₦airaland Forum

It should be recalled that governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, had earlier issued a stern directive through his Technical Committee on Power that everything must be done to end the unacceptable darkness that have enveloped the region in the past twelve years .

That charge has now paid off as the Managing Director of the Disco, Mrs. Funke Osibodu, who spoke through the Regional Head of BEDC in Ondo and Ekiti States, Mrs. Kunbi Labiyi, has charged the company’s field staff to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that Ode-Aye people can enjoy electricity starting from the 2018 Christmas celebration.

The Leadership For Change, LFC, yesterday, flayed the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, in Ondo State over its derogatory statement made on the security challenges facing the state.

It, however, commended Governor Rotimi Akeredolu over his efforts to curb incessant criminal activities that have greeted the state in recent times.

Reacting to a statement credited to the Ondo State PDP Publicity Secretary, Mr Ayo Fadaka, the LFC chairman, Mr. Wande Ikuemelo said the party should stop playing politics with the lives of people living in the state.

The group, at their end of the year party, described Governor Akeredolu as a performer who has done enough by uniting people of the state for all-round development, promising to assist the government to fight crimes and ensure that people disturbing the peace of the state are flushed out in due time.

The statement reads: ”The PDP has made many to believe that the administration of Rotimi Akeredolu is doing nothing to address issues of insecurity in the state. This is one bad thing the party has done to us.
But to put the record straight, the Governor has equipped police in the state with more patrol vehicles. We learnt about the different meetings he had with local hunters, aimed at policing the community. All these and many other steps taken by the government have started yielding good fruits.”


The group also advised all security agencies in the state to gear-up in the discharge of their duties, especially during the yuletide period.

Source: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/12/insecurity-group-carpets-ondo-pdp-over-comment-on-akeredolu/

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has assured the people of the state that his administration has taken cogent measures to permanently stop the unfortunate cases of kidnapping.

Governor Akeredolu said the state government is confronting the menance with every possible measures.

The Governor spoke at the 2018 Service of Carols and Lessons held at the International Culture and Event Center (DOME), Igbatoro road, Akure.

Governor Akeredolu said steps taken so far by his administration were to ensure that no kidnap case is recorded within the state again.

Speaking on the reason for the season, Governor Akeredolu urged the people to seek and embrace the Prince of Peace so as to know and enjoy peace in life and beyond.

Earlier, the National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), His Eminence, Rev. Dr Samson Olasupo Ayokunle highlighted the advantages of the season.

According to him, the season of Christmas is a season to seek Jesus passionately and rejoice.

While charging the people to understand the reason for the season, the CAN President explained that one of advantages of the season is to worship God and give him praise.

The event was attended by the wife of the Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyawu Akeredolu, deputy governor, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Bamidele Oleyelogun, Chief Judge of the state, Hon. Justice Oluwatoyin Olarewaju Akeredolu, Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Gbenga Ale and other eminent personalities.

The Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Bamidele Oleyelogun yesterday disclosed that the awaited constituency projects for members would soon start in their various constituencies.

Oleyelogun who disclosed this shortly after the plenary sitting explained that the state Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has approved the constituency projects for the lawmakers.

He assured the people of their various constituencies that they would soon begin to enjoy the projects which would soon be executed.

He appreciated God for the peace that has finally returned to the hallowed chambers, and promised to continue to give special attention to the welfare of members.

During the plenary, some lawmakers who had shunned sitting since the November 9 leadership crisis that erupted in the House of Assembly attended sitting.
The lawmakers include the deputy Majority Leader, Olusegun Ajimotokin, former Majority Leader, Dayo Akinsoyinu, former Deputy Speaker, Samuel Arowele and the Minority Leader, Sola Ebiwonjumi.

Their resumption came barely after 16 out of the 26 lawmakers were presented their official vehicles on Monday by the state Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
Reacting to the development, Oleyelogun expressed satisfaction and assured that the Assembly would continue to work for the socioeconomic development as well as the peace of the state, adding that as representatives of the people they would continue to work and protect the interest of their various constituencies.

“I’m particularly happy more than before that normalcy has finally returned to the Assembly. Peace has come back to the House. We are happy with the sitting arrangement today and we thank God”, the Speaker added.

Oleyelogun assured that the lawmakers would not relent in their efforts at making good laws that would improve the lives of the citizenry and ensure all-round development of the state.

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.

The Wife of Ondo state Governor, Mrs Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu hosts members of her favourite initiatives, BRECAN, FOWOSO, BEMORE and BAAF at a sumptuous gala night at Government House Alagbaka in Akure, the Ondo state capital, on Tuesday, 18th December, 2018.

Wow.. This is great

Great development.

Take everything, Gbe Gbe Gbe.. Jekan mo.. Gbe Gbe Gbe!! Hilarious

ONDO STATE IS A PLACE OF PRIDE!!! The sunshine state. All other state na so so yeye ooh! I'm proud of Aketi and my state.

The EmergeOndo “Innovation in Governance Hackathon” took place over a three-day period from Thursday the 6th of December to Saturday the 8th of December, 2018 within the three innovation hubs located in Akure, Ondo State—Akure Tech Hub, Curators Hub and Premier Hub Innovation Center. The EmergeOndo Hackathon focused on four thematic areas, namely, agricultural accessibility, business linkages, education and renewable and clean energy.

The “Innovation in Governance” Hackathon was born out of a unique partnership between the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH Make-IT in Africa program and the Ondo State Government. Make-IT sponsored the Hackathon and provided technical support while the Ondo State Government provided the experts across the thematic areas that served as jurors and judges. The Hackathon sought to explore creative solutions and policy recommendations within the thematic areas that the State government could adopt and implement.

The hackathon hosted an array of over 220 Nigerian software developers, programmers, data specialists, designers, agricultural experts, education experts, policy experts, as well as business and sales professionals who were distributed into 28 teams.

After three days of working on solutions and policies, four teams emerged as the winners across the four focus thematic areas of the EmergeOndo “Innovation in Governance” Hackathon. Serve Consulting supported the event by giving each winning team USD 1,000 in prize money. Four other teams also went home with winning USD 250 each for the solutions with the highest social impact, most innovative use of technology, best pitch, and the highest overall score in the pitch competition.

The winning teams are as follows:

Team Gadges emerged the winner in the clean and renewable energy category, cashing home USD1,000 with their solution, which is to provide access to affordable solar solutions.

Team Psyche emerged the winner in the Education category cashing home USD1,000 with their solution, which is a device to monitor students’ psychological state as it directly correlates to academic performance.

Team FarmCred emerged the winner in the Agricultural Accessibility category, taking home USD1,000 with their solution, which is an application that improves access to agri-finance by creating credit profiles for smallholder farmers.

Team Dunalinks emerged the winner in the Business Linkages category, taking home USD1,000 with their solution designed to link small scale technicians with contractors for better jobs and growth opportunities.

Other winning teams include: Team FarmCred as the team with the highest score in Social Impact; Team Gadease as the team with the highest score in the innovative use of technology; Team FarmSense as the team with the best pitch, while Team Podra won the award of team with highest overall score in the semi-final pitch.

All team prizes were sponsored by Serve Consulting, with a further commitment to support the teams through the incubation phase for their ideas as well as take them through a design thinking workshop processes to ensure that solutions developed fit the problem definitions across the focus thematic areas.

The Regional Coordinator, West Africa, Chiemelie Umenyiora for Make-IT in Africa expressed her satisfaction with the event saying, “It was really something to be in a room full of young men and women, all eager to solve problems that affect them each and every day. There was so much enthusiasm and willingness from the participants and I was especially thrilled to see so many women present. I’m looking forward to how the Ondo State government responds. ”

According to the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, “The Ondo State Government is committed to supporting activities that drive growth, promote efficiency, target our people and most importantly foster Job Creation. We have made it a priority in the second half of our administration to bring into focus our SMEs especially those doing innovative projects that will help move the State to one of self sustainability and facilitate our moving away from the status quo. We congratulate all winners and are looking forward to supporting their growth and development.”


Also, in the words of the Managing Director of Serve Consulting, Mr. Deola Adejuyigbe, "Serve Consulting continues to support the development of innovative ideas and solutions that solve real problems in our economy.

The participants in EmergeOndo Innovation in Governance Hackathon showcased many smart solutions. Serve Consulting is committed, in partnership with the organisers, to support the winners to ensure these solutions are developed to stages of commercial viability.

Young people must embrace innovative entrepreneurship to create jobs and guarantee a future devoid of the problems we see today."

The Federal government today temporarily opened the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which has been undergoing major repairs for close to two decades.

The opening brought instant relief to residents, travellers and users of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway corridor.

Speaking with our correspondent, the Federal Controller of Works Mr Fred Kuti said impediments on all the junctions on the expressway were being removed to pave way for free flow of traffic, especially during the Yuletide.

Kuti debunked speculations in the social media that the road would have been opened earlier, saying no date was fixed for the opening of the road earlier than December 19.

The controller said the reason was to give relief to travellers during the festive period.

On phone yesterday, Kuti added: “I am on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway right now for a final check on the road before we open it up tomorrow (today). It is not as if we gave another date apart from this. I have had cause to debunk such reports. We are going to open up all areas that were blocked to pave the way for free flow of traffic during the festivities.”

He said the roads would be closed again after the festivities for works to continue on its repairs and rehabilitation.

According to him, it is in the interest of everybody that the road be closed so that the work would be completed on schedule.

Kuti said the Ministry of Works resolved to remove all barriers at affected junctions to ensure free flow of traffic, thereby reducing the pains and stress of travellers, motorists and commuters.

The controller, who thanked the motoring public for their understanding, patience and cooperation throughout the period of the closure and diversion on portions of the road, added that the opening was intended to absorb the high volume of traffic due to the Christmas and New Year festivities, with many people travelling in and out of Lagos State.

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Monday met with security chiefs, Traditional rulers as well as leadership of Miyetti Allah over the recent spate of kidnapping in the state.

Governor Akeredolu told the Miyetti Allah to join hands with the security agencies in ensuring that the dreaded kidnappers terrorising the people of the state are arrested.

At the meeting held at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor's office, Alagbaka, Akure and which lasted for over four hours, the governor charged the security chiefs, Traditional rulers and the the leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Rearers and the Hausa community, to join hands together and end the reigns of kidnappers in the state.

Governor Akeredolu said his administration was not going to allow the peaceful nature of the Sunshine State which, he said has been attracting investors to the state be truncated by misguided elements.

He said the state government would henceforth ensure that the full force of the law falls hard on any person or group of persons found to be directly or indirectly aiding acts of criminality in the state.

Similarly, the Brigade Commander, 32 Artillery Brigade Acute, Brigadier General James Ataguba, said the leaders of the Myetti Allah must call their members to order and get those in captivity released immediately otherwise the criminals won't be shown mercy when caught.

He said his men are joining forces with other security agencies in the state to end the ugly trend.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr Gbenga Adeyanju, represented by the Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations, ACP Tijani said the security agencies were battle ready to make the state uncomfortable for kidnappers. He said criminals would not be given breathing space in the state.

In his own remark, the State Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Commander Pedro Awili Ideba said it would be better for the leaders of Miyeti Allah and the Hausa community to put their acts together by cooperating with security agencies to fish out those threatening the peace of the state among them rather than allow miscreants tarnish their reputation.

The State Chairman of Miyeti Allah, Alhaji Bello Mohammed promised to expose whoever is found wanting among his people .

He said he was no longer prepared to continue to bear the blames of unscrupulous persons within his members.

The Seriki Hausa of Ikare, Alhaji Ibrahim Angolo who prayed that those aiding or abetting abductors in the state would be exposed very soon, suggested an all-ethnic vigilante squad.

Earlier in the day, Governor Akeredolu had held long hours of meeting with royal fathers from across the state.

Before the meeting went into closed door session, the governor expressed deep concern about reported cases of kidnapping in parts of the state.

He urged the monarchs to join hands with the state government and the security agencies to arrest the situation, saying the government cannot fold its arms and allow the peace of the state is being threatened by criminals.

Wow!!! I didnt know Ondo state can have a look alike of Calabar carnival. This is really beautiful

wow.. Ondo state is beautiful. We should keep doing this every year.

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Monday, 17th December, 2018 presented members of the State House of Assembly, brand new vehicles.

The vehicles presented by the Governor are the lawmakers official vehicles meant to aid their Legislative duties.

Since the inception of this present assembly , which came on-board in 2015, the Akeredolu's administration today brought succor to the lawmakers by providing them with their official vehicles.

While presenting the vehicles to the lawmakers at the Governor's office, Alagbaka, Akure, Governor Akeredolu said his administration has fulfilled the promise it made at assumption of office that it will provide official vehicles for the lawmakers.

The Governor explained that acquiring the vehicles took some time because of the logistic and other arrangements involved.

He said "It doesn't matter whether you are leaving or not. The fact is that you deserve to have these cars. When we came in, we promised that we will buy these vehicles. Today, we have fulfilled this promise.

Speaking on behalf of the lawmakers, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon Bamidele Oleyelogun thanked the Governor for keeping to his words.

He said the lawmakers will continue to be grateful to the Governor for being committed to their welfare.

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 embedded 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.

The Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Wahaab Adegbenro says the state government has approved N300m for intensive care of pregnant women and physically challenged persons in the state.

Adegbenro made this known on Tuesday when he inaugurated the November 2018 Maternal, New-born and Child Health week in Akure.

According to him, the funds approved by Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu will go a long way in taking care of vulnerable people in various public hospitals.

The commissioner lauded the present administration for the establishment of five additional mother and child hospitals across the three senatorial districts of the state for better healthcare delivery.

On the MNCH week, Adegbenro said it was a bi-annual activity to provide a strategic window for cheaper health interventions.

Also, wife of the governor, Mrs Betty Akeredolu, said that public enlightenment, community mobilisation and mass administration of drugs were effective tools of delivering qualitative health services.

She said activities of the week would include Vitamin A supplementation, screening for malnutrition for children of six to 59 months; routine immunisation and tetanus toxoid vaccine for pregnant women.

Others include promotion of hand washing, exclusive breast-feeding, birth registration of 0-18yrs, administration of ferrous sulphate for pregnant women and HIV counselling and testing.

Mrs Akeredolu appealed to pregnant women and mothers to be available at any of the 586 primary health facilities spread across the state between Nov. 25 and 29.

She said that teams of health workers would also visit schools and aged persons to administer services that were age-appropriate.
“In line with our Olori Connection Initiative, it is my conviction that the `Oloris’ (wives of traditional rulers) are important vessels for conveying the objectives of MNCHW to mothers in all our communities across the state.

It gladdens my heart to know that social mobilization activities conducted in various LGAs prior to the commencement of this programme include visits to traditional rulers and their Oloris,’’ she said. (NAN)

Mutumina1:
The First Lady of Ondo State and founder of Forum for Wives of Ondo State Officials (FOWOSO), Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu recently granted an interview with some journalists including Maria Famakinwa at the Government House, Akure where she spoke on the reason for FOWOSO, her passion for the female gender.

Excerpts:
Is FOWOSO your pet project?

First Ladies are expected to play their own roles in supporting their husbands to provide good governance and dividends of democracy to the people and I think that every responsible First Lady will do her best to see that the administration of her husband is a success. First Ladies may have different programmes, but we are working towards achieving the same purpose, which is supporting our husbands to succeed.

What did you meet on ground in the Local Governments you have visited?

I didn’t meet anything on ground, you should rather ask what we have been able to achieve because if there was anything on ground, I will not have gone there at all. I came in here fully prepared due to my civil society background. No matter the bad connotations Nigerians might have given to Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs), they are people who on their own are doing thankless jobs and also sacrifice their time and resources. Some people are saying that NGOs are for profit making, I challenged them to go into it instead of complaining or assuming. NGO was my constituency before I became the First Lady, therefore, I knew where the problems were and steps to address them.

There are some areas of endeavours that governments had neglected in the past and it is only selfless individuals who can draw the attention of government to these grey areas. The I don’t care attitudes of some citizens is affecting every sphere of life, only few of us show concern. We have some people who pick up homeless children on the streets to cater for, how many of us do this? Very few, and they should be appreciated because government has very many things that demand their attention and cannot notice all these challenges confronting the citizens, but somebody will be the one taking steps to call the attention of government to these problems. I knew this before my husband was elected as the Governor and I don’t need anyone to tell me what to do which was why I started FOWOSO. Even, when people came to me with different proposals, I told them not to bother because I knew what it was.

The issue of women is very dear to my heart which was why I founded Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN) after my experience with breast cancer. I believe that women should be given opportunities, they should not be left behind. Until you meet a woman who is sick and realise that she must take permission from her husband before she goes to the hospital. This is because the husband feel that he is the one who should determine every step she takes, because most women who know the right thing to do are financially handicapped. I then began to realise that it was not just enough to be on the podium and discuss women’s issues without taking a step to raise their profiles in order to improve their economic status. This was why my programme has been conceptualised. There is need to tackle the root of the problem responsible for the set back.

How have you been tackling these challenges facing women across the state?

I think of some businesses that women can go into and make steady income without renting a shop like becoming a make -up artists, because today, there is no woman who attend social function without making herself up. Even to tie hear gear (Gele) also brings in regular income. These are skills women of the state are being trained freely for three days and are given start -up kits to take off immediately. Some are also trained on how to make beads, bags, shoes, household items like soap and disinfectant among others.

Some group of women who had learnt tailoring and hair dressing but could not start due to financial challenges were also given sewing machines and dryers all for free, so that they can contribute to the development of their homes. This idea is already yielding fruitful results as some of the beneficiaries now have apprentices they are training. Doing this will help to boost rural economy.

How do you wish to sustain the programme since some of the Caretaker Chairmen whose wives were part of FOWOSO’s one year anniversary success had been changed?

FOWOSO members are female political appointees or wives of male political appointees, it is just a structure. Some of them felt bad about this and I discussed this issue with my husband (Governor) and made him realise that they are human resources we had invested in. Besides, the wives of Local Government Chairmen are the closest to the people of the grassroots and that once a FOWOSITE is always a FOWOSITE. Mr Governor gave me approval to carry every FOWOSO member along. So, I am not loosing any of them, they are still FOWOSO members. Since, there are new Caretaker Chairmen now for the 18 Local Governments, the former Caretaker Chairmen wives will be the one to guide the new ones on what they need to know about FOWOSO.

Most of your programmes are tailored towards women empowerment and developing the girl-child, is there any programme for the male folk, so that they do not take you to be gender bias?

Most of my programmes focus on women and girl-children because if we want to change the society, it must come from women but all the same, there are some of my programmes that are for males and females like the Junior Tennis Club. All I am doing is to correct the cultural beliefs that women are limited. Women can achieve more if given the opportunity and the needed support.

There were reactions regarding the N20,000 that the participants were asked to pay during the recently held FOWOSO summit. What is the reason for the money?

Those who complained were doing so because the programme was strange to them. All over the world, people pay to increase knowledge. State like Lagos even charge higher. Other neighbouring states like Osun and Ekiti also charge money for the same programme. Summit entails bringing resource persons who will speak on different topics and at the end must be paid. How then do we get money to pay for those we invited to speak to people on certain topics to increase their knowledge and understanding on the chosen topics? The venue we used must also be paid for. Why then were they complaining?. By now, people should start embracing innovations that FOWOSO is all about. Empowerment is knowledge and skills which are most critical when it comes to women development. These make women unstoppable. Remember that we don’t just train women, we also give them start-up kits.

Is there any plan for more vocational trainings in the future, so that those who have not benefited can?

We have that at the back of our minds but sometimes, it is advisable to continue doing what is feasible. That can come much later. With the speed we are going now, we can’t afford to wait for that. The idea we are promoting is the perfect template because aside the fact that most of them are already having apprentices, they are also making steady money which helps at meeting their financial needs. But if government so desire to establish vocational centres, so be it. We are not ruling out that expansion but the template we are having now is amazing.

As we approach 2019 elections, what is your take regarding women participation in politics?


We have been agitating for this for a very long time, but you have to also do analysis to know why women participation in politics have been very low. It is a problem that cuts across and until we look into it critically, we may not be able to address it. One of the set back like I mentioned earlier is the economy. Women do not have the money so, conscious effort must be made to solve financial status of women generally. How do we do this? Like the FOWOSO we started in the state, it is a foundation to improve women economically. Though, some might think that it is a joke.

Women are asking for 35 per cent inclusion in politics but they forgot that politics involve a lot of things. You want to be in politics and you are to bring N50,000 and you don’t have, then you are a big joke. There are some political parties that tell women interested in any elective post to get their forms for free, they will just laugh at them. That is why women are not taken seriously. If I am vying for any political post and women are asked not to pay for form, I am going to pay because to me, it is the worst style of disenfranchisement. We must figure out how to encourage our young girls to be part of nation’s building.

Truly this woman is a pillar of support to our governor and also to the women in Ondo state!!!! God bless you Ma

AdewunmiFunmi:
Yuletide: Mrs Akeredolu reaches out to over 1,500 children in Idanre LG with gifts
As part of Activities to mark the Christmas Celebration the wife of the Ondo state Governor, Mrs Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu has distributed gift items to over 1,500 children in Idanre local government area of Ondo state.
The Christmas outreach was organized by the office of the wife of Ondo State Governor, in conjunction with Forum for Wives of Ondo State Officials, FOWOSO and Olori connection to put smiles on the faces of Ondo state Children and show them love at Christmas.

The wife of the governor was in Oka- Akoko the headquarters of Akoko South West yesterday and let the Children of the Northern Senatorial District have a sense of belonging.
The train will tomorrow move to Igbokoda the headquarters of Ilaje local Government Area to allow those Children in the Southern Senatorial District of the State enjoy the Christmas Goodies.

God bless you Ma for bringing smile to faces.

The Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Bamidele Oleyelogun, has encouraged local and international investors to take advantage of the peaceful and investments friendly environment being provided by the state governor to come and invest in the state.

Oleyelogun while raising a matter of urgent public importance on the floor of the House, particularly applauded the state governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for his unwavering commitment to creating enabling environment for infrastructural and economic development in the state.

According to him, now Ondo State remains the best investment destination where businesses can thrive tremendously and peacefully in Nigeria.

Oleyelogun added that the state is greatly blessed with both human, material and mineral resources to develop in all areas of the economy.

The Speaker explained that the two-day Development Partners Summit held at the International Centre for Culture and Event (The Dome) Akure, by the state government will further boost the economy and create job opportunities for unemployed youths in the state.

He expressed optimism that the summit will bring sustainable development in all sectors of the economy in the state, just as he assured prospective investors of safety of their investments in the state.

“We are using this opportunity to call on prospective investors in Nigeria and across the world to come to Ondo State. Ondo State is peaceful and safe. We want our state to move from civil service state to become an industrial state. This will also create job opportunities for our youths”, he added.

Oleyelogun explained that Akeredolu’s administration’s various masses-oriented programs and policies have made the state the most friendly environment for prospective investors.

He assured that the Legislature will continue to support and cooperation with the executive in providing more dividends of good governance to the citizenry across the state .

In their separate contributions, the deputy Speaker, Ogundeji Iroju; the Majority Leader, Jamiu Maito and Sunday Olajide noted that the present administration led by Akeredolu has been a pacesetter in creating enabling and investment friendly environment for investors.

They promised to continue to support programmes and policies of government that will bring development and make lives more meaningful to the people of the state.

As representatives of their various constituencies, the lawmakers equally promised to continue to provide good representation and purposeful leadership to their constituents.

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH partners with Ondo State Government and the technology NGO ‘Emerging Communities Africa’, to host a policy and solutions Hackathon tagged #EmergeOndo Hackathon, with the goal to identify state-led solutions to encourage entrepreneurship and increase employment outcomes.

The partnership with Ondo State is driven by Make-IT in Africa, a programme GIZ is implementing on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Make-IT already works in close collaboration with more than 30 corporate and financing partners, social enterprises, hubs, and networks to support an enabling environment for young entrepreneurs, to enable better access to finance, markets, and skills.

The #EmergeOndo Hackathon will take place in Akure, Ondo State, from 6th December to 8th December 2018 across three technology hubs within the state where teams of 6-10 individuals will contest for up to $5,000 in prizes as well as an opportunity to incubate their solution in partnership with one of the three innovation hubs in Akure.

Following the incubation period, the Ondo State government aims to adopt the solution across relevant agencies.

Each team is expected to work on one of the four thematic areas prioritized by the Hackathon, which include:
● Agricultural accessibility
● Business linkage
● Renewable and clean energy
● Education

Each participating team is expected to come up with solutions and policy recommendations in each of their chosen thematic area with winning prototypes expected to be adopted by relevant government agencies within the state.

According to Chiemelie Umenyiora, the Regional Coordinator for Make-IT in Africa, “Make-IT is already prioritizing interventions on the policy level with relation to our work with the National Technology Development Agency to support policies that would drive entrepreneurship and innovation in Nigeria. It was only natural that we would be interested in supporting Governor Akeredolu’s efforts to increase youth employment within his state.

The #EmergeOndo Hackathon will be the first of its kind in the state and we’re keen to see what solutions come from the public and how these solutions would be implemented by the state.”

In his remarks, the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu stated that “ the innovation in governance hackathon is a great avenue for us to unleash the youthful innovative energy of the state and harness it towards our collective growth and development.

This, first of its kind event in our State, intends to bring all stakeholders to address four thematic areas which address most of the cardinal points of this administration in particular; job creation through agriculture, entrepreneurship and industrialization and provision of functional education and technological growth. Our administration’s drive to become change evangelists, inclusive with the zeal to entrench long lasting change in Ondo state is what compels us to see this hackathon initiative through and we guarantee the prompt adoption of all reasonable outcomes from the event.

I welcome all guests from all parts of Ondo and Nigeria to join in the deliberation which we are sure will produce impactful change, because changing the lives of our people is a goal worthy of our best efforts”.

Joel Ogunsola, co-founder ‘Emerging Communities Africa’ while speaking to the significance of the #EmergeOndo innovation in governance Hackathon noted that innovation remains a critical part of ensuring that our communities continue to develop and leapfrog, ensuring that citizens can easily access government services as well as ensure that most importantly the human capital index continues to grow.

Software Developers, Creative designers, Education enthusiasts, Agriculture enthusiasts, Business enthusiasts, Policy enthusiasts, Sales enthusiast and Power enthusiasts are encouraged to apply to participate in the Hackathon.

Application closes by 11:59 PM on Tuesday 4th December 2018

Interested individuals and teams can register for the hackathon via

http:///EmergeOndoHackathon

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, was today, December 3, 2018 in Akure honoured for rescuing Ondo State from its near collapsed condition.

The governor was given the Heart of Gold Award by a popular news platform, South-West Heralds & International Heralds Magazine, for initiating and implementing various workable policies to address the socio-political challenges his administration inherited.

Governor Akeredolu was represented on the occasion by the Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Yemi Olowolabi.

The magazine's publisher, Mr. Olutayo Moses Adu, said Akeredolu was carefully chosen for the Heart of Gold Award because he had been practically fulfilling his campaign promises to the people of the Sunshine State.

Adu said Akeredolu took the mantle of leadership when the finance of the state was in precarious condition.
He said despite the poor state of the state's economy the governor was not deterred to impact the people's lives.

He said: "Governor Akeredolu is a man of honour. He promised not to collect his legitimate salary until the outstanding salary arrears of workers are paid and in almost two years, he has not been collecting salary while making the promotion of workers' interests and entitlements a priority."

Adu also commended Akeredolu's intervention in the areas of education transformation, infrastructural development and youth empowerment through agriculture, among others.

ZL Global Alliance (Nigeria) Limited (ZLGA) have commenced the provision of its Integrated Waste Management project in Ondo State under a Concession Agreement with the State Government which was officially launched on the 21th of February 2018.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Abiola Bashorun said, “Under the Concession agreement between Ondo State Government and ZLGA, the Company has been authorized and mandated to be the main entity to provide world standard Integrated Waste Management Services within the whole of Ondo State with emphasis on effective and efficient collection, transportation, treatment and disposal of solid waste, liquid waste, e-waste and medical waste.

“ZLGA is also mandated to collect waste revenue in Ondo State, manage resource conservation, fleets and equipment management, establishment of material recovery facility and plastic recycling facility” she stressed.

“Also, we are embarking on fumigation of markets, hospitals among other public places to curb the spread of diseases.” she said.

As a result of the commitment of the Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu's administration to Agriculture, the Ondo State Coordinator of FADAMA lll AF Project, Mr Olusiji Olatunji has assured that the state branded rice will hit the market before the end of the year.

Speaking shortly after a tour of a 10-hectare rice farm ready for harvest and the rice mill supported by the project located in Ogbese in Akure North local government area of the state, Olatunji stated that the products will flood the state in December.

Olatunji confirmed that the state rice mill with the capacity to produce 15 tonnes per day is to be test runned now that the paddy rice is ripe for harvest.

He charged those who thought that rice production is not possible in the state to have a change of heart and join the move now that the federal government is trying to discourage the importation of rice into the country.

According to him, people have discovered the advantages of local rice over the imported ones, adding that local rice is now hot cake.

Artisans, youths, market men and women in Ondo state are in for a good time as the state government today disbursed N55billion as empowerment to them.

The event which will take place at the MKO Abiola Democracy Park by 10am earlier today witnessed the launching of Apalara Micro Credit Scheme and unveiling of the Logo of the state Micro Credit Agency.

In a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the state Governor on Micro Credit and SMEs Prince Robert Omogbeminiyi JP, stated that the empowerment programme will also touch the lives of farmers and cooperative societies in the state for the better.

The statement described the empowerment as a bold step taken by the Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu led administration to empower the good people of the state and to catapult the informal sector of the state economy towards higher productivity.

Ondo State Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN at inception on 24th February, 2017, inherited seven months salary arrears of workers in the State.

The last time his predecessor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko paid workers’ salary was in August, 2016.

Governor Akeredolu vowed to clear the arrears and prioritise the welfare of workers.

Today, he has kept to the promise, he has paid six months arrears out the seven months inherited in less than two years in office.

The Governor doesn’t view the payment of salary as achievement, rather he sees it as a duty and responsibility if government.

But for record purposes Akeredolu inherited arrears of August 2016 -February 2017.

Only arrears of December 2016 is yet to be paid. By the end of this year, workers in Ondo State would have collected salary for fifteen months -twelve in the year and three arrears of past years.

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has said that his administration will continue to promote investor-friendly environment as one of the major ways to ensure the sustainable development of the state.

He said the initiative would encourage private investors’ businesses to thrive unhindered.

The governor, who spoke on Wednesday during the opening ceremony of a two-day Development Partners Summit and the Relaunch of State Education Endowment Fund in Akure, expressed delight that the ranking of the Sunshine State in the ease of doing business had risen in recent times due to a purposeful governance.

Akeredolu said the development partners summit sought to create platform for partnering with key players in both private and public sectors in order to mobilise resources for engendering economic growth and development of the state.

He added that the rebirth of Ondo State Education Endowment Fund (OSEEF) was targeted at bringing the funding gap in the education sector.

“It is also aimed at creating an effective avenue for sustainable growth and development of education in the state,” Akeredolu said.

While presenting the business opportunities available in the state to potential investors at the venue of the event, the governor said the Sunshine State has the potential to become a key player in the economy of the South-West region of the country by virtue of its human and natural endowments.

He said: “It is imperative that we re-engineer the economy and place it on a trajectory of sustained growth. To achieve this, our administration understands the fact that sustainable development can be accomplished through robust partnership. Therefore, our focus is to ensure rapid growth, development and sustainability of the economy.

“We have developed the ‘Blueprint to Progress,” a policy document which encapsulates the five cardinal programmes of this administration.”

SOURCE: https://citadelng.com/well-continue-to-promote-investor-friendly-environment-akeredolu/

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has said the time has come for government to interface with children directly instead of merely talking about them.

Governor Akeredolu said often times, people talk about children being the future of tomorrow without taking into cognizance the need to involve the children in the conversation.

The Governor made this known during a visit to his office by the Children management committee of the Ondo State Radio Vision Corporation (OSRC) and Orange 94.5 FM on the occasion of the 2018 Universal Children's Day.

The Universal Children’s Day is celebrated around the world on November 20 and the observance was established in the year 1954 to 'promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improving children's welfare'.

November 20 is also the day when the UN General Assembly adopted the declaration of the 'Rights of the Child' in 1959.

To celebrate the day in Ondo State, the managment committee of the OSRC and Orange 94.5 FM vacated office for the children to run the affairs of the station.

The United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration with OSRC and Orange 94.5 FM celebrated the day in the state with the theme " Children Take Over "

Governor Akeredolu said " You are no doubt the future of the nation and I hope you all know that.

"What you are doing today gives us the opportunity of what I have learnt from somewhere that I was particular about, we as adults always talk about you, we talk about you as the future of the country and the leader of tomorrow.

"But, there is one thing that's missing, most people have not been talking to you. That's why we must appreciate the management staff of OSRC for bringing you here so that we can talk to you.

"What this has accorded us is that, the time has come for us to talk to our children. That is talking to you and not talking about you. And that's what this government will be about as from today. "

Governor Akeredolu said his government is committed to making sure that the children have better learning facilities across the state.

Earlier , the one day management committee chiarman of OSRC and Orange 94.5 FM, Miss Nifemi Obalokun appreciated the Governor for his gaint stride in infrastructure development across the state.

She said " It might interest you to know, Sir that in spite of all around us at this time, particularly the political manouvering and bickering over power and manipulation of public perception, we, children of Ondo State see, hear and understand the silent reforms going on around us since February 2017.

"We know and are convinced for instance, that the Ondo State Government under your leadership, is avowed to ensure change and redefine the parameters of leadership in our land.

" Your administration, to the admiration of all of us, has shown through its policies, actions and utterances that the destination of all its existence is the safe and sound existence of a happy family, the centre of which is the child

"Your massive road and infrastructural interventions, construction of educational facilities, expansion and deepening of health programmes, outstanding worker or should I say parent friendly policy as well as the deliberate opening up of the Ondo State economy to production and job creation, prove your love and commitment to society's fertility, continuity, prosperity and preservation, all of which children represent. Mr. Governor, we are grateful."

She thanked the State government, UNICEF and the OSRC and Orange FM management committee for given the children such a great opportunity.

Source: https://citadelng.com/its-time-to-talk-to-our-children-says-akeredolu/

In furtherance of his administration's commitment to providing potable water supply across the three senatorial districts of Ondo state, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has rehabilitated no fewer than 750 boreholes in about 300 communities under the “Kamomi Aketi " water scheme.

Lack of potable water has been a huge problem in the state even as the immediate past administration abandoned the Owena dam project initiated by the late Olusegun Agagu's administration.

Finding lasting solutions to the lack of potable water supply in the state was the main reason the present government hosted the 24th meeting of the National Council on water Resources last year. At the meeting, Governor Akeredolu said “I wish to inform this august body that our decision to accept the hosting of the 24th meeting of the National Council on Water Resources at this time is borne out of the fact that potable water supply is one of the priorities of the current government in Ondo State .”

The General Manager, State Rural Water Supply And Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), Engr.Rotimi Oladimeji said eight local governments have been captured with 750 dysfunctional water facilities being rehabilitated.

According to him, local governments that have benefited include Ifedore, Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo, Owo, Odigbo, Ese-Odo, Idanre, Akoko-North, and Akure-North where the team is presently working.

He affirmed that the state governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s directive to carry out need assessment of existing water facilities across the state with a view to providing on the spot remedial and technical solutions on the water facilities has been yielding tremendous result.

The GM informed that the agency is targeting 3,000 communities across the 18 local government areas of the state.

“We have an approach whereby when we get to a community, the team will immediately solve the water problem because we are moving towar the dry season and we have to prepare the ground to ensure that the people of the state have access to potable water. That is why we are working day and night to meet the target.

"Formerly, we had two teams that were working on the field, but we have increased it to six , so that we can have larger coverage within the shortest time

“Ideally, it is a year programme, whereby we have to cover all the local governments, but along the line, we are doing thorough inventory, need assessment, after this, we have to collate the areas that require boreholes and the areas that need expansion.

“The drilling we are doing now is for those areas that critically need water. Immediately after the inventory and studies, we will get the total number where intervention are needed including the locations and then submit our report to the state governor,” he explained.

Speaking on maintenance of the facilities, he said that the agency has scheduled a programme whereby the community people will be trained before handing over to them.

SOURCE: https://citadelng.com/governor-akeredolu-rehabilitates-750-boreholes-in-ondo/

AKETI LEKAN SIIII

Sanromeo:
By Bankole Adeniyi

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, seems to be gaining more grounds in people’s support and understanding in the state.

Although, many believed that the former Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) President is struggling with
battles from different angles.

It was gathered that most of the analysis of some leaders of the party, suggesting that Akeredolu is struggling with some battles are merely based on personal disagreement or misunderstanding.

For instance, Governor Akeredolu is known for his truthfulness. He is blunt and straightforward. These, it was gathered, has been a serious problem for some political leaders who see his honest character as a threat for their political leadership.

Akeredolu is seen as a new force in politics who’s changing and redefining quality leadership and people’s Orientation to the place of integrity among political leaders.

According some of the citizens of the state, one of the major selling points of the Governor, which has endeared him to the heart of the people and also build their confidence is the fact that Akeredolu doesn’t lie.‎

Contrary to the view that the Governor has been enmeshed in running battles, Akeredolu is actually savoring the herculean task before him and driven by the passion to serve the people and develop his state.


While some hold the opinion that the Governor appears unperturbed in the public, some believe that he sulks in the closest. However, it is only those who have met with him either at an occasion or on a courtesy visit that would understand how jovial and funny the Governor can be.

“You will love him. He has this great personality that identifies with the people. If you have any problem bothering your mind, the moment you hear Governor Akeredolu speaks at any given event, you will laugh and get tired. He’s such a leader with a difference ” an Akure resident said.

Some of the battles that has been erroneously linked with Akeredolu include an alleged face-off with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

But, It was revealed that Akeredolu is not holding any grudge with Tinubu. According to a source, close to Akeredolu, he said the Governor is a man who says his mind and forget matters at once.

He said ” As a matter of fact, Tinubu should be the one stretching the hands of brotherhood to Akeredolu. He has antagonize the man for too long. Mind you, the only issue they have with Akeredolu is that, he will never act the puppet role

“Akeredolu wanted to be legal adviser of the party in 2014, Tinubu allegedly blocked him, he wanted to be minster, Tinubu allegedly blocked him. And the in 2016, when he was contesting to be Governor, Tinubu made vehement moves to stop him but Akeredolu triumphed.”

It’s observed that Akeredolu being a man of principle, doesn’t give him to undue interference of some leaders, especially when it comes to the issue of his state.

The Governor doesn’t also sees the case instituted against his candidacy arisen from the September 3rd, primary election of the party as a matter to lose sleep on.

He has said it severally that he is sure that the mandate the people of the state gave him for four years will be completed by him and him alone.

‎Akeredolu has appeared, convincingly, not to be bothered about the court case. Those who refer to it as a battle for Akeredolu seem to either be the men in Abrahams or those drinking paracetamol for another man’s headache. To Akeredolu, it’s no battle.
‎
Opposition to Oshiomole’s emergence ‎

‎Like so many other Governors, Akeredolu joined his voice to kick against the choice of Oshiomole, who was Tinubu’s choice, as APC chairman. But, in politics, the intrigues and dramas of interest would out and strong voices may be jettison for some interest.


Since Akeredolu was not the only Governor who kicked against Oshiomole and the attendant crisis that has enveloped the last primaries of the party under Oshiomole, Akeredolu and others have no battle to fight given the fact that their instincts have been proven right. This is one of the issues, Akeredolu’s foes erroneously branded battle.

The emergence of Senator Ajayi Borrofice as the candidate of the party in Ondo North Senatorial District of the state has also been tagged as a battle for Akeredolu who seemed not to have wanted his candidacy.

It was learnt that despite the fact that the party leadership in Abuja imposed Borrofice on the party in the state, the real battle would be between Borrofice and the people of the Senatorial District who seem to have been tired of his representation. Akeredolu is said to have moved on away from the matter.


His party politics

Akeredolu’s relationship with some party leaders in the state may have also been described as battle. But, in actual sense, observers said there is no battle in whatever relationship the Governor might keep with leadership of the party in the state.

It was revealed that the candidate of the Alliance for Democracy in the 2016 election, has been complaining that Akeredolu gives him no chance.

But, it’s also in the public domain that Oke is still interested in Akeredolu’s job and also eye the structure of the party to himself.

“Two masters can not stay in a bus. Oke wants to hijack the structure of the party to his advantage. The day he was decamping, he even asked Akeredolu to face governance and allow him take care of politics

“There is no Governor that would allow such move. It’s natural that the Governor protects his interest and that of his huge followers. ” A prominent party man in Ondo said.

Relationship with civil servants

There is no battle between Akeredolu and the workers. In every man, there is an Oliver twist. The workers in the state are appreciative of the good work of Akeredolu. They are thankful to him that he has not owe them a dime since he assumed office and also has cleared Five out of the Seven salary arrears he inherited from the previous administration…

To the civil servants, Akeredolu is a honest man who keeps to promise and faithful.

Observers said that despite the antics of Akeredolu’s foes, he has continue to triumph and identify with the people of Ondo State as his one and only interest. Observers further submitted that the Governor has no battle going on in his life as a governor and leader of the APC in Ondo State.

Adeniyi, a Social Activist, is the Coordinator, Change Nigeria Movement, Ondo State chapter.


https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/11/akeredolu-endearing-self-ondo-peoples-heart/

Eleven private firms have shown interest to partner with the Ondo state bitumen exploration and Exploitation Company (BEECON) through the state Development and Investment Agency, ONDIPA to commence the exploitation and exploration of the abundant bitumen reserves in the state. Ondo state is reputed to have the second largest bitumen deposit in the world and the largest in Africa with over 42billion reserves of the highest quality.

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN had made relentless efforts to attract the attention of world class firms to the natural endowment in the state. Arakunrin Akeredolu had last year hosted diplomatic communities to a dinner in Abuja to showcase the various investment opportunities in ondo state to the outside world. High commissions and embassies that were present at the dinner included Britain, China, Australia, India, Japan, Korea, Ghana, Ethiopia and South Africa.

The following are the latest development in Bitumen exploration of Ondo state Government:

- The first ever bitumen mining licence, giving to southwest bitumen, was achieved by this government.

- It is expected that the first processed bitumen to be used on Ondo State roads will be applied in Q1 2019. The Akeredolu administration will be the first to successfully produce bitumen commercially in Nigeria.

- The state government has successfully renewed its four licence blocks and is actively seeking for new investors to partner with to help develop the assets.

With bitumen being produced in Ondo state, federal government will ensure that none of its road contractors imports asphalt and I am sure that many state governments will prefer to buy from Ondo state because it will definitely be cheaper here than imports from outside the country. #ODSGBitumen #AketiAtWork

SOURCE: https://citadelng.com/flash-odsg-partners-eleven-private-firms-to-develop-bitumen-exploration/