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https://citadelng.com.ng/2019/12/09/mrs-akeredolu-to-be-conferred-with-tribunes-platinum-award/

In recognition of her massive contribution towards women and children empowerment in the society, the wife of Ondo state governor, Mrs. Betty-Anyanwu Akeredolu among other meaningful Nigerians has been nominated by Nigerian Tribune Newspaper to be presented with Tribune ‘s Platinum award on Tuesday December 10th at MUSON Hall, Onikan, Lagos.
Nigerian Tribune Newspaper publishers has recognized the immense contributions of the first Lady of Ondo State towards societal development and thus has described her as follow;
"Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu is not a feminist, but a humanist. She is motivated by the desire to make life better for the other person irrespective of their gender. Having survived breast cancer, she resolved to help as many people as possible to survive the dreaded ailment. This led to the establishment of Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN), a leading NGO that is galvanising action against breast cancer in Nigeria through public education, patient support, advocacy and research.

She also established the Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu Foundation (BAAF) through which she has been able to touch many lives and bring succor to many hurting souls. An ardent promoter of literacy, the wife of Ondo State governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, has come up with programmes such as Reading is Fun, Essay Competition and Spelling Bee Competition to stimulate young people’s interest in education. She is also committed to advancing the economic status of women, nurturing the interest of young girls in ICT and solar energy technology in order to bridge the gender gap, developing talents in arts and sports, promotion of improved sanitation in schools and communities and inclusive quality education for the deaf."
The conferment of the award is in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN). The award according to the publishers of Nigerian Tribune Newspaper is to reward and recognize some Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in public service and nation building.
Other nominees for the award include, Central bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr., Governors, Aminu Tambuwal, Ifeanyi Okowa, Godwin Obaseki, Samuel Ortom and Seyi Makinde. Prince Olasunsoye Oyinlola, Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Ibikunle Amosun and Abiola Ajimobi.
GENEVIEVE ALOZIE
TCC NEWS

ONDO : KAADI-IGBEAYO NOW FREE AS GOVERNOR AKEREDOLU LAUNCHES "ABIYOMO HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME" !

https://citadelng.com.ng/2019/12/05/ondo-kaadi-igbeayo-now-free-as-governor-akeredolu-launches-abiyomo-health-insurance-scheme/

EXPANDS FREE HEALTH PROVIDERS FROM 2 TO 7 LOCATIONS !

In furtherance of his promise to improve all health indices and ensure qualitative health delivery, Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, on Tuesday flagged-off the Maternal -And -Child Health Insurance Scheme (AMCHIS) and the State Contributory Health Scheme (ODCHS).

The Governor also declared that his administration will employ more Medical Doctors and Nurses and also upgrade the physical infrastructure of the seven designated Mother-and-Child friendly hospitals across the state.

Governor Akeredolu said both the Contributory Health Scheme and the Maternal and Child Health Insurance Scheme are evidence of his administration’s commitment to the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) with a consciousness of a sustainable framework of healthcare financing.

Governor Akeredolu, who performed the flag-off at the Mother and Child Hospital, Akure, said the State Executive Council, last year agreed and approved the payment of premium for the healthcare benefits of all under-5 children and pregnant women resident in the State to the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission’s pool.

He said the state is leading by example through the gesture to make contributions on behalf of pregnant women and under-5 children in order to ensure that maternal and under-5 children health services are free at the point of care.

The Governor noted that the Residency card (Kaadi Igbeayo) remains the prerequisite to benefit from the Maternal and Child Health insurance Scheme (AMCHIS).

He disclosed that the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) has positioned its officers at strategic locations in the seven designated Mother and Child-friendly Hospitals to register and issue the Residency Card to pregnant women free of charge.

Arakunrin Akeredolu said: "First, we have christened it the Health Insurance Scheme of Ondo State, pointing to the fact that a model of health insurance is adopted to drive and sustain the scheme.“Secondly, we have expanded the scope of providers from the two Mother-and-Child Hospitals in Akure and Ondo city (both in the Central Senatorial District) in the past, to additional five secondary facilities, including State Specialist Hospital, Ikare-Akoko and General Hospital, Owo in the Northern Senatorial District; General Hospital, Ore, State Specialist Hospital, Okitipupa and General Hospital Igbokoda in the Southern Senatorial District. Residents of the State in the remaining 11 LGAs can also access any of these seven selected hospitals that is close to them.

”Permit me to state that our administration started this journey when we sent a bill to the State House of Assembly in 2018 to establish the Ondo State Contributory Health Scheme (ODCHS) and Ondo State Contributory Health Commission (ODCHC).

“I signed the bill into law in the same year and the office complex of ODCHC was formally commissioned on the 24th of June, 2019. This law mandates each resident of Ondo State to have a health insurance cover and the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission is working assiduously to realise this herculean task.”

Good Morning to you…….
November 28, 2019.

News Updates

Leadtimes Regional Summit on Good Governance set to honour Akeredolu, Obaseki, others in Ghana

https://citadelng.com.ng/2019/11/28/leadtimes-regional-summit-on-good-governance-set-to-honour-akeredoluobaseki-others-in-ghana/

Akeredolu's Giant Strides

https://citadelng.com.ng/2019/11/28/akeredolus-giant-strides/

Border Closure, until Benin, Others Respect Protocols –FG

https://citadelng.com.ng/2019/11/28/border-closure-until-benin-others-respect-protocols-fg/

IMF, again Warns Nigeria Against Rising Debts

https://citadelng.com.ng/2019/11/28/imf-again-warns-nigeria-against-rising-debts/

British PM, Boris Johnson under fire over Racist Article Accusing Nigerians of Greed

https://citadelng.com.ng/2019/11/28/british-pm-boris-johnson-under-fire-over-racist-article-accusing-nigerians-of-greed/

2Face gives N50 Million to Blackface

Read More:
https://citadelng.com.ng/2019/11/28/1270/


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https://citadelng.com.ng/2019/11/25/we-will-support-infrastructural-development-odha/

Ondo State House of Assembly will support every move that will enhance infrastructural development in the state.

The House Committee on Works and Infrastructure stated this during its visit to the Ondo State Agency For Community and Rural Development and the state Agency For Road Maintenance and Construction(OSAMC).

The chairman of the Committee, Adeyemi Olayemi said that the House will continue to support the agencies to ensure effective service delivery.

While assuring OSAMCO that the committee will ensure the agency is strengthened, he directed its management to submit full report about the agency including its nominal payroll for necessary intervention.

Other committee members called for synergy between the agencies and the committee to achieve desired result.

The lawmakers charged the agencies to maximise the opportunity of the dry season to fix more community roads across the state.

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the state Governor on Rural and Community Development, Babatunde Kolawole who briefed the committee on their activities, affirmed that Rural Access Mobility Project (RAMP) will commence early next year.

For easy implementation, he hinted that the Agency have captured community roads across the 18 local governments areas of the state in the project.

The SA averred that the state governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu is committed to the actualisation of the project, to this end he said that the objective of the project is achievable.

Also, the Chairman of OSAMCO, Kehinde Osikoya who described the visit of the lawmakers as epoch making , sought for the assistance of the committee in strengthening the agency.

He maintained that OSAMCO has the potentials to deliver as expected.

Lawmakers on the visit include, the Vice Chairman of the committee, Gbenga Omole, Samuel Aderoboye, Simeon Toluwani Borokini , Leonard Akinribido, Taofeek Muhammed, Festus Adefiranye and Samuel Ademola.

The Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Aketi SAN has assured the people of Ilara in Ifedore Local Government Area that government would beautify the town with infrastructure projects.

Arakunrin Akeredolu disclosed this on Saturday in a message to the 40th anniversary of Mokin Day held at Ilara.

The Governor, who was represented by Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Saka Yusuf Ogunleye, said his administration tailors his infrastructure development to cover every part of the state .

“Ilara is part of this state. We have our plans laid out to spread infrastructure everywhere. We will not neglect this town. We have to compliment the efforts of the citizens, who are doing a yeoman’s job to make the town stand out”

The Alara of Ilara-Mokin, Oba Abiodun Adefehinti charged parents to make education of their children a priority and thanked the citizens for building a worthy palace for him.

There were goodwill messages from the Governor of Ekiti and Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the Royal Father of the Day and Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, Senator Adelere Oriolowo, Chairman Mokin Day Organising Committee, Mr. Bunmi Falodun, Egbe Omo-Ilara-Mokin President, Mr. Ago Fadola and others.

The day also featured launching of N500m Development Fund, presentation of Awards of Excellence and conferment of Chieftaincy titles on the Wife of Ekiti State Governor, an indigene of the town, Erelu Bisi Fayemi

https://citadelng.com.ng/2019/11/18/ilara-mokin-day-we-will-extend-infrastructure-development-to-everywhere-gov-akeredolu/

The Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has received the Outline of Business Case, OBC, which comprehensively states the Project Implementation Plan for the proposed Port of Ondo, noting that mother ships can berth at the port of Ondo if operational at Ilaje local government area of the state.

The presentation was made by the project Consortium comprising a Spanish firm, Ocean Infrastructure Management, OIM, its Nigerian Partner, Franchise and Business Solutions Ltd, FBS; in the presence of officials of Nigerian Port Authority and coordinated by the Consultant to Ondo State Government on the project, Amiable Consultancy and Logistics Services Ltd.

Governor Akeredolu said his administration would give everything into actualising the project speedily in view of its derivable benefits not only to the economy of the state and the country but to the entire West African subregion.

He said “Port of Ondo will be less than 45 minutes to Lagos by road and by water, it will be shorter. With the location, Ondo will becomes a nerve center. Citing the port here is one of the best thing that will happen to, not just Ondo, but Nigeria.

“We are not ready to waste any time. We are ready to give all the support. We are serious about this port. We are very serious about it

“Look at the draft , it’s not found in any other place in Nigeria. We keep dredging when we have a natural dredge in Ondo State.

“I’m told that mother ship can berth in port Ondo. Let us look at the report. Let’s focus on the viability of the port Ondo,” Akeredolu said.

The representative of the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA) Mrs Elizabeth Awuletey described the project as the dawn of a new era in the state.

https://citadelng.com.ng/2019/11/18/we-are-targeting-mother-ships-for-ondo-deep-seaport-akeredolu/

It was a memorable homecoming for the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu as the good sons and daughters of the Sunshine state trouped out en-masse amidst fanfare and excitement to welcoming the white bearded legal cum political giant.
The people who had gathered at the Akure Airport could not hide their excitement as they awaited the arrival of the state governor; screams of joy rented the air as the plane of the governor made a touchdown, while the governor alighted to the outmost delight of the people.
The rousing welcome accorded the governor was not only a proof of his popularity in the state but also a testament to his unending legacies in the state. With the great display of love and affection shown and exhibited today, it has gone a long way in attesting to the loyalty and support of the good sons and daughters of the sunshine state to their ever working and astute leader who has seen to a positive change of the fortunes of the state through numerous developmental projects and initiatives.
Presents at the airport were top state government personalities, party members and good sons and daughters of Ondo State
TCC NEWS
Amudipe Marcus

http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/Akeredolu-Returns-To-A-Rousing-Welcome-

Ondo state government has said parents who release their children and wards for routine immunization in the rural communities would soon be rewarded by the primary healthcare agency.

The Executive Secretary of the Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Francis Akanbiemu who disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Akure said the move was part of the strategies of the agency to beef up its sensitization strategies for further improvement in immunization in the state.

Akanbiemu noted that although the state is performing better than before in routine immunization, embarking on more strategic sensitization would allow for improved result.

While reeling out the statistics, Akanbiemu said the state has moved from 65 percent recorded on immunization few years ago to 79 percent, adding that the target is to record 100 percent performance in immunization.

He hinted that the idea of rewarding household with highest record of immunization is to further open the eyes of the people in the community to the importance of participating in the immunization of their children and wards.

The Executive Secretary also explained that the agency has embarked on expansion of some facilities which can no longer accommodate patients due to the growing number of the people in the area.

He said the agency has recently relocated the facility in Oke Mapo, Owo after it discovered the need for a bigger accommodation with the quality of services it’s rendering.

Akanbiemu stressed that the Agency has also embarked on more training of its officers and both agency and adhoc staff at the facility level.

The essence of the training especially for those at the facility according to him is the need for them to have attitudinal change, noting that the agency will to continue harp on this for better performance.

However, he added that, as a way of encouraging the facilities to perform better, the agency has also started motivating the facilities by making more fund available for better service at the health centers.

https://citadelng.com.ng/2019/11/08/the-ondo-govt-intensifies-efforts-on-routine-immunization-for-children/

EXTOLLING THE ARAKUNRIN AKEREDOLU LED ADMINISTRATION ON FINANCIAL PRUDENCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY

TCC NEWS
Amudipe Marcus

Singing praises of an individual's exemplary leadership in the corridors of government isn't a common practice with me. But as a patriotic Nigerian and of course, amongst the country’s leaders of thought, there is a high need for us to appreciate good governance and exemplary leadership wherever they are being exhibited.

In Ondo State, there are over a thousand reasons for us to appreciate the good administration of the State Governor. While emphasizing the relevance of doing the right thing by our political leaders and the importance of advancing on the exemplary dispensation of the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
It is often said that the best way to understand the actions of any individual (behavioural pattern), is to find out the ‘motives’. Once motive is known, the individual’s actions are better understood. Which leaves one to the decision of whether such an individual is someone of integrity that can be trusted or not, putting every word that comes out of his/her mouth into consideration. Hence, when we realise the ‘motives’ behind every actions/inactions of our Nigerian Politicians as leaders in government circles, we are often left bewildered and disappointed. Most of our political leaders, who are fond of making promises they end up not keeping; are the reason why Nigeria, despite its enormous human and natural resources is bedeviled with baggages of problems that have left us in a deplorable state as a ‘developing nation’. The true ‘ motive’ of a typical Nigerian politician, is never about ‘selfless service,’ neither is it about transformation and economic elevation of the citizens. The more reason our hearts merry when someone like Arakunrin Akeredolu, has proven to be an exception.
Candidly speaking, it is not every time that we hear or see a governor in Nigeria who has been prudent in the handling and management of state funds.
Having inherited a state with a near empty treasury which was submerged in the waters of debts , Arakunrin Akeredolu has proven his mettle by strategically creating policies and initiatives that seeked to create drastic changes in the financial fortunes of the state. These moves has proven successful as the state has recorded massive economic growth within two years as Governor of the Sunshine state.
According to the recent statistics, Ondo State ranks high among the top 10 States in Nigeria with the highest IGR growth rate after generating N19Billion in half year 2019. This represents a 101% increase from the N9.4Billion generated in half year 2018.
By thinking out of the box, thinking anew, acting anew, and doing things differently, the state's IGR has increased sporadically.
While we celebrate the Akeredolu led adminiatration in Ondo State, we must not forget to appreciate the very impressive manner at which he has judiciously managed these funds. For most governors, and public office holders it would have been another means for them to plunder the state fund. It would have been a means of looting the treasury to a state of comatose while enriching themselves and their accounts with these public funds. The state would in turn be pacified with white elephants projects which has no real value to the citizens.

Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has prudently managed the state funds and also made sure that the funds be put to good community based projects ranging from Infrastructural developments, industrial drive, empowernment and creation of Jobs for young school leavers.

Also noticeable is the approach of the state government to cutting excess spending. While Every successive government in Nigeria spends huge amount of money in procuring new vehicles for Its officials and leaving the old ones to rot, Ondo State Government has contracted 384 grounded vehicles for total refurbishment. The refurbished vehicles were delivered back to the state government with new engines which upgraded the vehicles to an almost new state. This singular act saved the state a whooping sum of N463million.

The educational sector was also duely affected positively. According to 2017 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey(MICS), Ondo State recorded 113,746 out-of-school children. To improve access to quality education, over 800 dilapidated public primary schools have been reconstructed across the 18 LGAs of the state with standard facilities. With the renovation of these over 800 dilapidated schools across the State, Arakunrin Akeredolu has saved the state from excessive spending on the construction of new buildings when the old ones could have been easily renovated to give our pupils standard environments for learning.
"When you find a good leader, keep him" Arakunrin Akeredolu has proven himself to be a good leader and a prudent one at that. While he has continued to manage the state funds exceedingly well, saving the state treasury from extravagant and excessive spending. He has also put the state funds to good use. The massive industrialization drive experienced in the state has raised the economic growth ratings of the state. Ore has come alive with the establishment of the Linyl Industrial hub which will not only see to the generation of income for the state,but has already created massive employment opportunities for youths in the state.
The various opening of rural areas through the dualisation of road networks will go along way in ensuring the transportation of raw materials from the rural areas to the cities, which will in no small way contribute to the state's economic growth.
Arakunrin has shown to the good sons and daughters of Ondo State that he is a strategic planner, while the state has continued to see its economic rating soar high, they are also well assured that the state fund is safe and being prudently utilized under the leadership of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

https://citadelng.com.ng/2019/11/08/extolling-the-arakunrin-akeredolu-led-administration-on-financial-prudence-and-accountability/

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN has committed about #5 billion to payment of Pension and Gratuity owed retired Public Servants in the state since the year 2011.

The State Head of Service, Mr Dare Aragbaiye, who stated this while answering questions from Journalists in his office in Akure, said Retired Officers now receive their pension at the same time the Serving Officers receive their salary, saying that this is a clear departure from the time when Retired Officers were owed pension arrears for months.

Mr Aragbaiye commended Governor Akeredolu for making the payment of Salary and allowances of Workers a topmost priority been the first expenses to be deducted from the state monthly allocation, adding that the promotion of deserving Public Servants were been conducted earlier than what it used to be during the past administration while letters of promotion and the financial benefits were promptly released to the beneficiaries.

He hinted that the state government has compiled the list of available vacancies across sectors of the Public Service with a view to employing fresh Workers to re-energize the Civil Service for higher productivity and delivery of quality service to the people of the state.

Speaking on the achievements of Governor Akeredolu’s Administration in the last two years, Mr Aragbaiye noted that there is a silent industrial revolution going on in the state which focuses on creation of industrial hub in different zones across the state, starting with the Ore Industrial hub in Odigbo Local Government Area of the state where some investors from within and outside the country have sited notable industries that have provided employment opportunities to the unemployed youths in the state.

https://citadelng.com.ng/2019/11/05/odsg-set-to-pay-n5billion-for-pension-and-gratuity-ondo-hos/

Happening life in Lagos State is Jog For Life. A means to raise awareness against breast cancer.
If you're in Lagos be a part of this.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GENEVIEVE ALOZIE
TCC NEWS

https://citadelng.com.ng/2019/11/01/women-are-the-bedrock-of-societal-changes-mrs-akeredolu/

There was drama on Thursday as senators screened persons nominated by President Muhammadu Buhari for the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission.

The drama centred more on the nominee for the post of executive director, projects, Otobong Ndem (Akwa Ibom).

A member of the Senate committee on the NDDC, Senator Matthew Urhoghide, drew the attention of his colleagues to the inconsistency in the curriculum vitae of Ndem.


He wondered why the nominee would claim he sat for his school certificate examination in 2007 whereas he obtained his Higher National Diploma certificate in 2002.

Urhoghide said, “From the CV before me, the nominee had school certificate in 2007, National Diploma in 1999 and Higher National Diploma in 2002.”

Senator George Sekibo added that Ndem claimed to have obtained his master’s degree in 2012 and Bachelor of Science degree in 2019.


The nominee admitted that there was an omission in his CV.

Ndem said he first obtained his first Ordinary Level Certificate in 1995 which was omitted in his CV.

The nominee also stated that he sat for another WASC examination in 2007 to enable him to study law after his HND programme.

He promised to avail the committee with the 1995 certificate before he was asked to take a bow and go.

Another drama ensued when Senator Rochas Okorocha said since Ndem had served in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, he should be asked ‘to take bow and go’.

He said the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, being a former member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, was accorded a similar courtesy during his screening by the Senate.

This suggestion generated a heated argument among the committee members.

The nominee also faced another challenge when Sekibo queried him for using the title, Right Honourable.

Sekibo said, “As a former member of the House of Assembly, were you a speaker or deputy speaker? If no, why did you prefix your name with the words ‘Right Honourable?’

The Chairman of the committee, Peter Nwaoboshi, however intervened to calm the situation.

First to be screened was a former deputy governor of Edo State, Dr Pius Odubu, as chairman of the board and the nominee for the position of managing director, Bernard Okumagba.

Odubu, who was a member of the House of Representatives from 1999 to 2007, was asked to take a bow.

The nominee for the position of executive director, finance and administration, Maxwell Okoh, from Bayelsa State was also screened.

Others included the Delta State representative, Jones Erue; Victor Ekhator (Edo) and Nwogu Nwogu (Abia).

The committee also screened Theodore Allison, representing Bayelsa State; Victor Antai (Akwa Ibom); Maurice Effiwatt (Cross River); Olugbenga Elema (Ondo); and Uchegbu Kyrian (Imo).

Others were the North-East representative, Ardo Zubairu, from Adamawa State; and Ambassador Abdullahi Bage from Nasarawa State from North Central.

The committee cleared all the nominees screened.

The nominees from Rivers State, Dr Joy Nunieh; and the North-West representative, Aisha Murtala Muhammed, from Kano State, were not available for screening.

https://citadelng.com.ng/2019/11/01/drama-as-senators-screen-nddc-board-nominees/

Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, on Wednesday said he’s optimistic that only a forensic audit of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) will return the agency to the path of fiscal discipline, accountability and transparency.

The governor said this following the inauguration of the Interim Management Committee by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

https://citadelng.com.ng/2019/10/31/ondo-state-governor-oluwarotimi-akeredolu-backs-nddcs-audit/

News Release

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State felicitates with President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, over his electoral victory at the highest judicial gamut in the land.

Chairman of the State chapter, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, also congratulates the party's National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, other leaders, and indeed all Nigerians on the well-informed decision.

Adetimehin says the decision of the apex court puts to rest any doubts about who won the last presidential election.

He commended the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, for exploring the judicial option to express his feelings. "That is the beauty of democracy", he added.

He also applauds the judiciary for painstakingly examining all the arguments and counter-arguments while the case lasted, to ensure that justice is finally served.

Adetimehin says that now that the matter has been permanently decided, the PDP should join hands with the President in his patrotic mission to salvage the economy and promote measures to decimate poverty in Nigeria.

The APC chieftain urges all political parties, including the PDP, to sulk less and wait for 2023 when they would have another opportunity, in a fresh general elections, to test their popularity against ever growing and strong ruling APC.

Signed
Alex Kalejaye
Ondo State Publicity Secretary
30th October, 2019

Ondo State government has concluded plans to build a new High court complex that would replace the current one at a new location in the state capital, Akure.

The new complex, according to plan, will house about 20 high court rooms, judges’ chambers, a well furnished ceremonial hall, multi door court chambers, JSC Office block and staff clinic among other offices.

Giving this indication was the state governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu while declaring open the 2019/2020 Chief Judge’s seminar held at the Dome, Akure.

The Governor, who was represented by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Adekola Olawoye, SAN, said that the current complex will be converted to Ondo State Magistrate Complex.

He promised that his administration will not relent in cushioning the hardship faced by the judiciary which was occasioned by inadequate resources.

He expressed that it understands the utmost need to guarantee the independence of the judiciary and said that granting autonomy to the judiciary is not strange as the law is already in operation.

He said that his government has the unshaken belief that only an independent judiciary can strengthen democracy in Nigeria.

Akeredolu reiterated his continued support and promised not to interfere in the judiciary’s process of administration in order to ensure peace and stability.

Delivering the welcome address, the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olutoyin Akeredolu said the theme of the seminar “independence of the judiciary: a pathway to democratic development” was chosen to address emerging legal trends in Nigeria democracy as it affects the judiciary.

She said that the judiciary is facing a lot of challenges and that in the last two decades, the judiciary had been praised, castigated and vilified.

She posited that in spite of the challenges it faced, the judiciary is still standing, although on knocked knees, to defend the defenseless and restore civil order to the society.

She informed that the governor recently set up a committee to fashion out a framework for the financial autonomy of the judiciary.

Ondo State is hosting the 19th edition of the Regular National Council on Women Affairs and Social Development, with the theme ” GENDER EQUALITY AND SOCIAL INCLUSION: A PANACEA FOR PEACE, SECURITY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA”.

In a chat with journalists at the end of the technical session, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Titi Adeyemi said the government and people of the state are delighted to host the 19th Council, stressing that the State is peaceful and its hospitality is second to none.

She harped on the need for all and sundry to participate in governance, especially the female folk.

Mrs Adeyemi said women should be encouraged to contribute their quota to the development of the country, adding that over the years women have been marginalised, but the trend is changing due to more sensitisation among women.

The Commissioner added that the 19th Regular National Council meeting holding in Akure, the state capital, would offer solutions to some challenges facing women in the society, noting that the technical session is the foundation of the meeting, where memoranda submitted by all the 36 States of the Federation, including the Federal Capital Territory and other relevant agencies would be treated and forwarded to the Ministerial meeting for adoption or rejection on October 31st, 2019.

She went further that the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen would declare the ministerial meeting open with all Commissioners for Women Affairs in the 36 states of the country present.


In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mr. Alaba Adeyemi, said the theme of the Council was technically picked so that issues bothering on women, children elderly, people living with disabilities and social development could be discussed and solutions amicably rendered, for the interest of all.

Mr. Adeyemi stated that the annual event has always created the avenue for participants to interact and acquaint themselves with culture of the host state as well as socialize with one another.


He said the technical session will enable delegates to look into the various memoranda submitted by States and ensure that memos earmarked for discussion during the council meeting are those in line with the theme of the meeting.

The PS therefore appealed to delegates to make the technical session robust and unique, urging them to contribute to deliberations and come up with fruitful decisions which would go a long way at helping to achieve set goals for the council meeting.


He stressed that the discussions in the technical session would provide a solid foundation for the Ministerial Session on Thursday, 31st October, 2019.

The Permanent Secretary therefore appreciated the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, all Permanent Secretaries, Directors and other officials from the 36 states of the Federation and the FCT, for the good work they have done.


While presenting the report of the 18th meeting held in Lagos State between 5th to 10th of August, 2018, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mr. Clement Shimave said the theme ” PEACE, SECURITY AND SOCIAL INCLUSION: KEY BUILDING BLOCKS FOR ACHIEVING ECONOMIC GROWTH AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA” .

Mr. Shimave said 32 States submitted memoranda and 29 States were available to make presentations and Ondo State was among the States that presented memo at the event.

He noted that the Council has taken steps towards addressing issues and concerns raised in some of the memoranda, submitted during the 18th edition, stressing that status of implementation of the resolutions and decisions reached was evaluated at the Mid-term review (MTR) meeting held in Abuja in March, 2019.

ODSG Partners CBN, SMEDAN To Train Youths On Entrepreneurship

The Ondo State Government in conjunction with Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has started training of over 360 youths on different business enterprise.

The three-day entrepreneurship programme, organised by Ministry of Youths and Sports Development with SMEDAN, started on Monday and would end on Wednesday.

Governor OluwarotimiAkeredolu,SAN of the state said that one of the major problems facing youths in the country was unemployment, hence the the need to train youths on businesses.

The governor who was, represented by his Deputy, Hon Agboola Ajayi, said one of the core values of his cardinal action plan as a government was human capital development, being the foundation of socio-economic growth of the state.

According to him, over four million youths enters the labour market against the available one million job.

Akeredolu said "As our administration is committed to sustainable youth empowerment,this three-day capacity building training is intended to unlock and re-invent your creative potential and provide another opportunity for you to either start or scale up your existing businesses.

"We cannot pretend to be unaware of the teething challenges confronting up and coming young entrepreneurs,notably the inability to access the initial capital outlay," he said.

Akeredolu said the agricultural value chain business was significant aspect of his government's plan to create jobs for unemployed youths and to grow the state economy.

He revealed that the business had engaged over 18,000 youths,with social protection and reinvestment programmes had currently engaged about 50,000 youths through its various components.

Also, the commissioner for Youth and Sport Development, Mr Dotun Owanikin said the programme showed the commitment of the governor towards youths in the state.

He said the training would make the youths self-reliant and empowering them to ensure a sustainable employment opportunities in the state.

Owanikin revealed that each local government had minimum of 20 youths, saying," what we are trying to do here is to start a chain of employment for the youths in the state."

The State Manager of SMEDAN Mr Biodun Ayedun thanked the government of the state for giving the youths opportunity to be employers of labour.

Ayedun revealed that after the training, the participants would be able to access loans between one million and N10 million, payable after 18 months of collection with five per cent interest rate.

Mrs. Akeredolu, Erelu Fayemi, Others Unveil FLAC By Ngozi Aduloju
The wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu today joined other First Ladies to officially unveiled ‘First Ladies Against Cancer’ (FLAC), an initiative of First Ladies committed to fighting the scourge of cancer at the official premiering of the movie “DIAMONDS IN THE SKY” at Point Harbour, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Other First Ladies at the occasion include Erelu Bisi Fayemi of Ekiti State, Evang. Omolewa Ahmed from Kwara, Dr. Mrs. Linda Ayade from Cross River State, Dr. Zainab Bagudu from Kebbi State, Mrs. Monica Ugwuanyi from Enugu State and former First Lady Ogun State, Dr. Mrs. Olufunsho Amosun.

Mrs. Akeredolu while leading other First Ladies to officially unveil the logo of FLAC said women most especially need to understand how cancer progresses over time and that all hands must be on deck to spread the gospel that cancer no longer kills.
According to her, women no longer need to die needlessly from the disease as awareness about screening can make it possible for a woman to detect cancer early.
While also urging women to go to the hospital when they detect any sign of cancer, Mrs. Akeredolu stressed that faith and medicine can go hand in hand in the quest to get treatment.
Mrs. Akeredolu who also used the opportunity to applaud the initiative said FLAC has laid a good example that nothing is impossible once its conceived.
The First Lady of Niger State, Dr. Amina Abubakar Bello in her review said FLAC was conceived in 2017 to give voice to the cause noting that part of its goal is to get government’s and individual’s attention to fund cancer treatment.
Sharing from personal experience, the representative of Dangote Foundation, Hajia Halima Dangote said she lost a sister, Fatima Bello Dangote to cancer.

She however emphasized the need for women to present early whenever they detect any sign of cancer while commending the First Ladies for coming up with the initiative.
Earlier in her address, the wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr. Ibironke Sanwoolu observed that cancer is responsible for over 72% of death every year thus the need to take steps.
She also affirmed that FLAC was conceived to scale up advocacy against cancer.
The highpoint of the event was the official viewing of the movie “DIAMONDS IN THE SKY” as well as practical demonstration on breast self examination and donations.
Others prominent cabinet members such as the Hon. Commissioner for Health, Dr. Wahab Adegbenro, SSA to Ondo State Governor on Education, Mrs. Wumi Ilawole as well as BRECAN and FOWOSO members were also in attendance from Ondo State.

ODSG trains drivers, mechanics for quality service delivery

As part of the activities to reposition the Public Service in Ondo State to enhance quality service delivery, the State Department of Establishment and Training in conjunction with PISCAN organization has organized a two-day training workshop for Motor Driver, Mechanics in the State public service.

The workshop which is to re-orientate this category of workers on the ethics of public service and improvement of their skills was held at the State Public Service Training Institute (PSTI) in Ilara-Mokin-Mokin, headquarters of Ifedore Local Government Area of the state.

Declaring the workshop open, the state Head of Service, Mr Dare Aragbaiye reiterated the commitment of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to re-orientate the workers on the ethical values of public service through training and retraining of public servants with a view to achieving better performance of their duties.

Aragbaiye, who commended the Governor for releasing funds for the programme despite the scarce resources of the state government, noted that every section of the civil service is important, thereby assuring that no section would be left out in the scheduled training programme by the state government.

He charged the participants to be more dedicated to duty, avoid indolence and exhibit good conduct in the performance of their official duties to justify government’s investment on the training programme.

Earlier in his address, the Permanent Secretary, Department of Establishment and Training, Mr Victor Olajorin appreciated the Governor for prioritizing the training of the state workers to improve their skills as against recruiting new ones to replace them.

Mr Olajorin described the Drivers as the life wire of the public service without which the target of delivering excellent service to the people could be achieved.

In his remarks, the lead Consultant of PISCAN organization, Professor Femi Akinwumi, represented by Mrs Ani Anisulowo said the training workshop would include among others medical checkup, physical fitness and paper presentation on health, safety and interpersonal relationship between the drivers and other workers.

The participants under go tests on their eyes, blood pressure, sugar level and also engaged in group work and evaluation.

The 10 Goodies President Buhari Brought Back To Nigeria From Sochi, Russia.

1. NNPC signed an MOU with Russian Mega Oil Company, Lukeoil to do Joint Venture deep offshore Crude Oil exploration and production and for the revamping of the three oil refineries in Nigeria.

2. Russia to enter into the Nigeria rail market via the Eastern Corridor ( Lagos to Calabar line) and the Portharcourt Maiduguri line. Russia will offer, design, construction, management, and maintenance of railway infrastructure in the two lines. The Calabar line is 1,400 kms long.

3. NNPC signed an MOU with Gazprom, the Russian Gas giant for the development of Nigeria's enormous gas potential and infrastructure.

4. Russia accepted to use a government to government approach to complete the abandoned and uncompleted Ajaokuta Steel rolling mill. This facility is 60km in size, has 40 production plants, internal rail network and can produce 10m tons of all kinds of steel per year. Over $8b has so far been spent on the project. The project is 40 years old.

5. Russia agreed to supply 12 Attack Helicopters to Nigeria for the fight against terrorism.

6. Russia to work with the Ministry of Defence to modernize the armed forces, enhance government to government procurement of Russian military hardware, training of military personnel, etc

7. Resolving the production issues and disputes with the ALSCON Russian owners. ALSCON is a producer of Aluminium products.

8.Because Russia is ranked as the biggest producer of wheat in the world, Russia has agreed to help Nigeria ramp up its production of wheat. Nigeria produces 100k tons of wheat but imports 5m tons of wheat. The aim of the Russian assistance is to greatly increase local production of wheat in Nigeria and reduce imports drastically to help save Nigeria the foreign exchange it uses to buy the annual import of 5m tons.

9. Russia will provide security and technical support to Nigeria to stamp out piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.

10. Russia will help provide geological prospecting of Nigeria's vast solid minerals deposits with a view to exploiting them.

Just In:

After receiving briefing about the proposed USSD charges, I realized there was no justification for the new tariff, consequently, I directed it's immediate suspension, any telecom operator that violates this directives would be sanction appropriately.

Sheikh Dr Isa Ali Pantami
Honourable Minister Of Communications and Digital Economy.

ODSG Signs MoU To Build 1.1Billion Dollars Medical City In Ondo

As part of its commitment to improve the health sector, facilitate modern healthcare in Ondo State and end medical tourism abroad , the administration of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has signed a memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Germany-based health institution, Medicus International, to build a USD1.1billion Sunshine medical City in the state.

The Mou was signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, while the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Medicus International, Frank Spriewald, signed on behalf of the company at the Ondo State Governor's Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja, on Thursday, October 24, 2019.

Speaking at the event, Governor Akeredolu said he was more than convinced that Medicus International has good intention to develop the medical infrastructure in the state.

He said: "I am more than convinced that Medicus has good intention. As I told them when they came, coincidentally about few weeks ago, I was in Germany myself and I saw their structure.

"When I was in Berlin, I was talking to another medical organisation to bring their facility to Ondo State. I was negotiating with them not knowing that someone else was already waiting for this.

"No doubt, we are interested in this. We have made efforts. We are already working on how to secure a land very close to the airport. It is an interesting thing.

"We are prepared to cooperate and we know that this sort of thing is to be done as a joint venture. The interest of Ondo State is there. We are putting land. The joint venture itself will come up."

Arakunrin Akeredolu also announced that the state government has set up a team led by the Special Adviser on Health to work with the Medicus International.

Earlier, the facilitator for Medicus International, Chief Oludare Bello, said the time for the execution of the project is thirty six months and development will be completed in forty eight months.

According to him, the hospital will deal with all facets of healthcare, adding that the nearness to the airport became imperative because the hospital will have its own helicopter that will transverse other parts of the state for medical purposes.

Chief Bello explained that there will be other facilities in the medical city such as conference Center, Cinema, teaching hospital and nursing school.

He said: "The hospital is a city on its own. The design is premised on the fact that there will be green in the whole hospital. That is to make the patients see the ambience of the hospital when they lean over the window to have a view.

"It will be one of its kind in Nigeria. Over 50% of the doctors are already trained in Germany. The doctors that will be employed here will also be trained in Germany.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Jibayo Adeyeye, said Medicus International is charged with the responsibility of looking for fund for the project, adding that the State government is only investing 100 hectares of land and with other routine approvals.

He said the MoU is coming after serial of engagements to have a memorandum signed between the state government and the organization.

Olabode Richard Olatunde
Special Assistant to the Governor (New Media)
October 24, 2019

:camera_with_flash: ODSG

ONDO State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Wednesday said he received with concern the report on the abduction ofJustice Abdul Dogo.

Justice Dogo is a Judge of the Federal High Court, Akure Division and was said to have been kidnapped at Ibilo, Edo State while returning from Abuja.

Notwithstanding that the unpleasant incident happened outside the territory of Ondo State, Akeredolu said the kidnap of any Nigerian anywhere must elicit a pan-Nigerian reaction and empathy. In this particular case, Mr Governor is disturbed and deeply concerned that Dogo serves the Federal Judiciary in Ondo.

In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant(SSA) on Media and Publicity, Ojo Oyewamide, the governor charged the State Police Command to synergise with its Edo and Kogi commands to effect the early release of Justice Dogo

Akeredolu admonished that ”seemingly incorrect narratives on the heels of such critical situations as kidnap are capable of disrupting the focus and attention of appropriate intelligence architectures.

President Muhammadu Buhari and Russian President, Vladimir Putin today in Sochi, Russia, agreed to put Nigeria-Russia relations on a fast track, and pursue the completion of partially completed and abandoned projects initiated by both countries.