Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening state-owned tertiary institutions and accelerating development projects in host communities, with Akungba Akoko listed among priority areas.
The governor gave the assurance while receiving the Alale of Akungba, Oba Isiaka Oseni Adu, alongside other community leaders, during a courtesy visit to his office in Akure.
Aiyedatiwa said his government was resolute in ensuring that universities, polytechnics and other higher institutions under the state’s ownership receive improved funding to sustain academic standards and enhance operational efficiency.
He acknowledged the requests by institutions for increased running grants and additional resources, explaining that although government funds were limited, attention would be given to urgent and critical needs.
“Everybody is asking for more,” the governor said, noting that demands from universities, ministries, workers and communities must be carefully balanced.
He added that efforts were ongoing to block revenue leakages and boost internally generated revenue in order to free more funds for development, particularly in the education sector, which he described as a longstanding strength of Ondo State.
On infrastructure, Aiyedatiwa said work on the multi-billion-naira Akungba–Ikare road dualisation would be sustained and fast-tracked, describing the project as crucial to economic activities, road safety and the welfare of residents, especially the university community.
The governor also spoke on the relocation and rehabilitation of Atiba Market, assuring that the project would be completed and upgraded into a central market to serve Akungba and neighbouring communities.
Addressing security concerns, Aiyedatiwa said proactive measures had been put in place to ensure continued peace in Akungba, pledging sustained government attention to security across the area.
Earlier, Oba Isiaka Oseni Adu commended the governor for what he described as impactful interventions in Akungba, including the Akungba–Ikare road project, the Okusa Basic Health Centre and the Atiba Market initiative.u
The monarch appealed for greater inclusion of qualified indigenes of Akungba in the state civil service and called for enhanced funding and closer oversight of Adekunle Ajasin University to support the introduction of new professional courses.
He also expressed appreciation to the governor for the provision of modern vehicles to traditional rulers in the state, describing the gesture as a demonstration of the administration’s respect for grassroots leadership.
Dignitaries at the meeting included the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Olukayode Ajulo; Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr Johnson Alabi; Commissioner for Water Resources, Public Sanitation and Hygiene, Hon. Ayodele Akande; Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperative Services, Pastor Bola Ademuwagun; Chairman, SUBEB, Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan; and the member representing Akoko South/West Constituency II in the Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon. Tope Agbulu.
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