While taking his oath of office on Friday, February 24, 2017, Governor Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu (SAN) gave the people of Ondo State a message of “hope, clear agenda of prosperity and a vision of life abundant.”

In marshaling his plans to ensure that his blueprint of abundant prosperity for the people succeeds, Akeredolu had set up a Strategic Development and Policy Implementation Committee, to set the tone for the new administration.

The committee, which was made up of seasoned technocrats, came up with a five-point agenda that was aimed at: 1. Job creation through agriculture, entrepreneurship and industrialisation; 2. Massive infrastructural development and maintenance; 3. Provision of functional education and technological growth; 4. Provision of accessible and quality health care and social service delivery and 5 Rural development and community extension services.

A little over two-and-a-half years after, Akeredolu has delivered on those promises, scoring high marks on the people’s score sheet. For a man who is determined to make a mark and leave the state better than he met it, nothing less was expected of him.

In his first year in office, Governor Akeredolu recorded unprecedented success in road construction. Taking into consideration the economic situation of the state at the time, the number of roads constructed was nothing but magical.

The administration inherited decayed and derelict infrastructure. The roads, even in the capital city, were pockmarked with craters and gullies. For the people, especially those of the northern and southern senatorial districts, the roads had become death traps.

From Ikare-Akoko to Oka-Akoko and to other areas in Ilaje and Ese-Odo local government areas, stories of multiple deaths caused by damaged portions of the roads became a daily feature of our lives.

At the notorious Oke-Oka and Oke-Alabojuto roads in Oka and Ikare respectively, entire families have been wiped out multiple times.

But, in two years, the story has changed. Governor Akeredolu has done what many thought was impossible and there are new songs on the lips of the people. The mythical Oke-Alabojuto Hill in Ikare has given way to the bulldozers deployed by Akeredolu, leaving the people marveling.

And in Owo, the ancient town has been further opened up for development with dual carriage ways, fitted with beautiful street lights. This transformation of the town has led to a coinage by the people: Ogho ti segwa, which translates into Owo is now beautiful.

In the Central Senatorial Zone, Akure is gradually wearing a true status of a state capital. The major roads around the capital city are wearing new looks. Residents of the State Hospital Road, Oke-Ogba, Iwalewa, Abusoro, Isarun, Idanre, Igbara-Oke and many other towns are hailing the governor for a good job, while the construction of new road networks in the Alagbaka area has continued to wow the people who now refer to the area as their own Banana Island.

Good things are happening in the Southern Senatorial District. The first ever overhead bridge in Ondo State is nearing completion in Ore. Aside from the aesthetics; the bridge is expected to put an end to the traffic problems which travellers encounter at the Ore-Benin Expressway intersection.

Months after the construction of the roads in Sabome and Ajagba has been completed, the people are still in wonderland. This was the opinion of Sunday Leji, a resident who said the people never believed anything good could come from the government to the people.

With no single senatorial zone left out of the major infrastructural boost blowing across the state, the Governor Akeredolu administration has completed the construction of more than 50 roads and still counting.

The governor, from his first day in office, has maintained his unflinching interest in the welfare of workers of the public service. For him, the workers’ welfare is very strategic to the success of the government.

On assumption of office in February, 2017, Akeredolu met a disturbing state of affairs. The workers were being owed a backlog of seven months’ salaries. The children were sent out of school because their parents could not pay their fees, and families separated because the man could not perform his responsibility of catering to the needs of his family.

The workers have moved on from a season when they looked to the future with little hope and their children were sent out of school because their parents could not pay their fees, to a new season of abundance and hope.

Akeredolu has kept to his vow, clearing six of the seven months’ salary backlogs. For the first time in a long while, the workers have earned their salaries more than 24 months unbroken! The government has also paid the workers their leave allowances. Without doubt, these are feats some people said were impossible to achieve a little less than two years ago.

Within two-and-a-half years, the governor appointed about 44 permanent secretaries, righting the wrongs that have been done to many top civil servants by past administrations.

Currently, the state is gradually changing the ignoble tag of a ‘civil service’ state to a state driven by industries and privately-oriented businesses. From less than N500, 000 every month, the Akeredolu administration has grown the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to a little less than N2 billion every month.

It was, therefore, no mean feat when the Joint Tax Board (JTB), a body of all the tax authorities in Nigeria, declared Ondo State as the most improved state in internal revenue generation for last year.

To sustain the feat and continue to boost the state’s revenue generation drive, the state recently employed about 234 young graduates.

To ensure that the gains of the last two-and-a-half years are not reversed, the administration has embarked on a massive industrial revolution that is already changing the face of the state. On the last count, no fewer than five new industries have settled and began operations in the Ore Industrial Hub.

The last time a deliberate and genuine efforts with visible results were made to industrialise the state was during the administration of the first civilian governor, Chief Adekunle Ajasin, between 1979 and 1984. The Oluwa Glass Company and the Okitipupa Oil Palm were the pride of the state at the time.


https://thenationonlineng.net/akeredolu-two-and-a-half-years-later/

PRINCESS EIGBOKHAN ORIH
TCC NEWS


There is need for economic growth through employment framework for sustainable development for Nigerians.

Nigeria is currently importing over 600,000 tons of asphalt per annum and the nation spends billions of naira on importation of asphalt every year. The naira is weak because of the high demand for dollar and less demand for naira.

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has expressed excitement over having one of the largest reserves of Bitumen and Tar Sands in the world which is about 42 billion barrels in Ondo State.

Governor Akeredolu is optimistic that the exploration of the huge deposit of bitumen in Ondo state would contribute largely to tackling unemployment and also boosts the economy of the Sunshine State.

Ondo State has broken the jinx that had bedeviled the development of bitumen resources in the state and by the time the bitumen project gets to the level of commercial production it will generate massive employment for the people in the state.

Before Governor Akeredolu got into office Former Governor of Ondo State, Adebayo Adefarati had the project in the front burner of its programmes, committing enormous human and material resources to its implementation but nothing was done by other Governors after Adebayo Adefarati until Akered0lu led administration decided to resuscitate the project.

Ondo State is one of the nine oil and gas producing states in the country with abundant oil and gas reserves that remain undeveloped, even though it produces about 12 % of the daily oil production in the country.

Ondo State is also endowed with large deposits of various solid minerals including Limestone, Coal, Granite, Kaolin, Silica Sand amongst other minerals but gone are those days that Ondo State government will rely on oil and gas alone for the sustainability of the economy in the State.

Ondo State coastline which is about 120km, is one of the longest in Africa and is home to various fish species like sole snapper, croaker, barracuda, big eye grunter, catfish etc and is an unchartered territory to be explored. However under Governor Akeredolu Ondo State is gradually becoming the hub for investors as excellent roads network are in place for business to stride.

In addition to Oil and Gas, Ondo state is reputed to host the second largest bitumen deposit in the world after Canada. Experts say that the mineral has the potential of overtaking crude oil as Nigeria’s highest revenue earner.

The bitumen project has the capacity to rapidly transform the economic fortunes of the country.

Arakunrin Akeredolu has never stopped to continuously assured the people of the state of his effort to fulfill his promises in transforming Ondo State from being a civil servant state to a thriving business hub thereby creating employment opportunities for the people of Ondo State.

PRINCESS EIGBOKHAN ORIH
TCC NEWS

PRINCESS EIGBOKHAN ORIH
TCC NEWS

Good Governance is an approach to government that is committed to creating a system founded in justice and peace that protects individual’s human rights and civil liberties. Good Governance is measured by the eight factors of Participation, Rule of Law, Transparency, Responsiveness, Consensus Oriented, Equity and Inclusiveness, Effectiveness and Efficiency, and Accountability.

The concept of "good governance" then emerges as a model to compare ineffective economies or political bodies with viable economies and political bodies. The concept centers on the responsibility of governments and governing bodies to meet the needs of the masses as opposed to select groups in society. Most states in Nigeria have not really experience ‘’good governance’’ in the true concept of the word good governance by meeting the needs of the masses who elect them to power.

Before Governor Owarotinmi Akeredolu took the staff of office in 2017, Ondo State was not an exception as the people suffered especially in the area of having potable water which is a basic amenity for the people of the state.
Water is essential to the wellbeing of citizens; it is rather unfortunate that its accessibility was as low as 4% (percent) to the entire population of Ondo State at the inception of the present administration under the leadership of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN.
Drinking water comes from a variety of sources including public water systems, private wells, or bottled water. Ensuring safe and healthy drinking water may be as simple as turning on the tap. It is important to know where drinking water comes from, how it’s been treated, and if it’s safe to drink.

Research has shown that half of the Ondo State's hospital beds were filled with people suffering from a water-related disease. In developing countries, about 80% of illnesses are linked to poor water and sanitation conditions. 1 out of every 5 deaths under the age of 5 is due to a water-related disease. Clean and safe water is essential to healthy living.

Contaminated water can cause many types of diseases, such as Cholera, and other serious illnesses like Guinea worm disease, Typhoid, and Dysentery. These were some of the major problems facing the people of Ondo State before Akeredolu got to office.
Rural dwellers and the urban poor feel the lack of safe water and proper sanitation in the State. The poor are particularly vulnerable to chronic illnesses that hinder their productivity, making the escape from poverty even more difficult. The dangers of dirty water and the power of a safe clean and hygienic Water is a foundational element of life and is vital to the wellbeing of families.

In the quest of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu administration’s commitment towards providing potable water supply across the State he has rehabilitated over 750 boreholes in about 300 communities through the Ondo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, RUWASSA.
This agency is setting a New Direction for the provision of adequate, safe and accessible water in rural and small towns across the state and also achieving tangible benefits to health for Ondo State citizens.
Through this projection, the Ondo State Government is aiming to meet the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goal Six which centers on Water and Sanitation with an impressive percentage of performance before the year 2030.

Consequently, the Ondo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, RUWASSA, is daily making significant progress in water accessibility delivery to citizens of Ondo State through On-the-Spot Borehole Rehabilitation, inventory and needs assessment across the 18 Local Government Areas irrespective of the technical and geological challenges.

The actual increase in the percentage of access to safe water supply through KAMOMI AKETI Accelerated Water Scheme is now 9.3%, thereby bringing the proportion of water access to 13.3% in less than seven months. This followed the declaration by Governor Akeredolu to provide potable water for all the communities in the state through Rural Water Supply and Sanitation, RUWASSA.

Governor Akeredolu’s KAMOMI AKETI initiative has been applauded across the country. Presently other State Governors have started such projects in their various states, while the federal government has imbibed this great initiative of the Akeredolu led government.
The ondo state Governor Akeredolu’s administration is measured by these eight factors Participation, Rule of Law, Transparency, Responsiveness, Consensus Oriented, Equity and Inclusiveness, Effectiveness and Efficiency, and Accountability.

Governor Akeredolu has been lauded in all the communities of the state for his good governance by being ultimately accountable to the people of the State. They described his leadership as a positive move towards changing the face of Ondo state. Akeredolu said it was the duty of his administration to continually deliver projects and the projects he initiated will never be abandoned.

He however urged that the communities will reciprocate the gesture by cooperating with the government to make sure those boreholes in their various communities are not destroyed.

PRINCESS EIGBOKHAN ORIH
TCC NEWS

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PRINCESS EIGBOKHAN ORIH
TCC NEWS


The Ondo state government has signed an MOU with The National Cash Transfer Office (NCTO) under the Office of the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria an intervention arm of the National Social Safety Nets Project (NASSP) which facilitate cash transfers and capacity building of beneficiaries.

NCTO through the Household Uplifting Programme provides support for poor and vulnerable citizens through targeted cash transfers, capacity building, and coaching and mentoring and livelihood support. Research has shown that commitment savings accounts, which feature either incentives for saving or penalties for withdrawing, are effective in helping the poor save.

Akeredolu said his government is passionate about the programme and committed to partner with the Federal Government in implementing programs that are beneficiary to the people of the state. As Ondo State commenced the enrolment and training of cash transfer beneficiaries a programme organized for the poorest of the poor in the country. Evidence suggests that facilitating access to formal savings services can increase savings, investment, and income among this population. However, use of these accounts is relatively low, and it is less clear how to increase interest in, and usage of, formal savings services among the poor.

It is possible that conditional cash transfer (CCT) programs—in which households receive cash if they meet certain requirements, such as sending their children to school as Governor Akeredolu has always say, “we all want to see our kids going towards success which is only possible through the good and proper education. Every parent tells their kids from childhood about the importance of education in life and all the advantages of education to make their mind towards better citizen in the future”. It develops confidence and helps building personality of a person or regularly visiting health facilities—offer a mechanism to encourage the poor to save. This research evaluates:

(1) who benefits most from access to formal savings products among the target population of CCT recipients, as measured by a range of individual and household characteristics.

2) whether increases in savings affect household consumption and the goals highlighted in preliminary focus group research as important to beneficiaries: housing improvements and education.

(3) what are the characteristics that make individuals more responsive to pro-saving messages, to take up commitment savings accounts and fulfill their savings goals.
This will be of great benefits to the people of Ondo state as Governor Oluwarotin Akeredolu has tapped into this program

Nigeria is undergoing rapid socioeconomic changes that affect health and social distribution of its citizens. One of the most increasingly employed poverty alleviation strategies is Cash Transfer (CT) programs. CT Programs are expected to improve all aspects of citizens’ lives, including their health status. CT Programs are classified into two types; Conditional (CCT) and Unconditional (UCT).

The national programme coordinator Mrs. Temitope Sinkaiye during her visit to Ondo state appealed to governor Akeredolu to provide security for staff of NCTO that would be going round the state to register the beneficiaries.

The governor promised to provide security and the enabling environment for the contingents to ensure the success of the programme.
PRINCESS EIGBOKHAN ORIH
TCC NEWS

Siri still remain the best

Lazy Jobless women

This Sakamanje is dead on arrival. So they're dishing us this burnt dodo so that he can be reelected to starve the workers to death. LOOOL

The Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Akure, Ondo State Capital, on Wednesday nullified the election of Ikengboju Gboluga, who represents Okitipupa/Irele Federal constituency in the Federal House of Representatives under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.

The defendant was also said to have sworn allegiance to the United Kingdom having acquired the citizenship of the country and the court said he was not eligible to contest the February 23, 2019, National Assembly election for his allegiance to the UK.

The tribunal then declared Albert Akintoye of the All Progressives Congress as the winner of the election and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to issue Certificate of Return to Akintoye after withdrawing same from Gboluga.


https://punchng.com/breaking-tribunal-sacks-ondo-pdp-federal-lawmaker/

AMUDIPE OPEYEMI MARCUS
TCC NEWS


The absence of conflicts in our society is generally agreed to be the bane of development and growth. As truth and objective as this might sound, it is quite imperative to understand that the story is quite different within our socio-political terrain.

While we advocate a peaceful and harmonious relationship between the legislative arm of government and the executive arm, it is worthy to note that the sight of conflicting interest is no sign of doom or calamity waiting to happen.

As the Yoruba will always say, when two brothers emerges from their rooms with serious countenance, such should not be taken for enmity or rancor but a process of critical and objective engagement. The legislative and the executive arm of government are brothers of the same mother deployed with one common objective which is geared towards the interest of the state. Thus in moments when members adopt a serious approach towards issues, it should not be seen as disaster waiting to happen.

In the past few years the socio-political scene of Ondo State especially in the Executive arm of government and the legislature arm of government has experience a harmonious relationship for the interest and development of the state.

The Ondo State legislative arm of government led by the speaker Rt. Honorable Bamidele Oyelelogun without no iota of doubt has been a major frontier in the recent developmental projects been experienced in the state over the past few years.

While we must commend the good relationship between these two arms of government and the high level of maturity which both has adopted in the execution of their constitutional duties, it must be noted that the recent news and reports of a strained relationship between these two arms of government are nothing but mere distraction with no other aim than to disrupt the peaceful dialogue that has been existing between them.

Recently, it was reported in the media that a snake falls from the roof of the Ondo state house of assembly during a plenary session on the 25th of July, 2019. A news that was later debunked to be false as reported by the media. The unprofessional manner at which the news was portrayed by the media houses prompted the visit of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to verify the incident which was cleared by the speaker himself.

The public must disregard the news of snake invading the plenary sitting in the Ondo state house of assembly, as some unscrupulous elements has taken it upon themselves to allege the Executive arm of government neglecting the welfare of the legislature arm.

The governor broke his silence as he expressed his displeasure at the law makers for not informing him about the state, of the house of assembly, it is only human for him to have expressed himself.

There is never a time in the history of Ondo State where the state government will be committed to the welfares of the state house of assembly.

Governor Akeredolu provided official vehicles for the 26 members of the state assembly to carry out their legislative duties with the sum of N390million for the purchase of these brand new vehicles for the assembly members from the fiscal year budget. This is not inclusive of the official vehicle for the Speaker and the Deputy speaker of the house of assembly which bear a total sum of N80million.

As against the public perception, the people of Ondo state should allay their worries, as the executive arm of government and its legislative arm are not locked on in any power tussle, as both are ever committed to the progress and development of the sunshine state.

The Akeredolu led administration have also enjoyed an overwhelming support of the Legislature which gave room for the various developmental project across the state.
AMUDIPE OPEYEMI MARCUS
TCC NEWS

By LOTANNA ANUFORO

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services are in high demand globally. As the world embraces digital technology, it is imperative for the youth to get equipped with the needed skills to command relevance in the economy.


The Akeredolu-led administration has consistently demonstrated its commitment to driving growth and development in the State by initiating schemes and programs targeted at training youths in the areas of information and communication technology.


Recently, Ondo State’s Information Technology Agency (SITA), in collaboration with the Premier Hub Innovation Centre in Akurer, organized a training at the digital village

The program covered electric, building and automobile training. It was organized as a follow-up program on the first successful program in the Digital Village.

The Digital Village projects are programs set up across the State to train over 90 youths monthly with a view to drastically reducing unemployment in the State. According to the Special Assistant to the Governor on ICT and Chairman of the State Information and Technology Agency, Olumbe Akinugbe, the ICT Reource-based centres are furnihshed with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.

As stated by the South West Regional Manager of American Tower Company (ATC) Mr. Michael Ogunfowora, Ondo State is the first and only State in Nigeria to establish five Digital Village projects within a year, ranking high in digital literacy programs across the Country.

Another outstanding leap in bolstering ICT skill among youths of the State is the collaboration between the Offfice of Innovation and Partnerships (ION), Ondo State and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), to organize a career path program for unemployed youths in different enterprises within the State. Successively, data science classes are organized for select participants, to further enhance their skills.

Conjointly, a partnership between ION and Facebook will have the team from Facebook train young owners of small and medium sized Enterprises on the use of social media platforms and tools for practical business growth.
This dynamism by the State Government to equip youths with ICT skills has been lauded in various quarters. The ingenious approach to tackling unemployment, poverty and restlessness by facilitating ICT trainings have gone a long way in curtailing these menaces.

Lotanna Anuforo
TCC NEWS

WRITTEN BY: PRINCESS EIGBOKHAN ORIH

Confidence; true leaders are confident and know to think and act out the box to take their followers to the next level. . Let me take this opportunity to introduce “THE NEW BRIDE”, a Viable investment destination to grow your business and make good returns on investment “THE SUNSHINE STATE; “ONDO STATE”.


It is said that “you do not light a candle and yet cover it up”. No you bring it out and let its brightness illuminate. The number one man in Ondo state Arakunrin Akeredolu has been able to establish an honest connection with his people within the space of 2 years in office.


Governor Akeredolu has shown again and again to be a bright light and a beacon of hope for the people of Ondo State. His strength is in his ‘FOCUS….. HONESTY…… POSITIVITY……. DECISIVENESS……. And he is inspired by passion for a better Ondo State.


Like it is being said in the local lingua “where I wan begin” which means where would I start from? Akeredolu initiative programs, infrastructural development projects and human capital development programs are touching lives in all parts of the state.


The implementation of the Aketi’s Vision for Ondo state simply describes Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu as the “Man Who Saw Tomorrow”.


Aketi has shown his attributes as a man that understands Ondo State and have what it takes to make Ondo state work again. These massive developmental change in all sectors of Ondo State was made possible through the “AKETI’S VISION”.


Akeredolu focus is to ensure rapid growth, development and sustainability of the economy of Ondo State. To achieve this, a policy document which encapsulates the five cardinal programs of this administration was created. The Ondo State Governor said “We have developed the Blueprint to Progress”.


The five cardinal programs of the Akeredolu led administration are:

Job Creation through Agriculture.
Entrepreneurship and Industrialization;
Massive Infrastructural Development and Maintenance;
Promotion of Functional Education and Technological Growth and
Provision of Accessible Health Care.


There can be no meaningful development without a well-articulated and implemented educational programme. Education is acknowledged as the bedrock of development. This item, as a matter of fact, plays a central role in the other four items in the five point agenda of Governor Akeredolu. Within 6 months into office, different hosting of education submit, restructuring of ministry of education, improvement of quality education, review of education policy document, improvement of infrastructural facilities in schools, provision of scholarships for Ondo state indigenes in secondary and territory institutions, eradication of examination malpractices in schools, expanding the base of funding education, improvement of incentives for teachers, improvement of teaching /learning environment for the physical challenged, provision of library facilities in schools and rural communities, promoting schools sports and academic excellence through competition in Ondo state, paying backlogs of salaries inherited from the previous government etc.


The essence of leadership in any given society is to help those who are doing poorly to do well and to help those who are doing well to do even better. Qualitative education is a vital requirement to produce a skilled base socio- economic development of Ondo state and the Nation.


The information on the past programs in the health system in Ondo state was poorly structured and the referral system lacked proper structure and organization. The primary health care centers were improperly distributed to the villages and dysfunctional without appropriate staffing, drugs and equipment. Most of the existing infrastructures were dilapidated. And the general hospitals which were supposed to be the secondary health care facilities were highly dysfunctional and required a lot of reorganization for the people to derive maximum benefits from their existence. A major setback in the health care delivery system was the inability of the Government to solely fund the system.


Within 18 months in government, governor Akeredolu renovated the dilapidated primary health care centers across the state, uninterrupted electricity in all the health care system, maintenance of existing infrastructures, provision of medical equipment in the health sector across the state, rehabilitation of all the general hospitals, and the staff in the health sector who worked without pay during the last administration were duly paid their backlogs of salaries and started enjoying their salaries before the end of the month. Feeling safe, stable, and secure is central to our health and wellbeing.


Ondo state is one of the south western states of Nigeria with a low land tropical rainforest type with distinct wet and dry season. The state enjoys luxuriant vegetation with the rain forest in the south bordering on the long coastal line / mangroves swamp forest and the derived savannah forest in the northern fringe. The previous state of agriculture and natural resources in Ondo state and the deplorable state of agricultural sub – sector was alarming, before governor Akeredolu took the staff of office. Old farmers association in the state were not structured and positioned to operate efficiently and effectively under an agribusiness atmosphere, inadequate processing facilities and high operation costs was a serious impediments to agricultural growth in the state, perennial problems associated with marketing farm produces, lack of market access, price instability as well as seasonal market saturation which often results into artificial glut and subsequent wastage, poor access to credit facilities, high interest rate and lack of widow for multi-year credit needed for agricultural investment having long gestation coupled with high cost of agricultural inputs were serious problems in the agricultural sector, abandon government owned agricultural enterprises/ projects in the state, devastation of the ecosystem through encroachment, illegal logging and flitching, etc.


The Akeredolu led administration has retained and strengthened the agricultural sector in Ondo state, by repositioning agriculture with the view to enhance production and employment generation. The government has key into the agricultural reforms going on internationally. Opening of rural and forest roads at least 100km/LG, provision of commercial Agricultural loans etc. when we speak about being focused, we commonly mean thinking about one thing while filtering out distractions.


For any Government, there is need for Enthusiasm, zeal and passion; this is what has created the positive atmosphere and energy for the great achievements of Governor Akeredolu in Ondo state.


The need for infrastructure development is the greatest national challenge of our time. The growing demand for infrastructure to address critical national issues such as transportation, energy, water and food shortages, mass urbanization and economic and social development cannot be overemphasized. To address the dearth of infrastructure and deliver lasting economic and social development, the state, and indeed the nation needs collective leadership, experience and creative sourcing for funds to execute infrastructural projects.


However, the dwindling revenue accruable to the state government in recent times and the need to speedily execute infrastructure projects has necessitated the need to come up with creative / ingenious ways to fund identified projects at minimal cost and sustainable manner by the Akeredolu led government. Governor Akeredolu administration has engaged both local and international contractors on the massive roads projects across the state. The objective is to open up Ondo State for development and improve social activities within the state, to allow rural – rural and rural – urban interaction for the exchange of goods and services and to enhance smooth movement for the people of the state.


For any Government, there is need for proper understanding of the reality of things so that safety and security of lives and properties can be achieved.

How safe we feel either at home or in our neighborhood can influence our social habits and feeling of freedom. When we feel safe, it is easier to relax, and focus on work or study.
Security and peace are interwoven and inseparable. The world is still battling with series of conflicts and insecurity.
Trust and confidence in leadership is a reliable indicator of the people’s satisfaction.
During the security summit held in Akure the Ondo State Capital tagged “Improving Security Architecture in Ondo State for Sustainable Peace and Development”. Which had various security agencies in attendance? Akeredolu noted that no country develops meaningfully in an atmosphere of confusion, and breakdown of law and order; this is the reason we as a people need to develop a culture of peace and security consciousness.


Governor Rotimi Akeredolu is committed to the promotion of sustainable peace. The Ondo State Governor recognizes the pressing threat of security and peace to the achievement of sustainable socio-economy development growth of the state.


His Excellency Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu has reiterated his commitment to protect the lives and properties of his people by addressing the issue of insecurity in the State. Insecurity has negative impacts on the development and wellbeing of the people. Therefore the security architecture that would enhance the development of Ondo State and protect its citizens and investors operating in the state cannot be over emphasized.


One of the more important qualities of a good leader is courage. The quality of courage means that you are willing to take risks in the achievement of your goals with no assurance of success. Because there is no certainty in life, every commitment you make and every action you take entails a risk of some kind.


The good news is that the army, the police, the Nigeria security and civil defense corps, other paramilitary organizations, local vigilante groups, traditional hunters and some Niger delta militant groups have delegated to end insecurity in the state.


The Governor whose seven cardinal points of quality leadership and style is
VISION.
COURAGE;
HUMILITY;
INTERGRITY;
FOCUS;
STRATEGIC and
COOPERATION.


Has find balance between Ondo State foresight, performance, and character. He has vision, courage, integrity, humility and focus along with the ability to plan strategically and catalyze cooperation amongst his team.


A proposed blue print for fighting the insecurity challenges facing the state was presented by Governor Akeredolu during the security submit that has gradually become one of the regular events in the state . This has again shown that this visionary leader of Ondo State is a man with adequate foresight and the ability to predict and create a solution to a problem before it occurs.


Want to know what characteristics are important to make great leaders? If they do well, give them a pat on the back. But for the Governor of Ondo State Arakunrin Akeredolu, his passion to leadership is a vital determinant of how far he has gone to turn Ondo state to an investor’s hub in Nigeria.

PRINCESS EIGBOKHAN ORIH FOR TCC

WRITTEN BY: PRINCESS EIGBOKHAN ORIH

Ondo State is a state in Nigeria created on 3rd February 1976 from the former Western State. It originally included what is now Ekiti State, which was split off in 1996.


During past administrations Ondo State, has witnessed years of the negative aspect of good governance, which has put the state into comatose.


The Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN, is a great man who believes that he is on a mission to turn the face of Ondo state around thereby making it a viable place for investment and economic growth, by creating an enduring economic legacy that will open up Ondo State to employment and economic opportunities for the youths and engender sustainable development.


Ondo state is richly endowed with natural resources, ranging from favorable climatic conditions for crop production to huge mineral deposits, rich forest resources with the longest coastal line of over 180km in Nigeria. The economy of Ondo State is also the sixth largest in Nigeria and is dominated by oil and crop production which should be adequately harnessed to create wealth for its residents and the Rotimi Akeredolu led administration will leave no stone untouched in his poise to ensure the success of the Aketi Dream for Ondo state. This includes partnering with investors in the building of an industrial estate (Ondo-Linyi Industrial Hub) that will enliven economic activities in the area.


The exceptional leadership prowess of Governor Akeredolu is evident in his prudent management of the state resources, capacity building programmes, political inclusiveness and landmark infrastructure across the state despite the economic recession experienced globally.


The administration of Governor Akeredolu is doing what we really wanted by creating the enabling environment for business.


It worries to say that after several years of oil exploitation in ondo state, we don’t have even a single refinery anywhere in the state. This feat which seems to be only in our dreams is gradually coming to reality with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a privately owned oil refining firm, Crown Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited whose business is the refining of crude oil into premium petroleum products. This is another milestone for the Akeredolu led administration targeted at providing more employment opportunities to the Ondo state’s workforce.


Ondo state is strategically positioned to make serious-minded and genuine investors reap from their investments. It is imperative that we re-engineer the economy and place it on a trajectory of sustained growth.


Akeredolu said “Our focus is to ensure rapid growth, development and sustainability of the economy. We have developed the ‘Blueprint to Progress,’ a policy document which encapsulates the five cardinal programmes of this administration.”


These five cardinal programmes are:
Job Creation Through Agriculture, Entrepreneurship and Industrialization;
Infrastructural Development and Maintenance;
Functional Education and Technological Growth
Qualitative Health Care and Social Service (Delivery);
Rural Development and Community Extension Services.


This visionary leader Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has able to do all this with limited financial resources. The Ondo state Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN said “There can be no real development without the support of ondo state citizens towards the affairs of the State. Therefore, the time has come when all those who truly desire progress for Ondo state must be willing to sacrifice.”


Governor Akeredolu is a wise leader who values his team and the people. Success is only achieved with the help of others. What’s more, genuine appreciation provides encouragement, develops confidence, and builds on strengths.


Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) is a man who understands the pains of his people. He is a great listener who once said ‘The state will initiate policies that will encourage less dependence on revenue allocation from the center progressively”.
Trust and confidence in leadership is a reliable indicator of the people’s satisfaction. Good leaders aren’t afraid of being challenged. Their confidence inspires.


Ondo State is a state which contributed immensely to the economic growth of the defunct Western Region almost helpless without the hand-outs from the Federal Government”. That is why it is said that Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu is the right person chosen at the right time to turn Ondo state around.


Compassion is strength. Good leader uses compassion to perceive the needs of those they lead and to decide a course of action that is of greatest benefit to the person and the team.


In health care the Governor distributed multi-millions Naira medical and laboratory equipment to the health facilities across the 18 local government areas of the state, and employed more health workers in the state. The provision of accessible, affordable and qualitative health care is one of the five point’s agenda of The Oluwarotimi Akeredolu administration.


With the ongoing renovations and construction of over 400 new schools in Ondo state, and with more schools in the state soon to witness such capital projects in other to bridge the infrastructural gap that has made learning not conducive in our various schools in Ondo state Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to the infrastructure development of schools in the state.



Fairness is what people want. Good leaders don’t have favorites in the people who they lead, irrespective of the political party you belong. They reward for results not partiality; they promise fairness.


One of the qualities that define a good leader is honesty. When you are responsible for a team of people, it is important to be straightforward. Your political office and the people are a reflection of yourself, and if you make honest and ethical behavior as a key value, your team will follow. So remember to lead by example. The words of Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotin Odundayo Akeredolu

By Olusola Akinbinu.


Industrialization is a social economic mechanism of transforming a group of people or society from an agrarian society, or one of limited commercial viability into an industrial society. This involves the extensive re-organization of the local economy for manufacturing purposes. The impact of industrialization in the concerned communities is noticed in rising income levels among the people, rise in gross domestic product-GDP, increased demand for consumer goods and services of various kinds, and further stimulus to industrial development and economic growth.


Nigeria has not had an impressive story in recent time on Industrialization. Manufacturing of value-added products as a percentage of GDP was about five percent in 2000 (a proportion less than what we had in value-added manufacturing in 1960). Manufacturing soared in Nigeria in the oil boom era (1973-81, with manufacturing share of GDP reaching 11 percent), Ondo state had a fair share of industries within this period, among which include the Nigeria-Romanian Wood Industry (NIROWI), Oluwa Glass Industry, Premier Metals and a number of others, but this had had a precipitous decline owing to a cumulative of national economic factors, like unstable power supplies, political instability, exchange rate parity etc. making the country depend largely on export of natural resources.


Industrial presence thereafter have largely being a remnant of what it used to be, major warehouses have transformed to religious centres. Dense clustered population of people and/or closeness to international waterways (as found of Lagos, Ogun state and Ibadan) have been the major motivation to siting and sustenance industries in Nigeria in the latest periods. This account for why swelling cities due to urban-pull, having high population of vulnerable labour have been the haven manufacturers in recent times. These cheap factors clearly exclude Ondo state as an attractive destination.


The recent calculated steps of the Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu led administration towards industrialization in Ondo state, and their visible evidences of commencement of operation and production of value-added products is distinctly remarkable.


A conscious and decisive mechanism to transform the society from previous “Civil service” identity into a Commercial and Industrial nerve center. The government, visibly pulling local resources and international expertise together to create an “artificial-economic island”, preparing the ground for a sustainable socio-economic ecosystem for the Ondo State people, where there existed no sufficient “natural motivation”.


These moves by the ondo Governor is aim at ensuring that he delivers on his five-point agenda tagged “JMPPR” among which include, job creation through agriculture, entrepreneurship and industrialization. Also a shared goal with the United Nations in its SDG 9 “Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure”.

The Ore Industrial Park, located on a 1000 hectare of land, designed as a global standard industrial park with mixed-use development infrastructures, comprising of an industrial environment, residential and commercial use environment. This is to meet the increasing demand for cost-competitive industrial zone in Nigeria.


The Industrial Park provides all required infrastructure for sustainable functionality, which Include roads, 30 Megawatts of power and expandable to 120Megawatts, portable water, commercial areas, security etc.


It is designed to create an estimated 120,000 decent employment opportunity- thereby, mitigating the disturbing rate of unemployment in the society. This is also in line with Goal 8 of the SDG “Decent work and Economic Growth”. The Ore Industrial Park was project launched on 20th of February, 2018, to break the vicious cycle of poverty in the state by industrializing, rather than depending on food crop production and funds from direct sales of natural resources.


Within these period of time, the Ore Industrial park is already hosting four major functional industries, namely, the Ondo-Linyi Textile industry, the Cassava –Ethanol Factory in partnership with NNPC, for local petrol (fuel) blending and ethanol for industries, Trucks and Tricycle Assemblage Plant, and an established Paper mill setting off to commence operations and more are in line jostling for the industrial park arena.


Other critical efforts by the Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu led administration at Industrialization in the state include, Establishment and Management of Integrated Sugar Cane Value Chain Project at Ikaro in Ose LGA, in partnership with COCASET NIGERIA LTD Sugarcane to Ethanol Plant having a plantation size of 1,250hectares, The establishment and management of a commercial Scale Poultry Farm and Powdered Egg Plant Project at Emure-Ile, Owo LGA, Ondo State, in partnership with Greenfield Assets Ltd, this will be the largest egg-powder plant in Africa and Middle-East, The establishment of Rice Production Mill of 37,500Mt of rice per annum at Igbara Oke, Ifedore LGA, in partnership with Africa Redcrest Nigeria Ltd, having Rice plantation on 2,000hectares of land and supported by outgrowers scheme of local farmers, The establishment and Operation of Fertilizer Blending Plant (300,000Mt per annum), Sack Woven (10,000,000 units per annum) and Limestone Milling (150,000 Mt per annum) at Ore, Odigbo LGA in partnership with AGTHO Merchant and Company Ltd, An active drive on establishment of Deep Sea port (Port of Ondo) with near completion of the geotechnical and hydrographic surveys as well as the feasibility studies and Conceptual Master plan Design on the Port and The establishment, management and operation of Free Trade Zone at Ilaje Local Govt. in partnership with ZGM Investment Group of Company.


The clustered industrial nerve center (Ore Industrial Park) and the other Industries are situated and planned to play a web of roles in economic development of Ondo State, to resort in an increase in the states Aggregate revenue, increase in National Income, larger contribution of the state to gross national product (GNP), High Standard of Living and High Labour productivity for the working class in the society, Economic Stability, Greater Specialization of Labor, Stimulated Progress for the state in other Sectors

Olusola Akinbinu
For TCC

Written by Amudipe Opeyemi Marcus


Globally celebrated leaders are not remembered because of the numerous initiatives inspired by them or infrastructures initiated by them. History only remembers those who invested in human capacity development that makes development and progress possible.


The likes of Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Tafawa Balewa and a host of others became reference points on the pages of our history books today because of the depth of legacies left behind by these leaders.


Even when they had left for the great beyond, the memories of their herorism in the face of unfathamable conflict still brings us solace and succour. The people they left behind still craves for their touch and impactful contributions to the larger society.


A man who has written his name in gold within two years of leadership is his excellency, the executive governor of Ondo State. Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has become the governor of life in ondo state through his unbeatable community development initiatives and human capacity building development projects, a benevolent style of leadership that has brought many honors and recognitions within and outside the state not only for himself but for the good people of Ondo State.


Since 2017,when he assumed office in Ondo State, Governor Akeredolu's administration has carried out remarkable interventions in the areas of education, health, agriculture, road construction, manpower development and urban development among others.
While some of these interventions are tangible, unrecognised and unappreciated now, the good news is in many years to come these fathomable interventions would suffice and also become a reference point for posterity.


A known debt ridden state, has become financially stable within the space of two years under the leadership of Governor Akeredolu, topping the internally generated revenue table of the federation with outstanding figures.


Also, a fresh lease of life has been infused into the lives of the civil servants. They no longer have to stretch their necks in endless anticipation that their monthly salaries would be pay as when due.
Proper road network had seen the state boom with economic activities, as roads linking the cities to rural areas has been dualised enabling local farmers to transport their raw materials to the cities with ease. The dualisation of the dreaded Oke Alabojuto road for the people of Ikare is a testimony of Arakunrin Akeredolu's strong commitment to seeing that our roads are no more death traps for its users. Local communities like Gaga, Idanre Ondo now have a sigh of relief at the sight of the dualised roads in their respective communities.


Accidents on the highways has been drastically reduced to the barest minimum. While Basic education advancement has been taken to the next level, as over 700 primary schools in the state has been renovated with state of the art facilities while teachers morale has been boosted for effective performance. The State government has seen to the conduct of the 2017/ 2018 promotional exercise for all teachers and appointments of teachers as Directors in TESCOM, in all the senatorial districts.


In addition, the high rate of unemployment in the state among youths has been drastically curbed through its massive industrialisation agenda which has led to the establishment of the Ore industrial hub, win win texile alone has created hundreds of jobs for the youths in the state. The realisation of Ore as an industrial hub and as a solid economic base for Ondo State has proven a huge success for the Akeredolu led administration. It would be recalled that Governor Akeredolu since assumptions of office has embarked on several investment tours to China and other parts of the world to bring about the desirable goal of turning ondo state into an economy hub. Some of those tours has given birth to the new industrial park, now called Ondo Linyi Industrial Park, situated at Ore. The park is an offshoot of Linyi Municipal Government of Shandong in China where Akeredolu signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Linyi Municipal Government of Shandong Province of the People’s Republic of China in 2017.


Among the companies in the industrial park is paper mill, textile company, an ethanol plant, a medium-density fiberboard, a high-density fiberboard and plywood factories and a host of other agriculture products-based companies have commenced production at the Ore Industrial Park.


Improved mechanised agricultural system has been employed to draw the youths back to the farms, hence bringing more manpower into the agricultural sector and also providing employment for all. Through the Youth in the Ridges programme, thousand of youths in the state has been empowered.
450,000 cocoa seedlings has been distributed to farmers across the 18 local government. In addition, A sum of Ten million naira has been distributed to farmers in the state. while a sum of fifteen million naira was injected to the proposed farmers' bank.


In providing drinkable water for all in ondo state, the Kamomi Aketi water scheme has proven to be a success, with an estimate of over 700 boreholes provided for the people across the 18 local government of the state. Worth emulating, the federal government adopted the template of the Kamomi Aketi water scheme to be used at the Federal level.


The dividends of good governance and a pure democratic system has been brought to the doorstep of the good people of Ondo State.


It is safe to conclude that Arakunrin would be rightly celebrated in many years to come not essentially because of roads, education and other infrastructural facilities he has provided for the people, but mostly for the intangible interventions his administration has carried out since 2017 in Ondo State.

Roads make a vital contribution to the economic development of every population. Without good road networks, access to employment, health, social services and education remain limited. Properly laid-out roads are a primary sign of an organized society and bring about numerous social benefits.


The Ondo State Government, has in recent times, witnessed an exponential development, heralded by the ongoing road construction projects across the three senatorial districts of the State.


These road construction projects are numbering 43 different locations, some of which include:


Restoration of select roads in Ifon; construction of the 2.5km GRA dual-carriage road, 0.5 km of Ikare Phase 1 road.
Construction of some roads in Idanre measuring 2.76km.
Construction of the roads around Iwalewa (Iwalewa-Hospital, Iwalewa-Oshinle, iwalewa-Alafiatayo) and Abusoro road, Ijoka Phase 1.
Repairing and building of 5,412km stretch of road around Oke Ogba community and the construction of 6.02km of the Alagbaka SIB-Appeal court road.


Other notable road construction projects are the 5.569km Gaga Community road and the 8.135km dual carriage road around A Division-Oluwatuyi-Ijoka. Ondo town is included in the project, as there are current construction and repair projects such as the 2.5km Sabomi-Ajagba road and 10km Okitipupa-Igbokoda bypass road Phase 1.


A noteworthy approach taken by the Government to ensure continuity and phase out the tradition of abandoning projects is to make payment to the contractor upon milestone achieved. This agreement ensures the contractors work assiduously to deliver the project on time.


The move by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu to establish substantial development through these valuable projects are unparalleled by any other administration. This act has brought manifold benefits to the people of Ondo State.


Previously impervious and unrecognized communities now have access to good road networks. As a result, Institutions have established presence in such locations; engendering unprecedented economic activities even in the remotest parts of the State. The roads construction projects have created job opportunities, improving the standard of living in Ondo State.


Lotanna Anuforo
For TCC

By PRINCESS EIGBOKHAN ORIH


Being a Public servant is more than doing your job efficiently and honestly. It must be a complete dedication to the people and to the nation.



After the 2017 elections, political observers knew that Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu the newly elected governor of Ondo State would face a turbulent time in office particularly with the victory of the then opposition party, the inheritance of challenges from the past administration such as back log of irregular payment of salaries, outstanding salaries arrears, unpaid pensions and with the Nigerian economy in recession. These challenges were enough to make the people of ondo state lose faith in the incoming administration.


Akeredolu quickly moved in and showed that beyond winning an election, that he is capable to steer the through these turbulence and bring Ondo state to a shining new beginning.


Governor Akeredolu is presently leaving indelible mark in the areas of infrastructure development, security, agriculture and rural development, among others as he turns the entire state into a huge construction site, radically transforming hitherto impassible roads in Akure, Owo, Ore and other towns, most especially those critical to the socio-economic development of Ondo State.


And so far, governor Akeredolu has invested largely on construction of new roads, rehabilitation and reconstruction of old ones, bridge construction at Ore, renovation of schools, hospitals and other rural projects.


Today, so many roads, including the alagbaka sib -appeal court road. 6.02km, igbara oke isharun and isharun township road (3.1km), igbara oke ibuji road(8.1km), oke-ogba communuity road (5.412km), gaga community township (5.569km), Bolorunduro to Fagbo Road(8.050km), Ijoka to Idanre Road 15km, Dual Carriageway from Oba Adesida (A-division) - Oba Osupa (Hospital road) - Oluwatuyi - Ijoka 8.135km among others, have either been rehabilitated, reconstructed or constructed, while work is ongoing on the construction of so many others.



It is important to note that Governor Akeredolu does not view these as an achievement; rather he sees it as a duty and the responsibility of government to his people. As it is noticed in various quarters his Excellency Oluwarotimi Akeredolu does not see or use these projects as a tool for politicking unlike in the recent past when communities that disagreed with the powers-that-be were denied government patronage.




All projects in the AKETI’s VISION for Ondo state are not politically motivated; no wonder why these projects are spread across the entire senatorial districts of the state. These jobs are handled by reputable professionals and construction companies without any political undertone thereby ensuring that the designing, construction and supervision of all the roads are on point.



On assumption of office, On the 24th February 2017, when His Excellency Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu said “We listened to our people in the course of our campaign. We heard them loud and clear. We witnessed the deplorable condition under which they exist and we are determined to make a difference”.


In the area of security, Governor Akeredolu brought courage, determination and ingenuity, thereby displaying understanding and commitment to protecting the lives and properties of not just within Ondo State but the entire southwest by developing a well-structured document which contains key Security Policy Objectives which the government proposed will boost public confidence.



These security policy objectives has led to the proper synergy between various security agencies the army, the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, other paramilitary organizations, local vigilante groups, traditional hunters and some Niger Delta militant groups in the area of identifying and combating crime within and all around Ondo State. So far The result has been phenomenal and Ondo State is presently becoming a crime free State.


The AKETI VISION for Ondo state has brought a renewed confidence in the state’s security status, and business minded investors are moving into Ondo state en masse. Ondo state which is popularly known as the Sunshine State will be the No.1 business destination in Nigeria. With the various partnerships and memorandum of understanding signed between the Akeredolu led government and various local and international companies such as: The Ondo State Industrial Hub which is called Ondo-Linyi Industrial Hub, a collaboration between Linyi City in Shangai Province of China and Ondo State Government, a Memorandum of Understanding with Dolphin Company of China to have Chinese mall, where over 100 businesses have subscribed to in producing different wares, an agreement for the development of the proposed Deep Sea Port in the coastal area of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with the Private Office of his Highness, Sheikh Dalmook Al Maktoum, a member of the Dubai ruling family etc.



Ondo state remains one of the few states that are constantly paying civil servants and pensioners. The fact remains that these phenomenal achievements are being recorded when the country is facing economic crisis.



Akeredolu said, It is a notorious that a heavy burden of salary arrears of seven months was on the State and we promised to offset all arrears owed. We have kept our promise, we have paid salaries till date. Pensions are also paid with salaries of workers. These efforts are in fulfillment of our vowed commitment to prioritize the welfare of workers and that of our “senior citizens”.


In the mist of the economic crisis, Akeredolu has proven that he is a good manager of men and resources. When various states are looking up to the federal government for help, this visionary leader and governor of Ondo state Rotimi Akeredolu looked inwards.


According to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics data, in 2018 Ondo State’s internally generated revenue (IGR) grew more than double to N24.79 billion from N10.93 billion the previous year. This has made Ondo state standout and the governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu a leader worth emulating.


PRINCESS EIGBOKHAN ORIH
FOR TCC

Ondo State Government on Monday observed with concern trending pictures of identity card carrying men identified as Fulani vigilante in the Akoko area of the state.

Various claims reveal the activities, duties as well as supposed mandate of these men in question.

A statement by the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo said; “It is pertinent to recall that at the height of the incessant kidnap cases, the Ondo State Government took some far-reaching drastic measure.

“This included a marching order to the law abiding Hausa Fulani leadership in the area to fish out criminal elements among them who took advantage of the rosy relationship between the indigenes and their law-abiding guests.

“As a measure to curb and possibly, stamp out cases of kidnap in the area, the Hausa Fulani leadership was directed to select a handful of trusted men amongst them who could serve as tour guards in the thick forest as security agencies prepared to comb the forests. This measure yielded results.

“It is important to note however, that while Government appreciates the efforts of those who volunteered to provide information and served as tour guards to the security agencies in the ongoing operations in the area, it will not tolerate any unathorised move by any group to take an undue advantage of the current state of insecurity in the country.

“Succinctly, Government, having been unaware of any such identity card carrying persons in the name of a vigilante group, has directed security agencies to get to the root of the matter and apprehend any such person or group of persons operating in that manner,” the statement stressed.

https://thenationonlineng.net/well-not-tolerate-fulani-vigilante-group-in-ondo/amp

Ondo state which is popularly known as the Sunshine State is located in the South-western part of Nigeria. According to the National population commission and the National Bureau of Statistics the population for Ondo state is 4.7million. Ondo state is a middle income state or what most people would call a civil service state.

Under the Oluwarotimi Akeredolu led administration, Ondo state is developing into a mixed economy and an emerging market, with various definitive expansions in manufacturing, communication technology, entertainment, human capital development, health care sector development, road infrastructure construction and rehabilitation, education, agriculture etc.
According to the national Bureau of Statistics, Ondo state is recorded as the state with the fastest Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) growth amongst the 36 states of the federation. Ondo state recorded 24.8billion Naira in 2018 which is a 126.83% increase from the previous year of 2017.

In the past decade the growth of Ondo state was hindered by economic reforms, mismanagement, and recession, but Governor Akeredolu coming into office in 2017, gave a new face to the state as he worked enormously to put Ondo state back on track towards achieving its full potentials. According to Akeredolu “Our focus is to ensure rapid growth, development and sustainability of the economy. When you are responsible for a people, it is important to be straightforward. Your political office, the people and the economy are a reflection of yourself.

These words from this visionary leader are evident in the recently released Domestic debt figures for the first quarter of 2019 by the Debt Management Office (DMO) in Nigeria. In this report, the Debt Management Office (DMO) ranks Ondo State as the state with the lowest debt in the southwest.

According to the domestic debt data for the 36 states of the federation and the federal capital territory by Debt Management office (DMO) for the first quarter of 2019, this is how the states in southwest Nigeria stands:

1. Lagos state 542,231,174,761.82
2. Osun state 147,702,865,382.96
3. Ekiti state 118,011,414,814.34
4. Ogun state 97, 090, 119, 32.73
5. Oyo state 94,140,261,739.96
6. Ondo state 56,959,970,712.20

ONDO STATE RANKS 8TH AMONGST THE STATES WITH THE LOWEST DOMESTIC DEBT FIGURES IN NIGERIA
1. Yobe state 26,990,637,417.62
2. Anambra state 33,490,668,536.72
3. Sokoto state 36,571,742,397.44
4. Jigawa state 38,227,157,463.84
5. Niger state 43,414,653,538.03
6. Ebonyi state 55,597,352,310.28
7. Enugu state 55,882,997,585.01
8. Ondo state 56,959,970,712.20

This report from the Debt Management Office (DMO) is a reliable indicator of the performance of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu towards improving and uplifting the economy of Ondo state. Akeredolu came into office when Ondo state was almost helpless without hand-outs from the Federal Government and a dwindling monthly allocation.

Within this short period in office Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has proven by his performance that he is the right person chosen at the right time to turn Ondo state around.
Akeredolu said “We have a responsibility to the people of the state and the civil servants; we will try and balance it. We are determined to see what we can do”.

Taking a look at all the achievements of the Akeredolu led administration such as prompt payment of salaries and pensions, road constructions and rehabilitations, improvement and development of the health sector, improvements in education and agricultural development, human capital developmental programs, innovations and information technology and security. It is no doubt that the AKETI VISION for Ondo state is the way forward for the sunshine state.
Good leaders are not afraid of being challenged. Their confidence inspires.

WRITTEN BY: PRINCESS EIGBOKHAN ORIH
FOR: TCC