MEMBERS and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the three senatorial districts of Ondo State trooped out on Wednesday to celebrate the victory of the party and President Muhammadu Buhari.

The celebration took place simultaneously at the state Secretariat of the party at Oyemekun road, Akure in the Central Senatorial district while the celebration was also held in Owo in the Northern Senatorial District of the state, while members of the party in the South Senatorial district converged on Igbokoda, in Ilaje local government area of the state to celebrate the President’s victory.
Although the APC lost the election in the state, the people said they are committed to the success of the Buhari’s administration

They explained that the state has shown commitment by kicking all odds and local sentiments to secure the result the party recorded.

The Chairman of the party in the state Hon Ade Adetimehin said the party has learnt its lesson from the loss recorded in the last Saturday’s elections, saying the party in the state must celebrate the President’s victory being the victory of the party and the people of Nigeria.

He said: ” We have learnt our lessons, we will bounce back better after we must have put our house in order. We are for Buhari here and we can’t change overnight. That notwithstanding, we have shown so much commitment to the re-election of Mr President
.“Our story is simple, though unfortunate, we are ready to go back to the drawing table. Our commitment is unshakable, our loyalty is unalloyed. Under the leadership of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, we are core Buharists.

“Our painful lost in the last Saturday’s elections has been rubbed off by the victory of President Buhari.”

President Buhari also visited the Situation Room earlier today (Wednesday), where he delivered his acceptance speech shortly after he was declared winner of the presidential election by INEC.

He thanked the over 15million Nigerians who voted to re-elect him for another four years in office.

He said: “I also thank the millions of volunteers, self-appointed overseers, canvassers, agents, escorts and sentries who sacrificed so much of their time and resources to ensure the success of these elections.

“I do not have the words adequate to thank them.’’(NAN)

Supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State took to the streets on Wednesday to celebrate the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari in Saturday’s presidential poll.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday declared President Buhari of the APC as winner having polled 15,191,847 votes as against his closest rival, Atiku Abubakar, who polled 11,255,978 votes.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that APC supporters were dancing and singing victory songs from the APC Secretariat in Okitipupa to other communities in the local council.

The supporters were also shouting slogans like “Sai Baba”, “Next Level” and “Four Plus Four” to the teeming residents who also joined in the jubilation.

NAN reports that the jubilation on highways in Okitipupa, however, impeded vehicular movement.

Mr Bode Ikulala, the APC Chairman in Okitipupa Local Government, told NAN that the victory of the president was in order as Nigerians had spoken through their votes.

He said that Buhari had done so much and his victory at the poll was not a surprise to Nigerians.

“President Buhari deserves a second term from all the things he has done and I think the Nigerian electorate have spoken through the ballot.

“I thank all party faithful and Nigerians at large who ensured that their votes counted, but our supporters must not mock the opposition.

“President Buhari will consolidate on the gains of democracy and Nigerians will enjoy a better life at the next level,” Ikulala said. (NAN)

https://citadelng.com/ondo-apc-supporters-in-wild-jubilation-over-buharis-victory/

Dele Momodu advises Atiku to congratulate Buhari


Dele Momodu, publisher of Ovation Magazine and one of the supporters of the presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar, has advised Abubakar to concede defeat and congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari.

Dele Momodu Momodu, a social media influencer, gave the advice via his Twitter handle @DeleMomodu. He apparently based his suggestion on the results of the states released so far by Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

Momodu said he was aware Abubakar would consult widely with party leadership, family members and associates both home and abroad, advising that the path of peace be toed in whatever choice he opted to take. One of his tweets reads: “My dear WAZIRIN, as a believer, you are aware that only God can give or take power. You’ve written your name in gold. Do not wait a minute longer. ‘’Please, pick that phone and call President Muhammadu Buhari.

You have much more to gain Sir… Pass on the burden!” Momodu had campaigned for Abubakar and had insisted that he would win the race, based on what he described as the disappointing performance of the incumbent administration. He said he campaigned vigorously for Buhari in 2015 but was unhappy with his performance more than three years in the saddle.

Momodu said the two paths to address the infractions noticed before, during and after the elections should be to either go for war or through the court. But, as a believer in the rule of law, he suggested the latter, stressing that Nigeria was much more important than an individual’s ambition.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/02/dele-momodu-advises-atiku-to-congratulate-buhari/

Buhari tops with 15.19m:


Muhammadu Buhari has won the presidential election – going by the figures released this morning by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The President won 15,191,847 votes to retain his job. His closest rival, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) scored 11,262,978.

Buhari, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate won in 19 states. Atiku won in 17 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The commission adjourned its collation and announcement of results at the International Conference Centre, Abuja at 12.16am after taking the results from Rivers State —the last to come in. It adjourned till 3am.

INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu said the commission wanted to beat its 2015 record when it concluded the process at 4am.

Buhari is billed to read his acceptance speech at the APC secretariat today.

Yesterday’s collation opened with Niger State, which went to the APC with 612,371 votes. PDP scored 218, 052.

There were 2,375,568 registered voters across the 15 local government areas of the state and 911, 964 voters were accredited. The state recorded a total vote of 896,976 and 851,937 valid votes. Forty-five votes were rejected; 71,200 were cancelled.

In Jigawa State, Buhari scored 794,738 as against Atiku’s 289, 895 votes.

With 27 local government areas, Jigawa had 2,104,889 registered voters; 1,171,801 were accredited to vote; 1,149,922 voted. Of the votes, 1,106,244 were valid and 43, 678 were rejected.

The APC candidate also won in Kaduna State with 993,445 votes as against PDP’s 640, 612.

Atiku fought back in Anambra State, garnering 524,738 votes as against APC’s 33,298.

He won with a slim margin in Oyo State where the PDP polled 366,690 as against APC’s 365,229.

Atiku’s home state, Adamawa, gave the PDP 410,266 votes. Buhari got 378,078.

The 21 council areas in Adamawa had 1,959,322 registered voters; 874,920 voters were accredited. There were 811,534 valid votes; 49,222 were rejected.

The President won in Bauchi with 798,428 votes. Atiku scored 209,313. Valid votes were 1,024, 307; 37,648 were rejected. Votes cast stood at 1,061, 955

The APC beat the PDP in Lagos State with 580,825 votes; PDP scored 448,015.

The ruling party also secured victory for his candidate in Ogun State where it scored 281,762 as against PDP’s 194, 655. The registered number of voters in the Gateway State was 2,336,887; 613,399 were accredited and 605,938 voted.

Edo State, with 18 local government areas and 2,150,127 registered voters, went to Atiku with 275, 691 votes. Buhari scored 267,842 votes.

For the poll, 604,915 were accredited. There were 560,711 valid votes. The rejected ballot stood at 38, 517, leaving the total vote cast at 599, 228.

The number of votes that were cancelled in 48 polling units stood at 42,176.

In Benue State, PDP got a narrow victory margin over the ruling party with 356,817 votes as against APC’s 347,668.

Edo, with a voter population of 2, 391,276, has a total vote cast of 763,872. The valid votes were 728,912. The rejected votes were 34,960 and 122,989 votes were cancelled in 172 polling units.

Atiku won Imo State with 334,923 votes as against Buhari’s 140,463 votes.

There were 2,037,569 registered would-be voters; 585,741 were accredited to vote. The valid votes were 511,586 and 31,191 votes were rejected. The number of votes cast stood at 542,777; 63,048 were cancelled in 97 polling units in 12 council areas.

Plateau State also gave its vote to Atiku who scored 548,665. Buhari scored 468,555.

The state had 2,423, 381 registered voters and 1,074,042 were accredited.

The valid votes were 1,034,853 of which 1,063,862 voted. The number of rejected votes stood at 28,009.

Kano went to Buhari who scored 1,464,768 against Atiku’s 392,593.

The Northwest state, where 5,381,581 were registered to vote, recorded the highest turnout with 2,006,410 accredited voters.

The votes cast were 1,964,751. The valid votes were 1,891,134. The rejected votes were 73,617 and the cancelled votes were 43,900, across 69 polling units.

Katsina, Buhari’s home state, also went the way of Buhari, who scored 1,232,133 against Atiku’s 308,056.

It has 3,219,422 registered voters and 1,628,865 were accredited for the election.

The total valid votes in Katsina is 1,555,473 and 1,619,185 cast their ballots.

The rejected votes were 63,712 and the cancelled votes stood at 12,027.

Taraba went to the PDP with 374,743 votes as against APC’s 326 996 votes.

The total registered votes were 1,777,105. The accredited voters stood at 756 111.

The valid votes were 712 877 and 28,687 were rejected

Akeredolu’s Second Year Anniversary


THE administration of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu is two years. The political implication of this fact is that the administration has come to the middle of its tenure in the governance of Ondo State. There remains therefore, all things being equal, less than two more years for the administration to deliver on its promises to the Ondo State inhabitants before the onset of another election in the State.

ARAKUNRIN Rotimi Akeredolu has hit the ground running, giving the impression that as he is one of the people, he was there to listen and to act on their behalf, thus changing the nomenclature and address of the Governor of the State, to my fellow man, Arakunrin. However, while some political cohorts in the State have seen this change of salutation as a ruse, many of the commoners in the State have perceived the name ‘Arakunrin’ as being a nomenclature in creed, truth, and deed. To the former, the Governor has its own agenda, aside party aspirations, while the latter see the Governor as a listener who does what he promises to do for his people.

THE administration came in at a time, when the economy of the state and the nation loosened very grim. Workers were groaning under the yoke of unpaid six months’ salary and contractors could not deliver on their promises due to lack of funds, In addition to these, several building of educational institutions in the state wore sorry sights, and roads in Ondo State were nothing but death traps. In addition to this, the cries of workers who were unjustly relieved of the jobs at the State owned tertiary institutions were hopeful at the inauguration of their new government.

WITHIN a space of two years, this administration has touched the lives of people. Those who fell under the sledge hammer of unjust retrenchment were reinstated to work with benefits; Civil servants smiled to the bank every month for their salaries, while only one month arrears of the owed salaries is yet to be cleared. Several primary schools have a new look, and the environment is such that encourages learning. Specifically, the administration had embarked on development programs in the agricultural sector through distribution of cocoa and cashew seedlings; establishment of rice production projects and fertilizer blending plants, amongst several other projects. Added to this are several road projects in all the Senatorial districts and the pursuit of the establishment of a Dock in Ondo State, as well as the relentless pursuit of the profitable exploitation of Bitumen in the State. Thus, the rural areas are being opened up through road construction and rehabilitation and efforts are ongoing to provide potable water to the citizens of the State. In other words, the people are having a feel of government in their local areas.

HOWEVER, THE HOPE observes that contrary to the promises of the administration, the people are being alienated from local governance by the continual use of local government caretaker committees. The existence of caretaker committees implies that the loyalty of the selected would be to the Governor who selected them rather to the people. People at the grassroots have also complained that the local government committees have not attended to their needs and complaints as expected. In the spirit of democracy, it is expected that this administration would allow the people to govern themselves at the local levels through a fair and free election soonest.

IN addition, the tertiary institutions are still groaning under reduced funding. Government allocation to tertiary institutions has been reduced to about seventy per cent, and government presence in the form of capital projects has not be too visible. Beyond this, most tertiary institutions in the State are groaning under the yoke of inadequate staffing and infrastructural negligence. In some, the effect of the increment in students’ fees has not been noticeable. The secondary schools also need to refurbish in order to encourage learning. Many secondary schools administration are also groaning under the heaviness of limited funds to recurrent activities.

FURTHERMORE, THE HOPE also perceives a discontent among the members of the ruling party members. The disaffection that followed the adoption of direct primaries had thorn the party apart . The aftermath of these is reflected in the dismal performance of the ruling party in the just concluded Presidential and Senatorial elections.

IN conclusion, THE HOPE commends Arakunrin Akeredolu for his uncommon couage of solving workers’ welfare and his developmental strides in the

State but admonishes that more efforts should be directed at rescuing the educational sector from collapse; entrenchment of democracy at all levels of governance in the State and also the closing of ranks in the ruling party of the State in order to deliver the proceeds of good governance to the people.

http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/Akeredolu%E2%80%99s-Second-Year-Anniversary

Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu 2 YEARS OF IMPACTFUL LEADERSHIP

- Regular payment of salaries, payment of 6 months backlog arrears, as well promotion of workers.
- Construction/Rehabilitation of over 60 km of road networks completed across the 3 senatorial districts.

- Remodeling/Construction of 559 Public schools across the 18 LGAs.
- Attraction of high net-worth local and foreign investments into the state.

- Drilling/Rehabilitation of 753 boreholes across the 3 senatorial districts.
- Engagement of 7,000 youths in the Youth on Ridges as part of the Agricultural Revolution in the State. #AketiAtWork

President Muhammadu Buhari visits Campaign Headquarters in Abuja where he received updates on the performance of APC in the Presidential Elections on 25th Feb 2019

President Buhari with Director of Election Planning and Monitoring Babatunde Fashola, Director Contacts and Mobilization Hadiza Bala Usman, DG Campaign Council Rotimi Amaechi and APC National Chairman Adams Oshiomole as he visits Campaign Headquarters in Abuja where he received updates on the performance of APC in the Presidential Elections on 25th Feb 2019

FG DECLARES FRIDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY, EXCLUDES BANKERS

The federal government of Nigeria has declared Friday, February 22, 2019, as a public holiday, in preparation for the February 23 presidential and parliamentary elections.

The ministry of interior via a statement on Wednesday, however, excluded bankers and those offering essential services across the nation.

“Federal Government declares Friday 22, February 2019 as work-free day. Those providing essential duties and bankers are excluded,”

“The work-free day is to enable citizens return to their poling units for the reschedule Presidential & National Assembly elections.

“Security agencies have been directed to ensure safety of lives and property before, during and after the general election.”

Some states and businesses across the federation had initially declared holiday for members of staff on February 15, in anticipation of the February 16 elections.

Major banks across the country issued statements of early closure on Friday, February 15 — closing their outlets earlier than usual.

The elections were, however, postponed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which had claimed logistical reasons for the delayed poll.

Nigerians will now vote on February 23, and March 9 — one week from the initial dates.

https://www.citadelng.com

THE presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has said President Muhammadu Buhari and his party, the All Progressives Congress, can no longer be trusted because they have not kept any of the promises they made to Nigerians while soliciting their votes four years ago.

Atiku said this on Tuesday during the party’s presidential rally at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

He said the PDP would provide adequate security, jobs and turn around the economy, noting that the APC had made situations worse than they met them after deceiving Nigerians to vote for them.

Atiku promised the Lagos crowd that he would create jobs and tackle other problems confronting the nation if voted into power on Saturday.

He said Lagos State was dear to him, adding that with the PDP in control at the centre the myriad of problems confronting the state would be effectively tackled.

Atiku said, “The APC promised to create jobs for us, today there is massive unemployment. The APC promised security, but today, there is high level of insecurity in Nigeria. The APC promised us economic revival, today Nigeria is the poverty capital of the world. These are people that cannot be trusted.

“I promise you that I will create jobs; I have been doing it and I will turn this country around if you vote for me.

“I am a Lagosian, I came to Lagos before most of you here. Let me assure the people of Lagos and the South-West that I will address their problems. I have said I will restructure this country and I will do it.”

The vice presidential candidate of the party, Mr Peter Obi, and the governorship candidate of the PDP in the state, Mr Jimi Agbaje, urged the people of Lagos to troop out on Saturday and vote for the PDP.

Agbaje said the Saturday polls should be used to put an end to slavery, terror and ineffective government.

The National Chairman of the PDP, Uche Secondus, said the opposition party was confident of winning the presidential poll, while accusing the ruling party of planning to rig the election.

The party chairman called on Nigerians to vote for Atiku and other PDP candidates in the February 16 and March 2 elections, saying the party would return Nigeria to the path of economic development and security. – Punch

THE presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has said President Muhammadu Buhari and his party, the All Progressives Congress, can no longer be trusted because they have not kept any of the promises they made to Nigerians while soliciting their votes four years ago.

Atiku said this on Tuesday during the party’s presidential rally at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

He said the PDP would provide adequate security, jobs and turn around the economy, noting that the APC had made situations worse than they met them after deceiving Nigerians to vote for them.

Atiku promised the Lagos crowd that he would create jobs and tackle other problems confronting the nation if voted into power on Saturday.

He said Lagos State was dear to him, adding that with the PDP in control at the centre the myriad of problems confronting the state would be effectively tackled.

Atiku said, “The APC promised to create jobs for us, today there is massive unemployment. The APC promised security, but today, there is high level of insecurity in Nigeria. The APC promised us economic revival, today Nigeria is the poverty capital of the world. These are people that cannot be trusted.

“I promise you that I will create jobs; I have been doing it and I will turn this country around if you vote for me.

“I am a Lagosian, I came to Lagos before most of you here. Let me assure the people of Lagos and the South-West that I will address their problems. I have said I will restructure this country and I will do it.”

The vice presidential candidate of the party, Mr Peter Obi, and the governorship candidate of the PDP in the state, Mr Jimi Agbaje, urged the people of Lagos to troop out on Saturday and vote for the PDP.

Agbaje said the Saturday polls should be used to put an end to slavery, terror and ineffective government.

The National Chairman of the PDP, Uche Secondus, said the opposition party was confident of winning the presidential poll, while accusing the ruling party of planning to rig the election.

The party chairman called on Nigerians to vote for Atiku and other PDP candidates in the February 16 and March 2 elections, saying the party would return Nigeria to the path of economic development and security

what is the girl wearing

Ashleyeniwin:
SEVEN HUNDRED YOUTHS, WOMEN TO BENEFIT FROM ONDO STATE SKILL ACQUISITION TODAY:


Seven Hundred Youths and Women from the eighteen local government areas of Ondo state are to commence skills acquisition programme today across the state.

They had earlier attended an orientation program last month for the commencement of the training.

The Special Adviser to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Public and Intergovernmental Relations, Mrs Olubunmi Ademosu said beneficiaries in the northern part of the state should report at either of the council secretariats in Ikare Akoko and Owo while those in the south are billed to have their trainings at the council secretariats in Igbokoda and Okitipupa council secretariats

Trainees from the central senatorial district would be trained at the Skill Acqisition Center at Oke Ijebu in Akure and Ondo West council secretariat.

Mrs Ademosu advised that the trainees should register at the centre nearest to them.

ONDO POLICE COMMAND WARNS POLITICIANS AGAINST UNAUTHORIZED RALLIES.



Few days to the general elections, Ondo state police command has warned against unauthorized rallies by all Political parties and candidates.

The command’s spokesperson, Femi Joseph while reacting to the death of a 23 year old resident of Ipogun who was killed during a political engagement said three persons have been arrested while investigation is still ongoing.

Meanwhile, the caretaker chairman of Ifedore, Alex Oladimeji has also visited the community to sympathize with the bereaved and called for calm.

Oladimeji said government would do everything necessary to ensure Security of live and properties in the area.

He advised politicians to caution their supporters against any acts of violence before, during the elections.


https://citadelng.com/ondo-police-command-warns-politicians-against-unauthorized-rallies/

Buhari uges traditional rulers to end banditry:


PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has urged traditional rulers to do more in curbing banditry and kidnapping in their communities.

According to him, he felt disappointed that people who were allegedly close to some of them were found to have a hand in such criminality.

The President spoke yesterday at a meeting with the royal fathers in the Government House in Gusau, Zamfara State, as part of the ongoing campaigns.

In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the President expressed the determination of his administration to defend the country from criminals and insurgents.

“We are determined to defend the nation and its people. We are disappointed with some of the things going on. You are responsible for the security of your neighbourhood. Being close to your people, you know them. You are still relevant. I am sorry this has extended to some of your families,” he said.

Referring to the deployment of a large number of security personnel to the state, Buhari said security is also the business of the traditional rulers, not that of the police and other security agencies alone.

“More security is not good news, but we must do something to secure our environment,” he noted.

The President hailed the gallantry of the security agencies in battling kidnapping and banditry.

Buhari said: “You know what we have achieved. You had one who styled himself as Buharin Daji, the Buhari of the forests, claiming to be in charge and not I at the centre. He is no more, and by my surviving him, you now know who is stronger.”

He said he was contesting this election as his fifth and the last, because as he noted, “a second term is what the constitution allows, and I will not abuse the constitution.”

Council of Traditional Rulers Chairman and Emir of Anka Alhaji Attahiru Ahmed and Governor Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar hailed the President’s efforts in changing the state’s security situation.

According to the governor, “From the presence of an ammunition depot manned by just 30-men when you took office in 2015, Zamfara State today boasts of the presence of 4,700 combined security personnel, who are assisted by 8,500 State Joint Task Force, SJTF members. We also have the 223 Battalion, the 607 Quick Response Battalion and the 1 Brigade in Gusau.”

The council of traditional rulers also endorsed President Buhari’s bid for a second term.

http://thenationonlineng.net/buhari-uges-traditional-rulers-to-end-banditry/

MY MESSAGE TO NIGERIANS - BUHARI

WE WILL CONTINUE TO WORK TO PROTECT YOUR INTEREST AND DELIVER OUR MANDATE

Fellow compatriots,

It’s been over three years since you gave me the mandate to oversee the affairs of our dear country.

It's not been an easy journey but with sincerity of purpose, perseverance, dedication and most importantly support from individuals like you, we have made great progress.

Some of these achievements are visible for everyone to see, some are still in the works.

I hereby humbly ask for your support again in the coming election to enable us to move to the NEXT LEVEL and consolidate on the successes recorded in making our country a better place. I don’t take your support for granted. We will continue to work to protect your interest and deliver our mandate.

Thank you

6 days and 6 reasons to vote Buhari.

Northern Elders Initiative Endorses Buhari For Second Term

Northern elders, under the aegis of the Northern Elders Initiative, led by Major General Paul Tarfa (Rtd) and the former governor of Sokoto State, Aliyu Wamakko, have endorsed President Muhammadu Buhari for a second term.

The elders under the initiative distanced themselves from the endorsement of Atiku Abubakar by the Professor Ango Abdullahi-led Northern Elders Forum last week. Tarfa said, "After a long fruitful consultation with our members, from all parts of the North, we have unanimously decided to endorse President Muhammadu Buhari, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress as our choice in the forthcoming election. "We have made this choice after a deep reflection of what Buhari stands for for Nigeria."

Both members of the Northern Elders Forum and the Northern Elders Initiative belong to the Arewa Consultative Forum, which is a political and cultural association of Northers Elders formed in 2000.

FG, ASUU urged to keep agreements

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government, have been urged to keep to their end of the deal that brought an end to the protracted strike.

Mr Olatunde Oladeji, an Educationist, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Osogbo.

Oladeji maintained that keeping to agreements made would go a long way in forestalling future industrial action or decisions that tended to always affect the future of the Nigerian child.

He, however, commended both parties, particularly ASUU, for shifting grounds in order to ensure that the three-month old strike, which paralysed activities in Nigeria’s public universities, was brought to an end.

“The decision to suspend the strike embarked upon by ASUU is a welcome development; and I believe the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that binds such agreement will be maintained,” he said.

He also appealed to all universities’ management to ensure that academic activities resumed immediately because so much time had been lost in the academic calendar.

Oladeji, who decried the decaying infrastructure in most public universities, further called for increased allocations to the education sector by both state and federal governments.

He said increased funding of the educational sector would help in addressing some of the challenges that were contributing to the incessant industrial actions by ASUU and other related educational bodies. (NAN)

https://citadelng.com/fg-ASUU-urged-to-keep-agreements/

President Muhammadu Buhari in Lagos for his Presidential Campaign Rally, he is currently at the Lagos House, Marina, holding an interactive session with Business Community. #PMBMeetsBusiness #PMBInLagos

The Ondo State Government has promised to continue to collaborate with the Theatre Art and Motion Pictures Association of Nigeria, (TAMPAN), to transform the nation’s economy through the entertainment industry.

The state deputy governor, Hon. Agboola Ajayi made the commitment while addressing leaders of the association during a courtesy visit to his office yesterday.

Ajayi who commended members of the association for their various artistic performances, said the roles they play in national development are very vital and cannot be over-emphasized.

According to him, theatre artists through their profession not only help the people to live a guided life against all forms of social vices, but also ensure unity and peaceful co-existence among the people as well as boost the nation’s economy.

While pointing out that the state has the best cultural and event centre in the region, he urged them to take advantage of that and assured them of continued collaboration in the industry.

Earlier, the National President of TAMPAN, Bolaji Amusan (Baba Latin) had informed that the visit is unique as it is meant to cement the already existing relationship between the artists and the government saying the state government is artists friendly and has been very supportive.

He said his members are ever ready to partner with the government by using their celebrities status to promote the activities of the government and showcase its achievements to the world.

Speaking with the newsmen, the Director of Media and Publicity of the association, Yomi Fash-Lanso, said it is going to be a better entertainment synergy between the state chapter of the association and the government under the leadership of Governor Akeredolu who is a lover of arts.

He further said the inauguration of the new executives of the state chapter of TAMPAN is to put in place an enabling platform for young talents to thrive and become acceptable within their home environment



https://citadelng.com/odsg-to-partner-tampan-for-devt/

Ajaokuta Steel ’ll soon come to life, says Osinbajo


The Ajaokuta Steel Complex in Kogi State will soon start working again for the benefits of the people, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, has assured.

He gave the assurance at the Civic Centre in the Palace of Attah of Igala, Dr. Michael Idakwo Ameh Oboni, as part of the administration’s campaign for the coming elections.

Osinbajo said the Federal Government had gone very far on the rivitalisation of the complex. “Unlike the previous government, we have gone beyond our promises. We have come to the point where we are implementing and I am sure that very soon you will see for yourself that Ajaokuta has come to life,” he said

The vice president said when completed the project will make business activities in the area to be active and many people will be employed.

According to him, the government has finally completed the Itakpe-Warri Rail road in preparation for the revitalisation of Ajaokuta Steel.

“Unlike the previous government, President Muhammadu Buhari is not only a honest man, but also a doer that gets things done.

“You will need to see for yourself that we are going to test-run the Itakpe-Warri rail road in few days time, and you will see everything that is being put in place,” Osinbajo said.

He said the administration had employed 500,000 youths under the N-Power initiative and would increase the number to one million when re-elected.

“Our desire is that every Nigerian should live a good life and have the ability to put food on his table,” Osinbajo said, urging the people to come out en masse and vote for Buhari and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates at all levels in the forthcoming general elections.

Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello restated that President Buhari had promised that the Ajaokuta Steel would be resuscitated and would be producing for Nigerians.

He appealed to the people to get their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and vote massively for all APC candidates, deliver them at all levels and avoid violence.

The Attah of Igala, thanked the Vice President for coming to Kogi State, especially Igala land.

“We, the people of Kogi and the entire Nigeria, are very grateful to God for saving your life and that of your crew members. We can see all good works you are doing, and it is left for us to reciprocate it because‘one good turn deserves another.



“We need to agree and partner with you. Our governor is an indefatigable governor, full of wisdom and very hard working; we promise to support you,” the monarch said.

Kogi Presidential Campaign Council Director-General, Mr. Edward Onoja, said the state had impacted the lives of the people across the three senatorial districts

Buhari dares Atiku at home

President Muhammadu Buhari took the campaign for his second term to Adamawa State, the doorsteps of his main challenger and presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, yesterday.

There, and before a mammoth crowd at the Ribadu Square in Yola, capital of Adamawa, Buhari, the president said he has delivered on his promises of providing of security, improving the economy and to fight against corruption in the country.

At the rally, he reiterated that, of the three key promises he made in 2015, the fight against corruption is remains the toughest as the promise of getting conviction against corrupt people is an uphill task but that he remains firm to his promise that all corrupt people would be dealt with and looted funds would be returned to the people.

Said Buhari: “The people of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe are testament to our commitment in the fight against corruption and our resolve to end insurgency.

“We have provided our farmers with fertilisers and bumper harvests have been recorded.”

Buhari said it was unfortunate that the work started years ago, when he was chairman of the now defunct Petroleum Trust Fund, to provide basic necessities for the people, have not been completed.

On his part, Governor Muhammed Umaru Jibrilla Bindow said “Adamawa remains thankful to Muhammadu Buhari for the peace enjoyed.

“Yola-Mubi, Numan-Gombe, Jalingo-Numan and Jada-Toungo roads have all been awarded for construction by the Buhari-led government,” and canvassed for his re-election.

Adamawa is also home to Buhari’s wife, Aisha, as well as home to the current Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha. The state is also an interesting presidential battlefield as it is also home to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Muhammed Bello.

Adamawa has, however, been a PDP stronghold and Atiku’s emergence, as the presidential candidate of the PDP, has triggered a fierce scramble and battle for the about 1.9 million votes up for grabs on February 16th.

Earlier, in Taraba, Buhari promised to open up the state for investors so that the state’s enormous natural resources can be tapped for development.

Buhari made this promsie before thousands of supporters at the Jolly Nyame Stadium in Jalingo, the state capital as part of his presidential campaign tour of states.

The president said he would not only ensure completion of the Mambilla Dam and Ibi Bridge, but he would ensure construction of the Makurdi-Taraba-Borno rail project that would help open up the state for both local and foreign investors.

“Taraba has a lot of potentials that remain untapped. What we need to do is to open up the state for both local and foreign investors. We will complete the Mambilla Dam project that we started; after it was ignored for several decades. We will complete the bridge across the stretch of River Benue in Ibi local government area.

“We will also construct railway from Benue to Taraba and up to Borno State to ease movement of goods and farm produce,” Buhari said.

https://citadelng.com/buhari-dares-atiku-at-home/

Ondo deputy governor says no plan to rig with ex-militants




Ondo State Deputy Governor, Mr Agboola Ajayi, on Thursday said there was no truth in the allegation that he is planning to use ex-militants to rig the forthcoming general elections in the riverine areas of the state.

The Peoples Democratic Party had alleged on a social media platform that the deputy governor was planning to disrupt the conduct of elections.

But Ajayi, in a statement by the Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr Leke Akeredolu, described the allegation as false and mischievous.

According to the statement, Ajayi, who is the Chairman of the Amnesty Programme in the state, met leaders of the ex-militants on Monday to resolve a misconception over their inclusion in the Federal Government’s amnesty programme.

He said the meeting had nothing to do with the forthcoming elections.

The statement read, “This allegation is both distasteful and regretful. It is also a shame that a national party like the PDP would throw caution to the wind and deliberately embark on peddling complete falsehood in a desperate attempt to discredit an election that is yet to hold.

“It is no longer news that the PDP and all its candidates have been rejected by the people after a 16-year period that was characterised by looting and destruction of the unity of the country.

“Kindly note that Ajayi has been playing intermediary roles between the Federal Government and the ex-militants. He also played a very important role in the discussions that led to the laying down of weapons by the ex-militants.

“The said Monday meeting was not different from the previous meetings that government representatives have had with leaders of the ex-militants and the discussion centered basically on their inclusion in the amnesty programme, and not elections matter.”

First Lady solicits support for Buhari`s re-election

the Wife of the President, Aisha Buhari, has solicited support for the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari in the forthcoming election. Aisha Buhari Mrs Buhari made the appeal on Thursday when she led members of All Progressives Congress (APC) Women and Youths Presidential Campaign team to the palace of some traditional rulers in Abuja.

She was represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Administration, Dr Hajo Sani.

The first lady said the campaign tour was aimed at galvanising support for the re-election of Buhari in the Feb. 16 presidential election. The team visited the palaces of Esu of Bwari, Ibrahim Yaro as well as Sarkin Bwari, Alhaji Awwal Ijakoro.

She assured them of the determination of the Buhari administration to consolidate on the successes recorded in the areas of infrastructure, agriculture, among others. In their separate responses, the Sarkin Bwari, Jakoro, expressed appreciation to the campaign team for identifying with the palace. The Esu of Bwari, Yaro also commended the team for identifying with the palace, and assured that the people would be mobilised to participate in the electoral process.

APC supporters, mostly women and youths, besieged the venue to welcome the delegation. The supporters chanted solidarity songs using different inscriptions to express their support for the re-election of Buhari. On the team were the wife of Nasarawa State Governor, Mrs Mairo Al-Makura, wife of former Military Administrator of Lagos State, Mrs Munira Buba Marwa, as well as wife of the Chief of Staff to the President, Hajiya Hauwa-Kulu Abba Kyari, among others (NAN).

We are in JALINGO....
We can't even enter the stadium because it's filled up.
The mammoth crowd will not give way because they want to SEE THEIR HERO.

PLEASE WATCH
�
The Adamawa/Taraba Presidential rally on http://apc.com.ng live

#PMBInJalingo
#PMBinTaraba
#SaiBaba

INEC appeals to students against electoral violence in Abia


The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has appealed to students in Abia to shun being used as thugs during the forthcoming general elections.

Mr Joseph Iloh, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, made the appeal at a forum for students of tertiary institutions in the state held in Umuahia on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, held at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU), was part of the commission’s sensitisation programmes towards violence-free elections.

The REC, who was represented by Mr Godfrey Achibie, Head, Voter Education and Publicity, said the commission was fully prepared to conduct free, fair and credible elections in the state.

“We are not happy that youths are easily manipulated by politicians with token of money.

“There are reports of tearing of posters and pulling down of billboards by agents of politicians. This must stop,” he cautioned.

Iloh lauded all the stakeholders, including the media, for the impressive number of registered voters in Abia, despite the apathy earlier encountered.

“At the end of the registration exercise, the total number of registered voters in Abia came to 1,933,974.

“But it is interesting to inform you that Abia registered a total number of 579,799 after the CVR was suspended on Aug. 31, 2018,” he said.

Prof. Francis Otunta, Vice-Chancellor, MOUAU, who was represented by Prof. Uchenna Okorie, Dean, Students Affairs, commended INEC for the interactive session.

He urged the students not to allow themselves to be used by politicians for electoral violence, but rather perform their civic responsibilities as good citizens. (NAN)

Group endorses President in Ondo


A group, Trust Alliance Foundation for Change, on Tuesday endorsed President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress for the February 16 election.

It said the President deserved a second term for his truthfulness and sincerity in the administration of the country.



The group’s Coordinator, Dr Asani Mouruff-Afolabi, said this while speaking to journalists in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

Mouruff-Afolabi said the group decided to endorse Buhari because of what he called “the policy-driven and ethical government” that had been entrenched in the country since 2015.

He said, “We base our decision to work and vote for Buhari/Osinbajo in the forthcoming presidential election on the government’s achievements in the fight against corruption, as well as infrastructural development.

“We are convinced that the expected modern Nigeria is achievable, if we have people like Buhari as governors and chairmen in all the 36 states and 774 local government areas of the federation.”

The first lady of Ondo State, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu is soliciting for people to support and join her on a walk for hope to mark World Cancer Day 2019. It will start at 9:00am on the 1st Feb 2019

Why Atiku can’t get support from Southwest:


As the nation continues the steady march towards the February 16 Presidential Election, one big question that has been agitating the minds of the people of the Southwest geopolitical zone of the country is what they stand to benefit by voting for either of the two main contending parties – the APC and the PDP. This is a question that falls within the purview of analysts to examine and present an overview of what to expect from the zone in the coming election.

One of the main grouses of the people of the Southwest against the PDP is the way the party treated the people of the zone during the Jonathan administration of 2009 to 2015. The people believe and rightly so, that they had been shortchanged not only in the siling of infrastructural projects in the zone but also in appointments to public offices.

Hardly can one point to any major project started and completed in the Southwest during the rule of Goodluck Jonathan or that of his predecessor, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. Instead many projects initiated by the two PDP leaders have been abandoned halfway only to be taken over by the Buhari administration. Many of such projects have either been completed by now or nearing completion by the current APC government of President Buhari.

For example, the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway construction was to be done through a concessionary arrangement that flopped. That all important project very vital to the socio-economic well-being of the South westerners has now been taken over by Buhari and is getting near completion stage and more interestingly, this big undertaking is now being executed through direct government funding.

Similarly, one of the busiest roads in Nigeria, the Ibadan/Oyo/Ogbomosho Expressway which was started by the PDP government of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was abandoned at Oyo leaving the Oyo/Ogbomosho section uncompleted since the past 16years. It is Buhari government that is now working towards the completion of the project.

One other major project that has continued to gladden the hearts of the Yoruba people is the standard gauge railway project directly linking Lagos with Ibadan, the political Capital of the Southwest. This project was started by Jonathan but nothing was done on it until Buhari came on board. While on a state visit to China, Buhari renegotiated the project with the Chinese authorities. Work is progressing at a high speed right now on the project.

You can just imagine a rail journey from Lagos to Ibadan taking only 30minutes. And what about haulage of goods between the two great metropolis? Why will the Southwest then choose to show ingratitude to a party, APC that is doing much at the same time in the geopolitical zone?

Right now Atiku is dangling the bait of restructuring to the region. But where are the details of his restructuring proposal? Will he do it, can he do it and is it going to be a project that will favour the people in that zone? Atiku came to Ibadan to canvass for the people’s support but merely touched the issue of restructuring on the surface. He merely browsed the issue and made no promise to complete ongoing projects that are of immense socio-economic value to the South westerners.

Today, Alhaji Atiku’s most vociferous backer is Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, a former President who had once declared the PDP candidate as unfit to rule Nigeria because of what he described as his insatiable greed and corruption. But even then, the pertinent question is, does Obasanjo possess the moral or political compass by which he can direct the course of events in Yorubaland?

Only recently, one of the most highly respected leaders of the Yoruba nation, General Alani Akinrinade, former Chief of Defense Staff, took a swipe at Chief Obasanjo and described his call on South westerners to vote for Atiku as “an insult to our collective intelligence”. He also blamed the media for according the ex-president undue attention, adding that they (the media) owe Nigerians the responsibility of “keeping this irritable man where he belongs – the waste bin of history”.

The retired general then advised his comrade-in-arms to “allow Nigerians choose who they want and stop goading the citizenry for his own selfish interests”. Alani Akinrinade has spoken the minds of most Nigerians, especially people of the Southwest. General Akinrinade is seen and regarded as a highly influential and respected leader whose views on any issues are usually taken as representing the collective interests of the Yoruba.

Now, if Atiku thinks he can rely on Obasanjo’s support to win Southwest votes, then he has missed the point. He must be living under a great illusion that Obasanjo’s political clout in the zone is sufficient enough for him to withstand PMB’s rabbit punch in the February 16 election. The Yoruba people have never regarded Obasanjo as a true son of theirs and many PDP leaders and supporters in the zone regard his much orchestrated support for Atiku as constituting a big albatross on the neck of his former vice.

VP and Gov at ore #Nextlevelengagement

FG adopts Ondo rural water model.

The Federal Government has adopted the Ondo state government’s model of water provision tagged “Kamomi Aketi Accelerated Water Scheme” for replication across the country.

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

Speaking at the event, the PEWASH National Coordinator from Abuja ,Mrs Jummai Umar-Wakaso said Ondo State model is cost effective and community driven because , the Federal Government has been spending 400,000 naira to rehabilitate one hand pump borehole contracted out compared to the 81,000 naira been used by the state through the Ondo Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, RUWASSA team to rehabilitate same.

"To achieve our target, we have to go the way of Ondo model, through the training of today ,I and my colleagues have learnt a lot and as we are going back, this is what we are going to adopt.

"Ondo model is a very good one, it is another milestone to the PEWASH family.We are happy that Ondo state has shown us the right direction,the state model is special, therefore Ondo is automatically under the PEWASH programme”, she said.

Addressing the participants, the Chairman, Ondo State RUWASSA, Hon. (Mrs) Yetunde Adeyanju attributed the success recorded in the area of rural water provision to the support the agency received from the governor of Ondo state, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

According to her, "It is a plus for us in the state and I am very proud of Mr Governor because ,we were able to achieve the feat based on his direction and the mandate given to us”.

"It is a challenge for us to do more, now that the Federal Government has adopted our system, we will continue to move forward ,we will sustain the tempo and continue to make impact", she said.

https://www.citadelng.com

Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo Visits Oba Of Ugbo Kingdom And Launches Tradermoni


In continuation of the re-election campaigns tour of the winning party, APC round Ondo state and launch of Trader Moni in the state, The Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo accompanied by the Governor of Ondo state, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, visited the Palace of the Paramount Yoruba king of Ugbo Kingdom, in Ilaje local government area of Ondo State, Oba Obateru Akinruntan, The Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom.

The King who received the Vice President and Governor well, was excited and expressed his support for President Muhammadu Buhari and Prof. Yemi Osinbajo in the coming elections.

Addressing the crowd, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu thanked His Royal majesty for his unflinching support always and expressed that his administration is concerned about the welfare of the good people of Ilaje kingdom, security and infrastructural development of the community.

https:www.citadelng.com

thats good for development

pressy011:
Ondo state government has reiterated its commitment to rebrand the state’s vehicle inspection center with latest technologies for optimal performance.

The Special Adviser to Governor Akeredolu on Transportation, Tobi Ogunleye stated this during a visit to the new computerized vehicle inspection centre in Akure, the state capital .

Ogunleye noted that government has begun the establishment of twelve digitalized Motor Inspection Centres in the state for the purpose of ensuring that vehicles plying the road are in good conditions.

He stressed that the centre would help motorists put their vehicles in proper working conditions in accordance with global environmental safety standards, as the computers installed in the facility would analyze and diagnose the state of the vehicles.

On his part, the General Manager of Ondo state computerized vehicle inspection services, Mr. Segun Obayedun who commended the Akeredolu’s administration for moving the facility from analog to a digital one noted that their officers have undergone modern training on how best to handle the equipment .

Others who spoke believed that with this development , the incessant road crashes and environmental pollution occasion by rickety cars would be greatly reduced .

they smiling for the money they just collect

adamsfeyisayo:
Osinbajo, Akeredolu visit Deji of Akure, Isinkan Market, promise greater Nigeria

The Next level engagement of Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo continued in Ondo State on Wednesday, 30th January, 2019 as he visited the Palace of the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladelusi Aladetoyinbo to solicit the support of the people of Akure and its environs ahead of the February 16th Presidential election.

The Vice President was accompanied by the Governor of the stage, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, who received warm cheers from his people in the state capital.

Addressing the monarch, Osinbajo reiterated the Federal Government's commitment to fighting corruption to a standstill and move the country forward.

While stressing the importance of providing jobs for the youths, he said the federal government has through its various Social Investment Programmes, empowered many youths with a view to eradicate poverty in the country.

He enjoined people of the state to re-elect President Muhammadu Buhari whom he described as a trustworthy and honest man who will always ensure that Nigeria's money is not stolen.

Oba Aladetoyinbo said the house-to-house campaign embarked upon showed that Osinbajo did not take his success at the 2015 General elections for granted

https://www.citadelng.com