₦airaland Forum

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN has committed about #5 billion to payment of Pension and Gratuity owed retired Public Servants in the state since the year 2011.

The State Head of Service, Mr Dare Aragbaiye, who stated this while answering questions from Journalists in his office in Akure, said Retired Officers now receive their pension at the same time the Serving Officers receive their salary, saying that this is a clear departure from the time when Retired Officers were owed pension arrears for months.

Mr Aragbaiye commended Governor Akeredolu for making the payment of Salary and allowances of Workers a topmost priority been the first expenses to be deducted from the state monthly allocation, adding that the promotion of deserving Public Servants were been conducted earlier than what it used to be during the past administration while letters of promotion and the financial benefits were promptly released to the beneficiaries.

He hinted that the state government has compiled the list of available vacancies across sectors of the Public Service with a view to employing fresh Workers to re-energize the Civil Service for higher productivity and delivery of quality service to the people of the state.

Speaking on the achievements of Governor Akeredolu’s Administration in the last two years, Mr Aragbaiye noted that there is a silent industrial revolution going on in the state which focuses on creation of industrial hub in different zones across the state, starting with the Ore Industrial hub in Odigbo Local Government Area of the state where some investors from within and outside the country have sited notable industries that have provided employment opportunities to the unemployed youths in the state.

He added that the Investment Promotion Agency set up by Governor Akeredolu’s Administration has continued to attract interested investors to signing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with reputable companies for the industrial development of the state.

He further explained that the Administration of Governor Akeredolu embarked on massive renovation of public primary schools across the local government areas of the state within the last two years, noting that over 700 of such schools have been renovated and equipped with modern infrastructure such as boreholes, furniture, toilet facilities and perimeter fence.

In the health sector, the Head of Service, said the state government had invested huge amount of money on renovation of primary health care centers across the state with a view to providing quality healthcare services to the people in the local communities, procurement and distribution of modern healthcare equipment to government owned hospitals and health centers while Teaching Hospital had been established to train health workers and boost the manpower needs in the state health sector.

He also commended the Governor for embarking on massive rehabilitation and construction of roads across the three senatorial districts of the state, thereby providing easy movement of both human and material resources from one location to the other, describing the gigantic Ore Inter-Change Fly Over along Benin/Lagos Express Way as a major achievement of his administration.

Mr Aragbaiye therefore called on the people within and outside the Public Service to continue to fulfill their obligations to the state government by promptly paying their taxes and levies in order to cushion the effect of the dwindling allocation from the federation account as well as boost the Internally Generated Revenue of the state to enhance more developmental projects
Source
https://citadelng.com.ng/2019/11/05/odsg-set-to-pay-n5billion-for-pension-and-gratuity-ondo-hos/

Ondo State House of Assembly has described functional education and technological growth as panacea to enduring legacy in the education sector.

Members of the House Committee on Education, Science and Technology made the assertion during their familiarisation visit to the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB),State Teaching Service Commission , (TESCOM)and State Scholarship Board in Akure.

The lawmakers who observed the dwindling human resources in public schools in the state called for urgent recruitment of more teachers to fill the obvious vacancies.

Members stressed the need to strengthen the state scholarship board by ensuring linkages with foreign partners, bodies and philanthropists in order to meet its financial obligation to indigent students in tertiary institutions.

Chairman of the committee, Mr Toluwani Simeon- Borokini posited that members will support every move to invest in the sector in order to ensure that solid foundation are laid for incoming generations.

Borokini who commended the state government for its effort in giving face lift to public primary schools across the state, encouraged the boards to work closely with the assembly to further strengthen the system.

The Chairman SUBEB, Princess Oladunni Odu who had earlier outlined the numerous achievements of the board in year 2019 affirmed that several primary schools across the state have witnessed turn around in terms of infrastructural development.

She added that training and retraining, promotion of staff, distribution of instructional materials and public schools enrolment drive among others have been the board’s priority.

The SUBEB boss informed that the board is currently collaborating with the Local Government service Commission to facilitate the transfer of 617 local government staff who are holders of NCE and B.ed certificates to the board. She however sought for the assistance of the assembly in fast tracking the recruitment of teachers into public schools as well as more funding of primary education.

Also, the Permanent Secretary TESCOM, Mrs Olufunmilayo Ajayi who reeled out the activities and challenges of the board to the committee noted that the commission has placed embargo on Rural – urban migration of teachers except on crucial condition.

The Administrative Secretary of Scholarship Board, Mr Ayodele Jemilugba who also briefed the lawmakers on their activities and various challenges, opined that government could harness other sources to complement its effort in boosting education via scholarship and bursary award stating that the board is facing a lot of challenges.

Committee members on the visit include Mr Toluwani Simeon-Borokini, the house Majority leader, Mr Jamiu Maito, Vice Chairman of the committee, Dr Olayemi Adeyemi, Mrs Favour Tomomewo, Mr Felemu-gudu Bankole.

Ondo state governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has appealed to the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to release the second tranche of the Women Fund for Economic Empowerment, (WOFEE) loan to the state.

He made the call while declaring open the 19th National Women Council Meeting held at the International Event centre, the Dome, in Akure the state capital.

The governor was represented by his deputy, Mr. Agboola Ajayi,. He said the state government has paid its counterpart contribution of N6million to complement the federal government’s contribution to the Bank of Industry in 2005 for helping poor women farmers.


“The first tranche of the loan was distributed to 38 women cooperatives in 2005/2006. A total of N9,275,000 was released to the cooperative societies due to be repaid within 24 months.

“As at 1st August, 2019, a sum of N10,233,288.86 consisting of recovered loan, undisbursed fund and the two per cent interest on the fund in the custody of Bank of Agriculture was due for second disbursement.

“Despite 80% recovery in respect of the first tranche, the Bank of Agriculture is yet to disburse the second tranche. There is seemingly a stalemate”. He noted.


Speaking on the theme of the conference, “Equality and social inclusion: A panacea for peace, security and sustainable development in Nigeria”, the governor stressed the need to make a concerted effort to ensure gender mainstreaming in our social development agenda.

Akeredolu described social inclusion as a way of finding a stable society where no one is discriminated against, saying this guarantees peace, security and sustainable development.

He therefore called on women to rise up and play their necessary roles in every facet of the national development.

He enjoined the council to consider the overall objectives of the Economic Recovery and Growth plan for social development in the formulation of national social policies for Nigeria.


The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Dame Pauline Tallen commended the South West governors, and rated them high as far as women inclusion in governance is concerned.

She noted that social justice is a catalyst for peace and harmony.

She condemned the prevailing dastardly acts against women and children across the nation, including the rehabilitation centre under the guise of religion houses in Kaduna and baby factories across the country.

Mrs Tallen appealed to state governors to domesticate the Child Right Act in order to ensure that perpetrators of violence against children are punished.

She further urged governors to partner the ministry at ensuring that children in the grassroots are enrolled in school, while stressing the need for women to be educated.

Earlier, in her welcome address, the wife of the state governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu described the annual event as an avenue for participants to interact, network and get acquainted with the culture of the host State in a bid to forging national integration.

Highlights of the event include presentation of awards to some governors who allow women inclusion in their administration. They are the governors of Ondo State, Kwara, Sokoto, Lagos, Kaduna and Akwa-Ibom.
Sourcehttps://citadelng.com.ng/2019/11/01/odsg-appeals-to-fg-to-release-wofee-loan/

It's a known fact that 75% of the universe is made up of water, while the 25% is made up of land; but it is still a kind of mystery that there are reports over shortage of water around the world, something that government around the world have tried to confront. Nigeria as a nation is not left out, which implies that our dear Ondo State once upon a time faced this situation.

Regardless of what people might say, if many doubt water as being a mere cheap achievement, then such individuals have not visited Lekki and Lagos Island where the water around them is salty and they have to import water from the mainland. Perhaps, one should take a visit to the Niger Delta region where water is sold for high prices.

We then ask, is water not free gift of nature? Water has been a critical issue in Ondo State years back until our mantra came on board tagged "Otun Otun ni oo" and inside this, drinkable water movement emerged "KAMOMI AKETI", a vibrant initiative that declared "state of emergency" on free inflow and access to drinkable water.

You might want to ask what is "KAMOMI", well, it is a Yoruba language whose literal meaning implies "Let us drink water", which means let the whole Ondo State drink water freely during the reign of AKETI. Like the saying goes thus "seeing is believing", over 30 communities have testified to the reality of this initiative that has installed new borehole and repair the old ones.

Communities like Iboropa-Akoko, Emure Ile, New Owo Town, Alade Idanre, Ondo Town and many more. Water outbreak diseases during the tenure of Governor Akeredolu has reduced drastically and many have been asking how come, well the answer is simple: KAMOMI AKETI INITIATIVES has been the brain behind this outstanding achievements. More water projects are still on-going and will be completed by February 2020 in which we will kick-start new ones in another 30 communities.

Our vision and plight remains the same; safeguarding the welfarism of every occupants in Ondo State in which water is a crucial part and this is just the beginning.

Once again we say "Let Us Drink Water of Otun Otun"....

One of the ways the present government in Ondo state under the leadership of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Aketi SAN has been given life to the people of Sunshine State is through provision of safe and clean water.

Are you aware that construction of water facility that will supply thousands of people in more than 30 communities are currently going on at different stage of completion across the State?

Yes, the projects are real and If you are doubting this fact. Kindly visit Owo new town, Emure Ile, Alade-Idanre and others for confirmation. They are to be completed by February, 2020.

AKETI 4+4=8.

The Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, has joined numerous other Nigerians to hail the verdict of the Supreme Court which upheld the election of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.

In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant to the Governor (Media and Publicity), Mr Oyewamide Wande Ojo, the governor said “the real victory of the legal process belongs to Democracy.”

His words: ”At last, the seeming suspense over the 2019 Presidential Election and its attendant legal issues has come to an end. The pronouncement of the Nation’s Apex Court as regards the petition remains a very welcome development.

While congratulating President Buhari as well as the All Progressives Congress (APC), Governor Akeredolu equally salutes all those whose belief in the Judicial System strengthened their resolve to find solace rather than resorting to untoward measures.

”This is courage worth celebrating. In this regard, we, as a Nation, has collectively earned an enviable reputation for Rule of Law and constitutionalism.

“The entire chain of the legal processes has been exhausted.This is even as litigants from all sides have had a profound opportunity to ventilate their arguments up to the Supreme Court.

”It is heartwarming that the legal fireworks terminating with today’s verdict are products of our Constitutional rights which have been expressed to enrich democracy. No doubt, the real victory belongs to Democracy,” the governor says.
Sourcehttp://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/-Governor-Akeredolu-Congratulates-Buhari-Over-Supreme-Court-Victory-

The Ondo State Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, on Wednesday commended the directive of the Presidency on the forensic audit of the Niger Delta Development Commission and also the move by the Ministry of Nigeria Delta to set up an interim committee to oversee the affairs of the commission.

The Minister of the Ministry, Mr Godswill Akpabio, had on Tuesday night inaugurated a three-man interim committee to oversee the NDDC, while the forensic audit is going on.


The governor, who spoke through, his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr Ojo Oyewamide, in Akure, there was a need to deal with corrupt practices in the agencies of government in Nigeria.

Akeredolu noted that only a forensic audit of the NDDC would return the commission to the path of fiscal discipline, accountability and transparency.

He said, “The directive by Mr President that a forensic audit of the NDDC be carried out remains the best in the direction of transparency, accountability and fiscal discipline.


”Such move, no doubt, sets not just a benchmark but a desirable check on how the agency would be run now and in the near future. The directive is noble and deserves every support it requires.

”It is against this backdrop that I congratulate the three-man Interim Management Committee headed by Dr Gbene Nunieh as the Acting Managing Director. I have no doubt that the team is conscious of the enormity of the assignment before it.”

The wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu today joined other First Ladies to officially unveiled ‘First Ladies Against Cancer’ (FLAC), an initiative of First Ladies committed to fighting the scourge of cancer at the official premiering of the movie “DIAMONDS IN THE SKY” at Point Harbour, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Other First Ladies at the occasion include Erelu Bisi Fayemi of Ekiti State, Evang. Omolewa Ahmed from Kwara, Dr. Mrs. Linda Ayade from Cross River State, Dr. Zainab Bagudu from Kebbi State, Mrs. Monica Ugwuanyi from Enugu State and former First Lady Ogun State, Dr. Mrs. Olufunsho Amosun.

Mrs. Akeredolu while leading other First Ladies to officially unveil the logo of FLAC said women most especially need to understand how cancer progresses over time and that all hands must be on deck to spread the gospel that cancer no longer kills.
According to her, women no longer need to die needlessly from the disease as awareness about screening can make it possible for a woman to detect cancer early.
While also urging women to go to the hospital when they detect any sign of cancer, Mrs. Akeredolu stressed that faith and medicine can go hand in hand in the quest to get treatment.
Mrs. Akeredolu who also used the opportunity to applaud the initiative said FLAC has laid a good example that nothing is impossible once its conceived.
The First Lady of Niger State, Dr. Amina Abubakar Bello in her review said FLAC was conceived in 2017 to give voice to the cause noting that part of its goal is to get government’s and individual’s attention to fund cancer treatment.
Sharing from personal experience, the representative of Dangote Foundation, Hajia Halima Dangote said she lost a sister, Fatima Bello Dangote to cancer.

She however emphasized the need for women to present early whenever they detect any sign of cancer while commending the First Ladies for coming up with the initiative.
Earlier in her address, the wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr. Ibironke Sanwoolu observed that cancer is responsible for over 72% of death every year thus the need to take steps.
She also affirmed that FLAC was conceived to scale up advocacy against cancer.
The highpoint of the event was the official viewing of the movie “DIAMONDS IN THE SKY” as well as practical demonstration on breast self examination and donations.
Others prominent cabinet members such as the Hon. Commissioner for Health, Dr. Wahab Adegbenro, SSA to Ondo State Governor on Education, Mrs. Wumi Ilawole as well as BRECAN and FOWOSO members were also in attendance from Ondo State.
Sourcehttp://www.ondoevents.com/2019/10/28/mrs-akeredolu-erelu-fayemi-others-unveil-flac-logo-in-lagos/

As part of the activities to reposition the Public Service in Ondo State to enhance quality service delivery, the State Department of Establishment and Training in conjunction with PISCAN organization has organized a two-day training workshop for Motor Driver, Mechanics in the State public service.

The workshop which is to re-orientate this category of workers on the ethics of public service and improvement of their skills was held at the State Public Service Training Institute (PSTI) in Ilara-Mokin-Mokin, headquarters of Ifedore Local Government Area of the state.

Declaring the workshop open, the state Head of Service, Mr Dare Aragbaiye reiterated the commitment of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to re-orientate the workers on the ethical values of public service through training and retraining of public servants with a view to achieving better performance of their duties.

Aragbaiye, who commended the Governor for releasing funds for the programme despite the scarce resources of the state government, noted that every section of the civil service is important, thereby assuring that no section would be left out in the scheduled training programme by the state government.

He charged the participants to be more dedicated to duty, avoid indolence and exhibit good conduct in the performance of their official duties to justify government’s investment on the training programme.

Earlier in his address, the Permanent Secretary, Department of Establishment and Training, Mr Victor Olajorin appreciated the Governor for prioritizing the training of the state workers to improve their skills as against recruiting new ones to replace them.

Mr Olajorin described the Drivers as the life wire of the public service without which the target of delivering excellent service to the people could be achieved.

In his remarks, the lead Consultant of PISCAN organization, Professor Femi Akinwumi, represented by Mrs Ani Anisulowo said the training workshop would include among others medical checkup, physical fitness and paper presentation on health, safety and interpersonal relationship between the drivers and other workers.

The participants under go tests on their eyes, blood pressure, sugar level and also engaged in group work and evaluation.
Source
https://citadelng.com.ng/2019/10/28/ondo-state-goverment-trains-drivers-mechanics-in-the-public-service-for-optimal-performance/

Members of the Forum of Wives of Ondo State Officials, FOWOSO, today join their counterparts across Nigeria to attend the ongoing 19th National Women Conference in Lagos.

The FOWOSO team was led by Dr. (Mrs) Wunmi Ilawole who represented the wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu.

The 19th National women conference, organised by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials, COWLSO, with the theme, ” Unlearn, Learn, and Relearn: 21st Century Women’s Perspectives/Approach”, was held at the Eko hotels and Suites, Victoria Island Lagos with delegates from across the 36 states of the country.

In her address, wife of the Nigerian President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari noted that one of the tenets of COWLSO is restoration of value, and charged them to contribute their quotas to the realization of a better Nigeria.

Represented by the wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, the Nigerian First Lady reminded the women that it is a privilege for them to be wives of government’s officials, hence, the reason they should utilise the opportunity to transform lives positively.


The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila affirmed that women were born to influence the society, noting that education is the best way to empower them.


Mrs. Sanwo-Olu exchanging pleasantries with FOWOSO members.
According to him, women’s issue goes beyond political empowerment being necessary partners in nation building and integral part of the success of any nation.

Gbajabiamila therefore assured of the readiness of the ninth Assembly to amend certain constitutional impediments to the realisation of the 30% affirmation.

The host governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu stressed the need for women to learn new knowledge that would enable them develop the society, and eradicate old ways of thinking that are not compatible with the 21st century approach.

Welcoming participants to the event, the Convener of the conference and wife of the Lagos State governor, Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu had stated that COWLSO, which was founded in 1974 was aimed at complementing the developmental efforts of Lagos State government.

According to her, COWLSO is committed to positively impact humanity and add value to the lives of women and children.

Also speaking, governor Dapo Abiodun of Lagos State stated that to hold a woman back is to hold a society back, noting that no democratic government should allow such.

Other dignitaries at the event were wife of the All Progressives Congress national leader, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, host deputy governor, Mr. Obafemi Hamzat, Ogun State former Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdurasak, among others.

Others were, wives of the Edo State governor, Betsy Obaseki, Ekiti State Governor, Bisi Fayemi, Nasarawa state, Zainab Haruna, Ogun State, Mrs. Abiodun, and Osun State, Kafayat Oyetola.

ONDO GOVERNMENT EXPRESSES READINESS TO PARTICIPATE IN USD 10 MILLION FG /IFAD/NDDC AGRICULTURAL TRANSFORMATION PROJECT

Ondo State Government has expressed its readiness to participate actively in the Federal Government/IFAD/NDDC, USD10 Million Agricultural transformation Project, Life – ND

Ondo State Commissioner for Agriculture Asiwaju Adegboyega Adefarati gave the assurance while hosting the team from FG/IFAD/NDDC(L-ND) in his office in Akure.

The commissioner who expressed confidence in the ability of the state Government to pay its counterpart fund as at and when due judging by its previous performance said Agriculture is the Main focus of the Akeredolu led administration to create massive employment and poverty reduction.

“it is on records that Ondo state performed creditably well in previous project by coming first amongst the nine states that piloted the IFAD project in Nigeria”

Adefarati who gave the assurance said , the state is in better placed to perform exceedingly well in this new program especially now that the project is coming at a very critical time in the life of the current administration with a renewed vigour to achieve it agricultural policy of food sufficiency, poverty reduction and improve living standard for farmers.

Adefarati who commended the partners for being gender sensitive for allocating not less than 6O per cent of its funds to women said the wife of the Governor Betty Anyanwu- Akeredolu would extremely be happy with the development.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Alhaji Boluwaduro Kunle Sanni while welcoming the team said the state is ever ready to accept inputs and partner federal government and development partners in all areas especially in Agricultural sector to be most agricultural productive state in Nigeria.

According to him Ondo state has displayed the political will before now and is willing to do all within its power to benefit maximally from this agricultural transformation project to the benefits of the people.

He assured the team that the state will give the FG/IFAD/NDDC L-ND the best push it deserved in order to continued to benefit from similar gestures in future.

In her response the the team leader of four man team Mrs Ngozi Ohaechesi said they are in the state to conduct interview for personnel that would manned the L- ND Project in the state.

The team is made up of officers from the Federal Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Development, Federal Ministry of Finance, IFAD and Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC.

The Ondo State House of Assembly has waded into the dispute between aggrieved stakeholders in Ese-Odo riverine area and the management of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC).



A group, Ese-Odo Rights Vanguard (ERV) led by Mr. Eric Pere Yanyangbini, had last week in Akure, the state capital, protested alleged marginalisation against Ese-Odo stakeholders by the Gbenga Edema-led management.



The lawmakers, in a letter of invitation dated October 9,with reference no ODHA/98/397/TI/12, and signed by the Secretary, House Committee on OSOPADEC, Raphael Urouna, directed members of the group to appear before the House Committee on the commission.



In its pleas before the committee, the group said conscious steps should be taken to close the gap created by the alleged lopsided appointment and marginalisation in the commission as it affects Ese-Odo local government areas.

Ondo State Government has converted not less than one thousand five hundred and ninety seven local government workers from Assistant Technicians and Technologists to Officers cadre after five years embargo.



The converted workers were mainly those who had acquired higher certificates and had successfully passed the 2019 conversion examination.



The Permanent Secretary of the Commission, Mr Kehinde Ige while speaking at the Local Government Service Commission headquarters in Akure, the state capital, commended the magnanimity of the present government towards workers welfare since coming on board.



He emphasized that workers who are in the Assistant Technicians and Technologist cadre who had acquired higher certificate will be converted at the end of their oral interview.



The PS added that the conversion will in no small measure improve the newly converted workers’ productivity.



He said; “service of the local government workers are at the grassroot ,when they have this kind of satisfaction it will motivate them, this I’m sure will enable them put in their maximum performance to ensure efficient service delivery at their domain.”



He therefore charged the beneficiaries to put in their best and improve their productivity to justify their new status .



Some of the beneficiaries who spoke to The Hope, Mr Ajiboro Oluwatayo and Mrs Olanisinmi Bukola commended the Arakunrin Akeredolu led administration for lifting embargo on the conversion after five years.



The government have really done well by approving the conversion, we are happy to be part of the beneficiaries of the kind gesture of the government” they stated.

Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Donald Ojogo has hinted that the Ore flyover would be inaugurated by December 2019 for usage by the people of the country.

The Commissioner who stated this at a media chat with journalists in his office in Akure, the state capital, added that the flyover would serve the entire country, as Ore is strategically located as a link from the South West to other parts of the country.

Mr. Ojogo described those that said the Ore flyover project was a misplaced priority as enemies of progress and that such persons, perhaps, do not have value for life, stressing that prior to the intervention of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on the road, many lives were lost daily due to congestion and heavy traffic on the road.

He noted that the flyover as initiated and executed by the Oluwarotimi Akeredolu led administration in the state would continue to provide infrastructure development and other social amenities for the people of the state.

He, therefore challenged the opposition that wished to know the total cost of the project to visit the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, to equip themselves with facts and figures, rather than making unfounded comments about the project.

The state government spokesman further noted that the design, cost and specifications were done by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing after the state government had approached the FG for approval for the project and it was approved for the state government to go ahead on the construction.

He noted that the state government cannot go or work against the specifications as approved by Federal Ministry of Works and Housing.

On the other hand, the Commissioner also decried the occurrence flood in some local governments in the state, especially that of Akungba Akoko, Ese Odo and Ilaje.

He described the incident as natural disaster, which is unpredictable and beyond human calculations.

He hinted that the Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, is making frantic efforts at making the environment safe for people to live and would soon meet with officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in Abuja to update them on the need for urgent intervention in the coastal areas of the state.

The government image maker said the two Committees set up by the Governor to look into the flood incidents in Ese Odo and Ilaje Local Governments have submitted their reports and same would be presented before the officials of NEMA, for necessary assistance.

He disclosed that the damaged done by the floods in the two local government areas was beyond what the state government could handle and the Federal Government needs to be on ground to assist in tackling the situation.

Similarly, the Information and Orientation Commissioner also dismissed insinuations in some quarters on the whereabout the Governor.

He said the Governor is engaged in Abuja, attending to state issues, stressing that the Governor is entitled to annual leave which he got, but had to cut it short owing to personal reasons.

While in Abuja, the Governor has attended APC Governors forum meeting, National Economic Council meeting and he also met the Deputy Governor, Head of Service and his Chief of Staff.

Mr. Ojogo added that the Governor will be receiving an award, African Innovative Leadership Award, as one of the best Governors Africa Continent on Saturday, 19th October, 2019, in Abuja.

The Ondo state Caucus of the house representative in the National Assembly has sought the intervention of the Federal ministry of works and housing on the rehabilitation of Federal government roads in the state.

The lawmakers, who met with the Minister for works and housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola and his minister of state called his attention to the deplorable states of many Federal roads linking the state.

Speaking through their caucus leader, Mr Mayowa Akinfolarin during the meeting, the lawmakers noted that some bad federal roads in the state have been abandoned for over thirteen years, and have constituted major security threats to hundreds of travelers.

Also speaking at the event, Mr Ade Adeogun representing Akoko southeast/southwest federal constituency said the bad roads have become striking points for armed robbers and kidnappers in the state.

In his reaction, Fashola thanked the lawmakers for initiating the meeting, and called for consensus on specific roads of top priority, so as to concentrate resources on them and get expected results.

Other lawmakers present at the meeting include Abiola Makinde, Omolafe Adedayo,. Oluwatimilehin Adelegbe and Tajudeen Adefisoye.

ONDO ASSEMBLY ASSURES ILAJE – ESE ODO RESIDENTS OF EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

Ondo state house of Assembly has assured the people of Ilaje and Eseodo local governments of equitable distribution of developmental projects in the oil producing areas of the state.

The Speaker, Bamidele Oleyelogun gave the assurance during an interface with Eseodo rights vanguard, federation of ugbo youth and management of Ondo state oil producing areas development commission OSOPADEC at the assembly complex in Akure.

Following the complaints written by Eseodo rights vanguard which held a peaceful protest at OSOPADEC on the recent recruitment exercise, the house deem it fit to meet with the warring parties on the need for peace to reign in the mandate areas.

Receiving the people into the assembly complex ,the speaker, Bamidele Oleyelogun in his remark emphasized on the need for the people to give peace a chance in the mandate areas for more progress and development.

Oleyelogun who was represented by the majority leader of the house, Jamiu Maito implored the aggrieved parties to be calm assuring them of fairness and equity of dividends of democracy especially as regards the current recruitment into OSOPADEC.

The chairman house committee on OSOPADEC, Prince Abayomi Akinruntan noted that the committee will continue to interact with them in ensuring that everyone has a sense of belonging in the process.

The president, Eseodo rights vanguard, Eric yanyangbini as well as the president of federation ugbo youth, Mr Gbenga demehin who relayed their complaints to the house urged the house to address the imbalance in the recruitment exercise.

The permanent secretary OSOPADEC, Mr victor koledoye assured of the commission’s readiness to be fair in the recruitment exercise adding that more people oriented projects are underway for the people of the mandate areas .

The implementation of the N30,000 new minimum wage in Ondo State will cost the government N45 billion.

This represents 20 percent increase in the current wage bill of workers in the state which stood at about N36 billion.

Ondo State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Pastor Emmanuel Igbasan declared this in an interview with The Hope, yesterday.

He said :”The minimum wage which our workers rightly deserve will increase our wage burden between 18 and 20 percent on monthly basis when implemented “.

According to him, the state government will need additional N9 billion to meet up with the payment annually.

His words: In terms of naira and kobo, we are talking about a wage bill from about N36b on yearly basis to about N45b when fully implemented”.

Igbasan however called for the review of the present revenue sharing formula that will give more money to the state and local governments, saying development come from the grassroots.

He said in a situation where the federal government gets 52 percent of the revenues from the federation account is unfair, calling on the federal government to see the need for the review of the sharing formula in favour of state and local governments.

Igbasan said the federal government has put so many things in her purview which it is unable to manage effectively like primary health care.

“I have said it at different fora, for state government to be able to conveniently pay the new minimum wage without downsizing, right sizing or owing workers salaries, something needs to be done to the revenue sharing formula.

There are so many things that the federal government has taken upon itself which are not effective because it is not within its purview to do so.

“Federal government should give out part of what it has now. The kind of structure we have is too centralized and most of these health facilities are domesticated at the grassroots level. They should give more power to the state and local governments to handle what are domiciled within their territories.”

Igbasan observed that it is even difficult for federal government to implement the N30,000 minimum wage despite its huge share in the revenue from the federation account.

The commissioner puts the total number of civil servants in the state, including that of local governments at 72,985 and pensioners 22, 253.

He indicated the possibility of an increase in the number of workers in the state as a result of the newly recruited workers in the health and other sectors and assured that as soon as the coast is clear, workers in the state will enjoy the new minimum wage.

He affirmed that the State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu will not downsize the workforce but create an efficient workforce that will drive productivity and efficient administration.” He is a governor that I know very well, he has said it several times that he is not interested in sending anybody packing before his retirement age. You can even see the demonstration of that in all MDAs that were allowed to complete their terms before they were disengaged.”

On the recently approved N50bn bond, Igbasan said the process is ongoing as the state is yet to receive it, adding that it will be utilized before the end of the year to fastrack massive infrastructural development across the state.

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has described good health as a basic right of citizens.

The governor stated this while speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2019 Nigerian Medical Association, NMA Physicians’ Week held in Akure, the state capital.

Represented at the event by his deputy, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, Akeredolu said it was in realization of this that his administration from inception had formulated policies that were aimed at boosting healthcare delivery system.

According to him, his administration, in a bid to provide affordable and sustainable funding of quality healthcare service, had signed into law the establishment Ondo State Contributory Health Scheme which would soon commence free maternal and under-five children services at the point of care.

He added that approval had also been given for the procurement of medical equipment worth several millions of naira as well as the recruitment of health workers to improve the diagnostic and therapeutic capacities of Primary Healthcare system in the state.

Noting that the theme of this year’s Physicians’ Week, ‘ Care for the Unknown Patient: An Overview’ was apt and timely, the governor said all the health policies in the state were targeted at all categories of the people as no one knew who the next patient would be.

Earlier in his address, the National President of the NMA, Dr. Adedayo Faduyile said the association chose the theme for this celebration of the Physicians’ Week, Care for the Unknown Patient’ to address the challenges faced by them especially to advocate for policy framework.

His words, ‘the theme ‘ Care for the Unknown Patient: An Overview’ was chosen to bring to the fore the issues affecting Nigerians who suddenly found themselves in an unconscious state from traumatic caused majorly Road Traffic Accident or medical conditions,’ he said.

He lamented the situation where innocent Nigerians died in emergency situation as a result of no deliberate provision of facilities to meet their need, calling for more fund for the health sector by all levels of government to improve health.

While calling for conducive working environment for doctors across the country, Dr. Faduyile called on the Nigeria Police to provide necessary protection for doctors.

Also speaking at the event, Ondo State Health Commissioner, Dr. Wahab Adegbenro, said everyone one has access to medical services without financial embarrassment in the state including the unknown patients.

He hinted that a comprehensive contributory health scheme to cater for pregnant women, children and other valuable persons would soon be launched as part of moves to boost health care delivery.

Barely a week after promising to fix abandoned and deplorable federal roads, the state government has started rehabilitation work on the failed portion of the Owo/Ilesa at Araromi junction, Akure.

Ministry of Works have mobilised to the site. The blocked/ silted drainage has been desilted for free flow of water through the drainage. This development means spillover water across the road will no longer occur.
Appropriate equipments have been used to evacuate the soggy surface on the road to enhance smooth running on the road.
Furthermore, boulders have been deposited to stabilize the portion of the road.

Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Saka Yusuf Ogunleye told newsmen on the site that the road is going to be put in usable form within the next few days.

“For the umpteenth time, i have to say Governor Akeredolu was voted for to improve this state in all ramifications, . Our people are the ones plying this road. It will be improper to let it get damaged because it is a federal road. If we fold our hands they will continue to experience untold hardship. That is not going to be allowed to happen.We are looking and praying for fair weather to enable us fix it fast and appropriately.

He added that the state government wanted the road rehabilitated in a very short time to prevent trucks carrying heavy goods / loads that have chosen the Airport/Obaile road as alternative from damaging the road in no time.

Meanwhile, Mr. Ogunleye says the road linking Bolorunduro to the expressway would be repaired as soon as possible.

Speaking after visiting the affected road, he asserted that the hardship being experienced by the people over the almost impassable failed portion of the road deserves quick government intervention.

“People of this community communicated the Ministry about their plight. We are here to see things for ourselves. This is an eyesore. Being a listening and responsive government this road will be in shape within a few days.”

The Olu of Bolorunduro, Oba Babatunde Olasoji thanked Governor Akeredolu for extending his infrastructural development agenda to the town, saying they have been provided with boreholes and good schools.

Among those who accompanied the Commissioner on the working visit were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engineer Taiwo Otun, directors and engineers.
Also in attendance were the Caretaker Chairman, Akure North, Mr. Ogbesetore Bankole and top officials of the council.
Sourcehttp://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/Ondo-Govt-Commences-Rehabilitation-of-Araromi-Junction-On-Owo---Ilesa-Federal-Road

The Ondo State Government under the rule of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, has sent a high powered delegation led by the State Head of Service, Mr Dare Aragbaiye to condole with the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) in Ondo State over the demise of its Chairman, Chief Akinsola Oloruntusin Adetuwo who died on Thursday, 20th September, 2019 at the age of 80 years .

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the State Pension Transitional Department, Mr Tope Kolawole, Mr Aragbaiye eulogized late Pa Adetuwo, whom he described as an astute administrator that was passionately committed to the improvement of the welfare of Pensioners and the development of the state.

He declared that the death of Pa Adetuwo was a rude shock and painful loss to the state government, and particularly recalled that the late Chairman recently led the Executive of the Union to his office on a courtesy visit in August this year where he commended Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for prioritizing the welfare of Pensioners in the state by paying over #4 billion arrears of gratuity owed Pensioners by the immediate past administration in the state.

Mr Aragbaiye, who comforted the Union by saying that their departed Chairman lived a fulfilled life, prayed that God will give them and the family of the deceased the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Receiving the delegation, the Acting Chairman of the Union, Elder Adedapo Salami appreciated the Governor for sending the delegation to commiserate with the Union on the death of its Chairman and particularly for his commitment and interest towards improving the welfare of Pensioners in the state.

Elder Salami described late Pa Adetuwo as a man of peace, visionary leader and a philanthropist, adding that the Union would carry the state government along on the burial ceremony of the late Chairman which he said had been tentatively scheduled to hold between 20th and 22nd of November, 2019 in his home town in Irele.

In his remarks, the Secretary of the Union, Comrade Akin Sunday said the condolence visit by the state government is a testimony to the good life of late Pa Adetuwo, saying that the departed Chairman lived a selfless life for the benefits of others.

Other members of the delegation were the Head of Teachers’ Pension, Alhaji Muyideen Yusuf, Head of Civil Service Pension, Mrs Mary Omoloye and Deputy Director, Finance and Administration of the State Pension Transitional Department, Mr Adeleke Olorunmo.

The Nigerian Medical Association has commended the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN for making Healthcare part of his top priority in office.

The NMA President Professor Dayo Faduyile who was on a visit to the state made this statement when he led his team to the Governors office for a courtesy visit on Monday, October 14, 2019.

Responding, The Governor represented by his Deputy, Hon Agboola Ajayi appreciated NMA for the visit while he also reiterated the commitment of Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu SAN to continuous reposition of Healthcare for better delivery in the State.

:camera_with_flash: ONDO STATE GOVT.
Sourcehttp://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/NMA-Visits-Ondo--Commends-Akeredolu's-Health-Programmes

Wife of Ondo State Governor, and founder, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu Foundation (BAAF), Chief Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has been applauded for donating two 6-unit toilet and bathroom facilities for dormitory students at Egbu Girls Secondary School, Egbu, Imo state.

Speaking while commissioning the facilities for immediate use by the students, the Lord Bishop of Anglican Diocese of Egbu, Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Enyinnaya Okoroafor, lauded the intervention project executed by BAAF, and thanked the Ondo State First Lady for coming to the rescue of the school by providing the much needed facilities through her foundation.

He charged the students of EGSS to work hard with determination, and utilize the education they were receiving at school, in order to become great personalities of character such as Mrs Akeredolu, who is also an Old Girl of the school.


He further charged the dormitory girls and their matrons to preserve the privileged facilities provided them, promising to occasionally inspect the area to assess maintenance.

In her remarks, the principal of Egbu Girls Secondary School, Lady Onyekachi Basil-Nwachukwu, conveyed her gratitude to Mrs Akeredolu for always showing concern for her alma mater, recounting her numerous supports to the school, including the recent project being commissioned.
She thanked BAAF for the UNICEF-standard facilities provided for the dormitory girls to improve Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) culture, and prayed God to continue to replenish their founder and grant her greater heights through her foundation.


A student representative also offered her appreciation on behalf of the dormitory girls, and promised they would make good use of the facilities.


Dormitory students of Egbu Girls Secondary School had hitherto been faced with the problems of distant accessibility of dysfunctional toilet and bathroom facilities, and a low level of WASH and menstrual hygiene practices.


Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu Foundation (BAAF), a leading local/community level non-governmental organization (NGO) in Nigeria with a mandate to end open defecation and promote proper WASH culture in public schools/communities, had come to the rescue by providing functional, basic service level WASH facilities for the dormitory girls, and engaging both students and staff of EGSS on health talks bordering on solid waste management, personal and environmental hygiene, menstrual health, and sex education.


The girls were also taught how to produce basic cleaning agents such as liquid soap, bleach, antiseptic and germicide, with the project culminating in the establishment of a school health club, with student executives and staff matron.


EGSS becomes the latest school to benefit from BAAF’s WASH intervention projects following selected schools in Ondo and Imo states so far. BAAF will continue to provide technical support to these schools to ensure sustainability of the WASH projects.


In attendance at the commissioning were the dormitory students and members of the school management, including a representative of the Old Girls Association of EGSS, Mrs Chichi Onu, BAAF WASH project team, and some members of the Mpama-Egbu community.

Gov. Oluwaritimi Akeredolu, has within his three years in office attacked the two most dreadful roads in Akoko land.

1. Oke-Oka Road ;

There was a portion of this road already conceded to the gods for the purposes of sucking human blood and eating of human flesh. The portion used to come with crushing accidents on weekly basis, and nobody traveled the road without this thought of death!

One accident that shook the foundation of Akoko happened along the stretch precisely on the 24th of February, 2007 and our Akoko land lost 24 souls on the same spot to a single accident ! Regrettably the entire 24 belonged to one single family of Pa. Ogunrinde who equally lost his own life and those of his two wives. They were returning from the first convocation ceremony of Adekunle Ajasin University where a son of the family was a graduand.

Accident on the same spot killed one of the greatest Amazons of Akoko land, Mrs. Adefarati, among hundreds of souls killed in autos crashes along that stretch of road.

Our children in the Federal legislative houses had tried all possible magics in persuading the Federal government to fix this Federal road without success, hence we surrendered to the myth that these blood sucking gods could not be stopped by ordinary mortal. In fact we believed that the gods were actually responsible for the failed efforts made by our elected representatives in Abuja.

Decades rolled by, governments came and went without any solution, until Gov. Akeredolu was elected. Few months after his election, he moved his men to the death stretch, and as usual only few would have taken him seriously given our previous experiences.

Surprisingly he has fixed this road despite being a federal road, an excuse that had become a cultural one to us, an accident has since become history around the area.
Akoko people no longer die on the spot.

Photo : When Aketi was fixing the death alley !

The Oluwarotimi Akeredolu government strives on the principle of free speech and tolerates media reports however warped.

But it is pertinent to put the records straight in respect of the subject matter as dissected in an online report by THE NATION newspaper.

Agreeing that interpretations are allowed in reportage, it has yet become a norm in media practice that insinuations and outright make-ups take the centre stage.

This report is totally untrue. For one, linking the sack of the Special Assistant ( described as Senior Special Assistant in the report) to whatever post he had authored on the social media can only be the product of self-help.

The second paragraph of the statement which relieved the said official is unambiguous. For emphasis, it reads thus:

''This directive is with immediate effect; and it underscores the need to instill sanity and nip in the bud, divisive acts and tendencies inimical to the existing cordiality and cohesion in the administration led by the Governor.''

Ojo Oyewamide
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor
(Media and Publicity)

October 7, 2019.

*BELOW IS THE EXCERPT FROM THE NATION NEWSPAPER*

'Why Akeredolu sacked Political Aide' - The Nation Newspaper
Damisi Ojo, Akure

More facts emerged on Monday on why governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State sacked his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Political Matters, Mr Augustine Pelemo attached to the office of the Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi

The removal of Pelemo was contained in a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo.

The Commissioner said the sack is with immediate effect; saying,” it underscores the need to instil sanity and nip in the bud, divisive acts and tendencies inimical to the existing cordiality and cohesion in the administration led by the governor”.

However, sources hinted that the governor allegedly sacked Pelemo far calling the wife of the deputy governor, Mrs Ajewola Agboola Ajayi, an acting first Lady on his Facebook page while wishing her happy birthday.

Akeredolu and his wife, while travelling out of the country, handed power to the deputy governor to take charge of the affairs of the state through a letter he transmitted to the State House of Assembly.

Security operatives have arrested a seven-man kidnapping squad at Ajowa, Akunnu and Auga in Akoko area of Ondo state.

The suspects have been terrorising residents of the Akoko communities with impunity.
Their arrest was made possible through combined efforts of soldiers, Police and Department of State Service (DSS) at Ajowa in Akoko Northwest local government area.

They met their Waterloo after abducting a 45-year old graduate teacher and Muslim Cleric, Alhaji Jamiu Zakariyahu at gunpoint last Wednesday night .

The suspected kidnappers dragged the victim from his motorcycle and immediately cover his face with mask.
Thereafter he was led into the bush by his abductors.

While recounting his ordeal, Zakariyahu said his abductors demanded a ransom of N10m which was later reduced to N5m

He said, “after dragging me into the bush, I met two other victims whose legs and hands were tied and blindfolded.

“They placed N10 million ransom on me but when the negotiating team told them that I am a teacher whose family could not afford more than N250,000, they agreed to take the offer,”

He added that some soldiers with the help of some locals that later arrested one Wasiu Mohammed, son of a prominent chief in the town by tracking the phone the bandits earlier seized from me”.

The arrest of Wasiu, according to him, paved way for the arrest of three others, while the remaining ones were still at large.

Ondo state governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu said over N13 billion has been expended both by the state government and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to boost education standard in the state.

Governor Akeredolu disclosed this while receiving the Chairman, Governing Board of UBEC, Ugwueri Osondu and his team who paid a working visit to him in his office in Akure. He revealed that the funds have impacted positively on education development in the state in terms of infrastructure and school enrolments.

Akeredolu who was represented by his deputy, Agboola Ajayi, explained that over 500 schools across the state have witnessed transformation through the funds received from the Commission and the state counterpart funding through the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).

According to the governor, the education sector, especially the basic education which the funds were meant for is now better than he met it when his administration came in, just as he applauded the Chairman of SUBEB, Princess Oladunni Odu for doing a good work in the board.

Akeredolu who noted that his administration’s intervention in the sector has greatly reduced out of school children in the state, adding that his government would continue to improve the high standard of education which Ondo State is noted for.

The governor also commended the Federal Government through UBEC for the continued support by providing the funds, saying UBEC team would appreciate all the good jobs done by SUBEB in the state after inspecting the projects.

Akeredolu added that government was doing its best with series of projects to address huge infrastructural deficit and drastically reduce numbers of drop out students in the state.

On the recruitment of teachers, Akeredolu said the process of employing teachers in the state was ongoing and would soon materialise.

Akeredolu lauded UBEC for its supportive role when the state needed to pay her counterpart fund and asked for more collaboration with the government to meet up their mandate.

Earlier, the Chairman UBEC Governing Board, Ugwueri Osondu, said the team were on advocacy visit and to find out if the programmes carried out by the Commission in the state are done according to specification.

He informed the governor that the Commission was concerned about the out of school children and sought the efforts of the state government to address the situation.

Osondu further added that the team were in the state to inspect the various UBEC projects across the three senatorial districts of the state, just as he encouraged the state government to continually work hand in glove with the Commission to be able to access more funds.

The UBEC Chairman who promised to continue to work with government to further improve education standard in the state, also emphasised the need for the government to employ more teachers to fill spaces in the schools and also to take the issue of e-Library serious.

Also, the SUBEB Chairman, Princess Oladunni Odu, stressed that the SUBEB has judiciously and effectively utilise the funds available to it.

“For 2013-2016 we are able to do 519 projects cutting across all the 18 Local Government Areas. In every Local Government you will see at least nothing less than 20 projects of SUBEB covering new construction, renovation, provision of boreholes, construction of perimeter fencing, provision of computers, provision of pupils furniture and teachers furniture.

“And in the new one, 2019 to June this year, we have executed 314 projects. So, Ondo state under Arakunrin is doing beautifully well in the basic education sector because he believes in solid education,” Odu stressed.

Govt Is determined To Take Care of Road Infrastructure Worries Of the People, Works Commissioner Assures

The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Saka Yusuf Ogunleye has assured residents of the State that the government of Governor Akeredolu will leave no stone unturned in its efforts to solve road infrastructure challenges confronting the people.

Mr. Ogunleye gave assurance when he inspected some of the ongoing projects in Akure metropolis.

The Commissioner said the government’s emphasis on road construction was deliberate as the sector serves all and sundry from the rich to the poor.

“Quality roads make life meaningful for all road users from vehicle owners to motorcyclists and pedestrians. They also remove the stress being experienced when conveyed through bad roads.”

Some of the areas inspected are the Oba Osupa road/Alafiatayo axis, Oda Dualization project and Ijoka axis, where construction works are in progress.

At Oba Osupa road, the Commissioner inspected the cross culvert under construction in front of the state hospital and the extent at which demolition of properties that are involved to evaluate for compensation to the owners.

At Ijoka road, Mr. Ogunleye inspected where the marking for removal of the shanties is in progress. He directed the contractor handling the road to fix a collapsed bridge, which is supposed to serve as an alternative route in the course of constructing the road.

At Oda road, the Commissioner resolved the main issue of total blockage of the road, which the road users had complained about. He directed the contractor to open up part of it for vehicular movement at peak periods for the road users.
He made it known to the public that two alternative routes have been provided at Appeal Court axis and SUBEB through Sijuade for the populace.
Sourcehttp://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/Govt-Is-determined-To-Take-Care-of-Road-Infrastructure-Worries-Of-the-People--Works-Commissioner-Assures

Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Wednesday said his colleagues in the Southwest geo-political zone were responding comprehensively to various security challenges facing the zone.

Akeredolu, who is also the Chairman, Southwest Governors Forum, disclosed this in Akure during at a church service for the state’s covenant renewal day 2019.

The Governor who was represented by his deputy, Agboola Ajayi said the state was working in collaboration with sister states to re-jig the security architecture of the zone to respond adequately to new challenges.

He said “It is no longer news that our country is going through security challenges. Therefore, all hands must be on deck to salvage it together.

“We are doing our best to respond comprehensively to the new challenges. Ondo State is working in collaboration with sister states in Southwestern zone to re-jig the security architecture of the zone to make it respond adequately to the new challenges.

” Government has never relented on its efforts yo curb crime and criminalities within our boundaries. We will continue this until our people can sleep with their two eyes closed.

“Nigeria must survive its challenges and it is possible if we all agree and pray together in unison,” he said.

The Governor described the church service as an opportunity to renew strength and pray to God for future life the state, said no government or organisation could achieve craved height.

He recommended that other states of the Federation and the Federal Government should renew their covenant with God on yearly basis.

According to him “There is, therefore, a compelling need for collaboration of all stakeholders in the task of building a virile and egalitarian society.

“It is indeed heartening to be in the presence of several eminent spiritual leaders of Christian body for 2019 edition of this special programme.

“It will be recalled that I gladly participated in the last edition, because we know that our dear state and indeed Nigeria needs continuous prayers.

“Our administration since inception has partnered the Ondo State chapters of PFN,CAN and other groups, in almost all their programmes and events.”

The Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Tuesday said the leadership of the country must brace up in its strategies to develop the country, adding that all excuses for the nation’s underdevelopment 59 years after independence have been exhausted.

Akeredolu, who spoke during the celebration of the 59th independent anniversary, admitted that Nigeria has not got to where it should be since it got independence from the British government 59 years ago.

Represented by his deputy, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, the governor said the task before the leadership of the country is to build a strong and viable economy that would generate a prosperous, progressive and dignified life for the good of the country and the state.

He said the county can achieve her desired destination with more hard work, enterprise, creativity and constant fight against corruption.

The governor noted that the nation is going through some challenges ranging from insecurity of lives and properties, poor welfare and other vices which are making lives difficult for the people.

He however said foundations were being laid and frantic efforts were being made to solve all the challenges being faced by the citizens

Specifically, the governor said the state government is collaborating with the federal government and South-west states to map out strategies to stamp out banditry and other forms of criminality from the states.

Akeredolu said his administration has procured 120 motorcycles and 20 Hilux buses to aid the fight against insecurity.

He said a security outfit codenamed “Operation Amotekun” would soon be inaugurated in the South-west geo-political zone in order to tackle insecurity in the zone

Akeredolu said that the government was doing everything possible to improve the economy of the state and ensure that the citizens enjoy new lease of life.

He added that his government would fight corruption, waste, inefficiency, ineffectiveness and unpatriotic attitude in the state

In Nigeria, a group of local experts has launched Nigeria Flying Labs South West Hub to meet and foster the demand for digital entrepreneurship. The newly formed Flying Labs team is applying their expertise in drones, drone data, and geographic information systems (GIS) to empower local businesses and smallholder farmers. Already, the team has trained 100 youth in Ondo State in smart farming techniques and drone technology. In the months to come, it will organize additional training sessions and reach even more people, each of whom in turn has the power to generate exponential impact. Nigeria Flying Labs South West Hub is proud to build on the expertise of the global network of “Flying Labs” partners all around the world. It is equally pleased to use its unique knowledge to help Nigeria’s most innovative future entrepreneurs take flight.

So, what is Nigeria Flying Labs South West Hub? A regional hub of expertise and innovation, it works collaboratively with local communities to build skills and to give individuals the tools they need to succeed. It was formed as an alliance between Orbital Solutions Global Services Limited, which focuses on GIS, YUAVI Technologies Limited, a company specializing in aerial imaging, and the Ondo State Office of Innovation and Partnerships. This partnership is built upon a shared commitment to the best operational practices and the highest data standards. Within the scope of the alliance, YUAVI Technologies provides additional drone services and public sector partnerships while ION offers enterprise and human capital development to drive sustainability of drone service commercialization. The goals of the partnership with YUAVI Technologies Limited and ION include building local skills of digital entrepreneurs, catalysing businesses and creating demand for the skills of digital entrepreneurs. Nigeria Flying Labs South West Hub is led by Managing Director Adewale Adegoke, an expert in how geospatial technologies and data can catalyze economic opportunities for both the public and private sectors.

And what exactly does Nigeria Flying Labs South West Hub do? They empower local communities to excel in a rapidly changing modern era. Take those 100 youth who attended the team’s first training. By its conclusion, they were equipped to use drones to improve agriculture and, very soon, the Labs will build on this success to train an additional 50 youth in the same techniques, mentoring them to become digital entrepreneurs and to incorporate drones into e-extension services.

Once these skills are employed outside the classroom, Nigeria Flying Labs South West Hub scales humanitarian impact. They build partnerships between the public and private sectors, uniting key actors for a common goal. Together, the Labs and their partners incubate innovative ideas on how to interpret drone data for social good. F surveying and mapping local land to improve agriculture to human capital development, the Labs achieves quantifiable outcomes for its beneficiaries.

Nigeria Flying Labs South West Hub is dedicated to catalyzing new business and empowering local businesses. How? By mentoring digital entrepreneurs to partner with public sector agencies and generating demand for their skills in a sustainable business environment. To do so, the Labs uses its “droners’ platform” to establish market linkages between drone pilots and potential clients.
Source
http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/Nigeria-Flying-Labs-South-West-Hub-launched

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State yesterday took a critical look at Nigeria after 59 years of independence and gave a pass mark on the APC led Federal and State Governments despite the challenges being faced in the country.

Akeredolu who was represented by his Deputy; Hon Agboola Ajayi at a church service to mark the Nigeria 59th anniversary held at The Redeemed Christian Church of God at Oke-Ijebu Akure, the state capital said many countries have disintegrated with half of challenges being faced by the county.

Ajayi, thanked God for keeping Nigeria as one so far despite numerous challenges saying the unity of the country is the greatest achievement of the government.

His words “In spite of all the challenges we have faced as a people, it has pleased God to allow us to remain as one indivisible entity.

“As we all know, some countries whose challenges were not as daunting as ours have disintegrated’,

The Governor reiterated the resolve of the government to continue to deliver its mandate particularly in the areas of infrastructure, security and welfare of workers and the entire citizens.

He said ‘As you are all aware, many developmental projects embarked upon by our government have been completed and our people are already deriving the benefit from them.

Our government is ever committed to fulfillment of all our electoral promises to the people in spite of the lean resources and the huge debts inherited from the past government”

The governor said it is God has sustained the country despite the security and economic challenges.

He linked the story of Nigeria with that of Israel.

The Governor said the APC led Federal Government and State governments are committed to the National unity of the country.

He said the government has renamed Board of Internal Revenu, adding that the resources of the state are safe in the present government hands.

In his sermon, Evangelist Ezekiel Falade of the Gospel Faith Mission International, charged Nigerians to always appreciate God despite her various challenges.

Falade said Nigeria had a lot to thank God for despite all numerous challenges including kidnapping, banditry, and insurgency.

Pointedly, Falade said “Despite all challenges, Nigeria will come out of the messes. We should shout for joy and be glad’

Citing the book of second Chronicles chapter seven verse 14, the clergy called on Nigerians and her leader to go back to God as that is the only way the nation can be healed of all the ravaging problems.

Ondo state government warns contractors against shoddy jobs as dry season approaches

Worried by the menace of traffic challenges, especially in akure the state capital, Ondo State government has launched a new initiative known as Easy Drive.

The initiative is to ensure compliance to traffic rules, use of the pedestrian bridge and end roadside trading, indiscriminate parking among others.

Despite the efforts of successive administrations, in Akure the state capital is still faced with traffic challenges.

These include indiscriminate parking, take over of parking lots and walkways by petty traders and other private business concerns, as well as non-use of approved and designated car parks.

To put an end to these challenges, the state government decided to partner a private concern, easy drive.

The state government also held a sensitization rally on the new rules of engagement.

From the long stretch of road from ilesha garage to oja oba, special adviser to the Governor on transportation, tobi Ogunleye enlightened the people on why they must use only designated parks, and the pedestrian overhead bridge.

He insisted that thoroughfare along the dividers under the pedestrian bridge also had to be closed to ensure sanity of movement along that axis of the road despite concerns by traders at Erekesan modern market.

The governor’s aide who enforced the relocation of some street traders warned that it would not be business as usual for defaulters.

The manager of Eazy Drive, Folajimi Dabo assures that Ondo State said the initiative is not to inflict pains on

Motorists but ensure sanity on the road for greater economic productivity.

The sensitization rally is expected to be replicated at arakale and other areas with serious traffic challenges in Akure.