As part of efforts to enhance governance and policy implementation in various sectors, Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has inaugurated a Steering Committee for the e-HEART initiative.
The Scheme, which is in partnership with the Federal Government and the private sector, aims to enhance the use of electricity in various sectors, including health, education, agriculture and transport to drive development.
The acronym stands for:
e – Electricity for
H – Health
E – Education
A – Agriculture
R – Rural Development
T – Transportation
Speaking at the inauguration, which took place at the Governor’s office on Friday, Governor Aiyedatiwa noted that the committee is expected to midwife the implementation of the initiative in Ondo State.
According to him, Ondo State is one of the first states in Nigeria to embrace and implement the initiative which will be used to drive rural development through electricity.
Governor Aiyedatiwa noted that the program is specifically and deliberately set up to cater for the welfare of rural dwellers across the state.
According to him, with States now empowered to generate and regulate electricity in their domain, Ondo is already taking steps towards improving power supply to its people.
While urging the committee to come up with a good template that will drive the implementation of the initiative, the Governor pledged his commitment to the adequate funding of the program.
Speaking earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Power, Engr. Johnson Alabi, who doubles as the Chairman of the committee, noted that the e-HEART program is an initiative promoted by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to enhance sustainable electricity in rural areas.
Engr. Alabi, who said the initiative will be funded at the ratio of 60:30:10 by the partners, described it as a high impact program that will enhance the social economic development of the state.
He commended the Governor for his swift support for the initiative which demonstrates his administration’s commitment towards the welfare and wellbeing of the people of the State.
Speaking on behalf of other members of the committee, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy, Alhaji Ibrahim Olabode Yusuf, appreciated the Governor for his efforts in driving the State forward, pledging that the committee would work hard to ensure that the project becomes a success.
The committee has as members Permanent Secretaries of the participating MDAs and the Chairman of Akure South local government, Dr. Gbenga Fasua, who represents the Local Government chairmen.
Those in attendance at the event included the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prince Segun Omojuwa.
Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
March 15, 2025.