Ondo govt approves $1.6m hydropower, 7.5MW gas plant infrastructure expansion
By Julius Alabi, Akure
The Ondo State Government has approved a $1.6 million Small Hydropower Project at the Owena Dam alongside a 7.5-megawatt gas-fired turbine, in what officials describe as a decisive step toward energy independence and accelerated infrastructure development.
The approvals formed part of far-reaching resolutions reached at the State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting held on Tuesday and presided over by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.
In addition to the energy projects, the council ratified 21 infrastructure projects across the state, approved counterpart funding for the ongoing Urban Water Scheme, endorsed the conversion of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic to a university, and confirmed the appointment of two traditional rulers.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Johnson Alabi, disclosed that the hydropower initiative would be executed through a grant from the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).
He explained that the project, with a capacity of 350 kilowatts, would be constructed at the Owena Dam, with the state government contributing 30 per cent counterpart funding.
Alabi described the initiative as a strategic intervention aimed at diversifying the state’s energy mix and harnessing renewable resources for sustainable development.
He further revealed that EXCO approved a 7.5-megawatt gas-fired turbine to be installed at the Alagbaka Commissioners’ Quarters, primarily to provide stable electricity for government facilities.
According to him, the project would eliminate reliance on the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) and reduce the cost burden associated with diesel-powered generators.
“The essence of that plant is to power all government facilities in Ondo State. We will no longer rely on BEDC or generators. Within five months, the project will be completed and commissioned,” he said.
On infrastructure, the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, said the council ratified 21 previously awarded projects spanning multiple local government areas.
He listed some of the projects to include the construction of the Okela–NYSC Camp–Federal Technical College Road in Ikare-Akoko, as well as the development of 27 units of four-bedroom terrace buildings for members of the state legislature.
Olawoye noted that the ratification underscores the administration’s resolve to sustain ongoing projects and ensure timely delivery across sectors.
In the area of traditional institutions, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, announced the confirmation of new monarchs in two communities.
He named Prince Adewale Fatusin Richard as the Onisupare of Supare-Akoko in Akoko South-West Local Government Area and Prince Tayo Ajisegiri as the Olujigba of Ijigba in Akure South Local Government Area.
Takuro described the approvals as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots governance and preserve traditional leadership structures.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Public Sanitation and Hygiene, Elder Ayodele Akande, said EXCO approved counterpart funding for the ongoing Urban Water Project linked to the Owena multipurpose dam.
He explained that the approval would ensure the continuity and timely completion of the project, noting that donor agencies had already fulfilled their obligations.
“The state government has now graciously approved its own share so that the project will not be stalled. This will guarantee completion within the stipulated timeline,” Akande stated.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Idowu Ajanaku, said the duration of the EXCO meeting reflected the weight and breadth of decisions taken.
He stressed that the resolutions covered critical sectors, including infrastructure, energy, water resources, legal reforms, and grassroots governance.
Ajanaku emphasised that the administration remains committed to people-oriented development anchored on community growth.
“When you build a family, you build a community. When you build a community, you build a town. When you build a town, you build a state. That is exactly what this administration is doing,” he said.
On education, Ajanaku confirmed the council’s approval for the conversion of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, into Rufus Giwa University of Agriculture, Science and Technology.
The move, according to him, is aimed at expanding access to higher education and repositioning the institution to meet contemporary academic and technological demands.
