₦airaland Forum

To boost education in Ondo State, the state government is set to employ two thousand teachers into the primary education sector.

The Hope reliably gathered that a meeting towards the realisation of this was held last week Friday between the officials of the State Universal Primary Education Board (SUBEB) and the Nigeria Union of Teachers ( NUT).

https://citadelng.com/ondo-state-government-to-employ-2000-teachers/

It was learnt that the meeting which went on for several hours discussed modalities to use in employing the best teachers for pupils at the foundation level.

It was also gathered that the Chairman of NUT in the state, Comrade Oladele Amoko expressed it at the meeting that presently the state primary education sector needs about eight thousand teachers to compete with its counterpart in Nigeria.

Amoko was said to have supplied the agency’s officials with the facts, stressing that in the course of the years past, many teachers have retired in the primary school sector.

After much debate between the two parties, it was therefore resolved that two thousand teachers will soon be employed in primary schools in the state.

Confirming the story yesterday in an exclusive phone interview, the Chairperson of Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board, Princess Oladunni Odu said that the board is set to employ 2,000 primary school teachers in the state.

Her words:” On May Day celebration in the state, the State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu indeed promised to employ more teachers in the primary education sector. It is a known fact that we have shortage of teachers in this sector, reason that we want to ensure that we recruit the best.”

“We are putting our papers together and once approval is given by the governor, we are going to place the advert in the media and those selected will go through series of examinations.

” What we are doing presently is fine tunning the processes and once the approval is given, the exercise will commence. But we want to assure that the best will be employed for the primary schools sector in the state”.

Also speaking on the issue, the NUT Chairman, Oladele Amoko confirmed that the process is ongoing and the union is still asking for more teachers to be employed in the state.

He confirmed that the union has submitted facts and figures to the state government that more teachers like 8,000 are needed to beef up the primary schools in the state.

Amoko however expressed joy that the state government has acceded to the request of the union to employ 2,000 fresh teachers which gladdens one’s heart.

In total commitment to improving the economic lot of Ondo State, Governor Akeredolu has proven his brilliance at tapping into numerous potentials of the sunshine state.

Recently, The Governor joined by the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Col. Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah on a visit to Thailand for a Program on Medicinal Canabis Extract Development stated that the state will exploiting the numerous economic advantage of cannabis cultivation.

Against the public perception of the plant, which is considered illegal in the country, the state government in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency will be looking possibility of exploiting the commercial potential of cannabis oil with focus on Ondo State.

According to the Governor, he stated ,"We all know that Ondo State is the hot bed of cannabis cultivation in Nigeria. We know how to grow it and it thrives well in the Sunshine State."

He further revealed that an estimated value of $145 Billion in 2025 would be derived from the successful exploiting of the plant.
He also urged the public to ignore the general notion about the plant, the state team with the NDLEA research team would be undergoing a research on how to legally grow cannabis in the state for pure medicinal purposes.
He also added that the state would be shortchanging ourselves if it fail to tap into the Legal Marijuana Market

The Ondo State Government has said that it recorded 800 cases of drug-resistant tuberculosis infection in the state.

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, who stated this during the biennial general meeting of the National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners, Ondo State chapter, held in Akure, capital of the state, also noted that tuberculosis had posed a serious challenge to the health sub-sector in the state.


The meeting was themed, Emerging trends in communicable diseases: Drug-resistant tuberculosis as a case study.

The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Sunday Abegunde, said his administration had made the health of the people one of its top priorities.

He added that the state government had built a public health laboratory and an infectious diseases hospital where tuberculosis and other infectious diseases were being treated.


He said, “Tuberculosis has been a great challenge in developing countries, particularly in Nigeria where about 400,000 cases have been diagnosed. Out of these cases, about 20,000 are drug-resistant. Ondo State has 16,000 cases, with 800 cases being drug-resistant.

“The gestures of some non-governmental organisations and international partners have gone a long way to complement the efforts of our administration in reducing the burden of tuberculosis in the state.”

In his remarks, the state chairman of the NAGGMDP, Dr Iyanda Busari, lamented the dearth of qualified doctors in government-owned medical centres. He called on the governor to improve the condition of health care facilities in the state.

“More doctors are still needed in our health facilities to meet up with the health needs required by the people of Ondo State. We need the assistance and commitment of the governor,” he Pleaded.

Ondo Records 800 Cases Of Drug-resistant Tuberculosis

La-la Front page

Racist abuse towards Kelechi Iheanacho that was allowed to stay on Twitter for more than twelve hours will be included in a dossier the Professional Footballers’ Association is going to present to social media bosses this month.
Leicester striker Iheanacho was subjected to vile abuse following his late miss against his former
club Manchester City, whose 1-0 win left them in pole position for the English Premier League title.
Several racist messages were posted between 9.45pm and 10pm and they remained online on Tuesday night, as Twitter did not removed them.
The PFA is aware and will be raising the comments when they sit down with social media
companies at a scheduled meeting to discuss online racism.
The players’ union wants to outline the severity of the issue, while they will also present a
collection of racist messages that have been sent to Sports Minister, Mims Davies.
It was abuse such as that directed to Iheanacho after Monday night’s match which prompted English Premier League players to stage a 24-hour social media boycott last month.
That campaign, led by the PFA and under the hashtag #Enough, aimed to bring players together to demand social media companies such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram do
more to tackle the problem.
It was supported throughout the entire footballing world, with
Chelsea’s Eden Hazard, Tottenham’s Dele Alli, Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford and Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang among
those who backed the protest.

https://citadelng.com/players-union-set-to-include-racist-tweet-on-nigerias-kelechi-ihenacho-in-recent-report/

Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has attributed the continued peaceful coexistence in Nigeria to prayers.

The governor made the assertion on Wednesday in Akure while playing host to the leadership of the Eternal Sacred Order of Cherubim and Seraphim led by its Prelate, Dr David Bob-Mannuel (Moses Orimolade IX)

Represented by his deputy, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, the governor expressed gratitude to religious leaders and urged them not to relent in their prayers.

”It is a wonderful thing to see men of God, both Christians and Muslims, doing what we don’t even ask them, but they feel obliged that it is our country and we must hold it together.


“They always pray for the peace of the country, knowing when we have peace, we have everything.

”If you travel abroad or watch the television, you will see there is nothing compared with peace if you see what is going on in other countries.

“But here, even when we Express fear over the approaching election, the Christians will go inside their bedrooms and pray.

“The Muslims will go to their mosques and pray and everything will come and go quietly like that.

” This is not happening without the prayers of Christian brothers and sisters and Muslims,” he said.

Earlier, Bob-Mannuel said the visit was part of the routine missionary exercise of the church.

Bob-Manuel called on Christians and Nigerians at large to imbibe the fear of God as the panacea for the challenges being faced in the country.

He urged them to seek righteousness first, while God would add other things.

Bob-Mannuel charged Christians to exemplify the life of Jesus Christ in all their dealings, saying “Christianity is a practice, not mere oral confession.”

The clergy man used the occasion to pray for the government and people of Ondo State and the country.(NAN)

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.

The Vice President of Nigeria, Prof Yemi Osinbajo yesterday disclosed that a total of 75,000 pupils of Ekiti state are benefiting from the home grown school feeding programme of the Federal Government.

Osinbajo said the programme initiated by the President Mohammadu Buhari’s-led administration, was aimed towards shoring up school enrollments in the country and a tremendous help in job creation and poverty reduction among Nigerians.

The number two man spoke in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday during the official launching of the school Feeding Programme, held at St. Michael’s Primary school, explained that the policy is a flagship of the All Progressives Congress (APC) led government, remained one of the four cardinal objectives of the empowerment and social investment policy of President Buhari-led administration.

Osinbajo, who commended Governor Kayode Fayemi for keying into the programme, said : “The aim of this government is to provide food to our students to make them focused in schools and solve the problem of malnutrition in our children.

Reeling out the benefits of the programme, Osinbajo said: “9.3 million pupils are benefiting in over 56,506 Primary schools across this country. 190,000 farmers are supplying material, 767 cows are killed weekly and 7.3 million eggs are consumed weekly via this policy.

Osinbajo stated that the policy has also helped in improving the capacities of some people, especially the vendors to be able to feed their families.

Earlier, the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, described the policy as very significant in the lives of the people, commended the FG for the initiative.

He said the programme was an initiative of President Buhari, but was being anchored through the office of the Vice President.

Fayemi stressed that the state places high premium on the policy, because it pays attention to our vulnerable population.

Fayemi disclosed that 2000 vendors had already employed to supply food in the 905 primary schools in while 75,000 pupils in primary one to three are to benefit.

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has described Ondo State as a very secured and conducive place for visitors and tourists across the world to visit.

Receiving the Association of Retired Army, Navy and Air force Officers', RANAO, Governor Akeredolu said the hospitality of people of the state towards visitors remain unequalled.

He assured that members of the association who are retired Military Officers across the country would enjoy the Sunshine State during their forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

Arakunrin Akeredolu assured the state Chapter of RANAO of the support of its administration at making the hosting of the AGM a success.

Earlier, the State Chairman of RANAO, Major Abayomi Olawoye had solicited the support of the State Government on the hosting of its Annual General Meeting coming up within the month.

He said the choice of Ondo State was not unconnected with reports of peace and tranquillity pervading the state with the commitment of the present administration to quality delivery of projects that are changing lives of citizens for better.

� Blessed Michael

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Tuesday charged lawyers to integrate Information Communication Technology (ICT) into the legal profession to promote proficiency in the discharge of their duties.

Akeredolu gave the charge at the 2019 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA,Section on Legal Practice, held at the International Culture and Events Center, the Dome, Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The theme of this year's conference is "Value Added to Legal Practice". The governor explained that the introduction of technology in the legal practice would save cost as well as improve practice and service delivery.

Akeredolu who noted that the step would also afford the bench, the bar ,proficiency and better leverage, however said that artificial intelligence could never replace the practitioners but rather assist them and add value.

He further described as archaic, a situation where lawyers take boxes of books and files to court for reference, instead of a digital library.

Governor Akeredolu said "Technology will certainly assist with the things that are repetitive. We cannot run away from technology, it is good," he said.

Earlier, the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Hon. Justice Tanko Muhammed, encouraged legal practitioners to be fair to their clients by upholding the ethics of the legal profession.

Represented by Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, the CJN enjoined lawyers to always strive to add value to the profession through critical examination and analysis of the quality of services being rendered to their clients for the development of the society.

According to him, the theme 'Value Added to Legal Practice' all encompassing but not limited to probate practice, labour law, identifying strength, weaknesses, and the opportunity and threat to valued added legal practice, which would further give opportunity to legal practitioners to analyse and improve the quality of their services and their revenue.

The event was attended by the Oyo State Governor-elect, Mr Seyi Makinde; some Justices of the Supreme, Appeal, Federal and State High Courts, Chairman of NBA, several Senior Advocates of Nigeria and some Royal Fathers including the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba, Dr. Victor Kiladejo.

� Nguher Gabrielle Zaki

The Ondo State Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has assured that by the time Bitumen Exploration Factory in Ondo State begins operations later this year, Nigeria would stop the importation of Bitumen products for the construction of roads across the country.

Governor Akeredolu said the development would be a major breakthrough for the entire country as it would hasten the construction process of roads.

Receiving the leadership of Section on Legal Practice, SLP, of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, in his office in Akure, Governor Akeredolu said Ondo State is naturally endowed with diverse mineral resources waiting to be tapped for the economic development of the Sunshine State.

Arakunrin Akeredolu categorically stated that his administration was irrevocably committed at breaking the jinx of exploring the second largest bitumen deposit in the state and ensure it becomes a reality before the end of the year.

While wishing his colleagues in the legal profession a successful Annual Conference in the state, the governor urged them to take advantage of the avanlanche of tourist sites in the state for their holidays as the sites have greater excitements than similar sites elsewhere around the globe.

Earlier the leader of the team who is the Chairman on Legal Practice of NBA, Mrs Mai Essein, SAN, had lauded the governor for being a worthy ambassador of the Bar.

The Chairman particularly expressed happiness that the governor was delivering on his promises to his people through several projects being executed by his administration.

She informed the governor that Lawyers who are members of the Section on Legal Practice were in the state for their Annual Conference between 7th and 8th, 2019 adding that the theme of the conference would be : Value Added Legal Practice.

Today, as the world celebrates the Press Freedom Day, it is important to call to heart the need to accept journalists and other media practitioners as an essential and indispensable part of our developmental processes as humanity.
The media has aided the democratization of information; with painstaking consistency, exploring technological innovations and creative approaches to presentation, feed backs etc. The media has evolved, ensuring that everyone is a part of the social scene and not just remote recipients.
The theme for this year is Media for Democracy: Journalism and elections.
The press has played immeasurable roles in our Social and Educational development, from bringing distant information closer to everyone during elections, interpreting obscure and complex issues for easier comprehension and guidance of all, igniting dialogue on essential issues, keeping tab of actions of the government and stakeholders at various levels etc.
The media remains at the forefront in the fight for true democracy. Threat to journalism is a threat to Democracy and Security of the State.
Goal 16 of the sustainable development goals (SDG), tasks the society on Peace, Justice and Strong Institution. To this, it is significant to mention the efforts of the Ondo State Government in the investment in technological innovation and infrastructure, which has aided the tasks of the journalist during recent elections. Through the establishment of a citizen’s feedback toll free, call centre, for sensitive data and information gathering during elections and after, while reducing the contact time of journalists, especially in volatile areas, without compromising any required detail.
Freedom requires all voice to be heard. Elections can be transparent and free of violence. These are desired features of a civilized society.
The media also can explore innovative and diplomatic approaches in their tasks, without compromising her responsibility to the society.
Cheers to press freedom.
Cheers to a more harmonious and prosperous Ondo State.
Signed: Ondo State Office of Innovation and Partnerships (ION).

https://citadelng.com/world-press-freedom-day-the-media-as-a-tool-for-sustaining-democracy/

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that a top priority of his administration is to ensure that the efforts of hardworking Nigerian farmers are respected.

Speaking at an audience on Tuesday in Abuja with members of the United Kingdom-based Foundation for Good Governance for Development in Nigeria at the State House, the President said it is in this regard that he directed the Ministry of Agriculture and the Central Bank of Nigeria to bypass the knotty issue of collateral which he described as “a terrible colonial legacy,” so that farmers will get easy access to capital.

President Buhari also identified smuggling as a threat to domestic agricultural production and processing, and promised to continue to fight the menace with all means available to government.

The President assured that in addition to the focus of his administration on security, economy and the war against corruption, the new administration in his second term will pay greater attention to education and health.

“I understand our problems. I am acutely aware of my duty to my God and country. I will continue to do my best,” he told the support group.

Earlier, the leader of the group, which is mostly made up of scholars and professionals, Dr Arabo Ibrahim Bayo, said they came together on the basis of a shared passion for the country’s development, and in the firm belief that President Buhari represents the best in terms of leadership that Nigeria can offer.

He commended the achievements of the administration in the last four years in implementing its three cardinal objectives of providing security, improving the economy and the war against corruption, and suggested the declaration of an emergency to tackle challenges in education and health sectors.

The group further pledged support to the President for a formidable and enduring legacy.
https://citadelng.com/president-buhari-demands-respect-for-hardworking-farmers/

The Management of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) has said the institution’s teaching and research farms have become a veritable source of food products for members of its host communities.

Dean of Agric, Prof. Adebayo Aromolaran, who disclosed this in a media chat, added that the farms have also become a source of employment for many able-bodied men and women from the local communities.

He said, “Our teaching and research farms are growing into mini communities of their own. They provide essential agro-allied services like raising high-yield seedlings for sale to local farmers. Right now we are raising 5,000 seedlings of cocoa for the local farmers. We sold thousands of the seedlings last year, and already we are booked for the ones we are raising this year. This is another major contribution from us.

“We currently have 5,000 hectares of cocoa farm, and we have an equal number of plantains planted alongside the cocoa. We have started harvesting plantains which we sell to members of the University community as well as members of the larger community.

“I must also add that our poultry farm has become the biggest producer of eggs and other poultry products in this area. We raise broilers for sale and pullets for egg production. Our eggs are bigger and more nutritious than what obtains out there as we develop our own feed formular from our faculty here that has guaranteed that.”

Aromolaran added that plans are afoot to begin a cattle ranch while expanding the goat and pig farms, even as final year students are cultivating high-yield specie of tomatoes, groundnuts and other produce as part of their farm practice.

“We have the piggery section that has grown to about 20 pigs. Recently funds have been released to us to start our cattle farm. We already have a goattery, but when we complete the pens for the cows in the next couple of weeks, we should start bringing in the cows.

“We also have palm trees that we will soon start processing oil from. Our oil will be different from the manual processing used in the locality; ours will be mechanized and thus more hygienic.”

https://citadelng.com/our-research-farms-boosting-food-sufficiency-aaua/

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



https://citadelng.com/ondo-state-revenue-board-records-highest-igr-growth-yoy-in-nigeria/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ondo State Government Partners with the Malaysian Government in Agricultural Investment
Actions by the Ondo State Government to improve upon its current achievements in the area of industrialization has been further boosted with the recent investment deal with the Malaysian government, and Ondo State.
The Ondo State Business Delegation, led by his Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the executive Governor of Ondo State has met with the Malaysian government in areas of partnership with the Malaysian business community on Agriculture.
The partnership is aimed at the proper harnessing of resources around state agriculture and industry for agribusiness value chain development essentially in oil palm industry, rubber plantation and cashew mining. It will also see to the partnership with the private sector, developing economic relationship for strategic business and economic takeoff.
The success of this partnership will see to the sustainable agribusiness and economic development of Ondo State as the Akeredolu led government has continue to showcase that what is needed in Ondo State is real transformative change to unlock the incredible potential of Ondo state hidden resources people, businesses, economy and culture.

http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/Ondo-State-Govt--Partners-with-the-Malaysian-Government-in-Agricultural-Investment-

#AIM2019 @DevelopOndo

In his bid to ensure that Ondo state is open to international investors, Arakunrin Akeredolu joined other world leaders at the 9th Annual Investment Meeting In Dubai.
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.
There, the governor, showcased to the rest of the world the immense natural resources of the sunshine state that could be harnessed for greater economical gains leading to massive economic advancements.
The theme of the 9th Annual Investment Meeting is ‘Mapping the Future of FDI: Enriching World Economies through Digital Globalization’.
#AIM2019 @DevelopOndo

https://citadelng.com/arakunrin-akeredolu-with-other-world-leaders-at-the-9th-annual-investment-meeting-in-dubai-2/

President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Dubai declared that the next four years of his administration will be a harvest and consolidation of successes in the three-point agenda of fixing the economy, fighting insecurity and corruption

Speaking at a town hall meeting with members of the Nigerian Community in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), President Buhari pledged more government investments in research and development, as well as technology and educational institutions.

The President also promised that the prudent economic management, diversification of production and revenue bases of the administration in the last four years will be sustained for better prospects for all Nigerians.

‘‘The Next Level is to consolidate whatever we have done till 2023 and it makes common sense that in order to manage any outfit, whether a nation, state or organisation , you have to secure it.

‘‘We all know how many local governments Boko Haram were occupying. People from the North-east know that they are not holding any local government today. They were holding 17 out of the 774 local governments before we came in 2015; they are not holding any now,’’ the President said.

At the interactive session, the Nigerian leader noted that a key objective of his administration which had yielded positive results, in the last four years, was the campaign for the nation to return to agriculture.

He said the nation cannot afford to lag behind again in agriculture.

‘‘What we did was to encourage agriculture, and fertiliser was made available at half the price.

‘‘We encouraged people to go back to land. The response was excellent. We have virtually achieved food security; we have stopped the importation of rice.

‘‘The money we have saved in foreign exchange is in hundreds of millions of dollars, not even in naira. We are putting that into infrastructure,’’ the President said.

Responding to a question about the pace of anti-corruption war, the President said: ‘‘Whoever calls me Baba-go-slow, I’m very conscious of historical antecedents. You know what happened to me the last time… people [now] have to be proven guilty before they are locked up.’’

The President also reflected on the 2019 APC presidential campaign and the outcome of the polls, saying:

‘‘I was very impressed by the turn out of every state to see and hear me. The crowd is more than what you can buy or force to come. Nigerians voluntarily came out.’’

https://citadelng.com/next-level-expect-more-successes-in-economy-security-fight-against-corruption-president-buhari-tells-nigerians-in-diaspora/

Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Tuesday gave a marching order to all security agencies in the state to go after armed robbers who participated in the yesterday bloody bank robbery incident in Idoani community in Ose local government.

Six lives including a policeman were reportedly lost during the attack on the only bank in the community.

Already, security operative said they have arrested a suspect in connection with the robbery incident.

Akeredolu gave the directive while paying a condolence visit to Alani of Idoani, Oba Olufemi Olutoye at his palace which is a stone throw to the attacked bank.

The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, described the incident as unfortunate but implored the security agents to fish out those who perpetrated attack.

“We are glad that a suspect has been nabbed and I am very sure he will create a channel that will lead to the arrest of those criminals”, he said.

The Governor assured that his administration will continue to partner with the security agencies to nip this kind of incident in the bud.

He however charged residents of the State to always assist the security operatives by providing useful information to help in reducing crime in the State.

Oba Olutoye said the bandits also came into his compound damaged his door and by the time they gained entrance, they discovered it was a fruitless effort.

He appealed the State government to assist the bereaved in order to lessen the burden the incident had caused them.


https://citadelng.com/ondo-robbery-incident-akeredolu-wants-perpetrators-brought-to-justice/

President Muhammadu Buhari Monday met with six different groups of investors at the sidelines of the Annual Investment Meeting in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. He had a message for them all: Come to Nigeria and prosper. Come and have handsome returns on your investments, within the shortest possible time.

Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum is a member of the Dubai ruling family. He is also a private investor and member of several boards of companies, both state owned and private. He is interested in establishing a power plant in Lagos, and studies have already been completed.

Lulu Group operates a chain of supermarkets in the Middle East and Asia. Mr Yusuff Alli, Chairman of the group, told President Buhari that the outfit, with headquarters in Abu Dhabi, has over 164 supermarkets and shopping malls. It employs over 50,000 people.

The interest is to work with Nigerian farmers, using local produce to ensure food security. Quality, affordability and hygiene are the watchwords of the company.

Also in bilateral meeting with President Buhari was Sheikh Hussain Al Nowais, Chairman of Amea Power. The company develops, owns, and operates thermal and renewable energy projects in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Its wide range of power solutions include conventional – gas, coal, oil, and renewable – solar, wind and hydro.

Apart from power, the company, which owns Rotana Hotel chain, is also interested in the hospitality sector in Nigeria.

Also on cue was Sheikh Ali Rashid Lootah, Chairman, Nakheel Properties and Limitless Group.

One of the world's leading developers and a major contributor to Dubai's real estate transformation, the company's current and future retail project portfolio covers nearly 17 million square feet of leasable space. They are keen to expand their investments in Nigeria.

Sheikh Khalid Bin Kalban is the CEO of Dubai Investments. His meeting with the Nigerian president centred around real estate, processing industries, mergers and acquisitions, health care, education, and financial investments.

Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has supported over 66 projects in 29 African countries. They include rural solar power and water projects, and that was the focus of the discussion, as Sheikh Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, the CEO, met with President Buhari.

The bilateral sessions were not concluded, till the Nigerian president had met with Mr Jitender Sachdeva, CEO Skipperseil Group. An integrated energy company with operations in the manufacturing of substation equipment, discussions were on engineering processing, construction of transmission lines and substations for utilities, institutions and industries.

The company’s CEO expressed delight at meeting with President Buhari, and looked forward to doing good business in Niger



https://citadelng.com/come-ye-come-all-and-prosper-president-buhari-tells-potential-investors-in-dubai/

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) recorded a 4.01 per cent drop in the applications received in 2018.
The NBS, in its JAMB Applications and Admitted Candidates by State and Gender within Faculty Data (2017-2018) posted on its website, stated that applications received in 2018 were 1.65 million as against the 1.72 million received in 2017.
This, it said, represented about 4.01 per cent drop in comparison to the total applications received in 2017.
Similarly, candidates admitted in 2018 were 549,763 as against the 566,719 admitted candidates in 2017.
The report said the fall in total admitted candidates in 2018 was about 2.99 per cent, compared to the total admitted candidates in 2017.
A further breakdown of the data showed that 902,176 applications received in 2018 were from males while 750,951 applications received were from female applicants.
The bureau said 952,436 applications received in 2017 were from males while the remaining 769,833 applications received were from female applicants.
In 2018, the bureau also said 302,183 male candidates were admitted as against 315,678 male candidates admitted in 2017 while 247,580 female candidates were admitted in 2018 as against 251,041 female candidates admitted in 2017.
Data for the report was supplied administratively by JAMB while it was verified and validated by NBS.
According to NBS, data in the report is restricted to test-based admissions and does not cover admissions not determined by official tests and examinations conducted by JAMB. (NAN)

https://citadelng.com/jamb-records-4-01-drop-in-applications-received-in-2018-nbs/

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.”

https://citadelng.com/apc-knocks-pdp-for-opposing-fayemi-in-ekiti/

Progressive!

Ondo state governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Saturday inaugurated the 85kw Igbatoro Onigari solar mini-grid power project in Akure North.

He also launched the pilot of a scalable 45kw cabin-type mini-grid power project in Gbagira town in Ilaje local government area of Ondo State.

Represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor of Ondo State on Public Utilities, Tunji Light Ariyomo, the governor hailed the duo of Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger-Delta (PIND) and A4 and T Power Solutions for the success of the Gbagira project.

Ariyomo also revealed that another development partner, Community Energy Social Enterprise has recently completed about 85kw solar plant in Akure North local governmrnt area to be completed soon.

The Special Adviser said the Gbagira power plant now brings to five the number of successfully completed community power interventions by the Akeredolu-led government in the past two years.

He explained that “the Ondo State government just last year provided off-grid solar intervention in Ebute-Ipare, Aboto and Igbobini towns through another private firm, Messrs R. R. Reynolds. Today, we are delighted that PIND and A4 and T Solutions have continued this serious business of providing quality 24 /7 electricity for our people using alternative technology.”

According to him, there are other ongoing power projects in other parts of the state including the state capital city, Akure.
He said: “Another private firm is building an independent power plant (IPP) that will service government-owned establishments and government-owned residential estates in Akure while another company is building an IPP around Igbokoda to service the community and adjoining areas as well as the university campus in Igodan Lisa.”

Commending the people of the state for their cooperation and support for the Akeredolu-led administration, the special adviser appealed to the people of the host communities to jealously guard the facilities.

He said “We wish to appeal to the people to support all these initiatives by ensuring the protection of the facilities.”

The governor’s aide however, implored the beneficiaries of the power projects to ensure prompt and regular payment of their bills.
He said “We therefore appeal to the people to ensure prompt payment of their energy bills. It is only by so doing that the respective private companies can recoup their investments and be able to remain in business,” Ariyomo said.

The Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom Oba Fredrick Akinruntan commended Akeredolu on the giant stride, saying the various projects being executed in the Southern senatorial district are laudable.

He pledged the continuous support of the people for the administration.
The monarch said with the advent of the IPP in the community, the socio-economic nerves of the community would experience meteoric development.

According to him, the community would guard jealously all the power facilities and ensure prompt payment of their bills.


https://citadelng.com/akeredolu-firms-launch-two-new-solar-grids-in-ondo/

The Wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu -Akeredolu has emphasised the need for adequate breast cancer awareness within Ondo State and beyond. She made this known during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between Ondo State government and Harvard University which held on Friday in Akure.

Describing the MoU which seeks to establish a cancer treatment centre in Ondo State as a welcome development, the First Lady lauded the support of the Oluwarotimi Akeredolu led administration in the fight against breast cancer within the State.

“I am very delighted by the support of Arakunrin in our fight against breast cancer. I appreciate the State government for buying into this vision.” She said.

While noting the economic prospects of the cancer treatment centre to Ondo State, Mrs Akeredolu observed that religious leaders should be involved in the move against breast cancer stressing that this would help to debunk some superstitious beliefs which inhibit breast cancer victims from accessing prompt medical help.

“We need to engage religious leaders in the fight against breast cancer. The people must be taught that breast cancer is not witchcraft. It can be treated if prompt medical assistance is accessed.

“We may not wipe out cancer from the surface of the earth because as humans we fall sick sometimes. But we should be part of every effort that will make it manageable so that people can survive it.”

In his remark, the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, thanked the Harvard team and other allied bodies for their support in the fight against breast cancer. He also restated the unwavering commitment of the State government towards ensuring that the people accessed proper health care.

Also speaking at the event were the Secretary to Ondo State Government, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, the leader of the Harvard team, Prof. Wilfred Ngwa and the Ondo State Health Commissioner, Dr. Wahab Adegbenro who appreciated Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, for prioritizing health-care in his administrative policies and pledged to ensure that the project is finished in good time.


https://citadelng.com/mrs-akeredolu-calls-for-more-cancer-awareness-as-odsg-signs-mou-with-harvard/