There are strong indication that the Ondo state government that the state free school shuttle buses will commence operations again on Monday 27th January, 2025, even as it cleared air on the withdrawal of free shuttle buses since on January 20, 2025.
SUNSHINETRUTH News had earlier reported the withdrawal of the buses, making parents and students to lament the ugly development.
They called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to intervene to enable the buses resume carrying of students to and from schools across the state.
According to a top government’s official who spoke with our Reporter anonymously, the recent dissolution of the state Executive Council and retirement of the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Transport caused the delay in sorting out logistics of the buses.
However, a Permanent Secretary, Segun Odusanya has been posted to the ministry to immediately put things in proper shape ahead of next week when the buses will resume operations.
The Source said, “it is not true that the Government has suspended the free shuttle buses, it was only withdrawn for this week. Or can we say temporary suspension.
“The Buses worked in the first week of this term. The hiccups being experienced now is because there’s no political head in the Ministry now and the PS retired. The absence of these two key people affected the running.
“We are aware Mr Governor has approved necessary fund for the running of the buses. The buses will be back on the road from Monday,” the source confirmed.
Also reacting, the Chief Press Secretary to the Ondo State Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan said “this is not true. The Ondo State Government has not suspended the free shuttle service.
“Before Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa became Acting Governor and later Governor, the shuttle buses were nowhere in sight.
“Since he came on board, he has maintained the shuttle, increased its fleet with five new buses and there are shuttle boats in the riverine areas.
“Because of the daily running of these buses and because the scheme is driven by public service, there will be occasional issues of logistics.
“The current one has been resolved and the buses should be back on the roads by Monday,” Adeniyan said.
