* Aiyedatiwa approves N2b intervention fund for food security
By John Odunayo
Ondo State Government has designated some markets across the three senatorial districts to sell food items to residents at subsidized prices.
This was as the Governor of Ondo State, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, approved N2billion as additional intervention fund to enhance food security and cushion effects of economic challenges for the people of the State.
This was disclosed at a media briefing coordinated by the Commissioner for information and Orientation in Ondo State, Otunba Wale Akinlosotu, after the weekly State Executive Council meeting presided over by the Governor.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Mr Olayato Aribo, said that the food items from the Federal Government had been allocated to the 18 local government areas of the state for onward distribution to the vulnerable persons.
Aribo said, “The state government has initiated neighborhood markets where food is sold at reduced prices every Thursday and Sunday in the three senatorial districts, providing relief from the high costs in regular markets.
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 prices for the people and modalities will be given later.
“For the long term solution, the council approved the sum of N2 billion for various initiatives including clearing of lands and provision of farming equipment. We have identified lands across various local government areas and we have also identified dams and water boards across the State”, he added.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Babalola Ayoade, stated that the state government would begin repair of 20 kilometers of township roads across major towns, including Ondo, Akure, and the Akoko axis, aiming to make major roads in the state pothole-free.
Ayoade also disclosed plans to extend solar street lighting to other parts of Ondo State.
The Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora Relation, Prince Boye Ologbese, said that the council approved the establishment of a Diaspora Smart City in Akure. This is in a bid to diversify the economy of the State and drive its tourism potentials.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hon. Gbenga Olaniyi, added that the Council approved compulsory acquisition of lands set aside for the development of public facilities like schools and health centers across the State.
Also the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, announced that the council has approved the appointment of three new traditional rulers in the state.
The traditional rulers are: Prince Oladele Fredrick Akinmoye as the new Orungberuwa of Ode Erinje in Okitipupa LGA; Prince Folorunsho Adegboyega Arasanye as the new Ajana-Afa of Oke-Agbe in Akoko North West LGA and Prince Idris Ayodele Femi as the new Gbiri of Epinmi in Akoko South East LGA.
