₦airaland Forum

Friday, the 8th day of November, 2019 smelt different in my town.
There were small clusters of people in different nooks and crannies and everyone I met that day had a big smile on their face. Bike men were extremely nice and I wondered what infected everyone.
For one reason or the other, I had to be at the airport and the what I saw made me wonder a little more.

Men and Women in different uniformed groups,
Young and old danced to an imaginary beat as the only sound I heard were those of car and bike honks.
The joy and exuberance in the atmosphere was so thick and infectious.
I forgot to mention this was about 2.30pm and no single squeezed face did was in sight under that scorching sun and high heat.
It was a tug of war to go in, you’ll think the likes of Burnaboy or Davido were in town.

Eventually, I entered and the airport at that time was filled with cars and so many people that I wondered if the town still had people left in it because it seemed everyone gathered here.

Women danced to beats from talking drums,
Young guys danced zanku,
Ibo boys with the legendary striped red, white and black cloth cap (the type Santa wears) danced the traditional Ibo dance to their traditional beat and whistle,
I even counted about three pregnant women,
Old men who counted their steps while walking,
Matching outfits everywhere.
Lest I forget; the dignitaries, lots of dignitaries showed up.
Was there a carnival I did not get a memo to?

Fast forward to 5pm, whoever everyone gathered there to see had not arrived but all were patient, excitement fast turned to admiration and longing on the faces of the people. Anytime a siren was heard, people who were denied access to the arrival lounge gathered around the barricade of the runway and hailed whilst chanting songs of victory. (I was of the opinion that a plane be in sight before the shoutings but the opposite happened).

In 15mins, everyone went to sit. Some sat in and on cars, some on grasses, some in gutters, more under the sun than under shades.
The dedication was jaw dropping.
Finally, as if some kind of rapture was about to take place at the sound and sight of a plane, the singing and dancing began again, everyone on their feet, I even saw guys climb the reservoir to watch.

The beautiful part was immediately the man they all patiently waited for showed face, every one had their two fists up and all moved it upwards at the same time whilst hailing.

I heard women praying, thanking God he came back
Men greeting themselves in some form of victory code
I couldn’t help but smile,
Security men ran around trying to clear the road,
It looked like the people’s saviour had arrived
Like a flash of light, I saw the man, glowing, all smiles, waving at the people and I did not even know when I waved too.
All I saw was pure love.
No, what I saw was beyond if some people were mobilized or not,
It was beyond humans working for their pay check,
What I saw was pure love.

My town is Akure City, Ondo State.
This man is the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu.
Regardless of what you’ve read, heard or seen about this man,
Be reminded today that he is loved by his people.

.... From the lens of an observer
https://citadelng.com.ng/2019/11/11/he-is-loved-by-his-people-lens/

Eid-el-Maulud: Akeredolu congratulates Muslims, sues for tolerance, peaceful coexistence

The Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, has congratulated Muslim faithful in the State as they mark EID el-MALUD, the birthday of Prophet Muhammed.

Governor Akeredolu says the combined virtues of tolerance, discipline as well as peaceful coexistence are basic essentials required of all to build a virile Nation.

According to the Governor: ”This period remains an enviable one not just because of the birth of the Holy Prophet, Muhammed. It is, no doubt, has the enforcing potency for all to be tolerant, disciplined and peaceful. This is the only sure path to Nation-building.

”As a Nation, we have had our own share of challenges, some of which are not too detached from religious extremism, bigotry as well as lust for materialism. These can only be avoidable vices if we imbibe the true teachings of the Holy Prophet as enunciated in the Holy Qur’an.

”Despite these challenges, our collective hope lies in the true teachings of the Holy Prophet and those whose strong faith in such teachings have contributed no small measure to social harmony. We shall overcome as long as our faith in Almighty Allah remains unshaken.”

Ondo State House of Assembly has charged the state Ministry of Works and infrastructure to further strengthen the fire service unit as the dry season approaches.

House committee on Works who gave the charge during a familiarisation visit to the ministry also commended the state government for the ongoing construction and rehabilitation of roads across the state.

The Chairman of the committee, Dr Olayemi Adeyemi who noted that the government’s effort have positively turned the fortune of the state around, enjoined the government to continue it’s good work in order for people to enjoy more dividends of democracy..

Members of the committee however appealed to the ministry of work on rural roads in order to ensure access mobility to transport farm products, adding that they should also synergize with relevant federal agencies to fastrack fixing of federal roads in the state.

The lawmakers pledged to collaborate with the ministry towards effective service delivery.

Earlier, the state commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr Saka Yusuf Ogunleye who reeled out the activities and achievements of the ministry to the committee, described the governor of the state as an unbiased leader as all the Senatorial Districts are benefiting from the government massive infrastructural development.

The Commissioner assured that all failed portions of roads will be fixed during the dry season.

While commending the committee for supporting the ministry, he said the success being recorded was largely due to the backing of the house, through quick and smooth passage of its budget.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser on Works, Land and Infrastructure, Engr. Raimi Aminu said that the construction of road projects across the state was being hampered by the elongated rainy season saying that work is resuming now that the rains are subsiding.

He assured that the Ore Flyover will be ready next month, while other ongoing projects would be completed as promised.

The visiting lawmakers include Dr Olayemi Adeyemi, Chairman and Olugbenga Omole, Vice Chairman. Others are Mr Aderoboye Samuel, Mr Edamisan Samuel Ademola ,Taofeek Muhammed, and Leonard Akinribido

Governor Akeredolu Is Unbiased In The Spread Of Infrastructural Projects, Says Works Commissioner, Ogunleye

Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Saka Yusuf Ogunleye has described the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu Aketi as an unbiased leader in the way and manner he governs the state.

Mr. Ogunleye made the assertion when the House Committee on Works paid a familiarisation visit to the Ministry on Thursday.

He explained that all the three Senatorial Districts of the state are benefitting from the government infrastructure programme.

“Massive projects are going on in Ore, Akure and Akokoland, which spread across the entire state. This is a clear demonstration of exemplary leadership. The Governor promised to serve the people and he has been faithful to that vow.”

The Commissioner commended the Committee for supporting the Ministry, saying the success being recorded was largely due to the backing of the House, which ensure quick and smooth passage of its budget.

In his contribution, the Special Adviser on Works, Lands and Infrastructure, Engineer Raimi Aminu said the construction of road projects across the state was being hampered by the elongated rainy season, adding that the works would resume now that the rains are subsiding.

He assured that all the projects in progress would be completed as promised.

Chairman of the House Committee, Dr. Akinyemi Adeyemi and members all commended the Governor for the projects being undertaken at Ore, Ikare and other parts of the state.
They said the governors performance in the last two and a half years make them proud members of the APC.
The lawmakers however appealed to the ministry to work on rural farm roads.

Singing praises of an individual's exemplary leadership in the corridors of government isn't a common practice with me. But as a patriotic Nigerian and of course, amongst the country’s leaders of thought, there is a high need for us to appreciate good governance and exemplary leadership wherever they are being exhibited.

In Ondo State, there are over a thousand reasons for us to appreciate the good administration of the State Governor. While emphasizing the relevance of doing the right thing by our political leaders and the importance of advancing on the exemplary dispensation of the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
It is often said that the best way to understand the actions of any individual (behavioural pattern), is to find out the ‘motives’. Once motive is known, the individual’s actions are better understood. Which leaves one to the decision of whether such an individual is someone of integrity that can be trusted or not, putting every word that comes out of his/her mouth into consideration. Hence, when we realise the ‘motives’ behind every actions/inactions of our Nigerian Politicians as leaders in government circles, we are often left bewildered and disappointed. Most of our political leaders, who are fond of making promises they end up not keeping; are the reason why Nigeria, despite its enormous human and natural resources is bedevilled with baggage of problems that have left us in a deplorable state as a ‘developing nation’. The true ‘ motive’ of a typical Nigerian politician, is never about ‘selfless service,’ neither is it about transformation and economic elevation of the citizens. The more reason our hearts merry when someone like Arakunrin Akeredolu, has proven to be an exception.
Candidly speaking, it is not every time that we hear or see a governor in Nigeria who has been prudent in the handling and management of state funds.
Having inherited a state with a near empty treasury which was submerged in the waters of debts , Arakunrin Akeredolu has proven his mettle by strategically creating policies and initiatives that seeked to create drastic changes in the financial fortunes of the state. These moves has proven successful as the state has recorded massive economic growth within two years as Governor of the Sunshine state.
According to the recent statistics, Ondo State ranks high among the top 10 States in Nigeria with the highest IGR growth rate after generating N19Billion in half year 2019. This represents a 101% increase from the N9.4Billion generated in half year 2018.
By thinking out of the box, thinking anew, acting anew, and doing things differently, the state's IGR has increased sporadically.
While we celebrate the Akeredolu led adminiatration in Ondo State, we must not forget to appreciate the very impressive manner at which he has judiciously managed these funds. For most governors, and public office holders it would have been another means for them to plunder the state fund. It would have been a means of looting the treasury to a state of comatose while enriching themselves and their accounts with these public funds. The state would in turn be pacified with white elephants projects which has no real value to the citizens.

Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has prudently managed the state funds and also made sure that the funds be put to good community based projects ranging from Infrastructural developments, industrial drive, empowerment and creation of Jobs for young school leavers.
https://citadelng.com.ng/2019/11/08/extolling-the-arakunrin-akeredolu-led-administration-on-financial-prudence-and-accountability/

The contributions of Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, to the development of humanity and growth of All Saints’ Church, Jericho, Ibadan were again recognised and rewarded by the church.

Akeredolu’s exemplary conduct in governance and in the service of God was, once again, rewarded by the church with the Philanthropic Selfless Award.

The award showcases the governor as an Ambassador of Christ in Governance.

All Saints’ Church, Jericho, Ibadan, presented the award to Governor Akeredolu at its Gala/ Award Night to mark its 60th anniversary.

Akeredolu was for many years a member of the Church’s Choir until he became the Ondo State governor.

In his remarks, Governor Akeredolu, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Chief Olugbenga Ale, thanked the church for the recognition.

He described the occasion as another opportunity to testify to the efficacy of prayers and faithfulness of God to His words.

He said: “I assure you that I won’t for any reason derail in whatever you have found in me that you are proud of.”

The Choir of the Church used the occasion to appreciate Akeredolu for his unparalleled support to the choir at all times.

The governor was therefore appointed as the Grand Patron of the Church’s Choir.

#OmoluabiAketi

By Kemi Olatunde

The Executive Secretary of the Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Francis Akanbiemu has said parents who release their children and wards for routine immunization in the rural communities would soon be rewarded by the primary healthcare agency.

Akanbiemu disclosed this during a programme on a private radio station in Akure, which was monitored by The Hope.

According to him, the move is part of the strategies of the agency to beef up its sensitization strategies for further improvement in immunization in the state.

He noted that although the state is performing better than before in routine immunization, embarking on more strategic sensitization would allow for improved result.

While reeling out the statistics, Akanbiemu said the state has moved from 65 percent recorded on immunization few years ago to 79 percent, adding that the target is to record 100 percent performance in immunization.

He hinted that the idea of rewarding household with highest record of immunization is to further open the eyes of the people in the community to the importance of participating in the immunization of their children and wards.

The Executive Secretary also explained that the agency has embarked on expansion of some facilities which can no longer accommodate patients due to the growing number of the people in the area.

He said the agency has recently relocated the facility in Oke Mapo, Owo after it discovered the need for a bigger accommodation with the quality of services it’s rendering.

Akanbiemu stressed that the Agency has also embarked on more training of its officers and both agency and adhoc staff at the facility level.

The essence of the training especially for those at the facility according to him is the need for them to have attitudinal change, noting that the agency will to continue harp on this for better performance.

However, he added that, as a way of encouraging the facilities to perform better, the agency has also started motivating the facilities by making more fund available for better service at the health centers.

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN has committed about #5 billion to payment of Pension and Gratuity owed retired Public Servants in the state since the year 2011.

The State Head of Service, Mr Dare Aragbaiye, who stated this while answering questions from Journalists in his office in Akure, said Retired Officers now receive their pension at the same time the Serving Officers receive their salary, saying that this is a clear departure from the time when Retired Officers were owed pension arrears for months.

Mr Aragbaiye commended Governor Akeredolu for making the payment of Salary and allowances of Workers a topmost priority been the first expenses to be deducted from the state monthly allocation, adding that the promotion of deserving Public Servants were been conducted earlier than what it used to be during the past administration while letters of promotion and the financial benefits were promptly released to the beneficiaries.

He hinted that the state government has compiled the list of available vacancies across sectors of the Public Service with a view to employing fresh Workers to re-energize the Civil Service for higher productivity and delivery of quality service to the people of the state.

Speaking on the achievements of Governor Akeredolu’s Administration in the last two years, Mr Aragbaiye noted that there is a silent industrial revolution going on in the state which focuses on creation of industrial hub in different zones across the state, starting with the Ore Industrial hub in Odigbo Local Government Area of the state where some investors from within and outside the country have sited notable industries that have provided employment opportunities to the unemployed youths in the state.

He added that the Investment Promotion Agency set up by Governor Akeredolu’s Administration has continued to attract interested investors to signing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with reputable companies for the industrial development of the state.

He further explained that the Administration of Governor Akeredolu embarked on massive renovation of public primary schools across the local government areas of the state within the last two years, noting that over 700 of such schools have been renovated and equipped with modern infrastructure such as boreholes, furniture, toilet facilities and perimeter fence.

In the health sector, the Head of Service, said the state government had invested huge amount of money on renovation of primary health care centers across the state with a view to providing quality healthcare services to the people in the local communities, procurement and distribution of modern healthcare equipment to government owned hospitals and health centers while Teaching Hospital had been established to train health workers and boost the manpower needs in the state health sector.

He also commended the Governor for embarking on massive rehabilitation and construction of roads across the three senatorial districts of the state, thereby providing easy movement of both human and material resources from one location to the other, describing the gigantic Ore Inter-Change Fly Over along Benin/Lagos Express Way as a major achievement of his administration.

Mr Aragbaiye therefore called on the people within and outside the Public Service to continue to fulfill their obligations to the state government by promptly paying their taxes and levies in order to cushion the effect of the dwindling allocation from the federation account as well as boost the Internally Generated Revenue of the state to enhance more developmental projects.

https://citadelng.com.ng/2019/11/05/odsg-set-to-pay-n5billion-for-pension-and-gratuity-ondo-hos/

One of the foremost traditional rulers in Nigeria has described the National Youth Service Corps Scheme as the only panacea to enhance our elusive national unity.

The newly crowned Olowo of Owo Kingdom, HRM (Oba) Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye asserted stated this when he played host to the Ondo State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs. Grace Akpabio and her management team.

The monarch opined that the establishment of the laudable Scheme has eroded the primordial knowledge and beliefs which made one ethnic group to suspect the other.

According to the revered royal father, NYSC over the years has encouraged social and cultural integration which is now the basis on which suspicion has given way to mutual trust whereby those who observed the mandatory one year service in a particular state and community are staying back to contribute meaningfully to the development of their second home.

“NYSC has remained the only catalyst that has made it possible for citizens of this country to see themselves as one indivisible entity. You can imagine how the programme has promoted inter tribal marriages thus fostering the much anticipated national unity.

“I want to inform this gathering that the coming together of graduate youths from different ethnic groups and backgrounds to contribute to the overall development of this nation has great influence on our being as no ethnic group can operate as an island”.

Oba Ogunoye who is a lawyer by training promised to use his position to attract development to NYSC in the Sunshine State.

“The corps members are doing great in all the communities they are posted and as a custodian of people within the Kingdom, we shall do the needful within the ambit of the law to provide at all times, a conducive environment for them to function effectively.

“I will liaise with the relevant security agencies within the Local Government notably the Police, Department of State Security, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps as well as local vigilante group to monitor and secure the corps members in my Kingdom”.

The retired career civil servant who rose to the peak as Permanent Secretary before ascending the throne of his forefathers acknowledged that corps members are germane to the development we desire in this country.

The retired Permanent Secretary promised to liaise with the Chief Medical Director of Federal Medical Centre, Owo to provide a more befitting accommodation and ensure adequate security for corps members serving with the institution.

The new king who is loved by all the indigenes and residents of the Kingdom, while thanking the State Coordinator for coming with her management team and the corps members to felicitate with him on his coronation announced that the corps members should see the palace as their home.

“I want to thank the State Coordinator who has always acceded to my request for corps members when I was in the Civil Service, a very accommodating and detribalised Nigerian who is making waves with the development she is daily bringing to NYSC in the Sunshine State”.

Speaking earlier, the State Coordinator, Mrs. Grace Akpabio felicitated with the Olowo on his ascension to the throne of his forefathers and prayed that his reign shall be peaceful like that of his ancestors.

The State Coordinator appealed to the royal father to use his position in the state to influence the establishment of NYSC Local Government Committee in all the Councils in the State as all previous efforts have not yielded any positive result.

The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) said it has trained about 50 unemployed persons in poultry management, vegetable gardening and other crop production skills inOndo State.

Mr Awokoya Olusegun, State Coordinator disclosed this in a statement made available toNigeria News Agency on Sunday in Akure.

According to him, NDE has began the implementation of sustainable agricultural development training at its Agricultural Skills Training Centre (ASTC) in Mariwo, Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Olusegun said that about 596 beneficiaries had undergone training in the same programme since inception of the scheme in the state.

He said that the gesture was part of the directorate’s renewed effort to meet the ever increasing challenges of job creation in the country.

“One month would be devoted to the theoretical training while the remaining two months would be devoted to practical training on attachment to reputable and relevant field of choice in agricultural farms or institutions,” Olusegun said.
https://citadelng.com.ng/2019/11/04/nde-trains-50-youths-on-poultry-management-vegetable-gardening-in-ondo-state/

The people of Afin-Akoko in Akoko Northwest area of Ondo State at the weekend urged the government to resolve the protracted obaship tussle by declaring the winner of the 2017 election as the monarch.

Kingmakers had conducted an election to fill the vacant stool of Alafin of Afin in November 2017, which was cancelled after alleged violence by one of the aspirants.

The Chairman of Afin Chieftaincy Committee, Mr. Demola Ijabiyi, said at a news conference in Akure that his committee was representing the view of the community.

He said they had written to the government to reopen the matter when the commissioner met kingmakers.

Ijabiyi said any move to do a fresh election might not go down well with the people of the community, because it was an abomination in the community to vote more than once for the selection of a king.

He said: “On November 13, 2017 an election was held by kingmakers. It was at the instance of one of the aspirants, Abdul-Ganiyu Adegboyega. But unexpectedly, the kingmakers elected his opponent by six votes to three.

“Adegboyega protested to the government alleging violence, an allegation that was unfounded. As a result, the government put the process on hold. The major mandate of the committee was to break the impasse and ultimately ensure the emergence of a new monarch.

“Once an oba-elect is declared by the Ifa oracle and by extension the kingmakers, his declaration cannot be revisited.

“Fortunately the same kingmakers had in 2017 elected this popular contestant, that is Dr. Abdul-Rahim Adejoro, as against aspirant Abdul-Ganiyu Adegboyega.

“We, therefore, recommend that the lid placed on the election be removed, the election be upheld and Dr. Abdul-Rahim Adejoro be confirmed as the substantive Oba.”

Ijabiyi said that as a neutral body with community’s mandate to midwife the process of selecting a new king, the peaceful way of emergence of a new oba was through the respect of the wish of the generality of the people.

He appreciated the role played by the Commissioner for Urban and Regional Planning in making sure that the issue was settled.

The contributions of Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, to the development of humanity and growth of All Saints’ Church, Jericho, Ibadan, were on Saturday, November 2, 2019 recognised and rewarded by the church.

Akeredolu’s exemplary conduct in governance and in the service of God was, once again, rewarded by the church with the Philanthropic Selfless Award.

The award showcases the governor as an Ambassador of Christ in Governance.
All Saints’ Church, Jericho, Ibadan, presented the award to Governor Akeredolu at its Gala/ Award Night to mark its 60th anniversary.
Akeredolu was for many years a member of the Church’s Choir until he became the Ondo State governor.

In his remarks, Governor Akeredolu, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Chief Olugbenga Ale, thanked the church for the recognition.

He described the occasion as another opportunity to testify to the efficacy of prayers and faithfulness of God to His words.
He said: “I assure you that I won’t for any reason derail in whatever you have found in me that you are proud of.”

The Choir of the Church used the occasion to appreciate Akeredolu for his unparalleled support to the choir at all times.
The governor was therefore appointed as the Grand Patron of the Church’s Choir.
http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/Again--Akeredolu-found-worthy-of-Philanthropic-Selfless-Award

BRECAN JOG FOR LIFE IN LAGOS.
Date: Nov. 2, 2019
Note: Our destination is at the Lagos Women Fitness Fair where BRECAN partners with CURVES in organising the fair. It's going to be a fun filled day for the young and old. You can't afford to miss it!

Fake and substandard goods worth several million of naira were yesterday destroyed by the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) yesterday in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The goods destroyed are: cassava flour, coca-cola, transmission fluids, tyres cylinders LPG popularly refers as cooking cylinders and automobile spare parts.

Destroying the goods, state coordinator of SON, Mr Gabriel Agafie said the substandard and expired products were threats and injurious to human health.

He called on Nigerians to always look at the labelling to check the certification and expiry date of products before buying such.

Agafie advised the general public to look out for the MANCAP logo for manufactured products for Nigeria use and the SON logo for Nigerian products produced for foreign countries.

This, he noted showed that the products have fulfilled the Nigeria Industrial Standard (NIS) requirements.

He warned producers and marketers who presumed that it is business as usual to be ready to face the wrath of the law.

The Principal Legal Officer of the organisation at the national headquarters, Mr Nanjwan Karimu Damap quoted section 29 and 47 of the SON act which empowers the organisation to destroy such items and prevent unsuspecting Nigerians from the dangers such products can cause them.
https://citadelng.com.ng/2019/11/01/son-destroys-substandard-goods-in-akure-ondo-state/

The Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, has joined numerous other Nigerians to hail the verdict of the Supreme Court which upheld the election of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.

In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant to the Governor (Media and Publicity), Mr Oyewamide Wande Ojo, the governor said “the real victory of the legal process belongs to Democracy.”

His words: ”At last, the seeming suspense over the 2019 Presidential Election and its attendant legal issues has come to an end. The pronouncement of the Nation’s Apex Court as regards the petition remains a very welcome development.

While congratulating President Buhari as well as the All Progressives Congress (APC), Governor Akeredolu equally salutes all those whose belief in the Judicial System strengthened their resolve to find solace rather than resorting to untoward measures.

”This is courage worth celebrating. In this regard, we, as a Nation, has collectively earned an enviable reputation for Rule of Law and constitutionalism.

“The entire chain of the legal processes has been exhausted.This is even as litigants from all sides have had a profound opportunity to ventilate their arguments up to the Supreme Court.

”It is heartwarming that the legal fireworks terminating with today’s verdict are products of our Constitutional rights which have been expressed to enrich democracy. No doubt, the real victory belongs to Democracy,” the governor says.
http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/-Governor-Akeredolu-Congratulates-Buhari-Over-Supreme-Court-Victory-

There is truly something about giving, particularly so, in leadership. Truly, the receivers feel good, but do take note that the givers also feel good; the very act of giving uplifts the spirit of the givers. Leaders give and leadership is about giving;


Wise leaders subscribe to what Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929 - 1968) once said, “The time is always right to do what is right”. Wise leaders are good servants and good leaders. “The principle of service is what separates true leaders from glory seekers” And true service inspires service. A leader possesses his own standards, values and norms.


The ondo state governor, Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN has over time been described as pure, peaceable, quiet, reconciling, gentle, calm and a man with a great Ocean of service to the people.

I want to point out here that, the most important thing in human life is to promote human values as the foundation of daily life. Values are wisdom and they can also serve as supply of good foundations for successful leadership and good community living.

20% of the inhabitants of Aratunsin in Akure the ondo state capital have regular supply of pipe borne water while the remaining 80% do not have access to regular supply of pipe borne water. This figures indicates that access to portable water supply at Aratunsin comnunity is very poor.


Here is the good news! Akeredolu has approved the construction of a water facility that will supply 100, 000 litters of water per day to the inhabitants of Aratunsin community of Akure south local government area of Ondo state. The water source is 5 kilometres away and totally free. Even better than the recommendations and standard of UNICEF.

According to UNICEF Nigeria, the Assembly established that it is the right of every human being to have access to sufficient water for personal and domestic uses (between 50 and 100 litres of water per person per day), which must be safe, acceptable and affordable (water costs should not exceed 3% of any household income), and physically accessible (the water source has to be within 1,000 metres of the home and collection time should not exceed 30 minutes).

Aketi has the leadership capabilities and wisdom to do things for his people which will better the quality of their lives.

According to the USAID, access to improved water and sanitation is a daily challenge for most Nigerians. But reverse is the case in ondo state. The citizens in st. Peter unity sec. School Akure, Agape junction Idanre road, Illekun Housing estate oda road, state audit headquaters alagbaka, mechanic village, oke aro, ijapo extension, ijomu junction, light and life , ijigba 1 ikajola, etc. across the 18 local government areas enjoy portable water from the 750 boreholes constructed in the state.

most of the water pipes located in the 18 local government areas of the state were either busted or laid in drainages. In the light of this the residents were cut off from regular water supply and also exposed to diseases such as cholera and diarrhoea.


The residents of Ondo state were forced to have an alternative source of water supply due to the “epileptic” water supply experienced in the state. 20% of the inhabitants depend on water tankers for their source of water 18% of the inhabitants depend on water vendors for their sources of water and about 36% of the inhabitants have none.


Decisions taken by this leader, governor Akeredolu is driven by his visions of tomorrow and based on the experiences garnered from the past.

Refreshing Perspectives of Governor Akeredolu is changing the once upon a time impossibility to possibilities.
Water is life; adequate supply of water is paramount to life and civilization.


Leaders lead by serving others; they are here to serve, not to be served. Of a truth, Leadership servitude indeed nourishes the spirit - The words of Aketi.

#Akeredolu gives
#Akeredolu gains
https://citadelng.com.ng/2019/10/31/adequate-water-supply-central-to-life-and-civilization/

In an attempt to have a more committed and productive workforce, no fewer than 276 women were screened for breast cancer at the Ondo State Hospitals Management Board (HMB) yesterday.

Speaking with The Hope shortly after the breast health awareness at the premises of the board, Permanent Secretary, HMB., Dr. Niran Ikuomola explained that the event aimed at equipping staff with the knowledge of breast cancer and means of preventing it.

Noting that it will be an annual event, he stated that although it is more beneficial to women, men can also benefit, saying “they have women and daughters.”

While speaking further, he noted that it is important to have a healthy staff which will help in bringing improvement to the state health sector.

He added that “it will be a motivation to staff in order to have more commitment to work.”

However, he stressed the need for staff to take care of their health just as he hinted that the resuscitation of the board’s clinic is underway for effective health care delivery especially during official hours.

Speaking earlier, Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Dr (Mrs) Ronke Fagbemi while providing answers to some questions from the gathering, stressed the need for women to avail themselves for medical check up at qualified health facilities whenever they notice any change in their breast.

Emphasising that lumps in breast isn’t cancer, she noted that lumps can reoccupy after it has been removed from the breast and advised that such reoccurrence should be presented for proper medication.

According to her; “lumps without being operated can lead to other ailment in the body, hence, always visit health facilities for proper diagnosis.”

Speaking further, she noted that massaging of breast does not prevent cancer but rather helps in its early detection, noting that “it is good for men to play with women’s breast as a lot of benefits are attached to it.”

Fagbemi berated the wearing of tight bra by some women, noting that it can cause fungal infection under the breast such as itching and sore.

She said that “although some women tend to wear padded bra because as they go older, there is the probability for the breast to sag. It is important for you to always loose the bra in order to free the breast later in the day.”
https://citadelng.com.ng/2019/10/30/ondo-state-hospitals-management-board-hmb-screen-276-women-for-breast-cancer/

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has said its N6 billion 132/33KV sub-station designed to provide electricity for over 2, 000 riverside communities in Ondo state will be ready for use soon.

Acting Managing Director of NDDC, Dr Akwagaga Enyia, gave this assurance while addressing newsmen during an inspection of the project in Okitipupa on Monday.

Enyia, who was in company of the state deputy governor, Agboola Ajayi,
said she was excited that the commission was constructing “a huge power station” in the oil-producing area of the state.

The project got stalled for over 10 months as a result of non-payment of the outstanding interim payment certificate (IPC).

However, the NDDC met that obligation last week and work began in earnest as a target completion period of first quarter of 2020 has been agreed between contractors and the commission.

“I was told that for some time, there was delay in the progress of work on site. When I came on board as the Acting MD, I made sure that funds were released to put the project on fast-track. That is why work is going on at a much faster pace now,” he said.

Enyia stated that it was one of the key projects with many months of outstanding interim payment certificates, which the commission had cleared to pave the way for progress at the site.

Enyia assured that as more funds were made available to the commission, payment would be sustained to guarantee early completion of the project, stating that the contractor had promised to complete the project by the first quarter of 2020.

Also, the deputy governor said the commission had done well in spite of some challenges which were expected in any organisation, especially in an interventionist agency such as the NDDC.

He expressed delight that over 2,000 oil-producing communities spread across five local government areas of Ilaje, Ese-Odo, Okitipupa, Odigbo and Irele, all in Ondo South senatorial district, would benefit from the sub-station.

“We must look at how we can strengthen the NDDC to enable it deliver on its mandate. We need to encourage and support NDDC to do more for the people of the region.

Executive Director, Engineering and Technical Services, Niger Delta Power Holding Co Ltd., Ifeoluwa Oyedele, said the inspection by NDDC was significant because it underscored the importance of collaboration among agencies of government.

He said that the NDDC sub-station would be fed from NDPHC power station in Omotosho, which, according to him, was grossly underutilised.

“We have four turbines at the station, but at the moment, we are firing only one while the rest are idle,” he said.

A traditional ruler from Ilaje local government area, Oba Oluwashegun Akinyomi, commended NDDC for the intervention, noting that all hands were on deck to deliver the project on time.
https://www.blueprint.ng/n6bn-ondo-riverside-communities-power-project-ready-soon-nndc/

Ondo State is hosting the 19th edition of the Regular National Council on Women Affairs and Social Development, with the theme ” GENDER EQUALITY AND SOCIAL INCLUSION: A PANACEA FOR PEACE, SECURITY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA”.

In a chat with journalists at the end of the technical session, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Titi Adeyemi said the government and people of the state are delighted to host the 19th Council, stressing that the State is peaceful and its hospitality is second to none.

She harped on the need for all and sundry to participate in governance, especially the female folk.

Mrs Adeyemi said women should be encouraged to contribute their quota to the development of the country, adding that over the years women have been marginalised, but the trend is changing due to more sensitisation among women.

The Commissioner added that the 19th Regular National Council meeting holding in Akure, the state capital, would offer solutions to some challenges facing women in the society, noting that the technical session is the foundation of the meeting, where memoranda submitted by all the 36 States of the Federation, including the Federal Capital Territory and other relevant agencies would be treated and forwarded to the Ministerial meeting for adoption or rejection on October 31st, 2019.

She went further that the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen would declare the ministerial meeting open with all Commissioners for Women Affairs in the 36 states of the country present.


In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mr. Alaba Adeyemi, said the theme of the Council was technically picked so that issues bothering on women, children elderly, people living with disabilities and social development could be discussed and solutions amicably rendered, for the interest of all.

Mr. Adeyemi stated that the annual event has always created the avenue for participants to interact and acquaint themselves with culture of the host state as well as socialize with one another.


He said the technical session will enable delegates to look into the various memoranda submitted by States and ensure that memos earmarked for discussion during the council meeting are those in line with the theme of the meeting.

The PS therefore appealed to delegates to make the technical session robust and unique, urging them to contribute to deliberations and come up with fruitful decisions which would go a long way at helping to achieve set goals for the council meeting.


He stressed that the discussions in the technical session would provide a solid foundation for the Ministerial Session on Thursday, 31st October, 2019.

The Permanent Secretary therefore appreciated the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, all Permanent Secretaries, Directors and other officials from the 36 states of the Federation and the FCT, for the good work they have done.


While presenting the report of the 18th meeting held in Lagos State between 5th to 10th of August, 2018, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mr. Clement Shimave said the theme ” PEACE, SECURITY AND SOCIAL INCLUSION: KEY BUILDING BLOCKS FOR ACHIEVING ECONOMIC GROWTH AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA” .

Mr. Shimave said 32 States submitted memoranda and 29 States were available to make presentations and Ondo State was among the States that presented memo at the event.

He noted that the Council has taken steps towards addressing issues and concerns raised in some of the memoranda, submitted during the 18th edition, stressing that status of implementation of the resolutions and decisions reached was evaluated at the Mid-term review (MTR) meeting held in Abuja in March, 2019.

The Ondo State Government in conjunction with Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has started training of over 360 youths on different business enterprise.

The three-day entrepreneurship programme, organised by Ministry of Youths and Sports Development with SMEDAN, started on Monday and would end on Wednesday.

Governor OluwarotimiAkeredolu,SAN of the state said that one of the major problems facing youths in the country was unemployment, hence the the need to train youths on businesses.

The governor who was, represented by his Deputy, Hon Agboola Ajayi, said one of the core values of his cardinal action plan as a government was human capital development, being the foundation of socio-economic growth of the state.

According to him, over four million youths enters the labour market against the available one million job.

Akeredolu said "As our administration is committed to sustainable youth empowerment,this three-day capacity building training is intended to unlock and re-invent your creative potential and provide another opportunity for you to either start or scale up your existing businesses.

"We cannot pretend to be unaware of the teething challenges confronting up and coming young entrepreneurs,notably the inability to access the initial capital outlay," he said.

Akeredolu said the agricultural value chain business was significant aspect of his government's plan to create jobs for unemployed youths and to grow the state economy.

He revealed that the business had engaged over 18,000 youths,with social protection and reinvestment programmes had currently engaged about 50,000 youths through its various components.

Also, the commissioner for Youth and Sport Development, Mr Dotun Owanikin said the programme showed the commitment of the governor towards youths in the state.

He said the training would make the youths self-reliant and empowering them to ensure a sustainable employment opportunities in the state.

Owanikin revealed that each local government had minimum of 20 youths, saying," what we are trying to do here is to start a chain of employment for the youths in the state."

The State Manager of SMEDAN Mr Biodun Ayedun thanked the government of the state for giving the youths opportunity to be employers of labour.

Ayedun revealed that after the training, the participants would be able to access loans between one million and N10 million, payable after 18 months of collection with five per cent interest rate.
http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/Ondo--Partners-CBN--SMEDAN-To-Train-Youths-On-Entrepreneurship

As part of the activities to reposition the Public Service in Ondo State to enhance quality service delivery, the State Department of Establishment and Training in conjunction with PISCAN organization has organized a two-day training workshop for Motor Driver, Mechanics in the State public service.

The workshop which is to re-orientate this category of workers on the ethics of public service and improvement of their skills was held at the State Public Service Training Institute (PSTI) in Ilara-Mokin-Mokin, headquarters of Ifedore Local Government Area of the state.

Declaring the workshop open, the state Head of Service, Mr Dare Aragbaiye reiterated the commitment of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to re-orientate the workers on the ethical values of public service through training and retraining of public servants with a view to achieving better performance of their duties.

Aragbaiye, who commended the Governor for releasing funds for the programme despite the scarce resources of the state government, noted that every section of the civil service is important, thereby assuring that no section would be left out in the scheduled training programme by the state government.

He charged the participants to be more dedicated to duty, avoid indolence and exhibit good conduct in the performance of their official duties to justify government’s investment on the training programme.

Earlier in his address, the Permanent Secretary, Department of Establishment and Training, Mr Victor Olajorin appreciated the Governor for prioritizing the training of the state workers to improve their skills as against recruiting new ones to replace them.

Mr Olajorin described the Drivers as the life wire of the public service without which the target of delivering excellent service to the people could be achieved.

In his remarks, the lead Consultant of PISCAN organization, Professor Femi Akinwumi, represented by Mrs Ani Anisulowo said the training workshop would include among others medical checkup, physical fitness and paper presentation on health, safety and interpersonal relationship between the drivers and other workers.

The participants under go tests on their eyes, blood pressure, sugar level and also engaged in group work and evaluation.

ONDO State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Wednesday said he received with concern the report on the abduction ofJustice Abdul Dogo.

Justice Dogo is a Judge of the Federal High Court, Akure Division and was said to have been kidnapped at Ibilo, Edo State while returning from Abuja.

Notwithstanding that the unpleasant incident happened outside the territory of Ondo State, Akeredolu said the kidnap of any Nigerian anywhere must elicit a pan-Nigerian reaction and empathy. In this particular case, Mr Governor is disturbed and deeply concerned that Dogo serves the Federal Judiciary in Ondo.

In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant(SSA) on Media and Publicity, Ojo Oyewamide,the govwrnor charged the State Police Command to synergise with its Edo and Kogi commands to effect the early release of Justice Dogo

Akeredolu admonished that ”seemingly incorrect narratives on the heels of such critical situations as kidnap are capable of disrupting the focus and attention of appropriate intelligence architectures.

The wife of the Governor of Ondo State, Chief Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu is to deliver the 7th Distinguished Guest Lecture of the University of Medical Sciences, UNIMED Ondo.

The lecture tagged ‘A Stitch in Time Saves Lives: Breast Cancer Prevention Advocacy in Nigeria’ is slated for Thursday, October 24, 2019 by 9:30am at the main auditorium of the University.

According to a statement by the Head, Public Relations Department of UNIMED, Mr. Temitope Oluwatayo, the topic is in tandem with the vision statement of the institution which is ‘to expand access to compassionate, comprehensive and high-quality healthcare for under-served population and to lead the scientific pathway for reducing the burden of disease in our society’.

“As obtained in previous Distinguished Guest lectures of the University, the programme is aimed at promoting the health and social well-being of Nigerians through engagement, outreach services and public education.”

Chief Mrs Anyanwu-Akeredolu, an aquaculturist and a philanthropist is the founder of the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria, BRECAN.

She started the nonprofit organization to raise awareness of the disease and has won awards in recognition of her work and commitment in the fight against breast cancer in Nigeria.

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has called on Vehicle Inspection Officers not to compromise standard in the discharge of their duties particularly in the current 'ember' months.

The governor made the call while playing host to a delegation of Directors/Chief Vehicle Inspection Officers from the Southwest zone of the country in his office in Akure, the state capital.

The governor who was represented by his deputy, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, while describing the role of the officers as such that has to do with safety of citizens' lives, said his administration has put measures in place to ensure safety of road users in the state.

According to him, the recent establishment of the computerised vehicles inspection center in the state would go a long way in curbing accidents on the roads, giving the condition of the vehicles as one of the major factors leading to accidents.

He stressed the need for synergy between the V.I.O and the Federal Road Safety Corps in the discharge of their duty as they have a common goal which is to safe lives of road users, saying their roles are complementary.

Also in his remarks at the event, Special Adviser to the governor on Transport, Mr. Tobi Ogunleye, while analysing the procedure for issuance of drivers license, said ninety per cent of the task are done by the V.I.O. while the FRSC takes the credit and shunck the revenue that accrued from the exercise.

According to him, in addition to ensuring safety on the roads, the office of the V.I.O had helped in increasing revenue base of the state with the raise from about three hundred and fifty as at the begining of this administration to about 1.7m per week currently.

Earlier in his address, the leader of the delegation who is the Lagos State Director of Vehicle Inspection Services, Engr. Adebayo Olusoji charged the Southwest governors on the need for deployment of technology for VIO officers for effective maning of the roads.

While describing bad roads as a major cause of road accidents across the federation, Adebayo lauded the state government on its drive on road construction in the state.

He also appreciated the establishment of the computerised vehicle inspection centre in the state, calling other Southwest state to emulate the gesture.

The Olugbo of Ugbo, Oba Frederick Obateru Akinruntan, has described the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, as a performer whose performances in the last two and half years have transformed the state positively.

Olugbo, who is the chairman of the state traditional rulers Council, said the Akeredolu administration has carefully, but deliberately pursued the economic growth of the state, which he said was now impacting positively on the progress of the state.

The traditional ruler spoke in Abuja on Saturday at the African Governor Award For Innovative Leadership (AGAFIL) and the official Investiture & Conferment of AGAF honour on Akeredolu.

He said the governor has shown his passion for the progress and development of the state with the way he is pursing the establishment of the deep sea port in the state, which according to him, would give the sunshine state economic liberation.

The monarch also commended the construction of the Ore Flyover by the Akeredolu administration, describing the project as live-saving and impactful.

The Olugbo assured the people that with the massive achievements of the governor in less than 3 years, the people of the state should be rest assured of unprecedented turnaround of the state.

https://www.newtelegraphng.com/2019/10/akeredolu-is-a-performer-says-olugbo-of-ugbo/

The Ondo state micro credit scheme, is an agency under governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, administration that empowers youths, artisans, SMEs business owner through soft loan grants, to enable beneficiaries establish an existing business as well as encourage economic activities in the state.

Through this initiative, the government has shown her commitment towards the development of the socio-economic well-being of the citizenry. This great stride by the governor, has succeeded in achieving its purpose, by reaching out to the less privilege and changing lives positively.


According to Governor Akeredolu, this loan grant is designed to tackle poverty, banish hunger and create wealth for the masses. He stated that the major problem facing governments of the developing countries, including Nigeria is that of poverty reduction.


In April 2019, N54m soft loan was disbursed to traders and various associations which include, Ondo state sunshine rice, Igbo/Akure Cooperative societies, Ondo state traders, artisan groups, Nigeria union of tailors and Asegun dynamic market front. This group were the first beneficiary of the disbursement.

According to the Chairman of Ondo State Micro-credit Agency Mrs. Stella Kosemani Kolawole, the agency has succeeded in empowering not less than 1,000 Iyalaje, and Iyalojas all over the 18 local government area of Ondo state with over N50Millon.
She noted that Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, is man who is full of high emotional intelligent and is judiciously using Ondo state resources to embark on peoples’ oriented projects.


The government also made the accessibility of loan through the agency easy unlike the rigorous process people undergo when accessing loan from financial institution. Each loan only attracts 9% of what is borrowed for a period of one year, which makes it easier for applicants to redeem their payment without stress and also thrive in their businesses.


As a result of its mode of application, more applicants show interest to benefit from the scheme and this administration which is determined to ensure eradication of poverty is committed to providing as much amount of loan in demand by the applicant.

The agency, as a result of too many applications from the people, disbursed N166m to association of poultry farmers, fish farmers’ association, Ondo state hairdressers and cosmetologists association in August 2019.

So far, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN has succeeded in lifting not less than three thousand people out of poverty and hunger through this empowerment scheme.

GENEVIEVE ALOZIE
TCC NEWS.

500 level Medicine and Dental students of the University of Medical Sciences, UNIMED, Ondo have started their 2nd MBBS/BDS professional Pathology and Pharmacology examination.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Friday Okonofua, FAS, FAAS accompanied by the Dean, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, Prof. Simidele Odimayo visited the examination hall to observe the process.

The examination is coming on the heels of the first clinical accreditation approval of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, MDCN.

In a letter dated September 25, 2019, the Registrar, MDCN, Dr. T.A.B. Sanusi congratulated the university on the success which follows the report of the verification team to UNIMED on August 19, 2019.

‘By this approval, your University can now conduct the professional examionation in Pathology, Pharmacology and Dentistry’, Sanusi said.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor, University of Medical Sciences, UNIMED, Ondo Prof. Friday Okonofua, who was highly elated by the development read the letter to members of staff at the Monday meeting of management and senior staff.

‘We are here for student training. If we don’t train our students and they are not moving, everybody will be depressed despite the beautiful things we may have. I am very happy that we get this accreditation for the next five years. At least any accreditation we get now will be for 5 years. During these five years, we can begin to expand our facilities so that when the MDCN comes next time, they will have no reason not to accredit us and a good foundation would be said to have been laid,’ Prof. Okonofua said.

Prof. Okonofua appreciated all members of staff for their contribution before and during the visit of the MDCN verification team.

‘I appreciate everyone, I think I was though and rough in some instances I push, some people are calling me dictator but I think we need a good dictator, dictating the right things for this country. That is what this country needs. Late Chief Awolowo once said we need benevolent dictator because if you do not push people things will fall apart. I am happy that some of us have children here, so it is also for our common good’, he added.

Maybe you should read the article because I'm very sure you didn't read at all.

power50:
What this complaint means is that, Ondo state cannot afford to pay the minimum wage.

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Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has described good health as a basic right of citizens.

The governor stated this while speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2019 Nigerian Medical Association, NMA Physicians' Week held in Akure, the state capital.

Represented at the event by his deputy, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, Akeredolu said it was in realization of this that his administration from inception had formulated policies that were aimed at boosting healthcare delivery system.

According to him, his administration, in a bid to provide affordable and sustainable funding of quality healthcare service, had signed into law the establishment Ondo State Contributory Health Scheme which would soon commence free maternal and under-five children services at the point of care.

He added that approval had also been given for the procurement of medical equipment worth several millions of naira as well as the recruitment of health workers to improve the diagnostic and therapeutic capacities of Primary Healthcare system in the state.

Noting that the theme of this year's Physicians' Week, ' Care for the Unknown Patient: An Overview' was apt and timely, the governor said all the health policies in the state were targeted at all categories of the people as no one knew who the next patient would be.

Earlier in his address, the National President of the NMA, Dr. Adedayo Faduyile said the association chose the theme for this celebration of the Physicians' Week, Care for the Unknown Patient' to address the challenges faced by them especially to advocate for policy framework.

His words, 'the theme ' Care for the Unknown Patient: An Overview' was chosen to bring to the fore the issues affecting Nigerians who suddenly found themselves in an unconscious state from traumatic caused majorly Road Traffic Accident or medical conditions,' he said.

He lamented the situation where innocent Nigerians died in emergency situation as a result of no deliberate provision of facilities to meet their need, calling for more fund for the health sector by all levels of government to improve health.

While calling for condusive working environment for doctors across the country, Dr. Faduyile called on the Nigeria Police to provide necessary protection for doctors.

Also speaking at the event, Ondo State Health Commissioner, Dr. Wahab Adegbenro, said everyone one has access to medical services without financial embarrassment in the state including the unknown patients.

He hinted that a comprehensive contributory health scheme to cater for pregnant women, children and other valuable persons would soon be launched as part of moves to boost health care delivery.
http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/Health-Is-Your-Right--Not-Democracy-Dividends--Akeredolu-Tells-Citizens

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has described good health as a basic right of citizens.

The governor stated this while speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2019 Nigerian Medical Association, NMA Physicians' Week held in Akure, the state capital.

Represented at the event by his deputy, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, Akeredolu said it was in realization of this that his administration from inception had formulated policies that were aimed at boosting healthcare delivery system.

According to him, his administration, in a bid to provide affordable and sustainable funding of quality healthcare service, had signed into law the establishment Ondo State Contributory Health Scheme which would soon commence free maternal and under-five children services at the point of care.

He added that approval had also been given for the procurement of medical equipment worth several millions of naira as well as the recruitment of health workers to improve the diagnostic and therapeutic capacities of Primary Healthcare system in the state.

Noting that the theme of this year's Physicians' Week, ' Care for the Unknown Patient: An Overview' was apt and timely, the governor said all the health policies in the state were targeted at all categories of the people as no one knew who the next patient would be.

Earlier in his address, the National President of the NMA, Dr. Adedayo Faduyile said the association chose the theme for this celebration of the Physicians' Week, Care for the Unknown Patient' to address the challenges faced by them especially to advocate for policy framework.

His words, 'the theme ' Care for the Unknown Patient: An Overview' was chosen to bring to the fore the issues affecting Nigerians who suddenly found themselves in an unconscious state from traumatic caused majorly Road Traffic Accident or medical conditions,' he said.

He lamented the situation where innocent Nigerians died in emergency situation as a result of no deliberate provision of facilities to meet their need, calling for more fund for the health sector by all levels of government to improve health.

While calling for condusive working environment for doctors across the country, Dr. Faduyile called on the Nigeria Police to provide necessary protection for doctors.

Also speaking at the event, Ondo State Health Commissioner, Dr. Wahab Adegbenro, said everyone one has access to medical services without financial embarrassment in the state including the unknown patients.

He hinted that a comprehensive contributory health scheme to cater for pregnant women, children and other valuable persons would soon be launched as part of moves to boost health care delivery.

Nice one

Barely a week after promising to fix abandoned and deplorable federal roads, the state government has started rehabilitation work on the failed portion of the Owo/Ilesa at Araromi junction, Akure.

Ministry of Works have mobilised to the site. The blocked/ silted drainage has been desilted for free flow of water through the drainage. This development means spillover water across the road will no longer occur.
Appropriate equipments have been used to evacuate the soggy surface on the road to enhance smooth running on the road.
Furthermore, boulders have been deposited to stabilize the portion of the road.

Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Saka Yusuf Ogunleye told newsmen on the site that the road is going to be put in usable form within the next few days.

“For the umpteenth time, i have to say Governor Akeredolu was voted for to improve this state in all ramifications, . Our people are the ones plying this road. It will be improper to let it get damaged because it is a federal road. If we fold our hands they will continue to experience untold hardship. That is not going to be allowed to happen.We are looking and praying for fair weather to enable us fix it fast and appropriately.

He added that the state government wanted the road rehabilitated in a very short time to prevent trucks carrying heavy goods / loads that have chosen the Airport/Obaile road as alternative from damaging the road in no time.

Meanwhile, Mr. Ogunleye says the road linking Bolorunduro to the expressway would be repaired as soon as possible.

Speaking after visiting the affected road, he asserted that the hardship being experienced by the people over the almost impassable failed portion of the road deserves quick government intervention.

“People of this community communicated the Ministry about their plight. We are here to see things for ourselves. This is an eyesore. Being a listening and responsive government this road will be in shape within a few days.”

The Olu of Bolorunduro, Oba Babatunde Olasoji thanked Governor Akeredolu for extending his infrastructural development agenda to the town, saying they have been provided with boreholes and good schools.

Among those who accompanied the Commissioner on the working visit were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engineer Taiwo Otun, directors and engineers.
Also in attendance were the Caretaker Chairman, Akure North, Mr. Ogbesetore Bankole and top officials of the council.
http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/Ondo-Govt-Commences-Rehabilitation-of-Araromi-Junction-On-Owo---Ilesa-Federal-Road