₦airaland Forum

TINUBU, WIFE EXEMPLIFIED WHY RELIGION SHOULDN’T DIVIDE NIGERIANS – GOV. AKEREDOLU


The Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Monday declared that the APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and his wife Senator Oluremi Tinubu have shown best example on why Nigerians should not allow religious matters to divide them.

The governor urged Nigerians to look beyond their religious differences and give importance to the unity of this country.

Akeredolu stated this while receiving the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, and his entourage at the Governor’s office in Alagbaka, Akure, the State Capital.

The governor emphasised that religion should be seen as a unifying factor rather than a doctrine that is meant to divide us.

Abubakar was invited to the State by the Deji of Akureland, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, to deliver this year Ulefunta Festival Public Lecture held at the Auditorium of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, (FUTA).

He was accompanied to the Govenor’s office by the Oluwo of Iwo land, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Victor Kiladejo, Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, Waziri of Sokoto, Prof. Aishatu Madawaki among others.

Akeredolu said he was glad that immediately the Sultan arrived the State Capital on Sunday, he held a meeting with the state religious leaders under the auspices of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council on the need to shun religious crisis.

According to the governor, “I must appreciate the fact that you had the opportunity, sir, to attend a meeting with our state religious leaders on how to form amity among religions because here, particularly in Ondo State, and most parts of the southern Nigeria, a number of families, if not most families, have Christians and Muslims co-existing as family members.

Akeredolu said, “also, we have husbands and wives belonging to different religions. And usually, it is easier for us to point to our leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who is an Alhaji and his wife, a Pastor in RCCG.

“When we were growing up here as children, we celebrate Muslim festivals with our friends. We would go to their houses and eat in the same bowl. During our own festivals as Christians, they would come to us and they would even sow dresses and we wouldn’t even know the difference.

“This has changed. But I am sure that we will get back sooner to embrace ourselves because we are one and religion should not divide us

“Hausa and our people have lived together for very long time. When we have one or two security problems, I am of the opinion that they are not with those who have been living with us.

“They are with those who are just strangers. Even those living with us don’t know them. Those living with us are peaceful and they have become part of us. Unity of Nigeria is non-negotiable.”

The governor, however, described the visit of the Sultan as a golden handshake across the Niger that will be cherished for a long time in the state.

Earlier, the Sultan of Sokoto said he accepted to be in Akure to deliver the lecture because of the security challenges ravaging the nation.

He noted that it is the responsibility of all Nigerians to come together to fight the demons, extremists and criminals among the people of the country, flush them out of the system and make the good ones continue to live their lives the way they want.

Abubakar praised Akeredolu for transforming the state within a short time and urged the Governor to continue to do more in the interest of the people.

Source: http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/Tinubu--Wife-Exemplified-Why-Religion-Shouldn't-Divide-Nigerians-%E2%80%93-Gov--Akeredolu

Your Visit A Golden Handshake Across The Niger ,Akeredolu Tells Sultan of Sokoto

Ondo State Governor , Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has described the visit of the Sultan of Sokoto, Sultan Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar, as a golden handshake across the niger.

The Governor said Ondo State will cherish the gesture for a long time.

Governor Akeredolu spoke while receiving in audience, the Sultan of Sokoto and other traditional rulers at the Exco Chamber of the Governor’s office , Alagbaka, Akure, the state capital on Monday.

The Sultan is in the state capital to deliver a lecture on diversity.

The lecture is in commemoration of the Ulefunta Festival of the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi Ogunlade .

The Sultan was accompanied to the Governor’s office by the Deji of Akure, Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Victor Kiladejo, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, Olubaka of Oka, Oba Adebori Adeleye, Orangun of Oke-Ila and the Attah of Ayede Ekiti , Oba Adebayo Orisagbemi.

The Governor said the state sees the visit of the Sultan as a blessing, noting that the state was not just receiving the sultan of Sokoto, but also an acceptable eminent leader of the Islamic religion.

Arakunrin Akeredolu, who stressed that the issue of the Unity of Nigeria is non-negotiable , warned that politics should be played without tampering with the unifying factor that binds the country together.

The Governor described both the Muslims and Christians as one, while urging the people not to allow religion to divide the country.

He said: “I’m happy you attended the NIREC meeting where you spoke with our religious leaders. Here, we don’t see the difference between the Muslims and Christians.

"Our leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is an Alhaji, his wife, is a senior Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) . That’s how we co-exist here.

“While we were growing up, we celebrated Muslim festivals with our Muslim friends . During the Christmas, they would also come to our house and we didn't notice any difference. We are one and religion should not divide us. ”

Akeredolu also thanked the Sultan for accepting to be in the state on the invitation of the Deji of Akure. The Governor said the Sultan’s message of peace is clear to everyone.

Earlier, the Sultan of Sokoto, who said he was sleeping in the state for the first time, commended Akeredolu for all he has done in the state within a short time. He urged the Governor to continue to do more in the interest of the people.

The Sultan said he accepted the invitation to come to Akure and deliver the lecture because it bothers on the diversity of the country, adding that everyone must come together to fight the extremists and criminals among the people.

Olabode R Olatunde
Special Assistant to the Governor ( New Media)
9th September, 2019

Source:http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/Sultan-of-Sokoto--Muhammadu-Sa'ad-Abubakar-Visits-Governor-Akeredolu

Infrastructural developments in Ore Flyover leaders, residents excited and laud Gov Akeredolu

The people of Ore in Odigbo Local Government Council Area of Ondo State have started witnessing an upsurge in economic activities as a result of the attention to infrastructural development of the town by the present administration in the state.

Ore is the gateway that connects Lagos, the nation's economic nerve centre with both the Eastern and Southern parts of Nigeria on a direct stretch.
The historical town also provides an adjourning corridor to the Northern part to the country.

The people, who spoke with journalists on Saturday said new investors are responding to the massive infrastructural interventions in the town, initiated by the Akeredolu administration.

While saying that the responses of investors to government deliberate infrastructural upgrade of a town are usually spontaneous, the people said the current rise in economic activities in Ore are exciting to them.

An entrepreneur, Mr Olawoyin Owolabi, who has lived in Ore for over four decades, said the commitment of the present administration in Ondo State has scaled up unprecedented socio-economic activities in the town.

For Prince Temidayo Akinbobola, who was born in Ore and had lived in the town for over thirty years, the ongoing construction of the first overhead bridge in Ondo State in Ore by the Arakunrin Oluwarotimi administration has begun to impact on the security and socio-economic lives of the people.

He said the people are happy that Governor Akeredolu is fulfilling his electoral campaign promises to the people, and believed that the vision of the State Government to turn Ore to a Megacity would soon be realised.

A commercial motorcyclist, Mr Abiodun Babafemi, said the ongoing Ore Interchange would in no small way guarantee the security of lives of all motorcycle riders in the town.

Also, the Chairman of Isero Branch of National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Mr Suleiman Murufu, said the people are already witnessing a turnaround in the economic activities of the town following the ongoing construction of the Ore Bridge.

Despite incessant rainfall slowing down the pace of work at the bridge construction site, 23 of the 30 Beams needed are ready, while other casting and earth fillings were ongoing.

Source: http://osrc.ng/headlines/ore-hails-akeredolu-over-infrastructural-developments/

NITDA, OIIE commend Gov Akeredolu on Akure TECH HUB

Technological utilisation has been described as a veritable development that is reshaping the lives of the modern man for entrepreneurship and creative innovations.

Speaking at the FUTUREHACK Southwest programme at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN said effective solutions, ideas and innovations are inherent in technology, for the purpose of addressing challenges of poverty, job creation and sustainable development.

The programme organized by the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA and facilitated by the Office of ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship, OIIE, centered on education challenges; e-education innovations, was the fourth edition of FUTUREHACK.

The governor represented by his Chief of Staff, Chief Olugbenga Ale, said in view of the fact his administration has since inception placed high premium on values of technology, the state owned schools at all levels from primary, secondary to tertiary institutions have integrated technology education into their curricula.

While commending the choice of FUTA for the event in Southwest Nigeria, Governor Akeredolu believed the platform would help energise the creativity of students at developing unique solutions for education sector reforms.

Arakunrin Akeredolu implored student designers, developers and young innovators to leverage on the knowledge acquired through FUTUREHACK to move to greater heights.

In her welcome address, the National Coordinator, Office for ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship, OIIE, Dr Amina Sambo-Magaji said through technology innovations students in universities across the country are becoming ICT entrepreneurs and innovators.

She commended the tripartite arrangement between the Ondo State Government, Federal University of Technology, Akure and the Private Sector on the development of Akure TECH HUB which she said was worthy of emulation by states of the federation.

Also the Director General National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, Mr Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi said students and the unemployed young people should leverage on technological utilisations mainstreamed into FUTUREHACK .

The DG who was represented by a Director in NITDA, Mr Olayinka Adejube lauded the Ondo State Government for its commitments to technological education and more importantly for the initiative of the state on Akure TECH-HUB which according to him was facilitating human capital development.

Earlier, in his Goodwill Message the Senior Special Assistant to the State Governor on Innovation and Partnership, Mr Joel Ogunsola appreciated the choice of Ondo State for the Fourth edition of FUTUREHACK.

He used the occasion to showcase the credible outcomes from the State Government's investment on Akure TECH HUB which according him has made its Startups worthy entrepreneurs.

ONDO STATE GOVERNMENT TO PRIORITIZE HEALTHCARE DELIVERY

The Ondo State government has promised to prioritise the training and re-training of its health workers to ensure effective healthcare delivery.

Commissioner for Health Dr. Wahab Adegbenro spoke when he opened three-day training on Essential Drug Management for Pharmacists in the Ministry of Health, Hospitals Management Board and the State Primary Health Care Development Agency.

Dr. Adegbenro, who explained that effective drug management system is key to achieving qualitative healthcare, hoped that the training would help to ensure uniformity of procedure in drug management in health facilities.

The commissioner promised that the government would not relent in fighting fake and counterfeit drugs, saying measures have been put in place to ensure that lives are protected at all times.

He urged participants to take advantage of the training, saying it would help them to perform better in their places at work.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Health Dr. Jibayo Adeyeye said the state would continue to do the needful in ensuring that quality drugs are available in all the health facilities across the state.

Executive Secretary, Primary Health Care Development Agency Dr. Francis Akanbiemu described the training as training the trainers, saying participants would in turn cascade the knowledge gained to over 600 public, private and secondary healthcare facilities in the state.

The chief trainer, Folukemi Aladenola, explained that the training is to ensure that drugs are safe, available and affordable at all times. She praised the government for procuring a Tru-Scan machine which she said has helped to detect fake and counterfeit drugs.

ODA COMMUNITY SHOWERS ENCOMIUM ON AKEREDOLU OVER ROAD DUALIZATION.
ALOZIE GENEVIEVE
TCC NEWS.

One of the key dividend of democracy is the provision of road networks that run smoothly and efficiently, for the benefit of residents, businesses and visitors. The quality of road network in a city is a factor for business investment and location decisions which when adequately structured brings great development in the society.


Taking cognizance of the importance of good road network, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, has engaged in massive construction of road projects across the 18 local government areas of Ondo State.


The governor who has not failed on the promises he made during campaign, of making peoples’ welfare and infrastructural development a priority, has ensured that no community is left out on road construction. As he has embarked on the dualization of Oda road which has cried for attention by the community dwellers and motorists for over a decade.

The residents of Oda and road users received the good news of the dualization, which they have clamored for, with joy as the Oda Community could not hide their excitement as they offered encomium on the governor for coming to their rescue with the dualization of Oda road.


Oda community is another major town in the heart of Akure that houses two residential estates and a football agency within its environs. Before now, the road has caused series of road accident and has hindered business activities because of its terrible state. But all these will become a thing of the past as construction has commenced on the said road.

During the flag off of the construction, Rev. Samuel Akansile of Anglican Dioceses Oda described the governor as a visionary leader who has not failed to meet the needs of the people. While the Chief Imam of Akure, Alhaji Abdulhakeem Yayi-Akorede, thanked the governor for this great fit as he noted that this construction will put a stop to the agony of road users.

They both thanked the governor for being a man of his word as he redeemed the promise he made on delivery road infrastructure during his campaign.
However, the regent of Oda Abike Akosile who was pleased with the governor for extending his dividend of democracy to Oda community, said the people of Oda Community will not forget his good governance in a jiffy as he prayed to God to grant Governor Akeredolu the strength to continue with the good works.

The people who trooped out in an overwhelming feeling of happiness showed how pleased they are over the works of Akeredolu in Ondo State.

Over 21 road projects has been carried out in Akure metropolis by this present administration, some are still under construction while some have been completed.
ALOZIE GENEVIEVE
TCC NEWS.

"EMBRACE EXERCISE TO STAY HEALTHY" - MRS AKEREDOLU


To keep fit and stay healthy, wife of Ondo State governor Mrs Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu has advised Nigerians to adopt yoga.

Mrs. Akeredolu gave advice at the BEMORE Boot camp for Naija 2019 at the Elizade University Stadium in Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State.

No fewer than 300 girls are participating in the camp.

She noted that the exercise provides one with sound health as it involves moving every part of the body in straight and bend directions, stretching some jointed parts and the neck.

She said the fact that some people were looking older than their age, in their youth, was as a result of inadequate physical exercises.

Mrs Akeredolu stressed that illhealth among Nigerians might not be unconnected to their lackadaisical attitude to physical exercises despite that they take balanced diet.

Earlier, Mrs. Akeredolu had introduced taekwondo training for girls as panacea for domestic violence, especially sexual molestation by men.

The training is expected to take place throughout all the states.

Yoga is a part of Hindu training aimed at promoting control of body and mind.

Source: http://osrc.ng/headlines/mrs-akeredolu-to-nigerians-embrace-exercise-to-stay-healthy/

Aragbaiye explains LG workers’ screening


The on going verification exercise of local government workers in Ondo State is to ascertain the number of genuine staff working in the councils.

The State Head of Service, Mr Dare Aragbaiye who made this known while monitoring the exercise in Akure South Local Government Council Secretariat said the exercise is in the best interest of both the workers and the government.

Addressing the workers, Mr Aragbaiye said the verification is to identify the actual number of workers that are the payroll of government, saying that it would also eradicate ghost workers .

He therefore enjoined the workers to cooperate with the government, saying that the exercise was not meant to put unnecessary suffering on them.

Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lola Fagbemi also described the verification exercise as a normal routine with no ulterior motive .

The Commissioner while addressing council workers in Akure South, Idanre and Ondo West Local Governments while monitoring the exercise said the entire workforce will be better for it afterward.

In her words, planning is essential for any administration to succeed. Exercise of this nature was last carried out in 2013 and outcome will yield positive result.

The Commissioner was accompanied by Permanent Secretary, Chief Segun Odusanya, his counterpart in the local government Pension Board, Comrade Bunni Eniayewu as well as the NULGE State Chairman, Comrade Taiwo.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Segun Odusanya said the exercise involved local government staff, primary school teachers and pensioners .

He said those concerned are to come to the verification centres with their letters of first appointment, last promotion letters and they must be identified by their Heads of Department.

At Okitipupa Local Governments Secretariat, workers came out in large number to partake in the verification exercise .

While sensitizing the workers before the commencement of the exercise, the Caretaker Chairman of the council, Omo’ba Abayomi Adesanya appealed to the workers to conduct themselves in a well befitting manner.

Abayomi commended the state government for the initiative which he described as ” noble idea” that will not only help to eliminate ghost workers but help proper planning and budgeting which will in turn help to create jobs.

He allayed the fear of the workers not to see the exercise as an attempt to witch-hunt anymore but as a periodic exercise that must be commended.

Also speaking with The Hope, the head of the team, Mr. Isimijola Oluwafemi said the exercise which is expected to capture all the local government staff, primary school teachers and pensioners in the 18 local governments in the state was going on smoothly except for the initial hitches that occurred with the biometric capture which had been rectified.

Some of the workers Interviewed expressed their joy with the State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu which they described as “workers friendly”.

They however appealed to the government to create more job opportunities especially in the junior cadre, saying it is hard to find workers within level 1 to 6 in office thereby making it difficult to get messenger or cleaners in offices.

Ondo NAWOJ wants proper engagement of children during long vacations

Members of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ in Ondo state wants government to take advantage of the long vacation, to engage children in skills and Entrepreneurial development as exemplified by wife of Ondo State Governor, Mrs Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu.

This was during a tour of the Bemore Summer Bootcamp in Ilara Mokin, Ondo State where over two hundred and fifty young girls are undergoing training on ICT, Solar Power Installation and other Entrepreneurial skills.

The Members of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, (NAWOJ) in the state went round the various sections of the training centre in Ilara mokin where the young girls drawn from the eighteen local government areas of Ondo state are engaged in intensive training on skills that could make them self reliant.

At a courtesy visit to the initiator of the programme and Wife of Ondo state Governor, Mrs Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu, the chairperson of NAWOJ in the state Mrs Doris Olumoko commended the wife of the governor for her relentless effort in improving the standard of women and girls.

On her part, wife of the Governor, Mrs Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu, charged the women journalists to make use of the tool of ICT, social media and their various media platform, to advance the cause of women.

Both parties agreed to use their strength to change the narrative of women.

Akeredolu Flags Off Akure-Oda Dual Carriageway, Says It's A New Era in Ondo

In fulfilment of the commitment of his administration to further develop the state and open up the road network, Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Thursday flagged off the construction of the 8.0km Akure-Oda Dual Carriageway.

The governor said the construction of the road is another opportunity to demonstrate the commitment of his administration to the change mantra of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), designed to ensure the general welfare of the people and bring the benefits of good governance to their doorsteps in every nook and cranny of the State.

Governor Akeredolu said his administration was not unaware of the enormous discomfort being experienced by the people as they traverse through the road, especially the residents of Oda-town, including the estates situated within the road corridor.

Arakunrin Akeredolu, who addressed the mammoth crowd at the flag off ceremony, said his administration is delivering a new asset, a new lifestyle and a new era of property appreciation and bequeathing an enduring legacy to the incoming generation.

He said: "But it does not end here, it is only a precursor to an unending positive multiplier effects on the economy and social life of the people.

"While the road is being constructed, we will have more than a sizeable number of our people working and earning their living on a daily basis, and by the time you factor in those who supply construction materials, you can imagine the multiplier effect of this project and of course, the advantages it portends to the people, such as decrease in travel time, increase in the lifespan of vehicles, increased interconnectivity with other roads, such as the Oba Osupa-Hospital-Ijoka Road via Ijigba Road."

While explaining the various features of the road, the Governor informed that, "This 8.0km road, when completed, would consist of 2.7km dual carriageway and 5.3km single carriageway and would have standard facilities such as 1.5m walkway on both sides, 1m width median fitted with street light, 600mm x 750mm drains, 200mm lateritic sub-base course, 200mm stone base course, 50mm asphaltic binder course, 40mm asphaltic wearing course, among others. "

Akeredolu said his administration will not take its foot off the pedal until all communities in the state are transformed .

He said several roads spread across the state are under construction, while some have been completed by his administration as part of its efforts to improve the living condition of the people.

"As I speak to you, we are working on the following strategic and qualitative projects among others, at different levels of completion: Reconstruction of ‘A’ Division - Ijoka Road to a dual carriageway, Reconstruction of Ikare Township Road to a dual carriageway, Reconstruction of the Road from Emure-AUD and from the Ministry of Works - Iyere Junction in Owo to a dual carriageway

"Construction of Fly-Over across Lagos-Benin Expressway, Construction of Gaga Community Road in Akure, Rehabilitation of Ibuji-Igbara-Oke Road, Construction of Okitipupa-Igbokoda Bypass Road, Construction of Sabomi Township Roads, Construction of Ireakari II-Seebi-Ogun Ojobo/Odanikin- Irese Road Junction Akure," Governor Akeredolu said.

He appreciated the good people of the state for their co-operation and unwavering solidarity in the last two and half years.

Arakunrin Akeredolu assured the people that he is irrevocably committed to the completion of all the ongoing projects in the state, in spite of the dwindling resources.

Olabode R Olatunde
Special Assistant to the Governor (New Media)
15th August, 2019

AKEREDOLU CALLS FOR HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT THROUGH ICT

Information technology is organized to connect government with citizens. Federal, state, and local governments are investing in the development of (IT) to promote their e-government goals and it is essential to the everyday operations of our federal, state and local governments.

The Ondo state governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) is a leader who understands the times and he is always ready to position Ondo state in tune with these times. This has always been the reason why Ondo state is regarded as the beautiful bride and the most viable business destination in Nigeria.

The collaboration between the Ondo state government and SAO Capital Limited, an ICT firm, has also shown the efforts of the Akeredolu led administration towards developing ICT in the state and the girl child education, through constantly imparting knowledge of ICT to the girls child in Ondo State; to broaden the horizon of these young women and place them strategically in the world in areas of computer appreciation, Introduction to Microsoft office suite, Corel Draw among other ICT applications and packages. Governor Akeredolu said that the initiative is developed to encourage the girl child to pursue careers in science and technology.

Technology has the potential to engage thousands of young people and make them solution providers. The Ondo state government is committed to providing and equipping its citizens and the next generation of leaders with the right ICT tools. This is seen through various technology empowerment initiatives which cut across all genders in the state.

In human capital development, Governor Akeredolu has ensured the upgrading of the operations of State Information Technology Agency (SITA) to serve as infrastructural backbone for the State Integrated Financial Management Information System (SIFMIS) to ensure uninterrupted accelerated government businesses & transactions.

Ondo state under the leadership of its visionary and amiable governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu since assumption of office has gone the extra mile in making the state, its workers and the citizens of Ondo state most especially the youths and the girl child prepared and motivated for various ICT tasks. This was achieved through the constant training and retraining of its staffs and citizens in Information and Communication Technology to be better equipped, more relevant and to carryout tasks more efficiently. PRINCESS EIGBOKHAN ORIH
TCC NEWS

Akeredolu has performed creditably well – Ondo Monarch

The Olowa and Paramount Ruler of Igbara-Oke kingdom, HRM, Oba Dr. Francis Adefarakanni Agbede has extolled the virtues of the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN and his wife, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu saying, this government has brought unprecedented development to the state in the last three years.

Oba Agbede made the remark at the opening ceremony of a two week “2019 Bemore Summer Boot Camp” holding at Ilara-Mokin in Ondo State. The monarch disclosed the extent of his assessment of the present administration in areas of Health, Education and provision of rural infratstructures across the state.

According to him, achievements at the Bemore Empowerment training project will linger long in the memories of the children as soon as they master one trade or the other to become employers of labour later in life.

While charging the beneficiaries to always make good use of the golden opportunity Arabirin Akeredolu has offered them, Oba Agbede is optimistic that these young girls being empowered will never forget the kind hearted first lady of Ondo State, since children hardly forget their benefactors.

Earlier in her address, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in the state, Hon. Lola Fagbemi described Arabirin Akeredolu as a legend among women and of eloquent value who has laid a landmark for herself and generations yet unborn.

Hon. Fagbemi applauded the efforts of Arabirin Akeredolu, who is doing is a wonderful works in all affairs that concerns young girls and women. She added that, these young girls can rule the world going by the kind exposure the wife of the Governor is offering them.

Speaking at the occasion, the wife of Ondo state Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu disclosed that her pet project, Bemore has reshaped ed over 750 young girls child.

According to her, the programme has afforded over 750 girls to have divers training that will change the narrative of the girl child while another batch of 250 girls are currently undergoing a similar training for the year 2019 Summer Boot Camp.

Arabinrin Akeredolu gave a brief disposition of all trades that are capable to reshape the lives of the girls that were drawn from all the 18 local government areas of the state.

She how ever welcomed the girls to what she described as unending opportunities where their capabilities are limitless, and also assured the participants that they will learn all they need to become a complete woman.

Speaking as a mother, she counselled the young girls to stop seeing themselves as inferior to their male counterparts adding that they will be synosure of all eyes if they submit themselves to the golden opportunity the training will offers.

Ondo/Linyi Ethanol factory produces 6,000 tonnes daily

Hundreds of articulated vehicles now throng the Ondo/Linyi Cassava Ethanol factory in Ore to load ethanol as the company which commenced operations few months ago now produces 6,000 metric tonnes of ethanol daily.

Our correspondent who visited the factory saw some of the articulated vehicles being loaded with the product.

The Company’s Manager, Mr Oyeye Destiny who spoke with our correspondent during the visit said the factory needs 300 metric tonnes of cassava daily to meet production, thus creating huge market for cassava growers in the state and beyond.

Oyeye told The Hope that the ethanol being produced in the factory is of high quality and one of the best that could be found in the market.

He disclosed that most of their customers are from both Oyo and Lagos states.

According to him, the factory load more than 100 articulated vehicles per day “We may need to increase our production per day because we are experiencing increase in customers on the daily basis as they are trooping to the factory to buy ethanol,” he added.

He added that the demands are high, and the workers are working day and night to meet demands.

Oyeye confirmed that the ethanol is the most marketable item in the world today.

His words: “Demands are high and the plant has enough raw material that can sustain it throughout the year.

Presently, our warehouse is full of cassava and once cassava in the various farms and from our customers are ready for harvest, more raw material will be brought to the plant to be converted to ethanol.”

”This plant receives several customers per day and more than 100 articulated vehicles are loaded on daily basis with ethanol. I must confess to you that ethanol here is 98percent concentration, it is not diluted like it is done elsewhere.

” We are ready to give our customers the best, reason we are shunning out the best ethanol at the Ondo/Linyi Industrial Park. The product is the best in Nigeria, reason we are receiving more customers on daily basis.”

“Ethanol is the in thing in the world now because the world is moving away from using fossil fuel as it contributes to global warming, he said.

It is a new liquid product in Nigeria and the plant in Ore, Ondo State is a product of the MoU signed between the Akeredolu’s administration and the Linyi Municipal Republic of China during the governor’s visit to China in 2017.

The cassava to ethanol plant will afford the state the unique opportunity to key into the federal government diversification programme.

Ethanol is a common ingredient in many cosmetics and beauty products. It acts as an astringent to help clean skin, in lotions as a preservation.

It is also called alcohol, ethyl alcohol and grain alcohol, is a colourless liquid and principal ingredient in alcoholic beverages like beer, wine or brandy.

Ondo 2020: Group Roots For Akeredolu’s Second Term Ambition


With the Ondo State governorship election set to hold in 2020, strategies are now being put in place towards giving a boost to the second term ambition of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

Throwing their backing for the governor’s second term bid were a group of supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC), under the aegis of Coalition of Like Minds.

Members of the group, who paid Sallah homage to Ade Adetimehin, the state APC chairman, emphasised that the unprecedented strides of Akeredolu in the area of infrastructural development in the state is a conviction that if given a chance for a second term, the state will benefit more.

Igbekele Akinrinwa, chairman of the group who led APC chieftains from Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency area of Ondo State during the visit on Tuesday, lauded the Adetimehin-led state executives for the maximum support given to Akeredolu.

Akinrinwa, who appealed to other party faithful to rally round the governor for the 2020 mandate, stressed that his achievements in the past two years in his first term are proofs of what to expect in subsequent years.

On his own part, Zackariah Omoge, APC Chairman, Irele Local Government, stated that the aim of the group is to contribute its quota positively to the progress of APC in the state.

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He added that via the platform, it will enable everyone brainstorm, as well as galvanise result-oriented ideals for onward transmission of suggestions to leaders of the party for consideration and probable implementation.

Also, Sola Ebire, the group’s secretary, expressed optimism that the candidates of the party will emerge victorious at Appeal Court following the recent ruling National and State House of Assembly Election delivered in favour of the party.

He noted that the support of the party shown towards the candidates is unquantifiable during the proceedings, maintaining that such solidarity is still being look forward to.

“During the periods of proceedings in Ondo State election petition tribunal sitting, the party candidate for House of Representatives, Okitipupa/Irele federal constituency, Albert Akintoye, a member of the coalition was declared winner in a unanimous judgment by the tribunal judges. We shall continuously look forward to the usual rekindling of the support which APC leaders gave to Akintoye right from inception.

“The group seizes this opportunity to pledge our loyalty and dedication to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and our party leaders in Ondo State.”

Akeredolu Launches New Mass Transit Buses In Ondo

As part of the bids to further boost the transportation sector as well as create more jobs, Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has launched the Sunshine Travels mass transit Busses.

The scheme is a Public Private Partnership between the Ondo State Government and Peace Mass Transit.

The Sunshine Travels is another successful testimony of the investment drive of the Akeredolu’s administration to open up the state for various investments opportunities.

Flagging off the Busses at the Bus Terminus, along Oyemekun road, opposite Champion Junction, Akure, on Saturday, Akeredolu said the state government had to look for other ways of achieving the goal of a 'state carrier' having seen how the defunct Owena Mass Transit, which the state Government floated in the past, failed as it became unsustainable for the government to run.

Akeredolu, who said transportation remains one of the potent means of conveying both human and material resources from one place to another for productive means, stressed that it is the driver of the economy.

According to the Governor, the new transport scheme has provided employment opportunities for the people of the state, as over Ninety Five percent of the drivers employed are indegenes of the state.

The governor also informed that the new scheme is a driver/Owner initiative, in which the bus drivers could be the owners of the buses after paying installmentally for a few years.

Akeredolu, who said his administration has facilitated a new transport system, explained that the facilities at the bus terminus included a good accommodation where passengers who journeyed into the state late in the night and wish to spend the night in Akure before proceeding could sleep.

The Governor said:"When the management of Peace Mass Transit approached us to collaborate in the establishment of the project, we did not hesitate in partnering them because we know the economic and social benefit of this project to our state regarding a lease of transportation, job opportunities, enhanced IGR, cultural integration, export of our produce to other placed and the projection of our state brand

"The Ondo State Sunshine Travels will provide state-of-the - art vehicles for inter and intra-state travels for our people. These buses will guarantee vehicular safety and comfort for the people of the state at affordable prices

"It will also facilitate accessibility to other parts of the state, the country at large, and greatly boost economic activities endeavours and cultural integration

"This scheme will provide job opportunities for our people as we have seen now. The personnel and staff of the Ondo State Sunshine Travels are primarily Ondo State indigenes. This will alos contribute to our IGR."

The governor said his administration recognises the needs of the people of the state and it is workinug tirelessly to ensure that everyone enjoys adequate social amenities that will ensure better standard of living.

Olabode R Olatunde
Special Assistant to the Governor (New Media)
10th August, 2019

� Blessed Michael

BEMORE Summer Bootcamp for Girls Naija 3rd Edition.

All set for annual Summer BEMORE Summer Bootcamp for Girls Naija 3rd Edition.

All set for annual Summer BEMORE Bootcamp, as first lady of Ondo state Arabinrin Betty-Anyanwu Akeredolu arrives kicked off Venue of the programme at Ilara Mokin, in Ifedore local government area of Ondo State.

The main objective of the program is to "designed to train girls on Information Communication Technology, Solar and Life changing skills so as to become a solution to the evolving world of technology."

Dignitaries were; Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Titi Adeyemi, Ondo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Lola Julianah Fagbemi, Representative of Ondo State Head of Service, Mr Dare Aragbaye, Representative of SSA to President Muhammadu Buhari on Diaspora Affairs, Mrs Jumoke Dabiri, Representative of Ekiti State government, Imo State, Members of ALGON, Ondo State Chapter, Former local government Chairmen, Monarchs, Chiefs, BEMORE GIRLS and other relevant stakeholders were all on ground. Bootcamp BEMORE Summer Bootcamp, as first lady of Ondo state Arabinrin Betty-Anyanwu Akeredolu arrives kicked off Venue of the programme at Ilara Mokin, in Ifedore local government area of Ondo State.

The main objective of the program is to "designed to train girls on Information Communication Technology, Solar and Life changing skills so as to become a solution to the evolving world of technology."

Dignitaries were; Chairman of OSOPADEC, Olugbenga Edemo Esq., Ondo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Lola Julianah Fagbemi, Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Hon. Wahab Adegbenro, Representative of SSA to President Muhammadu Buhari on Diaspora Affairs, Mrs Jumoke Dabiri, Representative of Ekiti State government, Imo State, Members of ALGON, Ondo State Chapter, Former local government Chairmen, Monarchs, Chiefs, BEMORE GIRLS and other relevant stakeholders were all on ground.

Governor Akeredolu reiterates Commitment To Youth Development At International Youth Day Celebrations.

Ondo State youths Monday joined their contemporaries all over the world to mark the 2019 International Youth Day celebrations.

Numerous youth organisations, students, corps members and politicians converged on the Ondo State Cultural Centre for the annual event.

The programme had commenced at the M.K.O Abiola Democracy Park, where the youths, under the umbrella of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) embarked on a commemorative march through the the Oja Oba market to the Cultural Centre.

In his message to the gathering, the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi (SAN) Akeredolu reiterated his administration's irrevocable commitment to ensuring both the human and capital development of the youth.

Arakunrin Akeredolu, whose address was read by Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Dotun Owanikin promised continued exploring of avenues to improve life of the youth.


"We will continue to explore opportunities to partner the private sector and other development partners to build the capacity of our teeming unemployed youths for sustainable job creation."

He gave assurance that his administration would not relent investing in education and natural talents.

"I strongly belief in your capability to change the negative narratives and to drive the transformational change trajectory of our administration by leveraging innovative voluntarism."

The Governor solicited their unflinching support and cooperation with the administration to ensure a free and fair exercise during next year's Gubernatorial election.

The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Dotun Owanikin appealed for joining hands with government to drive the process of the state development together.

The Commissioner, whose address was presented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Dr. (Mrs) charged the people to support the Akeredolu government.

"It is pertinent to note that many of the programmes of the present administration will begin to crystalize within the next few years and the more reason why this administration must be supported for the second term."

The Guest lecturer and Director of Schools, Ondo State Ministry of Education, Dr. Akindele Ige's paper advised youths to acquire the necessary knowledge.

"You must be knowledgeable to discern whom to follow and what to do.
These days, many are being misled to join undesirable companies due to ignorance."

There were goodwill messages from Commissioner for Information, Mobilisation and Orientation, Mr. Donald Ojogo, Special Assistant to Mr. Governor on Youth and Education, Mr. Banji Adewumi and President NYCN, Comrade Toyin Owoeye.

Another highlight of the event was presentation of the athletes representing the state at the forthcoming National Youth Games to the Governor by the General Manager of Ondo State Sports Council, Chief Wande Fabuluje.

Also wife of Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Jumoke Abegunde was decorated as matron of the NYCN.

The award-winning Ondo State Cultural Troupe added colour to the day with a display that made Mr. Governor and other dignitaries on the business table joined the fray by dancing to the irresistible drumbeat of the troupe.

Sunday Ajibola,
Press Officer,
Youth and Sports Development.

Army salutes Gov Akeredolu on infrastructural support

The Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN has acknowledged the role of the Nigerian Army in curtailing criminal activities in the state.

Governor Akeredolu spoke while receiving the General Officer Commanding 2nd Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Bamidele Omozoje in his office on Thursday.

The governor commended the 32 Brigade Command for always rising to the tough challenge of combatting criminal activities in the state.

Arakunrin Akeredolu, who said he was greatly concerned about the deplorable state of roads and buildings within the barracks of the 32 Brigade Command Akure, stated that the poor condition of the infrastructures informed his decision to have the roads reconstructed.

Arakunrin Akeredolu said he had always believed that the barracks could be made better to enhance the quality of lives of officers and men of the Brigade Command.

He reiterated his call for the appropriate utilization of the large expanse of land at the barracks for commercial agriculture which, according to him, would boost the revenue generation of the command to further assist in maintaining its decaying infrastructures.

Governor Akeredolu assured his GOC of his continued support and hoped for a better collaboration from the military towards ensuring security of lives and property.

The General Officer Commanding 2nd Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Bamidele Omozoje, who is the 40th GOC, said he assumed duty in Ibadan on 23rd July, 2019 and found it expedient to undertake a tour of military commands under his watch so as to acquaint himself with their progress and challenges.

General Omozoje was full of appreciation to Governor Akeredolu on the reconstruction of some of the Owena barrack's road network which he said has greatly given the barracks a befitting facelift.

The GOC, on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, pledged the support of the Armed Forces to civil authorities in the country and the state in particular.

� Olawale Abolade

Soyinka Hails Akeredolu's infrastructural Strides

Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, has hailed the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, over the giant infrastructural strides of his administration in the state.

Soyinka who commended Akeredolu for his good works , also congratulated the people of the state for electing Governor Akeredolu as their Governor.

The Nobel Laureate, who was in the state for the 2019 Fagunwa Study Group International Conference, was personally driven and conducted round some projects of the Akeredolu’s administration in Akure, the state capital.

The Governor and other members of the state executive Council alongside Soyinka were at the 'A'Division/NEPA as well as the ongoing dualisation of NEPA/Oluwatuyi round about.

Soyinka said "the fact shows the light", explaining that it took him some time to recognise the A'Division/NEPA and NEPA/Olukayode ongoing dualisation project because of the serious infrastructural transformation that is going on in the area.

The Nobel Laureate who disclosed that he has been on constant visit to the state in the course of his literary work, observed that governor Akeredolu has changed the face of the state.

� Nguher Gabrielle Zaki

AAUA Emerges Nigeria Best State University

The Management of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, is proud to receive the news of the 2019 Webometrics Ranking of Universities globally on which the Adekunle Ajasin University is ranked the best state-owned university in Nigeria.

According to a statement by the Principal Assistant Registrar Information, Protocol and Public Relations of the institution, Victor Akinpelumi the Webometrics Ranking, which was released on July 31st, 2019, saw Adekunle Ajasin University clinched 9th position among Nigerian universities; 81st in African and 3048th globally out of over 28,000 institutions ranked.

The Webometrics Ranking of World Universities, which is also known as Ranking Web of Universities, is a globally-accepted ranking system for the world’s universities, using a multiple indicator that takes into account both the volume of the Web contents and the visibility and impact of these web publications.

“It is instructive to note that this will be third time in recent years that Adekunle Ajasin University would be adjudged best of all state-owned varsities in Nigeria.

We are delighted that despite the palpable challenges, including paucity of funds, being faced by the University, it has achieved this remarkable feat. This a testament to the commitment of every arm of the University and the resolve of the University Management to place the institution on the global pedestal.

We thank all stakeholders of the University, without whom this heartwarming feat wouldn’t have been possible. We acknowledge the Ondo State Governor and Visitor to the University; the University Governing Council; the University Management; staff and students; alumni, parents and guardians; host communities; friends of the University and the media.

On its part, Management will continue to put in place policies that would sustain this feat and encourage hard work and promote the University’s goals – teaching, research and community service.” Akinpelumi said

Akeredolu…Two-and-a-half years later


While taking his oath of office on Friday, February 24, 2017, Governor Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu (SAN) gave the people of Ondo State a message of “hope, clear agenda of prosperity and a vision of life abundant.”

In marshaling his plans to ensure that his blueprint of abundant prosperity for the people succeeds, Akeredolu had set up a Strategic Development and Policy Implementation Committee, to set the tone for the new administration.



The committee, which was made up of seasoned technocrats, came up with a five-point agenda that was aimed at:
1. Job creation through agriculture, entrepreneurship and industrialisation;
2. Massive infrastructural development and maintenance;
3. Provision of functional education and technological growth;
4. Provision of accessible and quality health care and social service delivery and
5 Rural development and community extension services.

A little over two-and-a-half years after, Akeredolu has delivered on those promises, scoring high marks on the people’s score sheet. For a man who is determined to make a mark and leave the state better than he met it, nothing less was expected of him.

In his first year in office, Governor Akeredolu recorded unprecedented success in road construction. Taking into consideration the economic situation of the state at the time, the number of roads constructed was nothing but magical.

The administration inherited decayed and derelict infrastructure. The roads, even in the capital city, were pockmarked with craters and gullies. For the people, especially those of the northern and southern senatorial districts, the roads had become death traps.

From Ikare-Akoko to Oka-Akoko and to other areas in Ilaje and Ese-Odo local government areas, stories of multiple deaths caused by damaged portions of the roads became a daily feature of our lives.

At the notorious Oke-Oka and Oke-Alabojuto roads in Oka and Ikare respectively, entire families have been wiped out multiple times.



But, in two years, the story has changed. Governor Akeredolu has done what many thought was impossible and there are new songs on the lips of the people. The mythical Oke-Alabojuto Hill in Ikare has given way to the bulldozers deployed by Akeredolu, leaving the people marveling.

And in Owo, the ancient town has been further opened up for development with dual carriage ways, fitted with beautiful street lights. This transformation of the town has led to a coinage by the people: Ogho ti segwa, which translates into Owo is now beautiful.

In the Central Senatorial Zone, Akure is gradually wearing a true status of a state capital. The major roads around the capital city are wearing new looks. Residents of the State Hospital Road, Oke-Ogba, Iwalewa, Abusoro, Isarun, Idanre, Igbara-Oke and many other towns are hailing the governor for a good job, while the construction of new road networks in the Alagbaka area has continued to wow the people who now refer to the area as their own Banana Island.



Good things are happening in the Southern Senatorial District. The first ever overhead bridge in Ondo State is nearing completion in Ore. Aside from the aesthetics; the bridge is expected to put an end to the traffic problems which travellers encounter at the Ore-Benin Expressway intersection.

Months after the construction of the roads in Sabome and Ajagba has been completed, the people are still in wonderland. This was the opinion of Sunday Leji, a resident who said the people never believed anything good could come from the government to the people.

With no single senatorial zone left out of the major infrastructural boost blowing across the state, the Governor Akeredolu administration has completed the construction of more than 50 roads and still counting.

The governor, from his first day in office, has maintained his unflinching interest in the welfare of workers of the public service. For him, the workers’ welfare is very strategic to the success of the government.

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. The 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 workers 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.

Akeredolu has kept to his vow, clearing six of the seven months’ salary backlogs. For the first time in a long while, the workers have earned their salaries more than 24 months unbroken! The government has also paid the workers their leave allowances. Without doubt, these are feats some people said were impossible to achieve a little less than two years ago.

Within two-and-a-half years, the governor appointed about 44 permanent secretaries, righting the wrongs that have been done to many top civil servants by past administrations.

Currently, the state is gradually changing the ignoble tag of a ‘civil service’ state to a state driven by industries and privately-oriented businesses. From less than N500, 000 every month, the Akeredolu administration has grown the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to a little less than N2 billion every month.

It was, therefore, no mean feat when the Joint Tax Board (JTB), a body of all the tax authorities in Nigeria, declared Ondo State as the most improved state in internal revenue generation for last year.

To sustain the feat and continue to boost the state’s revenue generation drive, the state recently employed about 234 young graduates.

To ensure that the gains of the last two-and-a-half years are not reversed, the administration has embarked on a massive industrial revolution that is already changing the face of the state. On the last count, no fewer than five new industries have settled and began operations in the Ore Industrial Hub.

The last time a deliberate and genuine efforts with visible results were made to industrialise the state was during the administration of the first civilian governor, Chief Adekunle Ajasin, between 1979 and 1984. The Oluwa Glass Company and the Okitipupa Oil Palm were the pride of the state at the time.

source: https://thenationonlineng.net/akeredolu-two-and-a-half-years-later/

Press Release

Wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu will on Thursday, 8th August, 2019, stage a walk against rape in army uniform tagged “1 Million-Woman Protest March”, in protest against the alleged rape committed by an army officer in Ondo state.

The walk is to take off from NEPA roundabout car park at 7 am, with series of messages and campaigns against rape in the State, it will route through Shoprite to Federal Secretariat and to the CP’s office at the police headquarters where it would terminate.

Arabinrin in a statement by her Press Secretary, Miss Tobiloba Fademi, appealed to government functionaries, political leaders, traditional leaders, law enforcement agents, non governmental organisations and civil societies, journalists, women organisations and all stakeholders to join the Walk and campaign against rape in the society, particularly in Ondo State where incidents of rape has been on the increase day by day.

She also called for stiffer penalty against rapists, noting that the menace is becoming alarming and an embarrassment to well-meaning citizens of the state. Therefore, there is need for collective efforts to stem its spread, so as to safeguard the dignity of the girl – child and womanhood.

It could be recalled that the Wife of the Governor recently staged various protest within and outside the State against rape, including media campaigns, where she as well called for speedy prosecution of perpetrators of rape and palliative measures to console the victims.

Governor Arakunrin Akeredolu Restructure police to tackle insecurity’


The Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has disclosed that the time to restructure the Nigeria Police has come to enable it tackle the various security challenges facing the country, especially in the South West region.

Akeredolu who made the disclosure at the weekend during the 2019 Oka Day Festival, held at the new palace of the Olubaka of Oka-Akoko Kingdom, Oba Yusuf Adebori Adeleye, insisted that the police architecture needs total restructuring as the central police command system was no longer effective.

He specifically called for state police to combat increased spate of insecurity in the country, describing the security challenges as very alarming.

This is coming as the Olubaka of Oka-Akoko Kingdom, Oba Yusuf Adebori Adeleye, applauded the governor for the rehabilitation of the Owo/Ikare Road which had been in a very bad shape for the past few years.

The governor, who described the security situation in the South-West as worrisome, also decried a situation where those who should secure the people are now allegedly taking to raping of innocent school girls.

“The police architecture needs total restructuring. Central police cannot work and it is not working except we are deceiving ourselves. What we are saying is that the time has come to have state police in this country. The challenge we are having is alarming and it is a very serious matter.

“Those we also put on our roads to secure us are now raping our daughters. So, we have a great challenge and something has to be done,” Akeredolu emphasised.

The governor, however, challenged the Senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District, Senator Ajayi Boroffice and other National Assembly members in the state to lead the voice for the amendment of the necessary Acts in the constitution to pave way for the creation of state police in the country, promising to give them necessary support.

Akeredolu who also revealed that many schools have been reconstructed in Oka town apart from other road projects in the ongoing aggressive infrastructural drive by his administration, equally promised to do more to make lives more comfortable for the people in Akoko area.

The governor further hinted that his government has continued to support farmers greatly by giving them agric inputs and allowing them to farm without disturbances.

“What is more important is how we allow our farmers to farm without any rancour. Before now, they send you out of the farms on yearly basis, but we have not sent anyone out of the farm. I know that farming will get to its rightful place very soon,” he said.

He assured farmers that they would be wealthy under his administration and that their farm produce including yams would be exported massively for foreign exchange thereby changing their lives for better.

Earlier, the Olubaka of Oka-Akoko Kingdom, Oba Yusuf Adebori Adeleye, appreciated the Governor for the various infrastructural projects being executed by his administration in Oka town, saying such has positively impacted on the lives of the people of the affected areas.

“I want to thank our dear Arakunrin Akeredolu once again for the rehabilitation of Iwaro/Oke Oka road last year,” he said. The monarch equally thanked the Governor for appointing three of the sons and daughters of the town as Permanent Secretaries, describing it as unprecedented in the history of Oka town.

Oba Adeleye further applauded Akeredolu for the ongoing rehabilitation of bad and abandoned boreholes in Oka Town, noting that over 60 boreholes are now functional since the work began last week, and this has helped address water challenges in the affected areas.

He appreciated the governor for his approval for the construction of new schools in the town. He particularly assured the governor of the readiness of Ondo State Council of Obas to continue to support the him for another term in view of his developmental projects in Akoko land as well as commitment to the transformation of the state at large.

spends N1.2b to recondition 284 vehicles


Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has assured drivers in the State Public Service who manage government vehicles excellently of financial reward by the end of the year.

The governor, who gave the assurance at the unveiling ceremony of the second batch of 30 reconditioned government vehicles in Akure, the Ondo state capital, said the event was a clear evidence of prudent management of resources by his administration and a way of reflecting the current financial reality of the state.

He noted that the vehicles like every other property of government were procured through payments made by tax payers in the state, and as such would not be allowed to be mishandled.

Unlike the first batch which were all hilux vehicles, the latest 30 which were hitherto broken down and unserviceable were all cars and delivered at a unit cost of a little above N2million, totaling N65million.

Disclosed that about N1.2 billion would be expended on the reconditioning of 284 vehicles captured for total overhauling by the company undertaking the project, Logical Ideas Limited.

Akeredolu explained that the initiative was part of the strategies of the present administration to save cost, think anew, act anew, and make productivity synonymous with the state’s public service and equally ensure effective patronage for artisans in the state.

He said through functional and well-motivated public service, and judicial use of the state resources, the state would be made better for the people.

“At inception, we met vehicles abandoned for five or six years, and we felt it could still be put to good use because things like these shouldn’t just be abandoned”, he said.

While maintaining that the reconditioned vehicles have been well upgraded to almost new, Governor Akeredolu said each vehicle had imported engines fixed with it and two years warranty given by the company.

He, however, enjoined government drivers to properly maintain all vehicles under their care as government is setting up a reward mechanism to reward excellent ones among them and sanction those who mishandle government vehicles.

In his welcome address, the Secretary to the State Government, Ifedayo Abegunde, described the governor as a visionary leader whose initiative has created a template of value for the good governance posture of the present administration.

The Chairman of Logical Ideas Limited, Chief Wole Okunnuga in his remarks described Arakunrin Akeredolu as a courageous administrator with ingenious acumen for transformation.

He said that the step of the governor has brought the people of Ondo State, especially artisans, into productivity as the programme has an inbuilt exposure of artisans in the state to new methods of reconditioning vehicles.

“This action has also given the state massive savings because brand new cars of these sort cost N528 million, but the governor has brought these cars to Ondo with N65 million. Some said why not buy ‘Tokunbo’ cars, but I told them that these are better than ‘Tokunbo’ because all necessary parts are brand new, while the cars come with two years warranty on engines”. he said.

Providing insight into while the State Government ventured into the project the Commissioner for Finance, Mr Wale Akinterinwa, described the development as value addition, adding that Arakunrin Akeredolu has been prudently utilising the little resources accruing to the state to ensure good governance in the state and save public funds.

He stressed that the reconditioned cars would go a long way at enhancing the quality of productivity by civil servants in the state by ensuring improved service delivery.

Also on behalf of the drivers in the state the Chief Technical Officer, CTO, Mr Odunayo Kolawole, assured the governor of proper use of the vehicles to serve the purpose they were meant to serve.

Akeredolu Saves N463M On 30 Reconditioned Vehicles

Ondo state Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has saved the state of N463Million by reconditioning thirty broken down and unserviceable vehicles instead of buying new ones.

Akeredolu, who inherited a lean purse, engaged the services of an automobile company, Logical Ideas Limited, to recondition serviceable and unserviceable vehicles in all ministries, extra-ministerial departments and agencies.

While handling over the vehicles, the chairman of the company, Mr. Oluwole Okunnuga, said the state government saved N463million on the thirty reconditioned cars.

He said the government spent N65million only on the 30 Toyota vehicles, adding that the same number would have cost a whooping sum of N528million if new ones were purchased.

Okunnuga explained that each of the reconditioned vehicles cost an average of less than N3million, saving the state from acquiring the lowest cost brand new of N15Million.

He stressed that the vehicles, though not brand new, are better than fairly used ones and have a warranty of two years on the replaced brand new engines.

In his goodwill message, the state Commissioner for finance, Mr. Wale Akinterinwa, described the reconditioning of the Vehicles as cost-effective and a reflection of a transformational leadership.

In his address, Governor Akeredolu said his decision to refurbish all government vehicles was taken due to paucity of funds and cost effectiveness, considering the skyrocketed and outrageous cost of procuring brand new vehicles.

The governor said the company was engaged to carry out a total overhauling of 284 vehicles in phases, adding that the move would save the state government a huge amount of money that otherwise would have been spent on new vehicles.

He said: "The vehicles we are receiving today is a clear evidence of prudent and logical decision at this time when there is paucity of fund in the state in particular and Nigeria in general

"It is first of its kind in the history of this state and it is in tandem with our electioneering campaign to think a new and act a new."

The governor, who called for the cultivation of maintenance culture among the users of the vehicle, stressed that there will be reward for any driver who handles the vehicle attached to him very well while those who do otherwise will be sanctioned.

Olabode R Olatunde
Special Assistant to the Governor (New Media)
2nd August, 2019

� Nguher Gabrielle Zaki

NWPL: Sunshine Queens pick three points away from home



Sunshine Queens Fc of Akure during the week picked maximum points away from home in an Elite league tie played at the Kaduna township stadium against debutant, Kaduna Queens.

Patricia Innocent scored first for the Ondo state sponsored side in the 44th minute to give Sunshine Queens the deserved lead which only lasted few minutes as Kaduna Queens equalised via a spot kick to end the first half 1-1

On resumption into the second half, Sunshine Queens intensified efforts in search of a winner which never came until the 79th minute when Akudo Ogbonna superbly slotted home to send Sunshine Queens technical bench into a wild jubilation.

With few minutes left, the home team mounted pressure on the visitors but were denied an equaliser as Sunshine Queens defence line exhibited experience and calm in denying Kaduna Queens attackers.

With the result, Sunshine Queens now top group C temporarily with four Points from two matches, having played a goalless draw at home in their first league game against Nasarawa Amazons.

Kaduna Queens are at the bottom of the group having failed to pick a point from two matches played so far, losing 3-0 to Bayelsa Queens and 2-1 against Sunshine Queens FC.

Kaduna Queens Head Coach Usman Shuaib in his post match interview commended his players for putting up a good fight against a more experienced Sunshine Queens FC

“Its sad we lost at home, but we are taking the positives from the game and we’ll start preparing in earnest against our next opponent”

Sunshine Queens Team Manager, Mojisola Adekanye who spoke with newsmen attributed the win to hardwork and determination

“We had a game plan before we arrived Kaduna, and I’m glad it all worked out as planned, the result is a clear reflection of determination and hard work”.

SUBEB SIJUADE ROAD READY SOON~ CONTRACTOR

The 1.25km road linking State Universal
Basic Education Board (SUBEB) headquarters with Sijuade quarters in Akure will be completed soon.

The project Director of RCC Construction company Engineer Adamu Seriki stated this while receiving the Commissioner for works and infrastructure Hon. Saka Yusuf Ogunleye who was on an inspection visit to the road.

Engr Seriki who said construction of drains were at advance stage informed the Commissioner that art works will soon be completed.

The project Director said the Company would maximize the August break to expedite work on the road with an assurance that within the next two months the road will be ready for use

Engr Seriki told the Commissioner that one of the Culverts in the road had been demolished so as to give room for total reconstruction while the second one would be expanded.


While expressing satisfaction with the level of work done so far, the commissioner said construction of the road will reduce the hardship being experienced by residents of the area.

Hon. Ogunleye said the economic activities of the people would also be enhanced noting that accessibility is vital to social economic viability of any society

The commissioner used the visit to reiterate the commitment of Mr Governor's determination to complete all the ongoing road projects across the state.

Ayo Falana
Press & publicity unit
Ministry of works and infrastructure
31/7/2019

Akeredolu To Alasoadura: You Belong To All In Ondo APC

The Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN has charged Minister-designate, Senator Tayo Alasoadura to use the opportunity of his appointment to unite and strengthen the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State for the challenges ahead.

Mr. Governor believes that the confirmation of Alasoadura by the Senate would go a long way in bringing together all stakeholders in the party irrespective of hitherto existing differences. The Governor believes strongly that Alasoadura belongs to all in the APC.

When opportunities such as this come, there are bound to be straw-holding cleavages laced with the potency of further dividing or creating needless gulfs among leaders. A time like this is therefore, the most desirable for leaders to display compassion, love, forgiveness as well as broadminded inclusiveness.

These are undoubted qualities in our minister-designate should dispassionately deploy to bring on board, all members of the APC in Ondo State. This is more so that, as leader of the party in the State on whose shoulders the challenges of heightening the fortunes of APC rest, Mr. Governor is further encouraged by the fact that Alasoadura's complimentary leadership, alongside others, will create a more harmonious path to reconciliation.

Mr. Governor therefore, counsels against divisive statements and utterances that are inimical to the enviable path to oneness in the APC. As far as Governor Akeredolu is concerned, the choice of Alasoadura is a collective victory for all in the state chapter of APC.

Donald Ojogo,
Hon. Commissioner for Information and Orientation

Why we are yet to apply for FG’s loan – Oil Palm farmers

Oil Palm farmers in Ondo state yesterday said they have not applied for the Federal Government’s N30billion loan and that they are still studying the guidelines.

Speaking on behalf of the farmers, Chairman of National Palm Producers Association, Ondo State chapter, Mr Bolarinwa Adetula said they are still studying the guidelines of the loan to see how they are going to apply.

Adetula said the loan is for beginners according to the guidelines making it difficult for them to take their decision.

” In the meeting we had with them, we asked them what they have for the existing farmers, they said we should go to Anchor Borrowers Programme and in the last two years that we have been going to Anchor Borrowers, we have not been given anything,”.

“We have over 500 members across the state and nobody has applied. In the meeting, we also told them that nine percent interest is too high for a beginner and anything above two percent is not feasible, they promised to call us since then we have not heard from them,” he noted.

While calling on the government to give the loan to smallholder farmers, Adetula said giving the loan to people who are not rightful farmers will amount to colonising the palm industry in the country.

“When they formed the policy, we were not invited, we do not have any input. So they should come to our level. What it takes to clear 10hectares of land in Nasarawa is not the same with Ondo state,” he stressed.

It would be recalled that Federal Government promised to commence the disbursement of a #30 billion loan to oil palm producers in the country.

FUTA signs MoU with institute on wealth creation

The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Diaspora Innovation Institute, USA.

With the MoU, the university will enjoy research benefits from the Carnegie Foundation in America which in turn will help create wealth from waste for the youth in Ondo State.

The cheery news was disclosed by the Chief Engagement Officer of Diaspora Innovation Institute, Prince Akin Ojomo during a chat with our correspondent.

Ojomo said plans have reached advanced stage to introduce a waste management and integration project at FUTA to teach youths how to create wealth from waste.

By this collaborative venture, he explained that the University and Carnage African Diaspora will make Ondo State a centre of excellence in creating wealth from waste.

The Diaspora Innovation Institute, a United States based diaspora engagement and Thinktank at the City University of New York, USA recently signed a Partnership Agreement with a South African institution, African Centre for Global Learning (Pty) Ltd ACGL operating a world class facilities to promote global Digital training, and exchange programmes for youths in Nigeria and South Africa.

During the event which took place in Midrand, South Africa, the Principal Consultant of the project, Mr Felix Lombwa of ACGL expressed his excitement about the program especially the partnership to attract youths from Nigeria which he said would provide a great opportunity for States to invest in the people especially the Youths.

The Training program includes; Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things IOT, Robotics and so on which forms the basis of the Fourth Industrial Revolution 4IR.

In his response, the Chief Engagement Officer for Diaspora Innovation Institute, USA, Prince Akinwale Ojomo who was in South Africa for the Agreement signing expressed his optimism about the program and being the partner in Nigeria to pre-qualify, screen and facilitate travel documents for participants. He further stated the benefits that will accrue to the Corporate and State Sponsors which include but not limited to having a well digitally trained citizens with current Digital Transformation Knowledge, Entrepreneurial and Self reliance skills.

In addition, he called on State governments to sponsor participants for the program as this would mean investing on the Youths to support policy challenges, innovative government, efficient service delivery and creation of Innovation Hub in the State.

The partner from Nigeria was conducted round the facilities and assured that the participants will learn under a secured environment.

Finally, ACGL, the Training firm is located in Midrand, Gauteng Province which is a safe and learning business district of South Africa. An estimated 1million youths will be trained in Africa within the next 10years .

ONDO state Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu has ordered the Police to effect the arrest of anyone or group which parades itself as Fulani Vigilante in any part of the state.

Information and Orientation, commissioner Donald Ojogo said this in a statement issued in Akure to state government position of the vexed issue.

Criticism had trailed the report of Fulani herdsmen patrolling the highway as vigilantee group.

Ojogo said the state government “has witnessed with utmost dismay, an orchestrated campaign in respect of the above subject matter.

“The intention of the sponsors and their echoers is undoubtedly, to discredit the administration of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and ostensibly, incite the people against the Ondo State Government.

“lt is pertinent to recall that upon the circulation of the story in the social media about the purported formation of an armed vigilante group by the Miyetti Allah, Governor Akeredolu was swift in his reaction to the development.

“Not only did he disown the move, if at all. He indeed ordered the Police to effect the arrest of anyone or group which parades itself as Fulani Vigilante.

“The Governor’s position was decisive even as it was pointedly consequential.

“At the risk of repeating himself, Governor Akeredolu reaffirmed the position of Government on Tuesday, July 23 when he was accosted by reporters who sought further information on the matter.

“The leadership of the Miyetti Allah in the State has equally disowned the report and has even provided further insights into actionable steps to deal with whoever conducts self in a manner that do not conform with the position of Government.

“Succinctly, therefore, the scheming media spins on the issue can only be the handiwork of divisive elements and their collaborators whose defeated desire is to demarket the Ondo State Government through unfounded claims and gross mischief.

He said that “The position of Governor Akeredolu on this matter stands. Government will not allow armed Fulani Vigilante in any part of Ondo State.