₦airaland Forum

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, and his Ekiti State counterpart, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi have received the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu into the state.

Tinubu and other South West APC leaders are in the state for a stakeholder's meeting with APC leaders led by the Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, and the Chairman of the party in the state, Engr. Ade Adetimehin.

The meeting is to further reposition the party in the state for a more successful outing in future elections .

Other leaders who were received alongside Asiwaju Tinubu include, former Osun State governor, Bisi Akande, Former governor of Ogun State, Aremo Segun Osoba and the National Deputy Chairman (South) of the APC, Adeniyi Adebayo.

They were received at the Akure Airport, Akure, the State capital.

� Olawale Abolade

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha has said the administration of president Muhammadu Buhari, has begun putting in place institutional structures to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in the next 10 years.

Mustapha who spoke to journalists in Yola on Sunday, at the Yola International Airport, also considered his reappointment by Buhari as
confirmation of the confidence the President reposed in him in his discharge of the duties of the office of the SGF.

According to him, the pledge by the president to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty, which he made, in his democracy Day Broadcast, is one of the boldest statement to have ever been made by any president.

He said he was convinced that the pledge is not a ruse because the administration has already set in motion an agenda to redeem that pledge. He also urged every patriotic Nigerian to key into the government’s plans and cooperate with the administration and make it feasible.

“It is the boldest statement coming from the President. The president has already set the agenda to redeem that pledge by providing an institutional framework that will encourage lending to small and medium scale enterprises.”

The SGF, who also stated that there has been a remarkable improvement in security across the country, noted that he had nothing against those who also wanted his seat.



He pointed out that he personally did not consider the aspirations of anyone who wanted his seat as SGF ‘altogether negative’.

He however said, he was thrilled, overwhelmed and excited by his re-appointment, adding that he considered it a confirmation of the confidence President Muhammadu Buhari reposed in him piloting the affairs of state as Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

“The last couple of days I have been weighed down by the enormity of the responsibility of the office and the trust that has been bestowed in my hands. But I am also conscious this is a trust, I must do everything consciously to honour God and the president for the confidence reposed in me in piloting the affairs of state as SGF.”

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) made a surprise appearance on Monday at the hearing of the petition by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the last presidential election, Atiku Abubakar.
This is the first time the APC Chair will be attending proceedings at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) which commenced siting about two months ago.
Before now, the Chairman of the PDP, Uche Secondus and the party’s Vice Presidential candidate, Peter Obi had attended proceedings at different times.
Dressed in brown French suit, Oshiomhole entered the court a little over 9am, accompanied by former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nuhu Ribadu.
He went straight to the court’s gallery, where he met and shook hand with those already seated, who are mostly chieftains of the PDP.
Among them are former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara, former Chairman of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC), Tom Ikimi and the spokesman of the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan.
Oshiomhole, who sat next to Ikimi, conversed briefly with him until the tribunal commenced sitting around 9.35am.
The APC Chair, announced appearance as standing in for the party and President Muhammadu Buhari, who are listed as the second and third respondents in the petition by the PDP and Atiku.
The petition is challenging the outcome of the last presidential election won by Buhari, who was the candidate of the APC.
Details shortly.

The Land Use Charge (LUC) in Ondo State has registered a huge support from the people of the state thus shoring up its Internally Generated Revenue to N1.7billion in June this year as against N1.5 billion last reported.

The Chairman of the State Internal Revenue Service, Mr Tolu Adegbie who gave the figures said if the trend continues, the State IGR may hit N4.5billion monthly in few years time.

He said that schools, corporate organisations, individual property owners have now bought into the scheme by signifying interest to pay the LUC and PAYE.

“Every day, we get letters from companies, schools, organisations voluntarily coming to pay LUC and their PAYE and to be part of the process on their own volition. The response has been very encouraging, only few people are not paying.

“Most of our efforts are yielding results and people are propelled because they can see transparency and that what the Governor is using the money for is right.

Allocation from Federation Account to the state keeps going down yet projects have not stopped and the Governor has not borrowed money from anywhere,” he affirmed.

He noted that sustainability of the trend is very important so that in a few years, the state could conveniently pay her workers’ salary and execute projects without waiting for allocation from the federation account.

According to him, any state that want to have economic development must focus on sustainability of its income. “Sustainability is, the key,” he posited.

Adegbie said there is a masterplan for the economic growth of the state which requires continuity in governance, citing the example of Lagos State which he said has recorded sustainable level of economic growth and development.

Realizing the fact that for an organization to succeed, its management must look at people who are doing well in that sector and how they are doing it. Adegbie said he and his team understudied Lagos and Kwara States taxation system and thereafter designed a model for Ondo State.

He disclosed that the agency made some recoveries between June and December last year from some organizations operating in the state totaling N5.7billion while assuring that the tempo will be sustained.

His words: “As we speak, we are supposed to generate N29billion, this is the set target for this year. By the grace of God, we will keep moving on. Any state that wants to have socio-economic development must focus on sustainability of its income.

“Look at the growth in IGR in Lagos State, it has been sustainable for over a long period, so, that is our model. The recoveries are there, but at the same time, we are growing our capacity for the regular tax.

“ For instance, an organization that has terminal oil well in Ondo State and has not paid tax to the state government in the past 10years. Another one has not paid tax to the state government in the past 20years. So we went after all of them and the one that has not paid tax for the past ten years started paying and from them alone, we got over a billion naira . They are still owing us backlog of arrears of tax which they promised to pay soon”.

Adegbie who averred that citizens have the right to demand for projects from government in their respective areas only when they have fulfilled their civic responsibility of tax payment noted that tax evasion is inimical to development.

“If you do what is right, you can ask questions, and honestly in Ondo State, we have been blessed with a governor that is result oriented. It is not because I am working for him, it is what we can all see, that actually, this money is being spent on what is right.

“Federal allocation is going down, yet projects are going on. So, how is it being done, it is the ingenuity of the state government, it is the taxes of people who have continued to cooperate with the government.

“So if we have a governor that is doing the work as it should be done, we should provide that sustainability to help the state develop and equally enhance strong foundation.

“Taxation should be marathon as government’s developmental plan is a marathon. If you travel abroad, you will see that they keep developing, development does not stop, it is the ripple effect of citizens’ compliance with taxation policy”.

Adegbie noted that the law on Land Use Charge was passed in 2014 and that the tax is to be charged on all land users across the federation while states like Lagos had long commenced the implementation of the policy.

On efforts of the agency at checkmating corruption among revenue collectors in the state, Adegbie affirmed that it uncovered about 25 cases of diversion of collected revenues in year 2018 while stressing that perpetrators of the offence were made to pay back the diverted funds.

He added that the concerted efforts of the agency also resulted in the discovery of a cartel of revenue fraudsters who were subsequently apprehended and handed over to the police for prosecution.

“People came to us, a lot of schools complaining that they paid Land Use Charge to some people who came and said they are staff of OSIRS and they wrote down their names and telephone numbers and they paid Land Use Charge to them.

“When the new Land Use Charge started in August and we got to them, they said they had paid, and there was no receipt to that effect, then the tax payers produced their (Officials’) telephone numbers and how much each person collected, we confirmed from them and each of them said they would bring the money, claiming that they were just keeping it for the payers and they quickly returned the money, even with the money they collected in 2017.”

He averred that such corruption cases have drastically reduced as feedbacks he gets daily from the fields indicate that revenue collectors now embrace transparency in all their activities.

Adegbie however solicited the continued cooperation and support of Ondo State residents in tax payment in order for the agency to achieve a sustainable tax level.

The Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to include cocoa tea in the Home Grown School Feeding Programme across the country.

The association said the cocoa tea had numerous health benefits that were good for health and growth of school pupils.

The National Chairman of the CFAN, Mr Adeola Adegoke, made the call at the inauguration of the new national executive officers of the association in Akure, the Ondo State capital on Friday.

Adegoke said, “Cocoa tea is rich in polyphenols, which can reduce inflammation, better blood flow, lower blood pressure and regulate the cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

“It will be better if the FG can include it in the Home Grown School Feeding Programme for our school children.”

He stated further that the association was ready to partner the government and other stakeholders to bring back Nigeria to first position among the cocoa producing countries in the world.

In his remarks, the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, urged the new executive members of CFAN to put measures in place to ensure that cocoa farming became more attractive to youths.

Represented by the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Gboyega Adefarati, the governor said the state government was tackling some challenges confronting farmers in the production of quality cocoa seeds.

According to him, some of the challenges included old age of farmers and farms, urbanisation, price fluctuation, old varieties of cocoa and poor road network, among others.

He said, “This administration will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that your requests are given priority attention. As I speak, work is in progress in more than 60km feeder roads linking the various farm camps and villages to enable our farmers move their produce without hitch.

“It is equally worthwhile to mention that this administration has embarked on free distribution of cocoa seedlings to the farmers for their new planting and rehabilitation programmes in the current year.”

The Ondo State Government commiserates with the people of Biagbini Community in Ese-Odo Local Government Areabo of the State over the unfortunate fire incident which claimed five lives.

The incident is sad. It is particularly pathetic that a 70-year woman and her four grandchildren were victims of the inferno. The State Government shares in this agonising moment that has inflicted an indelible pain in the hearts of relations, friends and acquaintances of the departed.

Whether this incident was avoidable or not, it has once again brought to the fore, the need for all to be vigilant and mindful of our environment at all times.

Against this backdrop, the State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN while personally expressing condolence, has ordered an unfettered investigation into the incident to unravel the immediate and remote causes of the incident.

This is however, without prejudice to whatever step the Nigeria Police may have taken in response to the fire outbreak. Clearly, there will be synergy and collaboration in this regard.

Meanwhile, a State Government delegation will visit Biagbini Community to have a first-hand assessment of the site and condole with the immediate family of the victims. May God grant the family and indeed, the entire Biagbini Community the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.


Signed:

Donald Ojogo,
Commissioner for Information and Orientation,
Ondo State

Marlians!

In an attempt to prevent the spread of Yellow Fever in Ondo State, the Executive Secretary, Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency(OSPHCDA), Dr. Francis Akanbiemu has called on residents of the state to present themselves for the Yellow Fever vaccination campaign which will commence soon in some selected local government areas of the state.

The designated local government areas include; Akoko North East, Akoko North West, Akoko South East, Akoko South West, Owo, Ose and Akure South.

He made the call during a stakeholders meeting on Yellow Fever vaccination campaign in Akure on Wednesday.

Represented by the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics OSPHCDA, Dr. Yetunde Olagbuji, he emphasised the importance of inter sectoral collaboration noting that it is the driving force of the agency.

While expressing appreciation to the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the state, he hinted that the campaign is crucial due to the outbreak in the state last year and early this year.

Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer, Mr. Gboyega Famokun described Yellow fever as a mosquito borne viral disease which occur in tropical African region and South America.

Speaking further, Famokun who revealed that Nigeria is one of the endemic countries in Africa, explained that the fever can be controlled through yellow fever vaccination and outbreak detection and control.

According to him, there were four confirmed cases of the fever in the state between January and February 2019, hence the need to protect the people by mass vaccination.

While decrying the low coverage of Yellow Fever Immunisation in the state, he stated that the state is prone to the disease and identified sub-optimal case detection, non-reporting of suspected cases, lack of interest from field actors and poor mastery of case definition among others as the major challenges of the outbreak.

Giving the overview of Yellow Fever vaccination campaign in the state, Director, Disease Control and Immunisation, OSPHCDA, Dr. Victor Adefesoye noted that efforts are in place to ensure a smooth exercise adding that health workers will soon commence training to the effect.

According to him, mass reactive campaign against the fever in the above mentioned seven local government areas begins in a few days while children from nine months to 44 years are expected to take part in the exercise.

He described the vaccination as a single dose injectable procedure which will be given on the upper region of the right hand saying “the dose covers one for the rest of one’s life.”

While assuring that all is set for the effective take off of the exercise, he however advised that serious cases arising from the vaccination, especially in children should be reported to the hospital for proper medical check up.

Ondo State governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has emerged the chairman of the South West Governors’ Forum.

Akeredolu emerged chairman of the group at a Special Security Meeting of Governors from the South West region, held at the Ondo State Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja.

The meeting was held to address the growing spate of insecurity in the South West Region.

The governors announced their decision to hold a regional security summit that will bring all critical stakeholders together to brainstorm on how to stem the tide of insecurity in the region.

The meeting was attended by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola, and Governor Akeredolu.

Akeredolu, who emerged by a unanimous decision of the forum, said, that the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission has been directed to coordinate the summit aimed at further promoting the developmental agenda of the South West region.

According to him, the commission would also examine modalities that will help stem the tide of banditry, kidnapping and insecurity in the zone vis-a-vis the national agenda and response.

He said, “There’s urgent need to stem the tide of criminal activities and banditry in our region and as leaders, we must be proactive in our approach to addressing the issue.”

The governor disclosed that a consulting firm, KPMG, has been appointed to review the tenure of the Group Managing Director (GMD) of Oodua Investment Company, which has all the South West state govenments as shareholders

source via https://thenationonlineng.net/akeredolu-now-southwest-governors-forum-chairman/

The Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, has set up a six-man investigation panel to look into the circumstances surrounding the death of Daniel Paul, a 21-year-old undergraduate of the institution.

It was gathered that the deceased, who was a 200 level student of Philosophy in the institution was allegedly killed by suspected cultists during initiation process into “Aiye” confraternity.

Police source said three suspects, who were linked to the killing of the deceased, have subsequently been arrested.

The suspected cultists nabbed include Ifedayo Oluwaseun, 19, Nafiu Akani David 22 and Ajibola Philips, aged 22 respectively.

According to the Ondo State Commissioner of Police Mr Undie Adie, one Kabiru Rasak, a male student of Achievers University Idashen, Owo, came to the station and reported that his male cousin, one Daniel Paul ‘m’, aged 21 a student of Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko, was murdered by unknown persons.

“On the strength of this information, detectives from the Special Anti-Cultism Squad Akure swung into action and made the arrest.

“Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to be members of ‘Aiye’ secret cult confraternity. They also stated that on May 4, 2019 at about 4a.m., they took the deceased to the bush at Akungba Akoko town where he was murdered during initiation.

“The suspects mentioned other members of the group who are still at large.”

The police boss added that investigation was still ongoing towards apprehending all others involved in the heinous crime, after which they will be charged to court for prosecution.

For years, the Muslim Primary School in Akure, Ondo State capital, had less than 90 pupils in six arm classes, no thanks to the dilapidated structures in the school. The Muslims, who were supposed to take their children to the school would not touch it with a long pole because of the decrepit nature of the school.
In fact, Islamic clerics, who are supposed to lead by example by enrolling their children in the school, abandoned it, for fear of possible collapse building. As a result, the Muslims led by the Chief Imam of Akure, Alhaji Yayi Akorede, alleged the marginalisation of Muslims in the state.
Aside from the Muslim Primary School in Akure, the one in Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Area of the State was a ghost school as a result of dilapidated structure in the school premises.
The dilapidated structures were not limited to only Muslim Primary Schools but to virtually all public primary schools in the state. Although, there are some primary schools in urban centres like Akure, Owo, Okitipupa, and Ore in the state of disrepair, the worst hit by the neglect of public primary schools were schools in rural areas, especially those outside the Local Government headquarters and those in the far-flung localities.
Apart from the fact that teachers refused postings to these rural areas due to lack of social amenities like road, water and electricity, the structures of the schools are calamities waiting to happen due to neglect by the relevant government authorities.
The precarious situation of one of the schools; Aponmu Community High School made the people of the community call on the state government to come to their aid.
The school that serves over 50 communities in one political ward of Akure South Local Government Area and founded in September 1980 by the first Civilian Governor of Ondo state, Chief Adekunle Ajasin, was a burden to Parent/Teachers Association through whose efforts the school has being sustained over the years.
Also, many primary school buildings in the state were in a state of disrepair, hence the parents and students abandoned public primary for privately owned primary schools which are scattered across the nooks and crannies of the state.
The patronage of private primary schools at the expense of public led to low students’ enrollment in the public schools in the state.
In fact, there were some public schools with less than 50 pupils.
The need to address the imbalance between the public and private school system made the immediate past government embark on the construction of mega and model primary schools in different locations in the state. However, the model schools could not go round beyond five per cent of the schools in the state because of the huge cost involved, hence the decision by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to embark on the renovation of existing primary schools in the state
However, many of the public primary schools are now wearing new looks due to the renovation that was carried out by the state government.
Students, parents, and teachers have now heaved a sigh of relief as there is no fear of imminent collapse building.
After outright construction or renovation works on about 700 public primary schools spread across the state, the Chief Imam of Akure, Akorede, who had alleged marginalisation of Muslims hailed the governor for resuscitating the Akure Muslims Primary School, located in the heart of the ancient city.
His words: “The governor has done very well. He is a good man with a good heart. For a long time, the Muslim community watched as the school went into ruins. Our children could not go to school as parents took their children to other schools. Despite not being a Muslim, the governor ensured that the school was reconstructed and fenced. Today, our children have gone back to school and we are happy.”
Similarly, the Head Mistress of Muslim Primary School, Ile-Oluji, Mrs. E. Ajayi, said the renovation of the school has increased pupils’ enrollment. She said the fascinating environment has made many parents to return their wards to the school. The school now has 400 pupils.
Many of those who spoke with New Telegraph believed that the situation would have been a lot different if other successive administrations had paid similar attention to education in the state.
A parent, Mr. Kayode Ajisafe said: “You will agree with me that most of our schools would be in a lot better shape if other administrations have paid similar attention to education in Ondo State. However, I would love to see the government extend its programme to other schools needing attention in the state.”
Some of the schools that benefitted from the renovation and reconstruction aside the Muslim primary schools included the St Jude’s Primary School, Obinehin; Don Bosco School, Ondo; and St Andrew’s Primary School, Elegbeka among others.
The intervention of government in the primary schools, including the promotion of primary school teachers made the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, Mr. Victor Amoko, to laud the state government for the kind gesture.
Amoko said promotion of teachers in the primary school sector would spur them to commit their knowledge, time in teaching pupils who are the leaders of tomorrow, and called on primary school teachers in the state to reciprocate the kind gesture of the state government by putting in their best in impacting knowledge on the pupils.
Also, the Chairman of State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Princess Oladunni Odu, said the renovation has attracted students into the public schools across the state.
Her words: “With these projects, children are now attracted to the schools, enrollment has increased and there are more children in our schools now.”
Odu said further: “We are going back to the drawing board in Ondo State to see where we missed it and what we think is that we need to do training and retraining for our teachers because we also noticed that most of our teachers are no longer committed the way they were in the past. The training of teachers was not as solid as it used to be. We also noticed that the world is changing in terms of technology; the world is becoming a global village. Teachers have to keep up and a lot of them who don’t know anything about computers will have to see a way to seek for computer training. It is now compulsory for them. We are doing all these to see that we are getting it right from the very foundation of education.”
Giving reasons for the renovation of the schools, Odu said many of the buildings in the schools were actually dilapidated and they needed renovations and the state government thought it was better to have a conducive environment for learning and teaching.
“Good surroundings, nice building and we think if the buildings of the public schools are attracting to the young ones, they will be motivated to come to school regularly and that’s why we have these projects.”
She said that the majority of the primary schools across the state, including the capital city, Akure, were in serious and various state of ruins, saying a few blocks of schools, tagged Mega schools, were scattered around in selected areas in the state. Most of these structures, she said lie unused, while a few others have been handed over to state-owned tertiary institutions.
Despite the intervention of government in public primary schools, Odu said the privately owned institution would still thrive and would not be a threat to the government-owned primary schools.
Her words: “The difference between a public and private schools is that there is much supervision in the private schools and ‘this is what is lacking in the public schools but by the time we put some measures in place, there will be people to monitor and the teachers will be more committed when they have good training. Truancy will be controlled in our schools and you will find out that parents will be ready to take their wards to the public schools with nice structure, security, discipline and teachers that are paid as and when due.”

via https://www.newtelegraphng.com/2019/06/govt-private-school-proprietors-battle-for-pupils/

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Saturday visited the project site of the ongoing construction of 11-Kilometre Okitipupa / Igbokoda/ Irele Phase One Bypass road.

Governor Akeredolu said he was impressed by the development the road project has begun to generate in the area.

The Okitipupa/ Igbokoda By-pass road upon completion will serve as an alternative route for motorists and other road users for easy access to the two communities.

Speaking on the progress of work, the Governor expressed joy with the level of work done including, sand filling and other earthwork.

Pictures by Blessed Michael

The residents of Gaga community in Akure, Ondo State Capital, has given a load laudation to the governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, for constructing the community ‘s major road.

Gaga community, a highly populated part of Oke-Aro in Akure, Ondo State Capital, has suffered neglect of the road over the years but for the recent intervention of the governor.

A 6km road project, residents expressed gratitude to the governor for approving and making sure that the constructing of the road is prompt and of high standard.

Speaking on behalf of the Gaga community, the traditional ruler of Gaga, Oba Olu Omotoso, thanked the governor immensely for his intervention and for ensuring that the community is given quality road that will henceforth ease vehicular movement and help farmers to trade and move their farm produce without much difficulty.

The monarch said, ” As a community, the people of Gaga appreciate the governor so immensely for his intervention and for ensuring that the community is given quality road that will henceforth ease vehicular movement and help farmers to trade and move their farm produce without much difficulty.

The government of Akeredolu has since given priority to the building and development of infrastructure in the state, and the construction project in Gaga town is one of about 600 road projects the governor is handling in the different parts of the state. The road which is already at completion stage will be commissioned very soon.

In what has been described by many as a major boost and commendable proof of the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu's
Popularity and acceptability by the ever progressive youths of Ondo state; no fewer than 250 youths came out en-masse in Ondo West Local Government on the 19th Of May 2019 to re-emphasize their support for the Akeredolu led administration.

The youths of ondo west local government said they are stamping their full endorsement for Governor Akeredolu for the continuity of good governance and the development of Ondo state.

The youths expressed their satisfaction with the activities of the Ondo State Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu.
They said "we can see the numerous achievements of Mr. Governor within 2 years in office, the developments in all the 18 Local Government area which has made ondo state a place of envy among its counterparts is the reason for this support".

The Special Assistant to the Governor on Research & Documentation Mr. Lulu Fawenhinmi urged the youths never to relent in their efforts in supporting the ideology of Governor Akeredolu on Good Governance.
Mr Lulu Fawehinmi advised the youths to go back to their respective units to spread the good news of Governor Akeredolu's achievements and all he has accomplished within the space of 2 years.

He charged the Wards Coordinators to work hard for the realization of the AKETI dream THINK ANEW, ACT ANEW.

He also seized the opportunity to appreciate the Ondo state Governor Arakunrin Akeredolu for his youth friendly policies and his youth inclusiveness in his administration.

Present at the occasion were the Youth Leaders of all the units in Ondo West Local Government, and other Stake holders.

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has reminded herdsmen in the state not to violate the restriction on time for grazing and the ban against the use of weapons and ammunition.

Akereredu, who spoke through his Special Assistant on Security Matters, Alhaji Jimoh Dojumo, said this while commenting on the attack on the palace of Onigedegede of Gedegede in Akoko North-West Local Government Area of the state, by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

The attackers, numbering at least nine, were said to have invaded the palace, threatening to kill the monarch, Oba Walidu Sanni because he had reported the continued destruction of his subjects’ farm produce and farmlands to the police.


Oba Sanni, who immediately raised the alarm over the threat posed by the Fulani herdsmen to his life, his immediate family members and people of Gedegede Town, noted that the government’s timely intervention saved the situation from becoming bloody.

The monarch said he reported the case to the police after he seized a gun and a cutlass which he deposited to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Okeagbe Police Station, Mr Johnson Akintola.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ parley initiated by the state government in order to douse the apprehension, Dojumo reminded the herdsmen that grazing between 6 am and 6 pm in the state is prohibited while no under-aged children should graze in the state.

Dojumo urged herdsmen to live with their host communities peacefully, assuring them that the governor would soon invite all the stakeholders for talks in a bid to find lasting solutions to the incessant clashes.

Lalastica lala help push to the front page

Let's Assume the Federal government should dump EFCC and ask Army to start arresting Yahoo boys.
What do you think will happen?

By tizzyloaded

I no pity am

The Presidency yesterday listed the various measures and initiatives taken by the Federal Government to curtail the spate of crime and criminality across the country.

It assured that “evildoers will be beaten, and badly, too.’’

The Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, Femi Adesina, who chronicled the measures in a statement in Abuja, said the Buhari administration was committed to finding drastic solutions to security challenges.

According to him, the government has the constitutional duty and responsibility to safeguard lives and properties.

Adesina added: “These are no doubt times of great security challenges for our country, and the President Buhari-led government is not leaving any stone unturned to restore sanity and calm.’’

“The Buhari administration remains committed to this, and despite recent spikes in the spate of crime and criminality, the evildoers will be beaten, and badly, too.

“The ravening clouds can never be victorious. Soon, they shall no longer possess the sky.’’

Adesina, therefore, listed, for the record, some of the security initiatives taken between January and now to ensure the safety and security of Nigerians.

He listed government’s initiative to tackle insecurity to include“Operation Puff Adder (Police), Operation HARBIN KUNAMA3 (Nigerian Army) and Exercise Egwu Eke 3(Nigerian Army) among others.

The Federal Government has said that President Muhammadu Buhari will have a low-key inauguration for his second term on May 29.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Mr Lai Mohammed, who disclosed this in Abuja, explained that most events for that date had been moved to June 12, the country’s new Democracy Day.

He added that world leaders had already been invited to attend the Democracy Day on June 12.

Mohammed stated, “The decision to have a low-key inauguration for the President was taken at the meeting of Federal Executive Council of Wednesday 8th of May, 2019.

“Invitations have been sent to all world leaders to attend the ceremonies marking the observance of the democracy day on June 12.

“Since the first observance of democracy day falls on an election year, and as a measure to sustain June 12 as democracy day, the celebration of the inauguration and the advancement of democracy in the country will now take place on June 12th.”

The Presidency on Sunday gave a breakdown of measures taken by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to combat crime since January, particularly banditry and kidnappings in the North-West.

In a release by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, it listed the inauguration of Operation Puff Adder (Police), Operation Harbin Kunama 3 (Army) and Exercise Egwu Eke 3 (Army) among the latest strategies.

It said they were to “complement the existing Operations Sharan Daji (launched in 2016 by the Army) and Diran Mikiya (launched 2018 by the Air Force).”

It claimed that as s result, “Hundreds of kidnappers and bandits have been arrested or killed since January, several camps/hideouts destroyed; and hundreds of hostages rescued.

“In a two-week operation in February (lasting from February 4 to February 14), 80 hostages were freed by the army, with 37 bandits killed.”