₦airaland Forum

‘Buhari will consolidate first term achievements’

Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has reassured Nigerians that President Muhammadu Buhari will definitely better their lots as his government is taking the people to the next level of economic emancipation in the country.

Osinbajo made this known during his visit to the Ondo North Senatorial district of Ondo State when he paid homage to Olukare of Ikare Akoko, Oba Akadiri Saliu Momoh, Olowo of Owo, Oba Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi and Olufon of Ifon, Oba Israel Adeusi .

The Vice President said Buhari is working assiduously day and night to achieve this.

He stated that the level of corruption in the country was responsible for the slow pace of the economic turnaround by the present administration in the country.

Corruption, he said is the bane of the economy and the current administration is fighting this seriously.

According to him, those responsible for the woes of Nigeria are presently ganging up against the president since it is now impossible to fleece the country of its hard earned revenue.

Osibanjo who was in Ondo North to solicit the support of the people for the APC presidential candidate in the February general elections, however assured the people that the reelection of President Buhari will consolidate on the gains in the first term and also bring more development to the people.

He was accompanied on the tour by the governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, and the Southwest Coordinator of the APC Presidential Campaign Committee, Barrister Olusola Oke.

The Olukare, who appealed to the federal government on the rehabilitation of the deplorable Akoko roads lamented the poor state of all the road networks in Akoko saying the situation has led to the collapse of economic activities in the area.

Similarly, the monarch strongly commended the state governor, Arakunrin Akeredolu for his developmental strides in Akoko and the state in general.

Oba Akadiri told the Vice President that Governor Akeredolu has been doing well and he has performed to the admiration of the people of the state.

Speaking at his palace in Ifon, Oba Israel Adeusi, while welcoming the Vice President, appreciated the commitment of the Federal Government to the development of humanity.

Also, at the Olowo’s palace, Oba Olateru-Olagbegi, while welcoming Osinbajo who was one of his students at the Law School to the ancient town, thanked him for the visit and solicited for more federal presence in the town.

JUST IN: Buhari arrives Maiduguri for campaign
The Governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima, led top politicians from within and outside the state to welcome the president and his entourage at the airport.

A former governor of Borno State, Ali Sheriff, was also at the airport to welcome the president.

The head of the presidential campaign, Bola Tinubu, the party’s national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, and other members of the campaign team who arrived the state earlier, were also at the airport to receive the president.

Mr Buhari was accompanied by the minister of transport, Rotimi Amaechi; the minister of states for works, Mustapha Babashehuri, the national security adviser, Muhammed Monguno among others.

The president’s motorcade is currently pulling through a crowd of supporters as he is being conveyed to Ramat square, the venue of the event.

The president is expected to fly to Damaturu, the Yobe State capital after he is done in Maiduguri.

‘Projects execution, right of citizens’

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), has reiterated his administration’s commitment to fulfilling the election promises made to the people of the state through the delivery of life-changing projects.

The Governor made this known during his inspection tour of some projects embarked upon by his administration in Akure South and Idanre Local Government Areas of the state at the weekend.

Akeredolu, while emphasizing that the projects are not in any way a privilege, but a fundamental right of the masses, said it was the responsibility of government to provide its people with basic needs that would impact positively on their lives.

Among the projects inspected by Arakunrin Akeredolu was the ongoing road dualization from ‘A’ Division to NEPA round-about and the dualisation of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) road to Bishop’s Court road in Alagbaka, Akure, where the level of work has reached advanced stages.

The dualization of the ever-busy roads was initiated by the present administration on assumption of office to ease traffic congestion along its corridors, especially during peak periods.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Engr Raimi Aminu, while conducting the Governor round some of the ongoing road projects in the state capital, explained that the roads would soon be opened-up for use upon completion next month.

He said the entire dualization stretching about 8.132 kilometers from ‘A’ Division would terminate at Ijoka. Whereas the first segment of the 500metres nearing completion has some unique features like Special Parking Lot in front of the Headquarters of Ondo State Judiciary, Akure and a drainage before walkway system designed for safety precautions.

Aminu explained further that the second segment from NEPA roundabout that would terminate at Alafiatayo Junction/ Oluwatuyi Roundabout would begin shortly, as demolition of obstructing structures have commenced.

Speaking to newsmen on the level of work done so far, Project Coordinator from FCC Construction Company handling the CBN road dualisation in Alagbaka, Engr Seriki Adamu said the 565 metres road would be completed and delivered next month.

Residents of the areas, who could not hide their feelings, commended the Governor for coming up with the initiatives that would go a long way in addressing the challenges of both human and vehicular movements when completed.

Some residents who expressed their views with The Hope included; Mrs Justina Onu and Mama Apeke Idowu. They thanked the Governor for his efforts, especially the ‘A’ Division road dualisation project and appealed to contractors to quickly complete the project before the rainy season.

At Oke-Ogba in Akure South Local Government Area of the state, residents of the community trooped out in their large numbers, praising Arakunrin Akeredolu for fulfilling his electoral promises, especially in the area of construction of access roads.

Chairman of the community, Pastor David Oyewole appreciated the Governor for deeming it fit, despite the lean purse of government to construct the road which has been one of their perennial problems.

Oyewole expressed happiness that the intervention had enabled car owners to access their homes with their vehicles which according to him, has never been possible before now.

A cross section of residents of the community who spoke with The Hope, expressed happiness that the road, when completed, will boost their socio-economic activities.



Governor Akeredolu, While responding, assured the people that all link-roads and arteries totaling 5.8 Kilometres in the area would be made motorable upon completion of the project.

Managing Director of Dortmund Construction Company handling the project, Mr. Pius Ayodele who explained that the project appeared slow paced due to the rocky nature of the terrain assured the people that the job will be completed by next month.

The story was not different in Idanre, as the people, on sighting the convoy of Governor Akeredolu, trooped out to express their appreciation on the construction of the 15.4Kilometres virgin road linking Idanre with Akure through Ijoka road.

PROGRESS REPORT (Gaga Community, Akure)

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

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

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

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

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

#AketiAtWork

PROGRESS REPORT (Gaga Community, Akure)

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

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

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

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

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

#AketiAtWork

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

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

OSINBAJO GETS ROUSING WELCOME IN OWO

Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, on Friday, 18th January, 2019, was received admist pomp and peagantry at Owo, during his visit to the ancient town in continuation of the door - to-door campaign for the President Muhammadu Buhari's re-election.

Owo is the home town of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN.

The ancient town was agog as the Vice President visited the Palace of Olowo of Owo where he addressed the Monarch and other traditional Chiefs. It was a lock down as both vehicular and human movement was halted for over 30 minutes.

Governor Akeredolu appreciated Osinbajo for visiting the town. The Governor who spoke in Owo dialect assured the Vice President of the support of the people of Owo and the entire state.

The Vice President said the coming election is for the progress of the town, Yoruba nation and the entire country.

He said " Even Buhari's enemies know that he's truthful and has integrity. Where we are today, we need a truthful person to progress our nation. Nigeria is blessed, but there is too much corruption and that's why we must choose truthful leader. "

At a town hall meeting where the VP addressed a mammoth crowd who filled the expansive Hall of Mydas Hotel, Owo, he reeled out the achievements of the administration of President Buhari.

He explained that the Buhari's administration will do more in term of infrastructural developmental and Social Intervention Program if re-elected for a second term.

The Olowo of Owo, Oba Folagbade Olateru Olagbegi thanked the Vice President for his visit. The monarch demanded more Federal presence in Owo.

BREAST CANCER: SPEAK OUT TO HELP OTHERS – MRS AKEREDOLU TELLS SURVIVORS:


ife of Ondo State Governor and Founder of Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria, (BRECAN), Mrs Betty Anyanwu -Akeredolu has reiterated her commitment to the treatment and care of women suffering fron breast cancer within and outside Ondo State.

Mrs. Akeredolu who disclosed this at the monthly seminar, tagged Team survivor Nigeria, organized for breast cancer survivors and patients undergoing treatment, counselling and care, at the BRECAN house in Ijapo, Akure, noted that most of them who could ha

ve taken good care of themselves are prone to financial difficulties.

She commended Team Survivors Nigeria (TSN), a non governmental outfit for doing amazing job, by regularly monitoring and educating breast cancer survivors and those who still undergoing treatment.

She traced the establishment of TSN to a seminar she attended in Zambia, adding that breast cancer is not a death sentence.

Mrs. Akeredolu who revealed that gone are the days when breast cancer patients do not want to be known said she was delighted many can now stand before the camera to say they are breast cancer patients or survivors.

“I am happy that you are now bold and can face the camera. There was a time in this country that breast cancer patients were afraid to discuss it so that their families and friends will not know their health status. I was the only one educating people about it then. If I give flyers to some, they threw it back at me saying God forbid but today, the awareness is better and many now understand that breast cancer is not a death sentence”, she said.

The Founder of BRECAN urged other survivors to speak out, affirming that it will help to encourage other patients that breast cancer is curable.

Mrs Akeredolu also called on the Federal Government to make provisions for cancer patients in the country.

According to her, “It has been a very rough road fighting against breast cancer in the country, because our healthcare system is inadequate and this requires everybody’s efforts to put the government on its toes.”

Earlier in her opening remarks, a survivor of breast cancer and one of the TSN member, Mrs. Funmilayo Oluwagbamila revealed that the group which started in April 2018 with 10 survivors and five cancer patients presently has over 20 participants.

While advising them to always take care of themselves, she observed that the treatment of cancer can add to psychological trauma cancer patients subject themselves to, as she implored them to always be cheerful and joyous always.

In her view, a retired Chief Matron, Ondo State Specialist Hospital Akure, Mrs Funke Osho, urged cancer patients to ensure they patronise professionals and undergo full cancer treatment.

She said, “you should know that cancer can re-occur after a week, month and a school of thought also says it can re-occur after two years. It reoccurs because small area of cancer cells can remain after operation and spread to other organs of the body due to blood supply.”

She therefore advised them to make it a point of duty to visit Doctor(s) at least once in a month and exercise regularly.

Also present, sharing her survivor story was Ann Malo , Registered Nurse, from University of California, san Diego, a survivor for 4yrs.

Buhari to Niger Delta: expect more development

Thousands of supporters and ordinary folks were cheering yesterday as President Muhammadu Buhari led members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council to the Niger Delta. The campaign train stopped over in Warri, Delta State and Benin, Edo State.

He assured the people that his promise to develop the region would continue to receive serious attention.

The President, who gave the assurance at the Warri Township Stadium during the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign/ mega rally for the party’s candidates in Delta State, said his administration’s fight against corruption would receive more serious steam if re-elected next month.

Coming as the last speaker at the event, which saw a massive turnout of people from various parts of the state, Buhari noted that his administration will continue to give attention to issues of security and economy, noting that security would allow for a proper management of resources and in return give room for a thriving economy.

He said: “I assure you, the fundamental objectives we have identified and campaigned on in 2015 are still relevant; the country has to be secured to be properly managed and proper management means doing well in the economy. We have a young population, most of them unemployed, this is of great concern.

“We have turned to agriculture and industry. Massively, God has helped us with raining seasons, especially the last two, and we have virtually been able to achieve food security as a nation. A lot of young people have been mobilised and they have gone back to land and they haven’t regretted it.

“In the fight against corruption, I assure you that all those who have fraudulently enriched themselves when they were entrusted with public funds, we will eventually get them and deal with them. We are doing it, we will continue to do it and I assure you, we will not abuse your trust.

“I assure you that the programme mentioned here about the development of the Niger Delta will be taken even more seriously. I expect you to please cooperate and vote APC from top to the bottom.”

Others who spoke at the event assured the President of getting his winning figures from Delta State and the other parts of the Niger Delta region.

Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council and Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, said: “Don’t sleep on that day because if you sleep, PDP will steal the slip and write results as they always do. You said you want to change Okowa; the only way to change Okowa is to go out that day to vote. Vote for Buhari, vote for Ogboru and don’t vote Okowa that way, APC will win.”

The leader of the Delta Mainstream APC, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, told reporters that the APC will win in Delta with a wide margin.

He said: “Our people are waiting for the elections to come so that we can reciprocate President Buhari’s performance in the state. I can confidently tell you he will score over 80 per cent of the total votes in Delta with this massive turnout in next month’s election. APC has taken over Delta.”

Minister of State for Petroleum Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, who spoke at the palace of the Ovie of Uvwie, where all Urhobo monarchs received the President, reeled out the achievements of the administration in Delta State and other parts of the oil-rich Niger Delta.


Former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, who is also contesting the Delta South Senatorial District election, said: “Mr. President, Delta people have seen what you have done and they are ready to vote you in a second time.”

The Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, also assured President Buhari will sweep the election in Delta State.

APC National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole urged President Buhari to probe the $16 billion power project fund appropriated by the PDP administration and ensure that everyone involved in the mismanagement is punished.

He said: “Yesterday (Wednesday), I was watching the television, I saw PDP presidential candidate and a former Customs officer (Atiku); he was saying in the likely event that If Nigerians make the mistake of their life to vote for him (Atiku) as president, he is telling Nigerians whether they like it or not, even if he would die, that he will sell oil reserves of Delta, Akwa Ibom, Edo states and that he would auction all oil properties of Nigeria whether they (Nigerians) like it or not.

“If somebody puts you on notice that if you vote for him, that he is going to sell your family, will you agree? Will you vote for him? When Atiku was the vice president, I was the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress. When they wanted to sell Nigeria Airways, when we told him no, he (Atiku) said he doesn’t care. He just wanted to sell Nigeria Airways.”

In Edo State, Oshiomhole told his kinsmen to use their Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) to retire the PDP presidential candidate from politics.

The former Edo State governor urged the electorate to use their PVCs to stop Atiku’s plan to use the country’s resources to enrich his friends, adding that Nigerians would not allow Atiku to reopen the vaults of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to the PDP.

He said Nigerians should ponder if Atiku was the fit and proper person to replace President Buhari.

Oshiomhole, who prayed for Atiku to be alive to see the country’s growth under President Buhari, cautioned Nigerians to be wary of those who destroyed “our yesterday and now wear new clothes in other to compromise our tomorrow.”

He insisted that the APC won the 2015 election for President Buhari in the state if the PDP had not colluded with INEC to cancel 120,000 votes. The forthcoming elections will be decided by one-man-one vote because the PDP can no longer use the military to intimidate them, Oshiomhole told his audience.

Oshiomhole said the real revolution of President Buhari had shown that farmers now get value for money and the country is moving towards food security.

He said: “Those battles we fought before where PDP used the military to arrest our youth leaders and plant guns in the hotel rooms of APC leaders. In these coming elections, they will not be able to do so. In 2015, they deployed soldiers to my village to intimidate me but this time, they will not be able to do so.

“Our campaign for one man one vote will prevail. Even with those preventive measures the PDP deploye,d we still won 45percent for Mr. President after PDP, in collision with INEC to ensure 120,000 votes were deleted. If those votes were not deleted, we would have delivered Buhari.”

President Buhari, who thanked Edo people for waiting for him for over six hours, assured them that he had made progress in his electoral promises on security, economy and corruption.

President Buhari participates at the Wreath Laying to Mark the end of the 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebrations at the National Arcade, Eagle Square Abuja on 15th Jan 2019

2019 Armed Forces 1: President Buhari with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Bukola Saraki, Speaker Yakubu Dogara as he participates at the Wreath Laying to Mark the end of the 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebrations at the National Arcade, Eagle Square Abuja on 15th Jan 2019

2019 Armed Forces 2: President Buhari with Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen and other dignitaries as he participates at the Wreath Laying to Mark the end of the 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebrations at the National Arcade, Eagle Square Abuja on 15th Jan 2019

2019 Armed Forces 12: President Buhari with Inspector General of Police Idris Kpotun and other dignitaries as he participates at the Wreath Laying to Mark the end of the 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebrations at the National Arcade, Eagle Square Abuja on 15th Jan 2019

Akeredolu flags off door - to - door campaign for PMB

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ondo State, A Glance Into 2 Years – By Princess Orih

Since the creation of Ondo State on 3 February 1976, it has been a known fact that the state is richly endowed with human and natural resources. But as administrations come and go, the people of Ondo state are left with the quest of finding who will fill the void of improving and creating a better and vibrant Ondo State.
This was made known when Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu assumed office in February 2017 as the Governor of Ondo state.
The Governor said he has started the task of fulfilling his promises to the people of Ondo state.
The Governor, who was elected by the people of Ondo state has not relented in making sure his blueprint to progress (policy document) providing good leadership with integrity while moving Ondo state forward is achieved.
The Governor has made good his promises of paying workers’ salaries as when due and paying backlog of the past administration's debts to the workers in the state.
Ondo state is one of the six states who do not owe workers’ salaries since Arakunrin became the Governor of Ondo state.
Arakunrin has touched the lives of pensioners in the state by paying backlogs of their pensions areas and their pensions as when due.
Through the Governor's vision for a better Ondo state. Arakunrin has created a giant revolution in the socio-economic sector of the state. This massive revolution has cut across agriculture, worker's welfare, standard class rooms for pupils/ students, regular payment of salaries, payment of outstanding salaries arrears, regular payment of pension allowances, regular installment payment of gratuity for retirees, regular promotion of public servants as when due.
Governor Akeredolu has diversified the Ondo state economy by making it attractive for both local and international investors through various agricultural programs that are well structured to improve the ease of doing business in the state.
Arakunrin with his love for agriculture, which was strong during his political campaign, has made good his promises by establishing centers for tractors hiring. He also distributed of 450,000 coco seedlings and 25,000, Brazilian cashew seedlings to the famers in Ondo state. Acquisition of cassava processing plants, establishment/approval of Ondo state famers bank, youth on the ridges empowerment, school on the ridges empowerment for secondary schools ,registration of cattle herdsmen in the state, registration of farmers on Government Forest reserve areas in Ondo state, Igba-Otun Broiler scheme etc. This is the reason famers in the state call the Governor, Otun the Governor of all famers.
Arakunrin Akeredolu said no Nation is great without proper nurturing of the youths and the next generation in the area of standard education.
The Governor made this know while addressing stakeholders at a summit where matters concerning education in Ondo state was the major discussions.
Arakunrin says Ondo state came out in 7th and 13th position respectively in the 2018 WASSCE and National mathematics competition.
He said this was made possible through proper positioning of the education sector, regular promotion of teaching and non-teaching staff in schools, appointment of Teachers as directors of TESCOM, release of monthly subvention fund to tertiary institutions in the state.
Arakunrin said his administration has embarked on massive constructions and renovation projects in the 18 local government areas of the state raging from construction and renovations of classroom blocks, construction of school office blocks and stores, construction of perimeter fence, supplies of pupil’s furniture, computer facilities, ICT equipment and playground equipment etc.
The Governor said many construction works are ongoing in the three senatorial district of the state and while some of the construction works, have been completed within his 20 months in office.
He said in order to make Ondo state’s economy attractive for both citizens and investors his administration has made it a priority to construct and dualize roads across the state. Construction of 3 No box culvert at Ikare, dualization of Ondo township road phase 11( 4.3) km, rehabilitation of selected roads in Ondo town group 111CRCC, construction of terminal building access road/parking lot at Akure Airport etc.
Arakunrin Akeredolu said his administration has recorded some obvious achievement by employing 250,000 personal in the health sector across the state for quality and prompt health care delivery.
He said his government has upgraded the State Specialist Hospital to a Teaching Hospital, the Comprehensive Health Center, Mother and Child hospital to a General hospital. The government has also created an extension of Mother and Child to Ikara, Owo, Ore, Okitipupa and Igbotako, while the School of Nursing and midwifery has been upgraded to Ondo State University of Medical Science to mention but a few.
The Governor however urged the good people of Ondo state to take advantage of this administration' empowerment initiatives in all sectors.
Arakunrin also reiterated his commitment to serve the people of Ondo state.

CAN lauds Akeredolu's developmental strides in Ondo

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Owo local government area of Ondo State has lauded the state Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, for his developmental strides across the state.

The CAN at a prayer meeting for the state and the Governor held at the Chapel of Epiphany within the Governor's residence in Owo, his home town, said Akeredolu has brought back live into the education sector of the state which was near comatose before his assumption of office.

The Chairman of CAN in Owo, Osuolale Olowoporoku who spoke after a prayer session, said Akeredolu has made public primary schools attractive and conducive for academic activities.

Olowoporoku said the fear associated with public primary schools by parents has been taken away by the Governor through the perimeter fencing of the schools and reconstruction of classrooms.

He also appreciated Akeredolu over the massive road projects scatters across the state, adding that his administration will be noted as the most performing in terms of road construction.

The CAN Chairman, however, sought the support of the people of Owo and the state at large for the Governor, saying that the Governor has shown passion and sincerity to taking the state to its eldorado.

Responding, Governor Akeredolu appreciated CAN for deeming it fit to organise such prayer meeting for the state and the country at large. He assured the religious body that his administration will always do its best to develop the state and fulfill the yearning and aspirations of the people.

The Governor stressed that the development of the state and the welfare of the people have always remained his priority. He, however, urged everyone to continue to pray for the government and the state at large.

At the prayer meeting, the CAN led the prayer for the state, the government and the Governor. Prayer was also led on the 2019 elections.

SOUTH WEST FIRST LADIES STRATEGIZE FOR BUHARI/OSINBAJO REELECTION

Ahead of the February 16 Nigeria’s Presidential Election, wives of the governors of the South West geopolitical zone of Nigeria have mapped out strategies to ensure the victory of the Buhari/Osinbajo ticket of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

The group, under the aegis of Women and Youth Presidential Campaign Team, met behind closed doors to plan on how to deliver APC in the six states of the zone.


The three hours meeting, held at Lagos House Alausa, Ikeja Lagos, Nigeria, had the First Lady of Ondo State, Her Excellency, Chief Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, other delegates from Ondo State and the South West woman leader, Chief Mrs Kemi Nelson in attendance.

Others are: Her Excellency, Dr (Mrs) Florence Ajimobi of Oyo State, who is also the Coordinator of the team, Her Excellency, Mrs Funsho Amosun of Ogun State, Her Excellency, Mrs Bolanle Ambode of Lagos State and Her Excellencies, Mrs Kafayat Oyetola and Erelu Bisi Fayemi of Osun and Ekiti respectively.


Also present in the strategic meeting were former first ladies in the South West region, and APC women leaders of each state represented.

Addressing Newsmen after the meeting, some of the delegates at the meeting revealed that they have been equipped with results-oriented strategies to mobilize women and youth of the south west for Buhari/Osinbajo’s reelection

#RoadTo2019

President Buhari receives in courtesy visit some Traditional Rulers from South West in State House on 11th Jan 2019

President Buhari receives a presentation from Ooni of Ife Imperial majesty Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II during a courtesy visit by some Traditional Rulers from South West in State House on 11th Jan 2019

President Buhari with R-L: Ayangburen of Ikorodu Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, Alake of Egbaland HRM Oba Oludotun Aremu Gbadebo, Ooni of Ife Imperial majesty Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, Oloye of Oye and Chairman Ekiti Council of Traditional Rulers Oba Michael Oluwole Ademolaju Adugbole III, Chairman Ondo State Council of Traditional Rulers Olukare of Ikare Akoko Oba Akadri Saliu Momoh and Deji of Akure Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi (Odundun II) as he receives in courtesy visit some Traditional Rulers from South West in State House on 11th Jan 2019

#TheCitadelTower
#NextLevelNigeria

Ondo FA crisis: No victor no vanquish – Akinwumi




The Nigeria Football Federation yesterday reinstated Mr Dele Ologbese as the vice Chairman of Ondo State chapter of the association.


This was part of the resolutions reached after a stakeholders meeting organised by the NFF to resolve the differences in the Ondo FA in Akure, the state Capital .


While speaking to the newsmen after the stakeholders meeting, the first NFF vice president Mr Seyi Akinwumi, said that as the Coordinator of football in the South-West, NFF statutes must be followed.

Akinwumi said, nobody can replace any elected member, “no elected member could not be brought into the board to act”, he reiterated.

Asked about the returned of Ologbese to the Board ! He said in the eyes of the law, he was never removed , that is why I took my time to explained what is in the status for them .

He described all the allegations levelled against Ologbese as baseless and needless, adding that they were not in any way for the FA to act on.

He said he was not on either side of the factions but had come with the Chairman of Chairmen, Mr Ibrahim Musa Gusau to move football forward in the state.

“The situation here is a no victor no vanquish”

The Dele Ajayi-led board had suspended Dele Ologbese and four other board members for different reasons in 2016.

The other suspended members are Zion Ogunfeyimi, Felix Ademulegun, Dotun Omoogun and Ajayi Ogidi and had all being returned by the NFF leadership.



The tussle between Ajayi and Ologbese was over the chairmanship of the association in the state.

Ajayi, had supported the Chris Giwa-led faction of the NFF, while Ologbese, who was elected the Vice-Chairman of the board but suspended by the Ajayi-led board, was recognised by the Amaju Pinick-led NFF.

“Thank you for coming for this resolution of issues, we are one football family, crisis will affect children, young footballers and young referees, coaches and all businesses around football will suffer.

“It is in our collective interest that we sort this matter out, you should at least sheath your swords for Ondo State football to move forward. As a coordinator of southwest football, I am not on the side of anybody, but on the side of football,” Akinwumi said.

Contributing, Chairman of Chairmen, Mr Ibrahim Musa Gusau ordered the FA in the state to as a matter of urgency conduct elections at the local government level of the association, before the state’s election.

Gusau noted that elections must be conducted into the board of the state’s FA before Feb. 28, saying, “no one will stay extra one-day in a position if elections were not conducted.”

We are not coming here to do anything for you during your elections, we will only come to observe your elections”, he said.

Ologbese during an interview with newsmen after the meeting, expressed his satisfaction, saying he was happy that the NFF’s leadership came to the state to resolve the perceived difference in the FA.

“I am very happy about this development, we are back as one indivisible family.

“I want to say that football is going to grow and develop in this state now.

“There is no way progress can be recorded in an atmosphere of crisis,” he said.

A board member ,Mr Fadoju Moses Ajayi said he is happy with the intervention of the NFF, which finally put an end to the lingering crisis in tg Ondo FA .

Present at the stakeholders meeting were; Ogun state FA Chairman and NFF Board member Mr Majekodunmi Ganiyu, ODSFA Chairman , Otunba Tajudeen Akinyemi, former Ondo FA Chairman Mr Dele Ogungbemi, Mr Daodu Alex, Ondo FA Secretary and others .

Ondo FA crisis: No victor no vanquish – Akinwumi




The Nigeria Football Federation yesterday reinstated Mr Dele Ologbese as the vice Chairman of Ondo State chapter of the association.


This was part of the resolutions reached after a stakeholders meeting organised by the NFF to resolve the differences in the Ondo FA in Akure, the state Capital .


While speaking to the newsmen after the stakeholders meeting, the first NFF vice president Mr Seyi Akinwumi, said that as the Coordinator of football in the South-West, NFF statutes must be followed.

Akinwumi said, nobody can replace any elected member, “no elected member could not be brought into the board to act”, he reiterated.

Asked about the returned of Ologbese to the Board ! He said in the eyes of the law, he was never removed , that is why I took my time to explained what is in the status for them .

He described all the allegations levelled against Ologbese as baseless and needless, adding that they were not in any way for the FA to act on.

He said he was not on either side of the factions but had come with the Chairman of Chairmen, Mr Ibrahim Musa Gusau to move football forward in the state.

“The situation here is a no victor no vanquish”

The Dele Ajayi-led board had suspended Dele Ologbese and four other board members for different reasons in 2016.

The other suspended members are Zion Ogunfeyimi, Felix Ademulegun, Dotun Omoogun and Ajayi Ogidi and had all being returned by the NFF leadership.



The tussle between Ajayi and Ologbese was over the chairmanship of the association in the state.

Ajayi, had supported the Chris Giwa-led faction of the NFF, while Ologbese, who was elected the Vice-Chairman of the board but suspended by the Ajayi-led board, was recognised by the Amaju Pinick-led NFF.

“Thank you for coming for this resolution of issues, we are one football family, crisis will affect children, young footballers and young referees, coaches and all businesses around football will suffer.

“It is in our collective interest that we sort this matter out, you should at least sheath your swords for Ondo State football to move forward. As a coordinator of southwest football, I am not on the side of anybody, but on the side of football,” Akinwumi said.

Contributing, Chairman of Chairmen, Mr Ibrahim Musa Gusau ordered the FA in the state to as a matter of urgency conduct elections at the local government level of the association, before the state’s election.

Gusau noted that elections must be conducted into the board of the state’s FA before Feb. 28, saying, “no one will stay extra one-day in a position if elections were not conducted.”

We are not coming here to do anything for you during your elections, we will only come to observe your elections”, he said.

Ologbese during an interview with newsmen after the meeting, expressed his satisfaction, saying he was happy that the NFF’s leadership came to the state to resolve the perceived difference in the FA.

“I am very happy about this development, we are back as one indivisible family.

“I want to say that football is going to grow and develop in this state now.

“There is no way progress can be recorded in an atmosphere of crisis,” he said.

A board member ,Mr Fadoju Moses Ajayi said he is happy with the intervention of the NFF, which finally put an end to the lingering crisis in tg Ondo FA .

Present at the stakeholders meeting were; Ogun state FA Chairman and NFF Board member Mr Majekodunmi Ganiyu, ODSFA Chairman , Otunba Tajudeen Akinyemi, former Ondo FA Chairman Mr Dele Ogungbemi, Mr Daodu Alex, Ondo FA Secretary and others .

President Buhari presides over Inaugural Meeting of APC Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja on 10th Jan 2019

APC Campaign Council 2: President Buhari with L-R: Co-Chairman of Council Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu, APC National Chairman Adams Oshiomole, Senator Ahmed Lawan, DG Campaign Council Rotimi Amaechi, Deputy DG Senator Olorunnibe Mamora and Vice Chairman North Senator George Akume as he presides over Inaugural Meeting of APC Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja on 10th Jan 2019

President Buhari presides over Inaugural Meeting of APC Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja on 10th Jan 2019

APC Campaign Council 2: President Buhari with L-R: Co-Chairman of Council Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu, APC National Chairman Adams Oshiomole, Senator Ahmed Lawan, DG Campaign Council Rotimi Amaechi, Deputy DG Senator Olorunnibe Mamora and Vice Chairman North Senator George Akume as he presides over Inaugural Meeting of APC Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja on 10th Jan 2019

Sunshine Stars will represent Nigeria continentally - ODSFA Chairman :

The Chairman of Ondo State Football Association, Mr Tajudeen Akinyemi has stated that with the current form of Sunshine Stars Football Club, the team will represent Nigeria at continental competitions.

Stating this during an interview with The Hope, Akinyemi said that the team is well prepared for the new Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) season under the new technical crew, led by Kabiru Dogo.

He noted that Sunshine Stars had won two trophies during their preseason campaign in preparation for the 2019 league season alluding to this was a sign that the team as ready to play at continental competitions.
Akinyemi stated that the state governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu had charged the management of the team to ensure that Sunshine Stars qualify for continental competitions.

Mr Akinyemi attributed the performance of the team during the 2017/2018 NPFL season to the leadership crisis at the NFF, improper management of the league and lack of proper preparation by the team. He assured that the team will perform better during 2018/2019 season, which will kick start on January 13.

He advised Sunshine Stars players to be disciplined, focused, honest, open-minded and be at peace with everybody. He added that a disciplined player will do things well. “With all these qualities, you will be able to play very well”, he said.

The ODSFA chairman added further that the current government in Ondo state is committed to promoting sports in the state, adding that government is going to every local government area in order to ensure that the youth participate in sports so as for them to be useful to themselves and also to the state.

Source:
https://citadelng.com/sunshine-stars-will-represent-nigeria-continentally-odsfa-chairman/

2019 Polls: police pledges violence - free election

The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Bashiru Makama, has assured Nigerians of adequate provision of security personnel for the 2019 general elections to ensure violence-free election.
Makama gave the assurance on Tuesday in Ilorin at a meeting with stakeholders aimed at ensuring violence-free elections.
“ I enjoin all the stakeholders to ensure that the form of the campaign both through the electronic and print media are free of any sort of hate speech that could lead to any form of violence.
“Party leaders are expected to have a full control of all party members, followers, supporters and ensure they are all well-educated and groomed to shun and avoid any form of action that could generate conflict between them and all perceived political opponents
“In general terms, the duties of the police during elections include and not limited to the following:
“Provision of adequate police personnel to accompany INEC officials conveying both sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials to their various destinations before and after the voting
“Posting of adequate police personnel to each polling units and deployment of vehicular patrols throughout the state to prevent any anticipated or unanticipated disruption of the election process, attack on electoral personnel and snatching of electoral materials
“Close monitoring and provision of adequate security including anti-bomb/explosives at collation centres to ensure that collation of result are not disrupted by dissatisfied candidates or party members.’’
He urged the stakeholders to desist from conduct which could graduate to violence and jeopardise the 2019 general elections.
The commissioner also called on parents to mentor their children and wards to be of good behaviour before, during and after the elections.
He added that any politician who engages in any act or negative conduct would be arrested and prosecuted no matter how highly placed. (NAN)

Source:
https://citadelng.com/2019-polls-police-pledge-violence-free-elections

Kidnapping/insecurity: Law against night, underage grazing coming in Ondo

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Wednesday adopted a new strategy aimed at tackling kidnapping and other criminal activities allegedly associated with the Myetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria.

He asked members of the association to stop night and underage grazing in all parts of the state.

The governor, therefore, asked the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Kola Olawoye, SAN, to work on the legislation that would back the order stopping the night and underage grazing.

Part of the law, Akeredolu said, would accommodate the issue of compensation of items or farm products destroyed or plundered by either cattle breeders or farmers.

According to the governor, underage are likely not to differentiate between maize plantation and grasses and thus grazing their cattle on the former.

Akeredolu spoke during a meeting with members of the cattle breeders association led by its national chairman, Alhaji Kirowa Mohammadu, at the Governor’s Office in Akure, the state capital.

This is just as the Brigade Commander of 32 Artillery, Akure, Bridgadier General James Ataguba, confirmed the arrest of no fewer than four suspected kidnappers in Owo area of the state.

Ataguba, who was furious at the meeting over the alleged nefarious activities of herdsmen in the state, warned their leaders to either fish the suspects out or face the consequences of their perceived aide and abetting.

“You know the criminal elements among you. So, you are duty bound to fish them out,” he said.

It will be recalled that no fewer than five persons, including a lecturer with the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic , Owo, have been kidnapped recently. The lecturer was also killed by his abductors.

Akeredolu, however, challenged the leaders of the association to assist the security agencies to arrest suspected criminals among them.

He added that the bio-metric data of all herdsmen in the state would be taken for peaceful co-existence and easy identification.

The meeting ended with a committed formed among the leaders of the association to monitor the activities and their members and thus report the suspects among them to the security agencies.

ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA AT THE INAUGURATION OF A TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE ON WEDNESDAY, 9TH JANUARY 2019 AT THE PRESIDENTIAL VILLA, ABUJA

Protocols:

The last time Nigeria’s national minimum wage was reviewed was in 2011. It is therefore evident that a review is necessary, despite the prevailing fiscal challenges. This is why I constituted the Tripartite Committee of Government, Organized Private Sector and Labour to consider the National Minimum Wage and make recommendations to Government for its upward review.

2. That Committee has since submitted its report with some recommendations. We are currently working on the final steps that will lead to the submission of a National Minimum Wage Amendment Bill to the National Assembly.

3. I want to make it clear that there is no question about whether the National Minimum Wage will be reviewed upwards. I am committed to a review of the Minimum Wage.

4. Also, it is important to explain that even though the subject of a National Minimum Wage is in the Exclusive Legislative List, we have been meeting with the State Governors because it is imperative that the Federal Government carries the State Governments along in determining any upward review of the minimum wage for workers.

5. This is especially necessary considering the prevailing public sector revenue challenges, which have made it extremely difficult for some of the governments to pay workers as and when due.

6. As you know we, at the Federal level, have made adequate provision for the increase in the Minimum Wage in our 2019 Budget proposals which we submitted to the National Assembly. Therefore, we will be able to meet the additional costs that will be incurred in moving up all personnel who are currently earning below the new minimum wage.

7. However, we anticipate that after the new minimum wage has been passed into law we will be going into negotiations for salary review for all the workers who are already earning above the new minimum wage. It is therefore important that we are properly prepared to meet these demands.

8. We must therefore look at ways of implementing these consequential wage adjustments in a manner that does not have adverse effects on our national development plans, as laid out in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP). The ERGP sets appropriate targets for levels of Capital Expenditure, Public Debt, Inflation, Employment, etc. It is absolutely important that the implementation of a new minimum wage does not adversely affect these targets, and thereby erode the envisaged gains for the workers.

9. It is against this background that I have set up a Technical Committee to advise Government on how best to fund, in a sustained manner, the additional costs that will arise from the implementation of the consequential increases in salaries and allowances for workers currently earning above the new minimum wage.

10. The Technical Committee being inaugurated today will be chaired by an Economist and Financial Expert, Mr. Bismarck Rewane. Other members of the Committee are experienced economists and administrators from the private sector working together with all the relevant officials in the Government.

11. The Terms of Reference of the Committee are:

a. To develop, and advise government on how to successfully bring about a smooth implementation of impending wage increases;

b. Identify new revenue sources, as well as areas of existing expenditure from where some savings could be made in order to fund the wage increases without adversely impacting the nation’s development goals as set out in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan;

c. Propose a work plan and modalities for the implementation of the salary increases;

d. Any other suggestions that will assist in the implementation of this, and future wage increases.

12. Given the urgency of this exercise, the Committee is expected to complete its deliberations and submit its report and recommendations within one month today.

13. It is now my pleasure to formally inaugurate the Technical Advisory Committee on the Implementation of an Increase in the National Minimum Wage.

14. Thank you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA AT THE INAUGURATION OF A TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE ON WEDNESDAY, 9TH JANUARY 2019 AT THE PRESIDENTIAL VILLA, ABUJA

Protocols:

The last time Nigeria’s national minimum wage was reviewed was in 2011. It is therefore evident that a review is necessary, despite the prevailing fiscal challenges. This is why I constituted the Tripartite Committee of Government, Organized Private Sector and Labour to consider the National Minimum Wage and make recommendations to Government for its upward review.

2. That Committee has since submitted its report with some recommendations. We are currently working on the final steps that will lead to the submission of a National Minimum Wage Amendment Bill to the National Assembly.

3. I want to make it clear that there is no question about whether the National Minimum Wage will be reviewed upwards. I am committed to a review of the Minimum Wage.

4. Also, it is important to explain that even though the subject of a National Minimum Wage is in the Exclusive Legislative List, we have been meeting with the State Governors because it is imperative that the Federal Government carries the State Governments along in determining any upward review of the minimum wage for workers.

5. This is especially necessary considering the prevailing public sector revenue challenges, which have made it extremely difficult for some of the governments to pay workers as and when due.

6. As you know we, at the Federal level, have made adequate provision for the increase in the Minimum Wage in our 2019 Budget proposals which we submitted to the National Assembly. Therefore, we will be able to meet the additional costs that will be incurred in moving up all personnel who are currently earning below the new minimum wage.

7. However, we anticipate that after the new minimum wage has been passed into law we will be going into negotiations for salary review for all the workers who are already earning above the new minimum wage. It is therefore important that we are properly prepared to meet these demands.

8. We must therefore look at ways of implementing these consequential wage adjustments in a manner that does not have adverse effects on our national development plans, as laid out in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP). The ERGP sets appropriate targets for levels of Capital Expenditure, Public Debt, Inflation, Employment, etc. It is absolutely important that the implementation of a new minimum wage does not adversely affect these targets, and thereby erode the envisaged gains for the workers.

9. It is against this background that I have set up a Technical Committee to advise Government on how best to fund, in a sustained manner, the additional costs that will arise from the implementation of the consequential increases in salaries and allowances for workers currently earning above the new minimum wage.

10. The Technical Committee being inaugurated today will be chaired by an Economist and Financial Expert, Mr. Bismarck Rewane. Other members of the Committee are experienced economists and administrators from the private sector working together with all the relevant officials in the Government.

11. The Terms of Reference of the Committee are:

a. To develop, and advise government on how to successfully bring about a smooth implementation of impending wage increases;

b. Identify new revenue sources, as well as areas of existing expenditure from where some savings could be made in order to fund the wage increases without adversely impacting the nation’s development goals as set out in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan;

c. Propose a work plan and modalities for the implementation of the salary increases;

d. Any other suggestions that will assist in the implementation of this, and future wage increases.

12. Given the urgency of this exercise, the Committee is expected to complete its deliberations and submit its report and recommendations within one month today.

13. It is now my pleasure to formally inaugurate the Technical Advisory Committee on the Implementation of an Increase in the National Minimum Wage.

14. Thank you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Ondo APC: A divided house:

As preparations for the general elections enter top gear in Ondo State, there are fears that anti-party activities may mar the chances of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the contest. DAMISI OJO, who has been following the crisis, reports.

Progressives Congress (APC) in the contest. DAMISI OJO, who has been following the crisis, reports.

FROM all indications, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State appears to be at war with itself. The party is being torn apart at the seams, owing to the disagreement arising from the recent congresses and primary in readiness for the general elections.

The disagreement has been shaking the party to its foundation. The crack is gargantuan and only providence can turn things around and enable the party to make the desired impact in the election.

The crack within the party started prior to the 2016 governorship primary, with unexpected emergence of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu as its candidate for the 2016 election. The crisis compelled some party chieftains to leave the fold in their bid to realize their ambition on the ticket of of other political platforms.

Though its chairman, Ade Adetimehin, has repeatedly denied that there is division in Ondo APC, observers say the crack is growing bigger, because the differences appear irreconcilable.

Shortly after the 2016 governorship primary, which is still being contested at the Federal High Court in Abuja, things fell apart within the party. The runner-up in the shadow election, Segun Abraham, rejected the result; a development that was also faulted by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

The then National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, threw his weight behind Akeredolu who eventually emerged as the governor. Since then, the ruling party has been fragmented into various groups, including the Aketi team, the Abraham group, the Boroffice camp and others.

Only the Aketi team is visible within the administration. Other groups appear to be working against the success of the governor and, as such, the administration has continued to alienate all of them

WATER SCHEME PROJECTS

AFD counterpart fund for Owena multipurpose dam’s water mains and reticulation project. With this intervention, piped water will be supplied to 50% of the central senatorial district.

Federal Ministry of Water resources (FMWR) Urban water – Increase sustainable access to piped water networks in the Urban Centre nationwide through partnership

Procurement of water pre-paid meters

Commencement of Independent power plants and mini grids projects in southern senatorial district of the state

#RoadTo2019
#NextLevelNigeria
PRESIDENT BUHARI RECEIVES DELEGATION OF YOUTH WING OF OHANAEZE NDIGBO ON A COURTESY VISIT AT THE STATE HOUSE, ABUJA.

L-R; President Muhammadu Buhari with Ag National President of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing Worldwide, Dr Kingsley Dozie accompanied by National Secretary of the group, Mazi Madukaibe Uchenna, National Publicity Secretary, Chief Osmond Nkeoma, Chief Chinedu Nwachukwu, Mazi Okechukwu Nwachukwu, Dr. Onyedika Omeka, Mazi James Alaka, Mazi Umenyi John-Paul, Mazi Nnennaya Hillary, Barr Stanley Ibeagbulem and others during a courtesy visit at the State House Abuja.

#TheCitadelTower

Gov. Akeredolu flags off Exercise Ugwu EKE III, Pledges more support for security agencies

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Thursday, 3rd January 2019, flagged off a military operation tagged "Exercise Egwu Eke III" in the state.

The exercise holds from January 3rd to February 24, 2019.

The flagged off event which was held in Owo, Owo local government area of the state was attended by the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Major General Okwudili Azinta and the Bridgade Commander of 32 Artillery, Brigadier General James Ataguba, Heads of other security agencies in the state, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Gbenga Ale and other members of the state executive Council.

Governor Akeredolu pledged to continue to support the security agencies within the available resources in carrying out their constitutional responsibilities, adding that his administration was aware that no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere devoid of peace.

While explaining that his administration had earlier donated some vehicles to the state command of the Nigeria Police, Governor Akeredolu said more efforts are being made to procure more patrol vehicles and necessary equipment for the security agencies in the state as part of the contributions to effective and efficient security coverage of the state.

The Governor who appreciated the Military and other security agencies in the state for their cooperation and efforts so far, urged the officers and men of the Nigeria Army that will be participating in the exercise to observe the rules of engagement and code of conduct to avoid any action that may infringe on the rights of the public especially the hosting communities.

He expressed hope that the exercise will assist greatly in flushing out all criminal elements within the nooks and crannies of the State from their hideouts to give it the deserved peace and tranquility required for social and economic development.

The Governor said "It is my pleasure again today to witness another important effort of the Nigerian Army in ensuring the security of lives and property in Ondo State with the Flag off ceremony of Exercise Egwu Eke III

"I am made to understand that this is an internal security exercise that will be conducted on both land and water with a view to checkmating the diverse security challenges prevalent in the Southern region of the country including militancy, vandalism of Oil and Gas Infrastructure, Piracy, Kidnapping, Armed Robbery, Cultism and illegal Bunkering, among others

"I am convinced beyond reasonable doubt that the Nigerian Army is capable of flushing out the criminal elements among us, with the recent achievement in the ongoing internal security operations in the State embarked upon by the officers and men of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure.

"We, therefore, attach a great importance to the issue of security in all parts of the State. We have of recent, witnessed an upsurge in criminalities especially kidnapping, cultism and army robbery. However, I am happy to state that with the combined efforts of all the security agencies in the state, substantial arrests have been made. All those found culpable will be charged to court and prosecuted accordingly to serve as deterrent to others. We are not going to relent until the state is rid of people with criminal tendencies. "

Earlier in his message, the General Officer Commanding, Azinta said there is no hiding place for kidnappers and criminals in Ondo State.

He said the choice of Ondo State for the exercise was to assure the good people of the state that there will be no hiding place for criminals and kidnappers who have threatened the peace of the state recently.

Pro- Buhari group Seeks votes based on merit :


Abiodun Nejo, Ado Ekiti
The National Adviser ( South West ) , Buhari / Osinbajo National Support Committee , Dr Olusegun Osinkolu , has urged Nigerians to consider merit over emotions in the forthcoming general elections in a bid to reshape the country .

Osinkolu said President Muhammadu Buhari , who is the All Progressives Congress ’ presidential candidate , had in the last three and half years demonstrated competence , dedication and patriotism.

He urged citizens to take decisions that would favour the country by re -electing Buhari .
The APC chieftain , in his New Year message to Nigerians made available to journalists in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday , said , “Nigerians should forget emotions and elect a President based on performance and commitment to rid the country of the cankerworm of corruption that has become the Nigeria ’ s greatest albatross .

“Nigerians should be full of hope as we approach the elections because the APC - led Federal Government has taken steps to reinvigorate our economy and the dividends are gradually manifesting in every facet of the country ’s growth .

“But for this development to really manifest, Nigerians should re -elect President Buhari . That is where our hope lies .
“In the 1999 , 2003, 2007 and 2011 general elections , Nigerians voted with emotions and they ended up gaining nothing from such a misadventure.

“But when they shed the toga of sectionalism and voted for merit rather than mediocrity in 2015 , the signs are beginning to show that we are moving up .”

Osinkolu said the country ’s economic progress and political emancipation would be reversed by 20 years if the Peoples Democratic Party returned

2019: Father Mbaka Endorses Buhari

Reverend Father Ejike Mbaka, the renowned priest over adoration ministry, has publicly declared his support for President Muhammadu Buhari’s second term bid.

The controversial Catholic priest made this known in his New Year message to

Nigerians.

He lauded Buhari’s government for agricultural programmes, approach to herdsmen crisis in the North and among other insecurity issues, buttressing that the president deserves another four years.

“A president that is fighting corruption need to be supported,” he said.

“We pray for President Muhammadu Buhari; he is a man who understands the situation. Since Nigeria started, we have never experienced a president that has agricultural programmes like him.

“For 16 years, the road from Anambra to Enugu was over-grown with weeds but within four years the road is being reconstructed and the same way they are doing it to Umuahia. This one that remembered us may God bless him.

“Four years doesn’t mean eight years; he has finished his four years, I pray for peaceful transition that he may complete his remaining four years. He will hand over to a better person, may the Lord keep him. When he was sick, he was almost dead and we said prayer and God granted him healing. God knows the purpose for allowing him to be alive; if God doesn’t want him, he could have died.

“The roads that were not going has started going. A lot of things are happening now which nobody knows. May the lord protect Buhari; it shall be well with our president.”

Mbaka’s endorsement is coming after he said Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Peter Obi, his running mate, might “end in shame”.
#TheCable

Aisha Buhari to lead APC women, youths Presidential Campaign team:

Wife of the President, Hajia Aisha Buhari, has been appointed the Chairperson of the All Progressives Congress Women and Youths Presidential Campaign team for the 2019 election.

The wife of the Vice-President, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo, is also appointed as the Co-chairman of the campaign team.

This is contained in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja by the Director of Information, Office of the Wife of the President, Mr Suleiman Haruna.

It said the campaign team would be inaugurated on Jan. 3, by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa at 2pm.

The appointees are expected to campaign vigorously for the re-election of Buhari and Osinbajo in the February poll.

The list of the appointees also has the APC National Woman Leader, Hajiya Salamatu Baiwa, as the National Coordinator.

Other executive team leaders include Mrs Adejoke Adefulire as Vice Chairman (South), Mrs Mairo Al-Makura as Vice Chairman (North), and Barr. Juliet Ibekaku-Nwagu as Deputy National Coordinator (South).

According to the statement, Hajiya Binta Muazu would serve as the Deputy National Coordinator (North), with Mrs Rashida Yahaya Bello as Zonal Coordinator North Central, Mrs Hadiza Mohammad Abubakar for North East, Dr Zainab Atiku Bagudu for North West and Mrs Nkechi Rochas Okorocha for South East.

Mrs Florence Abiola Ajimobi would coordinate women and youths from the South West zone while Mrs Judith Chibuike Amaechi would coordinate the South South women and youths for the exercise.

The statement added that the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Administration, Dr Hajo Sani, would serve as the Administrative Secretary of the team.

Other members of the campaign team included artists and celebrities from Nollywood and Kannywood as well as technocrats, politicians, academicians and the business class.

Similarly, the statement announced an advisory council for the campaign team, comprising serving and ex-ministers, governors, legislators and security officers as well as top public officers.

Those that made the list include the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Solomon Dalung; Comptroller General of Customs, retired Col. Hameed Ali; retired IG-P Suleiman Abba; retired Brig.-Gen. Jafaru Isa, retired Gen. Buba Marwa; Chief Orji Ozu Kalu; Chief Sullivan Chime, and Sen. Ali Modu Sherrif.

Others are Dr Mohammed Mahmud; Dame Pauline Tallen; Hajiya Naajatu Mohammed; Prof. Pat Utomi; Dr Nasiru Ladan; Prince Tonye Princewill; Festus Keyamo (SAN); Muniz Banire (SAN); Amb. Justice Muhammadu Dodo; Amb. Baba Jidda; Amb. Deborah Iliya; Amb. Suzanne Aderonke Folarin; Amb. Ayuba Ngbako; Mr Terry Waya; Alhaji Mahmud Shinkafi; and Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki-Nakande.

The statement further announced the appointment of a Directorate of Operations consisting of all the APC Women Leaders at all levels; all APC Women/Female Heads of government agencies and parastatals; all APC female candidates; all APC Youth Leaders at all levels; and all elected officials of APC at all levels, among others.

The Directorate of Contact and Mobilisation is to be led by Hon. Nasiru Ali Ahmed, while the Directorate of Strategic Planning would be headed by Dr Garba Abari, the Director-General of National Orientation Agency (NOA), it said.

The statement said the Directorate of Youth Mobilisation is to be led by Mr Mohammed Jibirilla; with Dr AbdulMumin Jibri

Storm Over – Ondo APC Assures:

The year 2018 in our political party saw more than its usual share of challenge. Cyclical and battle-induced downturns, the fallout from our national convention, the aftermath of the primary election and the harmful effects of the legislative struggles combined to trigger a mild political impasse in our party, in the state.

Thus, 2018 in many ways tested our resolve as a political party. But, 2018 also brought measurable progressions. Our party’s Chapter leadership’s legal battle was finally put to rest with an overwhelming court judgment favourable to the current ExCo led by Engr. Ade Adetimehin.

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

Hence, about 9 in 10 of the members polled expressed a high level of satisfaction; and a great percentage of our members, especially, in Ondo State felt satisfied, and are willing to work for the common interest of the party in the coming 2019 general elections.

So, ultimately, 2018 was in fact a year which illustrated the truism that things are never other than a mix: good with bad, progress with obstacles, advancement with setbacks. But, whenever the scale tilt more to the minus side, we assure you that we will be Churchillian in our optimism that we can make good opportunities out of the difficulties. Thus, it is that we march into 2019 certain that the next 12 months will establish good above evil.

In all of our struggles and battles as a political party in Ondo State, there is one common denominator binding all members : that is to work together for the overall interest of the party in the resolve to return President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to office. This was never in contention at any given time. In fact, many opposition members in the State have agreed with us that it is in the best interest of our nation to elect honest men with proven integrity and character to manage our economy, rather than a set of bourgeois who are bereft of the type of the progressive ideas to run the country. They presented a team which lack integrity, smeared with the dirt of corruption allegation of international dimension. Projecting such persons as our elected leaders would make us a laughing stock in the international community.

We will not end this message without mentioning some great strive and progress made by the government under the leadership of our indefatigable governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN. The government’s infrastructure renewal took off without delay, as well, a number of multibillion naira road projects, community engagements, trade-group empowerments and human and resources development visible across the State.

There were good investments in many industrial sectors to provide employment and empowerment. In addition, many notable private sector developments and partnership drive took place in the year 2018.

There was the restoration of electricity to the South Senatorial District of the state, starting with all the houses in Ebute-Ipare and Aboto towns in Ilaje local government area and majority of houses in Igbobini in Ese-odo local government area which were powered using solar technology as well as Ode-Aye which was recently reenergized by BEDC, after several years of a being cut-off from the national grid.

The state government and its private sector partners are presently at an advanced stage of the introduction of Independent Power Plants (IPP) in strategic parts of the state, which will ensure constant power supply in Ondo State.

There are unprecedented improvements in the state’s tourism and agriculture sectors that will see us into historic heights in employment and revenue generation.

Our projection is that 2019 must be a turn around stanza as we seek to continue to fulfill the promises of our electoral campaigns.

We heartily wish all members of the All Progressives Congress and the generality of the good people of Ondo State ‘Happy New Year’ and abundant God’s blessings in 2019.

Steve Otaloro
Director, Media & Publicity
APC, Ondo State.