ONDO APC PRIMARY : OYEDELE DECLARES SUPPORT FOR AKEREDOLU

A Governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Engr. Ife Oyedele has declared support for Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN.

Oyedele said leaders of the party and the reconciliation commitee set up by the party has been talking to all the aspirants on the need to have a hitch-free primary election.

Addressing Journalists alongside the Governor on Sunday evening, Oyedele said the APC is working to ensure that an ordinary primary election within APC do not snowball into violence.

He added that he took the decision and n the overall interest of the people of the state and for stability in the party.

Speaking, Governor Akeredolu said:"As you can see here, my brother Engr. Ife Oyedele is here with me. When I used the word brother, am using it with all sense of responsibility. We are brothers for many reasons and we remain brothers for life.

"As you all know, we both indicated interest in the Governorship race. Since our meeting with the reconciliation committee, a number of us have been talking and a number of our leaders have been talking to us. To the glory of God, my brother Engr. Ife Oyedele and I felt we can work together for the progress of this state."

� Nguher Gabrielle Zaki

Disqualify Ondo Deputy Gov for manipulating delegates’ list, PDP leaders tell Secondus
July 13, 2020.

Some chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State have called for the disqualification of Hon. Agboola Ajayi, the deputy governor of Ondo State and for the immediate arrest of Mr Kingsley Chinda, the Secretary of the PDP Ward congresses Electoral Committee for Ondo State, over alleged injection 101 fake delegates into the Adhoc delegates’ list of the PDP ahead of the party primary on July 22, 2020.

The PDP leaders who gathered in Akure from across the three Senatorial Districts of Ondo State made the call while addressing newsmen on Sunday.

Starnews NG reports that the PDP leaders were led by their spokesman, Hon Bitire Solomon, a former council boss and a chieftain of the party from Okitipupa local government area of Ondo State.

“Agboola Ajayi must be disqualified for fraudulently injecting 101 fake delegates into the Adhoc delegates list of Ondo State PDP in collusion with Kingsley Chinda, the Secretary of the PDP Ward congresses Electoral Committee.”

“It could be recalled that three days ago while the Electoral panel was collating the results of the ad-hoc delegates Congresses, there were heavy protests by Party members who were chanting war songs and raining curses on Ajayi and Chinda at the front of Heritage Hotel in Akure after information filtered in that both of them were tampering with the delegates list.”

“Suddenly after the protests, members of the panel disappeared into tin air and thereafter converged in a hotel in Lagos to hatch the evil plot”

“As we speak, over 101 names have been injected into the Adhoc delegates list ahead of the PDP primary by Ajayi and Mr Chinda, the Secretary of the panel.”

“We are here to call on the leadership of the party to immediately arrest Chinda and disqualify the deputy governor for fraudulently manipulating the delegates list”

Meanwhile, Okunomo Campaign Organisation has vowed to stop at nothing in commencing full legal action if the doctored list is not reversed by the leadership of the party.

Speaking through its spokesman, Mr Akinrinlola Olumide in a telephone interview on Sunday, Okunomo said they would take the party to court if justice is not done by the leadership of the party to revert to the original delegates list.

Source:https://ondoupdate.com/disqualify-ondo-deputy-gov-for-manipulating-delegates-list-pdp-leaders-tell-secondus/

AKEREDOLU UPGRADES PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS LIVELIHOOD THROUGH CAR LOANS.

BY PRINCES EIGBOKHAN ORIH

It is clear that many leaders are failing to foster a sense of trust and loyalty in the people they lead as a result of their failure to manage the covid19 pandemic and still be focused with their primary assignment to meet the needs of the people.



Fortunately, that is not the case of the ondo state governor Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN who has shown great extraordinary leadership qualities since this pandemic hit the country.



Meanwhile, Akeredolu has inspired his teams on covid19 committe to accomplish amazing records in the health sector, providing palliative for the vulnerables, feeding children through kajeun Aketi scheme which has taken care of thousands of child in the state. And still take out time to addressed the market men and women and inspect the ongoing projects.



However, the covid19 pandemic has not stop the Ondo state Governor Akeredolu from remembering the civil servant in the state.


Governor Akeredolu whose love for the welfare of the people is next to non has approved car loan for primary schools teachers to the sum of 50 million naira to improve the livelihood of the primary teachers in the state.



The governor also promised to pay the last outstanding of the one month salary his administration inherited from the past administration in other to help reduced the burden the people are facing during this time of lockdown.


PRINCESS EIGBOKHAN ORIH
TCC NEWS

Source:https://citadelng.com.ng/2020/07/12/akeredolu-upgrades-primary-school-teachers-livelihood-through-car-loans/

APC settles for indirect primary in Ondo

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has settled for indirect mode of primary for the Ondo Governorship Primary slated for July 20.

Screening of the 12 aspirants also began at an undisclosed hotel in Utako suburb area of the Federal Capital, Abuja on Wednesday with six of the aspirants screened so far.
A dependable source said the Gov. Mai Mala Buni- led Caretaker Committee resolved to stick to the mode of primary adopted and conveyed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by the sacked National Working Committee (NWC) of the party

As at the time of filing the report, six aspirants have been screened.

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu led the pack of contenders screened by the committee.

Other aspirants screened on Wednesday are :Amb. Joseoh Olusola Iji; Chief Odimayo Okunjimi; Chief Olayide Owolabi Adelaml; Chief Issacs Kekemeke Duerlminl and Chief Olusola Oke.

Source:https://citadelng.com.ng/2020/07/08/apc-settles-for-indirect-primary-in-ondo/

Breaking: Ondo assembly suspends two lawmakers
July 8, 2020

The leadership of the Ondo state house of assembly has suspended two lawmakers for unruly behavior.


The affected lawmakers are: the Deputy Speaker of the house, Hon.Irioju Ogundeji and Hon Adewale Williams.

Details later

Source:https://thenewstrack.com.ng/breaking-ondo-assembly-suspends-two-lawmakers/

COVID-19: GOVERNOR AKEREDOLU MAKES FULL RECOVERY, TESTS NEGATIVE

....Appoints New SSG

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, has tested negative to Covid-19.

The Governor addressed journalists at the Government House, Alagbaka, Akure on Monday, where he announced his new Covid-19 status.

Governor Akeredolu also announced the appointment of Hon. Temitayo Oluwatuyi as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

Hon. Oluwatuyi, popularly known as Tuykana, replaced the former SSG, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, who resigned from office earlier on Monday.

The new SSG was until his appointment the Commissioner for Natural Resources in the state. He is also a former chairman of Akure South Local Government.

Governor Akeredolu expressed deep sense of loss and regret of the Government over the death of the late Commissioner for Health, Dr. Wahab Adegbenro.

He said: ”Nothing can ever be enough to describe our sense of loss and regrets. By the outpour of love, affection and testimony to the great and fulfilling life he lived, he will forever remain a true hero that we once had. He stood as a rock in the fight to save our State from the rampage of COVID-19."

Governor Akeredolu appealed to the people of the state to take the fight against COVID-19 seriously by deliberately implementing all the precautionary measure pronounced and activated by Government.

“It is the right thing to do. The menace of this deadly virus is expanding in exponential measure. It is in fact putting massive pressure on the treatment facilities of Government. I have just been briefed that between Saturday, July the 4th and Sunday, July the 5th, a total of 62 new cases were recorded.

“Presently, the Infectious Disease Hospital here in Akure has been stretched to the limits, so also are our medical equipment and personnel. The obvious implication of this for us, is that prevention is the best way to reduce pressure on cure.

“Before our illustrious Dr Wahab Adegbenro took his bow, a total of 20 people have lost their lives to the Virus, while over 472 have tested positive to the infection. While the number of confirmed cases have escalated, the number of discharged cases as at today is 113."

As political activities for the forthcoming governorship election commence in the state, Governor Akeredolu also admonished leaders of political parties to adhere strictly to the guidelines in order to assure safety and good health for the people.

“We are also advised to restrict ourselves to relevant campaign issues, and not overheat the polity with desperate utterances, publications and actions capable of unimaginable effect.” He said.

� Nguher Gabrielle Zaki

BEING AN ADDRESS DELIVERED BY THE GOVERNOR OF ONDO STATE ARAKUNRIN OLUWAROTIMI O. AKEREDOLU SAN, AS STATE BROADCAST TO THE PEOPLE OF ONDO STATE ON MONDAY 6TH, JULY 2020.

My dear people,

I come to you today with a heavy heart. A heart full of pain and melancholy. It is now five days since we lost one of the most illustrious leaders of Ondo state, Dr Wahab Adegbenro, our immediate past Commissioner for Health. He was also our immediate chairman Interministerial committee on COVID-19. As you know, he submitted to the superior hand of death in active service to our state at our most trying period. May Allah receive receive him into his grace and grant him Aljannah Fidau, Amen.

As a mark of respect for the departed and as part of the mourning period, we have not appointed a new commissioner for Health. I have only approved that my Special Adviser on Health supervise the Ministry until we take further decision.

Nothing can ever be enough to describe our sense of loss and regrets. By the outpour of love, affection and testimony to the great and fulfilling life he lived, he will forever remain a true hero that we once had. He stood as a rock in the fight to save our State from the rampage of COVID-19.

As you all know, I have also been a victim of COVID-19. Though asymptomatic, I tested positive to the virus and immediately went into self isolation with supervised home management. Those days in isolation were defining period for me. They convinced me further of the right track we have chosen, to mobilise our people against the deadly pandemic. After a few days in isolation, my samples were taken and tested again in accordance with the treatment protocols of COVID-19, the results came in few minutes ago. I tested negative.

Firstly, I give thanks to God Almighty for his mercies. I thank all citizens and residents of Ondo state who have shown great love and genuine affection through prayers, phone calls and kind words expressing regrets and solidarity. Rest assured that I am deeply inspired by your faith and goodwill and I wish to state categorically that this season shall also pass away. I also thank members of my family and friends too numerous to mention here. You are all hugely appreciated for their concerns and prayers.

One lesson which ought to be clear to all of us with the recent events is that COVID-19 is real. It is also a resounding message that it is deadly, willing and able to wreak the greatest havoc on individuals and families, indeed our entire society, if permitted.

Let me use this opportunity to passionately appeal to all our people to please take the fight against COVID-19 seriously. Let us deliberately address our minds to implement all the precautionary measure pronounced and activated by Government. It is the right thing to do. The menace of this deadly virus is expanding in exponential measure. It is in fact putting massive pressure on the treatment facilities of Government. I have just been briefed that between Saturday July the 4th and Sunday July the 5th a total of 62 new cases were recorded.

Presently, the Infectious Disease Hospital here in Akure has been stretched to the limits, so also are our medical equipment and personnel. The obvious implication of this for us, is that prevention is the best way to reduce pressure on cure.

Before our illustrious Dr Wahab Adegbenro took his bow, a total of 20 people have lost their lives to the Virus while over 472 have tested positive to the infection. While the number of confirmed case have escalated, the number of discharged cases as at today is 113.

My dear people, I wish to assure you that in spite of the challenges of the times, Government will continue to prioritise its attention and expand its investment upon sustainable efforts at combating this menace. The activation of the Testing Centre at the Federal Medical Center, Owo is due today while the Akure Testing Centre will also commence in due course. Let me also confirm to you that our health workers are renewed in energy, passion, commitment and focus. They are currently at the top of their efforts, battling to save lives and working to reduce the casualty number.

As political activities towards the end of tenure governorship elections commence in full swing in the state, Government is not unmindful of the potentials of campaign activities on the ongoing spread of the Virus. Already, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has discouraged crowd based campaign activities for political parties. It has suggested the use of traditional media and the New Media as safer platforms of engagement.

To this end, leaders of political parties, participating in the oncoming elections are hereby admonished to adhere strictly to these guidelines in order to assure safety and good health for our people. We are also advised to restrict ourselves to relevant campaign issues, and not overheat the polity with desperate utterances, publications and actions capable of unimaginable effect.

I do not believe the life of anyone in the state is worth a dirty struggle for office. It must be noted that elections and the results obtained thereof are only meaningful to an existing, safe and healthy society where peace and prosperity reign.

My dear people, in spite of the vicissitude of the times, I wish tell you that I am unshaken in my conviction and faith in our ability to overcome this pandermic. I urge us all to act responsibly, deepen our prayers for divine intervention and perfect healing for our state.

Let me end this short address by announcing a few adjustments in Government. As you are aware, the Secretary to the State Government Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde resigned his appointment this morning. His resignation has since been accepted. We wish him good luck in his future endeavours. In furtherance to this, I hereby announce Mr. Tayo Oluseye Oluwatuyi, from Akure as the new Secretary to Government. Tayo Oluwatuyi was until his elevation the Honourable Commissioner for Natural Resources.

Similarly, I have nominated Mr. Idowu Otetubi as state commissioner. Otetubi is an accomplished chartered accountant and politician from Akure, Akure South Local Government. His name will be forwarded to the House of Assembly for confirmation immediately.

My dear people, I thank you for listening and may God bless our dear Ondo state and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Press Statement

Akeredolu Appoints UNIMED VC, Fatusi To Lead COVID-19 Battle

Following the unfortunate demise of the Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Wahab Adegbenro, the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN has appointed Professor Adesegun Fatusi as the new Chairman of the State Inter-ministerial Committee Against COVID-19.

Until his death, Dr Adegbenro was the Chairman of the State Inter-ministerial Committee where he served diligently to the admiration of all.

Fatusi is the current Vice Chancellor of the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo and he is expected to continue from where our late Medical Hero, Adegbenro stopped. His appointment is aimed at preventing a vacuum as the State experiences a disturbing spike of repeated cases of COVID-19.

Prof. Fatusi is a professor of Community and Public Health and past Provost of the College of Health Sciences at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Nigeria. He has previously served as the Director of the OAU’s Institute of Public Health and worked with the UNFPA as reproductive health advisor. He is the chair of Nigeria’s National Technical Working Group on Adolescent Reproductive Health and Development.

He has also served as the Lead Consultant for the development of Nigeria’s national policy on the health and development of adolescents and young persons, national reproductive health policy, and national policy on HIV/AIDS. He had served previously, on the Ministerial Committee on Health Sector reform as well as on the Board of the National Universities Commission (NUC) of Nigeria.

Signed:

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

Adegbenro: Govt honours him with public holiday

Ondo State Government has declared today, Friday a work free day and that all flags in the state must fly at half mast for seven days with effect from yesterday as a mark of honour for the late Commissioner for Health, Dr Wahab Adegbenro who died yesterday.
This was contained in the condolence message signed by the Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo.
Ojogo who described the late commissioner as a general said he was in the forefront of the battle against the dreaded COVID-19 who clearly defined himself as an embodiment of selflessness, hardworking and inexorable professionalism
He said Adegbenro died while healing others and will be missed greatly by his colleagues and the entire people of Ondo State
“With a deep sense of sadness, the Ondo State wishes to announce the demise of the Commissioner for Health, Dr Wahab Adegbenro.
Until his death, Adegbenro, a two-time Health Commissioner in the State, equally doubled as Chairman, Ondo State Inter-ministerial Committee against COVID-19.
Dr Adegbenro was in the forefront of the State’s battles against the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic. Not only did he signpost commitment and diligence; he, indeed, was immeasurable in his inspiration clearly defining himself as an embodiment of selflessness, hardwork and inexorable professionalism.
This is one death too heavy to bear. The excruciating pains the timing has unsparingly, wrought on us in Ondo State are no less potent. To say the least, Dr Adegbenro was our General, and died healing others. Having served humanity with the attendant kindness, he played his part honourably.
The least we can do for this Medical Hero is to plant a seed of honour for him. Accordingly, the Ondo State Government has directed that all flags in the State must fly at half mast for 7Days from today Thursday, 2nd of July, 2020.
Similarly, the Ondo State Government has declared tomorrow Friday 3rd July a work free day to honour his memory as the family will commit his body to the mother earth. Governor Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN will in a short while, commiserate with the family of the deceased as well as the good people of Ondo State, virtually.”

Ondo State’s First Lady reaffirms commitment to welfare of widows, distributes support packages

Wife of the ondo state governor, Mrs Betty Anyawu-Akeredolu has again reaffirmed her commitment to improving the welfare of widows

While distributing relief materials to widows in Ifedore local government area the governor’s wife noted that she was brought up to be passionate about people who need support

Report says no fewer than 800 widows from Ifedore and Akure North Local government area benefitted from the largese.

The commemoration of this year’s international widows day started with the distribution of relief packages across the 18 local government areas of Ondo State.

Ifedore local government had 500 while Akure North had 300 widows who had earlier registered on the Ondo Widows Care website .

The first lady , Mrs Betty Anyawu Akeredolu who was represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Gender Research and Development Mrs Tope Daniyan said the government is committed to supporting the widows.

Appreciating the Governor’s wife the chairman Akure north local government Olurotimi Adeleye described the initiative as a welcome development.

The widows were also full of gratitude to the wife of the governor for showing them affection in these hard times

The distribution of relief packages will also be done in other local government areas.

Source:http://justambitioustoserveinfo.com/2020/06/26/ondowidowscare-moves-to-akure-north-ondo-east-as-young-widows-appeal-for-continuation/

ONDO LG POLL: NO GOING BACK ON CREDIBLE COUNCIL POLL SOON ........ AKEREDOLU.

The Ondo state governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) has reassured the residents of the state of credible & transparent local government election soon.

The governor gave the assurance while playing host to APC Chairmanship candidates who paid him a solidarity visit at the state house, Alagbaka Akure.

Welcoming the candidates, the governor expressed delight about positive reports from the field indicating that all the chairmanship candidates are firmly on ground preparing very hard for the coming election.

He therefore charged them to continue to intensify efforts on their house to house campaigns to woo more electorate into the APC fold.

While appreciating them for the solidarity visit, the governor assured them that no amount of distraction or evil political machination will derail his administration from its determined efforts at providing basic necessities of life for the well informed residents of the state regardless of where they live, work or play.

Akeredolu further advised to work together as a team & remain a formidable foot soldiers at the grassroots to ward off any fifth columnists.

Earlier, the Ifedore Local Government Area APC Chairmanship candidate, Engr. Alex Oladimeji on behalf of other candidate inform the Governor that they all came to identify with him and express solidarity and also rededicate their commitment to the 2nd term project of the Governor, He also express unwavering & unalloyed support of all the 18 APC Chairmanship candidates, their vice & 203 Councillors not only to clinch the 2nd time ticket but to emerge victorious at the governorship poll.

Contributing, the APC Chairmanship candidate for Irele council area, Hon. Ajimotoki concluded that, the combine effect of the unprecedented & monumental achievements of the governor across the state in the last 3 years and well crafted, structured, articulated welfare packages for their respective council areas are enough to campaign & win all the elections ahead.

Source:https://citadelng.com.ng/2020/06/26/ondo-lg-poll-no-going-back-on-credible-council-poll-soon-akeredolu/

Ondo State Governor commissions landmark health facility

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has commissioned a fifty million naira dialysis centre built by the lions club international district 404 A1 at the Akure annex of the university of medical sciences teaching hospital.

At the event, the Governor expressed the hope that with the donation of the facility in the state capital, access to renal care had been enhanced

Reports has it that the dialysis center which is the first of its kind in the state capital has the capacity for over five hundred patients

Addressing the gathering, the district governor of the club, Lion Adekunle Adedipe said All over Nigeria the lions club has carried out several intervention projects to cater for the needs of the people particularly the less privileged.

Adedipe regretted that renal ailments are on the increase

Also, the pioneer district governor of the club, Tokunbo Jegede, who listed several intervention projects of the lions club including community event centre, comprehensive eye centre and motherless babies home among others lauded the district governor for his purposeful leadership.

Governor Akeredolu in his remarks applauded the District Governor for donating the life-saving project to the state government and encouraged other corporate and non governmental organizations to support the effort of government in providing quality health care for the people of the state.

At the event, the Lions Clubs presented an Award of Excellence to the governor in recognition of his support to the completion of the project and other humanitarian services in the state.

ONDO 2020 : TRADITIONAL RULERS ENDORSE AKEREDOLU FOR SECOND TERM

▪︎Say other aspirants are wasting their resources

▪︎ Set up committee for Akeredolu’s reelection

All Traditional rulers in Ondo state, under the Ondo Council of Obas, on Thursday, endorsed the state Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, for a second term in Office.

The traditional rulers were led by the chairman and Paramount ruler of Ugbo Kingdom, Oba Frederick Obateru Akinruntan, the Olugbo of Ugbo.

The traditional rulers include the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi; Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ajibade Ogunoye III, Olukare of Ikare, Oba Akadiri Momoh; Olubaka of Oka, Oba Yusuf Adebori Adeleye, Abodi of Ikale land, Oba Babatunde Faduyile , Jegun of Idepe in Okitipupa, Oba Micheal Obatuga Adetoye and the Kalasuwe of Apoi land, Oba Sunday Adejimola Amuseghan among others monarchs from across the 18 local government areas of the state.

Addressing journalists on behalf of the traditional rulers, Oba Akinruntan said Governor Akeredolu has done well in the state and deserves a second term.

He said the performance of the Governor attracted his endorsement by the Royal Fathers in the state.

Olugbo disclosed that the council of Obas in the state has already set up a commitee in the three senatorial districts to work on the emergence of Governor Akeredolu and his reelection.

He said; "We looked at what he has done, particularly the Ore Flyover. Before now, I told someone I was scared to pass through that road since the day I met 18 people dead in an accident on the road. But now look at what Akeredolu has done for us.

"That bridge is like Lagos and the United States brigde. Look at the way he embraced all the Obas in the state. He has been fantastic. We have not done this for any governor before. These are the Obas from the 18 local government areas of the state. We have set up a Senatorial committee to work for the Governor.

"Those who are contesting with the Governor are wasting their time and resources. They should wait for him for another four years and let Aketi finish his second term.

"We looked at the things he has done. Look at the roads in Akure. In Okitipupa, in Akoko. We have three senatorial districts. On the 10th of July, we are coming here for a meeting to talk about how Akeredolu will emerge. He will complete his 8 years in Office. "

� Blessed Michael

Featured NewsONDO STATE NEWS
FEC awards contract for dualization of Akure-Ikere road

The Federal Executive Council has approved the award of contract for dualization of the Akure-Ikere road

Ondo state Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu who announced the news said it came as a result of Ondo and Ekiti state governments engaging intensely with the President, Vice President and Minister for Works.

Akeredolu cited that both state’s also secured funding from AfDB to augment the Federal Government’s contribution stressing that it is a great example of two states collaborating deliberately for the good of the people

The Ondo state governor said he looks forward to both state’s enjoying the benefits of the project.

Source:https://citadelng.com.ng/2020/06/25/fec-awards-contract-for-dualization-of-akure-ikere-road/

*ODIRS REMITS 12 MILLION NAIRA RADIO AND TV. LICENSING FEES TO ALL 18 LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN ONDO STATE.*

Consequent upon our mandate to assist Local governments in collecting their revenues and disbursing accordingly , Ondo State Internal Revenue Service remitted the sum of Twelve Million Naira to all the eighteen (18) local governments in Ondo State, being for *Radio and Television Licensing fee* .


The cheque was presented by the Executive Chairman ODIRS Mr. Tolu Adegbie to Mr. Segun Odunsanya, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs today the 23rd day of June 2020.

Presenting the cheque to the Permanent Secretary, the Chairman Mr. Tolu Adegbie said the amount is relatively lower as a result of paucity of funds being the Covid-19 pandemic effect on general economy.

In response Mr. Segun Odunsanya who received on behalf of all the 18 local governments appreciated the Chairman and stated that he prays this global pandemic vanishes in no time so as to enable ODIRS delve deeper into other aspects of revenue generation for the local governments and the state in general.

He appreciated the Chairman for continually striving to improve internally generated revenue despite all the challenges.

Source:https://citadelng.com.ng/2020/06/23/odirs-remits-12-million-naira-radio-and-tv-licensing-fees-to-all-18-local-governments-in-ondo-state/

*Ondo 2020: Why PDP Govs Shunned Defection Of Akeredolu’s Deputy*

Less than 12 hours after his defection, fresh facts have emerged that deputy governor of Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi may have sold a dummy to the national leadership of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) on the state lawmakers who will defect along with him ahead of his formal defection to the party .

This comes as PDP Governors Forum at their virtual meeting over the weekend, resolved to excuse themselves from yesterday’s event because their presence could be interpreted as encouraging rebellion and treachery.

PDP national chairman, Prince Uche Secondus had led a handful of party leaders to Akure, the Ondo State capital to receive Ajayi who dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) to run against his boss, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in the October 10, 2020 governorship election on the ticket of the PDP.

It was gathered that the deputy governor had informed the PDP NWC and other national leaders of the party that about nine members of the State Assembly, two state commissioners as well as five special advisers were to resign their membership of the APC to join the PDP.

It was this assurance that reportedly encouraged Secondus to personally storm Akure to make a “harvest “, a source close to the national leadership of the PDP disclosed shortly after the departure of the national chairman of the opposition party to Abuja.

Ajayi had boasted at Kiribo, his hometown that nine Lawmakers were to follow him to the venue of the declaration just as the seven cabinet members would drop their resignation letters same day to accompany him to the state office of the PDP.

However, Secondus who had expected to see the new decampees was said to have asked from the deputy governor why they were unavailable. He reportedly asked: where are the nine lawmakers and commissioners, deputy governor?

“Nothing built on lies can stand. Now he has joined us and we have all seen how he deceived the NWC to risk the life our national chairman to come all the way from Abuja.

“As for the PDP governors, they weighed the implications of their possible presence at the event because they had held a virtual meeting where they concluded that none should come to the event so as not to encourage rebellion and treachery because it could be any of them tomorrow.

“It was quite embarrassing that the national chairman asked from the deputy governor the whereabouts of the nine Assembly members and the commissioners he promised would join him to defect.

“At least those of us who were selling some credible aspirants are now vindicated that the deputy governor cannot be trusted. They have seen it and the disappointment was written all over them at the event. The man, I mean Secondus left Akure unfulfilled because those lies could not make up.

“If he says it was his strategy to keep the commissioners and lawmakers in the APC, it is a lie because no politician who is worth his status will hide his potentials; they will rather flaunt borrowed potentials. So the question remains, where are the lawmakers?”

Source;https://citadelng.com.ng/2020/06/23/ondo-2020-why-pdp-govs-shunned-defection-of-akeredolus-deputy/

aristocrazzy:
If his not scared then why use state security to harass agboola. you were not popular before APC put u where you are

the Gov. Knows nothing about it, the police man are only doing there job with agboola is leaving with govts properties

LivingSage:
No story. LET YOUR WORK SPEAK FOR YOU

his work and good will surely speak well

Akeredolu: My kinsmen contesting against me doesn’t shake me

From Osagie Otabor, Akure
Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has said that he does not have sleepless night over the number of his Owo kinsmen plotting to unseat him both in the ruling All Progressives Congress and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party in the October 10 governorship election.

More than 10 aspirants who have purchased nomination and expression of interest forms in the APC and the PDP are from Owo, hometown of Governor Akeredolu.

They have vowed to stop his re-election bid to enable them serve out his second term.

Akeredolu spoke when he visited the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III and other traditional rulers in Ose and Owo Local Government Areas where he notified them of his re-election bid.

Akeredolu stated that the people of Owo would not take chances at the polls with unknown personalities.

The Ondo Governor said his kinsmen who are out to contest against him were on a selfish mission without having the interest of Owo people and the town at heart.

According to him, “After submitting the nomination form in Abuja, we are duty-bound to come here (Owo) first to get your blessing for the next journey.

By the grace of God, we will be successful. That is why we have to come here first. This is my root. I’m a bonafide and authentic son of Owo. So, I cannot forget my source.

“For me, it is not much of a problem that some Owo sons are also willing to contest the election because we already know what will be the outcome. I’m not scared.

I can’t be scared. I have passed that stage. As long as I have the support of the royal fathers and the people, that is enough for me because you are the one that will decide where Owo is going.

The Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye said the people of Owo and Ose have gained dividends of good governance under the Akeredolu’s administration and would continue to reap it for another four years.

“We are solidly behind Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to run for second term in office. As you have all seen, he has ensured development across the state in all facets of life.

We have never had it good in Ondo State. I’m using this opportunity to appeal to all and sundry to support Akeredolu for a second term in office.”

Source:https://citadelng.com.ng/2020/06/22/akeredolu-my-kinsmen-contesting-against-me-doesnt-shake-me/

ONDO STATE GOVERNMENT PAYS N160M OSOPADEC BURSARY -A THANK YOU MESSAGE TO THE GOVERNOR.

His Excellency, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Aketi (SAN) has once again proven to be a man of his words and of high integrity as he made good his promise to fully pay the outstanding Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission( OSOPADEC) Students’ bursary which was disbursed on Thursday, 18th June 2020 into the commission’s account.

With immense appreciation, we want to sincerely thank His Excellency, and the Accountant General of the state not just for the swift fulfillment of the promise made barely 2 weeks ago but also for prioritizing the interest of youths and students in this state as this goes a long way to prove that when the right person rules the people rejoice.

There is no doubt that the payment of OSOPADEC bursary to indigent students from the oil producing areas of the state will not only serve as an avenue to alleviate their circumstances, but also serves as an encouragement to other students especially those with proven academic abilities in the area of getting support from the Government in form of scholarships to enable them achieve their desired educational heights without putting so much pressure on the finances of their parents and guardians.

All students and Student Leaders in the state are therefore encouraged to continue towing the path of peaceful dialogue with the government whenever the need arises as it is evident that Ondo State is blessed with a listening and visionary Leader; Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) who is well read and values the importance of education in the development of youths.


Ibi Giga...Ibi Ogo..

Hon. Ogunyemi Muyiwa
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth and Students' Affairs.

Officialgarri:


Should I read the article you posted for you?

on audio note lol

Officialgarri:
Let the CP and Deputy governor give us their own account

what account

Press Statement

Re:Ondo Deputy Stopped From Leaving Government House

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, has debunked stories making the round on the social media in respect of the above. The Governor describes the stories as absolute falsehood intended to play victim by the principal actors involved.

The Governor said the story, which claimed that the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command restrained the Deputy Governor from leaving the Government House on his directive was a concorted and devious lie meant to discredit him.

It should, however, be placed on records that it is a time-tested code in government's business for officials to take inventory of offices and quarters before and after an official is moving in or out of offices or quarters.

Accordingly, the CP's intervention which was at the instance of an almost manipulated security apparatus at the Government House was most desirable to restore law and order. It becomes particularly worrisome and suspicious when aides of the Deputy Governor insisted on leaving the premises with items wrapped in unclear ownership as late as 11 pm.

Governor Akeredolu reiterates his commitment to the rights of all, including the Deputy Governor. But he has a duty to be firm and dispassionate in exercising the roles assigned to him.

Signed:
Segun Ajiboye
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

ODSG to recruit 1,000 teachers, health workers

Ondo State Governnor, Rotimi Akeredolu Aketi SAN has approved the recruitment of 1,000 teachers with B.ED and NCE qualifications. Two hundred vacancies are for candidates with B.ED, while 800 are for those with NCE holders.

The recruitment exercise will start within the next two weeks, as prospective candidates are urged to visit SUBEB portal for further information.

Also, Akeredolu-led government gave approval for the recruitment of health workers to fill the existing vacancies.

In order to fill the personnel gaps identified in the critical areas of the Primary Heald Care sector in the 18 local government areas of the state, the governor approved the filling of 432 vacancies in its different cadres.

The recruitment exercise, which will be facility-based, would commence in no distant time, as prospective candidates are to visit ODSPHCDA portal in due course.

The Governor spoke through the state Head of Service, Mr. Dare Aragbaye at a press briefing at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office in Akure.

AKEREDOLU GOES EMOTIONAL AS HE RECEIVES NOMINATION, EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORMS

...SAYS I'M SHORT OF WORDS



Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Friday went emotional while receiving the Nomination and Expression of Interest Forms bought for him by lawmakers and the various support groups in the state.

The First Lady, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu also joined her husband to receive the forms.

It will be recalled that Nineteen members of the APC Caucus in the Ondo State House of Assembly were in Abuja on Thursday to purchase the Expression of Interest Form for the Governor, while various support groups from the state were also at the national Secretariat to purchase his Nomination form.

Seventeen of the members of the Assembly, led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Bamidele Oleyelogun, presented the Expression of interest Form to the Governor at the Government House, Alagbaka, Akure.

Arakunrin Akeredolu described the gesture of the lawmakers and the various support groups as priceless, while expressing his gratitude to the people.

The Governor said: "I'm short of words. For all these different groups, I want to thank you. When you see them on the social media, I don't see why anybody would say he wants to challenge us. I didn't give anyone any money. I didn't give the house of assembly members any money, yet you went to Abuja and bought me these forms. I thank you all.”

He said the second term bid of his administration will further put the state on the pedestal of accelerated development and put a seal on the foundation of progress that has already been laid.

Presenting the expression of interest form to the Governor, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Oleyelogun said the Governor deserves the double portion as mentioned in the bible.

He said: "We believe in what we see in you. You have worked and you deserve double portion. And the double portion is your second term. The APC Caucus in the House of Assembly is solidly behind you."

Speaking on behalf of the various support groups, the coordinator, who also doubles as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political and Strategy, Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan, said what happened in Abuja where the forms were purchased with funfair was a clear signal of victory for the Governor.

He said: "Your choice for a second term is destined by God and the work you have done in this state in the last three years and five months is unbelievable. This is what propelled us to decide that we must purchase this form for you.

"The foundation you are laying now must not stop. Port Ondo must not stop. Agagu came and he was unable to complete it. It was truncated and we don't want this to be truncated too. We don't want Ondo-Linyi to stop.

"One thing that is not clear to people is that God doesn't make mistake. It was during Baba Ajasin that a lot of industries were established in this state. When you came in 2016, none of these industries was functioning anymore. But today, you have started bringing back those industries.

"Your giant stride in Ondo state can not be quantified. Is it in the area of road construction, health sector or the regular payment of salary and your efforts on bitumen exploration?

"For all these to be realised, we need you to contest for a second term. We want you to lay that foundation and once the foundation is laid, nobody will deviate from the path of prosperityand progress."

Olabode Richard Olatunde
Special Assistant to the Governor (New Media)
June 12, 2020.

� Nguher Gabrielle Zaki

Source:https://citadelng.com.ng/2020/06/12/akeredolu-goes-emotional-as-he-receives-nomination-expression-of-interest-forms/

ONDO 2020: ASPIRANTS JITTERS, AKEREDOLU PICKS NOMINATION FORM


TCC NEWS

Interest Groups under the auspices of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and Lawmakers besieged the National Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, to obtain the Expression of Interest Form and Nomination form for Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, ahead of the October 10, 2020 Governorship election in the state.

The Lawmakers as well as groups from across all the local government councils in Ondo State today 11th of June 2020, said they decided to buy the nomination form for the governor because of their conviction that his tenure has brought lot of blessings to the people of the state.

This makes Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu the first Gubernatorial Candidate to pick the form under the auspices of the APC, according to an insider account it was revealed that other candidates might be finding it a bit difficult coming to terms with the required funds to purchase both the nomination and interest form as they are yet to pick their forms.
While the Lawmakers were at the Secretariat for the Expressions of interest Form, the Representatives of the various support groups from the state were also there to obtain the nomination form for the Governor


The groups include: Pentagon Movement Group; Ibi Giga Grassroots Network; Ibi Giga Ambassadors; Aketi one to one; Advocacy Group; Mandate group; The democractic Movement; representatives of the State Executive Council; lawmakers from both the state and national assemblies; Ilaje Focus Movement and the Democratic Network Alliance among others.
Other stalwarts of the APC on the entourage of the groups are Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye and serving member of the House of Representatives, who represented the state caucus of members of House of Representatives (APC), Hon. Timilehin Adelegbe.

Speaking at the event, the coordinator of the group, who also doubles as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political and Strategy, Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan, said the groups decided to contribute money to buy nomination form for the Governor because of their form convinction in the leadership of the Akeredolu led administration in the state adding that his numerous achievements in the state are a testament to his qualities as a leader.

While presenting the forms to the Groups, the National Organising Secretary of the party, Emmanuel Ibediro said the groups are the first to take the form for the Ondo State Governor election on the platform of the APC.

He assured that the party will conduct a free, fair and credible primary election in a way that whoever emerged the candidate of the party will enjoy the support of all and sundry. as a result of the giant strides recorded by his administration since he assumed office.

Olabimtan, who described the Governor as Mr. “Talk and Do”, stressed that Akeredolu has displayed unique leadership qualities that has endeared him to the masses.

He said: ” We are here to obtain the nomination form for Governor Akeredolu. Both the expression of interest and nominations forms. This money is not by the Governor.The exco, state house of assembly, the national assembly and various support groups are the ones who joined hands and contributed the money.

“We want to thank you and the national chairman for all the work you are doing at the national secretariat. We know that as the father of all, we are sure that our primary will be free , fair, transparent and credible as you have always done.”

The spokesperson for the lawmakers, Rt. Hon. Aderoboye Samuel said the Governor has proved to be a worthy leader whose leadership has improved the lives of the people.

He said obtaining the expression of interest form by members of the state assembly is a way of paying back to the Governor for being a dependable leader at all times.

He said: “We were not compelled and we didn’t borrow. We came together and decided to obtain the expression of interest form for our amiable Governor.”

He said: ” I want to assure our August visitors that APC has come to stay. APC has become a household name. In the last election, we are able to bring back our president . We have elected more Governors and more National Assembly members. APC is a great institution.

“With particular reference to Ondo state, the primary in Ondo State will be transparent, free and fair. As it is now all interest must collapse for whoever emerge as the candidate.”

Source:https://citadelng.com.ng/2020/06/11/ondo-2020lawmakers-support-groups-obtain-nomination-expression-of-interest-forms-for-akeredolu/

ONDO 2020: SUPPORT GROUPS RAISE FUND FOR GOV AKEREDOLU'S NOMINATION FORM

Various support groups in Ondo State have raised over N35Million for the purchase of Nomination and expression of interest forms for Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, ahead of the October 10, 2020 Governorship election in the state.

The support groups, which included; Ibi Giga Ambassadors, Aketi Mandate Group, Aketi one on one, Pentagon Movement Group, Ondo Youth for Aketi (OYA), Women in Politics and members of the state house of assembly, among many others, are being coordinated by the Special Adviser to the Governor (Political and Strategy), Hon. Victor Olabimtan.

At an event held in Akure, the state capital, Olabimtan who spoke on behalf of the group, said the various groups came together to raise money for the Governor to enable him recontest and continue the good work he has started in the state.

The convener of the Aketi Mandate Group, Hon. Saka Yusuf Ogunleye, said the groups are very proud of the Governor's achievements since the inception of his administration.

Similarly, the convener of Ibi Giga Ambassadors, Alex Ajipe said the people of the state have seen the dividends of good governance in terms of Industrialization.

Representatives of other groups who spoke one after the other praised the Governor for his vision and dedication to the service of the people.

All the groups were unanimous in their resolve to support and work for the second term bid of the Governor.

In his response, Governor Akeredolu thanked all the groups, noting that their intervention is coming at a time when the cost of the nomination form is on the high side.

He said: "I ran for this office two times. And I can assure you, those two times, I paid with my money. But in those two times, the funds were not as astronomic as they are now. I want to thank you for this wonderful gesture."

Governor Akeredolu, who said his administration has performed, assured that more dividends of good governance will be entrenched in his second term in Office.

He encouraged all the members of the groups to continue to spread the message of his performance in the last three years, maintaining that the legacy projects executed by his administration are there for the world to see.

Olabode Richard Olatunde
Special Assistant to the Governor (New Media)
June 9, 2020.

� Blessed Michael

50 REASONS WHY AKEREDOLU WILL BE RE-ELECTED GOVERNOR OF ONDO STATE.

1. For any serious government who is interested in the general well being of its citizenry, the first and primary area of concern is how to ensure prudency, accountability, transparency and block leakages as such will enhance good governance. Little wonder the Akeredolu led administration upon assumption of office put in place appropriate legislative frameworks for Public Finance Management system even when the laws had remained outstanding for so long as previous administrations never found it expedient or important. Four key legislations were enacted and signed by the Governor. These are (i) Ondo State Public Finance Management Law, (ii) Ondo State Fiscal Responsibility Law, (iii) Ondo State Public Procurement Law, and (iv) Ondo State Public Audit Law. The efforts of the Governor must have accounted for the inclusion of Ondo State as one of the beneficiaries of the performance –based grant component of the World Bank-assisted States Fiscal Transparency and Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) programme recently.

2. Within 3 years, Governor Akeredolu has done what many thought was practically impossible.Unprecedented massive infrastructural developments in Ondo State .

3. About 150 kilometres of road have been constructed and rehabilitated.
4. Construction of Iwalewa Road, Akure.
5. Construction of Oba Osupa/NEPA roundabout/Olukayode/Hospital/Alafiatayo as dual carriage way, Akure.
6. Construction of Oshinle/Abusoro/ Gaga Community/Oke Ogba community roads, Akure.
7. Construction of road linking Idanre town to Akure via Ijoka.
8. Construction of Court of Appeal/SUBEB/ CBN /Bishop’s court dual carriage way.
9. Construction of SIB/Eyitayo Jegede/ Alagbaka roads, Akure.
10. Construction of Sabomi Road, Ese Odo.
11. Construction of Abusoro, Ijoka Road, Akure.
12. Construction of Opasorun road, Bajare/Okemayo
13. Construction of St. Joseph Road in Idanre.
14. Construction of Jubilee - Ugbe Road, Ikare.
15. Construction of Ifon Township/Molege –Ute/Ipele-Iyere roads
16. Construction of Oke Alafia Road, Supare.
17. Construction of Ogbomo Ifedara, Ajegunle Streets and Howlet Road, Ifon.
18. Construction of Ilara Mokin /Ikota, otherwise known as Gulf C road, Ilara.
19. Construction of Ibuji/Isarun township roads in Ifedore Local Government.
20. Construction of Virgin road network within GRA to Prison, Owo.
21. Construction of internal and access roads within the Ondo State University of Science and Technology (OSUSTECH) Okitipupa.
22. Construction of the notorious Oke Alabujoto in Ikare Akoko.
23. Rehabilitation of the deadly Iwaro Oka hill.
24. Construction of Police road, Ore and Ore Interchange flyover on the Shagamu-Benin Expressway to ease traffic for those traveling from the South-West to the South-East and Abuja.
25. Rehabilitation of Sabo Road, Akure.
26. Rehabilitation of access roads within the state specialist hospital, Akure.
27. Construction and flattening of the dreaded Oke-Alabojuto hill and rehabilitation of Ikare township roads.
28. Work is also ongoing on the construction of 50km road linking Araromi seaside, Ondo state to Ibeju Lekki, Lagos State.
29. Signed into law, a contributory health insurance scheme which enable all classes of people in the state access to affordable health care services.
30. Governor Akeredolu also facilitated the presentation of 40 imaging medical items to the state medical village by the People's Republic Of China.
31. Distribution of medical equipment and consumables worth Six Million Dollars ($6M) among all the hospitals in Ondo State. This was achieved by the administration’s ingenuity leading to partnership with Medshare International.
32. Massive Renovation of the various Primary Health Care centres in all the Wards of Ondo State.
33. Recruitment of over 500 health personnel including 200 medical doctors
34. On Agriculture, the government reactivated the afforestation projects in Ondo State. 10,000 Hectares of the state afforestation projects sited at Omotoso in Okitipupa local government. The projects is worth N20billion and it has employed over 1,000 youths of Ondo state. This is a Public Private Partnership with Weewood, a Chinese company.
35. Under Akeredolu, Over N210, 000, 000 have been disbursed to farmers co-operative societies in the state, under the FADAMA Scheme.
36. Over 1,000 metrics ton of fertilizers have been distributed to farmers in Ondo state for enhanced farming.
37. The Akeredolu's administration has also mobilized 35,000 farmers for the Anchor Borrowers Scheme.
38. Procurement of top quality tractors to aid farmers’ productivity.
39. Establishment of Igba Otun broiler Scheme where farmers were given 2,000 day-0ld chicks with feed, drug and vaccines.
40. Empowerment and training of 0ver 1000 bee-keepers.
41. Distribution of of over 100,000 brazilian cashew seedlings and top quality oil palm seedlings to farmers across the state.
42. Empowerment and training of about 6,000 youths to become Agripreneurs.
43. Huge amount of money given out as soft loans to women, youths and the vulnerable through the State Micro-Credit Agency.
44. Digging and resuscitation of over 2,700 boreholes in our rural and urban areas through the “Kamomi Aketi Water Scheme”.
45. Construction of over 700 blocks of classroom through SUBEB in the 18 LGAs of Ondo State .
46. Today, from a horrible inherited less than N800 million monthly chart, Ondo State has recorded sustained growth in its IGR since 2017. As of January 2020, the total IGR of the state was not less than N2 billion.
47. Recruitment of over 500 graduates into the State Internal Revenue Service.
48. Eventhough Akeredolu never considered prompt payment of workers’ salaries as any achievement, the current economic downturn across Nigeria and the globe at large has made it imperative to consider it a huge success. He is simply a better manager of resources.

49. Unlike the usual practice and strategy of “winner takes it” which had characterized our political sphere, worthy of note is that all the political appointments made by Akeredolu for the past 3years are such that cut across ethnic, religious, social and political divides. This is an uncommon feat in the history of the state. Interestingly, the Governor still extends his right hand of fellowship to his haters who are naturally jealous of his accomplishments.
50. Since the truncated administration of the late Chief Adekunle Ajasin in 1983, Ondo State under the leadership of Akeredolu again retraced her steps towards industrialization with the establishment of Ondo/Linyi Industrial Hub in Ore. The hub has the following industries with close to 2000 workers:

*Cassava to ethanol factory which produces 300 metric tonnes of ethanol per day;
*The Medium density fibre (MDF) plywood factory;
*The High density fibre board plywood factory;
*Paper production factory
*Win-win Textile Industry
*Dongfeng Trucks Assembly plant
These factories are not only important to the economic drive of Ondo State but Nigeria as a viable investment destination under the Buhari/APC led Federal Government. The Governor is in no doubt an asset to the All Progressive Congress big family and the people of Ondo State. So far, Akeredolu holds all the aces!

Henry Adegbemile Esq.
henryadegbemile@gmail.com

2020 CHILDREN’S DAY CELEBRATION: GOV AKEREDOLU RETERIATES COMMITMENT TO QUALITY EDUCATION OF CHILDREN

As the world celebrates another Children's Day, Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has said his administration will continue to strive to provide quality education for children in the state.

The Governor said his administration is committed to the cause of the children, adding that every child in the State must enjoy equal rights, safety, quality education and good health.

While praying that the children will grow to become responsible citizens of the country, Governor Akeredolu rejoiced with the Children despite the global pandemic.

Arakunrin Akeredolu, in his goodwill message, said his administration will not relent in empowering the young minds and will continue to nurture and love them to achieve their full potential.

According to the Governor, in order to curtail the spread of COVID-19, government has shut down all schools since the first case was discovered in Ondo State.

The Governor said, as an alternatively, government has made provision for the e-learning platforms on all State-owned radio/TV stations as a way of ensuring that the students continue to learn while at home.

He urged all parents and guardians to encourage the students to take advantage of these platforms.

The Governor said: "The theme for this year's Children’s Day Celebration is: Promoting Girl Child Education for Sustainable Development. To realise this, we will continue to strive to provide quality education to all our children and ensure that they enjoy good health care service."

The Governor reminded the children to keep to all the protocols that include the precautionary measures of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Olabode Richard Olatunde
Special Assistant to the Governor (New Media)
May 27, 2020.

� Nguher Gabrielle Zaki

A man of Destiny ❣️��
Redefining Governance in Ondo State: The Akeredolu Template.
By Richard Olabode Olatunde

By the time Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, will be rounding off his tour of duty as a two-term Governor of Ondo State in 2024, by God's grace, he would have earned himself a pride of place among the pantheon of distinguished and distinct lawyers who have ever been democratically elected Governors in Nigeria. It's a growing list, anwyay.

Based on current statistics, Akeredolu, popularly referred to as Aketi by his legion of admirers, may as well be one of those rare breed of Nigerians who excelled in the high wired politics of the Nigerian Bar Association(NBA) and currently distinguishing himself in high voltage partisan politics where every political move is like that of a game of chess. The jury is out already on his performance as a politician.

Before Akeredolu's entry into Ondo State politics as a greenhorn in 2012, he had served in the State as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice between 1997 and 199(?). The 2012 experience was an experiment for the Ibadan bred boy who had no prior political experience, although he already played the intriguing and complex Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) politics which culminated in his emergence as President of the Bar which he held sway in a manner that earned him an honor that has eternally preserved the name, "Aketi" in the NBA Hall of Fame.

As the President of the NBA, Akeredolu's leadership engaged the government and other institutions with uncommon vigor and energy with the sole aim of redirecting the polity towards the rule of law, responsible leadership and good governance. His tenure had since been adjudged as the most vibrant of any President of the hallowed association.

Some legal historians may yet write about his leadership of the NBA someday but for now, Arakunrin Akeredolu, SAN, is already holding sway the Sunshine State, his home state, where he has been crisscrossing the socio-political and economic landscape of the State like a gubernatorial colossus in the truest sense of the word.

His election into the exalted seat of the number one man in the State, conducted in 2016, will go down in history as one of the few elections in the State that was never greeted with litigation at the tribunal, since the return of democracy in 1999. One thing is sure: three (3) years have gone and the people can only be the judge on whether the Governor has performed creditably well or not.

Here on the continent of Africa, one of the fairest parameters of measuring the performance of democratic leaders and their approach to good democratic governance is the infrastructural development of their societies. Due to demand for infrastructural development, especially in sub-Saharan African, it has become the main medium of serving the general good of the people.

Quality road network makes a crucial contribution to economic development and growth which in turn brings important socio-economic benefits to the people. Since development is all about the people, road construction is a vital part of growth and development in any given state. According to the World Bank, raising the infrastructure endowment of the state to standards of other neighbouring countries alone could boost the percentage growth of the state by over 20%.

In about three (3) years in office, the Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu-led administration in Ondo State has recorded unprecedented success in road construction and rehabilitation. According to facts and figures provided by the State’s Ministry of Works, the Akeredolu government is on record to have embarked upon and completed in three (3) years three times the number of roads the previous administration handled in eight ( years. Just like his approach when he served as the President of the Bar, Governor Akeredolu has redefined good governance for the people of the State.

Recently, Ovie Ali Omasaro, an independent analyst and currently the most recognized individual on tracking developmental strides of governors across the country, presented his list of best performing governors in Nigeria placing Aketi in his top three (3). He also ranked Akeredolu the best Governor in the southwest since 2016. In a summary analysis shared online, he recognized Akeredolu as one of the best performing governors of 2019, citing his dedication to promoting private sector investment and championing an infrastructural revolution.

Akeredolu could have been deterred with a backlog of salary arrears he inherited from his predecessor but he didn't allow it deter him. Instead, he showed that he was better prepared and fired to deliver, not just for the present generation in the State but the ones after. It is nothing short of a miracle that even after being ranked one of the worst States in Nigeria when it came to the ratio of recurrent vs capital expenditure which was 8.6:1, the governor has still been able to achieve much more than was conceivable in four (4) years.

As a development focused person, Governor Akeredolu has been pursuing the Ondo Deep Sea Port which will finally be a game changer for the State and put an end to her low and dwindling wealth. Already, Mr. Governor has received the Outline Business Case which comprehensively states the Project Implementation Plan for the proposed Port of Ondo. With the Port Declaration that is expected soon, Ondo State is on her way back from a squeezed IGR and struggling revenue to a path of buoyant economic prosperity. Aketi is building a State where our children and grandchildren will live a comfortable and better life.

In another unprecedented feat, never as seen before in the annals of history of the State, Governor Akeredolu employed over five hundred (500) youths into the State Internal Revenue Service and over three hundred (300) medical officers, built over eight hundred and fifty (850) public primary schools across the State, rehabilitated and sank new water facilities across the state, promoted agriculture by encouraging farmers, regular payment of salaries and regular promotion for the civil servants as well as raising the IGR of the state from a meager sum of N600Million / N700Million to N2billion in a month and ensuring the Government’s revenue goes to the right place for the benefit of the people. Transparency at its finest!

Governor Akeredolu's subtle diplomatic engagements with multilateral institutions has led to over $350 Million in funding towards the construction of over 500km of rural roads, rehabilitation of Owena Dam, construction of flood control in Araromi Seaside. These are aside the Governor’s dexterity in managing the crisis bequeathed to him by the previous government which had threatened the much-needed World Bank funding for Primary Health Care. If not for his shrewd interventions, the State would have been blacklisted from the bank’s support. Now we know that even with COVID eroding revenue from the Federal Governmet, there will be a steady flow of developmental projects ongoing in the State.

One pedestrian accusation against Governor Akeredolu is that he is Owo-philic when it comes to project and appointment distribution. Yet, the truth is, after his eight ( years, Aketi might still have some questions to answer in his home town, Owo, judging from the monumental development witnessed in Akungba, Okitipupa and Ondo towns during the reigns of his predecessors in office, like the late Adebayo Adefarati, late Olusegun Agagu and Dr Olusegun Mimiko. Aketi has refused to give special preference to his hometown, Owo in terms of government presence. Today, Akure, Idanre, Ore, Ikare and a host of others can boast of more government presence in terms of infrastructure than Owo. It suffices to state that Aketi is distributing the state's wealth equally. He is entrenching the dividends of good governance in the three (3) senatorial districts of the State accordingly.

There is a new teaching hospital, currently under construction in Akure and Ondo towns. What about the Governor's deployment of ICT to empower the youths with different technological hubs springing up in every nook and cranny of the State. With new partnerships forged with IBM, Facebook, Microsoft and a host of other IT businesses, Akeredolu is indeed, delivering on his mandate. Let us not forget the big masquerade, The Ondo/ Linyi Industrial Hub where five (5) industries have started operations asides a newly established truck assemblage plant as well as the other two (2) emerging Industrial Parks also in the Ore axis.

One of the rare qualities missing in leadership in Africa is courage. Aketi has shown how courageous a leader can be. He has been tested and trusted. He displayed an uncommon courage on the issue of Amotekun to the awe and admiration of the entire southern region of the country. The same Aketi spoke against the Anti-social Media Bill and desecration of the court in Omoyele Sowore's case. Only a man of steely courage will speak against an establishment he is privileged to be a member of. That is Aketi for you. His identity and nature as a pro-masses advocate is unchangeable.

Another drab lie against him is, not running an inclusive government. These perennial accusers will not mention the complaints by die hard Aketi loyalists of how he gave out their positions to people from other camps. The truth is, Akeredolu has always been running an inclusive government. His cabinet is well rounded, check the list below out:

1. Mr. Funso Esan (Commissioner for environment) from Segun Abraham's camp,
2. Dr. Wahab Adegbenro (Commissioner for Health) from Segun Abraham's camp,
3. Temitayo Oluwatuyi (Commissioner for natural resources) from Ajayi Boroffice's camp,
4. Fatai Olotu (Commissioner for Lands and Housing) from the PDP,
5. Tunji Light (Special Adviser Energy) an aspirant who contested the party primary with Akeredolu in 2016,
6. Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan (Special Adviser, Political matters) an Aspirant that contested the party ticket with Akeredolu in 2016,
7. Kolawole Babatunde Ajayi (Special Adviser Community Development) from Ajayi Boroffice's camp,
8. Oyebo Aladetan (Special Adviser, Niger Delta) from Olusola Oke's camp and
9. Boye Oyewumi (Special Adviser, Investment and Development) an aspirant who contested in the party primary in 2016.

Regardless of whatever the perpetual naysayers say, the courageous lawyer from Owo, is redefining what governance is all about in Ondo State by running an energetic and inclusive government that places premium quality on infrastructural development and unprecedented human capital development. Like they say: one good turn de
serves another.

Aketi leekan si.

Source:https://citadelng.com.ng/2020/05/22/redefining-governance-in-ondo-state-the-akeredolu-template/

Tomide007:
Endorsement. As if buhari dey endorse person.

na you dey Endorse Governor abi