Aiyedatiwa okays ₦75bn project for clean water access
By Julius Alabi, Akure
The Ondo State Governor, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has approved a ₦75 billion water project aimed at providing potable water for residents of Akure and other local government areas within the Central Senatorial District of the state.
The Commissioner for Water Resources, Public Sanitation and Hygiene, Hon. Ayodele Samson Akande, disclosed this during a radio programme on Adaba 88.9 FM, Akure, on Monday, November 3, 2025.
Akande reaffirmed that the administration of Governor Aiyedatiwa remains resolute in delivering people centred projects that will improve the standard of living of residents and enhance the overall development of the state.
Akande, a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA), said the present administration, under Governor Aiyedatiwa, has demonstrated an exceptional level of commitment to improving access to safe water and ensuring a hygienic environment across the state.
He described the ₦75 billion initiative as a landmark project that reflects the governor’s passion for public health and sustainable infrastructure, stressing that the contractor handling the project has already been mobilised to site.
“Governor Aiyedatiwa is deeply concerned about the healthy living of our people. He believes that potable water and a clean environment are fundamental to their well-being. That is why he did not hesitate to approve this ₦75 billion project, which will cover Akure and other local government areas in the Central Senatorial District,” Akande said.
The Commissioner noted that part of the project involves the revival of the long-abandoned Owena Multi-purpose Dam, which, when completed, will serve as a major source of potable water, irrigation, and energy for the state.
According to him, the ongoing interventions signify the beginning of a new era in the state’s water sector, moving away from the old reliance on hand-pump boreholes toward modern, sustainable systems powered by solar energy and advanced treatment facilities.
Akande expressed satisfaction with the progress of the solar-powered borehole projects being implemented across various parts of the state, including Ilaje, Irele, Oke-Igbo, Akure North, Ikaram, Ose, and Akoko North East local government areas, among others. He added that the first phase of the project would attain about 60 per cent completion before December 2025.
While emphasising the Governor’s holistic approach to sanitation and hygiene, Akande further disclosed that the state government had approved the construction of modern conveniences in public schools and institutions to promote healthy living and curb open defecation.
The Commissioner appealed to the people of Ondo State to support and cooperate with the government in its efforts to ensure a sustainable water supply and clean environment, noting that public participation remains key to the success of the initiative.
“This government means well for our people. What we need now is collective responsibility for everyone to take ownership of these projects and ensure they serve their purpose,” he added.
