The Ondo State Executive Council has approved a US$1.6 million United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) Small Hydropower Project at the Owena Dam and a 7.5-megawatt gas-fired turbine to provide electricity for government facilities across the state as part of efforts to achieve energy self-sufficiency.
The approvals were granted at the Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. The council also approved the conversion of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, into Rufus Giwa University of Agriculture, Science and Technology.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, said the council ratified 21 infrastructure projects, approved counterpart funding for the ongoing Urban Water Project and confirmed the appointments of two traditional rulers.
He said the extensive deliberations reflected the significance of the decisions taken.
“The length of time that was spent shows that far-reaching decisions have been taken about the development of Ondo State, ranging from infrastructure and health to legal reforms and, more importantly, the local councils,” Ajanaku said.
Speaking on the energy projects, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Johnson Alabi, said the 350-kilowatt hydropower project would be financed through a UNIDO grant, with the state government providing a 30 per cent counterpart contribution.
Alabi also announced the approval of a 7.5-megawatt gas-fired turbine to be located at the Alagbaka Commissioners’ Quarters to supply electricity to government facilities across the state.
He said the project was expected to be completed within five months, eliminating the state’s dependence on the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) and diesel-powered generators for government operations.
“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 has about five months to be completed, and after five months it will be commissioned for the use of Ondo State,” Alabi said.
On infrastructure, the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Abiola Olawoye, said the Executive Council ratified about 21 projects previously awarded across the state’s local government areas.
The projects include 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 Ondo State House of Assembly.
