₦airaland Forum

Ondo 2020: No vacancy in Alagbaka Govt House – Alabi

CHAIRMAN, Council of Ondo State Polytechnic, Mr. Banji Alabi has thrown his weight behind the 2020 reelection bid of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu saying the Governor has introduced credibility and integrity into governance.
In a statement, Alabi said the laudable achievements so far recorded by his administration in the last few years are evident in all critical sectors of the state. The statement reads:
“In Ondo State, the government renovated over 500 schools, tens of thousands of more boys and girls are today in school. “In our Mother and Child Hospitals, we have reduced to almost zero the mortality rate of women at child birth, the prevention and treatment of hypertension, diabetes measles and malaria and tuberculosis.
“Akeredolu came into office with the twin promises of regular payment of workers salary and to leave Ondo State far better than he met it in terms of physical infrastructure. The gentleman has stayed absolutely faithful to the fulfillment.
“One area where Akeredolu deserves applause is the fact that all projects inherited from his predecessor are now either completed or at various advanced completion stages. This is also in addition to new projects initiated by him that are either completed now or still ongoing.
“It is noteworthy that Akeredolu has delivered more than 45 kilometres of roads in Ondo State across the three senatorial districts. Akeredolu does not discriminate between federal and state roads
“Of all the governors that have served in Ondo State, Akeredolu has performed better in two and half years more than any of them in terms of developmental projects across the 18 local governments. He has introduced credibility and integrity into governance.”

Written by Alozie Genevieve

The Ondo State governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu who doubles as the Chairman of the South West governors forum on Tuesday met with his counterparts and other stakeholders to deliberate on the spate of insecurity in the country especially of the south west region.
As the chairman of the security summit, Akeredolu stated that the issue of socio-economic integration in the region must be taken serious for any aspiration of meaningful development. As he claimed, ‘no remarkable progress can be achieved in the midst of disorderliness.’
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu noted that, the southwest region are hospitable and peace loving people, and at such every insecurity incidence recorded in the region were perpetuated by external bodies. As the chairman of the security summit forum, he explained that the need for the summit is to device a realistic means in tackling the current security issues.

He also admonished his counterparts to set apart party differences and work towards the development of the people’s wellbeing. In as much as they long for the development of the region, they should not forget to provide the best services possible in the interest of the people.
Also, the Ekiti State governor, John Kayode Fayemi, in support of good service delivery to the people, told other governors that the issue of security should be their primary focus in governance. He also reminded them that they are to be held responsible in the case of insecurity by the people.
The host governor, Egnr. Seyi Markinde of Oyo State reminded the stakeholders, that the problem of insecurity in the Western States is like a Snake on their roof, which cannot be ignored. And at such, there could be no development without security.
Also at the summit, the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-olu, speaking at the summit stated that no developmental strides could be achieved in the absence of security. He urged other states governors and stakeholders to put effort together in fighting the heinous situation of insecurity in all states. Adding that all Nigeria should speak with one voice and remove politics to put a permanent stop to the incessant incursions in the country.

The governors also advocated for the approval of State police by the federal government. In respect of this, the Osun State governor, Adegboyega Oyetola , urged that the police and other security agencies should be adequately funded to enable them carry out their job.

Also at the summit, the Ogun State governor Stated that the state is not a Banana Island, said that the state has opened a portal for bandits to surrender their arms and ammunition , and would not condole any bandit after the deadline of the submission. He also noted that the Summit should periodically be reviewed to ascertain the progress made so far.
Assistant Inspector General of Police, Adeleye Olusola Oyebade, and other delegates acknowledged the effort of the South West governors for the idea of the Security Summit.
Also another stakeholder at the summit, Prof. Opeyemi, insisted on the indisputable relationship between security and development. Which he defines development as the consistent growth among the people of any country. And that to achieve development in any state both social and economic security should be provided.
https://citadelng.com/insecurity-no-remarkable-progress-can-be-achieved-amidst-chaos-akeredolu-2/

The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Owerri, Imo State capital, has granted the application by Action Alliance, AA, to withdraw from suit challenging the election of Emeka Ihedioha of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as governor of the state.

Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha

Ruling on the application brought by the national leadership of the AA which alleged that the party was not consulted by its candidate in the said election, Uche Nwosu, before approaching the Tribunal, Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Mathew Adewara, granted the request by removing AA as a party to the suit.

Counsel to the AA, Okey Ehieze, commended the Tribunal for granting the request of the party noting that AA was a signatory to a pact with other political parties to support any duly elected candidate.


Ehieze noted that AA was not ready to go into a run-off election which its candidate in the state prayed for.

Counsel to the PDP, Jerry Egemba, described the ruling as a welcome development.

The State Chairman of the AA, Uchendu Ahaneku, said its gubernatorial candidate for the 2019 governorship election in the state would pursue his case against the election of Governor Ihedioha.

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Friday received the first set of refurbished Government Vehicles which were were put in good shape by Logistical ideas Limited.

Governor Akeredolu decided to renew numerous broken down and unserviceable vehicles at significantly low costs compared to the acquisition of brand new vehicles.

Following biddings from severally organisations, the Akeredolu’s administration brought in Logistical ideas Limited who has now delivered the first set of the renew vehicles with two years warranty.

Presenting the Vehicles to the Governor at the Governor's Office, Alagbaka, Akure, the Chairman, Logistical ideas Limited, Mr.Oluwole Okunnuga said the innitiave of the Governor to repair numerous broken down and unserviceable vehicles has helped saved the state's resources and put a stop at wastage.

He said in the next two weeks, his firm will deliver another 30 vehicles and also move at the same pace to be able to cover the time frame with the stipulated number of vehicles.

Mr. Ogunnuga disclosed that the project has also created jobs for artisans in the state as most workers were hired within the state.

Governor Akeredolu who said it's a new dawn in Governance in the state, stressed that he decided to put an end to the practice of abandoning serviceable vehicles to buy new ones.

The Governor noted that his administration became creative as a way of finding solution around the hard economy reality of the state.

Akeredolu who said the vehicles were risen from the dead, attested to the fact that most of the workers at the repair workshop are from within the state.


� Blessed Michael

Someone should give me his house address, i need to buy him Belt before his Pant falls off his waist

By Alozie Genevieve

Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, through his numerous achievements stands out among other governors in terms of sustaining projects negotiated by his predecessors.

To Nigeria governors building on existing good project necessitated by the previous governance is a taboo. Some of them spend maximum number of their years fighting the past government rather than focusing on building the state which they were elected for. Most times these leaders go as far as demolishing an existing structure, all to erase the achievement of their predecessor, not minding how it will affect the poor masses. At the same time, they end up wasting resources, which could have been channeled to other non-existed needed projects.

But when it comes to governor Akeredolu, the narrative changed. As a governor, he has his own proposed agenda for governance, but at the same time, he sees the need preserve, build and improve on the projects, policies and programmes erected by his predecessor rather than abandoning and neglecting the needs of the Ondo Citizenry as some other leaderships do. Instead, he invested in those projects to ensure good service delivery in Ondo State.

As such, in January 2012, when the federal government announced the removal of fuel subsidy, cost of transportation became an issue as parents spend close to 5 Million annually on transportation. The then Ondo state government deemed it necessary to introduce free school shuttle first of its kind with ten (10) Buses to convey school pupil to and from school to alleviate transportation burden borne by parents. As at today, this administration keyed into this initiative having seen its benefits. The scheme now runs seamlessly in fourteen (14) stations with Ninety (90)Buses being maintained by this government across the State.However, one cannot sweep the name of Akeredolu under the carpet when it comes to road infrastructural development.

Out of the numerous road construction under the present Ondo state governor, one will not deny the fact that few were actually started by the previous government and was completed by Governor Oluawrotimi Akeredolu. These roads includes; Akure-Oba Ile road which was left uncompleted but Akeredolu assumed office not only that he completed the road but he ensured that streetlight were installed on the road. Also, Owo-Emure road used to be a one lane road but this administration came, expanded and dualized it.

It is worthy to note that when it comes to health, this administration derives its core value on the Aphorism “Health is Wealth”. As such has not relent in providing essential health services delivery. Over the years, some of the existing healthcare centre suffered dilapidation and as well lacked qualified Medical Personnel. But this administration came onboard and the followings had been attained; Upgrading of the State Specialist Hospital, Akure to Teaching Hospital, Upgrading of Arakale Comprehensive Health Centre and Mother and Child Hospital to General Hospital Akure, Procurement of Laboratory Equipment and Drugs and Recruitment of 229 medical Personnel to various Health Institutions across the State an so many other activities going on in health sector.

Governor Akeredolu, has proven himself a leader worthy of emulation. Other governors should learn from him rather than spewing hatred on their predecessor and letting the poor masses suffer.
https://citadelng.com/akeredolus-sustainable-leadership-o/

President Muhammadu Buhari meets with 36 State Governors and Service Chiefs on Security Matters in State House
https://www.nairaland.com/5231215/akeredolu-emerges-chairman-south-west

THE Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture, has embarked on an aggressive campaign against malaria in some riverine communities in Ondo State whose environment is prone to breeding mosquitoes.

Tagged: Roll back malaria programme, the event was scaled up with awareness lecture on the dangers, causes and prevention of the deadly disease in Ugbo, Ilaje council area of the state. The General Manager, Policy Government and Public Affairs of Chevron Nigeria Limited, Mr. Esimaje Brikinn, noted that it is one of the Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives by the company to better the health of the people. Brikinn pointed out that NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture would continue to partner with the Federal and state governments in the drive to eliminate malaria in the nation.
Brikinn said: “CNL places the highest priority on the health and safety of its neighbouring communities, workforce and protection of the environment and its asset.” Health Sommissioner in the state, Dr. Wahab Adegbenro, who lauded the oil company for the intervention programme, said it would tremendously help to reverse the scourge of malaria in the state.
Adegbenro said: “The programme would complement the health insurance scheme embarked upon by the state government to ensure the people have access to quality and affordable healthcare. “We are almost through with the one percent consolidated fund that is coming from the Federal Government. A lot is happening in the health sector and very shortly everybody will enjoy free healthcare with any financial embarrassment.”
Also, coordinator, Women’s Right Advancement and Protection Alternative, WRPA, Mrs. Edna Ohunayo said the gesture will soon take place in Owo. Ohunayo noted that the annual initiative had been beneficial to people of the area, whose environments are prone to breeding mosquitoes causing malaria.
https://citadelng.com/chevron-embarks-on-campaign-against-malaria-in-ondo-communities/

Gov Alhaji Yahaya Bello is the fourth Executive Governor of Kogi State. An amazingly simple man guided by sound ethical principles. He has deep respect for people, processes, and rules.

With unblemished leadership qualities, clear vision on the right direction for the society and extraordinary courage to go against the status quo and make positive change possible.

The people of Kogi State have witneseds unprecedented developmental strides since he took over the mantle of leadership of the state. Kogi before now was run based on family business without any legal framework to be called a state, until he came on board and restored the lost values of the state. This youthful and resourceful Governor within just three (3) years in office has recorded achievements in various sectors including security, health, agriculture, education, infrastructure development like roads and schools, amongst others across the 3 senatorial district of the state.

In Kogi East my own senatorial district, Governor Yahaya Bello has positively touched almost all the Local Government in terms of Social Amenities. They include;

1 Ongoing construction of the age-long abandoned Ejule-Umomi-Ajaka-Idah road.

2 Payment of counterpart fund for the construction of Idah/Agenebode bridge on private public partnership.

3 Through his Chief of Staff, the people of Kogi East are set to commission the Igala Unity House, built by the GYB led administration, in the next one month.

4 The people of Ankpa LGA and Olamaboro LGA, after been denied of basic infrastructure like roads, lack of portable water, electricity and health care services for several decades, are happy that Ankpa is now wearing a new look with well constructed asphalt nylon tar road network.

5 Payment of 100 Million naira counterpart fund to NEWMAP for control of erosion site at Olubojo and Afor gamgam, both in Ankpa LGA.

6 Refurbishing and renovation of Ankpa and Olamboro central mosques with modest architectural design.

7 Renovations of five (5) public schools each from the 9 local government areas that made up Kogi East.

8 Construction of Ibana Okpo/Ogugu-Ete road.

9 Electrification of Abejukolo, Omala LGA where the former Governor of Kogi State who served for nine (9) years hailed from.

10 Provision of motorized boreholes across the 9 local government areas of Kogi East.

This is not the right time for tribal agenda, developmental agenda we know.
Even in the holy book, God says we should reward good with good, GYB has done well, tribal sentiment aside, he did not made himself an Ebira by tribe, destiny choose him as one. Let’s shun tribal sentiments and reelect GYB to consolidate on his first term achievement.

The Ogunoye Royal Linage has selected a consensus candidate from the 12 interested contestants to the throne of Olowo of Owo in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

This is coming five days after the stool of Olowo was declared vacant.

The Ogunoye Royal Linage is one of the two linages comprising the Elewokun Ruling House. Others included Ajike and Olateru-Olagbegi.

At news briefing in Akure, the state capital yesterday, the Head of Ogunoye, Chief Olutokun Ogunoye, said the linage has picked Prince Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye as the sole candidate for the throne.



The linage also insisted that it is their turn to produce the next Olowo of Owo as other linages have produced monarchs of the town.

According to him, only two linages have since 1888 contested for the Olowo chieftaincy stool whenever the stool is declared vacant.

He said it is Ataneneye comprising Ajike and Olateru-Olagbegi and the Ogunoye that have ruled the town. He said other members of the Elewokun, including Orimolade, Adara and Aladetohun have gone into extinction.

The Head of Royal House, who was represented by his deputy, Chief Adafin Ologede, said Ajibade emerged out of the 12 princes that showed interest in the stool.

According to him, “Ajibade is the choice of Ogunoye family. Before we picked him, we consulted Ifa oracle in three different places and they were unanimous on the choice of Ajibade.

“We picked Ajibade because he is educated, exposed and vibrant. We want a king, who will be acceptable to the people of Owo. He will be able to use his contact for the development of the town.

“He is a young man who can move around especially during Igogo and Ogun festivals. He will be able to move around to bring development to the town.

Ologede noted that Ajibade was two years old when his father ascended the throne and lived many years in the palace,stressing that he understands the custom and tradition of Owo kingdom.

He said in spite of the fact that many of the aspirants have accepted the decision of the royal linage, the family head said they would reconcile any of the aggrieved members to present a common position to the kingmakers.

He emphasised that the royal house would produce the next Olowo because the other houses including Ajike and Olateru-Olagbegi, who belonged to Ataneye Royal Linage, have produced Olowo for more than 82 years while the Ogunoye had only 36 years.

As Postulated by Plato, an Athenian Philosopher and Founder of the Academy, the first institution of higher learning in the western world, Leadership is a duty of the philosopher kings. The Philosopher Kings, according to Plato, are those who acquire the techniques and skills for the art of ruling. An ideal state, Plato affirmed, “can never grow into a reality” until “philosophers become rulers in this world or until those we now call kings and rulers really and truly become philosophers, and political power and philosophy thus come into the same hands.

Plato was dissatisfied with rulers who lack knowledge and moral strength to act according to the “common good” of the people– in other words, rulers motivated by selfish aggrandizement were not strong leaders and thus, must never be found at the corridor of power or in a position of leadership.

While proposing that only the “lovers of wisdom” can govern an idea state, Plato opined that only philosophers are morally and intellectually suited to govern and lead – Morally because they are interested in and have a passion for truth and learning, while showing no interest in the temptations of gaining power for the sake of power – Intellectually because they are able to attain knowledge on the ideal forms of virtue, beauty, and the good. He then asserted that for a leader to triumph against the tangles of his political foes, he must be embedded with wisdom, fair, moderate and must be courageous.

Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the man saddled with the responsibility of distributing the dividends of democratic governance to the good people of Ondo State - the domain of intellectuals that harbours human, capital and natural resources- the habitat home of the rich, wealthy and prominent; the natural environment for animals, plants and other organisms; and a blessed large deposit of oil, rubber, rock, tourism - is, with all sense of modesty, an example of leaders Plato described as “Philosopher Kings and Lovers of Wisdom” that should work for the “common good” of the people.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former two-term President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) is a man whose name has transcended beyond the cosmos. Guileless and intrepid, Akeredolu has proven to understand the ABC of governance with the array of developmental projects he has executed and still executing in his state.

Ondo State occupies a key position in the Southwest geo-political zone. It has borders with Ekiti, Osun, Ogun, Edo and Kogi states. In the glorious days of the Western Region under the late Premier Obafemi Awolowo, agriculture was the mainstream of its economy. The state also has the advantage of vast human talents and mineral deposits. Until when oil was discovered in Lagos, Ondo was the only oil producing state in the Southwest.

Given the strategic location of the state, its centrality, the core projection has always been on the vast resources which are available in the riverine area and other strategic location across the state. Apart from the new era of economic recovery and repositioning of the sunshine state, Akeredolu has shown unequal passion and extended the frontier of development across the Southwest.

Plagued by Security Quagmire, Now Land of Peace
An English Scholar, Thomas Hobbes opined that the first major responsibility of government is to protect citizens from violence, provide the safety of law and order, and protect citizens from each other and from foreign foes.

Akeredolu was greeted into office with worrisome security challenges in the riverine area of the state threatening the peace of Ogun and Lagos states. And without much ado, the renowned lawyer tactically tackled the security challenges and restored peace to the south west by ending the reigns of militants who were then kidnapping at will within Ondo, Lagos and Ogun states respectively.

It's no longer news how the Governor’s efforts led to the rescue of the six students kidnapped by some Militants from Igbonla College in Epe area of Lagos state on May 25th 2017. The students were released alive after two months in captivity due to the personal intervention of Governor Akeredolu. That singular intervention of the Governor heralded a new wind of peace into the south west as Akeredolu did not only secured the release of the kidnapped school children but also appealed to the militants into surrendering their arms and ammunition by granting them amnesty. And since he made that audacious move, no case of kidnapping has been traced to militant activities in Yoruba land.

Providing Services People could not provide for themselves

Thomas Hobbes further posited that after the state’s responsibility to “protect citizens”, the next function of government is to “provide goods and services that individuals cannot provide individually for themselves”

On the development of Ondo state, one of the first set of road rehabilitations that was executed by the Akeredolu's administration was the ever busy Oke-Oka / Lokoja Trunk A road in Akoko South West Local Government Area of the state where many lives have hitherto been lost due to the hilly and curvy nature of the road. The road which has a very deep ditch by the side has sent many travellers to death in their prime.

On assumption of office, Akeredolu was very uncomfortable with the reports of incessant accidents on the road. There are big ditch by the sides of the road making rescue operations difficult in the case of auto crash but today, all that are history as Mr. Governor has reconstructed the road pilling both sides with hardcore to prevent moving vehicles from falling inside the ditch even when it strays off the road.




Although, the Oke-Oka road is under the tutelage of federal government and mostly used by people from all over the country, constructing the gully of devastation that once claimed a family of seven while returning from the graduation ceremony of their son in the state owned Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko shows that Akeredolu is indeed pushing the frontier of development beyond the slogan of megalomania.

Today, people travelling through Igbara Oke-Ibuji – Ekiti State boundary are benefitting from the ideal leadership being provided by Akeredolu for people within and outside Ondo State. The 8.1km road, which was practically impassable before now, has been reconstructed to further open up the sunshine state and promote economic growth between the state and her neighbouring Ekiti state. Similarly, the Ikare - Owo High way which is another federal government road that links the state to the northern part of Nigeria is currently receiving attention of the government.

Worthy of note is Governor Akeredolu's recent agitation which has brought succour to cash crop farmers in Nigeria. Disturbed by the practice of denying Cocoa, Oil palm and other cash crop farmers’ access to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) loan facilities, the Governor whose state is the leading producer of Cocoa in Nigeria, took the agitation for the inclusion of cocoa and oil palm farmers to the National Economic Council (NEC) and triumphed. Today, farmers across the length and breadth of Nigeria are enjoying access to credit facilities and forex at CBN due to Akeredolu’s patriotic fight for the common good of the people.

Furthermore, the Akeredolu administration in conjunction with Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has awarded the construction of a 50km road project from Araromi area in Ilaje Local Government, Ondo State to Akodo in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government in Lagos State that would open up the villages that could benefit from about to be constructed seaport in the state and the development spinning off from Lekki Free Trade Zone. It is worth stating for the sake of posterity that this initiative is beyond the gains of Ondo state as 70% of the road will be on the land of Ogun state. With a drive of 45-minute from Lekki, Lagos to Araromi, Ondo State, the project, when completed, will not only serve the economic gains of Ondo State but also widen the economic horizon of Ogun State and add value to the economy of Lagos state.

The Land of Uncommon Potentials
Ondo, from all empirical indices, should be nick-named “the hidden wealth of a nation”. From the commercial city of Lagos, Ondo’s geographical location serves as gate way of economic movement and activities to the northern part of the country including the federal capital territory by Akoko-Ikenne-Lokoja road that links to the North. The same also can be said of Benin-Ore road-the busiest after Lagos-Ibadan express road- to the Eastern and Southern-riverine states. The Akeredolu led administration is presently constructing a flyover bridge at Ore junction of the highway to save life.

The life patterns of the people of Ondo State represent an embodiment of culture, ranging from the local foodstuff to the way of dressing, dancing, wood crafts, such as, carved house posts and decorated doors. The tropical climate of the state is broadly of two seasons which are the rainy season between April and October and dry season between November and March. The state enjoys luxuriant vegetation with high forest zone (rain forest) in the south and sub-savannah forest in the northern fringe which makes the land fitting for agriculture.

Idanre Hill(s) listed in UNESCO world heritage sites, is one of the most awesome and beautiful natural landscapes in Ondo State and Nigeria. Located in Idanre Town, about 24 kilometres southwest, the flora and the topography of the place is a great virtue of mankind creating excitement to fun lovers of nature witnessing spectacular view of the town. Igbokoda Water Front, Iponle-Iloro Waterfalls, Oko Marie Hills at Oka-Akoko, Ebomi Lake at Epinmi-Akoko are other interesting place to visit in the state.

By and large, the Ondo people are relatively peaceful when compared to other Niger-Delta states. This fact alone has made the state be rated among the five best investors destination in Nigeria. For instance, today, four foreign manufacturing companies have started operating at the Ore Industrial Hub due to Akeredolu’s uncommon service to the people.

Additionally, there is cultivation of high varieties of arable and fruit crops such as cassava, rice, maize, sugar cane, cashew, maize, mangoes and tomatoes, cocoa, oil-palm produce and rubber in Ondo State. The state is also the largest producer of cocoa in Nigeria, responsible for about 40 percent of the country’s production.

The state possesses a wide ocean fronts and the longest untapped coast line in Nigeria about 180km, bigger and larger than that of Lagos that can gross in millions of revenue for private investors and government like it does in Lagos. Ondo state contributes 12 percent of the entire oil production and has one of the largest gas reserves in Nigeria. Bitumen deposit in the state is the largest in Africa and 2nd largest in the world with over 42billion reserves and probably of the highest quality. If the bitumen in Ondo alone is explored, Nigeria will be saved of #300billion per annum. Ondo also the best land suitable for cultivation of cannabis in Nigeria which if well explored can fetch the state and the Nigerian government $145billion by year 2025. The Ondo State revitalized airport (another feat of Akeredolu) aside the daily Lagos to Akure Air Peace passenger flight, has the potential of being a major cargo hub in West Africa if religiously pushed.

Lo and behold, Akeredolu’s feats in the last 26 months in the position of leadership in Ondo State shows that he truly acquired the techniques and skills for the art of ruling before seeking the mandate to lead his people as posited by Plato in his rules on the essential ingredients of good leadership. Aketedolu is noble, spirited and prudent in the management state scares resources, a feat that has earned him the nick-name of “Mr Due process” from, his people.

Men of the Ondo State Command of the Nigeria Police Force have apprehended no fewer than 17 suspected criminals across the State.

The mass arrest according to the police was in connection with the launch of operation “Puff Adder” in the state.

Among those arrested and paraded at the State headquarters of the police in Akure, the Ondo State capital were suspected armed robbers, cultists and rapists.

According to the Commissioner of Police in the State, Undie Adie, “Two persons, Umoru Mohammed and Ibrahim who specialized in robbing people of their valuables by posing as customers only to promise paying through online were nabbed.

“Another suspect is Tunde Akinwumi aged 20 and Tunde Akinboyewa (25) who were arrested for raping a teenager, Joy Akinnobun (18) and a minor, Ilori Faith who were rescued by a good Samaritan from further molestation.”

The Police boss said efforts were on to apprehend the other fleeing suspects, adding that the arrested culprits were already assisting detectives in the ongoing investigation.

Adie also disclosed that a gang of armed robbers invaded the granite site of Crunberg Construction Company Nigeria Limited at Omifon village, Ore in Odigbo Local Government and attacked the two-night guards, before carting away the company equipment.

“The suspects, Abubakar Ibrahim (24) of Omifon village and Mohammed Bello (25) who came from Kwara State were picked at sweet mother street, Ore and they confessed to the crime after interrogation by the police.

He further stated that, “Sola Tosin, Lamidi Lucky, Ojo Are were arrested while attempting to disposes one Shaibu Success of his motorcycle with registration number, KAA 045 VS within Owo, Akure and Ose towns.

Items recovered from the hoodlums were one locally made single barrel gun, three GSM phones, one packet of cigarettes and other dangerous weapons.”

The Police boss stated that the suspect would be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The Ondo State Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, has expressed the need for the Federal Government to encourage the cultivation of medicinal cannabis, also known as Indian hemp, in the country.

Akeredolu, who described Ondo State as a hotbed of cannabis cultivation in Nigeria, urged the Federal Government to support the growing of medicinal cannabis in large quantity in the state, saying its (cannabis) industry was capable of creating thousands of jobs for youths and spur the economic diversification of the country.



He made the request on his twitter handle on Tuesday while commenting on his recent mission to Thailand. The governor said he was in Thailand in company with the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Col. Muhammad Mustapha (retd), for a programme tagged, ‘Medicinal Cannabis Extract Development.’

According to him, Nigeria might be shortchanged with an estimated value of $145bn in 2025 if it failed to tap into the legal marijuana market, explaining that their visit to Thailand was to assess the materials and best practices (of medicinal cannabis planting and growing) with the possibility of replicating them in Nigeria.

He said, “We are here to study how cannabis can be of more advantageous to the state and Nigeria, at large just the way Thai Government has done. Cannabis is used for medical purposes; how can it be cultivated for specific purposes and not be abused.

“The programme is centred on exploiting the possibility of medicinal cannabis extract development and it is aimed at building capacity and researching the modality of licensing for planting and extracting cannabis oil in Nigeria as well as exploiting its commercial potential with focus on Ondo State.

“We know how to grow it and it thrives well in the Sunshine State. How to grow cannabis is never a problem in Ondo State.”

The investment drive of Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, in the last two years in the saddle, has started paying off.

The state has, in fact, joined the club of industrialized states, a feat which had looked near impossible since after the administration of the late Chief Adekunle Ajasin who was the first civilian governor between 1979 and 1984.
Akeredolu’s determination to change the narrative by ensuring that a solid economic and industrial platform was laid started a year after he assumed office when he embarked on an investment trip to China. The tour gave birth to the popular Ore industrial Park.

As at the last count, no fewer than five companies are ready to begin operations in the Ore industrial hub. Akeredolu has, indeed, turned Ore to a beehive of activities. The companies that have sprung up after the state government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Linyi municipal government of Shandong province of China include a paper mill, an ethanol plant, a medium density fibre board, a high-density fibre board, a plywood firm and a textile company. Conducting newsmen round the companies described as ‘the Akeredolu wonders in Ore’, the Business Development Manager of Wewood Limited, Mr. Sun Peng, said, “The ethanol plant is at about 95 percent completed and set to roll. The ethanol factory is almost ready at 95 percent completion. “The ethanol factory is billed to convert cassava to ethanol. It has the capacity to convert cassava to edible form, used by pharmaceuticals, breweries and food processing industries.

“We are expected to begin test-running the machines any moment from now. “About 1,000 people have been employed for the ethanol factory. The plant is also expected to indirectly provide jobs for more than 10,000 people, particularly cassava farmers and traders”. Peng added that a special species of cassava was being planted in – between the Gmelina to be used to feed the ethanol plant. In order not to starve the company of raw materials, the state government, in partnership with Weewood, embarked on aggressive afforestation by allocating 10, 000 hectares of land for the planting of G-melina while over six million trees have been planted on 3, 000 hectares under phase one of the project. Inside the ethanol factory’s warehouse, several thousands of bags of dried cassava were waiting to be fed into the machines, while more than 10 trailer-loads were waiting to discharge their cassava consignment. Also, the WinWin Textile factory in the industrial park has kick-started the production of textile thread with over 300 workers. The Nigerian Manager of WinWin Textile, Ahmed Adeyinka, said the textile is already producing polyester sewing thread. “We planned to move to the next stage of producing textile materials like lace and Ankara among others”, Adeyinka said. “Presently, we have 300 people working for us. We produce all kinds of sewing polyester thread for the local market. In a couple of months from now, the factory will begin to run at full capacity with the production of textile materials of all kinds.” Of significance too is the Weewood Plywood/HDF factory. Tasty Time refutes fire outbreak at its factory The company produces high-quality fibre board plywood. They are already in high demand in local markets across and outside the state. Waste woods are processed into high and low density fibre. Very soon, the state is expected to earn foreign exchange through the export of the product. With the over 85 percent completion of the paper mill factory, the Business Development Manager for Weewood, Peng said, “On completion, the paper mill is expected to employ more than 3, 000 direct staff and offer more than 4, 000 indirect jobs to those who will be in the supply and marketing chain!! “By the time the paper mill factory goes fully into operation, paper products can be bought right here in Ondo, without anyone going to Lagos”. It was gathered that long before the machines for the paper mill began to arrive Nigeria, Weewood had started planting the trees that will form the primary raw materials for the mill. Today, the almost 10,000 hectares of land allocated for the project has starter yielding result, as the trees have started to grow. One of the workers in the factories said, “The governor deserves commendation for this initiative. This is a win-win situation for Ondo State and its people. The company will employ our people on the farm to plant the trees, it will also go on to employ our people in the factory and other auxiliary jobs that would be created.” At the ethanol project, it was observed that farmers, businessmen and women were already reaping from the indirect jobs created. A cassava farmer in the area, Shehu Oladapo, who spoke with newsmen, said, “I thank Governor Akeredolu for this initiative. Farmers like me now have a ready market for our cassava. It has encouraged us to increase the number of hectares that we will prepare to grow cassava for the next planting season”. Sunday Vanguard learnt that the Ore Industrial Park is fashioned after that of Linyi municipal government of Shandong province in China. One of the governor’s aides, who was on the tour, submitted, “If the experience of the Linyi’s economy, which is based around wholesale markets and an annual trade volume of 40 billion RMB (US$5 billion), is anything to go by, the administration of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has set a standard by which governance would be measured in the country”.

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

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Ondo State chapter, on Monday denied the rumour making the round that Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu was hobnobbing with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with a view to defecting to the party. Mr Alex Kalejaye, the state’s Publicity Secretary of APC, made the denial in a statement in Akure.

An online publication had reported the purported plan of the governor to defect to PDP to get the governorship ticket of the party for the 2020 governorship election in the state. Kalejaiye said: “The state Chapter of the party, considers this rumour as wicked and a complete lie, and we urge the public to disregard it.”

According to him, the party would have preferred to ignore the rumour, but it is expedient to dispel it, so it will not pollute the minds of its members, and mislead the public. “The governor has never contemplated joining a party of the conservatives, let alone contesting election on its platform. “He hails from the bedrock of progressives in the state, and has always been a progressive,” he said. The publicity secretary said it was also imperative to inform the rumour mongers that the governor had invested so much into the development of the party in the state. “Today, he is well respected and appreciated in the party, so, he has no reason whatsoever to flirt with another political party. “We are not unaware that some opposition parties are feeling intimidated by the sterling performance of the Akeredolu-led administration, and are planning to distract him through whatever means, but it is a mission in futility,” he said.
According to him, the government is not perturbed about this or any other ploy by the opposition and their co-travelers. The scribe noted that the revolution in the infrastructure development by the present administration would be sustained, while massive investment drive and commitment to workers’ welfare remain a top priority. “For the avoidance of doubt, the good people of the state, who are the ultimate beneficiaries of these initiatives, have consistently maintained that they are comfortable with the present administration, and will always support it,’’ he said. Kalejaye said the party would continue to fortify its strength and support the government in its development drive. He, therefore, appealed to the party’s supporters to disregard the misleading publication. (NAN)
http://orangefm.com.ng/akeredolu-has-no-link-with-pdp-ondo-apc/

The Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly, Bamidele Oleyelogun, has assured the State Government that he would pursue the necessary legislation to support it in paying the new minimum wage.

Oleyelogun gave this assurance in an interview with The Tide’s source on Saturday, in Akure.

He said Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, had assured workers that he would pay the minimum wage in line with the law as the welfare of workers was paramount to his administration to ensure optimal productivity.

The speaker, who described Akeredolu as a worker-friendly governor, also said” he is a man of his words and fulfills his promises”.

He explained that the House would support him with enabling laws that would help his administration to pay workers the new minimum wage.

“He is a man of action that will tell you that he will do something, and he will do it.

“We are ready to support him with all the enabling laws that will help him to pay the new minimum wage and ensure workers’ welfare.

“The welfare of workers is paramount to him, and also important to lawmakers,’’ Oleyelogun said.

A NEW DAWN FOR AAYE COMMUNITY, AS MRS AKEREDOLU ROLLS OUT PLANS TO ATTRACT DEVELOPMENT IN THE AREA.

People of Aaye community in Ifedore local government area of Ondo state now have cause to rejoice as the sunshine state first lady, Her Excellency, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu rolls out plans to attract remarkable development in the area.

This is coming from the familiarity visit of the first lady to the community which according to her was prompted by her pleasant knowledge that the community is under the leadership of a twenty-year-old regent.

Speaking to the people of Aaye community during the visit, Mrs Akeredolu revealed that the Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu foundation (BAAF) will as a matter of urgency and importance commence a need assessment exercise in the area through focus group discussion method to generate data and other useful information which she said would be veritable tool to engage and lobby relevant government agencies, donor agencies and other development partners. She also expressed optimism that Aaye community will be transformed in no time.

In her address, the regent of Aaye community, HRH Taiwo Oyebola Agbona, welcomed the first lady and her entourage to her palace, and hailed Mrs Akeredolu for her innovative ways in driving women empowerment in Ondo state. While calling for a more progressive society in which women are recognized and empowered, the beautiful young traditional ruler also used the opportunity to call for government's attention to the communities problems, including bad roads, lack of market, youth unemployment, social protection and economic infrastructure for women.

Ondo state first lady who was accompanied by the members of Forum for Wives of Ondo state Officials, FOWOSO, BAAF members, and the chairman of Ifedore LGA, distributed some SOLAYO birth kits to expectant mothers, free medication, alongside health sensitization.

Ondo records fastest IGR growth as Nigerian states generate N1.1tn in 2018

Ondo state outrun thirty-five other states in the country in the accrual of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in 2018, latest states IGR data by the National Bureau of Statistics have shown.

Ondo grew its IGR by more than double to N24.79 billion in 2018 from N10.93 billion achieved a year earlier, causing the state to jump 11 steps to become ninth-highest revenue- generating state of the federation after Lagos, Rivers, Ogun, Delta, Kano, Kaduna and Edo state which sustained their positions.

Lagos generated N382.2 billion as revenue in 2018, representing a 14.4 percent increase compared with N333.97 billion realised in 2017.

Rivers recorded a 26 percent growth in its IGR to N112.8 billion from N89.5 billion, while Ogun raised N84.55 billion as IGR in 2018, about 13 percent higher than N74.84 billion recorded in the previous year.

As a result, the combined revenue received by the three states accounted for 52 percent of the total revenue of N1.10 trillion generated by all the Nigerian states in 2018, which is 17.8 percent more than N936.47 billion recorded in 2017.

The total growth was driven by increases in the IGR of thirty-two states that recorded growth, even as four other states comprising Osun, Benue, Cross River and Abia recorded worse revenue performance in the review year compared with 2017.

Osun’s IGR fell the most to N10.38 billion from N11.73 billion. Benue followed closely with a 9.55 percent decline to N11.22 billion from N12.4 billion, Cross River was down by 3 percent to N17.55 billion from N18.1 billion, while Abia recorded a marginal drop of 0.55 percent to N14.83 billion in 2018 compared with N14.92 billion received in the previous year.

However, the revenue generated by each of the four states in 2018 was more than Yobe, Kebbi, Taraba, Ebonyi, Adamawa, Ekiti, Borno, Katsina, Gombe, Nassarawa, Zamfara, Jigawa and Bauchi.

Yobe recorded the lowest IGR of N4.38 billion. Kebbi trailed with a total internally generated revenue of N4.88 billion, while Taraba generated the third-lowest revenue of N5.97 billion in the country in 2018.

Also, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja generated N65.52 billion as IGR in the review period.

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

The one day summit had in attendance, former first ladies of the federal republic of Nigeria, president national council for women societies, Country representative of UNICEF, a former female deputy governor, and other stakeholders.
https://citadelng.com/governors-spouses-summit-ends-in-abuja-with-a-call-for-first-ladies-to-play-more-supportive-roles/

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

Reports have it that the inferno started on Thursday.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Esan said the meeting with Chevron would allow government to iron out certain issues on safe operation of the company in the state.
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/04/ondo-oil-field-inferno-ondo-govt-charges-chevron-on-protection-of-residents-lives/amp/

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“The government must not look only at the benefits of the project but the environmental impact must also be considered too.”
https://citadelng.com/500m-ondo-modular-refinery-spurs-high-hopes/

Disturbed by the deplorable condition of the Igbara-Oke / Ibuji / Ekiti state boundary road, Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has reconstructed the road, which links Ondo State with the neighboring Ekiti State.

The 8.1km road, which was practically impassable before now, has been reconstructed to further open up the sunshine state and promote economic growth between the state and its neighbouring Ekiti state.

You will recall that for over eight years, residents of Igbara-oke, Ibuji and other road users suffered untold hardship following the deplorable state of the Igbara-oke-Ibuji road.
The bad condition of the road forced road users, who find it convinient and faster to travel from Ekiti state to Ondo via the road, to seek other routes.

Luck, however, smiled on the people when Governor Akeredolu visited the road sometime last year. The Governor said his administration could no longer sit and watch the citizens suffer and endangering their lives.

Few months after that promise, the road has become another promise fulfilled by the Akeredolu administration. The government has shown total commitment to the welfare and comfort of the people of the state.

The Igbara Oke/Ibuji road is wearing new look and the people now feel safe traveling between the two sister states.

In what has been described as another feather to the hats of the Akeredolu’ administration, the Joint Tax Board (JTB) has rated Ondo State as the Highest growth performing state in the internally generated revenue [IGR] from the 2017/2018 Comparative IGR performance and percentage growth.
Ondo state with a population of just above 4 Million, generated the sum of N10,927,871,479.76bn in 2017, and an improved figure of N24,788,059,725.53bn in 2018 respectively, representing an annual growth of 126.83% in a space of one year.
It was also noted that Bauchi, Imo, Sokoto, Kogi, Niger, and Akwa ibom emerged top 7 earners of Self-Assessment tax across the country.
This information was made available to the public yesterday following the release of the 2017/2018 Comparative IGR performance and percentage growth by the joint tax board.
The Joint Tax Board is the umbrella body of all the tax authorities in Nigeria, which is saddled with the responsibility of promoting and ensuring uniformity, harmony and efficiency in the administration of Personal Income Tax in Nigeria as well as advice government on general tax matters.
Coming top among its counterpart in the federation, the rating is a confirmation of the state government efforts over the past two years which were aimed at charging all the revenue generating Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to improve on their revenue generation as a way of building a strong economy base in the state.
The state of Board of Internal Revenue (BIR) has proven to be effective with its plans, which has successfully brought major stakeholders in revenue generation together to review, highlight and proffer solutions to challenges militating against optimum performance.
Upon the assumption into office as the executive Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Akeredolu reiterated his commitment to mapping out various strategies that are in line with the global best practices on revenue generation, and this rating is a testament of the effort of the Akeredolu led administration at improving the fortunes of ondo state.
https://citadelng.com/ondo-state-revenue-board-records-highest-igr-growth-yoy-in-nigeria/

He Olowo of Owo, Oba Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi, is dead.
Oba Folagbade, 77, died in the early hours of Wednesday.
He was born on June 26, 1941.
The deceased was a former Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas. He succeeded his father, Olateru as the Olowo of Owo in 1999.

Details shortly..

The wife of the Ondo State Governor Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu- Akeredolu has joined the rest of the world to congratulate the first female Director of currency Central Bank of Nigeria Mrs Priscilla Ekwere Eleje.

For the very first time in Nigeria’s 59-year history, the signature of a woman, Eleje, goes on the naira.

Eleje, who has been acting director of currency and operations at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has been confirmed substantive director.
She is the first female director of currency in the history of the bank, and her signature has been appended on the naira.

Reacting to the feat, Mrs Betty Akeredolu said, “this is a BIG leap of joy in our hearts, in our effort, in our commitment to #BEMORE than what the society wants us to be.”

“a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.

Gradually and steadily we will cover the ground without leaving any gaps.

It is about time Nigerian women began to realise that “a woman’s place is EVERYWHERE and resist any restrictions thrown on her way as she climbs the social ladder.”
https://citadelng.com/betty-akeredolu-hails-priscilla-ekwere-eleje-as-first-female-signatory-on-naira/

The troops of 32 Artillery Brigade, deployed in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo state have apprehended 5 kidnappers known to have been terrorizing locals in that general area.

The troops made the arrest when they carried out a raid operation today 16 April 2019 at about 1:00am, on the kidnappers hideout at Jugbere village in Owo LGA.

The operation was based on a tip off, that suspected kidnappers had kidnapped 9 farmers in a farm belonging to one Mr Godwin Ugu.

During the raid operation, troops were able to rescue 5 of the hostages while 4 others escaped from the kidnappers den. The rescued hostages and some of the suspects who sustained minor injuries are presently undergoing first aid treatment at the 32 Artillery Brigade Medical Centre.

Items recovered from the hoodlums include:

1 Dane gun
1 Axe
2 Cutlasses
8 Live cartridges
1 Handset
3 Ring charms
Suspects will be handed over to the appropriate security agency at the conclusion of preliminary investigation.

The commander 32 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General Zakari Logun Abubakar has ordered for intense patrol to be carried out in both Ekiti and Ondo states to rid the states of hoodlums.

The commander thanks the members of the public and further appeal to the law abiding citizens to please avail the Army, police and other security agencies with useful and timely information, that will lead to arrest of other perpetrators of evil in the states.
https://citadelng.com/troops-of-32-artillery-brigade-nab-kidnappers-rescue-hostages-in-ondo/

Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Tuesday said his administration will continue to priotize the security and welfare of corps members deployed to the State.

Besides, the Governor also charged corps members to cultivate a healthy relationship with their host communities and refrain from engaging in local politics.

He disclosed this at the closing ceremony/Terminal Parade of 2019 Batch 'A' corps members, held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Ikare Akoko, headquarters of Akoko North East.

Akeredolu, represented by his Deputy, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, admonished corps members to also be an agent of change by impacting positively on their host communities.

"The orientation is primarily meant to equip you in order to have a better understanding of the operations of the scheme. It is also to toughen and prepare you physically and mentally to meet the challenges ahead, especially in your new found culture and environment.

" The NYSC, in its struggle to ensure national development, has been instilling the value of patriotism, integrity, hard work, unity amongst corps members during the orientation exercise.

"In addition, values that will always come handy during and after your service year have been entrenched in the course of contents.

"I encourage you to contribute to the socio-economic and political development of Ondo State, as you are the hope this country has. Strive to put in your best and contribute productively in whatever sector if the economy you might be posted," he said.

In an interview, the State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs Grace Akpabio thanked the state government for always improving facilities at the camp.

Akpabio advised the corps members to be good ambassadors to their host communities.

A minute silence was observed for a corps member,Ibrahim Okanlawon that died in a boat mishap at Agadagba-Obon,in Ese-Odo local government area of the state during last month's State Assembly election.

Join the first Lady of Ondo State, Arabinrin Betty-Anyanwu Akeredolu. and other distinguished women today at the International Culture and Events Centre (DOME) Igbatoro Road Akure, as they discuss the status of women and the way forward, In accordance with the United Nation (UN) Commission On The Status Of Women (UNCSW63)
GOALS:
* To safeguard and improve Women's and Girls Access to social protection systems, public services and sustainable infrastructure.

OBJECTIVES:
* To share experience and outcome(Agreed Conclusion) of the UNCSW63
* To create awareness on gender-related issues especially inequalities, discrimination and all forms of abuse and violence against women and girls in Ondo State
* To create with the support of UN women, a 5-7 member woman committee on war against sexual harassment and rape to handle cases and ensure timely dispensation of justice
* To develop action plans on provision of sustainable social infrastructure towards achieving gender balance in Ondo State.

A private firm, the Crown Refinery and Petrochemical Limited, on Wednesday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ondo State Government on the establishment of a $500m modular refinery in the state.

The MoU was signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Sunday Abegunde, and the representatives of the company.



The company’s major business is the refining of crude oil into petroleum products, and it had expressed its readiness to do business in Ondo State.

Receiving the signed documents from the SSG, the Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, said the government would create an enabling environment to ensure the successful completion of the project.

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

He said, “Ondo State is safe for investors; we will do everything to ensure that this project is successful.

“Ondo State is strategically positioned among the Niger Delta states and Lagos State, which is the nation’s economic nerve centre, to make all business-minded investors reap bountifully on their investments in the state.”

He commended Crown Refinery and Petrochemical for coming on board at this time to be a worthy partner with the government and assured the company and its partners a second-to-none atmosphere for their business deals in the state.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Crown Refinery and Petrochemical, Mr Kassim Adeleke, said the company had, before now, approached some states for the establishment of the project but was not welcomed.

He said in Ondo State, he found professionalism, swift decision-making, friendly communities and passion, such that in less than one year of opening talks with the state government, the coast had been clear for the commencement of the landmark project.



According to him, the proposed project will have an initial capacity to refine about 30,000 barrels per stream day but would later be scaled to 60,000 bpsd within the next five years, and it is expected to be completed within 36 months.

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

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

“The company will also be providing several infrastructural projects in the states and would create about 2,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities for indigenes of the state.”
https://citadelng.com/firm-partners-ondo-on-500m-modular-refinery/

Traditional rulers in Apoi Ese- Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State led by the Kalasuwe of Apoiland, HRM Oba (Professor) Sunday Adejimola Amuseghan, said Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has done well and they are proud of him.

The traditional rulers during a courtesy visit to the Governor in his office gave vivid assessment of Governor Akeredolu’s performance in the last two years and said they were pleased with his legacy projects across the State.

The Kalasuwe of Apoiland who spoke on behalf of the traditional rulers said he was particularly happy with the Ore flyover interchange bridge across the Lagos /Benin Express.

“Mr Governor I have to thank you for the construction of the Ore flyover interchange bridge because it will save lives.

“The Ore flyover interchange bridge is a Federal road but you have taken it over for construction. This is a legacy project and as one of us, we’re proud of you. “

The Governor why responding thanked the traditional rulers for maintaining peace in their domains. He assured the kings that his administration would continue to execute projects and programmes that would positively affect the lives of the people.

Other traditional rulers from Apoi who were in attendance include the Olu of Igbobini, Oba (Engr) Dele Raphael, Alapaka 1 of Kiribo, Oba Johnson Oduyi Ajayi, Gbaluwe of Igbotu, Oba Adeniyi Ajayi and Jowe of Inikorogha, Oba M. A. Olasehinde.
http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/You-Make-Us-Proud--Apoi-Kings-Tells-Akeredolu