The Ondo State government has approved a N3.5 billion Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) counterpart fund for the construction and renovation of public primary schools across the state.

The Commissioner for Education, Laolu Akindolire, made this known to reporters on Friday in Akure at the end of the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Mr Akindolire said the fund would fetch the state over N7 billion for the construction and renovation of public schools in the state.

“Our commitment to improving education in Ondo State remains unwavering.

“The approval of the N3.5 billion counterpart fund for UBEC at zero interest shows the governor’s dedication to ensuring that schools in the state received the necessary support for construction and renovation,” he said.

Also, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Simidele Odimayo, said the government was satisfied with the low incidence of Lassa fever and zero cases of cholera and monkeypox in September.

Mr Odimayo urged communities to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to maintain public health.

He announced an upcoming nationwide health initiative from October 13 to October 19, tagged “Project 10 Million”, to screen residents for hypertension and diabetes.

“As part of the ongoing healthcare improvements, the government has also approved the renovation of primary healthcare facilities in all 203 wards of the state.

“These renovations will include security, fencing, staff accommodation, solar power, and borehole installations to ensure the facilities are well-equipped and secured,” he said.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Environment, Oyeniyi Oseni, expressed the state government’s concern for residents of Aiyetoro in the Ilaje Local Government Area, impacted by recurring sea incursions.

Mr Oseni said the government had completed a technical review of the Aiyetoro shoreline protection project and would soon implement temporary and long-term solutions to prevent further flooding.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Information, Wale Akinlosotu, reaffirmed the governor’s commitment to fixing all potholes in the state.

He said the governor had mandated the Ministry of Infrastructure to ensure that major roads were free of potholes by December.

(NAN)