₦airaland Forum

The Ondo State Government said it has removed names of 51 workers from its payroll following the failure of the affected workers to show up for the recently conducted screening for civil servants.

The government said the screening exercise was conducted to enable it know the number of real civil servants in the local government service.

The state Head of Service , Mr. Dare Aragbaiye, confirmed this in Akure on Monday at the celebration of 2019 Public Service Week anniversary.

The theme of the anniversary is, ‘ICT and innovative governance: Panacea for youth unemployment and migration.’

Aragbaiye explained that the 51 workers failed to showed up for the screening exercise and since then, they have not returned to work.

He said, “Since they did not show up for the screening, that means they are ghost workers and for that reason, their salaries have been stopped and their names have been removed from the government’s payroll.

“Even if they show up today, they have some questions to answer.”

https://citadelng.com.ng/2019/12/09/breaking-ondo-sacks-51-workers-who-failed-to-attend-screening-exercise/

Beautiful

It was a gathering of great individuals championing the second anniversary celebration of Foundation for Wives of Ondo State official, FOWOSO, tagged "Prioritizing Women's Health And Well Being In Nigeria". It was held on December 4th, 2019 at the International Event Centre, DOME, Igbatoro road Akure, Ondo State.

The event was organized by the wife of Ondo state Governor, Mrs. Betty-Anyanwu Akeredolu through the Foundation For Wives Of Ondo State Officials (FOWOSO).

Mrs. Akeredolu whose numerous giant strides in service to humanity and breast cancer awareness, has received commendation from prestigious authorities across the nation and beyond is also known for being a backbone to her husband’s administration, whose vision is to further empower women in the state, implement gender balanced policies and other issues that could aid in the development of the state.

Mrs. Akeredolu For her commitment towards women and girl child empowerment in the society, was described as the first point of contact on issues concerning women and children by the honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Dame Pauline Tallen, during her visit to Ondo state for the 19th National Women Council Meeting.

Before her emergence as the First Lady, she has been an agitator for gender equity and other issues concerning women. She is known for human capital building, which is the core value of FOWOSO initiative. In the past two years, she has affected lives in numerous ways through her empowerment packed programme.

In 2018, Mrs. Akeredolu created employment for rural women with little or no means of livelihood by distributing grinding machines, Hair drying machines, Sewing machines, Refrigerators, Generators as well as skills aquization training to enable them earn a living and take care of their families.

Also, she prepares the girl child towards becoming better and resourceful women tomorrow in the society through her life changing programme, BEMORE initiative. BEMORE initiative is a platform that empowers the girl child in the state and trains them to be more for their families and the society at large.

The consequent BEMORE Summer BootCamp has witnessed her excellency disbursing Hybrid laptop computers to secondary school girls. So far, over 1000 girls has been trained in ICT, Solar energy technology and skills acquisition. All is geared towards ensuring that every girl child in Ondo State and beyond becomes productive.

As a breast cancer survivor, the first lady engaged in the business of breast cancer awareness creation, where she teaches women on the need for early detection while providing free cancer screening, preventive therapy, palliative care and succor for women living with breast or cervical cancer through the Breast Cancer Association Of Nigeria (BRECAN) which she is a founding member. And all these have helped a lot of women.

This year's Summit, drew its focus on women’s health and wellbeing in Nigeria. With keynotes delivered by Arabinrin Betty-Anyanwu Akeredolu, wife of Ondo State Governor and founder of FOWOSO initiative.

During her speech, the First Lady declared that she will not faint until she sees women everywhere being treated with as much respect as their male counterparts.
Mrs Akeredolu emphasized that the greatest error this nation has made and continues to make is denying the womenfolk equal right to socio-economic privileges by upholding cultural norms and traditions that discriminate against them.

Also the chairman of the occasion, Prof Modupe Adelabu, former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State commends the effort of the wife of Ondo State Governor towards women and children driven empowerment programme as she encouraged other leaders to ensure that every girl child is empowered.


Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, during the event stated that this administration is focused on women and children empowerment which is why the government launched the and Contributory Healthcare Delivery Insurance Scheme that allows free medical services to pregnant women and children under 5 years of age in Ondo state.

The highlight of the event witnessed the presentation of 100,000, 50,000 and 25, 000 naira respectively to the winners of crawlers competition. While presenting the cash to the parents of these children Mrs Akeredolu noted that the essence of the game is to bond as well as promote love and unity among families.

Opinion leaders and women advocates, trailed the audience with insightful notes on women's health and well-being as a way of facilitating healthy living among the women folks.

Opportunities were given to the audience to express their views and ask questions as regard to health challenges after which solution were proferred by the renowned career and health activist.

The event came to an end with Ondo State women fully sensitized on the essence of good living and measures to forestall health challenges to the safety and wellbeing of their loved ones.

ALOZIE GENEVIEVE
TCC NEWS

https://citadelng.com.ng/2019/12/04/we-will-not-faint-until-we-see-women-everywhere-being-treated-with-as-much-respect-as-their-male-counterparts-betty-anyanwu-akeredolu/

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, on Saturday, December 7, 2019, inspected the on-going construction of the new ultra modern University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Ondo town.

The Governor was joined by the former Governor of the state, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr.Jibayo Adeyeye and the Chief Medical Director of the Teaching Hospital, Dr. Ige Oluwole.

While inspecting the on-going work, Dr. Adeyeye explained that the on-going construction of the new ultra modern Hospital project at the Teaching Hospital in Ondo is part of the determination of the Akeredolu’s administration to replace all the old buildings in the Teaching Hospital in Ondo and Akure complexes.

He said:”Here, we will have three well-equipped theatres. This unit will house 250 bed here, 250 bed in Akure. We will be adding 500 bed to the health facilities in the state.

“We are going to provide a private wing in Ondo and Akure that will be good for the VIPs. We want to ensure that none of the VIPs will need to travel out of the country for medical treatment.

“By building something like this, everyone in Nigeria will come and benefit from the use of this facility. This has started and that of Akure will start in the next two weeks.”

Olabode Richard Olatunde
Special Assistant to the Governor (New Media)
December 7, 2019.

Following an industrial crisis rocking Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO) Staff primary and secondary Schools, the Ondo state Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) has ordered immediate reabsorption of all disengaged workers of the schools who are mostly teachers, into the mainstream State Teaching Service.

This information was disclosed by the Chairman of the polytechnic's Governing Council, Banji Alabi during a peace meeting between the authorities of the institution and the school's Chapter of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnic, (SSANIP) held on the campus.

The meeting was convened by the polytechnic's management and attended by the Governing Council of the institution chaired by Mr Banji Alabi; the management staff led by the Rector, Mr Gani Ogundahunsi and the leadership of SSANIP led by the Chairman, Comrade Chris Olowolade.

According to Alabi, the polytechnic in collaboration with the State Government have therefore offered the disengaged workers of the Staff Schools to be reabsorbed into the mainstream of the state Teaching service and redeployment to primary and secondary s

chools within Owo local government area.

59 workers of the RUGIPO staff primary and secondary schools were few months sacked by the polytechnic to pave the way for the privatization of the schools.

The SSANIP Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo RUGIPO chapter, had protested against the mass disengagement of all the 59 workers at the Polytechnic's Staff primary and secondary Schools, describing the action as insensitive, but the state governor subsequently intervened and ordered the reabsorption of the sacked workers.

However, the Chairman of the governing council, Mr Alabi informed SSANIP leadership at the meeting that the visitor to the institution, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu had graciously approved the reabsorption of the disengaged workers of RUGIPO Staff schools into the state Teaching service.

In a Press Statement issued at the end of the meeting and signed by SSANIP chairman, Comrade Chris Olowolade and the Secretary, Comrade Samuel Olorunnusi, the Union commended the management for the peace and appealed to the polytechnic's authorities to still give the disengaged staff an option of being transferred to the mainstream of the polytechnic instead of the state Teaching service alone.

The statement reads, the governing Council representative appealed to the Union to see the magnanimous gesture of the state governor in directing that the disengaged staff school members be absorbed into the (state) primary and Secondary schools as an opportunity abound for them as they can rise to the position of Principal and Headteacher in no distance time because they will be replaced where their contemporary in the teaching service are.”

“The Council chairman added that without prejudice public primary and secondary are the only option left for the and since they are employees of the state government who can be transferred when the need arises, he therefore enjoined them (affected staff) to appreciate the gesture of Mr Governor to accept the offer.

“He (Alabi) enjoined the disengaged staff to see this opportunity as panaceato the would be suffering that might affect them when they are out of job.

“He equally pleaded with the Permanent Secretary, Establishment to please extend the deadline to enable individual's letter of acceptance for the public primary and secondary schools option till 15th December, 2019 and whoever failed to comply by that date, will not be allowed to enjoy such opportunity again.

Comrade Olowolade noted that it was not the Union that was challenging the Management in court but the affected staff and the union should be allowed to discuss the offer with its members.

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, has offered the overall best graduating student of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), Ajakaiye Daniel Oluwatobi an immediate employment.

Daniel Oluwatobi graduated with a CGPA of 4.76 from the Accounting department, Faculty of Social And Management Sciences of the University.

Governor Akeredolu, who announced the immediate employment while delivering his address on the occasion of the 9th Convocation ceremony of the AAUA on Friday, said the best graduating student deserves to work in the institution to enable him contribute his knowledge to the growth of the school.

Arakunrin Akeredolu, who noted that the state manages three Universities and a Polytechnic, assures that his administration will continue to exert necessary efforts to sustain the tempo of development in all the State-owned citadels of learning.

He said despite stiff competing demands, his administration has ensured prompt release of subventions in order not to jeopardise the delicate balance of running a modern university.

The Governor also disclosed that his administration has also done its best to grow the physical infrastructure in all the state-owned institutions.

He said: ”As part of our administration’s understanding of the running of a 21st century-compliant university, we have continued to give the management of all state-institutions the free hand needed to run their affairs.

“Plans are on to ensure that we leverage the research efforts of academics across our institutions while also not failing to tap from their wealth of experience and research when occasions demand.


“Our educational policy thrust is clear, to make our institutions of higher learning independent and well-funded with a view of making tools of positive changes in the society.”

The Governor noted that with the 20th year of the existence of the university, it has continued to do exceptionally well nationally and globally despite its young age.

"Within such a relatively young age, the university has consistently emerged as the Best State-owned University in Nigeria, and it is currently ranked the ninth best out of the about 160 universities in the country,” the Governor said.

Olabode Richard Olatunde
Special Assistant to the Governor (New Media)
December 6, 2019

https://citadelng.com.ng/2019/12/06/akeredolu-offers-aaua-overall-best-student-immediate-employment/

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE 



President Muhammadu Buhari Friday in Abuja told state chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) that only members with solid base from the grassroots to national level will represent the party in elective positions.
 
Receiving state chairmen of the party led by the National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, at State House, the President urged them to serve the party with all their might and see their ‘‘chairmanship’’ as part of national service.
 
President Buhari said the ‘‘bottom-to-top approach’’ would ensure that only popular party men and women represent the party’s interest at the national level.
 
‘‘In my own opinion, this is necessary so that Nigerians will know and understand that whoever sits in your states has the support of your respective constituencies from the state, to the local government, wards and polling units.
 
‘‘I want you to revisit the constitution of the party sooner than later. Your election will soon hold and I am going to take personal interest to make sure that the bottom-to-top is maintained and people are elected by their immediate and subsequent constituencies.
 
 ‘‘In Abuja, we want to deal with people who have a solid base from where they come,’’ he said.
 
In his remarks, the National Chairman said the National Working Committee of the party had decided to extend support on a monthly basis to all states chairmen to enable them run their respective offices effectively.
 
‘‘Whatever support we (NWC) are giving them is a small token in relation to the huge responsibilities entrusted to them,’’ he said.
 
Oshiomhole thanked the President on his recent directive on Board appointments, noting that party members were looking forward to filling some existing vacancies in government and contribute their quota to the vision of the Next Level Government.
 
Also speaking, the Chairman of the 36 State Party Chairmen of APC, Hon. Ali Bukar congratulated the President on his victory in the February 23 presidential election which was also reaffirmed by the Supreme Court.
 
Bukar said the success of the Buhari administration in the economy, security and governance sectors must be sustained so that Nigerians will enjoy the dividends of democracy.
 
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
December 6, 2019

The Executive Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, today, Friday, December 6, 2019 formally renamed the Senate Building of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, as Olusegun Mimiko Senate Building.

According to the Visitor, the renaming was done to acknowledge his vision for the State while in Office.

He was assisted by the Pro Chancellor, Dr Tunji Abayomi; Vice Chancellor, Prof Igbekele Ajibefun; and other Principal and senior government and university officers.

� Yinka Fadoyomi

https://citadelng.com.ng/2019/12/06/akeredolu-renames-aaua-senate-building-after-ex-governor-mimiko/

Nawa o, Nigeria my country

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EXPANDS FREE HEALTH PROVIDERS FROM 2 TO 7 LOCATIONS !

In furtherance of his promise to improve all health indices and ensure qualitative health delivery, Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, on Tuesday flagged-off the Maternal -And -Child Health Insurance Scheme (AMCHIS) and the State Contributory Health Scheme (ODCHS).

The Governor also declared that his administration will employ more Medical Doctors and Nurses and also upgrade the physical infrastructure of the seven designated Mother-and-Child friendly hospitals across the state.

Governor Akeredolu said both the Contributory Health Scheme and the Maternal and Child Health Insurance Scheme are evidence of his administration’s commitment to the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) with a consciousness of a sustainable framework of healthcare financing.

Governor Akeredolu, who performed the flag-off at the Mother and Child Hospital, Akure, said the State Executive Council, last year agreed and approved the payment of premium for the healthcare benefits of all under-5 children and pregnant women resident in the State to the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission’s pool.

He said the state is leading by example through the gesture to make contributions on behalf of pregnant women and under-5 children in order to ensure that maternal and under-5 children health services are free at the point of care.

The Governor noted that the Residency card (Kaadi Igbeayo) remains the prerequisite to benefit from the Maternal and Child Health insurance Scheme (AMCHIS).

He disclosed that the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) has positioned its officers at strategic locations in the seven designated Mother and Child-friendly Hospitals to register and issue the Residency Card to pregnant women free of charge.

Arakunrin Akeredolu said: "First, we have christened it the Health Insurance Scheme of Ondo State, pointing to the fact that a model of health insurance is adopted to drive and sustain the scheme.“Secondly, we have expanded the scope of providers from the two Mother-and-Child Hospitals in Akure and Ondo city (both in the Central Senatorial District) in the past, to additional five secondary facilities, including State Specialist Hospital, Ikare-Akoko and General Hospital, Owo in the Northern Senatorial District; General Hospital, Ore, State Specialist Hospital, Okitipupa and General Hospital Igbokoda in the Southern Senatorial District. Residents of the State in the remaining 11 LGAs can also access any of these seven selected hospitals that is close to them.

”Permit me to state that our administration started this journey when we sent a bill to the State House of Assembly in 2018 to establish the Ondo State Contributory Health Scheme (ODCHS) and Ondo State Contributory Health Commission (ODCHC).

“I signed the bill into law in the same year and the office complex of ODCHC was formally commissioned on the 24th of June, 2019. This law mandates each resident of Ondo State to have a health insurance cover and the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission is working assiduously to realise this herculean task.”

https://citadelng.com.ng/2019/12/05/ondo-kaadi-igbeayo-now-free-as-governor-akeredolu-launches-abiyomo-health-insurance-scheme/

The wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu has been honoured by the Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko.

Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu bagged the “Advocacy and Outstanding support for Women’s Health and Development” award.

Other eminent Nigerians honoured at the event were Late Venerable Professor Akinyemiju Akindoyeni, OFR, mni, pioneer Vice Chancellor of the University, Akungba-Akoko, and former Director – General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, (NIPSS), Kuru-Jos, Prof. Funso Akere, Prof. Femi Mimiko and the popular juju maestro, King Sunny Ade.

The historic event, held at Olusegun Obasanjo Multipurpose Hall of the university was part of the convocation and 20 years Anniversary of the citadel of learning.
https://citadelng.com.ng/2019/12/05/aaua-at-20-ondo-first-lady-bags-award/

The State Coordinator of Aketi Advocacy Group (AAG), Tayo Fayanju has appealed to the good people of ondo state to vote the Governor of ondo state, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, again in order to continue his work towards a better Ondo State
The coordinator spoke at a meeting of the forum in Akure. He said that it was imperative to re-elect Akeredolu to sustain the legacy of transforming the state.

He has transformed the state. We are witnesses to the
transformation in the State. Akeredolu has touched all sectors. He is performing, he revealed;
“Look at what he is doing at the transport sector. Road construction is going on in all areas of Ondo State
“Governor Akeredolu has changed the face of governance in the state with legacy projects.

“He inaugurated roads in Ijoka area of Akure south local government that links Idanre, in Idanre local government.
“Besides, the governor has transformed education with the construction and renovation of primary schools, health, commerce, workers welfare and other sectors. He deserves our votes to enable him continue the programmes he has started.”

Coordinators for the three senatorial districts were unanimously elected at the meeting.
“Governor Akeredolu has shown that he loves his people. He consider their interest first in whatever he does. He deserves to be re-elected,” he said.

https://citadelng.com.ng/2019/12/05/gov-akeredolu-deserves-re-election-says-fayanju/

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, has emphasized the need for Universities and other tertiary institutions to prioritize skill acquisitions alongside the acquisition of certificates.

The Governor said the practice of acquiring certificates without the skills and knowledge to solve problems cannot be equated with capacity.


Arakunrin Akeredolu, who delivered the 20th Founders' Day Anniversary Lecture of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, on Wednesday, said the acquisition of certificates should be evident in the capacity to engage challenges and break new grounds to accommodate the inherent dynamism in human affairs.

The Governor, who lamented the embarrassing presence of a multitude of unemployed youths in the polity, called for an urgent review of the current practices.


While pointing out the errors that is often made, Akeredolu said the society usually mistake being lettered to be the sole purpose of education, adding that the ability to read and write only opens doors for opportunities.

He said: ”Proficiency in an official language of the State confirms elitism, not capacity. Being knowledgeable in specific areas of knowledge is an advantage. The needs of a society should be emphasized in a curriculum of training.

”A properly trained citizen is an asset to the community. An untrained compatriot is a perennial burden. A system of instruction must be purposeful; it must be designed to achieve an end. Acquisition of knowledge confers potential ability status on a people. Its application actualizes dreams and prevents untoward occurrences.”

Governor Akeredolu said universities in Nigeria will only contribute meaningfully to the development of the country if there is a remarkable change in attitude.

”Our universities must redirect their energies to peculiar areas of research, which will be beneficial to the environment. Until this is done, the tragic joke continues,” Akeredolu said.

While congratulating the graduating students, the Governor asked them to consider the acquisition of their certificates as basic, saying that they need to acquire new skills to survive at this current period.

He saluted the vision of late Pa Adebayo Adefarati for establishing the university, adding that the state must ensure that the noble idea continues to grow.

” I am not oblivious of the significant strides already made by this great institution. I must, however, nudge you not to be complacent. The fact that our products look up to government as the main employer of labour in the type of economy we practise shows that we still have a very long way to cover before arriving at the desired destination,” the Governor concluded.

Olabode Richard Olatunde
Special Assistant to the Governor (New Media)
December 4, 2019.

https://citadelng.com.ng/2019/12/04/education-incomplete-without-skill-acquisition-akeredolu/

It was a gathering of great individuals championing the second anniversary celebration of Foundation for Wives of Ondo State official, FOWOSO, tagged "Prioritizing Women's Health And Well Being In Nigeria" held on December 4th, 2019 at the International Event Centre, DOME, Igbatoro road Akure, Ondo State.

The event was organized by the wife of Ondo state Governor, Mrs. Betty-Anyanwu Akeredolu, through the Foundation For Wives Of Ondo State Officials (FOWOSO).

Mrs. Akeredolu whose numerous giant strides in service to humanity and breast cancer awareness, has received commendation from prestigious authorities across the nation, is also known for being a backbone to her husband’s administration, whose vision is to further empower women in the state, implement gender balanced policies and other issues that could aid in the development of the state.

Mrs. Akeredolu For her commitment towards women and girl child empowerment in the society, was described as the first point of contact on issues concerning women and children by the honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Dame Pauline Tallen, during her visit to Ondo state for the 19th National Women Council Meeting.

Before her emergence as the First Lady, she has been an agitator of gender equity and other issues concerning women. She is known for human capital building, which is the core value of FOWOSO initiative. In the past two years, she has effected lives in numerous ways through her empowerment packed programme.

In 2018, Mrs. Akeredolu created employment for rural women with little or no means of livelihood by distributing grinding machines, Hair drying machines, Sewing machines, Refrigerators, Generators as well as skills aquization training to enable them earn a living and take care of their families.

Also, she prepares the girls child towards becoming a better and resourceful women tomorrow in the society through her life changing programme, BEMORE initiative a platform that empowers the girl child in the state and trains them to be more for their families and the society at large.

The consequent BEMORE Summer BootCamp has witnessed her excellency disbursing Hybrid laptop computers to secondary school girls. So far, over 1000 girls has been trained in ICT, Solar energy technology and skills acquisition. All is geared towards ensuring that every girl child in Ondo State and beyond becomes productive.

As a breast cancer survivor, the first lady engaged in the business of breast cancer awareness creation, where she teaches women on the need for early dictation while providing free cancer screening, preventive therapy, palliative care and succor for women living with breast or cervical cancer through the Breast Cancer Association Of Nigeria (BRECAN) which she is a founding member. And all these have helped a lot of women.

This year Summit, drew its focuse on women’s health and wellbeing in Nigeria. With keynotes delivered by Arabinrin Betty-Anyanwu Akeredolu wife of Ondo State Governor and founder of FOWOSO initiative.

During her speech, the First Lady declared that she will not faint until she sees women everywhere are being treated with as much respect as their male counterparts.
Mrs Akeredolu emphasized that the greatest error this nation has been and continues to be; denying the womenfolk equal right to socio-economic privileges by upholding cultural norms and traditions that discriminate against them.

Also the chairman of the occasion, Prof Modupe Adelabu, former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State commends the effort of the wife of Ondo State Governor towards women and children driven empowerment programme as she encouraged other leaders to ensure that every girl child is empowered.


Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, during the event stated that this administration is focused on women and children empowerment which is why the government launched the and Contributory Healthcare Delivery Insurance Scheme that allows free medical services to pregnant women and children under 5 years of age in Ondo state.

The highlight of the event witnessed the presentation of 100,000, 50,000 and 25, 000 naira respectively to the winners of crawlers competition. While presenting the cash to the parents of these children Mrs Akeredolu noted that the essence of the game is to bond as well as promote love and unity among families.

Opinion leaders and women advocates, trailed the audience with insightful notes on women's health and well-being as a way of facilitating healthy living among the women folks.

Opportunities were given to the audience to express their views and ask questions as regard to health challenges after which solution were proferred by the renowned career and health activist.

The event came to an end with Ondo State women fully sensitized on the essence of good living and measures to forestall health challenges to the safety and wellbeing of their loved ones.

ALOZIE GENEVIEVE
TCC NEWS

Nasooo my brother

SENATORidiot:
Aketi is working but................

The trite saying ‘Health is Wealth’ explains the importance of health to us as humans. Health is a condition in which a person is free of diseases and problems that affect his body, including physical, mental, psychological and social health, and a person can not feel peace and rest without health, which includes his safety from diseases, recovery from diseases after they occur and disposal Of them finally. Health is a blessing from God’s many blessings on us, which enable man to live a normal life and enable him to enjoy his life.


Governor Akeredolu in his usual ways of seeking answers and solutions to the challenges affecting different sectors in Ondo state has added to his focus and priorities for 2019. Maternal and child health delivery.


The governor whose supreme quality of leadership is unquestionably integrity in service delivery, is not ending the economy and industrial revolution 2019 year, without the mothers and children of Ondo State in his quest to fulfilling his electoral campaign to the people of Ondo State.


Akeredolu who has been successful in inspiring the people of ondo state to overcome any current challenges, but believe in the future of the state through his idea of collective leadership, has Flagged -off Maternal and Child Health Insurance Scheme (AMCHIS) and the State Contributory Health Scheme (ODCHS) in Akure the Ondo state capital.


According to UNICEF one in 34 babies born in Nigeria die before their first birthday. The country's birth rate is high.


The ondo state governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu who the women in Ondo state has described as a governor with many colors of great leadership style has showcase his passion once again for the mothers and children in the state by approving the healthcare benefits for children under-5 years and pregnant women resident in Ondo State..


This decision taken by the governor have a profound impact on the pregnant women and children under 5 years as they have access to free health services in the state.


However any successful leader knows that he must lead by example to truly earn the will of his people. The ability to commit to this principle is another huge characteristic of the Man Aketi style of good and great leadership.


Successful leaders maintain a positive focus in life no matter what is going on around them. They think on the next action steps they need to take to get them closer to the fulfillment of their goals rather than all the other distractions that life presents to them.
PRINCESS EIGBOKHAN ORIH
TCCNEWS

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, has commissioned the newly-built Critical Care Unit (CCU) Building at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital Complex (UNIMEDTHC), Akure, the state capital.

The Governor also laid the foundation of a new main teaching hospital complex, as part of his determination to make the teaching hospital in the state a world-class modern tertiary facility.

According to Arakunrin Akeredolu, Ondo State was hitherto the only State without a tertiary health care facility among the South western states in Nigeria.

He noted that the state has not only surpassed the other States in terms of improvement in health delivery indices, but has also gotten accreditation in all its clinical service departments in a record time of one year.

”We have equally reversed the trend of Ondo State indigenes and residents of the State seeking tertiary health care outside the State.” the Governor said.

Arakunrin Akeredolu explained that his administration passed into law the establishment of the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Complex (UNIMEDTHC, adding that the Law amalgamated existing specialist hospitals to form a Multi-Complex Teaching Hospital, named University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital Complex for the already existing University of Medical Sciences.

He said:” We ingeniously sourced medical equipment at a reduced cost to cover identified infrastructural gaps in all our hospitals. This has improved diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities of all our public hospitals.

”We passed into Law the Primary Health Care Bill to empower the Primary Health Care Board to carry out its work more effectively and efficiently. This will also position us to benefit from the National Basic Health Fund which will, in turn, improve the health wellbeing of our citizens at the community level.

”The State Government, in order to improve the capacity of our primary training Health Institution in the State has also upgraded the School of Health Technology, Akure into a degree-awarding College of Health Technology. The college is now better positioned to train health personnel. We intend to improve the infrastructural facilities at the College.

”We passed into law the bill incorporating the School of Nursing and Midwifery into the University of Medical Sciences. This singular act has enriched the training of our nurses in compliance with the aspirations of the Nursing Councils.”Following the amalgamation of the facilities, we have reorganized, restructured and embarked upon building new structures to have a modern and standard teaching hospital.

”We have also recruited highly qualified personnel to match the upgrade in the facility. We have recruited over 750 personnel across board.

”We are also providing more ambulances, buses and services vehicles to ease movement of staff and patients across the three complexes of the Teaching Hospital.

”We have also decided to acquire some neighbouring buildings to allow for further expansion of the Akure Complex of the Teaching Hospital. These buildings are too close to the hospitals and the occupants are in possible health jeopardy.”

Olabode Richard Olatunde
Special Assistant to the Governor (New Media)
December 3, 2019

Towards achieving better customer satisfaction and qualitative service delivery, The Ondo State Government has scaled up the capacity of Medicine Handlers as the State Contributory Health Scheme is about to start.



At the Train the Trainers programme which took place in Akure, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Wahab Adegbenro said with the coming of the Contributory Health Scheme aimed at achieving universal health coverage, it is expected that there will be upsurge, in health facilities, hence the need to scale up the capacity of Health Workers for better service delivery.



Dr Adegbenro said any error in the medical process which he described as a chain, could endanger the life of the patient, this, he said the government is guarding against.



The Health Commissioner added that customer satisfaction is the driving force of the Ondo State Contributory Health Scheme and that the government will do all humanly possible to ensure the state achieves Universal Health Coverage.



The Executive Secretary Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Francis Akanbiemu opined that Medical Services is incomplete without essential Drug Management.



Dr Akanbiemu disclosed that gaps were noticed in drug management, hence the need to bridge the gap by training the critical mass of professionals that will go back and train others.



He added that the training was a followup to a training that was done across the state In July , as there need to train medicine handlers who will be going out to supervise and train others to ensure drug management is carried out as it should.



In his Goodwill message, Mr Adebola Lawal who represented the State PSN Chairman opined that the role of drug administration in patient management cannot be over emphasised as any fault with prescription and handling, faults the entire medical process.



Mr Lawal appealed to participants to listen attentively so that they can cascade the training correctly in the interest and betterment of patients.



Also in his Goodwill message, the Programme Coordinator Nigeria State Health Investment Project (NSHIP), Dr. Paulinus Omode who also buttressed the role of Pharmaceutical Services in Medical management, said there is need for training and retraining of Health Workers so they can be in tune with Global Best Practices in their various fields.

https://citadelng.com.ng/2019/12/03/ondo-government-trains-medicine-handlers-on-global-best-pharmaceutical-practices/

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has urged corps members to be more committed to serving the country during their 12-month stay in the state.

Akeredolu made the call during the swearing-in of the 2019 Batch ‘C’ (Stream II) corps members, at the permanent orientation camp, Ikare- Akoko on Monday.

The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Mr Dotun Owanikin, said that the welfare and security of the lives of corps members remained a top priority of his administration.

Akeredolu urged them to take the content of the orientation course seriously, especially the skill acquisition programme.

“As a responsible government, I want to say, without mincing words, that your welfare and security would be adequately taken care of during your service year.

“Our government will continue to improve on developmental projects and infrastructure that will encourage those who observe their mandatory service to want to stay and live in the state at the end of their service year,” he said.

The State Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs Grace Akpabio, urged the corps members to abide by the rules and regulations of the camp.

According to her, the scheme has now had a South-West Zonal Coordinator as part of efforts to improve the welfare of corps members.

She also appealed to corps members, who had been diagnosed with life-threatening ailments, to always report to the camp clinic for proper monitoring.

“I want to encourage the local governments, corporate citizens, well-meaning Nigerians, philanthropists as well as other stakeholders to make their presence felt in the camp by contributing to the numerous ongoing projects there,” she said.

https://citadelng.com.ng/2019/12/03/be-more-committed-to-your-service-year-akeredolu-charges-corps-members/

As part of the conscious activities of the Aketi One 2 One Ondo west LGA in Ondo state towards ensuring its full preparedness towards the next gubernitorial election in the state, the group on the 24th of November visited Hon. Jibayo Adeyeye the Special Adviser to the Ondo State Governor on Health at his residence in Ondo town.

Hon.Jibayo while addressing the Aketi's foot soldiers expressed his delight on their activities and also seized the medium to appreciate the proactiveness of the members and their activities which were tailored towards the victory of Arakunrin Akeredolu in the Sunshine state.

Hon.Jibayo explained that since the inception of the Akeredolu led adminstration, the narrative has been changed for better as Arakunrin has placed as topmost of his agenda the welfarism of the good people of Ondo state.
He explained that Arakunrin Akeredolu not only saw to the payment of the outstanding 7 months salaries owed by the previous administration but also ensured that subsequent salaries were duly paid till date.

Furthermore he stated that Arakunrin Akeredolu is doing alot in Ondo West local government citing the upgrading of UNIMED where the state government is currently building a structure that can accommodate over 200 people which will be commissioned in the first quater of the year 2020, he also added that the people are yet to see many more landmarks projects in Ondo West because the state government is still paying contractors debts owed by the previous governements, neverthless the state government is poised and committed to ensuring that the area is not left behind.

Also while addressing the members, Hon Jibayo enjoined the members to show more committment In their respective responsibities and assignments, warning that there is no room for complacency within the organisation, According to him, those who failed to dispatch effectively in the last election will inevitably find themselves down in the pecking order.

Responding on behalf of the Aketi One2One, Lulu Fawehinmi the SSA to Ondo State Governor on Strategy Communication, expressed his gratitude to Hon.Jibayo Adeyeye, thanking him for welcoming them and for his numerous works in the health sector. Fawehinmi also charged him as a leader of the party in Ondo West to ensure that the APC in Ondo West unit by unit grows to a formidable Party.

Present at the meeting were all ward coordinator and LGA coordinator of Aketi One2One foot soldiers

The Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has chided the former Deputy Governor of the state, Alhaji Ali Olanusi for lying against his administration in his recent interview published in the national dailies

Olanusi, in the interview said the state has been underdeveloped under Akeredolu, adding that those roads claimed to have been constructed by the Governor are not up to one kilometre.

But, the Governor, while reacting to Olanusi’s comment described it has a mere campaign of calumny against his government.

He spoke at the inauguration of Oba Fedrick Obateru Akintuntan, the Olugbo of Ugbo, as the Chairman of the State Council of Obas. The event held at the International Centre for Culture and Events (DOME) was graced by all traditional rulers in the State.

Akeredolu urged the former Deputy Governor to pray for forgiveness of sins, saying if Olanusi cannot see other notable road projects constructed by his administration and that are more than one kilometre, he is, at least, expected to see the four kilometres road constructed by this government in his hometown, Supare-Akoko in Akoko South West local government

The Governor told the monarchs that no amount of fabricated lies by political opponents to sabotage his administration would stop him from spreading the construction of roads to every part of the state in order to improve economic activities and make life easy for the people.

He noted that a good number of roads in the State will be reconstructed as dual carriageways to ease transport and commerce and provide massive employment opportunities for the people.

His words, “I want to say with all sense of modesty that we have not let down the people in fulfilling our promises to impact positively on the State and her people. I want to state that Your Majesties are living witnesses to some of our achievements in the last three years.”

Governor Akeredolu listed some of the roads already constructed by his administration to include: ”Oke Alabojuto Road, Ikare-Akoko; Lennon Jubilee – Solaco Road, Ugbe Road, Ikare-Akoko; Selected Roads in Ifon; Oke Afa Road, Supare-Akoko; failed portions along Iwaro-Oka/Isua Road.

“ Reconstruction as dual carriageway of the road from Emure Junction – AUD and from Ministry of works to Iyere Junction, Owo ; Reconstruction as dual carriageway of ‘A’ Division to Ijoka Road (ongoing); Reconstruction as dual carriageway of Akure to Oda Road (ongoing); Construction of selected Roads in Akure Township; Construction of selected Roads in Idanre; Igbara-Oke – Ibuji Road; Oke-Ogba Community Road

“Reconstruction as dual carriageway of the road from CBN to Bishop’s Court in Alagbaka, Akure; Sabomi – Ajagba Road (2.3km); Construction of Ile-Oluji Township Roads; Construction of flyover across Ore – Benin Expressway (ongoing); and Construction of Okitipupa – Igbokoda Byepass Road (ongoing).”

Arakunrin Akeredolu also disclosed that there have been massive renovation of public primary schools across the 18 Local Government Areas in the State, with the provision of school furniture, ICT facilities, fence to enhance security, amongst others.

He said his administration has implemented these projects, such that no local government area in the state is left out.

The Governor said the resolve of his administration to woo investors to Ondo State is already yielding fruitful results with the Paper Mill Factory, Ethanol Plant,MDF/HDF Wood Plant and the Win-win Textile already established at the Ondo-Linyi Industrial Park in Ore for the rapid economic development of the State.

He stressed that the proposed Seaport is still very much on course, adding that It was gratifying to say that the project implementation plan for the Deep Seaport, spelling out milestones and timelines for the completion of the multibillion dollars projects, has been received.

“The feasibility study of the proposed Port of Ondo has shown that it is economically viable, as it has the deepest natural draught with the longest coastline in the West African Sub-region and capacity to harbour any ship in the world.” Akeredolu said.

The leadership of the ondo state government , governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN has nurtured and strengthen the talents of the people in art and culture through his compelling qualities of building teams that are committed to achieving common goals in this administration.


As the leader of the state, Akeredolu has build credibility and also gain the respect of his people by demonstrating the behavior that he wants his people to follow. That means “ If you demand a lot from your team, you should also be willing to set high standards for yourself. Aligning your words and actions will help to build trust and make your team more willing to follow your example,”


However, from his style of leadership, the governor who has always match his words with actions has dedicated the month of December. 2019 as a month for celebrating the talents in arts and culture, comedy shows, talent hunt shows, fun fair, Christmas carols, etc.

In this article, my focus is, the second Ondo Art Festival billed to hold between 19th and 21st of December 2019 which will engage over 20,000 youths, especially for carnival floats.


As a successful leader, governor Akeredolu has found ways to celebrate the achievements of his people, through ondo art festival among other events lined up for this December celebration, away of the governor saying ‘well done.’ As well as boosting morale, it will also strengthen the motivation of talents in ondo state.


An old proverb says that if you want to be wise you should walk with the wise. As Organisers say that, the 10,000 models for carnival float and special performances this year will be raised from Ondo State, particularly among the youths.


The ondo state governor have also found a way to achieve the right combination of charisma, enthusiasm and self-assurance, probably with a healthy dose of hard work, luck and timing. It may seem like some people are just gifted with these skills, but the truth is most leadership traits can be learned and sharpened with time and practice.


This festivals weaken the elements of youth restiveness, create job opportunities, empowerment, happiness, peace and unity among the people of the state. As this is obviously present in all the infrastructural projects, industrial revolutions and innovations by Governor Akeredolu.


Leaders have credibility with those they lead. What this means is a leader says what they mean and does what they say. This is the greatest quality of the ondo state governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN.

PRINCESS EIGBOKHAN ORIH
TCCNEWS.

The Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai has attributed the high quality human capital in the South-west of the country to the foresight of chief Obafemi Awolowo and his political ally, late Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin in implementing the free education programme.

El-Rufai made the observation in Akure yesterday at a colloquium organized by the Ajasin Foundation to commemorate the 116th post humous birthday anniversary of the former Governor of Ondo State.

He said both Awolowo and Ajasin deserved commendation for the ingenious education policy which had improved the fortunes of the South-West region.

The Governor, who was the key note speaker at the event said the high quality human capital development in the South-West is a direct consequence of the free education policy.

He said if there was no elite consensus, it would have been difficult for Ajasin and Awolowo to have surmounted the opposition they faced in instituting the policy.

El-Rufai then gave the areas in which elite consensus in Present-day Nigeria could galvanise the nation towards economic development and social justice.

He said elite in the country should come to a consensus on such key issues as the rule of law, citizenship, meritocracy, diversity and devolution of power.

He then spoke on the theme of the colloquium, which is Promoting Economic Development, Social Justice and Rule of Law as Pathways to Stability, Peace and Prosperity in Nigeria.

The Kaduna State Governor said Nigeria could only achieve rapid national growth if governments all over the country institute the rule of law and social justice.

He said the rule of law provides an acceptable mode of conduct that guarantees fairness, which translates to economic development within a background of social justice and peace.

He said governments have a role to play in the dynamics because they have a responsibility to protect millions of vulnerable Nigerians who have been weakened by climate change, rapid social growth and pervasive poverty.

In his contribution Mr. Agboola Ajayi, who represented the Ondo State Governor, said Ajasin left a gap that contemporary Ondo State politicians found difficult to fill.

He said the fact that present politicians use Ajasin’s name to campaign showed that the late former governor will not be easily forgotten.

He commended Ajasin’s children for instituting a programme to remember their father’s legacies.

The chairman of the occasion, Senator Bode Olajumoke extolled the contributions of Ajasin in changing the face of present day Ondo State though his educational and industrial policies.

He also commended Ajasin’s children for organizing an initiative for the past 20 years to make many remember the legacy of their father.

In her remarks, Jumoke Anifowose one of Ajasin’s children, said her father while alive focused on social justice, human rights and human capital development, a commitment that led him to fight the military in a bid to install democracy in the country.

She hoped that the colloquium this year would provide a workable template to usher Nigerian to the rank of economically developed nations of the world.

The Ajasin Foundation was established in 1999 to espouse and inculcate ideals such as personal discipline and commitment to public good as principles for the present and coming generations of Nigerians should imbibe towards economic development

Traders at the Erekesan market have been warned to desist from vandalizing the median along Oba Adesida road else they will attract the full wrath of the law.

Issuing this warning was the Commissioner for Transport, Tobi Ogunleye in an interview with The Hope.

Ondo State government had recently directed members of the public use the pedestrian bridge along Oba Adesida road while crossing to the other side of the market.

The development had attracted some reactions from the traders along the Erekesan market as they put forward myriads of reasons hindering them from following the directive from the state government.

Ogunleye, while reacting, warned vandals to desist, saying government will come with it full weight of the law if the vandals failed to heed to its warning.

He insisted that the traders must understand that Akure is a cosmopolitan city and hence should be treated as such.

He said that prior to the incident, he had held several meetings with the leaders of the traders and impressed it on them on the need for people to use the pedestrian bridge.

He opined that this development became imperative so that there would be reduction in accident casualties that could occur when people cross the busy expressway.

He assured that the government will not succumb to any form of threat as some of the traders openly threatened that they would continue to vandalise the median each time it’s repaired.

He added that the other implication was that corpse of the dead belong to the government and the family of the dead will have to pay into the government coffers before the corpse could be released to them.

He stated that the leader of the turkey sellers association had called him to protest the closure and had invited them all for a meeting where they could dialogue and seek common grounds.

He said that he had offered that in agreement with his counterpart in the Ministry of Works, they could construct a small opening for the disabled and the aged where they could cross the median while cars would be directed to allow them cross.

He stated that the pedestrian bridge had been there for a long time and there had not being any robbery report.

He cited instances of Lagos and Ogun states and said that no one dares cross the expressway because they would be arrested.

He stated that as part of its enforcement measures, a vehicle would be stationed at the Oba Adesida road and will be used to convey people arrested there to the police station and they will be charged to court.

He said that his ministry had been carrying out awareness campaign and promised that they would not relent.

Nice one

The All Progressives Congress (APC), in Ondo State charges the newly elected chairman, Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Ondo State chapter, Hon. Charles Fagbohunka, to be pragmatic and innovative during his tenure of office.

Fagbohunka, the State Organising Secretary, emerged the new chairman IPAC in a transparent election, conducted under the watch of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Akure, defeating his closest opponent and State Chairman of the Young Democratic Party (YDP), Hon. Olanipekun Adebeye, with a wide margin.

The APC views the feat as a clear indication that Ondo APC is healthy, stable and focused, contrary to hollow claims by a few individuals.

The party urges Fagbohunka to draw from his political experience over the years to harmonise the parties, and ensure the group provides quality political education to the electorate.

We expect Hon. Fagbohunka to be innovative in his leadership style during his tenure as chairman of IPAC, Ondo State chapter.

The party congratulates him on the encouraging victory, and urges him to justify the confidence reposed in him by the leaders of IPAC in Ondo State.

The party appeals to unrepentant critics of the Adetimehin-led State Executive to jettison their unproductive stance against a properly constituted executive, that enjoys popular and legal backings.

The party wishes to admonish that it is not demeaning for a leader to embrace the truth, retrace his inimical steps, once it is discovered his efforts are merely exercise in futility.

However, we view criticising popular political setting and decision, out of sheer jealousy and hypocrisy, as a parody of how politics ought to be played. This neither extols nor glorifies individuals or groups.

Alex Kalejaye

Ondo State Publicity Secretary

28th November, 2019

Akeredolu’s Giant Strides

Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) has received accolades from unexpected quarters for his giant strides in infrastructural development in the last three years.

IT was yet another feather to the already decorated cap of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu when the Ondo State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) conferred on him the prestigious award of the Best Governor in Infrastructural Development last week.

Akeredolu was selected, the NUJ said, for the award for his outstanding accomplishments in various sectors, despite the paucity of funds. Members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm could not have put the situation in the state more succinctly. On assumption of office, a little less than three years ago, Akeredolu met Ondo in a very troubling state.

On assumption of office in February 2017, Akeredolu met a disturbing state of affairs. The workers were being owed a backlog of seven months salaries. Children were sent out of school because their parents could not pay their fees, and families separated because the man could not perform his responsibility of catering to the needs of his family. The civil service was on the brink.

Today, despite having cleared six of the seven months backlog of salaries, the Akeredolu administration has ensured prompt payment of salaries in the last 32 months. Workers are promoted, leave allowances are paid and various capacity-building pieces of training have been organised for public servants. This is in addition to the appointment of 44 permanent secretaries, righting the wrongs that have been done to many top civil servants by past administrations.

Expectedly, workers are happy. They have moved on from a season when they looked to the future with little hope and their children were sent out of school because their parents could not pay their fees, to a new season of abundance and hope.

The education sector is up and running again. Despite the huge amount purportedly spent on education by the former administration, many public schools were in shambles, with roofs blown off and dilapidated buildings. Expectedly, the state, which once stood as the pride of the Southwest region, dropped in ratings of many examinations bodies.

The abysmal performance of students from the state in national examinations captured the picture painted by Governor Akeredolu of the education sector, while addressing the people of the state. The governor had lamented that failure of the curricula to address the challenges encountered by the society had reduced education to what it is in most societies.

With proper planning and strategic execution of policies, the administration has constructed or renovated more than 800 public primary schools. Aside from wearing new looks, the schools now boast of modern facilities to make studying attractive to the young minds.

The most significant testimony from a private person of the impact of the new education policy was from the Chief Imam of Akure, Alhaji Yayi Akorede, when he spoke on the newly-reconstructed Muslim Primary School in Akure, the state capital.

Akorede said: “The school was abandoned for several years by successive administrations. Most of the parents have taken their children away to other schools and most of us thought the school would die. But, despite being a Christian, the governor ensured that the school was reconstructed with new and modern facilities, when he came on board. Today, enrolment has improved and the Muslim community is happy.”

Without doubt, the state has never had it this good in infrastructural development. For the number of roads this administration has constructed since coming on board, the people now call the governor Mr. Road.

The new name may not be out of place. Since he took oath of office on February 24, 2017, Akeredolu has embarked on serious infrastructural development. The governor had promised, prior to his election, to correct the infrastructure imbalance in the three senatorial districts. In keeping to that promise, more than 100 roads spread across the state have either been constructed or renovated.

In Ikare Akoko, Governor Akeredolu did what many thought was impossible with the construction of a dual-lane where the mythical Oke Alabojuto hill once stood with its deadly toll on human lives. The hill, which has claimed a countless number of lives in the past, finally gave way to the bulldozers deployed by Akeredolu, leaving the people marvelling.

Other major constructions include the opening up of Owo with dual carriage ways. Akure, the state capital, is wearing a new look, with the dualization of major roads in the city. It is the same story in Oke Ogba, Iwalewa, Abusoro, Isarun, Idanre, Igbara-Oke and many other towns across.

Perhaps the icing on the cake in the infrastructural development of the state so far is the construction of the Ore interchange bridge along the Ore-Benin expressway.

The determination of Governor Akeredolu has also given room for a fresh of hope for the people of Ondo State. Aside from raising the state’s internally generated revenue to enviable heights, the Sunshine State has equally joined the elite club of industrialized states in the nation.

The efforts of Akeredolu for the creation of a deep sea port in Ondo State have finally become a reality, with the recent approval of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). It will be recalled that Akeredolu, while pitching for the port, said: “The port will offer between 7000 to 10,000 job opportunities, while the Free Trade Zone will offer between 9,500 to 10,000 employment opportunities.

Already, five companies — a paper mill, an ethanol plant, medium density fibre board, high-density fibre board, ply wood and a textile company have sprouted from the mustard seed that was planted when the state signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Linyi municipal government of the Shandong province of the Peoples Republic of China.

The industrial revolution in the state has taken a very strong foothold with the ethanol plant in Ore. A special specie of cassava is being planted in-between the Gmelina which will be used to feed the ethanol plant.

More than 1,000 people have been employed for the ethanol factory for direct jobs. The plant is also expected to provide jobs for more than 10,000 people, particularly cassava farmers and traders. Local farmers are excited about a ready and lucrative market for their goods. Shehu Oladapo, a cassava farmer in Odigbo Local Government Area was full of praise for the governor.

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

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

A short distance away, the expatriates are screwing the nuts and putting finishing touches to the giant paper mill factory. Jack Sun, Business Development Manager for Weewood, said the factory is now about 80 per cent completed.

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

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

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

The story is a win-win situation for Ondo State and its people. The company will employ residents on the farm to plant the trees. It will go on to employ people in the factory and other auxiliary jobs that would be created.
https://citadelng.com.ng/2019/11/28/akeredolus-giant-strides/

A Group, Leadtimes Regional Summit on Good Governance, is set to honour some Nigerian and Ghanaian business men.

Also to be honoured are the wives of Edo, Enugu and Ondo State Governors, namely, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, Mrs. Monica Ugwuanyi and Mrs.Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu.

Others are Executive Director of Cometstar Manufacturing Company Limited, Mr. Nwamaka Uduji, Chief Executive of Four Gate, Prince Omolayo Oladugbagbe, for good governance and administration in public and private sectors.

A statement by the Group, signed by Advisory Board Chairman, Leadtimes Africa, Professor Buba. S.Mshelia, and Director of Institute of Art Management and Professional Studies, Professor Prince Eze Nwauba, said the theme of the conference is “Promoting Business, Investments and Security in Africa through Good Governance -A Case Study of Ghana.

The statement, which was made available to The Nation, said the conference would be used as platform to honour Africans across Ghana and Nigeria who have excelled in their professional career and business across the regional borders.

It will also honour those who promote good governance in Africa. “Leadership would be recognized with honours at the occasion,” the duo stated.

The summit, which will attract participants from all walks of life including captains of industry, technocrats, security agencies, business men and women, religious leaders and all stakeholders in leadership cycle, is expected to last for a day.

https://citadelng.com.ng/2019/11/28/leadtimes-regional-summit-on-good-governance-set-to-honour-akeredoluobaseki-others-in-ghana/

Waoh, beautiful

The House of Representatives has begun investigation of the deal Nigeria signed with Russia on the resuscitation of the Ajaokuta Steel Company, alleging that details of the contract were not known to Nigerians.

The House resolved to carry out the investigation at the plenary on Tuesday following the unanimous adoption of a motion moved by Uzoma Nkem-Abonta titled ‘Call for details of the agreement between Nigeria and Russia on the completion of the Ajaokuta steel company project.’

The House mandated the Committees on Steel; Treaties, Protocols and Agreements to interface with the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Olamilekan Adegbite, on the agreement.

Also, the lawmakers mandated the House Committee on Treaties, Protocols and Agreements to review all extant treaties entered into by the Federal Government and other countries to ensure conformity with the Constitution.

Nkem-Abonta recalled that the 8th National Assembly passed the Ajaokuta Steel Completion Fund Bill in 2018 and transmitted it to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent, which was withheld.

The lawmaker said the bill had been reviewed and the concerns raised by the President addressed, re-gazetted and had passed first reading in the 9th House.

Nkem-Abonta further recalled that President Buhari was reported to have signed a government-to-government agreement with the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, at the recently concluded Russian-Africa summit in Sochi for the Russian engineering and construction group, MetProm, to revive the company while the African Export-Import Bank would finance the project.

He, however, stated that Section 12 of the Constitution provided that no treaty between the federation and any other country “shall have the force of law except to the extent to which any such treaty has been enacted into law by the National Assembly.”

https://citadelng.com.ng/2019/11/27/reps-investigates-nigerias-deal-with-russia-on-ajaokuta/

Mass Communication Department of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko has recommended a dress code for its students.

The Adviser for the 100 level students for the 2018/2019 academic session, Mr Adintoyin Adinlewa made the disclosure.

He berated the indecent way most of the students were dressing, saying it has made other lecturers in the department to come up with an idea of putting an end to the indecent dressing with the introduction of a dress code which will change the orientation of the students in terms of dressing.

He said: “the Acting Head of Department, Dr. John Oyewole, and the lecturers in the department have come up with the conclusion of the dress code that would be put in place beginning from next academic session.

“The department dress code as of next semester which is 2019/2020 academic session is Purple shirt and black trouser or black skirt!,” he said.

He stated that failure to adhere to this would attract punishment adding that students must dress well, and look nice so as to portray and sustain the good name and fame of the department and the university at large.

In an interview with an 100 level student of the department, Damisi Flourish, said “students dress the way they did because that is what they had.

Also, Ojo Timothy, a 100level Mass Communication student said; “Sometimes I dress to copy the way my friends dressed, imagine me dressing corporate among my friends who usually wear jeans, sneakers, sandals etc.

“I do feel inferior being among them with my corporate. Anytime I wore it and am with them, they make jest of me, So I decided not to wear it again, then I started disliking corporate wears since the department did not make it mandatory”, he said.