Governor says project will bring federal, military presence to community
By Tolulope Eniola
Ilara-Mokin, in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State, is set to host a Defence Science Secondary School, with Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa pledging the state government’s support for the project, including provision of land, necessary approvals and other logistical assistance.
Aiyedatiwa gave the assurance on Monday when the Alara of Ilara-Mokin, Oba Abiodun Aderemi Adefenhinti, FCA, JP, led members of the Alara-in-Council, the Executive Council of Egbe Omo Ilara-Mokin and other members of the community on a courtesy visit to the governor at his office in Akure.
The governor said the project would be more than an educational institution, describing it as a federal presence that would bring science and technology, as well as military presence, to Ilara-Mokin.
He added that the project would also provide security protection for the entire area.
Aiyedatiwa assured the delegation that the school would be built, commissioned and populated by students, despite the fact that no block had yet been constructed.
He said the state government would provide logistical and financial support, as may be required, within the limits of its available resources.
The governor said the issue of the school had already been discussed with two prominent indigenes of Ilara-Mokin.
According to him, Dr Oluwayemisi Olorunshola an indigene and the current chairman of Wema Bank Plc, raised the issue of the Defence Science Academy School during their meeting.
He said what remained was the execution of the project, including site assessment and processing of the necessary approvals.
Aiyedatiwa said the Commissioner for Education would be briefed on the proposed site assessment and would work with some indigenes of the community to inspect the location.
The governor noted that there was already a school around the proposed site, saying something could be done to create space for both schools to exist side by side if necessary.
He also directed the Commissioners for Education, Physical Planning and Urban Development, and Lands and Housing to undertake an inter-ministerial visit to the site.
Aiyedatiwa said the land approval would be processed after the demarcation and marking out of the area, adding that the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy would not be an issue.
He said the government owned every land and was ready to make land available for projects of public interest and for the betterment of the people.
The governor said the land was not going anywhere, adding that only the landscape would change with the development of the institution.
He identified Dr Olorunshola as the link between the Defence Ministry of the Federal Government and the community, saying she would help ensure that the project was executed on time.
Earlier, the Alara of Ilara-Mokin, Oba Adefenhinti, said the project would enhance educational opportunities for youths, boost security, create jobs and further position Ondo State as a hub for excellence and innovation.
The monarch also commended Aiyedatiwa for his administration’s infrastructural development across the state, particularly the ongoing construction of the long overhead bridge in Akure.
He described the flyover as a landmark development capable of easing traffic and boosting commerce, saying the people of Ilara-Mokin had termed it the governor’s “Legacy Project”.
Oba Adefenhinti congratulated the governor on the project and commended his wisdom and visionary leadership.
He recalled that Aiyedatiwa, following the approval of the Ondo State Executive Council in 2022, elevated him and some other traditional rulers to First Class status.
The monarch expressed profound gratitude for the gesture, saying it had brought immense honour, dignity and recognition to the traditional institution.
“We remain eternally grateful for this fatherly act,” he said.
He also thanked the governor for his servant-leadership and commitment to good governance, saying the people of Ondo State had long desired such leadership and were now rejoicing under his administration.
Oba Adefenhinti further appealed to the governor to consider qualified indigenes of Ilara-Mokin in the next Permanent Secretary exercise, noting that the community had not had a cabinet secretary for about 15 years following the death of one of its former cabinet secretaries.
He said two of the community’s men were eminently qualified and expressed confidence that the governor would consider them.
In attendance were the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro; Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Seun Osamaye; former Director-General of PPIMU, Engr Rasaq Obe; and Chairman, Cocoa Management Revolution, Mr Omolade Fabiyi.
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