*EXCO Ratifies 21 Projects, Owena Water Scheme Counterpart Funding
THE Ondo State Executive Council (EXCO) has approved a $1.6million 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 during its meeting on Tuesday, presided over by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.
The Council also approved the conversion of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, to Rufus Giwa University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, ratified 21 infrastructure projects, approved counterpart funding for the ongoing Urban Water Project and confirmed appointment of two traditional rulers.
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, adding: “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.”
On his part, Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Abiola Olawoye, said the Council ratified about 21 projects previously awarded across the state’s local government areas, including the construction of Okela-NYSC Camp-Federal Technical College Road, Ikare-Akoko and construction of 27 units of four-bedroom terrace buildings for members of the legislature.
On traditional institutions, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amidu Takuro, announced the ratification of the appointment of Adewale Fatusin Richard as the new Onisupare of Supare-Akoko in Akoko South-West Local Council, and Tayo Ajisegiri as the new Olujigba of Ijigba in Akure South Local Council describing Aiyedatiwa as “a man who believes in grassroots development.”
Also briefing journalists, Commissioner for Water Resources, Ayodele Akande, said the Council also approved the state’s counterpart funding for the ongoing Urban Water Project sourced from the multipurpose Owena Dam in Igbara-Oke, “so that the project will not stop and within the timeline it will be completed.”
Commissioner for Information, Idowu Ajanaku, said the duration of the meeting reflected the significance of the decisions reached, noting: “If you look at the length of time that was spent, you will know 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.”
Ajanaku highlighted the administration’s commitment to grassroots development, saying: “When you build a family, you build a community. When you build a community, you build a town. When you build a town, you build a state. And that is exactly what we are doing.”
He announced the approval for the conversion of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, to Rufus Giwa University of Agriculture, Science and Technology.
