Apparently thrilled by his uncommon giant strides in industrialising Ondo State, all the 18 caretaker chairmen in the state under the aegis of Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), have unanimously endorsed the state governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, for a second term in office.

They made their position known yesterday at the Government House in Akure, the state capital, during a press briefing.

The ALGON chairman in the state and caretaker chairman of Akoko South-West Local Government Area, Augustine Oloruntogbe, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues hinged their decision to endorse the governor for a second term on what they described as uncommon turn-around of the state by the present administration.

He said that Akeredolu has changed the face of Ondo State, moved it from civil service state to industrial hub, thereby creating jobs for teeming youths in the state.

The Caretaker Chairmen had earlier in the day visited Ondo Linyi Industrial hub, Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area.

During the visit they inspected Paper Mill factory, Ethanol factory, Plywood factory, Winwin textile factory. The factories were situated in Ondo Linyi Industrial hub.

Oloruntogbe informed that this is the first time Ondo State would witness deliberate action, and not paper action, saying that Akeredolu has tremendously improved the economy of the state.

He further lauded the governor for his effort at improving the Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, which has made RAMFAC rated the state high among other states in revenue drive.

He commended the governor for his aggressive infrastructural and industrial development in the state, saying no governor in the history of the state has ever done what Akeredolu has done in the last two years.

“Today, having gone round and seen things for ourselves, we are gathering here to tell the whole of Nigeria, especially the president and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, president Muhammadu Buhari, that there is a gift in Ondo state that is waiting for Nigeria to tap in the person of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

“Therefore, we are gathering here to unanimously endorse him for a second term in office. We are not doing this from act of sycophancy, but for what we have seen”, he stressed.

He added that they were convinced base on giant strides of the governor on the socio-economic transformation which include the Industrial hub, seaport among others, saying if given another opportunity , it would enable him to do more for the development of the state and the citizenry.

https://citadelng.com/lg-bosses-support-akeredolu-for-2nd-term/

Other state government must follow suit... we must begin to look inwards... creating local ways of generating revenues for themselves

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has migrated to a web-based portal to be used to apply for Visa-On Arrival facility with effect from May 13.
Its Public Relations Officer, Mr Sunday James, announced this in a statement on Monday.
James said that prior to the migration to a web-based portal, applicants were expected to forward applications for visa via email or hard copy to the Comptroller General for approval.
The spokesman, however, said that with the web-based regime, applicants would only be required to log onto www.immigration.gov.ng where they could apply for the facility, make payment, and receive approval online.
James said,“The Comptroller-General of Immigration Muhammad Babandede, hereby calls on genuine investors to take advantage of the innovation as it improves migration and transparency in the system in line with the Federal Government’s policy of Ease of Doing Business.”
Visa on Arrival is a class of short visit visa issued at the port of entry.
The facility is available to frequently travelled high net worth investors and intending visitors, who may not be able to obtain visa at the Nigerian Missions/Embassies in their countries of residence due to the absence of a Nigerian mission in those countries or exigencies of urgent business travels. (NAN)

https://citadelng.com/nis-begins-web-based-application-for-visa-on-arrival/

#DevelopOndo
Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has joined the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Col. Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah rtd on a visit to Thailand for a Program on Medicinal Canabis Extract Development.

The program which is centred around exploiting the possibility of medicinal cannabis extract development, is aimed at building capacity and researching the modality of licensing for planting and extracting cannabis oil in Nigeria as well as exploiting its commercial potential with focus on Ondo State.

The program kicked off today with briefings at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Bangkok. Thailand is known as the world model for alternative measures.

The Ondo State government and the NDLEA are using the visit to access Thailand materials and best practises with the possibility of replicating them in Nigeria.

At the briefing, the Secretary-General of Thai Food and Drug Administration Dr. Tares Krassanairawiwong stated that the meeting will be of an advantage to the Nigerian Government.

Governor Akeredolu appreciated the Thai Government and said Ondo State is known as the largest in the planting of cannabis.

He said “we are here to study how cannabis can be of more advantage to the state and Nigeria at large just the way Thai Government has done. Cannabis is used for medical purposes; how can it be cultivated for specific purposes and not be abused?”

Col. Abdullah said the current trend in the world is to look into the advantage of cannabis in the making of food and drugs.

They also visited the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok where the Management made presentations on how to control cannabis, licensing, pharmaceutical benefits of cannabis etc

They also toured the University’s Cannabis research laboratory where Governor Akeredolu proposed that they also work along with Nigerian species during their research as Ondo State is ready for partnership with the Naresuan University Team.

http://www.ondoevents.com/2019/05/13/governor-akeredolu-in-thailand-for-medicinal-canabis-extract-development-program/

Students from Ondo state under the auspices of National Association of Ondo State Students (NAOSS) on Tuesday, discredited the claims of its parent body on the outcome of a meeting with the state governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu.

The students’ leaders in the state denied being harassed or intimidated by Akeredolu saying the governor never threatened to close down tertiary institutions in the state.


The rejoinder by NAOSS leadership is coming on the heel of the allegation of the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) who alleged that the leaders of the union and its team were chased out of the governor’s office last Monday
Addressing the press, the National President of the NAOSS, Comrade Emmanuel Akeredolu alleged that the NANS delegates were sponsored to disrupt the peaceful dialogue process between the leadership of students in the state and the state government to review the tuition fees.

In his words, ” we have earlier gotten information that the NANS national delegates will be in the state for an assignment and the job is to aggravate the dialogue process and consequently cause unrest in the state.


“The NANS President, Danielson Bamidele Akpan claimed that he has not been enjoying the patronage of the Ondo state government and was, therefore, ready to jeopardise the efforts of student leaders in the state.

“We, therefore, admonish and implore all students and the general public to shun any act of violence as plans are already established towards looking into the crisis rocking our institutions.”

As Christians observed the monthly thanksgiving service, worshippers at the Ondo state government house chapel in Akure were joined by a delegation from Ode-Aye in the South senatorial district of the state led by the Halu of Ode-Aye, Oba Williams Akinlade

The monarch and his people Who lavishly praised God were full of appreciation to the Creator for making the monarchs reign successful so far, as today marks the 15th anniversary of his coronation

Oba akinlade who also appreciated the Ondo state government for its impact in Ode Aye called for more developmental projects in the community

Governor Akeredolu’s Deputy Chief of staff, Olujimi Kufo who lauded the people of Ode Aye for their support for the government sought their sustained cooperation to enable government move faster with its transformation agenda

Earlier in his sermon, The guest preacher, Reverend Ayo Igbekoyi who premised his message on obedience tasked the congregation to be diligent in obeying God’s commandments

Aside the choir ministration that radiated the chapel, the people of ode aye also rendered their traditional songs.

https://citadelng.com/ode-aye-community-lauds-ondo-govt-for-prioritizing-grassroots-development/

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State and chairman of the state Broadcast Media Group, Kunle Adebayo, puts the blame for the crisis rocking the party in the state at the feet of its national leadership. He maintains that the state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, will survive the imbroglio. Excerpts:
What is your assessment of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s performance in office so far?
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has creditably discharged on the mandate given him by the people of Ondo State. One is, in fact, tempted to ascribe to him attainments which have surpassed the promises he made. This is because in a spate of two years, the plethora of deliveries is overwhelming and answerable to four years of other chief executives elsewhere in the nation whose performance rating is described in superlatives.
At a deeper level, I think the tangible success of Akeredolu must be viewed in terms of his politics and governance ideals. I think what Akeredolu has brought into politics, which stands for him, is integrity. Far more than the experience of the preceding years, the people are beginning to witness and believe in the bond between word and intention. At least, people now know that this governor will not lie to you. His word is his bond and he says what he means and means whatever he says.
In every sense, this is critical, defining and antithetical to the leadership tutelage that once ravaged this place.
The governor has been in the eye of the storm with the Presidency and national leadership of the party on matters bordering on anti-party activities during the last general elections. Isn’t this a factor against whatever achievement he can lay claim to?
Narratives in politics are dynamic and, sometimes, a struggle of evil and mediocrity to suppress excellence. In other climes, truth is constant and stands tall with a capital ‘T’. But here, politicians put a condition that all truths are according to who is saying it and at the pleasure of the listener.
All the furore you talk about is about the politics of 2021 in Ondo State. It is about struggle for power. It is about supplanting the governor so that other preferred candidates can be installed. And if you look deeper, you would see that this is an unpopular but well organised and highly coordinated machination which seeks first to gain oxygen and confidence by puncturing Akeredolu’s popularity with the people of Ondo State as well as among party members who are proud of the deliveries of their government to the people.
But there are allegations that party members are dissatisfied on account of neglect and lack of patronage to the extent that many have vowed to vote against him at the next primaries. Is this not also true?
That is strange and laughable. Of course it falls in the category of the wishful thinking of those who do not wish our party and state well. Against the background of resources available to the state, this government has created baskets of patronage for members, in terms of appointment, economic empowerment and employment opportunities. A sizeable number of young people have been appointed into key offices in government, while some hold federal appointments. A large chunk of the empowerment programmes has attracted opportunities for women and youths as well as other strata of the party.
No doubt, more can still be done. There is also problem of leadership irresponsibility by group leaders who are supposed to take the largesse to the grassroots. Limited exposure, greed and self-conceit by a few leaders are regrettable. But all these must be taken in the broader context of managing institutional challenges within a young party. And let me tell you, there is never a party which members are 100 per cent happy. But I know, as the head of the Strategic Development and Policy Planning Committee, which helped produce the Government Policy Blueprint, that Mr Governor has a deliberate, staggered and progressive plans and programmes to elevate patronage and satisfaction laterally.
How do you defend the allegation that the government sponsored candidates in the Action Alliance (AA) to the detriment of President Muhammadu Buhari and other APC National Assembly candidates?
Protagonists of such theory are dishonest and mischievous. They gave themselves away as bad democrats and pretentious leaders who must never be trusted. They rationalise coercion and imposition as democracy when it pays them and de-market people’s will when it defeats their cunning.
The truth of the matter is that our party did not do well in Ondo State and many others, including Osun and Edo, because of failure of its leadership to respect its own laws and internal democracy.
It was a matter of national disgrace that primaries of our party across the nation were fraught with irregularities and allegations of fraud, imposition and manipulation. It was embarrassing and frustrating that candidates were freely imposed from the national secretariat of our party, while results of genuine primaries were manipulated with impunity. This, undoubtedly, led to serious crisis in many of our strongholds, with attendant effects on the election results.
You see, people trivialise common sense by assuming simplistic explanations for matters of conscience and emotions. The narrative that Akeredolu sponsored Dr Tunji Abayomi and a few others to join the AA to undermine the APC is calling the dog a bad name in order to hang it.
Abayomi contested for our party’s senatorial ticket, but the powers-that-be ensured that the primaries never held. They boasted and imposed a candidate who never went through legitimate primaries. They announced, in a very crude and blatant manner, a winner in a contest that never held.
It was not only in Ondo State that such deprived and humiliated aspirants like Abayomi defected to AA and other parties to test their popularity. And now, they looked for a scapegoat for the mess they created. Does the temperament of Abayomi, as we all know him, or any true Ondo State man, accommodate a remote control by anybody on what to do with his frustration? Is Abayomi a child or a simpleton? Was he and others not members of the APC? Does he have rights to be angry and take personal decisions, if he feels insulted, cheated, robbed and humiliated?
Is it true, as alleged, that the governor openly campaigned for and financed AA candidates?
I have always argued that in Nigeria, there is nothing a politician will not do to win election. Let’s face it, people just love to spew narratives which defy common reasoning and which diminishes the humanity in other people. The inability of some of our leaders in APC to allow democracy work, without helping it for personal reasons, is a big challenge in our nation’s party democracy.
When crisis of confidence, frustration and anger happen in a party, shouldn’t a genuine and humble leadership activate a mechanism for appeasement and genuine reconciliation? Where this was not done, does it mean the governor must carry the blame? One would never have expected that a political party this endowed and talented would be run like this.
It will be interesting to see their evidences of those who alleged beyond mouthfuls of words.
Some have argued that the manipulation that put Akeredolu in office in 2017 is the cause of the wide division in the party. Is that not so?
The background of organisational challenge which affected the fortunes of our party in the last elections was laid in 2016 during our governorship primaries. Those, like one Bola Ilori, who are now promoting sycophancy, think people are naive or oblivious of history. Everyone remembers that Akeredolu won the primaries, in spite of our national leader, Bola Tinubu’s open partisanship and preference for Dr. Segun Abraham.
It is no news that Lagos deployed all possible resources, including funds, power, threats and manipulation of documents, to control the process. It was common knowledge that dollars and other hard currencies were freely expended to induce voters for Abraham who eventually lost.
For an election conducted by very eminent and respected party leaders, headed by Governor Mohammad Badaru of Jigawa State and which our party publicly adjudged as freest, fairest and most transparently done as of that time, the open attack, vehement denigration and letter writing spree from Tinubu against the then chairman Odigie Oyegun’s forthrightness showed that some people are bad losers.
Loyalists of Akeredolu have also alleged that Tinubu was masterminding his travails, with the aim of blocking his nomination for a second term. What is your view on this?
Those who have said that find its logic in the dangerous undercurrents since 2016. Was it not before our very eyes that three of the aspirants (Olusola Oke, Abraham and Borrofice) suddenly made a U-turn to challenge the winner, Akeredolu, whom they had earlier embraced and congratulated? Was it not an open secret that Abraham was co-opted into litigation against the winner, while Oke was inserted into the Alliance for Democracy (AD) to contest the election in the desperate bid to stop Akeredolu, thereby working against the interest of their own party? Have we forgotten that Oke was heavily and openly supported by Lagos through the Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who literarily took over the campaigns through Bola Ilori? Ilori was reported by the media, on September 3, 2016, to have openly announced that Tinubu instructed them to go to AD and that they would go to any party, including AA, if Tinubu said so. Did anyone pillory Tinubu, Aregbesola and many others for these nauseating anti-party activities? After the failed excursion and Oke became stranded in AD, did they not bring him back into APC; did the heavens fall?
The point I am making is that the seed of disaffection, injustice, instability and manipulation were sown in the party since 2016. It failed then; resurgence is happening now. It will fail again, because God hates pretenders to His throne.
Will Governor Akeredolu defect to another party, should he lose APC’s nomination?
Our party is strong and reliable. We respect our leaders and all of them are men of tested reasonability. In spite of all these democratic activism, I do not think our conversation will degenerate to that level you insinuate. What is going on is conversation about power and politics. They are internal contradictions in the party that are useful in interrogating our strength and resilience. We will resolve and Governor Akeredolu will lead the state for another four years.

https://citadelng.com/apc-crisis-why-those-against-akeredolull-fail-adebayo/

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, joins other Governors in the South West to welcome President Muhammadu Buhari to Lagos State for the commissioning of projects in the state.

Governor Akeredolu alongside the host governor, Governor Akinwumi Ambode and other South West Governors including Dr. John Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti) Senator Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun) and Senator Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo) and other dignitaries welcomed President Buhari at the Presidential Wing of the Ikeja Airport, Lagos.

The President will be commissioning projects done by the Ambode's administration which include the rehabilitated 10-lane Oshodi – Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road, the 170-Bed ‘Ayinke House’ (Maternity Hospital)) at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) Ikeja.

Others are the Lagos State Theatre at Oregun, Ikeja, 820 mass transit buses and the multi-level Oshodi Transport Interchange along the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway.

https://citadelng.com/akeredolu-other-s-w-governors-welcome-president-buhari-for-lagoss-projects-commissioning/

The Manager of Ondo State Industrial Hub, Chief Alex Ajipe has said that the hub would generate no fewer than 20,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities when working at its full capacity.


Alex Ajipe revealed this when he hosted the First Lady of the state, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu at the hub in Omotoso, Ore Expressway in Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.


The industrial hub, which is called Ondo-Linyi Industrial Hub, came into being by signing of MOU between Linyi City in Shangai Province of China and Ondo State Government.


Ajipe, who is the Chief Executive Officer, Klick Konnect Networks, said that no fewer than 15 different companies were already sited in the hub for operations which included wood processing, textile company, exploration and agriculture.


"At the moment, we have textile mill which is producing sewing thread, polyester embroidery and it will soon start to produce fabrics, lace and ankara.


"There is wood mill specialising in producing ply wood and an agro allied chemical company which is 60 per cent completed.


"Also, there is cassava ethanol plant which is only awaiting to be connected with electricity for operation.


"This will require one million tons of cassava every year and it means more money for cassava farmers.


"In fact, the company is ready to assist those cassava farmers in getting multiple harvest," he stated.


The manager added that before the end of 2019, an automobile assembly would arrive the hub for assembling different forms of vehicle.


"Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the state governor, on behalf of the state government, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)with Dolphing Company of China to have Chinese mall, where over 100 businesses have subscribed to in producing different wares.


"We are expecting an automobile assembly to arrive in some months to this time in assembling different vehicles here in this industrial hub,"he noted.


According to him, the hub will have a training centre, to be called African College of Agriculture Vocational and Technical Studies, where interested people could acquire needed manpower technology.


Responding, Mrs Anyanwu-Akeredolu said she was in the hub with her team, FOWOSO, to be witnesses to industrial giant strides of the state governor.


The First Lady described the state governor as a man of purpose, of high integrity and vision who meant well for advancement of the state.


She added that Akeredolu was working to develop Ondo State, taking it to the next level.


Mrs. Akeredolu urged women to think of they could do to benefit from the industrial hub, considering that the various companies would need farm produces for their operations.


She asked FOWOSO team to inform others what they had seen and observed,saying they had seen reality and not paid advertisement or social media events.


The First Lady, therefore, lauded Mr Ajipe, for keying into the state governor's vision and bringing it into manifestation.
https://citadelng.com/ondo-industrial-hub-to-generate-20000-job-opportunities/

A group, The Campaign Concourse (TCC) has described as mere rumour, the news making the round that the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has been suspended by the National Working Commitee of the party.

The group said the news was a rumour sponsored by enemies of good governance who are not pleased with the developmental revolution the Governor is presently leading in the state which has given birth to massive infrastructure, industrialization and grass lroot development.

The group in a statement signed by its Coordinator, Amudipe Marcus and issued to Journalists in Akure, the state capital pointed out that the NWC of the party has not issued any official statement from Abuja or anywhere around the world announcing the suspension of the Governor.

The group wondered where the authencity of the story came from. According to TCC, the APC has not at any point communicated the Governor or the party at the state level on such decision which is traditionally the party's business.

The group said " It's crystal clear that the purported suspension of the Governor was only sponsored by some detractors who are not happy with the development taking place across the state today. We are aware that when some Governors were suspended, the National Publicity Secretary of the party was the one who announced such suspension. Our question is, who announced Akeredolu's Suspension?

"It's also funny that while some enemies of progress planted that story in the Newspaper, the National Publicity Secretary of the party Lanre Issa - Onilu has said he was not aware of any suspension of Akeredolu. As we speak, the Governor has neither received any suspension nor query letter from the party

"Going forward, we like to advise the APC to be more concern about gaining more grounds. The party has suffered so much injury. We are aware how Aregbesola sponsored the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in 2016 and also rewarded Bola Ilori by appointing him as a commissioner in his cabinet. Till date, no one has punished Aregbesola or Bola Ilori for engaging in an open anti - Party activities especially when Ilori was the Director General of the AD candidate's campaign organisation

"The people of Ondo State stand with Akeredolu. The Governor has performed so well that he has represented that party well in the state. Those who are planting this story in the media to force such decision on the party leadership may have scored an offside goal. Their sinister move is seen but missed the target. "

The Federal Government on Thursday said it would increase the number of trains plying the Abuja-Kaduna route to run a train per hour before the end of 2019.
Mr Freeborn Okhiria, Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) said this as part of activities of the Belt and Road Initiative’s celebration to mark 1,000 days of smooth operations of the rail system in Nigeria in Abuja.
Okhiria said that the increase in the number of trains was in response to complaints by Nigerians.
“People are complaining that we are not providing enough service.

https://citadelng.com/fg-targets-one-train-per-hour-nrc-boss/
“We are promising them that we will increase the number of trains we run before the end of the year; we should be able to target one train per hour.
“We have already ordered the coaches and those ones are going to be different from the ones we have.”
The NRC boss also said that the Federal Government had begun creating an e-ticket system to ease the burden of passengers.
“The e-ticket is at an advanced stage. This is a government system and we have to pass through due process.
“As we speak about three companies are in the final stage with ICRC because it is going to involve a lot of money, and we do not have the money to do it.
“We need to have the hardware to make sure we protect our earnings and protect the passengers using the e-ticketing because we have to have a barrier that allows a genuine ticket holder to access the platform and exit the station.
“If we do not put the (proper) system in place electronically, a passenger can buy a ticket to Kubwa and get to Kaduna if care is not taken. So we have to consider all that, and it is being developed.”
He added that the e-ticketing system would also be developed bearing the future in mind.
“We are planning a situation where with an ATM card, you would not need a ticket. We are looking at tomorrow not just today.”
Mr Sabiu Zakari, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation confirmed that the Federal Government was in the final stages of compliance with the e-ticket system.
Zakari was represented by the Director, Rail Transport Service, Mr Mohammed Babakobi.
“For the ticketing, a number of proposals had come before now but they have to go through the due process, so you can achieve a situation whereby you can sit in your house and buy tickets.
“We are almost in the final stage of the compliances.”
Mr Pascal Nnorli, Manager, Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) said the Abuja Station had recorded 1.5 million passengers since its inception with an average of four return trips daily.
Nnorli also said that passengers that used the train on a daily basis were not less than 3,000.
“Today, we have had our 1.5 million passengers since inception.
“Averagely, we were doing 2,000 (passengers) daily before the crisis of Abuja/Kaduna road. Since the crisis of kidnapping and insecurity, our average passengers have increased to between 2,500 to 3,000.”
He, however, said that the station was not able to meet up with 50 per cent of demands due to the limited amount of trains available.
“Government has awarded contracts for some mini stocks to be provided for the standard gauging rail, Lagos and Ibadan inclusive to Ajaokuta, Warri, Abuja, and Kaduna. It will take a minimum of 12 months.
“If we have rolling stock, we will increase our frequency. If passengers can catch a train every 30 minutes or on an hourly basis, we would not have the need to agitate.
“Last two weeks, more than 170 passengers overpowered my men and entered the train without tickets. I feel their pulse but that does not mean they should take laws in their hands.”
The manager pleaded with Nigerians to be patient with the government and not vent their frustrations on personnel of the train service.
Also speaking, Mr Qian Hongxiang, Deputy Managing Director, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) said the AKTS was a major transportation channel that had improved Nigeria’s investment environment.
Qian said that the Abuja-Kaduna was the first phase of the Nigerian Railway Mordernisation Project.
“The second phase, Lagos-Ibadan railway, is under construction. In the near future, more modern railways will be built and more Nigerians will enjoy safe, comfortable and convenient travel by rail.”
Mr Li Xuda, Cultural Counsellor, Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, said that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) proposed by his government in 2014, offered opportunities for cooperation and development for both countries.
Li, who is also the Director, China Cultural Centre, said Nigeria, as a Belt and Road member, would benefit from the initiative.
“Accelerating the Belt and Road Initiative can help promote economic prosperity and strengthen exchanges and mutual learning between the two countries.”
The Abuja-Kaduna Railway project officially started commercial operations on July 26, 2016, becoming the first modern railway operation using the Chinese standard in Africa. (NAN)The Federal Government on Thursday said it would increase the number of trains plying the Abuja-Kaduna route to run a train per hour before the end of 2019.
Mr Freeborn Okhiria, Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) said this as part of activities of the Belt and Road Initiative’s celebration to mark 1,000 days of smooth operations of the rail system in Nigeria in Abuja.
Okhiria said that the increase in the number of trains was in response to complaints by Nigerians.
“People are complaining that we are not providing enough service.
“We are promising them that we will increase the number of trains we run before the end of the year; we should be able to target one train per hour.
“We have already ordered the coaches and those ones are going to be different from the ones we have.”
The NRC boss also said that the Federal Government had begun creating an e-ticket system to ease the burden of passengers.
“The e-ticket is at an advanced stage. This is a government system and we have to pass through due process.
“As we speak about three companies are in the final stage with ICRC because it is going to involve a lot of money, and we do not have the money to do it.
“We need to have the hardware to make sure we protect our earnings and protect the passengers using the e-ticketing because we have to have a barrier that allows a genuine ticket holder to access the platform and exit the station.
“If we do not put the (proper) system in place electronically, a passenger can buy a ticket to Kubwa and get to Kaduna if care is not taken. So we have to consider all that, and it is being developed.”
He added that the e-ticketing system would also be developed bearing the future in mind.
“We are planning a situation where with an ATM card, you would not need a ticket. We are looking at tomorrow not just today.”
Mr Sabiu Zakari, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation confirmed that the Federal Government was in the final stages of compliance with the e-ticket system.
Zakari was represented by the Director, Rail Transport Service, Mr Mohammed Babakobi.
“For the ticketing, a number of proposals had come before now but they have to go through the due process, so you can achieve a situation whereby you can sit in your house and buy tickets.
“We are almost in the final stage of the compliances.”
Mr Pascal Nnorli, Manager, Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) said the Abuja Station had recorded 1.5 million passengers since its inception with an average of four return trips daily.
Nnorli also said that passengers that used the train on a daily basis were not less than 3,000.
“Today, we have had our 1.5 million passengers since inception.
“Averagely, we were doing 2,000 (passengers) daily before the crisis of Abuja/Kaduna road. Since the crisis of kidnapping and insecurity, our average passengers have increased to between 2,500 to 3,000.”
He, however, said that the station was not able to meet up with 50 per cent of demands due to the limited amount of trains available.
“Government has awarded contracts for some mini stocks to be provided for the standard gauging rail, Lagos and Ibadan inclusive to Ajaokuta, Warri, Abuja, and Kaduna. It will take a minimum of 12 months.
“If we have rolling stock, we will increase our frequency. If passengers can catch a train every 30 minutes or on an hourly basis, we would not have the need to agitate.
“Last two weeks, more than 170 passengers overpowered my men and entered the train without tickets. I feel their pulse but that does not mean they should take laws in their hands.”
The manager pleaded with Nigerians to be patient with the government and not vent their frustrations on personnel of the train service.
Also speaking, Mr Qian Hongxiang, Deputy Managing Director, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) said the AKTS was a major transportation channel that had improved Nigeria’s investment environment.
Qian said that the Abuja-Kaduna was the first phase of the Nigerian Railway Mordernisation Project.
“The second phase, Lagos-Ibadan railway, is under construction. In the near future, more modern railways will be built and more Nigerians will enjoy safe, comfortable and convenient travel by rail.”
Mr Li Xuda, Cultural Counsellor, Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, said that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) proposed by his government in 2014, offered opportunities for cooperation and development for both countries.
Li, who is also the Director, China Cultural Centre, said Nigeria, as a Belt and Road member, would benefit from the initiative.
“Accelerating the Belt and Road Initiative can help promote economic prosperity and strengthen exchanges and mutual learning between the two countries.”
The Abuja-Kaduna Railway project officially started commercial operations on July 26, 2016, becoming the first modern railway operation using the Chinese standard in Africa. (NAN)

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has returned to Nigeria after a ten day investment tour of Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Malaysia.

Speaking at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on arrival, Governor Akeredolu expressed optimism that his interactions with investors and the business communities in the two countries will in no time begin to manifest on the ongoing investment drive of his administration.

The governor said a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the Dubai Port Authority on the Port of Ondo at the instance of the private office of a member of the Dubai Ruling Family, His Highness Sheikh Dalmook All Maktoum and the UAE Under Secretary for Foreign Trade and Economy, Hon. Abdullah Ahmed Al-Saleh.

Arakunrin Akeredolu said the investment potentials of the state have earlier been showcased at the Annual Investment Forum of UAE in Dubai which Ondo State attended for the first time .

Governor Akeredolu said the MoU with the Dubai authorities would accelerate the initiative of his administration on a Deep Sea Port which stakeholders including the Nigerian Port Authority have endorsed as a veritable venture to reposition the maritime sector in Nigeria.

While describing the Dubai partners as world class in Port Business Development, the governor said the multiplier effects of the interest will materialise very soon with a floating dock

The governor equally explained that his trip to Malaysia through the Malaysia -Nigeria business corridor also yielded fruitful result for the state after signing a memorandum of understanding with the Malaysia Agricultural and Research Development Institute (MARDI) on oil palm and rice production value chain development.

He maintained that the institute reiterated its readiness to partner the state on Agricbussiness development and a couple of other areas including its higher institutions exchange programmes.

https://citadelng.com/gov-akeredolu-returns-to-nigeria-assures-of-fruitful-investment-tour/

amazing

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Private Office of His Highness Sheikh Dalmook Al Maktoum, a member of the Dubai’s ruling family.

Governor Akeredolu who signed on behalf of the Ondo State government is seeking the collaboration of the United Arab Emirates’, Dubai in developing Ondo State and widening its investment horizon.

Recalled that the Governor was invited to a meeting Under Secretary for Foreign Trade , Ministry of Economy UAE, Hon Abdulla Ahmed Al Saleh to discuss opportunities in Ondo State.

Governor Akeredolu and his team were also invited to meet with His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum and the Dubai Port Authority team on the Portondo and the bigger economy of the state.

Consequent upon the successful meetings, the Governor has sealed a deal for the development of the proposed Deep Sea Port in the state and other infrastructure development.

Already, the Akeredolu’s administration has completed a feasibility study on the proposed Deep Sea Port in Ilaje local government area of the state.

The feasibility study prepared by the MTBS led by its Managing Director, Netherlands, Mr. Chime Asonye, accompanied by the firm’s project leader, Mr. Willem Slenderbroek has been forwarded to the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA)

The Governor had mentioned during a courtesy visit of the Araromi Obu – in Council that the NPA team will soon be in the state for assessment after which the port declaration will be done.

He promised that his administration will continue to engage potential investors.

In accordance with the terms of this MoU, the Parties have expressed their intention to collaborate and work together on other business opportunities including : Setting up new conventional, renewable and hybrid power projects including the potential to re-power existing power plants.

Other objectives of the MoU include : exploring the potential to develop Oil Blocks and Strategic Storage Terminals, developing cashless solutions for internally generated revenues (IGR) on direct assessment: and any other projects of mutual interest.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Dalmook Juma Al Maktoum, member of the ruling family of Dubai UAE and founder of the diversified conglomerate, Africa Middle East Resource Investment (AMERI Group) has emerged as a strong force on the global front as his rise as an influential figure stems from his decisive leadership in expanding UAE’s energy and power network across continents and his inspirational work on the humanitarian front.

The pains and anguish suffered by the people of Oke - Ogba Community in Akure, the Ondo State capital as a result of the deplorable condition of the road network have been brought to an end by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN.

You will recall that Governor Akeredolu flagged off the construction of the 6km Road covering Iyange, Ogunmolayan and Ijaro last year.

Less than one year on, the road is wearing new look and has reached an advanced stage of completion, with the asphalt being laid, all to the admiration of the people.

Oke - Ogba Community is one of the highly populated areas in Akure, but bad road network and lack of other infrastructure has left many house owners in the area at the mercy of deep suffering, especially during the rainy season.

Oke - Ogba road is among many other road projects been executed by the Akeredolu's administration in his bid to transform and improve the socio - economic activities of the state.

The Olu of Ijaro, Chief Francis Kehinde expressed appreciation to the state Governor, Arakunrin Akeredolu who he described as a role model. He said " I must thank the state Governor, Arakunrin Akeredolu for this developmental stride. I'm so excited"

The General Chairman, Landlord Association, Oke Ogba, Prince Joseph Ekunola described the projects as laudable and monumental in terms of quality.
https://citadelng.com/akeredolu-ends-age-long-misery-of-oke-ogba-residents/

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has charged media organisations on objective and unbiased news reportage for societal development.

The governor who gave the charge at the FRCN Ibadan zonal station content summit held at the Elizade university, Ilara mokin, reiterated his administration’s readiness to collaborate with the station to ensure full coverage of government activities.

Declaring the summit open, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Stressed the importance of self appraisal and rediscovery for every organisation to remain in business commended the Federal Radio corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) for contributing to the development of the nation through adequate coverage of government activities to the people.

Akeredolu who expressed joy to be associated with the historic move in the life of the Organisation noted that his administration is giving his full support to Positive Fm Akure which is an arm of FRCN in the state.

He said with the growing competition occasioned by many radio stations, survival may not be for the fittest adding that radio Nigeria as a flagship of broadcasting in the country, should be a model, and should set the pace for others.

Addressing participants at the summit, the director general of the FRCN, Dr Mansur Liman noted that contents is the core component that made up the vital organs of broadcasting especially in this era of competition hence the importance of the summit.

Represented by the director Lagos operation of FRCN, Adeyinka Amosun, Liman challenged the participants to take advantage of the summit, in order to impact fresh and positive ideas in programme packages and news bulletin for the audience.

Also speaking the IbadanZonal director of Radio Nigeria, Alhaji Muhammad Bello while thanking the state government for the support given to the station over the years expressed the desire of the radio station to be the first on the broadcast industry despite the dynamic nature of the industry.

The summit which drawn over 80 participants from the FRCN radio stations in Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo was first of its kind in the south west zone of the station which afforded members of staff the opportunity to appraise their work over the years with a view to come up with resolutions that will further transform their programs and news contents.

Source: https://orangefm.com.ng/governor-akeredolu-charges-media-practitioners-on-objective-unbiased-news-reportage-for-societal-growth/

Goods worth about N44million were reportedly destroyed in an inferno which razed down shops in Oka area of Ondo town during the weekend.

A trader, Alhaji Hassan Falade Adewale, was said to have lost all the goods in his shops to the fire incident which affected all his six shops stocked with motor spare parts and other valuable

The Hope Metro gathered that the fire incident which occurred along High Court road Oka, Ondo, started around 9:00pm and could not be put off on time, as the fire fighters claimed they had logistic problem.

Sympathisers were said to have called the fire brigade office in the town to come to their aid and end the fire incident. But the fire fighters gave an excuse that their vehicle was faulty.

According to Alhaji Adewale, the incident happened around 9pm after they left the shop around 7:30pm as usual.

“Before I left the shop, there was no light. So, we had to put on generator. And when it was time to leave the shop, we switched to BEDC light When I got home, I was called that when the light was restored, the electricity sparked and the shop started burning.

“Immediately the incident happened. We went to the fire fighter and they said their vehicle is faulty and that they could not do anything up till now.

“The shops are six and the goods there were over N44million, because they are all stocked with goods like motor spare parts, lubricants, battery, tyres among others,” he lamented.

Meanwhile, the Caretaker Chairman of the local government, Mr Ebenezer Akinsunlere, said he has visited the scene of the incident, while he promised government’s assistance

It was, learnt that a building behind the shop was burnt last year by fire, because the owner was not at home when the inferno started.


https://citadelng.com/fire-guts-n44m-goods-in-ondo/

The Ondo State Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperative services is aspiring to generate a sum of N200million as its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) this year.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Investment, supervising the Ministry, Mr Boye Oyewumi made this known to the public.

The Special Adviser who spoke through the Ministry’s Director of Finance and Mobilisation , Mr Olatubosun, Abimbola Isijola said staffers of the ministry were competent and professionals who can fulfill the mandate to meet the target.

His words: “In spite of the economic situation in the country, we know it is difficult for people to pay but staffers have crafted ways to convince the people to pay.

They have been succeeding in that role when they go out”.

He said the Ministry, issues a pay advice or demand notice some weeks before following up to demand for the actual pay, the Ministry does not take phyical cash but gives the government account details where to pay and obtain e-receipt from Board of Internal Revenue (BIR).

The receipt, he said would be worked upon assuring that the funds paid are safe and does not go to wrong hands.

According to him, the officials have strategize to avoid the challenges they faced during operation last year, declaring that it had been bringing funds to government coffers from business premises, markets, co-operatives among many others.

The resources, according to him were galvanized to increase the IGR to complement what the state acquires from the Federation account.


https://citadelng.com/commerce-ministry-targets-n200m-igr/

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

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

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



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

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

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

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



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

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

https://citadelng.com/our-achievements-will-speak-for-us-in-2020-ondo-apc/

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has resolved the 11 years trade disputes between the Agricultural and Allied Employees Union of Nigeria (AAEUN) and Agric and Allied Workers Union of Nigeria (AAWUN).
Mr Najeem Yasin, Acting President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said this at a conciliatory meeting on Friday in Abuja.
Yasin said the meeting was called by the congress to resolve a long standing dispute in the Agricultural sector.
The Conciliatory Committee was set up by the NLC President, Mr Ayuba Wabba in line with the just concluded Delegates Conferences Resolution to find lasting solution to the dispute.
According to him, the parties informed the committee that the issues in dispute have been narrowed down to three items.
These include name of the union, composition of a transition team and a constitution for the union.
“The workable constitution will guide the union into and through a delegates’ conference that will be midwifed by the transition team within six months from the date of this agreement,” he said.
He said that the two parties had signed an agreement and have merged to be called Nigeria Union of Agriculture and Allied Employees (NUAAE).
He, however, said that both parties agreed that a 33 members transition team be put in place for a period of six months to be headed by Mr Simon Anchaver as president and Mr Aitokhueli Sunday as General Secretary.
He further said that the transition team members are eligible to contest election in the forthcoming Delegates’ Conference that would elect substantive officers to run the affairs of the union for four years in line with the union’s agreed constitution.
He also added that state transition committees are to be composed by the National Transition Committee for the 36 states and FCT on the basis of a 5.4 ration amongst the parties.
He therefore maintained that all pending matters in court by parties are to be withdrawn forthwith. (NAN)


https://citadelng.com/nlc-resolves-11-year-old-agric-workers-union-dispute/

with her numerous sustainable projects in the state, women and the less privileged in state now have a new lease of hope that there welfarism are well catered for.

The Executive Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu (Aketi) has officially blessed the newly acquired team bus of Sunshine Stars for use.
Aketi who made good his promise of improved journey comfort for players and officials of Sunshine Stars with the acquisition a brand new Innoson 33 seater bus last week, was Thursday presented with the vehicle after its branding.
The Governor was presented with the vehicle by the State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Saka Ogunleye alongside Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA) Chairman Otunba Tajudeen Akinyemi, Director of Sunshine Stars Prince Tunde Ogunja, ODSFA boad member, Dare Ogunleye and ODSFA’s Scribe, O.S Akingbasote at the Governor’s Office, Akure.
In his speech Akeredolu maintained that it is pleasing to the Government to always provide for Sunshine Stars, and expressed believe the team can be all conquering with more motivation and the right team spirit.
Aketi stated: _”I remember you (ODSFA) mounted sufficient pressure on the government to get a bus, now the vehicle is here. You have done well with the resources given to you._
_”You won your last game at home; help thank the players, help thank the coach. With more motivation and the right locker room spirit the team can conquer anywhere. It is pleasing the Government has done this.”_
The Governor concluded by advising Sunshine Stars to always embark on match trips in the earliest hours of the day before admonishing team driver, Mr Sola Adebisi (Mafiazo) to drive with moderate speed and caution always.
In his remarks Otunba Akinyemi again expressed gratitude to the Aketi government for having the Club and ODSFA interest at heart, before handing the Governor Sunshine Stars customised jerseys.
Also on ground for the presentation were Permanent Secretary Sports Ministry, Dr. (Mrs) Dupe Eshofonie ODSFA board member, Mr Ayo Adewunmi, Team Manager, Sunshine Stars Mr. Tokunbo Akinyekure and Club Secretary, Mr Kayode Oluwole.


https://citadelng.com/governor-akeredolu-commissions-new-sunshine-stars-team-bus-for-use/

The wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has stated that the exclusion of women in policy making within Nigeria amounts to total waste of human resources. She made this known during a stakeholders’ meeting on the 63rd Session of UN Commission on the Status of Women(UNCSW 63) which held on Thursday at the Dome conference centre, Akure.

Drawing from the UNCSW 63, the largest UN’s gathering on gender equality, which took place at the UN headquarters in New York between March 11 to 22 2019 with the theme:”Social Protection Systems, Access to Public Services and Sustainable Infrastructure for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women and Girls”, Mrs Akeredolu noted that any society aiming for progress, recognition and relevance among the comity of nations must carry its women folks along in all aspects of life.


“Exclusion of women in policy-making is a waste of human resources because this world is shared 50/50.
“You don’t neglect the integral part of your population and expect success and progress.”

The First Lady charged Nigerians to discard the common belief that men possessed greater competence than women.

“We should stop believing that men are the only ones with sense and knowledge. BEMORE has taught us that our women can be more if given the opportunity ” she said.


While reiterating the need for women empowerment, Arabinrin observed that women should use their voting strength to put more women in the legislative houses and positions of authority.

According to her, there should be concerted efforts to encourage women and get them engaged in productive ventures that are women-friendly and skills acquisition relevant to their immediate environment so they can contribute meaningfully to their families and communities.


“FOWOSO is paving way in Ondo State and the impact is evidenced based with tremendous successful outcomes.

“We have empowered over 2000 women and youth and free medical services at all FOWOSO empowerment outreaches together with breast cancer awareness to over 20,000 people in the local government areas of the state and we appreciate the state government for being a dependable ally and for its supportive roles,” she stated.


“Women, if properly equipped can also lead the world of technology. We have proved that in Ondo State with BEMORE summer Bootcamp for Naija Girls and it shows that girls can do more than what society ascribes them to be.

“Presently, four of BEMORE girls are being groomed to compete for the technology innovation challenge holding at Silicone Valley, California, USA,” she recalled.

The First Lady further called on concerned authorities to provide water facilities in schools so that young girls will not skip classes during their menstrual periods.


Also speaking at the event were Mrs Titi Adeyemi, the Senior Special Assistant to Ondo State Governor on women affairs, The Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Ibiyinka Ogunlade, stakeholders including Mrs Doyin Ogunbiyi, a former commissioner in Ogun State, Prof. Mojisola Atalabi of College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Prof. Ibiyinka Ogunlade of Ekiti State University and a panel of discussants.

While applauding the gender-friendly policies of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, the speakers encouraged the women empowerment and gender balance strides of Arabinrin Akeredolu noting that this would help to make Ondo State and Nigeria, at large, a better place.

Also present at the event were representatives of different non-profits, security agencies, private and corporate organisations as well as stakeholders from different parts of Nigeria.

The wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has stated that the exclusion of women in policy making within Nigeria amounts to total waste of human resources. She made this known during a stakeholders’ meeting on the 63rd Session of UN Commission on the Status of Women(UNCSW 63) which held on Thursday at the Dome conference centre, Akure.

Drawing from the UNCSW 63, the largest UN’s gathering on gender equality, which took place at the UN headquarters in New York between March 11 to 22 2019 with the theme:”Social Protection Systems, Access to Public Services and Sustainable Infrastructure for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women and Girls”, Mrs Akeredolu noted that any society aiming for progress, recognition and relevance among the comity of nations must carry its women folks along in all aspects of life.


“Exclusion of women in policy-making is a waste of human resources because this world is shared 50/50.
“You don’t neglect the integral part of your population and expect success and progress.”

The First Lady charged Nigerians to discard the common belief that men possessed greater competence than women.

“We should stop believing that men are the only ones with sense and knowledge. BEMORE has taught us that our women can be more if given the opportunity ” she said.


While reiterating the need for women empowerment, Arabinrin observed that women should use their voting strength to put more women in the legislative houses and positions of authority.

According to her, there should be concerted efforts to encourage women and get them engaged in productive ventures that are women-friendly and skills acquisition relevant to their immediate environment so they can contribute meaningfully to their families and communities.


“FOWOSO is paving way in Ondo State and the impact is evidenced based with tremendous successful outcomes.

“We have empowered over 2000 women and youth and free medical services at all FOWOSO empowerment outreaches together with breast cancer awareness to over 20,000 people in the local government areas of the state and we appreciate the state government for being a dependable ally and for its supportive roles,” she stated.


“Women, if properly equipped can also lead the world of technology. We have proved that in Ondo State with BEMORE summer Bootcamp for Naija Girls and it shows that girls can do more than what society ascribes them to be.

“Presently, four of BEMORE girls are being groomed to compete for the technology innovation challenge holding at Silicone Valley, California, USA,” she recalled.

The First Lady further called on concerned authorities to provide water facilities in schools so that young girls will not skip classes during their menstrual periods.


Also speaking at the event were Mrs Titi Adeyemi, the Senior Special Assistant to Ondo State Governor on women affairs, The Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Ibiyinka Ogunlade, stakeholders including Mrs Doyin Ogunbiyi, a former commissioner in Ogun State, Prof. Mojisola Atalabi of College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Prof. Ibiyinka Ogunlade of Ekiti State University and a panel of discussants.

While applauding the gender-friendly policies of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, the speakers encouraged the women empowerment and gender balance strides of Arabinrin Akeredolu noting that this would help to make Ondo State and Nigeria, at large, a better place.

Also present at the event were representatives of different non-profits, security agencies, private and corporate organisations as well as stakeholders from different parts of Nigeria.

https://citadelng.com/mrs-akeredolu-seeks-inclusion-of-women-in-policy-making/

The Ondo state chapter of the All Progressives Congress(APC) on Thursday denied the allegation by former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Alhaji Ali Olanusi that President Muhammadu Buhari lost in Ondo state due to the anti-party activities of the leadership of the ruling party.

Olanusi at a forum of the Concerned APC leaders in Akure, the state capital on Tuesday accused Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of compromising the election because of the NWC’s decision to endorse the three incumbent Senators as automatic candidates, which prompted his alleged sponsoring of opposition Action Alliance(AA) candidates.
A statement by APC’s Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro said the former deputy governor has never been on the same page with the party leadership in the state, stressing that he is not competent to comment on the affairs of the party in the state.
Besides, the party faulted the claim that the governor allegedly diverted the fund disbursed to Ondo state by the national leadership of the party for the 2019 general election and financed AA candidates in the state.

It said” With these statements, Olanusi’s group had brought to fore their secret apathy against Akeredolu who refused to do their biddings. We should be reminded that Olanusi claimed huge amount from the present APC-led government in Ondo State to offset his accumulated salary arrears over his removal from office by the previous administration.


“He refused to acknowledge the governor’s quick response to his plight, rather, he countered the effort with contempt. When he demanded for more money and was denied, he became dissatisfied and turned himself into a critic of the APC’s government,he claimed to be its Board of Trustees (BoT) member at the national level.

” We have it on record that he is planning ahead of the 2020 to present an unpopular governorship candidate for election in the state,but he doesn’t have to heat up the polity over such clandestine moves that will die on arrival”

The statement emphasised that the party leadership in the state would not succumb to the group’s cheap blackmail and lies flying around.

It said “We are advising Olanusi and his group to desist from constituting themselves as enemies of the party they claimed to belong.The former deputy governor particularly should behave as a true statesman and member, APC’s Trustee.









https://citadelng.com/ondo-apc-to-olanusi-behave-like-a-statesman/

"My advice is that when we have the rare privilege to attend such international meetings like UNCSW, and having been sponsored by government, we owe this country a duty to share information and knowledge for the benefit of the country and in the case of CSW, for the advancement of our women."

Wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu at the Stakeholders meeting on the 63rd Session of United Nation Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW 63) currently going on at Dome, Igbatoro Road, Akure.

"ICT is gender neutral. Let's encourage STEM in our girls and groom them to become technology leaders. It is doable. We have proved that in Ondo State with BEMORE summer Bootcamp 4 Girls Naija. We have proved that girls can #BEMORE than what the society ascribes them to be. We have measurable outcomes: #BEMORE girl Marvelous Jegede a 14 year school girl from Arigidi successfully installed solar panels to light up her home after two years in darkness."

Wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu at Stakeholders meeting on the 63rd Session of United Nation Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW 63) currently going on at Dome, Igbatoro Road, Akure.

"Provision of WASH facilities in school is an essential commodity. The lack of infrastructure negatively impacts on the Girl Child education because she skips classes during her menses."

"Teenagers from poor families cannot afford sanitary pads. I did tweet. "Condoms are given free of charge. Sanitary pads are not. What is #OurPriorityInNigeria"

Wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu at Stakeholders meeting on the 63rd Session of United Nation Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW 63) currently going on at Dome, Igbatoro Road, Akure.

It would be nice for the Nigerian embassy to host Nigerian participants to a cocktail or dinner. That's what other countries do to their nationals which elicits a sense of pride and patriotism.

Wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu at Stakeholders meeting on the 63rd Session of United Nation Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW 63) currently going on at Dome, Igbatoro Road, Akure.

Federal Ministry of Women Affairs should have a desk officer provided with a computer!/laptop, create a portal on Federal Ministry of Women Affairs website for participants to submit a biosketch.

Wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu at the Stakeholders meeting on the 63rd Session of United Nation Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW 63) currently going on at Dome, Igbatoro Road, Akure.

"UNCSW63 was an event that brought together participants from diverse backgrounds to share their experiences and see how we could collectively improve our strides for gender equality."

Wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu at Stakeholders meeting on the 63rd Session of United Nation Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW 63) currently going on at Dome, Igbatoro Road, Akure.

The Objectives of the United Nation Commission on the Status of Women are;

-To share experience and outcome (Agreed Conclusion) of the UNCSW 63.
-To create awareness on gender - related issues especially inequalities, descrimination and all forms of abuse and violent against women and girls in Ondo State.
-To create, with the support of UN women, a 5-7 member woman committee on war against sexual harassment and rape to handle cases and ensure timely dispensation of justice.
-To develop action plans on provision of sustainable social infrastructure towards achieving gender balance in Ondo State.

Stakeholders' meeting on the 63rd Session of United Nation Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW 63) ongoing at international culture and events centre (DOME), Igbatoro Road, Akure.