₦airaland Forum

The Ekiti State chapter of the All Progressives Congress says that the Peoples Democratic Party in the state has turned itself to a laughing stock following its alleged commitment to derail the government of Dr Kayode Fayemi.

The APC State Publicity Secretary, Mr Ade Ajayi, said this in a statement made available to journalists on Saturday.



Ajayi was reacting to a communiqué issued by PDP stakeholders last week, expressing support for the party’s governorship candidate in the 2018 governorship election, Prof Kolapo Olusola’s decision to approach the Supreme Court in his quest for justice.

He asked Olusola “to stop wallowing in bitterness, agony and tears” but rise up to join Fayemi to develop the state.

“It is very sad and unfortunate that PDP could be playing on the sensibilities of Ekiti people who had rejected them in totality,” he said.

Ajayi added, “Their decision to recover a mandate at the Supreme Court is an effort in futility and mere academic exercise. PDP has no mandate to reclaim at the Supreme Court.

“Ekiti people had rejected PDP and its candidates as it was proved at the recently-concluded general elections where they were beaten hands down without rigging and irregularities.

“It was PDP that originated electoral offences like rigging, violence, ballot snatching, ballot stuffing and political assassinations in Nigeria. PDP should bury its face in shame and apologise to the good people of Ekiti State and Nigerians in general.

“The best bet now is for PDP members and Olusola to support and cooperate with the administration of Governor Fayemi in his bid to take the state to greater heights.

“The PDP stakeholders should learn the act of good governance, peaceful coexistence and unity of the state from Fayemi, instead of threatening the peace, economic prosperity and good governance of the state.”
source: https://citadelng.com/apc-knocks-pdp-for-opposing-fayemi-in-ekiti/

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, will tomorrow (Tuesday) join President Muhammadu Buhari and other investment driven world leaders at the Dubai, United Arab Emirates for the 9th edition of the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM).

The Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) is the World’s Leading Platform for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). It is an initiative of the UAE Ministry of Economy, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

The theme is ‘Mapping the Future of FDI: Enriching World Economies through Digital Globalization’.

Already, the Ondo State stand has been set at the venue of the largest global investment gathering of corporate leaders, policy makers, businessmen, regional and international investors, entrepreneurs, leading academics and experts showcasing up-to-date information, strategies and knowledge on attracting FDI.

Governor Akeredolu and his investment team will showcase the potentials of the Sunshine state at the meeting and also attract more investors to develop the state.
Source:https://citadelng.com/gov-akeredolu-for-dubais-9th-annual-investment-meeting/

how plausible is that your statement?

The All Progressives Congress APC, in Ondo state has said that its focus is to fulfil its 2015 campaign promises to the people rather than being distracted by the second term campaign.

The party’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Alex Kalejaye stated this in an interview with The Hope while speaking on the preparation of the party towards the next gubernatorial election in the state, and how the party would maintain the success recorded during the last House of Assembly election.

Kalejaye noted that what the party is targeting is to first achieve the first term development agenda which was rolled out at the inception of the administration.



“To us in the All Progressives Congress, the best way to prepare for election is to fulfill campaign promises we made to the people, and here in Ondo state, the APC government led by Arakurin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, is so concerned and passionate about the well-being of our people.

” This informed why this administration concentrates so much on building infrastructure, renovating and reconstructing schools, workers’ welfare, food security, with this, people will live better life” , he said.

According to him, the administration is just two years old and therefore too soon to engage in second term campaign but rather ensure that the presence of government is felt across the state, a feat that would speak for the party in 2021.

The APC spokesperson however said that the party didn’t fail in the state during the presidential election having scored 40%, while reacting to the comment by the state former deputy governor, Alhaji Ali Olanusi that President Buhari failed in the state due to anti-party activities.



He noted that necessary efforts were being made to sustain the success recorded by the party during the House of Assembly election, noting that reconciliation has been made and there is no more aggrieved aspirants in the state.

Kalejaye who said friction and crisis can never be ruled out of political activities, affirmed that the party has put everything that transpired during the primaries behind and members are now in one accord.
Source:https://citadelng.com/our-achievements-will-speak-for-us-in-2020-ondo-apc/

Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State on Sunday converged on the government House, Alagbaka, Akure and pass a vote of confidence on the state governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN.

The Leaders unanimously gave Akeredolu a pass mark particularly on massive infrastructural developmental, water and sanitation, Industrialization, workers welfare and other areas of critical intervention.

The Leaders included : Former Senator Titus Olupitan, Former finance commissioner, Segun Ojo, Former Commissioner for Information, Prince Olu Adegboro, South West chairman of the APC, Pastor Bankole Oluwajana, a member of the APC Board of Trustee (BOT) Chief Jamiu Ekungba, serving Senator Tayo Alasoadura, serving member of House of Representatives, Hon. Kolawole Babatunde, Director General of the Technical Aid Corps, Dr. Pius Osunyikanmi, Pat Kelly, and other notable leaders.

One after the other, the leaders alluded to the silent revolution presently going on across the 18 local government areas of the state. They lauded Akeredolu for fulfilling the party's campaign promises and representing the party well by delivering good governance to the people.

A BOT member, Ekungba and the APC South West chairman, Oluwajana explained that Akeredolu has made the next journey of the party easy. They described Akeredolu as a sellable candidate who has touched the lives of the people of the state.

Osunyikanmi, Alasoadura, Adegboro and Ekungba wondered how Governor Akeredolu was able to ignite and sustain the current developmental revolution across the state despite the paucity of fund.

They particularly hailed the governor for achieving so much within the space of 2years without borrowing a kobo so far. The Leaders described as unprecedented the kind of industrial growth the state is presently witnessing.

Osunyikanmi said the Governor has shown that he has great vision for the state with his mydas touch across the state especially on road construction and massive reconstruction of Public Primary Schools.

The APC state chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin urged members of the party to be united and speak with one voice ahead of future elections in the state.

Governor Akeredolu thanked leaders of the party for the confidence reposed in him. He declared that more dividend of good governance will be enjoyed by the people of the state.

At the meeting were the Deputy Governor, Hon. Alfred Agboola Ajayi, Speaker of the house of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bamidele Oleyelogun, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Gbenga Ale, SSG, Ifedayo Abegunde and others, members of the state house of assembly, members of the state executive council, local government caretaker chairmen and others.

The Governor used the occasion to celebrate members of the house of Assembly - elect. He expressed his joy over the impressive performance of the party in the state assembly election.
Source: https://www.citadelng.com

what do you mean?

Of course there is

The Ondo state chapter of the All Progressives Congress(APC) on Thursday denied the allegation by former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Alhaji Ali Olanusi that President Muhammadu Buhari lost in Ondo state due to the anti-party activities of the leadership of the ruling party.

Olanusi at a forum of the Concerned APC leaders in Akure, the state capital on Tuesday accused Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of compromising the election because of the NWC’s decision to endorse the three incumbent Senators as automatic candidates, which prompted his alleged sponsoring of opposition Action Alliance(AA) candidates.
A statement by APC’s Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro said the former deputy governor has never been on the same page with the party leadership in the state, stressing that he is not competent to comment on the affairs of the party in the state.
Besides, the party faulted the claim that the governor allegedly diverted the fund disbursed to Ondo state by the national leadership of the party for the 2019 general election and financed AA candidates in the state.

It said” With these statements, Olanusi’s group had brought to fore their secret apathy against Akeredolu who refused to do their biddings. We should be reminded that Olanusi claimed huge amount from the present APC-led government in Ondo State to offset his accumulated salary arrears over his removal from office by the previous administration.


“He refused to acknowledge the governor’s quick response to his plight, rather, he countered the effort with contempt. When he demanded for more money and was denied, he became dissatisfied and turned himself into a critic of the APC’s government,he claimed to be its Board of Trustees (BoT) member at the national level.

” We have it on record that he is planning ahead of the 2020 to present an unpopular governorship candidate for election in the state,but he doesn’t have to heat up the polity over such clandestine moves that will die on arrival”

The statement emphasised that the party leadership in the state would not succumb to the group’s cheap blackmail and lies flying around.

It said “We are advising Olanusi and his group to desist from constituting themselves as enemies of the party they claimed to belong.The former deputy governor particularly should behave as a true statesman and member, APC’s Trustee.
Source: https://citadelng.com/ondo-apc-to-olanusi-behave-like-a-statesman/

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

The Objectives of the United Nation Commission on the Status of Women are;

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

Stakeholders' are meeting on the 63rd Session of United Nation Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW 63) ongoing at international culture and events centre
Source: https://www.citadel.ng

Africa’s richest man and President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, yesterday, told the 19 northern governors to wake up from slumber and rescue the region from high rate of poverty.

Dangote noted that 60 per cent population of the region live in extreme poverty, and pointed out that it was unacceptable for a region with vast arable land for agriculture to live in poverty.

The business mogul stated this when he delivered a keynote address at the Fourth edition of Kaduna Economic and Investment Summit.

The two-day event, organised by the Kaduna Investment and Promotion Agency, has as its theme: “Expanding investment frontier,” was held at the popular Murtala Square in the state.

Said Dangote: “The North must focus on harnessing its massive agricultural potentials; in terms of production and processing. No region with such agricultural potential should be this poor. We have what it takes to turn around our fortunes and, I pray all the19 governors of the northern states would wake up and follow the footsteps of Kaduna State Government.



“Given the vast tracts of arable land and conducive condition, I think in the next 10 years, agriculture can generate more revenue and prosperity than oil that we have now; if we have the right commitment.”

He also admonished the regional government to identify its area of comparative advantage over other regions, adding that provision of information and data on what is available in various states, are equally necessary.

According to him, efforts should be made to encourage local investors because “they will attract foreign investors.

“In the north western and north eastern part of Nigeria, more than 60 per cent of the population live in extreme poverty. It is instructive to know that the 19 northern states which account for over 54 per cent of the country’s population, and 70 per cent of its land mass, collectively, generated only 21 percent of the total sub-national Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in 2017.

“Northern Nigeria will continue to fall behind if respective state governments do not move to close the development gap and that is why we are always saying the biggest challenge we have and what we are always praying for is to have 10 governors like Mallam Nasir El Rufai.”

“Closing this gap requires multi-layer investments and government will not be able to muster the needed funds.

“Only the private sector can raise the amount of capital required to fund the kind of investment required. Government must create a conducive environment that will trigger a huge inflow of private capital into the private sector of the economy. Private investment will create jobs and will go a long way to erase the challenge of unemployment and poverty.

“Kaduna state is a shining example of this. While several states are taking steps in this direction, only a few, like Kaduna, are making visible progress.

On his part, El-Rufai said Kaduna has attracted over $500 million investment in the last four years in spite of the challenges facing the state.

He said investments wouldn’t have been possible without the key role of the Judiciary.

“The judiciary has assisted us to remove all bottlenecks associated with doing business in the state when we came into government. The state judiciary repealed obnoxious laws which made investment in the state almost impossible. We are now number one in the ease-of-doing-business in the country.”
Source: https://citadelng.com/dangote-tasks-northern-governors-to-invest-more-in-agriculture/

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

“The company will also be providing several infrastructural projects in the states and would create about 2,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities for indigenes of the state.”
Source: https://citadelng.com/fg-implements-140-reforms-on-ease-of-doing-business-osinbajo/

What do you mean by that do clarify yourself

he Chairman of the All Progressives Congress,APC, Ondo State chapter, Mr. Ade Adetimehin, has said that the 23 lawmakers-elect out of 26 legislators of the State House of Assembly on the platform of the party will not be rubber stamps to the executive arm of government in the discharge of their duties.

He explained that they would not be rubber stamp legislators but be an analytical lawmakers with critical minds to do what is needful of them for good governance to be enjoyed by residents of the state.

Adetimehin said this while speaking with journalists at the presentation of certificate of returns to the members-elect of the State House of Assembly by the Independent National Electoral Commission ,INEC, in Akure.

According to him, ” They will not be rubber stamps to executive arm of government but will do what is expected of them and not disappoint those who voted them into power”.

The chairman assured that they will not disappoint the electorates and the state in general, saying that they have been tried and tested at the party’s level before were elected.

He,therefore, attributed the emergence of 23 lawmakers-elect on the platform of the party to the grace of God,saying that they are men and women of honour that will add great value to the 9th assembly.
Source: https://citadelng.com/apc-legislators-elect-will-not-be-rubber-stamps-adetimehin/

The only lawmaker-elect on the platform of the Zenith Labour Party, ZLP, of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Mr. Tomide Akinribido, has vowed not to leave his party for other political party.

He said that he cannot defect to any political party irrespective of any situation.

The lawmaker-elect stated this in an interview with The Hope in Akure.

He promised to remain focus in his legislative duty and not involve in partisan politics that will deny his constituents of dividends of democracy.

Akinribido said his constituents have reposed high confidence in him to showcase his leadership capacity which he has seen as a call to service and promised not to let them down through quality legislature that will impact on their lives..

His words: “l cannot defect to any political party irrespective of any situation, House is not about political affiliation but on how to represent constituency, impact positively on the lives of people and work as one for the development of the state.

“Defection cannot affect me in anyway. l don’t think it can affect me in anyway”

When asked if he will not see it as an intimidation being the only ZLP member in the House, the lawmaker-elect said there is no party politics in the House as he explained that every member will close rank to ensure the House has robust session for the benefit of people and the state in general.

He assured to give his best to ensure the 9th Assembly has robust legislature that will bring development and greatness to the state.

According to him” l was not elected to show political affiliation but to impact on people.””

He promised to kick start his legislative duty by sponsoring bills that will benefit the lives of people particularly the empowerment of youths across the state.

He pledged to focus on bills that will promote economic and infrastructural development in the state.
Source: https://citadelng.com/l-will-not-defect-zlp-legislator/

The industrial data base exercise currently being carried out by the Federal Government across the 36 states of the federation is aimed at tackling the challenges facing industrial sector in the country.

A consultant to the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment on Industrial Matters, Mr. David Emaediong disclosed this at a seminar held for industrialists at the weekend in Akure, the Ondo State capital .

Emaediong, who sensitized industrialists on data base said the purpose of conducting the exercise was to know problems they are facing and how to tackle them for industrial growth.

He said that challenges of manufacturer, differ from one to another as well as from one state to another.

“There are some resources Ekiti state have that other states do not have. There are some resources that Ondo state have that other states do not. So what government wants to do is to identify these and see how investment and resources could be properly channeled for adequate development.

Explaining further, Emaediong observed that while an industrialist may face financial constraint, another indusrialialist’s problem may be accessing raw materials for production or electricity.

His words: “Government wants to know how to invest, and find out what is wrong with the industries. At times you might see an industry and think the major problem is finance, it might not be, it may be other psychological issues”.

Emaediong, who said that the data base was a continuous excercise urged industrialists to ensure that they get themselves enrolled so that they can benefit from the Federal government’s initiative on improving the industrial sector in the country.

The State Chairman of the Nigeria Association of Small Scale Industrialist (NASSI) Greatsheyi Akintunde said the essence of the seminar was to bring different industrialists together and help create a data base.

He also noted that the essence was to help government create an industrial policy where all challenges of industrialists would be addressed.

According to him, the exercise would offer lots of opportunities from foreign investors coming to the country to have a data to work with.

A Cassava processor Mr Kolawole Gabriel Ajiboye urged government to assist them in the area of rural road accessment saying that the road leading to his farm is not accessible.

He also mentioned electricity which he said is a major challenge as he spent much on fuel to power his generator which according to him negatively affects his production.

Also, a locust beans processor Ajoke Kolade appealed that government should empower the small scale Industrialists coming up who she said have the ability to work but had no capital to do so.

A Resource Management Consultant and Micro Business Advisor, Mr Fessy Olabode presented a paper titled “An insight into available Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Opportunities in Ondo State at the seminar.
Source: https://citadelng.com/fg-set-to-tackle-industrial-challenges/

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Wife of the Ondo State Governor, Mrs Betty Akeredolu, has called for a gender-balanced society as she felicitates with the entire women in the state on occasion of Mothering Sunday.

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

The governor’s wife commended all women who had played important roles of mothers in many lives, including the commitment of foster and adoptive mothers who had taken on the responsibility of caring for less privileged children around their communities.

She noted that the call was for a gender-balanced society; as it was essential for economies and communities to thrive.

The governor’s wife urged husbands to be more attentive to the needs of their wives.

“Marriage is a partnership. Husbands should not relegate their wives to mere domestic slaves; men should also help their spouses.

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

Earlier in his sermon, titled: “Christian Family’’, Very Rev. Ajayi Agboola, called on the congregation to always commit their families into God’s hands in their endeavour.

Agboola said this would help to ensure peace and prosperity in every home and lauded the First Lady for her numerous contributions to women development within Ondo State.
Source: https://citadelng.com/mothers-day-women-are-not-domestic-slaves-betty-akeredolu/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Oke Alabojuto’s story is a pathetic one. The once hilly road has claimed many lives and destroyed properties worth millions of Naira. The people of Ikare Akoko lived in palpable fear of imminent danger.

The people prayed to God and their prayers were answered through Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN. Within his two years in office, Governor Akeredolu leveled up the once hilly road. It was like a dream for the people and leaders of Ikare Akoko.

Governor Akeredolu has done what many thought was impossible and there are new songs on the lips of the people. The mythical Oke Alabojuto hill in Ikare has given way to the bulldozers deployed by Akeredolu, leaving the people marveling. To crown the success story, the road has been dualized.

Before the completion of the Oke Alabojuto’s Road , Governor Akeredolu has constructed the Jubilee – Ugbe Road, Ikare and also constructed 3 box culverts at Oyinmomo , Ishakunmi and Merida Rental Road , Ikare.

Presently, work is ongoing on the dualisation of Ikare township road. It’s a new dawn for the people of Ikare Akoko.
Source: http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/Akeredolu%E2%80%99s-giant-strides-in-Ikare-Akoko

Any government seeking to make impact on the lives of young people must look in the direction of ICT, which is not only a veritable employment generation avenue, but also capable of making them innovators.

This is because technology apart from evolving solutions to myriads of contemporary challenges has the potential to engage thousands of young people and make them solution providers.

The Akeredolu administration, aware of the importance of Information Comunication Technology, has been taking giant stride in the sector since it came into governance two years ago.

As a move to enhance tech knowledge in the country and also to suppress gender biasness, the Ondo State Government in August 2017 organised a four-week summer ICT training for 100 secondary school girls.

At the opening ceremony, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the First Lady, emphasised the need to train the girl child and said further that “Imparting knowledge of the ICT to the girls in Ondo State carries all importance and priority in this digital age” and that “it will broaden the horizon of these young women and place them strategically in the world”.

The programme was organised by the state government in collaboration with SAO Capital Limited, an ICT firm.

Governor Akeredolu, in his remarks, noted that the innovation would encourage the girls to pursue careers in science and technology.

“As the world continues to rely on information and communications technologies, it has become crucial that the voice of our young women is represented in the digital world”, he said.

Trainings at the venue included computer appreciation, Introduction to Microsoft office suite, Corel Draw among others.

“This is a great move by the Ondo State Government. If you are a female in Ondo state, you should take advantage of the ICT training. The world is getting digital; you shouldn’t deny yourself an opportunity if you come across one, “said Mr. Tope Runsewa, representative of SAO.

Not long after the initiative, the Ondo State Government, in partnership with SAP, trained and empowered its teachers in digital technology, ahead of the SAP Africa Code Week (ACW).

SAP Africa Code Week (ACW) initiative had received accolades as a critical leverage to bridge the continent-wide digital divide, as well as being a significant launch-pad for youth empowerment in the digital era.

Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, gave a rousing speech where he thanked SAP and ACW key and primary partners (UNESCO Youth Mobile, the Cape Town Science Centre, the Galway Education Centre and Google) for their vision of empowering every African child though ICT.

The governor spoke through the Deputy Governor, Mr. Agboola Ajayi, at the two-day Train-the-Trainer hands-on workshop organised by SAP in partnership with the state.

Based on the globally-acclaimed scratch interface developed by the MIT Media Lab to simplify the face of coding for the young generation, the training was aimed at imparting coding skills to secondary school teachers across the three Senatorial Districts in the run up to Africa Code Week 2017,“ which took place from 18 to 25 October 2017 across 35 countries.

The Governor said he considered the workshop as very relevant, since the time had come for government and the private sector entities to work together to promote digital access, improve ICT skills and create opportunities for youths in our ever-competitive and dynamic world.

“It is also gratifying to note that SAP shares this philosophy that we need to join forces to bridge the digital skills and gender gap continent-wide. I am therefore very happy that SAP is deploying their skilled volunteers to train teachers in Ondo State who, will in turn, train the next generation of ICT savvy youths,” the governor said.

Akeredolu said the state desired that the citizenry of Ondo State participate actively in the new economy, benefitting from the opportunities it presents. To facilitate this, he said the government was championing many ICT initiatives such as the planned establishment of Tech Hubs in each of the three senatorial districts, to make governance more effective and efficient.

This will provide an enabling environment for different categories of youths and ICT enthusiasts to acquire and develop different skills in information and communication technology, which can be deployed for economic gains as ‘techpreneurs’, the governor said.

In February 2018, Ondo State Government distributed 362 data management tools known as clinipak tablets to health workers to enhance primary healthcare delivery across 18 local government areas of the state.

The distribution was inaugurated by Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu, who was represented by Dr Wahab Adegbenro, the state Commissioner for Health in Akure.

Akeredolu said that the state government decided to embark on the project to enhance effective management of health information data, which was key to the delivery of qualitative healthcare.

According to him, health workers had earlier been trained on the use of the ICT tools.

The state procured the tablets, while the technical partner, Insrat Global Health Solution, designed and installed the Clinipak application.

The governor said that the tools had been tested and proven to be the ideal solution for data management.

He urged the health workers to hit the ground running as the tablets were meant to improve both their efficiency and effectiveness.

Similarly, Mr Abiola Oshunniyi, Director, Business Development International, said that with the Clinipak application, health facilities in the state would move from just collecting and reporting patients data to leveraging on mobile solutions for improved decision from facility level to the policy making level.

Oshunniyi added that the application was currently being used in some states in Nigeria, but that of Ondo State was the largest deployment.

Shortly after this epoch-making event, the state governor on Friday, 23rd February, 2018, commissioned the first-of-its-kind Akure Technology Hub at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, as part of activities marking the Akeredolu-led government one year in office.

Addressing the gathering, Mrs. Akeredolu emphasized the importance of technology in building a virile society.

According to her, there is the need to develop ICT with the aim to bridge educational gaps in rural communities.

She charged the academic community to develop ICT and begin to work towards deploying it to meet education and learning needs of youths in the core areas.



“In this core area, we don’t have teachers. I believe we can use technology to improve the quality of teaching and learning and deploy it. Lessons in Mathematic and Physics for example can be relayed from this Tech hub to these core areas – that is my dream”, she added.

Earlier in his address, the Special Assistant on ICT, Mr. Olumbe Akinkugbe, noted that this was the first time that such a partnership between the government, academia and the private sector will be happening in Africa.

He further expressed hope that the small start-ups businesses will leverage on the opportunities being given them through the initiative and promote technology as the Akeredolu-led government has promotion of education as well as technology as part of its cardinal programmes.

The Convener for the Emerging communities, Joel Ogunsola, who is the representative of Tech-Up, noted that Akure Tech Hub was introduced to make the state capital one of the most preferred technology frontiers in Africa.

According to him, 82 applications were received, 15 shortlisted and trained after which a pitch was organized to select the most innovative start-up.

The climax of the event was the presentation of a total of $6250 and awards to the winning teams.

In August last year, no fewer than 400 female pupils in Ondo State begun a summer training in Information and Communications Technology under the sponsorship of the Office of the Wife of the State Governor, Mrs Betty Akeredolu.

The programme, tagged ‘BEMORE Summer Bootcamp 4 Girls Naija’, is the second in the series of the training, as the first was held in 2017. The programme also involved training the girls in the use of solar technology.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the programme, Akeredolu, said the training was meant to empower girls in the state, in the area of ICT and solar technology.

She said that many of the girls who benefitted from the first edition of the training were making use of the knowledge acquired to assist their various communities.

She added that the exercise had been yielding positive results as one of the beneficiaries won the Africa Code Week Scratch Competition for the state recently.

400 participants were drawn from different secondary schools across the 18 local government areas of the state for the event.

The following month, the Akeredolu administration collaborated with United Nations to bring human capital development and investment through technology to Ondo State

This event held at Nigeria House, 828 2nd Avenue, New York, USA. It was a high-level event and a platform to discuss available opportunities to accelerate the impact of development in Nigeria through investment in technology-driven solutions.
However, the event was hosted parallel to the United Nations General Assembly and brought together corporate organizations, economic development experts, government representatives and civil society leaders to discuss increasing investment via technology-aided interventions towards accelerating the impact of modern/updated technologies in our society.

Furthermore, the event showcased technology interventions in the areas of healthcare, education, and economic empowerment.

Also, it provided a platform to share case studies, networking and knowledge exchange.

The following month, the state government announced plans to commission Digital Village Projects (DVP) across the state to train about 96 youths monthly as part of its strategic plans to reduce high rate of youth unemployment.

The project is to be located across the three senatorial districts. About 96 youths mostly fresh graduates and young secondary school leavers are targeted to attend the program.

Speaking at a press briefing in Akure, the Special Assistant to the Governor on ICT and the Chairman of the State Information Technology Agency (SITA), Olumbe Akinkugbe, said the project is ICT Resource-based centre with the aim of providing various services to the public through computers connected with the internet, cameras, printers and other communication infrastructure, all backed with 24 hours electricity.

According to him, the project was targeted at young school leavers and unemployed graduates with a view to engaging them in productive and meaningful ventures that will bail them out of endless search for white-collar jobs and aerobic cycle of poverty through digital skills.

Akinkugbe expressed belief that some of the youth will undoubtedly start their ICT entrepreneurship investment through other ICT dependent services such as POS, internet services and agency banking to boost rural trade and commerce.

And, then, at last, Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, commissioned the Digital Village Project with an assurance that it will reduce rural/urban migration.

The digital village project was implemented in partnership with America Tower Corporation and directed at the 18 local government areas of the state, with the two pilot centres at Uso in Owo Local Government and Ondo in Ondo West Local Government.

Beneficiaries of the projects were graduates and non graduates and it will be a continuous one for every two weeks free of charge.

24 trainees comprising 12 graduates and 12 secondary school leavers took off in each of the centres at Uso and Ondo Town and the beneficiaries were selected by their communities.

Commissioning the project at Uso in Owo Local Government, Akeredolu said it will reduce the high rate of youth unemployment in the society.

Represented by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr Femi Agagu , Akeredolu said the project was aimed at creating digital village that will encompass all the rural dwellers.

Senior Special Assistant to Ondo State Governor on ICT and Chairman of State Information Technology Agency, Mr Olumbe Akinkugbe, said the project was ICT resource-based centre with the aim of providing various services to the public through computer connected with Internet, cameras, printers and other communication infrastructures, all backed with 24 hours service.

“It is the intention of the government to develop various ICT skills in the teeming youths so as to make them self-reliant or employable in the digital economy,” he said.

On other benefits of the projects, Akinkugbe submitted that it would drastically reduce youth restiveness, thuggery, rural urban drift among other social vices.

Akinkugbe said the project is one of the means of inculcating the rural dwellers to enjoy what those in the cities are enjoining.

It will be easier for the people in the rural communities to transact their business online without coming to the city. JAMB, WAEC and national and international examinations are now registered online and we are in digital world. It will make everybody in Ondo State to be compliant irrespective of where you live.
Source:https://citadelng.com/akeredolus-initiatives-in-information-communication-technology/

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

He further thanked the Governor for the renovation of various roads in the area and for deploying security officers to bad portions where rehabilitation work has not been extended to so as to ward off criminal elements on the highway.
Source: https://citadelng.com/ifon-general-hospital-ll-be-equipped-akeredolu/