The Ondo state government has warned contractors handling the construction and rehabilitation of technical colleges across the state’s 18 local government areas to expedite work or risk contract termination.
The warning was issued on Thursday by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Technical and Vocational Education, Mr Tayo Oluyi, during a sensitisation meeting with contractors executing government projects in various parts of the state.
Mr Oluyi said the directive became necessary following his inspection tour of several government-owned technical colleges, where he assessed the level of progress on ongoing construction and rehabilitation works.
According to him, the meeting was also convened to review past efforts, interface with contractors, and identify measures that would ensure the timely completion of the projects.
He explained that the management of the Technical Education Board also presented records and updates on the projects, including bottlenecks affecting some contractors.
Mr Oluyi, who reaffirmed Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to technical and vocational education, described the skilled trades as the backbone of industrial development.
“Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa understands that skilled trade is the backbone of any industry. That is why he has provided the financial resources needed to ensure that students learn in a modern, safe, and industry-standard environment. He expects these projects to be delivered within record time,” he said.
Mr Oluyi stressed that the governor had made it clear that any contractor who failed to deliver as expected would be sanctioned, noting that no excuse would be acceptable since most of the necessary funds had already been disbursed.
“At the completion, no contractor will be owed a dime,” he added.
The governor’s aide, however, lauded the contractors who had completed their projects and those who had recorded significant progress, urging others with pending work to return to the site immediately.
He assured that the state government would work with host communities to ensure smooth project execution.
Earlier, the project supervisor, Architect Onibudo Gbenga, presented an update on the level of progress recorded so far, urging contractors to prioritise not only timely delivery but also quality workmanship for the benefit of the communities.
Remarking on behalf of the contractors, Mr Yemi Dara expressed appreciation to the state government for the engagement and support, particularly in addressing challenges previously faced by contractors.
He pledged the contractors’ full cooperation and commitment to delivering the projects as required.
