The Ondo State Government has approved a N3.5 billion counterpart fund for the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), aimed at bolstering the construction and renovation of public primary schools across the state.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan in a statement said the governor revealed the plan during the State Executive Council meeting on Thursday.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Commissioner for Education, Olaolu Akindolire, highlighted that the approved counterpart fund will unlock over N7 billion from UBEC to facilitate the construction and renovation of public schools across the state’s three senatorial districts.
He applauded the governor’s consistent focus on improving the educational sector.
In another development, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amidu Takuro, announced the State Executive Council’s approval of Oba Daramola Oluwasola Samuel as the new Olupele of Ipele in Owo Local Government Area.
The council also sanctioned the elevation of the Olusan of Ayesan chieftaincy to monarchical status and the division of the Alale of Idasen stool into two—Alale Ile and Alale Oko.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Environment, Oyeniyi Oseni, conveyed the government’s deep sympathy to the residents of Aiyetoro in the Ilaje Local Government Area, who have been suffering from repeated sea incursions.
He reported that a technical review of the Aiyetoro shoreline protection project has been completed, and the state will soon implement both short-term and long-term solutions to curb future flooding.
In the health sector, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Simidele Odimayo, announced the state’s satisfaction with the low incidence of Lassa fever in September, alongside zero reported cases of cholera and monkeypox.
He urged communities to remain vigilant and proactive in maintaining public health.
Odimayo also introduced the upcoming “Project 10 Million,” a nationwide health initiative set for October 13-19, 2024, which aims to screen residents for hypertension and diabetes—two major contributors to sudden deaths.
In line with the government’s healthcare reforms, primary healthcare facilities across all 203 wards in the state will undergo renovation, which includes the installation of security fencing, staff accommodation, solar power, and boreholes.
More so, Commissioner for Information, Otunba Wale Akinlosotu, reiterated the governor’s pledge to fix all potholes across the state.
He said the governor tasked the Ministry of Infrastructure with ensuring that by December 2024, all major roads in Ondo State are pothole-free.
He also assured residents of the administration’s commitment to regular salary payments for workers and called on citizens to remain law-abiding as the state’s gubernatorial election approaches.
