Ondo State Government says it is set to revamp the education sector which is in a very bad shape with the UBEC fund of 7.6 billion.
Addressing newsmen, shortly after the State Executive Council Meeting in Akure, the Honourable Commissioners for Information & Orientation, Mr Yemi Olowolabi; Finance, Mr Wale Akinterinwa; Physical Planning and Urban Development, Prince Solagbade Amodeni and Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon.(Deaconess) Lola Hon Fagbemi Omolola Julianah said approvals were given to proposals that will advance developments across the state.
The Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Mr Wale Akinterinwa stated that the Council approved to access the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC fund, which the state has not been able to access for the past four years.
“We have been able to raise the required counterpart fund of #3.9 billion, which would attract another #3.9 billion from UBEC at the national level.
“The fund is meant to help tremendously, in the improvement of our educational infrastructure and would as well, enhance the quality of education of our students when fully put in place in the state”, he said.
The Commissioner for Finance added that Council has also decided to acquire 26 vehicles for all members of the State House of Assembly.
Also speaking at the briefing the Honourable Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Developmnt, Prince Solagbade Amodeni said, the State Government has approved the lifting of embargo on development along Arakale road corridors.
“As you are all aware, Arakale road has been dualised and commissioned. Before now, embargo has been placed on development along its corridors.
“Surprisingly many buildings have sprang sprang up along the corridor without approvals. Owners of these buildings will have to submit their various plans for approval along with their integrity test approval.
“In addition, every other building which government had earlier paid compensations for and has been reconstructed along the corridors, will be demolished, and any structure erected in the areas not approved, will also be demolished”, he assured.
Prince Amodeni added trucks will no longer be allowed to offload or load goods between the hours of 6:00am and 8:00pm, to give sanity to road users.
The Commissioner who explained that offloading of wares into warehouses and into stores will henceforth begin from 8pm and terminate by 6 in the morning, stressed that the minimum building approved for Arakale corridor is henceforth two plots, because it is the commercial nerve of the city.
The State Executive Council has also approved the setting-up of a committee to review the findings of the Chris Ajama-led Judicial Commission of Enquiry, set up by the immediate past administration, which was to review and look into all deserving cases of Chieftaincy stools that require upgrading and promotions.
According to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs. Lola Fagbemi, the committee which is to be headed by the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adekola Olawoye as Chairman ; Commissioner for Works & Infrastructure, Rt. Hon Taofeek Abdussalam; Commissioner for Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs. Lola Fagbemi, while Secretary to the Cabinet, Mr Gbenga Elewuju will serve as Secretary to the Committee.
She however, said the newly inaugurated committee was given 2 weeks to conclude its assignment and report back to the Council.
