Governor Awards N31Billion Contract To Build New High Court Complex, N1.2Billion To Renovate Govt House VIP Lodge Amid Economic Hardship

The approval was given at the State Executive Council meeting chaired by the governor, a document seen by SaharaReporters showed.

The contract was awarded to Westfield Global Construction Company at a cost of N31.111 billion and it is to be completed in 48 weeks.

In another document, the Aiyedatiwa-led government also awarded N1.2 billion for the renovation and furnishing of the VIP lodge in the Government House in Akure.

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The contract was awarded to a company named Oakland Construction Concept and it is expected to be completed in 12 weeks.

Ondo Governor Aiyedatiwa Awards N31Billion Contract To Build New High Court Complex, N1.2Billion To Renovate Govt House VIP Lodge Amid Economic Hardship

Earlier, SaharaReporters reported how the award of N775 million for the remodeling of main gate and perimeter fence of the Government House in Akure by the governor generated controversy within the state.

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One of those who questioned the cost is a lawyer and activist from the state, Kayode Mogbojuri.

Kayode in a post on Facebook had said, “Mr. Aiyedatiwa reportedly awarded approximately N800M for the remodeling of main gate and perimeter fence of Government House grounds main gate.

“Aiyedatiwa is becoming financially reckless and Ondo State people need explanations on how the resources for the state is being spent.”

Another Facebook user, Funmilayo Moyosoore had said, “I learnt Aiyedatiwa approved Fence (Wall of Jericho) construction for #774m …….. Who will curtail Lagidigba.”

In April 2024, SaharaReporters exclusively reported how the governor budgeted N5 billion for the renovation of Day Care Centre/Creche.

Days after the report, the state government, through the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr Emmanuel Igbasan, said the figure listed was a typographical error.

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has accused the governor of spending N2.4 billion on projects it described as wasteful and irrelevant to the people of the state, especially during a time of widespread poverty.

In a statement by PDP spokesman, Kennedy Peretei, the party condemned Aiyedatiwa for approving N1.2 billion for renovating the state’s V.I.P Lodge, asserting that building a new lodge would have cost lesser if corruption is not involved.

“How many Ondo residents will benefit from a renovated V.I.P Lodge?” Peretei said.

“A governor who neglects the welfare of his people cannot claim they are fortunate to have him in office,” it said.

In response, Ondo Commissioner for Information, Wale Akinlosotu, defended the spending, stating that the approvals were aimed at enhancing the state’s infrastructure.

The Nigerian economy since President Bola Tinubu took over the affairs of the country in May 2023 has grappled with a series of complex challenges, with the prices of food rising almost on a daily basis.

Hunger and poverty have increased across the country, including in Ondo State, as a result of government policies such as fuel subsidy removal, among others.