-Unveils key appointments, health initiatives

By Adedotun Ajayi

The Ondo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, 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.

This decision followed the meeting of the State Executive Council, chaired by the governor.

Briefing journalists at the Governor’s Office on Friday, the Commissioner for Education, Olaolu Akindolire, announced that the approved counterpart fund for UBEB would be provided at zero interest.

He also highlighted that N3.2 billion had previously been allocated for the construction of secondary schools in the state’s three senatorial districts. Akindolire commended the governor for prioritising education and achieving significant progress in the sector.

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

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Oyeniyi Oseni, expressed the state government’s sympathy towards the people of Ayetoro, who have been impacted by recurring sea incursions. He noted that the government had completed a technical review of the Ayetoro 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 statewide health initiative scheduled for 13-19 October 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. These renovations will include security fencing, staff accommodation, solar power, and borehole installations to ensure the facilities are well-equipped and secure.

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

He also reiterated the governor’s commitment to regular salary payments while urging citizens to remain law-abiding as the state’s gubernatorial election approaches.