Food Security: Aiyedatiwa approves N2b intervention fund 

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Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has approved an additional N2 billion intervention fund to enhance food security and mitigate the economic challenges faced by the people of the state.

Aiyedatiwa’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, announced in a statement on Tuesday that the Commissioner for Information and Orientation in Ondo State, Otunba Wale Akinlosotu, disclosed this during a media briefing following the State Executive Council meeting, presided over by the governor.

The State Government has begun distributing food commodities received from the federal government to vulnerable residents. Subsidized food sales are being conducted at designated markets across the three senatorial districts.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Olayato Aribo, stated that the food items have been allocated to the 18 local government areas of the state. 

He highlighted that the 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.

“We will start with these markets and later extend to other cities and local government headquarters. Rice, beans, and garri will be sold at reasonable and subsidized prices, with further details to be provided later,” Aribo said.

For a long-term solution, the council approved N2 billion for various initiatives, including land clearing and provision of farming equipment. Lands and water resources have been identified across various local government areas for these initiatives.

Additionally, the Special Adviser to the governor on Infrastructure, Babalola Ayoade, noted that the state government will begin repairing over 60 kilometers of township roads across major towns, including Ondo, Akure, and the Akoko axis, aiming to make major roads pothole-free. Ayoade also mentioned plans to extend solar street lighting to other parts of Ondo State.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, announced the appointment of three new traditional rulers in the state: 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 Epimi in Akoko South East LGA.

The Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, Prince Boye Ologbese, stated that the council approved the establishment of a Diaspora Smart City in Akure to diversify the state’s economy and boost its tourism potential.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hon. Gbenga Olaniyi, disclosed that the council approved the compulsory acquisition of lands for the development of public facilities such as schools and health centers across the state.