By Gafar Alabi,

The Chairman of the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Evangelist Olalekan Ifede, has reiterated the need for quality execution and timely delivery of the 2020/2021 UBEC intervention projects across Public Primary and Junior Secondary Schools in the State.

Ifede made this known during a strategic meeting with contractors at the Board’s conference room, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, saying that commitment and diligence were key to achieving expected results, as the Board would award contracts, while contractors were expected to  execute such  with supervising officers, assigned to them.

“SUBEB awards the contract, you execute it, while project officers supervise. Let us all do our jobs diligently to achieve results. I can assure you that payments will not be delayed,” he said.

The Chairman emphasised strict compliance with contractual agreements, adding that each stage of project execution must be certified by Project Officers at the Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) before further action  is carried out, explaining that prompt certification would ensure seamless payment processes and eliminate unnecessary delays.

Also speaking, Permanent Member II of the board, Hon. Isiaka Aderoumu, warned that the board would not tolerate any breach of contract, insisting that all projects must meet required standards within the stipulated time frame.

In his remarks, the Director, Administration and Supplies, Mr. Femi Fatade, said the meeting was convened to identify challenges and ensure smooth project delivery, urging contractors to prioritise durability and value.

Similarly, the Director, Physical Planning and Project Implementation, Engr. Abraham Olaegbe, called for closer collaboration between contractors and LGEA officials, including Education Secretaries and Project Officers, while he stressed the importance of erecting project signposts and adhering strictly to approve material specifications for certification.

Also, Head of Procurement at the Board, Mr. Olusegun Ojekunle, noted that all projects were expected to be completed within 12weeks, emphasising proper documentation, including pre-commencement photographic evidence, to aid monitoring and facilitate payment.

Responding on behalf of the contractors, Hon. Ismail Afolabi and Mr. Olukoya Olugbenga, commended the Board’s initiative and pledged to deliver quality projects within the stipulated time frame, while appealing for prompt payment processing.

In a related development, Ifede charged Project Officers across LGEAs to intensify supervision and uphold integrity in monitoring project execution, noting that effective oversight is crucial to the successful delivery of the intervention projects.