₦airaland Forum

Ondo state government has approved new retirement age for alll categories of staff in the state-owned tertiary Institutions.

The four tertiary institutions in the state like Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko(AAUA), Ondo state University of Science and Technology (OSUSTECH) Okitipupa, University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED) Ondo and the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo(RUGIPO) are to enjoy the new age retirement.

In a letter addressed to all heads of the institutions, the Attorney General and state commissioner for Justice, Kola Olawoye SAN, said the new retirement age was approved by the State Executive Council Meeting held on Monday 6th May, 2019.

He disclosed that a new retirement age for Professor has been pegged for Seventy (70) years, while other academic staff will now retire at the age of Sixty-Five (65).

The new retirement age for non-academic staff in all the institutions has also been fixed for Sixty-Five (65) years.

The commissioner for Justice added that the new retirement age takes immediate effect.

The Chairman, Joint Action Committee of SSANU, NASU, NAAT in OSUSTECH, Comrade Temidayo Temola while commending the state government,described it as a welcome development.

Comrade Temola added that the new retirement age would reduce human flight from institutions in the state.

He noted that it would bring about stability on campus , saying ” there will not be open heaven litigation over retirement age.”

ONDO ASSEMBLY SUMMONS CHEVRON OVER BURNING ILAJE OIL WELL.

The Ondo State House of Assembly has given up to Tuesday next week for the management of Chevron Nigeria Limited to appear before it or face litigation.

The Speaker, Mr Bamidele Oleyelogun gave the ultimatum while addressing stakeholders at an Ad hoc Committee level over the fire incident at Ugbo-Ilaje, Ojumole Oil well.

The decision followed the attitude of two Representatives from the Oil Company who refused to address the Committee over the presence of Journalists.

The Chevron Representatives who claimed they have no right to address the Committee in the presence of press appealed that journalists be excused, a request that was turned down by the lawmakers.

The State Commissioner for Environment, Mr Funso Ẹsan had earlier told the Committee that the Oil Company erred by neglecting the host communities and lack of commitment to the State Government.

The Commissioner noted that the state Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu had also fixed a meeting with the Management of Chevron Nigeria Limited which was called off till next week due to non availability of principal officers of the Company as related by their representatives.

Addressing the Committee, the spokesperson of the Representatives of Olugbo in Council, Dr Akin Akinruntan alleged Chevron of short changing the host communities in Ondo State compared to what transpired in other oil producing states.

Dr Akinruntan appealed to the Committee to intervene on the matter and ensure affected communities were adequately compensated for the damages done on the water, air and environment.

The Chairman of the House Ad hoc Committee, Prince Abayomi Akinruntan promised that the lawmakers would ensure justice is done in the interest of the affected communities and Ondo State in general.

Information from the Ojumole community indicates that the fire is still burning from the oil field for the past twenty one days.

AKEREDOLU AN EXAMPLE OF GOOD LEADERSHIP

PRINCESS EIGBOKHAN ORIH
Ondo State is a state in Nigeria created on 3rd February 1976 from the former Western State. It originally included what is now Ekiti State, which was split off in 1996.
During past administrations Ondo State, has witnessed years of the negative aspect of good governance, which has put the state into comatose.
The Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN, is a great man who believes that he is on a mission to turn the face of Ondo state around thereby making it a viable place for investment and economic growth, by creating an enduring economic legacy that will open up Ondo State to employment and economic opportunities for the youths and engender sustainable development.
Ondo state is richly endowed with natural resources, ranging from favorable climatic conditions for crop production to huge mineral deposits, rich forest resources with the longest coastal line of over 180km in Nigeria. The economy of Ondo State is also the sixth largest in Nigeria and is dominated by oil and crop production which should be adequately harnessed to create wealth for its residents and the Rotimi Akeredolu led administration will leave no stone untouched in his poise to ensure the success of the Aketi Dream for Ondo state. This includes partnering with investors in the building of an industrial estate (Ondo-Linyi Industrial Hub) that will enliven economic activities in the area.
The exceptional leadership prowess of Governor Akeredolu is evident in his prudent management of the state resources, capacity building programmes, political inclusiveness and landmark infrastructure across the state despite the economic recession experienced globally.
The administration of Governor Akeredolu is doing what we really wanted by creating the enabling environment for business.
It worries to say that after several years of oil exploitation in ondo state, we don’t have even a single refinery anywhere in the state. This feat which seems to be only in our dreams is gradually coming to reality with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a privately owned oil refining firm, Crown Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited whose business is the refining of crude oil into premium petroleum products. This is another milestone for the Akeredolu led administration targeted at providing more employment opportunities to the Ondo state’s workforce.
Ondo state is strategically positioned to make serious-minded and genuine investors reap from their investments. It is imperative that we re-engineer the economy and place it on a trajectory of sustained growth.
Akeredolu said “Our focus is to ensure rapid growth, development and sustainability of the economy. We have developed the ‘Blueprint to Progress,’ a policy document which encapsulates the five cardinal programmes of this administration.”
These five cardinal programmes are:
Job Creation Through Agriculture, Entrepreneurship and Industrialization;
Infrastructural Development and Maintenance;
Functional Education and Technological Growth
Qualitative Health Care and Social Service (Delivery);
Rural Development and Community Extension Services.
This visionary leader Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has able to do all this with limited financial resources. The Ondo state Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN said “There can be no real development without the support of ondo state citizens towards the affairs of the State. Therefore, the time has come when all those who truly desire progress for Ondo state must be willing to sacrifice.”
Governor Akeredolu is a wise leader who values his team and the people. Success is only achieved with the help of others. What’s more, genuine appreciation provides encouragement, develops confidence, and builds on strengths.
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) is a man who understands the pains of his people. He is a great listener who once said ‘The state will initiate policies that will encourage less dependence on revenue allocation from the center progressively”.
Trust and confidence in leadership is a reliable indicator of the people’s satisfaction. Good leaders aren’t afraid of being challenged. Their confidence inspires.
Ondo State is a state which contributed immensely to the economic growth of the defunct Western Region almost helpless without the hand-outs from the Federal Government”. That is why it is said that Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu is the right person chosen at the right time to turn Ondo state around.
Compassion is strength. Good leader uses compassion to perceive the needs of those they lead and to decide a course of action that is of greatest benefit to the person and the team.
In health care the Governor distributed multi-millions Naira medical and laboratory equipment to the health facilities across the 18 local government areas of the state, and employed more health workers in the state. The provision of accessible, affordable and qualitative health care is one of the five point’s agenda of The Oluwarotimi Akeredolu administration.
With the ongoing renovations and construction of over 700 new schools in Ondo state, and with more schools in the state soon to witness such capital projects in other to bridge the infrastructural gap that has made learning not conducive in our various schools in Ondo state Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to the infrastructure development of schools in the state.
Fairness is what people want. Good leaders don’t have favorites in the people who they lead, irrespective of the political party you belong. They reward for results not partiality; they promise fairness.
One of the qualities that define a good leader is honesty. When you are responsible for a team of people, it is important to be straightforward. Your political office and the people are a reflection of yourself, and if you make honest and ethical behavior as a key value, your team will follow. So remember to lead by example. The words of Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotin Odundayo Akeredolu

AKEREDOLU AN EXAMPLE OF GOOD LEADERSHIP

PRINCESS EIGBOKHAN ORIH
Ondo State is a state in Nigeria created on 3rd February 1976 from the former Western State. It originally included what is now Ekiti State, which was split off in 1996.
During past administrations Ondo State, has witnessed years of the negative aspect of good governance, which has put the state into comatose.
The Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN, is a great man who believes that he is on a mission to turn the face of Ondo state around thereby making it a viable place for investment and economic growth, by creating an enduring economic legacy that will open up Ondo State to employment and economic opportunities for the youths and engender sustainable development.
Ondo state is richly endowed with natural resources, ranging from favorable climatic conditions for crop production to huge mineral deposits, rich forest resources with the longest coastal line of over 180km in Nigeria. The economy of Ondo State is also the sixth largest in Nigeria and is dominated by oil and crop production which should be adequately harnessed to create wealth for its residents and the Rotimi Akeredolu led administration will leave no stone untouched in his poise to ensure the success of the Aketi Dream for Ondo state. This includes partnering with investors in the building of an industrial estate (Ondo-Linyi Industrial Hub) that will enliven economic activities in the area.
The exceptional leadership prowess of Governor Akeredolu is evident in his prudent management of the state resources, capacity building programmes, political inclusiveness and landmark infrastructure across the state despite the economic recession experienced globally.
The administration of Governor Akeredolu is doing what we really wanted by creating the enabling environment for business.
It worries to say that after several years of oil exploitation in ondo state, we don’t have even a single refinery anywhere in the state. This feat which seems to be only in our dreams is gradually coming to reality with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a privately owned oil refining firm, Crown Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited whose business is the refining of crude oil into premium petroleum products. This is another milestone for the Akeredolu led administration targeted at providing more employment opportunities to the Ondo state’s workforce.
Ondo state is strategically positioned to make serious-minded and genuine investors reap from their investments. It is imperative that we re-engineer the economy and place it on a trajectory of sustained growth.
Akeredolu said “Our focus is to ensure rapid growth, development and sustainability of the economy. We have developed the ‘Blueprint to Progress,’ a policy document which encapsulates the five cardinal programmes of this administration.”
These five cardinal programmes are:
Job Creation Through Agriculture, Entrepreneurship and Industrialization;
Infrastructural Development and Maintenance;
Functional Education and Technological Growth
Qualitative Health Care and Social Service (Delivery);
Rural Development and Community Extension Services.
This visionary leader Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has able to do all this with limited financial resources. The Ondo state Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN said “There can be no real development without the support of ondo state citizens towards the affairs of the State. Therefore, the time has come when all those who truly desire progress for Ondo state must be willing to sacrifice.”
Governor Akeredolu is a wise leader who values his team and the people. Success is only achieved with the help of others. What’s more, genuine appreciation provides encouragement, develops confidence, and builds on strengths.
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) is a man who understands the pains of his people. He is a great listener who once said ‘The state will initiate policies that will encourage less dependence on revenue allocation from the center progressively”.
Trust and confidence in leadership is a reliable indicator of the people’s satisfaction. Good leaders aren’t afraid of being challenged. Their confidence inspires.
Ondo State is a state which contributed immensely to the economic growth of the defunct Western Region almost helpless without the hand-outs from the Federal Government”. That is why it is said that Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu is the right person chosen at the right time to turn Ondo state around.
Compassion is strength. Good leader uses compassion to perceive the needs of those they lead and to decide a course of action that is of greatest benefit to the person and the team.
In health care the Governor distributed multi-millions Naira medical and laboratory equipment to the health facilities across the 18 local government areas of the state, and employed more health workers in the state. The provision of accessible, affordable and qualitative health care is one of the five point’s agenda of The Oluwarotimi Akeredolu administration.
With the ongoing renovations and construction of over 700 new schools in Ondo state, and with more schools in the state soon to witness such capital projects in other to bridge the infrastructural gap that has made learning not conducive in our various schools in Ondo state Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to the infrastructure development of schools in the state.
Fairness is what people want. Good leaders don’t have favorites in the people who they lead, irrespective of the political party you belong. They reward for results not partiality; they promise fairness.
One of the qualities that define a good leader is honesty. When you are responsible for a team of people, it is important to be straightforward. Your political office and the people are a reflection of yourself, and if you make honest and ethical behavior as a key value, your team will follow. So remember to lead by example. The words of Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotin Odundayo Akeredolu

Amudipe Opeyemi Marcus
With the recent pronouncement which sees to an increase in the nation’s minimum wage from the long old N18,000 to N30,000. Several reactions has been trailing this development. While many sees this as a welcome development for the benefit of Nigerian workers, others sees this another tool to cause undue inflation. If these were just the reaction, then there is no reaction at all, nothing worth losing a wink of sleep over.
The bane of the reaction, which has form a cloud of dust, raising a wind of uncertainty over the new minimum wage is the inability, or should we say the unreadiness of some state governor to pay the new minimum wage
Many state governments are already crying foul over the federal government action. They claim they cannot afford to pay the new minimum wage. This should not come as a surprise to us, knowing fully well that some are owing their workers more than one-month salary (at the old minimum wage rate. How do we think such states will be able to pay their workers the new minimum wage, which is more than 100percent increase on the old rate?
While the elites of the Nigerian society and media giants of our socio-economic terrain are left to discuss the implication of these development in our states as it applies to them. Against the run of play, it is a different ball game with the people of Ondo State. The choice of the good people of Ondo State to give their mandate to Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu has yielded good fortunes for all and sundry in the state.
For a state which is predominately a civil servant state upon his assumption into the Alagbaka Government House, Akure Ondo State, he has over the last two years steered the wheel from the status quo, ’civil servant state’ to a fast growing industrialized state. Adding to this, his giant infrastructural strides are second to none in the Nation. His willingness and swift intervention to paying all outstanding workers’ salaries in the state, even those owed by his predecessor has ranked him high in the heart of all workers in the state. They were not surprised when Arakunrin Akeredolu was among the first set of Governors in the state to express his readiness to pay the new minimum wage in the country. While these has left his counterpart reeling with surprise at how a governor with many progressive projects going on in all the nooks and crannies of his state could afford this, it’s no rocket science nor a celestial work of governance. It is an output of a man who is ready to work; a man who understands the rudiments of what of what it takes to govern. Little wonder to seeing Ondo state topping the chart leading other 35 states in the federation in the internally generated revenue. Ondo state grew its IGR by more than double to N24.79billion in 2018 from N10.93billion achieved a year earlier, causing the state to jump 11 steps to become ninth-highest revenue generating state of the federation after Lagos, Rivers, Ogun, Delta, Kano, Kaduna and Edo state which sustained their position.
It is no sheer news or political smokescreen to assert that the fortunes of the people of Ondo state has indeed changed for the better, with the dawn of each day, citizens of the sunshine state wakes up to the sweet smelling savour of good governance has been exemplified by Arakunrin Akeredolu.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has told the President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki that “he is not above the law”.

Acting spokesman of the commission, Mr Tony Orilade said this in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday.

The spokesman was reacting to a statement, “EFCC Stop Witch-Hunting Saraki credited to Saraki’s media aide, Mr Yusuph Olaniyonu.

According to Orilade, the EFCC has taken note of the reactions of the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki to the Commission’s inquiries regarding his earnings as Kwara State governor.

Recently, the commission had begun investigation into the Senate President’s activities while he held sway as the governor of Kwara.

“While it is his prerogative to ventilate his views on the matter as he deems fit, the commission takes great exception at the desperate attempt to cast a slur on its investigative activities by portraying Saraki as a victim of persecution.

“Furthermore, the agency finds the attempt by the Senate President to tie our inquest to his International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) appointment and his approaching life out of power as misleading.

“This is knowing too well that the background to our current inquiries reaches several years back.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the EFCC is obligated by law to enthrone probity and accountability in the governance space and has supremely pursued this duty without ill-will or malice against anyone.

“It is in the interest of the public and for Saraki’s personal good, that he is not only above board, but be seen at all times to be so,” he said.

The Vice President of Nigeria, Prof Yemi Osinbajo yesterday disclosed that a total of 75,000 pupils of Ekiti state are benefiting from the home grown school feeding programme of the Federal Government.

Osinbajo said the programme initiated by the President Mohammadu Buhari’s-led administration, was aimed towards shoring up school enrollments in the country and a tremendous help in job creation and poverty reduction among Nigerians.

The number two man spoke in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday during the official launching of the school Feeding Programme, held at St. Michael’s Primary school, explained that the policy is a flagship of the All Progressives Congress (APC) led government, remained one of the four cardinal objectives of the empowerment and social investment policy of President Buhari-led administration.

Osinbajo, who commended Governor Kayode Fayemi for keying into the programme, said : “The aim of this government is to provide food to our students to make them focused in schools and solve the problem of malnutrition in our children.

Reeling out the benefits of the programme, Osinbajo said: “9.3 million pupils are benefiting in over 56,506 Primary schools across this country. 190,000 farmers are supplying material, 767 cows are killed weekly and 7.3 million eggs are consumed weekly via this policy.

Osinbajo stated that the policy has also helped in improving the capacities of some people, especially the vendors to be able to feed their families.

Earlier, the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, described the policy as very significant in the lives of the people, commended the FG for the initiative.

He said the programme was an initiative of President Buhari, but was being anchored through the office of the Vice President.

Fayemi stressed that the state places high premium on the policy, because it pays attention to our vulnerable population.

Fayemi disclosed that 2000 vendors had already employed to supply food in the 905 primary schools in while 75,000 pupils in primary one to three are to benefit.

As part of proactive measure to forestall any breach of public peace, particularly, in Government Reserved Areas exclusively planned for residence, Ondo State Government has placed embargo on the building of new hotels, night clubs, or beer parlour joints in Alagbaka and Ijapo estates in Akure, the capital city.

The commissioner for Information and Orientation, Yemi Olowolabi, who briefed the press after the State Executive Meeting held on Monday, 6th May, 2019, said the move was to ensure peace and tranquility.

He explained that the two estates are full residential areas and henceforth government will no longer approve the construction of new hotels or night clubs.

“For those who have secured approvals for the building of hotels in the past two years but have not commenced construction, such approvals are no longer valid.”

Also, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lola Fagbemi disclosed that Council as well approved Prince Richard Oluwadurotimi Ayodele as the Onise -elect of Ise-Akoko.

ONDO GOVERNMENT OKAYS RENAMING OF OSUSTECH AFTER FORMER GOVERNOR SEGUN AGAGU.

In furtherance of its plan to rename the State owned University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa after the late sage and former governor, Dr Olusegun Kokumo Agagu, the State Executive Council has approved a bill which changed formally the name of Ondo State University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa to Olusegun Kokumo Agagu University of Science and Technology.

Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, had announced in March during a statewide ‘Thank You Tour’ at Okitipupa that his administration would immortalise Dr Olusegun Agagu by renaming the State owned institution after him.

The bill will now be forwarded to the State House of Assembly for passage into law.

The Governor has been applauded by many in the State and beyond for honouring Dr Olusegun Agagu, saying it’s a honour well deserved.

The Special Adviser to Ondo State Governor on Investment and Promotion, Mr Boye Oyewunmi has declared that the state Trade Fair is not dead, but suffering from economic hardship.

Speaking through the Ministry’s Director of Commerce, Mr Segun Awodogan, described Trade fair as a vital aspect of business which boost the socio – economic development of any state hence cannot be referred to as dead.

He attributed the present state of the trade fair to the economic recession in the nation, saying that organising it requires a large sum of money which falls on the state government.

” The trend of business management shifting from public sector to the private is also crucial in organising a trade fair”, he said.

He stressed the need to fashion not out a system where trade fair will be co-sponsored by the state and investors to reduce the burden of funding by the state alone.

He disclosed that tentative approval has been given by the Governor to hold trade fair in Akure which success he said requires the commitment of all the private sectors, multinational companies and the public sector.

He declared that the fair would be hosted in partnership with investors and stakeholders.

The state, he noted, has been able to make the trade fair complex functional as the pavilion shops have been let out to improve the condition of the complex and to bring it back to life.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State and chairman of the state Broadcast Media Group, Kunle Adebayo, puts the blame for the crisis rocking the party in the state at the feet of its national leadership. He maintains that the state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, will survive the imbroglio. Excerpts:
What is your assessment of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s performance in office so far?
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has creditably discharged on the mandate given him by the people of Ondo State. One is, in fact, tempted to ascribe to him attainments which have surpassed the promises he made. This is because in a spate of two years, the plethora of deliveries is overwhelming and answerable to four years of other chief executives elsewhere in the nation whose performance rating is described in superlatives.
At a deeper level, I think the tangible success of Akeredolu must be viewed in terms of his politics and governance ideals. I think what Akeredolu has brought into politics, which stands for him, is integrity. Far more than the experience of the preceding years, the people are beginning to witness and believe in the bond between word and intention. At least, people now know that this governor will not lie to you. His word is his bond and he says what he means and means whatever he says.
In every sense, this is critical, defining and antithetical to the leadership tutelage that once ravaged this place.
The governor has been in the eye of the storm with the Presidency and national leadership of the party on matters bordering on anti-party activities during the last general elections. Isn’t this a factor against whatever achievement he can lay claim to?
Narratives in politics are dynamic and, sometimes, a struggle of evil and mediocrity to suppress excellence. In other climes, truth is constant and stands tall with a capital ‘T’. But here, politicians put a condition that all truths are according to who is saying it and at the pleasure of the listener.
All the furore you talk about is about the politics of 2021 in Ondo State. It is about struggle for power. It is about supplanting the governor so that other preferred candidates can be installed. And if you look deeper, you would see that this is an unpopular but well organised and highly coordinated machination which seeks first to gain oxygen and confidence by puncturing Akeredolu’s popularity with the people of Ondo State as well as among party members who are proud of the deliveries of their government to the people.
But there are allegations that party members are dissatisfied on account of neglect and lack of patronage to the extent that many have vowed to vote against him at the next primaries. Is this not also true?
That is strange and laughable. Of course it falls in the category of the wishful thinking of those who do not wish our party and state well. Against the background of resources available to the state, this government has created baskets of patronage for members, in terms of appointment, economic empowerment and employment opportunities. A sizeable number of young people have been appointed into key offices in government, while some hold federal appointments. A large chunk of the empowerment programmes has attracted opportunities for women and youths as well as other strata of the party.
No doubt, more can still be done. There is also problem of leadership irresponsibility by group leaders who are supposed to take the largesse to the grassroots. Limited exposure, greed and self-conceit by a few leaders are regrettable. But all these must be taken in the broader context of managing institutional challenges within a young party. And let me tell you, there is never a party which members are 100 per cent happy. But I know, as the head of the Strategic Development and Policy Planning Committee, which helped produce the Government Policy Blueprint, that Mr Governor has a deliberate, staggered and progressive plans and programmes to elevate patronage and satisfaction laterally.
How do you defend the allegation that the government sponsored candidates in the Action Alliance (AA) to the detriment of President Muhammadu Buhari and other APC National Assembly candidates?
Protagonists of such theory are dishonest and mischievous. They gave themselves away as bad democrats and pretentious leaders who must never be trusted. They rationalise coercion and imposition as democracy when it pays them and de-market people’s will when it defeats their cunning.
The truth of the matter is that our party did not do well in Ondo State and many others, including Osun and Edo, because of failure of its leadership to respect its own laws and internal democracy.
It was a matter of national disgrace that primaries of our party across the nation were fraught with irregularities and allegations of fraud, imposition and manipulation. It was embarrassing and frustrating that candidates were freely imposed from the national secretariat of our party, while results of genuine primaries were manipulated with impunity. This, undoubtedly, led to serious crisis in many of our strongholds, with attendant effects on the election results.
You see, people trivialise common sense by assuming simplistic explanations for matters of conscience and emotions. The narrative that Akeredolu sponsored Dr Tunji Abayomi and a few others to join the AA to undermine the APC is calling the dog a bad name in order to hang it.
Abayomi contested for our party’s senatorial ticket, but the powers-that-be ensured that the primaries never held. They boasted and imposed a candidate who never went through legitimate primaries. They announced, in a very crude and blatant manner, a winner in a contest that never held.
It was not only in Ondo State that such deprived and humiliated aspirants like Abayomi defected to AA and other parties to test their popularity. And now, they looked for a scapegoat for the mess they created. Does the temperament of Abayomi, as we all know him, or any true Ondo State man, accommodate a remote control by anybody on what to do with his frustration? Is Abayomi a child or a simpleton? Was he and others not members of the APC? Does he have rights to be angry and take personal decisions, if he feels insulted, cheated, robbed and humiliated?
Is it true, as alleged, that the governor openly campaigned for and financed AA candidates?
I have always argued that in Nigeria, there is nothing a politician will not do to win election. Let’s face it, people just love to spew narratives which defy common reasoning and which diminishes the humanity in other people. The inability of some of our leaders in APC to allow democracy work, without helping it for personal reasons, is a big challenge in our nation’s party democracy.
When crisis of confidence, frustration and anger happen in a party, shouldn’t a genuine and humble leadership activate a mechanism for appeasement and genuine reconciliation? Where this was not done, does it mean the governor must carry the blame? One would never have expected that a political party this endowed and talented would be run like this.
It will be interesting to see their evidences of those who alleged beyond mouthfuls of words.
Some have argued that the manipulation that put Akeredolu in office in 2017 is the cause of the wide division in the party. Is that not so?
The background of organisational challenge which affected the fortunes of our party in the last elections was laid in 2016 during our governorship primaries. Those, like one Bola Ilori, who are now promoting sycophancy, think people are naive or oblivious of history. Everyone remembers that Akeredolu won the primaries, in spite of our national leader, Bola Tinubu’s open partisanship and preference for Dr. Segun Abraham.
It is no news that Lagos deployed all possible resources, including funds, power, threats and manipulation of documents, to control the process. It was common knowledge that dollars and other hard currencies were freely expended to induce voters for Abraham who eventually lost.
For an election conducted by very eminent and respected party leaders, headed by Governor Mohammad Badaru of Jigawa State and which our party publicly adjudged as freest, fairest and most transparently done as of that time, the open attack, vehement denigration and letter writing spree from Tinubu against the then chairman Odigie Oyegun’s forthrightness showed that some people are bad losers.
Loyalists of Akeredolu have also alleged that Tinubu was masterminding his travails, with the aim of blocking his nomination for a second term. What is your view on this?
Those who have said that find its logic in the dangerous undercurrents since 2016. Was it not before our very eyes that three of the aspirants (Olusola Oke, Abraham and Borrofice) suddenly made a U-turn to challenge the winner, Akeredolu, whom they had earlier embraced and congratulated? Was it not an open secret that Abraham was co-opted into litigation against the winner, while Oke was inserted into the Alliance for Democracy (AD) to contest the election in the desperate bid to stop Akeredolu, thereby working against the interest of their own party? Have we forgotten that Oke was heavily and openly supported by Lagos through the Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who literarily took over the campaigns through Bola Ilori? Ilori was reported by the media, on September 3, 2016, to have openly announced that Tinubu instructed them to go to AD and that they would go to any party, including AA, if Tinubu said so. Did anyone pillory Tinubu, Aregbesola and many others for these nauseating anti-party activities? After the failed excursion and Oke became stranded in AD, did they not bring him back into APC; did the heavens fall?
The point I am making is that the seed of disaffection, injustice, instability and manipulation were sown in the party since 2016. It failed then; resurgence is happening now. It will fail again, because God hates pretenders to His throne.
Will Governor Akeredolu defect to another party, should he lose APC’s nomination?
Our party is strong and reliable. We respect our leaders and all of them are men of tested reasonability. In spite of all these democratic activism, I do not think our conversation will degenerate to that level you insinuate. What is going on is conversation about power and politics. They are internal contradictions in the party that are useful in interrogating our strength and resilience. We will resolve and Governor Akeredolu will lead the state for another four years.

MINIMUM WAGE: ODHA SPEAKER PLEDGES LEGISLATIVE BACKING.

The Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Mr. Bamidele Oleyelogun has assured of giving the state government the necessary legislative support to enable it pay the new minimum wage in the state.

The Speaker gave the assurance in a chat with journalists at this year’s May Day celebration held at Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade along lgbatoro Road, Akure.

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State had assured to pay the minimum wage in line with law and said the welfare of workers is paramount to his administration for optimal productivity from workers to be achieved.

Oleyelogun, who described Akeredolu as a worker friendly governor said he is a man of his words that fulfils his promises.

He explained that the House will support him with enabling laws that will help his administration to pay the minimum wage to civil servants.

His words”He is a man of action that will tell you what to do and he will do it .

“We are ready to support with all enabling laws that will help him to pay minimum salary and take care of the welfare of workers.

“The welfare of workersz which is paramount to him is also paramount to lawmakers.

Public Announcement !

Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission [OSOPADEC], OBA-ILE, AKURE, ONDO STATE.
BURSARY & SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME
(2017/2018 ACADEMIC SESSION)
In line with our avowed commitment at supporting the educational pursuits of Students in Tertiary Institutions who are indigenes of Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas (Mandate areas), the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) hereby invites application from suitably qualified candidates for its 2017/2018 Bursary and Scholarship awards, details of which are as follows:
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
(i) Must be indigenes of either Ilaje or Ese-Odo Local Government Area;
(ii) Must be full-time student of recognized Private or Public Tertiary Institution within the country as at 2017/2018 Academic Session;
(iii) For scholarship award, applicant must have at least Second Class Upper Division(or its equivalent);
(iv) Postgraduates and students who are currently in the Nigerian Law School are also eligible to apply;
(v) Special waiver consideration will be given to applicants currently undergoing courses of interest to the Commission, which include: Engineering, Medicine & Surgery, Medical Engineering, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Nursing, Midwifery, Medical Laboratory Science, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Architecture, Quantity Surveying, Geology, Geophysics, Computer Engineering;
(vi) All other courses not listed above will be qualified for bursary award only;
(vii) Part-Time Sandwich, Pre-Degree, NTL, Certificate Diploma students and others from Institutions not duly accredited by relevant government agencies are not qualified;
(viii) No change of Bank details will be entertained after submission of application.

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
Every application for the OSOPADEC Bursary and Scholarship online registration must be accompanied with the following documents:
(i) One recent Passport photograph;
(ii) Evidence of Local Government Area of Origin;
(iii) Admission Letter;
(iv) School fees receipt (2017/2018 Academic Session);
(v) Student Identity Card;
(vi) Evidence of Membership of either NAIS or FELGOS, and;
(vii) JAMB Registration Slip (where applicable)

DURATION OF REGISTRATION
The registration portal is opened on OSOPADEC website (osopadec.gov.ng) for 21 days starting from 3rd May to 24th May, 2019.

SIGNED
HON. (BARR.) GBENGA EDEMA
CHAIRMAN

Today, as the world celebrates the Press Freedom Day, it is important to call to heart the need to accept journalists and other media practitioners as an essential and indispensable part of our developmental processes as humanity.
The media has aided the democratization of information; with painstaking consistency, exploring technological innovations and creative approaches to presentation, feed backs etc. The media has evolved, ensuring that everyone is a part of the social scene and not just remote recipients.
The theme for this year is Media for Democracy: Journalism and elections.
The press has played immeasurable roles in our Social and Educational development, from bringing distant information closer to everyone during elections, interpreting obscure and complex issues for easier comprehension and guidance of all, igniting dialogue on essential issues, keeping tab of actions of the government and stakeholders at various levels etc.
The media remains at the forefront in the fight for true democracy. Threat to journalism is a threat to Democracy and Security of the State.
Goal 16 of the sustainable development goals (SDG), tasks the society on Peace, Justice and Strong Institution. To this, it is significant to mention the efforts of the Ondo State Government in the investment in technological innovation and infrastructure, which has aided the tasks of the journalist during recent elections. Through the establishment of a citizen’s feedback toll free, call centre, for sensitive data and information gathering during elections and after, while reducing the contact time of journalists, especially in volatile areas, without compromising any required detail.
Freedom requires all voice to be heard. Elections can be transparent and free of violence. These are desired features of a civilized society.
The media also can explore innovative and diplomatic approaches in their tasks, without compromising her responsibility to the society.
Cheers to press freedom.
Cheers to a more harmonious and prosperous Ondo State.
Signed: Ondo State Office of Innovation and Partnerships (ION).

The Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has described the tourism potentials of the state as a veritable source of economic prosperity.

Receiving members of the Nigeria Foreign Service Academy, Lagos, who were in the state on Study Tour , Governor Akeredolu said places like Idanre Hills Tourist Centre at Idanre; Oke Maria, Oka Akoko in Akoko Southwest Local Government; Smoky Hills IlaraMokin with its most outstanding Golf Course, have huge potentials to attract tourists across the global.

Governor Akeredolu regretted that the huge financial implications for developing the tourists sites to meet international standards has been a major constraint for the State Government.

While assuring on the determination of his administration to brake the deadlock of exploring the second largest bitumen in Nigeria, Governor Akeredolu said before the end of this year, Nigeria would begin to enjoy the economic viability of bitumen as all the needed and specially manufactured equipment for its exploration have been delivered.

“Before the end of last quarter of this year, Mr President will be here to commission the Bitumen Exploration factory in Ondo State”, he said.

Arakunrin Akeredolu who also expressed concerns on the lack of public power supply to accelerate the productive capacities of the various companies at the Ondo-Linyi Industrial Hub, Ore , appealed to the visiting participants to help showcase the investible potentials of the state which he described as hugely multifaceted.

Earlier the leader of the team, Mr Eze Okechukwu described the study tour as a precondition for students of the academy to enable them get acquainted with all parts of Nigeria before proceeding on foreign service.

He commended Governor Akeredolu for several projects which he had undertaken in less than two and half years in office.

The Team Leader said the participants were going back with various positive impression about the State Government’ commitment to good governance and the conducive nature of the Sunshine State

President Muhammadu Buhari has saluted Nigerian journalists as they join their professional colleagues across the globe to mark the World Press Freedom Day.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Buhari, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Thursday, urged journalists to use the day to appraise and recommit themselves to the ethics that guide their noble profession.

He said, “Without adherence to ethics, professions turn awry, and become part of national malaise, rather than solutions. That is why journalists must constantly recommit to the canons of fairness, accuracy, objectivity, balance, and other ideals that guide their profession.”



While celebrating the World Press Freedom Day, the President urged journalists to rededicate themselves to the role of being the watchdog of the society.

He, however, enjoined them to be “mindful of the cohesion and equilibrium of the society.”

“There are always those who want to use the media to emphasise our fault lines as a people, dwell on primordial sentiments, and keep the country perpetually on the same spot. Be wary of such,” he said.

The President noted that the theme of this year’s celebration, “Media for Democracy: Journalism and Elections in Times of Disinformation,” was quite germane for Nigeria, having recently concluded its general elections.

He urged the media to reflect on the deleterious effect of fake news, misinformation and disinformation before, during and after the polls.

Buhari said government would continue to ensure that the media was not muzzled in any way since democracy and freedom of expression were kindred spirits.

“Our administration is committed to the highest level of transparency, and we will guarantee press freedom at all times.

“We only require that the freedom be used responsibly, and for lofty ideals of national unity and development,” the President added.



The World Press Freedom Day is observed every May 3 to celebrate fundamental principles of press freedom, evaluate press freedom round the world, defend media from attacks on their independence, and pay tributes to journalists who lost their lives in the practice of their profession.

ADP, UNICEF review infant feeding practices.

In its bid to ensure children in Ondo State get adequate nutrition and attain their full potential, Agricultural Development Project (ADP) in collaboration with UNICEF has organised a meeting to review counseling on infant and child feeding practices in the state.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after the opening of the programme, Nutrition Specialist of UNICEF in Akure, Mrs Ada Ezeogu noted that her organisation is interested in nutrition of women and children for proper development.

According to her, Unicef is particular about the first one thousand days of the child from pregnancy until the child is two years adding that that is when nutrition has the greatest impact on their physical and brain development.

“We realised that agricultural extension workers cover a lot of rural communities, they are already interacting with women and since we already have them as work force , we thought it will benefit the state if we collaborate.

“These women will preach exclusive breastfeeding in the communities and adequate and timely complementary feeding for our children so that in that period when women are pregnant up to the time they have their children and children are two years they can get adequate nutrition which will ensure they grow to their full potential,” she explained.

While saying the collaboration is an opportunity to work and reach more women in the communities, Ezeogu said the state will benefit maximally on the development of the children.

Also speaking in an interview, the Project Coordinator of ADP, Mr Babasola Adeniyan said the meeting is the Monthly Technology Review Meeting (MTRM) to update the knowledge of the key staff of the project.

“This month’s edition is unique in the sense that we are doing it with the ministry of agriculture. The significance is the fact that they linked us up with UNICEF that is funding the meeting.

“UNICEF is also providing resource persons who will train our core staff who we refer to as subject matter specialists who will in turn go to our various zones in Okitipupa, Ondo, Owo and Ikare to train our frontline extension agents who will go to the field to train women on how to breast feed their babies.

“There are sets of activities we are to conduct jointly which is to help collect some data on the field in respect to infant and baby nutrition which they will use to monitor infant mortality in the state,” he stressed.

He said that the collaboration which began last year is a continuous one adding that ADP is ready to continue until Unicef is satisfied with the work.

Adeniyan called on the participants to give the activities the seriousness it deserved adding that to whom much is given much is expected saying they can not afford to disappoint Unicef.

The two-day programme which began on Monday ended yesterday.

Many Nigerians have expressed shock and dismay at the N23.7 billion severance package for Eighth National Assembly lawmakers in the face of what they called pervasive poverty in the land.

Those who spoke with neswmen noted that the “hefty” pay-off showed that the lawmakers were insensitive to the plight of millions of Nigerian who they say have been pauperised by the huge salaries the lawmakers take home.

The United Progressive Party (UPP) National Chairman Chekwas Okorie said

the action of the lawmakers could not be justified, given the current state of the economy.

He said: “It is scandalous that they are giving themselves this mouth-watering severance package without passing through the body set up by government to fix the salaries and allowances of public officials, including those at the National Assembly, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

“This is just pure blackmail. The National Assembly has been having this sort of hostile relationship with the Executive arm of government since this set of lawmakers came in four years ago.

“They know that the President would assent to the Appropriation Bill, because of time constraint; he could not afford to wait for the Ninth Assembly for things to get back to normal. This people are not only corrupt, they are very, very unpatriotic.

“The President must try and beat them to their game. President Buhari should go ahead and assent to the bill and during implementation, he can apply to the incoming Ninth Assembly for a review. He can apply for virement, and he can also apply for a supplementary budget.

“The Buhari administration has been complaining about padding of budgets. This is an indication that what the government has been saying all along is true. Giving themselves a severance package of N23 billion is the most scandalous thing this set of legislators has done. They are so shameless. I am thoroughly disappointed by this development.

“But the deed has been done. President Buhari should not allow them to delay our budget unnecessarily; he should assent to it and find a way to adjust later.”

Okorie hoped the incoming Ninth Assembly would toe a different path.

He said: “This is why the Presidency is interested in those who will eventually emerge as principal officers of the incoming Ninth Assembly. It is because of this sort of thing that the Presidency and the All Progressives Congress (APC) national leadership have indicated that members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would be excluded from occupying key positions in the coming dispensation.

“It is not likely that an APC-controlled National Assembly would create problems for a government controlled by the party. This is because all of them are going to face the electorate again in 2023.”

The UPP national chairman noted that what played out during the Eighth Assembly was a PDP agenda to make the ruling APC look bad in the eyes of the people.

Okorie added: “The intent was to make the APC fail to pave the way for its defeat in 2019, but obviously, the opposition has failed in that respect.”

Governors’ Spouses’ Summit ends in Abuja with a call for first ladies to play more supportive roles

Ondo State Governor’s wife, Her Excellency, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu joined her counterparts from the thirty six states of Nigeria to a one day summit organized by the Nigeria Governors’ forum for Governors’ Spouses’, at the Banquet hall, Aso Villa, in the Federal Capital Territory.

The Governors’ spouses’ summit which is the initiative of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, seeks to address national issues as it concerns, Security, infrastructure, environment, agriculture, education, health, economic development, governance, public financial management, policy & strategy, Anti corruption, knowledge management.

Addressing the summit, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Her Excellency, Mrs Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, expressed happiness for being part of the summit.
Mrs Buhari, also expressed delight that all the first ladies have been working successfully for the betterment of the cause of women, children, young people and the less privileged.


She pointed out that every wife of governor plays a complimentary role to support the efforts of the governor, especially on the issues of women, youth and children.
While commending the Nigeria Governors’ forum for organizing the summit, Mrs Buhari called on first ladies to play more supportive roles in governance.

Contributing during the plenary session on the topic; Setting priorities and identifying pet projects, Ondo state First Lady who was one of the discussants, described the summit as an amazing platform for mentoring and networking.

She however submitted that life experiences and professional experiences help in the events of choosing priorities and making discission as it concerns pet projects.

Mrs Akeredolu advised her fellow first ladies to be committed to leaving lasting legacies by building strategic alliances and taking advantage of policy and legal frameworks.

Participants were drilled on the role of a 21st century First Lady, Accountability and human development, Building strategic alliances, ethnics and protocol, Media relations, setting priorities and identifying pet projects during the plenary sessions, with Hon. Dorothy McAuliffe, wife of the former governor of Virginia state in USA as the lead resource person.

The one day summit had in attendance, former first ladies of the federal republic of Nigeria, president national council for women societies, Country representative of UNICEF, a former female deputy governor, and other stakeholders.

As the Ondo State College of Health Technology matriculates Nine Hundred and Ninety five students for the 2018/2019 academic session, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Wahab Adegbenro commissioned the school’s Demonstration Clinic.

The Health Commissioner congratulated the students and charged them to take their studies seriously and see themselves as the few, opportuned to train in the institution as the school will not shurn out half baked graduates.

Dr Adegbenro said lots of positive turnaround is taking place in the school such as; upgrading of the School to College, accreditation to award Higher National Diploma in two courses, building of a world class School Demonstration Clinic and other infrastructural development that have dotted the landscape of the institution.

He charged the School’s Management to enroll the Clinic under the State’s Contributory Scheme as a Provider.

The Health Commissioner implored the Akure community, Indigenes and Residents of the State to lend the Government a helping hand to develop the college to a befitting Degree awarding institution.

The Health helmsman appreciated the State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for believing in the Health Sector and moving it from where he met it to the next level as the State can boast of being capable of producing qualified hands to Mann the health sector through its University of Medical Services and the College of Health Technogy.


The Chairman House Committee on Health ,Dr Sulaiman Kazzim congratulated the Provost, Dr Felix Olawoye for being a pride to the medical profession, saying his giant strides in the institution is unprecedented while urging him to do more.

The Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth and Student Affairs ,Mr Banji Adewunmi congratulated the matriculating students and pleaded with them to obey and respect all School Rules and Regulations.

The Acting Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health, Dr Dipo Durojaye commended the school management for the development taking place in the school.

He said the provost is a reliable and trustworthy person and prayed that God will continue to strengthen him to do more.

The Executive Secretary Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency ,Dr Francis Akanbiemu commended the provost, Dr Olawoye for being an example of a good Doctor and a Colleague.

Dr Akanbiemu who was represented by his Director Planning Research and Statistics, Dr Yetunde Olagbuji pledged the commitment of the Agency to the proper training of the students.

Earlier in his welcome address, the School’s Provost, Dr Felix Olawoye congratulated the new intake and their parents for achieving the great feat which he described as the beginning of the journey to greater heights.

He urged them to concentrate on their studies, shurn vices and acts capable of truncating their academic success such as; thuggery, cultism, hooliganism and examination malpractice as the school will not hesitate to sanction erring students.

Dr. Olawoye used the opportunity to highlight some achievement of the management under him to include; construction of Classrooms, Mini Hall, Canteen , Laboratory for Pharmacy Technicians Department, renovation of two other Laboratories and Student Hostel, building of School Demonstration Clinic which can be equated with a Comprehensive Health Center, construction of Offices, purchase of land at Owena ondo for the building of Hostel for students on training among others.

Other achievements mentioned include, securing accreditation for all courses in the institution and approval to run Higher National Diploma in some courses as well as the excellent performance of their students in external examinations, making the institution second to none in the country.

The Provost placed on record his indebtedness to the State Governor and entire leadership of the Health sector for providing good leadership and conducive environment to thrive.

Highlight of the programme include : Commissioning of the School Demonstration Clinic ,Oath taking by the matriculating students, presentation of award to the Commissioner for Health and the Provost by the Student Union Government, presentation of award and scholarship to the overall best student in the Probational Examination to Miss Sekemi Adeyemi of the Community Health Extension Department.

The Ondo State government under Governor Rotimi Akeredolu led-Administration has reiterated commitment to efforts at programmes meant to empower the youthful members of the society.

Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr. Saka Yusuf Ogunleye stated this in Akure at the presentation of certificates to primary school pupils and secondary school students trained in fashion designing.

Mr. Ogunleye said the young ones being the leaders of tomorrow needs to be equipped for the task of the future.

“Our decision to partner through sponsorship is not for the fun of it. This training programme is in line with our objectives and believes.

When you impart in boys and girls of between 9-16 years entrepreneurial skills, they are not likely to leave the path.

Having fertile minds, they will transform to employers of labour in future.

This is going to help the government as many of them will not look unto white collar jobs.

What we are doing is the first of its kind in Nigeria. That’s how the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports put it.

As pacesetters of preparing pupils and students for the task ahead, we will continue to support such ventures.’

He challenged the well to do to channel their wealth towards laudable ideas that can help the upcoming ones.

“Our people, who have the wherewithal ought to borrow from the government by sponsoring laudable programmes of this nature. They are going to make our society better.”

The Chief Executive Officer of Yintax Fashion, Miss Grace Akpalakor, whose outfit conducted the training, explained that she had a passion for teaching the young ones how to become independent in future.

33 school pupils and secondary students were awarded certificate of participation at the event.
Out of them, 6 were given gifts for being outstanding.

Other speakers at the event were the state coordinator of NYSC, Mrs. Grace Akpabio, General Manager of Ondo State Sports Council, Chief Wande Fabuluje, Director Youth Affairs, Mr. Oluborode Lekan and wife of the chairman Ondo State Football Agency (OSFA), Chief (Mrs) Patricia Akinyemi.

Ninety-four Memoranda have been submitted by communities across Ondo state that are demanding the creation of Local Government Council Development Areas, (LCDA’s).

The Chairman of LCDAs creation committee, Prince Adelanke Odogiyon who revealed the figure while speaking with newsmen in Akure, explained that the committee’s members would reconvened next week Tuesday to review the memoranda.

He explained that the members would not only visit the proposed LCDA’s but would also study each of the Memoranda to know if those Council areas would be viable if created.

Prince Odogiyon, who said that there had been few reactions to the suggested LCDA’s headquarters, pointed out that cross border LCDA’s would not be tolerated.

He said the move to create LCDAs in the state was legal and constitutional.

Odogiyon observed that any State that is interested in creation of LCDAs can do so because it can be substantiated legally, stressing that Supreme Court has ruled that creation of LCDAs is legitimate, while States lack power to create local government expect the National Assembly.

He explained further that each member of the Committee had been given copies of the submitted memoranda to study, adding that they will reconvene next week to review and analyse contents of the Memo.

He also stated that members of the Committee are not under any undue pressure from any quarter, saying they will follow the mandate given to them to a logical conclusion through diligent and due process.

He, maintained that members of the Committee will soon visit all places where they received memoranda in order to have face to face interaction with the concerned people.

The chairman called for the cooperation of the people of the State, as the government is ready to do laudable programmes that will affect the state positively, where governance will be brought to the door steps of the masses.

In his remarks, the Secretary of the Committee, who also doubles as the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr. Deji Akinwalere, said the creation of the LCDAs would bring governance closer to the people and people at the grassroots will have their say in government.

Akinwalere added that development will be rapid in the state, stressing that decentralisation of governance and power is key to development.

The LCDAs Committee set up by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on March 19 this year has three months to submit its report.

Ondo Govt. charges Chevron on protection of residents’ lives after Oil field fire outbreak

Ondo State Government has charged Chevron Nigeria Limited to priortise safety of lives and properties of citizens following a recent fire outbreak at Oju Imole Oil Field in Ilaje Local Government area.

Reports have it that the inferno started on Thursday.

 The Ondo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, while receiving the delegation from Chevron in his office in Akure on Monday before visiting the scene of the incident, called on the company to deplore all necessary resources to ensure the fire was put out on time and forestall recurrence  of such incidence.

Ajayi said the company must act fast to ensure that the community was safe again for the residents as  ”they do not have any other home.”

He that the oil deposit in their community should be a source of blessing to them rather than a source of worry.

The deputy governor stressed the importance of the oil producing areas to the economy of the state.

The leader of the Chevron delegation, Mr Brikinns Esimaje, said the company was doing everything possible to put out the fire as well as address both the immediate and remote causes of the inferno.

Esimaje said the visit would allow them to work with government in the interest of the host community’s safety.

”The reason for coming here is to really have a face to face discussion with government and to update government on the incidence,” he said.

Earlier in his remarks, the State Commissioner for Environment, Mr Funso Esan, said the news of the inferno at Oju Imole Oil Field broke out during Easter holidays and government had been working hard to ensure the safety of residents.

Esan said the meeting with Chevron would allow government to iron out certain issues on safe operation of the company in the state.


Ondo State Government has charged Chevron Nigeria Limited to priortise safety of lives and properties of citizens following a recent fire outbreak at Oju Imole Oil Field in Ilaje Local Government area.

Reports have it that the inferno started on Thursday.

 The Ondo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, while receiving the delegation from Chevron in his office in Akure on Monday before visiting the scene of the incident, called on the company to deplore all necessary resources to ensure the fire was put out on time and forestall recurrence  of such incidence.

Ajayi said the company must act fast to ensure that the community was safe again for the residents as  ”they do not have any other home.”

He that the oil deposit in their community should be a source of blessing to them rather than a source of worry.

The deputy governor stressed the importance of the oil producing areas to the economy of the state.

The leader of the Chevron delegation, Mr Brikinns Esimaje, said the company was doing everything possible to put out the fire as well as address both the immediate and remote causes of the inferno.

Esimaje said the visit would allow them to work with government in the interest of the host community’s safety.

”The reason for coming here is to really have a face to face discussion with government and to update government on the incidence,” he said.

Earlier in his remarks, the State Commissioner for Environment, Mr Funso Esan, said the news of the inferno at Oju Imole Oil Field broke out during Easter holidays and government had been working hard to ensure the safety of residents.

Esan said the meeting with Chevron would allow government to iron out certain issues on safe operation of the company in the state.

Ibuji community in Ifedore council area of Ondo state has commended Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for the construction of 8.1 kilometers asphalt overlay Igbaraoke Ibuji /Ekiti state boundary road.

They gave the commendation during an inspection tour of the project by the speaker Ondo Assembly, Bamidele Oleyelogun.

Oleyelogun who said Governor Akeredolu is committed to all his electoral promises, noted that the present administration will continue to provide more masses oriented projects for the populace.

The speaker sought the continued cooperation and support of the Ifedore people for the present administration in achieving more success stories across the state.

Some residents of the community who could not hide their joy over the timely completion of the road by the administration however thanked governor akeredolu for fulfilling his electoral promises to the people of the area.

Bearing her minds on the impact of the road, a trader, Mrs Ganiyat Busari said their joy knew no bounds as it would not only ease the hardship being experienced on the road on daily basis but improve their socio – economic activities.

Another resident of the community, Mr Dauda Lateef who said the economic situation of Ibuji and Ifedore in general have improved tremendously following the intervention of governor Akeredolu on the road asked government to erect speed breakers on the road to check road carnage.

Also speaking, a community leader who doubles as the Egbedi of Igbaraoke, Chief Gabriel Fajemilusi described the road construction as unique project and unprecedented.

In the past, the deplorable 1.8 kilometers road stretching from Ibuji, Igbaraoke down to ondo Ekiti boundary have greatly affected the socio economic activities of the people of the area hence the need for quick intervention by governor Akeredolu’s administration.

But, the community can now heave a sign of relief as the long abandoned road has now reached 90 percent completion with Asphalt overlay.

AKEREDOLU PLEDGES IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW MINIMUM WAGE FOR ONDO WORKERS.

The Ondo state governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has declared that his administration would support the implementation of the new minimum wage in the state.

Governor Akeredolu stated this on Thursday during the swearing in ceremony of the new executives of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Akure.

Akeredolu who was represented by the Head of Service, Mr. Toyin Akinkuotu said, “We are not against the new minimum wage and if we are not against it, we are in support.

He however pleaded with the federal government to urgently review the revenue formula to enable state and local governments in the Country to pay the new wage.

“Our prayer is that federal government should look into the revenue allocation Sharing formula, by giving more money to states and local governments to enable them implement the new minimum wage”, he added.

While congratulating the new NLC Executives, the Governor who commended the organised and peaceful conduct of the election and advised workers to cooperate with the new executive to protect their interest always.

A chief magistrate court sitting in Akure, Ondo State capital on Wednesday remanded in police custody five persons for alleged involvement in the Idoani Bank robbery.

Hoodlums on April 8, attacked a commercial bank in Idoani, Ose local government area killing seven persons including five bank officials, a police officer and Vice Principal of a secondary school who was a customer.

They also carted away a substantial amount of money after using explosives to break the security doors to the banking rooms.

Although six of them were arraigned on a seven-count charge by the Ondo State Police Command, one of them was said to be at large.

Chief Magistrate, Victoria Bob-Manuel after listening to arguments from both the prosecuting and defence counsel remanded the suspects in prison custody till May 2, pending the advice from the office of Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

Their arrest came barely two weeks after the robbery incident.

Ondo State Police Command said yesterday that it had begun investigations into the case of arson and murder levelled against Mr. Deji Davar.

The suspect allegedly set a family of eight ablaze at Igbodigo in Okitipupa Local Government.

Police spokesman Femi Joseph, who confirmed the death of five persons in the incident, said the perpetrator was at large.

He said the police would ensure that the suspected arsonist was arrested.

Joseph said measures had been put in place to ensure that the perpetrator was nabbed and prosecuted.

He said Mr. Alade Victor reported at the police divisional headquarters in Okitipupa that his brother, identified as Alade Glory, aged 45 and seven others were set ablaze while sleeping.

“Five of them were burnt to death in their one room apartment

at Adetuwo Street, Igbodigo, near Okitipupa.

“The complainant said he suspected Deji Davar now at large. Efforts are being made to nab the

suspect,” the spokesman added.

The suspected arsonist allegedly set the family of eight ablaze after his lover, a member of the family, allegedly jilted him.

Buhari Inaugurates Digitalised Ayinke House, Other Projects

President Muhammadu Buhari has inaugurated the newly digitalised Ayinke House which is also known as the Institute of Maternal and Child Health in the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

The President, who landed at the Presidential Wing of Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja at about 10: 45am, arrived at Ayinke House about 15 minutes later, after which he unveiled the project, and also embarked on a comprehensive tour of the facility.

The centre which is Nigeria’s biggest Maternity Hospital was upgraded from an 80-bed facility to a 170-bed healthcare centre with state-of-the-art medical equipment, as well as information technology services.

Speaking at the event, the State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode described the development as historic, expressing optimism that the facility would provide world-class childbirth and maternal care services to Lagosians and Nigerians at large.

Governor Ambode said the facility was commissioned exactly 29 years ago, with the late businessman and philanthropist, Sir Mobolaji Bank-Anthony donating the first dedicated maternal and child care facility to the State Government, in memory of his mother; hence the christened name “Ayinke House”.

He said the hospital, which started with just one surgical theatre soon assumed a life of its own as first-class childbirth and maternal care centre in the health sector of Nigeria as well as first choice for expectant mothers.

However, the Governor said the hospital later became over-stretched beyond capacity and somehow obsolete, while in recognition of the need to sustain Bank-Anthony’s philanthropy, the State Government, during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola who is now the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, awarded the contract for the expansion and reconstruction of the facility.

“Today, seven years after the closure of the facility, the new edifice is now a 170-bed facility with 5 surgical theatres. It has a 16-bed emergency care units with 3 organ support facilities, 30 bed special baby care unit, 5 neo-natal intensive care units, a fully equipped laboratory with support services, laboratories and a blood bank.

“Beyond the significance for the health sector, this institute is a major contribution to our education sector also; as it becomes a veritable platform for our medical students in the State University to enhance their exposure and experience with the top-class medical equipment provided,”

Governor Ambode said, just as he revealed that Ayinke House had also been completely digitalised with state-of-the-art medical equipment as well as information technology services supported by the State Ministry of Science and Technology.

He said in view of President Buhari’s determination of making universal and basic primary healthcare as one of the cardinal priorities of his administration, the State Government, under him, had consciously worked to bring quality, affordable and modern healthcare to all our citizenry, among other initiatives in the health sector.

“Just last year, we launched the Lagos State Health Insurance scheme to allow residents access top quality medical care with a little contribution and support from the State government.

“These and other efforts are directed at improving the lives of our people, especially the women and children; and by extension the productivity of our nation,” he said.

While congratulating President Buhari on his resounding victory at the recent presidential election, Governor Ambode thanked him for finding time to personally commission Ayinke House and other projects in the State, adding that the completion of the projects would not have been possible without the President’s support, administrative direction and encouragement.

Besides, Governor Ambode commended the Management and Staff of the State’s Ministry of Health, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, LASUTH as well as contractors for working round the clock and their enthusiasm in getting the project completed.

Similarly, the President also commissioned the 500-seater Lagos Theatre in Oregun, Ikeja. The ultra-modern theatre is one of the four simultaneously constructed by the Ambode administration to increase arts spaces and create standard platforms for talented citizens of the State to showcase their skills.

The President who arrived the venue at exactly 11:30am was treated to a live dance performance by a young group of talented artist before taking his leave.

The Governor said the three other theatres with the same specifications are also ready for commissioning in Igando, Badagry and Epe.

$500m Ondo modular refinery spurs high hopes



The need to have more refineries in Nigeria has been a front burner issue not just to the Federal Government but private investors in the country’s oil and gas industry.


Nigeria currently has four refineries, which are located in Port Harcourt, Kaduna and Warri, with a combined installed capacity of 445,000 barrels per day but the refineries have continued to operate far below the installed capacity for many years.

The country relies heavily on importation to meets its fuel needs.

The need for modular refineries, particularly in the Niger Delta area of the country, has never been so urgent and the government has been encouraging investors to look at this direction.

In view of this, the Ondo State government has partnered with Crown Refinery and Petrochemical Limited to build a modular refinery in the coastal area of the state.

The state, in partnership with the firm, has agreed to establish the modular refinery and unlock job opportunities for residents.

It was gathered that the state would provide only the land while the company will provide the equipment and the personnel, some of whom would be employed from the state.

To set the ball rolling, the state and the company recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the multimillion-dollar project proposed to be sited in Ugbonla and Ogboti coastal towns in the Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.

It was learnt that the project would foster the development of the area and consequently boost the economy of the state, as it was projected to employ over 2,000 people, both directly and indirectly.

The state Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, while receiving the MoU from the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Sunday Abegunde, who had earlier signed the document with the representatives of the company, expressed delight over the development.



Considering the number of benefits both partners would get from the project, Akeredolu pledged to give the necessary support to the project.

According to him, the door of the state is open to all genuine investors to do business with it, and his administration is committed to making the state a business hub for investors.

He said, “Ondo State is safe for investors; we will do everything to ensure that this project is successful. Ondo State is strategically positioned among the Niger Delta States and Lagos State, which is the nation’s economic nerve centre, to make all business-minded investors reap bountifully from their investments in the state.”

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer, Crown Refinery and Petrochemical, who led the team to the governor’s office, Mr Kassim Adeleke, said the company had approached some states for the establishment of the project but was not welcomed.

According to him, the company’s core business is to refine crude oil into petroleum products.

He explained that the refinery would be designed to process both imported paraffin and Nigerian crude into petroleum products, oils and lubricants.

Adeleke said, “The proposed initial design capacity of the plant is about 30,000 barrels per stream day, which is expected to be completed within 36 months. This can be scaled to 60,000 bpsd.

“We are going into the business of refining crude oil. The government of Ondo State would provide the enabling environment and incentives to support us as we actualise this vital investment.

“Apart from the project having the capacity to refine crude oil, it will also be producing 120,000 tonnes of base oil and 25,000 tonnes of lubrication oil on a yearly basis.

“The company will also be providing several infrastructural projects in the states and would create about 2,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities for indigenes of the state. It would also give scholarship to indigent students in the host communities.”

He said in Ondo State, he found professionalism, swift decision making, friendly communities and passion, such that in less than one year of opening talks with the state government, the company was set to commence the project.

Giving more details to journalists about the project, Adeleke said $500m would be spent at the initial stage, saying the money would be sourced from the development partners of the company.

He also allayed the fear of the negative environmental effects of the project, saying every necessary factor had been taken care of.

“We are still going through the due diligence process and the final figures will be made public when that is completed. The initial cost of the project is $500m, bearing in mind ancillary projects, like power and other infrastructure developments,” he added.

Apart from the government partnering the company, there was an indication that the residents of the communities would welcome the development as there was no opposition to it from any quarter.

Some of the residents of the communities even volunteered to accompany the representatives of the company to the sites where the projects would be sited.

A local chief in one of the communities, who did not want his name in print, expressed the support of the residents to the project. But he urged the management of the company to consider the indigenes of the area for employment for the project.

“We will be happy if this project is finally sited in our community; it will bring development to our community. We want to appeal to the management of the company to consider our children for employment whenever the work begins,” he urged.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Segun Ajiboye, said the project was part of the commitment of the government in promoting economic development in the state.

He said, “It was part of our investment drive to provide employment and boost the internally generated revenue of the state; it is going to be a laudable project.”

A financial analyst, Mr Kunle Akinloye, commended the government and the company for initiating the partnership.

He said the project would largely benefit the state in the area of IGR and employment generation.

“Modular refinery is a very big project; if well implemented, the government would rake in money in terms of IGR while a lot of people would be employed and make a living from it,” he added.

Another public affairs commentator, Mr Oluwaseun Ojo, who described the project as laudable, urged the government to put into consideration the environmental impact of the project on the host communities.

He said, “We have to commend the state government for allowing this kind of project to come up in this state. However, the government and the company must prevent environmental hazards, which the refinery may cause to the health of residents of the host communities.

“The government must not look only at the benefits of the project but the environmental impact must also be considered too.”

ONDO State House of Assembly Speaker Bamidele Oleyelogun yesterday described the late Olowo of Owo, Oba Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi, as a quintessential monarch, who cherished peace and unity.

Oleyelogun, who spoke while on a condolence visit to Olowo’s palace, stressed that the late legal icon had created a big vacuum that would be difficult to fill.

He prayed that God will guide the people of the ancient town in choosing the next Olowo, noting that late Olateru-Olagbegi’s reign brought about peace and even growth to Owo community and Ondo State.

On the Speaker’s delegation were the Chairman, House Committee and Chieftaincy Affairs, Jamiu Maito, Bankole Felemu, Ayobami Akinrutan and House member-elect representing Owo Constituency Adeyemi Olayemi.


Chief Jamiu Ekungba, who received the Assembly delegation, thanked Oleyelogun for the visit, adding that the programmes of burial would be communicated to the House in the next few days.

He said the tenure of the Speaker has brought development to Owo and the state, even with the meager resources accruing to the state when compared to previous dispensations.

Ekungba called for a special prayer for the Speaker by the representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), who were also at the palace on a condolence visit.