… as EXCO ratifies 21 infrastructure projects, approves counterpart funding for Owena water scheme
A $1.6 million United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Small Hydropower Project at the Owena Dam and a 7.5 megawatt gas-fired turbine to power government buildings around the state have been approved by the Ondo State Executive Council (EXCO).
Under the direction of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the Executive Council met on Tuesday and made a number of significant decisions, including the approvals.
Additionally, the council confirmed two traditional rulers, granted counterpart finance for the continuing Urban Water Project, approved 21 infrastructure projects, and approved the transformation of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, into Rufus Giwa University of Agriculture, Science, and Technology.
Speaking about the energy sector, Engineer Johnson Alabi, Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, stated that a UNIDO grant will finance the 350-kilowatt hydropower project, with a 30% counterpart commitment from the state government.
“A grant from UNIDO will be used to build the 350-kilowatt small hydropower, and the state is expected to contribute a 30% counterpart fund to it,” he stated.
In order to supply energy to government buildings around the state, he also declared the approval of a 7.5 megawatt gas-fired turbine to be located in the Alagbaka Commissioners’ Quarters.
“Powering every government facility in Ondo State is the main purpose of that plant.
Both BEDC and generators will no longer be necessary. The project would be finished in roughly five months and then put into service for Ondo State’s usage, he stated.
According to Engineer Abiola Olawoye, the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands, and Housing, the council approved roughly 21 projects that had previously been awarded throughout the state’s local government regions.
The construction of Okela–NYSC Camp–Federal Technical College Road, Ikare-Akoko, and 27 units of four-bedroom terrace buildings for legislators are among the projects approved by the council.
“The donor agencies have played their own part,” states Akande.
In a similar vein, the state government has now kindly granted the predetermined sum, ensuring that the project will continue and be finished on schedule.
Hon. Idowu Ajanaku, the Commissioner for Information, told reporters following the meeting that the length of the meeting was indicative of the importance of the decisions made.
“If you look at the amount of time that was spent, you will see that extensive decisions have been made regarding Ondo State’s development, ranging from the area of infrastructure to health, to legal reforms, and more importantly, to the local government,” he stated.
“When you build a family, you build a community,” Ajanaku stated, highlighting the administration’s dedication to grassroots development.
A town is created when a community is established. A state is created when a town is built. And we are doing just that.
Regarding education, Ajanaku declared that Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo would be converted to Rufus Giwa University of Agriculture, Science, and Technology.
