Determined to put match its words with action, Ondo State Government has set aside the sum of #7.6 billion for the revamping of the education sector cutting across infrastructure and quality.
The Commissioners for Information, Mr Yemi Olowolabi, and Finance, Mr Wale Akinterinwa, made the revelation at the first post Exco press briefing they jointly addressed alongside some cabinet members at the Governor's office in Akure.
The council meeting was presided over by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN after his return to the state following his meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Aso Rock Villa.
The Finance Commissioner, Akinterinwa said the Council also gave approval to access the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) fund, which the state had not been able to access in the last four years.
"We have been able to raise the required counterpart fund of #3.9 billion, which would attract another #3.9 billion from UBEC at the national level.
"The fund is further meant to help tremendously, in the improvement of our educational infrastructure and would as well, enhance the quality of education of our students when fully put in place in the state", he said.
He added that the Council equally approved the purchase of 26 vehicles for all members of the State House of Assembly.
Also speaking at the briefing, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Prince Amodeni said Council approved the lifting of embargo on Arakale Corridors.
"Despite the earlier ban, many buildings, ranging from 2-3 storeys sprang up without prior approval. Owners of these buildings will have to submit their various plans for approval along with their integrity test approval.
"In addition, every other building which government had earlier paid compensations for and has been reconstructed along the Corridors, will be demolished, and any structure erected in areas not approved, will also be demolished", he assured.
His Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, counterpart, Deaconess Lola Fagbemi further said council approved the setting-up of a committee to review report of the Chris Ajama-led Judicial Commission of Enquiry, set up by the mimiko administration, to review all deserving cases of Chieftaincy stools upgrading and promotion.
"The committee which is to be headed by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adekola Olawoye, has as members, Commissioner for Works, Rt. Hon Taofeek Abdussalam, local government, Deaconess Lola Fagbemi, while Secretary to the Cabinet, Mr Gbenga Elewuju will serve as Secretary."
She said the committee has been given 2 weeks to conclude its assignment and report back to the Council.
