By Our Reporter
The Ondo State Executive Council has approved a $1.6 million Small Hydropower Project at the Owena Dam and a 7.5-megawatt gas-fired turbine to provide reliable electricity for government facilities across the state.
The approvals were among key decisions reached at the Executive Council meeting held on Tuesday and 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 across the state, approved counterpart funding for the ongoing Urban Water Project, and confirmed the appointments of two traditional rulers.
Speaking after the meeting, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Johnson Alabi, said the 350-kilowatt hydropower project would be financed through a $1.6 million grant from the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), while the Ondo State Government would provide a 30 per cent counterpart contribution.
“The 350-kilowatt small hydropower project will be built with a grant from UNIDO, while the state is expected to provide a 30 per cent counterpart fund,” Alabi said.
He also announced the approval of a 7.5-megawatt gas-fired turbine to be located at the Alagbaka Commissioners’ Quarters to provide uninterrupted electricity for government offices and facilities.
“The essence of the plant is to power all government facilities in Ondo State. We will no longer rely on BEDC or generators. The project is expected to be completed within five months, after which it will be commissioned for use,” he stated.
The Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, disclosed that the council ratified 21 projects previously awarded across various local government areas.
Among the projects are the construction of the Okela–NYSC Camp–Federal Technical College Road in Ikare-Akoko and the construction of 27 units of four-bedroom terrace buildings for members of the Ondo State House of Assembly.
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.
He also revealed that the Executive Council approved the appointment of Prince Tayo Ajisegiri as the new Olujigba of Ijigba in Akure South Local Government Area, describing Governor Aiyedatiwa as a leader committed to grassroots development.
Also addressing journalists, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Elder Ayodele Akande, said the council approved the state’s counterpart funding for the ongoing Urban Water Project, which draws water from the multipurpose Owena Dam in Igbara-Oke.
According to him, the approval would ensure the uninterrupted execution of the project.
“The donor agencies have fulfilled their obligations, and the state government has now approved its counterpart contribution to ensure that the project is completed within the stipulated timeline,” Akande said.
The Commissioner for Information, Hon. Idowu Ajanaku, described the decisions taken at the meeting as far-reaching and development-oriented.
“If you look at the length of time spent at the meeting, you will know that far-reaching decisions have been taken concerning the development of Ondo State, ranging from infrastructure to health, legal reforms and, more importantly, local government administration,” he said.
Ajanaku said the administration remained committed to grassroots development, stressing that sustainable development begins with strong communities.
He also confirmed the Executive Council’s approval for the conversion of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, into Rufus Giwa University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, describing the move as part of the government’s efforts to expand access to specialised higher education in the state.
