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Newly elected members of the Ondo State House of Assembly on Monday, after taking their oath of office, elected Bamidele Oleyelogun as speaker.

Mr Oleyelogun had presided over the house for one year and a half in the 8th assembly after a turbulent period.

Mr Oleyegun was returned unopposed as he was the only one nominated for speaker on the floor of the house.

It was gathered that other contested withdrew from the race after a caucus meeting of the leaders of the party, led by the Chairman of the party, Ade Adetimehin.

The other contender for the office, Sunday Olajide, withdrew his interest barely 24 hours to the inauguration.

Iroju Ogundeji, another ranking member of the house, was elected deputy speaker.

Jamiu Maito was appointed majority leader, while Rasheed Elegbeleye is now minority leader.

Meanwhile, the house has adjourned until July 9 for legislative business.

Men of the Ondo State Police Command have arrested some bandits, who have allegedly been robbing bank customers in Akure.

In recent times, many bank customers in the state capital have been robbed after withdrawing money from the banks.

It was gathered that one of the suspects, whose identity has not been revealed, was arrested on Tuesday after allegedly stealing N500,000 from a building contractor’s car at the Ayedun area of Akure, few minutes after the victim had withdrawn the money from the bank.

A source said the hoodlums followed the contractor from the bank to where he parked his car.

After breaking into the car and taking the money, they attempted to flee the scene but hit a commercial motorcyclist, which forced them to stop.

The source stated, “They followed the contractor from the Zenith Bank to the Ayedun area, where the man parked his car. They broke the windscreen and stole the money from the car.

“As they were about speeding away in their car, they hit a commercial motorcyclist and were forced to stop. One of them alighted from the car to attend to the motorcyclist.

“It was when they were arguing with the motorcyclist that the owner of the N500,000 rushed to the scene and people pointed to one of the thieves that allegedly broke into his car and stole his money.”

The driver of the hoodlums car escaped with the vehicle.

The source added that policemen from the State Anti-Robbery Squad were invited to the scene and arrested the suspected robber.

A source at the SARS disclosed that the arrest of the suspect led to the arrest of two other members of the robbery gang.

He added that some of the gang’s victims had visited the SARS office to identify the suspects.

The police source said, “The suspects have confessed their involvement in the robbery of bank customers. One of them said they were the ones who robbed and killed the Bursar of an Anglican Church in Akure, Mr Gabriel Abiodun, during one of their operations few months ago.

“The suspects also confessed that they have informants in the banks, who usually informed them whenever customers withdrew huge amounts of money.”

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Femi Joseph, confirmed the development and said the command was on the trail of other fleeing suspects.

“About four of them have been arrested and very soon, we shall parade them, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining members of the robbery gang,” the PPRO stated.

The Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, is leaving none in doubt of the fact that he’s in government for serious business. The governor has delivered no fewer than 45 kilometer of roads in the last 18 months across the three senatorial districts of the State. In his less than 3years of governorship, Akeredolu has already littered the the face of the state with beautiful projects.

From the south through the central to the northern senatorial districts of the sunshine state, the governor works wonders.

The government of Ondo State under Akeredolu has done a number of many other road projects that are still undergoing construction. In Ondo North Senatorial District, the commissioner listed projects completed to include the 2.5km Jubilee Ugbe road; 1.5km Supare (Oke Afaa) road and 27.5km Iwaro road.

This is apart from the reconstruction of the collapsed three major culverts in Ikare-Akoko. Others are 2.5km Hewlet, Ogbo Omo, Igbadara and Ayegunle road in Ifon. Also completed are the 2.5km internal roads in GRA, Owo; the dualization of adjoining roads in Owo is almost completed. On the planned dualization of 4.3km Ikare township road, 7.1km road in Owo and the 7.8km Akure-Ijoka-A Divison road, the Special Adviser said valuation of the properties across the roads had reached advanced stage.

These include Iyere – ipele – idoani road; access road in Powderize egg factory at Emure; parking lot at Akure airport; construction of Ondo Boys High school internal road network; dualisation of CBN road, akure; construction of Subeb Sijuade road, akure; repair of approach slabs of Alape & Aboto bridge in ilaje.

The government partnered with NDDC and has just awarded 40km Araromi (ondo state) – Lekki (Lagos state) road.

It has also awarded Idanre to ijoka is 16km & dualisation of A Division to ijoka is 8.14km.

The Oke -Alabojuto /Ikare dualisation road project is a wonderment for which the northern constituents of the state has continued to hail the governor. Yet, the works continue unabated across the state.

Projects to include the 1.5km Abusoro road in Akure; 2.0km Iwalewa-Alafiatayo-Hospital-Oshinle road in Akure.

Also completed, according to the governor’s aide, is the 3km Okelisa and Bajare roads in Idanre; Ongoing ones to include Oke-Ogba road in Akure, Alagbaka-High Court-SIB road also in Akure; Gaga road in Aluke; Igbaraoke-Ibuji road; Isharun township roads and Bolodunro-Fagbo road in Ondo town.

Fiwasaye-Airport street light project is also ongoing. Sabomi-Ajagba road was 95% completed, while work is ongoing on Police Station road in Ore. Work has also reached 97% completion on Okitipupa-Ayeka-Irele road.

If Akeredolu continues this way, many among the people will benefit from the people – oriented projects for which he has now become very popular with the people of the state.

In recognition of the infrastructural works he’s doing in the state which has attracted huge luster and acclaim, we hail and confer the award of the Doyen of Democracy on him.

Ondo to employ 2,000 teachers

To boost education in Ondo State, the state government is set to employ two thousand teachers into the primary education sector.

The Hope reliably gathered that a meeting towards the realisation of this was held last week Friday between the officials of the State Universal Primary Education Board (SUBEB) and the Nigeria Union of Teachers ( NUT).

It was learnt that the meeting which went on for several hours discussed modalities to use in employing the best teachers for pupils at the foundation level.

It was also gathered that the Chairman of NUT in the state, Comrade Oladele Amoko expressed it at the meeting that presently the state primary education sector needs about eight thousand teachers to compete with its counterpart in Nigeria.

Amoko was said to have supplied the agency’s officials with the facts, stressing that in the course of the years past, many teachers have retired in the primary school sector.

After much debate between the two parties, it was therefore resolved that two thousand teachers will soon be employed in primary schools in the state.

Confirming the story yesterday in an exclusive phone interview, the Chairperson of Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board, Princess Oladunni Odu said that the board is set to employ 2,000 primary school teachers in the state.

Her words:” On May Day celebration in the state, the State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu indeed promised to employ more teachers in the primary education sector. It is a known fact that we have shortage of teachers in this sector, reason that we want to ensure that we recruit the best.”

“We are putting our papers together and once approval is given by the governor, we are going to place the advert in the media and those selected will go through series of examinations.

” What we are doing presently is fine tunning the processes and once the approval is given, the exercise will commence. But we want to assure that the best will be employed for the primary schools sector in the state”.

Also speaking on the issue, the NUT Chairman, Oladele Amoko confirmed that the process is ongoing and the union is still asking for more teachers to be employed in the state.

He confirmed that the union has submitted facts and figures to the state government that more teachers like 8,000 are needed to beef up the primary schools in the state.

Amoko however expressed joy that the state government has acceded to the request of the union to employ 2,000 fresh teachers which gladdens one’s heart.

The Ondo Concerned Citizens, had unanimously passed votes of confidence on the current Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly and endorsed him as the Speaker for Ondo 9th Assembly due to what they described as his excellent performance for the past two years.

The President of the group, Mr Clement Akeroro observed that if performance is the yardstick to measure quality leadership, Oleyelogun has demostrated unequalled, peculiar, shrewd, unmatched and quintessential leadership skills and therefore deserves the endorsement of all APC leadership in Ondo state in order to move the state forward.

According to Akeroro, since Oleyelogun assumed the mantle of the Assembly leadership, he has subscribed to the Principle of seperation of power as it was advocated by John Locke and propagated by Montesquieu in 17th century.

The leadership of Oleyelogun according to the group provides checks and balances through oversight functions.

This they said has put the executive on its toes in providing critical social infrastructure like good road network, building and renovation of schools, potable water (Kamomi Aketi Prog), Qualitative Health delivery, among other achievements.

The Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, yesterday said his administration would continue to partner professional bodies in the state to further ensure better service delivery to the people of the state.

He disclosed this while speaking as a Special Guest of Honour at the 3rd Annual Lecture and Investiture of Prince Adedire Adeyinka as the 4th Chairman of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN), held at the David Akintayo Oguntuase NMA House, Akure, the Ondo State capital.

This is just as the new chairman of the association applauded the governor for what he described as massive investment in the socio-economic transformation of the state including re-organisation of the system to ensure economic viability.

The governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Ifedayo Abegunde, noted that government was ready to partner the association to promote excellence and integrity among professionals in both the public and private sectors.

He added that his administration is doing a lot to bring dividends of good governance to the people of the state through provision of massive road infrastructures and creation of industries to create jobs for the teeming youths in the state.

In his remarks after his investiture, Prince Adedire Adeyinka, lauded the state governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, for his uncommon commitment to all-round development of the state, saying that this has already been yielding expected results in the areas of infrastructure, Internally Generated Revenue(IGR) and industrialisation as well as jobs creation.

He said his leadership would work hand in hand with the state government in the area of policy formulation and implementation to ensure better service delivery to the people of the state, just as he appealed to the government to incorporate local professionals in its infrastructure drives.

Adeyinka equally stressed that drugs and substance abuse place a negative impact on human health, public safety, productivity, governance and relationship with crime, hence the need for government to deploy measures to combat the menace.

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has assured that all primary and secondary schools in the state would soon open Red Cross unit in their respective schools to inculcate values of humanitarian services in their pupils.

He gave the assurance while receiving the leadership of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, led by its National President who paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

The Society decorated the governor as its Patron during the visit for his commitment to the development of the global humantarian organisation.

Also, Red Cross presented Humanitarian Icon Awards to the Wife of Ondo State Governor, Mrs Betty-Anyanwu Akeredolu and Prof. (Mrs) Olutoye, the Olori of Alani of Idoani, for their immense contributions to the promotion of the Society in the state.

While describing the Red Cross as a reputable organisation people grow up with, Arakunrin Akeredolu commended all members of the Society for their commitment to saving lives and other humanitarian services.

The governor, who stated that Red Cross has been part of him in many ways, specially appreciated the Society for the honour done him.

Akeredolu equally honoured the memory of the former governor of the state, Late Chief Adekunle Ajasin and the current Olori Alani of Idoani, Prof Olutoye, for their immense contributions to the promotion of the Society in the state.

He assured the Society of his administration’s commitment to give necessary support to it to be able to render more humanitarian services to the people.

Earlier, the National President of the Society, represented by the National Finance and Property Management Adviser, Mr. Oluyemisi Adeaga, appreciated the state government for the age-long established relationship.

Also, Mr Sunday Adeniyi, Chairman, Nigerian Red Cross Society, Ondo State Branch, lauded Akeredolu for his passion to ensure a liveable society in Ondo State.

Adeniyi also requested for a bus, and a monthly subvention, to tackle mobility and financial challenges respectively.

The wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu has enjoined muslims to uphold the tenets of Islam as Ramadan begins.

She said this in Akure while receiving a delegation of members of All Progressives Congress, (APC) Muslim sisters at the Government House, Alagbaka.

According to her, Islam is a religion of peace that upholds the values of tolerance and mutual co-existence without a place for hatred and violence.

She, therefore, urged Muslims to use the period to foster friendship and harmony with fellow citizens of other faiths.

Mrs Anyanwu-Akeredolu assured them of more dividends of democracy from the present government.

Mrs Akeredolu was later decorated by the group as their Matron.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Mr. Bamidele Oleyelogun, has called on Muslim faithful in the state to be more dedicated to the worship of Allah during the Ramadan fast.

In a statement issued by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Festus Adebobola the speaker enjoined Muslims to use the fasting period to seek for God’s mercy and protection against the insecurity and other challenges in the country.

According to him, “seeking for Allah’s protection and mercy at this period will bring solution to challenges that might be faced by the country”

The fasting started on May 6 after the sighting of new moon of Ramadan 1440A.H on May 5.

He noted that the Ramadan is an holy ninth month on the Islamic calendar which the benefit therein cannot be quantified and charged the faithful to make best use of the month to seek the face of Allah over the state and the country in general.

Oleyelogun prayed to Almighty Allah to grant them strength and power to observe the fast and grant them abundant rewards of the holy month.

Prayers, he said is essential, which the present government in the state values so much for it to succeed.

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has charged the people of the State to collaborate with his administration in its bid to ensure that the state Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) improves tremendously to a level of comfort, like that of Lagos State.

The governor said it has become imperative for Ondo state government to look inward and improve its IGR for better service delivery to the citizenry, going by dwindling federal allocation to the state.

The governor spoke on Tuesday while receiving the Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria, Ondo State chapter, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

Governor Akeredolu expressed joy that his administration has so far improved its IGR from N700m monthly to over N1.5bn monthly, saying that it is important to think out of the box for the development of the state and the benefit of the people.

He said "We are thinking anew, we are acting anew and government must prioritise. "

Earlier, Mr Mathew Akinbileje, Chairman, Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria, Ondo State chapter, lauded Akeredolu on the delivery of dividends of good governance to the people of the state as evident in the developmental projects across the state.

He further appealed to the governor to inculcate the association into the state security architecture to aid in intelligence gathering for onward transmission to other security agencies for adequate policing of the state.

� Blessed Michael

ONDO STATE GOVERNMENT MOVES TO ENLIST IDANRE HILL AS UNESCO’S WORLD HERITAGE SITE.

Idanre Hill In Idanre local government area of ondo state will soon be enlisted into the United Nations Educational Scientific Cultural organisation (UNESCO) world Heritage site to fast track tourism development.

The state commissioner for culture and tourism, Alhaji Ismaila Olurimisi who made the revelation at an interactive workshop organised by the ministry on oke idanre cultural landscape noted that government has initiated the process for the enlistment of Oke Idanre as world heritage site.

Olurimisi the workshop is part of efforts of the present government in preparing a new nomination dossier and conservative management plan for upward submission to the Organisation.

The state commissioner for culture and tourism, who decried the mismanagement of the cultural heritage revealed that a lot of measures would be put in place to preserve the site.

He said government will continue to provide an enabling environment that would promote and enhance the development of Oke Idanre.

The state commissioner for information, and an indegene of idanre council area, Yemi Olowolabi said government’s intention is to make Idanre Hill a global brand.

For the Owa of Idanre, Oba Fredrick Aroloye promised that indegenes of Idanre home and abroad would work closely with government in realising the full potentials of the site.

In his lecture , Dr Sunday Oladeji from the department of tourism Federal University of Technology (FUTA) Akure proposed that an integrated community based management approach be adopted to effectively manage the site.

Others are of the opinion that intensive conservation education should be incorporated in various learning institutions within and outside Idanre on the importance of preserving our cultural heritage

Students of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA) in Ondo State Wednesday protested over what they described as “obnoxious” policy of the school management.

Sources hinted that students were protesting the ‘No School Fee, No Test’ order by the management.

Consequently, authorities of the University have asked the students to vacate the campus and proceed on Mid Semester break.

Sources said the move was to avoid any breakdown of law and order within the campus and school community.

The statement by the school Registrar Dr Sunday Ayeerun said; “The Management of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, has approved a Mid-Semester break for all students of the University.

“All students of the university are, therefore, advised to proceed on the Mid-Semester break with immediate effect.

“Students are to resume to campus on Monday, May 20”.

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 All Progressives Congress (APC), Ondo State Chapter has received the demise of His Royal Majesty, Oba Victor Folagbade Olateru Olagbegi, the Olowo of Owo with great sadness, describing him as a true statesman who served his people, state and country with distinction.



“Words cannot express how saddened we are to hear of the sudden demise of the highly revered traditional ruler from the historic town of Owo. We are particularly affected for losing the frontline traditional ruler at a time in the history of our state when his invaluable advice and counsellings would be most appreciated by our party’s led government”.



A Statement signed by Steve Otaloro, Director, Media & Publicity APC in the State, “on behalf of the All Progressives Congress, Ondo State Chapter, we extend sincere condolences to the people of Owo Kingdom on the passage of their beloved monarch, who has ruled over his people since his ascension to the throne in 2003”.



APC notes that, “we also extend special commiserations to all his children and other members of the late Oba’s immediate and extended family. We assured them of the fullest sympathy and solidarity of our party and its members as they mourn the Oba who would always be remembered as one of the most outstanding traditional rulers of his era”.


“As the late Oba goes to join his very illustrious royal ancestors, his place of honour in the history of the Owo Kingdom and Nigeria has been assured by his long and highly successful career as a public servant, administrator and chief custodian of the much celebrated culture and traditions of the Owo people”.



“The God Almighty will receive the late Oba’s soul and grant him peaceful repose. We also pray that God will grant his children the wisdom and courage they will require to build on the laudable legacies of Oba Olateru Olagbegi”.

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, in company of his wife, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu on Friday, visited the palace of the late Olowo of Owo, Oba Folagbade Olateru Olagbegi, to commiserate with the immediate family of the monarch, the chiefs and the entire people of Owo kingdom.

While addressing the people inside the palace, Governor Akeredolu said late Oba Olagbegi towered above many people, not only as a King but also as an intellectual.

He said the people must at this point in time be proud of the services the late monarch rendered to the town, the state and the country at large which brought unprecedented development to the town and state.

Governor Akeredolu, who was received into Palace by the Olowo - in - Council led by the Ojumu of Owo Kingdom, said the town has lost a giant who was respected for his education, adding that the town has lost a great icon.

He said " Baba was very close to many of us, but many people didn’t know. I was President of the Bar and as President of the Bar you decide who you will make a bencher. I made him a bencher. Two weeks ago he was in Abuja and was honored as a life bencher. We know that we have lost a giant. We had a king that was respected for his rich education. We had a Kabiyesi that was most respected

"He knew the Prince of Peace when he was alive. He was committed to building a church because he believed in the God he served. He was always at the Holy Ghost service. The fact that he knew the Prince of peace, let us be rest assured that he's resting in peace. Kabiyesi has done his best , we will give him a beffiting burial

"We should at this point in time be proud of the services of Kabiyesi. He fought to make sure that something good come to Owo and it came. And he did that in many areas. And he had the love of this town at heart. He's gone but he lived a good life . Owo kingdom has lost an icon. He was a tower above so many not only as a king but as an intellectual. "

� Blessed Michael

ONDO 2020: Akeredolu woos Boroffice, Kekemeke’s faction:


THE rat race for the 2020 governorship seat in Ondo State has kicked off.

Ondo State governor, Rotimi Akeredolu To this end, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has put in place a kitchen cabinet to woo aggrieved leaders of the All Progressives Congress, APC ahead of the primaries. Akeredolu is said to be optimistic that if he secures the confidence of party faithful in the state half of the war with the national secretariat would be won. He is currently not on the same page with some power brokers in the Presidency, two prominent figures in the party, the National Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomole, and National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. Buhari’s loss in Ondo The loss of the last Presidential election in the state and some National Assembly seats to the opposition because of the governor’s alleged anti-party activities for which he had been queried, had pitched him against some power brokers in the Presidential villa. More painful to the power brokers was the allegation that the governor showed little enthusiasm during the Presidential election but went all out to mobilise and ensured that the APC had the majority of seats in the state Assembly election. Equally, his refusal to abide by the decision of the NWC of the party during the last election over automatic tickets to national assembly members and his alleged support for the candidates of the Action Alliance, AA, drew the wrath of the APC leadership. Vanguard gathered that his think-thank group had impressed it on him that once the party leaders in the state are solidly behind him his second term ambition would sail through. Ambode treatment The fear of the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode treatment was said to be giving the governor sleepless nights. APC elders and leaders backed by Tinubu opposed a second term for Ambode in Lagos and he was thoroughly beaten by Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the APC primaries. Sanwo-Olu went on to win the 2019 governorship election. Wooing aggrieved leaders Consequently, the governor is wooing aggrieved party leaders including the former state chairman of the party, lsaac Kekemeke, the Senator representing the governor’s constituency in the National Assembly, Prof Ajayi Boroffice and former deputy governor of the state, Alhaji Ali Olanusi. He also promised to appease members complaining of abandonment in the last two years with board appointments and other political patronages. The think-thank, it was learned, suggested that Akeredolu should initiate moves to mend fences with the factional leaders of the party across the state in order to woo them for his re- election in 2020. For over two years, the relationship between Akeredolu and the leaders has been frosty. These leaders are the arrow heads of the other faction of the party in the state and they have the ears of Oshiomole and Tinubu. Faulty olive branch The Kekemeke group is skeptical of the olive branch premised on Akeredolu’s re-election in 2020. Recall that Akeredolu and other leaders, including Boroffice, have been feuding since the 2015 governorship primary in the state. While Boroffice and others believed that the outcome of the primaries was a sham, the party hierarchy thought otherwise and put its seal on the primaries. Many of the governorship aspirants, who slugged it out with Akeredolu kicked vehemently and one of them, Dr Olusegun Abraham went to court and is still in court challenging the emergence of Akeredolu in the primaries. Boroffice and others were later accused of anti-party activities during the election, which Akeredolu won. Members of the group were thereafter sidelined by the governor on the pretext that they did not work for his emergence. Akeredolu’s bid to stop Boroffice from returning to the Senate was thwarted by the APC National Working Committee, NWC, which gave him and two other senators automatic return tickets. Not done, Akeredolu was said to have backed Dr Tunji Abayomi of AA against Boroffice during the election but failed as Boroffice retained his seat. However, the governor beat a retreat after notable party personalities impressed it on him that he was fighting a lost battle against Boroffice more so that he would need the group for his second term ambition. Consequently, Akeredolu, according to a party source, has decided to tread softly and unite with with Kekemeke and Boroffice. Indeed, a source said that Akeredolu looked the the other way when another opportunity to make Boroffice lose his seat came up. Rather, Akeredolu was said to have presented himself as an arbiter to save Boroffice from being sacked from the Senate in order to woo him to his side. The Mega Party of Nigeria, MPN, had after the election filed a petition at the Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Akure against the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and the winner of the Ondo North senatorial election, Senator Ajayi Boroffice challenging the absence of its logo on the ballot papers used for the election. Akeredolu reportedly met severally with the leadership of the MPN both within and outside the state and they agreed to settle out of court. If the MPN did not withdraw the petition it could make the courts to order fresh elections in the zone. Contacted, the state chairman of MPN, Biyi Poroye, said the party was no longer interested in the case the directive to withdraw the case came from the National Headquarters of the party. According to him, the decision to discontinue the case was borne out of the spirit of reconciliation. However, the Boroffice faction said they are not impressed and that Akeredolu would have to pay for all his sins against leaders of the party who he shut out of his government over the years. Akeredolu declines comment on second term bid Contacted, an aide to Akeredolu declined comment on the governor’s second term ambition. His Chief Press Secretary, Segun Ajiboye, recently told Vanguard that his principal should not be distracted with the second term campaign. Ajiboye said it was too early as the government just marked it’s second year in office. Tactical endorsement However, last weekend, some party leaders gathered at the government house to tactically endorse Akeredolu for second term as they passed a vote of confidence on him. Those at the parley, included Senator Titus Olupitan; former Finance Commissioner, Segun Ojo; former Commissioner for Information, Prince Olu Adegboro; South-West chairman of the APC, Pastor Bankole Oluwajana; a member of the APC Board of Trustees (BOT) Chief Jamiu Ekungba; Senator Tayo Alasoadura; a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Kolawole Babatunde; and Pat Kelly. Also present at the meeting were Deputy Governor Agboola Ajayi; Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bamidele Oleyelogun; SSG, Ifedayo Abegunde; members of the state House of Assembly, state executive council, land ocal government caretaker chairmen among others. They unanimously gave Akeredolu a pass mark particularly on infrastructural developmental, water and sanitation, industrialization, workers welfare and other areas of critical intervention. The APC South West chairman, Pastor Oluwajana explained that Akeredolu has made the next journey of the party easy and described him “as a sellable candidate who has touched the lives of the people of the state. The APC state chairman, Ade Adetimehin at the meeting urged members of the party to be united and speak with one voice ahead of future elections in the state. Akeredolu turning Ondo around with agriculture – Campaign Concourse Indeed, a pressure group, Campaign Concourse, said Akeredolu is turning the fortunes of the state around through agriculture and human capital development. A leader of the group, Mr Amudipe Opeyemi Marcus, said agriculture has been a strong focus point of the Akeredolu-led administration given his multiple agricultural investment and intervention programmes. Recently, Akeredolu said Ondo State Government is in partnership with the Federal Government through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation. NNPC, to set-up a cassava-ethanol plant at Okeluse, in Ose Local Council of the state. According to the governor, the cassava-ethanol plant will produce bio-fuel for NNPC and ethanol both for local use and export, adding that the cassava-ethanol project will be the largest cassava- based ethanol plant in Nigeria and Africa. He said the project will provide over one million jobs for Ondo indigenes and other citizens within and outside the state. Handled by Obax Worldwide Ltd, Complant in partnership with the NNPC, the project would create 12,000 direct jobs while over 200,000 farmers would be fully engaged. Governor Akeredolu said this project was visible due to the current interest by investors in Ondo State from the maiden edition of the Ondo State Investment Forum which took place in 2018 in Akure on the auspices of the Presidential Economic Diversification Initiative, PEDI. The governor who said the NNPC team was already in touch with the communities and assured the people of the state that the industry would be the long-awaited answer to the agitation for industrialization in Ondo state for years. Marcus said Akeredolu’s vision and interest in agriculture for both human capital development and the development of the state can be seen in various programmes such as Youth on the ridges empowerment in agro business, and Schools on the ridges for secondary schools students among others.

Source: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/04/ondo-2020-akeredolu-woos-boroffice-kekemekes-faction/

JAMB Warn Candidates To Follow Printing Order Of Examination Slips
Ahead of its exam slated for April 11, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has urged candidates to adhere strictly to the printing order of their examination slips, to avoid unnecessary issues.

The instruction is contained in the board’s weekly bulletin tagged ‘JAMBULLETIN’, made available to newsmen by the Head, Media, and Information, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, in Lagos.

According to the bulletin, printing of the 2019 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) notification slip is on-going, as the board has since made it ready for all candidates who registered for the examination.

“The notification is to allow candidates to know their examination schedules, which includes time, date and venue of the examination.

“Candidates are therefore advised to take the printing order seriously in order for them to have an idea of the location of their centres, well ahead of the examination.

“It is also to enable them to prepare for all necessary logistics of being at their respective centers on time,” the bulletin stated.

It added that the e-slips of the candidates had been placed on their JAMB profiles created at the point of registration.

“For those who are unable to access their slips through their portal at www.jamb.org.ng, the board has provided a step by step process of making the printing easy.

“First, they should go to the official JAMB portal, www.jamb.org.ng/efacility /printexaminationslip.

“Next, candidates would be required to enter their registration number, telephone number used in vending the pin at the point of registration or email in the appropriate column and follow the next command,” it said.

“Candidates are advised to print two copies of the examination slip in full, as one copy will be submitted at the centre while the second copy will be kept by the candidates for reference purpose,” it said.

The bulletin added that it was important to note that there would be no rescheduling of the examination, no matter the reason.

It added that all candidates must ensure that they are verified using the Biometric Verification Machine.

The board has also warned candidates and parents or guardians to desist from paying UTME application fees to schools or tutorial centres.

It said that the warning became necessary owing to the growing practice of some elite schools/colleges and tutorial centres that collect money in bulk from candidates to register them en masse.

According to the bulletin, through diligent investigation, the board discovered that schools involved in the practice usually levy candidates exorbitant sums running into millions of Naira for the purpose of the UTME registration.

“In this regard, it should be reiterated that the board does not do group registration, as candidates are required to do individual registration.

“The board has noted with displeasure a series of some of the unfortunate situation some of these schools, especially the elite ones, have put some candidates through.

“In their bid to make money, they engage in series of infractions in the name of group registration and other acts inimical to the interest of the candidates and the sanctity of the examination.

“This kind of fraudulent registration end up distorting candidate’s data,” it said.

It warned the public to be mindful of such unscrupulous schools or centers who more often than not, register candidates at unauthorized centers.

According to the bulletin, the board’s examination is not a school-based examination and therefore does not require candidates registering in groups.

The Wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu -Akeredolu has emphasised the need for adequate breast cancer awareness within Ondo State and beyond. She made this known during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between Ondo State government and Harvard University which held on Friday in Akure.

Describing the MoU which seeks to establish a cancer treatment centre in Ondo State as a welcome development, the First Lady lauded the support of the Oluwarotimi Akeredolu led administration in the fight against breast cancer within the State.

“I am very delighted by the support of Arakunrin in our fight against breast cancer. I appreciate the State government for buying into this vision.” She said.

While noting the economic prospects of the cancer treatment centre to Ondo State, Mrs Akeredolu observed that religious leaders should be involved in the move against breast cancer stressing that this would help to debunk some superstitious beliefs which inhibit breast cancer victims from accessing prompt medical help.

“We need to engage religious leaders in the fight against breast cancer. The people must be taught that breast cancer is not witchcraft. It can be treated if prompt medical assistance is accessed.

“We may not wipe out cancer from the surface of the earth because as humans we fall sick sometimes. But we should be part of every effort that will make it manageable so that people can survive it.”

In his remark, the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, thanked the Harvard team and other allied bodies for their support in the fight against breast cancer. He also restated the unwavering commitment of the State government towards ensuring that the people accessed proper health care.

Also speaking at the event were the Secretary to Ondo State Government, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, the leader of the Harvard team, Prof. Wilfred Ngwa and the Ondo State Health Commissioner, Dr. Wahab Adegbenro who appreciated Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, for prioritizing health-care in his administrative policies and pledged to ensure that the project is finished in good time.

Ondo State Lawmakers-elect have assured of their readiness to make the 9th Assembly robust and enhance cordial relationship with the executive to enable the two arms of government deliver dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

Some of the lawmakers-elect gave the assurance in separate interviews with The Hope in Akure.

A lawmaker -elect representing llaje constituency 2, Mrs. Favour Tomomewo, said her constituency will witness tremendous development through her effective representation, performance and advocacy for facilities which will bring about infrastructural development to the area..

She said being the only female legislator in the 9th assembly will not demoralise her from agitating for what her constituency deserves.

Tomomewo also assured to advocate women inclusion in the government policies for their lives to be better .

Her words: “My plans are numerous and my constituents should expect good representation, effective performance and advocacy for facilities for the development of llaje constituency 2.”

While encouraging women to actively involve in politics, she promised to give her best to ensure motions and bills that will benefit womenfolk see the light of the day.

Tomomewo called on the governments at various levels to give women all necessary support to develop the country, noting that investment in a woman is an investment in a nation.

On his part, a reelected member representing Akoko Southeast constituency, Mr. Oluwasegunota Towase pledged not to relent in his effort to impact on the lives of people through empowerment and encouragement to students on the need to have quality education.

He said”Am not new in the House, therefore, l will be able to enhance robust legislative session in the 9th assembly .”

Also, a lawmaker-elect from Owo constituency 1, Mr. Oluwole Ogunmola, said the representation of people’s interest is paramount to him and promised to achieve this by sponsoring bills that will impact meaningfully on their lives

Ogunmola further assured that the set of lawmakers to be inaugurated in the House of Assembly will work harmoniously with the executive to turn around the state.

Mr. Adeyemi Olayemi from Owo constituency 2, expressed his readiness to better the lives of people by promoting collaboration with the executive and ensure legislative arm is not seen as a rubber stamp to the governor.

According to him” before the victory, l have prepared for the legislative job and it is my prayer that God should lead the lawmakers and Akeredolu-led government to further take the state to a greater height.”

Ondo State Lawmakers-elect have assured of their readiness to make the 9th Assembly robust and enhance cordial relationship with the executive to enable the two arms of government deliver dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

Some of the lawmakers-elect gave the assurance in separate interviews with The Hope in Akure.

A lawmaker -elect representing llaje constituency 2, Mrs. Favour Tomomewo, said her constituency will witness tremendous development through her effective representation, performance and advocacy for facilities which will bring about infrastructural development to the area..

She said being the only female legislator in the 9th assembly will not demoralise her from agitating for what her constituency deserves.

Tomomewo also assured to advocate women inclusion in the government policies for their lives to be better .

Her words: “My plans are numerous and my constituents should expect good representation, effective performance and advocacy for facilities for the development of llaje constituency 2.”

While encouraging women to actively involve in politics, she promised to give her best to ensure motions and bills that will benefit womenfolk see the light of the day.

Tomomewo called on the governments at various levels to give women all necessary support to develop the country, noting that investment in a woman is an investment in a nation.

On his part, a reelected member representing Akoko Southeast constituency, Mr. Oluwasegunota Towase pledged not to relent in his effort to impact on the lives of people through empowerment and encouragement to students on the need to have quality education.

He said”Am not new in the House, therefore, l will be able to enhance robust legislative session in the 9th assembly .”

Also, a lawmaker-elect from Owo constituency 1, Mr. Oluwole Ogunmola, said the representation of people’s interest is paramount to him and promised to achieve this by sponsoring bills that will impact meaningfully on their lives

Ogunmola further assured that the set of lawmakers to be inaugurated in the House of Assembly will work harmoniously with the executive to turn around the state.

Mr. Adeyemi Olayemi from Owo constituency 2, expressed his readiness to better the lives of people by promoting collaboration with the executive and ensure legislative arm is not seen as a rubber stamp to the governor.

According to him” before the victory, l have prepared for the legislative job and it is my prayer that God should lead the lawmakers and Akeredolu-led government to further take the state to a greater height.”

KEY NOTE ADDRESS BY HER EXCELLENCY

1. Protocols
2. To base my address on my experience at the UNCSW63
3. 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.
This year’s 63rd session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW63), the UN’s largest gathering on gender equality, took place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from 11 – 22 March 2019. It focused on the theme, “Social protection systems, access to public services and sustainable infrastructure for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls”.

4. A first-timer. Amazing experience and an eye-opener: Nigerians everywhere but not together due to lack of coordination. Present were: minister for women affairs, at least 5 first ladies of different states attended but I only met Mrs. Ambode on the queue. No preferential treatment for first lady there o! it was a very long queue. Spent over one hour before entering the registration room. While in the queue on the street i could chat on my whatsapp through free Wifi. Had one on one interaction with many Nigerian NGOs who attended my two presentations and at the cafeteria. The town hall with Sec. Gen. where countries with cohesion sang together brought to the fore the need for some coordination among Nigeria delegates at subsequent UN CSW.
5. Recommendation: Fed. 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. Information is shared and those who are attending network among themselves, know their levels of participation- e.g. presentations at the general assembly or side events. So we get prepared and support each at such international forum. I hope to communicate my view to the ministry. In addition, 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. I expect no less from our embassies. Look forward to a coordinated Nigerian delegation to UNCSW64. Nigerians are there every year in large numbers. Lagos state delegation has been going for over 5 years with the state sponsoring civil servants and women led NGOs. Learned that the Lagos delegation at UNCSW63 could be up to 30 led by their 1st lady. I didn't waste time telling Arakunrin what I was seeing. Interestingly, I am aware that participants from Ondo State had participated in this meeting in the past but failed to share their experiences publicly.
6. 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. The highest most civil servants do is to write a report, with file dumped on shelf and contents are never disseminated. A forum such as this where experiences and knowledge are shared after participating at international meetings must be encouraged and even made compulsory. An undertaking to share experience and knowledge must be signed before travelling is approved.

7. # My take home from UNCSW63:
7.1. On gender violence:
* UN women created a committee of experts on sexual harassment to deal directly with such cases thereby bypassing the bureaucratic bottleneck of the system
*The #metoo movement has given women a voice globally to kick against sexual harassment especially at work places
* "Boys will always be boys" is no longer acceptable
* Let's stop blaming the victim of rape
* Our society must to learn to accept NO! when a girl says NO! to sexual advances.
* Mothers must review how we raise our sons to respect and appreciate womanhood
7.2. On menstrual hygiene:
*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".
7.3. On ICT & Solar Technology:
* 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. #BEMORE girl Tolu Ehinmosan former student of Stella Maris Okitipupa now first year student of computer engineering at Unilag built solar oven which she donated to the home economics dept of her school. She represented Ondo State with the nomination of our Solar for girls initiative at the Global Energy Awards held in Iran.
* Presently, four of #BEMORE girls present at this meeting (please stand up for recognition) are being groomed to compete for the Tec novation challenge holding at Silicone valley, California, USA. They are developing an app to solve identified in their environment a problem under the tutelage of our dependable partner Seed4DEV represented here by Kitan David. I wish them well.

7.4. On power balance at home, work and in governance:
* My favourite quote “Power is not given, power is taken” – UN. Sec. Gen.
* Female heads of states shared their experiences. Eastern Europe has a fair share of Presidents and Prime ministers.
* That we need more women at the decision making tables cannot be overemphasized.
*Here in Nigeria, we are embarrassingly too few considering our population and the fact that more women come out to vote. So we have the voting power. Let's use it and put more women in the legislative houses and in position of authority.

7.5. On economic empowerment:
* Economic empowerment brings about knowledge, financial stability and self-worth and gives a woman confidence. Concerted effort by government to encourage women engage in productive ventures that are women-friendly such as farming and agro allied business, cottage industries, trading, ICT and other skills acquisitions relevant to their immediate environment. Create access to micro credit. FOWOSO is paving the way. The impact is evidence based with measurable outcomes. Empowered over 2000 women and youth. Free medical services at all FOWOSO empowerment outreaches together with Breast Cancer awareness to over 20,000 people in the 18 local governments’ areas. Ondo State government has been a dependable ally in this regard and greatly appreciated for its supportive role.

7.6. Backward never:
Let me reiterate here that any government that is serious about uplifting her women from obscurity, ignorance and poverty must endeavour to provide the opportunity for them to participate in the annual UNCSW. It is a global gathering of women like no other. The exposure was fantastic. You need to experience the moment Ondo State women must not be left behind. Thank you.

Africa’s richest man and President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, yesterday, told the 19 northern governors to wake up from slumber and rescue the region from high rate of poverty.

Dangote noted that 60 per cent population of the region live in extreme poverty, and pointed out that it was unacceptable for a region with vast arable land for agriculture to live in poverty.

The business mogul stated this when he delivered a keynote address at the Fourth edition of Kaduna Economic and Investment Summit.

The two-day event, organised by the Kaduna Investment and Promotion Agency, has as its theme: “Expanding investment frontier,” was held at the popular Murtala Square in the state.

Said Dangote: “The North must focus on harnessing its massive agricultural potentials; in terms of production and processing. No region with such agricultural potential should be this poor. We have what it takes to turn around our fortunes and, I pray all the19 governors of the northern states would wake up and follow the footsteps of Kaduna State Government.



“Given the vast tracts of arable land and conducive condition, I think in the next 10 years, agriculture can generate more revenue and prosperity than oil that we have now; if we have the right commitment.”

He also admonished the regional government to identify its area of comparative advantage over other regions, adding that provision of information and data on what is available in various states, are equally necessary.

According to him, efforts should be made to encourage local investors because “they will attract foreign investors.

“In the north western and north eastern part of Nigeria, more than 60 per cent of the population live in extreme poverty. It is instructive to know that the 19 northern states which account for over 54 per cent of the country’s population, and 70 per cent of its land mass, collectively, generated only 21 percent of the total sub-national Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in 2017.

“Northern Nigeria will continue to fall behind if respective state governments do not move to close the development gap and that is why we are always saying the biggest challenge we have and what we are always praying for is to have 10 governors like Mallam Nasir El Rufai.”

“Closing this gap requires multi-layer investments and government will not be able to muster the needed funds.

“Only the private sector can raise the amount of capital required to fund the kind of investment required. Government must create a conducive environment that will trigger a huge inflow of private capital into the private sector of the economy. Private investment will create jobs and will go a long way to erase the challenge of unemployment and poverty.

“Kaduna state is a shining example of this. While several states are taking steps in this direction, only a few, like Kaduna, are making visible progress.

On his part, El-Rufai said Kaduna has attracted over $500 million investment in the last four years in spite of the challenges facing the state.

He said investments wouldn’t have been possible without the key role of the Judiciary.

“The judiciary has assisted us to remove all bottlenecks associated with doing business in the state when we came into government. The state judiciary repealed obnoxious laws which made investment in the state almost impossible. We are now number one in the ease-of-doing-business in the country.”

A private firm, the Crown Refinery and Petrochemical Limited, on Wednesday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ondo State Government on the establishment of a $500m modular refinery in the state.

The MoU was signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Sunday Abegunde, and the representatives of the company.



The company’s major business is the refining of crude oil into petroleum products, and it had expressed its readiness to do business in Ondo State.

Receiving the signed documents from the SSG, the Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, said the government would create an enabling environment to ensure the successful completion of the project.

According to the governor, the door of the state is open to all genuine investors to do business with it, and his administration is committed to making the state a business hub for investors.

He said, “Ondo State is safe for investors; we will do everything to ensure that this project is successful.

“Ondo State is strategically positioned among the Niger Delta states and Lagos State, which is the nation’s economic nerve centre, to make all business-minded investors reap bountifully on their investments in the state.”

He commended Crown Refinery and Petrochemical for coming on board at this time to be a worthy partner with the government and assured the company and its partners a second-to-none atmosphere for their business deals in the state.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Crown Refinery and Petrochemical, Mr Kassim Adeleke, said the company had, before now, approached some states for the establishment of the project but was not welcomed.

He said in Ondo State, he found professionalism, swift decision-making, friendly communities and passion, such that in less than one year of opening talks with the state government, the coast had been clear for the commencement of the landmark project.



According to him, the proposed project will have an initial capacity to refine about 30,000 barrels per stream day but would later be scaled to 60,000 bpsd within the next five years, and it is expected to be completed within 36 months.

Adeleye said, “We are going into the business of refining crude oil; the government of Ondo State would provide the enabling environment and incentives to support us as we actualise this vital investment.

“Apart from the project having the capacity to refine crude oil, it will also be producing 120,000 tons of base oil and 25,000 tons of lubrication oil on a yearly basis.

“The company will also be providing several infrastructural projects in the states and would create about 2,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities for indigenes of the state.”

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says that the Federal Government has implemented no fewer than 140 reforms on ease of doing business in the past three years.

Osinbajo said this at the 2nd Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Awards 2019 held at the State House Banquet Hall on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said he was delighted to celebrate the phenomenal successes of the PEBEC reforms and recognition of those who made it all possible.

“Our incredibly selfless and committed private sector partners and the sterling performance of many in the public sector; in the past three years, Nigeria has implemented more than 140 reforms to make doing business in Nigeria easier.

“Some of the successful reforms include the ability to reserve a business name within four hours. “Complete the registration of a company within 24 hours online. “Apply for and receive approval of a visa-on-arrival electronically within 48hrs. “File and pay taxes online; and access specialised small claims commercial courts in Lagos and Kano

“The World Bank also reported in 2018 that 32 states of Nigeria improved their Ease of doing business environment led by Kaduna, Enugu, Abia, Lagos and Anambra,” he said. He said that in 2019, PEBEC set a goal to move Nigeria into the top-100 on the 2020 World Bank Doing Business Index (DBI) Osinbajo said that to achieve that, Nigeria would be pursuing the continued implementation reforms across all indicators. He said that the indicators included implementation of legislative reforms, specifically the passage of the new Companies and Allied Matters Act and the Omnibus Bills.

The vice president listed others as the expansion of the regulatory reform program started with NAFDAC and NAICOM to include other regulators; the establishment of a National Trading Platform for ports; and the concession of our major international airports. “PEBEC has now commenced the fourth 60-day National Action Plan (NAP 4.0) on Ease of Doing Business. “NAP 4.0 is running from the 1st of March to the 29th of April, 2019.

It aims to deepen the reforms delivered over the past 3 years and drive institutionalization. “We have highlighted key action items in all of the focus areas to ensure they do not unravel and to ensure we drive sustainability “Some of the targets achieved in the last NAP 3.0 include driving registration for utilization of the National Collateral Registry to facilitate access to credit for SMEs.

“Clearance of all pending NAFDAC registration applications to improve efficiency; and creation of a strengthened single joint cargo examination interface in all airports & seaports for import and export to reduce the time spent at the ports. “NAP 4.0 will focus on initiatives such as enforcing compliance with SLAs across all indicators/focus areas, driving the passage of the CAM Bill 2018 for improved effectiveness of company law in Nigeria,” he said.

He said that other areas of reforms were enhancing efficiency in the small claims court, and enhancing the application and approval system for visas on arrival, to mention a few. According to him, the council will continue to work extensively with all MDAs, the National Assembly and other key stakeholders. In her address, Coordinator PEBEC and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Industry Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, said the award was to appreciate Ministries, Departments and Agencies(MDAs) which had contributed in the implementation of PEBEC mandate.

She said that the reforms were aimed at reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks and improve perceptions about Nigeria’s business environment.

On his part, Mr Okechukwu Enelamah, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, said the award was a landmark in the journey of creating an enabling business environment in Nigeria. He said that PEBEC was a foundation for creating a Nigeria that the citizens deserved.

The awards which came under various categories were also presented to various government agencies and private establishments which had creditably acquitted themselves in terms of reforms in ease of doing business. Notable among the awards was the World Bank’s sub-National Award for the Reformed States in 2018 which went to Anambra, Abia, Lagos, Enugu and the Kaduna States.

Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia told State House correspondents that he was excited over the award and was dedicating it to God and Abia people. “But I must acknowledge the dark room team– the various ministries and departments and agencies that reformed and reformed quickly.

“This falls in line with our promotion for the Enyimba Economic City, my ambition is to make Abia the investment destination not only in Nigeria but in Africa and the only way to do this is to ensure that the ease of doing business is enhanced in Abia,’’ he said

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) yesterday said senators and members of the House of Representatives who failed to execute constituency projects will be prosecuted.

Also, all companies engaged for the failed or abandoned projects will face trial.

But the commission, however, opposed to plea bargain by corrupt elements because the nation’s laws allow it.

Over N1trillion has been released by the Federal Government for constituency projects since 1999. The funds include the N200 billion by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari from 2015 to 2017. More than 2,345 senators and representatives have benefitted from constituency projects since 1999.

About 37 per cent to 40 per cent of the projects have either been completed or ongoing in the last 20 years.

Many senators and representatives were found to have diverted the funds, using their personal companies. Some abandoned the projects.

Of the 2,516 projects tracked by BudgIT Nigeria between 2015 and 2017, 918 were not done, 395 are ongoing and 214 cannot be located.

The Chairman of ICPC, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, yesterday said the anti-graft commission had demanded a list of all constituency projects and presented budgets to make senators and representatives account for the funds they got.

Owasanoye, who spoke at the launch of Constituency Projects Tracking Group (CPTG), said ICPC will also publish the names of those behind the project failures.

The tracking will cover outgoing senators and Representatives in the 8th National Assembly.

He said ICPC was collaborating with the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) to evaluate whether or not the projects executed were commensurate with the budgetary allocations.

The ICPC chairman said: “We are mindful of the fact that this is a Herculean task as constituency projects dot the entire landscape but we will overcome the challenges one way or another. “Where contractors and or politically-exposed persons have diverted funds for projects, we will pursue them to either complete the projects as initiated, return the funds or face prosecution. “Affected companies and their directors will also be prosecuted. We also hope to publish the names of those behind the project failures for possible social sanctions in their communities.”

Owasanoye regretted that constituency projects had been turned into avenues of corruption.

He added: “Constituency projects are intended for developmental projects, such as provision of water, rural electrification, rural clinics, schools, community centres and bursary for indigent students. “In the light of annual budgetary allocations to constituency projects and based on actual releases by the government, it is firmly believed that the impact of constituency projects on the lives of ordinary Nigerians ought to be more visible.

“Regrettably, available statistics from open sources paint a bleak picture of the level of performance or delivery of constituency projects. “Over the years, constituency projects have become enmeshed in controversy among non-state actors, the promoters of the projects and the communities that are supposed to benefit from the projects. “The concern is that in Nigeria, rather than address the needs of constituents; many constituency projects have become avenues of corruption.”

Owasanoye gave some three-year statistics which revealed how senators and Representatives have paid lip service to constituency projects.

He said: “The level of implementation of constituency projects in 16 focus states for 2015 is revealing. Out of 436 constituency projects for the year that were tracked, 145 were completed, 77 ongoing while 211 were not executed at all. “For 2016, out of a total of 852 constituency projects in 20 states in the 2016 Budget that were tracked, 350 were completed, 118 were ongoing, 41 locations not specified in the budget and 343 not done or performed.