₦airaland Forum

The Ondo State Government has said it will collaborate with the National Youth Service Corps to help corps members posted to the state to become self-reliant.

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu said this during a ceremony for the 2019 Batch ‘A’ corps members posted to the state in Ikare Akoko on Monday.

Represented on the occasion by the state Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, the governor said by acquiring vocational skills the lives of the corps members would improve economically.

Akeredolu said, “We are committed as partners in progress to improving the lives of our corps members economically by collaborating with the NYSC.

“We will do our best for the corps members as a responsible government.”

The state coordinator of the corps, Mrs Grace Akpabio, told the corps members to take advantage of the various platforms to prepare themselves for the challenges of the service year and post-service life.
https://citadelng.com/ondo-nysc-partner-on-skills-acquisition-for-corps-members-2/

The Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN has said that the state security architecture was due for total overhauling in view of the emerging position of the state in investment and industrialization.

Receiving the report of the first Ondo State Security Summit held in January 2019, Governor Akeredolu assured that the report would be look-into by the State Security Council, State Executive Council and Ondo State House of Assembly to have a Security Policy Document for the state.

Arakunrin Akeredolu who acknowledged that Ondo State was relatively peaceful however said the peace being enjoyed in the state would further be improved when the Security Policy Document comes into operation.

The governor appreciated the Committee Members, the Resource Persons and the Lead Speaker at the summit, Professor Olufemi Odekunle for efforts put into the assignment.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee, who is also the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Administration and Policy Planning, Mr Jones Ogunmusire had informed the governor that the summit had over five hundred participants that cut across the entire strata of the society both within and outside with fourteen Resource Persons who led robust deliberations on the summit theme and sub-themes.

The Chairman said that the report came in two volumes which included the one that distilled the various contributions from the public in form of memoranda and the second being the compilation of the presentations made by Resource Persons.

While thanking the governor for the confidence reposed in the committee, Mr Ogunmusire expressed optimism that the security architecture of the state would improve considerably in view of the integration of a Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanism to constantly measure the performance indicators of the state in terms of sustainable peace and development.

Some members of the committee present at the Report Presentation Ceremony were: the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Olugbenga Ale; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Alhaji Jimoh Dojumo; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Orientation, Mr Deji Akinwalere.
https://citadelng.com/state-security-architecture-needs-overhaul-says-akeredolu/

The wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu has, today, called on the beneficiaries of the Apalara Micro -Credit Scheme to make judicious use of the fund given to them by the State government.

She made this known while handing out cheques to the loan recipients at the Stakeholders and Loan Disbursement meeting which held earlier this afternoon at St Luke’s Anglican Church event centre, Akure.

The beneficiaries of the scheme include Ondo State Sunshine Rice, Missionary Birth Attendant, Traditional Birth Attendant and Igbo (Akure) Cooperative Societies.

Speaking at the event, Mrs Akeredolu noted that the scheme serves to accentuate the unwavering commitment of the Akeredolu -led Government to human resource development within the State.


“Credit loan is a veritable tool all over the world that has economic growth and poverty reduction.

“There is no gainsaying the fact that the people of Ondo State are very hardworking and highly productive. The major handicap to realizing their full potential is porsity of fund to finance their various developmental and trade projects.

” It is in view of this that the present administration under the able leadership of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, placed high emphasis on the provision of such loans to the worthy people of the State through the Micro Credit Agency.

”This is in a view to making the people of Ondo State self -reliant while enjoying the dividends of democracy. ”

She furthered that Arakunrin Akeredolu is a women-friendly Governor

“You all know the theme for this year’s international Women’s Day celebration, Balance for Better. With the appointment of Chief Mrs Kolawole as the Chairman of the Ondo State Micro Credit Agency, we know that we are gradually getting there.

“Arakunrin has shown us that the present administration is fully ready to support women.”

Arabinrin also encouraged the loan recipients to adhere strictly to the stipulated conditions for reimbursement as this would help to ensure that others also benefitted from the initiative in the future.

One of the beneficiaries of the scheme, Prince George Oladapo, appreciated the Governor of Ondo State for his kind gesture and assured him, on behalf of the beneficiaries, that they would not default on the loan.

Earlier in her remark, the Chairman of the Ondo State Micro Credit Agency, Chief Mrs S.K Kolawole, expressed her delight in the many people -based initiatives of Akeredolu. She stressed that Arakunrin’s love for the people of Ondo State is unrivalled.

Highpoint of the event featured the disbursement of cheques to the beneficiaries by the Wife of the Governor, songs and cultural displays.
https://citadelng.com/make-judicious-use-of-your-loans-mrs-akeredolu-charges-apalara-micro-credit-beneficiaries/

Tear of joy flowed on the faces of 123 devastated victims of the last year fire and flood disasters in Akure, the state capital as Ondo State Government disbursed the sum of fifty one million naira(N51m) to them to lessen their burdens.

The beneficiaries were those who lost their valuable goods to fire outbreak at Erekasan Market and Oyarugbulem junction along Akure-Ilesha expressway. Flood victims caused by Ala River around Ayedun in Akure also benefitted from the fund.

They were full of praises to Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN’s led administration for keeping to his promise, saying the governor has proven to them that his government is beyond lip service.

They added that the money will go a long way to cushion the hardship effect and alsp revive their hopes the disasters had caused them.

Akeredolu, at the ceremony held at Cocoa Conference Hall in the Governor’s, advised residents including shop owners to take necessary precautions to avoid future occurrence of various disasters.

Akeredolu represented by his Deputy, Hon. Agboola Ajayi said instead of buying materials, decided to give cash as a form of relief.

He noted that the state government being a proactive and as part of its campaign promises had to come to the rescue of the people.


“Flood occurs as a result of blockage of river channels, so our people should desist from dropping refuse in drainages. We have environmental system that is very good, and people should take advantage of it.

“Shop owners should ensure they disconnect all electrical appliances at night before closing their shops to avoid fire incidents,” he said.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary,Office of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Desola Alabi told newsmen that the gesture was to cushion the effect of the disaster on the victims

Alabi said none of the victims got less than two hundred and fifty thousand naira.

In his vote of thanks, One of the beneficiaries, Bolarinwa Benson thanked the government for always coming to rescue of disaster victim.

Benson said they never believed government was honest when they started collating names of victims, but appreciated the kind gesture of the the governor.
https://citadelng.com/ondo-governor-hailed-as-123-disaster-victims-get-n51m/

The proposed creation of Council Development Aurthorities (LCDAs) by the Oluwarotimi Akeredolu-led administration in Ondo State has been described as the best thing to happen to the state at this time.

The State commissioner for Agriculture, Otunba Gboyega Adefarati stated this in a chat with newsmen in Akungba-Akoko at the weekend during the Medical Outreach programme to mark the 10th year exit of the former governor of the state, late Pa Adebayo Adefarati.

Gboyega, who is also the son of the late former governor, said the new LCDAs when created will bring government nearer to the people.

According to the Commissioner, it will also bring about more development and active participation of the people in governance.

“LCDAs bring development to the people. It brings government to the doorstep of the ordinary man in the communities where they are created”.

Reacting to some views of some people that this will create problems for the government because of paucity of funds, Gboyega posited that there will be no problem in running this LCDAs smoothly since the funds meant for the existing local government areas will be divided among the old council areas and the new LCDAs.

He therefore noted that nothing bad in the new development, saying it is not a novel idea since the late former governor; Pa Adefarati has done such before.

Similarly he stated that some states in the country, especially in the Southwest, like Lagos, Oyo and Osun states are already operating the system.
https://citadelng.com/lcdas-will-dev-ondo-otunba-gboyega-adefarati/

The Ondo State Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, has declared that the proposed health insurance scheme for the civil servants in the state would soon commence.

The governor said all the arrangements to start the scheme had been concluded.



Akeredolu stated this at the inauguration of the second phase of the multimillion-naira medical gadgets for the state Primary Healthcare System, in Akure, the state capital, on Friday.

He said, “The health insurance scheme will kick off very soon, all arrangements have been concluded. The office is ready and it is going to start very soon.”

The governor reiterated that his administration was committed to reshaping the state health sector, particularly the primary health care being one of the cardinal programmes of his administration.

According to him, the primary health care system, which was hitherto viewed as unfit for patronage by many for lack of modern tools and equipment, was wearing a new look due to the modest effort of the administration to improve the sector.

“Today’s (Friday) event marks the second phase. By the grace of God, more phases are in the pipeline, until the primary health care system of Ondo State becomes a reference point in qualitative maternal, neonatal and child health services in Nigeria,” Akeredolu stressed.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary, the state Primary Healthcare Board, Mr Francis Akanbiemu, said the government was committed to improving the health care system of the state, focusing more on pregnant women and children under five years of age.

“All the medical gadgets we inaugurated today (Friday) are to address all the components of the primary health care in the state. All the equipment are solely procured by the state government.”
The Ondo State Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, has declared that the proposed health insurance scheme for the civil servants in the state would soon commence.

The governor said all the arrangements to start the scheme had been concluded.



Akeredolu stated this at the inauguration of the second phase of the multimillion-naira medical gadgets for the state Primary Healthcare System, in Akure, the state capital, on Friday.

He said, “The health insurance scheme will kick off very soon, all arrangements have been concluded. The office is ready and it is going to start very soon.”

The governor reiterated that his administration was committed to reshaping the state health sector, particularly the primary health care being one of the cardinal programmes of his administration.

According to him, the primary health care system, which was hitherto viewed as unfit for patronage by many for lack of modern tools and equipment, was wearing a new look due to the modest effort of the administration to improve the sector.

“Today’s (Friday) event marks the second phase. By the grace of God, more phases are in the pipeline, until the primary health care system of Ondo State becomes a reference point in qualitative maternal, neonatal and child health services in Nigeria,” Akeredolu stressed.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary, the state Primary Healthcare Board, Mr Francis Akanbiemu, said the government was committed to improving the health care system of the state, focusing more on pregnant women and children under five years of age.

“All the medical gadgets we inaugurated today (Friday) are to address all the components of the primary health care in the state. All the equipment are solely procured by the state government.”
https://citadelng.com/ondo-begins-health-insurance-scheme-for-workers-soon-arakunrin-akeredolu/

Mrs Akeredolu Felicitates with Ondo State Women on Mothering Sunday, Calls for Gender Balanced Society

As families throughout Ondo State and Nigeria at large gather to honor mothers today, the Wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has restated the need for a gender balanced society.

She made this known during a service organised to mark the 2019 Mothering Sunday at the Cathedral Church of St Andrew, Owo.

Appreciating all women who have played important roles of mothers in our lives, including the commitment of foster and adoptive mothers who have taken on the responsibility of caring for children who are less privileged around their communities, the mother of the Sunshine State, Arabinrin Akeredolu, noted that gender balanced society is important for societal development.

She stressed that the call is on for the gender-balanced society as it is essential for economies and communities to thrive.

While commenting on the sermon by Very Rev R.O.A Agboola, the First Lady urged husbands to be more attentive to the needs of their wives.

“Marriage is a partnership. Our husbands should not relegate their wives to mere domestic slaves. Men should also help their spouses.

“Women subjugation is a mere societal construct. If society could make us believe that women are inferior to men, we, the inhabitants of present day Nigeria, can also correct this false notion.”

Earlier in his sermon, titled Christian Family, Very Rev. R.O.A Agboola called on the congregation to always commit their families into God’s hands as this, he concluded, would help to ensure peace and prosperity in their homes. He also lauded the First Lady for her numerous contributions to women development within Ondo State.

Highpoints of the event featured the conferring of the honour of Mother of the Priest on Arabinrin.
https://citadelng.com/mrs-akeredolu-felicitates-with-ondo-state-women-on-mothering-sunday-calls-for-gender-balanced-society/

The newly elected members of the Ondo State House of Assembly will today Thursday be presented with their Certificates of Return by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to the INEC in Ondo state the Certificates of Return would be given to all the 26 lawmakers-elect at Akure head office of the commission by 10:am.
The elected lawmakers are, incumbent Speaker, Bamidele Oleyelogun, from Ifedore constituency; his deputy, Ogundeji Iroju, representing Odigbo constituency 1; Oluyede Feyide, representing Ose constituency; Hon Jamiu Sulaiman Maito, representing Akoko North-West constituency 1; Felemu-Gudu Bankole, Akoko South-West State constituency 2 and Kuti Towase, representing Akoko South-East;

Others include Prince Abayomi Babatunde Akinruntan, Ilaje State constituency 1; Hon Sunday Olajide, Akure South State constituency 2; Simeon Toluwani Borokini, Akure South constituency 1;


Elegbeleye Rasheed from Akoko North East; Taofik Mohammed, Akoko North-West 2; Akogun Olugbenga Omole, Akoko South-West 1; Abiodun Faleye, Akure North; Torhukerhijo Taiwo, Ese-Odo and Akingbaso Festus, Idanre and Tomomewo Favour, Ilaje 2;

The rest are Festus Adefiranye, Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo; Ademola Edamisan, Irele; Aderoboye Samuel, Odigbo 2; Akinrogunde Akintomide, Okitipupa 1; Babatunde Ayetowa, Okitipupa 2 and Oladiji Landmark Olamide, Ondo East; Akinribido Tomide, Ondo West 1; Wale Williams, Ondo West 2; Oluwole Emmanuel Ogunmolasuyi, Owo 1 and Adeyemi Olayemi, Owo 2.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, had the majority of the lawmakers having won 23 of the total 26 seats at the poll conducted on March 9, while the opposition PDP and ZLP won two and one seats respectively.

The two seats won by the PDP are, Akoko North-East and Idanre, while the ZLP won only Ondo West 1.

Meanwhile, out of the total 26 lawmakers that would form the 9th Assembly, only eight (cool members were re-elected while the remaining 18 members are freshers.
https://citadelng.com/inec-to-present-certificates-of-return-to-26-odha-members-elect-today/

The Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu Aketi SAN, and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are present at the ongoing Bola Tinubu Colloquium.

The annual event, which is the 11th in the series, is ongoing in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Other dignitaries at the event include APC state governors and members of the President’s cabinet, as well as traditional rulers among others.

Ifon General Hospital ’ll be equipped - Akeredolu




Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has assured the people of Ifon in Ose local government, that the Ifon General Hospital under construction would be one of the best in the state when completed.

The Governor made this known during his thank-you-tour to Ifon in Ose in local government area of the Northern Senatorial District over their support for candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last House of Assembly election in the state.



He stated that the hospital would be equipped with medical equipment that will soon arrive the state from the United States of America (USA).

Akeredolu explained that the General Hospital, when completed, would cater for the health needs of people of the local government and its environs.

While describing people of the local government as ever supportive of APC, he thanked them for their supports from 2012, 2016 and till date, saying their support and loyalty have been massive.

He mentioned some of the present administration’s achievements in the area to include in two years various road and constructions in Ifon, Ogbonmo road, Hawlet road and Ajegunle-Ignadara road among others.

He explained that the reason behind the renovation of primary schools with modern toilet facilities and perimeter fencing for security, was to enable the pupils walk short distances from their various homes to the schools.

Governor Akeredolu who noted that few numbers of indigenes of the local government have been appointed, assured that more sons and daughters of the area would be considered for appointments soon.

Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers in the local government, the Olufon of Ifon, Oba Isreal Adeusi commended Governor Akeredolu for the numerous projects, both completed and ongoing, saying the party’s success in the last House of Assembly election is a reward of good leadership.

“God rewarded your achievements through the election of the party’s candidates. We were neglected in Ose local government for 8 years, but you came and restored our lost glory through many laudable projects.

The Monarch however appealed for more teachers to fill the newly renovated schools and more health personnel for its health centres.

At Oka, headquarters of Akoko South West Local Government, Akeredolu who described the area as that which belongs to the progressives, thanked the people for their continued loyalty and support for the party since 2012 till date.



Akeredolu further thanked the community of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, for being a pillar of support to the state government at all times.

According to the Governor, among government’s efforts in the local government were the rehabilitation of the Oke-Oka highway which had claimed many lives and the rehabilitation of the Akungba-Epinmi-Iwaro-Oka road among others.

He further explained that over forty primary schools have been renovated in the local government with the promise to renovate more when the next batch of school’s renovation begins next month.

The Olubaka of Oka-Akoko, Oba Adebori Adeleye who described the Governor as a man that runs a government with human face, thanked him for curtailing the incessant accidents prevalent on the Oke-Oka highway.

He further thanked the Governor for the renovation of various roads in the area and for deploying security officers to bad portions where rehabilitation work has not been extended to so as to ward off criminal elements on the highway.
http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/Ifon-General-Hospital-%E2%80%99ll-be-equipped---Akeredolu

Ondo rice farmers to get mills


The Chairman of Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria RIFAN, Ondo State chapter, Prince George Oladapo has said that for the silos in Oda road to be fully utilized, there must be enough functional mills for the various commodities they are meant for.

Oladapo who said this in an interview with The Hope noted that the silos are of immense benefit to farmers in the state.

He said a bigger capacity milling machine for rice farmers will be ready this year at Igbara Oke and milling will start, so that the silos can be fully engaged

According to him, what is produced now is not enough for home consumption let alone storage, hence the need for a large and functional mill.

Oladapo stressed that the output of farmers would be greatly increased with large milling factories since they know that the problem of wastage is no longer there.

”Part of those things working against farmers from producing in large quantities is where to store it, supposing I can sell off what I produce, when we picked interest in rice production, we realised that there would be a reason for us to utilise the silos and store for the next season.

“Other farmers are taken advantage of it. If rice farmers are not using it this year, maize farmers can utilize it, cassava farmers can store garri. So by and large the silos have been of immense benefit to farmers in the state. Even the Federal Government sometimes makes use of it by storing grains and for other uses”, he said.

While saying that farmers have continued to increase their out put annually because of assurance of a place to store it, Oladapo said more people particularly youths are getting interested in rice cultivation, which he opined is better than civil service jobs.


When asked about the mill at Layere in Ogbese in Akure North local government, Oladapo said the capacity can not even take care of home consumption.

“The rice mill in Ogbese is a mini one of about 15tonnes per day, it can not even take care of home consumption, let alone preservation, but a bigger mill will be ready in Igbara Oke before the end of the year and the silos will be fully engaged”, he explained.

He called on the government to sustain the association and give them a level playing ground, will become accessible so that most of the things that are difficult for them to access will be easier.

The silos constructed long ago have not been put to use until recently.
https://citadelng.com/ondo-rice-farmers-to-get-mills/

UNICEF field officer in Ondo State, Tejinder Saidhu and Mrs Sharon Oladiji exchanging pleasantries with the wife of Ondo State governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu at the ongoing stakeholders meeting on child BIRTH REGISTRATION holding at the Dome, Akure.

Akeredolu advises parents on benefits of birth registration

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has said birth registration certificate would soon be a prerequisite for the registration of pupils into public primary schools in the state.

He said the birth registration certificate will also serve as ease of access for Children under the age of Five who are included in the free health care services of the state government.

Governor Akeredolu described the move as part of the efforts to collaborate with the Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu Foundation towards a better birth registration in the state.

The governor spoke at the one day stakeholders summit on Birth Registration in the state held at the International Culture and Events Center (DOME), Igbatoro Road, Akure.

Governor Akeredolu said correct birth registration will help the government plan for the future of the children and also engender development in the state.

He said :" Let me congratulate Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu Foundation for putting this together. I want to believe that as the UNICEF as rightly underscored iI, this initiatiative is a great one and greatly appreciated

"I listened to the NPC and everyone who has spoken about this inalienable right of our children, the right to identity. The need for planning. The two work together . If we do not have good birth registeration we can't plan properly.

"One thing that's very clear is that the government can not do it alone. Hence, the initiative of BAAF must be recognised and applauded. We must find of way of to collaborate with the foundation

"As a government I believe that part of our collaboration will be to have a policy statement. The time has come for all our children to have birth registration certificate before registration in our primary Schools

"Under our health policy, children under 5 are treated free of charge, we must insist that our children must have birth registration certificate or they are issued one at the hospital. As a government, it is important for us to assist, because this birth registration will help us in planning. For us to plan, we need to have correct figures and our population. We will henceforth encourage BAAF. "

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has assured the people of Akoko North West Local Government area of the state that the construction of Akunnu-Ikaram-Okeagbe-Afin-Ogbagi-Irun road would commence soon.

Akeredolu gave the assurance during his thank-you-tour to Akoko North West and Akoko South East Local Government areas of Ondo North Senatorial District over their supports for candidates of APC during the last House of Assembly election.

He explained that the design of the road had been completed, while the contractors would soon be mobilised to site .

The Governor, who described Akoko North West as the home of progressive politics, thanked them for their loyalty and support for APC at all times.

Akeredolu also thanked the people of the area for the victory of both candidates representing the two constituencies at the recently concluded House of Assembly elections.

Earlier, Owa of Ogbagi-Akoko, Oba Victor Adetona who spoke on behalf of other traditional rulers in the local government, thanked the Governor for appointing indigenes of the local government into his cabinet.

While applauding Governor Akeredolu for the renovation of various Schools in the area, he appealed that construction works on their deplorable roads should commence in earnest.

At Isua, in Akoko South East local government, Akeredolu commended the people of the area for their support for the party’s candidate which he said would in turn, usher in more democracy dividends to the people.

He added that apart from the renovation of many schools in the area and the rehabilitation of the Federal Government’s Owo-Ikare road which had cost the state government a lot, he assured that roads linking communities in the local government would be attended to.

The governor further promised to ensure the continuous spread of dividends of democracy to the local governments.

State chairman of APC, Ade Adetimehin, thanked people of the local governments for their massive support which gave the party victory.

He enjoined them to continue to support the APC-led government in future elections for the dividends of good governance to abound.

Chairmen of both local government areas, Yomi Babatunde (Akoko South East and Ayodele Akande, Akoko North West who lauded the Governor for the execution of various developmental projects across the state, appealed for the construction of linkage roads within their domains.

Earlier, the Olupe of Ipe-Akoko, Oba Francis Apata had thanked the governor for the rehabilitation of Owo-Ikare road, and schools.

He appealed for the rehabilitation of the deplorable Epinmi-Ikare-Oba-Ikun-Ipe-Isua road.

“We know they are Federal Government roads, but we appeal to you to use your connection to ensure that they are touched.

“Without road connectivity, our economy cannot improve in this area, but if you can get the roads rehabilitated, you don’t need to campaign for second term because the projects will speak for you, we want to have something to show to our people,” he appealed.
http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/Rehabilitation-of-Akoko-road-projects-begin-soon---Akeredolu

You run an inclusive government, Ikare Monarchs tell Akeredolu

The two traditional rulers in Ikare Akoko in Akoko North East Local Government Area of Ondo State , the Olukare of Ikare, Oba Akadiri Momoh and the Owa Ale of Ikare, Oba Adedoyin Adegbite have commended Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, for the construction of various roads in the town.

The Monarchs particularly thanked the Governor for the construction of the Oke Alabojuto road and the continuous developmental projects in the town.

The Owa Ale recounted that prior to the rehabilitation of the Owo /Ikare road by the Akeredolu's administration, most people would travel to Ado from Ikare before going to Owo due to the bad state of the road.

The traditional rulers commended Akeredolu for running an inclusive government.

They said :" We thank you. Our community leaders have thanked you about the road. We know how Oke Alabojuto road was before your intervention. In the last two years, you have been working in Ikare. Your government is very inclusive. Even in terms of security, we are grateful "

Speaking on behalf of the people of Akoko North East, one of the community leaders, Alhaji Olanrewaju Kazeem, apologised to the Governor for the abysmal performance of the APC in the local government during the last election.

He promised that in future elections, the local government will show appreciation to the party and the government of Governor Akeredolu with their votes.

Governor Akeredolu urged the party leaders in the local government to close ranks and work for a stronger APC.
https://citadelng.com/you-run-an-inclusive-government-ikare-monarchs-tell-akeredolu/
� Blessed Michael

Monarchs in Akoko South East Local Government Area of Ondo State have lauded Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, for the massive reconstruction of Public Primary Schools in the area and various road projects.

The Monarchs particularly thanked the Governor for rehabilitating the Federal Government owned Owo / Ikare road and rescuing Akoko land from the deplorable state of roads.

The Olupe of Ipe Akoko, Oba Francis Apata who spoke on behalf of other Monarchs during the Thank You Tour of the Governor to the local government, said Akoko North East was especially jealous of the various gaint strides recorded by the Akeredolu's administration on the construction of roads in Akoko land, particularly the Oke Alabojuto in Ikare - Akoko.

Oba Apata, however, appealed to the Governor to extend the wave of massive infrastructural development to the Epinmi - Ikare Road for the economic development of the local Government. Although a Federal Government road, the Monarch asked the Governor to look into possibility of rehabilitating the road.

Governor Akeredolu who appreciated the people of the Local government for voting for the party in the last state House of Assembly elections, assured the people that his administration will spread development across the state.

He said :" We are here to say thank you. That's why we started with a praise song. We have thanked the Lord. But, we are here to thank you. What people thought was impossible, was made possible here. I spoke with our people and they listened.

"When Kuti emerged as the candidate of our party for a second term, so many people. came to me and said it was impossible. That was not your arrangement before. That was not your arrangement before.. But I told them, I pleaded that this one can be possible and it will even open way for better things to come. I have come to thank you for electing Kuti.

"Part of the reason we are here is to hear your views . You know how many hours you take to get to Owo before. We have done intervention on that road that has cost us alot. We have heard your demand. We will attend to them. We thank all the people of Akoko South East.
"https://citadelng.com/akoko-monarchs-laud-akeredolu-over-infrastructural-development-reconstruction-of-schools/

� Blessed Michael

Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu yesterday promised to fast track quick completion of the Rice Mill at Igbara-Oke, the headquarters of Ifedore Local Government area of the State.

He also reassured his government’s determination to finally resolve farmers/herdsmen clashes in some parts of the state, including Ifedore council area.

Akeredolu spoke while leading top government officials on a thank-you-visit to the people of Ifedore local government area.

He particularly appreciated the people for their unalloyed support for the All Progressives Congress, APC, during the last election which gave the party overwhelming victory, just as he described Ifedore as the home of APC.

The governor who was extremely happy with the rousing welcome he received from the people of the local government, sang various songs of praise to appreciate God, particularly for the overwhelming support given to the party during the Presidential/National Assembly elections and the last House poll.

He who equally listed his various achievements across the council area, especially in the areas of road construction, renovation/building of new public schools and sinking of boreholes to provide potable water, attributed all the success stories to God Almighty, noting that 78 boreholes have been provided in various communities across the council through RUWASSA.

Akeredolu disclosed that all the projects being executed across the state were in fulfillment of his electioneering campaign promises to the people of the state, assuring that more people-oriented projects are still coming as dividends of good governance in the state.

He appreciated the support of the traditional rulers in council area in the last House of Assembly election, urging them to sustain the tempo to ensure more development in the local government.

On the farmers/herdsmen clashes, the governor said government would soon present Executive Bill to the House of Assembly to end the menace which he described as a very serious.

He advised the people of the council not to take law into their hands but always report herdsmen issue to the police for appropriate action, saying any Fulani herdsman who destroys any farmland who be made to pay for it.
https://citadelng.com/akeredolu-promises-quick-completion-of-rice-mill-in-igbara-oke/

Ondo State Chairman of Cassava Growers Association, Mr Fela Olorunmodimu has disclosed that 6,400 hectares of land would be required for the cultivation of cassava to feed the proposed ethanol factory in the state .

He made the disclosure while speaking with The Hope in Akure, on the level of the preparedness of the Association, in ensuring that the factory does not experience dearth of the major raw material.

According to him, such considerable land is required to grow cassava for commercial purpose and to meet the demand of the factory, adding that about 150,000 metric tonnes will be needed annually for the project .

Olorunmodimu said over 5,000 cassava farmers particularly youths in the state are being restructured in the new planting season to meet the 350 metric tonnes per day requirement of the factory.

The chairman, who said agreement between the factory and his association is already on to ensure they plant according to the time table of the usage of the factory, stressed that the association is very much involved in the project.

“This project is like an answered prayer because where to sell our cassava has been a major challenge but now we bless God that Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu is bringing up this laudable project at this time.

” We are fully ready, we have all our farmers across the 18 local government areas of the state. We have well over 5,000 cassava farmers who have gone into cultivation because of the factory.

“And around April, we will be harvesting.I am quite sure that between 150 and 200 metric tonnes will be given to us to supply.

“And to ensure we meet the 350 metric tonnes per day requirement, we are restructuring our farmers particularly our youth farmers in this new planting season to cultivate according to the time table of the usage of the project. So we are very much in touch with the factory”, he explained.

Olorunmodimu who assured that finance will not be a problem said “on our own part, we are partnering with the Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria to ensure that we have the Anchor Borrowers Programme for our farmers”.

“The state government still has a lot to do by providing enabling environment for farmers such as considerable land.

“So we really need government to do agricultural land clearing so that we can have enough land to cultivate.

“We also need machineries like tractors. If you look at the whole state, I don’t think we have up to 10 tractors. So we need tractors, planters, harvesters among others. If we have land and machineries are given to us then we can prepare our land”, he stressed.

The chairman assured that the demand for cassava by the factory will not result in food insecurity in the state but may lead to increase in the price of cassava products.

“Although, the price of cassava products like garri, pupuru will jump up but definitely it will be available. It is an opportunity for cassava farmers to smile.

“If you look at the price of garri and you compare it with the price of foods like beans, rice, you will discover that garri is very low.

The Chairman /MD Klickonnect Networks Int'l limited, Chief Ajipe Alex has announced to the local governments and Ministry of Youth and Sports Development in the state that Klickonnect will collaborate with the Ondo State Government to boost agricultural production in the state.

According to Ajipe, Nigeria is the largest producer of cassava in the world with an average production of over 45 million metric tons which amounts to about 20 per cent of global cassava production and Ondo State is one of the largest producers of cassava in the Nigeria.

Chief Ajipe said Klickonnect Networks have concluded plans to add value to agricultural in the state.

Wewood cassava to ethanol has given Klickonnect Networks sole mandate to aggregate and cordinate all cassava supplies to the newly built wewood cassava to ethernol factory located at the Ondo- Linyi industrial hub.

Klickonnect Networks swing to action by initiating a “cassava revolution” in Ondo State. Partnering with the state ministry of youth and sport development and all the 18 local government council areas of the state.

Chief Alex Ajipe also visited Ondo West, Ifedore and Akure South local governments with the promise to provide all the inputs needed for effective commercial cassava farming in the grassroots by using the same to empower our teeming youths and also give value addition to the farmers In the state.

Chief Ajipe commended Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for creating an enabling environment. According to him, the development has attracted many foreign investors into the state.

While receiving Klickonnect team in his office the entire leadership of the ministry of youth and sport development led by the Hon. Commissioner, Mr Saka Yusuf Ogunleye, thanks the initiator of Ondo State cassava revolution, chief Alex Ajipe and his Klickonnect team.

Hon. Ogunleye commended the purposeful leadership of the state under Arakunrin Akeredolu ogunleye says this will go along way to fulfill more one of the APC administration electioneering promise of using agriculture to empower the youths and raise agripreneurs in the state.

Ogunleye who give a matching order to the ministry staff led by its Permanent Secretary to immediately convene a workshop on youths with the involvement of critical stakeholders immediately for the project.

In another separate reactions, Ondo West local government Chairman, Hon. AYodeji EbEnezer AkInsulire, his counterpart from Ifedore, Hon. Oladimeji Alex Akin and Akure South local government Chairman, Hon. Gbenga Olaniyi welcome Chief Ajipe and commended the project, the council Chairmen therefore, promised to give maximum support and ensure the project becomes reality.
https://citadelng.com/klickonnect-networks-partner-odsg-for-cassava-revolution/

Ondo State House of Assembly member-elect for Akoko North-West constituency 2, Mohammed Taofik Oladele, has attributed his victory at the just concluded House of Assembly election to various monumental achievements of the state governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

Oladele, a native of Ogbagi-Akoko in Akoko North-West Local Government Area of the state, is one of the 23 APC lawmakers-elect in the last Saturday’s March 9 House of Assembly election in the state. In the election, APC won 23 seats while PDP and ZLP won two and one seats respectively.

He particularly lauded all the people of his constituency for their unalloyed support for the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, which he added, culminated to landslide victory for the party at the Assembly poll.

While commending governor Akeredolu for his outstanding performance within two years of his administration, the lawmaker-elect noted that the laudable performance in the areas of road construction and rehabilitation, youths employment through agriculture, building and renovation of public primary schools, regular payment of salaries of civil servants, women empowerment, among other laudable achievements contributed greatly to his victory at the poll.

“Mr. Governor is really doing alot for our people, is it in the areas of women empowerment. The governor is giving soft loans to our market women to expand their business activities. Look at what he is doing in the area of road projects across the state, especially in Akoko areas now. This is fantastic and we all appreciate Mr governor for this good work”, he stressed.

Oladele also applauded the governor for his quick intervention in arresting kidnapping and other criminal activities being perpetrated by hoodlums along Ikare-Owo road, saying that everybody is now safe in the area and other parts of the state.

He equally thanked all the party leaders in the state and his constituency for their support throughout the election.

Oladele, a former Supervising Councillor and Economist, contested for the House of Assembly seat in 2015 but lost to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

He assured his constituents of quality representation and dividends of good governance, promising to fulfil his electioneering campaign promises.

According to him, a lot of meaningful projects based on the needs of the people would be executed during his time, while youths and women empowerment would also be his priority to improve the standard of living of the people.

He added that necessary support would also be given to students in the constituency in a bid to improve standard of education, adding that everybody in his constituency both young and old would feel the positive impact of his good representation during his time.

President Muhammadu Buhari said yesterday that election is neither war nor a do-or-die affair and promised to run an inclusive government in his second term which begins on May 29 this year.

resident Muhammadu Buhari and wife Aisha (left) with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and wife Dolapo, shortly after receiving Certificates of Return from the INEC Chairman in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida. The President, who stated this shortly after receiving his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Abuja, spoke against the backdrop of rejection of results of the presidential election by the presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who also vowed to go to court to challenge the results. “Election is not war, and should never be seen as a do-or-die affair. I pray that we all accept this democratic approach to elections, however contentious,” he said. The President said now that the elections were over, and a winner had emerged, the victory is that of Nigeria. He said: “That was why I encouraged my teeming supporters, in a speech I read earlier today, not to gloat. Our God-given victory is enough cause for joy, without deriding those who were in the opposition. All Nigerians, going forward, must stand in brotherhood, for a bright and fulfilling future. “I, therefore, want to assure that we will continue to engage all parties that have the best interest of Nigerians at heart.” President Buhari said his government would remain inclusive and that all doors will remain open, adding that it “is the way to build the country of our dream; safe, secure, prosperous, and free of impunity and primitive accumulation by those entrusted with public offices.” Congratulating all the presidential candidates and their teams on a hard-fought campaign, he said: “We may have had different views during the campaign, but the one thing most of us have in common is love of our country and our desire to improve conditions for Nigerians. “From the comments of several observers, both local and foreign, it is obvious that the elections were both free and fair.”

The President said he would continue to build on the foundations of peace, rule of law and opportunities for all in efforts to deliver a better Nigeria. “We will roll up our sleeves afresh, and give it our all. We have no other motive than to serve Nigeria with our hearts and might, and build a nation which we and generations to come can be proud of,” he said. President Buhari thanked the over 15 million citizens who voted for him as well as those who contributed to the running of his successful campaign. “I can assure that you will see a country moving to the Next Level, as we consolidate on our fundamental areas of securing the country, reviving the economy, and fighting corruption. “Many other focal areas, as stated in our campaign manual, will be added, to the good things we plan for our country,” he said. The President also paid tribute to those who lost their lives either through accidents or mindless violence during the course of the elections. “My heart and thoughts are with the families of the victims. May God comfort and give them the fortitude to bear the loss,” he said. Earlier in his acceptance speech, President Buhari said security agencies in the country will bring to justice those who allegedly perpetuated violence during the Presidential and National Assembly elections. President Buhari advised his party members not to taunt the opposition parties in their celebration, saying that victory was enough reward.

He promised to consolidate on the foundation his administration has laid in the past four years and restructure the nation’s economy. While thanking God for the victory and his party, he expressed sadness over the loss of lives during the elections. He said: “I thank the millions of Nigerians who voted to re-elect me as your president for the next four years. I am deeply humbled and profoundly grateful to you for judging me worthy of continuing to serve you and for your peaceful conduct. “In particular, I would like to thank Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for his masterful leadership as Co-chair of the Campaign Council. I would like to also thank the party chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, the Director General of the Campaign Council, Rotimi Amaechi, all members of the Presidential Campaign Council and other various Support Groups. “My grateful thanks to all those who contributed to the logistical expenses of the campaign in such a vast country like Nigeria. “I also thank the millions of volunteers, self-appointed overseers, canvassers, agents, escorts and sentries who sacrificed so much of their time and resources to ensure the success of these elections. I do not have the words adequate to thank them. Security to prosecute electoral offenders “Although Saturday’s elections were relatively peaceful, troublemakers in a handful of states attempted to disrupt an otherwise orderly process. security agencies will bring to justice all those arrested in the process. “I am very sad at the grievous loss of lives during these elections. Security agencies will step up their efforts to protect voters in the forthcoming state elections. “I would like to commend our security agencies, as severely overstretched as they are, for handling the difficult task of securing the country during the election period. Appeal to supporters “I will like to make a special appeal to my supporters not to gloat or humiliate the opposition. Victory is enough reward for your efforts.” President Buhari commended domestic and international observers for contributing to the success of the elections and for their interest in the country and developing democracy.

On expectations in the next four years, he said: “The new administration will intensify its efforts in security, restructuring the economy and fighting corruption. “We have laid down the foundation and we are committed to seeing matters to the end. We will strive to strengthen our unity and inclusiveness so that no section or group will feel left behind or left out.”
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/02/ill-run-an-inclusive-govt-buhari-pledges/

President Muhammadu Buhari has pleaded with his supporters not to humiliate the opposition over his victory in the 2019 presidential election.

The president made the plea after receiving his Certificate of Return from the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, on Wednesday in Abuja.


President Buhari said his supporters should see his victory as a “reward” for their efforts.

He said: “I would like to make a special appeal to my supporters not to gloat or humiliate the opposition. Victory is enough reward for your efforts.”

The president and his vice arrived at the venue in the company of their spouses at about 2:10 p.m.

The INEC chairman, who spoke briefly before handing over the certificates of return to the president and vice president-elect, said the occasion is a statutory requirement based on the Electoral Act which requires winners of elections to be given their certificate of return within seven days.

Osinbajo was the first to receive his certificate from Yakubu followed by Buhari.

Buhari defeated the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, to emerge winner in the keenly contested poll.

Announcing the final results of the election on Wednesday, Yakubu said Buhari polled a total of 15,191,847 votes to defeat his closest rival, who polled 11,262,978.

From start, Buhari proved to be the man to beat, leading all other candidates and ending with a wide margin of almost four million votes ahead of Atiku, and drawing his largest block of votes from the core Northern states.


https://www.concisenews.global/2019/02/27/buhari-advises-apc-supporters-not-to-humiliate-opposition/

Abuja – Dr Orji Kalu, the senator-elect, Abia North Senatorial District, said President Muhammadu Buhari deserved his re-election as he has taken Nigeria to enviable heights since he assumed office on May 29, 2015.

President Buhari congratulates Orji Kalu In a statement, Kalu commended the achievements of the Federal Government under Buhari, describing them as unbeatable and remarkable.

While acknowledging the goodwill of the president, the former governor of Abia, called on politicians to emulate his worthy qualities. Orji further urged Nigerian leaders to join hands with Buhari in rebuilding Nigeria.

According to him, the future of Nigeria is bright under the current administration. He said: “The well-deserved victory of President Muhammadu Buhari did not come to Nigerians as a surprise because of the laudable achievements of the Federal Government.

“President Buhari has in the past four years taken Nigeria to enviable heights. “Nigeria has taken her rightful place in the comity of nations since President Buhari assumed office.

“The All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government has the welfare of the masses as a priority. “With the victory of President Buhari in the poll, it is obvious that Nigerians are happy with the President,’’ Kalu said.

While commending the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other stakeholders for ensuring free and fair elections, Kalu urged Nigerians to sustain their support for Buhari and the APC. (NAN)

Ondo State Government has been commended over its plan to establish an ethanol plant in the state.

The National President of Cassava Growers Association, Pastor Segun Adewumi who gave the commendation said the move will encourage cassava farmers in the state.

“We are told that Wewood, a Chinese company has just established an ethanol plant in the state which will use 300metric tonnes of cassava per day. That is a welcome development as farmers will have market for their produce.

“And If the state government can replicate it in the two other senatorial districts, it will empower the farmers because the main issue with cassava is market.

“Ethanol happens to be the most marketable item in the world right now because the world is moving away from using fossil fuel as it contributes to global warming”, he said.

While saying the soil of the state is suitable for cassava cultivation, Adewumi said Ondo state is a major cassava producer in the country.

He said cassava is one of the most important crops in the world noted that what Nigeria use #3trillion to import to the country annually can be derived from the crop.

Other challenges confronting cassava farmers in the country according to Adewumi are land clearing and lack of equipment which is why farmers can not go into large scale production.

“Land clearing is a problem not only in Ondo state but in the Southern part of the country generally. In the north they don’t have this problem because their land is automatically cleared.

“The normal way to do commercial farming is when you clear a large expanse of land, demarcate into plots and apportion to farmers. If we have our land cleared, may be 5000hectares or 10,000 hectares, then you can bring specialized equipment like planter to plant for everybody and that will collapse the cost of production.

“But if what you have is 10hectares and it plants it in a day, what will it be doing in the next one year.

“What we have been doing even in anchor borrowers programme is subsistence farming and that cannot take us anywhere in Nigeria. The cost of our production is about two or three times that of the international market, so we can not penetrate the international market”, he stressed.

According to him, cassava is not being exported as being noised by some people because of high cost of production.

While saying Nigeria is still backward in mechanised farming, Adewumi said other African countries have gone far.

” You scarcely find any other African countries where tractor is not surplus. But in some states in Nigeria, you hardly find ten serviceable tractors. I don’t think there is a country in the world where they still till the ground except Nigeria,” he lamented.

He congratulated Ondo State government for the feat and called for assistance for farmers to encourage large scale production.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, has threatened to sue the Independent National Electoral Commission over the defeat of President Muhammadu Buhari in some parts of Anambra State in the Saturday’s poll.

Ngige, who is the agent of Buhari in the election, faulted the results INEC declared in the Idemili area of state.



While saying the final results declared by the electoral body did not tally with the results collated in polling units and wards in the areas, Ngige called for the withdrawal of the results.

He said if the results were not withdrawn, he would challenge the declaration in court.

He said the results declared by INEC was a total breach of the Electoral Act.

“I’m going to challenge these results in court if INEC does not handle this complaints well by ordering a fresh poll in the areas,” the minister said.

Ngige added that card readers failed to work in the area during the elections.

“I am calling for the outright cancellation of the presidential election in the Idemili North and Idemili South Local Government Areas or I will take up the matter in court,” he said.
https://punchng.com/ngige-threatens-to-sue-inec-over-buharis-defeat-in-anambra

No fewer than twenty people have been held by the Ondo state police command over ballot boxes snatching and other electoral offences.

The State Police Command yesterday which confirmed the arrest however could not give a figure as the suspects were said to have been from various locations.

However, our reporters who covered the elections across the state for allegedly involving in various political infractions, ranging from ballot box snatching to disruption of other electoral offences across the state.

The suspects whose number were yet to be ascertained as at press time were reportedly arrested in various locations across the state during voting exercise.

Our reporters who covered the elections across the state indicated that the arrests were effected across the state.

The Ondo state Police Public Relations Officer a Superintendent of Police, Femi Joseph who confirmed the arrest told The Hope that those nabbed are currently being detained at the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID).

He stated that the suspects who are currently undergoing interrogation would be charged to court if the allegations levelled against them were established.

The PPRO said the preliminary investigation conducted by the police about the election showed that it was peaceful, free and fair.

Joseph who commended his officers and men for the professional conduct they exhibited during voting exercise also applauded the citizens of Ondo state for conducting themselves throughout the exercise.



“General assessment by the police showed that the elections in Ondo state were peaceful and we commend the people of the state,” he stated .

On whether there is report of any misconduct against policemen, the PPRO said that his men did very well and they were commended.

He however said the state Police Commissioner, Mr Undie Adie, has directed all the Divisional Police Officers in the 18 local government areas of the state to continue to be proactive during and after the elections.

Report had it that ballot boxes in two units of wards 3 on Ilutitun were snatched by gunmen and in some other areas of the state.
Ondo State News for today, 25th February, 2019.

Snatch ballot boxes and lose your life — Buhari

February 18, 2019Samuel Ogundipe

President Muhammadu Buhari has warned potential troublemakers to stay away from ballot boxes on February 23.

At an emergency caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja on Monday morning, the president warned that anyone who foments trouble, especially by carrying ballot boxes, would be doing so at the “expense of his life”.

Mr Buhari made the statement after reprimanding the Independent National Electoral Commission for postponing the general elections from February 16 to 23.

The president repeated that he gave INEC all necessary support to ensure a smooth exercise, but the electoral body still displayed “incompetence” and failed to let Nigerians go to the poll as originally scheduled.

Electoral chiefs cited widespread logistics mishaps for the “painful” postponement, and promised everything would be in order before the new date of February 23 for presidential and federal parliamentary elections. Statewide elections would now hold on March 9, from the initial March 2.

Mr Buhari also threatened consequences against INEC chairman Mahmood Yakubu, agreeing with the submission of party chairman Adams Oshiomhole that the electoral chief had compromised and was in purported collusion with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party.

The national caucus meeting, which was initially televised for about 30 minutes, was cut off live broadcast after the president’s remarks.

Journalists were also asked to leave the venue to allow for a closed-door session.

The Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Wahab Adegbenro has pledged the commitment of the State Government in making the state College of Health Technology a model in the country.



Dr Adegbenro made this pledge in his office in Akure while playing host to the Community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria who paid him a courtesy visit while on an accreditation visit to the school in Akure .



The Commissioner stated that a lot have been done after the team visited in May last year noting that observations and requirements pointed out have been met.

He highlighted some steps taken to make the school a model to include the upgrading of the school from being a school of Health Technology to becoming a College of Health Technology which in his view has many advantages.

He commended the provost of the school, Dr Felix Olawoye for his revolutionary strides and achievements in the school saying “the progress made so far which include building of a standard school clinic which can enable the school enrol as HealthCare provider under the Contributory Health Scheme.”

He assured that government Will employ more graduates from the school when the finance of the state improves.

The Teamlead, Mr Joseph Ibitolu applauded the state for upgrading the school to a College of Health Technology and for putting up the school clinic which is a model and a requirements for accreditation.

Mr Ibitolu expressed delight at the development in the school especially the quality of demonstration hall the school has been able to put up

He appealed that government equip the Demonstration Hall, Clinic, create school of Community Health and employ products of the school.



In a related development, about 700 students have been given full admission after a probational examination was held in the school premises recently.

Speaking after the results was pasted, the Provost , Dr Felix Olawoye said the downward slide in the quality of education nationally is worrisome as so many students with excellent school certificate results cannot defend it.

He noted that the school admits only the best as products of the school would mann health facilities in the remote areas and to prevent morbidity and mortality, the school must not lower it’s standard.

The Provost said the school has the capability of admitting 964 students but because of poor performance of students in the probation exarmination, the school could only admit 700.

He appealed to parents to stop encouraging their children to cheat and cut corners as this has negative effect on the educational standard of the country.
http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/%E2%80%98Ondo-College-of-Tech-will-be-a-model%E2%80%99

Following the postponement of the general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, has scheduled an emergency caucus meeting for Monday, Vanguard can authoritatively report.

Among those expected at the meeting are President Muhammadu Buhari, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, serving and former state governors, among others.

The meeting, slated for 11am would, breaking from tradition, hold at the national secretariat of the party as opposed to its usual venue, the Presidential Villa.

The caucus is exploring the window provided by the postponement of the polls to review the party’s strategies for winning the elections.

The meeting will also deliberate on the party’s fate in Zamfara and Rivers state where its participation in the elections has been a subject of legal gymnastics.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the weekend urged lawyers, traditional rulers and the church to step up mechanism capable of curbing corruption and illegally acquired wealth as the nation prepared for elections.

Osinbajo, who lamented that corruption which had been the country’s biggest problem, causing multitude of child deaths yearly, warned that Christians and members of wig and gown profession would fail to positively influence the country unless they committed themselves to living like the biblical salt of the earth. Osinbajo was the guest minister at a special service of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG)’s The Open Door Parish, Odogunyan, Ikorodu, Lagos.

The Vice President’s longtime friend, Aina Ololade Salami, is the Pastor-in-charge of the parish. Speaking on “The church and the destiny of the nation”, Osinbajo berated Church leaders who, through their teachings “sometimes give the impression that there is no need for hard work.” Osinbajo said: “I do not hear very often that the church criticizes corruption and corrupt people. I don’t hear very often that there is condemnation, because when you look at it, the greatest problem that our country has is corruption. “People stealing directly from the treasury
is what exposed in so many cases that there is so much poverty in the land, the leadership stealing directly from the treasury.
https://citadelng.com/polls-osinbajo-urges-lawyers-church-monarchs-to-shun-corruption-moneybags/

“The greatest cause of death is corruption, because when you look at the number of children who die between the ages of zero and five, who should have been provided with medical care and the money has been stolen, some people say oh there are many kidnappings, many this and that, but the greatest cause of death in our country is corruption. “If you look at poverty from 2012, almost 110,000 children die of diarrhoea-related illness yearly.

Why? The resources that should be used for medical care is stolen. So, if the church does not stand up and condemn corruption, if the church doesn’t say, ‘if we suspect that you this man, you are a public officer but you have money that you shouldn’t have we’ll ostracise you’, then it’ll be difficult for us to play our role.”

He advised Christians worried by the idea of an Islamist agenda not to be afraid but to dutifully obey the great commission found in Matthew 28:16-20, where Jesus instructed his disciples to spread his teachings to all the nations of the world. Osinbajo said: “I was saying to a group of Christian leaders the other day that I as a pastor, long before I was appointed Vice President, I attended the (RCCG) Holy Ghost Service regularly, as a matter of fact, before I became Vice President I never missed the Holy Ghost Service once in 15 years, not once.

I’ve missed the Holy Ghost Service now maybe once or twice. “As Vice President I attend, even in Abuja, all of the (Christian) gatherings, and these are big gatherings at the Abuja National Stadium. Even look at the Holy Ghost Night, it’s televised all over the world, I as Vice President am standing there everybody sees me all over the world. I said to the leaders, can you imagine a situation where President Muhammadu Buhari every month, gathers in Sokoto, with hundreds of thousands of Mullahs, what would we say? What would the leaders say? They would be panicking.”

STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT BUHARI ON THE
POSTPONEMENT OF GENERAL ELECTIONS BY INEC

I am deeply disappointed that despite the long notice given and our preparations both locally and internationally, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) postponed the Presidential and National Assembly elections within hours of its commencement.

Many Nigerians have traveled to various locations to exercise their right to vote, and international observers are gathered.

INEC themselves have given assurances, day after day and almost hour after hour that they are in complete readiness for the elections. We and all our citizens believed them.

This administration has ensured that we do not interfere in any way with the work of INEC except to ensure that all funds were released to the commission.

We now urge INEC to ensure not only that materials already distributed are safe and do not get into wrong hands, but that everything is done to avoid the lapses that resulted in this
unfortunate postponement, and ensure a free and fair election on the rescheduled dates.

While I reaffirm my strong commitment to the independence, neutrality of the electoral umpire and the sanctity of the electoral process and ballot, I urge all political stakeholders
and Nigerians to continue to rally round INEC at this trying national moment in our democratic journey.

I, therefore, appeal to all Nigerians to refrain from all civil disorder and remain peaceful, patriotic and united to ensure that no force or conspiracy derail our democratic development.

I have decided to move back to Abuja to ensure
that the 14.00 hrs meeting called by INEC with all stakeholders is successful.

Muhammadu Buhari

Hill Gives way for road construction in Ikare Akoko

The Akoko road is one of the busiest roads in the South west region of the country after the Lagos /Ibadan express way. This is because the highway is the gateway to the Northern region of the country and the Ikare Akoko road which is regarded as the headquarters of Akokoland remained a dreaded spot for motorists especially the sleepy hill of Oke Alabojuto, in the ancient town.

This road which lead to center of the town in Ikare Akoko had claimed so many lives in the past and a week never passed without the spot consuming several lives with immeasurable valuables lost to incessant auto crash on this road which made motorists dread the road and tag it blood sucking arena, attaching some myths around the hilly spots of the town.


No indigene or residents of Ikare Akoko believed that the hilly road surrounded by rocks could be leveled to reduce carnage on this spot which is very close to the central market located at the entrance of the ancient palace of Ikare Akoko

THE MYTH

There used to be a myth around Oke-Alabojuto, the hilly portion of Ikare-Akoko township road. No native believed the famished and destructive rocky hill could be leveled. To some residents of the community, the Oke Alabojuto, has been in existence from time memorial with some spiritual attachments.


They were of the belief that certain atonement had been left unperformed because of the introduction of Christianity and Islam. According to one of the residents, Olakanmi Sanusi, who observed that the carnage on the particular spot became incessant in the mid 90s. He said “though I would not know maybe there is a deity being worshipped here before but accidents are not common here , but since everybody in the have embraced the new religions, and people tend to abandon the period sacrifice to the hills and rocks, we have been experiencing accidents and carnage on this particular spots for years.”He however said they have tried to unravel this myth with no one to offer the reasons for many deaths on that particular spot.

But the Olukare of Ikare Akoko, Oba Akadiri Momoh, dispelled the insinuation and said there were no facts to establish any myth surrounding the Oke Alabojuto, but explained that the place was named Oke Alabojuto because the first missionary in the town lived on the hills.

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He said Archdeacon Lennor, the first missionary from Jamaica stayed there and they called it Oke Alabojuto because he was in charge of schools and churches then; that was around 1935. The level of education then automatically picked up because we have no school before then.


I don’t know if any gods or goddess is being worshipped around the place but when I was growing up, there was nothing like that. The missionary built schools and churches and there was nothing like that. It is possible they have before but when the missionaries came in there was nothing like that.

A nonagenarian, Madam Deborah Olaofe said such myth should not be discarded, saying the modern day religion have relegated such practices to the background but maintained it should not be ruled out. Olaofe however said the present adminstration led by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, the Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has shattered the myth by turning the place to “Isale-Alabojuto”
New development

The residents of the community have described the reconstruction of the vital spot of the road which is about 0.5 km as a gateway to development of Ikare Akoko and the entire Akoko land, saying the development would put an end to the age-long nightmare of the people of Ikare and the road users.


Before it was leveled, the hilly road had consumed several lives and destroyed uncountable valuable properties through auto-crashes, making residents to live in fear for decades. The inhabitants of the four local government areas as well as commuters have expressed delight over the feat recorded by the state government in executing the project.

The reconstruction works remains one of the most important infrastructural works being carried out by the Akeredolu government Many had given up on the road because it has inflicted untold hardship on the people of the town, while some suggested the road should be permanently closed to stop the carnage while some argued that it would affect the economy of the hilly town.

The residents of the ancient town who described the road before the construction as death trap, said the reconstruction works will save lives, boost economic activities and smoothing traffic flows.

Speaking to Nigerian Tribune, 72 years old Mr. Pius Olabode, who has been living all his life in Ikare Akoko, said the road will positively affects the economic, political, and social activities of the people of the community it. He noted that the road had sent so many people to their early grave

He noted the number of casualties during any accident along the hill is usually too many because of the market situated at the bottom of the hill.



He said “at a point, we even took steps to appease the gods to put an end to the recurring accidents on the road. We invited religious leaders like Pastors and Imams to help intercede for us.”


He commended the administration of Akeredolu for taking the giant step to execute the construction of the raid which subsequent government failed to give attention.

The septuagenarian however appealed to the government to extend the construction to the adjoining streets on the road , saying their cars had been trapped inside the streets since the construction began awhile there were no indication that the road will be constructed to accommodation the people living within the streets.

Also speaking, Raphael Omoteloye said he had witnessed over 20 accidents on the hilly toad in his lifetime saying more than 200 lives had been lost on the Oke Alabojuto road. He attributed the causes of the accidents on the axis to “break failure which is very rampant among big vehicles, lovelies and trailers”

He however said the topography and the hills upon which the road was constructed made it difficult for subsequent government to initiate the move in reconstructing the road and saluted the courage of Akeredolu’s government in fulfilling his electioneering promises to the people of Ikare and Akoko in general. He said when they mobiles to the site, very few believed the hill could ever be brought down and reduced to ground level to give way to a dual carriage way, the first in Akokoland.

With this Akeredolu has demonstrated to us that he is a listening governor and with the construction of the road, we are safe now in Ikare, no more weeping or gnashing of teeth”

Speaking, on the construction of the Oke Alabojuto road, the state commissioner for Information, Mr. Yemi Olowolabi said the construction of the road and other road across the state is in line with the state governor mantra of Road to Redemption.
The paramount ruler of Ikare Akoko, Oba Akadiri Momoh, described the construction as a miracle saying it takes a good government with mission and vision to execute such project.

He said the construction of the Oke Alabojuto has endeared Akeredolu to Ikare people, who he said will forever be grateful to the governor for opening up their town to bigger economic activities.

Oba Akadiri said, “I received the news with joy. Everybody in the town was very happy about it because they knew the project was going to put a stop to the recurring needless accidents on the road.

“The construction of the Oke Alabojuto road is a wonderful thing to happen to the people of Ikare, Akokoland and Nigeria in general, because the road links Ondo State to other parts of the country.

“We do appreciate the governor’s determination to permanently arrest our fears about this road. Our major concern, before the construction of the road by Akeredolu, was how to put a stop to the countless deaths on the road.

“Most vehicles, especially trucks and other big lorries, would lose control and crash while ascending or descending the road due to break failure or other mechanical faults. And these always resorted in loss of lives and properties”

He commended the people for their tolerance and cooperation since the construction work began and urged them to persevere till the end.

Speaking to our correspondent at the site of the construction, type site engineer, Mr Dusgam Jarboa, of the RCF Nig. Ltd. said the double lane road would be delivered to the state government in couple of days.

He said the construction company took time to construct the road because of its peculiarities and assured that it would serve the purpose it was meant to serve, saying with the quality of work done at the site, said when completed, the road can last for more than 50 years.

He said the road revolution taking place across the state was embarked upon “in redeeming the state from the rot that has characterised it for a long time and open up new vistas of opportunities, the Akeredolu-administration is gradually creating platforms for the economic recovery and independence of the Sunshine state.”

Olowolabi commended the people for their love and hospitality and praised them for being accommodating and peaceful for allowing their communities to witness development and said the Akeredolu led administration is bent on providing necessary amenities and infrastructure for the benefit and development of the state and its people.

He said similar projects are ongoing in Owo, Akure, Ore, One’s, Ifedore, Idanre and many others towns and communities.

President Muhammadu Buhari has warned against violence during the elections.

Buhari, represented by the Ambassador to Republic of Congo, Deborah Iliya, issued the warning during the women’s conference of the First African Church Mission in Zuturung, Gada Biyu in Zango Kataf Local Govt Area of Kaduna State.



In the address obtained by our correspondent on Monday, the President called on the people of Southern Kaduna to support his reelection bid.

Buhari said, “I’m not an apostle of bloodshed, no, I’m not available for violence.

“Those who sponsor and perpetrate violence during the elections, no matter how highly influential, will face the law. Let me also say that Nigeria is our country, we do not have any other place called Nigeria. This country will not be sacrificed on the altar of violence.

“Our youths are the leaders of tomorrow and so, they must shun any invitation meant to use them for violence. As you all prepare for the general elections, please come out, cast your votes. Do not exchange your Permanent Voter Cards for money.”

The President, who praised the leaders of the church, restated his commitment to creating an environment conducive to Nigerians.

While congratulating the church on behalf of the President for supporting the government, Iliya said the Nigerian project had “become a reality”.

She said, “I believe that your prayers will give your leaders the power towards their numerous efforts to improve the lives of all Nigerians, irrespective of their religious beliefs.

“On the front burner of the agenda of the present administration is the provision of adequate security for the citizenry. The President has since demonstrated this by equipping the security agencies.”



The ambassador added, “The President is a man of peace and a bridge builder. Although he has been greatly misunderstood by many because of his fight against corruption, he means very well for Nigeria. H e is a respecter of every religion and tribe.”