₦airaland Forum

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, of Ondo State on Thursday explained why his administration decided to create Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.

He hinged the decision on genuine economic development of the people.
According to the governor, the exercise will ultimately benefit the people and restore their dignity and pride as prime producers, and not as incurable consumers of other people’s ideas and products.


He told critics that his administration considered the decision most expedient at this stage because of the degree of amity existing in Ondo State.
The governor said: “The people of Ondo State are, evidently, not in competition among themselves. The degree of amity existing in our state makes our space attractive, not only for economic activities but for other socio-cultural existence.

“An effective system of administration at the local government level ensures collectivisation of ideas and labour for production of goods and services. Every locality must be ready to convert its peculiarity to strength.

"We must be able to determine the factors which support the viability of a locality to exist as a political unit beyond mere politics”
Akeredolu, who spoke at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office, Akure, while inaugurating the Committee for the creation of the LCDAs, expressed the hope that the exercise would further deepen the already existing robust interactions among the people of the state.

Governor Akeredolu, besides expressing his conviction that real quest for socio-economic development of the country compels the inclusion of local government administration in the political calculus, dismissed the insinuations in some quartets that the decision to create the LCDAs was political.
He said: “Local governments must not be products of unprofitable gerrymandering which only compounds the socio-economic problems.”

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has disclosed that his administration has reconstructed over 700 Public Primary Schools across the state.
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Akeredolu said the move was to strengthen the education sector and make school environment conducive for both teachers and the pupils.

The governor spoke at St. James' Primary School, Oda town where he commissioned the newly constructed and the renovated blocks of classroom with modern toilet, play group equipment and ICT center.

The head teacher of the School, Mrs. Morayo Adegbite appreciated the Akeredolu’s administration for the great work done in the School.

She revealed that since new structures have been put in place with other playgroup facilities, enrolment has improved significantly in the school.

As Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN continues his statewide tour to thank the people for their support for the candidates of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the Presidential and State House of Assembly elections in Ondo State, he has also continued to make policy statements that will shape government’s actions and decisions in the years ahead.

On Wednesday it was the turn of Ondo West Local Government Area to share in the good news.
While the Governor was thanking the people who gathered at the Civic Center in Ondo City to welcome him, he said the University of Medical Sciences in Ondo City has come to stay.

Rather than relocating or closing down already established institutions in the State, the Governor said he would continue to strengthen state-owned tertiary institutions irrespective of its location.

The Governor urged the traditional rulers and the people of Ondo Kingdom to make land available for the establishment of a standard state teaching hospital to compliment the existing University of Medical Sciences in Ondo City.

As Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN continues his statewide tour to thank the people for their support for the candidates of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the Presidential and State House of Assembly elections in Ondo State, he has also continued to make policy statements that will shape government’s actions and decisions in the years ahead.

On Wednesday it was the turn of Ondo West Local Government Area to share in the good news.
While the Governor was thanking the people who gathered at the Civic Center in Ondo City to welcome him, he said the University of Medical Sciences in Ondo City has come to stay.

Rather than relocating or closing down already established institutions in the State, the Governor said he would continue to strengthen state-owned tertiary institutions irrespective of its location.

The Governor urged the traditional rulers and the people of Ondo Kingdom to make land available for the establishment of a standard state teaching hospital to compliment the existing University of Medical Sciences in Ondo City.

Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has said the state-owned Ondo State University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa (OSUSTECH) will be named after former governor of the state, the late Dr Segun Agagu.

Akeredolu,gave the hint during a thank you visit to Okitipupa Local Government Area on Tuesday.

Governor Akeredolu, while addressing the traditional rulers, chiefs and party members, said his administration will make determined effort to name the institution after the former governor.

He asked the people to appeal to the newly elected members of the State House of Assembly to hasten the legislative processes necessary for changing the name of the University.

The Governor revealed that on assumption of office, he was not pleased with the way the University was abandoned.
It will be recalled that OSUSTECH was established by late Agagu in 2008.

Dr Olusegun Kokumo Agagu was the fourth democratically elected governor of Ondo State. He was sworn in on 29th May 2003.
He died on September 13, 2013 in Lagos.

Earlier on Tuesday, Governor Akeredolu, while addressing the people and monarchs of Ile-Oluji and Oke-Igbo, said his administration will continue with the good works it started in the Local Government.

The Governor urged the people of the area to put forward a memorandum for the creation of a new Local Council Development Authority, which he said will fast track development.

At Ore in Odigbo Local Government Area, Akeredolu said the commercial town has become the hub of business in the state, particularly with the construction of the flyover and the industrial park.

� Olawale Abolade

Ore in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo state will become hub of industrialization in the state.

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu made this known yesterday, during a thank-you-tour to Odigbo Local Government area of Ondo South Senatorial District for their loyalty and support for the party during the recent House of Assembly election.

He explained that the Local Government housed a number of industries, which included a Textile factory, Paper Mill, Cassava to Ethanol factory, among others at the Ore Industrial Hub.

“The flyover we are constructing in Ore, Odigbo Local Government is consuming half of what we spend on infrastructure in the state, this is part of our appreciation to the people of the area,” he said.

The governor also promised to do more for the people of the area, and thanked them for the massive support in the recently concluded House of Assembly election,

Akeredolu who further described Odigbo local government as Mini-Nigeria for being dominated by all tribes, thanked the people for support and loyalty to the party at all times.

“We have never lost any election in this local government, even when I first contested, I have always won here. We have come to thank you for standing by us and we will never let you down”, he said.



The Governor promised that construction of various farm to trading centres roads would soon commence under the Rural Access Mobility Project (RAMP) which would enable farmers transport their farm produce to markets.

Speaking on behalf of other traditional rulers, the Ajobu of Araromi-Obu, Oba Aderemi Adelola lauded the Governor’s gesture to thank them for their supports for peace that reigned during the just concluded House of Assembly election and at all times.

“One good turn, they say deserves another, we promise to continually support your administration to record more successes in subsequent elections”, he said

The Monarch, while thanking Governor Akeredolu for the Ore Flyover under construction, the Ore Industrial Hub, renovation of both Primary and Secondary schools as well as rehabilitation of boreholes, appealed for the construction of more roads in the area.

Member representing Odigbo Constituency 1 and Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon Iroju Ogundeji thanked the people for their support during the election and assured that it would translate into more infrastructural development.

He assured that people of the local government will throw their weight the Governor’s second term in office following the massive infrastructural development in the area which included the Ore Industrial Hub, the Ore fly-over under construction among other projects.

The Chairman of the newly constituted board of Ondo State Badminton Association, Olu Adekunle Ajanaku, has promised to prioritise the welfare of its coaches and athletes during his tenure.

Ajanaku stated this at the inaugural meeting, contained in a press statement made available to newsmen by Secretary of the Association, Mrs Olarewaju Omolade on Tuesday in Akure.

He said it would also enhance the game at the grassroots level by appointing auxiliary coaches at zonal levels to discover more talents.

The chairman disclosed that the association was planning partnership with schools to ensure Badminton is taken to Schools in all the senatorial districts in the state.

According to the chairman, three committees were approved to help achieve implementation of the plans, which are; Technical/Marketing and Promotion committees.

Others are; Mobilisation/Welfare/Tr-acking committee with Media and Public Relations Committees.

“The board resolved to see welfare of players and enhance the regulation of appointment of contract coaches by the sports council and engagement of auxiliary coaches at zonal level to promote the game at grassroots and spot talents for more young players.

“The meeting concluded by meeting with coaches to brief them on development plan for the association and encourage them to be more committed to improve their performance and rating of their players,” the statement read.

It would be recalled that the new board for various associations were inaugurated by the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports a fortnight ago at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure.

Although, I may not be on the same page, politically, with Mr. Akeredolu, SAN, Governor of Ondo State, I wish, however, to commend him for the bold step taken in renaming OSUSTECH after late Dr. Olusegun Kokumo Agagu, former Governor of Ondo State. This is heart-warming and highly COMMENDABLE.

Dr. Olusegun Agagu put all selfish considerations aside in establishing the University in its present permanent location.

I was present in person at the event in Akure ( 2006) when late Agagu gave copious reasons why the University should be sited at the present location as against Iju-Odo, his home town, which his people earnestly desired. He was criticised, yet he stood his ground. He argued, very forcefully, that the present location is accessible to Okitipupa, Irele, Ese-Odo and Ilaje LGAs who are the primary beneficiaries of the University.

It is therefore reassuring that the present government in Ondo State is renaming that citadel of knowledge after the late erudite scholar, Dr. Olusegun Kokumo Agagu.

I sincerely commend Arakunrin Akeredolu, SAN for this bold step.

I also notice that since this administration came on board, the University that was neglected for eight ( solid years has won a good look in terms of infrastructural development. This is very encouraging.

Dr Benson Enikuomehin, FCPA.

The Industrialization efforts of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, will soon receive a major boost as the cassava to ethanol plant at the Ondo /Linyi Industrial Hub within Ore Industrial Park, Ore will soon be ready for operation.

Massive work is currently ongoing on the cassava to ethanol plant. The plant is a product of one of the Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Akeredolu’s administration and the Linyi Municipal Republic in China during the Governor's visit to China last year.

The vision of the Governor to industrialize the state for economy prosperity is yeilding more positive results.

When completed, the cassava to ethanol plant will need 300 to 400 tons of cassava daily. What this means is that cassava farmers in the state will have a ready market at the plant. With an estimation of about 1million tons annually, the cassava to ethanol plant will also afford the state the unique opportunity to key into the Federal Government initiative of Cassava off - takers.

This plant alone provides a window of employment opportunities for the youths in the state.

� Nguher Gabrielle Zaki

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, at the weekend, blamed increasing cases of electoral violence on fake news and said the menace posed grave danger to democratic process and military operations.

Buratai spoke in Bayelsa State when he led military commanders, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to inaugurate projects at the newly-established barracks of the 16th Division of the Nigerian Army named Camp Buratai.

He said prior to the general elections, he launched the Operation Safe Conduct to ensure success of the poll and established the Nigerian Army Situation Room (NASR) to manage electoral events including countering spread of fake news.

Buratai, who was represented by Maj.-Gen. Adamu Saliu, the Commander, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), noted terrorists and subversive elements were deliberately spreading fake news using the social media to influence public sentiment, cause confusion and ignite violence.

The COAS said: “Use of media especially social media to deliberately spread fake news should be a thing of concern to all of us.

“Rapid spread of fake news has been responsible for misinformation, thereby having an influence on public sentiment and sowing confusion among the electorate and easily ignite violence during elections as we have now.

“The purpose of the situation room is among others to monitor electioneering process through the cyber warfare command of the Nigerian Army which also identifies and counters various forms of fake news and propaganda put out by terrorist and subversive elements. In this period of elections, we are collaborating with all stakeholders to confront the menace of fake news”.
Buratai insisted nothing would stop the army from playing its roles in combating security challenges in the country in line with its constitutional mandates.

He said the army deserved the support of all Nigerians following its efforts to keep the country together adding that security agencies required timely information from the public to enable them deliver on their mandates.

Buratai commended the Commander of the 16th Brigade, Brigadier-General, Kelvin Aligbe, officers and men of the outfit for their efforts to develop the new military community.

Akeredolu's Investment drive : Textile Mill Commences Production in Ondo

The Industrialization efforts of Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has come into fruition . The Ondo state government had signed Six Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Linyi Municipal Republic in China. The MoUs are all gradually coming into fruition.

One of the MoUs signed was with the Win - Win Textile. Today, a new Textile mill located at the Ondo /Linyi Industrial Hub within Ore Park, has commenced production.

The first phase for the production of various types of sewing, embroidery and polyester threads are in full swing while clothing materials of Ankara and Lace brands will come with the second phase.
#Aketiatwork

The Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) in Abuja has granted the request by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate in the last presidential election, Muhammadu Buhari, to be allowed access to materials used for the election.

The permission is to enable the APC and Buhari inspect and obtain the certified true copies (CTC) of the materials to enable them prepare their defence against the petition to be filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the election, Atiku Abubakar.



A three-man panel of the tribunal, led by Justice Abdul Aboki, in granting the two ex-parte motions filed by the APC and Buhari, ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to allow the applicants inspect and obtain CTC of the materials.

The tribunal, in the two rulings on both motions, granted similar orders.

The APC had, in a schedule it attached to its motion, listed 12 categories of election materials it sought to be allowed to inspect. They include card readers, card readers reports and incident forms, among others.

In the lead rulings delivered by Justice Aboki, the tribunal granted the two reliefs in Buhari’s motion, but modified the prayers in the motion by the APC.

It said: “Leave is granted the applicant to bring this application at this stage.

“The 1st respondent (INEC) shall forthwith, allow the applicant and or its representatives to inspect polling documents and obtain certified true copies of all polling documents, in the custody of the 1st respondent, used for the just concluded presidential election to enable the applicant defend the petition that may be filed by the 2nd and 3rd respondents (Peoples Democratic Party and Atiku Abubakar).

Adelani Ajibade (for Buhari) and Olusola Dare (for APC) had, while arguing the motions, stated that it was imperative that the tribunal grants their clients’ prayers.

Ajibade and Dare argued that the grant of the motion will enable their clients examine the materials used for the election and obtain the CTC for the purpose of preparing their defence to the petitions to be filed by PDP and its candidate in the election, Atiku Abubakar.

Among the items named in the list attached to the motion by the APC are all results sheets used for the election, voters’ register, stubs of all unused ballot papers, all card readers, card readers reports and data analysis, voters’ registers and all rejected ballot papers.

It also sought to inspect all incident forms, all other electoral forms or documents used in the presidential election of February 23, held throughout the country.

On March 6, the PEPT rejected the request by the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar and his party for permission to conduct forensic analysis and scanning of materials used for the conduct of the presidential election.



In turning it down, the tribunal said such request for forensic analysis and scanning by experts, of computers, card reader machines, server, among others deployed for the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), was beyond the scope of the provisions of Section 151(1) & (2) of the Electoral Act (as amended), which permits the inspection of election materials.

In a unanimous ruling on an ex-parte application by Atiku and his party, a three-man panel of the tribunal said Section 151 of the Electoral Act, which allows an intending petitioner to inspect materials used for an election only allows inspection and the obtaining of certified true copies of such materials.

Justice Aboki, who led the panel, however, said the tribunal granted the prayers which allow the applicants the permission to only inspect the materials and obtain certified true copies (CTC) of the materials.

The tribunal also granted the applicant’s prayer for leave to be allowed to bring such application at the pre-hearing stage of the tribunal’s sitting.

According to the tribunal, the request by Atiku and PDP to call experts to engage in forensic analysis and scanning of INEC gadgets, computers, among other materials was outside the scope of the meaning of inspection under Section 151(1) and (2) of the Electoral Act.

Justice Aboki said: “After a careful examination of the reliefs sought on the motion paper and a perusal of Section 151 of the Electoral Act (as amended), and the decision of this court in cases of Aregbesola v. Oyinlola, Akintayo v. Jolaoye, Senator Hope Uzodinma v. Senator Osita Izunaso,, it is hereby ordered as follows.

“Leave is granted to the applicants to bring this application at this stage,

“The first respondent (INEC) shall forthwith, allow the applicants and or their representatives to inspect polling documents and obtained certified true copies of all polling documents in the custody of the first respondent, used for the just-concluded presidential election, to enable the applicants institute and maintain an election petition.

“Prayers three, four, five and six on the motion paper are hereby refused.

“Forensic audit, examination and analysis by forensic experts cannot be regarded as an inspection of those documents within the ambit of Section 151 of the Electoral Act (as amended),” Justice Aboki said.

He agreed with lawyer to the applicants, Chris Uche (SAN) that the Court of Appeal had, in previous decisions, permitted the scanning of election documents used during the election at the stage of hearing in election petition.

He added that such scanned documents must be certified by INEC as true copies of the documents in its custody or held in the custody of INEC.

Justice Aboki faulted Uche’s reliance on an earlier decision in the case of Senator Uzodinma and Senator Izunaso, and noted that the Court of Appeal has since set aside the permission granted by a lower tribunal for the scanning and forensic audit and analysis of election materials at pre-hearing stage.

He said: “In that case, the lower tribunal granted the pervasive orders brought under Section 151 of the Electoral Act.

“The respondent to the said application, appealed to this court, which found that the excessive orders granted with respect to the inspection of polling documents and sundry other materials, were found to be totally outside the scope of Section 151 of the Electoral Act.

“This court found that the orders made violated the rights of the respondents to fair hearing under Section 6 of the Constitution (as amended).The orders made by the lower tribunal, in that case were set aside by this court. And orders were made, by this court, within the ambit of Section 151 of the Electoral Act.”

Buhari’s second term is for the masses

A House of Representatives member-elect in Ekiti State, Mr. Olusola Fatoba, has said the landslide victory recorded by President Muhammadu Buhari in the presidential poll, will return power to the poor masses.

Fatoba, who won the House of Representatives to the Ado/Irepodun/Ifelodun Federal Constituency on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) added that the President’s resounding victory over the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, confirmed that Nigerians were appreciative of the federal government’s programmes and policies.

He added that the victory had further strengthened the power of the masses and reduced that of the elite, who had been the ones dictating the pace on who becomes the president since independence.

He also added that the superlative performance of Governor Kayode Fayemi and women empowerment of the governor’s wife, Bisi, accounted for the APC’s good showings in Ekiti.

In a chat with journalists in Ado Ekiti, Fatoba reminded the ruling elite that Buhari had demystified their powers and brought recognition to the masses.

On the winning of the three senate, six house of representatives and 25 out of the 26 house of assembly seats in the state, Fatoba said : “it was a product of hardwork and the regular payment of salary and pension and free education policy as well as other policies initiated by governor Fayemi that helped us”.

Fatoba promised that he would leverage on his experience in agriculture firm and as a commercial farmer to empower the youths and attract them into commercial farming.

He said he will partner Fayemi-led administration to attract investments to the state, especially the one that has to do with agriculture, having worked in an Agriculture firm for a period of 25 years

Akeredolu’s unprecedented two-year success on road Construction/Rehabilitation in Ondo.

In less than two years in office, the Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu administration in Ondo State has recorded unprecedented success in road constructions and rehabilitations.

Like no other administration before it, Akeredolu has kept to his promise to make both the people’s welfare and infrastructural development of the state a priority of his administration.

The Akeredolu’s magic touch on roads rehabilitation and construction does not discriminate against federal, state or local government roads. That is the case on the Owo-Ikare road and several other roads spread across the three senatorial districts of the Sunshine State.

THE FACTS:
1. Rehabilitation of selected road in Ifon (2.063km)

2. Rehabilitation of Oke Afa Road in Supare (1.448km)

3. Rehabilitation of Lennon Jubile-Solaco Road, Ugbe Road (2.358km)

4. Rehabilitation of failed portion along Iwaro-Oka-Isua Road (900m) and (21.8km)

5. Installation of street light along Owo Dualised Road

6. Construction of GRA roads (2.5km) to Owo dualisation

7. Construction of Iyere/Igbe Road, Owo

8. Construction of Iyere/Ipele Road, Owo (Phase 2)

9. Construction of Melege Junction-Ute township road (9km)

10. Dualisation of road from Emure junction (4.273km) -AUD and from Ministry of Works to Iyere junction (2.963), Owo

11. Construction of Iyere/Ipele Road, Owo (3.50km) Phase 1

12. Dualisation of Ikare Township Road Phase 11

13. Rehabilitation of Owo-Ikare Road (35km)

14. Dualisation of Oke Alabojuto Road, Ikare Phase 1 (0.5km)

15. Construction of 3 No box culverts at Ikare

16. Construction of box culvert and a bridge along Oba-Akoko-Ikun Road

17. Construction of box culvert at Aralepo, Owo

18. 5km pilot scheme RAAMP Project Molege Ute Road

19. Construction of selected roads in I danre (2.76km)

20. Construction of Iwalewa-Alafiaatayo, Iwalewa-Oshinle, Iwalewa-Hospital Road and Abusoro Road, Ijoka Phase 1

21. Construction of Alagbaka SIB-Appeal Court Road (6.02km)

22. Rehabilitation of Igbara-Oke-Isharun and Isharun Township Road (3.1km)

23. Rehabilitation of Igbara-Oke-Ibuji Road (8.1km)

24. Rehabilitation/construction of Oke-Ogba community road (5.412km)

25. Construction of Gaga community township road (5.569km)

26. Reconstruction of Bolorunduro to Fagbo Road (8.50km), Ondo

27. Construction of Ijoka to Idanre Road (15km)

28. Construction of dual carriageway from Oba Adesida (A Division) Oba Osupa (Hospital) Road-Oluwatuyi-Ijoka (8.135km)

29. Rehabilitation of Ondo dual carriage Road Phase 11 (4.3km)

30. Lighting/rehabiitation of Mobil Fiwasaye-Airport Road (8.950km)

31. Rehabilitation of selected roads in Ondo town (7.11km)

32. Dualisation of Ondo township Road ohase 1 (5.5km)

33. Rehabilitation of Access Road Royal Birds Motel/Kayode, Adinlewa Alagbaka, Akure (1.89km)

34. Construction of Army Barracks Network Rods, Akure

35. Construction/Rehabilitation of Ijapo Housing Estate Road (2.817km)

36. Construction of terminal building access road/parking lot at Akure Airport

37. Patching of selected roads in Akure township

38. Construction of Sabomi-Ajagba Road (2.3km)

39. Rehabilitation of Ore township (Mobil-Sabo Juntion (0.5km)

40. Rehabilitation/Construction of Ile-Oluji township Road (5.25km)

41. Construction of Okitipupa Igbokoda Bypass Road phase 1 (10km)

42. Construction of Flyover across Benin/Ore expressway

43. Construction of box culvert, channels, drains and approaches at Ore.

President Muhammadu Buhari has confirmed the appointment of two Executive Directors for the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority.

Those whose appointments were confirmed were Mrs Stella Ojekwe-Onyejeli, who was reappointed as Executive Director for a second term. She is also the Chief Operating Officer of NSIA and Mr Aminu Umar-Sadiq, who was NSIA’s Deputy Head of Direct Investments.



He was appointed, for the first time, as Executive Director.

The confirmation was announced in a statement issued by the agency on Wednesday.

It said the appointments followed the realignment in 2018 of NSIA’s strategy with a pivot towards domestic infrastructure, as reflected in the allocation of 50 per cent of future contributions to infrastructure investments.

In 2018, the NSIA Board established for the first time a Direct Investment Committee for review and oversight of investments in core domestic infrastructure sectors such as motorways, agriculture, healthcare, power, and education.

Recent NSIA initiatives, according to the statement, reflected the increased focus on domestic infrastructure.

Some of the programmes to scale up funding include the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund, which will fast-track the completion of five infrastructural projects of national priority.

The projects are Abuja-Kano Roadway, Second Niger Bridge, East-West Roadway, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, and Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Plant.

NSIA is also galvanising investments in tertiary healthcare as it has invested in the development of the LUTH Cancer Treatment Centre among others.



The statement said the Authority remained committed to leading the development of strategic infrastructure initiatives in Nigeria.

The Chairman, NSIA Board of Directors, Mr Jide Zeitlin, said the appointments would strengthen the executive team of the agency to deliver on its mandate.

He said, “These appointments strengthen the Authority’s executive team and are consistent with our focus on maintaining a broadly representative leadership team and workforce so as to ensure that the institution remains a key participant in Nigeria’s economic transformation.”

“Both appointees are committed professionals who, along with other talented colleagues, have been instrumental in NSIA’s development.”

As Primary Health Care(PHC) gains global attention, Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Wahab Adegbenro has reiterated government’s resolve to fortify the PHC by providing adequate training and retraining to key officers.

This according to him will not only guarantee an improved service delivery, but will also give the state health sector a boost.

He disclosed this while declaring open a five day update training on primary health care for medical officers of health which was put in place by the Department of Community Medicine, Ondo State University of Medical Science (UNIMED), Ondo in collaboration with the Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Board on Monday in Ondo.

Describing knowledge acquisition as a necessity for workers in the health sector, he stressed the need for the PHC to be fortified in order to make it easy for the people to access health.

His words: “It is important to train and retrain medical officers of health and programme officers among others at the PHC level so as to give their optimal performance at work.However, he charged participants to use the knowledge gathered for the benefit of the state.

In his address, Executive Secretary, Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr. Francis Akanbiemu described knowledge acquisition as a major tool needed by health medical officers to perform maximally in order to achieve the desired result in the health sector.

According to him, “Knowledge is one of the important tools in public health practice.” He however assured that government will continue to ensure that it improves the health of the people of the state by equipping relevant officers with needed tools.

In his goodwill message, Vice Chancellor of UNIMED who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Adeseye Arogunjo commended the organisers of the five day training workshop which he described as an avenue to learn the process of making the best of the medical profession.

He explained that it was put in place to enable participants meet up with the burden of their works saying. “It is important to look for avenues to learn ways to improve on the global scientific burden.”

While reiterating the school’s commitment to the development of medicine in the community, he added that the exercise will go a long way in revitalising the Primary Health Care in the school, state and country at large.

His words:”The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Friday Okonofua is always passionate about the fact that the University is contributing its quota to the development of medicine in the community.

“We hope for more partnership with the University, so as to shock up the global rank of the University.”

Registrar of the school, Mr. Yinka Adekalu while thanking OSPHDB for the collaboration, described primary health care as a driving force in the medical profession especially at the grassroots.

Dean, Faculty of Clinical Services, UNIMED, Dr. Joseph Fatukasi stated that the exercise will open up several areas and also enlighten participants in various aspects of public health.

Speaking in a lecture titled; “Overview of Community Health, Primary Health Care and HFA: Global, historical perspectives and practice”, Dr. Michael Asuzu of the Department of Community Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, noted that Nigeria runs a ward based PHC system.

According to him, medicine has a wide range of training and stressed the need for doctors to be trained on emotional intelligence so as to facilitate smooth collaboration with other health workers.

He described PHC as the first level of contact of individuals, family and community with the national health system saying ” it brins health care close to where people live and work.”

In his contribution to the lecture, Dr. Akanbiemu stressed the need for doctors to allow other health workers thrive saying” Doctors must create opportunity for other health professionals to be, what they want to be for the advancement of the health sector.”

Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Yemi Olowolabi said excellent performances of Ondo State Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu was the secrets behind the party’s remarkable outing in last Saturday’s State Assembly elections.

Olowolabi who said this while featuring on Adaba FM 88.9 special programme monitored by The Hope said the excellent performances of the Arakunrin Akeredolu’s Administration in road where it is currently working on 50 road projects all over the state and the “Operation One kilometre” mandate for each local

He said the government had renovated 800 schools in the state as well as the prompt payment of salaries to the civil servants were rewarded with the votes of the Ondo State people.

Olowolabi said that it wasn’t surprising that even Engr. Clement Faboyede, Chairman of PDP in the state acknowledged the remarkable road reconstruction zeal of Arakunrin Akeredolu administration within just two years of its being in place

He said no other administration had performed so well in Ondo State before.

The commissioner who said Ondo State people had expressed their appreciation to Arakunrin Akeredolu by giving APC twenty three seats out of the twenty six available and said oppositions that had been coming to buy radio airtime to make false claims and twist facts.

He used the occasion to reveal that at least eight new industries will soon start operation in Ondo State before the end of the year as five of them are already installing their equipments at the Industrial Park while various water projects in different parts of the state will continue to receive more government attention.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has won majority seats in the Ondo state house of Assembly election held on Saturday.

In the results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state and made available to newsmen , the APC won twenty-three (23) seats.
The Opposition People’s Democratic Party(PDP) won only two seats while Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) got the remaining one seat.
The APC won in Akoko North West I & II ; Akoko South East; Akoko South West I & II ; Akure North ; Akure South I & II ; Ese-Odo ; Ifedore ; Ilaje I & II ; Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo and Irele state constituencies.

Also the party won in Odigbo I & II ; Okitipupa I & II ; Ondo East ; Ondo West 1 ; Ose and Owo I & II .
The PDP won in Idanre and Akoko North East Constituencies, while ZLP won Ondo West 1 constituency.
The ruling APC lost the state to the opposition PDP during the Presidential and National Assembly elections.

In view of the massive distruption of the electoral process in Oba Akoko, Akoko South West Local Government , leading to indiscriminate and criminal shooting, wanton destruction of ballot boxes, properties, vehicles, homes and the general peace of citizens and Oba Akoko, the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN has ordered a total proscription of all human and vehicular movement in the town. All citizens and commuters through Oba Akoko are to stay indoor. All roads within the town are closed down with immediate effect, all commercial activities are are shut down with immediate effect. All human beings are to remain indoors until further notice.
Law enforcement agencies have been ordered to arrest anybody seen on the streets and other unauthorised areas.
Any attempt to test the will of security agencies will be dealt with decisively.

All residents of Oba Akoko are to obey this instruction until further notice.

Gbenga Ale
Chief of Staff
ODGH
9th, February 2019

Over 10 supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Idanre local government area of Ondo State are currently being hospitalised following an attack allegedly sponsored by the People Democratic Party (PDP) and and the wife of the former Chief of Army Staff, Mrs. Lara Ogomudia.

Suspected political thugs allegedly aided by some military men were said to have invaded a ward meeting of APC members in Ala, Idanre on Monday (March 4, 2019).

Eyewitnesses said the suspected gun-wielding thugs shot sporadically into the air to scare hundreds of APC loyalists in the meeting.

COMTRA Chairman, Idanre local government chapter, Mr. Adeleke Oyewole and 10 others were unlucky as they were macheted on the head and hand by the hoodlums.

Also, the military men, who allegedly joined the attack were said to have battered and horsewhipped some members of the party.

Lara, who is the daughter of the traditional ruler of Atosin-Idanre and a staunch supporter of the PDP State House of Assembly candidate for Idanre State Constituency, Hon. Festus Akingbaso a.k.a Obete, was accused of using soldiers to harrass APC members due to her husband influence in the military.

Sources said hoodlums suspected to be loyal to the PDP in Idanre have taken over the town due to the support they enjoyed from the military men.

A source revealed that it took the intervention of the Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo and the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, before these soldiers were withdrawn from Idanre.

"The PDP in Idanre are determined to kill people who may stand on their way of winning this Saturday State Assembly election in Idanre. APC members are now living in fear. The intention is to stop our members from coming out on Saturday to cast their votes.

"PDP thugs are deadly but nothing will deter us from mobilising and for the candidate of APC, who is generally accepted by the people of Idanre" Hon. Abiodun Akinwande, a chieftain of APC said.

One of the Chiefs of the ancient town, who pleaded anonymity called on the security agencies to investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to book.

According to him "for the past 24 months now, Idanre have been peaceful under the present administration unlike what we used to experience in the past, when thuggery became order of the day."

"Some of us are highly disappointed in Lara Ogomudia who brought soldiers to harass people of Idanre, we never knew she could used her connection to intimidate her community."

ONGOING:
The wife of the Executive Governor of Ondo State Mrs Betty-Anyanwu Akeredolu, ahead of the International Women’s Day celebration , on Friday 8th of March, organizes a public lecture today Wednesday 6th of March 2019, at Babafunke Ajasin Auditorium, with Prof Mrs Helen Ogunsuyi of the Federal University of Technology Akure, as the guest lecturer who would be speaking on the Theme “Inspiring Women For Greater Inclusion”.

The wife of the Executive Governor of Ondo State Mrs Betty-Anyanwu Akeredolu, ahead of the International Women’s Day celebration , on Friday 8th of March, organizes a public lecture today Wednesday 6th of March 2019, at Babafunke Ajasin Auditorium, with Prof Mrs Helen Ogunsuyi of the Federal University of Technology Akure, as the guest lecturer who would be speaking on the Theme “Inspiring Women For Greater Inclusion”.

The wife of the Executive Governor of Ondo State Mrs Betty-Anyanwu Akeredolu, ahead of the International Women’s Day celebration , on Friday 8th of March, organizes a public lecture today Wednesday 6th of March 2019, at Babafunke Ajasin Auditorium, with Prof Mrs Helen Ogunsuyi of the Federal University of Technology Akure, as the guest lecturer who would be speaking on the Theme “Inspiring Women For Greater Inclusion”.

Pig farmers in Ondo state have called for the establishment of pig villages in major towns in the state to assist them to boost their production.

Speaking on behalf of the farmers, the Chairman of Ondo State Pig Farmers Association, Mr Andrew Adebayo in an interview with The Hope in Akure described pig farming as a good business.

According to him, Lagos has seven pig villages constructed by the government for pig farmers.

“We went to Lagos and we saw seven pig villages constructed by the government for farmers there. When we came back, we approached the state government to assist us in building such here but no government has assisted us.

“During the administration of Dr Olusegun Agagu, we went and acquired ten hectares of land at Ilutoro in Akure North local government and we paid the necessary compensation from members contribution.

“We started work there on our own. We moulded some blocks which we thought government will come and lay the foundation for us but nothing happened.

“When Dr Olusegun Mimiko came on board, he promised to assist us, he set up a committee but nothing was done. But we heard that there is a proposal now in 2019 budget that government wants to construct a pig village in Ilutoro because what we are doing there presently is small scale and we will be waiting,” he said.

He called on the state government to establish pig villages in towns like Owo, Ikare, Akure,Okitipupa, Ondo, Ore, among others.

While saying more people are embracing pig farming in the state,he said some other people who were into it had left adding that the little that is being done in the state is through the effort of individuals.

Adebayo who said that there is no assistance even at the federal level noted that government promote cattle more than pig saying that pork is better than beef nutritionally.

While stressing that pig farming is profitable, Adebayo said the animal, if properly fed can give one kilogram of meat per day.

“If they are properly managed, given adequate feed, they can give one kilo of meat per day. But when they are not being catered for, they will be shouting and crying. Also when you add anti-fly guard to their feed, they will not give you any unpleasant odour,” he explained .

Adebayo who said marketing pig is not a problem because people consume pork a lot stressed that the association is working on having a sales point since they no longer operate the one they used to have.

“We were at Lafe where we were slaughtering every two weeks but due to change, we no longer operate the place. The director of livestock in the state said we should get a sales point and we are working on it.

“Marketing pig is not a problem. I used to sell a lot of pork every day in my own house but because of poor electricity supply now, that cannot function again,” he said.

He called on government to assist pig farmers in the state adding that it can generate revenue through that.

No fewer than 3500 rice farmers in Ondo State will participate in the 2019 dry season farming being executed under the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Anchor Borrowers Programme.

The state Chairman of Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Prince George Oladapo who made the disclosure while speaking with The Hope in an interview in Akure said the state is working on 7,000 hectares of land for the project.

According to him, there are so many farmers who are yet to be accredited under the pocket of the association adding more people may still be added to them.

Oladapo who said the state had not commenced the distribution of high breed seeds and farm inputs like other states noted that it would receive his own this week so that planting can commence almost simultaneously with other states.

“We are yet to receive our high breed seeds and inputs but we are on the farm, preparing our farm. We will receive our own this week and we will commence planting almost simultaneously with other states in the country,” he said.

Oladapo who said more people are getting interested in rice cultivation in the state stressed that the “we are so lucky in Ondo state, the topographical location is well positioned for rice cultivation, we have vast land, the weather is favourable and we have the manpower because more people are getting interested,” he stressed.

While saying Ondo state will feed the whole country if given the inducement and cooperation, Oladapo said the state is yet to tap in to what it has and called on the state government to embrace all windows of opportunities of finances and inputs to assist farmers.

He also called for assistance in the area of mechanisation and access to tractorisation to enable farmers to boost production.

Oladapo who believed that rice production in the country can conveniently take care of home consumption said the attitude of the people in the last three years and the interest of the the President, Mohammadu Buhari in bringing up rice production has proved it.

“We have stopped importation as well start processing facilities all over the country. Thank God, Mr President and the President elect is favoured towards bringing up rice production in the state”.

According to him, Nigerians must look away from getting white collar jobs especially the youths, look critically into agriculture and make it a profession and means of livelihood.

The 2019 dry season farming is a multi billion naira project being executed under the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Anchor Borrowers Programme targeting 700,000 participating farmers.

The project according to RIFAN President, Aminu Goronyo, is in strict compliance with the use of irrigable land with adequate irrigation facilities under the supervision of extension agents for adequate technology transfer.

Goronyo said last week that each states and FCT had commenced distribution of high breed seeds and farm inputs to participating farmers who would be cultivating 570,000 hectares of land adding that planting would commence simultaneously in the country.

He said CBN has expressed its willingness to continue to give necessary assistance to RIFAN because of its success story in rice production.

The Supreme Court in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has struck out the suit instituted by Segun Abraham against Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN.

Abraham was challenging the emergence of Governor Akeredolu as candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, for the November 2016 governorship election.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday struck out Abraham's case for lack of competence.

The court held in line with the provisions of the fourth alteration especially Section 285 (11) of the 1999 constitution as amended that Abraham failed to file his case within the stipulated 14 days after the cause of action.

The court explained that Abraham approached the court 28 days after the primary election he was challenging instead of the stipulated 14days.

One of the counsels to Governor Akeredolu, Olumide Olujinmi explained that "There is an interlocutory appeal to the court of Appeal and the appeal Court said by virtues of the court operations, nobody has the right to interlocutory appeal

"It's that complain we took to the Supreme Court that we have a right to interlocutory appeal and the Supreme Court, said that the case that is pending at the Federal High Court is not competent. So, there is no need for argument and therefore struck out the case "

Ondo State civil servants on Monday expressed their appreciation to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, for always promoting their interests.

They hailed the governor for refusing to politicise the civil service.
According to them, Governor Akeredolu deserves commendation for doing a lot to alleviate the pains of his administration inherited from the immediate past administration.
The state Head of Service, Mr. Toyin Akinkuotu, spoke the mind of the workers at an expanded meeting the civil servants held with the governor in Akure.

He said: "It is on record that no worker is harassed or intimidated by Akeredolu's administration. The person who alleviated our pains by constantly paying our salaries deserve our commendation.
"He has substantially paid our salary arrears. Promotion of civil servants and other benefits are not left out. We are bold to say that Akeredolu is fulfilling all his pre-election promises to Ondo State civil servants."

The Head of Service, however, promised the workers' continued support for Akeredolu's administration come rain and shine.
In his remarks, Akeredolu said workers' welfare was not what a responsible government should politicise.

Stressing that a labourer deserves his wages, the governor said no condition would make his administration "return the state civil servants to Egypt where they would be owed backlog of salaries."
The civil servants, however, hailed the governor when he broke the long-awaited news to them.
He promised to pay their leave bonus and their remaining one month arrears.

Governor Akeredolu thanked the workers for their support and promised that deserving civil servants would earn their promotion.
It will be recalled that Governor Akeredolu has not owed the state civil servants since he assumed office. I

Experts in the agricultural sector have called on Ondo State Government to ensure there is restriction of movement of birds to the state to prevent the outbreak of Avian Influenza.

These experts who spoke with The Hope in Akure said the effect of the disease can be devastating since it is transmittable and has no cure for it.
A veterinary consultant, Dr Idowu Akingbade who is also a public health consultant said the most active thing to do is to mount a preventive measure so that it will not affect the poultry industry in the state through awareness of both the farmers and the general public.

“Government should mount a preventive measure so that it does not affect the poultry industry in the state. Should it affect it, that means a collapse of the industry and that can affect the economy of the state.

“In the same way, it will also affect the food value chain because the egg producers will not be able to produce and that can lead to food scarcity particularly meat from poultry.

“It should also be noted that there is no cure for the disease once it has started the expression of the symptoms and we have called on farmers not to vaccinate their bird if they notice the symptoms becuase the vaccines are not effective and can bring a different chain of the virus leading to a severe outbreak. Sensitisation is already going on particularly those farmers that are being covered by veterinary doctors.

“We have been telling them to step up there biosecurity measures, that is the upgrade of their sanitary measures, high personal hygiene practice among workers and in the farm to prevent the spread,” he advised.

Akingbade who called on the state government to resuscitate the moribund hatchery centers in both the state ministry of agriculture and ADP said there is no single hatchery center in the state which is why farmers go to neighbouring states to buy day old chicks.

“Egg sellers and chicken sellers should not go to states where there is outbreak already so that they will not import the disease to the state”.

He called on the media to sensitise the public to maintain high personal hygiene and advised that there is regular washing of hands adding that dead bird should not be eaten.

He also called on people who don’t have business in poultry farms should not go there and not touch birds and in case they do, they should follow the laid down hygiene standard.

Also, a general agriculturist and farm supervisor of Luhare Laboratory, Akure, Mr Oladapo Ewete said the normal thing to do when animals are being moved from one location to another is to quarantine them to check if the animals are diseased or not.

According to him, if they are diseased, they should be kept from other flock to prevent the spread of the disease.

Ewete also called on the state government to do public awareness through extension agents. According to him, farmers should be educated on how to identify the viral infection, how to diagnose, prevent and control it.

He advised that if the disease is noticed in any farm, such farm should be decontaminated and animals there should be burnt and buried.

He however charged farmers to insure there farms to prevent total loss in case of eventually.

In the last 2 yrs, @RotimiAkeredolu has been committed towards his desire to transform the state’s economy from being civil service driven to industrialized economy & its unwavering commitment to the provision of an enabling environment for investors to thrive #Aketi2yearsAtWork

Members and Supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State on Wednesday 27th February, 2019 trooped out enmass to celebrate the reelection of President Muhammadu Buhari, the candidate of the APC in the just concluded 2019, National Assembly /Presidential Elections.

APC won the presidential election with 15,191,847 votes against 11,262,968 votes secured by the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In Akure, at the APC Secretariat, Oyemekun road, the State Chairman of the party, Engr Ade Adetimehin led the members of the APC to celebrate the victory of the President.

Also, in Owo, the country home of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, members of the ruling All Progressives Congress trooped out in their numbers to celebrate the reelection of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented certificates of return to President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo of the All Progressives Congress (APC).The certificates were presented to the duo by Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the INEC Chairman.

Two Years Of Great Achievements

Computerised Vehincle Inspection Center takes off in Ondo

As part of the efforts of his administration to priotize the lives and properties of the people of Ondo state, the state governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Tuesday inspected the new computerised Vehincle Inspection Center in Akure, the state capital.

The new facility which is located within the premises of the Vehincle Inspection Office, Akure would inspect one hundred and twenty Vehincles in a day and provide jobs for thirty - six engineers.

Speaking during the governor's visit to the facility, the Managing Director of the company, Segun Obayendo said the facility will be commissioned very soon after the remaining necessary equipment are ready.

He explained that the center is also located at Owo and Ondo, adding that other ones will also be sited in Ikare and Ore thereafter.

The Computerised Vehincle Inspection Center which is already in operation in twelves States across the country is meant to ensure that only vehincles that are road worthy are put on the roads so as to reduce the number of avoidable accidents on the roads.

Govenor Akeredolu said the government is determined to rid the roads in the state of vehicle that are not road worthy. He added that the center is important to car owners to enable them diagonise their vehincles even before taking them to the mechanic workshop.

The Governor said the center will bring confidence back on the roads as only Vehincles with road worthiness certificate will ply roads in the state.

He, however, stressed that the center is not in any way a mechanic workshop but will help create more jobs for the mechanics as more vehicles will visit their workshops.

@Ondo_APC Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin is interviewed by press men. He congratulated the President and expressed his happiness over the party's victory at the poll. He claims that in Ondo, it is #NextLevelAsurred https:///aXDfTLTpot