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 power plant as part of measures to improve electricity supply and accelerate infrastructure development across the state.
The decisions were reached at the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Tuesday, alongside approvals for the conversion of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, into a university, ratification of 21 infrastructure projects, counterpart funding for the ongoing Owena Urban Water Project, and the confirmation of two traditional rulers.
Speaking after the meeting, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Johnson Alabi, said the 350-kilowatt hydropower project would be financed through a grant from the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, with the state government providing 30 per cent counterpart funding.
According to him, the project is expected to boost renewable energy generation while complementing the state's efforts to improve electricity access.
Alabi also disclosed that the council approved the construction of a 7.5-megawatt gas-fired turbine at the Alagbaka Commissioners' Quarters to provide dedicated power for government offices and facilities across the state.
He said the project, expected to be completed within five months, would reduce the government's dependence on electricity distribution companies and diesel-powered generators.
The Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Abiola Olawoye, said the council also 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 development of 27 four-bedroom terrace houses for members of the state legislature.
On traditional matters, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amidu Takuro, announced the ratification of Prince Adewale Fatusin Richard as the Onisupare of Supare-Akoko in Akoko South-West Local Government Area.
He added that the council also approved the appointment of Prince Tayo Ajisegiri as the Olujigba of Ijigba in Akure South Local Government Area.
Also addressing journalists, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Ayodele Akande, said the council approved the state's counterpart funding for the ongoing Urban Water Project linked to the multipurpose Owena Dam in Igbara-Oke.
He explained that the approval would ensure the uninterrupted execution of the project after donor agencies had fulfilled their financial obligations.
The Commissioner for Information, Idowu Ajanaku, said the extensive deliberations at the meeting reflected the importance of the decisions taken, noting that the approvals covered critical sectors including infrastructure, education, water resources, legal reforms and local government administration.
Ajanaku also announced that the council approved the conversion of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, into Rufus Giwa University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, describing the decision as part of the government's efforts to strengthen higher education and promote development across the state.
