……….. approves new traditional rulers for vacant stools

By Precious Oluwole

Ondo State Government has announced its intention to embark on a physical biometric for public servants across the State.

This was revealed during a press briefing held after Monday’s Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa at the Governor’s Office, Akure.

According to the head of service, Mr Bayo Philip the essence of the biometric is to ensure that Ondo workers are paid appropriately according to their grade level.

He noted that public servants should not be scared, as it is not to witch-hunt or sack any worker.

He stressed that the Governor has directed that the payroll of the State be cleared on and validated, urging the workers to to scale up their productivity.

The head of service appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa for fulfilling his promise to Ondo workers by paying the #73,000 minimum wage and consequential adjustment in November, acknowledging his usual disposition to workers since he assumed office.

The Commisoner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro revealed that the council approved new Obas for the vacant stools in Ondo State. The newly approved Monarch are; Prince Hosea Julius Oladapo, Takunbe of Ipoke in Ese odo local government, Prince Akinyomi Olasehinde John, Laragunsin of Ode – Iyesan in Irele local government, Prince Babatunde Michael Ayeyoma, Lumure of Ayeka in Okitipupa local government, Prince Oyetayo Ofoaye, Alaboto of Aboto to llaje local government.

Also recognized new stools are; Olusin of Owalusin in Akoko south west as a recognized traditional ruler and Onitedo of Mahintedo in ilaje as a recognized
traditional ruler.

Also, Commissioner for Economic planning and budget, Emmanuel Igbasan, highlighting the challenges posed by the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating exchange rate, he acknowledged that these economic realities have significantly impacted governance.

Despite this, he assured residents that the government is laying the groundwork for skill acquisition programs to empower youths across the state to become wealth creators. “The year 2025 promises to be one of all-round development,” he added.

In the education sector, the Commissioner for Education, Laolu Akindolire, emphasized Governor Aiyedatiwa’s dedication to improving educational infrastructure. He revealed that the governor has approved the construction of a senate building at the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), with an initial N500 million deposit to kickstart the project, while the remaining balance of N500 million will be included in the 2025 budget. He also disclosed plans for the renovation of primary, secondary, and technical schools across the state to enhance the learning environment for students.

On health matters, the Special Adviser on Health, Simidele Odimayo, provided updates on efforts to tackle public health challenges. He noted a significant reduction in Lassa fever cases, attributing it to collaborative efforts between the government and residents. However, he urged citizens to maintain clean environments, drink safe water, and practice proper hygiene to prevent future outbreaks. Addressing the cholera spread, Odimayo outlined government measures to curb the disease, including awareness campaigns and enhanced access to clean water in vulnerable communities.

The Executive Council reaffirmed the governor’s commitment to prioritizing projects and policies that would improve the quality of life for residents, assuring them that 2025 will mark a turning point in the socio-economic development of the state.