The Ondo State Executive Council (EXCO) has approved a $1.6 million United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO)-supported Small Hydropower Project at the Owena Dam and a 7.5-megawatt gas-fired turbine aimed at powering government facilities across the state.
The approvals formed part of several key decisions reached during Tuesday’s Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.
The council also approved the conversion of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), into 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 traditional rulers.
Speaking on the energy projects, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Johnson Alabi, said the 350-kilowatt hydropower project would be funded through a UNIDO grant, with the Ondo State Government providing a 30 per cent counterpart contribution.
According to him, the project is designed to enhance renewable energy supply and support the state’s drive towards sustainable power generation.
Alabi also announced the approval of a 7.5-megawatt gas-fired turbine to be located at the Alagbaka Commissioners’ Quarters in Akure.
He explained that the facility would provide electricity for government offices and institutions, reducing dependence on the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) and diesel-powered generators.
“The essence of that 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 and commissioned for use by the state government,” he said.
The Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, disclosed that EXCO ratified about 21 projects previously awarded across various local government areas.
Among the projects approved are the construction of the Okela–NYSC Camp–Federal Technical College Road in Ikare-Akoko and the development of 27 units of four-bedroom terrace buildings for members of the state legislature.
On traditional institutions, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, announced the ratification of Prince Adewale Fatusin Richard as the new Onisupare of Supare-Akoko in Akoko South-West Local Government Area.
The council also approved the appointment of Prince Tayo Ajisegiri as the new Olujigba of Ijigba in Akure South Local Government Area.
In the water sector, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Elder Ayodele Akande, said EXCO approved the state’s counterpart funding for the Urban Water Project being executed through the multipurpose Owena Dam in Igbara-Oke.
Akande noted that the approval would ensure the smooth continuation and timely completion of the project.
“The donor agencies have fulfilled their obligations, and the state government has now approved its counterpart contribution to ensure the project is completed within schedule,” he said.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information, Hon. Idowu Ajanaku, described the decisions reached by the council as strategic interventions aimed at accelerating development across key sectors of the state.
He said the administration remained committed to grassroots development, infrastructure expansion, improved public services and institutional reforms.
Ajanaku also announced the council’s approval for the conversion of RUGIPO into Rufus Giwa University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, describing the move as a major step towards strengthening tertiary education and expanding academic opportunities in the state.