₦airaland Forum

SWB To Begin Bitumen Exploration In Ondo


Arrangements are in top gear to kick-start the exploration of the large deposit of Bitumen in Ondo State by an indigenous company, South West Bitumen, (SWB) which has secured a 25-Year renewable operational mining license across a land mass of about14,800 Hectares in the Southern part of the Sunshine State.

Speaking during a working visit to the Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu ,SAN; the Managing Director of South West Bitumen Company, Engineer Akin Odumakinde, disclosed that construction of a befitting operational base for the company would be completed within the next three months.

Engineer Odumakinde who told the governor that the SWB was ready to commence mining operation of bitumen in the state very soon having taken delivery of needed equipment and paid the agreed compensation to the families of land owners whose landed properties were within the landmass acquired for the project .

He said on completion, several persons would be employed from the host communities across Odigbo , Irele and Okitipupa Local Government Areas.

He categorically stated that a Bitumen Research and Development Centre has been established at the Federal University of Technology in Akure and its affiliate to be at the state’s University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa.

At inception of his administration the governor had stated that the bitumen project was close to his heart adding that the product which the state has in large abundance would not only be harnessed but also bring about the desired change to the economic fortunes of the state.

While briefing the governor on the efforts carried out so far on the project, the Managing Director explained that the nation stands to benefit a lot from the project.

He stressed that Nigeria consumes more than 95% of bitumen processed in West Africa , noting that the state ranked 5th largest bitumen reserves in the world with the potential of producing asphalt products that can compete in the international market if explored.

Responding, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu commended the company for its efforts towards ensuring the realisation of the untapped products and also resolving with host communities in a more civil manner which will be of great benefit to them and the state at large.

Arakunrin Akeredolu acknowledged the former Minister of Mines and Steel Development and now the Governor of Ekiti, Dr Kayode Fayemi, for his immeasurable interest at granting the license to the company .

He assured that the State Government would look speedily into the request to confer Deeds of Ownership of the acquired land for the project on the company through the issuance of Certificate of Ownership.

Ondo police arrest nursing mother with 2 AK 47 rifles


Ondo State police command has arrested a 29-year-old-nursing mother, Ebisemi Ebiyen, for allegedly concealing two AK 47 rifles inside her baby’s bag.

The suspect, who is currently cooling her heels in the custody of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) of the state police command in Akure, was arrested by detectives attached to Ilaje/Es-Odo Local Government Area of the state.

Findings by our correspondent revealed that the policemen who arrested the suspect acted on a tip-off.

The woman, it was gathered, could not give a satisfactory explanation regarding how she came about the weapons concealed in her bag.

It was learnt that the suspect was moved to Akure, the state capital after interrogation by the police at Ilaje.

A competent police source who spoke under condition of anonymity told our correspondent that the suspect had given useful information to the police.

The source explained that the suspect was coming from a neighbouring community with her six-month-old baby when nemesis caught up with her.

Reports had it that the husband of the suspect has since absconded after he got the news that his wife had been arrested.

It was gathered that the state police command will parade the suspect after preliminary investigations into the matter are concluded.

Buhari Pledges Support To Private Sectors To Boost Agro-Produce Export


President Muhammadu Buhari has said the government would continue to support the private sector to improve the agricultural sector through export expansion plan.

President Buhari also said that the support for the private sector would also come through other forms like emphasizing backward integration.


Buhari who disclosed this in his Democracy Day speech also acknowledged that the Nigerian farmers had made a remarkable stride in ensuring food security.


“On food security, our farmers have made great strides in a local production of rice, maize, cassava, poultry, fertilizer, fisheries, and sesame. We remain resolute in supporting the private sector in emphasizing backward integration and export expansion plans,” he said.


The President also said that Nigeria would take steps to explore the cleaner and more sustainable source of energy and curb the incessant cutting down of trees.


“Felling of trees to provide energy for domestic use is taking its toll on our rain forests, our ecology, and our climate. Accordingly, we are taking steps to harness cleaner and more sustainable sources of electricity. We export over 2 million tons of cooking gas, yet we consume less than half a million tons.

“We will work to address this issue and support rural communities with challenges of safely switching from firewood to cooking gas,” he said.

He further said that the government would also explore Public Private Partnership (PPP) to establish agro-industrial processing zones in order to increase agricultural yield and industrial output.

“Dedicated agro-industrial processing zones will be developed on a PPP basis to increase farming yields, agricultural productivity and industrial output,” President Buhari added.

Source: https://citadelng.com/buhari-pledges-support-to-private-sectors-to-boost-agro-produce-export/

ADDRESS BY H.E PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI AT THE 2019 NATIONAL DEMOCRACY DAY AT THE EAGLE SQUARE, ABUJA

12TH JUNE 2019

Protocols

All Praise is due to GOD Almighty Who spared our lives to be present at this great occasion. We give thanks also that the democratic process has been further entrenched and strengthened.

Twenty years ago, a democratically elected government took over from the military in a historic transfer of political power for our country.

Today, we are privileged to mark the longest period of unbroken democratic leadership and 5th peaceful transfer of power from one democratically elected government to another in Nigeria.

Throughout the last four years, I respected the independence of INEC. I ensured that INEC got all the resources it needed for independent and impartial management of elections in the country.

All interested parties are agreed that the recent elections, which except for pockets of unrest, were free, fair and peaceful.

I thank all the people who worked for our party, who campaigned and who voted for us. I thank my fellow Nigerians, who, since 2003 have consistently voted for me.

Victory is your greatest reward; peace, unity and greater prosperity will be our collective legacy.

Your Excellencies, Fellow Nigerians,

I and Nigerians collectively must give adequate thanks to our Armed Forces, Police and other law enforcing agencies for working round the clock to protect us by putting themselves in harm’s way and defending our values and protecting our future.

Terrorism and insecurity are worldwide phenomena and even the best policed countries are experiencing increasing incidents of unrest and are finding things hard to cope.

The principal thrust of this new Administration is to consolidate on the achievements of the last four years, correct the lapses inevitable in all human endeavors and tackle the new challenges the country is faced with and chart a bold plan for transforming Nigeria.

Fellow Nigerians, I have had the privilege of free education from Primary school to Staff College to War College.

I received my formative education in Katsina and Kaduna and my higher education in England, India and the United States.

I have worked and served in Kaduna, Lagos, Abeokuta, Makurdi, Port Harcourt, Maiduguri, Ibadan, Jos and finally here in Abuja. Throughout my adult life, I have been a public servant. I have no other career but public service. I know no service but public service.

I was involved at close quarters in the struggle to keep Nigeria one. I can therefore do no more than dedicate the rest of my life to work for the unity of Nigeria and upliftment of Nigerians.

In 2002-2003 campaigns and elections, I travelled by road to 34 of the 36 states of the Federation. This year I travelled by air to all 36 states of the Federation.

Before and during my time in the Armed Forces and in government, I have interacted with Nigerians of all ages and persuasions and different shades of opinion over a period of more than fifty years.

And my firm belief is that our people above all want to live in peace and harmony with their fellow Nigerians. They desire opportunity to better themselves in a safe environment.

Most of the instances of inter-communal and inter-religious strife and violence were and are still as a result of sponsorship or incitements by ethnic, political or religious leaders hoping to benefit by exploiting our divisions and fault lines, thereby weakening our country.

And our country Nigeria is a great country. According to United Nations estimates, our population will rise to 411 million by 2050, making us the third most populous nation on earth behind only China and India.

We have water, arable land, forests, oil and gas and vast quantities of solid minerals. We are blessed with an equable climate. However, the bulk of our real wealth lies in Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry and Mining. We possess all the ingredients of a major economic power on the world stage.

What we require is the will to get our acts together. And our strength is in our people – our youth, our culture, our resilience, our ability to succeed despite the odds.

A huge responsibility therefore rests on this and succeeding Administrations to develop, harness and fulfil our enormous potential into a force to be reckoned with globally.

Thus far, we Nigerians can be proud of our history since Independence in 1960. We have contributed to UN peace-keeping responsibilities all over the world; we have stabilized Liberia, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast and two years ago we prevented the Gambia from degenerating into anarchy.

Without Nigerian influence and resources, the liberation of Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe and ultimately South Africa would have come at greater cost. This fact had been attested by none other than the late Nelson Mandela himself.

Elsewhere, Nigeria is the Big Brother to our neighbours. We are the shock-absorber of the West African sub-region, the bulwark of ECOWAS and Lake Chad Basin Commission. We can therefore be proud to be Nigerians. We must continue to be Good Neighbours and Good Global Citizens.

At home, we have been successful in forging a nation from different ethnicities and language groups: our evolution and integration into one nation continues apace.

When, therefore we came to office in 2015 after a decade of struggle we identified three cardinal and existential challenges our country faced and made them our campaign focus, namely security, economy and fighting corruption.

None but the most partisan will dispute that in the last four years we have made solid progress in addressing these challenges.

When I took the oath of office on 29 May 2015, insecurity reigned. Apart from occupying 18 local governments in the North East, Boko Haram could at will attack any city including the Federal Capital, could threaten any institution including bombing the United Nations building and Police Headquarters in Abuja.

Admittedly, some of the challenges still remain in kidnappings and banditry in some rural areas. The great difference between 2015 and today is that we are meeting these challenges with much greater support to the security forces in terms of money, equipment and improved local intelligence. We are meeting these challenges with superior strategy, firepower and resolve.

In face of these challenges, our Government elected by the people in 2015 and re-elected in March has been mapping out policies, measures and laws to maintain our unity and at the same time lift the bulk of our people out of poverty and onto the road to prosperity.

This task is by no means unattainable. China has done it. India has done it. Indonesia has done it. Nigeria can do it. These are all countries characterized by huge burdens of population.

China and Indonesia succeeded under authoritarian regimes. India succeeded in a democratic setting. We can do it.

With leadership and a sense of purpose, we can lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years.

Following the 60 percent drop in oil prices between 2015 and 2016, through monetary and fiscal measures, we stimulated economic growth, curbed inflation and shored up our external reserves.

We now have witnessed 8 quarters of positive growth in the economy and our GDP is expected to grow by 2.7 percent this year.

Furthermore, our external reserves have risen to $45 billion enough to finance over 9 months of current import commitments.

This Administration is laying the foundation and taking bold steps in transforming our country and liberating our people from the shackles of poverty.

First, we will take steps to integrate rural economies to the national economic “grid” by extending access to small-scale credits and inputs to rural farmers, credit to rural micro-businesses and opening up many critical feeder roads.

Secondly, for small-scale enterprises in towns and cities, we shall expand facilities currently available so that we continue to encourage and support domestic production of basic goods and reduce our reliance of imported goods as I will outline later.

For the next four years, we will remain committed to improving the lives of people by consolidating efforts to address these key issues as well as emerging challenges of climate change, resettling displaced communities and dealing decisively with the new flashes of insecurity across the country, and the impacts on food scarcity and regional stability.

We are not daunted by the enormity of the tasks ahead. Instead, we are revived by this new mandate to work collaboratively with State and Local Governments, Legislators, the Diplomatic Corps and all Nigerians to rebuild and reposition our country as the heartbeat and reference point for our continent.


Nation building takes time. But we must take solace in the knowledge that this country, our country, has everything we require to make Nigeria prosper.

Fellow Nigerians, Your Highnesses, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, I invite you to join me in this journey of rebuilding our nation.

Our focus will not be to help the privileged few but to ensure that Nigeria works for Nigerians of all persuasions. That is a more just arrangement.

As we all know, correcting injustice is a pre-requisite for peace and unity. As part of the process of healing and reconciliation, I approved the recognition of June 12 as Democracy Day and invested the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola and Babagana Kingibe with National Honours, as I did with the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi. The purpose was to partially atone for the previous damage done in annulling the Presidential elections of that year.

Today, I propose the re-naming of the Abuja National Stadium. Henceforth it will be called MOSHOOD ABIOLA NATIONAL STADIUM.

In my first term, we put Nigeria back on its feet. We are working again despite a difficult environment in oil on which we depend too much for our exports. We encountered huge resistance from vested interests who do not want CHANGE, But CHANGE has come, we now must move to the NEXT LEVEL.

By the Grace of God, I intend to keep the oath I have made today and to serve as President for all Nigerians.

I thank you for attending this august occasion from far and near, and for all your best wishes to me, to our party and to Nigeria.

God bless us all, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Ondo Assembly dissolves LG chairmen

The Ondo State House of Assembly yesterday dissolved the 18 caretaker chairmen and 203 Supervisory Councillors across the local government areas of the state

This is as a result of the expiration of their six months tenure.
It will be recalled that the interim management committee members were inaugurated by the Ondo House of Assembly on December, 2018 for a term of six months.

The dissolution was announced at the plenary of the Assembly in Akure, the state capital.

The House said the dissolution took effect from yesterday June 13, 2019.

The House ordered the caretaker chairmen to handover to their Directors of Local Government Administration, of their respective councils (DLGA) with immediate effect.

Moving the motion for the dissolution,the majority leader, Mr Maito Jamiu noted that six months ago, after receiving letter from the state government, the committees were approved by the House to oversee the affairs of the local governments by virtue of the state laws, saying their tenure expired yesterday.

The motion was seconded by the deputy speaker, Mr Iroju Ogundeji.

Meanwhile, the House also confirmed the appointment of three nominees members of the state civil service commission.

This came after they were screened and recommended for confirmation by the House selection committee.

They are, Mr Rotimi Okeowo, Chief Joel Magi and Mr Isaac Adeleke Itiola.

Moving a motion on the activities of herdsmen and kidnappings in the state, a member representing Akure North constituency, Mr Abiodun Faleye noted that something must be done urgently to curb the trend hence the need for the House to invite the Miyetti Allah association saying that the citizens must not live in fear.

Also during the plenary session, seven executive bills passed through first reading among which are, a bill to amend the law for the Ondo State Education Endowment Fund, a bill to amend the law to make provisions for the Registration and Inspection of private institutions, the establishment of a private health institution registration unit, a bill for a law to provide for the retirement age of professors, academic, and non-academic staff of universities and other tertiary institutions in Ondo State.

GOVERNOR AKEREDOLU REITERATES COMMITMENT TO JUNE 12 ANNUAL CELEBRATION

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has assured the commitment of Ondo state government to the June 12 annual celebration.

Akeredolu gave the commitment at the democracy day programme organised by the Ondo state government held at the dome in Akure , Ondo state capital .

Represented by the deputy governor Agboola Ajayi , the governor saluted president Buhari for the honour done MKO Abiola and the entire Yoruba race for the highest post humor recognition and award bestowed on MKO and his family particularly for proposing to name Abuja National Stadium after him.

While speaking on the June 12 struggle ,the orangun of Oke – ila in Osun state, Oba Adedookun Abolarin advocated for the need for those who fought for the the june 12, 1993 election struggle to be honoured nationally by the government.

Oba Abolarin said the nation is enjoying the struggle of those who sacrificed their lives and resources for Nigeria’s democracy.

The monarch who doubles as the chairman on the occasion stressed that democracy and nation building is a process and should be used to build the future.

Oba Abolarin while recalling his struggles along with other prominent Nigerians during the fight for democracy commended the ondo state government for coming up with the programme which will in no small way create a brighter future for those coming behind.

The organizing chairman of the event, professor Bayonle Ademodi went down memory lane as to what the struggle was and harped on the need for democracy to continue to thrive for the development of the nation irrespective of some challenges confronting it.

The event with the theme “Democracy day: What the Future holds” was attended by the speaker of the state house of assembly , Bamidele Oleyelogun and the chairman of OSRC/orange FM, Mr. Kunle Adebayo.

Governor Akeredolu pledges adequate teachers, facilities for Ondo schools



The Ondo State governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has expressed the readiness of his administration to provide adequate number of teachers in the public colleges and primary schools across the 18 local government of the state .

Akeredolu also pledged to provide requisite and sufficient facilities so that the quality of education in the state can be improved upon.

The governor who made the promise while fielding questions from journalists during a media chat tagged ‘A night with the governor’ , said, “There will be adequate provision of teachers in our primary schools.”

According to him, “The facilities are already there, and in due time, there will be more facilities and enough teachers in these various schools. It’s important we do this to improve upon the quality of our teachers.”

The governor who also reacted to questions bothering on the cost of tertiary education in the state, saying,


“There is no state in Nigeria that has up to three university institutions. Fees were increased in the University of Medical Sciences but there were no complaints because compared to the cost to study medicine in other universities, Ondo state is the cheapest”

“On handicap education system, the impact of this present administration has been felt by the renovation of all the schools of the handicap because we will never neglect the handicaps in Ondo state”

Akeredolu also said the government is making earnest efforts towards making sure that the physically challenged and people with disabilities are not left out in its government’s cares.

“There are different schools in the state for the disabled and measures are taken to ensure these schools are in the best possible shapes”, Akeredolu said.

FG opens emergency phone line for farmers


The Federal Government has unveiled an emergency phone service for farmers to aid them in accessing expert advice on planting, herbicide application and other agricultural practices.

The programme is a joint initiative of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.



Speaking during a one-day sensitisation programme on the National Farmers Helpline Centre in Lagos on Monday, the General Manager, NAERLS, Akeem Lawal, said the project was an intervention programme aimed at making up for the shortfall in the agricultural extension agents.

He said the number of extension agents assisting farmers in the country was too small.

“For now, we have one extension worker to more than 4,000 farmers in many states, whereas the recommended rate should be one extension agent to about 400 farmers. There is no state that has that in the country.

“The states cannot employ up to the number of extension agents that will service the farmers because they cannot afford it. So this is to leverage Information and Communications Technology such that the farmers can use the phones which they have to call the helpline and receive responses to their challenges.”

He described the initiative as “a new thing,” saying, “There are only two other countries that do it in Africa, Kenya and Ghana.

“We started it about four years ago but it did not go online because of bottlenecks but we are there now and we are hoping that the Nigerian Communications Commission will licence a line for us, maybe with a shortcode of four digits so that when people call from any line it will reach us.

“But now, we have two normal GSM lines which people can call and table their problems.”

Cops chased kidnappers who targeted my convoy —Akeredolu


Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, says suspected kidnappers targeted his convoy on the Akure-Ibadan road which links different states in the South-West.

Akeredolu, who did not mention the exact date of the incident, said the suspects ran into the bush when security men attached to him opened fire.

Several kidnappings have been recorded on the road despite the heavy presence of security men on the highway.



Recently, two officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps were abducted. Musibau Adetunmbi, an Ibadan-based lawyer, and Adeyinka Adegbehingbe, a professor of orthopaedic surgery at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun state, also suffered a similar fate.

The Cable reports that speaking on a live television programme on Sunday, Akeredolu said he and his colleagues were working towards ending the “siege to the South-West.”

He said, “I have encountered them (kidnappers) before; so security issue is not limited to the masses alone.”

“My convoy was targeted but my security people shot into the air to scare them away. They fled into the bush on Akure-Ibadan road. We, as governors, will do something about the issue. We are discussing with the Federal Government. It is real that travellers are not safe on the road.

GOVERNOR AKEREDOLU BANS OPEN DEFECATION IN ONDO .

Ondo State government has placed a ban on open defecation across the state in order to address the increasing rate of the trend .

Speaking while inaugurating a seven man steering committee on open defecation free society in Akure, governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu vowed to make Ondo state an example on open defecation.

The event which was attended by chairmen of the eighteen council areas of the state was to end the scourge before 2030 in accordance with United nations target .

Available records shows that Nigeria is the second after India on open defecation in the world as close to 50 million Nigerians are involved in open defecation with 9 million living in the south west and 1.4 million people in Ondo state.

Speaking on this development, Akeredolu directed that all public and private buildings as well as public facilities across the state must provide a functional toilet within six months or risk been closed down.

The governor also directed that all public and private schools in the state must have functional toilet facilities and a space for menstrual hygiene which must be put in place within six months starting from next month.

The governor said after six months any one caught violating this directive wil be dealt with decisively.
speaking at the event, The head of UNICEF field office in Akure, mohsena Islam harped on the need for continuous enlightenment in rural areas to ensure the state is open defection free before 2030 target of the sdgs.
The seven man committee chaired by the commissioner for economic planning and budget, pastor Emmanuel Igbasan promised to deliver on the assignment.

Fani Kayode is a clown

He was never for once ready for governance

Politics!!!!!

This can only be GOD

I'll work smoothly with you, Akeredolu assures incoming state legislators.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pictures � by Blessed Michael

Gov. Akeredolu breaks fast with Muslims in Ondo

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Sunday joined members of the State Muslim community to break the day's fast, tagged “Iftar with Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu “.

The Governor had since inception in office made it a duty to break fast with the Muslim during the Ramadan period.

Akeredolu said the state is too sensitive for anyone to discriminate among religious institutions. He added that the Muslims are as important as the Christians in the state.

The Governor who said he was always looking forward to the yearly Iftar, announced that all arrangements have been concluded to build a Mosque inside the government House.

Akeredolu charged the people to always put the interest of the state above personal satisfaction, adding that the government is exploring every avenue to develop the state from all sides.

He said the people stand to benefit immensely from the massive developmental projects been executed by his administration, particularly on road construction, construction of public primary schools and provision of potable water supply.

Earlier in his goodwill message, the Chief Imam of Akure, Alhaji Akorede commended Governor Akeredolu for his different developmental revolutions across the state.

The cleric who christened the governor "Wonderful Aketi" explained that Akeredolu has done so many wonderful things that are beyond the people's expectations.

Also, one of the speakers, Imam Yunus Anola commended Akeredolu for his hospitality towards both the Christians and Muslims in the state.

Source:

Ondo flags off mini-grid in oil community

Ondo State government has flagged off the Ugbonla solar mini-grid power project under the phase 1 of the Ondo State Electricity Improvement and Access Scheme.

The construction of the hybrid solar mini-grid power plant is aimed at solving power problem of Ugbonla town in Ilaje local government area of the state.

Represented by the Special Adviser on Public Utilities, Engr Tunji Ariyomo, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu noted that his administration embarked on the Coastal Off grid Energy Access programme to ameliorate the suffering of the people in the southern senatorial district who were either never connected to or have simply been cut off from the national grid for several years.

Ariyomo called on the people of Ugbonla to join hands with the administration to make the project a success.

According to him, fishermen and fish sellers can now look forward to using electricity powered coldroom and kiln to preserve or dry their fish which is safer for consumption and healthy living.

He said: “Governor Akeredolu has affirmed that his administration will relentlessly pursue all legitimate activities to ensure the issue of power supply to our people and businesses remains a top priority.

“That’s why the state has been vigorously engaging private investors to partner with it in generating power for some off grid clusters in the state.

“We have done similar projects at Aboto, Igbobini, Gbagira, Ebute Ipare and the Gari processing SME cluster near Igbatoro in Akure North local government.

“We know the mighty importance of electricity in these isolated communities in Ondo South and how this had negatively affected productivity.

“In the communities that we have completed, pupils and students in those communities can now study at night and this is greatly impacting their academic performances.

“So, our people in Ugbonla will likewise experience many such positive impacts on their businesses and improved social life.

“It is our target that Mr. Governor will be able to commission this project in the next two months as the power service provider would have completed the project by then.”

The Special Adviser subsequently charged the people to guard the equipment as their personal property by preventing vandals form having access to them.

In his address, the MD of the power company, Mr. Ayo Ademilua assured the people that the Phase I of the project would be ready in August for use in the community.

He explained that after the Phase I, the Phase II would commence after estimating the real-time power consumed by the town with a view to scaling up the wattage.

The traditional and spiritual head of the town, the Imperial King of Zion, Oba (Dr.) Mobolorunduro Ogunfeyimi (JP), Atarioye Ajigbade Lene II, assured the Governor of the cooperation of the community.

Source: https://citadelng.com/ondo-flags-off-mini-grid-in-oil-community/

BUHARI HEADS TO MAKKAH FOR OIC SUMMIT.

President Muhammadu Buhari will depart Abuja today attend the Summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President, Media and Publicity, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

The 14th session of the Summit Conference of the OIC, scheduled to hold on May 31, will be hosted by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and attended by Heads of State and Governments of member states.

According to the OIC secretariat, the summit to be convened under the theme, “Makkah al-Mukarramah Summit: Hand in Hand toward the Future,” seeks to develop a unified stance on events in the Islamic world.

Buhari is expected to address the forum and underscore the need for member countries to unite and work together to combat common challenges such as terrorism and violent extremism.
The President will also push forward themes that have been at the forefront of his domestic and international priorities, including reviving the Lake Chad Basin, investing in Nigeria to create jobs and financing for development.

On the margins of the summit, the Nigerian leader will hold bilateral meetings with world leaders to promote increased cooperation and collaboration on issues of mutual concern.

Buhari, who is expected to return to the country on June 2, will be accompanied by Governors Mohammed Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa, Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State and Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State.

Others are the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mustapha Suleiman; Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Ahmed Rufa’i Abubakar; Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency.

Also in the delegation are Dr Isa Ali Pantami; and the Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Abdullahi Mukthar.

A preparatory meeting is expected to hold in Jeddah to adopt the draft agenda and work programme for the Summit.

The question of Palestine and the Arab-Israeli conflict; combating terrorism and violent extremism; the humanitarian situation in the Muslim world; promotion of scientific cooperation, among others, will top the agenda.

Buhari becomes the third Nigerian leader to attend the OIC conference in person, after the late Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua and Dr Goodluck Jonathan

May 29: President Buhari's Inauguration

The federal republic of Nigeria will have her president (President Muhammadu Buhari) sworn in today for his 2nd tenure at the Eagle Square in Abuja , ceremony commenced at 10 A.M.

Read Live Updates From Muhammadu Buhari's Presidential Inauguration as the 15th President of Nigeria, and 4th President in the fourth Nigerian Republic took place on Friday, 29 May 2015. Today marked the beginning of the second term of Muhammadu Buhari as President following the 2019 general election.

Asset declaration: I have no new houses, shares – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari submitted his asset declaration forms to the Code of Conduct Bureau on Tuesday, meeting the May 28 deadline the bureau set for public officers to make their end of tenure declaration.

Buhari will be inaugurated for a second term on Wednesday (today) for another four years.

By constitutional provisions, the declaration is mandatorily to precede his oath-taking today.

“The duly completed forms were submitted to the Chairman of the CCB, Prof Mohammed Isa, on behalf of the President by Sarki Abba, Senior Special Assistant, Household and Domestic Affairs”, the Presidency said last night in a statement by Buhari’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr Garba Shehu.

The President claimed not to own new property than the assets he declared in 2015 when he began his first term.

The Presidency said, “The forms, as signed by the President and sworn to before a Judge of Abuja High Court, showed no significant changes in assets as declared in 2015 by him.

“There are no new houses, no new bank accounts at home and abroad and there are no new shares acquired.

“The chairman of the CCB commended the President for leading by example by declaring his assets in accordance with the law.”

The PUNCH recalls that Buhari in 2015, through a statement by Shehu, mentioned the assets he had declared at the CCB before assuming office.

On the list released in September, 2015, Buhari stated that he had N30m in his bank account before he assumed office in May of that year.

In addition to owning 270 cows, 25 sheep, five horses, birds and economic trees, there were five houses in Kaduna, Daura, Kano and Abuja. He said the Daura houses were made of “mud.”

He also owned a plot of land each in Port Harcourt and Kano; farms, an orchard and some cars.

The President operated an account with Union Bank, but the statement said he neither owned a foreign account nor any company/factory.

Among the property declared were shares in Berger Paints, Union Bank and Skye Bank.


The Presidency had said further, “The retired general uses a number of cars, two of which he bought from his savings and the others supplied to him by the Federal Government in his capacity as a former Head of State.

“The rest were donated to him by well-wishers after his jeep was damaged in a Boko Haram bomb attack on his convoy in July 2014.”

For Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, the Presidency stated that he had, “A bank balance of about N94m and 900,000 United States Dollars in his bank accounts.”


The houses owned by Osinbajo back then were listed as “four-bedroomed residence on Victoria Garden City, Lagos, and a three-bedroom flat on 2, Mosley Road, Ikoyi; two-bedroom flat on Redemption Camp along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and a 2-bedroom mortgaged property in Bedford, England.”



The Presidency added, “Apart from his law firm, known as SimmonsCooper, the vice-president also declared shareholding in six private companies based in Lagos, including Octogenerium Limited, Windsor Grant Limited, Tarapolsa, Vistorion Limited, Aviva Limited and MTN Nigeria.”

MRS BETTY AKEREDOLU ATTENDS GLOBAL HEALTH SUMMIT IN USA.

The wife of Ondo state Governor, Chief Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu is attending a Harvard Global Health Catalyst summit, Boston.

The Global Health catalyst (GHC) summit at Harvard is a premier yearly event dedicated to catalyzing high impact international collaborations to eliminate global health disparities, with main focus on cancer and related diseases.

Since 2015, the yearly summits are part of a series of high impact initiatives of the Harvard Global Health Catalyst funded by the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Studies at Harvard University and a growing number of international Institutions partners.

250 UNITS YOUTH DRUMS SUPPORT FOR AKEREDOLU SECOND TERM BID

In what has been described by many as a major boost and commendable proof of the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu's
Popularity and acceptability by the ever progressive youths of Ondo state; no fewer than 250 youths came out en-masse in Ondo West Local Government on the 19th Of May 2019 to re-emphasize their support for the Akeredolu led administration.

The youths of ondo west local government said they are stamping their full endorsement for Governor Akeredolu for the continuity of good governance and the development of Ondo state.

The youths expressed their satisfaction with the activities of the Ondo State Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu.
They said "we can see the numerous achievements of Mr. Governor within 2 years in office, the developments in all the 18 Local Government area which has made ondo state a place of envy among its counterparts is the reason for this support".

The Special Assistant to the Governor on Research & Documentation Mr. Lulu Fawenhinmi urged the youths never to relent in their efforts in supporting the ideology of Governor Akeredolu on Good Governance.
Mr Lulu Fawehinmi advised the youths to go back to their respective units to spread the good news of Governor Akeredolu's achievements and all he has accomplished within the space of 2 years.

He charged the Wards Coordinators to work hard for the realization of the AKETI dream THINK ANEW, ACT ANEW.

He also seized the opportunity to appreciate the Ondo state Governor Arakunrin Akeredolu for his youth friendly policies and his youth inclusiveness in his administration.

Present at the occasion were the Youth Leaders of all the units in Ondo West Local Government, and other Stake holders.

Ondo State Roads Must Be Made Safe For All ― Akeredolu

ONDO state governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, has said vehicles without roadworthiness certificates from the state’s Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre would soon be restricted from plying roads within the state, in order to make the roads safe for motorists.

Akeredolu who stated this during the inauguration of the Ondo State Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre in Akure, Ondo state capital, said the era of awarding certificate of roadworthiness without the necessary and mandatory test has gone for good in the state.


According to him, this would go a long way to ensure the safety of lives and property on the roads saying the decision to introduce technology to determine the worthiness of all kinds of vehicles across the state is to ensure their reliability and safety of lives and properties.

Akeredolu reminds herdsmen of daylight curfew, firearms ban in Ondo state

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has reminded herdsmen in the state not to violate the restriction on time for grazing and the ban against the use of weapons and ammunition.

Akereredu, who spoke through his Special Assistant on Security Matters, Alhaji Jimoh Dojumo, said this while commenting on the attack on the palace of Onigedegede of Gedegede in Akoko North-West Local Government Area of the state, by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

The attackers, numbering at least nine, were said to have invaded the palace, threatening to kill the monarch, Oba Walidu Sanni because he had reported the continued destruction of his subjects’ farm produce and farmlands to the police.


Oba Sanni, who immediately raised the alarm over the threat posed by the Fulani herdsmen to his life, his immediate family members and people of Gedegede Town, noted that the government’s timely intervention saved the situation from becoming bloody.

The monarch said he reported the case to the police after he seized a gun and a cutlass which he deposited to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Okeagbe Police Station, Mr Johnson Akintola.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ parley initiated by the state government in order to douse the apprehension, Dojumo reminded the herdsmen that grazing between 6 am and 6 pm in the state is prohibited while no under-aged children should graze in the state.

Dojumo urged herdsmen to live with their host communities peacefully, assuring them that the governor would soon invite all the stakeholders for talks in a bid to find lasting solutions to the incessant clashes.

MONTHLY ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION HOLDS TOMMOROW – ONDO WASTE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY.

The monthly environmental sanitation exercise for the month of May 2019 will hold on Sat 25th May 2019 between the hours of 7am & 10am.

A statement by the General Manager, Mrs Bola Akinyanmi said the general public is excepted to fully participate in the mandatory exercise and whosoever caught not participating would be prosecuted accordingly.

The statement added that Movement of vehicles and persons are restricted within the period of the exercise except for people on essential services emergencies.

OJUIMOLE OIL WELL FIRE OUTBREAK: ODSG MOVES TO PROFFER SOLUTION.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ondo SWAN commiserates with Edo over former Sunshine coach death.

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ondo State Chapter, has expressed its sympathy to the Family, people of Edo State, Lobi Stars FC, Nigeria Coaches Association, Colleagues and other associates of late Coach Solomon Ogbeide for his sudden demise.

According to a release signed by the associations chairman and secretary, Mr Wahab Bankole and Mr Segun Giwa respectively, members of the Sports Writers family in the state received the news of Solomon Ogbeide’s death with shock.

“The association pays tribute to this great tactician, who served the State Football Agency’s apex team, Sunshine Stars Football Club of Akure meritoriously and recorded huge success for the team.”

No doubt, coach Ogbeide, who was greatly admired by football followers will be missed and remembered for his good and highly commendable achievements with the Akure based football club.

“It is also our belief that the soccer loving people of the Sunshine State and indeed, Nigeria will not forget his contributions to football development.”

The statement added, “Our prayers and thoughts are with the families left behind by this God fearing and hardworking coach, as well as Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi, where he worked as Technical Adviser until his death.”

AAUA staff, students shine at Leadership Awards

No fewer than ten nominees from Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko comprising of students and staff have won different awards at the just concluded Prestigious Anchors Leadership Empowerment and Capacity Building {PALEC}awards.

PALEC is a non-governmental organization that deals with leadership and capacity building. The ceremony was held at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife .

The award went through series of stages of three weeks online voting which is 70 percent and profile screening which is 30percent.

Among the AAUA winners were Olufemi Damilola who won Media personality of the year award Ikulajolu Adesola as Campus Journalist of the year; Dr. Mrs. Shade Ade-Johnson as Most Dedicated female leader and Dr. Bolanle Ogungbamila as Most Inspiring and Exemplary Leader

Also, the entertainment section saw Sand O.org.ng owned by Funmi Olorunfemi as Youth capacity building blog; Oladipupo Oluwatobi Superlight as on Air personality of the year.

Others who won their categories include Ogunode Sunday Abraham in Humanitarian category; Epueke Mmaduka Matthew as Most Influential student leader; Ajagunna Abdulganiyu as Student Leadership Personality of the year and ENACTUS as Leadership and capacity building platform of the year

In an interview with Ikulajolu Adesola who won the Campus Journalist category, he said winning the award was a great feat.

“Winning this award is really a great feat and since it is based on merit, I must say it is an encouragement to do more in journalism.”

“I don’t know who did the nomination till today but that means someone is somewhere watching the things I do.

“ I really appreciate God and everyone who supported me for this Campus Journalist of the Year award,” Ikulajolu added.

Olufemi Damilola who won Media Personality of the year while reacting to the possibility of him winning his category said he never expected to win.

He said “I never expect I could win it. I didn’t know the pedigree of other nominees, how strong they are, their past records and achievements. I only knew I was competing and I know someone will win. But with the support of God and everyone who voted and helped in the voting stage, I was able to win”

On his own part, Dr. Ogungbamila said “An individual cannot attain a position or record an achievement without deliberate sacrifices from others.”

He appreciated those who voted during the process

He said the award has taught him “to continue to sacrifice time, energy, and space in order to make my human and physical environments better than I met them.”

The PALEC award was organized in recognition of notable persons in leadership and capacity building as well as honoring their efforts in the South West region of the country.

Farmers canvass second term for Akeredolu



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Akeredolu And Cannabis Cultivation

The entire media in Nigeria, and probably beyond, both traditional and social, have been agog since Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s desire to encourage marijuana or cannabis cultivation, hit the headlines.

I however want to place on the records my personal support for this venture.

It is imperative to declare that I am not a fan Of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, This is on account of the fact that I have either criticised or lampooned his actions.

Cannabis today promises great hope in the treatment of many ailments in our world.

The research into the many medicinal benefits of Cannabis was spearheaded by the Israelis and supported by the USA, albeit clandestinely, as such research was not done on its soil. The research revealed the many promises it offers against chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer among many others.

In the USA today, Cannabis is no longer criminalised across the spectrum as many States have passed legislation to that effect, thus confirming the inherent benefits of this Wonder plant and its potentialities for mankind. Whoever is in doubt should just do a little investigation.

My good friend, Rich Adeyinka Arifalo, Registrar of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), is doing a fantastic job online and physically on exploring alternative sources for the wellness of mankind, by running online platforms tagged “Be Healthy And Wealthy” and other ancillary platforms, which he continues to use to educate the people.

He particularly does have a platform that is educating those of us subscribed to it on the benefits of medicinal cannabis through the use of CBD OIL made from it. I am using it and I know its benefits.

By the way, has anybody really questioned why some diseases have no cure? Fact is that there is no disease that does not have a cure. But the desire by pharmaceutical giants to make humongous profits from the misery of people continues to deliberately make such cures unavailable.

Cannabis remains one of those wonderful herbs that hold great prospect.

Akeredolu is laying a foundation for a great prospect. Whoever has loved ones in need of miracle drugs to survive, will appreciate this step. Whoever is mocking him now may be a beneficiary of this action.

Fadaka is the Director of Media and Publicity, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nigeria’s South West Zone

ACE Provost tasks freshers on academic excellence

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Uso monarch drums support for Akeredolu

The people of Uso community in Owo Local Government area of Ondo State led by their monarch, the Oloba of Uso, Oba Ademola Adebiyi Olanipekun, have applauded the state governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for giving hope to many hopeless communities in the state.

Oloba of Uso spoke yesterday while leading Oloba-in-Council and other people to worship with the governor at Government House Chapel of Grace, Akure.

The monarch specifically lauded the transformation agenda and aggressive infrastructural development of the Governor across the state including his domain, saying that the entire Uso community would support the governor for another term to enable him do more for the people and the development of the state.

Oba Olanipekun, who is the nineth monarch to have led his community to worship in the chapel since the programme began some weeks ago added that his people were committed to the realisation of second term of the Governor in the interest of the state.

He said his people were happy to worship at the Chapel, just as he expressed optimism that the development would herald in new things in the community and the lives of the people.

The monarch equally applauded the governor’s aggressive infrastructural development in the area of construction, rehabilitation and expansion of roads, saying Akeredolu has brought hope and transformation to many hitherto hopeless communities across the state since assumption of office two years ago.

Oloba further appreciated the governor for giving the mega school in Uso to Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, stressing that the development has improved socio-economic development and incomes of the people of Uso and the adjoining communities.

The monarch also appealed to governor for quick completion of the ongoing Pauso bridge, rehabilitation of the community’s roads, presentation of transformer to the community, appointment of Uso indigenes into government offices among others.

Speaking on behalf of the governor, the Special Adviser on Public and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mrs Bunmi Ademosu, appreciated the monarch and people of Uso for their unalloyed support for his government, assuring them that government would not forget them in its infrastructural drive.

She called for more support to enable government do more in its determination to extend dividends of good governance to every nook and cranny of the state.

Ademosu said government would soon embark of renovation of schools in the community and more infrastructural development for the benefit of the people.

Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Preacher, Rev’d Tunde Akinkuneyin, admonished Nigerians to always sow seeds of mercy to the needy in the society and show interest in the comfort of others.

While saying that there is nothing God cannot do and that prayers change things, the clergyman advised all to be prayerful and avoid unacceptable kind of prayers.

Also, the Chief Imam of Uso community, Alhaji Ibrahim Oyinlade, who was part of the service, commended the governor for his giant strides across the state.