₦airaland Forum

The Olowa and Paramount Ruler of Igbara-Oke kingdom, HRM, Oba Dr. Francis Adefarakanni Agbede has extolled the virtues of the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN and his wife, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu saying, this government has brought unprecedented development to the state in the last three years.

Oba Agbede made the remark at the opening ceremony of a two week “2019 Bemore Summer Boot Camp” holding at Ilara-Mokin in Ondo State. The monarch disclosed the extent of his assessment of the present administration in areas of Health, Education and provision of rural infratstructures across the state.

According to him, achievements at the Bemore Empowerment training project will linger long in the memories of the children as soon as they master one trade or the other to become employers of labour later in life.

While charging the beneficiaries to always make good use of the golden opportunity Arabirin Akeredolu has offered them, Oba Agbede is optimistic that these young girls being empowered will never forget the kind hearted first lady of Ondo State, since children hardly forget their benefactors.

Earlier in her address, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in the state, Hon. Lola Fagbemi described Arabirin Akeredolu as a legend among women and of eloquent value who has laid a landmark for herself and generations yet unborn.

Hon. Fagbemi applauded the efforts of Arabirin Akeredolu, who is doing is a wonderful works in all affairs that concerns young girls and women. She added that, these young girls can rule the world going by the kind exposure the wife of the Governor is offering them.

Speaking at the occasion, the wife of Ondo state Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu disclosed that her pet project, Bemore has reshaped ed over 750 young girls child.

According to her, the programme has afforded over 750 girls to have divers training that will change the narrative of the girl child while another batch of 250 girls are currently undergoing a similar training for the year 2019 Summer Boot Camp.

Arabinrin Akeredolu gave a brief disposition of all trades that are capable to reshape the lives of the girls that were drawn from all the 18 local government areas of the state.

She how ever welcomed the girls to what she described as unending opportunities where their capabilities are limitless, and also assured the participants that they will learn all they need to become a complete woman.

Speaking as a mother, she counselled the young girls to stop seeing themselves as inferior to their male counterparts adding that they will be synosure of all eyes if they submit themselves to the golden opportunity the training will offers.

Source: http://www.ondoevents.com/2019/08/14/akeredolu-has-performed-creditably-well-ondo-monarch/

PRESS RELEASE

The Ondo State Head of Service, Mr Dare Aragbaye has set up a committee consisting of Selected Permanent Secretaries to rectify some identified inadequacies in the state civil service to enhance efficient and highly productive civil servants in the state.

Mr Aragbaye, who made this known while playing host to members of the Association of Retired Permanent Secretaries in Ondo State in his office in Akure, said he would take necessary steps to raise the standard of the civil service to the level of international best practices.

He asserted that as the sector responsible for implementation of the policies of government, the civil service should be reorganized to enhance the confidence of members of the public and ensure better relationship between the government and the people of the state.

The Head of Service commended the state Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for the recent appointment of some senior Civil Servants as Permanent Secretaries as well as non-interference stance of the Governor in running the affairs of the state civil service.

He solicited the support of the retired Permanent Secretaries and all Civil Servants in the state to achieve the desired growth and development of the state civil service.

Speaking on behalf of the retired Permanent Secretaries, Dr. Laoye Adegoke congratulated Mr Aragbaye on his well deserved appointment as the state Head of Service.

Dr Adegoke enjoined the HOS to leave remarkable legacies behind at the expiration of his tenure in office by initiating policies that would be of great benefit to the entire civil servants and promote the ideal of the civil service in the state.

Other members of the association include Dr. Augustine Adeyekun, Barr. Fola Amure, Rev. Soji Gbadebo and Mr Matthew Imoru.

Williams Oni
Media Manager
Office of HOS.

Source: http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/Ondo-HoS-sets-up-committee-to-correct-inadequacies-in-civil-service

Hundreds of articulated vehicles now throng the Ondo/Linyi Cassava Ethanol factory in Ore to load ethanol as the company which commenced operations few months ago now produces 6,000 metric tonnes of ethanol daily.

Our correspondent who visited the factory saw some of the articulated vehicles being loaded with the product.

The Company’s Manager, Mr Oyeye Destiny who spoke with our correspondent during the visit said the factory needs 300 metric tonnes of cassava daily to meet production, thus creating huge market for cassava growers in the state and beyond.

Oyeye told The Hope that the ethanol being produced in the factory is of high quality and one of the best that could be found in the market.

He disclosed that most of their customers are from both Oyo and Lagos states.

According to him, the factory load more than 100 articulated vehicles per day “We may need to increase our production per day because we are experiencing increase in customers on the daily basis as they are trooping to the factory to buy ethanol,” he added.

He added that the demands are high, and the workers are working day and night to meet demands.

Oyeye confirmed that the ethanol is the most marketable item in the world today.

His words: “Demands are high and the plant has enough raw material that can sustain it throughout the year.

Presently, our warehouse is full of cassava and once cassava in the various farms and from our customers are ready for harvest, more raw material will be brought to the plant to be converted to ethanol.”

”This plant receives several customers per day and more than 100 articulated vehicles are loaded on daily basis with ethanol. I must confess to you that ethanol here is 98percent concentration, it is not diluted like it is done elsewhere.

” We are ready to give our customers the best, reason we are shunning out the best ethanol at the Ondo/Linyi Industrial Park. The product is the best in Nigeria, reason we are receiving more customers on daily basis.”

“Ethanol is the in thing in the world now because the world is moving away from using fossil fuel as it contributes to global warming, he said.

It is a new liquid product in Nigeria and the plant in Ore, Ondo State is a product of the MoU signed between the Akeredolu’s administration and the Linyi Municipal Republic of China during the governor’s visit to China in 2017.

The cassava to ethanol plant will afford the state the unique opportunity to key into the federal government diversification programme.

Ethanol is a common ingredient in many cosmetics and beauty products. It acts as an astringent to help clean skin, in lotions as a preservation.

It is also called alcohol, ethyl alcohol and grain alcohol, is a colourless liquid and principal ingredient in alcoholic beverages like beer, wine or brandy.

Source: https://www.thehopenewspaper.com/ondo-linyi-ethanol-factory-produces-6000-tonnes-daily/

By GENEVIEVE ALOZIE
TCC NEWS.


Information Communication Technology (ICT), is a platform in communication that allows easy contact with others in sharing of information and providing solution to critical technological and social problems.


The application of ICT, boosts the existing industries such as manufacturing and shipping, it has also created new industries. Programmers, Data analysts, Web designers and Systems analysts as well as people who are involved in technology training owe their job to it.


In recognition of the importance of the governance of information communication technology, Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, embarked on the quest to create an enabling ground through ICT for effective and proficiency in public service delivery as well as to transform the state into a technology and innovation hub in Nigeria if not Africa.


One of the giant strides of Akeredolu in ICT, is the investment and funding of the “Akure Tech-Hub” FUTA, that promotes technology innovation and exchange of ideas for business start-ups and youth in ICT. The governor during the commissioning of the hub said “that one of the cardinal points of his administration transformational agenda is to make Ondo State a technology and innovation destination of choice for Nigeria, Africa and the world.


In the bid to ensure reliable and effective management of health information data in the state, health workers were trained on the use of information technology tools, after which the government procured and distributed 362 data management tools “Clinipak Tablets” to the trained health workers across the 18 local government areas in the state.


Also to accelerate the economic development of Ondo State, this administration in partnership with American Tower Corporation (ATC), erected a digital village furnished with state-of-the-art facilities across the 3 senatorial districts in the state. The initiative is aimed at providing Computer and internet services to the rural dwellers to curb the rate of rural-urban migration and the level of discomfort people undergo trying to access internet services as well as reducing unemployment in the rural areas of the state.


This project has brought Ondo State to lime light, as it becomes the first and the only state in Nigeria to erect five digital villages within one year in office


Mr. Olumbe Akinkugbe, Senior Special Assistant to Ondo State Governor on ICT and Chairman of the State Information Technology Agency SITA, confirms that ICT in ondo state is targeted at young school leavers and unemployed graduates with a view to engage them in a productive and meaningful venture that will bail them out of endless search for white collar job.


To provide employment opportunities and curb unemployment across the state, ondo state government, through the office of innovation and Partnership engaged over 35 Ondo state youths on Data Science training skill as a way of lifting them out of unemployment and expose them to digital organizations who are in dear need of data analyst for employment.


In the same vein, the office of the wife of the governor, Arabinrin Betty-Anyanwu Akeredolu, since the inception of this administration has continually contributed her own quota to see that every girl child in the state becomes a technology savvy.


The first Lady, organized a platform “BEMORE GIRLS” which is a programmed to train girls on ICT, Solar energy and Life Changing Skills annually. This initiative has been productive, as the girls through the knowledge acquired go back to their various communities to solve ICT related problem.


According to Mrs. Akeredolu, one of the beneficiaries of “BEMORE GIRLS” training, won the Africa Code Week Scratch Competition for the state recently.


The relentless effort of governor Olwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, in ensuring that the state becomes a technology and innovation hub were ideas thrive and a destination of choice for business start-ups, earned him the prestigious award by Africa Digital Award as “ICT infrastructural Governor of the year” in 2019. the governor promised that internet service will not been seen as a thing of luxury in Ondo state as his administration is working to ensure that internet service becomes available and affordable to rural dwellers.

By Amudipe Opeyemi Marcus
TCC NEWS

The importance of Information, communication and technology (ICT) cannot be undermined in the wake of the 21st century Nigerian society.

With ICT, public and private institutions can make life easier for all. ICT have proved to be increasingly fundamental to the socio-economic development of any nation.

The lack of appropriate information at the right time will result in low productivity.

ICT has become an integral part of everyday life for many people, to the extent that ICT literacy has become a functional requirement for people’s work, social and personal life.

As new technological and scientific breakthrough takes man a step in the drive to attain a fully digitalized and globalized world, man must also take a step further in equipping oneself with these new ICT tools which are constantly changing every day.

In Ondo state, the Akeredolu led administration knowing the value of ICT to the socio-political and economic life the state since inception till date has invested huge amount to the ICT development which can be verified through budget provision, budget implementation, infrastructure, skill building coupled with host other innovative programs and projects.

The Ondo state government led by his Excellency, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu through the office of the state information Technology Agency (SITA), in partnership with the American Tower Cooperation (ATC) has established five digital village projects in the state which are located in each of the three senatorial districts of the state.

These digital villages were born out of the desire of the Akeredolu led administration to see that young school leavers and unemployed graduates are well engaged in ventures that will help in reducing the search for white collar jobs and increase self dependency and efficiency through digital skills.

Also these Digital villages would serve as a training center for them, preparing them for the 21st century ICT demands and to acquire entrepreneurial skills.

Furthermore, the state government has taken its desire to see that ICT skills of its populace are boosted through the creation of the Akure Techhub. This is a resource based center within the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) campus, which is accessible to over 20,000 students in the state.

The Akure Techhub was designed to serve as a hub for researchers, innovators and scientists to meet and collaborate on ideas that can solve societal problems in turn creating social enterprise.

The Ondo state government has not only limited its initiatives among the youths alone, but has made sure that other sectors in the state has equally been affected by these tremendous ICT drive.

The state government in its bid to see to an enhanced and effective management of health information data which is key to the delivery of qualitative healthcare has seen to the training of health workers in the state on the use of ICT tools

The state government distributed 362 data management tools known as Clinipak tablets to health care workers to enhance primary healthcare delivery across the 18 local government of the state.

Through the use of these Clinipak tablets, health facilities in the state has moved from just collecting and reporting patients data to leveraging on mobile solutions for improved decision from facility level to the policy making level.

The state government through SITA, has successfully developed websites for the state government, State Scholarship Board, Signage and Advertisement Board among others. These moves have gone a long way in opening up channels for accessing information for the general public on issues relating to the activities of the state government and other agencies.

Another highly commendable move of the state governor is the move towards making youths and other young school leavers in the state employable. Through the office of Innovations and Partnership, youths across the 18 local governments areas in the state has been fully engaged in a career path program which was tailored to enhance the ICT skills of the participants. In another partnership of the Office of innovation and partnership with Facebook, young business owners were trained on the effective usage of social media as a veritable tool for enhancing and promoting business.


The office of the wife of the state governor, Mrs. Betty- Anyanwu Akeredolu through the Annual “Bemore Summer Bootcamp for Girls in Naija” has trained over One thousand girls in ICT, Solar renewable energy and other skills acquisitions programs.


There is no doubt that the progress and development of any society rest on its drive and ability to compete with the global technological advancements especially in the digital world, the activities of the Akeredolu led administration must be highly commended, as it has created sustainable economy through the use of information, communication and technology.

Wife of the Ondo State Governor, Mrs Betty Akeredolu, says she has trained over one thousand girls in ICT, solar renewal energy and other skill acquisitions since inception of the Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu-led administration.

Akeredolu made this known on Monday at the opening of a training programme tagged: “Bemore Summer Bootcamp for Girls in Naija” held in Ilara-Mokin, Ifedore Local Government area of the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme, which will end on Aug. 24, is the initiative of the governor’s wife.

It is aimed at training girls in various skills during the holiday.

The skills include: solar energy, ICT, Taekwondo, soap making and make-up, among others.

She said that the programme had changed the narrative of the girl-child to facilitate a world that would unleash the potential of the girls rather than regimenting them.

“We are here today to train another set of girls who will join their compatriots already on the battle field fighting for the cause of women, showing to the world that women can be more than what the society says they are.

“I am sure that after this training, my girls will stand for themselves; they will never put their dependence on any man.

“They will walk shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand with the male folk to achieve a prosperous society for us all.

“The duty is for persons of both genders to create a society that is free of violence, free from atrocities and from all forms of intimidation and harassment.


“A society that must grow and be sustained is a society that does not discriminate by any means, especially gender,” Akeredolu said.

The governor’s wife said that the training would also afford the girls the opportunity to be trained on taekwondo so as to enable them to provide self-defence when there was any issue of rape, by any means.

She expressed her displeasure over the rising cases of rape in the state in recent time, and urged victims to fight for their rights and never keep quiet anytime it occurred.

In his remarks, Mr Gbenga Edema, Chairman, Oil Producing Area Development Commission (OSOPADEC), described the governor’s wife as a nation builder.

Edema said that she had helped many girls to build their careers by catching them young in technology.

He said that the programme had afforded thousands of girls in the state the opportunity to develop solar for both commercial and domestic use.

Also, the Olowa of Igbara-Oke, Oba Adefarakanmi Agbede, commended the governor’s wife for introducing the girls to technology that would help them develop the nation.

Agbede said that the state was fortunate enough to have Akeredolu, assuring her that traditional rulers were solidly behind the present administration in state.

Source: https://leadership.ng/2019/08/12/gov-akeredolus-wife-trains-1000-girls-in-ict-solar-energy/

An Address by Her Excellency, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu at the Opening Ceremony of the 2019 BEMORE Summer Boot Camp on the 12th of August, 2019.


Ladies and gentlemen, we are sailing on troubled waters.

The captains of the ship seem to have taken their hands off the wheel. We are left bare, exposed and without the protection we thought we had. Wolves in the wilderness; the hyenas, they come at us from all angles, it keeps getting worse, they keep coming and no one says nothing.

The girl folk is being hunted; in every way we are hunted.

First, we should not speak, we must not stand eyeball to eyeball with the men. And now, we are here, being molested as though we are lesser beings. But we know what we have to do to protect ourselves; we know where we have to stand to have our voices heard, we know where we have to be to tell the world we are in no way fools. And that is why we are here today; and that is why we were here last year and two years ago.

To build the capacity of our girls, broaden their intellectualism, give them that inner strength; that self-esteem; that self-worth that gives them the strong conviction that they are in no way the lesser version of men.

For two years we have trained 750 girls, 750 girls that will change the narrative of the girl child; that will bring that balance to the gender world; that will ensure that no girl is looked down on again because girls do amazing things.

We are here today to welcome another 250 girls who will join their compatriots already on the battle field, fighting for the cause of women, showing to the world that women can be more than what the society say they are.

Women will stand for themselves; my girls will stand for their selves. They will never play fool; they will never put all their dependence on any man. They will walk shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand with the male folk to achieve a prosperous society for us all. The duty is not for men alone.

The duty is for persons of both gender to create a society that is free of violence; that is free from atrocities; that is free of all forms of intimidation and harassment.

A society that must grow, a society that must be sustained is a society that does not discriminate by any means especially by gender.

Today is a happy day for me, I am very excited. The past few weeks have been filled with so much pain; hearing girls, very little girls getting raped and assaulted. But I know that it’s only a matter of time before we change this narrative.

One step at a time, we are going to ensure that every girl is equipped to defend herself, to fight for her right and to never keep silent. We will be everywhere the male folks are; we will no longer be contained in a box.

That era is over, this is a new era.

My girls, welcome to the world of unending opportunities where your capabilities are limitless. Here you will learn all you need to be a complete woman; that techy woman.

A woman with so much grace whose head is always held up high. In the next two weeks, the true you will be unveiled.

I want you to open your hearts and mind, let all you will be taught sink deep into your spirit. Forget all the limiting ideologies the society has taught you; all the baseless cultural norms you grew up to know. You must have been told not to speak where men speak, not to think beyond house chores, kitchen and “za oza” room.

My little angels, you are far beyond that. I have faith in you all and I am sure we will work together to make our world a better place.

Welcome to the 2019 Bemore Summer Boot Camp!

All set for annual Summer BEMORE Bootcamp, as first lady of Ondo state Arabinrin Betty-Anyanwu Akeredolu arrives kicked off Venue of the programme at Ilara Mokin, in Ifedore local government area of Ondo State.

The main objective of the program is to "designed to train girls on Information Communication Technology, Solar and Life changing skills so as to become a solution to the evolving world of technology."

Dignitaries were; Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Titi Adeyemi, Ondo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Lola Julianah Fagbemi, Representative of Ondo State Head of Service, Mr Dare Aragbaye, Representative of SSA to President Muhammadu Buhari on Diaspora Affairs, Mrs Jumoke Dabiri, Representative of Ekiti State government, Imo State, Members of ALGON, Ondo State Chapter, Former local government Chairmen, Monarchs, Chiefs, BEMORE GIRLS and other relevant stakeholders were all present at the event.

By Olusola Akinbinu


The Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu led administration has adopted a commendable path, with regards to its strategic focus on massive road network constructions across the state, among other lofty agenda.

Livelihood in an environment is a function of prospects and economic productivity. It is thus important for a purposeful government to determine the critical programs that connects the people and stir other factors in the society, thereby quicken the economic myriad activities of the state and reducing the social burdens of the people.


The Economic calculation of the benefits to be derived from these critical programs are first determined, a distinction is made between direct benefits accruing to users of the additional facilities and the indirect effects that the facilities will attract on the areas served by them.


New road facility constructions and rehabilitation by the Akeredolu administration spread across the three Senatorial district of the state, a good number of these roads are completed while some are on-going. The roads numbering up to 43 as at last count, include the dualization of Ikare township road; dualization of 0.5km Oke Alabojuto road, Ikare phase 1; construction of 2.76 km of selected roads in Idanre; construction of 2.5km GRA dualization road in Owo. Construction of Iwalewa-Alafiatayo, Iwalewa-Oshinle, Iwalewa-Hospital road and Abusoro road, Ijoka phase 1. Construction of 6.02 km Alagbaka SIB-Appeal Court road, rehabilitation and construction of 5.412km road in Oke Ogba Community, and rehabilitation of selected roads in Ifon Local govt.


Other ongoing projects include the construction of 2.3km Sabomi-Ajagba road, construction of 10km phase 1 Okitipupa-Igbokoda bypass road, construction of 5.569km Gaga Community road, construction of 8.135km dual carriage way from A Division-Oluwatuyi-Ijoka, rehabilitation of 7.11kms of selected roads in Ondo kingdom.


The Developmental outlook of these roads and economic benefits accruing to road users on these massive road construction programs is measured by the savings resulting from the new facilities in terms of availability of more work-time, reduction in fuel consumption, reduction in tyre wear and incessant vehicle repairs, reduced accident risk, greater travelling comfort.


Beyond the visible edifice, the economic benefits of these road programs can be economically quantified, using implicit balance sheet, i.e comparing direct and indirect benefits of the projects with immediate cost.


While it is more difficult to make economic assessment of the indirect effect of improved road access networks, there has been extensive research carried out in United States of America assessing the economic and social impact of highways on the areas served by these roads. And a working theory from this research findings have been used to effectively assess indirect effect of two alternative schemes for the construction of motorways in Denmark.


The multiplying effect of similar indirect benefits are the targets of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State in selecting the roads with the widest impact and progressing systematically while maximizing limited funds.


These road projects have made accessibility easy for areas hitherto difficult to reach, a good number of these roads support farmers to bring their goods to the market, guaranteeing increased job opportunities, wealth creation, increased revenue and overall improvement in the lives of the people in the areas. These critical investment in sustainable development are the required attractions for investors to make Ondo State a choice destination for viable investment.


There is still more ground to cover in road construction and rehabilitations in the state but the progressive and targeted approach to successive selection of roads, if continued will in a matter of few more years deliver good road networks across all areas of the Ondo State.

straighttalk:
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c u then.

He was the one who entered Igbo Olodumare and did not come out again

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

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

The committee, which was made up of seasoned technocrats, came up with a five-point agenda, aimed at: 1. Job creation through Agriculture, Entrepreneurship and Industrialization; 2. Massive Infrastructural development and maintenance; 3. Provision of functional Education and Technological growth; 4. Provision of Accessible and Qualitative Health care and social service delivery and 5. Rural Development and Community Extension services.

A little over two and 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 state of the state at the time, the number and roads constructed was nothing but magical.

The administration inherited a 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 marvelling.

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 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 Oluwarotimi 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 public service workers. 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 state workers have earned their salaries more than 24 months unbroken! The government has also paid the workers their leave allowance. Without doubt, these are feats some people said were impossible to achieve a little less than two years ago.

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

Today, 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 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 2018.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 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 industrialize the state was during the administration of the first civilian governor, Chief AdekunleAjasin, between 1979 and 1984. The Oluwa Glass Company and the Okitipupa Oil Palm were the pride of the state at the time.

But those good old days are back. The determination of the Governor Akeredolu has given room for a fresh of hope for Ondo State, as it joins the elite club of industrialized states in the nation. Already, five companies- a paper mill, ethanol plant, medium density fibre board, high density fibre board, ply wood and a textile company have sprouted from the mustard seed that was planted when the state signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Linyi municipal government of Shandong province of people Republic of China.

Determined to ensure a solid economic base for the state, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu had embarked on an investment tour to China in June, 2017. That tour has given birth to what is now known as the Ore Industrial Park.

The industrial revolution in the state has taken a very strong foothold with the ethanol plant at about ninety-five percent completed and set to roll. According to the Business Development Manager of Wewood Limited, Mr. Sun Peng, a special specie of cassava are being planted in - between the Gmelina which will be used to feed the ethanol plant.

Already, about 1,000 people have been employed for the ethanol factory for direct jobs. The plant is also expected to provide jobs for more than 10,000 people, particularly cassava farmers and traders.

Local farmers are excited about a ready and lucrative market for their goods. Shehu Oladapo, a cassava farmer in Odigbo Local Government area of the state, was full of praise for the governor.

The WinWin Textile factory located inside the park commenced production of textile thread a few months ago. With 300 workers already employed, WinWin Textile has helped to ease the problem of unemployment on the people, especially the locals, who for the first time have found a worthwhile venture outside the civil service.

The WeewoodPlywood/HDF factory is already bubbling with life. Young men and women, who would have been roaming the streets, are busy with one task or the other. The company’s products, high quality fibre board plywood are already in high demand in local markets across the state, while the state is being positioned to earn foreign currency through the export of the product.

A short distance away, the expatriates are screwing the nuts and putting finishing touches to the giant paper mill factory. According toJack Sun, Business Development Manager for Weewood, the factory is now about eighty percent completed.

On completion, the paper mill is expected to employ more than 3000 direct staff, while many more are expected to benefit from jobs created down the value chain.

The paper mill, like other factories in the Ore Park, is structured to create more indirect jobs for the locals. For example, long before the machines for the mill began to arrive the shores of the country, Weewood commenced preparations by planting the trees the will form the primary raw materials for the mill.

Today, the almost 10,000 hectares of land allocated for the/Wewood afforestation project by Governor Akeredolu is beginning to yield the expected result, as the trees continue grow into maturity.

The story is a win-win situation for Ondo State and its people. The company will employ our people o the farm to plant the trees, it will go on to employ our people in the factory and other auxiliary jobs that would be created.

With the legacy projects of the Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu administration spread across the state, the governor is sure setting a standard by which governance would be measured in the country.

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

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Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, received in audience, Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka who is in Akure, the state capital, for the Fagunwa Study Group Second International Conference holding at the International Culture and Events Center (DOME) on Thursday, 8th August, 2019.

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The immediate past Ondo State Head of Service, Bar. Oluwatoyin Akinkuotu on Wednesday, expressed his gratitude to the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, for breaking the jinx of premature termination of the careers of top notch bureaucrats in the State.

Akinkuotu, diclosed this at a ceremony held in Akure, the State Capital to celebrate his retirement and his 60th birthday.

The former Head of Service said he will remain grateful to Akeredolu for giving him the opportunity to complete his years in the Public Service at the attained time.

According to him "You all know that I became the Head of Service in 2013 and I was appointed by the former Governor Olusegun Mimiko. It is already becoming a norm in the system that when a new governor comes in, the Head of Service will have to go.

"So, in Feburary 2017, when Akeredolu was sworn-in, I have already packed my loads only waiting for the new governor to make the pronouncement.

"Sometimes, I would even heard some of these civil servants gossiping on the corridor of the Governor's office saying I am going tomorrow, going next week.

"I must thank the Governor for breaking this jinx of premature termination of HOS careers and for not politicising the civil service.

"Akeredolu showed me love. Despite the pressure from his political pundits to send me away, he never yield to that pressure. He believes that political change of government should not affect the careers of the civil servants".

The former Head of Service, however described Akeredolu as a man who has genuine love for the development of the state, committed to the welfare of the civil servants and someone who cherished the ideas of the bureaucrats.

Akeredolu, represented by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, said Akinkuotu wealth of experience assisted his administration to kick off smoothly at a time the state was owing workers.

The Governor, who said he was proud to have work with Akinkuotu, said the the former Head of Service will greatly be missed for his dedication to work.

Source: http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/Akeredolu-broke-the-jinx-of-premature-termination-of-HOS--PS-careers

The Management of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, is proud to receive the news of the 2019 Webometrics Ranking of Universities globally on which the Adekunle Ajasin University is ranked the best state-owned university in Nigeria.

According to a statement by the Principal Assistant Registrar Information, Protocol and Public Relations of the institution, Victor Akinpelumi the Webometrics Ranking, which was released on July 31st, 2019, saw Adekunle Ajasin University clinched 9th position among Nigerian universities; 81st in African and 3048th globally out of over 28,000 institutions ranked.

The Webometrics Ranking of World Universities, which is also known as Ranking Web of Universities, is a globally-accepted ranking system for the world’s universities, using a multiple indicator that takes into account both the volume of the Web contents and the visibility and impact of these web publications.

“It is instructive to note that this will be third time in recent years that Adekunle Ajasin University would be adjudged best of all state-owned varsities in Nigeria.

We are delighted that despite the palpable challenges, including paucity of funds, being faced by the University, it has achieved this remarkable feat. This a testament to the commitment of every arm of the University and the resolve of the University Management to place the institution on the global pedestal.

We thank all stakeholders of the University, without whom this heartwarming feat wouldn’t have been possible. We acknowledge the Ondo State Governor and Visitor to the University; the University Governing Council; the University Management; staff and students; alumni, parents and guardians; host communities; friends of the University and the media.

On its part, Management will continue to put in place policies that would sustain this feat and encourage hard work and promote the University’s goals – teaching, research and community service.” Akinpelumi said.

Source: http://www.ondoevents.com/2019/08/07/aaua-emerges-nigeria-best-state-university

The governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, has directed the Governing Board of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, to commence the immediate enumeration of workers likely to be affected by the planned commercialisation of the institution's Staff School.

Mr. Governor's directive which comes on the heels of the fears and concern expressed by persons who may possibly be affected by the decision of the Governing Board, however, targets those who were originally workers of the institution seconded to the Staff School.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Polytechnic's Staff School is neither owned nor run by the State Government. It is a wholly private business venture by the institution.

The salaries and other benefits of workers of the Staff School have never been the burden of the State Government since the establishment of the Staff School.

In other words, assets and liabilities of the Staff School as well as benefits or otherwise thereon, start and end with the Governing Board which is autonomous. It is not one of the State's public schools, for emphasis.

This clarification is necessary to put the records straight, especially as the attention of the Government of Ondo State has been drawn to a network of warped media stunts that the State Government has privatised the school. The State Government has nothing to do with the issue.

Signed:
Donald Ojogo,
Commissioner for Information and Orientation
August 07, 2019

SOURCE: http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/Ondo-Govt-Directs-Re-absorption-Of-Affected-Rufus-Giwa-Polytechnic-Staff-School's-Workers

Ondo State Government has said it is planning to improve on its revenue generation through tourism by putting into good use the Idanre hill.

The state governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu stated this while playing host to the Owa of Idanre, Oba Frederick Aroloye, who led his Chiefs on a courtesy visit to his office.

Akeredolu explained that Idanre hill is a very important project to his government and that the hill would be put to good use so as to showcase the state to the world and, by extension, increase the revenue accruable to the government coffers.

He stressed that the deliberate motive behind the redeployment of Mr Yemi Olowolabi an indigene of Idanre, as Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, was to enable him do all within his capacity to get investors to Idanre hill and the golf course at Alade-Idanre in order to make the location tourists haven.

The governor said efforts had also been made to ensure that the Cocoa factory project in Idanre was resuscitated.

He called on interested individuals and organisations to invest in the projects as the cocoa product from the state remained the best in the world.

Earlier, Oba Aroloye who thanked the governor for counting Idanre worthy of benefiting from the various people-oriented projects of his government, particularly appreciated him for the construction of Idanre township roads and the ongoing construction of Ijoka-Idanre road.

The monarch equally expressed delight in the determined efforts of the governor to industrialise Ondo State, adding that the wonderful efforts are already yielding good fruits as some industries are now springing up in the state Industrial Park at Ore, as well as the Ondo Seaport.

According to Oba Aroloye, “From time immemorial, Idanre and Owo people have always been having good historical, mutually and socially rewarding relationships. Hence it was not surprising that immediately you became the governor of Ondo State, Idanre township roads were among the first projects you embarked upon. “And just as the cheering was going on, you started the construction of the much cherished Technical road to Ijoka road in Akure, which is another great feat and unforgettable landmark which Idanre people will always remember you for.

Source: https://www.thehopenewspaper.com/odsg-to-boost-igr-through-tourism/

The Ondo State Government has expressed its readiness to establish the first Driving Institute at the premises of the State Haulage and Equipment Centre at Oba-Ile.

The institute, which would be in partnership with a private firm under Private Partnership agreement would have facilities for training of drivers before the issuance of driver’s license and motorcycle riders before they would be granted rider’s permit.

The Special Adviser to Ondo State Governor on Transport, Mr Tobi Ogunleye, while conducting the governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu round the facilities yesterday, said the state government was no longer comfortable with carnage on the road occasioned by amateurish driving and riding.

Ogunleye explained that the driving institute was in line with the Blueprint to Progress under the leadership of Arakunrin Akeredolu.

His words: “We believe that this place has been under utilized. It is too big and too wide to be used for just dumping impounded vehicles.

“We realised that the training and learning culture of our road users, the motorists, the motorcyclists, the tricyclists, has been zero. Most of those carrying drivers’ license cannot justify the license. How can you reconcile a sane driver that is driving against traffic and he will still carry driver’s license? This calls for suspicion.

“For this reason, this centre, the Ondo State Drivers’/Riders’ Institute would be for training and re-training of okada riders who have never undergone training before. Most of the riders who just bought okada will just jump onto the roads without any training, thereby endangering the lives of innocent people.

“So, this government is government of life and not government of death. And that is why the centre is going to be first of its kind in the South-West and Nigeria. The driver or rider is the trustee of your life for the period you are going to be with him until you alight from his vehicle, and as such he must be a competent person.

“So, any trustee of your life in this regard must be certified to have prerequisite training, and that is why the government of Ondo State has approved this place for the training and re-training of drivers and riders on our roads,” he stressed.

Ogunleye added that necessary training equipment would be provided at the centre .

He said ‘Go-Kada’, an Executive Motorbike transport system to be introduced at the centre would be a special means of transportation for commuters in the state.

Source: https://www.thehopenewspaper.com/odsg-establishes-driving-institute/

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 optimitic 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 Akeredu 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

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has reiterated his administration's passion for the development of all sectors of the state's economy.

He particularly singled out tourism as a sector that would enjoy robust support.

The governor spoke during a courtesy visit to his office by the Owa of Idanre Kingdom, Oba Frederick Adegunle Aroloye on Monday.

According to the governor, Idanre is the most important tourist centre in Ondo State and the state will welcome investors to partner with the state to develop the site.

He said: 'We will try our best to ensure that Idanre hill is fully developed as a tourist centre."

Speaking earlier, Oba Frederick Aroloye hailed the governor for providing the dividend of good governance across the state.

The monarch, who expressed his support for Akeredolu's administration, described as commendable the governor's efforts at industrializing the state.

Source: http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/Development-of-Idanre-Hill-As-Tourist-Centre-Dear-To-Us---Akeredolu

MrPolitics:
That’s an average of over 4 million naira to recondition vehicle.
How much is correct and clean tokunbo?
This country and corruption

This action has also given the state massive savings because brand new cars of these sort cost N528 million, but the governor has brought these cars to Ondo with N65 million.

Some said why not buy ‘Tokunbo’ cars, but the Governor told them that these are better than ‘Tokunbo’ because all necessary parts are brand new, while the cars come with two years warranty on engines”.

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has assured drivers in the State Public Service who manage government vehicles excellently of financial reward by the end of the year.

The governor, who gave the assurance at the unveiling ceremony of the second batch of 30 reconditioned government vehicles in Akure, the Ondo state capital, said the event was a clear evidence of prudent management of resources by his administration and a way of reflecting the current financial reality of the state.

He noted that the vehicles like every other property of government were procured through payments made by tax payers in the state, and as such would not be allowed to be mishandled.

Unlike the first batch which were all hilux vehicles, the latest 30 which were hitherto broken down and unserviceable were all cars and delivered at a unit cost of a little above N2million, totaling N65million.

Disclosed that about N1.2 billion would be expended on the reconditioning of 284 vehicles captured for total overhauling by the company undertaking the project, Logical Ideas Limited.

Akeredolu explained that the initiative was part of the strategies of the present administration to save cost, think anew, act anew, and make productivity synonymous with the state’s public service and equally ensure effective patronage for artisans in the state.

He said through functional and well-motivated public service, and judicial use of the state resources, the state would be made better for the people.

“At inception, we met vehicles abandoned for five or six years, and we felt it could still be put to good use because things like these shouldn’t just be abandoned”, he said.

While maintaining that the reconditioned vehicles have been well upgraded to almost new, Governor Akeredolu said each vehicle had imported engines fixed with it and two years warranty given by the company.

He, however, enjoined government drivers to properly maintain all vehicles under their care as government is setting up a reward mechanism to reward excellent ones among them and sanction those who mishandle government vehicles.

In his welcome address, the Secretary to the State Government, Ifedayo Abegunde, described the governor as a visionary leader whose initiative has created a template of value for the good governance posture of the present administration.

The Chairman of Logical Ideas Limited, Chief Wole Okunnuga in his remarks described Arakunrin Akeredolu as a courageous administrator with ingenious acumen for transformation.

He said that the step of the governor has brought the people of Ondo State, especially artisans, into productivity as the programme has an inbuilt exposure of artisans in the state to new methods of reconditioning vehicles.

“This action has also given the state massive savings because brand new cars of these sort cost N528 million, but the governor has brought these cars to Ondo with N65 million. Some said why not buy ‘Tokunbo’ cars, but I told them that these are better than ‘Tokunbo’ because all necessary parts are brand new, while the cars come with two years warranty on engines”. he said.

Providing insight into while the State Government ventured into the project the Commissioner for Finance, Mr Wale Akinterinwa, described the development as value addition, adding that Arakunrin Akeredolu has been prudently utilising the little resources accruing to the state to ensure good governance in the state and save public funds.

He stressed that the reconditioned cars would go a long way at enhancing the quality of productivity by civil servants in the state by ensuring improved service delivery.

Also on behalf of the drivers in the state the Chief Technical Officer, CTO, Mr Odunayo Kolawole, assured the governor of proper use of the vehicles to serve the purpose they were meant to serve.

Source: https://www.thehopenewspaper.com/odsg-spends-n1-2b-to-recondition-284-vehicles/

As the 2-day Training of Trainers (ToT) program organized for BEMORE Empowered Initiative Ambassadors comes to an end, an expert in Renewable Energy has lauded the Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu Foundation (BAAF) on its efforts towards achieving some Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Senior Advisor, Sustainable Energy Access Unit, Nigerian Energy Support Program, Olumide Fatoki, gave the commendation in Abuja in a chat with newsmen at the end of the TOT program for BEMORE Empowered Initiative Ambassadors organised by German International Cooperation (GIZ), under the aegis of Nigerian Energy Support Program (NESP), with support from BAAF.

Fatoki, who was one of the resource persons at the just concluded training program, appreciated the Initiative and its founder, Her Excellency Chief Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, wife of Ondo State Governor, for bridging the gap in the attainment of Goals 5 and 7 of the SDGs in Nigeria.

In his own words, “First and foremost, I will say a very big thank you to the initiative and the people who started it. Because, most times, when you look around, you do not see such kind of initiative that can really help young people to find their path in life, especially young women.



“You will see that, in line with the sustainable development Goal 5 which targets gender equality, and Goal 7 which targets access to clean energy, and in the light of what these girls are here to learn, BEMORE is a very good initiative. It empowers girls to know how they can contribute their own quota in improving access to electricity, and also gives them the ability to train other people, thus increasing manpower and solving the problems confronting us. Kudos to the organizers,” Fatoki said.

Highlights of the program were seminars on topical subjects like engineering, energy efficiency, energy management, women in renewable energy, applications of renewable energy, and leadership development, including a practical session of solar electricity installation and an excursion to the GIZ PV system and presentation of certificates to the participants by the Program Director of NESP, Duke Benjamin.

While recounting their experiences and lessons learnt during the program, some of the participants expressed gratitude to Ondo State First Lady, also known as Mama BEMORE, for the privilege to be trained by experts in renewable energy, promising not to let her down.

EIt will be recalled that the annual BEMORE Summer Bootcamp for Girls Naija has so far trained over 700 girls in Solar technology, information and communication technology, and other life-enhancing skills since 2017, with the 2019 edition coming up later in August.

Source: http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/Expert-lauds-Betty-Anyanwu-%E2%80%93-Akeredolu-Foundation-on-its-efforts-towards-SDGs-attainment

Amazing news. A visionary leader!!! 463 million naira is a whole lot of money ☀

Ondo state Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has saved the state of N463Million by reconditioning thirty broken down and unserviceable vehicles instead of buying new ones.

Akeredolu, who inherited a lean purse, engaged the services of an automobile company, Logical Ideas Limited, to recondition serviceable and unserviceable vehicles in all ministries, extra-ministerial departments and agencies.

While handling over the vehicles, the chairman of the company, Mr. Oluwole Okunnuga, said the state government saved N463million on the thirty reconditioned cars.

He said the government spent N65million only on the 30 Toyota vehicles, adding that the same number would have cost a whooping sum of N528million if new ones were purchased.

Okunnuga explained that each of the reconditioned vehicles cost an average of less than N3million, saving the state from acquiring the lowest cost brand new of N15Million.

He stressed that the vehicles, though not brand new, are better than fairly used ones and have a warranty of two years on the replaced brand new engines.

In his goodwill message, the state Commissioner for finance, Mr. Wale Akinterinwa, described the reconditioning of the Vehicles as cost-effective and a reflection of a transformational leadership.

In his address, Governor Akeredolu said his decision to refurbish all government vehicles was taken due to paucity of funds and cost effectiveness, considering the skyrocketed and outrageous cost of procuring brand new vehicles.

The governor said the company was engaged to carry out a total overhauling of 284 vehicles in phases, adding that the move would save the state government a huge amount of money that otherwise would have been spent on new vehicles.

He said: "The vehicles we are receiving today is a clear evidence of prudent and logical decision at this time when there is paucity of fund in the state in particular and Nigeria in general

"It is first of its kind in the history of this state and it is in tandem with our electioneering campaign to think a new and act a new."

The governor, who called for the cultivation of maintenance culture among the users of the vehicle, stressed that there will be reward for any driver who handles the vehicle attached to him very well while those who do otherwise will be sanctioned.

SOURCE: http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/Akeredolu-Saves-N463M-On-30-Reconditioned-Vehicles

Good things happen in Ondo state

No fewer than 10 girls from the BEMORE Empowered Initiative of Ondo state first lady, Her Excellency, Chief Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, are currently undergoing advanced training on renewable energy in a Training of Trainers (ToT) program for the BEMORE Empowered Initiative’s 2019 Summer Boot Camp.

The 2-day TOT program, which focuses on “Best Practices in Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency”, is organized by the German International Cooperation (GIZ), under the aegis of Nigerian Energy Support Program (NESP), with support from Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu Foundation (BAAF).


GIZ implements the Nigerian Energy Support Program, financed by the European Union and the German Government, which has been operating since 2013 and is currently in its second phase (2017-2021).

GIZ, which has registered offices in Bonn and Eschborn, Germany and NESP, Asokoro, Abuja, Nigeria offers customized solutions to complex challenges in more than 120 countries around the globe. GIZ runs more than 160 projects on energy, among other things.

Earlier in the training, the NESP Advisor (capacity development and private sector collaboration), Sharon Kaburuk, enumerated the objectives of the training to include:

*Increasing skills and capacity of trainers (including instructional methods) to adequately train other young girls,

*Promoting gender parity and encourage women inclusion in the energy sector,

*Keeping up with best practices and international standards for renewable energy and energy efficiency, and

*Exploring, learning and building a career in clean energy.

Speaking with newsmen at event holding at the NESP Abuja office, the Program Lead (Renewable Energy) of Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu Foundation (BAAF), Bassey Obeten, who doubles as the BEMORE Technical Coordinator, said BAAF targets capacity building of the BEMORE Ambassadors who will inspire other young girls that would be participating in the forthcoming “BEMORE Summer Boot Camp 4 Girls Naija” slated to hold in Ondo state in August.


Obeten expressed optimism that the training will expose the girls to new knowledge on renewable energy, and will give them the ability to take on big tasks in renewable energy, and at the same time mentor others in the field; which he said will guarantee sustainability of the BEMORE program.

Some of the participants who spoke to newsmen at the event, expressed gratitude to the founder of BEMORE Empowered Initiative, Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, for her foresight and for finding them worthy to be part of the training program.

Experts on renewable energy engineering and management, BEMORE technical partners are resource persons at the training program.

Source: http://www.ondoevents.com/2019/08/01/renewable-energy-mrs-akeredolu-partners-giz-to-train-young-girls/

A 35-year-old woman, Mrs. Tope Olorunfemi, who was kidnapped last week by suspected herdsmen on Afo/Idoani Road in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State has been freed.

Olorunfemi, an employee of Xiamen Wine Stone at Afo, was abducted on her way back home from work on a commercial motorcycle (okada) at gunpoint near Irekari Comprehensive High, School, Idoani.

Narrating her ordeal, the victim said the kidnappers first took her and the commercial motorcyclist to a nearby bush where they dispossessed her of her belongings at gunpoint.

She said the okada rider was ‘released’ a few hours later, and she trekked for hours with the suspects throughout the night inside the bush.



She said the kidnappers did not know that she understands Hausa language.

Olorunfemi said she was shocked to earlier hear the okada rider and the kidnappers discussing how to share the ransom her family would pay.


The Nation learnt that the next day, hunters from Idoani, Idogun, Afo and Imeri organised a search party to rescue the victim.

Then a call suddenly came from the kidnappers demanding N3million ransom.

It was gathered that after four days of pleadings and negotiations, the abductors agreed to take N300,000 from the victim’s family, following the intervention of royal fathers, chiefs and well-meaning individuals from the four communities.



Residents, describing the incident as unfortunate, expressed worries about incessant killing, kidnapping, raping and destruction of their cash crops by the suspected herdsmen.

They expressed concern about the safety of their children and appealed to the government to intervene.

The monarchs at Ose communities have issued a 21-day ultimatum to herders to vacate their domains, although the police have opposed the directive.

source: https://thenationonlineng.net/ondo-quarry-worker-freed/

Infrastructure funding is a prerequisite for expanding the economy and lifting people out of poverty, and for any government to embark on industrialization, it must make plans for these expenditures in its annual budget. But when a country’s spending plan exceeds its revenue, it results into borrowing either from domestic or external sources to finance critical infrastructure projects contained in its budget, a move when pursued diligently could shore up its economy and create jobs.

Domestic debts are funds sourced from borrowers within the country, while external debts are foreign obligations payable to lenders outside the country. Although it is worrisome for a country’s debt to continue rising, it is more worrisome when the amount spent to service debt accounts for greater proportion of revenue. In Nigeria, not only is debt service taking a bigger chunk of the nation’s revenue, the size continues to increase as revenue maintains a downward spiral further undermining Nigeria’s capacity to pay off its obligations.

A searchlight beam into Ondo state debt portfolio shows the state is Nigeria’s least indebted state in the south-west sub region and eighth across the country having recorded a total domestic debt of N56.96 billion as at March 31, 2019, according to the latest state debt data obtained from the Debt Management Office (DMO). This places the state among Nigerian states with the lightest debt burden. Ondo ranked eighth least indebted state in the country, leading 29 others in the federation including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Ondo state government under the leadership of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, has rewritten the economic history of the state for good through industrialization and partnership with foreign investors who are expertise in converting raw materials into finished products.

While debt is tamed at one end, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) is being grown aggressively at the other, making the state financially stable and boosting domestic investment.

Ondo state significantly increased revenue generated within the state from N8.68 billion in 2016 to N10.93 billion in 2017 and N24.79 billion in 2018. The low IGR in 2016 suggests that the state could hardly cover her recurrent expenses and at such was unable to pay up her expenses and workers’ salaries. During this period, the only option left for Ondo state was to borrow. In 2015, the state borrowed $50.2m and $49.53m in 2016.

According to National Bureau of Statistics, Akeredolu’s led administration with the tremendous increase on the state IGR, Ondo state becomes the only state in the Southwest Nigeria that made progress in the unemployment rate statistics between July to September 2018 compared with the same period a year earlier.

The unemployment rate in Ondo state dropped in the third quarter (Q3) of 2018 to 14.2%. This represents 1.17 percentage points lower when compared with 15.4% recorded in the corresponding period of 2017. Ondo state is rated among the 9 states of the federation that were able to curtail unemployment in the review period even when the economic index worsened in twenty-eight states including the federal capital territory.

Further data analysis by the nation’s statistics bureau show that Ondo state added 122,708 fresh job within the one-year period under review, boosting the number of employed persons, which comprises those engaged in full-time jobs and the underemployed, in the state from 2.02 million in Q3 2017 to 2.14 million.

The unbridled desire of the Ondo state governor towards boosting the state economy through industrialization and Agriculture has really paid off in the state economic growth and employment rate. As one of the established industries, Wee-Wood Afforestation company from China, inclined in combating desertification, encroachment and Land degradation, has presently, employed 1000 youths at Wee-Wood Nigeria, Limited Omotosho in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State. which speak loud in the State

While on the other hand, Ondo-Linyi Industrial Hub, wood processing, Cassava- Ethanol Plant and textile company situated in Ore is said to generate 20, 000 job opportunities in no distant time. Also to encourage farmers, Ondo-Linyi buys Cassava proceedings from local farmers in Ondo state which invariably increases the farmer’s standard of living as well as generating more funds for the Ondo state government.

Genevieve Alozie
TCC NEWS

The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Diaspora Innovation Institute, USA.

With the MoU, the university will enjoy research benefits from the Carnegie Foundation in America which in turn will help create wealth from waste for the youth in Ondo State.

The cheery news was disclosed by the Chief Engagement Officer of Diaspora Innovation Institute, Prince Akin Ojomo during a chat with our correspondent.

Ojomo said plans have reached advanced stage to introduce a waste management and integration project at FUTA to teach youths how to create wealth from waste.

By this collaborative venture, he explained that the University and Carnage African Diaspora will make Ondo State a centre of excellence in creating wealth from waste.

The Diaspora Innovation Institute, a United States based diaspora engagement and Thinktank at the City University of New York, USA recently signed a Partnership Agreement with a South African institution, African Centre for Global Learning (Pty) Ltd ACGL operating a world class facilities to promote global Digital training, and exchange programmes for youths in Nigeria and South Africa.

During the event which took place in Midrand, South Africa, the Principal Consultant of the project, Mr Felix Lombwa of ACGL expressed his excitement about the program especially the partnership to attract youths from Nigeria which he said would provide a great opportunity for States to invest in the people especially the Youths.

The Training program includes; Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things IOT, Robotics and so on which forms the basis of the Fourth Industrial Revolution 4IR.

In his response, the Chief Engagement Officer for Diaspora Innovation Institute, USA, Prince Akinwale Ojomo who was in South Africa for the Agreement signing expressed his optimism about the program and being the partner in Nigeria to pre-qualify, screen and facilitate travel documents for participants. He further stated the benefits that will accrue to the Corporate and State Sponsors which include but not limited to having a well digitally trained citizens with current Digital Transformation Knowledge, Entrepreneurial and Self reliance skills.

In addition, he called on State governments to sponsor participants for the program as this would mean investing on the Youths to support policy challenges, innovative government, efficient service delivery and creation of Innovation Hub in the State.

The partner from Nigeria was conducted round the facilities and assured that the participants will learn under a secured environment.

Finally, ACGL, the Training firm is located in Midrand, Gauteng Province which is a safe and learning business district of South Africa. An estimated 1million youths will be trained in Africa within the next 10years.

Source: https://www.thehopenewspaper.com/futa-signs-mou-with-institute-on-wealth-creation/