By Adegbaju Temitope
Civil servants in Ondo State will resume work on Monday, January 5, 2026, following the declaration of Friday, January 2, as a work-free day by the state government to enable workers return safely from the New Year holiday.
The decision was announced after the State Executive Council meeting held on Tuesday and presided over by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip, said the measure was taken in consideration of the Federal Government’s declaration of January 1 as a public holiday and described it as a relief for public servants.
Philip urged workers and members of the public to take note of the revised resumption date, adding that the state’s customary first workday prayer meeting would hold on Monday, January 5, at the Governor’s Office Complex.
Meanwhile, the State Executive Council has approved new road projects as part of ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure across the state.
The Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr Abiola Olawoye, disclosed that the cabinet approved the construction of the 24-kilometre Aboto–Atijere Road as well as a one-kilometre Sabomi Road, both located in Ese-Odo Local Government Area.
Olawoye commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his commitment to infrastructural development, describing the approved projects as critical to enhancing connectivity, boosting economic activities and improving the living conditions of residents in riverine communities.
In a related development, the state government has appointed the first traditional ruler for Agadagba-Obon in Ese-Odo Local Government Area.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, announced the appointment of Owei Kekemeke as the pioneer Amananawei of Agadagda-Obon.
Takuro said the government was also prepared to fill all vacant traditional stools across the state once affected communities were ready to commence the selection process.
He further confirmed that warrant chiefs had been approved for the appointment of a new Alade Okun of Alade in Idanre Local Government Area, paving the way for the installation of a new monarch without delay.
On fiscal reforms, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, revealed that the State Executive Council had approved a new Tax Bill for transmission to the Ondo State House of Assembly for legislative consideration.
Ajulo said the proposed law was aimed at harmonising the state’s tax framework with the impending Federation tax regime scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.
According to him, the bill aligns Ondo State’s fiscal policies with the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 and other related reforms, with a focus on efficiency, transparency and sustainable revenue generation.
He explained that the new tax framework was designed to support economic growth, improve public service delivery and create a more equitable tax environment, including relief measures for low-income earners and small businesses.
Describing the approval as a proactive move, the Attorney General said it would position Ondo State to effectively integrate into the evolving national tax landscape while better serving its residents and contributing to broader national economic objectives.
The bill is expected to be debated by the Ondo State House of Assembly, with the state government encouraging public participation and constructive input from stakeholders throughout the legislative process.
