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Tag: Aiyedatiwa

  • Ajayi urges Aiyedatiwa to seek help in tackling Ondo’s security challenges

    Ajayi urges Aiyedatiwa to seek help in tackling Ondo’s security challenges

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in last year’s election, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, has called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to seek urgent assistance in addressing Ondo State’s escalating security crisis.

    Ajayi criticised Governor Aiyedatiwa’s handling of state affairs, describing it as sluggish and lethargic, which, according to him, reflects the governor’s “ill-preparedness and incompetence” in leadership.

    In a statement issued in Akure, Ajayi expressed concern over the rising cases of kidnapping, banditry, and killings in the state, warning that the situation is deteriorating. 

    He noted that while security challenges in Ondo were not new, saying that previous administrations effectively managed them to prevent a full-blown crisis.

    He lamented that the security gains achieved under the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu had been eroded. 

    According to Ajayi, Akeredolu’s administration had implemented a strategic security plan that helped curb criminal activities, but those efforts have since been neglected.

    According to him, “Today, the people of Akure felt that they have had enough of this ugly development, they invaded the premises of the Government office to express their indignation and frustration over this ridiculous development for which the APC government of Mr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has no answer.

    “I wish to call attention to my campaign manifestoe where I canvassed for new thinking in solving security challenges and urged absolute proactive measures to solving them.

    Read Also: Aiyedatiwa embraces Tinubu’s initiative on rural development

    “The need to take full grip of this crisis cannot be delayed a day longer, I therefore call on the Governor to seek help and take actions that will take Ondo State back from the grip of invading bandits forthwith.

    “The Goverment must as a matter of fact revamp Amotekun immediately and ensure the re-creation of Armed Forest Guards that will police our forests and uproot all invading criminal elements so that peace can reign in our State.

    “Due fact is accorded the fact that Mr Governor takes over a billion naira as security vote, it is time to make the administration of this fund bear results in the interest of the State, we the people do not deserve anything less.”

    “I encourage our people to begin to organise to defend themselves from undue assaults by bandits while we hope that Gov Ayedatiwa will get his acts together soon.”

  • Fresh perspectives, new possibilities: Aiyedatiwa’s path to progress

    Fresh perspectives, new possibilities: Aiyedatiwa’s path to progress

    • By Steve Otaloro

    In the annals of history, transformative leaders have often emerged at critical junctures, willing to challenge the status quo for the betterment of their people. From Nelson Mandela’s fight against apartheid to Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, these figures have reshaped their nations by daring to think differently. Now, as Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa steps into his role as the 10th democratically elected governor of Ondo State, and about to constitute his new cabinet, he stands at a similar crossroads. The time has come for him to inject new blood into his administration and embrace a paradigm shift that could redefine the political landscape of the Sunshine State.

    Since the inception of the Third Republic in Nigeria in 1999, Ondo State has often been characterized by a political merry-go-round, with the same individuals occupying various positions while oscillating between political parties. This phenomenon, known colloquially as “Any Government In Power” (AGIP), has stifled innovation and progress. It is now incumbent upon Governor Aiyedatiwa to break free from this cycle, moving away from the old wine-in-new-bottles approach and instead tapping into the rich potential of fresh, untapped talent.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has set a compelling precedent by assembling a cabinet that includes professionals and youth from diverse backgrounds, regardless of party affiliation. This inclusive approach has begun to yield positive results for Nigeria’s economy, demonstrating the power of collaboration and expertise over mere political loyalty. Governor Aiyedatiwa would do well to heed this example, recognising that the future of Ondo State lies in the hands of those who possess the vision and competence to drive meaningful change.

    Read Also: Nigeria, Brazil seal $1.1bn Green imperative project to boost agriculture

    As a result, Nigeria’s economy is beginning to show signs of improvement, reflecting the positive impact of engaging a broader spectrum of talent. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa would do well to emulate this model, recognizing that the future of Ondo State hinges on his ability to harness the potential of fresh, innovative leaders who can contribute significantly to the state’s development, irrespective of their political affiliations.

    The stakes are high for Governor Aiyedatiwa, particularly in light of the challenges posed by opposition parties eager to capitalize on any misstep. The Peoples Democratic Party and others are poised to exploit any weaknesses, armed with a barrage of misinformation and propaganda. To counter this, the governor must adopt a proactive stance, ensuring that his administration is comprised of individuals of proven integrity and capability. Appointments should be based on merit rather than only political allegiance, fostering a culture of excellence that can withstand scrutiny and criticism.

    As he embarks on this journey, Governor Aiyedatiwa must remember the weight of expectation that rests on his shoulders. Winning all 18 local government areas in the recent elections—a feat now famously dubbed “18-0”—is both a mandate and a challenge. The people of Ondo State have placed their trust in him, and he owes it to them to deliver on the promise of democracy. This is not the time for complacency or for pandering to the political elite; rather, it is a moment to empower a new generation of leaders who can contribute meaningfully to the state’s development.

    History is watching, and the legacy of Governor Aiyedatiwa will be defined by the bold decisions he makes today. He must resist the pressure to conform to outdated practices and instead prioritize the recruitment of capable men and women who can help him navigate the complexities of governance. By doing so, he will not only secure his legacy but also fortify the future of our party beyond 2028.

    In closing, let us encourage Governor Aiyedatiwa to embrace this opportunity for change with courage and conviction. The path to progress is often fraught with challenges, but it is through decisive action and innovative thinking that true transformation occurs. As he sets forth on this journey, may he remain steadfast in his commitment to the people of Ondo State, ensuring that their hopes and dreams are realized under his leadership. The time for change is now; let it begin with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. •Otaloro is the media officer of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Ondo State.

  • Aiyedatiwa embraces Tinubu’s initiative on rural development

    Aiyedatiwa embraces Tinubu’s initiative on rural development

    Ondo State Government said it has embraced and begun implementation of President Bola Tinubu’s initiative to drive rural development through electricity.

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa stated this when he inaugurated the Steering Committee for the implementation of the e-HEART Initiative.

    Aiyedatiwa explained that the e-HEART Initiative was in partnership with the Federal Government and the private sector to enhance the use of electricity in various sectors, including health, education, agriculture and transport to drive development.

    He said the committee was expected to midwife the implementation of the initiative in the state.

    Governor Aiyedatiwa said Ondo State was one of the first states in the country to embrace and implement the initiative to drive rural development through electricity.

    Read Also: The case for a Tinubu second term

    The Ondo Governor said the programme was specifically and deliberately set up to cater for the welfare of rural dwellers across the state.

    He said: “With States now empowered to generate and regulate electricity in their domain, Ondo is already taking steps towards improving power supply to its people.

     “The committee is to come up with a good template that will drive the implementation of the initiative.”

     Chairman of the Committee and Special Adviser to Aiyedatiwa on Power, Johnson Alabi, said the e-HEART programme was an initiative promoted by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to enhance sustainable electricity in rural areas.

    Alabi noted that the initiative would be funded at the ratio of 60:30:10 by the partners.

  • Aiyedatiwa embraces Tinubu’s move to enhance rural development 

    Aiyedatiwa embraces Tinubu’s move to enhance rural development 

    Ondo State Government said it has begun implementation of President Bola Tinubu’s initiative to drive rural development through electricity.

    It said it was part of its efforts to enhance governance and policy implementation in various sectors.

     Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa stated this when he inaugurated the Steering Committee for the implementation of the e-HEART Initiative. 

    Aiyedatiwa explained the e-HEART Initiative was in partnership with the Federal Government and the private sector to enhance the use of electricity in various sectors, including health, education, agriculture and transport to drive development.

    He said the committee was expected to midwife the implementation of the initiative in the state.

    Aiyedatiwa said Ondo State was one of the first States to embrace and implement the initiative to drive rural development through electricity. 

    The Ondo Governor said the programme was specifically and deliberately set up to cater for the welfare of rural dwellers across the state. 

    According to him: “With States now empowered to generate and regulate electricity in their domain, Ondo is already taking steps towards improving power supply to its people.

    “The committee is to come up with a good template that will drive the implementation of the initiative.”

     Chairman of the Committee and Special Adviser to Aiyedatiwa on Power, Engr. Johnson Alabi, said the e-HEART program was an initiative promoted by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to enhance sustainable electricity in rural areas. 

    Alabi, noted that the initiative would be funded at the ratio of 60:30:10 by the partners.

    He described the E-HEART Initiative as a high impact program that would enhance the social economic development of the state. 

  • Another farmer kidnapped as Aiyedatiwa vows to deal with criminals

    Another farmer kidnapped as Aiyedatiwa vows to deal with criminals

    Owner of Daisi Oluyi farms, Mr. Wale Oluyi and his manager have been abducted by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers.

    The gunmen were said to have stormed the farm located near Ogbese, Akure North Local Government Area, at about 11pm on Thursday, shooting sporadically.

    Family sources said the gunmen whisked away Oluyi and his manager.

    It was gathered that the kidnappers are demanding N30 million as ransom payment for their release.

    A close source said friends and family members have begun contributing money to ensure their release.

    The source said the abduction was reported at the Ala Elofosan police station.

    Meanwhile, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has vowed to flush all criminal elements out of the state.

    Aiyedatiwa, who spoke at a critical stakeholders’ meeting in Akure, said his administration would not allow the state to become a haven for criminals.

    The Ondo Governor pledged to uphold the state’s status as the most peaceful in the country.

    He said his administration would deploy all necessary resources to flush out criminals from their hideouts.

    Read Also: Ex-Speaker: Adeleke shuts doors for future grant over £20m alleged misappropriation against Oyetola

    The governor also called on traditional rulers, community leaders and village heads to remain vigilant and collaborate with security agencies.

    He said: “We will not allow Ondo State to become a haven for criminals.

    “While we welcome all law-abiding Nigerians who wish to live and conduct legitimate business here, we will not tolerate individuals disguising themselves as farmers while using our forests as hideouts for illegal activities such as kidnapping and other crimes.

     “Whenever you notice any suspicious movement, alert the security agents immediately. If you see something, say something. Security is a collective responsibility for everyone.”

  • Killings: Aiyedatiwa summons security heads in Ondo

    Killings: Aiyedatiwa summons security heads in Ondo

    Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has summoned heads of security agencies to prevent further attacks on communities in the state.

    This follows last week’s assault by suspected herdsmen on four communities in Akure North Local Government Area, resulting in multiple deaths. 

    Security operatives have been deployed to the area to investigate the cause of the attack.

    Governor Aiyedatiwa, represented by the Commander of the Ondo Amotekun Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, visited affected communities, including Alajido and Sunday Camp, where nine people were killed. 

    He assured residents of immediate security interventions and relief support to ease their suffering.

    Governor Aiyedatiwa urged residents to return to their homes and farms even as he assured them of adequate security of their lives and properties.

    “On behalf of the good people of Ondo State, I commiserate with the affected families. We assure residents and farmers that now that the government is here, we will secure the area and bring the culprits to justice.

    “It is a very unfortunate situation, and we pray such an incident never happens again.”

    Regent of Ademekun in Akure North Local Government, Princess Adelowo Adekemisola, who spoke on behalf of the communities, said, called attention of all security agencies and the government after she was informed about the incident.

    She thanked the state government for iimmediate response.

    Read Also: Aspirant felicitates Aiyedatiwa, deputy on Supreme Court victory

    One of the survivors, a 35-year-old farmer, Samson Joro, who hails from Taraba State, said he was born in one of the farms.

    Joro said he has no where to go with his family.

    “My family and I have nowhere else to go. We really don’t know what happened that day or why they attacked us.

     “At about midnight, we heard gunshots. At first, they were distant, but soon they came closer. Before we realised what was happening, they were here. I heard my neighbour and his wife screaming.

    “It was the herdsmen. By the time they left, we counted nine bodies, including a man and his child,” he lamented.

  • Aspirant felicitates Aiyedatiwa, deputy on Supreme Court victory

    Aspirant felicitates Aiyedatiwa, deputy on Supreme Court victory

    A leading aspirant for the position of state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Dr. Olajide Owoka, has congratulated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Olayide Adelami, on their Supreme Court victory.

    He described the verdict as a divine confirmation of their leadership.

    Read Also: Living in fear of herders and kidnappers

    Owoka said the ruling, which affirmed their election, was a reflection of the people’s will and a major boost to democracy in the state.

    He extended felicitations to the APC family and the entire people of Ondo State, noting that the judgment brought stability to the political landscape.

    Owoka said with the legal hurdles settled, all hands must be on deck to ensure the continued development of the state.

  • Aiyedatiwa pledges modern security equipment to tackle rising insecurity in Ondo

    Aiyedatiwa pledges modern security equipment to tackle rising insecurity in Ondo

    Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has assured residents of his administration’s commitment to equipping security agencies with necessary gadgets and tools to enhance their operations.

    His reassurance comes amid a surge in kidnappings, particularly in the Oba Ile area of Akure South Local Government Area. Just last Saturday, several people were killed in a midnight attack on communities bordering Edo State.

    Speaking to reporters in Akure, Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his dedication to security and development, emphasizing that his administration is actively supporting security outfits to maintain peace and stability across the state.

    According to him, “The protection of lives and property is the primary duty of any government, and that is what our administration is focused on. We have been working tirelessly with all security agencies to ensure that Ondo State remains safe for all residents.

    “Our administration has continued to invest in intelligence gathering, surveillance, and logistics to strengthen security in the state. We are working closely with security agencies to improve response times and ensure the safety of our communities.

    “We recognize that security is a collective responsibility, and we are ensuring that all hands are on deck to keep Ondo State safe. Our government remains committed to ensuring peace and stability in every part of the state,” Aiyedatiwa added.

    Read Also: APC chieftain greets Aiyedatiwa, deputy

    Governor Aiyedatiwa also hailed Tuesday’s Supreme Court judgment, which affirmed his candidacy and his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, Governor Aiyedatiwa.

    He said the verdict proved that the case that was taken before the court by the PDP was frivolous.

     The Ondo Governor expressed joy that they have come to the end of the legal battle. 

    “We just have the believe that at the end of the day justice will be served. This is because we are properly briefed and we believe that the judges will do the right thing and that is exactly what they have done. 

    On his message to Agboola Ajayi, Aiyedatiwa said, “I’ve always been telling them that we should save time and resources and let’s work together for the state and empower the people rather than going through long litigation processes.

    “They should join us and let’s work together and if they have any idea they should bring to the table so that those of us in government can utilize the idea for the development of the land. “

  • Killings: It is not my duty to visit affected communities, says Aiyedatiwa Security Adviser

    Killings: It is not my duty to visit affected communities, says Aiyedatiwa Security Adviser

    Special Adviser on Security Matters to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Gbenga Atiba, has said that it was not his duty to visit communities in Akure North local government area where several persons were killed in a midnight attack last Saturday.

    Atiba said it was the duty of the police to visit the communities.

    Speaking in a radio programme in Akure monitored by The Nation. Atiba said
    reports of the killing were meant to scare the people adding that the incident happened in Edo State.

    According to him: “Some of those who claimed to be community leaders have questionable characters.. They collect money from farmers.

    “Security is everybody’s business. Our people want government to come and build police station in their homes. What are the farmers doing to protect themselves before calling on the government?

    Read Also: Gov Sani breaks ground for 24km first BRT project in northern Nigeria

    “Government’s role is to provide police stations and put officers there. Government gives money to all security agencies in this state every month for them to perform their roles.”

    Reacting to rising kidnap cases especially at the Oba-Ile axis, Atiba described the reports as fake saying the abduction of students of Federal College of Agriculture, Akure(FECA) happened in in Ekiti State and not Ondo State.

    He said, “Anyone who wants to do farming, he or she should be asked what plan he has on security.

    “In advanced countries, where there are sophisticated technologies like internet, farmers usually have drones, firearms and dogs, but our people want government to do everything for them.

    “The people should be cautious of their movements and ensure they withdraw home early and lock their doors.”

  • BREAKING: Supreme Court dismisses PDP case against Aiyedatiwa’s candidacy

    BREAKING: Supreme Court dismisses PDP case against Aiyedatiwa’s candidacy

    The Supreme Court has dismissed the appeal by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the last governorship election in Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi challenging the competence of the joint ticket of Lucky Aitedatiwa and his running mate in the election, Olayide Adelami.

    In a judgment on Tuesday, a five-member panel, presided over by Justice Mohammed Garba, was unanimous in holding that the appeal was without merit and that the appellants lacked the locus standi to query Adelami’s nomination.

    Read Also: Supreme Court reserves judgment in case to determine PDP’s authentic National Secretary

    The court awarded a cost of N8million against the PDP and Ajayi, at N2m each for the four respondents – Adelami, Aitedatiwa, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The PDP and Ajayi had claimed that Adelami presented forged West African Examination Council (WAEC) certificate to INEC and that he equally possessed multiple identities.

    They had prayed the court hold that Adelami was not qualified to contest the election by virtue of the alleged forged certificate and proceed to void the joint ticket on which Aitedatiwa and Adelami contested the election on the platform of the APC.

    Details shortly…