₦airaland Forum

In pursuant of the desire to make his administration closer to the grassroots and be responsive to the needs of the people, Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has approved the appointments three new special Special Assistants.

A statement signed by the chief press secretary to the governor ,Mr Segun Ajiboye said , the governor approved the appointment of Dapo Sam Adepoju as Special Assistant on Youth Mobilisation for Central Senatorial District.

The governor also appointed Adebiyi Mayowa Special Assistant on Youth Mobilisation for Northern Senatorial District while Olufunmi Felix was appointed as Special Assistant on Youth Mobilisation for Southern Senatorial District.

While wishing the new appointees success in their new assignments, the governor urged them to see their appointment as a challenge to contribute to the development of the state, particularly in ensuring that the youth begin to see themselves as true future leaders.

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Aketi SAN SAN, has described as unquantifiable the training and empowerment of women in the state by the Foundation Of Wives of Ondo State Officials (FOWOSO).

The Governor said the activities of the Foundation, particularly in the area of training and empowerment of women across the 18 Local Government Areas of the State, have produced many entrepreneurs.

Governor Akeredolu spoke on Wednesday at the 2nd FOWOSO summit, held at the International Culture and Event Center (DOME), Igbatoro Road, Akure.

Arakunrin Akeredoku, who said he was a bit skeptical about the initiative at the beginning, noted that what the First Lady, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu -Akeredolu has taken women through in the last two years could be best described as a phenomenon.


”The First Lady’s approach is for the betterment of women of Ondo State. What our women have gained with FOWOSO, especially the training is unquantifiable. There are so many women that have been trained on many handiwork. I believe that in your own little ways, FOWOSO has produced entrepreneurs.” Akeredolu stressed.

Speaking on the theme of the summit; ”Prioritising Women’s Health & Well Being In Nigeria”, the Governor said his administration has prioritised the well-being of women in the state.

He said: ”We have prioritized women health and well-being in Ondo State and that was what led to the Maternal and Child Health Scheme which we launched yesterday. All you need to access the free health care for pregnant women is your residency cards. Every child under 5 is entitled to free health care in Ondo State.

”Let me commend the efforts of the Founder of FOWOSO, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu for this laudable initiative geared towards the development of womenfolk in Ondo State.

”This Foundation has, over a period of two years, impacted positively the lives of women in the State. There is no gainsaying the fact, therefore, that FOWOSO is focused in the right direction as Ondo State women are now able to contribute to the growth and sustenance of the economy of the State

”This is made possible through skill acquisition training and empowerment programmes organised for women across the 18 Local Government Areas in the State. ”

Olabode Richard Olatunde

Special Assistant to the Governor (New Media)
December 4, 2019

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has urged corps members to be more committed to serving the country during their 12-month stay in the state.

Akeredolu made the call during the swearing-in of the 2019 Batch ‘C’ (Stream II) corps members, at the permanent orientation camp, Ikare- Akoko on Monday.

The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Mr Dotun Owanikin, said that the welfare and security of the lives of corps members remained a top priority of his administration.

Akeredolu urged them to take the content of the orientation course seriously, especially the skill acquisition programme.

“As a responsible government, I want to say, without mincing words, that your welfare and security would be adequately taken care of during your service year.

“Our government will continue to improve on developmental projects and infrastructure that will encourage those who observe their mandatory service to want to stay and live in the state at the end of their service year,” he said.

The State Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs Grace Akpabio, urged the corps members to abide by the rules and regulations of the camp.

According to her, the scheme has now had a South-West Zonal Coordinator as part of efforts to improve the welfare of corps members.

She also appealed to corps members, who had been diagnosed with life-threatening ailments, to always report to the camp clinic for proper monitoring.

“I want to encourage the local governments, corporate citizens, well-meaning Nigerians, philanthropists as well as other stakeholders to make their presence felt in the camp by contributing to the numerous ongoing projects there,” she said.

It was a fun-filled moment in Akure the state capital as the Foundation of Wives of Ondo State Officials, FOWOSO, in collaboration with the office of the wife of governor organised a family game tagged ‘Ondo State Crawlers Race competition’ for families selected across the 18 Local government areas of the state.

The programme which was held at Adegbemile cultural centre, Akure featuring couples and their children, was aimed at promoting unity in the Family as part of activities to commence the second FOWOSO Summit slated to hold between 4th and 5th December 2019.

In her keynote address, the wife of the state governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu who initiated the programme affirmed that the competition was conceived to spice up the second FOWOSO Summit which starts tomorrow at the international culture and event centre, The Dome, Akure.

She stated that what the Crawlers race intends to correct was a true reflection of what is happening within families in our society.

According to her, the Crawlers race which targets babies within the ages of 8-11 months was the first of its kind in Nigeria to promote joint parenting and love in the family.

Earlier, the chairperson of the competition, Mrs. Oluwatosin Oladipupo, noted that the role of parenting was challenging and it was observed that men have abandoned the task to women alone, hence the reason for the Crawlers race competition in order to bridge the gap.

She stated that men are often times less concerned with parenting , especially at the early child development and this can reduce the quality of parental care a child receives and can have negative social, emotional and economic impacts on a woman.

She added that the Crawlers race was to foster co-parenting among couples and reduce the number of absentee fathers in the society.

“To increase family bonding, teamwork and respect among couples, to improve the physical and mental wellbeing of the child”, she said.

The race which was in two stages had stage one performed across the 18 local government headquarters while the second stage was scheduled to hold at the state capital.

The second stage has 18 participants who were winners of the first stage from all the local government areas of the state.

They were divided into six per group and the first position from each group competed for the final competition.

To discover the closeness of the fathers of the babies with their families, they were made to co-ordinate the start of the race by encouraging their kids to move along the lines and join their mothers on the other side.


At the end of the competition, baby Olukayode Shadrach from Idanre emerged first, baby Ogunsemilore Darasimi from Ilaje, second, while baby Timothy Erastus from Ile-Oluji came third.

Dignitaries at the event included representatives of partners like Access bank PLC, PZ Cusson, Commissioners for Youths and Sport development, Barrister Owanikin, for Women Affairs, Mrs. Titi Adeyemi, Local government and Chieftaincy affairs, Deaconess Hon Fagbemi Omolola Julianah among others.

Story by Mary Agidi

Towards achieving better customer satisfaction and qualitative service delivery, The Ondo State Government has scaled up the capacity of Medicine Handlers as the State Contributory Health Scheme is about to start.

At the Train the Trainers programme which took place in Akure, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Wahab Adegbenro said with the coming of the Contributory Health Scheme aimed at achieving universal health coverage, it is expected that there will be upsurge, in health facilities, hence the need to scale up the capacity of Health Workers for better service delivery.

Dr Adegbenro said any error in the medical process which he described as a chain, could endanger the life of the patient, this ,he said the government is guarding against.

The Health Commissioner added that customer satisfaction is the driving force of the Ondo State Contributory Health Scheme and that the government will do all humanly possible to ensure the state achieves Universal Health Coverage.

The Executive Secretary Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Francis Akanbiemu opined that Medical Services is incomplete without essential Drug Management.

Dr Akanbiemu disclosed that gaps were noticed in drug management, hence the need to bridge the gap by training the critical mass of professionals that will go back and train others.

He added that the training was a followup to a training that was done across the state In July , as there need to train medicine handlers who will be going out to supervise and train others to ensure drug management is carried out as it should.

In his Goodwill message, Mr Adebola Lawal who represented the State PSN Chairman opined that the role of drug administration in patient management cannot be over emphasised as any fault with prescription and handling, faults the entire medical process.

Mr Lawal appealed to participants to listen attentively so that they can cascade the training correctly in the interest and betterment of patients.

Also in his Goodwill message, the Programme Coordinator Nigeria State Health Investment Project (NSHIP), Dr. Paulinus Omode who also butressed the role of Pharmaceutical Services in Medical management, said there is need for training and retraining of Health Workers so they can be in tune with Global Best Practices in their various fields.

He thanked the State Government for organising the training saying nothing is too much for the government to give safeguard to the health and lives of the people

The number one Pharmacist in the state and Director Pharmaceutical Services Ondo State Ministry of Health ,Pharm Olugbenga Lasekan appealed to participants to do their jobs with utmost caution because of the legal implication of what is prescribed and how is is dispensed.

Pharm Lasekan informed them that the State Government has zero tolerance for expiries so they should manage effectively drugs in their custody and avoid waste of scarce resources.

The Convener and Director Pharmaceutical Services Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Akindele Akinruntan said the training became necessary because in the cause of supervision, it was noticed that there are gaps in drug management in health facilities ,which if not quickly addressed, could endanger the lives and health of patients.

Dr Akinruntan said some practices being carried out were not in terdem with mordern medical practices,thus participants were drawn from the 18 LGAs to be taught the right thing to be done per time.

Some participants interviewed which include, the Director Nursing Services, Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Mrs Adeyinka Kajero, Pharmacist Tope Olowolayemo,from Ese-odo and Pharmacist Technician Ola Oparinde from Ishua in Akoko East LGA, said the training is timely, a morale booster, continued training is the is the in thing as Health Workers must be up to date on Best Global Health Practices.

The Christian Association of Nigeria has kicked against the proposed social media and hate speech bills, describing them as ploys to gag Nigerians.

The CAN President, Dr Samson Ayokunle called on the National Assembly to drop the bills and focus on legislation that could address insecurity, deplorable infrastructural amenities and the general welfare of the people.

This was contained in a statement by the National Director, Legal and Public Affairs, CAN, Evang. Samuel Kwamkur in Abuja on Thursday.


It said, “These two bills have generated misgivings and criticisms that they have led to uncommon tension and fears among citizens.

“Having looked at all sides to the debate, CAN is calling on the National Assembly, particularly the President of the Senate and all distinguished Senators to discountenance the two bills and put off completely any contemplation to pass them into Acts of the National Assembly as sincere lovers of the nation.”

While acknowledging that individuals and organizations had taken advantage of social media to cause tremendous damage to individuals and institutions, the Christian body described this as “unfortunate developments in the use of technology.”


The association argued that there were adequate laws to check the excesses of individuals and organizations that were misusing the social media and propagating hate speeches.

“The Penal Code, Criminal Code, Cyber Crime Act and other legal provisions on crimes that deal with hate speeches, defamation, libel and similar offences are clear and strong enough,” it noted.

CAN said it was concerned that Nigerians were distracted from discussing topical issues that had a direct bearing on their survival and wellbeing such as poverty, corruption, and the provision of good health facilities.

Ayokunle stated, “In this wise, we desire that governments at all levels and indeed members of the National Assembly pay greater attention to the issues of insecurity, economic hardship, poverty, bad roads, poor education and the dearth of infrastructure.

Written by one of the unrepented critics of Aketi

Let me start with the quote of the legendary Napoleon Hill who said, "never let an opportunity pass to say a kind and encouraging word to or about somebody. Praise good regardless of who did it."

It is on this note that I want to commend the efforts of the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu(SAN), as he tries to put smiles on the faces of the people of some areas in the state.

The whole world knows that I am an unrepentant critic of the incumbent Governor of Ondo State. But borrowing from the immortal aphorism of Napoleon Hill, it is not out of place to praise the Governor whenever the need arises.

Recently, i was at Idanre garage area, I saw the kind of road construction that was going on there and I was so impressed. While still commending the government for that, i was marveled to see yet another massive road construction going on right now close to my neighborhood. This road in question starts from 'Signatures' - a popular night club at Alagbaka, through the Federal High Court, to the Police Headquarters, Alagbaka, Akure.

In my curiosity, I took a closer look at the road, the drainages on both sides of the road are so beautiful and solid. Even the design of the roads is so unique and beautiful. There is no doubt that when these roads are completed, they will easily rank among the most beautiful roads in the South West.

The most interesting thing about these beautiful roads under construction is the inclusion of all the adjoining roads that link them. These roads are a beauty to behold and exceptional in designs.

I challenge anyone in doubt to go to the aforementioned areas to confirm the massively beautiful works going on there.

Even though, the roads and some other roads may have been awarded by the immediate past government, kudos must go to Governor Akeredolu for the redesigns, the will and determination to construct them.
I also congratulate the good people of the affected areas for witnessing these fantastic developments.

May I also use this opportunity to passionately implore Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to extend this kind gesture to our area which road is in a deplorable condition. While one of the said roads under construction links the Police Headquarters, Alagbaka, Akure, ours is directly at the back of same Police Headquarters. This is the road going from the Royal Birds Hotels, Alagbaka through to the poultry and straight down. The road is so deplorable that we, the residents in and around the area have to frequently visit our mechanic workshops to fix the damage to our vehicles, resulting from the pathetic condition of this road.
This very road which had been awarded and constructed from the said Royal Birds Hotel’s end at Alagbaka, terminates at a gully not far from the back of the Police headquarters, leaving the longer stretch of it unattended to. It is to be noted that this road goes straight down to Oba Ile, extending straight down to the airport.

When constructed, the road will relieve the people of the area of the hardship and nightmares foisted on them by its poor condition. In addition, it will certainly go a long way to open up the area and engender monumental development.

Once again, I heartily congratulate the Governor on these laudable feats, while also urging his administration to come over to Macedonia and help our neighborhood as earlier requested herein.

Thank you sir.
Sunday Menukuro

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Aketi SAN has called for the need to have strong institutions in the country, as a way of guaranteeing peace in the society.

Akeredolu who noted that Strong institutions are the basis for real development, added that these institutions should be beyond the whims and caprices of individuals.

Governor Akeredolu spoke at the Biennial International Conference of the Center For Peace and Strategic Studies (CPSS) Faculty of Arts, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State Capital where he delivered the keynote address with the theme “Domesticating Sustainable Development Goal 16 In Nigeria; Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions”.

He said the basic law of the land, the Constitution, and relevant subsidiary legislations must be the instruments which determine the life and functions of any institution created to take care of the welfare of the people.

While maintaining that no society can achieve meaningful progress without peace, Governor Akeredolu added that there can be no real peace in an unjust ambience.

He said:”The absence of strong institutions with the mandates to train, prevent, correct and maintain proprietary decorum in a society depicts the level of development in such a geo-political space.

”Elected or appointed representatives of the people should work within structures of the institutions of state for optimal performance. Accountability is only possible where these institutions don’t just exist in name. Public officials must be held accountable for all their deeds.”

Speaking on the need to respect and build strong institutions and the role of Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary, the Governor said:”The Executive arm of government, in a modern democracy, must act in conformity with the law of the land.

“They must uphold the tenets of the rule of law in all their dealings. There should not be any instance when the interests of these ephemeral office holders should stand against those of the generality of the people .They hold their offices in trust

“A weak legislature is dangerous to the health of the society. In the same vein, a needlessly combative parliament is disruptive. The people’s interests are best served by an assembly of representatives guided by discernible ideologies and manifestos.

“Judges must not dance to the whims and caprices of politicians. They must be above board in all their dealings. A weak judiciary will spell doom for any country.

”A truly democratic government must embrace a multi-party system to avail the people the benefit and liberty of choices. Political parties must present their manifestos to the people based on perceived challenges.

"They must suggest ways to ameliorate the living conditions of the people. Their ideologies must be known to the people.”

Governor Akeredolu emphasised that Nigeria will only be in a position to discuss sustainable development if there is peace, adding that the absence of strong institutions can only perpetuate poverty.

He said every society must strive to develop and sustain its institutions, saying that Strong and charismatic leadership will function, optimally, in a country with strong institutions.

Olabode Richard Olatunde
Special Assistant to the Governor (New Media)
November 25, 2019.

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Aketi
SAN , has been conferred with an Award of Excellence In Infrastructural Development by the state Council of Nigeria Union of Jounalists (NUJ).

The award was conferred on the Governor at the State Secretariat of the NUJ on Tuesday, November 26, 2019.

The Chairman of the state NUJ Coucil, Comrade Adetona Aderoboye , said the award was in recognition of the giant strides of the Governor, adding that the Union decided to confer the award on Governor Akeredolu to serve as impetus for him to do more for the development of the state.

He said: ”Arakunrin Akeredolu’s diligence and unparallel contributions to the socio-economic and political development of Ondo State have not gone unnoticed by members of the Fourth Estate of the realm.

“It is worthy of note that the administration of Oluwarotimi Akeredolu took a radical departure from the past style of governance with the unprecedented commitment to the provision of Infrastructure across the nooks and crannies of the state.

“In fact, the entire landscape of the state has been turned into a huge construction site with projects in Road Construction, Education, Health, Water Supply, Agricultural and Rural Development, while it is needless to mention that the administration’s industrial drive is obviously yielding fruitful results.”

In his address, Governor Akeredolu said his administration, since inception, has done its utmost best within the available resources to create a conducive environment for journalists in the State to practise their profession through training and the provision of necessary infrastructural facilities.

According to the Governor, some of his administration’s interventions include; Upgrading of facilities and the work environment of Ondo State Radiovision Corporation, which was comatose when he took over; Rehabilitation of Adaba FM Road (ongoing) and the Rehabilitation of the road to OSRC (ongoing).

The interventions also include the Setting up of Digital television Studio for recording and presentation of government programmes for the Ministry of Information and Orientation; Resuscitation and rebranding of Ministry of Information Newsletter which carries news across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and the Procurement of two buses for Government House Press Crew to mention but a few.

Governor Akeredolu, who said he had not just watched, but received without revulsion, media attacks under the guise of press freedom and free speech, assured that his administration will never gag the Press.

He said the two major news media houses of the State Government, the OSRC and Owena Press Ltd, (publishers of The Hope newspapers) have enjoyed freedom from government meddlesomeness into their contents.

He said: “We cannot feign ignorance of the hazards of your profession to which you are exposed daily. To mitigate this in our own little way, I wish to restate my earlier decision to undertake the insurance of all journalists covering the Government House activities.”

Olabode Richard Olatunde
Special Assistant to the Governor (New Media)
November 26, 2019.

A major purposeful decision aimed at boosting the efficiency and productivity of public servants in Ondo State was recently taken and implemented by the government of Governor Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN. Globally, efficient public service has been described as the engine room of result-oriented governments because of the critical role the sector plays in ensuring genuine and pragmatic policies are formulated and implemented in the best interest of the masses.

Being a non-political entity, efficient public servants are duty bound to serve any government in power irrespective of the political party on whose platform the government wins elections. This accounts for the reason why the role of the robust public service in assisting the government in power cannot be overemphasized.

So, when Governor Akeredolu assumed power on February 24, 2017, he inherited a distraught and humiliated public service whose morale was completely low. It is still fresh in the memory of the state public workforce that the seven months salaries were being owed them, coupled with their denial of other benefits such as promotions, capacity building through training and the refusal to grant them car loan by the immediate past administration. These trumatised them and thereby hindered their efficiency and productivity.

But all those despair, painful and agonising experiences gave way to absolute ray of hope as Akeredolu put in place productive machinery to restore the lost glory and the dignity of the state public service.

To the amazement of the state public servants, Akeredolu’s government defrayed six of the seven months salaries’ arrears he inherited from the immediate past administration, with a promise to pay the outstanding one month. It is on record that this singular decision eradicated the conflict and the confusion that characterised the state public service in the pre-Akeredolu administration.

Also, records from Ondo State have shown that deserving 14,016 public servants cutting across all the self-accounting agencies, boards and parastatals of government were promoted with their full benefits paid between 2017 and 2018. Thus Akeredolu’s decision to fulfill his promise of making the welfare of the people of Ondo State one of the major priorities of his government has made the era of the delayed promotions and subsequent denial of other benefits things of the past in the state.

This is besides the revolving car loan approved for the state civil servants by the current administration. The beneficiaries of the car loan cut across all the categories of workers in the state and as expected, the outcome of that superlative gesture is evidenced in the quality of the performance of the public servants in the Sunshine State.

In what has been celebrated by many civil servants as “Beautiful End of the Year Package,”

the Ondo State government also announced the promotion of 9,704 public servants in the recently-concluded 2019 promotion exercise.

The Chairman of the state Civil Service Commission, Mr Afolabi Adewakun, who confirmed the latest promotion, added that three civil engineers at the state Ministry of Works and Infrastructure were given special promotion for their outstanding performance.

The promotion exercise, according to Adewakun, was part of Governor Akeredolu’s commitment to the welfare of the state public workforce.

A total of 2,261 deserving civil servants were promoted based on the briefs forwarded to the Civil Service Commission by the Service Matters Department, Office of Establishments and Training, various ministries and extra-ministerial departments.

Same exercise also took place in all self-accounting government agencies, boards and parastatals, where 7,443 officers were promoted.

Followers of political events have attributed the quality and high number of infrastructural projected executed by the current administration to the cooperation of the public servants. The followers of the government’s activities, including critics, have confirmed that all the 18 local government areas of the state have benefited in no small measure from the current government.

The observers are convinced that besides the over 1,000 public primary schools renovated with modern toilet and boreholes for more conducive and friendly learning across the 18 local government areas, many roads hitherto considered death trap such as Oke Alabojuto and others in the Northern Senatorial District of the state have been permanently fixed for the use of the people.

The new initiative called “Kamomi Aketi” designed to provide potable water for the people of the state has ensured that over 1,000 dysfunstional boreholes have been rehabilitated to provide access to potable water.

Press statement�

The Government of Ondo State has observed the recent media attacks by a former Deputy Governor of the State, Alhaji Ali Olanusi. In unambiguous terms, Alhaji Olanusi has struggled to sustain and root a narrative that has incurably, continually defied acceptance and logic.

As these tantrums against the person of the State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu (SAN) suffice, several persons have conscenably expressed feelings which understandably, seek to encourage a confrontation and possibly put Olanusi in his 'rightful place'. We have weighed all these; such are plausibly, permissible options in the game of politics.

All the same, it is not in the character of the Ondo State Government led by Governor Akeredolu to join issues with elders, however repulsive their views are. The case of Alhaji Olanusi, will not pull Mr. Governor out of this revered stance.

The art of governance goes beyond providing good governance. It includes tolerating every view whether such is irritating or exposing some form of imposed challenges on the part of anyone who expresses same.

Perhaps, it is pertinent to state that failed desires, defeated expectations and jaundiced hope have an effective and potenly irreversible way of colouring an individual's perception of any system. Concluding that these persistent attacks could be products of such challenges, we are unwavering in our resolve not to burn the bridge of friendship, unity and cohesion in our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Let all men of good conscience ignore these attacks that are most unlikely to cease as we move ahead.

Signed

Donald Ojogo
Hon. Commissioner,
(Information & Orientation)

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, will unveil the Public Service Reforms Initiative in December, as part of the efforts of his administration to take the public service to a more enviable height.

The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Donald Ojogo, disclosed this on Monday after the State Executive Council meeting.

Ojogo said the council received a brief from the Head of Service, Mr. Dare Aragbaiye on the need to celebrate the Public Service week, adding that the council resolved to participate actively in the event.

According to the government spokesperson, the new reform intervention will tackle, among other ills, the general dysfunctions and nonchalance of workers bedeviling the Public Service.

He said: "Between the 9th and 11th of December, the Ondo State Public Service will be marking its week. Council resolved to actively participate in all the events lined up for the week. The council received a brief from the head of service, Mr Dare Aragbaiye on the need for the public service week. During that period, Mr. Governor is going to unveil a document on public service reform that will take the public service to a more enviable height."

Ojogo explained that the key of the 3-day event include a service-wide interaction of the office of Head of Service with all categories of Public Servants, Public Service Lecture and the Launch of a new Public Service Reform Initiative.

Olabode Richard Olatunde
Special Assistant to the Governor (New Media)
November 19, 2019.

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, will unveil the Public Service Reforms Initiative in December, as part of the efforts of his administration to take the public service to a more enviable height.

The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Donald Ojogo, disclosed this on Monday after the State Executive Council meeting.

Ojogo said the council received a brief from the Head of Service, Mr. Dare Aragbaiye on the need to celebrate the Public Service week, adding that the council resolved to participate actively in the event.

According to the government spokesperson, the new reform intervention will tackle, among others ills, the general dysfunctions and non-chalance of workers bedeviling the Public Service.

He said: "Between the 9th and 11th of December, the Ondo State Public Service will be marking its week. Council resolved to actively participate in all the events lined up for the week. The council received a brief from the head of service, Mr Dare Aragbaiye on the need for the public service week. During that period, Mr. Governor is going to unveil a document on public service reform that will take the public service to a more enviable height."

Ojogo explained that the key of the 3-day event include a service-wide interaction of the office of Head of Service with all categories of Public Servants, Public Service Lecture and the Launch of a new Public Service Reform Initiative.

Olabode Richard Olatunde
Special Assistant to the Governor (New Media)
November 19, 2019.

Assist your wives, Mrs. Akeredolu urges men


Wife of the Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu has called on men to rise up to the responsibility of assisting their wives to cater for their children, describing the rate of single-parenting as worrisome.

Arabinrin Akeredolu who made the call while declaring open the 2019 women conference organised by the Blissful Home Initiative in Akure, at the weekend, condemned the increasing number of absentee fathers in Nigerian society, who left the task of children upbringing to the mothers alone.

Speaking in reference to the theme of the conference, “Conjugal Bliss: A Panacea for societal peace”, Mrs. Akeredolu noted that healthy families make a balance and prosperous society, hence, the reason for a genuine love in the family.

She berated the rate at which most women were over-burdened with the task of raising children alone, while calling on the concerned fathers to man-up and jointly cater for their kids.

”I always leverage on my position as the First Lady to promote a healthy family where both parents are actively involved in the care and development of their kids.

“As one of our activities in this regard, we included a family game that requires the participation of the father, mother and their toddler in the 2nd FOWOSO Summit scheduled to hold on the 4th and 5th of December, 2019”. She said.

Mrs. Akeredolu disclosed that the family game known as Crawlers’ competition was aimed at strengthening the bond between both parents and their kids.

She said: ” In preparation for the event, my team went to all the local governments in Ondo State to select families that will participate in the crawlers’ race.

“Their visit to the local governments has really shown that most men are unconcerned in the care and development of their children”.

She was hopeful that the competition would expose the dysfunctional and lack of love and affection within families.

Arabinrin Akeredolu ,therefore, commended the Convener of the conference, the Chairman of the State Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Rev. John Ayo-Oladapo and his wife, Esther, for promoting good family values through the programme for the past nine years.

In his welcome address, Rev. Ayo-Oladapo appreciated Mrs. Akeredolu for her motherly support for family issues in Ondo state, while affirming that enhancement of family life values remains part of her vision since she became the First Lady of the state.

The founder of Blissful Home Initiative highlighted the aims of the conference to include, to intensify the need for family and societal peace, to stand against family violence, child abuse, to pursue the well-being of vulnerables, among others.

At the event, Mrs. Akeredolu contributed financially to support the missions of the initiative, one of which is educational scholarship to the less privileged students.

The Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has received the Outline of Business Case, OBC, which comprehensively states the Project Implementation Plan for the proposed Port of Ondo, noting that mother ships can berth at the port of Ondo if operational at Ilaje local government area of the state.

The presentation was made by the project Consortium comprising a Spanish firm, Ocean Infrastructure Management, OIM, its Nigerian Partner, Franchise and Business Solutions Ltd, FBS; in the presence of officials of Nigerian Port Authority and coordinated by the Consultant to Ondo State Government on the project, Amiable Consultancy and Logistics Services Ltd.

Governor Akeredolu said his administration would give everything into actualising the project speedily in view of its derivable benefits not only to the economy of the state and the country but to the entire West African subregion.

He said “Port of Ondo will be less than 45 minutes to Lagos by road and by water, it will be shorter. With the location, Ondo will becomes a nerve center. Citing the port here is one of the best thing that will happen to, not just Ondo, but Nigeria.

“We are not ready to waste any time. We are ready to give all the support. We are serious about this port. We are very serious about it

“Look at the draft , it’s not found in any other place in Nigeria. We keep dredging when we have a natural dredge in Ondo State.

“I’m told that mother ship can berth in port Ondo. Let us look at the report. Let’s focus on the viability of the port Ondo,” Akeredolu said.

The representative of the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA) Mrs Elizabeth Awuletey described the project as the dawn of a new era in the state.

Photos: Ondo state Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN on Saturday November 16 2019 attended the wedding ceremony of Tomiwa Fayose and Owolabi Oluwakemi at the Haven Event centre Ikeja. Tomiwa is the son of the former Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Peter Ayodele Fayose. He was represented by his Deputy Hon Agboola Alfred Ajayi

� ONDO STATE GOVT.

Owo, the hometown of the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, on Saturday, November 16, 2019 went into wild celebrations as the people of the town trooped enmass to receive the Governor into the town.

Governor Akeredolu, who was in Abuja for few weeks where he attended to some official matters before returning to Akure last week Friday amidst pomp and peagantry, entered into the ancient town of Owo in a blaze of glory.

The Governor, who was visiting his hometown for the first time after his return from Abuja last Friday, was ushered into his town by his people who welcomed him with drum and music from Emure Junction into the ancient town.

Governor Akeredolu had a stopover at the Palace of the Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye III where he appreciated the people of Owo and the state at large for their support and prayers.

Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye III sought the support of the people of the state to enable the Governor continue to deliver on his people-oriented programs.

� ODSG

PRESS STATEMENT

The Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has dissolved the Task Force on Farmers Registration with immediate effect.

Members of the dissolved Task Force are therefore advised to handover government's property in their possession to the Honorable Commissioner for Agriculture.

The Governor expresses his appreciation to members of the Task Force for their service to the State.

A new Task Force will be constituted in due course.

Segun Ajiboye
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

The Forum of State Chairmen of the All Progressives Congress APC has thrown its weight behind their National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole in the face of calls for his resignation by the Director-General of the Progressive Governors Forum PGF, Salihu Moh. Lukman.

The forum in a statement Thursday in Abuja asked the APC Governors to sack Mr. Lukman from his position as the DG of the PGF.

The statement was jointly signed by its Chairman, Ali Bukar Dalori and Secretary, Mr. Ben Nwoye.
“The attention of state chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been drawn to a statement credited to one Salihu Lukman, who claimed to be the Director-General of the Progressives Governors Forum.

We have decided to ignore his crass display of ignorance in the past, but as stakeholders in the progressive party, we find his actions and comments very suspicious and one that cannot be said that is coming from anyone close to the APC family.

The position of the National Chairman of our great party is not a child’s play and we cannot allow it to be demeaned by questionable characters like Salihu Lukman who as it seems is being used by some disgruntled elements and even the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with a view to causing disaffection in our great party and we cannot continue to condone that”, the chairmen said.

The APC state chairmen said they remain grateful to God that as a party, with the leadership of the current National Working Committee (NWC), led by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, “we successfully overwhelmed our opponents at the polls, re-electing our dear President, Muhammadu Buhari, maintained our dominance in the states and won overwhelming majority in the National Assembly.
The Oshiomhole led NWC did not relent. They went on to ensure that we avoided what happened in the 8th Assembly where leaders opposed to the developmental strides of our dear President, Buhari emerged as leaders of the party.

The NWC galvanized other leaders of the party to ensure that we produce a national Assembly leadership that will work in tandem with the APC led Executive in ensuring that we give dividends of democracy which the party promised Nigerians. We as chairmen are shocked that Mr. Lukman and his co-travelers are not seeing this great feat achieved by the Comrade Oshiomhole led NWC.

“As chairmen of the APC, we all knew that the problem we had in some states mentioned by Salihu Lukman such as Zamfara, Rivers, and Adamawa were not created by Oshiomhole but was as a result of the power play between the political gladiators in the APC family in those states.

But because Salihu Lukman has decided to dwell in the past, he refused to see the issues in those states that most of them even arose before the Oshiomhole led NWC came into place. How on earth will anyone if not for mischief accuse Oshiomhole of the defeat we suffered in Adamawa and Bauchi where we have sitting governors?

“Salihu Lukman is talking about NEC meeting, I wonder why he is crying more than the bereaved. Some of us have interacted with our progressives governors and we were informed that Salihu Lukman is on his own and actually expressed their disappointment over his continuous unpalatable comments against the National Chairman of our party.

This man has never held any elective position and we wonder why he is interested in the NEC meeting which has no business with him. We the chairmen want to use this opportunity to appeal to our governors to sack this man who is obviously being used to cause disaffection within the APC.

It is obvious that he is an enemy within because if he is actually a party man who is worth being the DG of the Progressives Governors Forum, he would not be seen attempting to rubbish the name of our National Chairman. He is the one representing the leader of our party who is the President and he does not deserve insults from people like Salihu Lukman. Besides, it is also said that Salihu Lukman has failed to see that since the coming of Oshiomhole, there is no party discipline and supremacy of the party. and we are glad today that we have been able to achieve party discipline under Oshiomhole because the APC was derailing before the coming of this NWC.

And today so much progress has been made under this NWC and that is why we are solidly behind Oshiomhole. He has revived the party and has turned it to a winning machine”, they added.

The statement further reads; “It is obvious that few persons who are not happy are those who felt they are bigger than the party and goodness, we have a chairman that will call a spade a spade no matter who ox is gored. As we speak today, APC is more united than ever under Oshiomhole and that is why we have witnessed progression in the policies of the party and government in power.

"We want to tell the world that this man called Salihu Lukman is an enemy of the APC and he is being sponsored by some anti-democrats who are bent on creating a crisis in the party for their selfish interest.

But we want to reiterate our support to the National Chairman and once again pass a VOTE OF CONFIDENCE on the National Chairman of our great party, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

We use this opportunity to warn troubleshooters and those sponsoring people like Salihu Lukman to cause disaffection in the party, to desist from it because as chairmen of APC in the states, we can authoritatively say that it is the first time that states are given financial support during our elections. It happened in the past 2019 general elections. All the states were supported financially by the NWC to ensure the success of our party during the general elections.

"We urged all party leaders to support the NWC and our President, Muhammadu Buhari to ensure that the APC which is enjoying immeasurable support from Nigerians achieves its goals in terms of fixing the economy, the war against corruption and defeating terrorist in the North East”.

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Friday, November 15, 2019 received the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan and other principal officers of the Senate at the Government House, Alagbaka, Akure.

The Senate President, alongside Senator Ajayi Borrofice, Senator Ayo Akinyelure, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele and other senators are in the state to visit one of their own, Senator Nicholas Tofowomo, who was involved in a road accident recently.

Receiving the lawmakers at the Government House, Arakunrin Akeredolu thanked the Senate President for deeming it fit to come by himself and visit Senator Tofowomo.

According to the Governor, the decision of the Senate President to leave the seat of power in Abuja to visit Tofowomo has demonstrated his good leadership quality.

He said:" The senate President, let me thank you for your consideration and decision to stop by. Sir, that you, as the President of the Senate, left Abuja to be here to see one of your own, Senator Nicholas Tofowomo has demostrated your very good leadership quality. You could have sent any of your member, but that you led this wonderful team to pay him a visit, we thank you sir.

"Your decision to see the senate as one is wonderful. Even within the party, we argue, there will be different opinions. The nation is the most important thing .

"We have a President that’s so respected all over the world we all respect him, we must work with him. I thank you for this decision of the spirit of oneness."

Earlier, the Senate President informed the Governor that he was in the state with other Principal officers to visit one of the members who was involved in an accident.

He said:"We also felt we should pay you this visit to thank you for giving us this kind of warm treatment since we arrived at the airport. We are going to Ondo to visit one of our colleagues who was involved in an accident . We want to go and pray with him and take the message of the senate that we are with him at all time.

"In the senate today, we all work together. It’s a conscious decision of the senate that all of us work together to give the required support to the Federal Government to perform Well in the country. We all want to see the security improve and we want to see an economy that works for everyone and all of us are in this."

Olabode Richard Olatunde
Special Assistant to the Governor (New Media)
November 15, 2019

Happening Live: Ondo State APC Delegation Storm Lokoja Stadium For BellOnoja2019 Grand Finale Rally

The Ondo State APC delegation live at Lokoja Stadium for the grand finale rally of Gubernatorial Candidate of APC in Kogi State, His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello and his Deputy, Mr Edward David Onoja.

The State Chairman of APC in Ondo State, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, State Woman Leader of APC in Ondo State, Hon. (Mrs) Morenike Witherspoon ( Renny Kay), Special Adviser to Ondo State Governor on Political matters and Strategy, Rt. Hon. Victor Adekanye Olabimtan, and others were all in Lokoja Stadium for the grand finale rally of the APC Gubernatorial campaign in Kogi State.

Ondo State APC for BellOnoja2019

#BellOnoja2019
#OndoForBellOnoja2019

During the electioneering campaign in 2016, Kabiyesi Olufon of Ifon, Oba Israel Adegoke Adeusi, told Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, (then the APC Governorship candidate) that there was no general hospital in Ifon.

Governor Akeredolu promised that if elected, he would ensure that a befitting general hospital was constructed in Ifon, the headquarters of Ose Local Government Area.

Today, the construction of a 100-bed general hospital in Ifon has reached an appreciable level.

The project is made possible through the partnership of the Ondo State government and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)

Aketi is, indeed, Mr. Talk and Do.

The Assistant Inspector general of police in charge of zone 11, Mr Adeleye Oyebade has advocated the need for community policing to combat heinous crimes in the south west.

Mr Oyemade who made the revelation at a security meeting with stakeholders in Akure said the police is restrategising to address insecurity, kidnapping, rape and all forms of crimes on the increase in ondo state.

The police boss in charge of Oyo, Ondo and Osun, stressed the need for security agencies, and other relevant stakeholders to collaborate to make the state crime free.

He expressed optimism that the introduction of community partnership, organisational transformation, injection of the zonal puff Ada and the inspector General of police response team would go a long way in addressing the security challenges in Ore and Akoko axis of the state.

The senior special assistant to governor Akeredolu on special duties and strategy, Dr Doyin Odebowale described the meeting as apt noting that the state government is mapping out ways to address the issue.

Other stakeholders present at the event include the senior special assistant to the governor on security matters, Jimoh Dojumo, members of the Miyyeti Alllah, and other stakeholders.

The Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has dissolved the Task Force on Farmers Registration with immediate effect.

Members of the dissolved Task Force are therefore advised to handover government’s property in their possession to the Honorable Commissioner for Agriculture.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Segun Ajiboye said a new task force will be constituted in due course

The Governor expressed his appreciation to members of the Task Force for their service to the State.

The Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN has brought about a major revival in the state’s Arts and Culture industry, culminating in the sterling performance of the state’s Cultural troupe in regional and national competitions.

Ondo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon Yemi Olowolabi stated this in Lagos last weekend at the just concluded Lagos Book and Arts Festival, which was organised by the Committee for Relevant Arts CORA.

Olowolabi who was the special guest of honour at the event later spoke to journalists at the Wole Soyinka’s Gallery, Freedom Park praising the Governor’s commitment to the arts which he said has ignited a fire of revival in the Arts and Culture industry in Ondo State

According to him, “in the last two and half years, we have moved from zero to hero in the nation’s arts consciousness. Unarguably today, we are in the forefront in the south west and of course, we have become a force to be reckoned with at the national level, going by our exploits in the recent National Festival of Arts and Culture which took place in Benin.

Our Governor also introduced and supported the annual Festival of Arts, ARTFEST which was premiered last year. We are currently preparing for this year’s edition; all thanks to Arakunrin’s commitment to the creative sector”

Jahman Anikulapo, LABAF project director described Ondo State as “richly endowed with beautiful Cultural landscape and incredible talents”.

The weeklong festival which featured film screening, symposia, stage performances, book reading, lectures and other literary activities climaxed with a riveting concert at the amphitheatre of the historic Freedom Park.”

About thirty women journalists from Ondo state are attending the event which will witness the convergence of well over 1,200 women journalists from Nigeria and abroad.

The wife of Ondo State Governor and founder of Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria, BRECAN, Chief Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu will today walk tall as she receives the NAWOJ GRAND AMAZON AWARD.

The award ceremony is part of activities to mark the 30th Anniversary of NAWOJ in Nigeria.

NAWOJ in Ondo State said the wife of the Governor will also at the event be enlisted into the Association’s hall of fame, all in recognition of her commitment to the development of Children and women through her BEMORE EMPOWERED INITIATIVE, her commitment to the fight against rape and gender based violence among many other humanitarian strides.

The Secretary, Mrs Patience Ibeh said “NAWOJ carefully followed these initiatives through its lens as Media Executives and deemed it fit to honour Mrs Akeredolu as one of our AMAZONS as we commemorate the 30th Anniversary and celebrate the efforts of our founding mothers.”

The Anniversary which will hold at the Radio House Press Center Hall, Garki Abuja is with the theme: NAWOJ @ 30: CELEBRATING THE AMAZONS

About thirty women journalists from Ondo state are attending the event which will witness the convergence of well over 1,200 women journalists from Nigeria and abroad.

Ondo State House of Assembly has charged the state Ministry of Works and infrastructure to further strengthen the fire service unit as the dry season approaches.

House committee on Works who gave the charge during a familiarisation visit to the ministry also commended the state government for the ongoing construction and rehabilitation of roads across the state.

The Chairman of the committee, Dr Olayemi Adeyemi who noted that the government’s effort have positively turned the fortune of the state around, enjoined the government to continue it’s good work in order for people to enjoy more dividends of democracy..

Members of the committee however appealed to the ministry of work on rural roads in order to ensure access mobility to transport farm products, adding that they should also synergize with relevant federal agencies to fastrack fixing of federal roads in the state.

The lawmakers pledged to collaborate with the ministry towards effective service delivery.

Earlier, the state commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr Saka Yusuf Ogunleye who reeled out the activities and achievements of the ministry to the committee, described the governor of the state as an unbiased leader as all the Senatorial Districts are benefiting from the government massive infrastructural development.

The Commissioner assured that all failed portions of roads will be fixed during the dry season.

While commending the committee for supporting the ministry, he said the success being recorded was largely due to the backing of the house, through quick and smooth passage of its budget.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser on Works, Land and Infrastructure, Engr. Raimi Aminu said that the construction of road projects across the state was being hampered by the elongated rainy season saying that work is resuming now that the rains are subsiding.

He assured that the Ore Flyover will be ready next month, while other ongoing projects would be completed as promised.

The visiting lawmakers include Dr Olayemi Adeyemi, Chairman and Olugbenga Omole, Vice Chairman. Others are Mr Aderoboye Samuel, Mr Edamisan Samuel Ademola ,Taofeek Muhammed, and Leonard Akinribido

Eid-el-Maulud: Akeredolu congratulates Muslims, sues for tolerance, peaceful coexistence

The Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, has congratulated Muslim faithful in the State as they mark EID el-MALUD, the birthday of Prophet Muhammed.

Governor Akeredolu says the combined virtues of tolerance, discipline as well as peaceful coexistence are basic essentials required of all to build a virile Nation.

According to the Governor: ”This period remains an enviable one not just because of the birth of the Holy Prophet, Muhammed. It is, no doubt, has the enforcing potency for all to be tolerant, disciplined and peaceful. This is the only sure path to Nation-building.

”As a Nation, we have had our own share of challenges, some of which are not too detached from religious extremism, bigotry as well as lust for materialism. These can only be avoidable vices if we imbibe the true teachings of the Holy Prophet as enunciated in the Holy Qur’an.

”Despite these challenges, our collective hope lies in the true teachings of the Holy Prophet and those whose strong faith in such teachings have contributed no small measure to social harmony. We shall overcome as long as our faith in Almighty Allah remains unshaken.”

Source: http://www.ondoevents.com/2019/11/10/eid-el-maulud-akeredolu-congratulates-muslims-sues-for-tolerance-peaceful-coexistence

Ondo State Government has expressed its readiness to cooperate with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), in ensuring that electronic media in the state adhere strictly to the rules and regulations, as provided by the commission, especially as the state approaches election year.

Speaking while playing host to the Management of the National Broadcasting Commission(NBC), Benin Zonal Office in his office in Akure, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Donald Ojogo said the state government through the Ministry would engage all stakeholders in the broadcast industry in the state, towards achieving best practices and professionalism.

Mr. Ojogo said the step became necessary in compliance to the rules guiding the establishment of NBC as a regulatory agency in charge of broadcast media stations in the country to guarantee and facilitate effective communication.

On the performance of the state-owned electronic media, Mr Ojogo was happy that non has crossed the red line as attested to by the Commission.

He attributed the development to competent and professional hands employed by the state government to run the two state owned radio stations and the television station adding that opposition political parties have their views aired on the stations, which is a clear departure from what obtained in the past.

The spokesman for the government noted that Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN provides an enabling environment for freedom of press being himself an advocate of good governance and a democrat.

Mr. Ojogo urged the Commission to do more in encouraging the floating of community based radio station, stressing that this would go a long way in tackling security challenges as people at the grassroots will have first hand information.

The Commissioner used the medium to congratulate the new Zonal Director on his elevation to his present post and wish him the best in the new task.

Earlier in his remarks, the Zonal Director, Mr Sunday Omoge said he led members of the management team to the Ministry to familiarise with states under the Benin zone, which includes; Edo, Delta, Ondo and Ekiti.

Mr. Omoge added that the Ministry of Information and Orientation has important roles to play in overseeing broadcast media to ensure that the 16 radio stations and 2 functional television stations in the state uphold the ethics of the profession and broadcast only items that add value to the society.

He therefore sought the support of the Commissioner in ensuring that stakeholders in its electronic media abide by rules guiding political conducts before, during and after the election period.

Mr. Omoge described as regretatable what happened in Ekiti State during the last governorship election where the state owned radio and one private radio station were shutdown due to unprofessional conduct .

The Zonal director commended the state owned broadcast stations for abiding by the rules and regulations of the commission in their news and. programmes’ contents.

Ondo state government has said parents who release their children and wards for routine immunization in the rural communities would soon be rewarded by the primary healthcare agency.

The Executive Secretary of the Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Francis Akanbiemu who disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Akure said the move was part of the strategies of the agency to beef up its sensitization strategies for further improvement in immunization in the state.

Akanbiemu noted that although the state is performing better than before in routine immunization, embarking on more strategic sensitization would allow for improved result.

While reeling out the statistics, Akanbiemu said the state has moved from 65 percent recorded on immunization few years ago to 79 percent, adding that the target is to record 100 percent performance in immunization.

He hinted that the idea of rewarding household with highest record of immunization is to further open the eyes of the people in the community to the importance of participating in the immunization of their children and wards.

The Executive Secretary also explained that the agency has embarked on expansion of some facilities which can no longer accommodate patients due to the growing number of the people in the area.

He said the agency has recently relocated the facility in Oke Mapo, Owo after it discovered the need for a bigger accommodation with the quality of services it’s rendering.

Akanbiemu stressed that the Agency has also embarked on more training of its officers and both agency and adhoc staff at the facility level.

The essence of the training especially for those at the facility according to him is the need for them to have attitudinal change, noting that the agency will to continue harp on this for better performance.

However, he added that, as a way of encouraging the facilities to perform better, the agency has also started motivating the facilities by making more fund available for better service at the health centers.
Sourcehttps://citadelng.com.ng/2019/11/08/the-ondo-govt-intensifies-efforts-on-routine-immunization-for-children/

ONDO LAWMAKERS COMMEND GOVERNOR Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Aketi

Ondo State Government has been commended for the ongoing construction and rehabilitation of roads across the state.

During a familiarisation visit to the Ministry of works, members of the Ondo State House of Assembly noted that government's efforts have positively turned around the fortune of the state.

Led by the Chairman House Committee on works, Honourable (Dr) Olayemi Adeyemi, the lawmakers called on Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to continue his good work iñ order to bring succour to the people of the state.

Vice Chairman of the committee Honourable Olugbenga Omole while commending the Governor's efforts drew the attention of the state government to lwaro-Oka-Oke Maria which he said has claimed several lives in the past.
Omole who is the lawmaker representing Akoko South West Constituency 1 stressed the need to fix the ever busy road in view of its importance as a major link to Abuja the Federal capital, thus its strategic importance to travellers.

In the same vein the lawmaker representing Odigbo state Constituency 2 Rt. Honourable Aderoboye Samuel commended the state government for the construction of the Ore overhead bridge but drew attention to the bad condition of Araromi obu- Kajola road.

The lawmakers pledged to collaborate with the works Commissioner towards making government dream on road construction a reality.

The Commissioner for works Mr Saka Yusuf Ogunleye, in his response, thanked the visiting lawmakers for their support thus far which has made the current achievement possible.

While soliciting further collaboration with the lawmakers the Commissioner pledged to channel their observations to the appropriate quarters.

The visiting lawmakers include Honourable Oluyemi Adeyemi, Chairman and Olugbenga Omole, Vice Chairman.

Others include Rt. Honourable Aderoboye Samuel, Hoñourables Edamisan Samuel Adenmola and Taofeek Mohammed Oladele.

Sehinde Fanokun (DIS, ODHA).

The Ondo State House of Assembly has amended the Contributory Pension law 2014.

The law was a domestication of the pension reform act 2004 which was signed into law by the Federal Government.

It among other things seeks to regulate the contributory pension scheme for workers in the public service of Ondo State..

The contributory pension scheme was midwived by the Federal government in 2004 following years of neglect and suffering experienced by workers after service and the associated bottlenecks to accessing pension after service.

The domestication of the law came alive in Ondo State in the year 2014, after the pension bill was passed into law by the Ondo State House of Assembly.
A bid to harmonise grey areas in the Ondo State Contributory Pension law 2014 which are at variance with the 2004 pension reform act of the Federal Government, prompted an executive bil for amendment of crucial sections of the law.

After passing through the first and second reading, the bill was committed to the Committee of the whole where the identified grey areas were critically discussed and resolved.

Speaking before the amended version was passed into law, Speaker of the House, Rt. Honourable Oleyelogun Bamidele David observed that with the amendment, the Ondo State Pension law will further enhance better life for workers after service.

Rt Honourable Oleyelogun noted that the amendment was justifiable and another milestone by the state government targeted at bringing succour to workers after years of meritorious service.

The 2014 law on contributory pension scheme for workers in Ondo Ondo State public service has as its objectives, assisting persons in the employment of the state Government to save towards their retirement.

It seeks to ensure that persons who retire from the public service of Ondo State receive their terminal or retirement benefits as and when due.

It also establishes a set of rules and regulations for the administration and payment of retirement benefits in the public service of the state.

In another development, a bill for a law to establish the Primary Health Care Agency was committed to the House Committee on Health after it went through the first and second reading at plenary.

Speaking on the bill, the lawmakers noted the level of decadence in Primary Health Care facilities across the state, owing to poor management.

They noted that with the Institution of the Primary Health Care Board, health care delivery at the grassroots will be better structured and people of the state would have an improved and unhindered access to health facilities at the grassroots.

Speaker of the House, Rt Honourable Oleyelogun Bamidele David noted that primary health care is a right of the people and should be given the priority it deserves.

The Speaker maintained that the agency when emplaced would facilitate quality health care delivery to the people.

He added that the House of Assembly will continue to support any law that would bring succour to the people.

The bill was therefore committed to the House Committee on Health for proper scrutiny while the Committee report is expected in two weeks.

Sehinde Fanokun (DIS, ODHA).