Ahead of the 2025/2026 academic session, the Ondo state government has prohibited the illegal collection of levies in all public schools.
The ban followed persistent calls from parents and education stakeholders for reforms in the state’s education sector.
Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun announced the directive on Tuesday after a meeting with principals from the 18 local government areas of the state.
Ajibefun said reports had revealed that many public schools were engaged in unapproved collections, warning that offenders would face serious sanctions.
“It is now unlawful for any school to collect any amount without the ministry’s approval. We will not hesitate to sanction erring schools,” he said.
He further disclosed that the government would digitise admissions for all public schools, with the ministry officially issuing admission letters.
The move, Ajibefun explained, would curb excess enrolment and improve supervision.
“No school can go beyond its carrying capacity. Admissions will be digitised, and anyone who goes against this will be sanctioned,” he stressed.
The commissioner also cautioned against lateness, absenteeism, cultism, vandalism, and unruly behaviour in schools, warning principals to restore discipline and uphold cultural values of respect.
On examination malpractice, he decried students’ over-reliance on “expo” and vowed that the government would revive the reading culture across schools.
“There won’t be cheating in any of our schools. We will come up with strategies to combat this, and schools found culpable will be sanctioned,” Ajibefun said
In her remarks, Dr. Fadekemi Jogbodo, President of the All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), welcomed the reforms, describing them as long overdue.
She pledged the support of principals in implementing the policies while urging the government to involve security agencies, sensitise parents, and prioritise teachers’ welfare.
“We are pleading for the promotion of principals to Grade Level 17, the recognition of outstanding teachers, recruitment of ICT instructors, and infrastructural development. With collaborative leadership, these reforms will succeed,” Jogbodo assured.
…as group sets 80% vote target for President Tinubu in Ondo
A support group, Progressives Network for Tinubu (PNT), has called on critics to stop causing dissatisfaction between the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
The group, which is supporting President Bola Tinubu’s re-election ahead of the 2027 general elections, said both Aiyedatiwa and Tunji-Ojo maintained a cordial relationship.
Speaking at a briefing with journalists in Akure on Monday, PNT’s director-general, Pastor Olumide Obadele, said there was ‘no love lost’ between the Ondo governor and the federal minister.
Obadele blamed “a few elements” claiming to be loyalists of both men for attempting to sow seeds of discord.
He warned against distractions that could derail the governor and the minister from their collective mission of galvanising support for Tinubu’s second-term bid.
“Let me tell you. There’s no love lost between the governor (Aiyedatiwa) and the minister (Tunji-Ojo). The governor is the leader of the party. We can’t contest that. I was at a stakeholders meeting where the governor spoke about the party operating as one, standing as one big family. And that’s what it is.
“The federal minister is in charge of the Ministry of the Interior, and he is doing his work, but when people come together to create confusion, it is wrong. So, it is one family. No love lost between the two of them, to the best of my knowledge.
“I’m not speaking as a politician. So, the governor is our governor. The minister is also our own, and the party is our party, and Ade Adetimehin is the chairman of our party,” he said.
He stressed that while Governor Aiyedatiwa is focused on party leadership in the state, Tunji-Ojo is dutifully discharging his responsibilities at the federal level.
Reiterating the group’s mission, Obadele said PNT is strategically positioned to deliver at least 80 per cent of Ondo State votes for President Tinubu in 2027 by mobilising grassroots and cross-party support.
He lauded President Tinubu for what he described as bold and transformative policies within just 27 months in office, citing the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira as landmark decisions.
“Our conviction to support President Tinubu for a second term stems from his ability to bring Nigeria to a turning point within a short period. Tinubu is not a trial-and-error leader—he knows his onions,” he added.
Obadele also acknowledged the “strategic and immeasurable support” of Minister Tunji-Ojo, describing his role as “unquantifiable.”
He, however, said that the group is not in competition with other support organisations but would complement them with fresh energy and methods.
On his part, PNT spokesman Ajayi Olusuyi insisted that those amplifying a supposed rift between the two leaders are only unsettled by their synergy.
“I was with the minister, and I know how he talked well about the state and the governor. He is for the development of the state. We want to assure you that there is no strained relationship between the minister and the governor,” he said.
…begins registration of 1000 grassroots canvassers for Tinubu in 203 wards, 18 LGAs
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has asked members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to unite, intensify grassroots mobilization, and canvass more supporters in preparation for the 2027 general elections in support of President Bola Tinubu.
The governor made the appeal during the weekend at an expansive stakeholders’ meeting of the party in Akure, where he also briefed party leaders on his administration’s developmental achievements and ongoing plans.
According to Aiyedatiwa, the Renewed Hope Initiative of President Tinubu is deliberately designed to strengthen the grassroots base of the APC with a target of registering at least 1,000 new members in each ward across of the state.
“This is our party, and it is our collective responsibility to make it stronger. The Renewed Hope Initiative has been structured to build the party from the grassroots, and our target is nothing less than one thousand new members per ward.
“We must mobilize, we must organize, and we must be consistent in our engagements. Regular stakeholders meetings such as this are meant to keep us united, informed, and ready for the future,” he said.
On his administration’s development strides, the governor disclosed that efforts were ongoing to attract major investors into the state to revamp the economy.
“We have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the establishment of a cement factory, a fertilizer plant, and a petrochemical industry in Ondo State. These are strategic projects that will create jobs and boost the state’s economy.
“I want to assure our people that all our ongoing infrastructural projects, including those inherited by this administration, will be completed.
“In addition, we are taking steps to assume responsibility for some federal roads in order to ease the burden on our people. Beyond the Ikare-Akungba Akoko, Idanre-Akure, and Okitipupa-Igbokoda road projects that are already in motion, we will not hesitate to intervene in other critical road corridors to enhance connectivity,” the governor added.
In his remarks, the State APC Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, commended governor Aiyedatiwa for convening the meeting and for sustaining regular interaction with party stakeholders.
Adetimehin also emphasized the need for leaders and members to return to the grassroots to consolidate the party’s strength.
“We must all go back to our wards and local governments and redouble our efforts. This is our party, and there is no other party for us apart from the APC. Unity and commitment at the grassroots are critical if we want to sustain our dominance. Come rain, come shine, our identity remains APC, and we must carry that banner with pride.
“There is no division in our party. The government and the party remain one. Members of the party must conduct themselves in a way that respects the supremacy of the party,” he said.
The Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Victor Olabimtan, reaffirmed that the APC remained united and indivisible in his constituency.
“In our area, the APC is one. There are no factions, no divisions. We are solidly behind the governor and the party leadership, and we will continue to work in unity to ensure our strength is felt across the state,” Mr Olabimtan said.
Lauding governor Aiyedatiwa’s performance in the state, the Director, Corporate Services of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde described the governor’s developmental strides as visible across all 18 local government areas of the state.
“Mr Governor [Aiyedatiwa] you have done well, and you are still doing well. Your developmental initiatives can be seen across the entire state. The only thing left is to encourage you to do even more.
While the last presidential election was successful, we believe that with more work and greater mobilization, the APC can achieve an even higher margin of victory in 2027,” Abegunde declared.
Other leaders who spoke at the meeting, including High Chief Jamiu Ekungba and Chief Agboola Kelly, lauded Governor Aiyedatiwa’s for the regular engagement of party leaders and members.
The meeting was attended by top political leaders, including the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; former Deputy Governor, Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo; Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji; Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, among other prominent stakeholders.
An activist and educationist, Fela Castro, has called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to give a legal backing to the recent ban on graduation parties and ceremonies in nursery, primary, and Junior Secondary School III (JSS3) in Ondo State.
The state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, had on Wednesday announced the abolition of such graduation ceremonies at a stakeholders’ meeting with proprietors of private schools across the 18 local government areas.
Ajibefun explained that the move was part of reforms aimed at sanitizing school operations and repositioning the education sector.
Castro, on Saturday, however urged the governor to present an executive bill to the State House of Assembly to codify the resolutions into law.
According to him, unless the reforms are legally binding, they will likely collapse under pressure from defiant schools seeking to exploit parents.
“Why should the ban on wasteful nursery and JSS3 graduations become another policy that dies in silence? If the Governor [Aiyedatiwa] truly wants to end exploitation, he must back these reforms with law,” he said.
Castro argued that the proposed legislation should go beyond graduation ceremonies to cover other reforms, such as prohibiting illegal schools, blocking arbitrary levies, stopping compulsory purchases, and outlawing fake documents.
He proposed the enactment of an Ondo State Private Schools (Regulation and Standardization) Act, 2025, which he said would empower parents to challenge errant school proprietors, set minimum safety and curriculum standards, and ensure accountability in the private education sector.
“The ban on premature graduations is not an attack on culture but a step to protect parents from financial exploitation and to restore dignity to education.
Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, wife of Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has hailed her husband’s visionary leadership and dedication to the welfare of residents, saying his people-focused approach is driving development across the state’s 18 local government areas.
Speaking at an event on Tuesday in Akure, the Ondo First Lady said the state is witnessing steady economic growth and transformative projects under the governor’s administration.
She also praised Governor Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to female leadership, noting his unwavering support for women’s empowerment and self-reliance as key to the state’s economic advancement.
“I must acknowledge and appreciate the Executive Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for his visionary leadership and people-centered governance,” she said.
“Since assuming office, Mr. Governor has placed the welfare of the people at the core of his administration through the ‘OUR EASE’ Policy Thrust. There is no gainsaying the fact that we have witnessed bold and transformative strides across Ondo State in various areas of development,” she added.
Highlighting the administration’s achievements, the governor’s wife said education, infrastructure, healthcare, and security have been prioritised with different developmental and state-driven programmes to enhance the welfare of the people of the state.
According to her, scholarships, bursaries, school renovations, employment of teachers, and provision of learning materials have been expanded, enabling thousands of children and youth to access opportunities that will shape their future.
She further noted that the administration has intensified road rehabilitation and construction across the state to improve access to communities, markets, and schools, thereby facilitating trade and investment for economic development.
“So, this administration has relentlessly continued road rehabilitation and construction across the state with a view to improving access to communities, markets, and schools, thereby facilitating commerce and investment development.
“It is also heartwarming to note that new health facilities are being built and existing ones upgraded to ensure our people, especially those in riverine areas, have access to affordable healthcare. Maternal and child health interventions are equally safeguarding the most vulnerable among us,” the governor’s wife said.
On youth and women empowerment, Mrs. Aiyedatiwa explained that entrepreneurship support, vocational training, and access to credit facilities are being expanded to reduce unemployment and improve livelihoods under the Aiyedatiwa led administration in the state.
She also observed that the government has repositioned the Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), in collaboration with other security agencies, thereby strengthening peace and security to create an enabling environment for growth and prosperity.
Ondo state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the state retains its position as Nigeria’s leading cocoa producer.
The governor made this known in Akure while inaugurating members of the Ondo State Strategic Committee for European Union Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR) Compliance.
Speaking at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office, Aiyedatiwa noted that Ondo accounts for about 40 percent of Nigeria’s cocoa production, making it the largest cocoa-producing state in the country.
He explained that the inauguration of the committee, which draws stakeholders from across the cocoa value chain – farmers, exporters, processors, and commodity associations – marks a significant step toward aligning the state’s cocoa industry with international sustainability standards.
The governor also disclosed that the EU regulation, which comes into effect on December 30, 2025, prohibits the sale of cocoa, coffee, oil palm, and other agricultural products linked to deforestation in European markets.
“Nigeria is the fourth-largest cocoa exporter in Africa, while Ondo State accounts for about 40 percent of national output.
“With around 60 percent of our farmers engaged in cocoa cultivation, and many others in processing, warehousing, marketing, and transportation, our cocoa sector could be at risk if we fail to prepare for EUDR compliance,” Aiyedatiwa warned.
He urged the committee to engage in broad stakeholder consultations and design strategies that would position Ondo cocoa for global competitiveness.
The governor also commended exporters and processors who have already invested in polygon mapping, agroforestry practices, and sustainability initiatives ahead of the deadline.
While pledging his administration’s continued support for agroforestry and forest restoration, Aiyedatiwa lauded President Bola Tinubu for approving the draft bill to establish the National Cocoa Management Board (NCMB), which he said would regulate and promote sustainable growth in the subsector.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Engr. Leye Akinola applauded the governor’s foresight, stressing that the committee would work vigorously to meet its goals.
He expressed confidence that, with cooperation, Ondo could achieve in 90 days what took countries like Cameroon four years to accomplish.
“Cocoa is the backbone of our state’s economy, and with the governor’s support, we are confident of boosting production, increasing revenue, and strengthening Ondo’s place as Nigeria’s cocoa leader,” Akinola said.
Also speaking, the National President of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN), Mr. Adeola Adegoke, pledged the association’s full cooperation with the state government.
He stressed the need to produce deforestation-free cocoa to protect the environment, secure global market access, and sustain farmers’ livelihoods.
Adegoke urged stakeholders to embrace agroforestry and data-driven mapping systems already introduced by exporters, noting that such measures would not only ensure compliance with the EUDR but also guarantee long-term environmental sustainability.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has restated his administration’s commitment to working closely with traditional institutions to combat security challenges such as armed robbery, banditry, and kidnapping across the state.
Speaking at the first coronation anniversary of the Ajana of Afa Okeagbe, Oba Mofolorunso Adegboyega Arasanyin, in Okeagbe-Akoko, Aiyedatiwa highlighted the crucial role of monarchs in fostering peace and unity at the grassroots.
Represented by the Commissioner for Water Resources and Public Sanitation, Hon. Ayodele Samson Akande, the governor commended Oba Arasanyin for his leadership, describing his reign as one of wisdom, dedication, and service to his people.
“I cannot but acknowledge the cooperation and support of our palaces in tackling crimes, banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery from our domains,” he said.
He added, “Under your reign, Afa Okeagbe Kingdom has continued to witness peace and solidify the unity of Okeagbe-Akoko as one indivisible entity through development and the preservation of cultural heritage.”
The governor further pledged to deepen collaboration with royal institutions through the ‘Our Ease Initiative’, aimed at accelerating development and ensuring the dividends of democracy reach grassroots communities.
In his remarks, Oba Arasanyin reflected on his ascension to the throne, describing the process as “a period that tested the unity, patience, and determination” of the people.
He also commended the courage of the kingmakers for upholding the will of the community during his selection.
Highlighting his achievements within the past year, the monarch noted the revitalisation of the Afa Oba and Chiefs’ Council, the installation of new chiefs, scholarship awards for students, and the restoration of the Chief Magistrate’s Court to Okeagbe after an 18-month absence.
He also cited the establishment of an ICT Centre for youth empowerment, ready for commissioning, and the recruitment of additional medical personnel to improve healthcare delivery.
Chairman of Akoko North West Local Government, Hon. Esan Owolabi, described Oba Arasanyin as a visionary and peace-loving ruler whose reign has fostered unity, progress, and development within Afa Okeagbe and the larger Akoko land.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Council of Obas in Ondo State and Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, alongside the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, praised Oba Arasanyin for his humility, wisdom, and commitment to preserving culture while embracing modernity.
The colourful ceremony attracted indigenes from home and abroad and featured prayers, cultural displays, and an atmosphere of renewed hope for the future of Afa Okeagbe.
The people of Ondo State on Friday marked the first anniversary of ‘A Night of Praise’, the monthly faith gathering initiated by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa. The event, which has grown into a unifying platform of worship and thanksgiving, has been described as both a spiritual sanctuary and a catalyst for good governance by the people.
Reflecting on the journey, legal luminary and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, hailed the governor’s people-centred and faith-driven style of leadership, noting that the governor’s devotion to God has been the foundation of his resilience and achievements.
“From the very beginning, Broda Lucky has led not just with policies, but with compassion and humility, like a shepherd guided by divine purpose,” Ajulo wrote. “The Night of Praise has become more than worship; it has nurtured unity, inspired peace, and strengthened the soul of our state.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa’s emergence, Ajulo recalled, was not without challenges. He faced political opposition and legal hurdles after his election, but triumphed through popular support and judicial affirmation. “His victories, both at the polls and in court, testify that faith anchored in truth and love can weather any storm,” Ajulo added.
Since assuming office, he noted that Aiyedatiwa’s administration had introduced fiscal discipline, avoiding new loans while keeping Ondo State among Nigeria’s lowest in debt profile. “His human capital initiatives include recruitment of over 2,000 teachers; payment of WAEC fees and bursaries worth N335 million to more than 11,000 students; N1 billion allocated for UNIMED’s Senate Building; N1.2 billion to revive projects at OAUSTECH; clearing of salary and pension arrears, plus a N35,000 wage award to workers and N10,000 monthly support for retirees.”
Continuing, he said: “His infrastructure strides include the “Zero Pothole Initiative,” rehabilitation of over 60 km of roads, rural link roads to aid farmers, and projects like Light Up Akure and Operation Keep Ondo Clean. In agriculture, his government launched a N2 billion food security intervention, alongside loans for artisans and SMEs.”
He observed that security has also been strengthened through expanded Amotekun operations and forest security checkpoints, winning praise for safeguarding rural livelihoods.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling drug trafficking, cybercrime, cultism, kidnapping, and other security-related offences in the state.
The governor gave the assurance on Thursday while hosting a delegation of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), led by its Country Representative in Nigeria, Mr. Cheikh Toure, at his office in Akure.
Aiyedatiwa said his administration places premium importance on security and the rule of law, which form the first pillar of his seven-point agenda.
He noted that the state government has consistently supported security agencies through intelligence gathering, prosecution, logistics, and technical assistance.
“In recent times, we distributed about 75 hybrid vehicles to security agents to aid their operations, especially in flashpoint areas across the state. We have also given massive support to the NDLEA to tackle illicit drug cultivation and trafficking, particularly cannabis, which grows freely in some parts of the state,” the governor stated.
Aiyedatiwa also highlighted youth-focused initiatives such as the One Youth, One Skill programme, designed to equip young people with vocational training and startup grants, thereby discouraging them from crime.
“Our ultimate goal is to build a resilient society where our youths are positively engaged and our communities live in peace and dignity. That is why we are ready to partner with the United Nations and other stakeholders to tackle crimes collectively,” he added.
In his remarks, Mr. Toure commended the Aiyedatiwa-led government for its efforts in security, youth empowerment, and economic development.
He noted that Nigeria has one of the highest rates of drug addiction globally, stressing the need for preventive strategies such as education, community-based interventions, and stronger inter-agency collaboration.
Toure assured that the UNODC would deepen its partnership with Ondo State to strengthen youth resilience, enhance prosecution capacity, and reduce drug abuse and other crimes.
“Ondo State has shown commendable commitment, and we are here to see how best to consolidate our work at the grassroots level, especially in empowering young people and strengthening institutions to curb crime,” he said.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and security of members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in the state.
The governor gave the assurance during the closing ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream 1 Orientation Course, held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Ikare-Akoko on Tuesday.
Represented by the NYSC State Coordinator, Kuburat Omowumi Bakare, Governor Aiyedatiwa said his government remained committed to youth empowerment, development, and welfare.
He promised the corps members serving in the state a peaceful and conducive environment to carry out their national service and make meaningful contributions.
The governor also urged them to remain law-abiding, security-conscious, and conduct themselves in ways that reflect positively on their families, institutions, and the NYSC scheme.
He further reminded the corps members that they are ambassadors of unity, peace, and development both in the state and the country as a whole.
“Allow your conduct to reflect the values instilled in you during the orientation course. Be proactive, embrace your host communities, identify areas of need, and contribute to community development initiatives.
“By doing so, you will not only leave positive footprints but also promote national unity and integration,” Aiyedatiwa said.
The governor also encouraged the corps members to take full advantage of the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, urging them to pursue ventures that will make them self-reliant after their service year.
While highlighting the roles of community leaders and stakeholders, Aiyedatiwa appealed for their continuous support, love, and protection of corps members.
“Embrace them as your own and provide the enabling environment they need to thrive,” he added.
