₦airaland Forum

As part of efforts put in place to eradicate killer diseases among children, Ondo State Government has introduced Meningitis vaccine(Men A) into Routine Immunisation Schedule.

To this end, mothers and caregivers have been advised to present their children who are between 9 and 15 months for the vaccination.

Speaking at the ceremony to mark the introduction of the vaccine, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Wahab Adegbenro described measles, yellow fever and meningitis as killer diseases in children noting that vaccines have been made available for children at nine month old to prevent their occurrence in them.

Commending Federal Government for the introduction of Men A vaccine to eradicate meningitis, Adegbenro hinted that the vaccine which will be given free of charge, has no side effect.

While expressing appreciation to the state development partners for the support in the state, he reiterated government’s resolve to continue to improve health care delivery in the state, noting that the long awaited Contributory Health Scheme of government will commence in October, 2019.

According to him, the scheme will enable everyone who keys into it access health at no cost adding that government will pay the premium for pregnant women, under five children and the vulnerable group.

Speaking earlier, representative of the Special Adviser on Health and Executive Secretary, Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Francis Akanbiemu, described meningitis as a deadly disease which could be prevented by vaccination.

He stated that the introduction of the vaccine into the routine immunisation schedule will assist in eradicating the deadliest killer disease of child growth.

While acknowledging the effort of the present government in the state in providing enabling environment for efficient and effective health care delivery he implored health workers to give the vaccine diligently.

He however, called on the people to pass the message across to others in their jurisdiction.

Representative of partner agencies, Mr. Tunde Ayoade, while congratulating the state government said the achievement is in line with World Health Organization (WHO).

He affirmed that the vaccine is safe and effective, saying, “it will protect Nigerian children from deadly disease.”

On his part, representative of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Mr. Adetunji Adeoye described meningitis as a devastating disease which remains a major public health challenge.

According to him, the introduction of its vaccine provides protection against Neisseria Meningitis serotype A and assured that the vaccine alongside other vaccines provided by Federal Government is safe, potent and effective in protecting children from vaccine preventable diseases.

The Ondo state government is expanding the scope of the state-owned Ondo Sunshine Travels

- The main aim of the expansion is to create transport entrepreneurs in the state

- The government is also partnering a private investor to achieve the feat while providing support by way of enabling the environment.

The Ondo government has expanded its transportation business with the main aim of creating transport entrepreneurs in the state. This was disclosed by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu when he inaugurated the state owned Ondo Sunshine Travels on Saturday, August 17.

The initiative is a result of a bipartisan business relationship between the Ondo state government and Peace Mass Transit (PMT) Ltd.

The PMT-Ondo Sunshine is said to be the first of its own kind, involving a state government in a and a private entrepreneur who has guaranteed the enormous capital outlay, while the government provided crucial counterpart support by way of enabling the environment.

Ondo Sunshine Travels is conceived to provide jobs for indigenes of the state and create transport entrepreneurs through the Driver-to-owner (DTO) scheme pioneered by PMT.

The owner of PMT, Chief Samuel Onyishi pledged at the inauguration to spare no resources to ensure the Ondo Sunshine Travels delivered on its mandate to avail Ondo people and all Nigerians at large a transportation that is safe, affordable, and pleasurable.

The entrepreneur also hailed Governor Akeredolu for rendering populist services, stressing that the governor apparently draws his professional exposure as a human right lawyer and activist before venturing into partisan politics.

In a related development, the Akwa Ibom state government has kick-started its own flour business as part of its plans to industrialize the state.

The flour mill located in the state, has a 500 metric tons per day capacity and will create over 1,000 job opportunities for young people in the state, capable of turning Akwa Ibom into a major hub in bakery services in the region.

Source: https://www.legit.ng/1254947-ondo-govt-invests-transportation-business-create-transport-entrepreneurs.html

In view of the recent flooding that have devastated major cities, towns and villages in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, which had caused untold hardship to our people. It is now pertinent to note that, the much neglected MONTHLY ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION OF EVERY LAST SATURDAY is now back and compulsory for all and sundry to cushion the effect of flooding and to make our environment clean of dirtiness.

During this exercise, there shall be restrictions of human and vehicular movement from 7:00AM-10:00AM, for total compliance. Therefore, occupants of every houses, Churches, Mosques, Schools, Business Premises, Motor Parks, et al, are expected to make their environment clean; clearing and evacuation of drainages in and around their environments.

I, therefore, appeal to all citizenry, especially the Traditional Institutions and Kabiyesis, Churches and spiritual heads, Drivers' Unions, Market Women and men, Business owners and cooperate organisations, School owners and artisans, hospitals and hotel owners, heads of homes and families, to educate their people of the importance to comply with the directive of the local Government

However, defaulters will be prosecuted in accordance with the environmental laws of Ondo State.

Signed:
Omo'ba Abayomi Adesanya
Chairman, Okitipupa Local Government Area.
15th August, 2019.

The prices of food items witnessed a decline in Ondo and Ogun as the consumer price index, which measures inflation, came in at 11.08%; 0.14 percentage points lower than the 11.22% recorded in June.

This is according to the CPI/Inflation report released by the National Bureau of Statistics on Friday.

Inflation measures the rate of increase in the prices of goods and services within a period. A drop in inflation rate does not necessarily translate to a drop in prices.

“In July 2019, food inflation on a year on year basis was highest in Kebbi (17.75%), Ekiti (16.23%) and Adamawa (16.00%), while Delta (10.60%), Bayelsa (10.43%) and Kogi (10.36%) recorded the slowest rise,” the report read.

“On month on month basis however, July 2019 food inflation was highest in Yobe (2.82%),Taraba (2.56%) and Ekiti (2.38%), while Kogi (0.06%) recorded the slowest rise with Ogun and Ondo recording food price deflation or negative inflation (general decrease in the general price level of goods and services or a negative
inflation rate).”

All the indices that contribute to the CPI witnessed a slowdown — same as June.

On a year-on-year basis, Urban inflation was put at 11.43% as against 11.61% in June; rural inflation at 10.64% as against 10.87% in the preceding month.

“The composite food index rose by 13.39% in July 2019 compared to 13.56% in June 2019. The All items less farm produce or Core inflation, which excludes the prices of volatile agricultural produce stood at 8.80% in July 2019, down by 0.04% when compared with 8.84% recorded in June 2019.”

The Central Bank of Nigeria and federal government still express hope of a single-digit inflation rate with the latter benchmarking inflation at 9.98% in the 2019 budget.

IN response to the unacceptable growing cases of rape in the country, I encourage women of all ages to undertake Taekwondo training for self- defence.

“And in line with what Eneke the bird said: Since men have learned to shoot without missing, I have learned to fly without perching.”

These were the words of the Ondo governor’s wife, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu during a visit to the Ondo Police Commissioner of Police, Mr. Undie Adie in Akure to personally deliver a protest letter to express her disdain over the rate of rape cases across the state.

Determined to curb incidences of rape in the state, Mrs. Akeredolu said females both young and old would be trained in Taekwondo as a self- defence against the menace in the state.

According to her, the decision was taken following the recent rape of a 300 level student of Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko last week by a soldier, Sunday Awolola, at a military checkpoint.

She expressed her displeasure over the rising cases of rape in the state in recent times and urged victims to fight for their rights.

The randy soldier had been dismissed and charged to court by the Ondo Police Command after he was handed over to the police by the Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier-General Zakari Abubakar.

The governor’s wife was accompanied to the Police Commissioner’s office by a trained Taekwondo expert, whose services had been engaged by her to show her determination.

Akeredolu appealed to the Police to ensure that the perpetrators are treated as criminals for violating a civilian and be prosecuted accordingly.

She said: “I am making a public announcement that we are going to promote Taekwondo in Ondo State, all our daughters will learn Taekwondo for our safety because if the student had the skill, those randy soldiers couldn’t have been able to overcome her.”

Also, she said: “If the case of Soldiers rape in Army uniform is not swept under the carpet and the perpetrators are made to face the wrath of the law, it would serve as a deterrent to others.”

Responding, the Commissioner of Police Undie Adie assured the governor’s wife that the issue would be given the desired seriousness, noting that the Police have not been taken rape cases with levity.

The Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has disclosed that the time to restructure the Nigeria Police has come to enable it tackle the various security challenges facing the country, especially in the South West region.

Akeredolu who made the disclosure at the weekend during the 2019 Oka Day Festival, held at the new palace of the Olubaka of Oka-Akoko Kingdom, Oba Yusuf Adebori Adeleye, insisted that the police architecture needs total restructuring as the central police command system was no longer effective.

He specifically called for state police to combat increased spate of insecurity in the country, describing the security challenges as very alarming.

This is coming as the Olubaka of Oka-Akoko Kingdom, Oba Yusuf Adebori Adeleye, applauded the governor for the rehabilitation of the Owo/Ikare Road which had been in a very bad shape for the past few years.

The governor, who described the security situation in the South-West as worrisome, also decried a situation where those who should secure the people are now allegedly taking to raping of innocent school girls.

“The police architecture needs total restructuring. Central police cannot work and it is not working except we are deceiving ourselves. What we are saying is that the time has come to have state police in this country. The challenge we are having is alarming and it is a very serious matter.

“Those we also put on our roads to secure us are now raping our daughters. So, we have a great challenge and something has to be done,” Akeredolu emphasised.

The governor, however, challenged the Senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District, Senator Ajayi Boroffice and other National Assembly members in the state to lead the voice for the amendment of the necessary Acts in the constitution to pave way for the creation of state police in the country, promising to give them necessary support.

Akeredolu who also revealed that many schools have been reconstructed in Oka town apart from other road projects in the ongoing aggressive infrastructural drive by his administration, equally promised to do more to make lives more comfortable for the people in Akoko area.

The governor further hinted that his government has continued to support farmers greatly by giving them agric inputs and allowing them to farm without disturbances.

“What is more important is how we allow our farmers to farm without any rancour. Before now, they send you out of the farms on yearly basis, but we have not sent anyone out of the farm. I know that farming will get to its rightful place very soon,” he said.

He assured farmers that they would be wealthy under his administration and that their farm produce including yams would be exported massively for foreign exchange thereby changing their lives for better.

Earlier, the Olubaka of Oka-Akoko Kingdom, Oba Yusuf Adebori Adeleye, appreciated the Governor for the various infrastructural projects being executed by his administration in Oka town, saying such has positively impacted on the lives of the people of the affected areas.

“I want to thank our dear Arakunrin Akeredolu once again for the rehabilitation of Iwaro/Oke Oka road last year,” he said. The monarch equally thanked the Governor for appointing three of the sons and daughters of the town as Permanent Secretaries, describing it as unprecedented in the history of Oka town.

Oba Adeleye further applauded Akeredolu for the ongoing rehabilitation of bad and abandoned boreholes in Oka Town, noting that over 60 boreholes are now functional since the work began last week, and this has helped address water challenges in the affected areas.

He appreciated the governor for his approval for the construction of new schools in the town. He particularly assured the governor of the readiness of Ondo State Council of Obas to continue to support the him for another term in view of his developmental projects in Akoko land as well as commitment to the transformation of the state at large.

Following the injection of additional 30 reconditioned cars for the use of the Ondo State Government, the State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has directed that the Permanent Secretaries who recently pulled out of the State Public Service be given one each of the vehicles as part of their retirement benefits.

Akeredolu said the directive became necessary in view of the promise he made to the former accounting officers when they came to bid him farewell on their retirement.

Announcing this to a cross section of Public Servants in Akure during the unveiling of the 30 reconditioned cars, Arakunrin Akeredolu said paucity of funds had made it impossible for the State Government to purchase official vehicles for members of his cabinet who have been serving the state for over two years now.

While calling for patience from all critical sectors in the state Public Service in need of operational vehicles, Governor Akeredolu assured of the unrelenting desire of his administration to reawaked the state economy towards prosperity.

“Let me stress that the units of vehicles being commissioned today cannot go round. But as more are completed, more people will get what is due to them”, he said.

The Commissioner for Finance, Mr Wale Akinterinwa said the occasion was a good day for the Ondo State Public Service in view of the fact that Governor Akeredolu has continually kept his promises to the state

He noted that Akeredolu is entrenching on the Sunshine State a good governance model hinged on Strategic Transformational Leadership which in no time will make the state the envy of others.

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.

President Muhammadu Buhari has observed that a peaceful Libya will help the overall development of Africa.

He made the declaration when he received Letters of Credence from the Ambassador of Libya, Ayad Musbah Faraj Attayary, at the State House, Abuja, on Thursday.

The President said that early restoration of peace and stability in the country will greatly minimise the current state of insecurity experienced in some parts of Africa.

“Our efforts should be directed towards the restoration of peace. It is expedient that peace and stability return to Libya as soon as possible; peace in Libya will translate to economic prosperity and development as well as a more secure Africa,” he said.

President Buhari also told the Ambassador that, as a strong member of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), a peaceful Libya will also help stabilise the oil industry. He expressed the belief that with more commitment from all parties in the conflict and other well-meaning individuals, the North African country “will soon be back as it was so that it can resume its roles in Africa.”

The Ambassador who conveyed the greetings of the Prime Minister of Libya said his country was counting on Nigeria to use its position in Africa to help his country return to normalcy. He praised President Buhari for consolidating Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa through its intervention activities.


Also receiving Letters of Credence from the Ambassador of Venezuela to Nigeria, Davies Nieves Velasquez, President Buhari congratulated President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela for his commitment to democracy and for leadership.

The Ambassador expressed appreciation to President Buhari for his show of support and solidarity to the Government of Venezuela at this time and expressed the need to take bilateral cooperation between the two countries to the next level. He expressed the belief that the ties could be stronger especially in the fields of education and health. He extended the invitation of his President to President Buhari to visit Venezuela.

In his remarks, while presenting his Letters of Credence to the President, the Ambassador of Myanmar to Nigeria, Myint Swe, said his country highly respects the position of Nigeria as the giant of Africa and shares similarities with Nigeria in the diversity of ethnic groups.

He stated determination to use his tenure as Ambassador to strengthen trade relations especially in the areas of wildlife, natural resources and water resources; “my time will see the growth in relations between our countries,” he said.



Also receiving in farewell audience the Ambassador of Zimbabwe to Nigeria, His Excellency, Lovemore Mazemo, President Buhari explained that the devastation that accompanied Cyclone Idai, which ravaged Zimbabwe earlier this year, was so enormous that Nigeria could not afford to look the other way, and had to offer a helping hand.

He said: “It was a major disaster, and it caused damage in billions of dollars. Nigeria, despite our own challenges, had to provide aid to ameliorate the situation,” adding that he was glad that the outgoing Ambassador and his country appreciated the hand of fellowship.

Cyclone Idai ravaged Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Malawi, and is believed to be the costliest natural disaster in South-West Indian Ocean basin. Goods and properties estimated at two billion dollars were lost.

President Buhari also recalled the role Nigeria played to secure the Independence of Zimbabwe from apartheid minority rule, noting: “We remain proud of what Nigeria did in those days.”

Ambassador Mazemo, who spent four-and-a-half years in Nigeria, said he found a home here, “and a family among your wonderful people.”

Saying that assistance was given by Nigeria after the cyclone “went a long way to relieve our people,” he added that relationship between the two countries had improved tremendously in recent years.

The Ambassador congratulated President Buhari on the confidence reposed in him by his people, making them to elect him twice, and equally lauded him for the leadership he has provided for Africa in the war against corruption.

Ondo State civil servants have been urged to maintain government properties adequately in order to reduce maintenance cost on assets.

The Commissioner for Finance, Mr Wale Akinterinwa gave this advice at a stakeholders seminar organised for Ministries, Extra-ministerial Departments and Agencies (MEDAs) and the state branch of the National Association of Auctioneers held in Akure, the state capital.

Akinterinwa said the seminar was to identify the need for individuals to be more cautious with the use of government properties in their care and procedure of listing them for auctioning if they become unserviceable.

He said the theme for the seminar, “Proper Maintenance of Government Properties and Documentation Process” will impact on the civil servants as to profer the best procedure to ensure proper management of government assets.

He observed that government officials have not been cautious in handling government properties and assets with the best global practices as well as the need to reduce maintenance cost to improve revenue generation drive.

His words, ” This present administration has put a lot of efforts in place to ensure that the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) improves and ensure good service delivery. It is imperative that every government official should ensure that government properties are adequately maintained.

” Where a particular item of inventory is found to be impaired or worn-out, it should be recommended for auctioning by the Board of Survey,” he stressed.

The Director of the Ministry, Mrs Monisola Olaoye explained that three agencies of ministries were involved in auctioning, pointing to the Accountant General’s office, Auditor General’s office and the Ministry of Finance.

After informing the finance ministry, Olaoye said the tripartite ministries would look into the items to know if they were properly priced and did the needful before auctioning.

She noted that only qualified auctioneers who had paid their dues were authorised to perform the auctioning, while the money would be paid into the coffers of the state government within seven days after auctioning.

The seminar took participants through three presentations on,” The Responsibilities and Roles of Public Administration in Store Management and Inventory Control System (ICS), “Management and Effective Utilization of Government Assets and Properties through Due Process” and “Role and Responsibilities of Auctioneers in Government Revenue Generation through Public Auctioneering.”

Members of Sukuna Community, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, have demanded that Chevron Nigeria Limited pay them N5bn damages following the alleged explosion of the oil firm’s Ojumole Oil Well near their community.

The community members, who claimed that the oil well exploded and went up in flames on April 18, 2019, said they were severely affected as all the efforts by the company to stop the fire did not succeed until about two months after.



They claimed that apart from the shock they suffered from the sudden loud explosion and the thick smoke that enveloped their community, their farmlands and water were also allegedly polluted in a bid by Chevron to put out the fire.

In a pre-action letter dated July 30, 2019 written to Chevron through their lawyer, Ige Asemudara, the community members demanded that the oil company should pay them N5bn for their loss, failing which they would go to court.

They also demanded a comprehensive medical examination of every member of the community and treatment of any ailment which any of the community member might have suffered from the incident.

They also demanded that Chevron undertake an immediate clean-up of their environment.

The lawyer said the community briefed him that “despite the enormity of this unfortunate occurrence, your company was very nonchalant, looked away and insensitively delayed any intervention making it possible for the fire to spread to other oil wells within the Ojumole field.”

He said, “Our clients suffered great discomfort, material losses, health hazards, pains, imposed darkness, environmental pollution and degradation for well over two months as the fire raged until it was put out at about 1:00pm on the 30th day of June 2019. As we write, the bad effect of the injurious fire still lingers.

“Whilst our clients were counting their losses directly occasioned by the avoidable fire, they were stunned that in a bid to put out the fire, more havoc was wrecked on our clients’ farms, ponds, compound, field and other parts of the environment as the debris and remains evacuated from the burnt field were deposited on them.

“Without the permission of our clients or any lease or sale in that regard, your company erected a huge platform on our clients’ land upon which your helicopters now land and you do other activities thereon.



“Irked by these sad developments, our clients made several efforts to communicate with your company in order to be able to find an amicable and just way of resolving the issues, it was all without success. Sadly, your company has failed, refused or perhaps neglected to approach our clients for a solution to the problems created by your actions and to restore our clients to the healthy and happy condition of life they enjoyed before your illicit acts.”

Asemudara said the community gave Chevron 14 days to meet their demands, failing which they would sue.

A group, the Concerned Ilaje Citizens, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to appoint an indigene of Ondo State as the next Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission.

In a statement jointly signed by Dr Bode Obayelu, Tunde Omojuwa, Benson Shemudara, Prince Bode Ojabogun and Rev. Nicodemus Odolo, the group said as the fifth largest oil-producing community in Nigeria, Ondo State deserved to produce the next NDDC MD.



It urged Buhari to ignore the Ondo Elders Forum, which had said the next NDDC MD should come from Delta State.

The CIC said the other oil-producing states, such as Akwa Ibom, Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa states, had had the opportunity of producing the Managing Director, Executive Director of Finance and Administration and Executive Director, Projects of the NDDC.

“The first Board of the NDDC (2001-2004) had Godwin Omene and Emmanuel Agwariavwodo, both from Delta State; Chief Timi Alaibe, from Bayelsa; as well as Udoh Mboso and Ukot, both from Akwa Ibom State.

“Second board (2005-2009) had Chief Timi Alaibe from Bayelsa as the MD; Chief P.Z Aginigha from Delta as the EDFA; and Beniah Ojurn from Rivers as the EDP.

“The third board (2009-2011) had Mr Uguwoha from Rivers as MD; Chief P.Z. Aginigha from Delta as the EDFA; and Etteh from Akwa-Ibom as the EDP.

“Still, the third board (2011-2013) had Dr Christian Oboh from Rivers as the MD; Mr Lambert Konboye from Delta as the EDFA; while Edikan Eshiet Eshiet from Akwa Ibom was the EDP.

“If the NDDC Act can be strictly followed in the appointment of the board chairman, why can’t the same Act be obeyed in the appointment of the Managing Director and Executive Directors for the commission?” the CIC said.

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 .

The management of the National Youth Service Corps in Ondo State has commended the state governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, for his intervention in giving the orientation camp in the state a face-lift.

The State coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs Grace Akpabio who led the management team on a "Thank You" visit to the Governor at the Governor's office, Alagbaka, Akure on Monday, commended the Governor for always keeping to his words.

She hailed Governor Akeredolu for having the love of the youths at heart and for his continuous support towards them.

The NYSC coordinator appreciated the Governor for the perimeter fence which is being constructed at the Orientation camp presently.

She also thanked the Governor for the giving the NYSC an utility Vehicle .

Mrs Akpabio said the Corp members in the state which were represented by a few of them at the Governor's office were also part of the delegation to wish the governor a happy birthday.

Responding, Governor Akeredolu who said he was at the camp on an inspection visit when the facility was still in a dilapidated state, assured the NYSC management that he would be at the camp soon.

He said his administration will see to the provision of a canopy to provide shade for youth Corps members during their weekly Community Development Service (CDS)

Olabode R Olatunde
Special Assistant to the Governor (New Media)
29th July 2019

As part of his administration's commitment to building young Entreprenuers and attracting massive investment into Ondo State, the state Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has declared that the state is prepared to host the sixth edition of Africa's Young Entreprenuers Empowerment Nigeria (AYEEN) 2019 Convention.

The Africa's Young Entreprenuers is a platform with a vision of successfully developing Africa’s budding entrepreneurs through mutual networking, and with established captains of industries.

The A.Y.E brings learning, resources and business acumen, with the aim of developing young entrepreneurs within the age of 18 - 45 with 12.6 million members in 20 African Countries.

Receiving the delegation of the A. Y. E, led by the President, Summy Francis, at the Governor's Office, Alagbaka, Akure, Governor Akeredolu said the state will cooperate and host the coming convention of the organisation, billed to hold on Saturday, December 14th, 2019.

Akeredolu said he is particularly interested in the building of young entrepreneurs and the far reaching effects on the people, especially the young ones.

He said the A. Y. E projects was concerned about giving back to the people and reaching out to the poorest of the poor so as to make them self reliant in the future.

Arakunrin Akeredolu informed that the state had also gathered a number of young entrepreneurs under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) programs.

Speaking earlier, the President of A. Y. E, Francis, said the convention, when hosted by the state, will boost the economic activities and also provide opportunity for young Enterprenuers and students in the state.

While informing that the theme of the convention is "Enterprenuership intervention for poverty eradication", Francis said the only way to stop the spread of poverty, especially among young people, was to empower them.

He highlighted some of the program of the organisation, which included the Enter Cycle Fund for Grassroot and SMEs, as a means of helping young SMEs and Enterprenuers grow their ideas and Bussiness.

Olabode Richard Olatunde
Special Assistant to the Governor (New Media)
29th July, 2019

Ondo State government has given farmers in the govt farm setting & reserves the end of July to pay up their yearly dues that had lapsed.

The Commissioner for Agric Asiwaju Adefarati Gboyega handed down the ultimatum during an interface with traditional rulers, Olus, Camp Heads and farmers in the farmMind settlement at the Fadama Hall Akure.

According to Adefarati the meeting was informed by their failure to pay to the govt coffer what was agrees on as at and when due.

Adefarati told the farmers, camp heads and the Olus that Ondo State Govt patience is running out over their recalcitrant attitude in honouring the gentlemen playing agreement in paying with is due to the govt.

To ensure compliance, the commissioner has directed The Governor”s task force to arrest any defaulter as from the first week of August.

Adefarati who said it was very dishearten that farmers especially those in the govt reserves and settlements are not reciprocating govt good measure and policy towards improving their lots added from now those that refuses to cooperate will blame themselves.

He told the farmers that the ondo State govt has approved 60km of farm roads for construction and rehabilitation, purchase of 20 tractors and five hilux vehicles.

According to Adefarati all these are geared towards making lives more amendable to farmers in the state.

He advised all the farmers in the state that has not registered their titles to take advantage of the window of opportunity now and perfect their papers before month end vowing that any farm and camp not captured meant that such does not exist.

According to the record, only 86 farm camps have paid so far out 600 camps are believed to be in existence in the Farm settlements across the state

Earlier the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Segun Odusanya and the Deputy Coordinator Governor’s Task Force on Special duties Mr Genga Atiba enjoined the farmers & camp heads to be law abiding as everything will change from the first week of August as the task force will arrest all defaulters.

Chief Oladimeji Ero and Mrs Ayo Faderera from Ifon and Akure Ofosu who spoke on behalf of the farmers enjoined their colleagues to give the Government of Oluwarotimi Akeredolu the maximum support it deserved because it has done a lot towards making live better for the farmers.

Sequel to the recent incessant cases of sexual harassment against minors in Nigeria, Ondo state inclusive, the wife of the State Governor, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu has declared enough is enough war against the dastardly act.

In her quest to provide adequate intervention, Mrs. Akeredolu has therefore convened stakeholders’ meeting at the Rotunda hall government’s house ground Alagbaka to fashion out way forward to curtail the ugly trend in the state.

At the meeting were the Human Rights Commision, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, Women and children-based NGOs, Forum of the wives of State Officials, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Titi Adeyemi, female Political office holders, representatives of the Nigerian Police, NAFDAC, Nigeria Civil Defence Corps, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu Foundation, BAAF, parents of some victims of sexual harassment among others.

The two cases that serve as catalysts for the prompt intervention were the defilement of two girls in Irele and Owo local government areas of the state last week, age 6 and 7 respectively.

Mrs. Akeredolu who condemned the ugly development in strong term, expressed readiness to synergise with appropriate stakeholders in ensuring that assault against minors, especially rape is eradicated in the state.

She advocates massive awareness campaign against the trend, assuring that the meeting will produce a logical and convincing conclusion to curb it.

“What we have done today is to set the pace, this meeting is to send a very strong signal, that it is no longer a business as usual; government will continue to look at us seriously that we are committed to end or reduce the incidence of rape that is almost an epidemic in Ondo state.

“As the first lady of Ondo state and the mother of all, I said I can no longer take it anymore”. She noted.

Reacting to the two recent cases, Mrs. Akeredolu enjoined parents not to endanger the lives of their children, especially girls in the name of religion, and to also ensure that children are in school at the appropriate hours.

The only female lawmaker in the state House of Assembly, Mrs. Favour Tomomewo said women need to rise up against the trend, adding that there is a need for aggressive awareness to encourage people to report cases of rape and defilement without fear of intimidation.

The commissioner for Women Affairs on her part stressed the need for strong collaboration with relevant ministries, agencies, and local governments, saying that the issue is becoming so alarming.

The meeting brought to the limelight, the newly inaugurated Ondo State Gender-based Violence Response Squad with a commitment to appoint representatives in all the local government areas of the state who will be sending distress calls to the concerned authorities in case of minors defilement and rape incidents.

Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Dotun Owanikin has called for the reintroduction of zonal sporting events to discover hidden talents across the state.

Mr. Owanikin stated this when the management of Ondo State Sports Council paid him courtesy visit.

The Commissioner said zonal sporting meets were one of the methods being employed by the State government in the 70s and 80s to fish out talented youths.

"I know that Ondo State is blessed with numerous talents. They are everywhere in the rural areas. The best way to discover them is through events held in those places. We have to return to the way we used to do it by reviving zonal sporting competitions.
I am sure when this system is reintroduced, it will go a long way to help us achieve our vision of achievement through winning of laurels."

He explained that winning events was the only way to show that efforts had been expended on preparation.

"Winning is the only way we can reciprocate governments huge investment in sports.
And I will not everything to achieve that vision."

He charged everyone involved in sports such as administrators, coaches and athletes to work together as a unit.

"We have to shun all divisive tendencies as it will derail our goal of achieving results. I am a team player. I have faith in collective efforts. All hands must be on deck to take Ondo State back to the summit of sports in Nigeria."

Earlier, the General Manager of the Council, Chief Wande Fabuluje had informed the Commissioner that all activities in the council were in progress.

Chief Fabuluje solicited assistance of the Commissioner to repair the leaking roofs in the Akure stadium.

Similarly, Director of Facility, Mr. Faluta Clement called for the improvement of the facilities at the Swimming pool and the Multipurpose Hall.

The Commissioner was later presented with a document detailing the Council's achievements and challenges as well as sporting wears.

Sunday Ajibola,
Press Officer, Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Early diagnosis and routine based population-level screening can significantly improve cancer outcomes and patients survival in Nigeria.

This was the submission of the wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu at the Multidisciplinary Cancer Management Course, organized by the Society of Oncology and Cancer Research of Nigeria, (SOCRON), and American Society of Clinical Oncology, ASCO, in Lagos at the weekend.

According to Mrs. Akeredolu who is the Founder of Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria, (BRECAN), promoting early diagnosis of cervical and breast cancer among women will go a long way in achieving remarkable success in cancer care and control.

She also stressed the need to improve patient navigation at the health systems level, while lamenting that a sizable proportion of patients are lost to follow-up in the cancer care continuum as a result of the complexity and poor functioning of health system, especially as it relates to cancer care.

Mrs. Akeredolu disclosed that every single day in Nigeria, 39 women are diagnosed of cervical cancer, while 22 die on that same day, with breast cancer killing 36 women daily.

The BRECAN founder therefore called for critical evaluation of Nigerian health system and re-model it to ensure accessibility, affordability and quality in order to curb loss to follow-up.

According to her, there is also a need to actively engage religious leaders who in most cases are either the first point of call or the only point of call for women noticing breast cancer symptoms.

To achieve cancer care and control, both health providers and civil societies must consciously and conscientiously engage the governments to act more responsibly in ensuring the formulation and implementation of cancer care and control at their respective levels.

Given the low position breast and cervical cancer occupy on the ladder of health priorities in Nigeria, Mrs. Akeredolu called for relentless effort in advocating for government to make both forms of cancer a priority and create a budget with adequate funding for its control.

Anxiety has gripped the ancient town of Owo as the Council of Senior Omolowos cast vote today to pick the next king.

The exalted throne became vacant on Tuesday April 17, following the demise of Oba David Victor Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi.

The Hope reliably gathered through the spokesman of the council, Chief Jamiu Ekungba that the voting has been fixed for 3pm.

The full text messages conveying the information read “please be informed that the voting is Friday July 12, 2019 at 3pm.

Owo tradition, according to sources empowers the council of Senior Omolowos to select by voting any of the candidates vying for the Olowo stool.

Eighteen Princes drawn from the Elewokun dynasty obtained nomination forms while 16 of them showed up for the screening.

Our correspondent who visited the town yesterday observed that palpable anxiety has gripped the residents of the town about the choice of the Senior Omolowos.

Some market women openly offered prayers that a popular candidate would find favour with the king makers.

A trader, Mrs Olamoyon Adafin hoped that the final choice of a new king will bring to an end the agony of trading at the Ogwata market which is not convenient for traders.

Water tight security has been thrown around Owo town to forestal any break down of law and order.

The Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN has reiterated his commitment to the welfare of the people of the state, as he charged members of the State Cabinet to brace up to the challenges ahead. "The people expect more from us", he said.

Governor Akerdolu spoke yesterday at the meeting of the State Executive Council, the first since the inuaguration of a new Head of Service, Oluwadare Aragbaiye as well as a minor cabinet reshuffle arising from the appointment of five Commissioners and two Special Advisers.

The Governor said:
In spite of the dwindling finances everywhere in the country, we have no excuse to fail the people of the state who have invested their confidence in the government. Ours is to continue to discharge our responsibility as effectively as we can.

The primary responsibility of government is to provide for the people, their basic needs some of which are statutory obligations which are more often, described as dividends of democracy.

The modest achievements so far recorded notwithstanding, there is still much to be done and the people are more expectant by the day. We therefore have no reason to fail the good people of the state, that is not an option.

By this charge, cabinet members have an obligation to be closer to the people at the grassroots as good ambassadors of government. Therefore, the more effective way to endear the government to the people lies in the conscious efforts of cabinet members to visit their local governments regularly, at least one a week.

The new commissioners are: Rt. Hon Fatai Olotu(Lands and Housing), Hon. Temitayo Oluwarotimi(Natural Resources), Mrs Titilayo Adeyemi(Women Affairs and Social Development), Adedotun Owanikin, Esq and Mrs Yetunde Adeyanju (Water Resources, Public Sanitation and Hygiene).

The advisers include: Hon. Babatunde Kolawole(Community and Rural Development) and Hon. Oyebo Aladetan(Niger Delta Matters).

Signed:

Donald Ojogo,
Hon. Commissioner for Information and Orientation
July 11, 2019

The purposeful planting season in Ondo State continues to receive the attention and assistances of Ondo State Ministry of Agriculture through the insightful and ingenuous leadership of her Commissioner, Asiwaju Adegboyega Adefarati.

Special attention is given to Cocoa farming for the State to regain its lost glory of bumper harvest and production of cocoa to the international market. This exercise shall be carried out in all the producing regions of Ondo State. Last time, the Commissioner was in Ile-Oluji to do the same (distribution).

Revamping cocoa production in Nigeria will greatly help Nigerian economy in areas of economic diversification, generation of direct and indirect employments, income generation, foreign exchange earnings and a host of others.
Kudos to our own Asiwaju!

A group, Private Sector Drive For Good Governance in Ondo State, has said the continuity of the Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s administration is paramount to the overall development and progress of the state.

The group said Governor Akeredolu has displayed unprecedented passion and commitment to the upliftment of the state in the areas of industrialization, infrastructure, qualitative health services and many more.

The group leader, Mr. Akin Bakare, who led the group on a courtesy visit to the Governor at the Governor's office, Alagbaka, Akure, on Thursday, said the group has been monitoring Governor Akeredolu's works with special interest.

He said the Governor's second term would be a God's Agenda, stressing that the emergence of Arakunrin Akeredolu as the Governor of the state is a prayer answered.

Bakare said: "When you were coming on board, we were doubting if you would be able to perform but you have not only performed but you are breaking new doors. "

Responding, Governor Akeredolu appreciated the group for commending the things God has been able to do through his administration.

Akeredolu said it is his belief that the people deserve good governance, adding that whatever they get from the government is not dividends, but their rights.

He said his administration has touched every part of the state with the mission of giving the people good governance across board, adding that it is a duty that he has to do.

Olabode R Olatunde
Special Assistant to the Governor (New Media)
11th July, 2019.

LEADERS of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Southwest were in Akure, the Ondo State capital yesterday to reconcile the party’s feuding.

On the peace team were former Lagos, Ogun and Osun states governors Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Aremo Segun Osoba and Chief Bisi Akande as well as Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi.

They met with Governor Oluwarotimi Akredolu and other critical stakeholders of the local APC at the Heritage Hotel.

The meeting was at the instance of the host governor, it was learnt.



Other party stakeholders at the meeting were former Ondo Deputy Governor Alhaji Alli Olanusi; a governorship candidate of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in the last governorship election, Chief Olusola Oke; former Osun State Regional Integration Commissioner Bola Ilori and Isaac Kekemeke, among others.

Akeredolu, it was learnt, will be seeking the APC ticket for a second term after the expiration of his four-year tenure next year. The governor has not made his ambition public.

There was tight security at the venue as reporters and politicians, including the governor’s aides, were barred from entering.

The meeting lasted for almost four hours.

Although the resolutions reached at the meeting were not made public, it was learnt that a faction of the party that was against Akeredolu insisted on the dissolution of the party’s states executive.

Tinubu and Akande reportedly pleaded with the two factions to unite and allow peace to reign for party to retain the Sunshine State for the APC.

Speaking after the parley, Tinubu said the meeting was to restore peace and unity to the APC ahead of the next governorship election.

The APC explained that the Southwest leaders were in the state to resolve some issues that could affect the party’s fortunes.



Stating that such issues were not alien to politics, Tinubu urged leaders and members of the party not to destroy the house which they built by themselves.

According to him, the party leaders must unite as one so as to win in future elections.

He said: “We are leaving one thing behind. Charity must begin at home. We want to win the next election in Ondo State and other subsequent elections. The solution is in your hands. We want to thank you for your commitment to the party.”

Akande, who was APC’s interim National Chairman, urged the APC leaders and supporters to settle their differences in the interest of the party and future elections.

Also yesterday, the Chairman of the APC Elders Forum in Ondo, Senator Nimbe Farukanmi, cautioned gladiators against further polarisation of the fold.

The elder statesman warned that the consequences of a divided APC would not benefit any individual or group professing to love the party.

The Second Republic senator said: “I want to make a personal appeal to all stakeholders in the party to team up and promote peace. APC in Ondo State should not be allowed or encouraged to be divided.”

He spoke when he hosted the State APC Chairman, Ade Adetimehin.

Farunkanmi said: “We should encourage unity so that we can be together; our strength lies in unity, and working towards the same goal.

He commended Adetimehin and the State Working Committee for going round the state to effect reconciliation, even at the grassroots, describing the move as a worthy effort.

“It is a good thing that you are going round the state and reconciling aggrieved members of the party. I will only advise that you make sure the move is genuine and total,” Farukanmi said.

Adetimehin described the former senator as a political role model.

He said: “Baba Farukanmi has made his mark on the political scene, both in Ondo State and in Nigeria as a whole. Baba should be looked up to for advice, good conducts and behavior.”

Ondo State Ministry of Agriculture has concluded plans to commence the distributions of another batch of free Improved Cocoa Seedlings in Owo, in Owo local Government area of the state.

This exercise is to take care of farmers in the Northern Senatorial district of the state.

It is instructive to note that Ondo State Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, had earlier unveiled 2019 Agricultural Season at Mariwo farm settlement Ifedore local government l in the Central senatorial district where cocoa, rice and coconut seedlings were distributed free to farmers.

As that was not enough the commissioner for agriculture Asiwaju Adegboyega Adefarati led the management of the ministry to the distribution of improved cocoa seedlings at Ile-Oluji in Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo local government area for the southern senatorial district.

The same exercise was equally repeated at Olupona village near Itaoniyan in Akure south local government area of the state.

The free distribution of improved cocoa seedlings to farmers is part of the Ministry’s deliberate strategies to ensure farmers expand their farms, increase yields & income.

The rain of distribution of cocoa Seedlings which kicked off at Mariwo farm settlement will berth at Ehinogbe Area in Owo Local government Area of the State on Thursday.

Cocoa farmers around Owo vicinity, Ifon , Okeluse, ipele, are expected to congregate at Ehinogbe area of Owo for the free distribution of the improved cocoa seedlings.

The exercise has commenced simultaneously at ADP offices and nurseries in Ikare, Ondo city and Okitipupa where officials of the Tree Crops Unit of the Ondo State Ministry of Agriculture are on ground to attend to them and their enquiries

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Adegboyega
Adefarati will lead the management of the Ministry and some critical stakeholders in agricultural value chain addition to the event.

Farmers especially cocoa farmers and other critical stakeholders are expected to take advantage of the exercise to improve their Cocoa farms

The newly appointed Commissioner for Information and Orientation in Ondo state, Mr Donald Ojogo has enjoined the new executives of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ Ondo chapter to run an all inclusive administration.

Ojogo who gave the charge while receiving the new executives in his office on monday further urged them to prioritise members’ welfare.

According to him, the ministry will drive the information machinery of government toward achieving utmost result.

He said driving the information ministry was important to showcase government’s activities to the people in the state.

Responding, Ondo NAWOJ Chairperson, Mrs Doris Olumoko congratulated the new commissioner on his appointment and sought his support at all times for the development of the association in the state.

The Land Use Charge (LUC) in Ondo State has registered a huge support from the people of the state thus shoring up its Internally Generated Revenue to N1.7billion in June this year as against N1.5 billion last reported.

The Chairman of the State Internal Revenue Service, Mr Tolu Adegbie who gave the figures said if the trend continues, the State IGR may hit N4.5billion monthly in few years time.

He said that schools, corporate organisations, individual property owners have now bought into the scheme by signifying interest to pay the LUC and PAYE.

“Every day, we get letters from companies, schools, organisations voluntarily coming to pay LUC and their PAYE and to be part of the process on their own volition. The response has been very encouraging, only few people are not paying.

“Most of our efforts are yielding results and people are propelled because they can see transparency and that what the Governor is using the money for is right.

Allocation from Federation Account to the state keeps going down yet projects have not stopped and the Governor has not borrowed money from anywhere,” he affirmed.

He noted that sustainability of the trend is very important so that in a few years, the state could conveniently pay her workers’ salary and execute projects without waiting for allocation from the federation account.

According to him, any state that want to have economic development must focus on sustainability of its income. “Sustainability is, the key,” he posited.

Adegbie said there is a masterplan for the economic growth of the state which requires continuity in governance, citing the example of Lagos State which he said has recorded sustainable level of economic growth and development.

Realizing the fact that for an organization to succeed, its management must look at people who are doing well in that sector and how they are doing it. Adegbie said he and his team understudied Lagos and Kwara States taxation system and thereafter designed a model for Ondo State.

He disclosed that the agency made some recoveries between June and December last year from some organizations operating in the state totaling N5.7billion while assuring that the tempo will be sustained.

His words: “As we speak, we are supposed to generate N29billion, this is the set target for this year. By the grace of God, we will keep moving on. Any state that wants to have socio-economic development must focus on sustainability of its income.

“Look at the growth in IGR in Lagos State, it has been sustainable for over a long period, so, that is our model. The recoveries are there, but at the same time, we are growing our capacity for the regular tax.

“ For instance, an organization that has terminal oil well in Ondo State and has not paid tax to the state government in the past 10years. Another one has not paid tax to the state government in the past 20years. So we went after all of them and the one that has not paid tax for the past ten years started paying and from them alone, we got over a billion naira . They are still owing us backlog of arrears of tax which they promised to pay soon”.

Adegbie who averred that citizens have the right to demand for projects from government in their respective areas only when they have fulfilled their civic responsibility of tax payment noted that tax evasion is inimical to development.

“If you do what is right, you can ask questions, and honestly in Ondo State, we have been blessed with a governor that is result oriented. It is not because I am working for him, it is what we can all see, that actually, this money is being spent on what is right.

“Federal allocation is going down, yet projects are going on. So, how is it being done, it is the ingenuity of the state government, it is the taxes of people who have continued to cooperate with the government.

“So if we have a governor that is doing the work as it should be done, we should provide that sustainability to help the state develop and equally enhance strong foundation.

“Taxation should be marathon as government’s developmental plan is a marathon. If you travel abroad, you will see that they keep developing, development does not stop, it is the ripple effect of citizens’ compliance with taxation policy”.

Adegbie noted that the law on Land Use Charge was passed in 2014 and that the tax is to be charged on all land users across the federation while states like Lagos had long commenced the implementation of the policy.

On efforts of the agency at checkmating corruption among revenue collectors in the state, Adegbie affirmed that it uncovered about 25 cases of diversion of collected revenues in year 2018 while stressing that perpetrators of the offence were made to pay back the diverted funds.

He added that the concerted efforts of the agency also resulted in the discovery of a cartel of revenue fraudsters who were subsequently apprehended and handed over to the police for prosecution.

“People came to us, a lot of schools complaining that they paid Land Use Charge to some people who came and said they are staff of OSIRS and they wrote down their names and telephone numbers and they paid Land Use Charge to them.

“When the new Land Use Charge started in August and we got to them, they said they had paid, and there was no receipt to that effect, then the tax payers produced their (Officials’) telephone numbers and how much each person collected, we confirmed from them and each of them said they would bring the money, claiming that they were just keeping it for the payers and they quickly returned the money, even with the money they collected in 2017.”

He averred that such corruption cases have drastically reduced as feedbacks he gets daily from the fields indicate that revenue collectors now embrace transparency in all their activities.

Adegbie however solicited the continued cooperation and support of Ondo State residents in tax payment in order for the agency to achieve a sustainable tax level.

The Ondo State Ministry of Finance under Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu-led administration has been declared the best among the states Ministries of Finances in the South-West of Nigeria.

The Executive Director, Center for Peace and Self Value Re-orientation, Mr Oyibo Abraham disclosed this during the induction and presentation of 2019 integrity stewardship award to the state Commissioner for Finance, Mr Wale Akinterinwa in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

Abraham, who led a delegation to pay a courtesy visit on the commissioner said ” For scoring 80% cumulatively in ten sectors of assessment, Akinterinwa has been declared as ‘an outstanding leader in service”.

He noted that the commissioner has displayed an ethical leadership, Development policy percormance, public accessibility, servicom compliance, Commitment to start government transformation agenda, attitude against corruption and obedience to the rule of law.

While condermning any leader that has no respect for the rule of law, the youths and the poor masses, Abraham charged Akunterinwa to ensure that there is adequate policy frame work in harnesing and developing economic policies of the state

This, he noted will guarantee the obedience to the rule of law and the enhancement of economic and social welfare of the citizenery.

Abraham who appreciated the commissioner for thinking right, acting ethically and serving as an advocate of good governance described his organisation as resolute, determined and committed to an ideal of democracy.

In reaction, the state Commissioner for Finance, Mr Wale Akinterinwa appreciated the organisation for recognising him and his ministry including the state in particular

Akinterinwa attributed the ministry’s excellent performance to Akeredolu led administration which he said has created an enabling environment for the civil servant to perform their duties deligently.

He said the state and the Ministry in particular will not relent in excellent performance in ensuring that corruption is eradicated out of the system.

The Permanent Secretary. Mr Gbenga Adelayi who was in Attendance, noted that the state is managing what ever comes from the federal allocation to ensure that dividends of democracy get to the grassroots.

The commissioner was not only inducted as ” Service Ambassador” but was also presented ” Certificate of integrity stewardship” and declared as ” An outstanding leader in service”

The Ondo State House of Assembly has confirmed five commissioners nominees submitted by Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

The Speaker, Mr Bamidele Oleyelogun upon the unanimous decision of the house noted that the confirmation became imperative to deliver good governance to the people of Ondo state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Akeredolu had on June 27 forwarded five names of commissioner nominees to the house for confirmation and approval.

The five nominees are Mrs Yetunde Adeyanju, Mr Titilayo Adeyemi, Mr Temitayo Oluwatuyi, Mr Fatai Olotu, and Mr Akindotun Owanikin.

The Majority Leader, Jamiu Maito representing Akoko North West Constituency 1 moved the motion for the confirmation of the nominees which was seconded by olamide Oladiji.

The speaker having listened to the good contributions of the nominees to their constituencies confirmed their appointment as state commissioners.

Adeyanju who spoke on behalf of the new commissioner lauded the state governor for the confidence reposed in them even as they assured of good governance for the benefit of all and sundry.

The house also confirmed the appointment of Mrs Margaret Akinsuroju as caretaker Chairman for Odigbo Local Government Area ( LGA) of the state.

The Majority Leader Jamiu Maito noted that the house stepped down the confirmation of Akinsuroju on July 28,2019 for further clarification which had been resolved.

The Ondo State Police Command, on Monday, confirmed the release of a commercial driver, Mr Felix Akinde, by his abductors.

Akinde, a member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, was kidnapped last week by unknown gunmen in Ita-Ogbolu on the Akure-Ado Ekiti Road, headquarters of the Akure North Local Government Area of the state, while travelling to Akure from Ekiti State to pick passengers.

The hoodlums demanded N5m ransom for his release but the amount was later reduced to N2m after negotiation.

It was gathered that the victim was set free on Saturday after an undisclosed amount was paid to his abductors as ransom.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Femi Joseph, confirmed the development but said the command was not aware that any ransom was paid.

He added that the command had not got the details of how the victim was set free as of the time of speaking to our correspondent.

Joseph stated, “I can confirm that the victim has been released, but we don’t have the details of his release, because after he was set free, he called to inform us.

“We asked him to come to the command headquarters to give us the details but he said he wanted to go and meet his boss first, and since then, he has not shown up.”

On the ransom paid, the PPRO said, “We have not seen him to know the details; we cannot say anything on whether ransom was paid or not. All I can say is that he has been released.”

The wife of Ondo State governor, Chief Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu has charged Nigerians to rise up in defence of rape victims in the country.

The wife of the governor was apparently reacting to the case of Biodun Fatoyinbo, the senior pastor of Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) Who was accused of rape by Busola Dakolo, a celebrity photographer and wife of Timi Dakolo.

Chief Anyanwu-Akeredolu in her flurry of tweets enjoined rape victims to speak up and shame rapists.

While saying Nigerians should stop blaming victims, the wife of the governor called on government to prosecute rapists even if it takes century to disclose what happened.

The commissioner for Agriculture in Ondo state Asiwaju Adefarati Gboyega today represented the Governor of Ondo state Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN at the commissioning of a water scheme located at Okegbe Ikare in Akoko North East Local Government.

The water scheme, which is being executed by the High Chief Ojomo of Okegbe Ikare, the commissioner said that the water project will provide potable water for the people of Okegbe and its environs and urged the people to maintain the water project adequately.

The commissioner led other government functionaries to commission the water scheme, Mrs Adeyanju The coordinator of Ondo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation, RUWASSA, the incoming chairman of Akoko south west LG. Hon Dapo Fasesin and Mr Murphy, a friend to the commissioner.