By Precious Oluwole

Ondo State Government has approved the sum of 2 billion naira for the alleviation of food insecurity across the State.

This was revealed at a press briefing, held at the office of the Commisoner for information and orientation after the State Executive Council meeting on Tuesday.

According to the Information Commisoner, Otunba Wale Akinlosotu, the Executive Council meeting was chaired by Governor Aiyedatiwa and the deliberations made were for the benefit of the people of Ondo State.

Addressing the pressmen, the Commissioner for Agric and Forestry, Hon. Olayato Aribo said that the Council is aware of the hunger in town and approved a short and long time solution.

He noted that for the short time, the council approved a Thursday and Sunday market in the 3 Senatorial Districts of the State.

He said “We will start with those ones and later extend it to other cities and local government headquarters. Rice, beans, and garri will be sold at reasonable and subsidized price for the people and modalities will be given later.

“For the long time solution, the council approved the sum of 2 billion naira clearing of lands, because there’s need for us to farm throughout the year round. We have identified lands across various local governments that we need to clear, we have also identified dams and water boards across the State, we will buy some equipments for the farmers”. He added

He noted that the Thursday and sunday Market is to buy the commodities in bulk and sell at a lower price for the people in order cut off the issue of extortion from middle men, adding that the essence of all these is to make sure that the people have access to less expensive commodities and ensure food security across the State.

The Agric Commissioner encouraged the people of the State to have a garden within their home.

The Commisoner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro said the executive council has approved the appointment of Prince Oladele Fredrick Akinmoye as the new Orungberuwa of Ode Erinje in Okitipula LGA, Prince Folorunsho Adegboyega Arasanye as the new Ajana-Afa of Oke-Agbe in Akoko North West LGA, Prince Idris Ayodele Femi as the new Gbiri of Epimi of Akoko in Akoko South East LGA of Ondo State.

Speaking on road network, Special Adviser to the Governor on infrastructure, lands and housing, Pastor Ayooade Babalola stated that the Senatorial Districts in the State would benefit from the road infrastructure, noting that the ministry of infrastructure will be fixing some potholes to ensure that there is no potholes across the State.

He opined that there have been enormous responses towards the light up Akure project, noting that the people of the State are applauding Governor Aiyedatiwa.

The Commisoner for Regional Integration and Diaspora Relation, Prince Boye Ologbese said that the council approved Ondo State diaspora smart city in Akure. This is in a bid to diversify the economy of the State.

According to him, the project will compliment the State’s blue economy to drive its tourism potentials. He added that the Diaspora Smart city will transform Akure and open the state to other State capitals and bring a lot of opportunities of investments to the State.

Commisoner for Physical planning and Urban Development, Hon. Gbenga Olaniyi said that the council approved compulsory acquisition of lands, set aside for the development of public facilities like schools, health centers.

He revealed that It has become an offence to convert any land that is set aside for the development of public infrastructures to private use.