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  • …His years in Ondo

    …His years in Ondo

    Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in his inaugural speech yesterday as Ondo governor, acknowledged that the achievements of his boss, the late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, would be difficult to surpass.

     Akeredolu became governor in 2017 against the expectation of many after he defeated candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN).

     Among the several achievements of Akeredolu, he would be remembered for the bold move to establish the Amotekun Corps.

    The establishment of Amotekun was resisted by the Federal Government but Akeredolu pushed for it.

    The coming of the Corps has reduced insecurity in the state as well as resolved cases of herders/farmers conflict.

     Akeredolu also whittled down some powers and sphere of influence of some traditional rulers in the state following implementation of the Justica Ajama panel report.

    Many Obas were upgraded to First Class monarchs. Among the traditional rulers elevated from grade B Monarch to grade A were Owa-Ale of Iyometa, Ikare, Akoko Northeast Local Government; Ajana of Afa Okeagbe, Akoko North West; Alale of Akungba, Akoko South West; Okiti of Iju, Ogbolu of Ita-ogbolu, Oloba of Oba-Ile, Alara of Ilara mokin, Olujare of Ijare, Olowa of Igbara-Oke.

     Others were Oluoke of Okeigbo, Maporure of Agerige, Eletikan of Etikan, Ahaba of Ajagba, Odogbo of Omiland, Larogbo of Akotogbo, Orunja of Odigbo, Halu of Ode-Aye, Orungberuwa of Erinje, the Ojomo-Luda of Ijebu-Owo, Olupele of Ipele, Elemure of Emure-Ile, Olumoru of Imoru and Olute of Ute.

     Upon assumption of office, Akeredolu met a state with an IGR of N500m. He assembled a team and the IGR was increased to about N3billion.

     Akeredolu rejected his predecessor’s building of mega public schools. He paid the state counterpart funding for Universal Basic Education and renovated over 1,500 primary schools.

     On road infrastructure, Akeredolu constructed the first fly over at the busy Ore-Lagos highway. The interchange reduced traffic congestion and accidents in the axis.

    Read Also: Nigeria is in good hands, Tinubu assures citizens

    Across the state, Akeredolu was known to have constructed over 1000km of roads. The second fly over was being constructed at the Onyarubulem-Shagari/Irese along the Akure-Ibadan highway before his demise.

     In his bid to enhance development at the grassroots, Akeredolu created 33 Local Council Development Area (LCDA). He signed the bill creating the LCDA into law before his demise.

     To ensure adequate health care delivery system, Akeredolu canceled the free health care introduced by his predecessor and introduced the health insurance package tagged the Orange Health Insurance Scheme (ORANGHIS).

     Akeredolu’s relationship with Organised Labour was cordial. He paid the seven months salary arrears inherited by his administration and was not owing workers.

    Last month, he released N1billion for the payment of gratuity to teachers and local government workers who retired on 2011.

    Some pensioners who retired in 2012 were also paid.

  • Yar’Adua,  Suntai, Akeredolu and the intrigues before

    Yar’Adua,  Suntai, Akeredolu and the intrigues before

    Yesterday’s passing of Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu is another reminder to those in power about the ephemerality of life, the transience of power and the need to make a positive impact.

    Here is a highlight of those who died in office and the intrigues around the absences of three of them.

    Umaru Musa Yar’Adua

    Umaru Musa Yar’Adua died on May 5, 2010 at 51. He was President from 2007 to 2010.

     He previously served as the governor of Katsina State from 1999 to 2007.

     Yar’Adua left Nigeria on November 23, 2009, and was reported to be receiving treatment for pericarditis at a clinic in Saudi Arabia.

     He was not seen in public again, and his absence created a power vacuum.

     On January 22, 2010, the Supreme Court ruled that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had 14 days to decide a resolution on whether Yar’Adua was “incapable of discharging the functions of his office”.

     Amid alleged hijack of power by a cabal, the Senate on February 9, 2010, invoked the “doctrine of necessity” to transfer presidential powers to Vice President Goodluck Jonathan, and declared him Acting President, with all the accompanying powers, until Yar’Adua returned to full health.

    Yar’Adua returned on February 24, 2010, but died on May 5.

       Akeredolu

    Like Yar’Adua, Akeredolu’s absence resulted in a political crisis, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu intervening.

     Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who was sworn in yesterday, was accused of being disloyal to his boss, which he denied. This was as calls  by his loyalists for him to take over grew.

     Lawmakers had declined to approve moves by some members to pronounce Ayedatiwa as acting governor.

    Following the President-mediate peace parley, it was agreed that the impeachment proceedings would be halted and that Aiyedatiwa would withdraw his court cases.

    Also, the status quo was to be maintained at the party, House of Assembly and State Executive Council; and Ayedatiwa was to function as deputy governor and not as acting governor while remaining loyal to Akeredolu.

     Aiyedatiwa was also required to ensure that the APC structure was not polarised and he was not to seek vendetta.

     The state was on the edge amid jostling for relevance by political leaders since the return of Akeredolu from a three-month medical vacation in Germany on September 7.

     Akeredolu, who had handed over to Aiyedatiwa while travelling abroad, did not step feet on Ondo soil since his return and assumption of power. He remained in his Ibadan home.

    On December 12, it was announced that Akeredolu would return abroad on medical leave and that in his absence, Aiyedatiwa would assume the responsibilities of the governor in  acting capacity.

    He held forth until Akeredolu’s death yesterday.

      Danbaba Suntai

    There was also intrigue around Danbaba Suntai, the Taraba State Governor who was involved in a plane crash in October 2012. He died in Houston, Florida, in the United States.

     Suntai, 56, was piloting a small plane when it crashed near Yola Airport in Adamawa State. It was claimed that he was not certified to fly.

     After a brief stay at the National Hospital, Abuja, the injured governor was flown to a hospital in Germany.

     He was later transferred to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the State of Maryland, the United States. After spending a few months there, he was admitted to a rehabilitation centre for trauma patients in Staten Island, New York.

    He was flown back to Nigeria on August 25, 2013, after 10 months of medical treatment overseas following claims by his supporters that he was fit to govern.

     But after weeks of political crisis in the state based on claims and counterclaims over his health status by supporters and opposing camps, it was revealed that the governor was not healthy enough to live in Nigeria without adequate treatment or to govern a state.

     He was subsequently flown abroad again for treatment, with his then deputy and acting governor, Garba Umar, continuing in acting capacity.

    Patrick Yakowa

    Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa served as governor of Kaduna State from 2010 to 2012 when he died in a helicopter crash at Ogbia Creek, Bayelsa State.

     He was appointed deputy governor in July 2005 and returned as Kaduna’s number two citizen in the April 2007 election.

    Read Also: Akeredolu was a patriot, Mimiko mourns

     He was sworn in as governor on May 20, 2010, succeeding former Governor Namadi Sambo who had been sworn in as Vice President the day before.

    Mamman Bello Ali

    Mamman Bello Ali represented Yobe South Senatorial District between 1999 and 2007 and was the Chairman Senate Committee on Public Account.

     He contested and won the governorship election in 2007 under the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and was in office until he died in 2009.

     He died of leukaemia while receiving treatment at a hospital in Florida, United States.

    Shehu Kangiwa

    Muhammadu Shehu Kangiwa was the first elected civilian governor of Sokoto State in the short-lived Second Republic. He held office from October 1979 to November 1981.

     Known as the ‘Smiling Governor, he was popular for providing water, healthcare services, agricultural input and education at all levels and for running a transparent administration.

     He died in November 1981 after falling from a horse while playing polo in the 1981 edition of the Georgian League.

  • Countdown to 2024: Ondo APC and shape of things to come

    Countdown to 2024: Ondo APC and shape of things to come

    With the demise of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) yesterday, things are sure to take a new shape within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State from now.

     As the leader of the party and a two-term governor, Akeredolu held sway across the three senatorial districts.

     Given that the constitution does not allow a vacuum, the swearing-in of the erstwhile deputy Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the substantive governor became mandatory. Now that the once embattled deputy has taken charge, realignments are expected to begin in earnest.

     For those absolutely loyal to Akeredolu, the lawyer-turned politician, particularly those serving in his administration, they may begin to witness a nosedive in their political profile having been embroiled in political war with the new governor in the last six months.

     The crisis of trust that erupted between Aiyedatiwa and his erstwhile boss was staged by loyalists of both, and was partly fuelled by the ambition of some of them to succeed Akeredolu as governor. Now that power has shifted to Aiyedatiwa who has 14 months to complete the tenure, the new governor who has been pursuing his governorship ambition, is expected to take political decisions that will pave the way for his emergence as the APC flagbearer next year. This will obviously mean that he will reorganise the political machinery to the detriment of those disloyal to him.

     According to reliable sources, Akeredolu had, at the early period of his second term, mentioned openly to close associates that Aiyedatiwa would succeed him having promised that power would rotate to Ondo South Senatorial District after his tenure.

     But their relationship went sour when he went for medical treatment in Germany for three months during which his deputy acted as governor.  Aiyedatiwa was accused of talking ill of his boss, assuring that he would not return to govern the state. The allegations developed to a frosty relationship between the duo which festered till Akeredolu’s death.

     Now that Aiyedatiwa is in the saddle, he is expected to consolidate his hold on the party and lay the foundation for his emergence as the next APC governorship candidate in the April, 2024 governorship primary.

     Ambitious serving members of the state cabinet including the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Princess Oladunni Odu and Commissioner for Finance Mr Wale Akinterinwa who also hail from the same southern senatorial district, will now have a stronger Aiyedatiwa to contend with in the primary should they go ahead with their ambition.

     Outside Akeredolu’s cabinet is Sen. Jimoh Ibrahim whose profile has been rising since last year. Also from Ondo South, Ibrahim has intensified his campaign to pick the APC governorship ticket. Others include Chief Olusola Oke, a veteran politician and Mr Ife Oyedele both who have been in the race in the past.

     The chances of the political juggernauts were bright during the time of the crisis between Akeredolu and his deputy as it created a chance for them. But their platforms may have been weakened by the emergence of Aiyedatiwa as the governor.

     Going by the Nigerian political culture which sees politicians gather around persons holding power, it may not be surprising that realignments will begin to happen in favour of Aiyedatiwa, particularly because of time limitation. The governorship election will hold in October next year while the governorship primary will hold in April.

     The Nation also gathered reliably that the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state has agreed in principle to zone the next governorship ticket to Ondo South Senatorial District. With the general unwritten agreement, politicians in the two major parties are expected to queue behind aspirants from the district who they believe are able to pull the required weight to win the tickets.

     The six local governments in the district are Odigbo, Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo, Okitipupa, Ilaje, Irele and Ese-Odo.

    Read Also: Nigeria is in good hands, Tinubu assures citizens

     While the six local governments officially make up the district, the people of Okitipupa, Ilaje and Ese-Odo, however, see themselves as the core Ondo South people having a tribal bond. With power shift, they see themselves as those who should produce the next governor instead of Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo who are more of Ondo Central than South by tribal affiliation. Aiyedatiwa is from Ilaje.

     Sen. Ibrahim, Oyedele and Oke are also from the Ilaje/Ikale/Okitipupa tribe. They will be the major gladiators within the party ahead the April primary, and will clearly determine the realignments that will start from now.

     Aside the scramble for the governorship ticket, Aiyedatiwa is expected to reshuffle the cabinet to enable him bring in his loyalists. Already, some Akeredolu’s appointees have started tendering their resignations, realising that their service has come to an end with the passage of their leader. Conversely, others are pressing buttons to gain the attention and favour of the governor for appointments.

    Going by the bitterness generated by the crisis between the new governor and his boss in the last six months, and with the role played by the House of Assembly under Speaker Olamide Oladiji, the equation may not favour his continued stay on the seat.

     Aiyedatiwa is from Ondo South. The Speaker is from Ondo Central. The new governor is expected to pick his deputy from the north. Should he sponsor Oladiji’s removal, he will be calculative in replacing him, balancing the equation.

     Already, the jostle for the slot of deputy governor has commenced underneath among politicians in Ondo North and South.

     As Aiyedatiwa navigates the political landscape in critical decisions, it is hoped that he will be well guided and work hard to sustain APC as the ruling party.

  • Swindled and stranded

    Swindled and stranded

    • Government and citizens have roles in tackling migration-related swindlers

    A striking number of desperate Nigerians fleeing their country in search of greener pastures have fallen prey to racketeers.  The United Nations agency on migration affairs, the International Organisation of Migration (IOM), lately said more than 1,000 Nigerians were deceived by fraudulent job offers in the United Kingdom, on which basis they obtained work visas out of Nigeria, only to get stranded in that foreign land. IOM Chief of Mission Laurent De Boeck, speaking at a news conference in Abuja, advised Nigerians to seek genuine and accurate information before migrating.

    Boeck said: “There are some of them who lost over $10,000, only to be given fake employment letters, which allowed them to get visas. They get there, present the letters, and the organisations tell them that the letters did not emanate from the organisations. Over a thousand people are affected.”  Those Nigerians are consequently stranded, he added, because some of them lack the means to return to Nigeria, while others are ashamed of going back defeated.

    The IOM chief further disclosed that over 260,000 Nigerians approached the agency in 2023 seeking guidance on how to migrate through regular or approved routes. He also said the migration agency was working with partners to repatriate thousands of people, including Nigerians, from Tunisia, which recently placed a ban on migrants.

    The alarming picture corroborated a report, in August, that scores of Nigerians had fallen into destitution in the UK after leaving their native land on skilled worker visas with which they had hoped to make a living abroad. Many of them emptied their savings to pay ‘agents’ who promised them job placements upon relocation; but contrary to their expectations, these Nigerians ended up on UK streets begging for food, shelter and other basic needs.

     A Sky News report showed Nigerians who said they paid agents – effectively, visa middlemen – who got them skilled worker visas and documents indicating job offers that they found to be phony upon arrival in the UK. With no job, they have no means of sustenance, and are struggling to survive by sleeping rough and begging for food from humanitarian food banks.

    Read Also: Nigeria is in good hands, Tinubu assures citizens

    A victim who spoke to Sky News said she relocated to the UK after paying an agent £10,000 to get her a job as a carer, which, upon arriving in the country, she found to be non-existent contrary to assurances by the agent. Another victim, who said she was destitute in the UK, showed her passport and other documents proving her claim of having been offered a job that she eventually found to be phony. She was advised against taking the matter up with the agency that swindled her for fear of legal repercussions. “Their pathetic stories attest to how agents or middlemen are manipulating Nigerians desperate to travel out of the country with the skilled worker visa system, who have been promised opportunities only to find out that such do not exist,” the report had said.

    As we argued concerning the Sky News report, Nigerians getting stranded in foreign lands should serve as a warning against the blind flight – known as ‘japa’ syndrome – of compatriots from their country owing to prevailing anomie at home. Migration should happen after fully ascertaining the prospects ahead. In other words, whatever may be the motivation, risks involved in leaving one’s country must be well calculated and prepared for. And migration must be by official channels and procedures only, not by use of middlemen or other illegal routes.

    But it is also high time the Nigerian government engaged its UK counterpart in tackling the swindlers. It is curious, for instance, that UK consular officials failed to detect documents making fake job offers in their country before issuing work visas on the strength of such. Internally, the Federal Government, through the Foreign Affairs Ministry and National Orientation Agency, among others, should intensify public enlightenment on the issue.

    The ultimate solution is for the government to make living conditions conducive at home so as to render the allure of greener pastures less potent, and desperation for migration less intense.

  • Bank robberies

    Bank robberies

    • Ikere-Ekiti and Lagos prove that different approaches to security have different consequences

    Coincidentally, the recent daylight bank robberies in Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State, happened as Lagos State made the headlines for zero bank robbery in the last four years. The coincidence provided a context for comparison.

    About 20 masked robbers armed with dynamite and sophisticated firearms had attacked two banks in Ikere-Ekiti, broke into their vaults, made away with unspecified sums, and killed at least seven people in operations said to have lasted about 45 minutes. The presence of military checkpoints and Police Area Command in the town was of no consequence.

    The robbers were reported to have attacked the Ikere command of the Amotekun Corps, a state-owned security outfit, before moving to the Wema Bank and Access Bank branches located in different areas of the town. Two members of Amotekun were killed. The attacks on the banks were carried out simultaneously.  

     A briefing by the state Commissioner of Police, Dare Ogundare, indicated that the robbers were still at work when men of the Tactical Command and nearby divisions of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) were deployed to back up those in Ikere to overpower the criminals. It is puzzling that they failed to apprehend the robbers. All the police could do, with support from soldiers, was prevent them from moving their vehicles.

     The Ekiti State Command of the NPF said it had stepped up investigation of the robberies, but there has been no update about two weeks after the incidents. The police in the state must ensure that the bank robbers are brought to justice.

    It is a markedly different story in Lagos State, where Governor Sanwo-Olu attributed the non-occurrence of bank robberies in the last four years to the continuous review of the state’s security architecture. Sanwo-Olu made this linkage at the 17th Town Hall Meeting on security organised by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), where stakeholders met to evaluate security in Lagos between October 2022 and September 2023. This is a testimony to the state government’s focus on security.

    He said: “LSSTF, fuelled by voluntary donations, has significantly strengthened our security architecture, providing essential vehicles and equipment. While challenges still persist, our state’s security landscape is notably more stable than many other parts of the country.”

    He also unveiled security-related plans for 2024, saying the state government, in collaboration with local government authorities, would provide 300 patrol vehicles through the LSSTF at the beginning of next year. He added that Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) had been repositioned to gather actionable intelligence to support security responses.

    Read Also: Akeredolu was a patriot, Mimiko mourns

    Although Lagos recorded 189 cases of residential robberies under the year in review, 172 of them were foiled by security operatives and 257 suspects arrested. This is another testimony to the state’s security capacity.

    Other significant details regarding security in Lagos were presented at the meeting, including information that the Lagos State Police Command received only nine patrol vehicles from the Federal Government within two years, and the Fund used donations it received in the last 10 months to bridge the equipment shortfall within federally controlled security agencies operating in Lagos. The Fund received N318.75m in cash donations this year.  Notably, Lagos is the only state in the country with 28 functioning bullet-proof vehicles.

    The sum of N2bn raised at the event, through voluntary contributions, showed that the stakeholders, from both the public and private sectors, recognised that security is a serious issue. Indeed, it is too serious to be left to the federal authorities.

    The Lagos approach to security is innovative and exemplary. Other states in the country should learn from it, and devise their own arrangements to complement the Federal Government’s security architecture. That way, at worst, incidents like the Ikere-Ekiti bank robberies would be rare occurrences.

  • CBN investigator to Lemu: you can’t escape probe, present yourself for interrogation Thursday

    CBN investigator to Lemu: you can’t escape probe, present yourself for interrogation Thursday

    The Special CBN Investigator, Jim Obazee has said that the chairman of Titan Trust Bank (TTB), Babatunde Lemo must appear before his panel on Thursday, December 28, in connection with the acquisition of Union Bank of Nigeria Plc by TTB.

    The Nation reports that a letter signed by the head of operations, office of the special investigator, DCP El ho Okpozia, on Wednesday, December 27, warned Lemu against violating the summoning order to avoid dire consequences.

    Okpozia stated that the special investigator was fully aware that Lemu was in the United Kingdom to celebrate his birthday, despite his acknowledgement of the meeting scheduled for Thursday, December 28.

    However, Okpozia noted that excuses by Lemu’s lawyers won’t be accepted, saying that it would be regarded as obstruction of the Special Investigator in the course of his duties.

    The investigation team also highlighted that neither Lemo nor the implicated individuals, Cornelius Vink and Rahul Savara, had submitted requested documents related to the purported ownership of Titan Trust Bank and Union Bank of Nigeria.

    The investigator emphasized the necessity for the trio to present themselves and provide the required documentation during the meeting.

    He stated that documents submitted through proxies would not be accepted.

    The letter read: “Reference is made to the Law Firm of G.ELIAS letter dated 27th December 2023 in response to the Special Investigator’s invitation to you via a letter with reference number CR:3000/TSI/ ABJ/VOL.1 / 69 dated 24th December 2023 in respect of the above subject.

    Read Also: ‘How CP Disu stopped incessant armed robberies in Rivers community’

    “I am directed to inform you that the Special Investigator is fully aware that you are in the United Kingdom to celebrate your birthday. This you made aware to the Special Investigator when you agreed to attend a meeting to be scheduled for 28th December 2023 and also proposed that Mr. Cornelius Vink and Rahul Savara be given 7 (seven) days to prove their purported ownership of Titan Trust Bank and Union Bank of Nigeria or forfeit the shares to the Federal Government of Nigeria. Accordingly, this excuse given by your good selves through your lawyers is unacceptable and regarded as obstruction of the Special Investigator in the course of his duties.

    “We want to put it on record that neither you (Babatunde Lemo) nor Cornelius Vink nor Rahul Savara ever submitted any of these requested documents to the investigating team at the Department of State Service (DSS) or anywhere else before now. In fact, Cornelius Vink and Rahul Savara have never presented themselves to the Special Investigator since 28th August 2023 when they were first invited for an interview.

    “The Special Investigator also directs that you should be informed that documents submitted through proxies shall not be accepted as Mr. Cornelius Vink, Mr. Rahul Savara, and your good self will be required to speak to whatever document(s)/information you present during the meeting.

    “Consequently, I am to further inform you that your invitation to appear before the Special Investigator on 28th December, 2023 by 2 pm prompt in respect of the matter under investigation and for which you had earlier made statement; stands.

    “Kindly note that the conditions on paragraphs 6 to 8 in our earlier letter to you with reference number CR:3000/TSI/ ABJ/VOL. 1/69 dated 24th December 2023 remains effective and shall be triggered if you or Messrs Vink and Savara fail to attend the meeting as scheduled. Accept please, the warm assurances of the Special Investigator’s high esteem.”

  • Akeredolu was a patriot, Mimiko mourns

    Akeredolu was a patriot, Mimiko mourns

    Former governor of Ondo state, Olusegun Mimiko, has said that his late successor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu was a patriot who did only what he believed in and was never shy of expressing his personal beliefs no matter how controversial.

    Mimiko, who expressed sadness over the demise of Akeredolu, spoke in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Digital Communications, John Paul Akinduro.

    He said: “From our days as unionists in the then University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Aketi was and remained a dogged fighter for causes he believed in and a jolly good personality. His departure will no doubt be felt by his wife, children, immediate associates and residents of our dear state.

    “I enjoin all the people of our dear state to shed all toga of partisanship and sentiments to mourn the departed compatriot and join in praying for strength to the family to bear the loss.

    Read Also: Akeredolu: Seven things to know about prostate cancer

    “Aketi has done his bit and left this shores for good. We all must endeavour, for all that life is worth, to do our best to honour his memory and for the good of our dear State and country.

    “Olukemi and I join millions of Nigerians to commiserate with his immediate family, the larger Akeredolu family, the Olowo of Owo, the Ondo State Government and indeed the Ondo State people on the departure of the man we all call Aketi. May he find peace in the bossom of the Lord.”

  • Akeredolu years in Ondo

    Akeredolu years in Ondo

    The shape of things to come in Ondo State unveiled itself at the swearing-in ceremony of Lucky Aiyedatiwa as governor of the state.

    The Cocoa Conference hall including premises of the Governor’s office was packed full with supporters of Aiyedatiwa and the All Progressives Congress.

    Inside the hall where the inauguration took place was tensed. There was booing of loyalists of Akeredolu whenever their names were mentioned while applause rented the air when names of those that stood by Aiyedatiwa during the impeachment saga were introduced.

    Loyalists of Akeredolu wore mournful mood but it was celebration time for supporters of Aiyedatiwa.

    The situation at the inauguration of Aiyedatiwa was due to the political impasse that engulfed the state after the Ondo Assembly moved to impeach Aiyedatiwa.

    Some analysts said it was a sign of a division within the ranks of the ruling APC and the internal war to come in the days ahead.

    Aiyedatiwa, in his inaugural speech, acknowledged that the achievements of Akeredolu in the state would be difficult to surpass.

    Akeredolu became governor in 2017 against the expectation of many after he defeated candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Eyitayo Jegede.

    Among the several achievements of Akeredolu, he would be remembered for making bold moves to establish the Amotekun Corps and implemention of the report of Justice Ajama Panel which looked into Chieftaincy Matters in the state and submitted its report eight years ago.

    The establishment of Amotekun was resisted by the federal government but Akeredolu pushed for it. The coming of the Corps has reduced insecurity in the state as well as resolved cases of herders/farmers conflict.

    Akeredolu also whittled down some powers and sphere of influence of some traditional rulers in the state following implementation of the Justica Ajama panel. Many Obas were upgraded to First Class monarchs.

    Among the traditional rulers elevated from grade B Monarch to grade A were Owa-Ale of Iyometa, Ikare, Akoko Northeast local government, Ajana of Afa Okeagbe, Akoko North West, Alale of Akungba, Akoko South West, Okiti of iju, Ogbolu of Ita-ogbolu, Oloba of Oba-Ile, Alara of Ilara mokin, Olujare of Ijare, Olowa of Igbara-Oke.

    Others were Oluoke of Okeigbo, Maporure of Agerige, Eletikan of Etikan, Ahaba of Ajagba, Odogbo of Omiland, Larogbo of Akotogbo, Orunja of Odigbo, Halu of Ode-Aye, Orungberuwa of Erinje, the Ojomo-Luda of Ijebu-Owo, Olupele of Ipele, Elemure of Emure-Ile, Olumoru of Imoru and Olute of Ute.

    Upon assumption of office, Akeredolu met a state with an IGR of N500m. He assembled a team and the IGR was increased to about N3bn.

    Read Also: Nigeria is in good hands, Tinubu assures citizens

    Akeredolu rejected his predecessor’s building of mega public schools. He paid the state counterpart funding for Universal Basic Education and renovation over 1500 primary schools.

    On road infrastructure, Akeredolu constructed the first fly over at the busy Ore-Lagos highway. The interchange reduced traffic congestion and accidents in the axis of the highway.

    Across the state, Akeredolu was known to have constructed over 1000km of roads. The second fly over was being constructed at the Onyarubulem-Shagari/Irese along the Akure-Ibadan highway before his demise.

    In his bid to enhance development at the grassroot, Akeredolu created 33 Local Council Development Area (LCDA). He signed the bill creating the LCDA into law before his demise.

    To ensure adequate health care delivery system, Akeredolu canceled the free health care introducef by his predecessor and introduced the health insurance scheme tagged the Orange Health Insurance Scheme (ORANGHIS).

    Akeredolu’s relationship with organised labour was cordial. He paid the seven months salary arrears inherited by his administration and was not owing workers.

    Last month, he released N1bn for the payment of gratuity to teachers and local government workers who retired on 2011. Some pensioners who retired in 2012 were also paid.

  • RCCG empowers 1000 young entrepreneurs

    RCCG empowers 1000 young entrepreneurs

    The Redemption City Career Fair, hosted by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), brought together over 1000 youths, focusing on promoting job creation and empowering young individuals in the pursuit of their professional aspirations.

    Over 1,000 young people from across the country attended the Career Fair which held at The Youth Centre, Redemption City, Lagos- Ibadan Express way

    The Redemption City Career Fair stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between religious institutions and corporate entities in driving positive social impact. 

    The event, supported by leading entities such as Lighthouse Capital, Dare Adeboye Foundation, BlakSkill, CADD Centre, Tripplex LTD and PremiumTrust Bank, brought together Human Resources industry leaders, aspiring professionals, graduates and students in a dynamic forum of networking and collaboration.

    The event featured engaging panel discussion, product showcase, career clinic, business clinic, job Interviews and networking opportunities.

    A key supporter of the Fair, MTN Nigeria showcased its commitment to empowering the youth through technology and innovation. Lighthouse Capital and PremiumTrust Bank also played pivotal roles, providing invaluable insights into financial literacy and career development.

    Read Also: Akeredolu: Seven things to know about prostate cancer

    Speaking at the event, National Overseer of RCCG, Pastor Sunday Akande who delivered an inspiring address reaffirming the church’s unwavering commitment to job creation and youth empowerment.

    Akande emphasised the pivotal role of education and skills development in shaping the future of the nation, encouraging collaboration between the church and corporate partners to drive positive change.

    “We are delighted with the success of the Redemption City Career Fair and deeply appreciate the support from our partners.

    “This event reflects RCCG’s dedication to nurturing a generation of empowered and skilled individuals ready to contribute meaningfully to society,”  Akande said.

    The Career Clinic featured presentations, mock interviews and CV review by Human Resources (HR) Industry leaders including Toyin Lasaki, Head of HR and Administration, Knight Frank; Faith Akintunde, HR Director Nigeria & Developing Middle East Africa, Kimberly Clerk; Oluyemi Adeosun.

  • Akeredolu: ‘High Priest’, others tender resign from Ondo cabinet

    Akeredolu: ‘High Priest’, others tender resign from Ondo cabinet

    Dr. Oladoyin Odebowale popularly known as the High Priest, has resigned his appointment as the Senior Special Assistant, Special Duties & Strategy to the Governor of Ondo State with immediate effect.

    Other persons who have resigned are former Ondo Head of Service, Dare Aragbaiye and Chief Press Secretary to Governor Akeredolu, Richard Olatunde.

    Aragbaiye resigned as Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties.

    Read Also: Akeredolu: Seven things to know about prostate cancer

    In a letter to Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu said: “My decision to resign is based on the unfortunate death of my Principal, a fearless and honest leader, Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odurayo Akeredolu, SAN.CON, whom I am loyal to even in death.

    “I sincerely thank his excellency for the opportunity granted me to serve in his administration as a member of the Slate Executive Council, first as a Head of Service and now, Special Adviser.”