₦airaland Forum

PRESS STATEMENT

Gov. Akeredolu Appoints Dare Aragbaye As New Head Of Service

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has approved the appointment of Mr. Oluwadare Aragbaiye as the Head of Service of the Ondo State Public Service.

The Governor’s approval of the appointment is in line with the provisions of Section 208, Sub-section 3 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended.

The appointment is in recognition of Aragbaiye’s reliability and efficiency.

While congratulating the new Head of Service, Governor Akeredolu is convinced that he will provide the right leadership for the state public service to complement the efforts of the administration to reposition the public service.

Prior to his appointment as Head of Service, Oluwadare Aragbaiye was the Permanent Secretary, Government House and Protocol. Aragbaiye joined the state public service in 1985 as an Administrative Officer, Grade Level 08 in the Ministry of Finance.

He was Permanent Secretary in the Ministries of General Administration and Transport.

A shrewd administrator, Oluwadare Aragbaiye has traversed several MDAs in his career in the state public service.

The new Head of Service will be sworn-in at 11 am on Monday at the International Events and Cultural Center (The Dome), Akure.

SEGUN AJIBOYE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday assured the implementation of the new national minimum wage will commence soon.

He asked asking state government and employers in the private sector to work towards providing a living wage for their workers.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha at the 11th triennial delegates conference of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, the President said as a result of several reforms embarked upon, the economy is expected to grow by 2.7 percent in 2019.

He asked state government and the private sector to implement the minimum wage as a way of encouraging workers to contribute to the development of the country.

The President pledged his government will continue to pay particular attention to the welfare of workers.

Following the successful Stakeholders’ Security Summit held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, some stakeholders have applauded the governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, for his passion and commitment to security of lives and property of the citizenry in the South Western region.

Speaking in separate interviews on the sideline of the summit, Ondo State Commissioner for Environment, Funso Esan, his Justice counterpart and Attorney-General of the state, Adekola Olawoye and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Alhaji Jimoh Dojumo, described the summit as very significant which could not have come at a better time than now.

The summit was necessitated by the increasing spate of insecurity, such as kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, ritual killing and other criminal activities facing the South West region of the country.

Esan who described security as a pre-requisite for development, also applauded the governors of the region for their concerns and the good steps being taken to ensure that the current insecurity in the region becomes a thing of the past.

“I’m very happy that this security summit is coming at the right time. Everybody should be security conscious,” he said.

On his part, Olawoye charged every citizen in the region to be interested in whom their neighbours are and what they do for a living, adding that Yorubas must go back to history and imbibe the good virtue of hardwork and avoid laziness.

He hinged the cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, ritual killing and other criminal activities being witnessed in the country on laziness on the part of the youth who he said are not ready to work, but want to live expensive lives.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Alhaji Jimoh Dojumo advised the people of the region to take advantage of the security summit and cooperate with the South West governors and the security agencies to find a lasting solution to the security challenges confronting the region.

Dojumo, however, expressed optimism that the outcome of the security summit would help put an end to insecurity such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and banditry facing the zone.

He further called on all Nigerians not to play politics with security issues in the interest of all.

Barring any hitch, the Ondo State House of Assembly will today screen five Commissioner-nominees and the interim management committees’ chairmen.

The assembly is also expected to confirm two Special Advisers to the Governor whose names have been forwarded to it.

The Hope gathered through an impeccable source in the State House of Assembly that the House which has been on recess will reconvene today.

Speaking with one of the returning chairmen, he said he had received a message to appear in the State House of Assembly with his credentials.

It would be recalled that the state governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Tuesday forwarded names of new interim management committees chairmen to the State House of Assembly.

When contacted for confirmation, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr Bamidele Oleyeloogun was said to be in a meeting but the impeccable source within the Assembly confirmed it.

Senior Officers of the Nigerian Prisons Service academy on study tour of Ondo State have lauded the giant strides of Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in all sectors since he assumed office in the last two and a half years.

The team made the submission at the end of their study tour of selected places in the state.

Some selected places visited were: Oke Idanre Hills, Medium Prison, Olukare palace, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko among others.

Leader of the team and Commandant of the Academy, Benson Oluwayiopese described Akeredolu’s bold steps and commitment to deliver the dividends of democracy to the good people of the state as unparalleled going by what they saw and the reaction of the people they had cause to meet.

He said the study had afforded them the opportunity to know the stand and why the state government is advocating for the legal control , cultivation of Cannabis.

He praised Governor Akeredolu for his novel and innovative intention to push for the legal control and cultivation of Cannabis for medical and economic purposes.

Oluwayiopese enjoined the people of Ondo State to support the governor in his efforts at developing the state including the medicinal Cannabis idea

Receiving the team earlier while on a courtesy call in his office, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu who said the study tour was timely commended them for acknowledging his efforts to better the lives of the citizens and promised to do more.

In order to facilitate health sector development through improved data quality, health facilities in Ondo State will soon begin the use of mobile application for data collection and quality assessment.

The Executive Secretary, Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Francis Akanbiemu disclosed this during the Nigeria State Health Investment Project (NSHIP) State level Training of Trainees(TOT) on District Health Information Software to mobile application for quality assessment and verification in the state held in Igbara Oke, Ifedore Local Government Area of the state.

According to him, the application will improve data analysis quality and reporting for evidence based policy decision.

Describing the paper base method of data collection as cumbersome, he noted that the electronic data system is better, more accurate and sensitive saying “it makes result faster, simultaneous analysis, timely, more responsive and the health system becomes better with it.”

Addressing the participants, Project Coordinator, NSHIP, Dr. Paulinus Omode explained that the training aims at changing the mode of assessment and monitoring in the health facilities.

While stressing the need for TOT to be facilitated to the lower level, he stated that some of the participants are expected to step it down while others should continue to update themselves with the knowledge gathered.

Speaking extensively with The Hope, Omode described the mobile application as an important tool which will help in increasing data quality and also ensure real time data submission and reporting.

According to him, it encourages field check and real time monitoring of data among others.

Describing data as an important tool for planning, he stated that development of the health sector involves the use of accurate data in planning and making informed and evidence based decision.

He explained that NSHIP trains in order to build the capacity of the state health workers in terms of skills to use.

Putting participants through the exercise, M&E officer, NSHIP, Mr. Bamgboye Similoluwa noted that the training aims at improving access to national and Performance Based Financing (PBF) portal management of District Health Information System 2 adding that it also helps in moving from paper work of checklist to mobile application.

Considering the importance of energy to the growth of Information Communication Technology, ICT’s system in any society, Renewable Energy companies are set to partner the BEMORE SUMMER BOOTCAMP initiative of the wife of Ondo state governor, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu in order to provide stable distribution of energy across the state.

President of the Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria, REAN, Mr. Segun Adaju disclosed this during a partnership meeting with Ondo state first lady and the Solar sisters Nigeria, held at government house ground Alagbaka Akure.


Explaining the need for the partnership, the REAN President noted that renewable energy companies are committed to reduce the number of generators and dependence on epileptic power supply in Nigeria.

He noted that the commitment of Mrs. Akeredolu to the development of solar energy system in Ondo state through BEMORE initiative where the girls are trained on solar and ICT, attracts the interest of REAN to partner the programme and increase power distribution in the state.

Mr. Adaju noted that the Renewable Energy companies concentrate on turning agricultural wastes, water icing, and winds into energy.

According to him, he took interest in the project during his encounter with BEMORE girls during exhibition in Abuja, where they took him through solar-powered projects.


The REAN President who said he was so impressed by the excellent performance of the girls, expressed readiness of getting some of them trained and place them on internship and apprenticeship.

Mr. Adaju also said REAN will be willing to prepare the girls on financial report training, with mentorship opportunity, and to help make the laudable initiative of Mrs. Akeredolu go viral, and attract the attention of international agencies like USAID to support the initiative.

He assured that the collaboration will yield positive results within a year, while disclosing his readiness to bring his company down to the state and also encourage his colleagues to do so in order to make energy accessible to all and sundry at a very affordable fee.

Responding, Mrs. Akeredolu said ICT and energy works collaboratively, saying that it would be difficult to operate computers effectively without stable source of power supply.

She expressed her determination not to allow epileptic power supply in the country deter the mission, hence, the need to embrace REAN in order to provide energy across the state through the BEMORE initiative.

Mrs Akeredolu emphasised the need to carry women along in the project, noting that every market woman need solar energy in their shops as an alternative, reason they were all invited to witness the new development.

She felt excited about the partnership, noting that the Renewable Energy companies must have seen the ingenuity of the initiative before approaching her office for collaboration.


Earlier, the Country Director of Solar sisters Nigeria, Mrs. Olasinmbo Sojirin had noted that the focus of the company is to conquer energy poverty in Nigeria.

She lamented the rate at which Nigerians lack access to modern energy power, noting that women and girls are most affected, especially in rural areas through indoor smoke pollution.

The Solar sisters Nigeria director described indoor smoke pollution as the third highest killer that disproportionately affect women.

According to her, the target is to provide clean energy solutions for households, productive and institutional uses to achieve SDG 7 in the state.

No fewer than 119 suspects have been arrested within six months and 6703 kg of hard drugs and psychotropic substance seized by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, in Ondo State.

Only 22 convictions were secured by the State Command of the agency.

The State Commandant of the NDLEA, Mr. Haruna Gagara, who said this in Akure noted that the drugs seized by the command included; 5784.61kg of Cannabis Sativa, 917.04 of Psychotropic substances, 2Kg of ‘Skuchies’, 42.1 grams of Cocaine within the period.

Gagara noted that farms of Cannabis Sativa measuring 188 hectares were destroyed adding that during the same period of six months, 119 suspects were arrested.

Speaking on Drug Demand Reduction, DDR, Gagara said: “The Command admitted nine clients, while six clients were successfully counseled and discharged.

“61 suspects between the ages of 14-50 years are also referred for counseling from the supply reduction unit.

“Public enlightenment and awareness campaigns were carried out in 16 different locations within the state.

“Based on the statistics above, it is imperative that governments, communities, families, schools, NGOs and media should take necessary steps to counteract drug abuse and illicit trafficking in the state.”

The commander lamented “that the level of drug abuse and illicit trafficking in the country posed threats to security of the Nation, and also the health of citizens who indulged in nefarious activities.

“The teeming number of Nigerian youths currently undergoing counseling and rehabilitation for drug abuse is quite alarming and devastating.

“The rising number of Nigerian youths suffering from one form of mental illness or the other due to substance abuse has continued to be on the increase.”

‘Our Collective Goal Should Be the Security and Safety of Our People’ Akeredolu tasks Stakeholders at the Southwest Security Summit.


Putting an end to the security challenges that has plagued the southwest region of Nigeria, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu led other governors from the southwest region to a stakeholders security meeting in Oyo State.

Speaking at the summit, Governor Oluwarotimi who is the chairman of the Southwest governors forum stated that the need for the summit is as a result of the commitment of the southwest governors forum towards ensuring that there is an abrupt end to the security challenges that is making the region unsafe for its people.

He explained that the people of the southwest region are peace-loving people and the various insecurity incidents being recorded in the region are done by unscrupulous elements. The Yoruba people he said are unique, and the southwest governors are united to ensure that every state must locate the sources of threat with a view to curtail security issues at the short and long run.
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu emphasized on the need to take the issue of security very seriously as if affects everyone in the region. He added that the collective goal of everyone should be the security of the region and the safety of the people.

According to him, He stated that, ‘There should be no compromise, we must be proactive in dealing with security issues in the region’
He enjoined everyone to be actively involved in the fight against insecurity in the region
Present at the summit are the Dr.John Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti state, His Excellency Mr.Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos state, Dr.Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state, His Excellency Mr.Gboyega Oyetola of Osun state And Engr.Seyi Makinde of Oyo state
The Governor thanked every stakeholders present at the event which was held at the the Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall, Opposite UCH, Queen Elizabeth Road.

And urged them to uphold the culture of the Yoruba land, if peace love and unity. And promised that security issues will be taken seriously under his watch as the chairman of the south west governor's forum.

An educationist and Principal of St Thomas’ Anglican Comprehensive High School, Akure, Mrs Bimbo Isatayo has tasked Stakeholders on the need to join in the funding of education to better the lives of Nigerian students.

She applauded the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for prompt payment of teachers salaries which she said encouraged the teachers to be more responsible to their duties.

Mrs Isatayo spoke in an interview with The Hope, in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

Isatayo said issues of sponsoring education cannot be managed only by the government and parents, but also requires assistance of Institutions, Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Philanthropists .

She noted that stakeholders can assist in areas of infrastructural development of schools as well as supplying instructional materials to ease development of education and enhance performances of the students in external examinations

Her words: ” With the current economy, these cannot be achieved by the government and parents alone, because some parents are so poor that they cannot pay the little developmental levy they are supposed to pay to the school, we need agencies to assist in many other areas”.

She also noted the important role parents need to play in areas of getting necessary textbooks, ensuring proper dressings and monitoring of the students to ensure that they attend school punctually and not leave educational development to the government and teachers alone.


While imploring students to be more studious and be good ambassadors of their schools, she appreciated the donor NGO which gave 30 bicycles to outstanding students whose homes were far from the school to ease their transportation problem.

About 284 unserviceable Toyota Hilux vehicles of the Ondo State Government have been contracted to a local firm to be reconditioned and brought back new.

The idea which is estimated to save the government about N5.4 billion was informed by the desire to prudently manage the state’s scarce resources and as well get optimal value.

This development came to the fore when the chairman of Logical Ideas Limited, the local firm handling the job, Chief Wole Okunnuga handed-over five remolded vehicles out of the 284 grounded to the state Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu.

Okunnuga said the refurbishment exercise carried out on the vehicles and others to be delivered in batches involved total overhauling, changing of engines and working systems.

Okunnuga who added that the refurbished vehicles are easy to maintain also stressed that it would impact on the state by reducing wastage.

While pledging a two-year guarantee on the reconditioned vehicles, Okunnuga said the current market price of each of the Hilux Vehicles is about N25million whereas the cost of reconditioning grounded vehicles back to new is N6 million.

In his remarks, Governor Akeredolu, said it was a great day for the state as his administration was creatively thinking outside the box by reducing wastes and cutting cost of governance considerably.

Akeredolu noted that the realities of the current time do not favour purchase of brand new vehicles every year when there were lots of vehicles that can be reconditioned and brought back to new.

He appreciated the Logical Ideas for engaging local artisans in the processes of bringing back the vehicles to new.

“These vehicles were dead and completely grounded before. Most of them had no tyre or engine. But now they have been brought back to life,” the governor stressed.

The governor assured that his administration would continue to work towards making life more enduring for the people despite paucity of funds.

Also, the Secretary to the State Government, Ifedayo Abegunde, commended Governor Akeredolu for his passion at making Ondo State function effectively, disclosing that his office would organise maintenance workshop for government Drivers who would be driving the vehicles.

Abegunde said the workshop was necessary to enable the State Government get adequate value for the money spent on the vehicles.

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Sunday said stakeholders in the Southwest will meet on Tuesday June 25th 2019, in Ibadan, Oyo state to brainstorm on ways out of the security challenges facing the region especially spate of kidnapping on highways in the area.
Akeredolu disclosed this during special thanksgiving services at the Methodist Cathedral Church, Gbogi, and Prayer Centre Church of God, Akure.
It was gathered that the Southwest Governors Forum chaired by Akeredolu would organised a Security Summit at the instance of Oyo state governor Seyi Makinde on Tuesday to discuss how to tackle the growing insecurity challenges in the southwest states.
Akeredolu decried upsurge of criminality particularly the alleged kidnapping, raping and armed robbery by herdsmen
The governor maintained that ranching would be encouraged arguing that cow could hardly identify maize, rice and other crops from grasses during grazing
Taking his sermon from first king, Chapter nineteen, verses nine and fourteen, the presbyter and Gbogi Methodist cathedral administrator, The Very Reverend Olufemi Adeleke who encouraged nigerian leaders to find a lasting solution to the frequent herdsmen attacks in the region
Also preaching from Proverbs Chapter fourteen verse thirty-four, the general overseer of the prayer centre, Prophet Samson Oluwamodede who said God would turn the nation around if the citizens could shun iniquity also called for prayers against insecurity
The services were attended by political, religious and traditional rulers including the Déjì of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, Oniwo of Iwo, Osun State, Oba Adewale Akanbi, Ondo State Chief of staff, Chief Olugbenga Ale and Commissioner for information and orientation, Mr Yemi Olowolabi.

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Wednesday, June 19th, 2019 received in audience, participants of the Nigerian Prisons Service (NPS) Academy, Ijebu-Igbo, who were on a five-day study tour of the Ondo State.

The participants who cut across the country were led by the Acting Assistant Comptroller-General of Nigeria Prisons, Benson Oluwayiopese,

The theme of the study tour is, "Commercial Cannabis Growing in Ondo State: A Panacea for Economic Emancipation of over dependent on Federal allocation."

Governor Akeredolu appreciated the team for acknowledging all the salutary efforts of his administration to better the lives of the citizenry, promising to do more in fulfilment of his electioneering campaign promises to the people.

The governor who harped on the good use of cannabis, informed that when the oil is extracted it could be used to cure many chronic Illnesses.

He urged the team to research on the medicinal use of cannabis and also educate the populace on it to benefit mankind and improve the economy of the country, adding that Nigeria stands to gain billions of dollars like others countries from the proposed legal and controlled cultivation of cannabis.

Earlier, the leader of the team and Acting Assistant Comptroller-General of Nigeria Prisons, C.P Benson Oluwayiopese, said the Nigerian Prisons Service Academy, Ijebu-Igbo Ogun State, commenced operation in the year 2013 as the Regional Centre for Penal Education and Development in Africa and beyond.

He explained that the state was chosen for the study tour because of its novel and innovative intention towards legal and controlled cannabis cultivation for medicinal and economic benefits, the bill of which was pending before the National Assembly for passage.

Oluwayiopese noted that Canada, Uruguay, America and many other countries have legalised cannabis cultivation for medical treatment and economic benefit, stressing that if legalised at the national level it would drastically improve the economy of the country and address issue of chronic illness which cost alot of money to treat among Nigerians.

Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has called for support for mechanised agriculture as one of the major ways to ensure self-sufficiency in food production.

He said his administration would always promote policies that would guarantee increased production of major agricultural products.

Akeredolu, who spoke during the flag-off of the agricultural season at Mariwo Farm Settlement in Ifedore Local Government Area, said the current food situation called for more dedication and commitment to agricultural development.

The governor, while insisting that more people, especially youths, have shown interest and commitment to agriculture and its value chain, added that his government had rolled out a few interventionist programmes to boost the agricultural sector.

He listed the interventions to include the establishment of modern agricultural village at Jugbere in Owo Local Government Area where 500 farmers would be engaged in four hectares of cocoa plantation each and raising and distribution of 500,000 cocoa and 250,000 cashew seedlings to farmers to further boost cocoa and cashew production.

He said government has concluded arrangement to distribute additional 100,000 cocoa seedlings for the 2019 planting season and the registration of all farmers in the state forest reserves to protect the forest and ensure adequate food production without hindrance.

Governor Akeredolu recalled that his administration had trained over 2,500 youths on cassava value addition, besides partnering foreign and private investors.

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has pledged his unwavering commitment to fostering societal cohesion and grassroots development through dissemination of credible and timely information to all nooks and crannies of Ondo state.

The Governor gave the remark at the official commissioning of Kakaki community radio 100.1fm in Ondo city, headquarters of Ondo west council area noted that Kakaki community radio will promote the sociocultural heritage of Ondo kingdom as well as galvanizing massive citizens participation in democratic process.

The Governor who was represented by the Chairman, management committee of OSRC and Orange fm, Mr kunle Adebayo enjoined the media station not to be an instrument of disunity but coordinate mutual understanding and improved synergy among diversed segments of the society.

Responding, the General Manager of the station, Prince Adebola Adeyileka who thanked Governor Akeredolu for providing an enabling environment for the media industry to thrive assured the public on accurate news and rich programme content with a flair for encouraging communication in Ondo native dialect.

Ondo State government says food production will receive a new lease of life following a two billion naira loan recently accessed for youth empowerment, massive clearing of arable land among other agricultural interventions.

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu while flagging off the 2019 Agricultural Season held at Mariwo farm settlement in Ifedore Local Government Area said government is approaching agriculture as the next gold mine for the people.

At the event Cocoa seedlings, maize seeds, rice paddy, and cassava cuttings were distributed to about a thousand farmers at the event.

Addressing farmers at the year 2019 Planting season flag off, governor Akeredolu told farmers that the N2bn CBN loan under Commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme (CACs) would be used for the intended purpose.

Akeredolu insisted that the current food production in the state could be improved if mechanized farming could be embraced saying such a radical approach is the catalyst for conquering hunger and massive unemployment.

The governor noted that administration’s policies and programmes are geared initiated to assist towards creating millionaires in agricultural sector.

He added that the establishment of modern agricultural village at Jugbere, Owo Local Government Area where 500 farmers would be engaged on a four hectares of cocoa plantation each was an indication of government’s readiness in that direction.

The governor warned individuals that encroached on farm lands across the state, and land grabbers engaging in illegal sale of portions of land to desist or face the full weight of the law.

Earlier, the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Adegboyega Adefarati, lauded governor Akeredolu for his unwavering commitment to agricultural development noting that the improved seedlings given to the farmers and youths would encourage them to start off their farms on a great note.

In their separate remarks, the Alara of Ilara, Oba Abiodun Adefehinti, a farmer, Gabriel Atansuyi and a chieftain of the APC in the area, Sogo Ajikeola appreciated the governor for his determination to ensure food sufficiency and create jobs through agriculture in the state.

They equally appealed to him to help address the issue of incessant attacks by Fulani herdsmen so as to boost food security.

Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Wahab Adegbenro has assured that the Contributory Health Scheme which will soon kick off is an avenue to improve the health sector of the state.

The scheme which according to him will be to the benefit of all, becomes the driving force for qualitative health care delivery.

He stated this during a stakeholders’ meeting on Performance Based Financing (PBF) sustainability in Akure last Thursday.

According to him, government is working assiduously to ensure that the state showcases its robust health care system among other states in Nigeria.

He explained that the commencement of the Contributory Health Scheme will assist the state in effectively running the health sector.

Executive Secretary, Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Francis Akanbiemu while commending the activities of the Nigeria State Health Investment Project(NSHIP), described the project as a success in the state and noted that all have been working to ensure quality output.

While speaking extensively on the sustainability of NSHIP after its expiration in the state in 2020, he described the Contributory Health Scheme(CHS) as a vital tool for the project sustainability and added that the system makes decision making faster and also creates ownership for the community.

Special Adviser to the governor on health, Dr. Jibayo Adeyeye while analyzing some facts, stated that there was no need for sustainability plan rather than ensuring that the CHS works perfectly saying “government has come up with a policy that takes care of pregnant women, under five children and vulnerable group.”

Speaking earlier, Project Coordinator, NSHIP, Dr. Paulinus Omode noted that the state has benefited immensely from the dividend and approach use to finance health in the state.

He stated that it is necessary for the state to deliberate on way forward especially in financing the state health system in order to achieve an increased health care services across the state.

Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Niran Ikuomola pointed out that the CHS will always make sufficient fund available to cater for the health need of the people.

Jegun of Ile-Oluji, Oba Oluwole Olufaderin Adetimehin while calling for a reappraisal of the delivery of health care services especially in the remote areas, harped on the need for community leaders to be involved in order to manage some inefficiencies.

Pioneer Project Coordinator, NSHIP, Aladeniyi Isaac noted that a lot of modifications have to come in if PBF has to be adopted in the state and advised that all other health factors; secondary and tertiary health facilities, must be brought in.

The Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, has charged the newly-admitted students of the institution, to shun vices capable of thwarting their academic pursuits while assuring them that the university is prepared to make them fulfill their academic dreams.

Ajibefun gave the advice while addressing the 5,305 newly-admitted students of the university at the matriculation ceremony for the 2018/2019 academic session.

The VC said: “It is important to note that you are very fortunate to be among the admitted 5,305 students, out of over 21,000 applicants that picked Adekunle Ajasin University. It is on this note that I would like to admonish you to take your admission seriously by being studious and ensure that your individual studentship is sustained.

“Let me remind you, as I also did during your orientation programme, that this University has zero tolerance for vices, including examination misconduct, rape, cultism, fraud and theft.

“I am happy to inform you, dear new students and distinguished parents and guardians, that Adekunle Ajasin University has the required conducive learning environment and facilities; as well as the human and material resources that will enable our students to fulfill their learning aspirations.”

The VC congratulated the students on their admission. The Acting Registrar, Mr. Opeoluwa Akinfemiwa, administered the Matriculation Oath on the students.

Ondo State Government has directed the formation of a task force to immediately put an end to the increasing spate of car snatching in Akure metropolis, and by extension the State.

The senior special assistant to the governor on security matters, Alhaji Jimoh Dojumo, who gave the directive on behalf of governor Akeredolu expressed displeasure over the ugly trend and directed his senior special assistant on special duties and strategy, Dr Doyin Odebowale to supervised the team.

Dojumo explained that the task force will among other things intercept all vehicles with covered plate numbers, all tinted vehicles without police permit, and other private vehicles with Ondo State Government plate numbers.
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Odebowale on his part said the task force would move out immediately to enforce the ban on covered plate numbers adding that only two public officers, the governor and his deputy, were exempted from the ban on covered plate numbers.

He said his team is on top of the situation, and warned that government will not take it likely with those find culpable.

The newly appointed General Manager for the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission, ODSCHC, has been presented to the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN .

Presenting the General Manager, Dr Abiodun Oyeneyin, the Special Adviser to the Governor, Dr Jibayo Adeyeye said the appointment process was though rigorous but fair to all who applied for the job within and outside the public service before the choice was made.

He expressed the belief that with the appointment which took effect from 1st June 2019, the Ondo State Contributory Health Insurance Scheme was ready to kick off in the state.

In his remarks, the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, said he was excited that the new General Manager knew exactly what he was coming to do.

He therefore urged him to settle down to the business of his duties in line with the State Government policy thrust of making healthcare delivery accessible to residents of the state.

� Blessed Michael

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has received the committee report of the takeover of Bethel College of Education, Ijare by the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko.

Speaking at the ceremony, the governor said the development would help address the agitation for government owned tertiary institution in Ijare and its environs.

Arakunrin Akeredolu who called for a special training centre at making teachers' education more impactful on teaching and learning processes, said its curriculum should be more pragmatic and result oriented to accommodate positive behavioural learning outcomes that would evaluate the competence of teachers in training before their graduation.

The governor equally advised that courses like Child and Learning Psychology and Practical Teaching should be made intense to address the current needs of learners and the society.

Arakunrin Akeredolu used the occasion to assure of his administration determination to continue to support all efforts at revamping and improving the standard of education in the state.

He appreciated the Proprietor of the College, General Joshua Omosebi who the governor described as a revered leader for having the interest of his people and community at heart in all his philanthropic gestures.

He therefore enjoined the authority of AAUA to expedite actions on the take-over process by putting the place to good use starting from the next academic session of the university.

� Blessed Michael

Ondo State government has placed a ban on open defecation across the state in order to address the increasing rate of the trend .

Speaking while inaugurating a seven man steering committee on open defecation free society in Akure, governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu vowed to make Ondo state an example on open defecation.

The event which was attended by chairmen of the eighteen council areas of the state was to end the scourge before 2030 in accordance with United nations target .

Available records shows that Nigeria is the second after India on open defecation in the world as close to 50 million Nigerians are involved in open defecation with 9 million living in the south west and 1.4 million people in Ondo state.

Speaking on this development, Akeredolu directed that all public and private buildings as well as public facilities across the state must provide a functional toilet within six months or risk been closed down.

The governor also directed that all public and private schools in the state must have functional toilet facilities and a space for menstrual hygiene which must be put in place within six months starting from next month.

The governor said after six months any one caught violating this directive wil be dealt with decisively.
speaking at the event, The head of UNICEF field office in Akure, mohsena Islam harped on the need for continuous enlightenment in rural areas to ensure the state is open defection free before 2030 target of the sdgs.
The seven man committee chaired by the commissioner for economic planning and budget, pastor Emmanuel Igbasan promised to deliver on the assignment.

A security trust fund to curb incessant rate of- Kidnapping and other forms of security threats in Ondo state and its environs will soon be established.

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu gave the affirmation at a special programme tagged “an evening with the governor” on Osrc Television and Orange 94.5fm said the the dedicated fund will help in no small way in boosting security of lives and property of all law abiding citizens.

The governor equally shed light on his administration’s intervention in critical sectors including health, education, and infrastructure even as he was emphatic on the facts and figures relating to the state’s financial viability.

The programme “an evening with the governor” afforded the number one citizen of the state the opportunity to interface with the people, feel the pulse of the man on the streets as well as reel out the achievements of his government in the last two years .

Akeredolu who decried the spate of kidnapping,armed robbery and other security challenges confronting the state and by extension the south west geopolitical zone said concerted efforts are been taken to arrest the situation.

The governor while maintaining that carefully mapped out strategies are in place to tackle the ugly trend added that a number of suggestions raised at the last national executive council meeting were equally tailored towards a lasting solution to the problem of insecurity

In the area of health, the governor stressed that his administration is working tirelessly to ensure that affordable and accessible healthcare system is at the doorstep of the masses across the eighteen council areas.

While asserting that the state will soon take delivery of 22 containers of medical equipment to strengthen public healthcare system, Akeredolu submitted that all government owned health facilities will wear a new look in terms of state of the art equipment before the end of the year

The governor who identified education as the enviable legacy of the sunshine state said a number of schools have been renovated even as he reiterated his administration’s determination to ensure that world class education is available from primary to tertiary level

He however expressed displeasure with the manner at which some youths parading themselves as student leaders are trying to politicise the tuition fee issue at the state owned universities after an agreement has been reached with government on the slight increment urging the people fueling the ember of discord to have a rethink

On the area of finance, akeredolu explained that governors across the nation are agitated for a more judicious revenue sharing fomular so that states can effectively fulfil their obligations without incurring debt

The governor equally said his government has not increase tax but will continue to engage stakeholders on ways to improve internally generated whilst blocking all financial leakages within the system for transparency and accountability.

Ondo state governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has said that his major focus now is to serve the people of the state that voted for him, noting that other issues are secondary.

According to him, it was the people of the state that voted a government and not a political party, hence, the reason he needs to focus on taking care of the people.

Speaking during the programme tagged ”An evening with the Governor” on OSRC television and Orange 94.5fm the governor agreed that government is a continuum, noting that upon resumption to office, he pursued the old projects with equal rigor with the new ones.

Akeredolu said that his strong belief in continuity was why he resuscitated the moribund Owena Dam, affirming that a lot of work has commenced on the project for reticulation and transmission of water from the Dam to Akure metropolis.

He explained that his administration approached about four agencies to assist about the Dam, noting that one Japan organisation therefore showed interest and has agreed to loan the state for the reticulation of the dam.

Reacting to the question asked by the President of the National Council of Women Society, Mrs. Borode about women inclusion in government, the governor assured that his administration will continue to provide room for women in politics.

He assured that enough women would be employed as primary and secondary schools, noting that women are best teachers for children, than men.

According to him, the Apalara loan initiative is to boost Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in the state among women, adding that the attached collective collaterisation is to ensure that they don’t default.

He explained that it doesn’t necessary for an individual to bring collateral, but one person can present her property to stand for a group and the fellow will be saddled with the responsibility to ensure the beneficiaries refund the loan, so that she won’t forfeit her property.

Commenting on the alleged internal crisis in the All Progressive Congress, APC, Akeredolu said the party is healthy, noting that there is no politics without issues.

He described all the lingering issues in the party as minor, saying a political party will continue to be contentious because it consists of so many categories of people from different backgrounds.

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has emerged the chairman of the South West Governors' Forum.

Governor Akeredolu emerged Chairman at a Special Security Meeting of Governors from the South West region, held at the Ondo State Governor's Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja.

The meeting was held to address the growing spate of insecurity in the South West Region.

The Governors announced their decision to hold a regional security summit that will bring all critical stakeholders together to brainstorm on how to stem the tide of insecurity in the region.

The meeting was attended by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Oyo State Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde; Odun State Governor, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola and Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN.

Akeredolu's emergence as Chairman of the South West Governors' Forum followed a unanimous decision by all the governors from the South West.

Speaking after the Special Security meeting, the host Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, said the DAWN commission has been directed to coordinate the summit aimed at further promoting the developmental agenda of the South West region.

He said the DAWN commission will also look at all modalities that will help to stem the tide of banditry, kidnapping and insecurity in the zone and also look into the national agenda and response.

“There's urgent need to stem the tide of criminal activities and banditry in our region and as leaders, we must be proactive in our approach to addressing the issue," Governor Akeredolu said.

He stated further that a consulting firm, KPMG has been appointed to review the tenure of the Group Managing Director of Oodua investment company, which has all the South West State Govenments as shareholders.

Pictures � by Nguher Gabrielle Zaki

The Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, has set up a six-man investigation panel to look into the circumstances surrounding the death of Daniel Paul, a 21-year-old undergraduate of the institution.

It was gathered that the deceased, who was a 200 level student of Philosophy in the institution was allegedly killed by suspected cultists during initiation process into “Aiye” confraternity.

Police source said three suspects, who were linked to the killing of the deceased, have subsequently been arrested.

The suspected cultists nabbed include Ifedayo Oluwaseun, 19, Nafiu Akani David 22 and Ajibola Philips, aged 22 respectively.

According to the Ondo State Commissioner of Police Mr Undie Adie, one Kabiru Rasak, a male student of Achievers University Idashen, Owo, came to the station and reported that his male cousin, one Daniel Paul ‘m’, aged 21 a student of Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko, was murdered by unknown persons.

“On the strength of this information, detectives from the Special Anti-Cultism Squad Akure swung into action and made the arrest.

“Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to be members of ‘Aiye’ secret cult confraternity. They also stated that on May 4, 2019 at about 4a.m., they took the deceased to the bush at Akungba Akoko town where he was murdered during initiation.

“The suspects mentioned other members of the group who are still at large.”

The police boss added that investigation was still ongoing towards apprehending all others involved in the heinous crime, after which they will be charged to court for prosecution.

Government decision to retire nine Permanent Secretaries in Ondo State Civil Service was to appoint young officers as Permanent Secretaries.

Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Yemi Olowolabi who made this revelation yesterday also debunked rumour making the rounds that government took the step to pave way for an anointed Permanent Secretary to succeed the outgoing State Head of Service. The current Head of Service, Mr Toyin Akinkuotu retires in August this year.

It was also allegedly rumoured that the state governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, had asked the affected Permanent Secretaries to proceed on compulsory retirement to allegedly pave the way for anointed Permanent Secretary to succeed the outgoing Head of Service

Affected officers are: Dr Deji Akinwalere, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. C. O. Kolawole, General Administration, Mrs T. O. Kolawole, Culture and Tourism, Gray Eshofonie, Agric Input Supply Agency, Mrs C. I. Oyebade, Commerce and Industry, Mr Francis Olu Adaramola, Local Governments Auditor General, Mr Sunday Adegoke, State Auditor General, Mr Ade Akinbosade, Local Government Service Commission and Mrs Odunayo Ketiku, Local Government Staff Loans Board.

According to him, some of the retiring Permanent Secretaries have spent at least nine years in office as Permanent Secretaries of various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government in the state, adding that their retirement has no political undertone as being rumoured in some quarters.

Olowolabi pointed out that immediately the present administration came on board, many people believed that the Head of Service and some Permanent Secretaries appointed by the governor’s predecessor would be removed, but the governor retained him.

“The government simply took the decision to allow younger officers move to the rank of the Permanent Secretary, to pave way for younger officers to be appointed as PS in Ondo State.

“Most of those who are retiring now have been in that position for at least nine years, while some have been there for 13 years, 12 years, 10 years. So, that is the reason, it has nothing to do with governor paving way for anybody.

“Don’t forget that by the time the governor came on board many people thought that the Head of Service who is retiring now was going to be removed. But the governor ensured that he completes his tenure, just like many other Permanent Secretaries who had been appointed before the governor came in. So, essentially one of the reforms put in place in the civil service”, the commissioner said.

On the claim that the affected Permanent Secretaries have not reached their mandatory retirement age of either 60 years of age or 35 years in service, the commissioner explained that the appointment or otherwise of the PS is at the pleasure of the governor.

“The governor can appoint Permanent Secretaries and the governor can also ask them to go on retirement”, Olowolabi emphasised.

He revealed that their retirement was in line with extant circular in the civil service that any permanent secretary who has served for more than eight years could be retired either reaching retirement age or not.

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has called on Nigerian authors to always come up with books that will focus more on the cultural value of the nation.

The governor who made the call at the public presentation of a book titled ” Tales of a troubadour by a foremost writer and former federal lawmaker, Dr Wale Okediran in Ibadan said Nigerians must imbibe a good reading culture to be acquainted with books that will enrich their knowledge in every facet of life.

Akeredolu commended the author for always giving it a deep thought to write about political issues which will in no small way serve as reference point and guide for generations coming behind.

The author of the 28 chapters book, Dr Wale Okediran said his experience over the years within and outside the country inspired him to contribute to the world of literary writing

On his part, The book publisher, Yinka Solarin while enjoining government at all levels to support the publication of books through good policies, the book publisher, Yinka Solarin noted that the write up will educate the masses on political and socio economic issues.

Ondo state Internal Revenue Services (ODIRS) has generated the sum of N15billion within five months out of the N30billion target for 2019.

The Chairman of the Revenue Services, Mr Tolu Adegbie disclosed this while declaring closed the two weeks training organised for its new officers.

Adegbie charged the new officers to imbibe the same culture on the track to meet the target for the year.

He said: “Our job is to fund the budget of the state, the amount of IGR to be generated is in the budget of 2019 and all we have to do is to look at the aspect of the IGR in the budget”

“What we are expected to do in terms of IGR for the state is about N29billion and that is the only portion we are concerned about and not expenditure or any other thing”

“Funding the budget depends on, revenue and income. What we do is the IGR of the state. In fact, you can even fund your budget from loans, it is all there in the document”, he said.

Also speaking, Director of Land Use Charge, Mr Fidelise Fadugbagbe called on the populace to give the officers maximum support and cooperation they deserve, saying that they were set of graduates who are aware of what is expected of them.

The new officers promised to live up to the confidence reposed in them as they have been trained on revenue drive and the process of enumeration of data for revenue collection generates N15b in 5 months

Ondo state Internal Revenue Services (ODIRS) has generated the sum of N15billion within five months out of the N30billion target for 2019.

The Chairman of the Revenue Services, Mr Tolu Adegbie disclosed this while declaring closed the two weeks training organised for its new officers.

Adegbie charged the new officers to imbibe the same culture on the track to meet the target for the year.

He said: “Our job is to fund the budget of the state, the amount of IGR to be generated is in the budget of 2019 and all we have to do is to look at the aspect of the IGR in the budget”

“What we are expected to do in terms of IGR for the state is about N29billion and that is the only portion we are concerned about and not expenditure or any other thing”

“Funding the budget depends on, revenue and income. What we do is the IGR of the state. In fact, you can even fund your budget from loans, it is all there in the document”, he said.

Also speaking, Director of Land Use Charge, Mr Fidelise Fadugbagbe called on the populace to give the officers maximum support and cooperation they deserve, saying that they were set of graduates who are aware of what is expected of them.

The new officers promised to live up to the confidence reposed in them as they have been trained on revenue drive and the process of enumeration of data for revenue collection

Nine Permanent Secretaries are set to retire voluntarily in Ondo State after spending over eight years in office as Permanent Secretaries of various ministries and parastatals.

Their retirement is coming on the heel of an extant circular that any permanent secretary who has served for more than eight years could be retired either reaching retirement age or not.

The Commissioner for Information and Orientation in the state, Yemi Olowolabi said the Permanent Secretaries have been called for a meeting where they were told to retire voluntarily.

The Information Commissioner was reacting to reports alleging that the Governor has sacked the affected Permanent Secretaries in order to pave way for a candidate for the position of the Head of service of the state.

The Commissioner said the least of the affected permanent secretaries had spent nine years in the office, adding that the governor did not give the order to favour anybody.

However, a top civil servant in the governor office who spoke on the condition of anonymity said "What happened is not a new thing in government service. When Mimiko was there, he appointed an Ondo man to be the head of service. So if Akeredolu appoints his kinsman as the head of service, heaven will not fall; he has the exclusive power to do it. He can appoint anyone that pleases him,” he stated.

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Tuesday, charged clergymen in the country to always live above board so as to earn the respect of the people and politicians, in particular.

The governor who said the clergymen stand in the place of nobility and truth for the people, urged them to speak against corruption in its entirety.

Akeredolu spoke at the Methodist Church of Nigeria 37th Council of Bishops official Opening ceremony and the Wesley University, Ondo 10th Founder's Day Celebration, held at the Wesley main campus, Ondo.

He also charged the Bishops to assume the position of the prophets of the old who checkmated the old political dynasty.

The Governor described both Politicians and the clergymen as an important segment of the society who must always complement each other in moving the country forward.

He said "Taking a closer look at the nature of our obligatory intervention, it has to be complimentary. We can't continue to condemn each other. We are humans, we have our fallibilities. All of us are human, we strive to be like Christ

"While the politicians are elected, the clergymen must play the role of the servant of God and servant of the people. We are elected, but yours is clear that you can't be afraid of any terrestrial interference. I know you are bold at all time to speak truth to power. "

Pictures � by Blessed Michael