Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has said birth registration certificate would soon be a prerequisite for the registration of pupils into public primary schools in the state.

He said the birth registration certificate will also serve as ease of access for Children under the age of Five who are included in the free health care services of the state government.

Governor Akeredolu described the move as part of the efforts to collaborate with the Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu Foundation towards a better birth registration in the state.

The Governor spoke at the one day stakeholders summit on Birth Registration in the state held at the International Culture and Events Center (DOME), Igbatoro Road, Akure.

Governor Akeredolu said correct birth registration will help the government plan for the future of the children and also engender development in the state.

He said:" Let me congratulate Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu Foundation for putting this together. I want to believe that as the UNICEF as rightly underscored it, this initiative is a great one and greatly appreciated

"I listened to the NPC and everyone who has spoken about this inalienable right of our children, the right to identity. The need for planning. The two work together. If we do not have good birth registration we can't plan properly.

"One thing that's very clear is that the government can not do it alone. Hence, the initiative of BAAF must be recognized and applauded. We must find of way of to collaborate with the foundation

"As a government I believe that part of our collaboration will be to have a policy statement. The time has come for all our children to have birth registration certificate before registration in our primary Schools

"Under our health policy, children under 5 are treated free of charge, we must insist that our children must have birth registration certificate or they are issued one at the hospital. As a government, it is important for us to assist, because this birth registration will help us in planning. For us to plan, we need to have correct figures and our population. We will henceforth encourage BAAF. "

SOURCE: http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/Akeredolu-advises-parents-on-benefits-of-birth-registration

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari Monday night met with the All Progressives Congress, APC, Senators-elect and the Governors elected on the party’s platform at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The meeting which was organised in form of a dinner, was hosted by the presidency for the Senators elected on the platform of the ruling APC, for the ninth assembly.

Although the agenda of the meeting was not made public as at press time, it was reliably gathered that it was to ensure that leadership of the ninth senate would have a harmonious relationship with the executive arm of government.

Recall that because of the inability of the ruling APC to zone leadership positions to the six geopolitical zones in 2015, the struggle for office created crisis that led to the emergence of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to produce the deputy senate President in the position of Ike Ekweremadu.

At the mock primaries conducted to select a consensus candidate at the International Conference Center, Abuja, Ahmad Lawan from Yobe State was chosen but at the election day, while some members of the national assembly were still meeting at ICC, the Clark of the National Assembly started inauguration of the seventh assembly in accordance with the proclamation order by President Buhari.

Consequently, Dr. Bukola Saraki who was interested in the senate presidency and in alliance with the opposition PDP was elected. Since the emergence of Saraki, there has been frosty relationship between the legislature and the executive which culminated in some members of the ruling APC including the Senate President, Dr. Saraki to defecting to the opposition PDP.

Although the Presidency had recently said that President Buhari would not influence the leadership of the National Assembly to respect the doctrine of separation of power, it was gathered that the President would not want to have a leadership that would be hostile to the executive. Already Senator Ahmad Lawan, former Senate leader, Ali Ndume from Borno and Danjuma Goje are among the top contenders for the senate presidency seat.

While Lawan appears to be having the backing of the leadership of the APC, Ndume and Goje also enjoy the blessings of senators including those in the opposition.

Apart from the current serving senators and the incoming ones in attendance, Ifeanyi Uba who was elected on the platform of the Young Peoples Party, YPP, was also in the meeting.

The APC Governors that were present included Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna state, Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, Simon Lalong of Plateau state, Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi state and Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara state. Others were Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa, Ibrahim Gaidam, Kashim Shettina of Borno State, and Gboyega Oyetala of Osun State.

Also present was the National Chairman of APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Former Governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor-Kalu and Abdulahi Adamu from Nassarawa state who both have been rumoured to be eyeing senate presidency were also present


SOURCE: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/03/senate-presidency-buhari-meets-apc-senators-elect-govs/

As part of the efforts to fight human trafficking in Ondo State, the State Government, in partnership with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) on Tuesday set up a Taskforce committee.

The committee is chaired by the State Attoney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adekola Olawoye and Co-chaired by the Zonal Commandant of NAPTIP, Mrs. Kehinde Akomolafe.

Members of the taskforce are drawn from a wide spectrum of key stakeholders in the state, including state government officials, law enforcement agencies, the traditional institution, community and opinion leaders, religious leaders, transport owners and workers, women and youth groups as well as other civil society and community based organisations.

Addressing the committee members, the State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, described human trafficking as a modern form of slavery which he said is criminal and also against the will of God.

Akeredolu, represented by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, lauded NAPTIP for taking the bold step to set up the state Taskforce across the country.

He added that he believed the gesture will go a long way to open the eyes and minds of the populace to the inherent dangers in committing their lives to agent of darkness pretending to help them seek greener pastures outside the country.

The Governor lamented that the youths are the most vulnerable as they are often recruited unknowingly to become slaves and prostitutes once they are outside the shores of the country.

"The gory tale we get from individuals who have been victims of human trafficking about the indignity and deprivation they suffer should be eye openers to our youths who are still being deceived that the pasture is greener in those countries that provide the environment for the illicit trade to thrive.

"It is worrisome to note that the name of the country has been dragged in the mud by unscrupulous element through their nefarious activities in human trafficking.

"Aside focusing on trafficking of persons to overseas countries, efforts should also be made to look inwards as incidences of human trafficking abound within the country" Akeredolu said.

The Governor charged the taskforce team to direct its effort towards discouraging people from going into the journey of unknown while those already trafficked victims should be rescued and rehabilitated accordingly.

On her part, the Director-General of NAPTIP Dame Julie Okah-Donli said the purpose for the setting up of the taskforce was premised on the need to enhance state and non-state multi sectoral response towards combating human trafficking in Nigeria.

According to her, members of the committee are expected to develop strategies and state action plans on counter-trafficking issues. Carry out programmes for effective reintegration of trafficked victims into the society. Work with state Ministry of Justice on how to protect, assist and provide access to justice for victims of Trafficking.

SOURCE: https://citadelng.com/ondo-state-government-set-up-taskforce-to-curb-human-trafficking/

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Adams Oshiomhole, said unlike what happened in the 8th National Assembly, the party members in the 9th Assembly must chair all committees in the federal legislature.

Oshiomhole, who stated this at the meeting with members-elect of the House of Representatives at the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Centre, added that the party would only concede chairmanship of public accounts to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party.

Oshiomhole said the APC would not share offices of principal officers of the House and chairmanship of juicy committees with the opposition PDP, except for position reserved for minority members.

Oshiomhole, at the meeting, stated that the ruling party would not allow a repeat of the mistakes it made when the National Assembly was inaugurated in June 2015.

Oshiomhole told the attendees that with the overwhelming majority in the House, the APC would use its numerical strength to its advantage.

He said, “This time round, we must ensure that we have a leadership of the National Assembly that shares the vision of the executive. Although we will adhere to the principle of separation of powers but there is only one government and unless the various arms pursue the same agenda, it is difficult for the executive to realise its vision because legislative backing is often require for the executive actions.

“So, I will expect that you bear it in mind that we are one family joined together as shown in our broom, with a share commitment to bail Nigeria out of the condition in which we find it in 2015. And that you have the numbers and we will use the numbers to ensure that we have a leadership that commands the trust and the respect of all the members of the House of Representatives.

“We have the number to produce the Speaker and we will produce the Speaker, who must be a member of the APC. We have the numbers to produce the deputy Speaker and we will use the numbers to produce the deputy Speaker, who must be a member of the APC. We have the number and we must use the numbers to elect a House Leader who must be a member of the APC.

“We have the numbers and we will use the numbers to produce a Chief Whip and a Deputy Whip who must be members of the APC. I think the only position that we are not interested in is the Minority Leader. Let it remain minor in the hands of the minors in the opposition.

“We will not share power in the House of the Representatives and the leadership must ensure that critical committees that drive government are chaired only by the APC members. If the Nigeria people wanted them to be chairmen of committees they would have voted for them.

“So, all the chairmen of committees, except the one that is statutorily reserved for the opposition, which is Public Accounts, they can have that. So, we would not do the kind of thing that happened the last time in which some APC members became distance spectators in the management of committees, when the PDP had majority of the strategic committees in the House; that will not happen in the next Assembly.

“We are aware that they believe they can use the divide and rule by sponsoring many people within our ranks so that they can become the kingmaker and in return the person will offer them some chairmanship seats. I’m sure you are not going to do business with them. We will see them as partners in progress but in democracy, the rule is – and it is a universal rule – that majority must have their way but minority must be allowed to have their say.

“So, the PDP and other minority parties can have their say but working together the APC must have it way in legislative agenda, in the leadership of the National Assembly and the leadership of the committees in the National Assembly.

“We will work out a sensible zoning formula that sees to carry everybody along and give people chances to demonstrate their capacities and their capabilities. We are working on that.”

However, a ranking member of the House, told our correspondents on condition of anonymity that President Muhammadu Buhari wanted the candidates that the party listed for the 8th National Assembly leadership.

In 2015, the APC had chosen the current Senate Majority Leader, Senator Ahmad Lawan (Yobe, North-East), to be President of the Senate; and the House Majority Leader, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila (Lagos, South-West), to be the Speaker.

However, Senator Bukola Saraki (Kwara, North-Central) and Mr Yakubu Dogara (Bauchi, North-East), though APC members then, had formed an alliance with the opposition and Minority PDP to emerge as Senate President and Speaker, respectively.

The source said, “It was clear that the President had opted for Lawan and Gbajabiamila because they were the victims of the conspiracy against the APC in both chambers in 2015.”

Also on Monday, the lawmaker representing Isiukwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abaia State, Mrs Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, officially declared her speakership ambition.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation, who is currently the only female speakership aspirant, said she wanted the position as a ranking member who would serve a fourth term in the 9th National Assembly.

She made the declaration on Monday at a media briefing in Abuja, saying that she was in the race to help advance the party’s developmental policies.

Also, the Chairman, House Committee on Health Care Services, Chike Okafor, who represents Ehime Mbano/Ihitte Uboma/Obowo Federal Constituency of Imo State, also said on Monday that he was interested in contesting the speakership position.

He said, “The 9th House needs a Speaker and a leadership that is experienced and competent. I fully support any call for a South-East speakership.”

The Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Mr Abdulrazak Namdas, has indicated his readiness to officially declare his speakership ambition on Tuesday (today).

Namdas, who is returning for a second term, is representing Jada/Ganye/Mayo Belwa/Toungo Federal Constituency of Adamawa State, same north-eastern state the current Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, represents.

However, a former Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, has written the National Chairman of the APC, Oshiomhole, to inform him of his decision to run for the office of the President of the Senate of the 9th National Assembly.

Ndume in a letter of intent dated March 25, 2019, and addressed to Oshiomhole, which was obtained by one of our correspondents on Monday, specifically sought the blessing of the party to actualise his aspiration.

The senator representing Borno South on the platform of the APC said he was “throwing his hat into the ring believing that the Senate President position would be zoned to the North-East geopolitical zone.”

He said, “I wish to emphasise that my decision to contest for the Senate Presidency is informed by my desire to contribute my quota to nation building.”

The National Chairman of the APC, Oshiomhole, said on Monday that the party, President Muhammadu Buhari, governors and the National Assembly members were working on how to produce consensus candidates for the positions of Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Oshiomhole spoke in Abuja after a meeting of the APC National Working Committee members, returning/newly-elected senators ended at the Presidential Villa.

Oshiomhole said, “The purpose is to bond the new and old members, to establish a new relationship between the Executive and the Legislature.

“Happily, the Nigerian people have given us the number in the legislative arm of government. All we have agreed to today is that we will use these numbers as a functioning whole to determine the leadership of the Senate.”

SOURCE: https://punchng.com/apc-must-have-its-way-in-the-leadership-of-nassembly-oshiomhole/

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has assured the people of Akoko North West Local Government area of the state that the construction of Akunnu-Ikaram-Okeagbe-Afin-Ogbagi-Irun road would commence soon.

Akeredolu gave the assurance during his thank-you-tour to Akoko North West and Akoko South East Local Government areas of Ondo North Senatorial District over their supports for candidates of APC during the last House of Assembly election.

He explained that the design of the road had been completed, while the contractors would soon be mobilised to site .

The Governor, who described Akoko North West as the home of progressive politics, thanked them for their loyalty and support for APC at all times.

Akeredolu also thanked the people of the area for the victory of both candidates representing the two constituencies at the recently concluded House of Assembly elections.

Earlier, Owa of Ogbagi-Akoko, Oba Victor Adetona who spoke on behalf of other traditional rulers in the local government, thanked the Governor for appointing indigenes of the local government into his cabinet.

While applauding Governor Akeredolu for the renovation of various Schools in the area, he appealed that construction works on their deplorable roads should commence in earnest.

At Isua, in Akoko South East local government, Akeredolu commended the people of the area for their support for the party’s candidate which he said would in turn, usher in more democracy dividends to the people.

He added that apart from the renovation of many schools in the area and the rehabilitation of the Federal Government’s Owo-Ikare road which had cost the state government a lot, he assured that roads linking communities in the local government would be attended to.

The governor further promised to ensure the continuous spread of dividends of democracy to the local governments.

State chairman of APC, Ade Adetimehin, thanked people of the local governments for their massive support which gave the party victory.

He enjoined them to continue to support the APC-led government in future elections for the dividends of good governance to abound.

Chairmen of both local government areas, Yomi Babatunde (Akoko South East and Ayodele Akande, Akoko North West who lauded the Governor for the execution of various developmental projects across the state, appealed for the construction of linkage roads within their domains.

Earlier, the Olupe of Ipe-Akoko, Oba Francis Apata had thanked the governor for the rehabilitation of Owo-Ikare road, and schools.

He appealed for the rehabilitation of the deplorable Epinmi-Ikare-Oba-Ikun-Ipe-Isua road.

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

“Without road connectivity, our economy cannot improve in this area, but if you can get the roads rehabilitated, you don’t need to campaign for second term because the projects will speak for you, we want to have something to show to our people,” he appealed.

SOURCE: http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/Rehabilitation-of-Akoko-road-projects-begin-soon---Akeredolu

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has disclosed that his administration has reconstructed over 700 Public Primary Schools across the state.

Akeredolu said the move was to strengthen the education sector and make school environment conducive for both teachers and the pupils.

The governor spoke at St. James' Primary School, Oda town where he commissioned the newly constructed and the renovated blocks of classroom with modern toilet, play group equipment and ICT center.

The head teacher of the School, Mrs. Morayo Adegbite appreciated the Akeredolu’s administration for the great work done in the School.

She revealed that since new structures have been put in place with other playgroup facilities, enrolment has improved significantly in the school.

SOURCE: https://citadelng.com/we-have-reconstructed-over-700-public-primary-schools-says-akeredolu/

Ondo state Governor, Arakunrin OluwarotimiAkeredolu SAN inaugurates Committee on the creation of Local Council Development Authorities at the Cocoa conference hall of the Governor’s Office, Alagbaka, Akure, on Thursday, 21st March, 2019.

The committee members are as follows:

Lanke Odogiyan, Esq
Charles Titiloye, Esq
Chief (Mrs.) Adebunmi Oshadaun
Yinka Adeyosoye, Esq
Prince Ajose Kudehinbu
Chief Bunmi Fasonu
A. A. Akindele, Esq
Mrs. G. Mojisola Ajayi
Chief Ojo George Fajemilusi
Surveyor Gani Agunbiade
Mr. Deji Akinwalere

As Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN continues his statewide tour to thank the people for their support for the candidates of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the Presidential and State House of Assembly elections in Ondo State, he has also continued to make policy statements that will shape government’s actions and decisions in the years ahead.

On Wednesday it was the turn of Ondo West Local Government Area to share in the good news.
While the Governor was thanking the people who gathered at the Civic Center in Ondo City to welcome him, he said the University of Medical Sciences in Ondo City has come to stay.

Rather than relocating or closing down already established institutions in the State, the Governor said he would continue to strengthen state-owned tertiary institutions irrespective of its location.

The Governor urged the traditional rulers and the people of Ondo Kingdom to make land available for the establishment of a standard state teaching hospital to compliment the existing University of Medical Sciences in Ondo City.

Ondo State Government has solicited more support and collaboration with UNICEF and other Development Partners in the fight against diseases that are inimical to the health of the people, especially the effort by the State government to eradicate Lassa fever in some parts of the State.

The State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Yemi Olowolabi stated this in his office in Akure, the State capital during a courtesy call on him by UNICEF officials, led by the Communication for Development (C4D) manager at UNICEF Head office in Abuja, Dr Rufus Esuchi.

The Commissioner, who commended UNICEF for its unique approach towards improving hygiene, immunization and breast feeding in the state, noted that promoting the Essential Family Practices through UNICEF’s Facts For Life programme would continue to receive the attention and support of the State government.

According to him, Lassa fever, which is mostly caused by lack of proper hygiene would have been prevented if proper hygiene and sanitation had been maintained, assuring that the State government would continue to improve the healthcare of the people.

While restating the State government’s continued partnership with UNICEF in promoting the healthcare of the people, Olowolabi urged UNICEF to expedite the process of airing its Yoruba version of Facts For Life programme with a view to further enlightening the people on most of the family practices that will improve their wellbeing.

He said “The C4D approach should be recommended for this fight against Lassa fever because from statistics, it shows that this lassa fever problem is a hygiene problem. Let us intensify effort to ensure that the Yoruba version of the facts for life programme is produced. I believe the message of facts for life, which promotes the essential family practices will further educate our people”.

He added “I can assure you of our commitment, for us as a ministry, we are ready to continue with this partnership “.

In his speech, Dr Rufus Esuchi, who was accompanied by the Chief of Akure Field Office, Mr Tejinder Sandhu and the C4D Specialist, Akure Field Office, Mrs Caroline Akosile, appreciated the support of the Ondo State government for UNICEF programmes, particularly the effort by the Information Commissioner to promote facts for life programme through the state government’s owned media outfits.

The Chief of Akure Field office of UNICEF, Mr Tejinder Sandhu, in his speech noted that the UNICEF has been collaborating with the State government through the Ministry of Health to promote healthcare, saying “We are working closely with your Ministry of Health to bring healthcare to the people at the local level, particularly in the eradication of lassa fever”.

SOURCE: http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/ODSG-seeks-UNICEF%E2%80%99s-support-against-harmful-diseases

Ore in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo state will become hub of industrialization in the state.

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu made this known yesterday, during a thank-you-tour to Odigbo Local Government area of Ondo South Senatorial District for their loyalty and support for the party during the recent House of Assembly election.

He explained that the Local Government housed a number of industries, which included a Textile factory, Paper Mill, Cassava to Ethanol factory, among others at the Ore Industrial Hub.

“The flyover we are constructing in Ore, Odigbo Local Government is consuming half of what we spend on infrastructure in the state, this is part of our appreciation to the people of the area,” he said.

The governor also promised to do more for the people of the area, and thanked them for the massive support in the recently concluded House of Assembly election,

Akeredolu who further described Odigbo local government as Mini-Nigeria for being dominated by all tribes, thanked the people for support and loyalty to the party at all times.

“We have never lost any election in this local government, even when I first contested, I have always won here. We have come to thank you for standing by us and we will never let you down”, he said.

The Governor promised that construction of various farm to trading centres roads would soon commence under the Rural Access Mobility Project (RAMP) which would enable farmers transport their farm produce to markets.

Speaking on behalf of other traditional rulers, the Ajobu of Araromi-Obu, Oba Aderemi Adelola lauded the Governor’s gesture to thank them for their supports for peace that reigned during the just concluded House of Assembly election and at all times.

“One good turn, they say deserves another, we promise to continually support your administration to record more successes in subsequent elections”, he said

The Monarch, while thanking Governor Akeredolu for the Ore Flyover under construction, the Ore Industrial Hub, renovation of both Primary and Secondary schools as well as rehabilitation of boreholes, appealed for the construction of more roads in the area.

Member representing Odigbo Constituency 1 and Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon Iroju Ogundeji thanked the people for their support during the election and assured that it would translate into more infrastructural development.

He assured that people of the local government will throw their weight the Governor’s second term in office following the massive infrastructural development in the area which included the Ore Industrial Hub, the Ore fly-over under construction among other projects.

SOURCE: http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/Ore-will-become-economic-hub-in-Ondo-State---Akeredolu

The Chairman of the newly constituted board of Ondo State Badminton Association, Olu Adekunle Ajanaku, has promised to prioritise the welfare of its coaches and athletes during his tenure.

Ajanaku stated this at the inaugural meeting, contained in a press statement made available to newsmen by Secretary of the Association, Mrs Olarewaju Omolade on Tuesday in Akure.

He said it would also enhance the game at the grassroots level by appointing auxiliary coaches at zonal levels to discover more talents.

The chairman disclosed that the association was planning partnership with schools to ensure Badminton is taken to Schools in all the senatorial districts in the state.

According to the chairman, three committees were approved to help achieve implementation of the plans, which are; Technical/Marketing and Promotion committees.

Others are; Mobilisation/Welfare/Tr-acking committee with Media and Public Relations Committees.

“The board resolved to see welfare of players and enhance the regulation of appointment of contract coaches by the sports council and engagement of auxiliary coaches at zonal level to promote the game at grassroots and spot talents for more young players.

“The meeting concluded by meeting with coaches to brief them on development plan for the association and encourage them to be more committed to improve their performance and rating of their players,” the statement read.

It would be recalled that the new board for various associations were inaugurated by the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports a fortnight ago at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure.

OndoFirstBorn:
The Industrialization efforts of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, will soon receive a major boost as the cassava to ethanol plant at the Ondo /Linyi Industrial Hub within Ore Industrial Park, Ore will soon be ready for operation.

Massive work is currently ongoing on the cassava to ethanol plant. The plant is a product of one of the Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Akeredolu’s administration and the Linyi Municipal Republic in China during the Governor's visit to China last year.

The vision of the Governor to industrialize the state for economy prosperity is yeilding more positive results.

When completed, the cassava to ethanol plant will need 300 to 400 tons of cassava daily. What this means is that cassava farmers in the state will have a ready market at the plant. With an estimation of about 1million tons annually, the cassava to ethanol plant will also afford the state the unique opportunity to key into the Federal Government initiative of Cassava off - takers.

This plant alone provides a window of employment opportunities for the youths in the state.


https://citadelng.com/investment-cassava-to-ethanol-plant-ready-for-operation-soon/

Don't forget that Gov Akeredolu also made sure that there was Establishment and Management of Cattle Fattening and Ranch at AUGA Agric Business Centre in partnership with Peace Aid Project Ltd.

My Governor is working!!!! Silent achiever.!

When penultimate last week Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN muted the idea of a statewide tour, the import, prospect and benefit were not immediately known. Some pessimists and crepehangers also dismissed and tagged it as another political jamboree.

Undauntedly, on Monday, 18th March Governor Akeredolu set out for the scheduled week-long statewide tour beginning from Irele Local Government Area, in the Southern Senatorial District of the State. As early as 9:00 am, the people were eagerly waiting for the arrival of Mr Governor at the entrance of Irele – the headquarters of Irele Local Government Area.

When he eventually arrived, Mr Governor had no option than to emerge from his SUV to acknowledge cheers from the excited crowd chanting AKETI. At Igbekebo and Igbokoda the headquarters of Ese- Odo and Ilaje Local Government Areas respectively, the accolades and warm reception didn’t dwindled in spite of the scorching sun.

The people love to see the Governor, not necessarily because of his clean-shaven white handlebars beard. But because Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN has turned Ondo state to one huge construction site. For instance, in the Southern District the ongoing construction of Ore flyover interchange bridge, the 12 kilometer Okitipupa /Igbokoda bypass and many more, all testifying to the singular fact that the Governor is relentless in his pursuit to transform the State.

Although, the Governor statewide tour was tagged a ” Thank You Visit ” it wears the significance of three togas. The visit provides an ample opportunity for Mr Governor to interact with the people -to say thank you for your supports. Not only that, Governor Akeredolu again has the chance to feel his people- their pains and gains

Extemporaneously, too, it presents an opportunity for Mr Governor on one hand to give account of stewardship and the people on the other hand an instant feedback. We saw yesterday, the Governor highlighted projects executed in the various domains visited and the people’s confirmation or observation.

Since assumption of office on 24th February, 2017, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has seen the state as one and thus treated it so. In other words, no part of the state has been neglected so far. The visit provides yet another moment to take midterm assessment of the social contract, vis-a-vis his performance, in terms of projects execution and good governance.

Most importantly, the Governor is at liberty to juxtapose progress reports on files and what is obtainable on sites. Further more, Governor Akeredolu will take a grandstanding areal view of the State as a whole. As the Governor and his entourage move from one Local Government Area to another he’s also on inspection tour of ongoing various projects awarded by his administration. He monitors the quality of jobs and its progress simultaneously.

The statewide tour of Governor Akeredolu is a win-win as it provides an ample opportunity for the people to point out areas where the Governor has faltered and applaud him where he has excelled, so far the approval rating is overwhelming.

SOURCE: https://citadelng.com/the-significance-of-akeredolus-statewide-tour/

ChangeIsCostant:
This is very sad. A Nigerian man based abroad has died after his return to Nigeria few weeks ago. The deceased identified as Kross Aniwetalu, who hails from Nteje in Anambra state - lived in Mindelo, a city in São Vicente, Cape Verde, before his untimely demise.

It was gathered that the deceased arrived Enugu state few weeks ago after staying for over 15 years abroad and headed to his village in Anambra to visit his people before he was involved in an accident which led to his death.

According to reports, Kross Aniwetalu, was hanging out with friends in the village on Saturday, March 9th, when he stepped aside to answer a phone call. A bus from nowhere hit a tricycle popularly known as Keke Napep which fell on the deceased.

He was rushed to the hospital after he became unconscious and was admitted there before he finally passed away on Thursday (yesterday) at exactly 12.35pm.

It was revealed that the deceased acquired some new cars including Lexus and Range Rover which he planned to take to his new apartment in Enugu before his death.

See more; https://www.nationalhelm.co/2019/03/kross-aniwetalu-dies-after-mysterious-accident-in-nteje-anambra-state.html

Very sad

helinues:
Akederolu winning reelection chances is so slim

U ASKED ME WHAT HAS HE DONE? Confidently I replied;

Akeredolu’s unprecedented two-year success on road Construction/Rehabilitation in Ondo.

In less than two years in office, the Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu administration in Ondo State has recorded unprecedented success in road constructions and rehabilitations.

Like no other administration before it, Akeredolu has kept to his promise to make both the people’s welfare and infrastructural development of the state a priority of his administration.

The Akeredolu’s magic touch on roads rehabilitation and construction does not discriminate against federal, state or local government roads. That is the case on the Owo-Ikare road and several other roads spread across the three senatorial districts of the Sunshine State.

THE FACTS:
1. Rehabilitation of selected road in Ifon (2.063km)

2. Rehabilitation of Oke Afa Road in Supare (1.448km)

3. Rehabilitation of Lennon Jubile-Solaco Road, Ugbe Road (2.358km)

4. Rehabilitation of failed portion along Iwaro-Oka-Isua Road (900m) and (21.8km)

5. Installation of street light along Owo Dualised Road

6. Construction of GRA roads (2.5km) to Owo dualisation

7. Construction of Iyere/Igbe Road, Owo

8. Construction of Iyere/Ipele Road, Owo (Phase 2)

9. Construction of Melege Junction-Ute township road (9km)

10. Dualisation of road from Emure junction (4.273km) -AUD and from Ministry of Works to Iyere junction (2.963), Owo

11. Construction of Iyere/Ipele Road, Owo (3.50km) Phase 1

12. Dualisation of Ikare Township Road Phase 11

13. Rehabilitation of Owo-Ikare Road (35km)

14. Dualisation of Oke Alabojuto Road, Ikare Phase 1 (0.5km)

15. Construction of 3 No box culverts at Ikare

16. Construction of box culvert and a bridge along Oba-Akoko-Ikun Road

17. Construction of box culvert at Aralepo, Owo

18. 5km pilot scheme RAAMP Project Molege Ute Road

19. Construction of selected roads in I danre (2.76km)

20. Construction of Iwalewa-Alafiaatayo, Iwalewa-Oshinle, Iwalewa-Hospital Road and Abusoro Road, Ijoka Phase 1

21. Construction of Alagbaka SIB-Appeal Court Road (6.02km)

22. Rehabilitation of Igbara-Oke-Isharun and Isharun Township Road (3.1km)

23. Rehabilitation of Igbara-Oke-Ibuji Road (8.1km)

24. Rehabilitation/construction of Oke-Ogba community road (5.412km)

25. Construction of Gaga community township road (5.569km)

26. Reconstruction of Bolorunduro to Fagbo Road (8.50km), Ondo

27. Construction of Ijoka to Idanre Road (15km)

28. Construction of dual carriageway from Oba Adesida (A Division) Oba Osupa (Hospital) Road-Oluwatuyi-Ijoka (8.135km)

29. Rehabilitation of Ondo dual carriage Road Phase 11 (4.3km)

30. Lighting/rehabiitation of Mobil Fiwasaye-Airport Road (8.950km)

31. Rehabilitation of selected roads in Ondo town (7.11km)

32. Dualisation of Ondo township Road ohase 1 (5.5km)

33. Rehabilitation of Access Road Royal Birds Motel/Kayode, Adinlewa Alagbaka, Akure (1.89km)

34. Construction of Army Barracks Network Rods, Akure

35. Construction/Rehabilitation of Ijapo Housing Estate Road (2.817km)

36. Construction of terminal building access road/parking lot at Akure Airport

37. Patching of selected roads in Akure township

38. Construction of Sabomi-Ajagba Road (2.3km)

39. Rehabilitation of Ore township (Mobil-Sabo Juntion (0.5km)

40. Rehabilitation/Construction of Ile-Oluji township Road (5.25km)

41. Construction of Okitipupa Igbokoda Bypass Road phase 1 (10km)

42. Construction of Flyover across Benin/Ore expressway

43. Construction of box culvert, channels, drains and approaches at Ore.

President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation to take over the operatorship of the entire Oil Mining Lease 11 from Shell Petroleum Development Company.

According to a letter from State House, Abuja, to the Group Managing Director of NNPC, dated March 1, 2019, with reference number SH/COS/24/A/8540 and signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, the President’s directive was clearly stated that the entire operatorship of OML 11 should be taken over by the NNPC/Nigeria Petroleum Development Company not later than April 30, 2019.



NPDC is the flagship oil exploration and production subsidiary of the NNPC and the liaison office of the company acknowledged receipt of the letter on March 5, 2019.

The letter from the Presidency to the NNPC, which had its title as, ‘Operatorship of Entire Oil Mining Lease 11,’ read in part, “Kindly note that the President has directed NNPC/NPDC to take over the operatorship, from Shell Petroleum Development Company, of the entire OML 11 not later than 30 April 2019, and ensure smooth re-entry given the delicate situation in Ogoniland.”

It added that the President has “directed NNPC/NPDC to confirm by 2 May 2019, of the assumption of the operatorship.”

OML 11 lies in the southeastern Niger Delta and contains 33 oil and gas fields of which eight are producing as per 2017. In terms of production, it is one of the most important blocks in Nigeria.

The terrain is swampy to the south with numerous rivers and creeks. Port Harcourt is located in the northwest of the block, while the major yard and logistics base at Onne is located by the Bonny River. The Bonny oil terminal – the largest in Nigeria – and Nigeria LNG (NLNG) are both located at Bonny.

When contacted, the Media Relations Manager, Shell Nigeria, Bamidele Odugbesan, declined to comment on the matter, as he specifically told our correspondent that he would not speak on the issue.


The Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, NNPC, Ndu Ughamadu, also did not answer his telephone when contacted and had yet to respond to a text message on the matter up till the time of filing this report.



It was, however, gathered from sources at the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources in Abuja that there were four partners in the OML 11 joint venture.

“If you are talking about that operatorship, you are talking about a joint venture where you have four partners and you can pick any of the partners to run the asset on behalf of others. And whoever runs the asset will account to the partners when it comes to the sharing table,” a source at the FMPR said.

The source added, “So if you look at some deep water projects or if you look at the OPL 245, that is Zabazaba for instance, it is operated by Agip but Shell has 50 per cent stake in it. So if tomorrow Agip says it does not want to operate the asset anymore and asks Shell to come and operate it, that won’t change anything. Rather it is only the operatorship that will change.”

It was also gathered that the NNPC owns 55 per cent shares in the OML 11 partnership, while Shell, Total and Agip own 30, 15 and five per cent respectively in the joint venture.

Officials at the FMPR stated that the operatorship of the asset, based on the latest directive of the President, had moved from Shell to NPDC, the flagship oil exploration and production subsidiary of the NNPC.

Industry players further explained that whoever operated an OML on behalf of partners would bring in its expertise and that the NPDC had such capacity right now.

They noted that what was transferred to NNPC, based on Buhari’s order, was basically the operatorship of the OML and not the shares of the partners in the joint venture.

Our correspondent further gathered that Shell had not produced a drop of crude oil from Ogoniland for about five years and that partners were not earning revenue as a result of this.

“So if another partner is willing to run the asset, I think he should be allowed to try. Four persons own an asset and it is being run by owner number one and owner number one is not able to run the asset for several years, you can try owner number two. That’s what is happening,” another source said.

SOURCE: https://punchng.com/take-over-operation-of-oml-11-from-shell-buhari-orders-nnpc/

Ten persons, including four pupils, were feared dead on Wednesday following the collapse of a building on No. 63 Massey Street, Ita Faaji area of Lagos Island.

About 50 other persons had been pulled out of the rubble alive as of the time of going to press.


PUNCH Metro gathered that the three-storey building, which housed a school, Ohen Nursery and Primary School, and residential apartments, caved in around 10am.

When our correspondent visited the scene of the incident, rescue operation was ongoing and the total casualty figure could not be immediately ascertained.

Rescue equipment from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency had been deployed in the site.

Other emergency responders such as the Lagos State Ambulance Service, Lagos State Fire Service, Lagos State Building Control Agency, Federal Fire Service, National Emergency Management Agency, Nigeria Police Force, Rapid Response Squad, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Red Cross Society and the Lagos State Neighbourhood and Safety Corps were also present.

A resident of the area, identified simply as Iya Segun, said the building collapsed as a result of its dilapidated state, alleging that government officials responsible for inspecting and certifying buildings for habitation had always turned a blind eye after being bribed by the owners.

The son of the owner of the building, Erinoluwa Akinmoladun, said the house was under the management of a developer, whom he identified only as Mr Giwa.

He said the construction of the building was completed in 2010 by the developer, who was supposed to manage it for 10 years.

Erinoluwa, who was at the scene assisting rescue workers, added that his father had been rescued, but was not sure if all his siblings had been pulled out from the debris.

When our correspondent visited the Lagos Island General Hospital, no fewer than four pupils were brought in dead and 42 names were made available by the management as those rescued and responding to treatment.

A mother of three, identified simply as Iya Sukura, whose children attend the school, said two were in critical conditions, while her first daughter was still trapped.

A man, Mr Yekini Ayoola, said his five-year-old grandson, Fawaz, was still trapped in the rubble of the building.

The father of a survivor, Tony Ikueze, said his eight-year-old daughter, Chiamaka, had gone to the school on her own.

“She is my last born. She went on her own to the school this morning, because it is not far from where we live. I was in the bathroom and saw the building collapse when I looked through the window. At first, I thought it was a bomb blast. I thank God that my daughter survived it,” Ikueze said.

Our correspondent witnessed a scene where an 11-year-old pupil, Taofeekat Rasheed, was about to be wheeled to the morgue and her family insisted that she should be handed over to them for burial according to Islamic rites, but she suddenly showed signs of life as she opened her eyes faintly.

A cardio pulmonary resuscitation was carried out on her and she was immediately taken to the emergency room.

PUNCH Metro gathered that due to pressure on the Lagos Island General Hospital, many victims were being referred to the Massey Children Hospital and the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi Araba.

According to the General Manager, LASEMA, Mr Adeshina Tiamiyu, the number of casualties cannot be ascertained until the rescue operation is over.

“So far, we have been able to rescue over 40 people. When we finish the rescue operation we can give an accurate number of the victims in collaboration with the medical personnel,” he stated.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Elkana Bala, said 50 pupils and eight tenants had been rescued, adding that only the medical personnel could ascertain their state of health and the number of the dead.

However, the zonal spokesperson for the National Emergency Management Agency, Ibrahim Farinloye, gave the figure of the dead as eight and those rescued alive as 37.

The Deputy Governor, Lagos State, Dr Oluranti Adebule, who sympathised with the parents of the pupils at the Lagos Island General Hospital, implored them to allow the medical personnels to look after the injured.

“I have gone in to see the children and most of them are in stable conditions. We are begging you to allow the medical team to look after your children. We know that you are pained and we can feel that you are hurt. Every minuets count. The Lord will heal them all and grant them speedy recovery,” she said.

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, who got to the scene of the building collapse around 2.42pm, described the incident as unfortunate, and appealed to residents to allow rescuers to carry out their operations without any hindrance

He stated, “I want to commiserate with the families of those who lost their lives in this collapsed building. I want to quickly let Lagosians know that this is quite an unfortunate incident. All we are trying to do is to scale up the rescue operation.

“Our response units are already here; we are getting additional cranes to be able to go deeper than where we are now to rescue more trapped victims.”

The governor also gave the assurance that the state government would take over the treatment and foot the bills of the victims.

Ambode said most of the buildings in the area had been marked for demolition, but that some property owners in the area had defied demolition notices, but added that going forward, structurally defective buildings would be demolished.

He added, “So far, from the briefing that I have received, we have rescued about 25 people and some are already dead, but we were earlier informed that it was a school. The building is not technically a school; it is a residential building that was actually accommodating an illegal school, so to speak, on the second floor.

“This is unfortunate but we will investigate what has happened and also see the punishment for whoever are the culprits. That is the secondary level but the most important thing right now is to save lives and I just appeal to people that they should give us the chance to save more lives.”

Reacting to the incident, President Muhammadu Buhari said he was extremely saddened by the collapse of the building, which claimed lives, including schoolchildren.

He condoled with the families of the victims and the Lagos State Government, and wished those who were injured speedy recovery.

“It touches one to lose precious lives in any kind of incident, particularly those so young and tender. May God grant everyone affected by this sad incident fortitude and succour,” a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, quoted Buhari as saying.

The President asked the state government to put structures in place to ensure that such tragedies did not occur again.

In a post on Twitter, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, consoled the families of those who were affected by the collapse.

He said “My heartfelt prayers are with all the families affected by today’s building collapse in the Ita Faaji area of Lagos Island, particularly the young schoolchildren, who are reportedly trapped inside. I pray for their safe rescue.”

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, expressed “deep sadness” over the death of the pupils following the collapse of the building.

Dogara, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Turaki Hassan, said it was heart-breaking that “innocent souls would perish in such a dreadful manner” and called for a thorough investigation of the unfortunate incident.

He said, “This is one too many of these building collapses that usually claim the lives of innocent people. It is time for decisive actions to be taken against all found culpable of breach of building standards that end up in disasters.

“The law enforcement agencies and regulatory bodies must step up their game and put an end to the practice of cutting corners to increase gain. While this has not been established as the cause of this incident yet, past incidents have pointed to this as a serious factor.

“I commiserate with the families of the deceased and pray that their souls rest in peace.”


SOURCE: https://punchng.com/buhari-ambode-others-mourn-as-lagos-collapsed-building-kills-pupils-others/

The Victory of the APC in the just concluded state house of assembly election is no rocket science, nor a celestial political intervention, in the world of sports; adherent’s football lovers would call this an amazing comeback. when you remember, manchester united fans all over the world celebrating a recent comeback victory over paris saint german few weeks ago after losing the first leg in england to the french giants. the rest of the world found it a herculean task for the red devils to overturn the deficits, but then they were left stunned like a honey sting individual in an open field.

Just as the rest of the world witnessed this amazing comeback, the good people of ondo state saw the best of grassroots politics and healthy political behavior in the just concluded state house election in ondo state. several political analyst and social commentator wrote off the chances of the all progressive party at the state election because of the presidential election, which saw to the triumph of the people’s democratic party’s presidential flagbearer, dr. abubakar atiku in ondo state. while many said, it is an impossible task for the all progressive party to secure any victory in the just concluded state election; others stated that it would take massive rigging for the apc to win in the ondo state house of assembly election. they claim the bad governance experienced in the state is a testament of presidential election, pointing ugly fingers at the positive strides of the state governor, arakunrin akeredolu in ondo state. it is quite easy to state that these negatives social talks and comments are nothing but propaganda fueled by deep sentiments and biased feelings towards the achievement of the state governor, which are quite evident and holds greater relevance in the lives of the good people of ondo state.

Against all odd and popular expectations, the true dividends of a pure democratic system enabled by a progressive governor came into play, just like the dictates of every democratic system, the people decided, without any external influence or intimidation. as the results tickled in, the good people of ondo state were given a better lease of hope that true democracy still works in ondo state, thanks to the enabling atmosphere created by the state governor, arakunrin akeredolu.
the good people of ondo state trooped out and voted the candidates of their choice, which saw to the victory of the apc wining 23 seat out of 26 member House of Assembly.

Even as this will be considered a landslide victory for the APC and the incumbent governor, who will have the full privilege of working with a supportive and progressive house who are bonded with one common aim, which is aimed towards the development of Ondo State. It is also a victory for all the people of Ondo state and every firm believer of a good democratic system as well as a progressive political development considering the twist of events in the political timeline in Ondo State, these past few weeks.

Even as this will be considered a good positive public opinion for Arakunrin Akeredolu and the All Progressive Party, it is a good gesture towards the good works of the state governor who over the years as governor of the state has shown immense commitment and zeal towards the development of Ondo State through sustainable projects and initiatives.
He has ensured that his administration stays true to its strategic development template, which is called, The Programmes of Change. This is a five cardinal campaign promise, which is directed at putting Ondo State on the world map of progressive is societies.
Even as the good people of Ondo State continues to celebrate the victory of the APC at the just concluded state house election, the world must come to appreciate good governance, Arakunrin Akeredolu is a typical example and objective definition of what a good governance should be, through grassroots development.

Even as he rides on the back of a supportive state house of assembly, it is safe to say that Ondo State is on the right track to a better reality, and the next two years will go a long way in redefining the history of the good people of Ondo State.

SOURCE: https://citadelng.com/aketi-the-ray-of-good-tidings-to-come/

Wife of Ondo State Governor, and founder of BEMORE Empowered Foundation, Her Excellency, Chief Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu is billed to speak at the ongoing UNCSW 2019, on Wednesday March 13, 2019 by 4:30pm Nigerian time.

Her presentation will focus on "Leveraging on Media and Technology to achieve the Gender equality goal".

The well attended event holding at the Blue room, 4 W 43rd Street, New York City, has participants from across the world.

The State Director of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ondo state, Mr Adeniyi Okanlawon has disclosed that farmers in the state will soon receive the second consignment of inputs .

He made the disclosure in an interview with The Hope in his office in Akure while x-raying the achievements of the ministry in the state in the first quarter of the year.

Okanlawon who said the consignment would arrive any moment from now said distribution to farmers would start immediately.

“The first consignment of inputs which were distributed to farmers were used effectively and the two agric bodies in the state, Ondo State Agricultural Commodities Association (OSACA) and Farmers Congress have thanked the Federal Government while expecting more.

“We have written to the headquarters, because we are out of stock here and the rainy season is about setting in. We are still expecting and as soon as they arrive, we will start distribution,” he explained.

According to him, within the groups, some farmers are approaching the headquarters in the name of the group. Their letters passed through him and they are being given equipment like destoner and some other inputs.

Speaking on the rural projects embarked upon by his ministry in the state, Okanlawon said electrification projects were carried out in Adofure and Federal College of Agriculture.

He added that boreholes were sunk in Owo, Emure and some other parts of Akure saying that the work cuts across the state and as far as Okitipupa.

According to him, over 2,000 N-power participants were trained throughout the 18 local government areas of the state under the Agric N-power Programme of the federal government.

Okanlawon who said that the just concluded programme in conjunction with Agric Development Project in the state lasted for three weeks noted that participants were trained by experts in various aspects of agriculture.

He assured that the Federal Government will give them a package to enable them stand on their own after their two years contract with government.

“Also, the Cassava Growers Association at both the national and state levels are working on 500hectares of land at Ore. They are planting there and they got bulk of their money from the Anchor Borrowers Programme”.

“At Owo, there is massive land clearing for cassava farmers too, ” he stressed.

He said the National Egg Production programme where poultry farmers association in the state produce egg for the school feeding programme is on going in the state.

According to him, they get bulk of their money from the Anchor Borrowers Programme describing the project as one of the major programmes of the Buhari led administration.

While saying that the ministry could not do much because of the elections, he assured that they will swing into action now that the elections are over.

He commended the Buhari- led administration for his vision and achievements in the agric sector.

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday returned to Abuja after participating in Saturday’s Governorship and State House of Assembly elections in his hometown, Daura, Katsina State.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the presidential aircraft that conveyed Buhari, his wife Aisha, and some of his aides, landed at the presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, at about 12.30p.m.

The President was received at the airport by his Chief of Staff, Malam Abba Kyari, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Malam Muhammed Bello, presidential aides, and other government officials.

While in Daura, the President exercised his civic responsibility on March 9 at the polling unit 003, Kofar Baru III (A and B) Daura, Katsina State, where he voted for a governorship candidate and member of the state house of assembly that would represent his constituency, Daura.

At the end of the exercise on Saturday, President Buhari successfully delivered the polling unit to the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate for the state, Aminu Masari, with 370 votes.

On March 10, President Buhari received representatives of community and development associations from Daura Emirate who were on a congratulatory visit at his private residence in Daura, following his re-election.

The President’s old schoolmates and Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State were also among those who visited the Buhari at his residence to congratulate him on his re-election for a second term of office.

Masari, who was accompanied by prominent citizens of the state including some members of his cabinet, also formally informed President Buhari of his victory in the March 9 governorship election.

SOURCE: https://punchng.com/gov-polls-buhari-returns-to-abuja/

The Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has said that his administration would not treat criminals with kid-gloves.

Addressing a delegation from Oba- Akoko led by the Royal Father, Oba Nurudeen Adegoroye to apologize to the State Government on the violent disturbances which occurred in the town during the just concluded House of Assembly election, Governor Akerdedolu said the State Government would not tolerate any acts that can jeopardize peaceful coexistence and respect for the law of the land.

The governor who said he was not a hardhearted person accepted the passionate plea for leniency on the unfortunate incidence but called on the Royal Father, the Chiefs and elders of the town to ensure that lives and property are safe.

He charged law-abiding indigenes of Oba-Akoko to cooperate with security agencies to rid the town of various firearms and other lethal weapons which were freely used on the day of the ugly incidence.

While admonishing the people not to take political support too far to extent of infringing on the fundamental rights of other citizens, Governor Akeredolu said moves at actualizing political aspirations must be made within the circumference of the rule of law.

The governor however assured the delegation that before they got back home, the restriction order on human and vehicular movements being enforced in the town should have been relaxed.

Earlier, in his plea for clemency, the Oloba of Oba, Oba Nurudeen Adegoroye had described as unfortunate and regrettable the violence which erupted in the town on the day of the State Assembly election.

He narrated the efforts his queen and some of the chiefs put into preventing the situation from escalating to the uncontrollable proportion.

The Arikainsen of Oba-Akoko, Chief Rasaq Ahmadu read the apology letter of the town, addressed to the State Governor in which they expressed sadness at the avoidable and needless incidence.

A former Commissioner for Women Affairs in Ondo State, Mrs Yinka Alabi-Oladapo appreciated the governor on behalf of the community for lifting the restriction order on the town.

She assured that such an incidence would never happen again in the town.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State on Saturday went on rampage in its bid to disrupt voting process in some part of the state during the State Assembly Election.

The PDP unleashed terror on APC leaders and agents in Akure, Idanre, Okitipupa, Odigbo, Ikare Akoko and other parts of the state.

The violence show of the PDP was after the party doled out N5,000 per vote in Akure, Idanre, Ifedore, Ikare Akoko, Okitipupa, Irele and Ore but failed as the people only collected their money and still voted for the APC candidates.

Armed thugs were employed by the PDP leaders to disrupt voting process in major parts of the state.

The party had reportedly scared the people not to come out for the election, saying only those who are ready to vote for the PDP candidates should come out for the election.

#OndoSituationRoom

SOURCE: https://web.facebook.com/ondosituationroom/

The wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has donated Solayo kits to no fewer than 1,500 indigent pregnant women across the 18 local government areas of the state. She made this presentation as part of activities marking the 2019 celebration of International Women's Day themed "BalanceforBetter".

Solayo is an initiative for the provision of lifesaving solution for Maternal and Child health in Ondo State.

Mrs. Akeredolu who made her presentation in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Local Area of the state on Friday, and was represented by chairpersons of other local government areas of the state in the their various LGAs, noted that the gesture was borne out of love by the present administration in the state towards maternal and child healthcare. She revealed that the kit is a bag of essential supplies that a woman requires at childbirth to ensure she has a clean, safe and hygenic delivery.

"Pregnancy should be a thing of joy but when you do not have means there is a problem and as a government, we have to step in and help because women will continue to have babies and not many can afford the items.

"Giving birth is an experience that every woman should have because it is a beautiful experience but it is not so for every woman because they lack basic needs.

"And when you have the babies, you should have also some goodies attached to it,"she said.

The First Lady further promised that together with the state government, she would continue to support mothers and children for their betterment and wellbeing. She, therefore, advised women in the state to embrace family planning in order to ensure better living and longevity.

While regretting that women always bore the brunt when the family could not feed and provide for children, the Governor's Wife enjoined women to give birth only to the number of children they could cater for, saying that "he who fails to plan, plans to fail. "

"There is nothing wrong with family planning because our lives are not about making babies but other meaningful things must be achived too.

"It is a good thing but we also have other things. The uptake of family planning in Nigeria is still very low.

"Out of humanity, we are supporting our women and creating awareness but give birth only to those you will be able to nurture because children need good nutrition.

"My interest is that mothers can be healthy and have healthy babies for joyful motherhood. "

The First Lady further urged the women to play active roles in politics for their grievances and needs to be addressed. More women, she called, should be empowered through comprehensive education so they can sit at decision making tables with their male counterparts and decide policies for the advancement of women.

Mrs. Akeredolu noted that she had been advocating for women advancement for the past 20 years, promising not to relent.

" A woman is empowered when educated.

"Education enables you to know your rights and helps you to do away with traditional practices such as female circumcision.

"Female circumstition is barbaric, archaic and nobody does it again," she stated.

Ealier in her remark, Mrs Rebecca Ikumawoyi, the wife of the Chairman of the Local Government Area, applauded the initiative of the Governor's wife in giving delivery kits to indigent pregnant women across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state. She stated that the occasion was unique for women because it enabled them to deliberate on issues geared towards their common good.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Idowu Busari, also appreciated Arabinrin Akeredolu for her unrelenting love and kindness for mothers and children in the state noting that the items would go a long way in ensuring the safe delivery of her expected baby.

To engender development in a state, there must be a good working relationship between the executive and the Legislature. A hostile Legislature is no doubt, inimical to the development of any state. It's very important that the Governor enjoys the support and cooperation of the state lawmakers.

Every administration has its own vision. The vision represents the identity of its programs and policies aimed at fostering development and progress of the state. It only takes people with shared values and vision to help the government deliver on its electoral promises.

Before you go out to vote tomorrow, please, remember the Akeredolu’s administration has made unrelenting efforts at ensuring that the people of the state get dividend of good governance. The determination of the Akeredolu’s administration, to develop the state, especially in the area of infrastructural development, Investment, Agriculture, Rural development, fiscal stability, workers welfare and other critical areas, has been seen and felt by all and sundry.

The March 9th election is a consolidation of all the efforts of the Akeredolu’s administration, so far. Don't forget that all the significant strides
of this administration were recorded within the space of just two years. Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, is prepared to do more. But, we must all play our parts by electing members that are patriotic. We must avoid a dramatic state assembly. We need people of like minds whose vision are in tandem with the vision of the Akeredolu’s administration.

As much as elections can not be divorced from political interest, we must shun politics now and put the interest of our state at the fore front. Let us avoid unnecessary distractions. We need this government to continue to deliver dividend of good governance to the people. Let's not draw it back. Vote wisely. Vote for more development. Its all about us, people.

VOTE APC.

No fewer than 4,556 security personnel drawn from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC),and the Nigeria Prisons Service (NPS) have been deployed to provide security for the Saturday’s State House of Assembly election in Ondo State.

Statistics made available to The Hope Metro showed that the police deployed 3,000 officers and men, NSCDC 1,500 while Prisons Service had 56 officers, bringing the total personnel to 4,565, to man various polling units across the 18 local government areas of the state.

Speaking with The Hope Metro about the security arrangement for the election, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Femi Joseph, disclosed that the command maintained the same figures it deployed during the just concluded presidential and National Assembly elections.

He explained that the police personnel deployed for electios duties comprises both conventional and mobile police force and other tactical squad.

They are Special Ant-Robbery Squad (SARS), Special Ant-Cultism Squad (SACS), Special Anti-kidnapping Squad (SAKS), Ant-bomb unit, monitoring unit among others. They will all be on ground to forestall any possible breakdown of law and order during the voting exercise, he said.

Joseph stated that every polling unit would be manned by at least, two policemen with other sister agency including all necessary security that would make the elections credible, free and fair, just as he warned people of questionable characters to steer clear off voting points or be ready to face the consequences of their actions.

He told The Hope Metro that the Police Commissioner had held meeting with all Area Commanders and Divisional police officers DPOs and urged them to be proactive and monitor their personnel on duty so as to ensure that they do what is expected of them.

The PPRO, who enjoined politicians to play the game according to the rules, said the police will not hesitate to deal ruthlessly with anybody irrespective of how highly placed that may want to cause trouble either by using thugs to disrupt the elections process or attempts to breach the public peace before,during and after the exercise.

Similarly, the State Public Relations Officer of NSCDC, Mr Samuel Oladapo said an Assistant Commandant General (ACG) from the Force Headquarters in Abuja and a Commandant from Zone ‘F’ Abeokuta have been deployed to Ondo state to oversee the security situation during the elections.

He said the two senior officers have already arrived in the state adding that apart from the 1,500 personnels for the elections, various special investigation and intelligence units, monitoring units and patrol team are equally on ground to ensure a hitch free poll .

He expressed confidence that with the number of security personnel that will be out for the elections ,people with dubious characters will have a rethink or face the full weight of the law.

Also speaking with The Hope Metro, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Prisons Service, NPS, in the state, Barrister Babatunde Ogundare said the figure deployed were to compliment the efforts of other security agencies for the elections.

According to him, the figure would have been more than that, but some personnel will be in their various duty posts to ensure that there is no security lapses in the agency department. Some senior officers will also be on ground to monitor those posted out for elections duties.

However, efforts to get the figure of Nigeria Immigrations Service in the state proved abortive as the State Public Relations Officer, Mr Oyela (CSI), promised to get back to us as soon as he ascertains the actual number of his men deployed for election duty.

SOURCE: https://www.thehopenewspaper.com/4556-security-personnel-for-assembly-election-in-ondo/

Over 10 supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Idanre local government area of Ondo State are currently being hospitalised following an attack allegedly sponsored by the People Democratic Party (PDP) and and the wife of the former Chief of Army Staff, Mrs. Lara Ogomudia.

Suspected political thugs allegedly aided by some military men were said to have invaded a ward meeting of APC members in Ala, Idanre on Monday (March 4, 2019).

Eyewitnesses said the suspected gun-wielding thugs shot sporadically into the air to scare hundreds of APC loyalists in the meeting.

COMTRA Chairman, Idanre local government chapter, Mr. Adeleke Oyewole and 10 others were unlucky as they were macheted on the head and hand by the hoodlums.

Also, the military men, who allegedly joined the attack were said to have battered and horsewhipped some members of the party.

Lara, who is the daughter of the traditional ruler of Atosin-Idanre and a staunch supporter of the PDP State House of Assembly candidate for Idanre State Constituency, Hon. Festus Akingbaso a.k.a Obete, was accused of using soldiers to harrass APC members due to her husband influence in the military.

Sources said hoodlums suspected to be loyal to the PDP in Idanre have taken over the town due to the support they enjoyed from the military men.

A source revealed that it took the intervention of the Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo and the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, before these soldiers were withdrawn from Idanre.

"The PDP in Idanre are determined to kill people who may stand on their way of winning this Saturday State Assembly election in Idanre. APC members are now living in fear. The intention is to stop our members from coming out on Saturday to cast their votes.

"PDP thugs are deadly but nothing will deter us from mobilising and for the candidate of APC, who is generally accepted by the people of Idanre" Hon. Abiodun Akinwande, a chieftain of APC said.

One of the Chiefs of the ancient town, who pleaded anonymity called on the security agencies to investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to book.

According to him "for the past 24 months now, Idanre have been peaceful under the present administration unlike what we used to experience in the past, when thuggery became order of the day."

"Some of us are highly disappointed in Lara Ogomudia who brought soldiers to harass people of Idanre, we never knew she could used her connection to intimidate her community."

President Muhammadu Buhari said on Wednesday that he would work harder this second term than he did in the last four years to confront the country’s challenges.

He assured Nigerians that he would deliver more in tackling insecurity, corruption and improving on the economy to make the country a better place than he found it in 2015.


Buhari spoke in Abuja when he met with the leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum at the Presidential Villa.

The group, which was led by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Alhaji Adamu Fika, had visited the President to congratulate him on his re-election.

“This is my last lap and I will try to work even harder than I have done.

“I assure you, I will not let you down, I will do my best and I will pray to God, my best will be good enough. I thank you very much indeed,” he stated.

Still savouring the joy of his first victory in 2015 when he defeated incumbent former President Goodluck Jonathan, the President singled out the introduction of the Permanent Voter Card as one of the factors that facilitated his victory.

Having won another election on February 23 for another term of four years, Buhari said he could only be grateful to Nigerians, promising to work harder this time round than before.

Showing appreciation over the visit, he added, “I am very appreciative of this visit, especially when I have seen some of my seniors, some of my colleagues and a couple of my juniors, among the team.

“This reminds me of the good old days when we were in the military. Actually, nobody drops from the sky. For the Arewa Consultative Forum to identify with me, having come from this geopolitical zone, I am very much appreciative of this.



“I am very pleased with the address of the chairman, who reminded me of the undertaking we made basically on the three important things my party campaigned on (insecurity, corruption and economy) and succeeded.”

The President, in the results declared by the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, polled 15,191,847 votes to beat the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who scored 11,262,978 ballots.

Speaking earlier, Fika told the President that the group was elated that he won again the second time.

He said in 2016, the group had also visited Buhari to make a case for the provision of infrastructure in the North.

Fika expressed gratitude that projects such as the Baro Dry Port, the Mambilla Hydro Power and others in the agricultural sub-sector had been touched in the North.

He added, “It is pleasing to note that since then, the Baro dry port has been commissioned, while all other projects have been reactivated and now being implemented.”

Fika said the group was impressed by Buhari’s performance in his first term, especially in delivering some important projects like the Baro Dry Port in the North.

He noted that the President had succeeded in meeting some of the forum’s demands which were presented to him during a similar congratulatory mission in 2015.

“We wish to recall that in 2015, a similar delegation of the ACF visited and congratulated you following Your Excellency’s victory at the presidential elections held earlier that year.

“A year later, May 2016, you were kind enough to grant an audience to another delegation of the forum.

“On that occasion, the delegation, led by the late Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule, Danmasanin Kano, drew your attention to projects of concern to the North and of benefit to Nigeria at large.

“The projects included the Baro Inland Water Port, the Mambilla Hydro Power, self-sufficiency in agriculture, road construction and rehabilitation, and above all, oil and gas exploration.

He also pledged to revive the railway and provide a dual carriage way that would boost economic activities at the port.

The Baro Port project was first designed during the Buhari’s days as Chairman of the defunct Petroleum Trust Fund.

The ACF chieftain expressed the hope that the organs of government charged with the responsibility of implementing the affected projects would “double their efforts to ensure that they were fully executed and within reasonable time.

SOURCE: https://punchng.com/ill-work-harder-this-second-term-says-buhari/

Like a torrent, congratulatory messages poured into Alagbaka Government House yesterday as news filtered in that the Supreme Court has upheld the gubernatorial primary which produced Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu as valid.

The news which spread like fire was received with wild jubilation by party chieftains who popped wine to congratulate the governor.

A former speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Victor Olabimtan hailed the judgement which established “One fact that Akeredolu won the primary and by the grace of God is the governor of Ondo State today.”

However, he described the victory as no victor, no vanquished as everybody would work together to move the state forward.

Olabimtan disclosed that Akeredolu would extend his hand of fellowship to “his brother and my own elder brother, Segun Abraham” in the interest of peace and progress and everybody would come together as brothers and sisters in the interest of the party and development of the state.

He added that the judgement would further strengthen the peace and unity in the party as everybody would come and work together to move the party forward.

“What people should learn from this judgement is that, we should not take law into our hands. Segun Abraham did not take law into his hand, but he decided to go to court to ventilate his grievances. Judgement has been given, and to me, no victor, no vanquished. No loser, we are all winners as far as this case is concerned. What are we fighting for? All of us want to make Ondo State a state that all of us can be proud of. To me, we will move forward from here”, Olabimtan emphasised.

He equally said the judgement would make all members to work together to ensure victory for the APC in the Saturday House of Assembly election in the state.

In a related development, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Mobilisation and Political Matters, Mr. Olatunji Ifabiyi has described the Supreme Court judgement in favour of the governor over the legal battle between him and the All Progressives Congress (APC) member, Mr. Segun Abraham as a good omen and victory for democracy.

He said the victory of the governor over the long battle on governorship primary election that produced him as the candidate of the party is a welcome development

Ifabiyi said with the judgement, the judiciary has proved itself as the last hope of the common man.

According to him,” right from the beginning of the case, it was realised that the case lacked merit, and it was clear that we had transparent governorship primary election that produced the governor as the candidate of the party.

He thanked God for vindicating the governor and giving him opportunity to pursue the case patiently in a civil way.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday in Abuja struck out the suit filed by Abraham challenging Akeredolu’s victory at the 2016 APC governorship primary in the state.

SOURCE: https://citadelng.com/akeredolus-victory-olabimtan-hails-judgement/

The Supreme Court in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has struck out the suit instituted by Segun Abraham against Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN.

Abraham was challenging the emergence of Governor Akeredolu as candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, for the November 2016 governorship election.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday struck out Abraham's case for lack of competence.

The court held in line with the provisions of the fourth alteration especially Section 285 (11) of the 1999 constitution as amended that Abraham failed to file his case within the stipulated 14 days after the cause of action.

The court explained that Abraham approached the court 28 days after the primary election he was challenging instead of the stipulated 14days.

One of the counsels to Governor Akeredolu, Olumide Olujinmi explained that "There is an interlocutory appeal to the court of Appeal and the appeal Court said by virtues of the court operations, nobody has the right to interlocutory appeal

"It's that complain we took to the Supreme Court that we have a right to interlocutory appeal and the Supreme Court, said that the case that is pending at the Federal High Court is not competent. So, there is no need for argument and therefore struck out the case "

Source: https://citadelng.com/abraham-loses-case-against-akeredolu/

A group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) Progressives Redemption Forum (PRF) has asked the National Chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomole to apologise to the people, members and supporters of the APC in Ondo State over his role in the performance of the party in last Saturday's election.

The group is also asking the National Chairman to apologise for failing to deliver Edo state, despite serving as a two term governor and succeeded by an APC governor, adding that the chairman should be ashamed that the National Chairman of the PDP, Uche Secondus delivered his state for the PDP despite their loss.

In a press statement signed by the national Coordinator of the group, Adeyemi Raymond said that the query the national Chairman reportedly issued to Ondo state governor is unnecessary after the deliberate crisis Oshiomole created in the state by writing the party's candidates name from Abuja.

The group said the state was subjected to avoidable internal wrangling after the national chairman displayed high level of highhandedness by choosing candidates from Abuja despite the primary elections that elected other candidates across the state.

It said Oshiomole has programmed the party in the state to lose the election the moment he super imposed candidates on the state chapter of the party.

The PRF accused Oshiomole of persecuting Akeredolu because the governor did not support his emergence as the National Chairman of the party. It added that instead of pushing the interest of the party first, Oshiomole was on personal vedetta.

"Our National Chairmanist apologise to the people of Ondo State. You created division in the party and you expected that people will not react. In Ondo State, we are indomitable. We will not allow a stranger to sit in Abuja and remote us in Ondo state

"Despite all the huge resources at the Chairman's disposal, he lost Edo. How are we sure he didn't engage in anti party activity. Governor Akeredolu is a disciplined man. He says his mind, Frank and bold. People like that are threat to Oshiomole who welcomes mediocrity and imbecilic characters

"We have on record, all the Bussiness transactions Mr. National Chairman did during the struggles of our candidates to secure the tickets of the party which made virtually all of them relocated to Abuja with heavy purse and pocket "

The group called on President Muhammadu Buhari to call the National Chairman to order and not allow him to scatter the party they have all laboured to build.