₦airaland Forum

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Saturday, 19th January, 2019, inspected the level of work done on the construction of Gaga road.

Gaga community is one of the most populated areas in Akure, the Ondo State capital. The Akeredolu 's administration is constructing a 5.569km road in the area.

Before Akeredolu's intervention, residents of the area have lost hope in any government's action on the deplorable state of their road. After series of letter to past governments, they resorted to prayer.

Only car owners in Gaga community can tell you the pains of visiting the mechanics every week. Both dry and raining seasons are always not palatable for dwellers of Gaga Community.

But, today, the story has changed. The Gaga road is among many other roads in the state capital alone that's currently receiving the attention of the Akeredolu's administration. Governor Akeredolu is committed to developing Ondo State.

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Ondo State First Lady, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu exchanging pleasantries with other First Ladies of the southwest

4+4 = God Dey
@floondo
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#NextLevelEngagements
#OndoForBuhari
@ondoforbuhari
PMB&PYO the Southwest.

Happening now: Wives of Governors, south west states awaiting the arrival of First Lady of Nigeria, Mrs. Aisha Buhari and Mrs. Osinbajo, Wife of Vice president @ Ibadan Airport.

4+4 = God Dey
@floondo
#TheCitadel
#NextLevelEngagements
#OndoForBuhari
@ondoforbuhari
PMB&PYO

Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, have appealed to the people of Ifon and Elegbeka in Ose Local government to troop out enmasse to vote for President Buhari in the February 16 poll.

Osinbajo and Akeredolu made the appeal at the Palace of olufon of ifon as part of the house to house campaign of the Vice President to Ondo State.

Osinbajo noted that the election is very important for them to continue the good job started over three years ago.

The Vice President while explaining that corruption has eaten deep to the nation's economy in the last sixteen years of the PDP said the present administration has initiated rail projects, infrastructure, school Feeding program and other social investment program .

Governor Akeredolu in his remarks appreciated the Vice President's visit to the state. He appreciated the VP for the choice of the northern senatorial district of the state for the door to door campaign.

Akeredolu enjoined everyone to give Buhari and Osinbajo the necessary support come next month.

On his part, the Olufon of Ifon ,Oba Isreal Adewusi lauded the Vice President for the visit and pledged their support for the re-election of the President.ome next month.

On his part, the Olufon of Ifon ,Oba Isreal Adewusi lauded the Vice President for the visit and pledged their support for the re-election of the President.

A United Statesnof America based medical team from the University of California, San Diego, known as Sharing Hope Medical Mission has arrived Akure, Ondo State, for a 10 day Medical intervention across the state.

•Ondo First Lady, Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu
Receiving the medical experts at her office, the First Lady of Ondo State, Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu expressed happiness on their visit which, according to her, is an entry point to a good and lasting relationship between Ondo State and the team from the University of California.

She also used the medium to solicit the partnership of the University of California for Cancer care in Ondo State especially in the area of research.

Responding, the leader of the delegation, Emeka Anyanwu, said they were in the state on the invitation of Mrs Akeredolu in response to her advocacy for health intervention in Ondo State.


The Nigerian-born American also said that his team, which is committed to medical missions in Africa, is ever ready to deliver lectures, clinical hospital support and capacity building in partnership with UNIMEDTH, and carry out need assessment at some chosen medical facilities in Ondo State. The group comprises of specialists across the branches of medicine.


Also speaking, the Chief Medical Director of Ondo State University of Medical Science Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH), Dr Ige Oluwole, said that they are ready to partner with the development partners to give the people of Ondo State the best they deserve, and expressed hope that there will be a symbiotic sharing of knowledge between them.

UNTIL few months ago, Ondo State had been unfortunate to be haunted by a specter of dilapidated, weather beaten and ragged public primary and secondary schools which dot the length and breath of the state.

MANY of them were relics of the Mungo Park era with jagged roof tops, broken walls and scruffy environment.

INSTANCES abound where some of the schools had become an abode for drug peddlers, gamblers and sundry criminals to peddle their wares.

LIKE a Sherrif in town, the Akeredolu administration is gradually rewriting the trajectory of public institutions which were once rejected by anxious parents whose confidence is now gradually being restored to patronise public schools.

IT is heart warming that within 18 months in the saddle, this administration has injected a whopping N7 billion to breathe a new life into public schools through award of contracts and provision of facilities.

ALREADY, plans are afoot to award more contracts as advertisements have been placed in newspapers asking contractors to apply. The huge money being expended by this administration on the renovation of public schools, is a vote of confidence which Governor Akeredolu himself, a product of public institution has deployed in making public primary and secondary schools centers of excellence in the state.

NO fewer than 523 primary schools scattered across the three senatorial districts of the state had been renovated. This represents about 51 percent of the total schools in Ondo State.

SPEAKING on the renovation of secondary schools, the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Emmanuel Igbasan disclosed that over N7billion had been expended on the project adding that the present administration is committed to the development of education.

HE said the governor granted the access to a substantial part of the money covering the renovation of secondary schools in the state.

NEEDLESS to say, where our children get their education has an effect on their lives, and this is very crucial to give them the best start in life, not only in terms of mental health but also academic improvement.

THE HOPE believes this is the right time to renovate our secondary schools, as a way out of the current infrastructural rot affecting the sector.

ADVANCED countries have established parameters towards academic improvement, and Ondo State needs to follow the trend . We cannot shy away from the need to give secondary school students the very best that the state is capable of giving.

OUR belief is that unless schools are renovated, it will be difficult to enhance students’ academic performance, as there is a clear evidence that well-designed primary and secondary schools boost children’s academic performance in reading, writing and performance

ANOTHER philosophy behind the renovation of schools is that improved infrastructure will of course influence parental perceptions and satisfaction, making them want to invest in the education of their children.

THOUGH some may complain that schools seem to be renovated year-in-year-out by different administrations, it is also becoming clearer by the day that the advantages overwhelm the money spent on the projects.

FOR example, schools’ renovation has been found to increase collaboration between students, and it is said by experts to revolutionalise how schools operate towards improving the lives of everyone who works and studies in them.

ONCE again, we commend the Ondo State Government for setting aside funds for the renovation of secondary schools in the state. There seems to be a problem with accessing the funds for secondary schools’ renovation before the governor graciously granted the budgetary provision. Something needs to be done so as to ensure that the situation does not arise in the future.

WE recommend that government pays its matching funds for secondary schools’ renovation promptly in the future.

ADVANCED countries have realised that education is not just about buildings. They have put on their thinking caps and came up with the idea of stocking their schools with computers connected to the internet. That is why their schools are exciting. There is no reason why Ondo State should not follow suit.

ONCE again, we commend the Ondo State Government for its commitment towards the renovation of schools in the state, as it is a measure to ensure that the State retains its position as one of the foremost states as far as education is concerned.

The International Federation of Women Lawyers in Ondo State on Tuesday hailed Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, for the numerous developmental projects his administration has embarked on and completed in the state.

The association led by the Chairperson, Bola Joel - Ogundadegbe declared their satisfaction with the achievements recorded by the Governor so far.

The team was received by the Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, at the Governor's office, Alagbaka, Akure.

The Chairperson said "We commend the Governor for all the good works he's doing. Mr. Governor has really touched every sector in the state. Is it Agriculture and Industrialization? Infact, the water project this administration is doing has received global applaud

"The water project has really touched the lives of the people at the grassroot. We have seen massive construction of roads. Without making noise, you have performed very well and we are proud of you

"We are here representing the women folks, we talk to them, we feel their pulse and they are happy with you. They have asked us to pray for you that God will continue to support you

"We are not praise singers, but when we see a performing governor, we support him. Our association is not political. If someone is performing why should you change the person, you are performing sir."

Ogundadegbe explained that the association was set up to promote and protect the interest of women in the society and also helping with the education of children and looking after the welfare of women.

"We also help to eradicate prostitution. We support the promotion of peace. Without peace in the society nothing can be done. "

In his response, the governor appreciated the association for their efforts at promoting and protecting the interest of the women selflessly.

The Governor said his administration is working tirelessly to ensure that the issue of rape and defilement of the underage which has become rampant and other aberrant attitude become a thing of the past.

Ondo state governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has mandated the State Information and Technology Agency (SITA) to get the biometric data of every motorist and Okada riders in Ondo state, He expressed hope that the exercise will assist greatly in flushing out all criminal activities associated with the motorists and Okada riders.
#OndoSecuritySummit
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We have started to see the effect of the Operation Egwu Eke III exercise as all these crime prone areas have been quiet of late. Thanks to the Brigade Commander and his officers and men for their gallantry. - @RotimiAkeredolu #ArmedForcesRemembranceDay #AketiAtWork

*ONDO state Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, arrives at the state Cenotaph for the 2019 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

Indications emerged, last night, that President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, Adamu Mohammed, as acting Inspector General of Police. Adamu Mohammed Vanguard gathered that the appointment followed a meeting the President had with the outgoing IGP, Ibrahim Idris, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Efforts to confirm this from spokesman of the President, Mallam Garba Shehu, however, proved fruitless as he said he was not in a position to confirm the information. Similarly, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, also said there was no official confirmation of the appointment.

But it was learned that the acting IGP was appointed by the President, in view of the retirement of the incumbent on January 3, 2019, when he clocked the mandatory 35 years in service. He will be 60 years today. AIG Abubakar Adamu Mohammed hails from Lafia in Nasarawa State. He was brought from National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS.

He was Deputy Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State, Commissioner of Police, Enugu State and has also served at Interpol and FCIID, Alagbon for some years before he was promoted to the rank of AIG.

The retirement of the outgoing IGP has generated so much controversies as opinions of stakeholders in the polity had been mixed. While some wanted him retained as the 2019 elections draw nearer, others contended that he should not be allowed to superintend the polls due to the controversies that had dogged his activities in office.

Beneficiaries of the Federal Government Social Intervention Program in Ondo state on Monday trooped out enmass to show their support for the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo.

The beneficiaries marched from the Governor's office, Alagbaka, Akure to the Adegbemile Cultural Centre where they were addressed by the Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN.

One by one, the beneficiaries took turn to give testimonies of the success they have recorded through the Social Intervention Program of the Buhari's administration.

In their hundreds, the beneficiaries which are drawn out of various groups chanted songs to reaffirm their commitment to the re-election of President Buhari and Prof. Osinbajo.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu who flagged off the door - to - door campaign, said its time for the people to reciprocate the gesture of the President.

Akeredolu said since one good turn deserves another, the benefiacries which are over 14,000 must be committed to the re-election of the President and also ensure that their families and relatives vote for President Buhari and Prof. Osinbajo.

He said "Preach the gospel of what Buhari has done. He's ready to do more. One good turn deserves another. We are improving schools, we are giving more contracts out to build and reconstruct many more schools as from next month

"Tell those who are not yet included in the school feeding that they will soon be included. We are here to urge you, to please go out and vote for Buhari, that's the only way to show appreciation. Let's go and work. We will not forget you. "

� Nguher Gabrielle Zaki

Residents of Bolorunduro, headquarter of Ondo East local government area of Ondo State have given kudos to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, for constructing the long abandoned road in the area.

The residents, majorly farmers, appreciated the Governor for fulfilling his campaign promise to the people and putting smiles on their faces.

One of the residents, Mr Olufunso Ademukolu said the Construction of the road at Bolorunduro is evidential testimony of the Governor's determination to implement all his campaign promises.

He said "the road that had been long abandoned by successive administrations under the pretense of paucity of funds has now been completed in less than six months after flag-off by the Akeredolu's administration

"Before now the road was in deplorable condition we find it a difficult task before we could transport our farm produce to the market . Not only that, many of our farm produce rot away in the farm because the cost of transporting them to the market is high due to bad road.”

He said the constructed road has improved their economy.

Another resident, Mr Babatunde Alakinde, said with the construction of the road, he will no longer evade tax because he can see what the government is using their money to do.

He thanked the Governor for the road projects, saying that opening up of the area will bring speedy development.

The Ondo East Local Government Chairman, Mr Akinkuotu Olawale thanked the Governor for remembering the people of the area saying, “we are looking forward for more of such projects, we have been talking to our people, assuring them of more dividends of democracy to come from the Governor, which they promise to reciprocate with much votes”.

He promised to consolidate on the track record of the Akeredolu led administration targeted at making the welfare of the people the priority by bringing governance to their door step.http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/Bolorunduro's-residents-give-kudos-to-Akeredolu-over-construction-of-road

The Ondo State government has restated its resolve to continue to put up developmental projects and policies that will impact the lives of the people at the grassroots and improve their total well-being.

The Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu stated this at the 2019 Oreyin Day and launching of N50m ultrasound modern palace of Isarun in Ifedore Local Government area of the state at the weekend.

The governor represented by his deputy, Agboola Ajayi congratulated the community for the celebration of the 2019 Oreyin day, urging the indigenes to continue to live together in harmony and peace to enable more development in the area.

While reiterating the various efforts of the present government to bring about sustainable development in the state, Akeredolu assured the people of his administration’s determination to leave the state better than it met it.

Speaking at the event, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr Bamidele Oleyelogun thanked governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, for the “ongoing monumental projects in Ifedore local government area and the state in general”.

He particularly lauded the ongoing reconstruction and renovations of primary schools across the state, noting that the move has improved, in no small measure, the education sector in the state and the local economy through the involvement of artisans and traders within the locality.

The Chairman of the occasion, CEO Elizade Group of Companies, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo urged the sons and daughters of the town home and abroad to unite together and contribute meaningfully within their powers to the development of the ancient town.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Isarun Development Council, Pharm Famakinde thanked the government on behalf of the community for the construction of Isarun and Igbara -Oke township roads and other road network in Ifedore local government area of the state.

He however appealed to the government to look into the development of the Town’s tourist attraction “Cave of ashes” site in a view to constructing good roads for easy access for the comfort of tourists.

He recalled that the cave of ashes in the community which had existed thousands of years BC has been acknowledged and enlisted by international bodies as having great tourist potentials, saying it could bring about a turn around to the economy of the town and that of the entire state if fully harnessed.

Residents of Bolorunduro, headquarter of Ondo East local government area of Ondo State have given kudos to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, for constructing the long abandoned road in the area.

The residents, majorly farmers, appreciated the Governor for fulfilling his campaign promise to the people and putting smiles on their faces.

One of the residents, Mr Olufunso Ademukolu said the Construction of the road at Bolorunduro is evidential testimony of the Governor's determination to implement all his campaign promises.

He said "the road that had been long abandoned by successive administrations under the pretense of paucity of funds has now been completed in less than six months after flag-off by the Akeredolu's administration

"Before now the road was in deplorable condition we find it a difficult task before we could transport our farm produce to the market . Not only that, many of our farm produce rot away in the farm because the cost of transporting them to the market is high due to bad road.”

He said the constructed road has improved their economy.

Another resident, Mr Babatunde Alakinde, said with the construction of the road, he will no longer evade tax because he can see what the government is using their money to do.

He thanked the Governor for the road projects, saying that opening up of the area will bring speedy development.

The Ondo East Local Government Chairman, Mr Akinkuotu Olawale thanked the Governor for remembering the people of the area saying, “we are looking forward for more of such projects, we have been talking to our people, assuring them of more dividends of democracy to come from the Governor, which they promise to reciprocate with much votes”.

He promised to consolidate on the track record of the Akeredolu led administration targeted at making the welfare of the people the priority by bringing governance to their door step.

Ahead of tomorrow’s flag-off of President Muhammadu Buhari’s campaign rallies, the President was, yesterday, locked in a strategy meeting with his Presidential Campaign Council. The absence of all 24 All Progressives Congress, APC, governors at the meeting, however, prompted mutterings of disharmony in the campaign.

The claims of muttering arose from President Buhari’s charge on the electorate not to re-elect any governor found to be owing salaries during the inauguration of the council last Monday.

That claim was, however, rebuffed by several APC operatives, including the party’s national chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Governor Rochas Okorocha, chairman of APC Governors Forum, APC national publicity secretary, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu and APC presidential campaign spokesman, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN. Yesterday’s meeting of APC presidential campaign council was graced by Buhari, the co-chairman, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Director-General, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, and other officials of the council.

The meeting was called to strategise on operations for the APC presidential rallies flagging off tomorrow in Bauchi. Speaking at the meeting yesterday, President Buhari charged those who were present to uphold the virtues of the party as he said there was no political challenge that they cannot conquer.

“You are the cream of the party, and I assure you that with unity of purpose and effective harmony and communication, there is no political opponent you cannot overcome,” he said before the meeting went into closed doors. A senior campaign official present at the meeting told Vanguard, yesterday, that Buhari would attend the rallies in all 36 states beginning with the one in Bauchi tomorrow. However, particularly missing at the meeting were all 24 governors of the party who are members of the council and at the same time state coordinators of the Buhari campaign.

However, that insinuation was pooh-poohed, yesterday, by the APC national chairman, Oshiomhole who said the governors stayed back in their states to attend to governance issues. He said: “Don’t forget that elections are not defined in Abuja, it will take place in the 36 states, and I am sure there are APC members who are campaigning for the House of Assembly, various federal House and Senate constituencies, governorship constituencies.

“The achievements of Mr. President are all there for people to see and I think the entire country is quite excited quite unlike our colleagues in the PDP who do not seem to have anything except to criticize, attempt to run campaigns of calumny and false accusations against us in the APC.

“Today (Thursday) we are meeting to restrategize and conclude, dot the ‘i’s and cross the ‘t’s in the campaign structure so that we can come out with not just a formidable campaigns across the country but also sensitive our people in terms of voter education, we are ready for it.”

Ahead of tomorrow’s flag-off of President Muhammadu Buhari’s campaign rallies, the President was, yesterday, locked in a strategy meeting with his Presidential Campaign Council. The absence of all 24 All Progressives Congress, APC, governors at the meeting, however, prompted mutterings of disharmony in the campaign.

The claims of muttering arose from President Buhari’s charge on the electorate not to re-elect any governor found to be owing salaries during the inauguration of the council last Monday.

That claim was, however, rebuffed by several APC operatives, including the party’s national chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Governor Rochas Okorocha, chairman of APC Governors Forum, APC national publicity secretary, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu and APC presidential campaign spokesman, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN. Yesterday’s meeting of APC presidential campaign council was graced by Buhari, the co-chairman, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Director-General, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, and other officials of the council.

The meeting was called to strategise on operations for the APC presidential rallies flagging off tomorrow in Bauchi. Speaking at the meeting yesterday, President Buhari charged those who were present to uphold the virtues of the party as he said there was no political challenge that they cannot conquer.

“You are the cream of the party, and I assure you that with unity of purpose and effective harmony and communication, there is no political opponent you cannot overcome,” he said before the meeting went into closed doors. A senior campaign official present at the meeting told Vanguard, yesterday, that Buhari would attend the rallies in all 36 states beginning with the one in Bauchi tomorrow. However, particularly missing at the meeting were all 24 governors of the party who are members of the council and at the same time state coordinators of the Buhari campaign.

However, that insinuation was pooh-poohed, yesterday, by the APC national chairman, Oshiomhole who said the governors stayed back in their states to attend to governance issues. He said: “Don’t forget that elections are not defined in Abuja, it will take place in the 36 states, and I am sure there are APC members who are campaigning for the House of Assembly, various federal House and Senate constituencies, governorship constituencies.

“The achievements of Mr. President are all there for people to see and I think the entire country is quite excited quite unlike our colleagues in the PDP who do not seem to have anything except to criticize, attempt to run campaigns of calumny and false accusations against us in the APC.

“Today (Thursday) we are meeting to restrategize and conclude, dot the ‘i’s and cross the ‘t’s in the campaign structure so that we can come out with not just a formidable campaigns across the country but also sensitive our people in terms of voter education, we are ready for it.”

Ondo State chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Ade Adetimehin has assured the people of Idanre Local Government of more road construction and massive empowerment schemes

Adetimehin made this known at the first anniversary of the Chairman of Agbajowo Timber Flitchers Association, Elder Babatunde Akinnaso.

At the ceremony held at the Palace of Owa of Idanre Kingdom, Adetimehin assured that the new road to link Odode Idanre to Akure which is under construction would be completed before the end of the year.

He announced that a comprehensive empowerment programme would be held at Idanre very soon.

The APC chairman assured all his party’s candidates at all levels of success in the coming elections just as he called on the people of Idanre to rally round and ensure that President Muhammadu Buhari and other contestants win their various seats.

Adetimehin who congratulated Akinnaso for being a good and visionary leader, charged him not to relent on the service delivery to his people.

High Chief Alex Ajike who gave kudos to the people of Idanre for the existing peace, commended Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, for being the first Ondo State Governor to rub minds with flitchers and as a firm believer in providing level playing ground for all to legitimately ply their trades.

He revealed that fliching business has earned the state government over N200 million.

Earlier, Akinnaso who listed some of the landmark achievements he has recorded, lauded the State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who according to him, had given them uninterrupted approval on flitching in conformity with the law guiding its operations in Ondo State.

The Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and incumbent President, Muhammadu Buhari, will win the 2019 Presidential election, despite the support being given to his main rival, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar by former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo.



A stalwart of the APC, Mr R.O. Kazeem stated this in a chat with The Hope in Ikare Akoko.

Kazeem who is the chairman of the National Anti Doping Agency said with the release of the statistical data of the total number of registered voters in all the geo political zones of the country by INEC, it showed that Buhari is having the upper hand.

“INEC has just released the data of the total registered voters in Nigeria. The Northwest which is the home of Buhari is leading with a whopping 20 million voters while the base of Atiku which is the Northeast is having only 11million registered voters, tell me if this is anything to go by, I think Buhari is already having a plus to his credit”



“Again come to the Southwest, Lagos State is having more registered voters than any of her counterparts and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is in firm control there. The victory of Buhari is also sure in this place”.

” Then come to Ondo State, the Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has donated buses to the Buhari/Osibanjo Campaign group. This is an indication that the governor is not relenting in the reelection of President Buhari and even, Okorocha who is not happy with the outcome of the governorship primaries in his state has continued to work for the reelection of the president, so with this, victory is sure for him”.

He posited that winning election is not about the noise and propaganda in the newspapers or in the electronic or social media.

“Winning election is not all about the noise on the radio or television. It is not about the amount of noise you make in the newspapers. It is not also the amount of fake news you spread on the social media or the acclaimed votes you get on the walls of Facebook users. It is about the reality on ground and that reality favours Buhari”.

On support of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to the PDP candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Kazeem said this will not stop the APC from winning.

According to him, the support of Obasanjo will not carry the PDP candidate far.

The lawyer and Akoko community leader declared that the former president cannot control the whole of the Southwest, Ogun State inclusive, not to talk of the entire country.

He therefore sees Buhari as a political party himself and that he is loved by people across all political parties and this will further boost his victory in the election.

Managerial laxity is responsible for the delay in the payment of the allowances of the Ondo State athletes , Commissioner for Youths Development and Sports, Mr Saka Yusuf Ogunleye has said.

Ogunleye who stated this while responding to the state athletes who assembled at the State Sports Complex Akure, demanding for the payment of their allowances, said :”the fault was not on the part of the government, rather it was caused by their management who failed to present the file for approval”.

He pointed out that the current government is not aware that the athletes were owed by the last administration.

According to him, “We are not omnipotent that are every where , we can only act on what is brought to our table. There is no letter before me or the Governor to the effect that this government is owing them such amount of money.

“When we came on board the file brought before me that we are owing athletes was presented to the Governor and he graciously approved the payment for almost ten months, he also paid another tranches from that time till May last year.

“The Governor also gave approval for May to December 2018 allowance, since it is stipends we don’t pay them monthly”, Ogunleye said.

He added that “they got approval in December to pay another tranches , but before we can get the money there are some administrative processes to follow , from finance ministry getting warrant of release , to accountant general and all that , that is why it was delayed.

“The eight months they were requesting for was owed by the immediate past administration, which was never presented to us.

“We all know that government is a continuum, at least ,the Government of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akerodolu has paid six months arrears owed the civil servants in the state by the past administration , so how could a government that paid such arrears, now find it hard to pay the athletes that has done the state proud in national and international events.

“It has just been brought to my attention that they were being owed eight months by the past administration, I called for the file and what was on the file was addressed to the former Governor .

“Now that I have seen the file, I have asked the General Manager to write to that effect , I will take it to the Governor for approval for payment”, he stated.

He assured the athletes that the other one that had been approved will be paid immediately the cash is released.

“This issue on ground is just an in house affair and it’s not new in a Sports arena”.

Meanwhile, the athletes had gathered at the entrance of the State Sports Complex in a peaceful protest requesting that their 16 months allowances be paid.

1. Construction of Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Highway. The project is being funded by the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF), established by President Buhari in 2018 to fund critical infrastructure projects. (ongoing)

2. Dualisation of Kano–Wudil–Shuari section of Kano–Maiduguri Road linking Kano–Jigawa–Bauchi–Yobe–Borno States. (Section I) (ongoing)

3. Dualisation of Kano–Katsina Road Phase I, Kano Town (Dawanau roundabout to Katsina border in Kano) (ongoing)

4. Completed 135km Sokoto–Tambuwal–Jega Road.

5. Construction of Kano Western Bypass, as an extension of dualisation of Kano–Maiduguri Road Section I (ongoing)

6. Construction of Kaduna Eastern Bypass, Kaduna (ongoing)

7. Construction of Modern Medical Diagnostic Centre at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Kano (ongoing)

8. Completed Sabke Water Supply Project, Katsina State

9. Completed Shagari Irrigation Project, Sokoto State

10. Completed Galma Dam, Kaduna State.

11. Energizing Education Programme, an initiative of the FGN to provide sustainable and clean power supply to Federal Universities and University Teaching Hospitals across Nigeria, is being implemented in the Bayero University–New Campus, Kano; and the Usmanu Danfodiyo University–Main Campus, Sokoto

12. Transmission Infrastructure (completed):

a. 60MVA Transformer in Dan Agundi Substation, Kano

b. 2X60MVA Transformer in Kakuri Substation, Kaduna

c. 60MVA Transformer in Katsina Substation

d. 40MVA Mobile Substation at Zaria, Kaduna State, added capacity 32MW (2017)

e. 2x40MVA 132/33KV Power Transformer at Daura, Katsina State, added capacity 64MW (2017)

f. 60MVA 132/33KV Power Transformers at Hadejia, Jigawa State, added capacity 48MW (2017)

g. 60MVA 132/33KV Power Transformers at Funtua, Katsina State, added capacity 48MW (2017)

h. 60MVA 132/33KV Power Transformers at Sokoto, Sokoto State, added capacity 48MW (2016)

13. Social Investment Programme:

a. 95,900 N-Power Beneficiaries across the seven States of the North West.

b. School Feeding currently ongoing in 5 States of the North West: Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Zamfara and Sokoto

14. Sabon Gari and Kantin Kwari Market Electrification Projects: The Federal Government is implementing its Energizing Economies Programme, which will bring stable and reliable electricity to the 13,000 shops in Sabon Gari Market, and 7,700 shops in Kantin Kwari Market, both in Kano.

15. Construction of 215MW Kaduna Power Plant, Kaduna (ongoing)

16. Construction of 10MW Katsina Wind Power Plant, Katsina: (As of Q1 2018, 15 of the 37 turbines had been installed and put to use, producing about 4MW)

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, attended the Presidential Launch of the Second National Strategic Health Development Plan and the roll out of the implementation of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund and the disbursement of fund to high performing States under the saving One Million Lives Programme Results (SOML- PforR) on Tuesday, 8th January, 2019 at Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja.

FORMER Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu will lead the Presidential Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress (APC), President Muhammadu Buhari said yesterday.

The President said the designation of the APC chieftain as leader of his re-election campaign will allow him to concentrate on governance.

“But, I must also add that though we will all be deeply involved, I would like to assure the nation that I will do my part without making governance or my work suffer,” Buhari said while inaugurating the APC Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja yesterday.

The President, who said that the ruling party is seeking a fresh mandate to consolidate its achievements, added that a victory for the APC translates to a victory for Nigerians.

Listing the landmarks of the APC-led administration in the various sectors of the economy, Buhari said he was running on records.

He reminded Nigerians of the consequences of endorsing those who plundered the nation’s commonwealth for 16 unbroken years. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ruled for 16 years before it lost power in 2015.

Buhari said: “A victory for the party is a victory for all well-meaning Nigerians, who are committed to CHANGE from an inglorious past; where those in positions of public trust wilfully took for themselves what belongs to all; where the security of the citizens was second place to their acquisition of unwholesome wealth.”

Besides, the President explained the role of Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi as the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council.

He said: “To my mind, the division of responsibility is clear enough. The leadership that has formulated the campaign policy will supervise its execution; the Director-General will have overall responsibility for all aspects of the campaign, including field operations, while the Secretary will be responsible for all administrative and treasury-related activities of the council.”

The President urged the council’s leadership, including those in charge of field operations and the secretariat, to consult with Tinubu whenever guidance is needed.

No fewer than 18,000 youths in Ondo State have been selected to partake in the training in various fields of agriculture organised by the state government as part of efforts to create employment through agriculture.

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu disclosed this during the presentation of certificates to 40 participants in a training programme on the cassava enterprise project organised by Star Deepwater Petroleum Limited in partnership with Partnership Initiative in the Niger Delta and the Ondo State Agricultural Business Empowerment Centre.

The governor, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Agriculture, Mr. Akin Olotu, stated that 1,000 youths from each of the 18 local government areas of the state would participate in the programme, adding that it would start next year.



According to him, the state government will also provide soft loans for graduates who are interested in agriculture.

“This administration is committed to taking the youth out of unemployment through agriculture,” he said.

The governor stressed the need to make agriculture attractive to the youth, urging them to embrace it.

He stated that the state government had commenced moves to lay the foundation for economic development in the state.

Akeredolu also explained that the state government recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation in Oke Luse, Ose Local Government Area of the state on how to develop agriculture.

Also speaking at the event, the Market Development Officer, PIND, Mr. Emmanuel Nwala, said the 40 youths who received the certificates were recruited and commenced training in 2015, with each participant allocated 2.5 hectares of land to cultivate cassava.

According to him, all the participants have planted cassava and are awaiting harvest, adding that PIND and other organisations involved in the training were excited to see “what these farmers do with their businesses and their earnings, and the impact they will make on their communities.”

Nwala expressed optimism that the partnership would go a long way to address the challenges of youth unemployment in the state and would also serve as a model for boosting income.



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A socio-political group, the New Liberation Forum, NLF, said that the case instituted by a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr. Olusegun Abraham challenging the nomination of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State as APC Flag-bearer in the November 2016 Governorship election was aimed at distracting the governor adding that it will fail like the biblical wall of Jericho.

It would be recalled that a 3man panel of the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja on Friday January 4, 2019 had struck out the appeals filed by Governor Akeredolu and the APC on the ground that the filling of the appeals is contrary to the spirit and letters of Section 285 (8, 11, 12) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (4th Alteration, No 21) ACT 2017.

It also assured people of the state that Governor Rotimi Akeredolu remains committed to making the state a better place. Speaking on behalf of the group, the state coordinator, Adewale Olowofoyekun said the case instituted by a chieftain of the party, Dr. Abraham challenging the nomination of Akeredolu as APC Flag-bearer in November 2016 Governorship election in the state will fail like the biblical wall of Jericho. Olowofoyekun added that Governor Akeredolu through his transformation agenda as put the state on the right tracks.

He described Akeredolu’s administration as people-friendly and widely supported by all and sundry in the state. He noted that the APC governorship primary in the state which produced Governor Akeredolu as the candidate of the party was free, fair and devoid of irregularities. Olowofoyekun said: “Akeredolu is the most hardworking Governor ever produced in the state; such that people’s faith in the government is unshakable.”

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has expressed optimism of members to work for the victory of the party in the forthcoming 2019 general elections.



This was contained in the statement signed and made available to The Hope by its Director of Media and Publicity, Mr. Steve Otaloro.

In the statement, the party disclosed that members of the party had expressed high level of satisfaction with the good works of the Reconciliation Committee put in place by the National Working Committee to resolve the post primary election and other contending issues within the party, in order, to return President Muhammadu Buhari and the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to office.

It explained that survey had shown that largest percentage of the contending issues were resolved nationwide by the Reconciliation Committee.

The statement stated, “But, what perhaps, should bring us the greatest pleasure is the good works of the Reconciliation Committee put in place by our party National Working Committee (NWC) to resolve the post primary election issues and other contending issues within our party. Survey showed that 90% of the contending issues were resolved nationwide.”

“Hence, about 9 in 10 of the members polled expressed a high level of satisfaction; and a great percentage of our members, especially, in Ondo State felt satisfied, and are willing to work for the interest of the party.”

Otaloro noted that year 2018 was full of challenges for the party ranging from the fallout from the party’s national convention, the aftermath of the primary election and the harmful effects of the legislative struggles combined to trigger a mild political impasse in the party in the state.

He further noted that the party’s leadership legal battle which was finally put to rest with a court judgement favourable to the current executive led by Mr. Ade Adetimehin was a sign of good omen to the party in the coming elections.

The party in the statement commended the State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for his great strive and progress in the area of infrastructure renewal, multi billion naira road projects, restoration of electricity to South Senatorial District in the state and investments in many industrial sectors to provide employment among others without delay.


The party assured of the continuous fulfilment of its electoral campaign promises to turn around the state with good projections in 2019.http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/APC-members-to-work-for-Buhari%E2%80%99s-victory2

We have effectively utilised the N7.8 billion budgeted for Ondo State Universal Basic Education .

The Chairman, Ondo State Universal Basic Education, Princess, Oladunni Odu disclosed this in an interview with The Hope during the new prayer meeting held at the Governors office in Akure.



According to her: ” we have added value to the N7.8b we got from the government for the basic education in the state”.

She said that all the 18 local government areas of the state were touched in the area of schools renovation or building of new structures.


She said” if you go to all the nooks and crannies of the state, even into the interiors, you will see schools being renovated, this year, with the money given to us by the state government and marching grants from the Federal government, we will to renovate or build more schools”

The Chairman also stated that plans are on to renovate and construct 250 more schools this year.

Odu said basic education is returning to agriculture and sport, adding that boreholes and new furniture will be provided in schools across the state.

“We will provide boreholes, furniture and even do more because the basic education sector is returning to agriculture, so we are going to build poultry farms ,fisheries in our schools and also in the area of sport, so that our children can be healthy in body and in mind,we are going into badminton, volley ball and also buying sporting equipment in our schools” Odu stated.

She also disclosed that the state government has voted two percent into quality assurance in order to have quality education.

The Chairman therefore thanked the governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) for his support and believe in the basic education sector that once the foundation is right, every other things built on it will be very good.

Residents of Oke – Ayo, in Ondo West Local Government Area of Ondo State have commended the zeal and pace at which the present administration led by Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) has been handling developmental projects across the state.


The people, who spoke through their Chairman, Mr Olusola Abiodun, lauded the various road projects and tarring of access roads of rural areas embarked upon by Arakunrin Akeredolu’s administration .

The community, comprising of Ore-Meji, Abdullah and Oke-Ayo with a large population of about 10,000 people, however urged the government to remember them also, in this wind of development that is blowing across the state.

The Chairman said the commitment and zeal of the Governor in opening up the rural roads is no doubt a better way for the citizenry to enjoy the dividends of democracy and provide social amenities.

He said the problem of road in the area has worsen to the extent that the inhabitants of the area can no longer drive their cars.

Olusola noted that the little maintenance of the road in the recent past was carried out by the community, adding that there is little they could do, due to paucity of funds.

“We have seen and heard what this administration is doing in developing rural areas by linking one community to the other through grading of rural roads”, he stated.

He pleaded with the new caretaker Chairman of Ondo West Local Government Area. Akinsulire Ebenezer Ayodeji to come to their aid.

Ondo state Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA) has projected that it would generate N600million revenue to the coffers of the state government this year.

The Secretary of the ONDIPA, Mr Emmanuel Omomowo said the agency surpassed its targeted IGR last year with about 300 percent when it made N118million against the N53million target given.

For this year, N260 million target have been given for the agency to generate.

According to the Head of Investment promotion, Dr Adeola Richard Alonge, the Agency knows the importance of IGR to the state government which he declared was a major reason for the establishment of the agency.

Alonge was optimistic that the agency will meet the projected value of the sum earmarked for it before the second quarter of the year.

He said the agency has since inception in 2017 contributed to the development of the state pointing to creating and promoting the air transport system within the state.

It was disclosed that the agency through the present administration increased the flight schedules to Abuja and Lagos from three times to six times a week for Abuja route and created that of Lagos on a daily basis.

The routes, it was revealed were not commercially viable before which made the state to give an initial sponsorship before they are now viable.

“ONDIPA has done that because of the rate of kidnapping, to avoid the idea of investors travelling long hours before reaching Akure which has open up the state for investors”, he noted.

He said the Agency has put up some data in place to present to the Federal government for approval of the deep-sea port any moment from now.

He confirmed that a lot of memorandum of Understanding has been signed with credible investors for the Sugar cane value chain project, Ethanol, egg powderization , rice project and a host of others.

While speaking on investment promotion in the state , Alonge said that government is promoting numerous things but particularly those that have economic value.

Among those things promoted are oil palm, bitumen, lime stone, cocoa, and rubber to mention just few.

“We have various products and our investment does not end at a particular table. We are promoting the lime stone so as to get cement factory, oil Palm to get more investment in the oil Palm sector, cocoa value addition for chocolate, we have rubber and we are encouraging the rubber company”, he stressed.

#RoadTo2019
#OndoForBuhari

Wife of the President, Dr Aisha Buhari kick-starts the Women and Youth 2019 Presidential Campaign Rally in Kano.

#TheCitadelTower.

State government intervention to the challenges encountered in the education sector
Governor Odunayo Oluwarotimi Akeredolu inaugurated the strategic development and policy implementation committee to develop a detailed sectoral policy and programs for the education/technology sector. Since the inception of the committee, the government has successfully launched out these projects and many more
Provision of recommended textbooks to libraries at least in core subjects of English and the STEM fields – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
Provisions of Computer set in schools to improve digital literacy.
School environment was made attractive through beautification and landscaping
Career counselling particularly in the choice of subject combination should be provided for students
Commencement of tertiary institutions abandoned projects
Provision of running grants to schools
Commencement of provision of scholarships on merit for deserving students in secondary/ tertiary institutions
Provision of necessary counterpart funding to access outstanding UBEC 3.6 Billion naira fund arrears
Upward review of incentives for teachers posted to difficult terrains
Regular monthly release, in advance, of feeding and maintenance grants to 4 special schools

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has urged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to double their efforts to ensure a resounding victory for the ruling party at the forthcoming elections.

He gave the advice yesterday at the inauguration of the Women and Youth Presidential Campaign Team at the old Banquet Hall of the State House in Abuja.

The President also urged them to intensify their door-to-door campaign to remind Nigerians why the administration should be given a second term.

He said: “The Women and Youth Presidential Campaign Team being inaugurated today was constituted to support the Presidential Campaign Council which I chair.

This shows the importance with which we view the role of women and youths as the backbone of the electorate.

“As such, they should be the drivers of our campaign. More so, they are the major direct and indirect beneficiaries of our social investment programmes.

“In carrying out this assignment, I expect, from members of this team, the same loyalty and support which you exhibited in 2015.

Let us remind Nigerians about our plans, our good work and achievements; tell the people why they should give us another four years.

“Our dream is to sustain CHANGE so that all systemic distortions can be corrected and we can enjoy the fruits of being Nigerians under the banner of freedom.

It is also our hope that our unborn children will inherit a better nation.”
Commending members of the party for their unwavering support and commitment, he said: “I call on them to redouble their efforts and re-elect us in February, so that they can witness the next level of CHANGE.

“To all Nigerians, I appreciate your love and support. I hope you will renew the mandate you overwhelmingly gave us in 2015. Please do not be distracted, our country is on course.”

Reminding the gathering of his administration’s numerous landmarks, President Buhari said:

“And the CHANGE remains unshaken and continues until we return Nigeria on track to assume its rightful place among the comity of nations.

“I am very pleased to inaugurate the Women and Youth Presidential Campaign Team. I charge you to reach out to all Nigerians door-to-door and remind them why we need another four years.”

Speaking earlier, the Director, Strategic Communications of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Festus Keyamu, said that Nigerians today have seen the difference between President Buhari’s administration and past PDP governments.

That, he said, was made possible in the character and integrity of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Stressing that the PDP has nothing to campaign about, he urged APC members not to rest on its oars.

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Hameed Ali, who is a member of the team’s Advisory Council, urged party members to campaign door-to-door in order to allow people know what the administration has achieved.

“We have done a lot. We must save this country from looters, he stated
House of Representatives member and spokesman to the team Abdulmumin Jibrin noted that “it is only in Nigeria that those who have destroyed the system will dream of coming back.

He, however, expressed optimism that by the grace of God, President Buhari will win and continue the good work he has started.