The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • CMD appeals to striking doctors

    Worried by the effects of the two-month-old industrial action, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti (FETHI), Dr. Majekodunmi Ayodele, has appealed to striking resident doctors to return to work.

    Ayodele, who spoke with reporters in Ido-Ekiti said the appeal became necessary as the demands of the members of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) are being looked into by the Federal Government.

    He urged the striking medics to consider the plight of patients and other members of the public who are bearing the brunt of the strike which began in May.

    FETHI chapter of ARD has joined their counterparts in other parts of the country to down tools to protest the alleged non-implementation of what they called “grade skipping” by the health institutions owned by the Federal Government.

    Doctors working in federal hospitals are up-in-arms against their CMDs for not honouring the directive of the Federal Ministry of Health on “grade skipping”.

    But, Ayodele contended that the Federal Government had not commenced the implementation of the policy as canvassed by ARD.

    According to him, the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission had explained that the modalities for the implementation have not been worked out.

  • Rotary clears decade-old garbage site

    Rotary clears decade-old garbage site

    Bothered about the health implication a mountainous garbage heap could have on the lives of pupils of Ajuwon High School, a public school located at a border town between Lagos and Ogun states, members of the Rotary Club of Omole Golden embarked on clean-up exercise aimed at preventing any probable epidemic in the school. They exercise was to clear more than a decade-old dumpsite at the premises of the school.

    Clad in lemon-coloured reflective jackets and armed with rakes, shovels, wheel- barrows and other sanitation work tools, members of the club thronged into the premises of the school as early as 7:00 a.m. that morning, determined to ensure that the school and the pupils are saved from preventable illness that could emanate from the garbage dump.

    President of the Rotary Club of Omole Golden, Mr Idowu Afelogun, who led members of the club on the sanitation exercise, said “the project was a reflection of one of the cardinal objectives of Rotary, which is to ensure proper hygiene, sanitation and prevention of the spread of communicable diseases among the vulnerable school children.”

    He added that it was the third outing the club had embarked upon in the school.

    He said: “Last year, we donated a borehole with overhead water tank and constructed a block of modern toilet facility in the school to promote hygiene among the teachers and pupils. The club intends to provide a modern refuse bin for the school and turn the reclaimed refuse site into a botanical garden for the students’ use.” The Principal of the school, Mrs Banjoko expressed her gratitude to members of the club. She said the club’s commendable interventions have been of immense benefit to students and members of staff of the school.

    Some students who joined in the exercise were elated that the malodorous dumpsite will be a thing of the past, even though none of the students could fathom-out its history because the mountainous garbage heap has been in existence before the present set of students and members of staff of the school.

    Meanwhile, the Rotary Club of Lagos Central has reiterated its commitment to upholding the mission and vision of the Rotary through global projects which include championing the construction of an eye hospital and assisting in the establishment of diabetic centres as well as centres for non-communicable diseases.

  • Group builds hospital for the deprived

    Group builds hospital for the deprived

    Worried by the deplorable state of infrastructure in the rural areas, the Lions Club District 404B-2, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) has concluded plans on how to improve the well-being of Nigerians at the grassroots. It identified rural communities as the index through which development in the country could be measured, adding that the future of the country will be shaped by the condition in the rural communities.

    The new Lions Club Governor, 404B-2 Nigeria, 2015/2016, Christine Funke Adebajo spoke during her investiture as the district governor and installation of cabinet officers/fund-raising in Lagos.

    •Adebajo
    •Adebajo

    Adebajo, who is the first female district governor of the district, said the club has embarked on the construction of water plant factory in Lagos for girls and establishment of hospital for the terminally and seriously-ill patients in Ekiti State.

    According to her, after series of brainstorming with members of her advisory committee, they arrived at a theme for the year, which is “Our Community: Our Future,” with a corresponding slogan, “Our future, Our World”.

    While raising fund for the building of a water factory plant in Lagos for neglected girls and hospital in Ekiti State, she stated that the community has great role to play in the shaping of the future of the country.

    “I believe that our future will be shaped by what we are able to make of our communities. If we positively impact on our community today, our future can be assured and comfortable. That will eventually translate to what our future world become tomorrow,” she said.

    In the circumstances, therefore, she said the district would be embarking on a youth empowerment programme by building water factory plant at Ozanam House Complex, Ikeja Lagos. The project, she said, would cater for teenage girls who are victims of rape.

    “These girls are abandoned by their families, relations and friends. Ozanam House will prevent them from committing unsafe abortion and suicide. They will be nurtured to deliver healthy babies,” she said.

    The District Governor further explained that it became necessary to empower the girls because they most often become burden to the House which sustains itself purely through charity.

    “From our assessment, the residents of Ozanam are in serious need of empowerment which will enable them to be reintegrated back to the society. The girls will be trained on the production of both bottled and sachet water. They will be equipped with skills of how to produce, package and market the finished product. Those who are willing can eventually set up small-scale industry for the production of sachet water.”

    She revealed that a hospital will be constructed in Ado-Ekiti. According to her, the project was a special request by the Ekiti State Government which craves to feel the impact of Lions Club in the state. When completed, the centre will provide palliation for terminally and seriously-ill patients and those who are in severe pains.

    While calling for support during the fund-raising, she said no government, organisation or individual can do it alone but “if each one of us continues to contribute our quota, we shall certainly leave our community and world a better place than we met them.”

    The chairman of the Presentation Committee, Lion Tunji Edward, who described Adebajo as a resolute person, a goal-getter; an achiever per excellence, said besides the hospital and empowerment of the girls, the impact of Lions Club would be felt in other areas.

    The programme, chaired by a former Vice-President of the Country; Gen. Oladipo Diya (CFR), had eminent personalities in attendance. They included Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule; H.O.B. Lawal, Alex Irotumhe Princess Adetope Tychus, Air Vice-Marshal Anthony Okpere (rtd); Yinka Griffin; Ayoade Adesokan; Senator Bamgbetan Baju, among others.

    Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi (OFR), who gave a keynote address, challenged members of the club in Nigeria to rise to top echelon of the Lions family in the world.

    Adelusi-Adeluyi, who is a Rotarian, advised Lions to see the organisation not only as a platform for socialisation, but also through which they could impact positively on the lives of the people, adding that “Lions are made of people doing extra-ordinary things for the society.”

    While urging everyone to support Adebajo in her quest to make life meaningful for the less-privileged people in the society, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State said the state decided to identify with Lions because it has made positive impacts on the standard of living of people in many communities all over the world and in Lagos State.

    “Institutions such as yours have laid credence to the fact that we all do not have to hold public leadership position to serve the people. We can, in our individual capacities and as groups, contribute in our own little ways, to making life more comfortable for the less-fortunate in our society.”

    While commending the Lions Club for its humanitarian projects, Gen. Diya said they could do better if it strives to increase its current membership of 1.4 million. “You need to spread your gospel to wider audience who either do not know much about Lions’ activities. You should reach out to more of the 170 million population of Nigeria and spread to all states of the country,” he said.

  • ‘In Oyo, better days are ahead’

    ‘In Oyo, better days are ahead’

    A chieftain of the Oyo State All Progressives Congress (APC), Niyi Adeagbo says for the country to overcome her economic woes, there is an urgent need to carry out a re-assessment of the potential resources for maximum exploitation. In this chat with TAYO JOHNSON AND SIKIRU AKINOLA, he maintained that some of the ways to enhance the country’s economic fortune are to widen her tax base and subsuming the informal sector into the formal. Excerpts:

    You aspired to represent Iseyin/Itesiwaju State Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly in 2011. One expected that you would present yourself for election in the 2015 general elections. What happened? 

    Well, in life there is time for everything. Loyalty is one of the foundations on which successful and self-sustaining human institutions are built. I am loyal to my people, I am loyal to my party and our leaders and I am unflinchingly loyal to my governor. Politically, everything else is subject to this declaration.

    I have grown enough in experience to know how to balance political decisions in line with the wishes of the people in my constituency and that of my leaders. I trust that our leaders have the interest of the party and the people at heart. If they had decided that I should have contested, then that would have been my decision too. I believe there is more to come and it will manifest itself in due time.

    What are your future plans with regard to politics?

    As I said earlier, I am always a willing servant of my people and my party. I have my own dreams but that is subject to the exigency of my party and my leaders. Personally, I am ready to give my best in the service of my people. In life opportunities will always come. It is my job to be prepared to take advantage of those opportunities so that I am not found wanting.

    However, we all know that it is one thing to dream and aspire, even beyond our supporters’ decision or that of the leaders; it is all by the grace of God. He is the one who enthrones and dethrones. It is all in his hands, our responsibility is to prepare ourselves for the opportunities He will send our way. I am prepared to show what I have to offer.

    If you are given an opportunity to serve in any capacity, what will your people stand to benefit?

    Opportunities are not rights; they are privileges which, to me, could be a once-in-a lifetime chance. If I am fortunate to have an opportunity this time, I will not only prove my worth, I will be at my very best and prove my worth to my employer who trusted me enough in the first place and also to my people. It will not be business as usual. It must come with so much difference in service delivery compared to whatever they have had before.

    For instance, in my local government, there is practically no formal economy, and nothing highlights this more than the fact that there is not a single commercial bank in the whole local government. Apart from the negative commercial implication of that fact, it highlights a very salient issue; it means the commercial banks as business entities don’t consider Itesiwaju’s economy as viable enough to warrant the opening of branches. Yet, this is an area that is blessed with abundant untapped resources that can be harnessed for an economic miracle.

    There are various models we can employ to cause a turnaround in the economic fortunes of the local government if given the chance.

    As there are no banks in your local government, how does this affect the economic fortunes of your people?

    Human beings are resilient. Nigerians are a positive proof of this fact. Our coping mechanisms and ability to “manage” and “get by” is the stuff of legends. Consider the stress people in Itesiwaju Local Government Area go through to pick up money from banks in neighbouring local government areas and the attendant risks and the economic implications. Members of staff of the local government travel out of the council to pick up their salaries, yet they accept their fate and keep getting by. This is because they believe it will be better and one day, solutions will come.

    However, the economic implication of this “financial tourism” to neighbouring local governments is that the little funds that come through allocation into Itesiwaju that should be used to improve its economy, ends up being spent in developing the economies of neighbouring local government areas such as Saki, Iseyin and Okeho at the expense of Itesiwaju.

    If you are in a position of authority, what difference would your people experience?

    There is need for a paradigm shift in the administration of Itesiwaju. The council must transform from a resource sink to a value-creating net exporter of resources. This might seem like strong economic theory for just a council but I think it is possible. Itesiwaju is blessed with abundant natural resources that can be harnessed to transform the local economy and even that of neighbouring councils. There is need for fresh committed leadership that is ready to look inward and make and implement necessary policy changes that will unlock the latent potential of Itesiwaju. This will happen if I have the opportunity.

    Specifically, what practical economic steps would you take to enhance business activities if given the chance?

    griculture alone can be used as a potent weapon of economic transformation, even at the local government level with little support from the state government. Itesiwaju Local Government Area covers over 1,500 square kilometres of land and over 70 per cent of it is arable and fertile.

    The local government, in conjunction with private investors can work on the entire supply chain from production to marketing and sales to create local value which will transform to Naira and Kobo in the pockets of Itesiwaju people. It can form the basis for growth and development for other economic sectors in the council, a ripple effect of sort. The more money available in the local economy, the faster the growth rate becomes. Jobs will be created and there will be more purchasing power, among other benefits. These are basic components of economic prosperity and it is very achievable.

    You are among those who believed that the re-election jinx in Oyo State would be broken by Governor Ajimobi. What informed the confidence?  

    That question provides its answer. Only the blind or deliberately mischievous would not be able to answer the question. Here is a man who set unprecedented records in the history of the state. His works spoke for him and the people had no alternative than to hand him the mandate to keep delivering.

    There is no denying that he is a competent, dedicated and committed leader that performed excellently well, especially in the area of infrastructural development which was evenly distributed across all zones. The bottom line is, he was and he still is the best man for the job.

    With the economic situation in theý country, what do you think government should do to get the economy out of the woods?

    My humble advice would be based on a three-pronged approach to economic rejuvenation that can bring results in the medium term as there is no quick fix to the situation on ground.

    Firstly, there is an urgent need to look inward and carry out a re-assessment of the potential resources available within our state for maximum exploitation.

    Secondly, there is need to widen our tax base. Urgent steps have to be taken to subsume the informal sector into the formal.

    The days of over-dependence on oil money are gone, especially with dwindling global oil prices. If our dear state and even our great nation must rise from the ashes we find ourselves in and set our feet on the path of development, every taxable citizen has a role to play.

    We cannot expect to reap from where we have not sown. Governance has to be all-inclusive with everybody playing their part. If this is achieved, the citizens will be in a better position to hold its government accountable. This brings me to the last point.

    I believe the last element is prudence on the part of government. Oil money is free money. Most people don’t even know what crude oil looks like or what it smells like. We just get funds from the Federation Account every month without having made any investment. There is bound to be some wastage in funds you didn’t work for.

    However, the good news is that, forward thinking government like that of our great state, headed by our performing governor, is already taking prudent steps to checkmate wastage. This is very heart-warming and fosters hope that in Oyo State, better days are ahead.

  • Lawmaker to support education

    Lawmaker to support education

    The lawmaker representing Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan Federal Constituency of Osun State in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ayo Omidiran has pledged her unflinching support for any cause that will enhance education of younger Nigerians in order to make them contribute to nation-building.

    •Hon. Omidiran
    •Hon. Omidiran

    Hon. Omidiran made the pledge during her investiture as Matron of the Students’ Union Government, Osun State University Ikire Campus Osun State.

    According to the lawmaker, the role of education is very critical in nation-building so much so that every right thinking Nigerian, especially those in positions of authority, must always be ready to volunteer their time and resources for any venture that will promote and enhance the education of the Nigerian child.

    Describing education as very critical in what has translated into her present social, economic and political status, the only All Progressives Congress (APC) female member of the House of Representatives from the Southwest said “were it not for education and other considerations, I would not have been considered to represent my people in the House by my party, hence the need for the students to always embrace the ideas being put forward by those who are genuinely committed to the uplift of their education.”

    Describing the honour as first of its kind she had received from any educational institution, the Leader of the Osun Caucus in the House of Representatives noted that, apart from cherishing it for the rest of her life, the honour will further spur her to be more dedicated to ensuring that the goals of education are realised for the benefit of children within and outside her constituency.

    Earlier, the President of the Students’ Union Government had described Hon. Omidiran as a pillar of support for the institution and by extension, the Students Union Government.

    On why the student body decided to honour the lawmaker, the student leader said the donation of 110 computer sets to the institution last year to boost Information and Communication Technology (ICT), her intervention in the re-opening of the school which Osun State Government closed down as a result of students’ unruly behaviour and destruction of property on campus and her commitment to the activities of the union as part of the reasons she was honoured.

    Apart from support for tertiary education, Hon. Omidiran has, during her first term in the House of Representatives, touched the lives of many post-primary schools in her constituency.

    At the moment, work is almost completed on the middle schools she is constructing in Ikire and Gbongan.

     

  • Arrests as FRSC hits the road to enforce safety

    Arrests as FRSC hits the road to enforce safety

    The ongoing Fedeal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Special Operation on Lagos – Ibadan Expressway code named “Operation Scorpion” is biting harder on undiscipline motorists on the corridor.

    A combined team of FRSC operatives on the corridor arrested and handed over two Cement drivers, among others, for immediate prosecution at the mobile court for reckless/dangerous driving, speed limit violation and driving without valid drivers’ licences, among other traffic offences.

    The FRSC Zonal Commanding Officer, Zone 2 Command Lagos, Assistant Corps Marshal Nseobong Akpabio said the exercise was part of various measures designed to tackle the menace haulage truck drivers perpetrate on Nigerian roads. The two Dangote Cement company truck drivers arraigned before mobile court at Oluyole, Ibadan along Lagos – Ibadan expressway were Sani Ahmed and Umar Musa. Akpabio revealed this while addressing a group of truck and tanker drivers at Ogere during his routine monitoring of the special task force from Lagos to Ibadan.

    He also warned the drivers and other motorists against reckless and dangerous driving, driving under the influence of drugs and or alcohol, speed limit violation, driving with worn-out tyres as well as driving without valid driver’s license, saying no one has immunity against road crashes.

    Akpabio affirmed that the Corps is working in co-operation with the judiciary in the three states of Lagos, Ogun and Oyo to accelerate prosecution of traffic offenders. This, he said, is meant to instill discipline in every road user in a bid to reduce road crashes.

    He further explained that Ahmed Sani drove his unregistered, fully loaded truck with cement in a reckless and dangerous manner,inimical to the safety of himself and other road users. The truck had no registration number plate but company inscription of “IBESE 5”.

    Sani’s manner of driving made other motorists to lodge complaints to three various FRSC patrol teams at Ogere and Onigari along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The patrol teams sent traffic alert to other patrol teams within and outside the corridor to watch out for the vehicle.

    Following the signal, the said driver was flagged down by the next FRSC team but all effort made to effect arrest failed as the driver continued in his reckless and dangerous driving.

    Mindful of the danger inherent in such tendency, re-inforcement was made until the driver was tactically arrested and was immediately arraigned before mobile Court sitting at Oluyole, Oyo State along the Ibadan – Lagos Expressway on the count charges of dangerous driving, operating a vehicle without number plate, failure to stop when asked to do so by law enforcement officers and driving without drivers’ licence. These contravened the provisions of the Federal Road Safety Commission Act, National Road Traffic Regulation 2012, Oyo State Road Traffic Law and Federal Highway Act.

    The Court sentenced Mr Sani to three months’ imprisonment with hard labour and payment of N81,000 as fine.

    The second driver, Mr Musa Umar was also arraigned before the court for driving a truck with registration number RMG 29 XA, fully loaded with cement dangerously on the highway and without a valid drivers’ licence.

    On his part, Mr Umar pleaded guilty and showed remorse for his act and promised to drive responsibly henceforth. The court convicted him but with option of fine of N60,000 while his truck remained impounded until the company provides another driver to drive the truck.

    Meanwhile, in Lagos 12 other truck drivers were prosecuted at the court for 19 traffic offences and were all found guilty of the charges.  In Ogun State, 27 truck drivers arrested by various patrol teams on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway were charged to mobile court in Sagamu, Ogun State for offences ranging from unsecured containers on trucks, dangerous driving, driving with worn-out tyres and driving without valid drivers’ licence.

    Out of the 27 drivers, 22 were sentenced to various terms of imprisonment while five were discharged and acquitted by the court.

  • Council, motorcyclists brainstorm on safety

    Council, motorcyclists brainstorm on safety

    The Executive Secretary of Badagry West Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, Hon Joseph A. Agoro has said that despite some negative impressions resulting from some untoward behaviour of motorcycle operators, popularly known as okada, their immense contributions to the socio-economic development of the society cannot be overlooked.

    Hon. Agoro spoke during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the council’s secretariat on Friday. The meeting was organised with a view to ensuring that motorcycle operations, especially in the council area are devoid of the usual skirmishes.

    He noted that okada riders are significant contributors to economic growth and development of the society, even as he added that their somewhat awkward behaviours tend to rob them of such significance.

    Describing them as gap-fillers, Hon. Agoro noted that the crumbling of public intra-city transport system and poor road network paved way for the ingenious introduction of motorcycle transport system as means of public transportation in Nigeria.

    He added that it is patronised by the low and mighty because of the advantages it has over taxis and buses. Its use for commercial purposes has impacted significantly on the economy and society.

    The council chief revealed that the stakeholders’ meeting with okada riders aimed at fashioning a better way of doing the business of motorcycle operation devoid of the usual problems engendered by the operators.

    “The essence of this meeting is to ensure a peaceful relationship between okada riders and other road users in Badagry West Local Council Development Area.

    The increase in crime has been linked with the influx of okada riders, particularly in the cities closer to the border. The criminal activities by okada riders range from theft of purses and mobile phones to abduction, grand larceny and even politically-motivated murder.

    “It is pertinent to maintain some standard in order to reduce the number of deaths and injuries resulting from careless operation of motorcycles. Apart from other factors such as overloading, speeding, indulgence in alcohol and lack of training in safety matters, among others, there have also been incidents of gang beating, during which okada riders had attacked motorists as a result of minor traffic accidents involving both parties.

    “There had been serious clashes involving okada riders and other road users. Some of these clashes, sometimes, escalate into riots during which vehicles were set ablaze,” he said. Continuing, he said: “There is no secrecy about what is needed to be done to keep okada riders safe. I, therefore, call on all stakeholders who gathered here today to brainstorm on how best to make motorcycle operation less dangerous and less life-threatening in the council area as we experience it currently.

    “In this respect, I therefore advise all motorcycle operators to be of good behaviour, show respect to security agents and also to be law-abiding citizens. In case of any misunderstanding, do not take the laws into your own hands; report to the council for redress. We will always attend to your needs.”

  • Unpaid salaries: Ajimobi’s wife appeals to workers

    Unpaid salaries: Ajimobi’s wife appeals to workers

    AS agitation by Oyo State workers over non-payment of their four months’ salary arrears become frenzied, the wife of Oyo State governor, Mrs Florence Abiola Ajimobi has appealed to them to be patient with her husband.

    Mrs. Ajimobi spoke while addressing women who converged on the Government House for this year’s intercessory prayer session. She also expressed optimism that the situation would soon be normalised and everyone will be happy.

    “It is not in the interest of my husband to owe workers. The issues of salary and economic problem are not peculiar to Oyo State. I am sure we will get over it soon.

    “If my husband has received any money to pay workers, he will do just that. You all as civil servants know the process involved. So, my husband cannot deny the workers their entitlements. But we should please be more patient with him,” she said.

    Mrs Ajimobi also urged the people to continue to pray for her husband’s success and the peace and progress of Oyo State.

    She further urged the women to always forgive their husbands and ensure smooth relations with our God.

    She said:”We should not hold grudges against anyone. We are all humans and we offend one another almost always. We have to always forgive one another, particularly our spouses. When I get back home today, I will go and seek forgiveness from my husband and I will also forgive him. In like manner, I want every woman to do same.” The intercessory prayer was attended by over 2,000 women from all walks of life,

  • Odogbolu gets new council chief

    Odogbolu gets new council chief

    The founder of the Nigerian Institute of Production Management (NIPM), Prince Olaniyi Opanuga, has been sworn in as the Chairman, Transition Committee, Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State by Governor Ibikunle Amosun at Obas’ Complex Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

    In a chat with Southwest Report shortly after the event, Prince Opanuga who is the current President of Council of Certified Institute of Applied Management and Administration (CIAMA), said he was humbled by the Governor’s trust in him, promising to put in his best to complement the efforts of the governor to make Ogun State a modern one.

    Having served as the Secretary to the Local Government in the immediate past administration, he has garnered appreciable experience in local government administration during and will deploy his connection in the industrial sector to attract investors to the area in order to transform, develop and emancipate his people from poverty, saying innovative policies will be initiated for the betterment of all.

    During a separate inauguration of other members at the local government secretariat, Prince Opanuga implored them to eschew personal aggrandizement and desperate quest to amass wealth at the expense of the people they are supposed to serve.

    He further said through constructive criticism and useful pieces of advice they can jointly lift and restore hope to the people.

    Other members sworn in were Mr. Ololade Onakoya as Vice-Chairman; Mrs. Morenikeji Adeogun as Secretary to the Local Government; Mr. Sesan Badejo Okunuga and Hon. Ezekiel Agbaoye as members respectively.

  • Monarch seeks ministerial slot for community

    Monarch seeks ministerial slot for community

    The Deji of Akure , Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladesulu has urged the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to make its “change” agenda be noticed in Akure, the Ondo State capital by appointing one of his subjects as a minister in its proposed cabinet.

    The monarch spoke through the Asamo of Akure, High Chief Rotimi Olusanya when APC leaders in the state visited him in Akure.

    Oba Aladesulu noted that the last time Akure community felt Federal Government’s presence in terms of political appointment was during the era of the Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, when the Olu of Ilu-Abo, Chief Olu Falae was appointed as the Minister of Finance and Secretary to the Government of the Federation(SGF).

    According to the traditional ruler, the people of Akure will support the government and ensure the sustenance of peace in the community.

    The visit to his palace was led by the chairman of the state chairman of APC, Isaac Kekemeke with a promise that the party would support his reign for the development of Akure, the state capital.

    He said the APC would work assiduously with Akure traditional council for the socio-economic development of the kingdom.

    Kekemeke said: “Our leader, President Muhammadu Buhari is seen as a man of integrity by most world leaders. Now we want to change Nigeria, Ondo State and Akure and we know you too as a change agent.”

    He described Oba Aladesulu as a man of integrity, stressing that APC members are for progress and development in all spheres of life.

    His words: “Kabiyesi, we have many things in common to develop your domain. We know by next year, we will be working together because APC is forming the next government in Ondo State.

    “We want to have a traditional rapport with the palace to have a common goal to develop Akure in particular and the entire state in general. Akure is vital to the development of the state.

    “We have a great luck in having you as our monarch at a time we are preparing to take the mantle of leadership.”

    Kekemeke called for peaceful co-existence among residents in Akure, saying “APC is committed to peace and progress of the ancient community.”

    He condemned the recent protest by commercial motorcycle operators in Akure, emphasising that APC would not support the destruction of public property in the name of protestation.”

    The former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) however criticised the alleged mismanagement and politicisation of all issues of governance in the state by Governor Olusegun Mimiko.

    He urged the monarch to prevail on all unions in the state to operate within the confines of the law.

    Another APC leader, Prince Olu Adegboro said the party was for transformation.

    He lamented that Akure has been relegated to the background politically by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration in the state, promising the traditional ruler that the APC government would ensure that all glory of

    the ancient town is restored.

    Other APC leaders on the visit to the palace were Prince Olu Adegboro, the Vice-Chairman (Central), Gboyega Adedipe and the State Secretary, Rotimi Rahman.