…Government to Utilize UBEC Counterpart Fund for Education Development
By HeapNews
The Ondo State Government, led by 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 significant decision was made during a meeting of the State Executive Council chaired by the Governor on Thursday.
Briefing journalists at the Governor’s Office on Friday, the Commissioner for Education, Mr. Olaolu Akindolire, announced that the approved counterpart fund would enable the state to secure over N7 billion for the construction and renovation of public schools across the three senatorial districts.
“Governor Aiyedatiwa’s prioritization of education will yield significant progress in our schools,” Akindolire said. “This investment is a testament to our commitment to improving the quality of education for our children.”
Additionally, the State Executive Council approved the appointment of Oba Daramola Oluwasola Samuel as the new Olupele of Ipele in Owo Local Government Area. The council also agreed to elevate the Olusan of Ayesan chieftaincy to a monarchical status and divided the Alale of Idasen stool into two, Alale Ile and Alale Oko.
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Addressing the media, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, expressed his support for these developments.
In light of recent challenges, the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Oyeniyi Oseni, expressed the state government’s sympathy for the residents of Aiyetoro in Ilaje Local Government Area, who have been affected by recurring sea incursions. He noted that a technical review of the Aiyetoro shoreline protection project has been completed, with both temporary and long-term solutions soon to be implemented.
“The state government is committed to finding effective solutions to the flooding issues impacting our communities,” Oseni stated.
Moreover, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Prof. Simidele Odimayo, reported satisfaction with the low incidence of Lassa fever in September, alongside zero cases of cholera and monkeypox. He encouraged residents to remain vigilant in maintaining public health.
Prof. Odimayo also announced the upcoming “Project 10 Million,” a nationwide health initiative scheduled for October 13-19, 2024, aimed at screening residents for hypertension and diabetes, two major health concerns.
In further efforts to improve healthcare, the government approved the renovation of primary healthcare facilities across all 203 wards, including security fencing, staff accommodation, solar power, and borehole installations to ensure well-equipped and secure facilities.
The Commissioner for Information, Otunba Wale Akinlosotu, reaffirmed the governor’s commitment to addressing infrastructure issues, stating, “By December 2024, we aim to make major roads in Ondo State pothole-free.” He also emphasized the commitment to regular salary payments for workers and urged citizens to remain law-abiding as the state’s gubernatorial election approaches.