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE