₦airaland Forum

The organized labour in Kogi state has described the payment of December 2018 and January 2019 salaries to state workers and pensioners as a huge relief.

A statement by the NLC chairman, Comrade Onuh Edoka, and his TUC counterpart, Ranti Ojo, said the payment of the two months arrears to workers and pensioners would go a long way in ameliorating the suffering of the workers and pensioners.

The Labour leaders commended the state governor, Yahaya Bello, for keeping to his promise to pay the outstanding salary arrears to workers and pensioners in the state.

They however appealed to government to sustain the current tempo of payment to enable it settle all outstanding salaries in due course.

The statement also called for improvement in the percentage salary paid to teachers and local government workers, stressing that any percentage short of what was agreed with Labour will not be acceptable.

According to the statement, the loyalty of organized Labour to the government is unequivocal, stressing that the only concern of Labour was the welfare and well being of workers and pensioners

The Ondo State Government has reconstructed the hilly township road in Ikare Akoko, the headquarters of the Akoko North-East Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Owing to the topography of the road, it had recorded many crashes which had led to the death of hundreds of people in the town. It was learnt that the road which is called ‘Oke Alabojuto ‘ had been abandoned for many years by the previous administrations in the state.

Before the reconstruction of the hilly road, it was gathered that residents of the ancient town had employed various forms of supplications, including prayers to God and rituals to the deities to end the crashes on the road but, all the efforts were futile as deaths resulting from auto crashes continued unabated.

It was also gathered that it was risky for motorists plying the road, especially articulated vehicles, to ascend or descend the hill as their drivers on many occasions lost control of the vehicles while ascending or descending, forcing the vehicles to roll down the hill and viciously crushing anything on their path.

Speaking on the development, the monarch of Ikare Akoko, Oba Akadiri Momoh, who confirmed the dangerous nature of the road, said the reconstruction of the road was long overdue but it had been abandoned by the previous administrations in the state.

He said, “Everybody in the town was very happy about this development because they knew the project was going to put a stop to the recurring needless accidents on the road.

“The construction of the Oke Alabojuto road is a wonderful thing to happen to the people of Akokoland and Nigeria in general, because the road links Ondo State to other parts of the country.

“Most vehicles, especially trucks and other lorries, would lose control and crash while ascending or descending the road due to brake failure or other mechanical faults. And these resulted in loss of lives and properties.”

Another resident of the town, Chief Dele Akerele, noted that the casualties on the road had reached a height when about five crashes, all resulting in fatalities, occurred within one week.

He added that with the current development on the road, all fatal auto crashes and deaths on Oke Alabojuto were finally over.

A Peoples Democratic Party chieftain in Ekiti State, Mr Olakunle Ojo, alongside his supporters on Saturday joined the ruling All Progressives Congress in the state.

They cited alleged polarisation in the opposition party as reason for the action.

Ojo said he felt betrayed with activities within the PDP and as such, “I no longer see the party as a good vehicle with which I and my supporters can advance our political course.”

The politician, who spoke at APC Ward 11, Ado Ekiti where he officially defected to the ruling party, said he detested divisive tendencies.

He said, “I don’t believe in polarisation. I will ensure that all our people are loyal to Governor Kayode Fayemi and the leaders of the APC at all levels.

“My journey started in the PDP, but it was a very awkward and disappointing one. We were not taken care of. I only took an Israelites’ journey by passing through the PDP.

“Let me assure you that I will continue to do my best to promote the APC because I believe that I and my supporters have good future in the party and for the fact that I am a progressive.”

The APC state Deputy Chairman, Sola Elesin, alongside the party’s Chairman, Ado Local Government Area, Mike Akinleye, and Ward 11 Chairman, Adegoke, received the defectors on behalf of the Paul Omotoso-led State Working Committee.

According to him, the party does not discriminate between old and new members.

He assured the new members of bright future in the APC.

“We don’t discriminate against anybody; the new and old members are one,” he said.

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu Aketi, SAN, has met with the incoming state lawmakers in the state ahead of their inauguration today.

The Governor met the lawmakers at the Elizade University, Ilara-mokin in Ifedore Local Government, Area of the state on Sunday during an induction programme .

The State House of Assembly would, later today, elect its principal officers for the 9th Assembly, which has 8 returning members and 18 new members.

The governor promised to work with any officer elected and also assured of his cooperation with the State House of Assembly.

He explained that the Legislative and Executive arm of government needed to be in harmony for the state to move forward, and to ensure that the people reaped the dividends of democracy

"I will work with you, and am always prepared to work with you. But I will always demand that whatever we do, we should be reasonable

"Whatever comes from your collective wisdom, I am ready to work with them. Find a way to work as one because there is a lot to be done for our people.

"The last Assembly did extremely well in Legislative functions. We are ahead of many states in laws passed. I believe that this coming Assembly will surpass what the last did because many of you are promising," he said.

According to Arakunrin Akeredolu "the House of Assembly building will be renovated because it is important, and we believe in it, so maintain it when it is done."

He further advised the lawmakers to be patient because the state must prioritize its spendings in view of limited funds.

"In the past four months, our FAAC allocations have dropped, but we have been able to manage due to the steady increase in the IGR, which used to be N700 million but has now increased to N1.5 billion monthly.

"Even the contractors working on road projects in the state are due for payment, but we must prioritize even as I have prioritized for the sake of the state," he said.

Pictures � by Blessed Michael

The residents of Gaga community in Akure, Ondo State Capital, has given a load laudation to the governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, for constructing the community ‘s major road.

Gaga community, a highly populated part of Oke-Aro in Akure, Ondo State Capital, has suffered neglect of the road over the years but for the recent intervention of the governor.

A 6km road project, residents expressed gratitude to the governor for approving and making sure that the constructing of the road is prompt and of high standard.

Speaking on behalf of the Gaga community, the traditional ruler of Gaga, Oba Olu Omotoso, thanked the governor immensely for his intervention and for ensuring that the community is given quality road that will henceforth ease vehicular movement and help farmers to trade and move their farm produce without much difficulty.

The monarch said, ” As a community, the people of Gaga appreciate the governor so immensely for his intervention and for ensuring that the community is given quality road that will henceforth ease vehicular movement and help farmers to trade and move their farm produce without much difficulty.

The government of Akeredolu has since given priority to the building and development of infrastructure in the state, and the construction project in Gaga town is one of about 600 road projects the governor is handling in the different parts of the state. The road which is already at completion stage will be commissioned very soon.

Farmers in Ondo State will soon benefit from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s N200 billion loan facility approved for them at a single digit, for improved production of five major crops.

The cash crops are cocoa, cashew, oil palm, shea butter and sesame seeds.

The approval was one of the major discussions of the Bankers’ Committee meeting last week.

According to the Ondo State Commissioner for Agriculture, Otunba Adegboyega Adefarati, who addressed journalists yesterday on behalf of the State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, the development was an opportunity cash crops farmers in the state had been yearning for to take their trade to the world stage.

Adefarati recounted efforts put in place by the state governor, whom he said took the matter to the highest level, especially the National Economic Council (NEC). He said the resolved of Ondo State, a leading producer of cocoa and oil palm in the country, was to convince the CBN to advance the facility to the cocoa and oil palm sub-sectors as it did to rice farmers, which blossomed.

Adefarati was of the view that with a single digit interest rate facility, cocoa, oil palm and cashew farmers in the state would be able to take the industry to a new height.

Commending the National Economic Council and the Bankers’ Committee for approving the facility for the farmers, the Commissioner enjoined cocoa, oil palm and cashew farmers to take advantage of the long-awaited opportunity by approaching their banks to access the loan.

He also called on the Federal Government to set up a Presidential Committee on cocoa production, like it did for some sectors in the past, to ensure what he called a cocoa rebirth revolution.

He argued that the move would be the surest way to maximize the country’s comparative advantage in cocoa production.

A high point of the facility, Adefarati pointed out, was its extension to companies processing any of the cash crops at a single digit interest rate for up to 10 years.

“The whole essence of this facility is to reduce poverty,” he said.

The Ondo State House of Assembly Committee on Tertiary Institutions, has expressed worry over the suspension of academic activities in some tertiary institutions in the state, saying that urgent steps must be taken for the institutions to reopen for academic session.

The Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Gudiubankole Felemu, gave the expression during the inspection tour of the Committee ‘s members to the State University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa.

He said the situation is giving the committee concern due to the several petitions it has received over the issue.

Felemu, who led the other members of the committee urged the management of the institution to fasttrack effort to ensure that students resume their academic session.

According to him, the state government and the management of the institution need to discuss to map out strategies on how to manage the institution.

The Chairman also expressed concern over the challenges facing the OSUSTECH in terms of infrastructure and charged the institution on the need to carry along the State Oil Producing Area Development Commission to improve in the area of infrastructure for the institution.

The committee emphasized the need for the institution to improve on its accreditation of courses, partnership with international institutions, students strength and find lasting solution to the issue of salary payment.

Whatever decision taken by the Governing Council of the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo in respect of the review of school fees shall only be applicable from 2019/2020 Academic Session, The Hope has learnt.

The Acting Rector of the Ondo State Government owned tertiary institution, Mr Gani Ogundahunsi made this known during the 26th Matriculation Ceremony of the school held at the 800 seater Auditorium of the school.

Ogundahunsi who said the management has received the report on the review however said it will be transmitted to the Governing Council for its attention and necessary action.

The Acting Rector who restated the agenda of the current Council and Management of the school to reposition the polytechnic to make her fulfill her mandate and to take her rightful place among the leading higher institutions in Nigeria and in the international arena called for the support of the students, staff and management alike to realise this.

According to him, their support will pave way for peace, stable academic calendar, eradication of all forms of indiscipline and diligence, industry and good conduct on the part of students , all of which are necessary for the growth and development of the school.

He therefore assured that the polytechnic on its part will continue to strive towards ensuring that academic programmes run in the institution are accredited.

On the conduct of the Student Union Elections, Mr Ogundahunsi disclosed that the election will now come up after the first semester examinations to ensure fair play, equity and justice.

Similarly, the Acting Rector said the first semester examination has been rescheduled to enable students who have not paid their school fees do so.

2000 students took part in the matriculation exercise.

The Forum of Permanent Secretaries in Kogi State has endorsed the state governor, Yahaya Bello, for second term.

The forum expressed satisfaction with the civil service reform carried out by the governor, describing it as “progressive.”



It said the governor deserved support to enable him to consolidate his achievements.

The forum’s chairman, Jibrin Okeme, made its position known on Tuesday after the forum’s meeting with the Special Adviser on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Abubakar Ohere.

Okeme said the civil service reform had positively repositioned the state for efficiency and performance.

“We are in the same boat with Governor Bello. Wherever he goes, we will go with him,” he said.

Okeme thanked the permanent secretaries and assured them that the state government would continue to do its best in placing high premium on the state civil service.

President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, yesterday, in Abuja, took the oath of office for a second term of four years.

Eagles Square, venue of the inauguration, was full to capacity despite the Federal Government’s position that it would be low key.

Buhari, 76, was sworn in for a second term at the Eagle Square, Abuja along with Osinbajo.

The oath of office was administered by the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad at the colourful ceremony, which had all the fanfare including the traditional 21 gun salute, but was devoid of the usual acceptance speech and the presence of former presidents and heads of state, except General Yakubu Gowon.

The opposition Peoples Democracy Party (PDP) said by failing to address Nigerians, President Buhari turned the inauguration to a parody.

But Presidency source has given reasons why President Buhari did not give an inauguration speech.

The source said the president will deliver speech at the forthcoming Democracy Day on June 12.

The Federal Government had shifted major events for the president’s inauguration to June 12.

The source, who spoke anonymously, said the president’s inaugural speech was not meant for the swearing in.

The oath-taking was followed by the lowering and hoisting of the National and Defence flag by the Guard of Honour, signalling the end of an era and the commencement of a new one.

The Christian opening prayer was said by the President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Revd Samson Ayokunle, while the Murshid of the Abuja National Mosque, Prof. Shehu Ahmad Galadanci led the Muslim prayer.

Dignitaries who attended the ceremony included the Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, members of the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC), members of the National Assembly, members of the Judiciary, the outgoing members of the Federal Executive Council, Service Chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police.

There were also members of the business community led by Aliko Dangote, Jim Ovia and Femi Otedola, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional rulers, the clergy, among others.

The Christian opening prayer was said by the President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Revd Samson Ayokunle, while the Murshid of the Abuja National Mosque, Prof. Shehu Ahmad Galadanci led the Muslim prayer.

Meanwhile, former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mrs. Farida Waziri and the Chairman of the Special Investigation Panel on the Recovery of Public Property, Okoi Obono-Obla, have predicted that the fight against corruption will receive robust attention during the second term of President Buhari.

Waziri said the nation was making a mistake thinking it was the responsibility of the anti-corruption bodies alone.

She added that it is the synergy between the anti-corruption agencies such as the EFCC, ICPC, NFIU, the courts, the Police and members of the public that can rid the country of corruption.

“They are the witnesses in cases that go to court. The Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), it is a total thing that we say look, enough is enough, we want our country to…we don’t want this toga of corruption. So, it is a total war. One section can’t succeed at all,” Waziri noted.

In a separate interview, Obono-Obla said the recovery of public assets would move to the next level.

“It will go to the next level of assets recovery. Full blast! No sacred cows. Whoever has taken what does not belong to him, but belongs to the people of Nigeria, should willingly surrender voluntarily. Otherwise, the full force of the law will be unleashed,” Obono-Obla said.

Permanent Secretary, Interior, Georgina Ehuriah, assured that the civil service would do everything possible to ensure that the president takes the country to the next level.

“The civil servants will work assiduously to implement all the policies and programmes that will be rolled out to move this nation to the next level,” Ehuriah said.

For Senator Ameh Ebute, having been in the saddle for sometime, President Buhari had learnt his mistakes, if there were any, and will do better in his second term.

Also, Obot Godswill Akpabio assured Nigerians that President Buhari would not just perform well in his second term, but will take Nigeria to the next level.

Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi said the most striking aspect of the Buhari administration is his disdain for corruption.

“He started well and my only concern is about corruption. No other massacre in the world is worse than corruption. And this leader stands out saying this is what I want.

“Yes, he will have chiefs or other people that have been in the game of corruption before, but when a leader stands out and say this is what I want, this is my path, he is the leader, people will tend to move forward.

“So, we have never seen a leader that has done that. Murtala tried, it was only for six months. Buhari is the next one that tried after him. And Buhari has been sustaining what he has been saying,” Oba Akanbi said.

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State on Thursday denied a report that he ordered tuition increment in the two state-owned universities.

For the past three days, students of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, and the Ondo State University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, had been protesting against alleged tuition hike by the state government.



It was alleged that the school fees were increased from N28,000 to N250,000 by the state government when their institutions lacked infrastructural development.

The protesting students, who asked the governor to resign or reduce the increased fees, vowed that the protest would continue until Akeredolu acceded to their demand.

Akeredolu, who spoke through the state Commissioner for Information, Mr Yemi Olowolabi, said the protest was being sponsored by some disgruntled elements in the state.

He said, “The point is that there is no tuition increment in the two institutions. There was an increase over a year ago and all the parties agreed that the school fees should be increased and that the students should be allowed to pay twice. For instance, if somebody is paying N100,000, such a person can pay N50,000 per semester.

“Nobody has increased their school fees to N250,000; the highest money they are paying is between N70,000 and N150,000, which could be paid twice. It is unfair for the students to be protesting on a matter that had been resolved over one and half years ago. The way it is now, it is clear that the students are being sponsored to protest by some disgruntled elements in the state.”

The governor, however, said the matter would soon be resolved.

Plans are underway to proffer lasting solution to the fire outbreak at Ojumole oil well in Ilaje Local Government area which has been burning for over thirty five days.

To this end, the Ondo State Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Has mandated the Ministry of Environment to begin Pollution assessment of the affected Communities.

The Governor stated this during a stakeholder meeting with Chevron, Ministry of Environment and Communities representatives in Akure the State Capital.

The Commissioner for Environment Mr. Funso Esan said the Ministry would not relent in its effort in ensuring that Chevron Nigeria Limited do the needful to put off the fire.

According to him, the Ministry has gone on spot assessment of the area to know extent of damage and mitigation measures.

In the meantime, the Ondo State House of Assembly has summoned Chevron Nigeria Limited also to compel the Company put off the fire for the safety of people living in the affected Communities.

At the public hearing comprising of Chevron, Ministry of Environment and representatives of Communities affected by the inferno, the state lawmakers pleaded with Chevron to focus mostly on the safety of the people and plan towards cushioning the after effect of the fire.

Spokesman for the affected Communities Dr. Akin Akinruntan who spoke extensively on the health hazard already incurred by people in the area stated their demands for Chevron to relocate the people of Ojumole, put off the fire as soon as possible, clean up the area without delay and pay them compensation to the tune of 2.5billion dollars.

Chevron representative who is also the General Manager Policy Government and Public Affairs Africa Business Unit Mr. Esimaje Brikinn who said experts have been flown from the United States to kill the well promised that the Company would meet with leaders of the Communities for necessary actions.

Report says the facilities at Ojumole have been inactive since the Ijaw/Ilaje crisis in 1998 and every attempt to make Chevron re-open and secure the facilities has not been successful. This has made the area vulnerable to oil bunkering activities thereby resulting into oil spillages.

The Ondo police have confirmed the release of three men kidnapped along Auga-Ise road in Akoko Northeast local government of the state.

The public relations officer of Ondo state police command, Femi Joseph, who confirmed their release to Channels Television said the force investigations are going on to apprehend the kidnappers.

Two of the victims were said to be on their way to Ikare Akoko for a wedding, while the third person was coming from Ibese in Ogun state to Obajana, Kogi state when they were abducted by the gunmen.

The third victim, Ibrahim Lawal, the occupant of Mitsubishi pickup van, is a staff of Dangote group. He was coming from Ibese in Ogun state to Obajana when the gunmen struck.

It was gathered the prompt efforts of Ikare Akoko police and the local vigilante groups aided their release from kidnappers’ den.

Many have been complaining over the increase of kidnapping on Nigerian roads.

Read more: https://www.legit.ng/1239874-ondo-kidnapped-travellers-regain-freedom-police.html

The mention of Ore town will send chills down the spines of so many persons who either witnessed or participated in the battle that took place there during the Nigerian Civil War. Ore is a gateway of sorts to the Western and Eastern parts of the country. The historic town was so important to Nigeria’s continuity that it could sway victory to the enemy if captured during the civil war by the Biafra soldiers; but for the Nigerian Army that engaged in a fierce battle for the soul of Nigeria.

The Biafran Army could not withstand the firepower of the Nigerian troop had to retreat and the war was eventually restricted to the Eastern side of the federation. Vestiges of the civil war are still evident in this town. A Yoruba maxim- “Ole ku, Ija Ore”- meaning: “The military battle at Ore was tough” derived its coinage from the essential history of the war.


In spite of the significant place of Ore in history and its being a strategic gateway between the Western and the Eastern blocs of Nigeria, Ore remains a very semi-urban town with poor infrastructure to support its huge population of Nigerians from different parts of the country who have found comfort in the town for trading and farming activities.

Also, Ore’s potentialities as a viable transit gate between the western and the eastern parts of Nigeria are other reasons that its population is booming. The town has, however, been growing organically from its modest beginning after the civil war with no concerted effort after the war on the part of subsequent Federal or Ondo State governments to document and address this historic town as a constant reminder of our civil war, and, more importantly, to develop it into a functional city with full complements of infrastructure development that will support her ever teeming population post the civil war.

All that stories of woe have now been consigned to the past as Ore now enjoys the attention she deserves since the advent of the administration of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) in Ondo State. Arakunrin Akeredolu has made true his promise of turning Ore, a once famous theatre-of-war, into one of the industrial hubs of Nigeria.

Massive construction sites – overhead bridges, link roads – are common sights when passing through Ore. These will serve as infrastructure support base for Ore as an industrial hub.

When these multi-billion Naira constructions are completed, an end will be put to the traffic congestions on the popular Ore junction and adequately ease the flow of traffics on the notorious transit axis of Lagos-Benin-Ondo road in Ore town that was partially caused by the location of NNPC depot at the entry of the express way in Ore.

In his determination to ensure the realisation of Ore as an industrial hub and as a solid economic base, Arakunrin Akeredolu had embarked on an investment tour to China at the inception of his administration in 2017. That tour gave birth to an entirely new industrial park, now called Ondo Linyi Industrial Park, situated at Ore.

The park is an offshoot of Linyi municipal government of Shandong in China where Arakunrin Akeredolu signed the Memorandum of Understanding with Linyi Municipal government of Shandong province of the People’s Republic of China in 2017. Since that MoU was signed, many investors from the Shandong province of China have made good their promise to set up different industries in this park.

Already, Linyi industrial park in Ore is bubbling with life as human and vehicular traffics beautify the landscape of the once empty space in the woods. Different companies have set up plants and warehouses while many other companies are being constructed. A paper mill, a textile company, an ethanol plant, a medium-density fiberboard, a high-density fiberboard and plywood factories, and a host of other agricultural based products companies have commenced production at the Ore Industrial Park.

With the completion of the paper mill, the ethanol plant, the plywood factory and other industries, these would cumulatively provide over 20,000 direct jobs while many people, double that figure, are expected to benefit indirectly from jobs created down the value chain.

The choice of Ore as the nation’s industrial hub was apt and it is a decision well thought of by Arakunrin Akeredolu for the reason that the town is strategically placed between the western and the eastern gateways of the country. The people in the community are mostly settlers. The land is devoid of the activities of the notorious land grabbers who often prevent ease of doing business in some other traditional settlements.

The proximity of Ore to Lagos port through the proposed bridge by the Arakunrin Akeredolu’s Government over the Atlantic ocean to Lekki in Lagos is the icing on the cake that makes Ore town the perfect location for the nation’s next industrial hub of the near future where thousands of hectares of forest land are in abundant and waiting for development.

Many established companies in Nigeria are now taking advantage of the opportunities provided by the Ondo State Government in assisting prospective businesses in securing land for free in establishing their factories upon request.

More than fifty existing companies in Nigeria at the last count have made inquiries on how to relocate their companies to Ore and be part of the industrial revolution going on in Ondo State. Through his performance in two years in office, Arakunrin Akeredolu has turned Ondo State into one big construction site as massive roads constructions are going on across the eighteen local governments in the state; new blocks of school classrooms are being built and several renovated; hospitals and rural health delivery services are being improved upon, daily. Schools are being energized to bring in more quality education, infrastructure development; Local Council Development Area LCDAs are to be created throughout the state soon while IGR is on the increase without necessarily increasing tax.

Everyone in the state is embracing agriculture because of government’s incentive and grants extended to the sector. There are unprecedented improvements in the state’s tourism sector that will see Ondo State go to historic heights in employment and revenue generation, as well, as other multi-billion naira projects, community engagements, trade-group empowerments and human and resources development visible across the State.

There were also good investments in many industrial sectors to provide employment and empowerment. In addition, many notable private sector developments and partnership drives took place in the state, which led to the restoration of electricity to the South Senatorial District of the state, starting with all the houses in Ebute-Ipare and Aboto towns in Ilaje local government area and a majority of houses in Igbobini in Ese-odo local government area, which were powered using solar technology as well as Ode-Aye that was recently reenergized by BEDC, after several years of being cut-off from the national grid.

Arakunrin Akeredolu’s moral ethical compass to genuinely develop Ondo state will surely speak volumes to the hearts and the souls of the people in the coming governorship election. No doubt, he has, through his performance indices across the nooks and crannies of the state, etched his name in gold and built a body of legacies as a visionary leader, one with inexorable desire for the growth and the development of his people.

The footprint of his great efforts will forever be recorded for posterity to judge as his legacy of service to the people of Ondo State.

_Otaloro is the Director of Media and Publicity, APC, Ondo State._

Ondo state governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN is targeting a skills development empowerment for 150,000 unemployed young people in Ondo state.

The Governor made the revelation at the opening of a 2- day training programme for 200 unemployed youths in Akure, organized by the newly established Ondo State Office of Innovation and Partnerships in collaboration with German Development Corporation GIZ.

Akeredolu who spoke through his Senior Special Assistant of Innovation and Partnerships, Joel Ogunsola said the plan will be implemented over an 18 month period and will include employability engagements, matching of the unemployed with Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) for paid interships as well as other full time job opportunities.

“Our newly established Office of Innovation and Partnerships office is directly responsible for empowering young people, we are working to engage up to 150,000 people within 18 months.

The objective is basically to take them through different career advisory options, help them understand what the opportunities are within the Nigerian ecosystem, and specifically train them on basic digital and technological skills.

“But beyond training, the partnership is to particularly fix them with jobs. We have gotten commitments from some agencies of government and SME’s that had already keyed into the project.

We are indeed grateful to GIZ for the committment to pay the cost of the internships.” Akeredolu Said

He revealed that the Innovation Office will promote entrepreneurship, enterprise development and economic growth through innovation, urging youth to follow up on other partnerships programmes of the office for more opportunities.

Addressing the participants, the National Coordinator for the Nigerian-German Centre for Jobs, Migration and Reintegration, Mrs Elizabeth Olayinka-Adekunle said the partnership is to empower Nigerians with skills that can make them self-reliant, by introducing them to Entrepreneurial thinking, emerging opportunities within the Nigerian Economic Space, Job placement trainings to mention a few.

Speaking at the event, the Regent of Ibulesoro, in Ifedore Local Government Area of the state, Princess Moyinoluwa Falowo commended the state government for the initiative which she emphasized will expose the participants to basic requirements to get and create jobs as well as reduce the penchant for illegal immigration among young people.

The attention of the Management of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, has been drawn to some wicked and malicious lies being peddled against the Institution by some unscrupulous elements.

These apparently compromised elements are alleging that Adekunle Ajasin University has, once again, increased fees payable in the institution saying that school fees have been raised to N250,000 per session.

A statement by the acting Registrar Opeoluwa Akinfemiwa said the Institution Management wishes to state firmly and unequivocally that there is no new increase of school fees in AAUA just as he stated that the Current school fees in AAUA range between N80,000 and N150,000.

According the statement,the students are allowed to pay twice between N40,000 and N75,000 per semester.

The statement added that the demand during the recent protest of students was for the University to allow those who have not paid their school fees to write tests/examinations while they pay their school fees later.

It stated further that, Parents and Guardians are advised to ensure that their children and wards pay their school fees without delay, especially since they have the option of paying twice over two semesters.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the schedule of school fees charged in AAUA, with effect from April 2018 range between N80,000 and N150,000 per year, depending on course or level of study. The above figures were negotiated with relevant stakeholders, including the students and their parents, and finalized in April last year. It is instructive to note that almost a session has passed since then and students have paid without any issue.
It is, therefore, surprising that some people are now coming up with issue of reduction in school fees – an issue that was negotiated, agreed upon and finalized in 2018, a period of over a year ago!.Management is hereby urging members of the public to note that the school fees payable in Adekunle Ajasin University remain as negotiated with the students since April last year.All lies, insinuations, and rumors contrary to the above stated facts should be ignored and discountenanced, please.”

In furtherance of Ondo State Government's vision to intensify more efforts on rural development and extension services, the State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Wednesday presented cheques of a total sum of N516million to second set of 37 communities and 13 vulnerable groups.

This is to enable the beneficiaries to kick-start the implementation of their self-help and empowerment projects, respectively, under the Community and Social Development Project Additional Financing (CSDPAF).

It will be recalled that Akeredolu's administration presented cheques with the total sum of N167million to the first set of 19 communities for the similar purpose in the year 2017.

Speaking at the event held at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome) in Akure, the Governor said this was in line with the unwavering determination of his administration to run an inclusive government, which according to him, involves every citizen and resident of the state in its development plan.

Akeredolu, represented by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, lauded the state Community and Social Development Agency, saying its has lived up to expectation of facilitating the people to utilise their innate intelligence and indigenous capacity to drive development in the state most especially in the rural areas.

His words, "We appreciate the fact that the Community and Social Development Project utilises the bottom-up community Driven Development approach in its project implementation strategy, involving the projects' end users, particularly in its identification through the participatory Rural Appraisal, a platform for grassroots policy dialogue, implementation and taking ownership of the projects.

"Our administration will not relent in abridging the wide socio-ecomomic gap between the hinterlandsand urban centres as real development can only be actualised and accentuated through the active symbiosis between the two, an understanding predicated on collaboration and coexistence designed for amity and progress

"Let me commend the Special Adviser and the Ondo State Community and Social Development Agency (ODCSDA) for facilitating and impacting into the the lives of inhabitants of 142 communities across the three senatorial districts of the state with 361 projects to date".

In his welcome address, the Special Adviser on Rural and Community Development to the Governor, Rt.Hon. Victor Olabimtan, said ODCSDA was one of the 27 states including FCT participating in CSDP fully certified by the World Bank to operate in the CSDP Additional Financing phase.

Olabimtan noted that the World Bank-assited programme was to improve access to services of human development, while the project developmental objective was to support empowerment of communities and local government authorities for increased access by the poor to improved social and natural resources infrastructure services in a sustainable manner.

He however stressed that CSDP has contributed significantly in achieving the target set by this administration regarding her JMPPR priority policies.

Ondo State Government has restated its resolve to continue to provide enabling environment for private businesses to thrive, especially in the agribusiness.

Commissioner for Agriculture, Asiwaju Adegboyega Adefarati made the promise during a working visit to Igbajo Agro Allied Farm Limited, a large scale agribusiness farm in Ondo West Local Government Area of the state.

Adefarati who was accompanied on the visit by the Ag. Permanent Secretary, Segun Odusanya and some management staff expressed satisfaction with the facilities on ground.

He said the promoter of the farm deserved every assistance from the state government and other institutional agencies, especially Ondo State Ministry of Agriculture and the Bank of Agriculture in order to reach its full potential.

The facilities on the farm include a blossoming Oil Palm Plantation, Six Pens of birds, housing 20,000 birds a Ranch with at least 60 cows, goatry, piggery, dams, Feed mills and staff hostel

Other facilities at the Farm include a Nine Holes Golf Court, Night Club and a hill with over 545 steps to get to the top.

The poultry section with capacity of 45,000 birds, but currently housing 30,000 birds is producing a minimum of 500 crates of eggs per day making it the biggest farm of its kind in the state.

The farm which currently has a minimum of 100 persons in its employment is a partner in progress. as it has contributed immensely to the State Government jobs creation and poverty reduction efforts.

Speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Segun Odusanya who commended the management of the farm for a job well done said this is the kind of business they will love to assist and partner, promising that the Ministry will do all in its power to assist the venture with the needed expertise to realise its full potential.

On why a medical doctor embarked on a full scale commercial farming worth millions of naira, the promoter of the agribusiness, Dr Jibayo Adeyeye attributed it to his passion and desire to create job and value chain addition to the landscape.

Adeyeye, the Special Adviser to Ondo State Governor on Health said he singlehandedly financed the farm he started almost eight years ago following his inability to secure an Agriculture loan from the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Bank of Agriculture.

He disclosed that the farm consummes between 40 to 50 tons of maize per week especially in the production of feeds.

However, he lamented the inability of farmers to maximize the opportunity by going into large scale farming of maize.

He expressed his commitment to partner the state government in order to grow and develop the agriculture sector and help his farm to achieve its full potentials.

Farmers in Ondo state especially those plying their vocation in Government Reserves have pledged their unalloyed loyalty to the state government and called on state Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, to run for a second term.

The farmers who were unanimous in their support at an interface with the State Task Force on Government Reserves under the chairmanship of the Commissioner for Agriculture, Asiwaju Adegboyega Adefarati hinged their resolve on the Governor’s outstanding feat in terms of infrastructural development of the state within two years .

They promised to be law abiding in carrying out their farming activities in line with government agricultural policy and payment of their land use charge as at when due.

The meeting which took place at the Fadama Hall in the Ministry of Agriculture in Akure was called to express government’s reservations on reports of unwholesome activities of some people in the reserves.

It also enabled government to introduce the new consultant in charge of the management and collection of dues and levies to the farmers.

Speaking earlier, Adefarati who did not mince words on government’s determination to sanitize the sector restated government’s position against felling of Teak and Gmelina plantation, opening of new farm lands, burning of bushes and erection of permanent structures in Government Reserves by the settlers, warning that the government through the Task Force will come down heavily on any violator.

According to the Commissioner, government is at liberty to do whatever it wants with its property, warning that anybody caught violating these instructions will be made to pay N250,000 to government coffer and lose the land to serious farmers or investors.

“In order to nip unwholesome activities in the bud, the state government has ordered its Task Force on Reserves to arrest anyone who violates its order, especially those selling and buying land .

He advised the farmers against making payment to anybody except the Board of Internal Revenue.

To make the payment more convenient for the farmers because of the distance, Adefarati advised them to pay to their camp heads who will in turn pay to the bank in their names.

Adefarati also used the occasion to disclose government’s plans to provide timely and useful agricultural information, rehabilitation and construction of farm roads and culverts where necessary to ease transportation of farm produce to the markets.

While appreciating the farmers for supporting the government in its avowed commitment to make lives more abundant to the people, the Commissioner said the ministry will soon commence the distribution of 3000 identity cards to enhance proper identification of farmers at the reserves.

Akeredolu Swears - In Four New Judges, Charges Them To Be Above Board

In what was described as unique occasion in the life of his administration, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Monday in Akure swore-in four judges of Ondo State High Court, with a call on them to always live above board .

The new High Court judges, the governor said, were found worthy and suitable for appointment after consideration by the National Judicial Council.

According to Governor Akeredolu, the new High Court judges represent some of the state's best and finest materials at the Bar and from Lower Bench.

He added that Justices Gilbert Bamidele Olupitan, Olajide John Abe, Ademola Enikuomehin and Tope Adedipe, came to their new positions with wide and varying experiences for the benefit of Ondo State and her citizens.

Reeling out the qualities of a judicial officer, Akeredolu told the new judges to make sobriety, continence and general disposition towards rectitude their hallmark.

The governor added that Ondo State would not accept anything short of their best.

'It is in this light that we continue to insist on having the best occupy the Bench," Akeredolu said.

The governor, while decrying the recent challenges thrown up by the incursion of strange elements into the judiciary, stressed that a judge must be a shining light to the society because his conduct and behaviour reflect the public image of the judiciary.

He said: "The average citizen must be able to perceive the intervention of the Bench as credible, regardless of the outcome. Litigants must leave believing that justice has been done.

"The future of the judiciary and indeed the nation depends, to a large extent, on how our judges perform their duties, effectively.

"In effect, judges are called upon to carry out their adjudicatory duties to all and sundry in the society without fear, favour or ill will."

As judicial officers, the governor urged the new judges to be beyond reproach.

He added that their ways might not be pleasing to the crooked, but must, however, be held in great reverence by even the most unscrupulous in the community.

As people living within the people, the governor is of the strong belief that the judges' callings remove them from common practices because their words were always measured.

The governor said: " A judicial officer exudes an aura of invincibility. He possesses a rare but real power of life and death.

"Any individual with these awesome powers cannot be allowed to indulge in usual observance of ordinary mortals. He is special, therefore, the exaction must be intense."

� Olawale Abolade

The process for the selection of a new Olowo will be transparent and fair, as all qualified contestants will be given equal treatment whenever the Olowo stool is declared vacant.

The Ojomoluda of Ijebu – Owo, Oba Kofoworola Oladoyinbo Ojomo stated this in an interview with The Hope in his palace.

“There is going to be fairness. That position is not a marketable commodity. If you have all the monies in this world you can’t purchase it. We are also not ignoring traditional way of getting our Oba”.

Oba Oladoyinbo who said the responsibility of selecting a new Olowo rests solely on the Senior Omolowos however said until the stool is declared vacant, no one can show his intention to go for it.

According to the monarch, there is no vacancy concerning the Olowo stool for now and until the relevant authority has declared otherwise, those interested should exercise patience.

On the criteria for selecting a new Olowo, the Ojomoluda declared that what the Omolowos are looking for is somebody who has the love and desire for the progress of Owo.

“What we expect of the new monarch or any traditional ruler is the love and desire for the progress of the town and the society, but this is not taught in any school”.

“Leadership nowadays is not based on high sounding educational qualification. It is based on your willingness to serve the people right. What the Senior Omolowos are looking for is a person who will move Owo forward, someone who will improve the lots of the ordinary man. It is not about whether you are a professor, Army General or Medical Doctor”.

Oba Ojomo also made it clear that there is only one ruling house in Owo and that the Olowo stool is not known for rotation.

“We have just one Dynasty, the Elewokun dynasty or ruling house. Anybody that comes from the male line of the royal family, provided he is sane and qualified too, is always considered “.

The monarch however refered anybody that is in doubt over this, to look at the government position on this as it has been documented.

Allaying the fear of a possible crisis over the final decision of the selection, Oba Ojomo said the crisis that greeted the selection of Oba Folagbade some twenty years ago was because politicians interfered in the process.

He therefore warned politicians to steer clear of the process as it is the prerogative of the Senior Omolowos to select a new Olowo and hand same to the Kingmakers for installation.

ACE Provost tasks freshers on academic excellence

The Provost of Adeyemi College of Education, Dr Samuel Akintunde has described the oath taken by students as a legal bond between them and their institution.

He stated this recently at the matriculation of new intakes into the college.

According to him, it is important that the students should imprint it in their minds that they are liable to receive appropriate sanctions for any act found to be antithetical to the oath they have taken.

Akintunde encouraged the students to complete their registration early, so that they will not miss any papers as examinations would start soon.

The provost therefore warned the students against indiscipline in form of rape, drug abuse, cultism, fighting/assault, indecent dressing among others saying the college management has zero tolerance for all these.

He enjoined them to work hard for excellent results so that they can favourably and confidently enter into the highly competitive labour market as students are representatives of not just their various households but ambassadors and representatives of the College.

In another development, the provost enjoined the students of NCE in the college to comport themselves wherever they are either, collectively or individually, so that they do not bring the worthy name of the college into disrepute.

He charged them to give adequate attention to their studies, saying the College will not tolerate any form of indiscipline.

He posited that offenders will face sanctions . While advising them to abide by the rules and regulations of the college.

Speaking earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof Eyitope Ogunbodede, who was represented by the Dean Faculty of Education of OAU, Prof Ademola Adeleke said that the main objective of the matriculation exercise is to acquaint the students with the fundamental principles, norms and culture of the institution.

He added that these core values have projected the image of the institution as a center for learning and character moulding of the students.

Ogunbodede further added that the core values also depict the vision of the institution which is to nurture a high international standard.

According to him, the motive of the students in the College is to be groomed in learning and character to make them intellectually sound, emotionally stable, morally upright and properly fit to take up positions of responsibilities wherever they find themselves.

Responding, a matriculant from tha Geography Department, Miss Fatima Musa expressed joy and promised to abide by the College rules and regulations so as to achieve all goals.

Also speaking, from Economics Department, Mr Ajibu Ahudu promised to shun all bad groups and promote the good name of the college.

AKEREDOLU RESTATES COMMITMENT TO DEVELOPMENT OF APOI LAND AS DEPUTY GOVERNOR BECOMES ASIWAJU.

Ondo State Government has promised the people of Apoi kingdom in Ese-Odo Local Government area, of more developmental projects.

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu made the pledge at Oboro town during the first coronation of Kalasuwe of Apoi Land, Oba Professor Sunday Adejimola Amuseghan.

The Governor, who was represented by deputy, Mr Agboola Ajayi, disclosed that the present administration had renovated all primary schools in the local government area.

Akeredolu said his administration had not only upgraded the general hospital at Igbekebo to standard state specialist hospital, but also equipped it with standard equipments and employed over 67 medical staff to provide quality health services in the riverine area.

The governor added that road networks in the town had been tarred to improve road links in the area.

He urged the monarch to continue to foster unity among the 10 communities in the kingdom, like he had done in the last one year.

Earlier, the traditional ruler, Oba Amuseghan who had commended the Government for the unflinching support for the region, thanked God for the journey so far,since he ascended the throne of his forefathers.

The monarch also expressed appreciation his fellow monarchs in Apoi Land for being resolute in the preservation of the Apoi Culture.

“Although 12 years is a long time for a community to be without a mornach, I will try my best to cover lost grounds in terms of attracting development to our dear land,” the monarch said.

Kalasuwe added that the planned skill acquisition centre for the community, when completed, will develop the youths of the town.

Earlier, chairman of the Coronation Planning Committee, Colonel Orire Nikoro, said the people of Apoi were proud of the king,for fostering unity among the people of the land.

Nikoro said the monarch had achieved a lot within the one year of his coronation, especially in the area of education.

The Highlight of the occasion was the conferment of the chieftaincy title of Asiwaju Oluomo of Apoi Land on Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi.

Apoi had been without a paramount ruler for 12 years before Oba Amuseghan was crowned last year.

A valedictory court session has been held in honour of the late Olowo of Owo, Oba (Dr) David Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi, CFR who was a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, a Life Bencher and a teacher of Law to many legal luminaries in both the Bar and the Bench.

In his tribute at the occasion, the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, described the late Royal Father as a true patriot, revered monarch and an illustrious son of the state who would be missed by all.

The governor, in his speech entitled, “Celebrating a great Scholar and Patriot”, at the special court session held at the State High Court, Akure, said the occasion was not to mourn but to celebrate the life and times of a true patriot, statement, revered monarch and an illustrious son of the state and therefore congratulated the people of Owo Kingdom for the gift of the rare gem to humanity.


He, however, noted that it was regrettable and painful that the traditional ruler quietly joined his ancestors at a time when the task of nation building calls for men of deep intellect, broad knowledge and experience like the late monarch.

The governor stressed that he personally felt the sudden death of the late monarch as an Owo son, just as he appreciated the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Olutoyin O. Akeredolu for and his brother Judges for holding the well-deserved and befitting special Court Session in honour of the First Class Royal Father whom he called a colossus, a teacher of lawyers and legal practitioner of note.


Arakunrin Akeredolu said the late Olowo of Owo devoted his life to the service of humanity and served in several capacities before and during his reign as the Olowo of Owo.

He equally added that, as the Chairman of Council of Obas, the late monarch promoted peace throughout the state and stood for truth and justice throughout his tenure, while successive governments in the state including the present administration benefited alot from his wealth of experience and knowledge.

“The highly cerebral king devoted his life to the service of humanity. He served in several capacities before and during his reign as the Olowo of Owo. Apart from being the former Secretary Council of Legal Education, he was former General Secretary Nigerian Association of Law Teachers, Deputy Director General for Africa International Biographical Centre, England, former Chancellor, University of Benin, and former Chairman Ondo State Council of Obas”, the governor added.

Several other bodies which included, the Body of Benchers, Association of Senior Advocates of Nigeria and Members of Nigerian Bar Association, Owo Branch took turn to pay glowing tributes to the late Paramount Ruler of the Ancient Kingdom of Owo.

� Blessed Michael

Senate has considered and passed a bill which elevates June 12 above May 29 as Democracy Day in Nigeria.

Senate passed the document titled: Public Holiday Amendment, 2019 after it concurred with the bill which originated from the House of Representatives.

President Muhammadu Buhari had last year declared June 12 Democracy Day when he conferred posthumously the highest honour in the country on the man behind the story Late Chief MKO Abiola.

June 12, 1993 holds a significant reference point in Nigeria’s political history.

It was the day that witnessed what many consider as the freest and fairest elections in the country which was however annulled by the then ruling military council.

Senate action on Thursday may have finally put to an end more than two decades of campaign and advocacy to elevate June 12 above May 29, Nigeria’s official handing over date.

Men of the Ondo State Command of the Nigeria Police Force have apprehended no fewer than 17 suspected criminals across the State.

The mass arrest according to the police was in connection with the launch of operation “Puff Adder” in the state.

Among those arrested and paraded at the State headquarters of the police in Akure, the Ondo State capital were suspected armed robbers, cultists and rapists.

According to the Commissioner of Police in the State, Undie Adie, “Two persons, Umoru Mohammed and Ibrahim who specialized in robbing people of their valuables by posing as customers only to promise paying through online were nabbed.

“Another suspect is Tunde Akinwumi aged 20 and Tunde Akinboyewa (25) who were arrested for raping a teenager, Joy Akinnobun (18) and a minor, Ilori Faith who were rescued by a good Samaritan from further molestation.”

The Police boss said efforts were on to apprehend the other fleeing suspects, adding that the arrested culprits were already assisting detectives in the ongoing investigation.

Adie also disclosed that a gang of armed robbers invaded the granite site of Crunberg Construction Company Nigeria Limited at Omifon village, Ore in Odigbo Local Government and attacked the two-night guards, before carting away the company equipment.

“The suspects, Abubakar Ibrahim (24) of Omifon village and Mohammed Bello (25) who came from Kwara State were picked at sweet mother street, Ore and they confessed to the crime after interrogation by the police.

He further stated that, “Sola Tosin, Lamidi Lucky, Ojo Are were arrested while attempting to disposes one Shaibu Success of his motorcycle with registration number, KAA 045 VS within Owo, Akure and Ose towns.

Items recovered from the hoodlums were one locally made single barrel gun, three GSM phones, one packet of cigarettes and other dangerous weapons.”

The Police boss stated that the suspect would be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

No fewer than 10 memorandum have been presented by their sponsors in Odigbo local government for the creation of local government development areas (LCDAs) in the existing local government.

The Chairman, Committee for LCDA creation Prince Adelanke Odogiyan made the revelation at the 2nd public hearing on the creation of LCDA in Odigbo, Ondo East and Ondo west, Ile-Oluji Okeigbo council area of the state.

Prince Odogiyan in his opening remark said that the creation of the LCDA isn’t a political stunt and a motive to cause rift but to bring more dividends of democracy to people at the grassroots.

In Odigbo local government, proposed new local government development areas were read out by their various sponsors which includes Furupagha LCDA, Araroromi-Obu/Ayesan LCDA, Ore LCDA, Ifesowopo headquaters Ajue LCDA, Oniseere, Ebijaw and Agbabu LCDA, Araromi-Ajebamidele LCDA and Ufara LCDA.

The occasion had in attendance dignitaries, government officials, traditional leaders including the Olore of Ore Oba Johnson Adeolu Olatomide, Lisa of Araromi Obu, High chief, Tola Akintemi,the Local Government chairmen and indigenes of the three council areas represented.

The committee public hearing moves to Ilaje, Ese-Odo, Irele and Okitipupa local government areas today.

Last procession rites for Olowo

The last procession rites for any Olowo of Owo known in local parlance as Oyingbo Omologho has been performed for late Oba Victor Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi in Owo.

During the colourful rites of passage, all commercial activities were put on hold in the ancient town as a mark of respect for the dead monarch.

The Iloro Chiefs who are custodians of Owo traditions led the procession with women carrying Apasa amidst songs and drumming.

An interdeno-minational funeral service will hold in Owo on Sunday May 19 2019, for the monarch bringing to a final close all burial arrangements for him

Meanwhile, the Owo Muslim Community has held a Jumat service for the late Olowo.
The service held at the Owo Central Mosque was conducted by the Chief Imam of Owo, Alhaji Ahmad Aladesawe.

Imam Aladesawe who extolled the good virtues of the late monarch said he(Oba Folagbade) served God all his life.

The Islamic cleric disclosed that despite being a Christian, Oba Folagbade was supportive to the Muslim community in Owo.
Imam Aladesawe described his reign as peaceful and witnessed a lot of progress and development in the town.

The Jumat service was attended by the Owo Muslim community, chiefs, community leaders as well as members of the royal family.

In total commitment to improving the economic lot of Ondo State, Governor Akeredolu has proven his brilliance at tapping into numerous potentials of the sunshine state.

Recently, The Governor joined by the Chairman of the National Drug Law Efnforcement Agency (NDLEA) Col. Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah on a visit to Thailand for a Program on Medicinal Canabis Extract Development stated that the state will exploiting the numerous economic advantage of cannabis cultivation.

Against the public perception of the plant, which is considered illegal in the country, the state government in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency will be looking possibility of exploiting the commercial potential of cannabis oil with focus on Ondo State.

According to the Governor, he stated ,"We all know that Ondo State is the hot bed of cannabis cultivation in Nigeria. We know how to grow it and it thrives well in the Sunshine State."

He further revealed that an estimated value of $145 Billion in 2025 would be derived from the successful exploiting of the plant.
He also urged the public to ignore the general notion about the plant, the state team with the NDLEA research team would be undergoing a research on how to legally grow cannabis in the state for pure medicinal purposes.
He also added that the state would be shortchanging ourselves if it fail to tap into the Legal Marijuana Market

LCDAS CREATION: AKURE SOUTH PROPOSES NINE MORE LGS AS LCDA COMMITTEE BEGINS PUBLIC HEARING.

No fewer than nine local council development areas are being proposed for creation out of the present Akure south local government area.

This was contained in the memoranda adopted by sponsors at a public hearing on the creation of local council development areas held in Akure City Hall.

In his opening address, chairman of the local council development areas creation committee, Prince Lanke Odogiyan said the public hearing is to enable sponsors of LCDA creation from Akure south, Akure North , Ifedore, and Idanre LGAs to defend and adopt the memoranda of presented to the committee.

Prince Odogiyan who reiterated governments resolve to create the LCDAs in order to bring government nearer to the grassroots, solicited the cooperation of stakeholders to enable the committee achieve it’s aims.

Five minutes were given to each sponsor to defend and adopt their proposals after which they were submitted to the committee.

The proposed LCDAs are; Ajapada LCDA, Oyemekun west LCDA, Akure south East LCDA, Akure south west LCDA, Akure East LCDA, Oyemekun east, Akure central LCDA, Akure south west andAkure west.

The Ondo State Government has said that it recorded 800 cases of drug-resistant tuberculosis infection in the state.

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, who stated this during the biennial general meeting of the National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners, Ondo State chapter, held in Akure, capital of the state, also noted that tuberculosis had posed a serious challenge to the health sub-sector in the state.


The meeting was themed, Emerging trends in communicable diseases: Drug-resistant tuberculosis as a case study.

The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Sunday Abegunde, said his administration had made the health of the people one of its top priorities.

He added that the state government had built a public health laboratory and an infectious diseases hospital where tuberculosis and other infectious diseases were being treated.


He said, “Tuberculosis has been a great challenge in developing countries, particularly in Nigeria where about 400,000 cases have been diagnosed. Out of these cases, about 20,000 are drug-resistant. Ondo State has 16,000 cases, with 800 cases being drug-resistant.

“The gestures of some non-governmental organisations and international partners have gone a long way to complement the efforts of our administration in reducing the burden of tuberculosis in the state.”

In his remarks, the state chairman of the NAGGMDP, Dr Iyanda Busari, lamented the dearth of qualified doctors in government-owned medical centres. He called on the governor to improve the condition of health care facilities in the state.

“More doctors are still needed in our health facilities to meet up with the health needs required by the people of Ondo State. We need the assistance and commitment of the governor,” he pleaded.

The Medical Social Service department of University of Medical Science Teaching Hospital Complex (UNIMEDTHC), Ondo has been advised to always handle every medical social problems that is associated with Indigent or non-indigent patients illness and other disabilities with uttermost priority.

The Chief Medical Director of the University, Dr. Oluwole Ige, gave this charge during an interactive session with journalists staring the significance of saving life as the core of any health workers.

Ige said the Medical Social Service department of the Teaching Hospital would institute social intervention in patients brought to the hospital on emergency by non-relatives like FRSC, Police and other people making arrangements to inform the patient relatives about his or her condition so as to quicken their medical treatments.

The CMD urged the department to handle every social problems that is associated with patient’s illness and any other disabilities with care, saying they should institute case work service professionally and provide immediate assistance to indigent patients in order to support their treatment and rehabilitation.

Ige stressed that officers should endeavor to conduct the Means Test without prejudice so as to determine patient’s ability to fund treatment or settle medical bills and interface with hospital management appropriately.

He further added that contact tracking and tracing of absconded patients should be conducted professionally for record purpose, and to recover hospital revenue.

Ige advised the personnel in the department to facilitate the admission of economically disadvantaged patients, reviewing patients with other health team members and after proper counseling of patients on their various diseases through a Mean Test and sourcing financial support for indigents to get treatment.

However, in his reaction the Head of the department Mr. Akeem Lawal noted some challenges confronting them saying that means of identification of accidents victims so difficult let alone sourcing for their relatives during emergency.

He called on the general public, philanthropists in the state, NGO and religious institution to come on board to their aid and raise funds in order to support the indigents in the teaching hospital to settle their medical bills.