₦airaland Forum

In recognition of the ineffaceable legacies imprinted on the surface of the earth by the immediate past governor of Ondo State, Late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, the Nigerian Bar Association Ibadan branch, on Wednesday commissioned a Bar centre annex, to memorialize him.

This was as the late Governor’s family announced the establishment of an annual law Scholarship in his memory, named Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Scholarship Fund for Lawyers, aimed at supporting aspiring students in the Nigerian Law school.

In her opening remarks, the NBA Chairman of the branch, Mrs. Folasade Aladeniyi noted that the project, which was envisioned to serve as a source of income to the bar association was named after late Governor Akeredolu being a promoter of the rule of law, advocate of justice and for his outstanding leadership style in Nigeria.

She lauded the unalloyed support of the late former NBA President and former chairman of the Ibadan branch towards the establishment of the Bar centre annex, noting that, although he’s dead, his legacies remained unforgettable.

Announcing the establishment of the Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Scholarship Fund for Lawyers, his widow, Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, who spoke on behalf of the family informed that the Scholarship was in recognition of his love and immense contributions to the legal profession in Nigeria and to appreciate his legacy of excellence.

“This scholarship will be awarded annually to aspiring lawyers who have been admitted to the Nigerian Law School, and who demonstrate academic merit, leadership potential, and financial need. The scholarship will cover the full tuition and living expenses of the recipients for the duration of their studies at the Nigerian Law School. Details of its takeoff
will be provided in due course.

“The aim of this scholarship is to honor the memory and the vision of Aketi, and to support the development and advancement of the legal profession in Nigeria. The scholarship is also a way of expressing our gratitude to the Nigerian Bar Association, and especially to the Ibadan branch, for honoring my husband and our father with this naming ceremony. We hope that this scholarship will inspire and empower the next generation of lawyers, who will uphold the values and principles that Aketi embodied and exemplified”, she asserted.

While eulogising her late husband, the Akeredolu’s matriarch described him as a fearless critic of injustice, corruption and tyranny who was committed to fighting for the rights and interests of the marginalized and oppressed Nigerians.

She further described him as the father of the modern Ondo state who prioritized good governance through implementation of developmental policies and programmes that touched lives, including empowerment of women and girls.

Her words: “He was a defender of the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, and the separation of powers. He was a promoter of national unity, regional integration, and continental cooperation. He was an advocate who spoke truth to power, and who stood for the common good.

“As a philanthropist, he gave generously to various causes and organizations that supported education, sports, religion, and social welfare. He was a benefactor of many individuals and groups who needed financial or material assistance. He was a patron of many associations and clubs that fostered professional development, social interaction, and community service.

“As a family man, he was a loving and faithful husband, a caring and supportive father and grandfather, a loyal and protective brother, and a kind and generous uncle. He was a pillar of strength, a source of joy, and a fountain of love for his family. He was a family man who cherished and nurtured his family, and who made them proud”.

She therefore, appreciated the NBA Ibadan branch for the decision to celebrate him by immortalising him with the edifice.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola GCON, who commissioned the centre, affirmed that Aketi was a great Ibadan Bar man who indeed, deserved the honour done to him by the branch.
He added that the honour would serve as a good memory for Aketi’s family, and as a testament of his commitment to the Bar, hinting that the late Governor had promised to come back to the Bar after politics before his demise.

“Akeredolu deserved what the Ibadan branch has done for him. There’s no reason this could not be done for him. He will not forget you because he sees us, I thank you very much and I’m sure Aketi’s family and his children will be happy”. He said.

Also speaking, the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, said the Late Akeredolu left indelible and visible legacies that people derived joy in.

The event which was held at Aare Afe Babalola Bar centre, Iyakangu quarters Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, had in attendance, the deputy governor of Ondo State, Chief Olayide Adelami, Chief Folake Solanke, SAN, the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima, Prof. Wole & Ifeoma Akeredolu, Pastor Kola & Prof. Alero Akeredolu, Mr Kunle and Yejide Runsewe, Engr. Babajide Akeredolu, members of the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria, BRECAN, led by its national President, Amb. Tolu Taiwo, Aketi Friends and Associates, amongst others.

Wale Akinterinwa, a governorship hopeful on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC), says he will turn Ondo into another Lagos, the country’s commercial capital, if elected governor.

The Ondo APC governorship primary election is scheduled for April 20 while the state-wide election will be held on November 16.

Speaking during his official declaration at the ruling party’s secretariat in Akure, the state capital, on Tuesday, Akinterinwa said he will make Ondo an industrialised state.

The governorship hopeful who had worked in Lagos civil service, said he would utilise the natural resources in the state to attract investments.

“We will turn Ondo into another Lagos state in terms of development because we have what it takes, in terms of coast. We must ensure that the port comes alive and that will be a game changer,” Akinterinwa said.

“But, beyond that, we also have the landmass and ought to be an agrarian state. So, we are going to take agriculture to the next level while we encourage and support the local farmers.

“We will also attract investors who will invest in agriculture so that we will be exporting finished products. We will not just be producing for the table but we will be producing for export.”

On security, Akinterinwa said his economic initiatives would get most youth employed and lead to reduction in the rate of insecurity in the state.

“For security, part of our challenges today is because today is because we have many unemployed youths. So, Amotekun founded by our late governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and other South West governors will be strengthened so that with appropriate security in place, we can have development,” he said.

Today, I officially bagged Doctor of Business Degree (PhD) with first-class honours from the University of Cambridge.

Honoured to be the First academic to be awarded PhD Business by @Cambridge_Uni since 1209.

I am poised to use my wealth of knowledge to impact positively. pic.twitter.com/nnP5kF3jyz

— Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, CFR (@JimohIbrahimCFR) July 23, 2022

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has wooed investors across the globe to come and invest in the Sunshine state.

Governor Akeredolu told the investors that there are unique opportunities across the state.

The Governor, who attended the Nigerian Diaspora Direct Investment Summit (NDDIS) held on Friday at the Balmoral Hall, Holiday Inn, London, United Kingdom, showcased the various potentialities of Ondo State to potential investors at the event.

He was joined at the summit by his Special Adviser on Union Matters and Special Duties, Mr. Dare Aragbaiye; Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of the Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA), Chairman of the Ondo State Information Technology Agency, Mr. Olumbe Akinkugbe; Chief of Protocol to the Governor, Bola Alabi Esq; and other aides to the Governor.

According to the Governor, the Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA) was created by his administration to seek development partners in the private sector and across international communities.

Governor Akeredolu noted that development can only be achieved through partnership with the private sector, stressing that no government can drive development alone.

“In view of dwindling global and National revenue base and the effect of COVID on national and sub-national economies, the need for development partners has never been more urgent and crucial. Development can only be achieved through partnership with the private sector as no government can do it alone.

“It is in view of this that our administration set up the Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA) to seek development partners in the private sector and across international communities,” the Governor said.

Governor Akeredolu, who said Ondo State has the largest scale production of Cocoa, Oil Palm, Cassava and Rubber, Maize, Cashew Nuts, Kolanut and Yam due to its rich vegetation, noted that the Sunshine state is blessed with varied and favourable climate conditions.

He said: “We are richly blessed with varied and favourable climatic conditions with vegetation ranging from mangrove swamps to Southern coastal riverine areas through the rain forest of the midlands to derived savannah in the northern part of the state suitable for cattle grazing.

“The Southern part of the state is home to some of the most exotic timber in Nigeria and forest resources like teak, milinea and other indigenous trees species dot the landscape.”

Arakunrin Akeredolu said the Sunshine state has 75 kilometers of continuous Atlantic Ocean coastline which will support his administration’s proposed Deep Sea Port (Port of Ondo) and the blue economy.

He said the presence of a large deposit and variety of fish offer remarkable opportunities for potential investors.

While highlighting the various opportunities and why potential investors should choose to invest in the state, the Governor said the state enjoys strategic proximity to all six geo-political zones and commercial nerves in the country and also proximity to high–level intellectual research and skilled labour as the state is home to six globally recognised universities.

According to the Governor, other unique reasons investors should invest in the state include presence of a one stop shop that holds and provides investor after care services through the establishment of the Ondo State development and promotion Agency (ONDIPA)

“It is home to Nigeria’s best technology university (Federal University of Technology Akure) FUTA. Presence of a vibrant and fast-growing technology start–ups. Availability of abundant mineral resources like Kaolin, Silica sand, limestone, iron -ore etc.

“We have the largest deposit of Bitumen in Africa and the 3rd largest
in the world. Availability of a functional Airport and only second to the Lagos
airport in the South West. We account for over 40% of cocoa export in Nigeria and are the largest producer of Cocoa in Nigeria and have an ongoing cocoa revolution project. We are 2nd largest producer of cassava, 3rd largest in rubber, 4th largest producer of cashew nuts and 1st largest producer of kola nut all with little or no value addition which presents opportunities for investors.

“We are fast regaining our leading position in the Oil Palm sector with our Red Gold initiative with over 60,000 hectares of new plantations making us the largest in terms of acreage.

“We represent vast opportunities for investors in the tourism industries. Across the state we have attractive and non - replicable antiquities of historical landmarks with rich history behind them.

“Their exclusivity offers potential investors unique opportunities to package them to the taste of the international tourism market. Tourist attractions such as: 1. Idanre Hills, Ebomi lake, Igbo Olodumare, Oke Maria (Christian Pilgrimage center) etc. offers huge potentials for discerning investors.

“One of the most peaceful and serene environments in the country with many multi layered security architecture the newest of which is the Amotekun Corp,” he said.

Governor Akeredolu, who also ascribed the successes recorded by his administration to collaboration, said: "Ondo State is awash with many successful collaborations such as: Ondo/Linyi Industrial park which now boasts of at least five industries

“The on-going Sunshine egg powder factory which is the only one in Sub Saharan Africa with capacity for 1m eggs daily to be processed to egg powder daily. Bitumen exportation and exploitation effort is on-going.”

Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
October 18, 2021.

ANTI-OPEN GRAZING LAW: WE ARE PREPARED TO PROTECT OUR PEOPLE AT ANY COST - GOV AKEREDOLU

•Says Ondo, FAO To Train Herders On Feedlot

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has reiterated his administration’s resolve to protect the lives of the people of the state at any cost.

Governor Akeredolu said although the recent anti- open grazing law put in place in the state was not pleasing to some people, he vowed to stand by it and ensure that farmers are saved from losing their farm crops as a result of the outdated open grazing practice.

The Governor spoke in his office on Tuesday while receiving the Pastorate of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry led by the State Overseer, Pastor Jacob Asubiojo.

Arakunrin Akeredolu, who noted that the efforts made on Amotekun and the outlawing of open grazing were not targeted at anyone, stressed that the need to protect the people and ensure mutual understanding informed the development.

He said members of the Miyetti-Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in the state are ready to cooperate with his administration on the open grazing ban.

The Governor also announced that the state government is partnering with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to train herders on feedlot.

He said: "I want to urge you to intensify your prayers for us. We need it. You have referred to our efforts in trying to secure this our homeland. We have made efforts, we established Amotekun and banned open grazings.

“It is not what is pleasing to everybody. Some people are not pleased with us. We are ready to stand by it and face whatever it will cost us. Pray for us. Amotekun and the anti-open grazing law are not pleasing to some people and they are gathering together, planning evil. Pray for us. Their evil will not work.

“What we are saying is that your herds can not keep destroying our crops. The FAO has come and we have discussed it. The Meyetti-Allah here in Ondo appears to want to cooperate with us because they know that when their cows destroy crops, we seize their cows and they pay the farmers before they are released.

“The FAO will train them on how to do feedlot. They will be trained to make feed and take it to the cows. We are not discriminating against anybody. We just want to make it clear that you can’t make your own ends meet and destroy other people’s source of livelihood. We know your prayers are very important to us. We need it.”

Earlier, the State Overseer of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor Asubiojo, commended the Governor over his efforts to keep the state as one of the leading states in the country.

“I want to specially commend the effort of the Governor in the area of security. As far as I’m concerned, in this our Southwest, I can say Ondo State is number one. You are doing a lot. I also want to commend the Governor on the development stride in the state. This is highly commendable,” he said.

Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
September 14, 2021.

The Ondo State Government has taken measures to protect residents in the state amid soaring costs and incessant increases in prices of goods and services by artisans including farm produce and food items.

In this regard, the state government has barred all Trading Unions and Associations under the umbrella of Ondo State United Artisan Group, from fixing and enforcing uniform prices of goods and services being sold/rendered by their members and non-members.

A statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo said the decision was taken in the overall socio-economic interest of the people of the State.

The statement:

"Government had before now, watched with discomfort and dismay, the economic suffocation of the people with unimaginable increases in prices of goods and services in markets, shops and other sales outlets across the state.

"Even without due regard for market forces, it is obvious that associations and unions are largely behind this unwholesome act.

"The state government has decided to act decisively even as the public deserves protection from this undesirable exploitation under some guises.

"Therefore, fixing market prices and imposing fixed exorbitant prices on the people under the guise of association or union must be stopped forthwith.

"Accordingly, as part of the measures, Individuals, Artisans, Traders and providers of services as well as farmers are henceforth allowed to operate, sell their produce and render any service in any part of the state as they may deem profitable, based on the principle of demand and supply and prevailing market forces. This is just as membership of associations and unions remains voluntary as provided for in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.

"Consequently, Government's right to regulate the activities of Trading Associations and Artisan groups has to be invoked in the interest of residents. Therefore, on no account should any Union/Association fix or enforce prices of goods and services.

"Similarly, there shall be no sale of tickets to Artisans/Traders by any Association/Union without due approval of the state Government through the Internal Revenue Service”.

"All concerned are, therefore, advised to adhere strictly to this directive as any person or group found to be flouting it will be made to face the full weight of the extant laws.

"It is to be noted too that this directive takes effect from TODAY in all markets and sales outlets across the 18 LGAs of the state".

Assents To Bill Establishing Ondo State House of Assembly Service Commission

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Tuesday assented to the bills for the financial autonomy of the judiciary and the legislature in the state.

Governor Akeredolu also signed into law the bill for the establishment of the Ondo State House of Assembly Service Commission.

The Governor signed the bills into law in his office, Alagbaka, Akure, the state capital.

Addressing reporters shortly after the event, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Donald Ojogo, and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Sir Charles Titiloye, explained that the bills signed into law by Governor are for a Law to Provide for the Management of Funds accruing to the state judiciary, otherwise known as Judicial autonomy, and the bill for a law to provide for the management of the funds of the Ondo State House of Assembly.

The Commissioners said the new laws would promote Independence, efficiency, transparency and accountability in both the Judiciary and Legislative arms of the government of the state,adding that It will also enhance the principle of separation of powers provided for by the Nigerian Constitution.

According to them, the new laws have provided financial backing for the two arms of the government to see to the distribution and management of funds allocated to them under the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“These new laws are for the management of funds of Ondo state Judiciary and House of Assembly as separate arm of government and it also provides for the establishment of the House of Assembly Service Commission. It means that these arms of government will be able to have their funds and distribute them.

“They will have the adequate financial strength to do their jobs effectively. The house of Assembly by the new law establishing the service commission now has the power to appoint, promote, engage and disengage it's workers.

“There will be a committee set up under the new law where funds will be distributed for the three arms of government. The Judiciary and Legislative arms of government have also been empowered by these laws to distribute and manage funds allocated to them.

“The Speaker is head of the fund management committee for the legislature while in the judiciary, the Chief Judge is the head of the fund management," the Attorney General said.

The laws have effectively addressed the agitation of the two arms government for financial autonomy.

vedaxcool:
someone that is owing salary... This is hilarious in every respect. most of this awards are usually baseless no metric system to determine winners just pick someone who paid the most or has an agenda to run with.

Sammy07:
Commissioning Motor Grader should be the work of a Local government chairman not a governor.

You have a lot of exposure to do.