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  • Aiyedatiwa proposes N655bn budget for 2025

    Aiyedatiwa proposes N655bn budget for 2025

    Ondo state governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has proposed to spend the sum of N655,230,100.00 for the 2025 fiscal year.

    The 2025 budget proposal is N193bn higher than the 2024 budget of N492.045,000.

    The capital expenditure proposed for the 2024 budget was N246.73bn while the proposed recurrent expenditure was N245.3bn.

    Speaking at the presentation of the 2025 budget before the Ondo State House of Assembly, Governor Aiyedatiwa said the 2024 recurrent expenditure posted a performance of N156.7bn while capital expenditure posted a performance of N49.96bn.

    Governor Aiyedatiwa said the poor capital expenditure for 2024 was caused by what he termed ‘very prohibitive inflationary pressure.’

    Christened Budget of Recovery, Governor Aiyedatiwa said the 2025 estimate was prepared after a very deep analysis of the world economic outlook as well as the implications for the national economy and the state.

    Governor Aiyedatiwa said 62% of the 2025 budget estimate representing N406.3bn was allocated to capital expenditure while 38% representing N248.9bn was allocated for recurrent expenditure.

    Aiyedatiwa said N7bn was proposed for upgrading health facilities across the state while N370m was proposed for the free school shuttle bus services.

    According to him, “The above allocation is an eloquent testimony of our avowed commitment to transforming the socio-economic landscape of the State.  Agriculture would be approached in an integrated manner in order to ensure food security in the State.

    “Smallholder farmers would be assisted with inputs, particularly improved seedlings, to ensure that yield per hectare is substantially increased.

    Read Also: Group hails Aiyedatiwa for transparency in candidate selection 

    “Our intention on infrastructure revolution is clear.  Most of the roads constructed during the times of Chief Adefarati and Dr. Olusegun Agagu (both of blessed memory) are already in deplorable condition.  Therefore, an urgent revolution, tagged “Road Restore” will commence in the 2025 fiscal year.  Furthermore, we will continue to install solar street lights on our roads such that in a few years, we will completely “Light up” Ondo State.

    “Moreover, producing secondary school pupils without life skills is a recipe for disaster.  We want to be producing entrepreneurs, innovators, tech-merchants, and job creators from our secondary schools.  At least, three of such model secondary schools will be constructed in 2025.

    “All these lofty ideas will not detract us from completing the plethora of ongoing projects across the State as adequate funds have been allocated to all of them.  There shall be no abandoned projects in the State.”

  • Group hails Aiyedatiwa for transparency in candidate selection 

    Group hails Aiyedatiwa for transparency in candidate selection 

    The National Association of Ikale Students (NUIKAS), has praised Ondo state governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, and other party stakeholders for their progressive and transparent approach to selecting Hon. Andrew Ogunsakin as candidate for Okitipupa local government chairman.

    This is just as Comr. Akingbehin Daniel Gbenga, the President of NUIKAS, in a statement congratulated Hon. Andrew Ogunsakin who was announced as the consensus candidate for the position of chairman of Okitipupa local government.

    Akingbehin lauded the decision-making process, describing it as a testament to unity, inclusiveness, and a shared vision within the party.

    Highlighting Ogunsakin’s qualities, he emphasised that he possesses the core functions of a good local government administrator, including the ability to effectively manage resources, promote grassroots development, and foster participatory governance.

    He urged him to focus on grassroots development, infrastructural advancement, and the empowerment of local communities. 

    He emphasised that these areas are critical for the sustainable growth of Okitipupa local government and align with the expectations of the people.

    Read Also: ‘What gave Aiyedatiwa victory’

    He further called on other aspirants to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship by supporting Ogunsakin for the collective good of the party and the community. 

    “This is a time for us to demonstrate unity and solidarity. The strength of our party lies in our ability to work together for the common good. With this alignment, we can achieve monumental progress for Okitipupa Local Government,” he said.

    He expressed optimism about prospects that lie ahead for Okitipupa under his  leadership.

  • Aiyedatiwa leads walks on HIV/AIDs awareness

    Aiyedatiwa leads walks on HIV/AIDs awareness

    Ondo state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Monday, December 2, led a road walk to help increase awareness of the need to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

    The road walk was also to mobilise support for people living with the virus.

    Governor Aiyedatiwa led the road walk from the Government House, Alagbaka to the MKO Abiola Democracy Park.

    Addressing the participants, Governor Aiyedatiwa said his administration was committed to eradicating HIV/AIDS through various interventions.

    He listed the state’s procured HIV test kits for all health facilities and established monitoring and evaluation programmes for family life and HIV education in secondary schools as part of the interventions.

    Governor Aiyedatiwa called for stronger collaboration among civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, and religious groups to achieve the state’s goal of zero new HIV infections by 2030.

    Read Also: Emulate Olukoya, Tinubu, Aiyedatiwa, VC urge youths, students

    “As a government of the people, we are committed to the sustainability of HIV prevention in the state. We shall continue to provide enabling environments, social policies, and programmes to facilitate HIV/AIDS prevention,” he said.

    The walk was attended by NGOs, civil society organisations, members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), students, and other stakeholders.

  • Emulate Olukoya, Tinubu, Aiyedatiwa, VC urge youths, students

    Emulate Olukoya, Tinubu, Aiyedatiwa, VC urge youths, students

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Professor Adenike Oladiji Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Akure, have called on youths and students to emulate the General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Dr Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, for his giant strides in academic excellence and the positive marks he has made.

    Tinubu, Aiyedatiwa and Oladiji made this known after the conferment of Honorary Doctorate  of Management Science Award  on Olukoya during the combined 34th and 35th Convocation ceremony of Federal University of Technology (FUTA).

    Tinubu, who was represented by Professor Wahab Egbewole, Vice Chancellor, University of Ilorin, commended Olukoya for his huge investment in education and uplift of society, especially the area of putting smiles on faces of the downtrodden. 

    He stressed that the award conferred on Olukoya is well deserved, having served as a mentor and role model.

    According to him: ” Professor Olukoya’s investment in education and upliftment of the society is highly commendable, hence people should emulate him. He serves as a mentor and role model .His passion for lifting the downtrodden is great”

    Aiyedatiwa said  many lives have been transformed through constant support support Olukoya is giving to humanity as an individual and through MFM.

    Ayedawati said the construction of Microbiology Laboratory in FUTA by Olukoya,  giving  Scholarship to students and monetary rewards to First Class  students from different Tertiary institutions accross the world will motivate the youths to aspire to reach the peak of their careers and become useful to the society.

    His words: “People should look at Olukoya as example in terms of academics and other aspects of life.The award conferred on the General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries by FUTA is well deserved because of all that he is doing to transform lives positively as an individual and through his Ministries.  Olukoya renders selfless services to humanities in place of prayers, mentoring and in other aspects of life. “

    Speaking on why Olukoya was given  Honourary Doctorate of Management Science, the Vice Chancellor FUTA Professor Oladiji said the institution has noted Olukoya’s contributions to humanity as well as his contributions to FUTA through schorlarships and building of a Microbiology Laboratory to improve quality of graduates from the institution. 

    Oladiji, stressed that Olukoya’s life is committed to ensuring others are happy.

    She commended Olukoya’s human and capital development. She commended the General Overseer for his support to Science and Technology in different universities. 

    Olukoya thanked  FUTA for the honour. He said touching  lives  positively physically and spiritually gives him joy.

    He added that the purpose for existence is to add positive values to others.

    Olukoya was best graduating student from Methodist Boys’s High School before bagging a First Class in Microbiology  from University of Lagos. 

    In 2024, Olukoya gave monetary rewards to 492  First class students apart from his constant full schorlarships to students.

  • Ologbese hails Aiyedatiwa on success of Global Entrepreneurs Festival

    Ologbese hails Aiyedatiwa on success of Global Entrepreneurs Festival

    Ondo State Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, Boye Ologbese, has hailed Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for the successful hosting of Global Entrepreneurs Festival in Akure.

    The three-day event brought together entrepreneurs, stakeholders and representatives from the diaspora, highlighting Ondo State’s vast potential and establishing Akure as a business and tourism hub on the global map.

    At the end of the festival, Ologbese praised Ayedatiwa for his visionary leadership, which ensured the seamless execution of the event.

    ‘’The governor’s emphasis on peace and security throughout the festival created a conducive environment for participants and visitors, showcasing Ondo State as a stable and welcoming destination for investment and tourism.’’

    The commissioner expressed gratitude to Dr. Francis Summy Smart, the Special Assistant on Entrepreneurship, for his efforts in coordinating the festival.

    Smart’s commitment to promoting and empowering local entrepreneurs was instrumental in the event’s success.

    Ologbese said the festival further solidified Ondo State’s position as a growing centre for entrepreneurial excellence, while highlighting Akure’s potential as a premier tourism destination.

    A key focus of the festival was showcasing Akure’s rich cultural heritage and tourism opportunities.

    He said Ondo State diaspora was ready to support the state’s development, particularly in establishing Akure as a global tourism destination.

    “Akure is more than just the capital of Ondo State; it is a city rich in culture, talent and opportunities,” Ologbese said.

    Read Also: Aiyedatiwa urged to develop Araromi Seaside as tourists centre

    “The Global Entrepreneurs Festival provided an excellent platform to demonstrate that Akure is ready to welcome the world.”

    The city features a variety of tourist attractions, including historical landmarks, natural wonders, and a vibrant arts scene. These attributes were prominently showcased during the festival, sparking interest among both local and international attendees.

    Under the leadership of Governor Ayedatiwa, Ologbese and the Ministry of Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations are championing innovative initiatives to engage the diaspora community. One such project is the development of a Diaspora Smart City tagged Green economy initiative in Akure, Ondo State. ( a mini Dubai in Akure).

  • Aiyedatiwa, deputy, present certificate of return to President Tinubu

    Aiyedatiwa, deputy, present certificate of return to President Tinubu

    Newly re-elected Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and his deputy, Olayide Adelami, on Tuesday presented their certificates of return to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.

    Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his support and for ensuring a level playing field during the state election.

    Accompanied by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, and Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, Aiyedatiwa praised the APC’s sweeping victory across all 18 local government areas in the state.

    Addressing reporters, Aiyedatiwa said: “Yes, coming here today to meet with the president is to express my gratitude to him as the leader of the country and of our party for providing enabling environment for everyone, a level playing ground, and also as leader of our party, to present my certificate of return to him. 

    “Having gone through the election, and with the outcome that I returned myself and the deputy with an unprecedented figure that no governor in Ondo State election has ever gotten, and they spread also across the 18 local government of the state.”

    Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude to the people of Ondo State for voting en masse for the ruling party.

    He lauded Civil Society Organisations, the security agencies media and all stakeholders for their roles during the November 16th, Ondo State governorship election.

    “So both of us, they myself and the deputy guy wherever went, with joy, with gratitude.

    So the good people of Ondo State, the leadership of our party, my brother, governors, the media as well, for reporting. 

    “You know, having a balanced reporting of the entire activity, the observer, the CSO and everyone including the critical stakeholders that were on ground during the election, the security agencies, everyone played their their role, and we had a very, very credible, transparent and conclusive election. So I am so glad.”

    Read Also: Aiyedatiwa urged to develop Araromi Seaside as tourists centre

    Speaking on his plans for the state, he expressed his readiness to positively impact all aspects of the society.

    “Good governance, of course, and that is what I have to give to the people, good governance for them to have dividend of democracy touching every sector of the society. And that is exactly what we’re doing. Don’t forget that I’m not just coming in as a fresher, I’m a sitting governor who has been at the Service of the state for the past 10 months, and the people have seen what we have been able to do within 10 months. One of the reasons they came out en masse to vote for our party,” he said. 

    He called on the opposition parties to join his administration in repositioning the state by presenting their ideas.

    “Well, my advice to the opposition, 

    since he desired to also govern the state, meaning he has an offering, but the people prefer us, so he should join hand with the winning party, with the government. In terms of whatever offering he has, he can still pass them through us so that we can pass it on to the people, so that the people will be the overall winner at the end of the day,” he said. 

    Speaking on the economy, Governor Aiyedatiwa called for more education on the challenges confronting Nigerians.

    He advised Nigerians to seek multiple means of income to tackle current  economic challenges facing the country, an issue identified as global economic crisis.

    “You see, the people of Ondo State, we are not just politically aware, we are also economically aware of the happenings in the country. Yes, it’s true that after the removal of subsidy, there have been some kind of economic challenges, you know, which not only in Ondo State but across the nation.

    “But we are able to educate our people, especially the engagement we had during the August and bad governance protest, you know, that was planned by some group of people in the society. We’re able to engage our people all across and during our campaign, we also let them know that what we’re experiencing now is just for a time that society is not static.

    “You know, we need to deal with and we try to educate our people, that the only thing we need to do now is to look for a way to earn more so that we can meet up with the cost of living,” the Ondo governor said.

  • Aiyedatiwa urged to develop Araromi Seaside as tourists centre

    Aiyedatiwa urged to develop Araromi Seaside as tourists centre

    Traditional religion worshippers in Ondo State have congratulated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on his victory at the governorship election.

    They used the occasion of the celebration of Olokun festival to pray for a successful second term for the governor.

    The adherents appealed to the state government to recognise and develop Araromi Seaside as a tourists centre, being the largest and longest coastal area in Nigeria.

    Read Also: Tinubu hails Q3 GDP growth, vows to improve living standards

    They implored monarchs to do what was right and just while on the throne.

    The traditional worshippers, who celebrated Olokun 2024 Festival at Araromi Seaside, in Ilaje Ese-odo Area of Ondo State, under the leadership of Chief Oso Adewale, the Araba Iwaro Oka Akoko, attracted Isese worshippers all over the state.

    Adewale stressed the importance of celebrating Olokun Festival, noting that all the resources of the world could be found inside the sea.

  • ONDOCIMMA congratulates Aiyedatiwa on election victory

    ONDOCIMMA congratulates Aiyedatiwa on election victory

    The President of Ondo State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ONDOCIMMA), Otunba Olumide Araoyinbo, has hailed the re-election of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa as a well-deserved victory.

     Araoyinbo’s message was contained in a statement he signed and made available to newsmen in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

     The ONDOCIMMA president, who is a former Majority Leader of the state house of assembly, described the victory as a testament to Governor Aiyedatiwa’s exemplary leadership and the acceptance of the All Progressives Party (APC) by the people of the state.

    Read Also: Aiyedatiwa woos investors with attraction package

     While urging the governor to show more interest in the activities of ONDOCIMMA and its members, who he described as the pillars of the economy of the state, Araoyinbo expressed the readiness of the business community in the state to work with the administration of Governor Aiyedatiwa in his desire to further consolidate the achievements of his administration, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, education, and economic growth.

     He urged the governor to remain steadfast in his commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Ondo State.

  • ‘Join hands with Aiyedatiwa to build Ondo’

    ‘Join hands with Aiyedatiwa to build Ondo’

    The initiator of the Abdul Adetunji Foundation, Abdul Adetunji Mohammed (ATM), has called on the opposition parties to join hands with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to build the Sunshine State.

    The politician, who said political parties should come together in the interest of the state, noted that the winner of the Saturday governorship election in Ondo was ready to work with all well-meaning citizens to positively impact the state.

    In a congratulatory message, Mohammed said the election of the governor was well deserved.

    He thanked voters in Akoko North East for backing the candidacy of the Governor-elect.

    Governor Aiyedatiwa pulled a total of 25,657 votes in Akoko North East against the PDP’s candidate who managed just 5,072 votes.

    Read Also: ‘How Aiyedatiwa can unlock Ondo growth potential’

    “We are indeed lucky to have Governor Aiyedatiwa in Ondo State.

    “His victory at the polls shows how popular and accepted he’s in the state. It’s a testament to the people’s acceptance of the Governor’s vision and dedication.

    “We at the Abdul Adetunji Foundation are particularly delighted with his victory. It shows the overwhelming level of his acceptance, not only in Akoko North East but in the entire state.

    “I want to specifically thank the people of Akoko North East, especially the youth for believing in our choice and helping us to elect him.

    “I want to assure them that His Excellency will not take the massive support for granted.

    “The development of Akoko Region, and in fact, the whole of Ondo State remains his priority,” Abdul Adetunji assured.

    The business mogul also called on the opposition parties in the state to accept the outcome of the election in dignity, stressing that they are critical stakeholders in the development of the state and urged them to join hands with Governor Aiyedatiwa in the interest of Ondo state.

  • Ondo FA, industrialists set agenda for Aiyedatiwa

    Ondo FA, industrialists set agenda for Aiyedatiwa

    Ondo State Football Association (FA) and other stakeholders have given an insight into how they want Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to run his administration that will begin next February.

    In their congratulatory messages, some stakeholders advised Aiyedatiwa not to give priority appointment to politicians, but to technocrats.

    Chairman of Ondo FA, Otunba Dele Ajayi, urged Governor Aiyedatiwa to continue his antecedents in discovering and harnessing young talents through sports.

    He said the move had yielded results in all sporting events and lauded Aiyedatiwa for providing the right leadership as well as charting the right direction to follow for youths, for social-economic transformation.

    An industrialist and community leader in Ose Local Government, Bayo Oluyamo, an engineer, advised the governor-elect to set up an action committee of technocrats and professionals, and not politicians.

    He said the committee would give genuine advice for good governance.

    Read Also; I want to put pageantry aside now to prioritise education – Chidimma

    Oluyamo said implementation of the recommendations by the committee would guarantee a great improvement on achievements of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

    In a statement by his media adviser, Gboyega Amoboye, Oluyamo attributed the success of Aiyedatiwa to his honesty of purpose, uniting the people and continuation with the late Akeredolu’s legacy.

    He appealed to Aiyedatiwa not to relax on strengthening the ‘Amotekun’ Corps, to keep Ondo State safe.

    Oluyamo advocated the creation of a road maintenance agency for regular maintenance of roads.

    He said improvements on rural infrastructure, especially feeder roads, would boost agriculture, especially cocoa and food crops.

    He said: “Ondo State has what it takes to become an industrial giant, with bitumen and abundance of limestone for cement factory, paints and glass industry.”

    An hotelier, Mr. Olatunji Jubreel, urged the governor to earn the trust and admiration of the people by providing true leadership.

    He said the landslide victory recorded last Saturday was a testament to the governor’s vision, dedication and commitment to Ondo State’s progress.

    Jubreel said the people opted to choose service, competition and choice over banal patronage.

    He said: “You’ve not only carried the day, but also the hearts of the people.

    “The people of Ondo State have connected with the choice and model of governance and have chosen the accelerated development, where one doesn’t need to know anybody before one gets an opportunity.

    “Ondo people have spoken with their votes, reflecting their desire for progress.

    “I urge the people of Ondo State to support Governor Aiyedatiwa as he directs the affairs of our state in the years ahead.”