Members of the Rice Farmers Association (RIFAN), Ondo State chapter have expressed their gratitude to the State Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu over the N10m loan given to them to boost rice cultivation in the state.

Speaking on behalf of the farmers, the Chairman of RIFAN in the state, Prince George Oladapo described the gesture as a step in the right direction and a big boost to rice farmers in the state.

According to him, Akeredolu has been able to fulfill his promises especially in the agricultural sector through various assistance to the farmers.

“I want to use this medium to propagate what he has really done. In the FADAMA section, he has been able to pay the counterpart fund which has enabled our rice farmers to access loans and equipment.

“I also want the people to know that there is a 500 hectares of land assigned for Sunshine rice at Igbaraoke and before the end of the second quarter, a mill will be in place in the area,” he assured.

Oladapo who said that Ondo state people should expect increase in rice cultivation noted that “we are going to eventually wipe out foreign rice from the market”.

“It will create more jobs, increase the internally generated revenue as well as create wealth in the rice value chain”, he stressed.

While saying that the interest rate was a single digit, Oladapo stated that it is in tandem with best practices adding that, that is what is agriculturally approved.

Oladapo said the association hopes to access more as soon as it offsets it within the next one year.

He called on would- be rice farmers to take advantage of the loan adding that they are welcomed into the fold.

He however thanked the management of Ondo state Micro credit Agency under the leadership of Mrs Kosemani Kolawole for the opportunity to access the loan.

SOURCE: https://www.thehopenewspaper.com/ondo-rice-farmers-laud-government-over-loan/

ONDO State House of Assembly Speaker Bamidele Oleyelogun yesterday described the late Olowo of Owo, Oba Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi, as a quintessential monarch, who cherished peace and unity.

Oleyelogun, who spoke while on a condolence visit to Olowo’s palace, stressed that the late legal icon had created a big vacuum that would be difficult to fill.

He prayed that God will guide the people of the ancient town in choosing the next Olowo, noting that late Olateru-Olagbegi’s reign brought about peace and even growth to Owo community and Ondo State.

On the Speaker’s delegation were the Chairman, House Committee and Chieftaincy Affairs, Jamiu Maito, Bankole Felemu, Ayobami Akinrutan and House member-elect representing Owo Constituency Adeyemi Olayemi.


Chief Jamiu Ekungba, who received the Assembly delegation, thanked Oleyelogun for the visit, adding that the programmes of burial would be communicated to the House in the next few days.

He said the tenure of the Speaker has brought development to Owo and the state, even with the meager resources accruing to the state when compared to previous dispensations.

Ekungba called for a special prayer for the Speaker by the representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), who were also at the palace on a condolence visit.

Disturbed by the deplorable condition of the Igbara-Oke / Ibuji / Ekiti state boundary road, Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, has reconstructed the road, which links Ondo State with the neighboring Ekiti State.

The 8.1km road, which was practically impassable before now, has been reconstructed to further open up the sunshine state and promote economic growth between the state and its neighbouring Ekiti state.

You will recall that for over eight years, residents of Igbara-oke, Ibuji and other road users suffered untold hardship following the deplorable state of the Igbara-oke-Ibuji road.

The bad condition of the road forced road users, who find it convinient and faster to travel from Ekiti state to Ondo via the road, to seek other routes.


Luck, however, smiled on the people when Governor Akeredolu visited the road sometime last year. The Governor said his administration could no longer sit and watch the citizens suffer and endangering their lives.

Few months after that promise, the road has become another promise fulfilled by the Akeredolu administration. The government has shown total commitment to the welfare and comfort of the people of the state.

The Igbara Oke/Ibuji road is wearing new look and the people now feel safe traveling between the two sister states.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang, disclosed this to State House correspondents on Thursday in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

According to him, the Act makes it compulsory for all employers across the country to pay workers a minimum of N30,000.

It, however, excludes persons employing less than 25 workers or persons in other kinds of regulated employment.

Senator Enang further explained that the Act gives workers the right to sue an employer to recover the balance or authorize the Minister of Labour to take action against such an employer in the event of a refusal to pay the stipulated wage.

SOURCE: https://citadelng.com/buhari-signs-n30000-minimum-wage-bill-into-law/

OndoFirstBorn:

In what has been described as another feather to the hats of the Akeredolu’ administration, the Joint Tax Board (JTB) has rated Ondo State as the Highest growth performing state in the internally generated revenue [IGR] from the 2017/2018 Comparative IGR performance and percentage growth.

Ondo state with a population of just above 4 Million, generated the sum of N10,927,871,479.76bn in 2017, and an improved figure of N24,788,059,725.53bn in 2018 respectively, representing an annual growth of 126.83% in a space of one year.

It was also noted that Bauchi, Imo, Sokoto, Kogi, Niger, and Akwa ibom emerged top 7 earners of Self-Assessment tax across the country.
This information was made available to the public yesterday following the release of the 2017/2018 Comparative IGR performance and percentage growth by the joint tax board.

The Joint Tax Board is the umbrella body of all the tax authorities in Nigeria, which is saddled with the responsibility of promoting and ensuring uniformity, harmony and efficiency in the administration of Personal Income Tax in Nigeria as well as advice government on general tax matters.

Coming top among its counterpart in the federation, the rating is a confirmation of the state government efforts over the past two years which were aimed at charging all the revenue generating Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to improve on their revenue generation as a way of building a strong economy base in the state.

The state of Board of Internal Revenue (BIR) has proven to be effective with its plans, which has successfully brought major stakeholders in revenue generation together to review, highlight and proffer solutions to challenges militating against optimum performance.

Upon the assumption into office as the executive Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Akeredolu reiterated his commitment to mapping out various strategies that are in line with the global best practices on revenue generation, and this rating is a testament of the effort of the Akeredolu led administration at improving the fortunes of ondo state.

http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/Ondo-State-Revenue-Board-Records-Highest-YoY-IGR-Growth-in-Nigeria-

IT CAN ONLY BE GOV. AKEREDOLU!!!!

The Home-Grown School Feeding programme of the Muhammadu Buhari administration is now in 30 states, the Presidency said yesterday.

It said millions of Nigerians are targeted for the government’s social investment schemes.

The Presidency also said over 12 million Nigerians have benefitted from the programmes while 9.5 million pupils are being fed.

The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Media and Publicity in the Office of the Vice-President, Laolu Akande, stated this in a statement in Abuja, the nation’s capital.


He said one million poorest households will benefit from the current cash transfer.

According to him, the programmes are in continuation of the Buhari administration’s efforts to invest in human capital development through the National Social Investment Programmes (N-SIP).

Akande said the administration is supporting the most vulnerable in society through the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) scheme while developing a skilled workforce for economic productivity by providing jobs for millions of youths through the N-Power programme.

The Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), the SSA said, provides financial support through micro-credit schemes to small traders and businesses at the bottom of the financial pyramid.

Beneficiaries, he maintained, include petty traders, women’s cooperatives, youths, famers and agricultural workers.

According to Akande, in the “Next Level” of the Buhari administration, about 10 million Nigerians are expected to benefit from GEEP, which includes TraderMoni, MarketMoni and FarmerMoni.

“While the Cash Transfer scheme aims to reach one million poorest households, one million new beneficiaries are expected to be added to the N-Power scheme, arguably the largest job creation and youth employment scheme in Africa,” he said.

The presidential aide noted that the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (HGSFP), which has a target of reaching 12 million pupils, is currently feeding over 9.5 million public primary school (classes 1-3) pupils with one free, balanced and nutritious meal a day in 30 states.

Akande said 101,913 cooks have been empowered in Anambra, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu, Kaduna, Kebbi, Kogi, Sokoto, Nasarawa, Taraba, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Plateau, Delta, Zamfara, Imo, Jigawa, Kano, Niger, Katsina, Ondo, Edo and Gombe states.

He added that the HGSFP has helped to increase enrolment rates and effectively tackle early year malnutrition while improving the children’s cognitive skills.

The statement said: “The school feeding programme has also provided sustainable income for local farmers, cooks, thereby increasing growth and productivity in the local economy.

“As of March, 297,973 Nigerians in 20 states (including the Borno IDP camps) are current beneficiaries under the National Cash Transfer Policy Programme (Conditional Cash Transfer), which started in December 2017 with over 5,000 savings groups and cooperatives formed as a result.

“The following states are currently receiving payment: Adamawa, Anambra, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Ekiti, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kogi, Kwara, Nassarawa, Niger, Osun, Oyo, Plateau and Taraba.”

Akande said the CCT was designed to deliver timely and accessible cash to beneficiary households and so enhance their capacity for sustainable livelihood.

The programme, he added, provides beneficiaries – poor and vulnerable households – with a monthly transfer of N5,000 with the sole aim of taking them out of poverty.

health, agriculture and tax and monitoring; and a further 200,000 non-graduates in training or attached to organisations as interns.

“N-Power beneficiaries across the 36 states and the FCT are provided with a N30,000 monthly stipend, in addition to technology devices with relevant content for continuous learning.

“Many N-power beneficiaries have gone on to become entrepreneurs who are building successes in their chosen vocations.”

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for not signing the National Housing Fund (NHF) Bill.

The chamber said the bill would have caused more problems for citizens.

LCCI Director-General Muda Yusuf gave the commendation in an interview with The Nation in Lagos.

President Buhari, had on April 2, declined assent to the National Housing Fund Bill alongside seven others passed by the National Assembly.

Yusuf said the bill would have increased cost of building materials thus widening the country’s infrastructural deficit, led to increase in cost of doing business and inflict hardship on workers.

He said what the government should do was to evolve a mechanism that would reduce the cost of building materials to enable more Nigerians become empowered to construct buildings.

“The government should be more concerned on how to bring down the cost of steel, cement and make land easily accessible and affordable, and also promote the use of local materials for construction,” he said.

He urged the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) to evolve more innovative alternative and sustainable building materials for housing development.

The LCCI chief said the use of local building materials would reduce the cost of construction, boost productivity in the building industry, and reduce environmental impact.

Yusuf urged the research institute to publicise and commercialise its prototypes for more acceptability by Nigerians and to bridge the nation’s housing deficits

tayo26:
The website keep logging me out automatically and while trying to upload my Waec file, it is saying "No found to save. Kindly choose a document to upload".
Pls any help about how to upload Weac file .
Thank You

I have similar issues too... Have you rectified it?

braveheart234:


You should not wonder. It's congestion on the site. If everyone was up between 5 and 7am to register, you probably would have experienced the same thing being experienced now.
I started mine just before 6am and in less than 45 minutes, I was already at the stage of documents upload. I have successfully uploaded almost all documents, except for one, and I have been stuck on uploading just that before final submission. May God bless our hustles. Cheers.

I can upload my WAEC document. It keeps telling me no documents chosen.

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Wednesday met with the Malaysia Agriculture and Research Development Institute (MARDI) on how to revive the rice value chain program in the state which was abandoned by the last administration .

Governor Akeredolu who led the Bussiness delegation from the state also discussed Youth Entrepreneurship program, Cassava rice farming and seek the general collaboration of MARDI in developing Agribusiness in Ondo State.

The Director General of the Institute, Datuk Dr, Mohammed Roff B. Mohd Noor, was at the meeting which took place at the MARDI Pejabat Ketua Pengarah, Persiaran Mardi-UPM, Ibu Pejabat MARDI, 43400 Serdang.

There was also a Presentation by Mr Faizal Ramli , MARDICORP Head of Project Management and RPM Sdn Bhd On Rice Paddy Farming.

At the meeting, the Governor and the MARDI team also discussed partnership on Ore training Center.

The Ondo State Community and Social Development Agency (ODCSDA), has restated its determination to continue to support Governor Rotimi Akeredolu-led administration at accelerating the socio-economic and infrastructural development of the state as well as improving the well-being of people at the grassroots through its programmes.

General Manager of the World Bank assisted agency, Mr. Bosun Ogundipe stated this in Ilaje local government area of the state, during the official presentation of N69,000,000 million cheques to communities and groups for micro project.

He reaffirmed the resolve and commitment of the agency with the support of the state government in giving policy guidelines for the smooth administration of the project in the state, saying they will continue to contribute and partner rural dwellers to deliver development deliverables.

Ogundipe said the micro projects are community self-driven through direct labour, adding that the state government is interested in engaging citizens to be self reliance.

His words, “successfully, the community self-driven projects which cut across the state have increased the rural area schools enrolment enhance literary level, increase access to health care services, foster conflict resolution and unity including reduction of rural-urban migration.

“The communities and groups are now empowered to execute future developmental projects. The projects are to improve social facilities in communities; help strengthen sustainable environment management and improve access of poor people to social, natural resources and infrastructure.”

He said: “Our expectation is that our target which is lifting people out of poverty is achieved and that people on their own can embark on developmental programmes without necessarily waiting completely for government.

He, however, urged the communities and groups to be transparent and accountable to one another to avoid misunderstandings that could jeopardize the projects.

Chairman, Ilaje Local Government, Hon. Otito Atikase represented at the event by his Special Assistant, Mr. Gbenga Omoyele described the programme as another giant stride of Governor Akeredolu administration aimed at putting smiles on the faces of the people through the agency.

Community leaders commended the government, saying the programme will go along way in improving the statues of the rural dwellers.

The beneficiaries include Kankangbelu group, Onibebetube group, Ebiekunoiro group, Iranloro Oluwa group, Ilosiraju group and Gethsemane community, all from Ilaje local government including Oke-Baptist and Lisa Akinrinde Ifelodun communities from Ondo West.

Source: https://citadelng.com/odcsda-presents-n69m-to-communities/

The wife of the Ondo State Governor Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu- Akeredolu has joined the rest of the world to congratulate the first female Director of currency Central Bank of Nigeria Mrs Priscilla Ekwere Eleje.

For the very first time in Nigeria’s 59-year history, the signature of a woman, Eleje, goes on the naira.

Eleje, who has been acting director of currency and operations at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has been confirmed substantive director.
She is the first female director of currency in the history of the bank, and her signature has been appended on the naira.

Reacting to the feat, Mrs Betty Akeredolu said, “this is a BIG leap of joy in our hearts, in our effort, in our commitment to #BEMORE than what the society wants us to be.”

“a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.

Gradually and steadily we will cover the ground without leaving any gaps.

It is about time Nigerian women began to realise that “a woman’s place is EVERYWHERE and resist any restrictions thrown on her way as she climbs the social ladder.”

SOURCE: https://citadelng.com/betty-akeredolu-hails-priscilla-ekwere-eleje-as-first-female-signatory-on-naira/

Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Tuesday said his administration will continue to priotize the security and welfare of corps members deployed to the State.

Besides, the Governor also charged corps members to cultivate a healthy relationship with their host communities and refrain from engaging in local politics.

He disclosed this at the closing ceremony/Terminal Parade of 2019 Batch 'A' corps members, held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Ikare Akoko, headquarters of Akoko North East.

Akeredolu, represented by his Deputy, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, admonished corps members to also be an agent of change by impacting positively on their host communities.

"The orientation is primarily meant to equip you in order to have a better understanding of the operations of the scheme. It is also to toughen and prepare you physically and mentally to meet the challenges ahead, especially in your new found culture and environment.

" The NYSC, in its struggle to ensure national development, has been instilling the value of patriotism, integrity, hard work, unity amongst corps members during the orientation exercise.

"In addition, values that will always come handy during and after your service year have been entrenched in the course of contents.

"I encourage you to contribute to the socio-economic and political development of Ondo State, as you are the hope this country has. Strive to put in your best and contribute productively in whatever sector if the economy you might be posted," he said.

In an interview, the State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs Grace Akpabio thanked the state government for always improving facilities at the camp.

Akpabio advised the corps members to be good ambassadors to their host communities.

A minute silence was observed for a corps member,Ibrahim Okanlawon that died in a boat mishap at Agadagba-Obon,in Ese-Odo local government area of the state during last month's State Assembly election.

SOURCE: http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/Safety-of-corps-members-our-priority-in-Ondo-says-Akeredolu-

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, has met with the Malaysian government to woo investors into the abundant agricultural, commercial and industrial potentials of the state.

Governor Akeredolu who led the Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA) team met with the Minister of Primary Industries of Malaysia, H. E Mdm. Teresa Kok on Ondo State Agribusiness & Value Chain Development. Among the team are the Special Adviser to the Governor on Investment, Mr. Boye Oyewumi and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agric and Agric Bussiness, Pastor Akin Olotu.

The Governor who showcased the agricultural potential of Ondo state, especially the primary Industries : Palm oil, Rubber, Timber, Cocoa, Pepper and Cashew with focus on plantations, partnerships, reviving moribund industries through joint ventures, palm oil refineries and technical cooperation.

The Governor is on a business tour to Malaysia under the window of the Nigerian-Malaysian Trade Corridor themed "ONDO STATE OPEN FOR BUSINESS" which was organized by the Nigerian-Malaysian Business Council NMBC headed by Dr. Michael Oladipo Aderohunmu who is the President of the council.

The Bussiness tour is to encourage Government to Government () and Business to Business (B2B) and other collaborations between Ondo State and Malaysia.

Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu has been commended for his interest in agriculture, in both human capital and general development of the state.

This was the submission of a group, The Campaign Concourse, in a statement signed by Marcus Opeyemi Amudipe, who disclosed that: “Agriculture has been a strong focal point for the Rotimi Akeredolu-led administration. This can be seen through the multiple agricultural investment and intervention programs put together by the governor.

“Akeredolu is executing various programmes like Youth on the Ridges, empowerment in agro-business, Schools on the Ridges for pupils, egg powder factory and many others.”

The group recalled that Akeredolu said his administration was in partnership with the Federal Government through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to set up a cassava-ethanol project in the state.

“This project would provide over one million jobs within and outside the state. The project, which is being executed by a consortium of investors-Obax Worldwide Ltd, COMPLANT in partnership with NNPC, would create 12,000 direct jobs, while over 200,000 farmers would be fully engaged.”

Source: https://m.guardian.ng/features/group-hails-ondo-on-agriculture/

The All Progressives Congress APC, in Ondo state has said that its focus is to fulfil its 2015 campaign promises to the people rather than being distracted by the second term campaign.

The party’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Alex Kalejaye stated this in an interview with The Hope while speaking on the preparation of the party towards the next gubernatorial election in the state, and how the party would maintain the success recorded during the last House of Assembly election.

Kalejaye noted that what the party is targeting is to first achieve the first term development agenda which was rolled out at the inception of the administration.

“To us in the All Progressives Congress, the best way to prepare for election is to fulfill campaign promises we made to the people, and here in Ondo state, the APC government led by Arakurin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, is so concerned and passionate about the well-being of our people.

” This informed why this administration concentrates so much on building infrastructure, renovating and reconstructing schools, workers’ welfare, food security, with this, people will live better life” , he said.

According to him, the administration is just two years old and therefore too soon to engage in second term campaign but rather ensure that the presence of government is felt across the state, a feat that would speak for the party in 2021.

The APC spokesperson however said that the party didn’t fail in the state during the presidential election having scored 40%, while reacting to the comment by the state former deputy governor, Alhaji Ali Olanusi that President Buhari failed in the state due to anti-party activities.



He noted that necessary efforts were being made to sustain the success recorded by the party during the House of Assembly election, noting that reconciliation has been made and there is no more aggrieved aspirants in the state.

Kalejaye who said friction and crisis can never be ruled out of political activities, affirmed that the party has put everything that transpired during the primaries behind and members are now in one accord.

Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State on Sunday converged on the government House, Alagbaka, Akure and pass a vote of confidence on the state governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN.

The Leaders unanimously gave Akeredolu a pass mark particularly on massive infrastructural developmental, water and sanitation, Industrialization, workers welfare and other areas of critical intervention.

The Leaders included : Former Senator Titus Olupitan, Former finance commissioner, Segun Ojo, Former Commissioner for Information, Prince Olu Adegboro, South West chairman of the APC, Pastor Bankole Oluwajana, a member of the APC Board of Trustee (BOT) Chief Jamiu Ekungba, serving Senator Tayo Alasoadura, serving member of House of Representatives, Hon. Kolawole Babatunde, Director General of the Technical Aid Corps, Dr. Pius Osunyikanmi, Pat Kelly, and other notable leaders.

One after the other, the leaders alluded to the silent revolution presently going on across the 18 local government areas of the state. They lauded Akeredolu for fulfilling the party's campaign promises and representing the party well by delivering good governance to the people.

A BOT member, Ekungba and the APC South West chairman, Oluwajana explained that Akeredolu has made the next journey of the party easy. They described Akeredolu as a sellable candidate who has touched the lives of the people of the state.

Osunyikanmi, Alasoadura, Adegboro and Ekungba wondered how Governor Akeredolu was able to ignite and sustain the current developmental revolution across the state despite the paucity of fund.

They particularly hailed the governor for achieving so much within the space of 2years without borrowing a kobo so far. The Leaders described as unprecedented the kind of industrial growth the state is presently witnessing.

Osunyikanmi said the Governor has shown that he has great vision for the state with his mydas touch across the state especially on road construction and massive reconstruction of Public Primary Schools.

The APC state chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin urged members of the party to be united and speak with one voice ahead of future elections in the state.

Governor Akeredolu thanked leaders of the party for the confidence reposed in him. He declared that more dividend of good governance will be enjoyed by the people of the state.

At the meeting were the Deputy Governor, Hon. Alfred Agboola Ajayi, Speaker of the house of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bamidele Oleyelogun, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Gbenga Ale, SSG, Ifedayo Abegunde and others, members of the state house of assembly, members of the state executive council, local government caretaker chairmen and others.

The Governor used the occasion to celebrate members of the house of Assembly - elect. He expressed his joy over the impressive performance of the party in the state assembly election.

A private firm, the Crown Refinery and Petrochemical Limited, on Wednesday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ondo State Government on the establishment of a $500m modular refinery in the state.

The MoU was signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Sunday Abegunde, and the representatives of the company.

The company’s major business is the refining of crude oil into petroleum products, and it had expressed its readiness to do business in Ondo State.

Receiving the signed documents from the SSG, the Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, said the government would create an enabling environment to ensure the successful completion of the project.

According to the governor, the door of the state is open to all genuine investors to do business with it, and his administration is committed to making the state a business hub for investors.

He said, “Ondo State is safe for investors; we will do everything to ensure that this project is successful.

“Ondo State is strategically positioned among the Niger Delta states and Lagos State, which is the nation’s economic nerve centre, to make all business-minded investors reap bountifully on their investments in the state.”

He commended Crown Refinery and Petrochemical for coming on board at this time to be a worthy partner with the government and assured the company and its partners a second-to-none atmosphere for their business deals in the state.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Crown Refinery and Petrochemical, Mr Kassim Adeleke, said the company had, before now, approached some states for the establishment of the project but was not welcomed.

He said in Ondo State, he found professionalism, swift decision-making, friendly communities and passion, such that in less than one year of opening talks with the state government, the coast had been clear for the commencement of the landmark project.

According to him, the proposed project will have an initial capacity to refine about 30,000 barrels per stream day but would later be scaled to 60,000 bpsd within the next five years, and it is expected to be completed within 36 months.

Adeleye said, “We are going into the business of refining crude oil; the government of Ondo State would provide the enabling environment and incentives to support us as we actualise this vital investment.

“Apart from the project having the capacity to refine crude oil, it will also be producing 120,000 tons of base oil and 25,000 tons of lubrication oil on a yearly basis.

“The company will also be providing several infrastructural projects in the states and would create about 2,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities for indigenes of the state.”

SOURCE: https://citadelng.com/firm-partners-ondo-on-500m-modular-refinery/

Water is Life. Access to safe water contributes to improved health and prevents infectious disease. Lack of potable water supply has been a huge problem in Ondo State even as the immediate past administration abandoned the Owena dam project initiated by the late Olusegun Agagu’s administration.

When Governor Akeredolu assumed office in February 24th , 2017, the percentage of public water supply in the state was less than four percent. Spur by his determination to provide potable water supply in the state, Governor Akeredolu initiated the “Kamomi Aketi ” water Scheme. Today, the Ondo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (RUWASSA) led by the Executive Chairman appointed by the Governor, Mrs Yetunde Adeyanju has touched almost every communities across the state.

Most significant is the Accelerated water scheme which was commissioned in Ayede Ogbese by the Minister of Water Resources, Engr Suleiman Adamu . The Ayede Ogbese water scheme has 5km reticulation and distribution network with a storage tank of 50m capacity that would discharge at full capacity twice a day with 100 public standpipes, 200 fetching points while one fetching point will serve 50 people.

Impressed by the success recorded in “Kamomi Aketi Accelerated Water Scheme” , the Federal Government has adopted the model for all states across the federation.

The era of fetching water from a stream that is likely to be affected by poor disposal of human waste is gone in Ondo state. Over 950 water facilities have been rehabilitated across the state while new ones are being sunk. It’s indeed, a new era. In Ondo State, the Sun is shining!

SOURCE: https://citadelng.com/portable-water-supply-akeredolu-records-another-significant-stride/

Newly elected House of Assembly member in Ondo State, Mr. Akintomide Akinrogunde has disclosed that sponsoring a bill renaming OSUSTECH after late Dr. Olusegun Agagu would be his priority when the assembly is inaugurated in June.

Akinrogunde, who was elected on March 9, 2019 to represent Okitipupa Constituency 1.

The proposed bill, he said would be necessary to honour late Agagu whom he said laid good records and delivered dividends of democracy to Ondo state when he was alive.

According to him, “The good legacy left behind by late Agagu is worthy of emulation and therefore he needs to be remembered for his contributions to democracy in the state and the country at large.

“Renaming OSUSTECH after Olusegun Agagu will be my first bill to sponsor.

“This will be done because Dr. Agagu has laid down landmark achievements when he was alive as a governor of Ondo State.”

source: https://citadelng.com/bill-to-rename-osustech-after-agagu-my-priority-lawmaker-elect/

The Ondo State government has been receiving praises for taking construction of roads to the next level. Among the latest to attract the attention of the government is the A Division-Ijoka-Idanre road, and part of the road is already being overlaid with asphalt. With this and many other road projects like it, the Oluwarotimi Akeredolu led government is poised to make its mark.

Concerning that road, the governor said: “For me it has always been my wish to transverse this road back to Akure and through this, we are opening a new life for Idanre people.

“This road among other benefits, opens this city for tourist attraction so that everybody could come here and have beautiful moments while visiting our tourist centres.”

According to reports, part of the road would soon be ready for use.

It is important to note that there has been no incident of contractors abandoning project sites and this could be put to the novel approach to road construction that the state government has put in place. They are only paid in phases for job done based on the agreement with the government. With that the contractors would be on their toes to deliver as and when due.

Construction of access roads is important for the development of the society. It has the potential to increase the value of lands and landed properties, ease movement of farm products and other goods.

And in different parts of the state, the pain felt by those cut off when the culvert(s) leading to their area collapsed has been eased with government’s intervention.

According to reports, examples of such interventions include: construction of three box culverts in Ikare; construction of box culvert and a bridge along Oba-Akoko-Ikunu Road, construction of box culvert at Iralepo, Owo; construction of box culvert, channels, drains and approaches at Ore.

The governor has described the rehabilitation of roads as a dividend of good governance. He said that N9billion has already been expended to construct and rehabilitate roads in the state, revealing the passion of the state government in that regard.

In the construction of roads, especially dualisation, there are buildings that have to give way and indemnity paid to those whose buildings have to give way.

The governor said the government is “ensuring that all those whose property were affected by our development activities are duly compensated. The payment is to make it easy for them to relocate, acquire new property and continue life without hardship or encumbrances.”

Speaking on the 12kilometer Okitipupa Igbokoda road, Governor Akeredolu said: “The essence of this road is to divert traffic from inside Okitipupa town. We have to go through Okitipupa to Igbokoda and pass through markets and congested roads and we chose to have a bypass to assist traffic, hence the construction of the road.

“A lot of work has been done at the other end of the road and we can now pass through and it is an achievement for us.”

On the activities of the contractor, he said “they have gone beyond the amount we have given them, so we have to struggle to get money for them to speed up work. The terrain is very swampy and has to be stabilised.”

A few of the other roads being attended to by government in the southern senatorial districts are: Sabomi-Ajagba road, Ayeka Araromi road and secretariat road in Irele.

The Ore flyover along Shagamu-Benin expressway is also under construction. Travellers coming from Lagos into Akure, passing through that route would readily attest to that fact seeing how the place has been transformed. It did not just end as a good idea, when it was announced but the contractors have been mobilised to site and work is being done.

The infamous Oke Alabojuto road has also been attended to, bringing succour to people in the northern senatorial district.

There are many projects in Akure, Ondo State capital. They include: Ekiti Avenue Ijapo, Oluwatoyin crescent Alagbaka GRA, dualisation of CBN-Bishop courts road, Alagbaka, Iwalewa road, Court of Appeal road, Signature-Federal High Court-SIB road, Alagbaka and patching of selected roads in Akure.

In Owo, there is the dualisation of Emure Junction-Owo road. Idanre township roads and St Peters road Ile-oluji are not left behind.

Among the roads still to be constructed according to the plans of the government is the Akunnu-Ikaram-Oke Agbe-Afin-Ogbagi-Irun road.

The governor revealed that the design of the road has been completed, and contractors would soon be mobilised to the site. He made this known on a recent visit to the Akoko North West Local government, where the Olupe of Ipe-Akoko, Oba Francis Apata, like Oliver Twist, made an additional appeal for the rehabilitation of the Epinmi-Ikare-Oba-Ikuun-Ipe-Isua road.

He said: “We know they are Federal Government roads, but we appeal to you to use your connection to ensure that they are touched.”

The Ondo State Government has reiterates continued support for the National Youth Service Scheme.

Chairman of Governing Board of NYSC and Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Saka Yusuf Ogunleye was speaking while presenting a new double cabin vehicle to the state command of the National Youth Service Corps. in Akure.

Mr. Ogunleye said the gesture was in fulfilment of government desire to do everything to support the scheme in every way.

"Let me thank the Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for keeping faith with the plan to support NYSC. What we have just witnessed is a demonstration of our support and assistance for NYSC.
Its not the first time this is happening.
Renovation of buidings and perimeter fencing of the permanent site at Ikare Akoko is going on at the state government expense.
This donation is in that spirit. And this support will continue to be ongoing to the scheme.

NYSC needs to be supported in every way due to the peculiar daunting task its performing.
Directly, they are shaping the life of our youths and preparing them for the task of nation-buiding and leadership roles in the future.
Anything done to ensure the scheme succeeds is deserved."

In her response, an elated State Coordinator, Mrs. Grace Akpabio described the development as pleasant.

"My gratitude goes to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for his continued love for the NYSC in Ondo State.

This is another feather added to his long list of achievements and assistance to the scheme.
I also want to thank the chairman of the governing board for his relentlessness to ensure that the scheme achieve greatness."

SOURCE: https://citadelng.com/ondo-govt-vows-continued-support-at-donation-of-new-vehicle-to-nysc/

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, has urged the people of the state and beyond to take time to visit the Ondo - Linyi Industrial hub located within the premise of the Ore Industrial park to appreciate the industrial breakthrough that's being recorded so far.

Governor Akeredolu said the state is surely on the pathway to great industrial growth which will turn the economic of the state around for the better. He added that the Textile mill widely circulated by the people was just a tip of the iceberg considering other huge investments at the park.

The Governor spoke during a courtesy visit by the Araromi - Obu in - Council to the governor's office, Alagbaka Akure on Tuesday.
Governor Akeredolu stressed that what is presently happening in the state in terms of industrial growth has never been witnessed in the history of the sunshine state. He added that the South Senatorial district of the state must be developed as the area was strategically located with abundant resources needed for development

Governor Akeredolu also said the state is pursuing the issue of the deep sea port without looking back. He disclosed that the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA) assessment team will be in the state soon to assess the deep Sea Port.

He said :" We have submitted all our papers. The NPA assessment team will be here this week or next. It's after that we will have the port declaration and then, we know that it's a federal government thing, but we will look for investors."

The Ajobu of Araromi Obu, Oba Aderemi Adelola who led the team praised the Governor for the various projects in Odigbo local government. He described the projects as star projects with huge economic gains.

He said :" We thank you for what you have been able to do so far in terms of infrastructure. Araromi Obu community is an agrarian community. We appreciate your administration for some land mark development projects. After the completion of these projects the landscape of our state will not remain the same and our economic will grow

"We are aware that you are embarking on the construction of road from Araromi sea side to Lekki. That's will bring massive economic development. We are also aware of the flyover in Ore. Those are star projects that can not be criticized because of the economic gains. We are aware of the passion you have for development

"We want to equally highlight your strides in education especially on the reconstruction of over 700 Public Primary Schools. These are great projects. We are aware of the textile mill in Ore, its creating jobs for our youths and the women. "

SOURCE: https://citadelng.com/we-are-surely-on-the-pathway-to-great-industrial-growth-in-ondo-says-akeredolu/

The Ondo State Government has said it will collaborate with the National Youth Service Corps to help corps members posted to the state to become self-reliant.

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu said this during a ceremony for the 2019 Batch ‘A’ corps members posted to the state in Ikare Akoko on Monday.

Represented on the occasion by the state Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, the governor said by acquiring vocational skills the lives of the corps members would improve economically.

Akeredolu said, “We are committed as partners in progress to improving the lives of our corps members economically by collaborating with the NYSC.

“We will do our best for the corps members as a responsible government.”

The state coordinator of the corps, Mrs Grace Akpabio, told the corps members to take advantage of the various platforms to prepare themselves for the challenges of the service year and post-service life.

SOURCE: https://punchng.com/ondo-nysc-partner-on-skills-acquisition-for-corps-members/amp/

This is good development. I love the BRECAN Convener.

The Ondo State Government has handed Sunshine Stars FC a massive boost by making good its promise of improved match journey comfort for players and officials with the acquisition of a new team bus.

A one unit of brand new Innoson 33 seater bus (IVM 600) was delivered to the Club in time for the weekend win over Kwara United in Akure to the delight of all stakeholders.

Reacting to the development, a visibly happy Ondo State Football Agency Chairman, Otunba Tajudeen Akinyemi expressed gratitude to the Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu led government for the promise fulfilled.

“This is very good and refreshing for us, we cannot thank Aketi (Governor Akeredolu) enough for making good the promise of a new bus. This has shown again that the Ondo State Government prioritise our welfare and we are grateful.

“The players are obviously more motivated with this gesture, and am sure it will spur them on to give more in the quest to bring glory to the State. Will hope to pay them back with good results.” Akinyemi, who is also the president of Sunshine Stars submitted to ODSFA Media.

The new bus will be branded and officially commissioned in the coming days.

SOURCE: https://citadelng.com/sunshine-stars-get-brand-new-team-bus-odsfa-expresses-gratitude-to-akeredolu/

.....Seeks adequate publication of Akeredolu’s laudable projects.

The Ondo state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Engr Ade Adetimehin has declared that impacts of any government can not be felt by the masses without the full support of the media and journalists.

This is just as he solicited the support of the media in publicizing various people’s oriented projects of the present administration of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

Adetimehin stated this at the Press Centre, Alagbaka- Akure during a Special GET-TOGETHER to celebrate the emergence of new Executives of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo state Council.

On March 21, 2019, members of NUJ in the state filed out to elect Adetona Aderoboye – Chairman, Hakeem Gbadamosi – Vice Chairman, Leke Adegbite -General Secretary and Adeola Adekunle -Financial Secretary.

However, to justify his friendship with the pen profession, the APC State Chairman hosted the Get-Together to bring members of the Union together and their friends.

Adetimehin described the media as a critical segment of the society, that set agenda on how the citizenry would be viewing or assessing political leaders and their administrations, hence the need for any leader that wishes to succeed to positively relate with media professionals.

“I don’t think any government or political leader can make headway or succeed without media’s support. If you are doing laudable projects as government and you don’t get necessary publicity from journalists, people will be thinking or believing such government is not performing”, the Chairman.

“We plead with you to continue to support our performing governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, give his laudable projects more publicity.

Everybody is commending him over massive roads construction, in the health sector, face-lift and rehabilitation schools’ structures”, he said.

Adetimehin congratulated members of the NUJ in Ondo State over the successful conduct of recent election of the Union and called for a robust working relationship and harmonious partnership between NUJ, State government and the ruling APC for a better service delivery to the public.

The APC Chairman urged all NUJ members to support their new officers for overall growth of the Union.

In a remark, the Acting Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Tayo Ogunleye pledged the support of labour leaders to the new NUJ leadership to succeed.

In an address, the new NUJ Chairman, Adetona Aderoboye who appreciated the support of all journalists in the state, NUJ National President, Chris Izuguso and labour leaders, assured members that the new Executives would deliver on their electioneering promises to uplift the Union.

Aderoboye who commended Adetimehin’s regular support to NUJ for years, said the Union would ensure its members report the state government’s activities adequately and objectively.

The GET-TOGETHER was attended by NUJ members from all its chapels, top government functionaries including the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Adefarati Gboyega Local government chairmen, General Managers of Radio Nigeria Positive 102.5 FM, Mr Tunde Abiodun and that of NTA, Mr Segun Ojelade; the State JNC Chairman, Abel Oloniyo; National Deputy President of Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU), Sunday Adeleye; while all the labour Unions were represented by their state Chairmen and Secretaries.

SOURCE: https://citadelng.com/no-government-or-leader-can-succeed-without-medias-support-ondo-apc-chairman/

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress,APC, Ondo State chapter, Mr. Ade Adetimehin, has said that the 23 lawmakers-elect out of 26 legislators of the State House of Assembly on the platform of the party will not be rubber stamps to the executive arm of government in the discharge of their duties.

He explained that they would not be rubber stamp legislators but be an analytical lawmakers with critical minds to do what is needful of them for good governance to be enjoyed by residents of the state.

Adetimehin said this while speaking with journalists at the presentation of certificate of returns to the members-elect of the State House of Assembly by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Akure.

According to him, ” They will not be rubber stamps to executive arm of government but will do what is expected of them and not disappoint those who voted them into power”.

The chairman assured that they will not disappoint the electorates and the state in general, saying that they have been tried and tested at the party’s level before were elected.

He, therefore, attributed the emergence of 23 lawmakers-elect on the platform of the party to the grace of God,saying that they are men and women of honor that will add great value to the 9th assembly.

SOURCE: https://citadelng.com/apc-legislators-elect-ll-not-be-rubber-stamps-adetimehin/

The Wife of the Ondo State Governor, Mrs Betty Akeredolu, has called for a gender-balanced society as she felicitates with the entire women in the state on occasion of Mothering Sunday.

She made the call during a service organised to mark the 2019 Mothering Sunday at the Cathedral Church of St Andrew, Owo, Ondo State.

The governor’s wife commended all women who had played important roles of mothers in many lives, including the commitment of foster and adoptive mothers who had taken on the responsibility of caring for less privileged children around their communities.

She noted that the call was for a gender-balanced society; as it was essential for economies and communities to thrive.

The governor’s wife urged husbands to be more attentive to the needs of their wives.

“Marriage is a partnership. Husbands should not relegate their wives to mere domestic slaves; men should also help their spouses.

“Women subjugation is a mere societal construct. If society could make us believe that women are inferior to men, we, the inhabitants of present day Nigeria, can also correct this false notion,’’ she said.

Earlier in his sermon, titled: “Christian Family’’, Very Rev. Ajayi Agboola, called on the congregation to always commit their families into God’s hands in their endeavour.

Agboola said this would help to ensure peace and prosperity in every home and lauded the First Lady for her numerous contributions to women development within Ondo State.

It was a jubilation galore at the Ondo State Sports Complex yesterday as Sunshine stars returned to winning ways .

The Owena Whales resurcitated from their two home draws to defeat Kwara United 1-0 in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) match day 13.

The pulsating encounter saw the center referee ditched out three red cards to both teams as Sunshine stars had the larger share of the spoils when Ajibola Otegbeye and Andrew Ikefe of Kwara United were sent off simultaneously in the 47th minute for unprofessional act, before the home team captain Abe Sunday had his own share and was equally sent off in the 70th minute of the game for a controversial decision by the center referee.

With the referee decisions the game ended in 10 against 9. Earlier Michael Egbeta ignited the home fans to a wide jubilation in the 62nd minute with his thunderous outside box shot that gave the home team the lead .

During the post match interview, Sunshine Stars head coach Kabiru Dogo, commended his 9 man squad for the character they displayed to calm the tempo of the game.

Dogo said, ” despite the fact that I did not want to comment on the decision of the referee ,I never thought my team deserve those red cards”.

He therefore solicited more support from the home fans , saying the support they shown to the team today restored his confidence .

According to him ,”with this kind of support we will go to places this season”.

Afonja warrior coach Abubakar Bala, described the encounter as good one despite the fact that his team was not able to grab the one point target .

He said, we played very well, the problem we have was unable to make use of our chances, and when you failed to make use of your chances you pay for it, that is what really happened today .

It was a fair officiating, all the cards believe worth it, we just need to instill discipline into our players,” he concluded.

SOURCE: https://citadelng.com/sunshine-stars-break-deadlock-defeat-kwara-united-1-0/

The Special Adviser to Ondo State Governor on Mobilisation and Political Matters, Mr. Olatunji Ifabiyi has said that the All Progressives Congress (APC), would not allow the opposition to dictate the 9th National Assembly.

He explained that the party has learnt its lesson in the outgoing National Assembly in which opposition party dictated the pace of senate at the expense of the ruling party and Nigerians.

lfabiyi, who stated this in a telephone interview with The Hope yesterday said the leadership of the party has come on board calling to order APC lawmakers-elect at the national parliament to be on the side of the party to produce House of Representatives’ Speaker and Senate President that will collaborate with the executive for good governance.

“We have learnt a lot of lessons from the past on the issue of National Assembly as the opposition dictating the pace of senate at the expense of ruling party.

“If you observed, the leadership of the party has come on board calling to order APC lawmakers-elect at the National Assembly on the need for them to be on the side of the party to put in place Speaker of the House of Representatives and Senate President,” he explained

The Special Adviser expressed satisfaction in the neutrality being displayed by President Muhammadu Buhari in choosing the leadership of National Assembly, charging the party to show quality leadership and call to order APC lawmakers to choose among themselves leaders that will complement the President Buhari-led executive to build a prosperous nation.

His words: “l believe so much as the president is playing neutrality, the party must show good leadership by calling their members to order which it has been doing to choose Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives that will complement of President Buhari in building the nation.”

He noted that the President has a lot to do in this regard and advised the legislative arm to be a different entity for it to caution the executive not at the expense of Nigerians just as the 8th National Assembly is doing.

According to him, the present National Assembly leadership pursued its factional advancement and interest which are not good for the country.

He condemned such act as he noted that the national budget presented to National Assembly witnessed delayed at the detriment of Nigeria and Nigerians before they were passed into laws.

lfabiyi, therefore, advised APC national lawmakers who have indicated interest in the offices of House of Representatives’ Speaker and Senate President to shelf their personal interest and have the cumulative interest of the country in their minds.

He said: “They should look at it from the angle of one among equal. They should not toy the line of over ambition of 8th assembly leadership which got power at all cost and see the office of Senate President beyond their personal ego, interest and ambition.”