𝗢𝗻𝗱𝗼: 𝗔𝗶𝘆𝗲𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘄𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘀: 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀, 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗢𝗳 𝗥𝗨𝗚𝗜𝗣𝗢 𝗧𝗼 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗹

By NigerDelta Voice,

𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗮, 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮.

The Ondo State Executive Council (EXCO) has approved the implementation of a $1.6 million United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) Small Hydropower Project at the Owena Dam, alongside the construction of a 7.5-megawatt gas-fired power plant to provide uninterrupted electricity to government facilities across the state.

The approvals were among several key decisions reached during the Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Johnson Alabi, disclosed that the hydropower project, valued at $1.6 million, will generate 350 kilowatts of electricity and will be financed through a UNIDO grant, with the Ondo State Government providing a 30 per cent counterpart contribution.

According to Alabi, the project is expected to strengthen renewable energy generation in the state while reducing dependence on conventional power sources.

The commissioner also announced the approval of a 7.5MW gas-fired turbine to be located at the Alagbaka Commissioners' Quarters in Akure. He explained that the facility would provide electricity to government offices and institutions, eliminating reliance on the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) and diesel-powered generators.

He added that the gas plant is expected to be completed and commissioned within five months.

In the area of infrastructure, the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, said the Executive Council ratified 21 previously awarded projects across various local government areas.

Among the projects approved is the construction of the Okela–NYSC Camp–Federal Technical College Road in Ikare-Akoko, Akoko North-East Local Government Area, as well as the construction of 27 units of four-bedroom terrace buildings for members of the Ondo State House of Assembly.

The Executive Council also approved the state's counterpart funding for the ongoing Urban Water Project sourced from the multipurpose Owena Dam in Igbara-Oke.

Commissioner for Water Resources, Elder Ayodele Akande, said the project would improve access to potable water for residents of Akure and six other local government areas in the state's Central Senatorial District.

He noted that donor agencies had fulfilled their financial obligations, while the state's counterpart contribution would ensure the project is completed within the stipulated timeframe.

On traditional institutions, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, announced the ratification of the appointment of Prince Adewale Fatusin Richard as the new Onisupare of Supare-Akoko in Akoko South-West Local Government Area.

The council also approved the appointment of Prince Tayo Ajisegiri as the new Olujigba of Ijigba in Akure South Local Government Area.

In the education sector, the Executive Council approved the conversion of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, into Rufus Giwa University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, granting the institution full university status.

Commissioner for Information, Hon. Idowu Ajanaku, described the decisions taken at the meeting as far-reaching and development-oriented, covering critical sectors including infrastructure, education, water resources, local government administration and legal reforms.

He further disclosed that members of the Executive Council unanimously passed a vote of confidence on Governor Aiyedatiwa, commending his leadership, resilience and commitment to the development of Ondo State.

The approvals are expected to enhance electricity supply, improve infrastructure, expand access to potable water and strengthen educational development across the state.