Ondo State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Hon. Laolu Akindolire, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Ondo State Government to prudent resource management, transparent governance, effective project delivery and sustainable development, saying the administration of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa remains focused on improving the quality of life of residents through strategic investments in critical sectors.
Akindolire stated this on Monday while leading the Implementation Monitoring Committee (IMC) of the National Economic Council (NEC), alongside officials of the National Economic Council Secretariat and the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Abuja, on the South-West phase of the committee’s nationwide monitoring and evaluation exercise, which commenced in Ondo State.
The delegation, comprising the Assistant Chief Planning Officer, Mr. Temitope Olayiwola Yusuf, Senior Planning Officer Mrs. Victory Onyekachi Alozie, and Mr. Ibrahim Husseini, assessed selected completed and ongoing projects executed between July 2025 and July 2026 as part of the National Economic Council’s fifth nationwide monitoring programme aimed at evaluating the implementation of NEC resolutions, ensuring compliance with approved specifications and assessing the impact of government interventions.
Addressing the monitoring team, Akindolire described monitoring and evaluation as a vital instrument for promoting accountability, transparency and evidence-based governance.
He said the exercise provides the Federal Government with an opportunity to independently assess project implementation, identify challenges affecting delivery, document best practices and recommend policy measures that will strengthen development planning and improve service delivery across the federation.
The Commissioner noted that the Ondo State Government remains committed to implementing people-centred programmes under Governor Aiyedatiwa’s OUR EASE development agenda through sustained investments in agriculture, healthcare, transportation, water supply, information and communication technology, education and human capital development.
“As a government, we remain committed to ensuring that every public investment delivers measurable value to our people. Our focus is not merely on completing projects but on delivering sustainable infrastructure and social interventions that improve livelihoods, strengthen the economy and support inclusive development across the state,” Akindolire said.
Projects inspected included the Onyearugbulem–Shagari Flyover and Junction Improvement Project in Akure, the Veterinary Clinic at Igbara-Oke under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, the Basic Health Centre and Motorised Borehole at Shasha in Akure North Local Government Area, the Veterinary Cold Chain Facility at NEPA Roundabout, the Omi-Irorun “Odatiwa” Accelerated Water Supply Scheme at the UNIMED Teaching Hospital, the ongoing Office Building Complex and Laboratory in Akure, and the reconstruction of the 15.72-kilometre Akure-Imafon Road.
Representatives of the relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies briefed the committee on project implementation, funding, challenges, expected completion timelines and anticipated benefits, after which the team carried out physical verification of the projects, reviewed relevant records and interacted with implementing agencies, contractors, community leaders and beneficiaries.
Speaking on behalf of the monitoring team, Mr. Temitope Olayiwola Yusuf commended the Ondo State Government for implementing impactful development projects across critical sectors.
According to him, the projects inspected demonstrated the state’s commitment to taking development to the grassroots, with the Basic Health Centre and Motorised Borehole at Shasha standing out as a model intervention that aligns with the objectives of the National Economic Council-approved NG-CARES Programme.
While applauding the progress recorded, Yusuf encouraged the State Government to deepen collaboration with the private sector to attract greater investment for large-scale infrastructure projects capable of accelerating economic growth and long-term development.
He explained that, beyond physical inspection, the committee engaged project managers, implementing agencies and beneficiaries to obtain first-hand information, identify implementation gaps and develop recommendations that would strengthen policy formulation and improve project delivery nationwide.
Responding, Akindolire expressed appreciation for the committee’s positive assessment and assured the delegation of the Ondo State Government’s continued commitment to implementing policies and projects that align with the development objectives of the National Economic Council and the Federal Government’s economic reform agenda.
He also commended the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies involved in project implementation for their professionalism and cooperation, noting that the committee’s observations and recommendations would further strengthen project execution, development planning and service delivery in the state.
Following the Ondo State inspection, the NEC Implementation Monitoring Committee will continue the South-West phase of the exercise in Ekiti, Ogun, Oyo, Osun and Lagos States before submitting its comprehensive report and recommendations to the National Economic Council.
