₦airaland Forum

Ondo State Govt. closes down illegal hospital


The Ondo State Government on Thursday closed down an alleged illegal hospital called Arib Hospital in Okitipupa, Okitipupa Local Area of the state.

Dr Dipo Durojaye, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, said the hospital was training about 52 auxiliary nurses, not allowed by law.

Durojaye added that other offences allegedly committed by the hospital were running medical services without following laid down regulations and non registration of the hospital with the state Ministry of Health.

He said it would not be business as usual in the state health sector as government would descend heavily on quacks and those opening hospitals indiscriminately.

The permanent secretary promised that any private health facility training health personnel would be sanctioned as the government would not allow the life of the people to be endangered.

He decried so much wrong doings in the health sector, saying that the government was poised to sanitise the sector.

Durojaye also warned patent medicine stores operating as hospitals and treating patients to desist from such act which could pose great threat to the well-being of the society or face the wrath of the law.

The Director, Hospital Services in the ministry, Dr Richard Adesoji, said quacks were dangerous to the health sector as they were not properly trained.

Adesoji said they could not make correct diagnosis and usually jumped to conclusions, a situation that had caused unnecessary mortality in the country.

Adesoji said in spite of the enormous negative effects quacks had on the society, people still ignorantly patronised them.

He disclosed that hospitals that could not employ qualified nurses, could use the Community Health Extension Workers ( CHEWS) as agreed at the National Council on Health.

The Director Nursing Services of the ministry, Mrs Alice Ogundele, said it was alarming that some hospitals in that locality had more than 50 nurses in training, when even some accredited Schools of Nursing and Midwifery were only allowed to admit 50 or less.

Ogundele said the trend was dangerous to the nursing profession, as it would not allow qualified nurses get jobs.

She said quacks had become a source of cheap labour just wasting their future.

She said the quacks, called auxiliary nurses, constituted danger to humanity as they were half baked, did not know the rationale behind their actions and perpetrated several wrong doings in the health sector.


They operate Patent Medicine Stores as hospitals.

The director warned the public not to patronise hospitals where there were trainees.



Some other hospitals visited in Okitipupa are St. Peters Hospital, Akingbola Hospital and Oresanya Hospital, where student trainees took to their heels on sighting the monitoring team.

They were served letters of warning to desist from acts that were capable of endangering the health of the people or face serious sanctions and eventual closure.

Source :http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/Ondo-State-Govt--shuts-down-illegal-hospital--cautions-against-quackery-

Akeredolu’s giant strides in Ikare Akoko


The Oke Alabojuto’s story is a pathetic one. The once hilly road has claimed many lives and destroyed properties worth millions of Naira. The people of Ikare Akoko lived in palpable fear of imminent danger.

The people prayed to God and their prayers were answered through Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN. Within his two years in office, Governor Akeredolu leveled up the once hilly road. It was like a dream for the people and leaders of Ikare Akoko.

Governor Akeredolu has done what many thought was impossible and there are new songs on the lips of the people. The mythical Oke Alabojuto hill in Ikare has given way to the bulldozers deployed by Akeredolu, leaving the people marveling. To crown the success story, the road has been dualized.

Before the completion of the Oke Alabojuto’s Road , Governor Akeredolu has constructed the Jubilee – Ugbe Road, Ikare and also constructed 3 box culverts at Oyinmomo , Ishakunmi and Merida Rental Road , Ikare.

Presently, work is ongoing on the dualisation of Ikare township road. It’s a new dawn for the people of Ikare Akoko.

Source :http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/Akeredolu%E2%80%99s-giant-strides-in-Ikare-Akoko

Buhari commends First Bank for innovation at 125th anniversary


President Muhammadu Buhari has commended First Bank of Nigeria Limited for innovation and regeneration which has helped its operations since the colonial era till now.

Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed, said this during an event to mark the bank’s 125th anniversary in Lagos on Tuesday.



Dignitaries from the government, banking industry and other financial sectors were present at the event.

He said, “I am pleased to felicitate with you for a royal milestone in our country. This is a landmark in our country from the colonial era till now.

“I commend you for providing financial service to the country. Your bank deserves commendation for innovation and regeneration.”

During the plenary session on ‘Global tendency as catalyst for Africa’s ascendancy’ at the event, Ahmed said the global interdependencies as catalyst for Africa’s ascendancy were both an opportunity and a threat in Africa.

She said, “There are a lot of risks; some of them are within our control while others are not. We must, as government, ensure that we are able to build fiscal purpose, also that we are providing enough policy incentive that will attract capital both locally and international, and we are not worried about Foreign Direct Investment coming, but we will prefer to have real investments coming into the country.

“So, whatever we need to do in terms of policy, we should do. The infrastructural deficit is too large for this government or any government to tackle alone, so we must partner with the private sector and allow private capital to come in and use it to develop our economy.”

Wife of the Vice- President of Nigeria, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo, prayed for the bank to continue to grow higher.

“As they grow higher, they will have the ability to help more Nigerians. My prayer is for First Bank to go to the next level,” she said.

The Chief Executive Officer, First Bank, Dr Adesola Adeduntan said, “The reason this institution survived and is getting stronger is because innovation and transformation are in our DNA.”

No school enrolment for children without birth certificate — Akeredolu


The Governor of Ondo State, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, on Tuesday, declared that birth certificate would henceforth be one of the criteria for enrolment of pupils into primary schools in the state.

He added that birth certificate would be a requirement for children under the age of five to access free medical treatment in the state.



Akeredolu made the declaration during the stakeholders’ meeting on birth registration with the theme, “Accelerated Birth Registration,” initiated by the governor’s wife.

The governor said the decision became necessary to assist the state in planning for the future of the children.

He noted that lack of a functioning birth registration system had made it impossible for both federal and state governments to adequately plan for the citizens, especially children.

He said, “The birth certificate would provide documentary evidence required for relevant occasions, such as school enrolment, voting and graduation; it will also give right of identity to the children.”

The governor called on community leaders to play a positive role in ensuring that new births were registered in their various communities.

He called for a synergy between the National Population Commission and the Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Board to ensure accelerated birth registration in the state.

Speaking at the initiative, the governor’s wife, Mrs Betty Akeredolu, described the registration of the birth as the first right of a child that gives the child access to many other state privileges.

Source :https://punchng.com/no-school-enrolment-for-children-without-birth-certificate-akeredolu/

Ondo State Government has distributed 362 data management tools known as clinipak tablets to health workers to enhance primary healthcare delivery across 18 local government areas of the state.

The distribution was inaugurated by Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, who was represented by Dr Wahab Adegbenro, the state Commissioner for Health.

He said that the state government decided to embark on the project to enhance effective management of health information data, which was key to the delivery of qualitative healthcare.

According to him, health workers had earlier been trained on the use of the ICT tools. He added that the state procured the tablets while the technical partner, Insrat Global Health Solution, designed and installed the Clinipak application.

The governor said that the tools had been tested and proven to be the ideal solution for data management.

Akeredolu commended the state health workers for working tirelessly to put the state at the forefront in healthcare delivery.

He urged them to hit the ground running as the tablets were meant to improve both their efficiency and effectiveness.

Source :https://citadelng.com/362-data-management-tools-distributed-to-health-workers-in-ondo-state/

Healthcare Is My Priority In Ondo State – Akeredolu

Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State said his administration would surpass the achievements of his predecessor, Olusegun Mimiko in the area of quality, accessible and affordable health care in the state.
Akeredolu said in a phone interview with the Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Atlanta, U.S. that his administration was doing a lot, continuing from where Mimiko left.
The governor, however, commended his predecessor for his feat in the provision of health care for the people, a feat that won the state international recognition.
He said: “we are doing a lot; we have five cardinal points.
“We had like a contract with the people of Ondo State.
“One of them is for us to make health affordable and accessible and this is what we are trying to do.
“I never run away from the fact that I met on the ground, a commendable health facility; but a few of them have run down, even before we got there.
“So, we needed to up it a bit and make sure that they meet with modern trends or make sure that there are enough equipment and other facilities for use.
“We are trying to improve on this.
“It’s so low in Ondo State because the ‘Mother and Child’ took care of a number of issues there when my predecessor was in office.
“So, we want to get even higher than what he did; we have facilities, but what we’re trying to do is to get it better’’.
Akeredolu disclosed that the state’s health insurance scheme was ready for take-off in August, adding that, the enabling law had been passed by the House of Assembly after a long period.
He also said that he has given approval for the facilities to be used by the Health Insurance Scheme, explaining that the UN Children’s Fund would participate in the scheme.
“UNICEF took some of our legislators and a few others, sponsored them to Delta to study how it (health insurance scheme) is being run.
“So the law has just been passed; one cannot say its effect now until we start by next month.
“I’m sure everything would be ready for us to commence the insurance scheme in the state,’’ the governor told NAN.
He said while in the U.S., he also visited the Sickle Cell Foundation and had fruitful discussions with them on how they could assist Ondo state.
“They have a big foundation, with which they can assist and they had given promises and we are going to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to get them to Ondo state to do a lot of things,’’ he said.
Akeredolu said he contacted some Ondo state indigenes and they had shown interest in coming back home to support the administration.
Source :
http://www.nigerianews.net/healthcare-is-my-priority-in-ondo-state-akeredolu/

APC must have its way in the leadership of National Assembly – Oshiomhole

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Adams Oshiomhole, said unlike what happened in the 8th National Assembly, the party members in the 9th Assembly must chair all committees in the federal legislature.

Oshiomhole, who stated this at the meeting with members-elect of the House of Representatives at the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Centre, added that the party would only concede chairmanship of public accounts to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party.

Oshiomhole said the APC would not share offices of principal officers of the House and chairmanship of juicy committees with the opposition PDP, except for position reserved for minority members.

Oshiomhole, at the meeting, stated that the ruling party would not allow a repeat of the mistakes it made when the National Assembly was inaugurated in June 2015.

Oshiomhole told the attendees that with the overwhelming majority in the House, the APC would use its numerical strength to its advantage.

He said, “This time round, we must ensure that we have a leadership of the National Assembly that shares the vision of the executive. Although we will adhere to the principle of separation of powers but there is only one government and unless the various arms pursue the same agenda, it is difficult for the executive to realise its vision because legislative backing is often require for the executive actions.

“So, I will expect that you bear it in mind that we are one family joined together as shown in our broom, with a share commitment to bail Nigeria out of the condition in which we find it in 2015. And that you have the numbers and we will use the numbers to ensure that we have a leadership that commands the trust and the respect of all the members of the House of Representatives.

“We have the number to produce the Speaker and we will produce the Speaker, who must be a member of the APC. We have the numbers to produce the deputy Speaker and we will use the numbers to produce the deputy Speaker, who must be a member of the APC. We have the number and we must use the numbers to elect a House Leader who must be a member of the APC.

“We have the numbers and we will use the numbers to produce a Chief Whip and a Deputy Whip who must be members of the APC. I think the only position that we are not interested in is the Minority Leader. Let it remain minor in the hands of the minors in the opposition.

“We will not share power in the House of the Representatives and the leadership must ensure that critical committees that drive government are chaired only by the APC members. If the Nigeria people wanted them to be chairmen of committees they would have voted for them.

“So, all the chairmen of committees, except the one that is statutorily reserved for the opposition, which is Public Accounts, they can have that. So, we would not do the kind of thing that happened the last time in which some APC members became distance spectators in the management of committees, when the PDP had majority of the strategic committees in the House; that will not happen in the next Assembly.

“We are aware that they believe they can use the divide and rule by sponsoring many people within our ranks so that they can become the kingmaker and in return the person will offer them some chairmanship seats. I’m sure you are not going to do business with them. We will see them as partners in progress but in democracy, the rule is – and it is a universal rule – that majority must have their way but minority must be allowed to have their say.

“So, the PDP and other minority parties can have their say but working together the APC must have it way in legislative agenda, in the leadership of the National Assembly and the leadership of the committees in the National Assembly.

BREAKING: Tribunal Declares Ademola Adeleke Winner Of Osun Governorship Election

The Osun State Governorship Election Tribunal has declared the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ademola Adeleke, as the winner of the poll.

The Tribunal made the declaration on Friday after dismissing a preliminary objection against the petition of the PDP and Senator Adeleke, challenging the September 2018 governorship election in the state.

The preliminary objection was filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate in the election, Governor Gboyega Oyetola, as well as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The three defendants claimed that the petition of the PDP and its candidate was incompetent and the tribunal lacked jurisdiction to hear it.

Delivering a ruling on the preliminary objection, Justice Obiora Obi who is a member of the three-man Tribunal held that the petition was competent.

He also stated that the Tribunal has the jurisdiction to hear and determine it.

The judge held that there was merit in the appeal filed by the PDP and Senator Adeleke, adding that the declaration and return of Governor Oyetola by INEC was null and void.

He, thereafter, declared Senator Adeleke, who represents Osun West district in the National Assembly, as the winner of the election and duly elected governor of the state.

The tribunal also held that the Certificate of Return issued to Governor Oyetola be withdrawn and that a fresh one should be issued to Senator Adeleke of the PDP, having fulfilled the conditions of the law.

It said the petitioner scored the lawful majority votes at the election while the rerun held in the seven cancelled units were null and void and of no electoral effect.

The PDP and Senator Adeleke had approached the Tribunal to challenge the declaration of Adegboyega Oyetola of the APC as the winner of the September 22, 2018, election by the electoral body.

After entertaining final arguments and adoption of written addresses by lawyers to the parties involved on March 7, the Tribunal announced that it would reserve judgment on the matter.

The Tribunal, which was earlier sitting in Osun, was relocated from the High Court of Justice Complex, Osogbo to Abuja in November 2018.

Akoko Monarchs laud Akeredolu over massive infrastructural development

Monarchs in Akoko South East Local Government Area of Ondo State have lauded Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, for the massive reconstruction of Public Primary Schools in the area and various road projects.

The Monarchs particularly thanked the Governor for rehabilitating the Federal Government owned Owo / Ikare road and rescuing Akoko land from the deplorable state of roads.

The Olupe of Ipe Akoko, Oba Francis Apata who spoke on behalf of other Monarchs during the Thank You Tour of the Governor to the local government, said Akoko North East was especially jealous of the various gaint strides recorded by the Akeredolu's administration on the construction of roads in Akoko land, particularly the Oke Alabojuto in Ikare - Akoko.

Oba Apata, however, appealed to the Governor to extend the wave of massive infrastructural development to the Epinmi - Ikare Road for the economic development of the local Government. Although a Federal Government road, the Monarch asked the Governor to look into possibility of rehabilitating the road.

Governor Akeredolu who appreciated the people of the Local government for voting for the party in the last state House of Assembly elections, assured the people that his administration will spread development across the state.

He said :" We are here to say thank you. That's why we started with a praise song. We have thanked the Lord. But, we are here to thank you. What people thought was impossible, was made possible here. I spoke with our people and they listened.

"When Kuti emerged as the candidate of our party for a second term, so many people. came to me and said it was impossible. That was not your arrangement before. That was not your arrangement before.. But I told them, I pleaded that this one can be possible and it will even open way for better things to come. I have come to thank you for electing Kuti.

"Part of the reason we are here is to hear your views . You know how many hours you take to get to Owo before. We have done intervention on that road that has cost us alot. We have heard your demand. We will attend to them. We thank all the people of Akoko South East."

Ondo Police partners NDLEA to fight cannabis cultivators

As the operatives of the National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Ondo State continue in their fight against hard and illicit drugs, the State Police Command has joined hands with them in flushing out cultivators, dealers and smokers of Cannabis Sativa (India hemp)in the state.

A middle-aged man was nabbed in Akure the Ondo State capital, last week, for allegedly dealing in Cannabis Sativa weighing about 642kgs, arranged in bags possibly for sales.

His arrest came barely a month after four operatives of the NDLEA were killed at Ifon in Ose Local Government Area of the state by suspected gunmen believed to be drug barons.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Femi Joseph, who spoke to The Hope metro said police are collaborating with NDLEA to ensure that those planting, selling and dealing in Cannabis sativa in the state are checkmated and brought to book.

His words, “There is effective synergy between the police and the NDLEA. We have been working together in ensuring the state is rid off hard drugs

“Those who sell, smoke or deal in Cannabis sativa are said to have committed the same offence, because people who smoke are proned to committing crimes.

“This is why sometimes you see the police raiding some black spots in order to apprehend those smoking India hem.

“Whenever we arrest them, we hand them over to the NDLEA whose primary duty is to carry out further investigations and prosecution.

“Though police as an institution is saddled with the responsibility of maintaining law and order, we equally have the right to also investigate and prosecute offenders when arrested.

“We usually have a joint operations in tackling drug menace in the state. But we equally call on the members of the public with useful and adequate information to pass it to us because the job of effective crime prevention, detection, control in the society is for everybody not for the security agencies alone,” he stated.

According to the PPRO, places like Ogbese, Ala in Akure North and Ifon in Ose local government areas of the state, where there are cultivation of Cannabis Sativa, the Divisional Police Officers in those areas have been told by the police authority to be vigilant and proactive so as to arrest those behind the planting and growing of India hemp and also bring them to book.

He said the police will not relent on its efforts in aresting and prosecuting criminal elements who wants to reap where they did not sow, adding that all identified criminal hideouts in the state would continue to be raided until sanity is restored to those places.

Ondo State, The Hope Metro investigation gathered, has been rated as one of the largest cultivators of Cannabis sativa in the South West.

Source :https://citadelng.com/ondo-police-partners-ndlea-to-fight-cannabis-cultivators/

Experts brainstorm on speedy trials

Legal experts have harped on the need to embrace transparency and accountability in Nigeria judicial system in order to fastrack justice dispensation emerged at a state level working group meeting held in Akure on the Administration of Criminal Justice Law implementation in Ondo state.

The programme was co-sponsored by Center for Law Enforcement Education in Nigeria (CLEEN) and MacArthur Foundation.

Delivering his address, the Executive Director of CLEEN, Benson Olugbo stated that the initiative was to reduce delays in any form in delivery of Criminal Justice.

Represented by the Assistant Legal Officer, Mrs Esther Mabadeje, he said that the initiative aimed at checking increasing cases of corruption among public and judicial officers.

He stated that Nigeria pass good laws but lack the political will to see to its implementation and enforcement.

Olugbo hinted that the meeting was to find means of making information on corruption cases available to the public through a website and to create awareness on the project so that the public will be aware of its existence.

He disclosed that the project has been on for two years whereby the National Working Committee group meets yearly to discuss issues and share information about ACJL.

He stated that it has started replicating the programme in states of the federation.

He said that the objective of the meeting was to discuss updates on the implementation of the ACJL, consider challenges and gaps and proffer probable solutions in line with the law.

He further hinted that analysis will be drawn from the court observation data sent in by their data collectors in a bid to watch the trends emerging so that they would serve as advocacy issues to stakeholders in the sector.

The project also aimed at digitalising court proceedings in Nigeria with a view to promoting transparency and accountability in the fight against corruption by the Nigeria judicial system.

It would be recalled that the ACJL which was prepared as an improvement on criminal procedure act of 1914 became a law in Ondo state in 2015.

The participants deliberated on challenges facing the full implementation of the law in the state, chief of which was lack of awareness among police officers who are major actors in prosecutions.

Participants at the programme were drawn from NBA, FIDA and Civil Society Organizations.

Source :https://citadelng.com/experts-brainstorm-on-speedy-trials/

RUGIPO to launch N250m hospital fund

The Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), Alumni Association is set to launch a N250m hospital facility fund to ensure that students, staff have access to affordable and qualitative healthcare services come this Saturday March 23,2019.

This was contain in a press release signed and made available to newsmen in Owo by the Chairman Governing Council of the institution, Mr. Banjo Alabi Esq.

According to the statement, “The Governor of Ondo State Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, by his activities has opened a new template for leadership and the goal of leadership is to meet needs and solve problems. The essence of leadership is service.

He said as part of the support for the visionary leadership of Mr Governor, the association is ready to partner with the government to deliver dividends to democracy to the people.

“Health is wealth is a famous proverb which means that health is everything and its importance is more than wealth. If one maintains his/her health, he gets everything in life very easily”.

With the hospital in place, he explained that students, employees, members of their families and willing members of our host communities will be registered for the Managed Care/Health Insurance Scheme via the Tertiary Institution’s Social Health Insurance Programme.

Alabi further said the main objective of the Insurance scheme is to ensure access to affordable and qualitative healthcare to the students, staff and family, members of RUGIPO host communities as well as the public who enrol in the Scheme.

“The scheme will provide primary and secondary health care for our students and never again will parents worry for the health care of their children and wards registered in the programme”.

He also disclosed that the school Governing council will be working with Ondo State Development and Investment Agency (ONDIPA) on Our Light Up RUGIPO initiative, which is to provide alternative and sustainable power energy that will provide RUGIPO 24 hours supply and eliminate millions of naira spent on diesel every year.

“The executive order of Mr Governor to our council : Namely : “Retool: Reconstruct & Reposition Ondo State Polytechnic , Owo ( RUGIPO) and make it a leading research institute committed to improving the human condition through advanced science and technology is on course”.

Source :https://citadelng.com/rugipo-to-launch-n250m-hospital-fund/

Aisha Buhari on Tuberculosis: No one has to die

Global TB Ambassador and wife of the President of Nigeria, Dr. Aisha Muhammadu Buhari has called on Nigerians to test themselves for Tuberculosis (TB), being one of the world’s most deadly diseases.

She said the clearest danger signal is two weeks of uninterrupted cough, and confirmed that the disease is treatable and curable, and with proper diagnosis and treatment, patients can overcome the disease and live normal lives.

“We should not be caught unawares. Once you notice a cough that has refused to go after two weeks, visit a health facility and consult a doctor”

She was speaking during an outreach programme at Kpebi village, Kuruduma on the fringes of the Federal Capital Territory, organized by her office in collaboration with National TB and Leprosy Control Programme on Wednesday, March 20, 2019.

Mrs. Buhari said treatment for TB is free and called on citizens to take advantage of the screening going on in health facilities across the country, so that if found to be positive, they can be quickly diagnosed and placed on treatment.

Minister of State for Health, Prof Osagie Ehanire, speaking at the event said TB is spread through coughing and sneezing in overcrowded, poorly ventilated spaces. He described the disease as a leading cause of death in the world as 1.6 million people died of TB in 2017 alone.

He described silence by victims as the main problem of fighting the disease as 300,000 cases went undetected in 2017. These undetected cases, he said, are untreated people, who can spread the disease in communities, and that one person with untreated lung tuberculosis can infect 10 – 15 other persons per year. He thanked Mrs. Buhari for participating in the outreach as a TB ambassador.

Earlier, Dr. Lawanson Adebola, National Coordinator, TB and Leprosy Control Programme said the outreach was organized as part of activities to mark the World TB Day, which comes up on Sunday, 24th March, 2019. The outreach she said provided for screening and treatment for those found to be positive. She called on the villagers to take advantage of the opportunity, and encouraged others to visit hospitals to be screened. The tests are conducted on a mobile lab tagged “wellness on wheels”.

District Head of Kpebi, High Chief Audu Kaura welcomed guests to his village, while a TB survivor; Mr. Abubakar Bala spoke on his experiences living with the disease.

The event was attended by wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, Wife of the Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr. Mairo Almakura and a host of other dignitaries.
Highlight of the event was the flag-off of the outreach campaign by wife of the President.

Source :https://citadelng.com/aisha-buhari-on-tuberculosis-no-one-has-to-die/

The mantra, 'The City Set On The Hill' has over the years been associated with the ancient town of Idanre.
Arakunrin Akeredolu has ensured within the last two years that the mantra is a true reflection of the town in terms of Infrastructure developments and economic growth. The years ahead promises to be good and better for the good people of Idanre.
#AketiAtWork
#TheManAketi

Akeredolu To Immortalise Agagu

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

� Olawale Abolade

Ese-Odo Traditional Ruler Commends Akeredolu On Infrastructure

Traditional rulers in Ese- Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State have commended the Akeredolu-led administration for the various infrastructural development in their domains.

The Kalasuwe of Apoi Land, Oba (Professor) Sunday Amuseghan spoke during the governor's thank you visit to Ese - Odo Local Government Area on Monday, 18th March, 2019.

The Kalasuwe in his eloquent speech highlighted the projects executed by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in Ese Odo Local Government, which includes the Sabomi Road, rehabilitation of the general hospital at Igbekebo, renovation of primary schools across various communities in the Local Government.

The Governor used the event to thank the good people of the Local Government, party members and leaders of thoughts for their supports during the last elections.


Governor Akeredolu promised to do more and complete all ongoing projects in the area.

I will continue to promote women advancement – Aisha Buhari

Wife of the President, Dr. Mrs. Aisha Muhammadu Buhari has reaffirmed her commitment towards promoting the socio-economic and political advancement of women in Nigeria through her Future Assured Programme. She was speaking at the NEXT LEVEL Thank you Celebration and Luncheon at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos on Saturday 16th March, 2019.

Mrs. Buhari said the President has already promised to engage more women and youth in his second term. She therefore urged them not to relent in the collective duty to make the NEXT LEVEL a reality.

“I wish to express my appreciation to Nigerians especially Women and Youth for their unprecedented contribution towards our success at the election. In particular I must mention the role played by the Women and Youth Presidential Campaign Team I initiated to support the APC Presidential Campaign Council.”

Mrs. Buhari attributed the success of the President to the firm belief Nigerians have in the ability of this administration’s developmental agenda to take us to the NEXT LEVEL. She therefore called on the President and Vice President to continue to build on the foundation of the good works they started in order to justify this confidence.

Earlier, wife of the vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo in her remarks said the event was convened to celebrate with all those that contributed in one way or the other to the successful re-election of the APC to lead the country for the next four years. She said the party campaigned through all the states of the country, even going from door to door to ensure that the support of everyone was canvassed. She expressed happiness that Nigerians responded positively to the campaign.

Entertainers like KWAM 1, Daddy Showkey and Sugar Band had a field day.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Governor-elect of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwoolu, wife of Nasarawa state Governor, Dr. Mairo

Almakura, APC Woman Leader, Mrs. Salamatu Baiwa, Gen. Buba Marwa Rtd and Mrs. Joke Silva.

Earlier in the day, Mrs. Buhari had visited Lagos Island General Hospital, where she interacted with victims of the Itapaji building collapse.

Source :https://citadelng.com/i-will-continue-to-promote-women-advancement-aisha-buhari/

Buhari on makeup polls: I won’t influence results


ALL Progressives Congress (APC) members in Sokoto, Kano, Adamawa, Plateau and Benue states got a piece of “candid” advice from the Presidency yesterday.

They should prepare hard for the makeup polls in their states. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity Garba Shehu foreclosed the possibility of manipulating the process to favour any party in a statement he issued in Abuja.

The Presidency has cautioned against a lot of the hate spewing, incitement to violence and the polarising statements by political leaders as some states brace for supplementary elections prescribed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“Party members in states where there will be supplementary elections then need to be reminded that they need to work hard to earn their people’s votes, rather than expect President Buhari to manipulate INEC in their favour The statement reads,” the statement said.

To the presidential spokesman, it is strange that the President has been at the receiving ends from the ruling APC and the rival Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) since the elections started with the Presidential and National Assembly elections on February 23.

According to him, the President will remain neutral throughout the electoral process.

He said: “Interestingly, while members of the ruling APC party were criticising the President for not interfering on their behalf, members of the opposition were condemning the President based on their assumptions that he would definitely interfere, as many in the opposition did while in power.

“Under President Buhari, INEC has been and will be completely independent throughout the elections, free from any interference.

“President Buhari is a man of conviction, and the manipulation of election results goes against everything he stands for. INEC is completely in charge.”

Shehu described as unfair and ridiculous criticisms of President Buhari’s apparent disinterest in the upcoming elections in some states by party members who wrongfully assume that the President will abuse power by changing results to favour them.

The senior special assistant described as a wrong notion to think that Buhari would meddle in the March 23 supplementary election ordered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) because some of his predecessors interfered in inconclusive elections.

“This”, he said, “was the reason party members appeared to be upset that the same thing is not happening now.”

He added: “But President Buhari is a different kind of leader. He swore to defend the constitution and will not veer off from that.



“The constitution of Nigeria gives the President no such powers. It is unfair and ridiculous to criticise President Buhari for not going against the constitution.”

Candidates of the ruling party are participating in the supplementary polls in the five states where INEC declared the March 9 elections inconclusive, fixing March 23 for a make-up exercise.

Three of the candidates are incumbent. They are governors Jibrilla Bindow (Adamawa); Simon Lalong (Plateau) and Umar Ganduje (Kano).

The others – Alh. Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto (Sokoto) and Emmanuel Jime (Benue) – are challenging Aminu Tambuwal and Samuel Ortom, who defected from the ruling party into the PDP.

SOKOTO

In Sokoto, incumbent Tambuwal, who scored 489, 588, is leading with 3,413 votes. He will be slugging it out with APC’s candidate for 75,493 votes in 136 polling units in 22 local government areas. The APC candidate is trailing with 486, 145 votes.

ADAMAWA

Before the process was declared inconclusive in Adamawa, the PDP, with 367,471 votes as against APC’s 334,995, was leading by 32,476 votes. The candidates of the two parties have 40,998 votes to fight for on March 23.

BENUE

Ortom of the PDP, who got 410, 576, was ahead in Benue with 81,554 votes. He will be slugging it out with Jime for 121, 011 votes. Jime got 329, 022 at the close of the first ballot.

PLATEAU

In Plateau, Lalong of the APC got 583, 255 to lead Senator Jeremiah Useni of the PDP with 44,929 votes. Useni got 538, 326. The duo will be fighting for the outstanding 49,377 votes.

KANO

There are 100, 873 votes to decide who wins the election in Kano State. The PDP, with 1,014,474 votes, is leading the APC, which got 987, 810, with 26,664 votes.

Source :http://thenationonlineng.net/buhari-on-makeup-polls-i-wont-influence-results/

Enhancing Food Production In Ondo state

A major selling point of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s administration from inception is the readiness to put in place a strategic plan for agricultural transformation that revolves round activities which have potential to boost food production as a prelude to food security in the state.

THE resolve to promote food production by the state government was precipitated on recognition that food security is the backbone of any economy. Food security according to the United Nations’ is a state where people have unrestricted economic, social and physical access to nutritious and safe food that can satisfy their dietary needs, for leading a healthy and active life.

AS long as there is food security, the economy has a potential to grow. A nation or community that fails to provide food for its people is at the mercy of those who can.

ACKNOWLEDGING that the only sustainable way to reclaim economic momentum and drive prosperity is to go back to the land and develop agricultural production, Akeredolu’s government has for the umpteenth time restated its commitment to continue making and implementing policies targeted at boosting the agricultural sector. Truth, no amount of fund invested in such endeavour can be a waste as it will pay off in the long run.

AMONG the programmes recently initiated by the government to boost agricultural sector include YOUTH on Ridges, a programme designed for youths to embrace agriculture and create employment through its value chain.

AT the flagg-off of the programme, the governor, assured that they will be trained by experts in various fields of agriculture, while describing the initiative as a veritable opportunity on completion of their trainings, successful participants would be grouped into cooperatives to be able to access finances for their ventures.

THE governor further informed that the “Youth on the Ridges”, was designed to empower youths in agricultural business and engage in agricultural value chain development stressing The programme said to be a deliberate way to create awareness on improved food production, is also expected to arouse the interest of youths in agriculture and promote youth employment by engaging no fewer than 18,000 youths across the state.

IT is heart warming that the Akeredolu administration has created enabling environments for youths and women to take up career in modern agriculture through some interventions which include opening of modern Agricultural Villages and establishment of Cocoa farm to be plotted on hectare basis for youth empowerment to boost cocoa production in the state.

OTHER interventions include training of no fewer than 2,500 youths on Cassava Value Addition, Agri-Business Empowerment Centre, OSAEC, provision of credit facilities for youth and women under FADAMA III among others, not to mention a joint Venture with NNPC for the establishment of Cassava-Ethanol factory at Okeluse, and the CBN/NIRSAL accelerated National Egg production where the state was selected as the pilot state among others.

WHILE we applaud Ondo state’s programmes towards food security we call on government to look into land use tenure and land allocation system such that local governments are apportioned land for agriculture.

WE equally want school farming to be encouraged with government supporting the programmes with facilities and security, and resources.

MORE importantly The Hope advocates cooperation and strong partnership among stakeholders to ensure all categories of food items are available round the year.

THAT way the state will not only be free from hunger but also be playing a leading role in liberating the nation from food crisis.

‘I owe my victory to Akeredolu’s achievements’

Ondo State House of Assembly member-elect for Akoko North-West constituency 2, Mohammed Taofik Oladele, has attributed his victory at the just concluded House of Assembly election to various monumental achievements of the state governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

Oladele, a native of Ogbagi-Akoko in Akoko North-West Local Government Area of the state, is one of the 23 APC lawmakers-elect in the last Saturday’s March 9 House of Assembly election in the state. In the election, APC won 23 seats while PDP and ZLP won two and one seats respectively.

He particularly lauded all the people of his constituency for their unalloyed support for the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, which he added, culminated to landslide victory for the party at the Assembly poll.

While commending governor Akeredolu for his outstanding performance within two years of his administration, the lawmaker-elect noted that the laudable performance in the areas of road construction and rehabilitation, youths employment through agriculture, building and renovation of public primary schools, regular payment of salaries of civil servants, women empowerment, among other laudable achievements contributed greatly to his victory at the poll.

“Mr. Governor is really doing alot for our people, is it in the areas of women empowerment. The governor is giving soft loans to our market women to expand their business activities. Look at what he is doing in the area of road projects across the state, especially in Akoko areas now. This is fantastic and we all appreciate Mr governor for this good work”, he stressed.

Oladele also applauded the governor for his quick intervention in arresting kidnapping and other criminal activities being perpetrated by hoodlums along Ikare-Owo road, saying that everybody is now safe in the area and other parts of the state.

He equally thanked all the party leaders in the state and his constituency for their support throughout the election.

Oladele, a former Supervising Councillor and Economist, contested for the House of Assembly seat in 2015 but lost to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

He assured his constituents of quality representation and dividends of good governance, promising to fulfil his electioneering campaign promises.

According to him, a lot of meaningful projects based on the needs of the people would be executed during his time, while youths and women empowerment would also be his priority to improve the standard of living of the people.

He added that necessary support would also be given to students in the constituency in a bid to improve standard of education, adding that everybody in his constituency both young and old would feel the positive impact of his good representation during his time.

Buhari rejects bill to amend NOSDRA Act


President Muhammadu Buhari has declined assent to the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency Act (Amendment) Bill passed by the National Assembly.

Buhari, in a letter, addressed to Senate President Bukola Saraki and read at plenary on Wednesday, the President said his decision was pursuant to Section 58 (4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).



Specifically, the President said the bill undermines the powers of the Minister of Petroleum Resources and the functions of the ministry.

Buhari is the Minister of Petroleum Resources.

The letter read, “I am declining assent to the bill because in a number of important sections, the bill undermines the powers of the Minister of Petroleum Resources and the functions and responsibilities of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.”

Buhari also rejected the imposition of 0.5 per cent of Operation Funds on oil companies, explaining that this will create an additional tax burden on oil firms operating in the country.

He listed the contentious areas in the bill to include Section 3, 6 (1a), 7 (a) and (b), 8, 9 and 11.

“Section 8 of the bill imposes a new charge and the industry of 0.5 percent of Operation Funds of oil companies for the enforcement of the environmental legislation in the petroleum sector.

“This imposition is an additional burden on th evil industry, particularly given that it is unclear what operation funds mean for the purpose of applying the provisions of the bill,” It added.

Source :https://punchng.com/buhari-rejects-bill-to-amend-nosdra-act/

Take over operation of OML 11 from Shell, Buhari orders NNPC

President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation to take over the operatorship of the entire Oil Mining Lease 11 from Shell Petroleum Development Company.

According to a letter from State House, Abuja, to the Group Managing Director of NNPC, dated March 1, 2019, with reference number SH/COS/24/A/8540 and signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, the President’s directive was clearly stated that the entire operatorship of OML 11 should be taken over by the NNPC/Nigeria Petroleum Development Company not later than April 30, 2019.



NPDC is the flagship oil exploration and production subsidiary of the NNPC and the liaison office of the company acknowledged receipt of the letter on March 5, 2019.

The letter from the Presidency to the NNPC, which had its title as, ‘Operatorship of Entire Oil Mining Lease 11,’ read in part, “Kindly note that the President has directed NNPC/NPDC to take over the operatorship, from Shell Petroleum Development Company, of the entire OML 11 not later than 30 April 2019, and ensure smooth re-entry given the delicate situation in Ogoniland.”

It added that the President has “directed NNPC/NPDC to confirm by 2 May 2019, of the assumption of the operatorship.”

OML 11 lies in the southeastern Niger Delta and contains 33 oil and gas fields of which eight are producing as per 2017. In terms of production, it is one of the most important blocks in Nigeria.

The terrain is swampy to the south with numerous rivers and creeks. Port Harcourt is located in the northwest of the block, while the major yard and logistics base at Onne is located by the Bonny River. The Bonny oil terminal – the largest in Nigeria – and Nigeria LNG (NLNG) are both located at Bonny.

When contacted, the Media Relations Manager, Shell Nigeria, Bamidele Odugbesan, declined to comment on the matter, as he specifically told our correspondent that he would not speak on the issue.


The Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, NNPC, Ndu Ughamadu, also did not answer his telephone when contacted and had yet to respond to a text message on the matter up till the time of filing this report.



It was, however, gathered from sources at the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources in Abuja that there were four partners in the OML 11 joint venture.

“If you are talking about that operatorship, you are talking about a joint venture where you have four partners and you can pick any of the partners to run the asset on behalf of others. And whoever runs the asset will account to the partners when it comes to the sharing table,” a source at the FMPR said.

The source added, “So if you look at some deep water projects or if you look at the OPL 245, that is Zabazaba for instance, it is operated by Agip but Shell has 50 per cent stake in it. So if tomorrow Agip says it does not want to operate the asset anymore and asks Shell to come and operate it, that won’t change anything. Rather it is only the operatorship that will change.”

It was also gathered that the NNPC owns 55 per cent shares in the OML 11 partnership, while Shell, Total and Agip own 30, 15 and five per cent respectively in the joint venture.

Officials at the FMPR stated that the operatorship of the asset, based on the latest directive of the President, had moved from Shell to NPDC, the flagship oil exploration and production subsidiary of the NNPC.

Industry players further explained that whoever operated an OML on behalf of partners would bring in its expertise and that the NPDC had such capacity right now.

They noted that what was transferred to NNPC, based on Buhari’s order, was basically the operatorship of the OML and not the shares of the partners in the joint venture.

Our correspondent further gathered that Shell had not produced a drop of crude oil from Ogoniland for about five years and that partners were not earning revenue as a result of this.

“So if another partner is willing to run the asset, I think he should be allowed to try. Four persons own an asset and it is being run by owner number one and owner number one is not able to run the asset for several years, you can try owner number two. That’s what is happening,” another source said.

Source-https://citadelng.com/take-over-operation-of-oml-11-from-shell-buhari-orders-nnpc/

Embrace child spacing, Mrs Akeredolu tasks women:


Nigerian women have been enjoined to embrace child spacing in order to reduce poverty and improve their health.

Wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu- Akeredolu made this suggestion during the celebration of this year’s International Women’s Day and launching of SOLAYO initiative in Ore, Odigbo Local Government area.

While advising the nursing mothers in the local government, Mrs Akeredolu maintained that the inability of Nigerian women to space their children and other related issues have contributed to national insecurity and poor economic state of the nation.

The First Lady who described female circumcision as barbaric, archaic and detrimental to the lives of women in the country advised parents to desist from such act.

She appealed to women to join politics because they are more important in the society,adding that they are fit in decision and law making chambers.

In her welcome address, the Chairperson, Odigbo Local Government, Mrs Rebecca Ikumawo who revealed that the SOLAYO kit idea of Mrs Akeredolu was the first in the State commended the First Lady for helping expectant mothers in the State to meet their delivery needs hence preparing them better for the delivery day.

” Findings had shown that most of the pregnant women cannot afford all the items needed for safe delivery, but with the SOLAYO kits given to them, the stress of getting money to buy delivery items have been solved.

A beneficiary, Mrs Busayo Obisesan appreciated Mrs Akeredolu;s gestures.

Another beneficiary, Mrs Olufunke Fatumuroti who could not hide her joy described the SOLAYO kits given to her as timely. “Sincerely, I have been thinking of where to get money to buy all the listed delivery items needed. Though, one may be saying it is not much, but when you start calculating them one after the other, you will understand my concern especially with the economic situation in the country.

Baby and food items were distributed to fifty five pregnant women and other beneficiaries at the occasion.

Source :
https://www.thehopenewspaper.com/embrace-child-spacing-mrs-akeredolu-tasks-women/

APC wins 23 Out of 26 House of Assembly seats in Ondo:

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

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

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

Ondo renovates 900 boreholes

In his efforts aimed at ensuring that hygienic environment becomes sustainable in the state, Ondo state Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), has disclosed that the present administration has repaired over 900 bore holes across the state.

Governor Akeredolu made the disclosure while playing host to the officials of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), led by its Resident Representative, Mrs Khardiata Lo Ndiaye in his Office, in Akure.

The UNDP Officials were in the state for a Strategic Stakeholder’s Dialogue on Peaceful and Violence-Free 2019 General Elections in South West States, which was organised by Ondo State Government in conjunction with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Akeredolu explained further that several boreholes had equally been sunk to provide water for the residents, especially those in the remote areas.

The Governor argued that hygienic environment could hardly be achieved without sufficient water in the society.

The Governor who noted that water took greater percentage of cleanliness and other hygienic living, added that UNDP contributed greatly to the water supply being enjoyed in the state.

He promised a renewed and enduring partnership with the global body based on adherence to best practice targeting human capital development across sectors.

The governor who regretted the pull-out of partnership with UNDP in the year 2013, assured that such unfortunate incidence will never happen again, more so that the state has painstakingly worked its development programmes, mission and vision in consonance with the aspirations of the people and in tandem with the goals of the global development partners.

Arakunrin Akeredolu however, reiterated the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration toward providing an enabling environment for the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), and the security agencies to conduct peaceful, free, fair and credible polls in the February 16 general election.

Earlier, the UNDP Resident Representative, Mrs Khardiata Ndiaye, commended the efforts of the state government and other stakeholders for their strong commitment to peace and security, especially during this electoral period.

She explained that the peaceful conduct of any election is not only important to the inhabitants of the States, but also to all Nigerians and friends of Nigeria around the world.

“It is not just an event related to elections only, but a joint effort targeted at strengthening democratic and good governance as well as sustaining peace.

“For us, it is very important, since Ondo State has a reputation to be a very peaceful, quiet and a friendly state. I think we need to jointly sustain this peace and prevent anything that can bring violence.

3,500 Ondo rice farmers for CBN dry season farming

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source:https://citadelng.com/3500-ondo-rice-farmers-for-cbn-dry-season-farming/

Farmers want pig villages-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There’s nothing personal between Buhari and me —Obasanjo


The Alake of Egbaland, Oba Michael Gbadebo, has advised former President Olusegun Obasanjo to stop attacking President Muhammadu Buhari as he (Obasanjo) clocks 82.

The monarch said he had never been comfortable whenever Obasanjo attacked Buhari, urging him to sheathe his sword.



Alake gave the advice in his goodwill message during Obasanjo’s 82nd birthday celebration at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta.

Obasanjo was born on March 5, 1937.

Alake, who served as a military officer during the military administration of Buhari between 1983 and 1985, said he had always told Obasanjo to leave his boss alone.

According to the monarch, Obasanjo has fought for the peace of the country more than anyone and has won many battles for Nigeria.

You all know that I was an officer under Gen. Buhari; so, each time Obasanjo criticises my boss, I always tell my senior (Obasanjo); ‘[please, leave the President alone!’

“At 82, baba is still fighting; please, fight less and be a father to everybody.

“You need to rest, fight less and take a position of a consultant at your new age.

“At 82 years, I think you should keep your sword more rather than use it always,” he said.



But Obasanjo, while acknowledging the goodwill messages from friends, responded to Alake’s plea.

Obasanjo, who supported his former deputy, Atiku Abubakar, of the Peoples Democratic Party, was one of Buhari’s fiercest critics during the electioneering.

He explained that the issues between him and Buhari were not personal.

He said, “Governance is not a family affair and democracy involves criticism and considering all the sides to an issue.

“There is nothing personal between President Buhari and I.

“In a democracy, you can criticise a policy, a government or a leader because democracy is not a family affair.


“I believe that Africa has no alternative to democracy, good governance, development and growth of our economy.

“And if that is not happening in any country, those who keep quiet about it are accomplices.

“So, if I say anybody in government in Nigeria or any government for that matter is not doing well, let that government prove that it is well. It is not anything personal.

“So, Kabiyesi (Alake), your boss Buhari; there is nothing personal between us. Just as he is your boss, I am also his boss, with all due respect.

Obasanjo, who ruled as a military head of state from 1976 to 1979 and as a democratically elected President from 1999 to 2007, said he would forever remain Nigeria’s longest serving leader.

“Now, if any Nigerian comes in and have two terms, he will not have almost four years of military rule. So, I have been there longer than any Nigerian would ever be there.

“Kabiyesi (Alake), anytime you say, ‘leave my boss alone,’ I say ‘he is your boss.’

“But I am also his (Buhari) boss. So, you might also ask your boss (Buhari) to leave his boss alone or do what is right.”

Earlier, a former Minister of Home Affairs of the Republic of South Africa, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, delivered a lecture titled, ‘Colonialism, Apartheid, Freedom and South Africa Rising.’

Buthelezi identified corruption as the biggest challenge facing the African continent.

Buthelezi, who noted that only six countries in the African Union had ranked above 50 on the corruption index, stressed that “corruption is pervasive throughout the region.”

He said, “We must, however, accept the facts and fix it. When we consider countries like Seychelles and Botswana who have become paragons of excellence, we need to ask what they did to achieve such.

“There are measures we can take and we must take them; and if we can overcome the challenges in Africa, we will open the possibilities for growth, development and social justice,” he said.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has showered praises on Obasanjo as he turns 82 years old, saying that he is “a passionate and great patriot who deserves accolades for his immeasurable contributions to our democracy and national unity.”

The President said he would continue to accord Obasanjo respect, in spite of their political differences.

In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr Garba Shehu, the President said, “regardless of our political differences with Obasanjo, I still hold him in the highest esteem because his contributions to the development of the country overshadow those differences.”

Recalling their days together in the country’s Armed Forces, Buhari noted, “Chief Obasanjo gave a good account of himself and inspired his juniors with his wit and other leadership skills.”

On Obasanjo’s indelible marks, the President said, “Nigeria’s successful transition to democratic rule in October 1979 was one of Obasanjo’s remarkable contributions to national development.”

“As he celebrates his 82nd Birthday Anniversary, I wish Chief Obasanjo more good health, knowledge and wisdom in the service of Nigeria and humanity.”

Source:https://punchng.com/theres-nothing-personal-between-buhari-and-me-obasanjo/

Governorship tussle: Akeredolu floors Abraham

The two year legal tussle to unseat Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) by a member of his party, Chief Segun Abraham has crashed like a pack of cards at the Supreme Court.

In a unanimous verdict yesterday, the highest court threw out the case for lack of competence and being statue barred.

The court held that Abraham failed to file his case within the stipulated 14 days after the cause of action.

According to the court, Abraham approached the court 28 days after the primary election he was challenging instead of the stipulated 14 days.

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

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

Meanwhile, Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), has described his over two year legal battle victory at the Supreme Court with a party member, Mr Segun Abraham as a victory for the entire progressive family of the Sunshine State including his challenger, Mr Abraham.

His reaction was contained in a press statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Yemi Olowolabi, a copy which was made available to The Hope.

The Supreme Court had on Tuesday in Abuja thrashed the suit filed by Segun Abraham in which he challenged Akeredolu’s victory at the 2016 APC governorship primary in Ondo State.

The Apex court held that, in line with the provision of the fourth alteration especially Section 285(11) of the 1999 constitution, that Segun Abraham failed to file his case within the stipulated 14 days after the cause of action, thus statute barred.

According to the statement, the Governor expressed his appreciation to the people of State and the All Progressives Congress (APC), for standing by him and his government during the legal battle between himself and a party member, Mr. Segun Abraham.

“The victory is for all Nigerians who believe in the rule of law and democracy, adding that there is no victor or vanquished in the ruling.

He further described as victory for democracy, the judgement of the Supreme Court, which struck out the case instituted against him by Olusegun Abraham, who came second in the keenly contested September 3, 2016 All Progressives Congress, APC, Governorship primary election in Ondo State.

While appreciating the people of Ondo State and members of the, APC, for their steadfastness throughout the period of the needless litigation, Akeredolu called on Mr. Segun Abraham to join hands with him in the patriotic task of building a new Ondo State.

The Governor says “there is no victor, no vanquished. The victory is for everyone who wants the best for Ondo State and Segun Abraham is one of us. In other words, we are all winners”, he said.

Arakunrin Akeredolu, therefore, dedicates the victory to the people of Ondo State, who he described as democrats to the core.

Source: https://citadelng.com/governorship-tussle-akeredolu-floors-abraham/

PRESS STATEMENT

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, expresses his appreciation to the people of Ondo State and the All Progressives Congress, APC, for standing by him and his government during the legal battle between him and a party member, Mr. Segun Abraham.

He says the victory over the more than two-year-legal battle is for the entire progressive family of the Sunshine State, including Segun Abraham.

Akeredolu says the victory is for all Nigerians who believe in the rule of law and democracy, adding that there is no victor or vanquished in the ruling.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday in Abuja thrashed the suit filed by Abraham in which he was challenging Akeredolu’s victory at the 2016 APC governorship primary in Ondo State.

The apex court held that, in line with the provision of the fourth alteration especially Section 285(11) of the 1999 constitution, that Segun Abraham failed to file his case within the stipulated 14 days after the cause of action, thus statute barred.

Arakunrin Akeredolu, therefore, dedicates the victory to the people of Ondo State, who he describes as democrats to the core.


Yemi Olowolabi,

Commissioner for Information and Orientation

Akeredolu rolls out promotions for local government workers


The Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has approved the 2018 promotion of local government workers in the state.

The governor has directed that letters of promotion of the local government workers as at 1st January, 2018, should be issued with immediate effect.

You will recall that Mr. Governor had earlier approved the 2018 promotion of all deserving Civil Servants at the state and local governments since June, 2018.

But information reaching Mr. Governor reveals that while State Civil Servants, who were due for promotion in 2018 had long collected their letters of promotion, their counterpart in the local government system are yet to receive theirs.

Governor Akeredolu has therefore directed that letters of promotion of local government workers should be issued with immediate effect.

Affected workers are advised to seek clarification from the office of the Head of Service.

Segun Ajiboye
CPS to the Governor