By Jubril Bada

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration in Ondo State has highlighted several achievements across multiple sectors during a joint press briefing.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr. Olayato Aribo detailed key accomplishments in agriculture, such as training 4,563 beneficiaries and empowering 2,355 individuals under the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) programme.

Additionally, 50 youths were trained in advance cocoa farming techniques, while 1,293 farmers received inputs under the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NCARES) programme.

Aribo also mentioned that 30 feeder roads were graded to facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, adding that 450,000 improved cocoa seedlings were distributed during the 2023/2024 planting season.

Plans to acquire more tractors and expand affordable food markets were also outlined.

In the education sector, the Commissioner of the ministry, Laolu Akindolire reported that government spent over N708 million on WAEC fees for 26,088 students and N6.5 million on NABTEB fees for technical college students.

Renovation of schools and efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children are ongoing, even as  government reiterated its commitment to ensuring that no public school or publisher adds to the financial burden on parents by selling uniforms or textbooks directly to students.

He appealed to anyone with evidence of public schools in the state collecting illegal fees from students to come forward.

The Commissioner said schools are being closely monitored to prevent any violations of this directive, with warnings issued to principals to follow the guidelines strictly.

He said that the Ministry has issued a clear directive to public schools, emphasizing that the principals of public schools should provide samples of school uniforms for parents to sew the uniforms for their children.

Akindolire also disclosed that the process of recruiting teachers into public schools in the state is almost completed, as the state has zero tolerance for examination malpractices.

The Commissioner for Environment, Oseni announced President Tinubu’s support in tackling the Ayetoro ocean surge and emphasised efforts to maintain cleanliness in Akure.

The Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Land, and Housing, Pastor Ayoade Babalola stated that there is progress in road infrastructure, with 265 km completed and 137 km under construction.

Addressing journalists during the briefing, State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Otunba Wale Akinlosotu, whose ministry organised the media chat, said the purpose of the briefing was to provide accountability to the people and ensure they are kept informed about the government’s activities in the state.

Akinlosotu called for more support for the administration as the government remains committed to improving and impacting the lives of its citizens.

These updates were part of the government’s broader effort to keep the public informed and to emphasise its commitment to development across the state