₦airaland Forum

Really?

This is a big blow to PDP!!! Chai!!

This should hit the front page forum, it is indeed good news and coming from Nairaland.

He is indeed rabid. He has been bitten by a vicious dog.

Glad to see my gallant Governor amongts them, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. He must be one of the moderators of this good news for the civil servants and if lucky most private workers.

The right questions are passed here. The wise are the optimistic and positive and the dullard are the nags and ingrates.

Jolly good news!

The council approved the amount at its meeting in Abuja on Tuesday.

Following the Council’s approval, a minimum wage bill is expected to be sent to the National Assembly on Wednesday.

According to the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, the Federal Government is topping the approved amount by N3,000 to 30,000 for its workers.

He said the states are at liberty to augment the new agreement as they see fit.

The amount approved by the Council of State is N3,000 short of the N30,000 that the Tripartite Committee on Review of National Minimum Wage recommended.

The committee, chaired by a former Head of Service of the Federation, Ms Ama Pepple, had submitted the report, which contained the recommended figure, to President Muhammadu Buhari on November 6, 2018, after many months of deliberations.

Prior to the committee’s recommendation, in October, state governors had offered to pay N22,500 as minimum wage.

Nine days after the committee recommended N30,000, on November 15, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum insisted that the states cannot pay the amount, leading to criticism by organised Labour which insisted on N30,000.

On January 8, 2019, the Nigeria Labour Congress held a nationwide protest over what it said was the delay by the Federal Government to transmit a new minimum wage bill to the National Assembly.

More to follow…

Source: https://www.channelstv.com/2019/01/22/breaking-national-council-of-state-approves-n27000-as-new-minimum-wage/

Developing Ondo State is really the landmark of our gallant Governor of the Sunshine State, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu.

The Presidential Amnesty Programme on Friday commissioned oil and gas vocational training centre at Agadagba -Obon Ese -Odo Local Government Area – the Niger Delta region of Ondo State.

Prof. Charles Dokubo,Coordinator, Presidential Amnesty Programme at the event in Ese-Odo thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for making the Amnesty Programme stronger in recent times.

Dokubo said his office had refocused the training of ex-agitators,revealing that the centre was partnering the Petroleum Training Institute,Effurun for training and certification.

He said it did not take him much time after assuming office to figure out the reason why about 9000 out of 30000 enlisted agitators have remained untrained and not integrated into the society properly.

“I realised that so much money was being expended on the felicitation of vocational training for our delegates in privately owned vocational training centres and managed by individuals.

I made it clear that during my time, as chief executive of the programme, approval will not be given to training of any of our delegates at vocational training facilities outside this country,” he said.

He reiterated that the president loves Niger-Delta region, thanking the national assembly for the support given to them so far.

In an interview with newsmen after inaugurating the project, the Ondo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Agboola Ajayi thanked the president for provision of such massive facility in the state.

Ajayi urged the people of the state to make good use of the facility and guide it like their personal property.

“Gigantic project like this is in my local government?, honestly I must commend President Muhammadu Buhari and also the initiator of the presidential amnesty programme.

My assessment! our people should exploit this opportunity, we should not play with it, we should guide it and take it as our project so that we will take over the oil industry as already planned by Mr Dokubo,honestly, it’s a wonderful thing,” he said.

Source: http://www.ondoevents.com/2019/01/18/fg-inaugurates-oil-gas-training-centre-in-ondo/

Yes he is. We give him our best support all the way.

Very laudable and impressive. Governor Rotimi Akeredolu is bringing the best of Agriculture to our domain.

Indeed a laudable innovation

A major dividend of one of the foreign trips that President Muhammadu Buhari made last year during which the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu was on his entourage, would soon begin to manifest in diverse folds on the Ondo State economy.

Receiving officials of Bosman Van Zaal from The Netherlands , in his office in Akure, Governor Akeredolu said the state was prepared to encourage the company to develop a veritable Green House Project that will impact positively on agriculture by making the sector creatively attractive to young school leavers, ensure food security and equally encourage export in profitable magnitude.

While expressing the willingness of the State Government to do business with the Dutch firm, Arakunrin Akeredolu said he found so fascinating, the exchange programmes available for youths to study in one of the Universities in the Netherland which is the best in the world in Agricultural studies.

The governor charged the State Technical Committee on Green House Project to expedite actions on the proposal of Bosman to accelerate the take-off of the technological inspired mode of agriculture in the state.

Introducing the company, its Technical Officer, Mr. Robert Van Donk said Bosman has the capacity to bring under one roof to deliver complete turnkey facilities and specialistic monodisciplinary projects that are fully automated for the production of greenhouses, foil-covered greenhouses suitable for harsh climatic conditions.

He added that the Green House firm was reputed in food, ornamental plants and plants for cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

Also a Bosman economist, Mr Nico de Groot, noted that the astronomical growth in agricultural and horticultural products have necessitated the need for innovation. He said Bosman has been reputed for enhancing the world in a smart, efficient and valuable manner.

An official of the Nigeria-Netherland Business Association, Mr Eric Okunde was happy that Ondo State was exploring the Green House Project of one of the global leader in the sector. He assured that the business deal would be beneficial to the state and the investing firm.

Source: https://citadelng.com/green-house-to-take-off-in-ondo-state-as-akeredolu-charges-stakeholders-to-speed-up-actions/

Published By Princess Eigbokhan Orih
Edited by Seyi Fasegha

The essence of leadership in any given society is to help those who are doing poorly to do well and to help those who are doing well to do even better for these actions to take place there should be security and safety of lives and properties. The fact remains that for any Government to obtain ultimate security, there is need for proper understanding of the reality of things so that safety and security of lives and properties can be achieved.

This understanding was once again displayed by his Excellency the Governor of Ondo State Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu who reiterated his commitment to protect the lives and properties of his people by addressing the issue of insecurity in the State.
Governor Akeredolu made this assertion during the first security summit tagged “Improving Security Architecture in Ondo State for Sustainable Peace and Development” held in Akure the Ondo State Capital.
The summit had participants from various security agencies the army, the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, other paramilitary organizations, local vigilante groups, traditional hunters and some Niger Delta militant groups.

Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu said in a bid to work out a blueprint in fighting the insecurity challenges facing the state his administration was committed to the fight against kidnapping and other security challenges, but noted that fighting insecurity was capital intensive.

The Governor State Ondo State experienced insecurity due to the incessant kidnapping incidents, killings and other violent crimes in the state however insecurity was a major challenge faced globally as there was hardly any continent without its own peculiar socio-economic issues.
Arakunrin Akeredolu said insecurity impacts negatively on the people’s development and well-being therefore the need for necessary security architecture that would enhance all-round development of the State and protect the citizens and investors operating in the state cannot be over emphasized.


Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu said Ondo State was a hub for kidnapping, ritual killings and other violent crimes, with a number of notable individuals and various citizens as victims however this led to inter-agency joint task force, which include the army, the police and other security agencies. This joint task force made relative success in raiding some criminal’s hideout across the state and few persons were arrested for kidnapping and other violent crimes, but this was not enough as the state still had challenges.

According to the Governor, the understanding of the current issue of insecurity as a global challenge will assist the Government to adopt the right measures to combat the menace appropriately.
While The Summit Planning Committee Chairman Mr. Jones Ogunmusire said the summit was designed to make the state safe for its inhabitants, investors and also made way for capital inflow.
He explained that the objectives included appraising the current security architecture, and project the future of the state.

He explained that views and recommendations expressed at the summit and memorandum received from the public would be harnessed, processed and developed into a draft Security Policy Document which would be presented to the government for the consideration of the Security Council, while those that required legislation would be sent to the State House of Assembly.

A Professor of Criminology Dr. Femi Odekunle during his presentation at the summit said a lasting solution to the problems of insecurity in the country would be to empower the traditional rulers and institutions by making funds available to them to fund security in their localities.

He said traditional rulers should be saddled with the responsibility of securing their localities in order to assist the government at all levels in tackling insecurity.

He urged the National Assembly and the 36 States Houses of Assembly to make legislation against insecurity with a view of making their states safer.

He said and I quote’ There should be a legislation to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of security work and administration in all the states, By this, I mean there can be legislation to enforce regular security patrol, intelligence based policing and stipendiary justice administration.”

Mr Odekunle suggested the need to involve all well-meaning individuals to ensure that our environment is free of crime by the establishment of an advisory social-science based State Crime Prevention and Control body.

He explained that the body would be for articulation and coordination of the objectives of crime prevention, control instrumentality in the state as well for crime, criminal justice administration data collation, analysis and production for regular inputs into the state’s development and security planning.

He identified corruption as the basis of insecurity in the country and urged Nigerians to support the fight against corruption by the present administration, adding that such would put an end to crime and insecurity in the country.
Arakunrin was applauded for his passion in protecting lives and properties thereby making Ondo State hot for criminals.

Source: https://citadelng.com/arakunrin-akeredolu-says-insecurity-impacts-negatively-on-the-wellbeing-of-human-development/

oh oh

Published by Princess Eigbokhan Orih
Edited by Seyi Fasegha

Agriculture, manufacturing, commerce and navigation are the four pillars of Arakunrin Akeredolu‘s administration. These four pillars are the most thriving points of any economy in the world and also the freest to individual enterprise.The present youth unemployment, illegal immigration and youth restlessness is as a result of long neglect of agriculture.

Agriculture does not only make a nation proud but it adds valve to wealth creation, culture, and happiness of the people.
Governor ARAKUNRI ROTIMI AKEREDOLU has said the Ondo State Government in Collaboration with the FEDERAL MINSTRY OF AGRICULTURE has designed a scheme tagged NATIONAL EGG PRODUCTION SCHEME NEGPRO a public private partnership initiative put in place in Aaya a community near Ijare in Ondo State to create employment for the youths in Nigeria.

According to Governor Akeredolu the scheme affirms the Federal Government's commitment to ending hunger and unemployment in Nigeria through agriculture.

Governor Akeredolu said the present government has taken giant steps in reviving and improving various areas of agriculture in the State, this include the 42 billion Naira Egg Powder Factory in Emure, the Chocolate Factory which the current Administration inherited from the immediate past government, the Youth on the Ridges project which is aimed at engaging 18,000 youths in Ondo State, which five secondary schools in each Local Government Area of the State, has been selected for the program.

Arakunrin who reiterated his commitment in the areas of both human and capital development advised the indigenes especially the youths to key into the programme as it would help reduce the dangling weight of discord and violence caused by idleness in some youth in the country.
He charged the people to take Agriculture seriously saying agriculture is the major tool that can replace the jobs lost and create entrepreneurs and great leaders In Nigeria.

He however described the Federal Government's effort towards agricultural rejuvenation in the country as a welcome development, stating that his administration was fully prepared to partner with the Ministry of Agriculture in every possible way to ensure adequate implementation of the programme.

Meanwhile the Governor said his Administration has taken proactive steps in ensuring that the problem of insecurity facing agriculture in the State is tackled.

He said the menace of herdsmen invading farm lands and destructing farm produce across Ondo State has become a thing of the past.

Arakunrin warned that this administration will not tolerate any act of criminality and promised to defend the right of the people to engage in farming without any fear of attack or hindrance of any sort.
The Governor added that the full weight of the law will be brought to bear on criminals who think they can perpetrate evil in Ondo State.

Source: https://citadelng.com/ondo-state-in-collaboration-with-federal-ministry-of-agriculture-for-youth-empowerment/

4 + 4!!!

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council yesterday gave reasons why Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, cannot be trusted by Nigerians.

APC Presidential Campaign Council spokesperson Festus Keyamo said Atiku is a questionable character who has continued to leave huge questions over his suitability for the highest office of the land.

In his view, Atiku’s visit to the United States has destroyed his campaign and exposed him.

The statement reads “In our press release issued on Sunday, December 30, 2018, titled “WHEN THE THIEF IS SHOUTING THIEF”: THE CASE OF ALHAJI ATIKU ABUBAKAR”, we correctly predicted as follows: “By running for President of Nigeria, Atiku intends to get some immunity from prosecution. Already, he is hoping to obtain a visa to visit the US, as a guest of the State Department, a concession that the US will grant to a presidential candidate of Africa’s biggest nation.”

“Therefore, we were not surprised by his visit to the U.S. For us, this visit is really a non-event, considering the issues involved in the forthcoming election. However, we have bad news for those who think this is a momentous event for Atiku Abubakar: the visit was nothing but a downright catastrophe because rather than dispel the fact of indictments hanging over his head, it further confirms and reinforces those facts for the following reasons:

“The visit had all the trappings of a fugitive sneaking into America under a ‘special diplomatic waiver’. For the candidate of the major opposition party in Nigeria, it is an absolute disaster that the visit was not announced ahead of time in Nigeria, with his programmes and itinerary clearly spelt out, the decent and customary minimum standard of such visits. This culminated in his close aides issuing conflicting statements about the visit when he was already on his way there. In fact, one of them called Paul Ibe actually spoke to the Press that his principal was nowhere near America! Such was the secrecy of the planning and execution of that visit.

“It is shameful that a presidential candidate of a major opposition party in Africa’s most populous country would visit America, and the international press was kept in the dark: There was NO SINGLE press conference with the array of international media and correspondents required for such ‘high-profile’ visit. Atiku knows he has no moral stamina to withstand the avalanche of hard questions bordering on his sordid past in America. In fact, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar claims he visited the Voice of America (VOA) but only did two carefully-packaged interviews with the Hausa service and the English to Africa programme – platforms that have always been available to him back home.

“How strange! In fact, both the Twitter handle (@VOANews) and official website of VOA did not mention any such visit of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to their station. For news hounds, you would agree with us that such an ‘important personality’ cannot walk into a news premises without reporters swooping on him. Whatever he went to do in the premises of the VOA must have been a carefully-arranged private visit for the photo-ops, which was intended to scam Nigerians. What more evidence do we need of a “sneak-in-sneak-out” arrangement than this?.

“For a candidate who claims he wants to “get Nigeria working again” (a meaningless phrase) to sneak into America without meeting major players in private businesses is a curiosity and an indication that we are dealing with a candidate with a dodgy and questionable character. He claims he went to the U.S Chamber of Commerce, which is supposed to be a business federation.

“Again, the Twitter handle (@USChamber) and the website of the organisation make no mention of the visit of such an ‘important personality’ to them. Maybe their famous American lobbyist on a salary of N9million per month can help them ‘do something’ about this after this press statement.

“It is also an anomaly that the candidate of the major opposition party in Nigeria sneaked into America and did not meet large sections of political leaders of similar ideologies and persuasions towards which he claims to be inclined. For all his claim to be going to America to meet “U.S Government officials”, he only succeeded in meeting a certain “Congressman Smith”, who is the equivalent of a member of the House of Representatives in Nigeria.

“You would agree with us that as dignified and respected as the office of a member of the House of Representatives is, an important personality cannot come to Nigeria on an official visit and claim he has met the ‘Nigerian government officials’ after he pays a private visit to that member. For all we know, the Congressman Smith may just be a private friend of Dr. Bukola Saraki or Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. That reminds us of Atiku’s famous legislator friend he threw under the bus, Williams Jefferson, who taught us how to hide laundered money ( which was meant for Atiku Abubakar) in the deep freezer when the cops came knocking on his door!” he said

He said that it was very obvious now that the American trip was a desperate trip for photo-ops.



He added: “Throughout the trip, Atiku Abubakar looked cagey, frightened and on edge. We note the close support always provided by Senate President Bukola Saraki like a comforting guardian angel.

“The visit and arrangements smack of things local yahoo yahoo boys do to scam their victims. It is utterly disgusting and puerile that it has been brought into a serious political contest.

“Rather than being the highpoint of his campaign, the American visit is indeed the lowest watermark of Atiku Abubakar’s campaign. It was a political and P.R disaster. The statements he released from there only to the Nigerian Press back home that he intends to alienate other countries and do business with the U.S is actually the antithesis to our policy of non-alignment.

“For the information of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and his handlers, Nigerians know that Nigeria is already working again for everyone and not for a few. As confirmed by him in a town-hall meeting a few days before his disastrous trip to the U.S, he said he wants to “get Nigeria working again” only for few of his friends who he claims he wants to make rich.

“If he cannot get them rich now from his private businesses, it is obvious that he is referring to the use of public funds to make his friends rich. Nigerians should judge for themselves whether this is the type of President they want.

“Finally, whoever advised Atiku Abubakar to undertake that trip to America just destroyed his entire campaign and exposed him for who he is – a questionable character who has continued to leave huge questions over his suitability for the highest office of the land and as such cannot be trusted by the Nigerian people.” he stated

Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo has today in Ondo State flagged off the door-to-door campaign for the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari come February 16.

Osinbajo will specifically be at the Northern Senatorial District of the state to garner more support and seek the people’s vote for candidates of the All Progressives Congress in the forthcoming polls.

The Vice President is expected to visit the Palace of Olufon of Ifon, Oba Isreal Adeusi as well as the Palace of Olukare of Ikare, Oba Akadiri Momoh who doubles as the state Chairman council of Obas where he would flag off the house-to-house campaign exercise.

Vice President Osinbajo will thereafter, move to Owo, where he would pay homage to the Palace of the Olowo of Owo, Oba Victor Olateru Olagbegi after which he will flag off the house to house campaign in the ancient town.

It would be recalled that Governor Akeredolu during the week, flagged-off the door-to-door campaign for the beneficiaries of the Federal Government Social Intervention Programmes (SIP) which was aimed at re-electing President Buhari.

Wife of Ondo State Governor and Founder of Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria, (BRECAN), Mrs Betty Anyanwu -Akeredolu has reiterated her commitment to the treatment and care of women suffering from breast cancer within and outside Ondo State.

Mrs. Akeredolu who disclosed this at the monthly seminar, tagged Team survivor Nigeria, organized for breast cancer survivors and patients undergoing treatment, counselling and care, at the BRECAN house in Ijapo, Akure, noted that most of them who could ha

ve taken good care of themselves are prone to financial difficulties.

She commended Team Survivors Nigeria (TSN), a non governmental outfit for doing amazing job, by regularly monitoring and educating breast cancer survivors and those who still undergoing treatment.

She traced the establishment of TSN to a seminar she attended in Zambia, adding that breast cancer is not a death sentence.

Mrs. Akeredolu who revealed that gone are the days when breast cancer patients do not want to be known said she was delighted many can now stand before the camera to say they are breast cancer patients or survivors.

“I am happy that you are now bold and can face the camera. There was a time in this country that breast cancer patients were afraid to discuss it so that their families and friends will not know their health status. I was the only one educating people about it then. If I give flyers to some, they threw it back at me saying God forbid but today, the awareness is better and many now understand that breast cancer is not a death sentence”, she said.

The Founder of BRECAN urged other survivors to speak out, affirming that it will help to encourage other patients that breast cancer is curable.

Mrs Akeredolu also called on the Federal Government to make provisions for cancer patients in the country.

According to her, “It has been a very rough road fighting against breast cancer in the country, because our healthcare system is inadequate and this requires everybody’s efforts to put the government on its toes.”

Earlier in her opening remarks, a survivor of breast cancer and one of the TSN member, Mrs. Funmilayo Oluwagbamila revealed that the group which started in April 2018 with 10 survivors and five cancer patients presently has over 20 participants.

While advising them to always take care of themselves, she observed that the treatment of cancer can add to psychological trauma cancer patients subject themselves to, as she implored them to always be cheerful and joyous always.

In her view, a retired Chief Matron, Ondo State Specialist Hospital Akure, Mrs Funke Osho, urged cancer patients to ensure they patronize professionals and undergo full cancer treatment.

She said, “you should know that cancer can re-occur after a week, month and a school of thought also says it can re-occur after two years. It reoccurs because small area of cancer cells can remain after operation and spread to other organs of the body due to blood supply.”

She therefore advised them to make it a point of duty to visit Doctor(s) at least once in a month and exercise regularly.

Also present, sharing her survivor story was Ann Malo , Registered Nurse, from University of California, san Diego, a survivor for 4yrs.

In her quest to save cancer patients who had retired from government service but are yet to get their entitlements, the wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu has promised to intervene.

Mrs Akeredolu, the founder of Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN), said she would meet with the State Head of Service, Mr Toyin Akinkuotu to fashion out ways to ensure the prompt payment of pension and retirement benefits of cancer patients, so they could take care of themselves.

Mrs Akeredolu declared this yesterday at a meeting with the Team Survivors Nigeria (TSN) at BRECAN office in Akure.

She noted that those who could have been taking good care of themselves are hampered by financial challenges.

She emphasised that some of the breast cancer patients who are now retired need money to keep fit.

While commending TSN for doing an amazing job of regularly monitoring and educating breast cancer survivors and those still undergoing treatment on what to do Mrs Akeredolu revealed that she decided to establish TSN after attending a seminar in Zambia, in order to localise the experience she acquired and to reiterate that breast cancer is not a death sentence.

Mrs Akeredolu who revealed that gone are the days when breast cancer patients hide their identity, said she was delighted because many can now stand before the camera to say that they are breast cancer patients or survivors.

“I am happy that you are now bold and can face the camera. There was a time in this country that breast cancer patients were afraid to discuss it so that their families and friends will not know their health status. I was the only one then educating people about it.

“Then, if I give flyers to some, they would threw it at me saying God forbid. But today, the awareness is better and many now understand that breast cancer is not a death sentence.”

The founder of BRECAN who urged other survivors to speak out added that it will help to encourage other patients knowing that breast cancer is curable.

She also called on the Federal Government to make provision for cancer patients in the country.

” It has been a very rough road fighting against breast cancer in the country because our healthcare system is inadequate it, therefor, requires everybody’s efforts to put the government on its toes.”

In her opening remarks, Mrs Funmilayo Oluwagbamila revealed that the TSN association which started in April 2018 with 10 survivors and five cancer patients presently has 20 participants and 30 people on the whatsapp group.

While advising them to always take care of themselves, she added that the treatment of cancer is not as serious as the psychological trauma cancer patients subject themselves to.

She, therefore urged them to always be careful because cancer is no longer a death sentence if detected early and appropriate steps are taken

Speaking on re-occurrence and metastases of cancer, retired Chief Matron, Ondo State Specialist Hospital Akure, Mrs Funke Osho explained that re -occurrence is when cancer comes back after being treated and metastases is when it’s spread to other areas of the body.

According to her, “you should know that cancer can re-occur after a week, month but a school of thought says that it can re-occur after two years. It re- occurs because small area of cancer cells can remain after operation and spread to other organs of the body due to blood supply.” She advised cancer patients and survivors to make it a point of duty by visiting, the doctor at least once in a month and exercise regularly

Source: http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/Mrs-Akeredolu-assures-cancer-patients-of-prompt-payment-of-Pension

You all really need to see this!!! Just in

https://www.nairaland.com/4966420/committed-maximum-protection-lives-properties

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has reiterated the commitment of his administration to maximum protection of lives and properties in the state.

Governor Akeredolu said it's also expedient to put in place necessary security architecture that would enhance all-round development of the state and protect the citizen and investors operating in the state.

The Governor spoke at the opening of the first Ondo State Security Summit held at the International Culture and Events Center (DOME) on Thursday.

He stressed that his administration is embarking on ambitious programmes of massive infrastructural development to create an enabling environment which will transform the state into an industrial hub.

The Governor said "There exists also a huge potential of making our State a preferred tourist destination. We have also demonstrated, in practical terms, our intention to reclaim our place of pride in the field of agriculture

"The indices of development in this sector are very encouraging. Our efforts to transform the coastal belt of the State, through the development of a Deep Sea Port, as well as the on-going road project from Lekki, Lagos State, across the coastal belt to Igbokoda are all projected towards attracting capital and human inflow to the State. "

Akeredolu who said the summit , with the theme "Improving the Security Architecture of Ondo State for Sustainable Peace and Development”was aptly captured, expressed his expectation to have a robust discussion at the summit which will herald the desired change in the security framework of the state.

The Governor disclosed that his administration is donating vehicles for the security agencies in the state so as to enhance their job of protecting lives and properties of the people.

He said "As a Government, we are aware of the onerous responsibilities of leadership in this regard. We are committed, keenly, to maximum protection of lives and properties in the State

" We possess sufficient understanding to appreciate that there can be no development without peace achieved through a sustainable programme of securing lives and property.

"Government in the State has always been providing all it takes to ensure the security of lives and property. The current realities establish, clearly, the near-impossibility of total reliance on the Government to achieve this lofty objective.

"The provision of adequate security is capital intensive and, consequently, we need to involve all well-meaning individuals to ensure that the environment is free of crime.

The lead speaker, Prof. Femi Odekunle commended the state government for the convocation of the summit in apparent response to recent spikes in new patterns of criminality in the state.

He noted that there is an indisputable relationship between security and development, adding that the planning for security must be seen and treated as part and parcel of planning development.

Prof. Odekunle said "Fortunately, except for the recent upsurge in certain types of crime in the state, Ondo State cannot at present be regarded as" High-crime " or strife - torn

"So, the state has the temporal opportunity and advantage to plan for the enhancement of the security of her citizens. Graduation into the" high-crime " category can only sabotage her development efforts. The foresight of today is the advantage of tomorrow."

One after the other, speakers at the summit took turn to present different papers on Security.

#OndoSecuritySummit

What an innovation!! Structuring security in our State like never before. Well done Gallant Aketi