The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Aiyedatiwa

  • Aiyedatiwa to swear in Ajanaku, Ajibefun, Awolowo, 13 others as commissioners

    Aiyedatiwa to swear in Ajanaku, Ajibefun, Awolowo, 13 others as commissioners

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa will sworn in the 16 commissioners-designate recently cleared by the state house of assembly on Monday.

    They appointees are: Idowu Ajanaku; Adewale Akinlosotu; Igbekele Ajibefun (a former Vice Chncellor of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko); Ayorinde Abiola Olawoye; Ayodele Akande; Alabi Johnson and Amidu Takuro.

    Others are: Oluwaseun Abosede Osamaye; Tob Loko; Olaolu Akindolire; Sunday Olajide; Omoyofunmi Segun Henry; Adesoji Afolabi; Banji Awolowo Ajaka; Leye Akinola and Bode Ademuwagun.

    Read Also: Shettima to represent Tinubu at São Tomé and Príncipe’s 50th independence anniversary

    In a short message obtained by our correspondent on Saturday, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Aiyedatiwa, Ebenezer Adeniyan said: “The Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa will be swearing in all the 16 newly confirmed commissioners- designate next week Monday.

    “The event is scheduled thus; Monday 14th July 2025, at The Dome (Culture and Events Centre) Alagbaka Akure by 10.00am,” the message read.

    Recalled that Governor Ayedatiwa had on June 13 forwarded a list of 12 commissioners-designate to the assembly for confirmation.

    A week later, the governor also nominated additional four names for confirmation into the State Executive Council (SEC).

    Earlier, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) had vowed to hold all the commissioners’ designate, appointed by Governor Aiyedatiwa, accountable when assigned for their respective portfolios.

  • Aiyedatiwa: Why nigerian youths shun mechanized farming

    Aiyedatiwa: Why nigerian youths shun mechanized farming

    Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has identified land clearing as a major challenge discouraging farmers, especially youths, from embracing mechanised agriculture in Nigeria.

    He made the observation on Monday while receiving a delegation from the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), led by the state coordinator, Olusola Ayandokun, at his office in Akure, the state capital.

    Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized that addressing the bottlenecks associated with land clearing would encourage more young people to venture into farming.

    He also highlighted the importance of land development in advancing food security and pledged his administration’s readiness to partner with NALDA to boost agricultural productivity across the state.

    “We know that one of the major expenditures that hinder a lot of farmers from going into mechanized farming or expanding their operations is land clearing.

    “I have heard that land clearing is one of the key activities of NALDA, and this is encouraging,” he said. 

    He saluted the integrated farm estate model initiated by NALDA in other states, stressing that Ondo had similar infrastructure in place, especially in farm settlements that can be revived and upgraded through partnership.

    The governor, however, expressed optimism that the collaboration would promote animal husbandry, especially in the rearing of livestocks, where the state has natural advantages. 

    Read Also: Aiyedatiwa applauds Tinubu’s commitment to NDDC

    Remarking, the NALDA Coordinator, Ayandokun, explained that the federal government agency is already focused on reclaiming, opening up farmland, promoting food security, empowering youth and women, and supporting the agricultural value chain. 

    While explaining Ondo’s suitability for projects involving cocoa, oil palm, goat and rabbit farming, and integrated farm settlements, Ayandokun said that parcels of land had been allocated for pilot projects, and training modules are now in place for farmers.

    The NALDA Coordinator also stressed the importance of encouraging every household to engage in some form of backyard farming, whether crop or livestock, to ensure food security at the grassroots level.

    “NALDA’s goals include land clearing, preparation and allocation to farmers, as well as establishing integrated farm estates, providing agricultural inputs, promoting animal husbandry, and training,” he said. 

  • NDDC doing well under Tinubu, says Aiyedatiwa

    NDDC doing well under Tinubu, says Aiyedatiwa

    Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has hailed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) delivers on its mandate for the people.

    Aiyedatiwa said President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda has assisted in unlocking opportunities, especially through partnerships in driving sustainable development.

    Speaking at the 25th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service of the NDDC at St Thomas’s Anglican Church in Akure, the state capital yesterday, the governor acknowledged the commission’s effort in bridging developmental gaps in the Niger Delta under President Tinubu’s administration.

    He noted that the NDDC has continued to live up to its mandate with impactful developmental projects

    “His interest in the NDDC and its activities has been more than passing, and we appreciate his leadership in ensuring that the Commission receives the support it needs to deliver on its mandate.

    “As we celebrate the Silver Jubilee of the NDDC, it is imperative that we acknowledge the progress we have made and also recognise that there is still much work to be done as the Niger Delta region continues to face significant development challenges and we must work together to address these issues,” the governor said.

    While appreciating the board and management of the NDDC under Dr Samuel Ogbuku as Managing Director for its exemplary leadership, Aiyedatiwa called for the need to join hands in utilising its potential to bolster the economy of the region.

    He commended the commission’s Executive Director, Corporate Services, Sunday Ifedayo Abegunde, for his contributions to Ondo’s development.

    Read Also: Lagos police arrest 52 suspected cultists, assure residents of safety

    “So, I urge the NDDC to continue to improve on its activities, ensuring that projects are tailored to the needs of the communities we serve.

    “Let us work together to unlock the potential of our region, promote economic growth, and enhance the lives of our people. We are partners in progress, unity, and development,” he added

    Earlier, Ogbuku, affirmed that the commission had undertaken infrastructural projects, mostly with road constructions and rehabilitation to improve accessibility in the Niger Delta region of the country.

    He explained that some of the projects have also reached Ondo with various roads constructed for the benefit of the people to connect and boost trade and investments.

    According to him, has prioritised youth empowerment through training programs, educational scholarships, and capacity-building workshops to equip the local workforce with necessary skills.

    “We are also here to spread the dividends of Renewed Hope. We have been accountable, and we will be accountable at the end of our tenure.”

    In his sermon titled: ‘Accountability’, Rev Dr Simon Oluwole Borokini, Archbishop of the Akure Anglican Communion, said the 25 anniversary is like giving an account of stewardship and performances over the years.

    Borokini noted that the instruments that established the commission were in response to long-standing agitation by Niger Delta Committees for Development and Equitable Distribution of Oil Wealth.

    “Your mandate, among others, is to facilitate the rapid, even sustainable development of the Niger Delta into a region that is economically prosperous, socially stable, ecologically regenerating, and politically peaceful.

    “We are proud to say, based on what we have seen around, that over the years we have noticed your impact in infrastructural development, water, sanitation, education, health, environmental immunisation, youth empowerment, job creation, and support for small-scale businesses and entrepreneurship in our region,” he said.

  • Aiyedatiwa applauds Tinubu’s commitment to NDDC

    Aiyedatiwa applauds Tinubu’s commitment to NDDC

    …says Renewed Hope Agenda Driving Niger Delta Development

    Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has commended President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to ensuring that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) delivers on its mandate to the people of the region.

    Speaking on Sunday at the 25th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service of the NDDC held at St. Thomas’s Anglican Church, Akure, Aiyedatiwa said President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda has played a vital role in unlocking opportunities through strategic partnerships and collaborative efforts aimed at driving sustainable development in the Niger Delta.

    The governor praised the NDDC for bridging developmental gaps under the current administration, noting that the commission has executed numerous impactful projects across the region. He also lauded its continued dedication to addressing the real needs of the Niger Delta people.

    “Permit me to use this opportunity to express my profound gratitude to Mr. President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for his unwavering commitment to the development of the Niger Delta region.

    READ ALSO: Six dead, three missing in Navy boat mishap

    “His interest in the NDDC and its activities has been more than passing, and we appreciate his leadership in ensuring that the Commission receives the support it needs to deliver on its mandate.

    “As we celebrate the Silver Jubilee of the NDDC, it is imperative that we acknowledge the progress we have made and also recognise that there is still much work to be done as the Niger Delta region continues to face significant development challenges and we must work together to address these issues,” he said.

    While appreciating the current board and management of the NDDC under Dr Samuel Ogbuku for its exemplary leadership, Aiyedatiwa called for the need to join hands together in utilising its potential to bolster the economy of the region.

    He also commended the commission’s Executive Director of Corporate Services, Sunday Ifedayo Abegunde, for his outstanding contributions to Ondo State’s development.

    “So, I urge the NDDC to continue to improve on its activities, ensuring that projects are tailored to the needs of the communities we serve.

    “Let us work together to unlock the potential of our region, promote economic growth, and enhance the lives of our people. We are partners in progress, unity, and development.”

    Earlier, the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr Ogbuku, affirmed that the commission had undertaken infrastructural projects, mostly with road constructions and rehabilitation to improve accessibility in the Niger Delta region of the country.

    He explained that some of the projects have also reached Ondo state, with different roads constructed for the benefit of the people to connect and boost trade and investments.

    According to him, he has prioritised youth empowerment through training programs, educational scholarships, and capacity-building workshops to equip the local workforce with necessary skills.

    “We are also here to spread the dividends of renewed hope. We have been accountable, and we will be accountable at the end of our tenure.”

    In his sermon titled: ‘Accountability’, Rev Dr Simon Oluwole Borokini, Archbishop of the Akure Anglican Communion, said the 25th anniversary of the NDDC is like giving an account of stewardship and performance over the years.

    Borokini noted that the instruments that established the commission were in response to long-standing agitation by Niger Delta Committees for Development and Equitable Distribution of Oil Wealth.

    “Your mandate, among others, is to facilitate the rapid, even sustainable development of the Niger Delta into a region that is economically prosperous, socially stable, ecologically regenerating, and politically peaceful.

    “We are proud to say, based on what we have seen around, that over the years we have noticed your impact in infrastructural development, water, sanitation, education, health, environmental immunization, youth empowerment, job creation, and support for small-scale businesses and entrepreneurship in our region,” he said. 

  • Ondo ‘ll partner investors to achieve world-class tourism sector – Aiyedatiwa

    Ondo ‘ll partner investors to achieve world-class tourism sector – Aiyedatiwa

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has disclosed the commitment of his administration to transforming the state’s cultural and eco-tourism into world-class attraction.

    Aiyedatiwa, who highlighted some of the potentials abound in the state, also emphasised the need to showcase Ondo’s rich cultural heritage to boost its economy.

    Speaking on Saturday while receiving members of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) led by the President, Hajia Bolaji Mustapaha, in Akure, the governor explained that the state was poised to unlock Nigeria’s potential by creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.

    He explained that his government had been working tirelessly to improve the state’s infrastructure, security, and business environment as part of a broader vision to attract both local and foreign investors to the state.

    The governor also acknowledged his administration’s determination to improve access routes and hospitality infrastructure, suggesting that a strong strategic effort was already on the ground to boost the tourism and economic development of the state.

    READ ALSO: Why I abandoned law to pursue acting – Femi Adebayo

    “For people to come to our state, we need to ensure safety, functional infrastructure, and a welcoming atmosphere. This, we have been working on since we came on board.

    “We have moved from isolated access to regional connectivity. Our roads and airport are being upgraded to support our vision for tourism-driven growth,” Mr Aiyedatiwa said.

    He, however, commended the NATOP team for choosing the state as part of their national familiarization tour, pledging his government support for such initiatives.

    Remaking, the President of NATOP, Mrs Mustapha, applauded the serene, friendly, and secured environment of the state while commending Governor Aiyedatiwa’s passion towards the welfare of people of the state.

  • Ondo Assembly clears Aiyedatiwa’s commissioner-designates

    Ondo Assembly clears Aiyedatiwa’s commissioner-designates

    Members of the Ondo State House of Assembly have cleared 15 out of the 16 commissioner nominees sent by Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa for confirmation into the State Executive Council (SEC). 

    Recall that Aiyedatiwa had on June 13 forwarded a list of 12 commissioner-designates to the House of Assembly for confirmation. 

    A week later, on June 22, the governor also nominated an additional four commissioners to the assembly. 

    Those cleared by the state lawmakers are: Sunday Olajide, Amidu Takuro, Olaolu Akindolire, Igbekele Ajibefun, Seun Osamaye, Adewale Akinlosotu, Ayodele Akande, Tob Loko, and Idowu Ajanaku. 

    Others are: Johnson Alabi, Segun Omoyofunmi, Bola Ademuwagun, Leye Akinola, Banji Ajaka and Adesoji Afolabi. 

    The Nation reports that the nominees had earlier appeared before the House of Assembly’s Selection Committee for screening. 

    Presenting the report of the Selection Committee at the plenary on Tuesday, the Assembly Deputy Speaker, Ololade Gbegudu, said that the nominees were found to be competent, experienced and well exposed to serve as commissioners in the state executive council. 

    In a unanimous vote, the lawmakers confirmed the commissioner nominees.

    Remarking, the Assembly Speaker, Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji, congratulated the commissioner-designates for 

    Oladiji called on the nominees to work with the Aiyedatiwa in enhancing the delivery of dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

    He, however, revealed that the 16th commissioner nominee, Ayorinde Olawoye, was unavoidably absent during the screening but would be confirmed at a later date.

  • Aiyedatiwa promises to relocate Owo Memorial Park

    Aiyedatiwa promises to relocate Owo Memorial Park

    Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has promised that the government will build a new memorial park for victims of the June 5, 2022 terror attack on St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo. 

    Aiyedatiwa spoke on Friday after an expansive meeting held with religious leaders in the state in Akure.  

    The memorial park built by the immediate former Governor, late Rotimi Akeredolu, was demolished last weekend. 

    The demolition has since generated reactions and divergent views. 

    At the meeting held inside the Cocoa Conference Hall of the government office in Akure, Aiyedatiwa said he has already set up a team of government officials to liaise with stakeholders to make arrangement in building a new memorial park. 

    The Governor explained that the new location must be a place within the Owo community that would also be acceptable to all parties involved, most especially to the church and the people of Owo. 

    READ ALSO; NDLEA takes anti-drug abuse campaign to Lagos streets

    He told the religious leaders, who were led by the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Jude Arogundade; Bishop of Owo Diocese, Steven Fagbemi; and the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) represented by his deputy, Ayodeji Komolafe, that religion and culture must coexist peacefully. 

    The Governor, however, underscored the need to find a balance between culture and religion, saying it was what prompted demolition of the Memorial Park to make way for a new one that will not cause any communal crisis. 

    He warned all parties involved and critics of the demolition to refrain from inciting languages and narratives that could lead to a breakdown of law and order in the community.

    Remarking on behalf of other religious leaders, Arogundade said the crisis that followed the demolition was unnecessary.

    He added that the church has accepted the decision to relocate the Memorial Park and will give support to the committee that will find a suitable location for a new cenotaph.

    The bishop further stressed that Owo community has been accommodating to the Catholic Church for decades as the first church to settle in the town. 

    He promised that the church leaders would continue to accord the culture of Owo, the stool of the Olowo and the Olowo-in-Council, the respect they deserved. 

    The controversies trailing the demolition of the Memorial Park in Owo may have been laid to rest with the meeting as the religious leaders accepted and pledged support for the relocation of the cenotaph to another site. 

  • Niger Deltans hail Aiyedatiwa over Ajanaku’s nomination

    Niger Deltans hail Aiyedatiwa over Ajanaku’s nomination

    Niger Deltans living in Lagos has expressed appreciation to Ondo State Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for the nomination of Mr. Idowu Ajanaku as a Commissioner.

    In a congratulatory message signed by Comrade Joseph Evah and Chief Andrew Elijah on behalf Niger Deltan community in Lagos, they saluted the foresight of the governor for engaging an experienced media and a strategic bridge builder in his cabinet..

    “Beyond the wealth of experience from Lagos State government as a former senior adviser, the public affairs strategist was working behind the scenes to achieve  peace among the ethnic groups especially between nigerdeltans and yorubas.

    Read Also: Nigeria opens door to new economy as Tinubu signs landmark tax reform laws

    “We still remember how Mr. Idowu made it possible for Niger Deltans living Lagos to pay a condolence visit to  President Bola  Ahmed Tinubu at his Ikoyi residence when he lost his beloved mother about 10 years ago. The event was historic because the  president was already booked for another engagement and left home with his convoy but stopped the convoy half-way and returned  to his residence on sighting the large  crowd and received the Niger Delta delegation mostly elderly men and women led by Comrade joseph Evah who came to mourn with him over the death of his mother. “

    The statement further said: “We are proud that Ondo state is part of the Niger Delta coastal states within the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Family.”

  • Why I demolished Memorial Park, by  Aiyedatiwa 

    Why I demolished Memorial Park, by  Aiyedatiwa 

    Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has clarified that the demolition of the memorial park built in honour of victims of the June 2, 2022 terror attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo, was due to unresolved issues surrounding the ownership of the land on which it was situated.

    In a statement released on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, the governor emphasized that the action was not intended as a sign of disrespect to the memory of the victims.

    Aiyedatiwa said the decision followed consultations with the Olowo-in-Council, and was aimed at preserving the cultural heritage of the Owo community.

    He assured that the state government remains committed to honouring the victims and supporting their families, while also working toward finding a more suitable and permanent way to memorialize them.

    “Aside from the official complaints from the Palace of the Olowo, there have also been protests by various segments of the people of Owo against the location of the Memorial Park, as it was said to be against the culture of the land to site a cenotaph at the heart of the town and in front of the palace.

    “Although no bodies were buried at the site, it was constructed in the replica image of a cemetery, complete with insignia of the dead and inscriptions of the names of all the victims. This, the Olowo-in-Council and the people of Owo frowned upon and protested against as a taboo,” Aiyedatiwa said. 

    Explaining further, the governor ssid the land where the memorial park was located legally belongs to AgroMore Limited – a company owned by the Olowo of Owo, Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye, before his ascension of the throne.

    He revealed that the land was initially acquired by the government in 2010 but was re-allocated to its original owner in 2021 under the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s administration. 

    According to him, at the time of constructing the cenotaph, there was no record of official revocation of the land from AgroMore.

    Read Also: Aiyedatiwa reaffirms commitment to food security, distributes 166 fodders choppers 

    He posited that the government later realised the procedural errors made in taking possession of the land for the construction of the cenotaph.

    Reacting to the statement released by the Catholic Diocese Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Jude Arogundade, over the demolition of the cenotaph, Governor Aiyedatiwa said that the letter written by the church negates the cordial relationship of “open channels of communication” established with the religious leaders in the state.

    He said the statement by Arogundade confirmed that protests took place in Owo, stressing that the Bishop failed to mention that the Catholic Diocese never sought an engagement with the state government while trying to douse tension over the protests.

    “There had been ongoing discussions between the Palace of the Olowo and the state government on the possibility of relocating the Memorial Park before the unfortunate demise of the former Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu. 

    “Some former government officials had taken advantage of the then absence of H.E. Akeredolu (due to ill health) to ignore those discussions and rush to complete the cenotaph, which was never commissioned till today.”

    He added, “The engagement between the Olowo-in-Council and the government continued after Governor Aiyedatiwa assumed office. The Governor then directed officials of the Ministry of Infrastructure, the Ministry of Lands and Housing, and the Owo Local Government to revisit the issue to relocate the Memorial Park.

    “After an agreement was reached with the Palace of the Olowo on the relocation of the cenotaph, the state government took the decision to reverse the faulty revocation of the land, returning it to its rightful owner: the Olowo of Owo. It was, therefore, the Olowo of Owo and AgroMore Limited—the rightful owners of the land—that carried out the demolition of the cenotaph, with the approval of the state government.

    “Governor Aiyedatiwa has commissioned a team of government officials to liaise with relevant stakeholders to make arrangements to build a new cenotaph at a location acceptable to the people of Owo.”

  • Strike: Aiyedatiwa approves three-month arrears payment for poly workers

    Strike: Aiyedatiwa approves three-month arrears payment for poly workers

    Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has approved the payment of three months’ arrears of salary being owed striking workers of the state owned Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Owo (RUGIPO), in the state.

    The approval was given yesterday shortly after a meeting between the governor and some union leaders at the government office in Akure over the lingering strike action in the tertiary institutions of the state

    Recall that the staff members of the various institutions under the umbrella of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) had last week wrote a protest letter to Governor Aiyedatiwa, asking for their inclusion in the National Minimum wage structure of the state.

    They JAC, which comprise four tertiary institutions of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko; Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa; University of Medical Sciences, Ondo; and Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, issued a 14-day ultimatum to the governor.

    READ ALSO: Sanwo-Olu at 60

    However, The Nation gathered from government sources at the meeting that the move by governor Aiyedatiwa is a step to end the industrial dispute in the tertiary institutions over agitation to implement the 2024 national minimum wage for the staff members.

    “This move is an intervention by the governor (Aiyedatiwa) to end the labour disputes between the management of the schools and staff of the state institutions.

    “So, with the approval of the three months’ outstanding salary, you would understand that the governor is not resting to ensure the workers in our tertiary institutions get their wages,” he said.

    But speaking on the development, the JAC chairman in the state, Comrade Tayo Ogungbeni, said the approval was belated.

    Ogungbeni recalls that the committee had met with Aiyedatiwa last month, where he gave nod for the approval., insisting that the strike action would continue.

    “The approval is not new. He said it when we met with him on the 4th of May, 2025. So, I’m surprised. We have been on a warning strike since last Thursday. So, nothing can take us back, except we see seriousness from the part of the governor.

    “If he has met with us and promised us certain things and refused to do it, I don’t see any seriousness on his part,” he added.