Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the governor of Ondo, has extended the deadline for installing Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) systems in all public areas of the state until September 1, 2022.
The State Government had originally set August 1 as the deadline for installing CCTV inside of churches, mosques, schools, and other public buildings.
Checks revealed that many state-owned schools and public buildings did not yet have CCTV installed.
Chief Dele Akinlana, permanent secretary of the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), reported that numerous contractors have submitted proposals for the installation of CCTV in elementary and junior secondary schools.
He said the cost of installing the CCTV was yet to be determined.
“We have received a number of proposals. The Chairman said we should invite those who submit the proposals for interview. We want to look at the various proposals before us. We will see what we can do to beat the August 1st deadline.”
Several churches also missed the deadline.
When visiting Catholic churches, some had CCTVs installed, while others had none.
Rev. Fr. Austine Ikwu, a spokesman for the Ondo Catholic Diocese, reported that the church had held a course on the use of CCTV.
All of the state's Catholic churches have reportedly been ordered to install CCTV, according to Fr. Ikwu.
Olatunde Richard, the governor's chief press secretary, noted in a statement that the delay was in response to requests from churches, mosques, and other public institutions to allow them to implement the essential procedures as outlined in the State Executive Order.
Commander of Ondo Amotekun, Akogun Adetunji, reported a 60% compliance rate with the order.
He said enforcement would begin at the expiration of the 30-day extension.
According to the statement, “With the one month extension, all security agencies in the state shall enforce the Executive Order as from September 1, 2022 .
“Violators shall be prosecuted in accordance with Section 203 of the Criminal Code (Cap. 37) Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria.
“Governor Akeredolu reiterated his administration’s commitment to the security of lives and property of the people, describing it as top priority.”