Ondo unveils ₦7.5bn food security plan, secures 26,000 hectares for agriculture

Akure, Ondo – The Ondo State Governor, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa has earmarked ₦7.5 billion to strengthen food security and create jobs in the state.

Already, he said the state had secured 26,000 hectares of land for agricultural development.

Speaking at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade, Akure, during the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, the Governor said his administration is delivering visible results in key sectors including health, education, agriculture, infrastructure and security, with assurances of greater progress in the months ahead.

In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan stated that the Governor noted that the state has witnessed remarkable transformation under the “OUR EASE” policy framework.

According to him, several projects are being executed simultaneously across the state, ranging from the dualisation of Akure-Idanre, Akungba–Ikare and Okitipupa–Igbokoda roads, the construction of jetties and walkways in the riverine areas and the approval of five kilometres of roads in each of the 18 local government areas for rehabilitation.

Aiyedatiwa said: “Roads are not just pathways, they are lifelines that will boost commerce, agriculture, reduce travel stress and encourage economic activities and the daily life of our people.”

On healthcare, he disclosed that his administration had expanded the state’s contributory health scheme, completed a pharma-grade warehouse to guarantee supply of medicines, renovated hospitals and prioritised recruitment into the health sector.

“Our people in rural areas will no longer need to travel far to access basic healthcare. Beyond this, we have resolved that all health facilities in the State would be upgraded to meet global medical standards”, he added.

The Governor also highlighted strides in education, including classroom rehabilitation, provision of instructional materials, bursaries and scholarships, digital learning opportunities and the continuous operation of free shuttle buses and boats.

On security, he said: “We have provided not less than 75 High-grade Hilux vehicles equipped with modern security gadgets to our security agencies to help them respond quickly and effectively to threats. Our goal is that every citizen of Ondo State should feel safe in their homes, farms, markets, schools and places of work.”

Commending citizens for their trust, the Governor pledged: “In the coming months, you will see more progress. Ondo State is moving forward, Nigeria is moving forward; and nothing is beyond our reach.”