₦airaland Forum

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.

Vote for the party that promotes your welfare, Ondo HOS tells workers

The Ondo State Head of Service (HOS) , Barrister Toyin Akinkuotu has told workers in the state to vote for the political party that promotes their welfare.

The HOS thanked Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on behalf of the civil servants in the state, for bringing joy to their homes through improved workers' welfare.

Akinkuotu gave the appreciation on behalf of the civil servants in the state at the annual prayer meeting of the Governor with he Public Servants in the state.

The meeting which was held at the premise of the Governor's office, Alagbaka, Akure was well attended by civil servants and other top government functionaries.

Akinkuotu said when Governor Akeredolu came on board in February 2017, it was a period of low spirit from loss of hope arising from the seven months unpaid salaries by the previous administration.

According to him, the Akeredolu led administration has shown total commitment to the welfare of workers in the state since inception.

He said "About two years ago when Governor Akeredolu came on board, it was a period of despondency. When workers were not paid for seven months , you are simply telling them to go and die. We thank God today, Governor Akeredolu has changed the narratives by putting smiles on our faces

"When you came on board, Sir, Workers' Welfare was like 40%, but right now, I say it's like 98% percent. We are praying and trusting God and Mr. Governor that in this year, the remaining 2% will be added to make it 100%

"I thank my colleagues, the civil servant, for identifying with this government that's committed to their welfare

"This is an election year , you must shine your eyes and make sure you don't go back to Egypt. Work hard to vote for the government that promotes your welfare . "

PRESS STATEMENT

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, congratulates the people of the state and Nigerians in general on the grace given to them by God to start the New Year 2019 in good health and renewed hope.

The governor says as the people begin the new year with faith in God, he advises them to have confidence in the ability of nation's leaders to transform the country for better.

Arakunrin Akeredolu asks Nigerians to continue to love one another and promote societal common good by making sacrifice for a better and peaceful Nigeria their utmost priority.

The governor, who expresses his belief that only the best is good for Nigerians, advises them to cooperate with the government to enable it to deliver on its avowed promise to transform the country and its people.

The governor prays that 2019 will usher in peace, progress and prosperity for all.
He however restates his administration’s determination not to relent in its efforts to make Ondo State a developed and prosperous state.

Segun Ajiboye
CPS to the Governor

OBJECTIVES AND POLICY THRUSTS OF 2019 ESTIMATES

#Ondo2019Budget
The 2019 Budget is the second major budget to be prepared by this Administration, and so, our emphasis will be to consolidate and build on the feats achieved in 2018. To this end, our objectives for the 2019 budget are:
(i) Completion of on-going programmes/projects;
(ii) Rapid economic development and transformation;
(iii) Sustained expansion of the fiscal space and rejig the economy through strategic wealth creation for the productive sector (Youths, Artisans, Women, etc);
(iv) Innovative and integrated approach to drive government revenue through technology to increase actual Independent Revenue by at least 50%;
(v) Improvement in the State’s fiscal performance to enable the State increase its draw-down on Federal Government and international performance-based grants;
(vi) Reduction in reliance on Federal Transfers through diversification of the State’s economy;
(vii) Inclusive growth based on Intelligent Development approach;
(viii) Sustained investment in infrastructural facilities and resuscitation of ailing/moribund industries in the State;
(ix) Accelerated rural development;
(x) Promotion of functional education and technological growth;
(xi) Robust human Capital Investment Initiatives and Social Security Services.
20. In order for us to achieve the foregoing objectives, highlighted below are some of the strategies we are going to adopt.
(i) Constitution of Economic Advisory Team and Efficiency Unit for the State;
(ii) Compliance with global best practices in Fiscal Allocation and Management;
(iii) Development of ICT to drive Independent Revenue (IR), empower and create wealth for our productive sectors;
(iv) Sustained engagement of revenue consultants to help drive independent revenue generation;
(v) Leverage on donor partners support and diaspora monetary inflow;
(vi) Provision of social security services for the elderly and others;
(vii) Deliberate investments in agro enterprises, provisions of farm inputs and supply of improved seedlings to farmers to boost food production and generate employment for our youths; and
(viii) Continuous opening up of rural feeder roads to enhance hitch free conveyance of farm produce to the market;
(ix) Rigorous pursuit of efforts at Industrialising the State.

Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu

Massive Infrastructure Development and Maintenance

#Ondo2019Budget
On the infrastructure side Mr. Speaker, we have used the 2018 fiscal year to jump start the several years of neglect on our road infrastructure. It may interest you to know that we have not confined ourselves only to State roads, but have extended this necessary intervention to Federal Roads within the State. For example, the failed portions of the deplorable Owo-Ikare Road are being attended to. As we speak, Mr. Speaker, we are working, currently, on fifty seven roads across the three senatorial districts of the State, including the Ore Intersection fly-over promised last year. As at date, about 50km of these roads have been completed up to asphalt overlay while the others are in varying stages of completion. For example, the first phase, (i.e. A-Division to NEPA Roundabout portion), of the A-Division to Ijoka Road dual carriage way will be completed before the end of the first quarter of 2019. Also, the 7km Akure-Idanre alternative route will soon be completed. We have intervened on several fronts to ameliorate the suffering of our people. Some of the completed/on-going interventions include:
(i) Construction of Ore Intersection Fly over bridge;
(ii) ‘A’ Division – Ijoka Dual Carriage Road;
(iii) Construction of Oke Alabojuto in Ikare;
(iv) Construction of Gaga Community Road, Akure;
(v) Rehabilitation of Owo-Ikare Road;
(vi) Construction of Ajagba – Sabomi Road;
(vii) Construction of 2.76km Idanre Township Road;
(viii) Construction of Iwalewa – Alafiatayo – Hospital Road;
(ix) Completion of dual carriage way of Owo Township Road;
(x) Construction of Bye Pass, Igbokoda Road, (12.7km); and
In sum, the total project cost of these initiatives is over N60 billion out of which more than N10 billion has been paid.
As part of our effort to salvage the perennial power outage in the Southern Senatorial District of the State, we are deploying stand-alone solar power solutions in 33 Communities of the Zone. As we speak, Aboto, Ebute-Ipare and Igbobini have been powered while another Community will also be energised in the next few weeks. It may also interest you to know that Ode-Aye has been reconnected to the national grid after about a decade of darkness and other towns will soon be reconnected in Southern Senatorial District.

Oluwarotimi Akeredolu
Ondo State Governor

Promotion of Functional Education and Technological Growth

#Ondo2019Budget
Distinguished Honourable members, the unimaginable state of deterioration in which we met our school infrastructure on assumption of office, was sobering. Virtually all public primary schools not designated as Mega-primary school, were in varying degrees of decay occasioned by utter neglect. In the last one year, we have collaborated with UBEC and awarded 598 projects in more than 501 primary schools across the three senatorial districts of the State. The projects, most of which are already completed, were spread to cover all Local Governments of the State. In addition, over 151 school Projects were also provided through the FGN/ODSG Conditional Grant Scheme.

Oluwarotimi Akeredolu
Ondo State Governor

#Ondo2019budget

Job Creation Through Agriculture, Entrepreneurship and

Industrialisation

Mr. Speaker, in line with our promise to create massive jobs for our teaming youths, over 1,000 thousand youths were already trained on various aspects of agricultural production value chain as Agro-preneurs.

100 of these youths are already engaged and working on State owned farms. In addition, we facilitated the training of 5000 youths on the same agricultural value chain by the National Directorate of Employment.

The beneficiaries have just been given their certificates and further programmes to assist them in establishing their projects will commence in January 2019. The multiplier effect of 5000 cottage production businesses in the State cannot be quantified.

#2018budgetreview

Mrs Akeredolu joins other Imo people to bid farewell to their fallen Monarch:

Imo-born Ondo First Lady, Her Excellency, Chief Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, joined other sons and daughters of Imo State to pay their last respect to the late traditional ruler of Emeabiam autonomous community, in Owerri West local government area of Imo State, His Royal Highness, Eze Anthony A. Okereafor JP, Abiam I of Emeabiam, as his remains was laid to rest in his hometown.


In her condolence message, Mrs Akeredolu who is also the apex traditional title holder in the community, “Ada Emeabiam II”, said the late Eze died at the time when some concerned citizens of Emeabiam were joining force and gathering momentum to chart a noble cause of building a new Emeabiam of their dreams.

She prayed God to grant the royal family and the good people of Emeabiam fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Other dignitaries at the funeral included traditional rulers from the 27 local government areas of Imo State, politicians, top government officials and community members both home and abroad based.

Various cultural displays and a novelty football match were some of the highlights of the event.

THE STORY OF SLF AND THE OSTRITCH

Without doubt, Ondo State has witnessed a very troubling experience with the activities of kidnappers in the last one month.

All over the world, the most tasking challenge that may confront any government is insecurity. Nigeria, our dear nation, is not an exception. The country has continued to witness serious security challenges in more than one decade now, and it is getting worse year by year.

Every state of the country has had its own share of this dangerous challenge, with each struggling to tackle the menace in its own way.

It is important to note that cases of kidnappings are not limited to any particular state, with the media replete of the dastardly acts of the devilish men on daily basis.

In Ondo State, the peace enjoyed by the people since the Oluwarotimi Akeredolu administration came on board was punctured by the sudden surge in the activities of kidnappers on our highways. It assumed a dangerous dimension around November and early December.

And like every other challenge faced by government at any level in Nigeria, the Akeredolu administration rose up to the challenge and responded like any other responsible government should.

In a period like this, the most that is expected of any responsible citizen is to join hands with the government to fight the enemies.

It is, therefore shocking that a political group masquerading as a lover of the people would come out to attack Governor Akeredolu and the police boss in the state.

While it is not our duty to speak for Akeredolu and the government, but times like this, when politicians are putting on the cloak of civility and philanthropy to deceive the people demands that the few good ones among us speak out.

We have it on good authority that since the ugly incidents of kidnapping began, the governor and all the security agencies in the state, including the police, army and immigration among others have held countless number of meetings, during which strategies were discussed. The recent run of successes is the result of these meetings and strategy sessions.

The combined team of Police , Army and other security agencies have embarked on aggressive combing of forests within the state, especially the forest along the Akure /Owo /Akoko highway. Over four suspected kidnappers have been arrested so far .

Its also worthy of note that in the past one week or more, there has been no single case of kidnapping report on the route. Indeed, the various meetings presided over by the Governor has paid off. No leader will be happy with kidnapping activities in the state.

Apart from the ugly politics the SLF attempted to play with the lives and security of the people of the state , we must remind them that Governor Akeredolu was greeted into office with worrisome security challenges in the riverine area of the state including Ogun and Lagos states.

Without making noise, Akeredolu restored peace to the south west by ending the reigns of militants who had then , taking to kidnapping of people including School children. Its a known fact, that the Governor’s efforts led to the rescue of the students of Lagos State Model College. The silent Akeredolu made such feat without taking advert slots to make noise about it.



Governor Akeredolu has also procured some speed boats for the Naval command in the riverine area to ease their job of policing the area very well. Recently, the same Governor donated some Hilux van to the police command in the state to compliment the ones already on ground, so as to extend their strategic policing job.

The state Command of the police has done creditably well in its task of policing the state, with CP Gbenga Adeyanju in the forefront of the battle against criminals in the state. On several occasions, he has led his men into the most dangerous places in this onerous task. It is, therefore, a big surprise that the SLF would call for the removal of this hard working man.

The SLF is aware of the Governor’s efforts, it was merely playing politics. We are also aware that the group is sponsored by a politician who has failed the people of his constituency on all fronts. Like the Ostrich, they continue to bury their heads in the sand while the backside remains open to the people.

As a group, we only want to remind the SLF and its paymaster that CONSCIENCE IS AN OPEN WOUND, ONLY TRUTH CAN HEAL IT.



OREDOLA JOSEPH

COORDINATOR, ONDO REDEMPTION GROUP

Ondo set to close down illegal primary, secondary schools



In a bid to sanitise the education sub-sector in the state, the Ondo State Government has made arrangements to close down all primary and secondary schools found to be operating illegally in the state in January, 2019.

The Director of Schools in the State Ministry of Education, Mr. Fola Dara, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Ondo State House of Assembly Committee on Education, Science and Technology, in Akure, the state capital.

Dara, who decried the increasing number of illegal schools in the state, noted that such schools were virtually springing up in every nook and cranny of the state almost every day.

He warned that if the development was not urgently addressed, it would adversely affect the standard of education in the state.

The Chairman of the House committee on Education, Mr. Olusegun Ajimotokin, pledged that the Assembly would throw its weight behind the ministry to rid the state of the presence of illegal schools, which he described as inimical to the development of qualitative education in the state.

Ajimotoki said, “Any school that refuses to comply with the law and policy of government, as far as education is concerned, is not entitled to exist.”

Earlier, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, Ondo State chapter, had written a letter to the House complaining about taxes/levies being charged by various ministries, agencies of government and local government councils in the state.

The NAPPS President in the state, Mr. Derick Ijidakinro, pointed out in the letter that the various charges were killing their businesses. He appealed to the state House of Assembly to come to their rescue.

Ijidakinro, however, explained that his members were ready to pay their taxes as responsible citizens, but the taxes should be harmonised and limited to Annual Renewal Levy, Personal Income Tax, signage and advertisement levy.

In response to the letter, the House Committee Chairman said, “We will continue to sit down and iron out some things so that both government and the proprietors of schools do not lose out.”

https://punchng.com/ondo-set-to-close-down-illegal-primary-secondary-schools/amp/

WHAT A PLEASANT SURPRISE!

Her Excellency, wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu paid an unscheduled visit to the indigent parents of a set of triplets in Akure, spent quality time with and presented gifts of cash and kind to the family.

It would be recalled that this couple was blessed with a set of triplets in the first quarter of 2017, few weeks after the father's only source of income (hire purchase motorcycle business agreement) was terminated.

On April 4, 2017, Mrs Akeredolu intervened, on hearing their sympathetic story, by donating a brand new motorcycle to the father of the triplets, and a reasonable sum of money to the mother to startup a business. In addition, Mrs Akeredolu adopted the triplets, naming them Betty 1, Betty 2 and Betty 3, respectively.

What a pleasant Christmas surprise from Santa Arabinrin!

Conversion not automatic-Head of Service

Ondo State Head of Service, Mr. Toyin Akinkuotu has said that the government has no obligation to convert any worker who proceeded on training without approval, saying conversion is not automatic.

Akinkuotu made this known during the courtesy visit of the national executives of the Association of Health Records and Information Management Practitioners of Nigeria (AHRIMPN) to his office at the weekend.

He informed them about conditions for conversion which he said must be strictly adhered to, saying “most workers will proceed on training without the approval of the office, government does not have any obligation to convert such personnel. But if such worker is on study leave, on his or her completion government has the responsibility to convert such officer”.

He congratulated the association on the inauguration of Ondo State Executives, saying it is a veritable platform to drive career advancement for it’s members in the service and for welfare.

He said the National Executive is in Ondo state to inaugurate the new state executives and to create awareness because of quackery challenges in the practice of the profession and to sensitize the general public and private hospitals to stop engaging quacks in their health records management department.

He explained that the awareness programme will ensure that only trained and licensed practitioners would be allowed to do the job.

He said in the past most of the health records and data generated overtime were not accurate because of the quackery challenge which affects health planing and research adversely.

The National President said by 2020, the association has planned will commence enforcement to regulate the challenges after a thorough sensitization programme.

He said the association is requesting for the implementation of scheme of service and domestication of federal circular on the inclusion of Higher National Diploma in officer cadre.

Nwani also informed the Head of Service that name of the association has been changed from Health Information Managers of Nigeria to Association of Health Records and Information Management Practitioners of Nigeria. (AHRIMPN).

Governor Akeredolu Assures The Continuity Of Art Festival In Ondo
By Allen Sowore




Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN on Friday, 21st December, 2018, at the Grand Finale of Ondo State Art Festival -“Ondo Artfest 2018” gave assurance that the festival would be an annual event.

The Governor also encouraged partners of the event to be rest assured of the continued state’s support, saying that no individual or cooperate organisation would ever regret partnering with the State.

Governor Akeredolu commended Mr Oshodi Seyi Paul, co-organizer and executive director of Oshodi Art Gallery for his efforts and initiatives.

Speaking earlier, Mr Oshodi explained that the event was aimed at promoting the rich cultural heritage of the state to engender economic development.

The Ondo Art Festival 2018, was a 5 day programme of events which started on Monday with a parade on the streets of Akure the capital city. It featured festival of arts and culture, trado carnival arts and exhibition with parade of over 5000 art pieces.

The event ended with award of excellence to illustrious sons and daughters of the state who have contributed immensely to the development of arts and promotion of cultural heritage of the state.

Lai Mohammed Says APC Has Fulfilled All Promises to Nigerians

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, yesterday in Abuja claimed that the government of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had fulfilled all the promises it made to Nigerians.
The minister who made this claim while answering questions from journalists in the State House, further argued that the government had met all its obligations to Nigerians.
Promising that the government is determined to do more in the New Year, Mohammed who said he had made the portrait of President Muhammadu Buhari in five different Nigerian cultures, wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
“I wish everybody Merry Christmas and as a government, we are happy that we have been able to meet all our promises, all our obligations to Nigerians. And as the year rolls out, we are more determined to even deliver more to Nigerians."
“I wish to use this opportunity to wish everybody merry Christmas and a happy new year."

Buhari Genuinely Loves Nigeria – Osinbajo Praises

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has described President Muhammadu Buhari as a man who loves Nigeria genuinely and has been exemplary.

Osinbajo who was in Vienna, Austria to participate in the Africa-Europe High Level Forum with other African and European Heads of States or Government sent his greetings through his Twitter account on the occasion of the president’s 76th birthday.

He wrote on Monday, “To a man, who has been exemplary in life and his commitment to Nigeria,” he tweeted along with a painted sketch of Buhari.
Osinbajo and Buhari are seeking a second term in office in the forthcoming general elections scheduled for February 2019.

Buhari, a child of destiny:


I think those fighting Buhari over his reelection bid in 2019 are wasting their time. My candid advice to them is to stop diverting the attention of the citizens over their non-ability to present concrete issues to engage the people. They keep on trying to create confusion in desperate attempts to devalue Buhari’s mass acceptability by Nigerians. But the most surprising thing is that each time they prop up any false claim, Buhari’s popularity gains more grounds, leaving them in their obduracy and faithlessness. Simply, Buhari is a child of destiny and no evil fashioned against a child of destiny shall prosper.

Three things the opposition is playing on are exposing them to acute ignorance of the force of destiny and the masses. When God is with anybody, keep off. In politics, when the masses are with a candidate, other politicians should dare not play games with their choice. All what have happened in the last primaries of all political parties especially the APC and PDP to elect candidates for various offices in 2019 are indications of the strength of the mass public. Yet, the opposition has continued to wish Buhari dead. They have been boldly and openly saying it. It is, therefore, easy to imagine the attempts they have secretly been making to see that Buhari is not alive. But the spirits are created by God who is the controller of destiny. Such spirits, therefore, cannot confront destiny. They can only operate in vain against destiny. That is why orthodox proponents believe that man proposes, but God disposes. If the will and wishful thinking of mankind were to prevail over destiny, the world would have been uninhabitable. But God knows mankind and thus has limited his powers over certain things. Simply, it is God who created life and death. He gives life to mankind and He alone takes it, whatever circumstances that may lead to it.


Of recent, the opposition has been circulating on the social media a death certificate allegedly from a London hospital, in an attempt to prove Buhari’s death. This is a very wicked propaganda against a sitting President. I do not know how this can be tolerated in any developed clime. Buhari was flown to London for treatment of an ailment which he has till today not disclosed to Nigerians because he cherishes the peace and unity of Nigeria. If Buhari had announced what happened to him, Nigeria would have been on fire. But he is always as wise as Solomon in handling issues of national interest. Despite his silence over the disease that required several transfusion of blood into him, the opposition which was optimistic of the success of its evil plot, exposed itself. The immediate past governor of Ekiti state proclaimed that Buhari will never return back to Nigeria alive. So, it is not only peddling the rumour of Buhari’s death, but producing a false death certificate from a London hospital is the height of lawlessness and unpatriotism. This false certificate must be investigated and the peddlers must be brought to book.

One thing is clear. Buhari is a Muslim from a Muslim family and Muslim community. Orthodox Muslim faithfuls cannot hide the death of their members, however highly placed in the society a member may be. The best honour Muslims accord their dead members is to offer a congregational prayer called Janazah for the dead and commit him or her to the mother earth to rest. Never are dead Muslims kept in mortuaries under preservatives except for few days maybe to transport them back home. That reminds me of the rumours that ensued from the pre-death period of former late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. Just as was the case during the last minutes of Yar’Adua, my mobile phone was inundated when the rumoured death of Buhari was peddled by the wailers.

Despite the political tension and ethno-religious meandering and maneuvering, Yar’Adua’s death at the Aso Rock villa was announced and the Janazah prayer was immediately organized and offered for him. So, if Buhari is dead as they claim, nothing will prevent his family in particular and the Muslim Ummah of Nigeria at large from giving him his last obligatory tribute by organizing and offering the Janazah prayer for him. That being as it is, there is no truth whatsoever, that Buhari is dead. He is alive and, as a child of destiny on the mission to reposition Nigeria for greatness, will succeed amidst the wishful thinking of wailers and villains. Buhari’s mission for Nigeria is unstoppable. It is not by his powers; God is with him.

The other rumour being mongered by the opposition is alleged Buhari’s prototype named Jubril from Sudan, presiding over Nigeria. With earlier explanations, there can be no atom of truth in this. Except if the wailers want Nigerians to believe in reincarnation, there is no need wasting time on this claim. A country like Sudan will not keep silent if her citizen can attain such height of leading Nigeria. Kenya was excited when her son, Barrak Obama, became the President of the United States of America. I am sure the immediate Obama’s families and the Kenyan people treated themselves to parties to celebrate the great fame attained by their son. I think the Sudanese people would be laughing at the few Nigerians attributing a Sudanese to a Nigerian President. This claim is not only ridiculous, it is character defamation and campaign of calumny.
To be continued tomorrow

President Muhammadu Buhari has proposed N8.83 trillion naira budget for 2019 to the joint session of the National Assembly.

The presentation of the budget was presented under a rowdy session with opposition lawmakers repeatedly booing the President as he listed his achievements.

The budget proposal was prepared based on the following assumptions: Oil price: $60 per barrel of oil production rate: 2.3 million barrels per day exchange rate: N305 to $1 Real GDP growth: 3.01 per cent inflation rate: 9.98 per cent.

The proposed budget shows that about a quarter of the sum (N2.14 trillion) will be used for debt servicing while capital expenditure is expected to gulp N2.031 trillion.

See more breakdown below.

Recurrent – N4.04 trillion
Debt service – N2.14 trillion
Statutory transfer – N492.36 billion
Sinking fund – N120 billion
Capital expenditure – N2.031 trillion

Summary speech of President Buhari at #Budget2019 presentation:

This is the speech delivered by President Muhammadu Buhari to the joint sitting of the National Assembly on the 2019 budget presentation.

This is my last Budget Speech to the 8th National Assembly.

“Today, we will review economic development over the last three-and-a-half years with emphasis on 2018. We will also highlight the budget for 2019.

“The last three-and-a-half years have been challenging both home and abroad. Both oil and non-oil markets have been volatile. There have been disruptions in oil production in the country.

However, we have cause to be optimistic about the future. The economy has recovered from recession. We have done more work with less resources in Agriculture, Social Development and Infrastructure.

We have intervened several times to support states in the payment of salaries. The Federal Government has also sustained its efforts to curb corruption through the comprehensive cooperation of the single treasury account.

We have also made efforts to end the insurgencies in affected areas of the country. We thank the Armed Forces and Security Agencies for their efforts and sacrifices in protecting the nation.

We have also made many efforts to enhance transparency and accountability in public service delivery. Inflation has declined from 18.2% in January to 11.28% in November. Foreign Capital Influence has also improved.

Trading is a significant contributor to our country’s economy. But we must strengthen other areas such as Information Technology and Entertainment; all hands must be on deck to ensure the country succeeds.

In Agriculture, we are seeing increased investments in all areas of the sector. Indeed, we are on course to achieve good security in the nearest future.

We also prioritized the completion of already ongoing projects as opposed to starting new ones.

We have included the implementation for the National Minimum Wage. I will be sending a Bill to this National Assembly, on this.

To further support SME’s, we have set aside N15 billion, while the sum of N10 billion has been granted to BOI for this purpose.

I hereby present and lay the 2019 Budget to the floor of the National Assembly for consideration and passage.

We can all commit to the early passage of this Bill.

I thank you most sincerely for your attention. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Source: @NGRSenate

Summary speech of President Buhari at #Budget2019 presentation:

This is the speech delivered by President Muhammadu Buhari to the joint sitting of the National Assembly on the 2019 budget presentation.

This is my last Budget Speech to the 8th National Assembly.

“Today, we will review economic development over the last three-and-a-half years with emphasis on 2018. We will also highlight the budget for 2019.

“The last three-and-a-half years have been challenging both home and abroad. Both oil and non-oil markets have been volatile. There have been disruptions in oil production in the country.

However, we have cause to be optimistic about the future. The economy has recovered from recession. We have done more work with less resources in Agriculture, Social Development and Infrastructure.

We have intervened several times to support states in the payment of salaries. The Federal Government has also sustained its efforts to curb corruption through the comprehensive cooperation of the single treasury account.

We have also made efforts to end the insurgencies in affected areas of the country. We thank the Armed Forces and Security Agencies for their efforts and sacrifices in protecting the nation.

We have also made many efforts to enhance transparency and accountability in public service delivery. Inflation has declined from 18.2% in January to 11.28% in November. Foreign Capital Influence has also improved.

Trading is a significant contributor to our country’s economy. But we must strengthen other areas such as Information Technology and Entertainment; all hands must be on deck to ensure the country succeeds.

In Agriculture, we are seeing increased investments in all areas of the sector. Indeed, we are on course to achieve good security in the nearest future.

We also prioritized the completion of already ongoing projects as opposed to starting new ones.

We have included the implementation for the National Minimum Wage. I will be sending a Bill to this National Assembly, on this.

To further support SME’s, we have set aside N15 billion, while the sum of N10 billion has been granted to BOI for this purpose.

I hereby present and lay the 2019 Budget to the floor of the National Assembly for consideration and passage.

We can all commit to the early passage of this Bill.

I thank you most sincerely for your attention. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Source: @NGRSenate

5 civil servants held over N200m tax fraud




Five Ondo State civil servants who allegedly defrauded the government to the tune of about N200 million were yesterday paraded by the Ondo State Police Command.



The suspects before their suspension worked in the Ministry of Finance, Internal Revenue, State Information Technology Agency (SITA), among others, were arrested by the combined effort of the Police Scorpion Detectives and State Government Tasks Force led by the Senior Special Assistance to the Governor on Special Duties and Strategy, Dr Doyin Adebowale.

Parading the suspects along with other armed robbery suspects before newsmen at the Headquarters of Ondo State Police Command along Igbatoro Road, the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Femi Joseph gave the names of the suspects as Mrs Abiodun Oluwatoyin, Ojo Ayodeji, Omoyajowo David, Solomon Issac, Tuki Femi and Ayede John Orimisan.

He said the suspects were picked from various ministries and departments of Ondo State Government for issuing fake income tax clearance, drivers’ license certificate, and issuance of fake road worthiness certificate to innocent members of the public.

The police spokesman explained that investigation conducted by the police revealed that one of the suspects specialises in forging the exact signature of the Chairman of Board of Internal Revenue and issuance of fake documents to defraud unsuspecting innocent people of the state.

According to the Police image make, another of the suspects was also discovered not to be a genuine staff of Board of Internal Revenue, but was fraudulently recruited and it was later discovered that the other suspects use his bank account to lodge in huge sums of money they allegedly defrauded from their victims in the state.

His words: “one of them (suspects) is not a staff of Ondo State Government, but was recruited to be an accomplice in the criminal acts. His bank account is used to receive victims’ payments for the issuance of fake tax income clearance and other fake documents in the name of Ondo State Government.



“This success recorded in this case was made possible because of collaborative efforts of the police and the state government and I can assure you that the suspects would soon be charged to court.

“We are using this medium to warn those who are in the habit of defrauding innocent people, to desist from such act or be ready to face the full weight of the law”, he stated.

Speaking to journalists on behalf of Ondo State Government, Dr Adebowale said the fraud was detected through intelligence sharing between the state government task force in conjunction with the Police Scorpion Special Squad and one of the victims was learnt to have worked for 22 years in one particular office and have been involved in a similar crime for which she was investigated.

Adebowale said that the same person was understood to have returned to that same office after she had in time past arrested, investigated and released, adding that she must be using some connections to cover up her alleged criminality just as he said the state government is running a transparent government devoid of any sharp practices.

He warned those in civil service who are bent on defrauding the state government to have a rethink because they will not succeed in their criminal quest to reap where they did not sow just as he commended the police for assisting in arrest of the suspects.

One of the suspects who identified herself as Mrs Abiodun Oluwatoyin who spoke to The Hope denied any involvement in the fraud saying she issued a tax income clearance she collected from Board of Internal Revenue and that she could not identify which certificate or receipt that is fake.

Also speaking, Mr Omoyajowo David, who said he works at the State Information Technology Agency in the Department of Information Technology, added that he was working in the office of the Board of Internal Revenue and that he did not issue any fake document to anybody as being alleged.

Other suspects arrested for armed robbery cases, the PPRO said were nabbed in various locations in the state for allegedly hijacking trailer carrying petroleum and robbing the driver of money and other valuables

He told reporters that after the suspected robbers had dispossessed their victims of their money, they normally take them to a nearby bush and tied them to a tree in the bush before nemesis caught up with them.

It would be recalled that The Hope had reported that some civil servants were placed on suspension over the detected fraud perpetrated by some civil servants in the state government ministries.

Also paraded was a middle aged man who dressed like a mad man to allegedly extort innocent people at Benin garage along Owo Road and money in various denominations were recovered from his bag.

He said from police investigation, the suspect, whose name he gave us as Olajide Adeseoye, from all indications the suspect is just pretending with his appearance, adding that the policemen are still counting the money.

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Thursday, December 13, 2018, attended a special meeting with the Primate of the Anglican Communion, Most Revd Nicolas D Okoh at the Chapel of the Resurrection, Episcopal House, Wuye, FCT, Abuja.

The meeting, was also attended by other prominent personalities like the former Head of State, Gen Yakubu Gowon among others.

Governor Akeredolu emphasised the need for unity to strengthen the church and the nation at large.

Atiku's Hometown Rejects Him and Declares support for Buhari


As Atiku Abubakar, Peoples Democratic Party’s Presidential Candidate continues on his campaign trail, it seems some people back in his home have some other plans

Here is a video from Jada LGA in Adamawa state which happens to be Atikus Ancestral home.

Some of the people were interviewed and they all expressed immense gratitude to Buhari for doing for them what PDP could not do for the past 20 years and what their own could not do when he was VP for 8 years.

They said that even a blind man knows what Buhari did for them and that Atiku did nothing for them for the period he was VP under OBJ.

They went further to say that Atiku will not get votes from them in his hometown and from Adamawa State in general.

Meanwhile, A Nigerian man by the name of Jeremiah Obaji Nworu who is a loyal fan of Atiku Abubakar must have realised this, hence, his acceptance of a particular challenge to show his patriotic support for the presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). According to Jeremiah, he is willing to trek from Lagos to Abuja if the 72-year-old politician successfully wins the presidential election which is to come up during the month of February.

Jeremiah made this promise on a Facebook public group owned by Legit.ng. In his own words, he said he will perform the trek in solidarity for Atiku.

Jeremiah’s post has generated a lot of responses on the group. Several people have replied hilariously to the loyal man by saying Atiku do not need people to trek for him as he would not be winning the election.

Others have, however, urged Jeremiah on by saying that he could just as well begin the trek now if he is ever going to make it to the inaugural ceremony


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZn5gZrs74I&feature=youtu.be

Atiku's Hometown Rejects Him and Declares support for Buhari


As Atiku Abubakar, Peoples Democratic Party’s Presidential Candidate continues on his campaign trail, it seems some people back in his home have some other plans

Here is a video from Jada LGA in Adamawa state which happens to be Atikus Ancestral home.

Some of the people were interviewed and they all expressed immense gratitude to Buhari for doing for them what PDP could not do for the past 20 years and what their own could not do when he was VP for 8 years.

They said that even a blind man knows what Buhari did for them and that Atiku did nothing for them for the period he was VP under OBJ.

They went further to say that Atiku will not get votes from them in his hometown and from Adamawa State in general.

Meanwhile, A Nigerian man by the name of Jeremiah Obaji Nworu who is a loyal fan of Atiku Abubakar must have realised this, hence, his acceptance of a particular challenge to show his patriotic support for the presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). According to Jeremiah, he is willing to trek from Lagos to Abuja if the 72-year-old politician successfully wins the presidential election which is to come up during the month of February.

Jeremiah made this promise on a Facebook public group owned by Legit.ng. In his own words, he said he will perform the trek in solidarity for Atiku.

Jeremiah’s post has generated a lot of responses on the group. Several people have replied hilariously to the loyal man by saying Atiku do not need people to trek for him as he would not be winning the election.

Others have, however, urged Jeremiah on by saying that he could just as well begin the trek now if he is ever going to make it to the inaugural ceremony


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZn5gZrs74I&feature=youtu.be

Ondo comes alive as Akeredolu declares open 2018 ARTFEST

Akure, the capital city of Ondo State was agog on Monday, 17th December, 2018, as the week long Ondo Art Festival takes off.

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, rode on a cart from the Governor's office through Nepa roundabout to the International Culture and Event Center (DOME).

Both the young and the old, women and men and people from far and near joined the train on a road show to dance round part of the state capital as part of the activities marking the opening ceremony of the ARTFEST.

The Governor was radiating with joy as he acknowledged cheers from residents of the town who drove past the heavy crowd embebed in the fun train.

At the NEPA neighborhood market, market women and other residents of the town, trooped out enmass to hail the Governor who rode humbly in a cart pulled by a white horse.

The Governor finally declared the 2018 ARTFEST opened on a colorful stage within the premise of the DOME.

Firework greeted the opening speech as the crowd and other residents of the state were treated to an awesome experience with the display of fireworks which lasted for over 10 minutes.

Governor Akeredolu appreciated the ministry of Arts and Culture for making the event possible. He also thanked the Oshodi Art Gallery for partnering with the state to organise such colorful event.

The Governor promised that the ARTFEST would be better next year with lots of funfair.

The ARTFEST is aimed at generating a financial forecast of over hundred million.

The programme will also create awareness and promotion of works of Arts, Culture and Tourism potentials of the State.

The one week 2018 ONDOFEST programme is proudly festival of arts, music, drama and cultural celebration in the state, our heritage and diversity, with active cultural troops participation from the 18 local government areas of the state.

The Festival will also feature: Agro Tourism, Mountain Racing, Food and Drinks Festival, Open Air Film Show, Fashion Show, Book and Literature, Choreography, Award Night, Face Painting, Tourist Site Seeing and Afro -Modern Fashion Carnival.

The opening event was shortly followed by an official Art exhibition at the DOME.

� Nguher Gabrielle Zaki

Akeredolu’s administration is committed to bringing effective health service delivery to the door steps of the people. #AketiAtWork #ODSGHealth

The Commissioner for Health, Mr Adegbenro said that over 500 health centres in the state would serve as mini centres for the free health care services for pregnant women and children between zero to five years. #AketiAtWork #ODSGHealth

As part of the efforts of the government to ensure that the vulnerable group have unrestricted access to quality health care service, council has approved that the Mother and Child hospitals should be scaled up with five more centres. #AketiAtWork #ODSGHealth

Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, signed into law the contributory health insurance scheme which has also made provision for the vulnerable people. #AketiAtWork #ODSGHealth

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) of Ondo State insists that his administration will not stop until the state’s primary healthcare system is totally revamped and reposition. #AketiAtWork #ODSGHealth

#DoYouKnow that Ondo State has remained free from the Wild Polio Virus for about nine years in a row because the state health workers are diligent in their services and they assisted in reducing to the barest minimum the morbidity and mortality associated with vaccine-preventable diseases. #AketiAtWork #ODSGHealth

Akeredolu’s government would prioritise relevant infrastructural upgrading, particularly medical and laboratory equipment. #AketiAtWork #ODSGHealth

Akeredolu Salutes Buhari @76

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwatotimi Akeredolu, SAN, joins millions of Nigerians to congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari on his 76th birthday.

Akeredolu also congratulates Nigerians for having Buhari as their President at this difficult time.
He is confident that indefatigable Buhari is celebrating his 76th birthday with calmness and an unquenchable fire of love for robust service to his fatherland.

Akeredolu is of the strong opinion that President Buhari's commitment to the development of the largest black African nation is increasingly yielding the expected results.

The Governor is therefore soliciting more Nigerians' support and prayers for the President to enable him to serve the country better.

Segun Ajiboye
CPS to the Governor

New wage: Employers seek implementation by January 1:

Following the perceived silence on the proposed N30,000 new minimum wage, the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has called on the Federal Government to expedite action on it in order to commence its implementation by January 1, 2019, at the latest. Briefing the media yesterday in Lagos, the President of the association, Dr. Mohammed Yinusa, said since the process of arriving at the New National Minimum Wage had culminated in the submission of the recommendations of the Tripartite Committee to the President, “we urge the Federal Government to ex-pedite action in the process of transmitting a Bill to the National Assembly within the shortest possible time to avoid yet another avoidable threat to our industrial harmony.

“This will enable the legislators do their part so that implementation can commence from January 1, 2019, at the latest.” Yinusa, who spoke on the general performance of the economy, said NECA shared its perspectives and advised government on what should be done and it was glad that those recommendations, as regards steps and ways to avert the threatened strike action, were taken. According to Yinusa, “We had informed government that there is no clime in the world where the outcome of the national minimum wage would be gladly and widely accepted by all stakeholders in the economy. Though minimum as it is supposed to be, it is not uncommon to hear outcry of inability to pay from one quarter or the other.

“While the claim of inability to pay could in fact be real, the expectation, however, is for each and every employer in the economy, including the government, to focus inward on its business or system and effect the necessary wholesale restructuring and financial re-engineering that will enable it comply with the laws of the land.

“We believe that the N30,000 recommended is a fair wage that could lift workers’ purchasing power, increase total demand and ultimately stimulate economic activities. While we note the need for the implementation of the recommended N30,000, our national conversation should now be focused on how to broaden the nation’s revenue base, ensure the viability of the states of the federation, curb or eliminate wastages and rent seeking in all spheres of national life and increase our national aggregate output which has consistently been hampered by inadequacy in our existing infrastructures and structures.”

He also observed that the current political structure in Nigeria could be likened to the existence of one large national distribution centre (NDC) with only one major supply point and seemingly endless collection outlets that are either not enhancing inflow into the NDC or making negligible input. “This model is certainly not sustainable. We need to loosen the current political structure to allow emergence of several production centres in all nooks and cranny of the country to serve as feeder posts to the NDC.

PHOTO NEWS: Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Agboola Alfred Ajayi, on Thursday received in audience officials of a Canadian Company, ABY Global Integrated Resolution led by Aman Bhalla at the Governor's office in Akure, the state capital.

The visit was falicitated by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Dr. Abayomi Tunji.

ABY Global Integrated Resolution Company is ready to put the state in the world map through its experience in construction and facility management.

The company also expressed its readiness to partner AAUA in the areas of infrastructural development.

President Buhari and his wife, Aisha, last night hosted a number of Nigerian entertainers in Aso Rock, Abuja. The entertainers were invited to the villa by the Buhari Support Organization, a group headed by the Comptroller General of Customs, Hameed Ali to canvass for support for President Buhari's re-election.


Among the entertainers that attended the event tagged ''TogetherNigeria'', were Alex Ekubo, IK Ogbonna, Dayo Amusa, Mercy AIgbe, Rita Edochie, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Kenny St Brown, Fathia Williams, Ice Prince, Olu Maintain, Joke Silva, Yinka Quadri, and many others.

President Muhammadu Buhari has reassured that his administration would deliver on free and credible election in 2019.

Buhari gave the assurance on Wednesday at the 3rd Coronation Anniversary of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli, in Warri, in Delta state.

Represented by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, the President said his administration was working towards ending gas flaring by 2020.

Buhari who commended the monarch for entrenching peace in his kingdom also promised to develop the oil rich city and its environs.

“Holding on to power is not my calling. I will ensure a free and fair election in 2019,” he said.

Also, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Abubakar III, commended the monarch for his peace building efforts.

Abubakar 111 who was a Special Guest of Honour, blamed the prevailing hardship in the country on bad leadership by successive governments.

He urged Nigerians to be guided by the promises of politicians ahead of the general election.

“As traditional rulers we will always continue to promote peace in our various kingdoms.

“The electorate should vote wisely in the forthcoming general election,” he said.
Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa in his remarks said his administration has concluded plans to release N3.5 billion for the Trans Warri Road to boost economic activities in the area.

He also lauded the monarch for promoting peace and unity in the kingdom.

In his remarks Ikenwoli, said he was excited with the renewed unity among the Itsekiri people.

He appealed to the Federal Government to address challenges hindering the take off of the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone in Warri South-West Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

“We are excited not just because we are celebrating three years as the 20th Olu on the throne of Warri Kingdom but also for the renewed unity among our people,’’ he said.(NAN)

https://citadelng.com/2019-buhari-reassures-on-credible-poll/

President Muhammadu Buhari has reassured that his administration would deliver on free and credible election in 2019.

Buhari gave the assurance on Wednesday at the 3rd Coronation Anniversary of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli, in Warri, in Delta state.

Represented by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, the President said his administration was working towards ending gas flaring by 2020.

Buhari who commended the monarch for entrenching peace in his kingdom also promised to develop the oil rich city and its environs.

“Holding on to power is not my calling. I will ensure a free and fair election in 2019,” he said.

Also, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Abubakar III, commended the monarch for his peace building efforts.

Abubakar 111 who was a Special Guest of Honour, blamed the prevailing hardship in the country on bad leadership by successive governments.

He urged Nigerians to be guided by the promises of politicians ahead of the general election.

“As traditional rulers we will always continue to promote peace in our various kingdoms.

“The electorate should vote wisely in the forthcoming general election,” he said.
Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa in his remarks said his administration has concluded plans to release N3.5 billion for the Trans Warri Road to boost economic activities in the area.

He also lauded the monarch for promoting peace and unity in the kingdom.

In his remarks Ikenwoli, said he was excited with the renewed unity among the Itsekiri people.

He appealed to the Federal Government to address challenges hindering the take off of the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone in Warri South-West Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

“We are excited not just because we are celebrating three years as the 20th Olu on the throne of Warri Kingdom but also for the renewed unity among our people,’’ he said.(NAN)

https://citadelng.com/2019-buhari-reassures-on-credible-poll/

2019: Massive Boost For President Buhari, Buhari As Youths Hold Three Days Rally:

On Monday, December 10, Build the Future, a group of Nigerian youths, will start a three-day roadshow in Edo State to campaign for the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in the 2019 presidential election.


Afolabi Imoukhuede, the senior special assistant to the president on job creation and youth empowerment, who signed a statement released to the press, said the event will start in Auch on Monday, move to Ekpoma on Tuesday and have a grand finale in Benin on Wednesday, December 12.

According to the statement, Governor Godwin Obaseki and other top government officials would officially inaugurate the campaign.

He said: “As you know we are now fully in the campaign season for the 2019 general elections. This is a group of purposeful and visionary young Nigerians who have admired the strong and principled leadership of Mr. President and Mr. Vice President over the last three years. They have come together under the banner of “Build The Future” to support their re-election come February 2019.”

Image result for buhari rally edo
He noted that this was evident in the aggressive focus on infrastructure, agriculture, broad based and inclusive direct social investment in the youths and vulnerable poor in the country.

The presidential aide said that the campaign would officially break in the various media outlets this week. He said that it would continue with greater focus on an effective one-to-one grassroots campaign, road show activation, strong social-digital presence and continuous radio enlightenment.

According to him, the campaign would highlight the many achievements of the PMB/PYO administration through active youth mobilisation.

He said: “It is designed as a Pan-Nigeria reach with strong focus on eligible Youth Voters and the common man who are the silent majority.