Dare- Devil armed robbers on Thursday invaded an old generation bank in Ile-Oluji, leaving four persons feared dead in the process.

The identities of those that were killed by the robbers cannot be confirmed as at the time of filing in this report.

An eyewitness told our correspondent that the robbers gained entry into the bank through the aid of dynamites. The incident took place around 4pm. Police spokesperson, Femi Joseph is yet to confirm the number of casualties. He said policemen have been deployed to the scene of the incident.

It was gathered that local hunters are on the trial of the robbers. Two policemen were killed in the bank attack.

Source: https://tvcnews.tv/breaking-four-feared-dead-in-ondo-bank-raid/

MelesZenawi:


I know they are oil producing but for NDDC chairman it should come from Delta.

So which law states that it must always come from Delta?

History will be kind to Governor for the Ore flyover bridge.

The ones that were returned earlier, what were they used for ? Awon Oniranu gbogbo

He doesn't have the power to outlaw it in the first place.

Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) has received accolades from unexpected quarters for his giant strides in infrastructural development in the last three years.

IT was yet another feather to the already decorated cap of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu when the Ondo State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) conferred on him the prestigious award of the Best Governor in Infrastructural Development last week.


Akeredolu was selected, the NUJ said, for the award for his outstanding accomplishments in various sectors, despite the paucity of funds. Members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm could not have put the situation in the state more succinctly. On assumption of office, a little less than three years ago, Akeredolu met Ondo in a very troubling state.

On assumption of office in February 2017, Akeredolu met a disturbing state of affairs. The workers were being owed a backlog of seven months salaries. Children were sent out of school because their parents could not pay their fees, and families separated because the man could not perform his responsibility of catering to the needs of his family. The civil service was on the brink.

Today, despite having cleared six of the seven months backlog of salaries, the Akeredolu administration has ensured prompt payment of salaries in the last 32 months. Workers are promoted, leave allowances are paid and various capacity-building pieces of training have been organised for public servants. This is in addition to the appointment of 44 permanent secretaries, righting the wrongs that have been done to many top civil servants by past administrations.

Expectedly, workers are happy. They have moved on from a season when they looked to the future with little hope and their children were sent out of school because their parents could not pay their fees, to a new season of abundance and hope.

The education sector is up and running again. Despite the huge amount purportedly spent on education by the former administration, many public schools were in shambles, with roofs blown off and dilapidated buildings. Expectedly, the state, which once stood as the pride of the Southwest region, dropped in ratings of many examinations bodies.

The abysmal performance of students from the state in national examinations captured the picture painted by Governor Akeredolu of the education sector, while addressing the people of the state. The governor had lamented that failure of the curricula to address the challenges encountered by the society had reduced education to what it is in most societies.

With proper planning and strategic execution of policies, the administration has constructed or renovated more than 800 public primary schools. Aside from wearing new looks, the schools now boast of modern facilities to make studying attractive to the young minds.

The most significant testimony from a private person of the impact of the new education policy was from the Chief Imam of Akure, Alhaji Yayi Akorede, when he spoke on the newly-reconstructed Muslim Primary School in Akure, the state capital.

Akorede said: “The school was abandoned for several years by successive administrations. Most of the parents have taken their children away to other schools and most of us thought the school would die. But, despite being a Christian, the governor ensured that the school was reconstructed with new and modern facilities, when he came on board. Today, enrolment has improved and the Muslim community is happy.”



Without doubt, the state has never had it this good in infrastructural development. For the number of roads this administration has constructed since coming on board, the people now call the governor Mr. Road.

The new name may not be out of place. Since he took oath of office on February 24, 2017, Akeredolu has embarked on serious infrastructural development. The governor had promised, prior to his election, to correct the infrastructure imbalance in the three senatorial districts. In keeping to that promise, more than 100 roads spread across the state have either been constructed or renovated.

In Ikare Akoko, Governor Akeredolu did what many thought was impossible with the construction of a dual-lane where the mythical Oke Alabojuto hill once stood with its deadly toll on human lives. The hill, which has claimed a countless number of lives in the past, finally gave way to the bulldozers deployed by Akeredolu, leaving the people marvelling.

Other major constructions include the opening up of Owo with dual carriage ways. Akure, the state capital, is wearing a new look, with the dualization of major roads in the city. It is the same story in Oke Ogba, Iwalewa, Abusoro, Isarun, Idanre, Igbara-Oke and many other towns across.

Perhaps the icing on the cake in the infrastructural development of the state so far is the construction of the Ore interchange bridge along the Ore-Benin expressway.

The determination of Governor Akeredolu has also given room for a fresh of hope for the people of Ondo State. Aside from raising the state’s internally generated revenue to enviable heights, the Sunshine State has equally joined the elite club of industrialized states in the nation.

The efforts of Akeredolu for the creation of a deep sea port in Ondo State have finally become a reality, with the recent approval of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). It will be recalled that Akeredolu, while pitching for the port, said: “The port will offer between 7000 to 10,000 job opportunities, while the Free Trade Zone will offer between 9,500 to 10,000 employment opportunities.

Already, five companies — a paper mill, an ethanol plant, medium density fibre board, high-density fibre board, ply wood and a textile company have sprouted from the mustard seed that was planted when the state signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Linyi municipal government of the Shandong province of the Peoples Republic of China.


The industrial revolution in the state has taken a very strong foothold with the ethanol plant in Ore. A special specie of cassava is being planted in-between the Gmelina which will be used to feed the ethanol plant.

More than 1,000 people have been employed for the ethanol factory for direct jobs. The plant is also expected to provide jobs for more than 10,000 people, particularly cassava farmers and traders. Local farmers are excited about a ready and lucrative market for their goods. Shehu Oladapo, a cassava farmer in Odigbo Local Government Area was full of praise for the governor.

The WinWin Textile factory located inside the park commenced production of textile thread a few months ago. With 300 workers already employed, WinWin Textile has helped to ease the problem of unemployment on the people, especially the locals, who for the first time have found a worthwhile venture outside the civil service.

The Weewood Plywood/HDF factory is already bubbling with life. Young men and women, who would have been roaming the streets, are busy with one task or the other. The company’s products, high-quality fibre board plywood are already in high demand in local markets across the state, while the state is being positioned to earn foreign currency through the export of the product.

A short distance away, the expatriates are screwing the nuts and putting finishing touches to the giant paper mill factory. Jack Sun, Business Development Manager for Weewood, said the factory is now about 80 per cent completed.

On completion, the paper mill is expected to employ more than 3000 direct staff, while many more are expected to benefit from jobs created down the value chain.

The paper mill, like other factories in the Ore Park, is structured to create more indirect jobs for the locals. For example, long before the machines for the mill began to arrive the shores of the country, Weewood commenced preparations by planting the trees the will form the primary raw materials for the mill.

Today, the almost 10,000 hectares of land allocated for the Weewood afforestation project by Governor Akeredolu is beginning to yield the expected result, as the trees continue to grow into maturity.

The story is a win-win situation for Ondo State and its people. The company will employ residents on the farm to plant the trees. It will go on to employ people in the factory and other auxiliary jobs that would be created.

Source: https://thenationonlineng.net/akeredolus-score-card/amp/

A Group, Leadtimes Regional Summit on Good Governance, is set to honour some Nigerian and Ghanaian business men.

Also to be honoured are the wives of Edo, Enugu and Ondo State Governors, namely, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, Mrs. Monica Ugwuanyi and Mrs.Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu.



Others are Executive Director of Cometstar Manufacturing Company Limited, Mr. Nwamaka Uduji, Chief Executive of Four Gate, Prince Omolayo Oladugbagbe, for good governance and administration in public and private sectors.

A statement by the Group, signed by Advisory Board Chairman, Leadtimes Africa, Professor Buba. S.Mshelia, and Director of Institute of Art Management and Professional Studies, Professor Prince Eze Nwauba, said the theme of the conference is “Promoting Business, Investments and Security in Africa through Good Governance -A Case Study of Ghana.


The statement, which was made available to The Nation, said the conference would be used as platform to honour Africans across Ghana and Nigeria who have excelled in their professional career and business across the regional borders.

It will also honour those who promote good governance in Africa. “Leadership would be recognized with honours at the occasion,” the duo stated.

The summit, which will attract participants from all walks of life including captains of industry, technocrats, security agencies, business men and women, religious leaders and all stakeholders in leadership cycle, is expected to last for a day.



Source: https://thenationonlineng.net/group-set-to-honour-obaseki-akeredolu-others-in-ghana/

Smalldick123:
Audio

You're thinking like your name

Aweeeeeeemazing Governor. Congratulations Mr Governor.

This one is loud.

Lalasticlala Dominique

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, on Monday, November 18, 2019 received the participants of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, who are on study tour of the state.

The Senior Course 42 Nigeria Study tour 2019, comprising participants from Nigeria Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Airforce and Several Allied Armed forces, was led by the team Leader Brig. Gen. Basil Adonkie and the team Cordinator, Captain Chris Akokota.

The deputy governor, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, SSG ,Ifedayo Abegunde, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Gbenga Ale, the head of service, Mr. Dare Aragbaiye and other members of the state executive council joined the governor to receive the visitors at the exco chamber of the Governor’s office, Alagbaka, Akure.

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has been re-elected as the governor of the state.

Governor Bello was returned elected on Monday by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), having scored the highest number of votes in the keenly contested poll.

The Returning Officer for the election and Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Professor Ibrahim Umar, made the declaration at the INEC office in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.

The APC candidate polled a total of 406,222 votes to beat his closest rival, Mr Musa Wada of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who scored 189,704 votes.

On her part, the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Natasha Akpoti, garnered a total of 9,482 votes.

Professor Umar declared the winner following the collation of results from all 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state, an exercise which lasted more than 24 hours.

After several hours of collating the results from 19 LGAs, Professor Umar had announced on Sunday night that the exercise would continue on Monday morning.

Of the results collated before the exercise was suspended, it was a close battle between Bello who won 10 LGAs and Wada who claimed nine LGAs while Natasha had yet to win any local government.

At the resumption of the exercise, the results of the remaining two local governments – Ibaji and Lokoja – were collated, paving the way for the declaration of the winner of the election.

Announcing the final results of the election, the returning officer noted that a total of 1,646,350 people registered for the election while 636,202 were accredited to vote.

He explained that the margin between the winner of the election and the runner-up was 216,518 votes


Source: https://citadelng.com.ng/2019/11/18/breaking-yahaya-bello-declared-winner-of-kogi-state-election/

The Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has dissolved the Task Force on Farmers Registration with immediate effect.

Members of the dissolved Task Force are therefore advised to handover government’s property in their possession to the Honorable Commissioner for Agriculture.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Segun Ajiboye said a new task force will be constituted in due course

The Governor expressed his appreciation to members of the Task Force for their service to the State.

The new deep seaport being conceptualized by the Ondo State Government with some private investors is expected to open up the economy of the state and create job opportunities for up to 20,000 people in the coastal area.


The partners, a Spanish firm, Ocean Infrastructure Management (OIM) and its Nigerian partner, Franchise and Business Solutions Limited (FBS) will on Thursday, meet with Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu in Akure over the Deep Seaport project as well as on the presentation and adoption of the Project Implementation Plan for the Deep Seaport spelling out milestones and timelines for the completion.

Consultant to Ondo State Government on the Deep Seaport Project, Amiable Consultancy and Logistics Services Limited, said in Lagos at the weekend that the project has continued to enjoy the interests of international investors from various parts of the world.


The Managing Director/Chief Executive of Amiable Consultancy and Logistics Services, Ms. Aina Egharevba, said the deep seaport, said some key milestones, including the preparation of the port feasibility study; conducting preliminary surveys such as the bathymetric/hydrographic survey and geotechnical survey; soil resistivity test, Met-Ocean studies; and topographic survey for the deep seaport have been successfully achieved.

She said the feasibility study and conceptual master plan for the new port have been approved by the NPA. Egharevba, who is a former Executive Director, Marine and Operations of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), said the Spanish team would also carry out a review of key project issues and establishing common understanding of the project objectives with officials of the Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ODIPA).


“After this meeting, we will be moving to the next crucial stage, which is the development of the Outline Business Case (OBC) and Final Business Case (FBC) for this all-important project. We are committed to working with officials of the Ondo State Government to realize the full vision of the governor for the deep seaport,” she said.

Akeredolu had earlier in The Netherlands, said that the Ondo Deep Seaport project is an investment in the future of the state. “We are doing things for the generation to come. I have always believed that there should be a beginning. We have started; there is no going back.

“I was privileged to travel with President Buhari to The Netherlands. We went on a boat and visited the ports. I told him, if anything like this must happen in Nigeria, it must be in Ondo State. Not only that, the President has said it most of the times that he knows that Ondo is the right place for a deep-sea port.“We should not play politics with everything. It is not our making but providence has put us where we are today. Where we are today, is the best place to have a deep-sea port,” he stated.

Source: https://m.guardian.ng/business-services/business/ondo-deep-seaport-to-create-20000-job-opportunities/

There is nothing more beautiful than someone who goes out of their way to do more for others. This statement sums up the life and attitude of Hon. Lulu Fawehinmi; Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor on Research and Documentation. He bagged an award of Humanitarian Service on Wednesday, November 13, 2019 by the student union government of Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo state, through the office of director of social and culture. In his office at Akure, Ondo State.

The director of social and culture, student union government of Adeyemi College of Education, Comr. Paul Akinbinu (AKA Succulent) and other comrades; Akingbesote Tolulope and Odeleye Ayodeji who were present during the presentation, described Hon. Fawehinmi as an humanitarian personified due to his numerous contribution to the welfare of students in Ondo State.

This award has no ulterior motive but a way of showing appreciation to the man who through his resources, time and selfless services, has brought students closer the government through the Ondo Student Media Group (ODSMG). Student now enjoy the dividends of democracy, Paul noted.

According to Comr. Akinbinu, Hon. Fawehinmi introduced talent hunt initiative where students are given the opportunity to showcase their talent and afterward are empowered to harness it to be more resourceful to themselves and the society.

Hon. Fawehinmi appreciated the effort of the students for finding him worthy of the prestigious award and promised to continue to support them and ensure that students are carried along in the affairs of the government in Ondo state.

ALOZIE GENEVIEVE
TCC NEWS

The Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN has brought about a major revival in the state’s Arts and Culture industry, culminating in the sterling performance of the state’s Cultural troupe in regional and national competitions.

Ondo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon Yemi Olowolabi stated this in Lagos last weekend at the just concluded Lagos Book and Arts Festival, which was organised by the Committee for Relevant Arts CORA.

Olowolabi who was the special guest of honour at the event later spoke to journalists at the Wole Soyinka’s Gallery, Freedom Park praising the Governor’s commitment to the arts which he said has ignited a fire of revival in the Arts and Culture industry in Ondo State

According to him, “in the last two and half years, we have moved from zero to hero in the nation’s arts consciousness. Unarguably today, we are in the forefront in the south west and of course, we have become a force to be reckoned with at the national level, going by our exploits in the recent National Festival of Arts and Culture which took place in Benin.

Our Governor also introduced and supported the annual Festival of Arts, ARTFEST which was premiered last year. We are currently preparing for this year’s edition; all thanks to Arakunrin’s commitment to the creative sector”

Jahman Anikulapo, LABAF project director described Ondo State as “richly endowed with beautiful Cultural landscape and incredible talents”.

The weeklong festival which featured film screening, symposia, stage performances, book reading, lectures and other literary activities climaxed with a riveting concert at the amphitheatre of the historic Freedom Park.”

Source: https://citadelng.com.ng/2019/11/13/ondo-state-is-committed-to-reviving-arts-and-culture/

The wife of Ondo State governor, Arabinrin Betty-Anyanwu Akeredolu has dedicated the Grand Amazon award bestowed on her by the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, to all women who have worked and still working selflessly for the emancipation of the women folk.

Mrs. Akeredolu who stated this at the Dinner and Award night organised by NAWOJ as part of activities to mark the association’s 30th anniversary at Radio House Garki Abuja, noted that the honour would serve as an extra nudge for her not to never give up on her passion to see a gender balanced society.

She described her passion to pursue the cause of gender equality as a dogged one, and not aimed at inviting public recognition.

She stressed the need for women to be empowered with skills in order to achieve a gender balanced society.

Mrs. Akeredolu charged women journalists to use their status as media professionals to achieve the quest for gender equality in Nigeria.

She further stressed the need for a good knowledge of science, technology and mathematics in order to significantly contribute to the 21st century development.

“It is from this ideology that we founded the BEMORE Empowered Initiative with the aim of ensuring that no girl is beclouded by stereotypes and handicapped by lack of opportunities in becoming an authority in science and technology”. She said.

Mrs. Akeredolu, therefore, assured of her commitment to continually train the young girls so that they can realise they can contribute to the development of the nation.

Earlier in her welcome address, the NAWOJ national President, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Omowole had described the anniversary as a celebration of God’s grace, noting that the association had encountered so many challenges capable of destroying it but struggled to survive.

She stated that women journalists have moved from mere newsroom officers to the managerial positions in media houses, and have been reporting crime-prone areas like their male colleagues.

The Royal father of the day, Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, CFR, charged NAWOJ members to focus on youths, children and women’s cause through advocacy, noting that they are the victims of insurgencies.

Represented by Alhaji Kudu Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe enjoined women journalists to join hands with relevant authorities to collectively change the narrative of the vulnerable ones in Nigeria.

NAWOJ honoured Mrs. Akeredolu with 2019 Grand Amazon Award in recognition of her advocacy programmes aim at promoting and empowering women in the society, and for her quest to pursue a gender-balanced society.

Other awardees were the wife of Akwa-Ibom state governor, Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel, the First Lady of Bauchi State, Dr. Aisha Bala Mohammed, the First Lady of Niger State, Dr. Mrs. Amina Abubakar, and the national President of NUJ, Mr. Chris Isiguzo for his gender sensitive appointments in the union.

In attendance were the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social development, Mrs. Titi Adeyemi, an All Progressive Congress chieftain Dr. Pius Osunyikanmi, the former Chairman of Akure South Local government, Mrs. Margret Atere, among others.

Source: http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/Mrs-Akeredolu-Bags-%E2%80%98NAWOJ-Grand-Amazon-Award%E2%80%99

The wife of Ondo State Governor and founder of Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria, BRECAN, Chief Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu will today walk tall as she receives the NAWOJ GRAND AMAZON AWARD.

The award ceremony is part of activities to mark the 30th Anniversary of NAWOJ in Nigeria.

NAWOJ in Ondo State said the wife of the Governor will also at the event be enlisted into the Association’s hall of fame, all in recognition of her commitment to the development of Children and women through her BEMORE EMPOWERED INITIATIVE, her commitment to the fight against rape and gender based violence among many other humanitarian strides.

The Secretary, Mrs Patience Ibeh said “NAWOJ carefully followed these initiatives through its lens as Media Executives and deemed it fit to honour Mrs Akeredolu as one of our AMAZONS as we commemorate the 30th Anniversary and celebrate the efforts of our founding mothers.”

The Anniversary which will hold at the Radio House Press Center Hall, Garki Abuja is with the theme: NAWOJ @ 30: CELEBRATING THE AMAZONS

About thirty women journalists from Ondo state are attending the event which will witness the convergence of well over 1,200 women journalists from Nigeria and abroad.

SECRETARY to Ondo State Government (SSG) Ifedayo Abegunde at the weekend hosted members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Akure South and Akure North local governments for consolidation.

There have been unfounded rumours by political detractors in the state that Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and his SSG are not in good terms, which has been disproved.

The APC stalwart, who received over 1,000 party members at his Alagbaka-Akure home, said the purpose of the meeting was to keep them abreast of happenings in the party and discuss members’ welfare.


Abegunde thanked members for coming despite the short notice, stressing that their action demonstrated their love for the ruling party.

He said: “This meeting is called to awaken us from slumber and energise us on the need for regular meetings, at least once every month, because such meeting is the engine of any party.

“This will enable us to be active and create a platform for airing our views so that we can present our needs and concern to Mr. Governor.


“Election is coming next year and we, as drivers of the party, must get prepared for the party supporters outside there who rely on us.

“We are doing it in order to give full support to our governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, for continuity. His Four plus Four project is our project and we are working on it, driving it to be successful.”

The SSG noted that Akeredolu had done well to guarantee him second term.

He said: “As an experienced politician who has worked with three governors in the state, I can boldly say we have never seen a governor being passionate about the welfare of his people as Governor Akeredolu.

“He has performed very well. Infrastructural development is obvious across the state and the roads being done by this administration can stand the test of time.”

Source: https://thenationonlineng.net/ondo-ssg-mobilises-support-for-akeredolus-re-election/amp/

The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) said it has trained about 50 unemployed persons in poultry management, vegetable gardening and other crop production skills inOndo State.

Mr Awokoya Olusegun, State Coordinator disclosed this in a statement made available toNigeria News Agency on Sunday in Akure.

According to him, NDE has began the implementation of sustainable agricultural development training at its Agricultural Skills Training Centre (ASTC) in Mariwo, Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Olusegun said that about 596 beneficiaries had undergone training in the same programme since inception of the scheme in the state.

He said that the gesture was part of the directorate’s renewed effort to meet the ever increasing challenges of job creation in the country.

“One month would be devoted to the theoretical training while the remaining two months would be devoted to practical training on attachment to reputable and relevant field of choice in agricultural farms or institutions,” Olusegun said.

Source: https://citadelng.com.ng/2019/11/04/nde-trains-50-youths-on-poultry-management-vegetable-gardening-in-ondo-state/

The wife of Ondo State governor, Mrs. Betty-Anyanwu Akeredolu was yesterday October 30, lauded by the honourable minister of women affairs, Mrs. Dame Pauline Tallen, for her women and health-focused driven programmes during her visit to Akure, Ondo State capital for the National Council meeting for all the ministries of women affairs in the 36 states including FCT.

It is no longer a surprise that Mrs. Akeredolu attracts commendations for her unprecedented strides in humanitarian services, social development and empowerment by prominent figures in the society.

Before her emergence as the first lady of Ondo State, she has been an agitator of gender equality and other issues concerning women.

In line with her watchword; Human Capital Development, which is what the First Lady of Ondo State leverages on to alleviate poverty among the women and young girls in Ondo State., under the umbrella of Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu Foundation (BAAF).

Through this initiative, Mrs. Akeredolu has created employment for those who has skills but lack equipments to stand on their own by distributing grinding machines, Hair drying machines and sewing machines to them so that they can earn a living and make their families much better.

Also, her annual empowerment programme (BEMORE initiative) has become a veritable tool that empowers the girl child in info state. Just as the name implies, it helps them become more in the society. In August 2018, during “Bemore Summer Boot Camp” hybrid Laptop computers were distributed to secondary school girls, as part of her bid to get Ondo State digitalized, which in turn earned her the name “Digital Mama”.

This initiative has trained over 1000 girls in ICT, Solar energy technology and Skills acquisition which has made the beneficiaries more resourceful in the society.

Mrs. Akeredolu as a breast cancer survivor, has through BREAST CANCER ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (BRECAN) provided free cancer screening for rural women, preventive therapy, pallative care and succor for women living with breast or cervical cancer, and these have helped a lot of women.

Mrs. Tallen praised Mrs. Akeredolu for championing the advocacy against cancer, and prayed that God grant her more grace to pilot the affairs of women and children in the state.

She also commended the state government for the inclusion of women in governance, as she advocates for more women in government to bridge the gender imbalance in governance.

The Nigeria First Lady, Mrs. Aisha Buhari who relayed her message through the Women Affairs Minister, said she is pleased with the reports of the numerous programme by Mrs. Akeredolu.

Mrs. Akeredolu while responding during the 19th National Women’s Council meeting on women affairs and social development, said women are the bedrock of any move to change the society. Thereby emphasized the need for more women at the policy-making table.

She also disclosed that all her programme are tailored towards the development of women and girl child in Ondo State.

The First lady, who agreed that misconception and ignorance are the major factors that lead to women dying carelessly from cancer, told the Women Affairs Minister, that through BRECAN initiative many are now on the know, that cancer does not kill if detected earlier.

GENEVIEVE ALOZIE
TCC NEWS

Amudipe Opeyemi Marcus

Food, Water, Clothing and Shelter are considered the basic human needs. It is the ultimate goal of any governance to ensure that its citizens have access to these basic needs of life. It will be considered a big crime against humanity and against all the virtues of good governance if any leader within his given capacity fails to ensure the provision of these basic needs.

As little and insignificant as they might seem, they are an integral element necessary in the survival tussle of every individual. We might ask ourselves, if any administration fails to provide something as little as these, what is the hope of the masses when it comes to bigger things? For such administration is nothing but an outright failure.

The days are gone were people celebrate bulls in a china shop projects, touching lives positively especially in the grassroots requires no white elephant project, all that is required are heartfelt and sustainable projects tailored after the wellness and welfarism of the people. This is the way men of old has etched themselves in the walls of history, for their testament were never written on walls, but on the heart of the people. There testaments forever spoken of, passed from one generation to another.

Standing tall among men who has chosen to walk the walk and talk the talk, doing that which is right and befitting for his people is Arakunrin Akeredolu, the man whose unfailing vision and brilliance has led Ondo State from the path of obscurity into a realm where living has been made easy for all and sundry.

Quite ingenious to see Arakunrin Akeredolu roll out the Kamomi Aketi water scheme, which has saw to the rehabilitation of over 750 boreholes in about 300 communities in the state.
Lack of portable water has been a huge problem in the state, as many communities find it an herculean task getting access to good and drinkable water supply.

Previous administration has tried to find a lasting solution to this ugly situation, an example is the failed Owena Dam Project which initiated by the Agagu led administration.

The Kamomi Aketi Water scheme has proven to be a lasting solution to the issue of water scarcity in rural areas in Ondo State.
The success of the Kamomi Aketi water scheme did have a wonderful ripples effect, as the Federal Government has adopted the model for all states across the federation.

To this end, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources through its PEWASH programme in conjunction with the Ondo State government organized a day training programme for participants across the six geo-political zones of the country in Akure, the state capital to understudy the Ondo system.

This move by the federal government is a positive acknowledgement of the tremendous efforts of Arakunrin Akeredolu to ensure that the lives and welfare of the people of Ondo State receives a massive facelift. When there is an evidence of good governance, backed up by good success story from the people who are the direct beneficiaries, it becomes a template for others to follow.

In Ondo State, Arakunirn Akeredolu has proven to the whole world, through his masses oriented projects that he is a worthy example to be followed across all the states in the federation.

House of Representatives member and former Deputy governorship candidate to late Prince Abubakar Audu, James Abiodun Faleke is set to handover the Kogi State Audu/Faleke political structure across the 21 LGAs to Governor Yahaya Bello on Friday 25th Oct, 2019 in Lokoja.

The event will take place at the government house banquet hall.

Honorable Faleke who met with the Governor behind close door few weeks ago has now concluded plans to mobilize all his supporters, lovers and fans across the state in support of All Progressive Congress, APC ahead of the November 16th gubernatorial election.

Hon. Faleke after meeting with Governor said all issues in past have been laid to rest and he will be in a better position to always assist and advise the party and government to do what is right for the people.

He said its necessary as a loyal APC party member to assist by bringing the party faithfuls who have being with him through tick and thin in the last four years to the Governor.

He had promised that his massive followership and voice will have positive impact on the outcome of the coming election by November.

Watch out for more

Ondo State Government has issued a disclaimer to a publication that has gone viral especially on social media attributed to organization by the name National Cooperative For Commercial and Industrial Agriculture (NACCIA) promising members of the public eager to engage in agricultural activities mouth watering offers.

According to Commissioner for Agriculture Asiwaju Adegboyega Adefarati the offer include free land and clearing, tractor, farm inputs and grants for such activities in the country.

Perhaps, the most intrigue was the request by the organization for people to register with their Bank details including BVN which are too real to belief.

Adefarati said it is against this backdrop the public should know that Ondo State Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture has no knowledge of this deal and is therefore, not part of it.

Consequently the Commissioner warned members of the public to be wary of such seemingly innocent offers to verify the authenticity of offers of free funds and inputs before submitting details of their accounts in order to adequately protect themselves against fraud.

The Commissioner enjoined members of the public to always enquire from the Ondo State Ministry of Agriculture, the available windows of opportunities for agricultural activities in the State.

ONDO STATE GOVERNMENT CONVERTS 1,597 LOCAL COUNCIL WORKERS

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Worried by the influx of destitute into Ondo State, the Government has concluded plans to evacuate all destitute and mentally derailed persons parading the major streets of Akure.

Director Social Welfare of the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mr. Sarumi Adeyemi who gave the hint while speaking with The Hope stated that efforts are in top gear to rid the state of destitute.

He explained that similar evacuation was done in April, 2018 and affirmed that the state governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has again directed that the exercise be carried out soon.

Our investigation revealed that majority of the mentally unstable people parading the streets of Akure were imported from other states in the country and were dumped in neighbouring towns, investigations also revealed.

“The state government is working towards evacuating the destitute from the streets. The state government has been taking care of this set of people at the temporary rehabilitation center along Ondo road, Akure.

“We administer drugs on them, though it takes time before getting useful information from them, immediately they start getting right, we will get information on different states they came from in order to repatriate them. The Ministries of Women Affairs in their various states will thereafter re-unite them with the families,” he explained.

The deluge of mentally ill people who are mainly youths parading the streets of Akure in the recent time has been causing some disquiet.

Those interviewed expressed concerns over fears posed to innocent members of the public.

The Hope gathered that a lot of factors could be responsible for this; while some were of the opinion that drug abuse constitutes a major factor, others believe that environmental factor contributes in no small measure to its increase.

Speaking with The Hope, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Wahab Adegbenro explained that drug abuse especially among the youth constitutes a major role in the increasing number of mentally unstable people on the streets.

According to him, when they take drug excessively, they become a threat to the society.

According to a commercial driver in Akure who simply identified himself as Wole, the number of destitute pouring into Akure is not only alarming but increasing almost on weekly basis.

He explained that they are in different categories, saying “some are easily identifiable while some are too neat to believe they are sick upstairs. “One of them stopped me and I picked him because he behaved like a normal human being until he started questioning why other passengers were not sitting properly like gentle men.

“It was a terrible scene; it took the efforts of passersby to bundle him out of the vehicle.”

An enforcement agent, who refused to reveal his identity, explained that their influx into the state capital is alarming, saying “it is like they are forming an association here.”

Narrating his ordeal with one of them, he stated that he never knew he was dealing with a mentally derailed person as he was neatly dressed until he moved toward a waste bin and started eating from there.

His words: “I saw wonders that day. I was trying to enforce people to do certain things until I saw the man on my way. The man, who was neatly dressed, greeted me and we were walking along the same path until he opened a waste bin and started eating from it. He even invited me to join him for dinner.”

Also speaking, a young lady, who is always seen along Oba Adesida and identified herself as ‘kekere’ said she enjoyed leaving ‘her abode’ to see the life in Akure.

She explained that she loves making friends with hardworking and neat people, noting that she hates those who don’t embrace cleanliness.

A tattered looking mentally unstable young man who identified himself as Gbenga while speaking very briefly stated that he hails from Ekiti State and added that he was coming from “estate” and heading towards an undisclosed location.

Also, another mentally unstable man who is popular around the pedestrian bridge along Oba Adesida road, while begging for alms stated that he needs money to eat and take care of his family which according to him are in London.

Identifying his name as ‘me’, he stated that he travelled down to Akure from Kogi to live a normal life, noting that life over there was not encouraging.

Chief Medical Director, Ondo State Neuropsychatric Specialist Hospital, Akure, Dr. Akinwumi Akinnuoye noted that the presence of mentally unstable persons on the streets is common everywhere in the world.

According to him, some societies put some measures in place to keep them off the streets so as not to constitute medical nuisance to the society.

He said in Nigeria, we seem not to have mobilised enough resources to extract them from the streets on continuous pattern. What we have most of the time is a reaction to some specific problems.”

The Ondo state micro credit scheme, is an agency under governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, administration that empowers youths, artisans, SMEs business owner through soft loan grants, to enable beneficiaries establish an existing business as well as encourage economic activities in the state.

Through this initiative, the government has shown her commitment towards the development of the socio-economic well-being of the citizenry. This great stride by the governor, has succeeded in achieving its purpose, by reaching out to the less privilege and changing lives positively.


According to Governor Akeredolu, this loan grant is designed to tackle poverty, banish hunger and create wealth for the masses. He stated that the major problem facing governments of the developing countries, including Nigeria is that of poverty reduction.


In April 2019, N54m soft loan was disbursed to traders and various associations which include, Ondo state sunshine rice, Igbo/Akure Cooperative societies, Ondo state traders, artisan groups, Nigeria union of tailors and Asegun dynamic market front. This group were the first beneficiary of the disbursement.

According to the Chairman of Ondo State Micro-credit Agency Mrs. Stella Kosemani Kolawole, the agency has succeeded in empowering not less than 1,000 Iyalaje, and Iyalojas all over the 18 local government area of Ondo state with over N50Millon.
She noted that Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, is man who is full of high emotional intelligent and is judiciously using Ondo state resources to embark on peoples’ oriented projects.


The government also made the accessibility of loan through the agency easy unlike the rigorous process people undergo when accessing loan from financial institution. Each loan only attracts 9% of what is borrowed for a period of one year, which makes it easier for applicants to redeem their payment without stress and also thrive in their businesses.


As a result of its mode of application, more applicants show interest to benefit from the scheme and this administration which is determined to ensure eradication of poverty is committed to providing as much amount of loan in demand by the applicant.

The agency, as a result of too many applications from the people, disbursed N166m to association of poultry farmers, fish farmers’ association, Ondo state hairdressers and cosmetologists association in August 2019.

So far, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN has succeeded in lifting not less than three thousand people out of poverty and hunger through this empowerment scheme.

GENEVIEVE ALOZIE
TCC NEWS.

Ondo State Government has assured victims of flood disaster in the riverine communities of Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government areas of the state of timely assistance.

The Chief of Staff to the Ondo State Governor, Chief Olugbenga Ale gave the assurance in Igbokoda, the headquarters of Ilaje Local Government area while on the spot assessment to places affected by the floods in the council areas.

The State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu had constituted two separate committees to visit the flood -ravaged areas in the two local government areas.

The committees are expected to ascertain the extent of damage, come up with recommendations on how to mitigate the effects of the natural disaster on owners of damaged property and equally advice on how to avert future occurrence.

In his remark on the degree of devastation, Chief Ale regretted that it was beyond what the State Government could single-handedly address, but assured that Governor Akeredolu would work to secure the attention of Federal Government through the National Emergency Maintenance Agency (NEMA) to come to the aid of the affected people.

“We are here on the order of Mr Governor, to identify passionately with our people as a result of this unfortunate incident and to take stock of the damage to their property. Despite the devastating nature of the flood, we are glad no life has been reported lost.

“We are expecting NEMA to come to the aid of the people, but it will depend on the quality of the report we are preparing, which will convince them to assist the individuals and corporate bodies affected,” he said.

At the headquarters of Ilaje Local Government where the committee members were conducted round the council by its Care-taker Committee Chairman, Mr. Otito Atikase, the Chief of Staff sympathized with the workers who have stopped coming to work consequent upon the flooding of their offices and which had paralysed business activities.

Describing the floods as disaster too enormous for the people to bear, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Oyebo Aladetan, said the State would not leave the people to carry the cross alone.

He said it was in a bid to determine the devastating effects of the natural occurrence that the Governor constituted the two committees which he said would advise government dispassionately through its report on steps to ameliorate the effects of the flood on the people.

The Olu of Igbokoda, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo, whose palace grounds were flooded, attributed the incidence to global warming and construction of structures on waterways.

The royal father suggested the construction of embankment in Ayetoro and Awoye in Ese-Odo Local Government area, with the fear that the sea might overflow its banks.

Across the two local government areas, the flood victims appealed to government at all levels to come to their rescue by providing necessary relief materials for them to cushion the effects of the natural disaster.

The Ese-Odo team visited many coastal communities including Pinama, Tehagbene, Biagbene, Adolosemon 1-3, Ebikiri Model College, Opunama High School, Ajapa, FAC Primary HealthCare Centre, Ajapa, Amatebe, LA Pry School, Bolowo, Ukparama Grammar School Bolowo, New Jerusalem, Arogbo, Agadagba-Obon, Igbobini, Sabomi, Igbotu, Oluagbo, among others.

The story is the same in all the communities visited as all the communities, including primary and secondary schools, health facilities and churches which were totally submerged by flood, sacking all residents and school children in the affected areas.

Displaced residents whose belongings and valuables such as mattresses, clothes, electronic appliances, and foodstuffs were badly affected were seen cooking on the road and sleeping under makeshift tents.

Ondo state governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has said the road between Ikun in Akoko South-West and Afo in Ose local government would soon be fixed.

The governor, who revealed that his administration’s commitment to the infrastructural development of the state was total, also stressed that every other people-centred projects that needed to be attended to would soon be looked into within the available resources.

According to the governor, no part of the state would be left untouched in the ongoing infrastructural development across the state.

Akeredolu spoke at the burial ceremony of Pa Fredrick Oluwameye Olisa, father of the Special Assistant to governor on Administration, Roland Olisa, held at St Matthew’s Anglican Church, Imeri.

The governor who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Olugbenga Ale, disclosed that government would continue to ensure even and equitable distribution of infrastructural projects across the three senatorial districts of the state.

“Since we came on board what we have been doing has been equitable. We have always been making sure that all the three senatorial districts- the Southern, Central and Northern, are being attended to in the ongoing infrastructural development. You can see the balancing in the infrastructural provision in the state.

“As we are constructing roads in the South, we are also constructing in the Centre and the North and all the 18 local government areas have benefited from the various projects.

“The schools we are reconstructing are all over the state. We are paying salaries of workers regularly regardless of your cadre. We will continue to ensure everybody benefits from our administration.

“When the bridge linking Ikun-Akoko to Oba was washed away by flood, government responded immediately and reconstructed the bridge.

Source: http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/Our-commitment-to-infrastructural-devt-total-%E2%80%93Akeredolu

Ondo State over some decades from when it was created has witnessed successive leadership, ranging from military to civilian government who at one point in time effected great development or slowed the development of the state.

For the past two and half years now, Ondo state has witnessed a range of massive development from one man’s vision of change through (JMPPR) which are;
J- Job creation through Agriculture, Entrepreneurship and Industrialization
M- Massive Infrastructural development and maintenance
P- Provision of functional Education and Technological growth
P- Provision of Accessible and Qualitative Health care and social service delivery.
R- Rural Development and Community Extension service.

These agenda has metamorphosed from just a vision to reality, with the leader not making noise nor defacing the State with pictures.

Just as Lao Tzu rightly opined “A leader is best known when people barely know he exists. When his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they say: we did it ourselves.”

This is the personality of the present Governor of Ondo state Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN who has caused great development in Ondo state in the past two and half years in office.

Akeredolu believes so much on the masses opinion and choice. This was seen in one of his lectures in December 2009, where he exhibited the trait of equity and fair judgment when he agitated that no amount of electoral reform or judicial system could give Nigeria free and fair elections if Nigerian themselves refused to take practical steps to ensure that their votes count.

Akeredolu has proven to be the man of the people. His quest for development did not start from his present position as a governor but has been there right from when he was elected the chairman of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). Due to his goodwill and immense contribution to the development of the association, in 2012, the new NBA secretariat in Abuja was named after him.

Governor Akeredolu is not a man who is intoxicated with power. Even with his power as the number one citizen of Ondo State, he still have value and respect for cultural values.

This was displaced during the installation of Olowo of Owo Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, who worked under him as a civil servant at the state level. The governor prostrated before the new royal majesty as a sign of respect and humility for the Yoruba culture.

Akeredolu also showed his humility when the Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka visited Ondo state for the 2019 Fagunwa Study Group International Conference. He personally drove Prof Soyinka round Akure to show him some of the major projects completed by his administration.

The task of every leader is to get their people from where they are to where they have not been. Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN so far has proven to be that dutiful leader who has the interest of the state and the masses at heart with the massive development he has brought in Ondo state.

Genevieve Alozie
TCC NEWS

The Ondo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Dotun Owanikin has expressed the readiness of the present administration to revive school sports.

Owanikin, who stated this during a chat with the Sporting Hope in his office, in Akure the State Capital ,said his Ministry would enter into partnership with the Ministry of Education to bring back the dying School Sports in the state.

The Commissioner revealed that with the partnership with ministry of education and the enthusiasm of the all round sports loving Governor of the state, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu the innovation will be successfully harness to discover talents. “Not only for the age grade championship but beyond as they grow.”

He noted that the innovation of reviving sporting activities in schools would lead to discovery and involvement of our young talents in sports at tender age, noting that inability to catch them young has done more harms than good to sports development in the state and the country at large .

Two students of Fiwasaye Girls Grammar School and a boy from Oyemekun Grammar School were among Gold medalists in the just concluded National Youths Games in Ilorin.

He said: “Our experience at the annual youth fiesta where we paraded the youngest and the slimness athletes of 108 to end the games which placed us 7th on the medals table, this made us to see reasons why we should come home to strategize and build on the natural talents that are abound in our schools.”

“We will synergize with our sister’s ministry on how we can evolve a working relationship between the two ministries to ensure that sporting activities is giving a focus in our schools like we had in the past”.

He added that “Most of our today’s heroes in the state and at the national level are products of School Sports. Olympians like Seun Ogunkoya and Abayomi Agunbiade ,Geoffrey Oboabana, Alaba Adeniyi, Abe Sunday , Dayo Ojo and many others who are also doing great exploits in football arena were all discovered through school sports”.

He opined that the Federal Ministry of Sports and National Sports Commission which are the organisers of the under -15 sports championship should make it mandatory that participating athletes are taking from school.

“If our approach is through school, our youth will not be exposed to age cheating and will enable us nurture, mould and develop them to become the shining light of the country