₦airaland Forum

The Ondo state governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has declared that his administration would support the implementation of the new minimum wage in the state.

Governor Akeredolu stated this on Thursday during the swearing in ceremony of the new executives of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Akure.

Akeredolu who was represented by the Head of Service, Mr. Toyin Akinkuotu said, “We are not against the new minimum wage and if we are not against it, we are in support.

He however pleaded with the federal government to urgently review the revenue formula to enable state and local governments in the Country to pay the new wage.

“Our prayer is that federal government should look into the revenue allocation Sharing formula, by giving more money to states and local governments to enable them implement the new minimum wage”, he added.

While congratulating the new NLC Executives, the Governor who commended the organised and peaceful conduct of the election and advised workers to cooperate with the new executive to protect their interest always.

Press Statement
Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), has directed that all the students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, who were arrested by the police, following the students’ protest at the campus be released immediately.

Governor Akeredolu gave the directive to release the protesting students after receiving a briefing of the incident from the state police commissioner, Undie Adie.

Governor Akeredolu said the state is already looking into the matter, urging the students to go home and the maintain the peace, stressing the need for peace in the campus and the state at large.

Segun Ajiboye
CPS to the Governor

Students of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA) in Ondo State Wednesday protested over what they described as “obnoxious” policy of the school management.

Sources hinted that students were protesting the ‘No School Fee, No Test’ order by the management.

Consequently, authorities of the University have asked the students to vacate the campus and proceed on Mid Semester break.

Sources said the move was to avoid any breakdown of law and order within the campus and school community.

The statement by the school Registrar Dr Sunday Ayeerun said; “The Management of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, has approved a Mid-Semester break for all students of the University.

“All students of the university are, therefore, advised to proceed on the Mid-Semester break with immediate effect.

“Students are to resume to campus on Monday, May 20”.

.A chief magistrate court sitting in Akure, Ondo State capital on Wednesday remanded in police custody five persons for alleged involvement in the Idoani Bank robbery.

Hoodlums on April 8, attacked a commercial bank in Idoani, Ose local government area killing seven persons including five bank officials, a police officer and Vice Principal of a secondary school who was a customer.

They also carted away a substantial amount of money after using explosives to break the security doors to the banking rooms.

Although six of them were arraigned on a seven-count charge by the Ondo State Police Command, one of them was said to be at large.

Chief Magistrate, Victoria Bob-Manuel after listening to arguments from both the prosecuting and defence counsel remanded the suspects in prison custody till May 2, pending the advice from the office of Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

Their arrest came barely two weeks after the robbery incident.

Idanre Hill In Idanre local government area of ondo state will soon be enlisted into the United Nations Educational Scientific Cultural organisation (UNESCO) world Heritage site to fast track tourism development.

The state commissioner for culture and tourism, Alhaji Ismaila Olurimisi who made the revelation at an interactive workshop organised by the ministry on oke idanre cultural landscape noted that government has initiated the process for the enlistment of Oke Idanre as world heritage site.

Olurimisi the workshop is part of efforts of the present government in preparing a new nomination dossier and conservative management plan for upward submission to the Organisation.

The state commissioner for culture and tourism, who decried the mismanagement of the cultural heritage revealed that a lot of measures would be put in place to preserve the site.

He said government will continue to provide an enabling environment that would promote and enhance the development of Oke Idanre.

The state commissioner for information, and an indegene of idanre council area, Yemi Olowolabi said government’s intention is to make Idanre Hill a global brand.

For the Owa of Idanre, Oba Fredrick Aroloye promised that indegenes of Idanre home and abroad would work closely with government in realising the full potentials of the site.

In his lecture , Dr Sunday Oladeji from the department of tourism Federal University of Technology (FUTA) Akure proposed that an integrated community based management approach be adopted to effectively manage the site.

Others are of the opinion that intensive conservation education should be incorporated in various learning institutions within and outside Idanre on the importance of preserving our cultural heritage

.Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has commiserated with the Family and members of Christ like assembly Church, Akure over the demise of its founder, Bishop Joshua Ketiku.

Speaking during a condolence visit to the home of the revered cleric in Akure, governor Akeredolu described him as a respected and humble man of God who impacted the virtues of Christ in the minds of believers.

The governor while emphasising that his death is

indeed a great loss to his family, the church, Christiandom and Ondo state at large expressed the hope that the former chairman of the Christian association of Nigeria in the state is resting in the blossom of his creator.

He assured the Wife, Mrs Odunayo Ketiku and the family that the state government will actively take part in the funeral ceremony to ensure the late Bishop is given a befitting burial.

Responding on behalf of the church, Pastor Olaoye Williams who intimated the governor on the lined up activities for the burial coming up in the last week of next month thanked him for the visit.
Source

https://citadelng.com/governor-akeredolu-commiserates-with-late-bishop-ketikus-family-and-christ-like-assembly/

Members of the Rice Farmers Association (RIFAN), Ondo State chapter have expressed their gratitude to the State Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu over the N10m loan given to them to boost rice cultivation in the state.

Speaking on behalf of the farmers, the Chairman of RIFAN in the state, Prince George Oladapo described the gesture as a step in the right direction and a big boost to rice farmers in the state.

According to him, Akeredolu has been able to fulfill his promises especially in the agricultural sector through various assistance to the farmers.

“I want to use this medium to propagate what he has really done. In the FADAMA section, he has been able to pay the counterpart fund which has enabled our rice farmers to access loans and equipment.

“I also want the people to know that there is a 500 hectares of land assigned for Sunshine rice at Igbaraoke and before the end of the second quarter, a mill will be in place in the area,” he assured.

Oladapo who said that Ondo state people should expect increase in rice cultivation noted that “we are going to eventually wipe out foreign rice from the market”.

“It will create more jobs, increase the internally generated revenue as well as create wealth in the rice value chain”, he stressed.

While saying that the interest rate was a single digit, Oladapo stated that it is in tandem with best practices adding that, that is what is agriculturally approved.

Oladapo said the association hopes to access more as soon as it offsets it within the next one year.

He called on would- be rice farmers to take advantage of the loan adding that they are welcomed into the fold.

He however thanked the management of Ondo state Micro credit Agency under the leadership of Mrs Kosemani Kolawole for the opportunity to access the loan.
Source

https://citadelng.com/odsg-warns-against-illegal-collection-of-funds-in-forest-reserves/

Cocoa Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called for the need to include pure cocoa drink into the school feeding programme of the Federal Government.

The newly elected Ondo state chairman of the Association, Dr Akinola Adeboye made the call in his acceptance speech after the election of the association in Akure, Ondo state.

Adeboye described cocoa drink as containing the best nutrient calling on Nigerians to take interest in its consumption which he said should be consumed from what is produced.

The chairman who was sworn in by the National President of the Association represented by Evangelist Joshua Oyedele vowed to change the regrettable position the association finds itself stressing that the state produces lesser than what it produces before.

Adeboye, who is a retired director of produce promised to affect value chains of the produce through international partners

Other elected Officers include Mr.Olofinshawe Isaiah as Vice -Chairman, IBITOYE Ezekiel, Secretary and Olufemi Falayi as Treasurer among others.

The election was conducted in a bid to reclaim the lost glory as the best producer of Cocoa in Nigeria.
Source
https://citadelng.com/can-wants-cocoa-drink-added-to-school-feeding-programme/

The Presidency disagreed on Monday that President Muhammadu Buhari was “sleeping on duty as the Commander-in-Chief”, a description the Catholic Bishop of Yola Diocese, Rt Rev Fr Stephen Mamza, gave of Buhari on Sunday.



The cleric had during an Easter homily he delivered in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, criticised the Buhari administration for allegedly failing to halt insecurity in the country, especially escalating kidnappings, banditry and other violent crimes.



Speaking on the latest killings in Zamfara, Benue, Adamawa, Taraba and Southern Kaduna, the bishop said, “We are really in a dilemma. We (Nigerians) are feeling that we don’t have protection. From all indications, there is nothing being done. There have been calls from all over the country. Look at what is happening in Zamfara State; look at what is happening in Benue periodically, in Nasarawa state and now in Adamawa (Southern Adamawa).

“If there is a government in place, then the government should listen to the people and address the security challenges. We have mass burials from time to time and there is no sign the government cares about what is happening.”

But, the Presidency on Monday disagreed with the bishop, denying that Buhari had been sleeping on duty.

It accused Mamza of not “staying above politics” and also not making “a fair comment” about Buhari.

The Presidency went on to recount what Buhari had done to restore security since he assumed duty in 2015, especially in the war against insurgency.

It argued that but for Buhari’s efforts, Yola and other towns in Adamawa and the rest of the North-East would still be under the control of Boko Haram.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Garba Shehu, who gave the Presidency’s position, stated, “There is so much that has changed in the past three to four years in and around Yola, and the Catholic Church in particular that a true assessment would show that, but for the change administration of President Buhari, things would have continued the way they were, or even get worse. These could not have happened if a Commander-in-Chief was asleep.

“Bishop Mamza was and is still a strong member of the Adamawa Peace Initiative, API, composed of religious and community leaders, which did the lovely work housing and feeding 400,000 displaced people from Northern Adamawa and Borno States in 2015. The API also did the extraordinary work of easing tensions between Muslims and Christians during that period and ensured that both groups did not turn on one another based on suspicion.



“As widely reported by the local and international press, in the premises of St. Theresa’s Cathedral where Rev Mamza ministered, there were more than 1,500 IDPs, mostly women and children on whom the church administered food rations and issued bags of maize, cooking oil and seasoning. We are truly touched and very grateful for the work that the Bishop and the others had done in that difficult period.

“Now that Boko Haram has been degraded, the more than 400,000 displaced people absorbed by the Adamawa community have all gone back to Borno state and to those council areas in northern Adamawa.”

The need to have more refineries in Nigeria has been a front burner issue not just to the Federal Government but private investors in the country’s oil and gas industry.


Nigeria currently has four refineries, which are located in Port Harcourt, Kaduna and Warri, with a combined installed capacity of 445,000 barrels per day but the refineries have continued to operate far below the installed capacity for many years.

The country relies heavily on importation to meets its fuel needs.

The need for modular refineries, particularly in the Niger Delta area of the country, has never been so urgent and the government has been encouraging investors to look at this direction.

In view of this, the Ondo State government has partnered with Crown Refinery and Petrochemical Limited to build a modular refinery in the coastal area of the state.

The state, in partnership with the firm, has agreed to establish the modular refinery and unlock job opportunities for residents.

It was gathered that the state would provide only the land while the company will provide the equipment and the personnel, some of whom would be employed from the state.

To set the ball rolling, the state and the company recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the multimillion-dollar project proposed to be sited in Ugbonla and Ogboti coastal towns in the Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.

It was learnt that the project would foster the development of the area and consequently boost the economy of the state, as it was projected to employ over 2,000 people, both directly and indirectly.

The state Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, while receiving the MoU from the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Sunday Abegunde, who had earlier signed the document with the representatives of the company, expressed delight over the development.



Considering the number of benefits both partners would get from the project, Akeredolu pledged to give the necessary support to the project.

According to him, the door of the state is open to all genuine investors to do business with it, and his administration is committed to making the state a business hub for investors.

He said, “Ondo State is safe for investors; we will do everything to ensure that this project is successful. Ondo State is strategically positioned among the Niger Delta States and Lagos State, which is the nation’s economic nerve centre, to make all business-minded investors reap bountifully from their investments in the state.”

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer, Crown Refinery and Petrochemical, who led the team to the governor’s office, Mr Kassim Adeleke, said the company had approached some states for the establishment of the project but was not welcomed.

According to him, the company’s core business is to refine crude oil into petroleum products.

He explained that the refinery would be designed to process both imported paraffin and Nigerian crude into petroleum products, oils and lubricants.

Adeleke said, “The proposed initial design capacity of the plant is about 30,000 barrels per stream day, which is expected to be completed within 36 months. This can be scaled to 60,000 bpsd.

“We are going into the business of refining crude oil. The government of Ondo State would provide the enabling environment and incentives to support us as we actualise this vital investment.

“Apart from the project having the capacity to refine crude oil, it will also be producing 120,000 tonnes of base oil and 25,000 tonnes of lubrication oil on a yearly basis.

“The company will also be providing several infrastructural projects in the states and would create about 2,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities for indigenes of the state. It would also give scholarship to indigent students in the host communities.”

He said in Ondo State, he found professionalism, swift decision making, friendly communities and passion, such that in less than one year of opening talks with the state government, the company was set to commence the project.

Giving more details to journalists about the project, Adeleke said $500m would be spent at the initial stage, saying the money would be sourced from the development partners of the company.

He also allayed the fear of the negative environmental effects of the project, saying every necessary factor had been taken care of.

“We are still going through the due diligence process and the final figures will be made public when that is completed. The initial cost of the project is $500m, bearing in mind ancillary projects, like power and other infrastructure developments,” he added.

Apart from the government partnering the company, there was an indication that the residents of the communities would welcome the development as there was no opposition to it from any quarter.

Some of the residents of the communities even volunteered to accompany the representatives of the company to the sites where the projects would be sited.

A local chief in one of the communities, who did not want his name in print, expressed the support of the residents to the project. But he urged the management of the company to consider the indigenes of the area for employment for the project.

“We will be happy if this project is finally sited in our community; it will bring development to our community. We want to appeal to the management of the company to consider our children for employment whenever the work begins,” he urged.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Segun Ajiboye, said the project was part of the commitment of the government in promoting economic development in the state.

He said, “It was part of our investment drive to provide employment and boost the internally generated revenue of the state; it is going to be a laudable project.”

A financial analyst, Mr Kunle Akinloye, commended the government and the company for initiating the partnership.

He said the project would largely benefit the state in the area of IGR and employment generation.

“Modular refinery is a very big project; if well implemented, the government would rake in money in terms of IGR while a lot of people would be employed and make a living from it,” he added.

Another public affairs commentator, Mr Oluwaseun Ojo, who described the project as laudable, urged the government to put into consideration the environmental impact of the project on the host communities.

He said, “We have to commend the state government for allowing this kind of project to come up in this state. However, the government and the company must prevent environmental hazards, which the refinery may cause to the health of residents of the host communities.

“The government must not look only at the benefits of the project but the environmental impact must also be considered too.”

Determined to avert a crisis in the 9th National Assembly, All Progressives Congress (APC) governors have waded into the row over choice of principal officers, especially the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

The race for Senate President is being hotly contested by the Senate Leader, Dr. Ahmad Lawan; the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Sen. Danjuma Goje, and a former Senate Leader, Sen. Ali Ndume.

A team raised by the governors may this week hold talks with Goje, who is rated as the favourite of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party(PDP).

The governors are stepping in following speculations that Goje may declare his ambition for the coveted seat this week.

According to a source, the APC governors are worried about the danger of the lawmakers elected on the platform of their party going into the Senate and the House divided on June 6.

It was also learnt that the governors do not want the PDP to take advantage of any fresh crisis in APC to ‘hijack’ the National Assembly’s leadership.

The governors decided to prevail on aspirants for principal offices to defer to President Muhammadu Buhari, especially on the choices of Dr. Ahmad Lawan for the Senate President and Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila as Speaker.

A top source said: “

The APC governors have chosen to rally around the President to resolve issues surrounding the election of principal officers. They said it is obvious that the party cannot handle the tension alone.

“The main agenda is to ensure that our new members in the National Assembly go for inauguration in a more united manner. The governors do not want the party to play into the hands of the PDP this time around.

“As part of the first leg of consultations by the governors, a team is expected to meet with Goje this week to seek his understanding.

“This is a follow up to a similar meeting between the President and Goje, which was brokered by Governor Nasir el-Rufai.”

On how the intervention will affect other aspirants, the source, who asked not to be named, said: “The intervention will trickle down. The governors will meet with other aspirants like Sen. Ndume, and those seeking to vie for office of the Speaker.

“We have got to a stage that we need to put the interest of our government above personal interest.”

The APC leadership is believed to have reached out to Goje, but there has not been any commitment by him.

Another source added: “Goje has not said yes or no on his purported ambition. But we have reached out to him. Some ex-governors have also met with him on the need to work with the President and the party.”

Meanwhile, the APC has debunked insinuations that it will force senators-elect and House members-elect to sign an undertaking on the choice of principal officers.

It was gathered that some lawmakers from the opposition were flying the kite to create a crisis in the APC caucuses in both chambers.

“There is nothing like that, we are not going to blackmail our lawmakers and tie them down. We do not have any reasons to be doubting ourselves, “a high-ranking party leader said.

When contacted, the National Publicity Secretary of APC, Mr. Lanre Issa-Onilu, said the party was confident that majority of the lawmakers are committed to its interest.

He said: “ Majority of the newly-elected members of the National Assembly are committed and they share our worldview of being progressive.

“We are certain they will work with the party in the interest of our government so that we can deliver our promises to Nigerians.

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, in company of his wife, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu on Friday, visited the palace of the late Olowo of Owo, Oba Folagbade Olateru Olagbegi, to commiserate with the immediate family of the monarch, the chiefs and the entire people of Owo kingdom.

While addressing the people inside the palace, Governor Akeredolu said late Oba Olagbegi towered above many people, not only as a King but also as an intellectual.

He said the people must at this point in time be proud of the services the late monarch rendered to the town, the state and the country at large which brought unprecedented development to the town and state.

Governor Akeredolu, who was received into Palace by the Olowo - in - Council led by the Ojumu of Owo Kingdom, said the town has lost a giant who was respected for his education, adding that the town has lost a great icon.

He said " Baba was very close to many of us, but many people didn’t know. I was President of the Bar and as President of the Bar you decide who you will make a bencher. I made him a bencher. Two weeks ago he was in Abuja and was honored as a life bencher. We know that we have lost a giant. We had a king that was respected for his rich education. We had a Kabiyesi that was most respected

"He knew the Prince of Peace when he was alive. He was committed to building a church because he believed in the God he served. He was always at the Holy Ghost service. The fact that he knew the Prince of peace, let us be rest assured that he's resting in peace. Kabiyesi has done his best , we will give him a beffiting burial

"We should at this point in time be proud of the services of Kabiyesi. He fought to make sure that something good come to Owo and it came. And he did that in many areas. And he had the love of this town at heart. He's gone but he lived a good life . Owo kingdom has lost an icon. He was a tower above so many not only as a king but as an intellectual. "

� Blessed Michael

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Ondo State Chapter has received the demise of His Royal Majesty, Oba Victor Folagbade Olateru Olagbegi, the Olowo of Owo with great sadness, describing him as a true statesman who served his people, state and country with distinction.



“Words cannot express how saddened we are to hear of the sudden demise of the highly revered traditional ruler from the historic town of Owo. We are particularly affected for losing the frontline traditional ruler at a time in the history of our state when his invaluable advice and counsellings would be most appreciated by our party’s led government”.



A Statement signed by Steve Otaloro, Director, Media & Publicity APC in the State, “on behalf of the All Progressives Congress, Ondo State Chapter, we extend sincere condolences to the people of Owo Kingdom on the passage of their beloved monarch, who has ruled over his people since his ascension to the throne in 2003”.



APC notes that, “we also extend special commiserations to all his children and other members of the late Oba’s immediate and extended family. We assured them of the fullest sympathy and solidarity of our party and its members as they mourn the Oba who would always be remembered as one of the most outstanding traditional rulers of his era”.


“As the late Oba goes to join his very illustrious royal ancestors, his place of honour in the history of the Owo Kingdom and Nigeria has been assured by his long and highly successful career as a public servant, administrator and chief custodian of the much celebrated culture and traditions of the Owo people”.



“The God Almighty will receive the late Oba’s soul and grant him peaceful repose. We also pray that God will grant his children the wisdom and courage they will require to build on the laudable legacies of Oba Olateru Olagbegi”.

The wife of the Ondo state governor, Arabinrin Betty-Anyanwu Akeredolu has called on young women to be computer literate and explore digital media to acquire fund.



She specifically advised the educated women whose husband have denied the opportunity to work with their certificate to tap into the opportunity provided by digitalisation through Information Communication Technology and make money right in their homes.



Mrs. Akeredolu who gave this advice while playing host to the members of the Association of Online Media Practitioners, Ondo state chapter in her office, also tasked online journalists and bloggers to sanitise the digital media space by curbing the spread of fake news.



” Online journalism has come to stay in Nigeria as it has opened up the space for people to express themselves without hindrance, and there are quite a number of things that are good about it.



“There is also the downside of it which are fake news and bullying, but I believe that with decent people cautioning those bullies on social media, probably they might have a rethink. People use social media to spread rumours against those they perceived as political opponents, but I want to believe that those of you that see it as your profession might also help in sanitizing the online space for Nigeria’, she said.



According to her, any society that subjugate 50% of her population cannot progress, and lamented the level of gender disparity witnessed in every sector in Nigeria, especially in politics.



She noted that the fear of losing their marriages is one of the reasons some women are silent about gender equality, and therefore enjoined those in such category to develop their potential through ICT tools.



“So, these women that are home and your husband is not letting you, ICT is the way out. Become computer literate, start coding and be in your house and make money. You will even make money more than him. Because if you say you want to do gender equality you wouldn’t want to lose your marriage but this is a veritable way out”, she said.



Mrs. Akeredolu, a gender-based activist lamented the rate at which marriages are crashing in this generation, attributing it to the failure to move along with the global change, noting that Nigerians are still lurked in the olden way of seeing marriage.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang, disclosed this to State House correspondents on Thursday in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

According to him, the Act makes it compulsory for all employers across the country to pay workers a minimum of N30,000.

It, however, excludes persons employing less than 25 workers or persons in other kinds of regulated employment.

Senator Enang further explained that the Act gives workers the right to sue an employer to recover the balance or authorize the Minister of Labour to take action against such an employer in the event of a refusal to pay the stipulated wage.

A group, The Campaign Concourse (TCC) has commended Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, of Ondo State for his unrelenting and passionate investment drive which has taken him to different country around the world in the last one year.
The group particularly give kudos to Akeredolu for ensuring that his first trip to China yielded positive result with the massive investment at the Ondo - Linyi Industrial Hub within Ore Park in Ore, Odigbo local government area of the state.

In a Press statement signed and issued to journalists in Akure, the state capital, the group coordinator, Amudipe Marcus said the investment drive of the Akeredolu’s administration has rekindled the hope of the younger generation especially on the economic prosperity of the state.
The group described as unprecedented the recent establishment of five industries in the state which include : the Textile mill, MDF factory, HDF factory, Paper Mill and the Cassava to Ethanol plant.

TCC noted that Governor has displayed high level of preparedness especially from the manner he has embarked on massive infrastructural development which is a crucial condition that attracts investment.

The statement reads " We must give kudos to Governor Akeredolu for his unrelenting efforts at developing Ondo State. What's more heart warming is the fact that crucial assignments that have to do with the development of the state are being undertaken by the Governor himself

" We have never seen this level of passion like the Governor has shown on issues that bother on the progress of the state. He made a trip to China last year, he came back with a basket full of goodies - the Five industries in the Ondo - Linyi Industrial Hub

"For many decades, our fear about the future of the state stem from the fact that our economy has been placed on federal allocation with investors and potentials developers referring to Ondo State as a civil servant state

" We were worried about the sustainability of our hard earned reputation in agriculture. Our glory in Cocoa and oil plan and the wealth nature bequeathed us in the South Senatorial district of the state were fast becoming a fairy tale until Governor Akeredolu came and put his vision for the state in action which has placed the state on the path of accelerated economy properity

"We are pleaded with the Governor and his mission and vision to transform the sunshine state from a mere civil servant based economy to an economy that can sustain the state and drive development in all sectors . "

TCC commended the Governor for his rigorous work in getting the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Dubai into signing an MoU with the state on the proposed Deep Sea Port and Infrastructure development in the state.

The group said it noted in awe how the Governor further moved to Malaysia to seek the collaboration of the Malaysia Government in the development of Agricbussiness and.value chain in the state.

The Home-Grown School Feeding programme of the Muhammadu Buhari administration is now in 30 states, the Presidency said yesterday.

It said millions of Nigerians are targeted for the government’s social investment schemes.

The Presidency also said over 12 million Nigerians have benefitted from the programmes while 9.5 million pupils are being fed.

The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Media and Publicity in the Office of the Vice-President, Laolu Akande, stated this in a statement in Abuja, the nation’s capital.



He said one million poorest households will benefit from the current cash transfer.

According to him, the programmes are in continuation of the Buhari administration’s efforts to invest in human capital development through the National Social Investment Programmes (N-SIP).

Akande said the administration is supporting the most vulnerable in society through the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) scheme while developing a skilled workforce for economic productivity by providing jobs for millions of youths through the N-Power programme.

The Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), the SSA said, provides financial support through micro-credit schemes to small traders and businesses at the bottom of the financial pyramid.

Beneficiaries, he maintained, include petty traders, women’s cooperatives, youths, famers and agricultural workers.

According to Akande, in the “Next Level” of the Buhari administration, about 10 million Nigerians are expected to benefit from GEEP, which includes TraderMoni, MarketMoni and FarmerMoni.

“While the Cash Transfer scheme aims to reach one million poorest households, one million new beneficiaries are expected to be added to the N-Power scheme, arguably the largest job creation and youth employment scheme in Africa,” he said.

The presidential aide noted that the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (HGSFP), which has a target of reaching 12 million pupils, is currently feeding over 9.5 million public primary school (classes 1-3) pupils with one free, balanced and nutritious meal a day in 30 states.

Akande said 101,913 cooks have been empowered in Anambra, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu, Kaduna, Kebbi, Kogi, Sokoto, Nasarawa, Taraba, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Plateau, Delta, Zamfara, Imo, Jigawa, Kano, Niger, Katsina, Ondo, Edo and Gombe states.

He added that the HGSFP has helped to increase enrolment rates and effectively tackle early year malnutrition while improving the children’s cognitive skills.

The statement said: “The school feeding programme has also provided sustainable income for local farmers, cooks, thereby increasing growth and productivity in the local economy.

“As of March, 297,973 Nigerians in 20 states (including the Borno IDP camps) are current beneficiaries under the National Cash Transfer Policy Programme (Conditional Cash Transfer), which started in December 2017 with over 5,000 savings groups and cooperatives formed as a result.

“The following states are currently receiving payment: Adamawa, Anambra, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Ekiti, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kogi, Kwara, Nassarawa, Niger, Osun, Oyo, Plateau and Taraba.”

Akande said the CCT was designed to deliver timely and accessible cash to beneficiary households and so enhance their capacity for sustainable livelihood.

The programme, he added, provides beneficiaries – poor and vulnerable households – with a monthly transfer of N5,000 with the sole aim of taking them out of poverty.

health, agriculture and tax and monitoring; and a further 200,000 non-graduates in training or attached to organisations as interns.

“N-Power beneficiaries across the 36 states and the FCT are provided with a N30,000 monthly stipend, in addition to technology devices with relevant content for continuous learning.

“Many N-power beneficiaries have gone on to become entrepreneurs who are building successes in their chosen vocations.”

The Ondo State Governor,Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has distributed relief materials to communities affected by rainstorm in the State.

This is coming barely two weeks, after rainstorm destroyed hundreds of buildings in Ikare, Akoko North East and Supare in Akoko South West local governments, the government, through the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) distributed relief materials to the victims.


It will be recalled that the Deputy Governor, Hon. Agboola Ajayi led officials of SEMA to the affected communities last week to inspect the level of damage and assured the victims of quick government response to cushion the effect of the rainstorm

The items donated include several boundless of roofing sheets, various sizes of nail and other accessories.
Speaking while receiving the items on behalf of his community, the Onisupare of Supare in Akoko South West Local Government area of the State, Oba Adedeji Adejoro, lauded the timely intervention of Akeredolu’s government in the State for being responsive to the plights of the people.

According to him, it was unprecedented in the history of the State to receive such help from government within a very short notice, adding that the people were not expecting this early until they began to see the items coming in.

He maintained the gesture of the government would go a long way to ameliorate the pains of the havoc wrecked on the community by the rainstorm.
Also speaking, another beneficiary at Ikare Akoko in Akoko North West Local Government Area, Mr. Lucas Omotosho expressed gratitude to government; saying “We can now have more confidence in government promises under the present administration as what was the practice before.

In his remarks while handing over the items to beneficiaries, Ajayi said the gesture was in demonstration of government to the welfare of it citizen.
The Deputy Governor noted that though government was still looking at further measures to come to the aid of the people, the immediate donation of the roofing materials became imperative to safe the affected houses from further damages as the rain fall.

Owo community will today officially announce the passage of the Olowo of Owo in Ondo state, Oba Folagbade Olateru Olagbegi who joined his ancestors on Tuesday night.

Oba Olateru-Olagbegi Oba Olagbegi passed away last night at the age of 77.
One of the Elders at the palace told reporters that the palace would officially pronounce the death of Oba Folagbade.

The elder who spoke under the condition of anonymity said traditional burial rites had commenced for the departed traditional ruler.

He was installed as the traditional ruler of the ancient town in 2003 by the late governor Olusegun Agagu.

He was appointed Chancellor of the University of Benin in 2005 and later chancellor University of Abuja.

He is currently chancellor of the University of Jos and former chairman of the Ondo council of Obas.

He was married to Olori Ololade Olateru Olagbegi and the family was blessed with children and grandchildren.

Oba Folagbade was the eldest son of the late Olowo of Owo in Ondo State, Sir Olateru Olagbegi who ruled the ancient town between 1910–1998.

He was given the staff of office as the Olowo of Owo in December 11, 2003 by the late Olusegun Agagu, former governor of Ondo State after succeeding his father in 1999.

“Yes, the Monarch is dead but we cannot announce it for now. There are some traditions to follow.

“We are trying to inform the governor but I am aware he is currently out of the state for an official duty, but it is true Oba Olateru is dead,” he said.

He is the eldest son of the late Olowo of Owo, Sir Titus Olateru Olagbegi II. He received his first degree in law from London, UK and attended Nigeria Law school, in 1968.

He is married to Ololade Olateru-Olagbegi, a Barrister and law lecturer at the Ondo State University, and they are blessed with children and grandchildren.

Folagbade obtained a bachelor’s degree in Law from London, UK. He later returned to Nigeria to practice Law under the late Fatai Williams.

He was a lecturer in the Nigerian Law School, where he retired as a reader in 1999 and now a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) has reiterated the importance of interpreting all its interventions in local languages so as to improve the healthcare of Nigerians, especially mothers and children.

The Chief of UNICEF Akure Field Office, Mr. Tejinder Sandhu, said this today during a “Fact For Life” (FFL) meeting with commissioners of Information from state under Akure UNICEF field office, which held in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

Sandhu noted that the stakeholders meeting was aimed at reviewing the progress made on the resolutions to improve healthcare of the people at the last meeting held in Akure on August 14, 2018.

According to him, the translation of the intervention programmes in the local dialect of the people would enhance larger coverage and change the health-seeking behaviour of the people.

The meeting was organised by Ondo State Ministry of Information and Orientation in conjunction with UNICEF having commissioners and representatives from Ondo, Ekiti, Oyo, Ogun, Osun and Edo states.

At the last meeting, it was resolved that “English version of FFL radio programmes should be reproduced in Yoruba Language in order to reach and empower segments of the publication.

“Good voices on radio from the concerned states should be used in the production for self-belonging.”

There were presentations from participants, who expressed their commitment to the programme in their various states, while the academia, parents and caregivers shared their experiences.

UNICEF Communication for Development Specialist, Mrs Caroline Akosile, mentioned that the meeting would also discuss launch of Yoruba FFL as agreed by consensus to break communication barrier among the states.

Akosile added that it was a deliberate effort to “expand FFL partnership, explore sustainability and ownership; and to agree on next step for the promotion of FFL.”

She disclosed that FFL had been translated in 215 languages and 200 countries have adopted it, revealing that Akure has 14 chapters on child protection with four themes on immunization, safe motherhood, sanitation and Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF).

Earlier in his welcome address, Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Yemi Olowolabi, stressed that the partnership with UNICEF’s Communication for Development (C4D) unit has impacted positively on quality health delivery in the state.

Owolabi said the collaboration had also improved on the standard of living of mother and children, leading to remarkable improvement on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) campaigns.

“Altogether, 120 wall paintings on hygiene and sanitation and another four paintings on exclusive breastfeeding have been completed across the three senatorial districts of the state.

“This is in addition to numerous Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials that we have produced to further educate our people on handwashing with soap and water.

“We are on the last lap of airing of FFL programme on our radio station, Orange 94.5 FM Akure. We have completed airing of 49 episodes on hygiene and sanitation, EBF and immunization.

“The last 13 episodes on care of newborn are currently running on the station every Wednesday from 9:45am to 10:00am,” he said.

Speaking on the translation of FFL to Yoruba Language, the Commissioner said “it will reach and empower segments of the population in need of these messages since majority of our people will ‘grab’ the messages better in their mother tongue.

“We also promised to make our state-owned radio stations available for the programme free of charge.”

Without mincing words, he expressed optimism that the various interventions across the country would enable Nigeria to meet up with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals on newborn care.

National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said the country’s inflation measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in March was 0.06 per cent points lower than the rate recorded in February.

The NBS said this in its “CPI and Inflation Report’’ released on Tuesday in Abuja.

The bureau said the CPI which measures inflation decreased to 11.25 per cent (year-on-year) in March 2019.

Source
https://citadelng.com/nigerias-inflation-drops-by-0-06-in-march-nbs/

According to the bureau, this is 0.06 per cent points lower than the rate recorded in February 2019 (11.31) per cent.

It, however, said increases were recorded in all Classification of Individual Consumption by Purpose (COICOP) divisions that yielded the Headline index.

On a month-on-month basis, the bureau said the Headline Index increased by 0.79 per cent in March 2019, this was 0.06 per cent rate higher than the rate recorded in February 2019 (0.73) per cent.

The Report said the percentage change in the average composite CPI for the period of 12 months ending in March over the previous 12 months was 11.40 per cent. It said the figure showed 0.16 per cent point from 11.56 per cent recorded in February.

Meanwhile, the bureau said the urban inflation rate increased by 11.54 per cent (year-on-year) in March from 11.59 per cent recorded in February 2019. It said the rural inflation rate increased by 10.99 per cent in March from 11.05 per cent in February.

On a month-on-month basis, it said the urban index rose by 0.81 per cent in March 2019, up by 0.05 from 0.76 per cent recorded in February. Also, it said the rural index rose by 0.77 per cent in March, up by 0.06 from the rate recorded in February (0.71) per cent.

According to the report, the corresponding twelve-month year-on-year average percentage change for the urban index is 11.78 per cent in March. This is less than 11.95 per cent reported in February while the corresponding rural inflation rate in March is 11.08 per cent compared to 11.23 per cent recorded in February.

Nigeria’s GDP grows by 2.38% in Q4 2018 The CPI measures the average change over time in prices of goods and services consumed by people for day-to-day living.

The First Lady of Ondo State Governor Arabirin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu has congratulated the newly elected female President of the Students Union Government of the Federal University Agriculture Abeokuta FUNAAB Comrade Tawakalitu Adeola.

The Jinx was broken after 31years of male dominance just as the first substantive female Director of currency, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mrs Eleje Priscilla was confirmed and signed Nigeria currency Naira for the first time.

Source
http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/Betty-Akeredolu-hails-Priscilla-Ekwere-Eleje-As-First-Female-Signatory-On-Naira


In a statement, the Wife of the Governor said “the Jinx is broken! Congratulations, Adeola.”

“This is no mean fit given the cultural milieu in which you and I were raised. Our place, we have been told time and time again is in the kitchen and “oza” room. Not anymore!

A woman’s place is EVERYWHERE!!!
Well done!

Your election as the President of FUNAAB is a proof beyond any reasonable doubt that a woman can lead.

I expect your leadership to bring to the table Vitality and Optimism among female undergraduates nationwide and inspire many more to have a voice in students’ unionism.

I can tell you that student’s unionism is the “IT” grooming ground for politics and political engagement. As we strive for equal gender representation in all spheres of our lives in Nigeria,

I wish you a successful tenure.” She said

Barely two weeks after rainstorm destroyed hundreds of buildings in Ikare, Akoko North East and Supare in Akoko South West local governments, the Onisupare of Supare, Oba Adedeji Adejoro, has hailed the timely intervention of the Akeredolu-led government in the state for being responsive to the plights of the people.

It will be recalled that the Deputy Governor, Hon. Agboola Ajayi led officials of State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to the affected communities last week to assess the level of damage done by the rainstorm and assuring the victims of quick government intervention to cushion the effect of the rainstorm

The state government, through SEMA on Tuesday distributed relief materials to the victims. The items donated includes several boundless of roofing sheets, various sizes of nail and other assesories.

Speaking while receiving the items on behalf of his community, Oba Adedeji Adejoro said it was unprecedented in the history of the state to receive such help from government within a very short notice, adding that the people were not expecting early government's intervention until they began to see the items coming in.

He maintained that the intervention would go a long way to ameliorate the pains of the havoc wrecked on the community by the rainstorm.

Also speaking, another beneficiary at Ikare Akoko in Akoko North West Local Government Area, Mr. Lucas Omotosho expressed gratitude to government, he added that he can now have more confidence in government promises under the present administration unlike what was obtainable in the past.

In his remarks while handing over the items to beneficiaries, Ajayi said the gesture was in demonstration of government to the welfare of it citizen.

The Deputy Governor noted that though government was still looking at further measures to come to the aid of the people, the immediate donation of the roofing materials became imperative to save the affected houses from further damages during the raining season.

Source

http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/Akoko-Monarch-hails-Akeredolu-on-relief-materials-for-rainstorm-victims

Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Tuesday said his administration will continue to priotize the security and welfare of corps members deployed to the State.

Besides, the Governor also charged corps members to cultivate a healthy relationship with their host communities and refrain from engaging in local politics.

He disclosed this at the closing ceremony/Terminal Parade of 2019 Batch 'A' corps members, held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Ikare Akoko, headquarters of Akoko North East.

Akeredolu, represented by his Deputy, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, admonished corps members to also be an agent of change by impacting positively on their host communities.

"The orientation is primarily meant to equip you in order to have a better understanding of the operations of the scheme. It is also to toughen and prepare you physically and mentally to meet the challenges ahead, especially in your new found culture and environment.

" The NYSC, in its struggle to ensure national development, has been instilling the value of patriotism, integrity, hard work, unity amongst corps members during the orientation exercise.

"In addition, values that will always come handy during and after your service year have been entrenched in the course of contents.

"I encourage you to contribute to the socio-economic and political development of Ondo State, as you are the hope this country has. Strive to put in your best and contribute productively in whatever sector if the economy you might be posted," he said.

In an interview, the State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs Grace Akpabio thanked the state government for always improving facilities at the camp.

Akpabio advised the corps members to be good ambassadors to their host communities.

A minute silence was observed for a corps member,Ibrahim Okanlawon that died in a boat mishap at Agadagba-Obon,in Ese-Odo local government area of the state during last month's State Assembly election.

End
� Olawale Abolade

Rotimi Akeredolu, Governor of Ondo State, has given a marching order to all security agencies in the state to ensure an end to rampant cases of kidnapping in the state.

Akeredolu expressed worry over the security situation in the state, emphasising the need to curb the activities of the kidnappers who have turned all the bushes and thick forests of the state into a “den”.

At an emergency meeting held with heads of security agencies at Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor's Office in Alagbaka, Akure on Monday, he stated that he had been undaunted with complaints on how the kidnappers have operated on the failed portion of Akure-Owo-Ikare-Akoko road in the state.

Akeredolu specifically charged the leadership of Miyetti Allah to join hands with security agencies in the state to fight the scourge of kidnapping in the state.

According to him, all the traditional rulers in the "flagship points" of the state, which have been identified by security agencies, have a major role to play in fishing out the criminals.

"The security of this state must be everybody's business and I want to call on us all to ensure that these people who have converted our bushes to hideouts are brought to the book,” he said.

At the meeting, Gbenga Adeyanju, the Commissioner for Police in Ondo State, was represented by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in Charge of Operations, Abubakar Tijani.

In his remarks, Brigadier General James Ataguba, the Brigade Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade in Ondo State, explained that his men would collaborate with security agencies.

He tasked the leaders of Miyetti Allah in the state to look into the activities of their members who have been accused in some kidnap cases that have occurred in the past few weeks.

SaharaReporters gathered that the meeting was also attended by the Ondo State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Pedro Awili Ideba, the leadership of Miyeti Allah and traditional rulers.

Government in Agricultural Investment
Actions by the Ondo State Government to improve upon its current achievements in the area of industrialization has been further boosted with the recent investment deal with the Malaysian government, and Ondo State.
The Ondo State Business Delegation, led by his Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the executive Governor of Ondo State has met with the Malaysian government in areas of partnership with the Malaysian business community on Agriculture.
The partnership is aimed at the proper harnessing of resources around state agriculture and industry for agribusiness value chain development essentially in oil palm industry, rubber plantation and cashew mining. It will also see to the partnership with the private sector, developing economic relationship for strategic business and economic takeoff.
The success of this partnership will see to the sustainable agribusiness and economic development of Ondo State as the Akeredolu led government has continue to showcase that what is needed in Ondo State is real transformative change to unlock the incredible potential of Ondo state hidden resources people, businesses, economy and culture.

Ondo State House of Assembly has approved request for council approval to draw down the One billion, five hundred million naira Accelerated Agricultural Development Scheme (AADS) facility for agricultural activities in the state.

The request for council approval of the fund was contained in the message from the Governor of the State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to the House for its approval.

Moving the motion for the approval of the fund during plenary , the Majority Leader of the House, Mr. Olusegun Araoyinbo representing Akoko Northwest 2, said Ondo State being an agrarian state will be able to provide more job opportunity through the fund for its citizenry.

Seconding the motion, the Deputy Chief Whip, Mr. Sunday Olajide, said the fund which sought for the approval of the House by the governor is meant for the agricultural development and the benefit of the people in the state.

He noted that the repayment of the fund would not be a problem to the government due to the one digit interest on the fund.

Olajide explained that if necessary facilities for agricultural development are possessed through the fund,saying it will bring about accelerated development into the state agriculture and other sectors of the economy.

Lawmakers at the plenary session unanimously agreed that the fund should be approved

While approving the fund, the Speaker, Mr. Bamidele Oleyelogun, optimistic that the fund in line with its advantages will make roads linking to farms in the state motorable for farmers to transport their farms’ products to towns.

During the plenary session, five bills were passed into laws .

The bills included: State legislative funds management bill, 2019; a bill for a law to provide for the management of funds of the state judiciary and for other related matters and a bill for a law to provide for the establishment of Consumer Protection Agency in the state.

Others are: a bill for a law to amend the State University of Medical Sciences law 2014 to integrate the State School of Nursing and Midwifery,Akure and allied matters and the State House of Assembly Service Commission (establishment) bill,2019.

In separate submissions of reports on State legislative funds management bill, 2019 and a bill for a law to provide for the management of funds of the state judiciary for consideration, the Chairman House Ad-hoc Committee on Autonomy, Mr. Maito Jamiu, said the bills will grant the two arms of government financial independence to discharge their statutory functions without fears.

He added that the bills will enable the two arms of government perform their functions without undue interference from any quarter as problem of bureaucratic bottleneck would be eradicated.

On a bill to provide for the establishment of Consumer Protection Agency in the state, the Chairman, House Committee on Commerce and Industry, Mr. Sola Ebiwonjumi from Okitipupa 1, while submitting the report of the committee on the bill for consideration, said Governor Akeredolu has approved to re -domesticate Consumer Protection Agency law in the state.

He noted that the bill when eventually passed into law would lead to eradication of hazardous products from market and ensure that products and services comply with required standard/specifications.

Some bills at their second reading stages were stepped down till the next sitting of the House.

Source: https://orangefm.com.ng/odha-passes-into-law-financial-autonomy-bills-for-legislative-judiciary-others/

All is now set for Ondo state to take its position as the best cocoa producer in the country with the election of new executives of the Cocoa Association of Nigeria, Ondo state chapter.

The new Chairman Cocoa Association of Nigeria,Ondo state chapter Dr Akinola Adeboye made the statement while speaking with newsmen after his election in Akure .

Dr Adeboye said the election of the new officers is to re position the Erstwhile moribund Association and to chart a new course for cocoa development in the state .

He promised to ensure transformation of cocoa plantation ,production and processing in the state .

Speaking on the outcome of the election, the electoral chairman Mr Solomon Ogunbiyi charged the new officers to live live above board .

Representative of the ministry of agriculture Mrs Helen Awodiji assured that the present administration would continue to be farmers friendly.

The election which was held at the premises of ondo state farmers congress Akure produced Dr Akinola Adeboye as the new chairman .

Other officers include Mr Isaiah Olofinshawe as Vice Chairman While Mr Ibitoye Ezekiel will serve as secretary.

Source: https://orangefm.com.ng/well-ensure-ondo-state-takes-its-position-as-best-producer-of-cocoa-can-new-chairman/

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has secured a N200 billion facility to farmers of five major cash crops at a single digit interest rate.
The cash crops are cocoa, cashew, oil palm, shea butter and sesame seeds.

The decision to support the farmers was arrived at the bankers’ committee meeting of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) .
The CBN facility had been restricted to rice farmers for so long, excluding Cocoa and oil palm sector.

Akeredolu, whose state is a leading producer of Cocoa, took the battle for the inclusion of Cocoa and Oil palm sector to the highest level of the National Economic Council (NEC) where he made a breakthrough for the farmers.

Commissioner for Agriculture Otunba Adegboyega Adefarati said the development is one singular opportunity Ondo State’s cash crops farmers have been yearning for ages to take their trade to the world stage.

Adefarati, who praised God for making this possible during the present administration, noted the efforts put in place by Akeredolu is commendable across board.

According to him, the contention of Ondo State, a leading producer of cocoa and major producers of oil palm, is to convince the CBN to advance the facility to cocoa and oil palm sector as it did to rice farmers.

Adefarati was of the view that with a single digit interest rate facility, cocoa, oil palm and cashew farmers would be able to get the necessary inputs to improve their production.

Hailing the NEC, which Akeredolu took the campaign to and the Bankers’ Committee for approving the facility for cash crop farmers,

Adefarati enjoined cocoa, oil palm and cashew farmers to take advantage of the opportunity by approaching their banks to access the much-needed loan.

He called on the Federal Government to set up a Presidential Committee on Cocoa Production like it did for some other sectors to ensure the Cocoa Rebirth Revolution, saying this is the surest way to maximise the country comparative advantages in cocoa production

The Wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu -Akeredolu, has lauded the effort of the Akeredolu -led Government towards ensuring rapid industrialization within the State. She made this known during a breakfast meeting with Klick Konnect Network towards the implementation of the Cassarev project which held on Wednesday at Heritage Hotel, Akure.

Cassarev (Cassava Revolution) is a value chain program designed to explore the many advantages of cassava towards the economic development of Ondo State. The implementation would see to the establishment of an ethanol factory and contribute to human capital development within the State.

In her address, Mrs Akeredolu observed that good governance is possible in Nigeria but called on politicians to commit to people oriented projects such as Cassarev.

“It is refreshing when a son of the soil with people’s interest is in government. The Arakunrin government teaches us that good governance is possible in Nigeria. But first, our leaders must focus on projects that have direct impact on the people.

” Arakunrin has also convinced the world that Ondo State is a safe place for profitable investment. When the person at the helm of affairs is one of unquestionable character, it becomes easy for people from different parts of the world to come and invest in the State. ” She said.

Speaking on the need for gender balance within the State, the First Lady encouraged the project coordinators to ensure that women are carried along throughout the implementation process stressing that this would help to boast the total outcome of Cassarev.

Earlier in his address, the Chief Executive Officer, Klick Konnect Network, Mr. Alex Ajipe, appreciated the Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, for his unwavering commitment to industrial and human capital development within Ondo State pledging to ensure that Cassarev is duly implemented to achieve its aims and objectives.

Source: http://www.ondoevents.com/2019/04/10/mrs-akeredolu-lauds-industrialisation-strides-of-ondo-govt/

Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Tuesday gave a marching order to all security agencies in the state to go after armed robbers who participated in the yesterday bloody bank robbery incident in Idoani community in Ose local government.

Six lives including a policeman were reportedly lost during the attack on the only bank in the community.

Already, security operative said they have arrested a suspect in connection with the robbery incident.

Akeredolu gave the directive while paying a condolence visit to Alani of Idoani, Oba Olufemi Olutoye at his palace which is a stone throw to the attacked bank.

The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, described the incident as unfortunate but implored the security agents to fish out those who perpetrated attack.

“We are glad that a suspect has been nabbed and I am very sure he will create a channel that will lead to the arrest of those criminals”, he said.

The Governor assured that his administration will continue to partner with the security agencies to nip this kind of incident in the bud.

He however charged residents of the State to always assist the security operatives by providing useful information to help in reducing crime in the State.

Oba Olutoye said the bandits also came into his compound damaged his door and by the time they gained entrance, they discovered it was a fruitless effort.

He appealed the State government to assist the bereaved in order to lessen the burden the incident had caused them.


Source: https://orangefm.com.ng/ondo-robbery-incident-akeredolu-wants-perpetrators-brought-to-justice/

Media practitioners have been enjoined to be more factual and embrace professionalism in disseminating rich news content that will impact the society positively.

The Chairman, Management committee of OSRC and Orange FM, Mr Kunle Adebayo made the statement at the FRCN content summit with the theme”commercialization and Professionalism in broadcasting, striking the balance” held at Elizade university, Ilara mokin
Media professionals from all walks of life including the officials of Federal Radio Corporation Nigeria FRCN in the southwest gathered for the two day program at the elizade university, Ilara mokin to discuss ways of improving the profession particularly objective and accurate news dissemination to members of the public.

The programme is also aimed at the finding ways of managing stress and retooling the capacity of journalists through Information Communication technology in the dissemination of news and program content.

Speaking at the event, Mr kunle Adebayo noted that the two day program would serve as a way of evaluating and reviewing activities of journalists for better efficient service delivery.

The Chairman who was represented by the Head of News Orange FM, Mr Akinwumi Abodunde stressed the need for journalists to always strike a balance in news and program content that will facilitate national development

On his part, the General Manager, Positive fm in Akure, Mr Samson Abiodun said the program is an eye opener for staff of FRCN to further educate them on latest techniques in modern broadcasting.

In his submission, the Director, National Orientation Agency, Mr. Bode Famose enjoined participants to equip themselves professionally in attaining the lofty heights in journalism.

Other participants who spoke with Orange fm expressed optimism that the program would enhance professionalism in news delivery through social media with a view to reducing the spread of fake news to the populace.

Source: https://orangefm.com.ng/be-more-committed-to-ethics-of-professional-practice-osrcorangefm-chairman-tells-media-professionals

Source
https://orangefm.com.ng/be-more-committed-to-ethics-of-professional-practice-osrcorangefm-chairman-tells-media-professionals/