Efforts of the Ondo State Board of Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS) have been yielding more fruits in the recent time as over 200,000 taxpayers have been captured.

The service, which disclosed that it targets about one million taxpayers out of the state’s 1.9 million taxable adults affirmed that this would be made possible going by the rate at which people now voluntarily pay their taxes.

The Chairman of ODIRS, Mr Tolu Adegbie who stated this in an interview with The Hope, maintained that the development was among factors responsible for the growth of the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from N700million to N2.2billion.

He also attributed the increase in IGR to the developmental strides of the Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu-led administration in every sector of the state economy.

Adegbie cited the service’s new ultra-modern office complex located along Igbatoro road in Akure as one of the projects embarked upon by the state government which have motivated many people to pay their taxes.

Adegbie also identified vibrancy in the tax system and transparency, as part of reasons that ensured ease of tax payment and consequently boost the IGR of the state.

He described the new building as a one-stop-shop, which has all the needed facilities to aid tax payment without any hassle.

His words: “The building is part of our overall restructuring process which you were told when we came in 2018. We said we needed to put in place planned programme of actions; what are the things we needed to do to drive revenue and move ODIRS forward. So relocating to the building is one of the things we needed to do. This is why it was put in the 2019 budget.

“So we believe that putting up a place like that, apart from being a legacy project of Mr Governor, it actually affords us more visibility, which we need. I can tell you that if you look at the cost of building the place, the two months of our revenue growth has covered that cost. So it is a very good business strategy for us.

“We have two banks there, so anybody can come in, you get your tax assessment, you go and pay in the bank, come back, get your TIN generation (Tax Identification Number), then you use that to get your e-receipt and you get whatever service you want to get.

He noted that tax clearance is now done electronically.

The Chartered Accountant also said that the building has started attracting business owners, who have been defaulting in their tax payment, to commence payment, one of which he said included a company that had not paid tax to the state in the last 40 years with the excuse that there was no vibrant system.

He also said that despite all the publicity done on social media and in the conventional media, a lot of taxpayers had been complaining that they could not find the ODIR office, adding that the old office was built 25 years ago and could not meet the current digital operation of the agency

“ We are now running a Wi-fi system. All our operations are on Wi-fi. Wi-fi cannot penetrate the old office’s walls. So all the ICT infrastructure that we want to put in place, as done by our consultants, we could not implement any of them.

“So, we have almost 80 routers on this premises because the ICT infrastructure is weak and the walls are thick and we need to communicate,” he said.

The ODIRS Chairman emphasized that Ondo state government has a business tax-friendly system, adding that no business is overburdened with tax and he advised business owners to know how business taxation works in the state in order to avoid been defrauded.

“There are two kinds of companies. We have limited liability companies and we have enterprises. But unfortunately, most people register limited liability companies. If you have a limited liability company, your tax regime goes to the FIRS. It is only enterprise that comes to us. Now for limited liability company, I will collect PAYE from you and I will collect Director’s income but I cannot collect Director’s income from you until you have spent at least one year.

“The problem we have is that people don’t do the right thing. A new person starts business; has not attended any seminar about the financing or bookkeeping and all of that, not knowing that if a tax man comes to you, you are not liable to pay tax for your first one year and that is if you only make an income and if you make an income, just declare.
Source: https://citadelng.com.ng/2020/03/13/why-ondos-igr-rising-adegbie/

Aside the over 800 Public Primary Schools that have been reconstructed and renovated with perimeter fence, ICT centre and playgroup equipment by the Governor Rotimi Akeredolu's administration, pupils are now enjoying modern desks and chairs procured by the Ondo state government.

These are the Pupils of Salvation Army Etioro, Supare -Akoko making use of the modern desks and chairs.

#TheManAketi
#AketiAtWork
#TalkAndDo


Source:https://www.facebook.com/AketiYouthNetwork/

Former Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye has commended the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN for signing the N30,000 minimum wage agreement.
Elegbeleye gave the commendation while addressing newsmen in Akure, the state capital.

He noted that Governor Akeredolu has demonstrated his love for workers since the inception of his administration through the regular payment of salaries and his commitment to pay the new minimum wage.

According to him, Akeredolu's people-oriented programmes scattered across the state were potent enough to earn him another chance with the good people of Ondo State.

“Aketi is doing so well. His love for Ondo workers is topnotch. There is hardly anywhere you get to in the state that you won't find his impacts.
“No Governor had achieved in five years what Governor Akeredolu has done in three years. We need to support his administration to succeed”.
The former lawmaker, thereby, called on Ondo State workers to improve on their productivity and also support the Governor to deliver on his promises to the people of the Sunshine state.

source:https://citadelng.com.ng/2020/01/29/minimum-wage-agreement-elegbeleye-salutes-akeredolus-love-for-workers/

The Forum of State Chairmen of the All Progressives Congress APC has thrown its weight behind their National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole in the face of calls for his resignation by the Director-General of the Progressive Governors Forum PGF, Salihu Moh. Lukman.

The forum in a statement Thursday in Abuja asked the APC Governors to sack Mr. Lukman from his position as the DG of the PGF.

The statement was jointly signed by its Chairman, Ali Bukar Dalori and Secretary, Mr. Ben Nwoye.
“The attention of state chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been drawn to a statement credited to one Salihu Lukman, who claimed to be the Director-General of the Progressives Governors Forum.

We have decided to ignore his crass display of ignorance in the past, but as stakeholders in the progressive party, we find his actions and comments very suspicious and one that cannot be said that is coming from anyone close to the APC family.

The position of the National Chairman of our great party is not a child’s play and we cannot allow it to be demeaned by questionable characters like Salihu Lukman who as it seems is being used by some disgruntled elements and even the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with a view to causing disaffection in our great party and we cannot continue to condone that”, the chairmen said.

The APC state chairmen said they remain grateful to God that as a party, with the leadership of the current National Working Committee (NWC), led by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, “we successfully overwhelmed our opponents at the polls, re-electing our dear President, Muhammadu Buhari, maintained our dominance in the states and won overwhelming majority in the National Assembly.
The Oshiomhole led NWC did not relent. They went on to ensure that we avoided what happened in the 8th Assembly where leaders opposed to the developmental strides of our dear President, Buhari emerged as leaders of the party.

The NWC galvanized other leaders of the party to ensure that we produce a national Assembly leadership that will work in tandem with the APC led Executive in ensuring that we give dividends of democracy which the party promised Nigerians. We as chairmen are shocked that Mr. Lukman and his co-travelers are not seeing this great feat achieved by the Comrade Oshiomhole led NWC.

“As chairmen of the APC, we all knew that the problem we had in some states mentioned by Salihu Lukman such as Zamfara, Rivers, and Adamawa were not created by Oshiomhole but was as a result of the power play between the political gladiators in the APC family in those states.

But because Salihu Lukman has decided to dwell in the past, he refused to see the issues in those states that most of them even arose before the Oshiomhole led NWC came into place. How on earth will anyone if not for mischief accuse Oshiomhole of the defeat we suffered in Adamawa and Bauchi where we have sitting governors?

“Salihu Lukman is talking about NEC meeting, I wonder why he is crying more than the bereaved. Some of us have interacted with our progressives governors and we were informed that Salihu Lukman is on his own and actually expressed their disappointment over his continuous unpalatable comments against the National Chairman of our party.

This man has never held any elective position and we wonder why he is interested in the NEC meeting which has no business with him. We the chairmen want to use this opportunity to appeal to our governors to sack this man who is obviously being used to cause disaffection within the APC.

It is obvious that he is an enemy within because if he is actually a party man who is worth being the DG of the Progressives Governors Forum, he would not be seen attempting to rubbish the name of our National Chairman. He is the one representing the leader of our party who is the President and he does not deserve insults from people like Salihu Lukman. Besides, it is also said that Salihu Lukman has failed to see that since the coming of Oshiomhole, there is no party discipline and supremacy of the party. and we are glad today that we have been able to achieve party discipline under Oshiomhole because the APC was derailing before the coming of this NWC.

And today so much progress has been made under this NWC and that is why we are solidly behind Oshiomhole. He has revived the party and has turned it to a winning machine”, they added.

The statement further reads; “It is obvious that few persons who are not happy are those who felt they are bigger than the party and goodness, we have a chairman that will call a spade a spade no matter who ox is gored. As we speak today, APC is more united than ever under Oshiomhole and that is why we have witnessed progression in the policies of the party and government in power.

"We want to tell the world that this man called Salihu Lukman is an enemy of the APC and he is being sponsored by some anti-democrats who are bent on creating a crisis in the party for their selfish interest.

But we want to reiterate our support to the National Chairman and once again pass a VOTE OF CONFIDENCE on the National Chairman of our great party, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

We use this opportunity to warn troubleshooters and those sponsoring people like Salihu Lukman to cause disaffection in the party, to desist from it because as chairmen of APC in the states, we can authoritatively say that it is the first time that states are given financial support during our elections. It happened in the past 2019 general elections. All the states were supported financially by the NWC to ensure the success of our party during the general elections.

"We urged all party leaders to support the NWC and our President, Muhammadu Buhari to ensure that the APC which is enjoying immeasurable support from Nigerians achieves its goals in terms of fixing the economy, the war against corruption and defeating terrorist in the North East”.
Source:https://citadelng.com.ng/2019/11/15/apc-state-chairmen-back-oshiomhole-urge-progressive-governors-forum-to-sack-dg/

The Federal Government on Thursday held a meeting with delegations from Republic of Benin and Niger in Abuja, where modalities for the re-opening of the Nigerian land borders were discussed.

The land borders were closed in August following criminal activities at the nation’s international boundaries with Benin and Niger.

The parley which held under the auspices of the Tripartite Anti-smuggling Ministerial Committee at the ECOWAS Commission Secretariat, Asokoro, agreed to establish a joint border patrol team comprising the police, Customs and immigration of the three countries.

Representing Nigeria at the meeting were the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, Mrs Zainab Ahmed (Finance, Budget and National Planning), Rauf Aregbesola (Interior), Lai Mohammed (Information), Zubairu Dauda (State, MFA) and Hajia Mariam Katagum (Minister of State, Trade and Industry).

On the Beninoise delegation were the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Mr Aurelien Agbenonci, Mr Romuald Wadagni (Economy and Finance) and Mrs Shadiya Assouma (Industry and Commerce), while the Nigerien team had the Ministers of Interior, Mr Mohamed Bazoum, Mr Sadou Seydou (Trade and Private Sector) Lamido Goga (African Integration and Nigerien abroad) and Mr Ahmat Jidoud (Budget).

The meeting was also attended by the ECOWAS Commissioner for Trade, Customs and Free Movement, Mr Tel Konzi.

Reading the communiqué at the end of the meeting, Onyeama, who headed the Nigerian delegation, stated that the meeting also agreed on the establishment of a monitoring and evaluation committee of the three countries.

The mandate of the committee, he said, was to ensure actions that would facilitate and enhance the suppression of smuggled goods and other related matters.

Onyeama said, “We have agreed to put in place certain mechanisms that would enable us to open the borders; there was a consensus on that.

“We have agreed to set up a joint border patrol; so the three countries would send a list of officers that would be part of the joint border patrol team and they are going to be meeting on the 25th and 26th of this month.”

Responding to questions on the threat to Nigerian traders in Accra who had been asked to shut down their businesses by their Ghanaian counterparts, the minister said the Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana was engaging with the government of Ghana on the development.

“We are in touch, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the leadership of the Nigerian traders in Accra, Ghana and there is no threat as we understand it, to their physical safety.

“The important thing is we have found a solution to the problem and in the not too distant future, the borders would be opened and I think that would impact on the traders in Ghana as well,” the minister said.

The foreign affairs minister admitted that the border closure had impacted severely on the nation, but added that the benefits were high.

When asked if the concerns that led to the border closure had been addressed, the minister said, “It is being addressed. We believe if all the commitments that were made today (Thursday) by the three countries were kept, going forward, the problem would be minimal compared to what it was.”
Source:https://citadelng.com.ng/2019/11/15/border-closure-fg-beninniger-plans-joint-patrol/

Zlatan made a subtle appeal to Funke Akindele to feature on her hit series, ‘Jenifa’s Diary’ during an Instagram live video.

The ‘Jenifa’ star prayed for Zlatan in the Yoruba language during the brief Instagram live video on Tuesday, November 12, 2019. “We will both remain successful, may we not be put to shame, God has made us the head, may we not fail. Zlatan,” Akindele-Bello prayed.

Zlatan, who kept on responding saying ‘Amen’ also inquired about the actor and director’s family and kids before subtly pleading to feature in ‘Jenifa’s Diary’. “Please ma, don’t forget me for the next episode oo,” Zlatan said as Akindele-Bello promised to hook up with him soon.
Several music stars have featured in Funke Akindele-Bello’s hit TV series, ‘Jenifa’s Diary’ in the past.

In its 17th season, ‘Jenifa’s Diary’ has featured music stars like Banky W, Tiwa Savage, Falz, Wunmi Obe and JJC Skillz in past episodes.

‘Jenifa’s Diary’ documents the life of Jenifa, a school dropout turned hairdresser and trying to remain relevant and upright as she runs her Jenifa Hair Salon.
Source:https://citadelng.com.ng/2019/11/15/zlatan-ready-to-feature-in-funke-akindeles-hit-series-jenifas-diary/

congratulations sir let start the good work in osun state

congratulations to you my able Governor and to all state of osun.

The Supreme Court has announced Oyetola winner of the Osun governorship election.

The court dismissed the appeal by candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the election, Senator Ademola Adeleke.

The Supreme Court, in a majority decision of five-to-two, read by Justice Olabode Rodes-Vivour, held that the failure of a member of the election tribunal, Justice Peter Obiora to sit on February 6, 2019 rendered the entire proceedings and the judgment given by the tribunal a nullity.

The court upheld the majority judgment of the Court of Appeal, which upheld the victory Adegboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the Governor of Osun State.

Source: https://thenationonlineng.net/breaking-supreme-court-declares-oyetola-winner-of-osun-guber-election/

working on the IGR to be increase more than before

The Forum of the Wives of Southern Governors has come up with a new concept by agreeing to embark on a particular life-changing project in every state of the region as a symbol of unity.

At the meeting through which Mrs. Betsy Obaseki emerged as the Chairperson of the forum, the first of its kind concept is said to be committed to preach unity and love devoid of political, tribal, and religious undertone.

Wife of Ondo State Governor, who happens to be one of the elders in the forum disclosed this while addressing her media team shortly after the meeting which was held at the Edo state government house, Asokoro Abuja.

According to her, the essence of the gathering is to agree on a tangible and impactful project that will be executed by all of them.

“This is a new concept, we have reaffirmed our commitment and agreed that, much as we do projects in our respective states, depending on the need of each state, there is also a need for all of us to think of a project that we will embark upon and make it a legacy, so that by the time we move on, our names will be written in the sand of time that this was the project was executed during the time of this batch of first ladies”. She said.

Mrs. Akeredolu explained that the meeting, which was preceded by a dinner party at Yar’adua conference centre was to welcome the new first ladies into the forum and intimate them with the mode of operation.

She stressed the need for political leaders to let unity prevail over political parties’ affiliation which was the fundamental of the first ladies’ meeting.

She said: ” The focus is to take it to the next level, it consists of first ladies of the two major political parties; we are trying to form unity and there was an evidence of oneness, I think somewhat we may like to challenge our husbands to play down politics a little bit.

“There was a commitment that this forum must grow from strength to strength, and we urged ourselves to be present at every meeting.

According to her, the forum would soon unveil the kind of project they agreed to embark upon in all the states. “We strongly agreed on such a project but we have not really decided on what the project would be, but as time goes on, we should be able to come up with one.

” I see this batch as one that will definitely gets things done, and we also pledged our support for our new Chairperson, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, first lady of Edo state.

Mrs. Akeredolu revealed that the forum is an avenue for them to learn and share experiences on different difficulties that each one of them encountered in their various states, and to help in rendering ideas to surmount such.

”Through the process, we learned, and we will continue to learn, even some of us that are old cannot say we’ve learnt enough, and the new ones will always listen to us on how we do things”. She added.
Source: http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/Southern-Governors%E2%80%99-Wives-forum-is-for-projects-actualisation---Mrs-Akeredolu

The Ondo State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu on Monday lamented that the internally generated revenue of the state was low.

He said there was a need for improvement in the revenue generation of the state.

The governor said the state was generating internally a sum of N1.5billion monthly as revenue but the money was low. He, however, said the amount was an improvement when compared with the N700 Million that was being generated by the previous administration.

Akeredolu stated this at the swearing-in of a new Head of Service, Mr. Oluwadare Aragbaye. The event was held at the International Event Centre, Akure, the Ondo State capital.

He said his administration would not give room for embezzlement of public funds and would continue to block all loopholes through which some unscrupulous elements in the service stole government money.

The governor said, “It is incumbent on all of us who serve to assist in blocking all loopholes through which some mindless persons siphon public funds. While I commend the board of internal revenue for the remarkable improvement in IGR of the State, we must all accept that it is still very low.

“There are still yawning gaps in the revenue generation drive in the state. This administration shall view very gravely, all cases of sabotage in our revenue generating efforts. We await the outcome of the trials on the matters already before the court. Any civil servant who acts disgracefully will be sanctioned.

While congratulating the new Head of Service (Aragbaye) on the new position, Akeredolu urged him to come up with measures that would propel the civil servants in the state to be more hardworking.

“The new Head of Service is enjoined to put in place measures which will ensure that only those who work hard earn wages. I expect to see remarkable shift in the organisation of departments and parastatals for optimum service delivery to the people.

“It should not be challenging for the government to know those in its employ. We should be able to assess the inputs of our workers. We must move away, decidedly, from a practice which encourages indolence in public service,” Akeredolu charged.
Source:http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/There's-need-to-Improve-the-State's-IGR--says-Governor-Akeredolu

As part of efforts to improve data quality and also change from paper method of quality assessment at various health facilities to electronic method, the Ondo State Government has distributed 511 tablets and Android phones to some selected health workers in the state.

Speaking during District Health Information System (DHIS) 2 mobile application cascade training for HMB/ LGA supervisors and distribution of over 500 tablets and Androids to some assessors in Ondo city, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Wahab Adegbenro described the exercise as another effort to ensure that there is notable improvement in the state health sector.

While commending government for providing the necessary tools needed by workers to improve on their activities, he stated that the gadget should be used for its intended purpose noting that it behooves on workers to compliment government’s effort by being more productive.

Adegbenro who commended the facilitator of the training, Nigeria State Health Investment Project (NSHIP) for its various contributions to the health sector, charged participants to be attentive and productive so as to have the desired result.

Executive Secretary, Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Francis Akanbiemu while addressing the gathering noted that the state is at the forefront in ensuring qualitative healthcare delivery in the country.

He noted that it is an unprecedented contribution towards uplifting the health of the citizens in order to change the face of health system in the state.

Describing the state as one of the few migrating to electronic health data collection, he explained that the distribution is to ensure that electronic data collection takes off completely in all health facilities in the state.

However, he appealed to participants to be more dedicated to duties so as to have a better health sector in the state.

Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Dipo Durojaiye while stressing the importance of electronic data collection, noted that the tablets and Androids will enhance performance especially in timely reporting adding that “the application will be helpful in monitoring activities.”

While calling on participants to handle the gadgets well, he however enjoined them to put in their best to enable the state be at the forefront among other states of the country as regards qualitative health services.
Source:https://citadelng.com/improved-data-ondo-distributes-511-tablets-phones-to-hospitals/

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has pledged his unwavering commitment to fostering societal cohesion and grassroots development through dissemination of credible and timely information to all nooks and crannies of Ondo state.

The Governor gave the remark at the official commissioning of Kakaki community radio 100.1fm in Ondo city, headquarters of Ondo west council area noted that Kakaki community radio will promote the sociocultural heritage of Ondo kingdom as well as galvanizing massive citizens participation in democratic process.

The Governor who was represented by the Chairman, management committee of OSRC and Orange fm, Mr kunle Adebayo enjoined the media station not to be an instrument of disunity but coordinate mutual understanding and improved synergy among diversed segments of the society.

Responding, the General Manager of the station, Prince Adebola Adeyileka who thanked Governor Akeredolu for providing an enabling environment for the media industry to thrive assured the public on accurate news and rich programme content with a flair for encouraging communication in Ondo native dialect.
Source: https://citadelng.com/kakaki-fm-will-galvanize-citizens-participation-in-democratic-process-akeredolu/

Ondo State government says food production will receive a new lease of life following a two billion naira loan recently accessed for youth empowerment, massive clearing of arable land among other agricultural interventions.

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu while flagging off the 2019 Agricultural Season held at Mariwo farm settlement in Ifedore Local Government Area said government is approaching agriculture as the next gold mine for the people.

At the event Cocoa seedlings, maize seeds, rice paddy, and cassava cuttings were distributed to about a thousand farmers at the event.

Addressing farmers at the year 2019 Planting season flag off, governor Akeredolu told farmers that the N2bn CBN loan under Commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme (CACs) would be used for the intended purpose.

Akeredolu insisted that the current food production in the state could be improved if mechanized farming could be embraced saying such a radical approach is the catalyst for conquering hunger and massive unemployment.

The governor noted that administration’s policies and programmes are geared initiated to assist towards creating millionaires in agricultural sector.

He added that the establishment of modern agricultural village at Jugbere, Owo Local Government Area where 500 farmers would be engaged on a four hectares of cocoa plantation each was an indication of government’s readiness in that direction.

The governor warned individuals that encroached on farm lands across the state, and land grabbers engaging in illegal sale of portions of land to desist or face the full weight of the law.

Earlier, the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Adegboyega Adefarati, lauded governor Akeredolu for his unwavering commitment to agricultural development noting that the improved seedlings given to the farmers and youths would encourage them to start off their farms on a great note.

In their separate remarks, the Alara of Ilara, Oba Abiodun Adefehinti, a farmer, Gabriel Atansuyi and a chieftain of the APC in the area, Sogo Ajikeola appreciated the governor for his determination to ensure food sufficiency and create jobs through agriculture in the state.

They equally appealed to him to help address the issue of incessant attacks by Fulani herdsmen so as to boost food security.
Source: https://www.citadel.ng

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

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

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

“We are expected to begin test-running the machines any moment from now. “About 1,000 people have been employed for the ethanol factory. The plant is also expected to indirectly provide jobs for more than 10,000 people, particularly cassava farmers and traders”. Peng added that a special species of cassava was being planted in – between the Gmelina to be used to feed the ethanol plant. In order not to starve the company of raw materials, the state government, in partnership with Weewood, embarked on aggressive afforestation by allocating 10, 000 hectares of land for the planting of G-melina while over six million trees have been planted on 3, 000 hectares under phase one of the project.

Inside the ethanol factory’s warehouse, several thousands of bags of dried cassava were waiting to be fed into the machines, while more than 10 trailer-loads were waiting to discharge their cassava consignment. Also, the WinWin Textile factory in the industrial park has kick-started the production of textile thread with over 300 workers. The Nigerian Manager of WinWin Textile, Ahmed Adeyinka, said the textile is already producing polyester sewing thread. “We planned to move to the next stage of producing textile materials like lace and Ankara among others”, Adeyinka said. “Presently, we have 300 people working for us. We produce all kinds of sewing polyester thread for the local market. In a couple of months from now, the factory will begin to run at full capacity with the production of textile materials of all kinds.” Of significance too is the Weewood Plywood/HDF factory. Tasty Time refutes fire outbreak at its factory The company produces high-quality fibre board plywood.

They are already in high demand in local markets across and outside the state. Waste woods are processed into high and low density fibre. Very soon, the state is expected to earn foreign exchange through the export of the product. With the over 85 percent completion of the paper mill factory, the Business Development Manager for Weewood, Peng said, “On completion, the paper mill is expected to employ more than 3, 000 direct staff and offer more than 4, 000 indirect jobs to those who will be in the supply and marketing chain!! “By the time the paper mill factory goes fully into operation, paper products can be bought right here in Ondo, without anyone going to Lagos”. It was gathered that long before the machines for the paper mill began to arrive Nigeria, Weewood had started planting the trees that will form the primary raw materials for the mill. Today, the almost 10,000 hectares of land allocated for the project has starter yielding result, as the trees have started to grow. One of the workers in the factories said, “The governor deserves commendation for this initiative.

This is a win-win situation for Ondo State and its people. The company will employ our people on the farm to plant the trees, it will also go on to employ our people in the factory and other auxiliary jobs that would be created.” At the ethanol project, it was observed that farmers, businessmen and women were already reaping from the indirect jobs created. A cassava farmer in the area, Shehu Oladapo, who spoke with newsmen, said, “I thank Governor Akeredolu for this initiative. Farmers like me now have a ready market for our cassava. It has encouraged us to increase the number of hectares that we will prepare to grow cassava for the next planting season”. Sunday Vanguard learnt that the Ore Industrial Park is fashioned after that of Linyi municipal government of Shandong province in China.

One of the governor’s aides, who was on the tour, submitted, “If the experience of the Linyi’s economy, which is based around wholesale markets and an annual trade volume of 40 billion RMB (US$5 billion), is anything to go by, the administration of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has set a standard by which governance would be measured in the country”
Source: https://www.Citadel.ng

President Muhammadu Buhari is to launch the Clean Nigeria Campaign to end open defecation, which has posed a great challenge in the country, by 2025.

To be known as “Clean Nigeria, Use The Toilet,” the date of the launch of the initiative is yet to be determined.


But it is coming as Nigeria inches towards being the number one open defecation country in the world once India is declared open defecation-free later this year.

Buhari tasks varsity administrators to avoid waste of…

The plan was revealed by the Minister of Water Resources, Suliaman Adamu, who alongside his colleagues Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, Finance, Zainab Ahmed and the Federal Capital Territory, Bello Mohammed, briefed State House correspondents after the 10-hour meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) presided over by Buhari in Abuja on Wednesday.

Adamu said Nigeria has a road map to end open defecation 2016-2025, as he noted that out of the 774 local government areas, only 10 are open defecation free.

He said: “Ten out of 774 local governments are very dismal but it is work in progress. But we have also made some progress as 20 to 21,000 communities in the country today are open defecation free.

“The problem is we still have 47 million people practising open defecation and Nigeria has been moving up the ladder since 2012 from being number four or five in the world to having the ranking of number two.

“India is number one but India has been working to end open defecation. In the last four years, they have taken over 500 million out of open defecation. And India plans to declare itself open defecation free by October 2019.

“Once that happens, Nigeria will become the number one country in the world that practices open defecation. You will all agree with me that this is an honour we do not want to have.


“So council approved a number of measures including the fact that Mr President will launch the Clean Nigeria Campaign on a day to be decided. So our campaign is ‘clean Nigeria, use the toilet.

“The president and cabinet members are to become ambassadors of clean Nigeria campaign by providing the needed leadership and commitment for successful implementation of the campaign.

“We also hope to create a clean Nigeria movement and to harmonise ministerial activities so that we have a seamless approach regarding sanitisation in the country.

“We are also requesting for an annual budget of N10.6 billion to be approved, this is not money that will be taken out of budget alone. We will also have contributions from development partners, the corporate world including leveraging on corporate social responsibility, grants and to mobilise Nollywood, youths, children, women etc.

“It will come with an executive order to give effect to the Clean Nigeria campaign. All ministries are to establish specific budget lines and work plans for implementing their sector-specific activities to end open defecation and improve sanitation in the country.

“The campaign will also involve state governments and households. We intend to use community-led sanitation and hinging more on behavioural change rather than doling out money.”

Also speaking, Kachikwu said council also approved two memos for Ministry of Petroleum. It approved a fire service truck at the cost of N420 million inclusive five per cent VAT for Nigerian Content Monitoring Board (NCMB) 17 floors building headquarters in Bayelsa
Source:https://citadelng.com/buhari-to-launch-clean-nigeria-campaign-to-tackle-open-defecation/

Amudipe Opeyemi Marcus
With the recent pronouncement which sees to an increase in the nation’s minimum wage from the long old N18,000 to N30,000. Several reactions has been trailing this development. While many sees this as a welcome development for the benefit of Nigerian workers, others sees this another tool to cause undue inflation. If these were just the reaction, then there is no reaction at all, nothing worth losing a wink of sleep over.

The bane of the reaction, which has form a cloud of dust, raising a wind of uncertainty over the new minimum wage is the inability, or should we say the unreadiness of some state governor to pay the new minimum wage
Many state governments are already crying foul over the federal government action. They claim they cannot afford to pay the new minimum wage. This should not come as a surprise to us, knowing fully well that some are owing their workers more than one-month salary (at the old minimum wage rate. How do we think such states will be able to pay their workers the new minimum wage, which is more than 100percent increase on the old rate?
While the elites of the Nigerian society and media giants of our socio-economic terrain are left to discuss the implication of these development in our states as it applies to them.
Against the run of play, it is a different ball game with the people of Ondo State. The choice of the good people of Ondo State to give their mandate to Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu has yielded good fortunes for all and sundry in the state.
For a state which is predominately a civil servant state upon his assumption into the Alagbaka Government House, Akure Ondo State, he has over the last two years steered the wheel from the status quo, ’civil servant state’ to a fast growing industrialized state.

Adding to this, his giant infrastructural strides are second to none in the Nation. His willingness and swift intervention to paying all outstanding workers’ salaries in the state, even those owed by his predecessor has ranked him high in the heart of all workers in the state. They were not surprised when Arakunrin Akeredolu was among the first set of Governors in the state to express his readiness to pay the new minimum wage in the country. While these has left his counterpart reeling with surprise at how a governor with many progressive projects going on in all the nooks and crannies of his state could afford this, it’s no rocket science nor a celestial work of governance. It is an output of a man who is ready to work; a man who understands the rudiments of what of what it takes to govern.

Little wonder to seeing Ondo state topping the chart leading other 35 states in the federation in the internally generated revenue. Ondo state grew its IGR by more than double to N24.79billion in 2018 from N10.93billion achieved a year earlier, causing the state to jump 11 steps to become ninth-highest revenue generating state of the federation after Lagos, Rivers, Ogun, Delta, Kano, Kaduna and Edo state which sustained their position.

It is no sheer news or political smokescreen to assert that the fortunes of the people of Ondo state has indeed changed for the better, with the dawn of each day, citizens of the sunshine state wakes up to the sweet smelling savour of good governance has been exemplified by Arakunrin Akeredolu.
Source: https://citadelng.com/akeredolu-changing-the-fortunes-of-ondo-state-for-good/

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has assured that all primary and secondary schools in the state would soon open Red Cross unit in their respective schools to inculcate values of humanitarian services in their pupils.

He gave the assurance while receiving the leadership of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, led by its National President who paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

The Society decorated the governor as its Patron during the visit for his commitment to the development of the global humantarian organisation.

Also, Red Cross presented Humanitarian Icon Awards to the Wife of Ondo State Governor, Mrs Betty-Anyanwu Akeredolu and Prof. (Mrs) Olutoye, the Olori of Alani of Idoani, for their immense contributions to the promotion of the Society in the state.

While describing the Red Cross as a reputable organisation people grow up with, Arakunrin Akeredolu commended all members of the Society for their commitment to saving lives and other humanitarian services.

The governor, who stated that Red Cross has been part of him in many ways, specially appreciated the Society for the honour done him.

Akeredolu equally honoured the memory of the former governor of the state, Late Chief Adekunle Ajasin and the current Olori Alani of Idoani, Prof Olutoye, for their immense contributions to the promotion of the Society in the state.

He assured the Society of his administration’s commitment to give necessary support to it to be able to render more humanitarian services to the people.

Earlier, the National President of the Society, represented by the National Finance and Property Management Adviser, Mr. Oluyemisi Adeaga, appreciated the state government for the age-long established relationship.

Also, Mr Sunday Adeniyi, Chairman, Nigerian Red Cross Society, Ondo State Branch, lauded Akeredolu for his passion to ensure a liveable society in Ondo State.

Adeniyi also requested for a bus, and a monthly subvention, to tackle mobility and financial challenges respectively.
Source:https://citadelng.com/values-of-red-cross-ll-be-taught-in-schools-akeredolu/

In the days of the late Adekunle Ajasin as the first Executive Governor of Ondo State between 1979 and I983, he established many industries that unfortunately were no more functional.

Successive administrations did not deem it necessary to sustain the projects as all the companies became moribund.

However, topmost campaign promises of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, who is also an Owo indigene as Ajasin, was to transform the state through industrialisation.

The governor also promised to revitalise abandoned industries and even establish new ones.



After he assumed office in 2016, the governor made good his campaign promise by negotiating with some foreign investors on the need to invest in the state.

He also visited some foreign countries, including China, United Arab Emirates and United States of America where he lobbied some investors to come and invest in the state, which he said is blessed with abundant mineral resources, especially bitumen and crude oil.

These mineral resources are capable of attracting both foreign and local investors; hence the continuous drive of Governor Akeredolu for industrial and economic development.

However, the vision for investment drive of Akeredolu is gradually materialising within the two years of his taking over the mantle of leadership.

No fewer than five new companies are ready to begin operations in Ore Industrial hub, Ore in Odigbo Local Government Area.

Available records show that Oluwa Glass Company and the Okitipupa Oil Palm were the pride of the state at that time. But four decades on, the sites of the companies are overgrown with weeds.

Sadly, the once-beautiful and buoyant state became a shadow of itself. It now depends on the paltry monthly allocations from the Federation Account, almost three quarter of which goes into the payment of salaries of workers.

However, the state is gradually coming back to life in terms of commerce and industry and gradually occupying a place of pride in the country in general and the Southwest region in particular.



Already, five companies, including a paper mill, ethanol plant, medium density fibre board, high density fibre board, ply wood and textile companies have sprouted from the mustard seed that was planted when the state signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Linyi Municipal

Government of Shandong Province of Peoples Republic of China.

Determined to ensure a solid economic base for the state, Governor Akeredolu had embarked on an investment tour to China in June, 2017.

That tour has given birth to what is now known as the Ore Industrial Park.

Governor Akeredolu had earlier inaugurated the 10,000 hectares forestation project, where Gmelina Arborea has been planted on 1,500 of the 10,000 hectares.

The industrial revolution in the state has taken a very strong foothold with the ethanol plant at about 95 per cent completed and set to roll.

According to the Business Development Manager of Weewood Limited, Mr. Sun Peng, special specie of cassava is being planted in-between the Gmelina which will be used to feed the ethanol plant.

While conducting reporters round the factory recently, Mr Peng said the ethanol factory is almost ready, with works at 95 per cent completion, saying that “we were expected to begin test-run of the machines before the end of April.”

Already, about 1,000 people have been employed to work in the ethanol factory for direct jobs. The plant is also expected to provide jobs for more than 10,000 people, particularly cassava farmers and traders.

Local farmers are excited about a ready and lucrative market for their goods as cassava, which is the major item for the production of ethanol will be sourced directly from them.

Shehu Oladapo, a cassava farmer in Odigbo Local Government Area said: “I thank Governor Akeredolu for this initiative. Farmers like me now have a ready market for our cassava. It has encouraged us to increase the number of hectares that we will prepare to grow cassava for the next harvest season.”

The WinWin Textile Factory located inside the park is another factory which has commenced production of textile thread a few months ago.



With 300 workers already employed, WinWin Textile has helped to ease the problem of unemployment on the people, especially the residents who, for the first time, found a worthwhile venture outside the civil service.

According to Ahmed Adeyinka, the Manager of WinWin Textile, the textile factory is, at present, producing polyester sewing thread.

He said the factory will move to the next stage of producing textile materials such as lace and Ankara, among others.

“Currently, we have 300 people working for us. We now produce all kinds of sewing polyester threads for the local market. In a couple of months from now, the factory will begin to run at full capacity with the production of textile materials of all kinds,” Adeyinka said.

Peng said: “The Wewwood Plywood/HDF Factory has also commenced production. Young men and women, who would have been roaming the streets, are busy with one task or the other. The company’s products, high quality fibre board plywood are already in high demand in local markets across the country, while the state is being positioned to earn foreign currency through the export of the product.”

He added that the paper mill factor will, on completion, employ more than 3, 000 direct workers, while many more are expected to benefit from jobs created down the value chain.

He said the paper mill, like other factories in the Ore Park, is structured to create more indirect jobs for the residents, adding that “long before the machines for the mill began to arrive at

the shores of the country, Weewood commenced preparations by planting the trees that will form the primary raw materials for the mill.

“At present, the almost 10,000 hectares of land allocated for the Weewood afforestation project by Governor Akeredolu is beginning to yield the expected result, as the trees continue to grow into maturity.

“The governor deserves commendation for this initiative. This is a win-win situation for Ondo State and its people. The company will employ our people on the farm to plant the trees, it will go on to employ our people in the factory and other auxiliary jobs that would be created.”

The Commissioner for Information, Mr Yemi Olowolabi who led reporters to the industrial park said: ‘The Ore Industrial Park is fashioned after that of Linyi Municipal Government of Shandong Province in China. Investors under Shandong group have made good their promise to make Ondo State a model for one-stop industrial park in the country.

“The administration of Governor Akeredolu has set a standard by which governance would be measured in the country with the elaborate investment and the revenue that will accrue to the coffers of the government.

This is in addition to the jobs that will be generated through the project,” Olowolabi said.
Source: https://citadelng.com/residents-excited-as-industries-sprout-in-ondo/

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Wednesday called on government at all levels to consistently invest in the health sector, especially, the primary healthcare aspect of the sector because of its direct importance to the people.He asked the governments to assist viable research proposals which touch on improvement of medical practice in the country.

Akeredolu, who spoke during the Silver Jubilee Award Ceremonies of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, urged the governments to encourage medical personnel to attend programmes designed for capacity building.
The governor added that environment should be made conducive and friendly to enable students of medical sciences and other health personnel to acquire necessary capacity and training to solve related problems.

He said: “Their training should not stop at mere award of certificates. Our curricula must aim at addressing the challenges faced by the people in our environment.”

While congratulating the Faculty of Basic Medical Science on its remarkable achievements, especially, for sustaining the tradition of excellence in training and research, Akeredolu called on those entrusted with sacred duty of service to the public to renew their dedication for more positive results.

The governor said: “I am delighted to know that the Faculty contributed, immensely, to the development of the teaching and practice of Medicine since inception.

“The number of graduates, postgraduates and research experts produced in the various field of Medicine is sufficient cause for celebration. The boldness with which the members of this Faculty put forth their claims on positive contributions should challenge stragglers.

“This reality should serve as a wake-up call for other institutions where serious research endeavours have been relegated for extraneous activities which do not add value to the academia.”

While receiving the Faculty’s Silver Jubilee Award on behalf of Ondo State, Governor Akeredolu praised his immediate predecessor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, who he said contributed immensely to the state primary health care development.
Source: https://citadelng.com/lets-make-investment-in-primary-healthcare-our-priority-akeredolu/

The wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu has enjoined muslims to uphold the tenets of Islam as Ramadan begins.

She said this in Akure while receiving a delegation of members of All Progressives Congress, (APC) Muslim sisters at the Government House, Alagbaka.

According to her, Islam is a religion of peace that upholds the values of tolerance and mutual co-existence without a place for hatred and violence.

She, therefore, urged Muslims to use the period to foster friendship and harmony with fellow citizens of other faiths.

Mrs Anyanwu-Akeredolu assured them of more dividends of democracy from the present government.

Mrs Akeredolu was later decorated by the group as their Matron.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Mr. Bamidele Oleyelogun, has called on Muslim faithful in the state to be more dedicated to the worship of Allah during the Ramadan fast.

In a statement issued by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Festus Adebobola the speaker enjoined Muslims to use the fasting period to seek for God’s mercy and protection against the insecurity and other challenges in the country.

According to him, “seeking for Allah’s protection and mercy at this period will bring solution to challenges that might be faced by the country”

The fasting started on May 6 after the sighting of new moon of Ramadan 1440A.H on May 5.

He noted that the Ramadan is an holy ninth month on the Islamic calendar which the benefit therein cannot be quantified and charged the faithful to make best use of the month to seek the face of Allah over the state and the country in general.

Oleyelogun prayed to Almighty Allah to grant them strength and power to observe the fast and grant them abundant rewards of the holy month.

Prayers, he said is essential, which the present government in the state values so much for it to succeed.
Source: https://www.citadel.ng

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has charged the people of the State to collaborate with his administration in its bid to ensure that the state Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) improves tremendously to a level of comfort, like that of Lagos State.

The governor said it has become imperative for Ondo state government to look inward and improve its IGR for better service delivery to the citizenry, going by dwindling federal allocation to the state.

The governor spoke on Tuesday while receiving the Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria, Ondo State chapter, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

Governor Akeredolu expressed joy that his administration has so far improved its IGR from N700m monthly to over N1.5bn monthly, saying that it is important to think out of the box for the development of the state and the benefit of the people.

He said "We are thinking anew, we are acting anew and government must prioritise. "

Earlier, Mr Mathew Akinbileje, Chairman, Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria, Ondo State chapter, lauded Akeredolu on the delivery of dividends of good governance to the people of the state as evident in the developmental projects across the state.

He further appealed to the governor to inculcate the association into the state security architecture to aid in intelligence gathering for onward transmission to other security agencies for adequate policing of the state.
Source: https://www.citadel.ng

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar lacks the requisite pro-poor reasoning and thus cannot appreciate efforts at alleviating poverty through programmes that empower small-scale traders, like the Trader Moni Scheme, the Buhari Media Organisation (BMO) has said.

The group’s Chairman Niyi Akinsiju and Secretary Cassidy Madueke, were responding to Atiku’s claim in his petition at the Presidential Election Tribunal that the TraderMoni programme amounted to vote-buying and lacked budgetary backing.

The statement said: “Atiku’s contempt for the poor renders him incapable of understanding and appreciating the Buhari government’s policies and programmes aimed at making their lives better. It is not surprising, as Mr Abubakar spent the better part of his tenure as Vice-President making the lives of Nigerians miserable. As Vice-President, he established his private university, which no average Nigerian can afford, and at a time lecturers in public universities were on strike.

“Perhaps this despise has only worsened with the fact that the Nigerian masses overwhelmingly voted against him and his anti-poor policies in the recently concluded election while voting for President Muhammadu Buhari, a man who stands with and for them.”


It added: “The TraderMoni programmes are soft loans to small scale traders, who are expected to pay back. The N10,000 is meant to provide extra capital for these small scale traders to expand their small businesses, buy more goods to sell, and then pay back within six months. After repaying this N10,000, they are entitled to N15,000, which when repaid, makes them eligible for N20,000, then N30,000, up to N100,000.

“Government, over time, had concentrated efforts and policies on the welfare of the elite – the minority, who are already well to do – while neglecting the majority, poor Nigerians, by not creating policies that empower them directly and indirectly.

“The Buhari administration believes that the welfare of the poor is as important as that of the elite and thus they must be catered for as well.”

BMO said the TraderMoni received legislative blessing in the budget as it was under the Social Investment Programmes, with their budget presented and defended under the Ministry of Budget and National Planning.

“TraderMoni is a part and parcel of President Buhari administration’s Social Investment Programmes which have followed proper budgetary procedure in its implementation. In fact, the programmes were approved by the Bukola Saraki and Yakubu Dogara-led National Assembly, which hailed it as the largest form of social investment on the African continent. It is thus a figment of Atiku’s imagination that the programme has no legal backing.


“But we are not surprised. Atiku is a master of badly scripted tales that have no place in reality.

“A man who had told Nigerians that he wanted to sell the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the nation’s major revenue source – to his friends – would find it hard to understand TraderMoni. His mind is engineered towards cronyism and satisfying his elite friends alone.”

BMO recalled that Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo was, a few days ago, in Anambra and Ebonyi states to monitor and assess progress of the TraderMoni scheme in both states.

“Is there any election coming soon that the Vice-President is going to purchase votes for? None! Atiku’s suggestion that the programmes are vote-buying schemes is not just baseless and unreasonable; it is cheap a lie,” the group added.

Also, the BMO has debunked a report that Boko Haram members received as much as $3,000 daily as against what Nigerian troops received.

In astatement by Akinsiju and Madueke, BMO said: “…We also note that based on the renewed firepower of the Nigerian military, the Boko Haram terrorists are now scattered and scampering for their own safety, as survival has become almost impossible. Dozens of the insurgents were recently killed by Nigerian troops within the Kimba-Sabon Gari-Damboa axis in Borno State.”

The group hailed the military for their commitment towards eradicating insurgency in the Northeast, in line with the policy of the Buhari administration
Source: https://www.citadel.ng

Local governments financial autonomy is set for a major boost courtesy of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).

The agency yesterday banned banks, governors, financial institutions, public officers and other stakeholders from tampering with the statutory allocations of Local Government Areas from the Federation Account.

It also said all erring individuals and companies will face international and local sanctions.

Some of the sanctions are:

Likely blacklist of erring governors and the Chief Executive Officers of the affected banks;shutdown of any erring bank; and watch-list of violators in 160 countries where they cannot transact business or pay bills.

The agency has imposed a daily N500, 000 cash transaction limit on all the 774 local governments.

But one of the major highlights of the new guidelines, which will become effective from June 1, borders on the restoration of the financial autonomy of local governments.

Each local government is now free to spend its funds judiciously without taking directives from governors who have hijacked the monthly allocations of the third tier of government under the guise of State Joint Local Government Accounts.

The complete copy of the guidelines has been released to the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Chief Executive Officers of all banks and other financial institutions.

A statement by the Acting Chief Media Analyst of the NFIU, Mr. Ahmed Dikko, explained the steps taken to protect local government allocations.

The statement said: “The NFIU requests all financial institutions, other relevant stakeholders, public servants and the entire citizenry to ensure full compliance with the provisions of the guidelines already submitted to financial institutions and relevant enforcement agencies, including full enforcement of corresponding sanctions against violations from 1st June, 2019.

“Having realised through analysis that cash withdrawal and transactions from the State Joint Local Government Accounts (SJLGA), poses biggest corruption, money laundering and security threats at the grassroots levels and to the entire financial system and the country as a whole, decided to uphold the full provisions of Section 162 (6) (of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution as amended which designated “ State Joint Local Government Account into which shall be paid allocations to the local government councils of the state from the federation account and from the government of the state.”

“The amount standing to the credit of local government councils of a state shall be distributed among the local government councils of that state” and not for other purposes. As far as the NFIU is concerned the responsibility of the account as a collection account is fully reinstated.

“In addition, taking such measures was necessitated by prompting reasons on the NFIU to respond to threats of isolating the entire Nigerian financial system by other International financial systems due to deficiencies in our anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing implementation and measures.

“Therefore, it is no longer possible to allow the entire system to suffer the deliberate and expensive infractions or violations by public officials and/or private business interests.”
Source: https://www.citadel.ng

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Ondo State chapter, on Monday denied the rumour making the round that Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu was hobnobbing with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with a view to defecting to the party. Mr Alex Kalejaye, the state’s Publicity Secretary of APC, made the denial in a statement in Akure.
An online publication had reported the purported plan of the governor to defect to PDP to get the governorship ticket of the party for the 2020 governorship election in the state. Kalejaiye said: “The state Chapter of the party, considers this rumour as wicked and a complete lie, and we urge the public to disregard it.”

According to him, the party would have preferred to ignore the rumour, but it is expedient to dispel it, so it will not pollute the minds of its members, and mislead the public. “The governor has never contemplated joining a party of the conservatives, let alone contesting election on its platform. “He hails from the bedrock of progressives in the state, and has always been a progressive,” he said. The publicity secretary said it was also imperative to inform the rumour mongers that the governor had invested so much into the development of the party in the state. “Today, he is well respected and appreciated in the party, so, he has no reason whatsoever to flirt with another political party.

“We are not unaware that some opposition parties are feeling intimidated by the sterling performance of the Akeredolu-led administration, and are planning to distract him through whatever means, but it is a mission in futility,” he said. According to him, the government is not perturbed about this or any other ploy by the opposition and their co-travelers. The scribe noted that the revolution in the infrastructure development by the present administration would be sustained, while massive investment drive and commitment to workers’ welfare remain a top priority.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the good people of the state, who are the ultimate beneficiaries of these initiatives, have consistently maintained that they are comfortable with the present administration, and will always support it,’’ he said. Kalejaye said the party would continue to fortify its strength and support the government in its development drive. He, therefore, appealed to the party’s supporters to disregard the misleading publication. (NAN)
Source:https://www.citadel.ng

why not he have been doing some federal road in this administration.

The residents of Akure, the Ondo State capital and other towns, have called on the state government to fix some bad portions of the federal roads in the state.

Some of the federal roads in the state that need rehabilitation include Akure- Ado Ekiti Road and Owo-Ikare Akoko Road.



The residents, made up of youths, who commended the state government over the ongoing road construction projects in many towns in the state, urged the government to also dualise Akure-Oda town road, where many civil servants reside.

The Youths Leader in Akure Community, Mr Adekanbi Oluwatuyi, who spoke to our correspondent, made the appeal at a youth forum held in Akure on Friday.

He appealed to the governor to complete the extension of the ongoing dualisation of roads in some parts of the town to ljoka area for the use of the residents of the area and other motorists.

He said, “While we appreciate the government over the various ongoing road projects in the state, we want to appeal to our governor to collaborate properly with the Federal Government to fix those failed sections on federal roads in the state in order to avoid occurence of road crashes.”

While lauding the current administration in the state for various road projects carried out within Akure metropolis, Oluwatuyi also appealed to the governor to do more on community roads in the town.

Corroborating the youth leader, another speaker at the forum, Adesola Adedeji, appreciated the governor for opening up some roads in the state capital and urged the government to liase with the Federal Government and fix lgoba-Ado Ekiti road.

Similarly, a youth and resident of Akure, Mr Kunle Abegunde, called on the government to complete all its ongoing road projects in the town and the state in general.

“We appeal to the governor to dualise Oda road; the people, particularly civil servants living in Oda town and its environs, resume late to office due to the traffic problem they face on a daily basis,” he said.
Source: https://www.citadel.ng

In a bid to ensure that university finalist utilises their final year project as a veritable tool for solving societal problems, as well as adding value to themselves, Miss Akinjewe in Partnership with The students Media Group of Ondo State, through its initiative organised a one day project workshop tagged, "Enterprise and Products Development: Turning Your Project Topics into Profitable Ventures" which was designed to educate final year students on the need to see more to their final year project topics, than just a criteria to leaving the university set up.
Speaking at the workshop, Mr Babajide Akeredolu explained, Final year students project topics must be necessitated by the need to make sustainable impact in the society. He said, every project must be tailored to meet the United Nations Sustainable development goals. Also he laid much emphasis on the need for final year students to do extensive research before deciding on what to do. He said, it's much easier for students to access international grants when their projects has the value to effect more society grants. He said the Ondo State government is ready to work with students with brilliant ideas from their research works which can be of immense contribution to the development of the state.
Another guest at the workshop, Mr Olamilekan Bankole advised students at the workshop to leverage on what they have, building a structure they can work on and strategic partnership.
Concluding the workshop, Mr Omotosho Olawale enjoined students on the need to build a team around their projects, the success of their projects will definitely go a long way in shaping other projects they might want to embark on in different areas of their lives. Giving the vote of thanks, Miss Yewande Akinjewe thanked all those present, the invited speakers and all those who have contributed to the success of the workshop.
Source: https://www.citadelng.com

the man is trying his possible best to put Nigeria in good shape to some extents

at least it will reduce the stage of poverty among civil servants in Nigeria

The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate has approved the payment of the final tranche of the six months’ arrears of 33 per cent pension increment to pensioners.

According to PTAD, the payment would be paid to 103,710 civil service pensioners.
The pension directorate recalled that in July 2010, the Federal Government announced a 33 per cent pension increase for pensioners.

The Federal Government began the payment of the increment from January 2014 leaving arrears of 42 months.

Out of the 42 months that were outstanding as at 2014, 24 months were paid in 2016; six months were paid in 2017, while six months were paid in November 2018.

PTAD stated that, “The directorate has now cleared the backlog of the 33 per cent pension arrears of three main departments of Civil Service Pension Department, Police Pension Department and Customs, Immigration and Prisons Pension Department.

“The directorate has also assured that backlog of 33 per cent arrears owed parastatal pensioners will be cleared in due course.”
Source: https://citadelng.com/fg-approves-n2-6bn-to-pay-pension-increment-arrears/