Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, on Thursday, suspended registration and consultation fees in government-owned hospitals across the State.
According to the Governor, who spoke through his Commissioner for Finance, Wale Akinterinwa, the move would give relief to vulnerable residents amid financial difficulties due to the fuel subsidy removal.
Akinterinwa, who is also the Chairman of the Palliative Strategy and Implementation Committee, revealed during a press briefing, that food items will be given to no fewer than one million households across the State.
He maintained that the food items would be distributed in a fair manner in order to ensure even distribution to those who deserved it.
The Finance Commissioner, who was flanked by the Special Adviser to Governor Akeredolu on Union Matters and Strategy, Dare Aragbaiye, among other cabinet members, added that free shuttle buses and boats would be made available to students to facilitate their transportation to and from their educational institutions.
He stressed that pensioners will also be supported with a monthly stipend of N10,000 for a period of five months.
“Given the current economic realities based on the removal of subsidy on petroleum, the government of Ondo State wishes to announce these far-reaching palliative measures to address pocketbook issues affecting its citizens. Here is what we are rolling out based on sectors of the economy:
“The government will restore free shuttle buses for students starting from resumption in September until December 31. Thereafter, affordable rates will be charged starting in January 2024.
“We will immediately deploy all existing buses in all MDAs to serve as free shuttle buses to public servants until December 31.
“Additional CNG BUSES will be purchased to convey public servants to and from work at no cost to them until December 31,” he said.
