Gov. Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State on Friday distributed N75 million to 21 communities to embark on self-help projects in their localities.
Distributing the cheques to the communities in Akure, Mimiko said his administration would continue to do more for all the deserving communities.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme was spear-headed by the State Ministry of Community Development and Cooperative Services.
“We are here to disburse again N75million to 21 communities for the various projects in their areas.
“This ministry was created to respond to the true deserving communities at the inception of our administration to cater for their yearning towards development.
“As of today, more than 308 communities have benefited from this life-changing grant.
“These projects include construction of basic clinics, roads, halls etc.
“And in order to sustain these projects, our administration has trained 1, 020 change-champions to maintain them.
“I therefore want to commend the efforts of the change-champions, who were recently trained to maintain the government projects for the job well-done”, he said.
Mimiko used the occasion to advise pregnant women to patronise government hospitals even at the point of delivery.
“90 per cent of the mortality rate was caused by patronage of unorthodox midwives by the victims.
“These unorthodox practitioners are quacks and not trained to handle complications which may arise at the process of delivery”, he said.
The commissioner, Mr Clement Faboyede, said that with the programme, government plannd to eradicate poverty in the communities.
“We have been able to rekindle confidence in the hearts of these communities because we will wipe off poverty through this programme.
“I must tell you that we don’t just give out money, but good steps are taken before grants are given”, he said.
Some traditional rulers of the communities, who spoke with NAN in separate interviews, appealed to the governor to extend the programme to more communities.
Oba Adegbenro Samuel, the traditional ruler of Imafon Community in Akure North Local Government Area, commended Mimiko for the gesture, advising him to continue doing more projects.
Mr Daisi Martin, representing Ikaramu Community in Akoko North/West Local Government Area, said that the projects were not easy to embark on without government’s intervention. (NAN)
