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Tag: Aiyedatiwa

  • Aiyedatiwa unveils ambulances to strengthen emergency medical response in Ondo

    Aiyedatiwa unveils ambulances to strengthen emergency medical response in Ondo

    Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has unveiled a fleet of ambulances for deployment across the state as part of efforts by his administration to enhance healthcare delivery and improve pre-hospital emergency care. 

    Speaking at the flag-off of the State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System in Akure, Aiyedatiwa said the initiative reflects his administration’s commitment to transforming healthcare services in the state.

    Represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, the governor stressed that the new ambulance system would ensure timely assistance for victims of accidents and other life-threatening conditions.

    “Medical emergencies such as road traffic accidents, medical crises, obstetric complications, and other life-threatening situations occur daily. Because they are often unforeseen, many valuable lives are lost due to the absence of timely help.

    “In line with our OUR EASE development agenda, our administration has resolved to tackle these challenges, ensuring that the lives of our people – regardless of status – are preserved from preventable deaths,” he said. 

    Aiyedatiwa noted that the government will bear the cost of transportation to health facilities and treatment of medical emergencies for the first 48 hours through the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System under the Federal Ministry of Health.

    He added that a functional 24-hour call centre has also been established.

    “As part of our commitment to the survival and well-being of our people, the State Emergency Call Center has been reactivated with multi-million-naira communication gadgets for timely emergency reporting and dispatch.

    “This is a functional 24/7 call and dispatch center, and over 100 frontline emergency responders have been trained to effectively handle medical emergencies. The training will be continuous to expose our personnel to modern emergency care techniques,” he added. 

    He lauded the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), private hospital operators, and ambulance owners for partnering with the state to strengthen healthcare delivery.

    Remarking, Director-General of NEMSAS, Hajia Fatima Ciroma, said the scheme would ease the pressure on hospitals by ensuring that patients receive critical care before arriving at health facilities.

    Ciroma noted that the programme includes a fleet of Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances, tricycle (Keke) ambulances, and highly skilled medical personnel who will respond to road accidents, domestic incidents, obstetric emergencies, and other critical conditions.

    She also highlighted the introduction of an enhanced communication system designed to improve coordination among hospitals, emergency responders, and ambulance personnel for prompt intervention.

    The Ondo State Commandant of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Samuel Ibitoye, slauted the initiative as a crucial component of road safety management. 

    He commended the governor for integrating the state into the national emergency medical services framework and for restoring the prominence of the Ondo State Emergency Medical Services Agency (ODEMSA), once a national reference point in emergency care.

  • Infrastructure, public finance take lion’s share as Aiyedatiwa presents N492b 2026 Budget

    Infrastructure, public finance take lion’s share as Aiyedatiwa presents N492b 2026 Budget

    Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has presented a budget estimate of N492,795,667,939 for the 2026 fiscal year to the House of Assembly.

    The presentation comes amid a simmering leadership crisis in the assembly, following an alleged plot to impeach Speaker Olamide Oladiji over accusations of financial mismanagement.

    Twelve lawmakers had last week passed a vote of no confidence in the Speaker, accusing him of diverting N50 million earmarked for a public hearing and mismanaging monthly operational grants.

    But Oladiji dismissed the allegations as a “misplaced priority,” insisting the assembly would not be distracted from its legislative responsibilities, including the amendment and passage of the re-ordered 2025 Appropriation Act.

    Presenting the 2026 Budget proposal tagged: “Budget of Economic Consolidation”, Aiyedatiwa said his administration remained focused on delivering people-centred projects and programmes across the state.

    He said N281.991 billion was proposed for capital expenditure, while N210.804 billion was earmarked for recurrent expenditure.

    A breakdown of sectoral allocations shows infrastructure receiving the highest vote of N131.991 billion (26.80 per cent), followed by public finance with N89.607 billion (18.20 per cent). The health sector is to receive N69.641 billion (14.10 per cent), while education gets N63.878 billion (13.00 per cent).

    Aiyedatiwa said the 2026 spending plan signalled the state’s transition from “restoration to sustained long-term consolidation,” adding that measurable gains recorded in 2025, despite revenue shortfall, would be deepened.

    With a recurrent-to-capital ratio of 42.78 per cent to 57.22 per cent, the governor said the budget reflected his administration’s commitment to transforming the state’s socio-economic landscape.

    “From the allocation above, Mr Speaker, our intention on the infrastructure revolution is clear. We look forward to completing the plethora of ongoing projects across the state as adequate funds have been allocated to them. Rest assured, no project in Ondo State will be left abandoned,” he said.

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    Aiyedatiwa urged lawmakers to give the spending plan thorough consideration, saying his administration was committed to efficient implementation.

    “We anticipate that 2026 will bring significant progress, prosperity and well-being to our citizens,” he added.

    Oladiji hailed the governor for the timely presentation of the budget to the assembly, saying the leadership qualities of Aiyedatiwa were exceptional.

    The Speaker lauded the governor for intervening in the impasse in the House of Assembly, noting that the lawmakers had already put their house in order.

    Oladiji, who assured the governor of an accelerated passage of the 2026 budget proposal, urged Ministries, Departments and Agencies involved in the execution and implementation of the budget to redouble their efforts, to ensure outstanding success.

  • Infrastructure, public finance take lion’s share as Aiyedatiwa presents N492bn 2026 budget in Ondo

    Infrastructure, public finance take lion’s share as Aiyedatiwa presents N492bn 2026 budget in Ondo

    Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has presented a budget estimate of N492,795,667,939 for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly.

    The presentation came amid a simmering leadership crisis in the Assembly following an alleged plot to impeach the speaker, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, over accusations of financial mismanagement.

    Twelve lawmakers had last week passed a vote of no confidence in the Speaker, accusing him of diverting N50 million earmarked for a public hearing and mismanaging monthly operational grants.

    But Oladiji dismissed the allegations as a “misplaced priority,” insisting the Assembly would not be distracted from its legislative responsibilities, including the amendment and passage of the re-ordered 2025 Appropriation Act.

    Presenting the 2026 budget proposal tagged “Budget of Economic Consolidation,” Aiyedatiwa said his administration remains focused on delivering people-centred projects and programmes across the state.

    He announced that N281.991 billion is proposed for capital expenditure, while N210.804 billion is earmarked for recurrent expenditure.

    A breakdown of sectoral allocations shows infrastructure receiving the highest vote of N131.991 billion (26.80%), followed by public finance with N89.607 billion (18.20%). The health sector is to receive N69.641 billion (14.10%), while education gets N63.878 billion (13.00%).

    Aiyedatiwa said the 2026 spending plan signals the state’s transition from “restoration to sustained long-term consolidation,” adding that measurable gains recorded in 2025 despite revenue shortfall, would be deepened.

    With a recurrent-to-capital ratio of 42.78% to 57.22%, the governor said the budget reflects his administration’s commitment to transforming the state’s socio-economic landscape.

    “From the allocation above, Mr Speaker, our intention on the infrastructure revolution is clear. We look forward to completing the plethora of ongoing projects across the state, as adequate funds have been allocated to them. Rest assured, no project in Ondo State will be left abandoned,” he said.

    Aiyedatiwa urged lawmakers to give the spending plan thorough consideration, assuring that his administration is committed to efficient implementation.

    Read Also: Aiyedatiwa turning Ondo into industrial hub, says Akande

    “We anticipate that 2026 will bring significant progress, prosperity, and well-being to our citizens,” he added.

    Remarking, Rt. (Hon.) Oladiji lauded the governor for the timely presentation of the budget to the assembly, saying the leadership qualities of Aiyedatiwa is exceptional.

    The speaker specifically commended the governor for intervening in the impasse in the House of Assembly, adding that the lawmakers have already put their house in order.

    He reiterated to the state legislature to full performance of their oversight functions to ensure the success and full implementation of the 2026 budget as presented to the House by Governor Aiyedatiwa.

    The Speaker, who assured the Governor of an accelerated passage of the 2026 budget proposal, charged all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies involved in the execution and implementation of the budget to redouble their efforts to ensure outstanding success.

  • Aiyedatiwa turning Ondo into industrial hub, says Akande

    Aiyedatiwa turning Ondo into industrial hub, says Akande

    Former Interim National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande, has said Ondo State is gradually shedding its long-held image as a civil service-dominated state and transforming into an emerging industrial hub under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    Akande, who described the governor as “a true progressive,” expressed delight that the state’s economic redefinition was happening under Aiyedatiwa.

    He spoke at the weekend while praising the governor for hosting the recently- concluded Southwest Summit in Akure, which attracted stakeholders from across the region.

    The two-day summit, held a fortnight ago, was organised by the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, in partnership with the DAWN Commission.

    With the theme: “Strengthening Democracy through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future,” the gathering brought together governors of the six Southwest states, traditional rulers, religious leaders, technocrats and development experts to deliberate on regional growth.

    Stakeholders at the summit supported President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing economic reforms, describing them as necessary steps for long-term stability and prosperity despite short-term challenges.

    Akande described the summit as historic and highly successful, noting that it further showcased President Tinubu’s efforts toward strengthening democratic governance and accelerating development in the Southwest.

    He also commended Aiyedatiwa’s “groundbreaking achievements” across key sectors, particularly the landmark $50 billion investment announced by Backbone Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (BINL) and Sunshine Infrastructure Joint Venture.

    Akande said the investments included plans for a 500,000-barrel-per-day refinery, a 1,471-hectare Free Trade Zone in Ilaje, and a large-scale egg production project in Owo.

    “These investments mark a turning point for job creation, economic growth and energy independence in Ondo State,” he added.

    The APC elder further commended the governor’s inclusive leadership style, noting that Aiyedatiwa had unified the party, while bringing technocrats and seasoned professionals into government.

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    He cited the appointments of Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti as Secretary to the State Government and veteran journalist Idowu Ajanaku as Commissioner for Information and Orientation.

    Akande said the governor had also given youths prominent roles in his administration, citing the appointment of Segun Omoyefunmi as Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, alongside several other youthful aides across ministries and agencies.

    Highlighting achievements recorded during Aiyedatiwa’s less than one year in office, Akande listed the building and rehabilitation of roads, enhanced support for farmers, interventions in the power sector and renovation of health centres and schools as evidence of the administration’s commitment to sustainable development.

    He advised residents, party loyalists and  well-meaning Nigerians to support Governor Aiyedatiwa as he carried out more development-driven initiatives in the state.

  • Aiyedatiwa driving Ondo’s shift to industrial growth, says Akande

    Aiyedatiwa driving Ondo’s shift to industrial growth, says Akande

    Chief Bisi Akande, a former interim national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has stated that Ondo State is gradually shedding its long-held image as a civil service-dominated state and transforming into an emerging industrial hub under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    Akande, who described the governor as “a true progressive,” expressed delight that the state’s economic redefinition is happening under Aiyedatiwa’s leadership.

    He stated this at the weekend while commending the governor for hosting the recently concluded Southwest Summit in Akure, which attracted key stakeholders from across the region.

    The two-day summit, held a fortnight ago, was organised by the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, in partnership with the DAWN Commission.

    With the theme “Strengthening Democracy through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future,” the gathering brought together governors of the six Southwest states, traditional rulers, religious leaders, technocrats, and development experts to deliberate on regional growth.

    Stakeholders at the summit threw their weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing economic reforms, describing them as necessary steps for long-term stability and prosperity despite short-term challenges.

    Akande described the summit as historic and highly successful, noting that it further showcased President Tinubu’s efforts toward strengthening democratic governance and accelerating development in the Southwest.

    He also commended Aiyedatiwa’s “groundbreaking achievements” across key sectors, particularly the landmark $50 billion investment announced by Backbone Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (BINL) and Sunshine Infrastructure Joint Venture.

    Akande also said the investments include plans for a 500,000-barrel-per-day refinery, a 1,471-hectare Free Trade Zone in Ilaje, and a large-scale egg production project in Owo.

    “These investments mark a turning point for job creation, economic growth, and energy independence in Ondo State,” Akande said.

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    The APC elder further commended the governor’s inclusive leadership style, noting that Aiyedatiwa has unified the party while bringing technocrats and seasoned professionals into government.

    He cited the appointments of Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti as Secretary to the State Government and veteran journalist Idowu Ajanaku as Commissioner for Information and Orientation.

    Akande added that the governor has also given young people prominent roles in his administration, citing the appointment of Segun Omoyefunmi as Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, alongside several other youthful aides across various ministries and agencies.

    Highlighting achievements recorded within Aiyedatiwa’s less than one year in office, Akande listed the construction and rehabilitation of roads, enhanced support for farmers, interventions in the power sector, and the renovation of health centres and schools as evidence of the administration’s commitment to sustainable development.

    He advised the residents, party loyalists, and all well-meaning Nigerians to continue supporting Governor Aiyedatiwa as he pursues more development-driven initiatives for the state.

  • Crisis rocks Ondo Assembly over Aiyedatiwa’s N531 billion budget request

    Crisis rocks Ondo Assembly over Aiyedatiwa’s N531 billion budget request

    • Lawmakers split on passage as Speaker faces allegations, impeachment
    • House leader denies crisis
    • PDP, govt trade words over budget

    The Ondo State House of Assembly is currently enmeshed in controversies following Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s submission of a N531 billion ‘Supplementary Budget’ to the parliamentarians for legislative approval.

     The twenty-six lawmakers have been divided, with some rejecting Governor Aiyedatiwa’s proposal and questioning the rationale behind the massive additional request, made barely two months before the end of the fiscal year.

     The supplementary budget, read on the Assembly floor by Clerk Barrister Benjamin Jayeola on November 4, 2025, seeks approval to fund ongoing capital projects and recurrent expenditures, including salaries, pensions, and newly initiated infrastructure projects across the state.

     A copy of the budget document showed that the governor is requesting N531,767,261,000, with N254,448,081,000 earmarked for recurrent expenditure and N277,319,130,000 for capital projects for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025.

     The Nation learnt that the request has sparked discontent among some of the aggrieved Assembly members, who accused the executive of poor budget performance and fiscal indiscipline in implementing the 2025 Appropriation Law.

     The development also came as the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and the state government bickered over the N531.7 billion supplementary budget sent to the Assembly for passage by the governor.

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     12 lawmakers pass vote of no confidence on Assembly Speaker

     Deepening the crisis, 12  out of the 26 lawmakers have voted against the move to pass the supplementary budget and also passed a “Vote of No Confidence” on the Assembly Speaker,  Olamide Oladiji, for moving to pass the appropriation bill.

    They are: Hon Jide Oguntodu (Akure South I), Hon Temitope Akomolafe (Ifedore), Hon Fatai Atere (Akoko North/ West I), Hon Toyin Japhet (Akoko North

    East), Hon Raymond Daodu (Akoko South West I), Hon Samuel Ifabiyi (Odigbo I), Hon Babatunde Fasonu (Odigbo II),

    Others are: Hon Oluwatosin Ogunlowo ( Idanre), Hon Afe Felix (Akoko North/ West II), Hon Nelson Akinsuroju (Ile Oluji/Oke-Igbo), Rt Hon Akinruntan

    Abayomi (llaje I) and Hon Stephen Abitogun (Akure South II).

     However, the 12 aggrieved lawmakers in a resolution issued on Friday invoked Section 92(4)(c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the legislature to remove a Speaker for acts deemed to undermine public trust or violate official responsibilities.

     The aggrieved lawmakers alleged that the Speaker, Olajide, committed two major financial infractions, including the diversion of N50 million allocated for a public hearing and misappropriation of the Assembly’s monthly operational grants.

     House leadership denies crisis

     But the Majority Leader of the House of Assembly, Hon. Oshati Olatunji, has dismissed the insinuation of any crisis in the parliament.

     Olatunji also denied any knowledge of the impeachment move against the Speaker, Oladiji, noting that there was no topic of discussion at either the plenary sittings or any of the House parliamentary meetings.

     He assured the people of the state of the House’s commitment to people-centred legislation that must ensure the general interest of our people.

     The House leader maintained that “democracy would be regarded as healthy when we sometimes disagree to agree. However, the reason for the disagreement should always be reasonable.”

     He thereafter promised that the House would use its conflict resolution machinery to resolve whatever may have caused this.

     PDP slams budget requests, calls it reckless

     Meanwhile, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned what it called Aiyedatiwa’s reckless attempt to force through a N531 billion supplementary budget barely two months to the end of the fiscal year.

     In a statement signed by its spokesman, Mr Wande Ajayi, the PDP said the new demand follows the governor’s earlier N698.6 billion ‘Budget of Recovery’ for 2025, which allocated 62 per cent to capital expenditure and 38 per cent to recurrent costs.

     The party said, “Shockingly, over N254 billion is earmarked for recurrent spending in less than two months, covering salaries, overheads, and other running costs. A very staggering and reckless allocation that defies financial logic.

    Govt fires back, says budget was only revised, not supplementary

     In a swift response, the state government claimed that what was before the Assembly is not a supplementary budget but a revised and restructured version of the N698.6 billion 2025 Budget of Recovery, which had earlier been duly passed by the Assembly and signed into law by the Governor.

     In a statement released on Friday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Allen Sowore said it was important to set the record straight for the sake of unsuspecting members of the public who might be misled by this “deliberate falsehood” of the PDP.

     “For clarity, what is before the Ondo state House of Assembly is not a supplementary budget. It is a revised and restructured version of the ₦698.6 billion 2025 Budget of Recovery, which had earlier been duly passed by the Assembly and signed into law by the Governor.

     “The review became necessary because some anticipated funds from development partners have yet to materialise, and the fiscal year is fast coming to an end. In line with prudent financial management, the government decided to recalibrate the budget to reflect a more realistic revenue profile and ensure a fairer allocation of state resources across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

  • Anti-graft agency asks Aiyedatiwa to probe alleged job racketeering in Ondo SUBEB

    Anti-graft agency asks Aiyedatiwa to probe alleged job racketeering in Ondo SUBEB

    A private anti-graft agency, the National Zero Corruption Coalition (NZCC), has called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to urgently order a transparent and independent investigation into alleged corruption at the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).

    The call followed revelations of alleged job racketeering involving some senior officials of the board.

    Although the state government has vowed not to spare anyone found culpable in the teaching recruitment scandal.

    According to reports, some candidates who participated in the recently concluded teachers’ recruitment exercise alleged that they paid between N200,000 and N750,000 to secure teaching appointments.

    However, they were later excluded from a biometric verification exercise for newly recruited teachers.

    It was discovered that they had presented forged appointment letters allegedly issued by erring officials of the board.

    While the state government approved the recruitment of 1,100 teachers to fill vacancies in primary schools across the state, the allegations have cast doubt on the integrity of the process, prompting calls for a full-scale probe from candidates, parents, and civic groups.

    But in a statement issued by its chief correspondent, Iniembong Pius, the NZCC said it had carried out and completed a “rigorous, on-ground investigation” into governance and accountability issues within SUBEB.

    The group alleged that its findings showed that the Aiyedatiwa administration was shielding some politicians implicated in the recruitment fraud.

    “Our investigations revealed complacency and collaboration from the high tower of the SUBEB,” the statement read.

    “Staff members interviewed – who pleaded anonymity for fear of reprisals – confirmed that some top officials have been shielded from prosecution despite overwhelming evidence.”

    The coalition urged Governor Aiyedatiwa to ensure that all officials and politicians found culpable face the full weight of the law.

     It further recommended that the government should conduct a transparent and independent investigation into all corruption allegations linked to SUBEB and related agencies.

    “Ensure that any public official, regardless of rank, found guilty faces appropriate sanctions and strengthen whistle-blower protection and oversight mechanisms to prevent future abuses.

    “The people of Ondo State deserve a government that is accountable, transparent, and intolerant of corruption,” the statement added. “NZCC remains committed to monitoring progress and holding public officials to the highest standards of integrity.”

    The group, however, commended the governor for ongoing infrastructural projects and improved public confidence in his administration, while noting that Ondo remains largely an APC stronghold with a vibrant opposition.

    When contacted, the state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Idowu Ajanaku, confirmed the discovery of the job racketeering, saying an investigation is ongoing.

    “Mr Governor (Aiyedatiwa) did not spare anyone in the SUBEB job scandal. The officials involved have faced the disciplinary panel and were punished accordingly.

    “If any politician was involved, such a person would also be dealt with. The Aiyedatiwa administration has zero tolerance for corruption,” Ajanaku said.

    The Nation had reported that three SUBEB officials have so far been disciplined for their alleged involvement in the scandal after being found to have connived with outsiders to defraud applicants.

    A statement by the governor’s spokesman, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, confirmed that the government had taken disciplinary action against those indicted.

  • Ondo residents protest ‘abandoned’ Ijoka road, seeks Aiyedatiwa urgent intervention

    Ondo residents protest ‘abandoned’ Ijoka road, seeks Aiyedatiwa urgent intervention

    Aggrieved residents of Ijoka, in the Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Monday, took to the streets to protest the deplorable state of the Ijoka/Ijo Mimo access road.

    The protesters, who trooped out in the early hours of the day, blocked the entrance to the Ijoka road, lamenting that it had become completely unmotorable and a source of daily hardship for commuters and residents.

    Chanting anti-government songs, the demonstrators decried what they described as the government’s neglect of the area, noting that the poor condition of the road had caused several accidents and worsened living conditions for those in the community.

    One of the residents, Ayanfe Adeyemi, said the road had been abandoned for about four years under the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    “For the past three to four years, it has been the worst experience so far. Whether during the rainy season or the dry season, you can’t enjoy this road,” Adeyemi lamented.

    He added: “I have something to do at the farm this morning, but I’m happy this is happening, even though it’s affecting my business. The truth is, we have governments that are irresponsible and unaccountable.

    “They can’t abandon a road like this and expect people to be happy. If we have elections tomorrow, the ballot box will still get here. It doesn’t make sense.

    “We are giving them one week. If they don’t bring tractors back here, people will return to the streets and say enough is enough. We can’t continue like this.”

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    Ayanfe added that residents and business owners spend heavily on vehicle repairs due to the bad road, while government officials pass the same route in luxury vehicles without concern.

    Another protester, Oni Alade, said traders in the area are suffering as they struggle to transport goods between the market and their homes.

    “We are the people who voted for this government. I trekked almost five miles to vote for Aiyedatiwa as governor. Please, he should pity us and help complete this road. We are suffering,” She said. 

    Chairman of Akure South Local Government, Hon. Gbenga Fasua, who ran into the crowd, assured them that the Aiyedatiwa administration had not abandoned the road project.

    He explained that efforts were ongoing to fix the Ijoka road and promised that work would resume soon.

     “The government is aware of your plight and is making efforts to address it. I can assure you that something urgent will be done soon,” Hon. Fasua said.

    The Nation gathered that the Ijoka road dualisation project was among the major infrastructure projects initiated by the administration of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

  • Aggrieved youths storm Aiyedatiwa’s office

    Aggrieved youths storm Aiyedatiwa’s office

    Aggrieved youths from Irekari Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State have stormed the Governor’s Office in Akure to protest the deplorable condition of roads and lack of social amenities in their communities.

    The protesters lamented the absence of hospitals, electricity and other basic infrastructures in the four towns that make up the LCDA – Afo, Imeri, Idogun and Idoani.

    Armed with placards bearing inscriptions such as “Mr Governor, We Are Suffering”, “Irekari is Part of Ondo State”, “No Road, No Bank, No Light” and “No Hospital, No Court, No Road”, the youth decried years of neglect and marginalisation of the community by the state government.

    Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Mr. Adewumi Adekola expressed concern about the worsening condition of roads linking the communities, noting that many residents had died due to the delay in accessing medical facilities in Owo.

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    He cited a recent incident involving a reverend father, who reportedly died while being taken to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, through a road that should ordinarily take less than 30 minutes to travel on, but now takes about two hours.

    Addressing the protesters, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Smart Omodunbi Jr., assured them that their grievances would be addressed.

    He said: “I want to assure you that your letter will be delivered to the governor, who is already aware of your presence here. He has directed that relevant officials visit your communities and take immediate action.

    “I commend you for your peaceful conduct. The governor is passionate about youth-related issues and will ensure your demands receive prompt attention.”

  • Aiyedatiwa, PDP clash over support for Tinubu’s re-election bid in Ondo

    Aiyedatiwa, PDP clash over support for Tinubu’s re-election bid in Ondo

    Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have clashed over allegations that the governor donated N100 million of public funds to the Tinubu Support Group (TSG) to mobilise support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid across the 18 local government areas of the state.

    In a statement issued at the weekend by its spokesman, Wande Ajayi, the PDP accused Aiyedatiwa of using state resources to promote personal political interests, describing the alleged donation as a “reckless abuse of public trust.”

    According to the opposition party, the funds were allegedly channelled to two of Aiyedatiwa’s political allies – a former minister and an ex-commissioner from the Central and Southern senatorial districts – ahead of the next general election.

    “At a time when Adekunle Ajasin University lecturers have downed tools, hospitals are inhabitable and public schools are costlier than private, the governor is busy throwing N100 million at political loyalists,” the statement read.

    “It is scandalous that a government that cannot provide water in rural communities, equip hospitals, or reopen its universities can suddenly find N100 million to fund a political project,” the PDP said, accusing the governor of prioritising politics over public welfare.

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    The party challenged Aiyedatiwa to publish a detailed record of government expenditure, insisting that transparency and accountability must take precedent over “political indulgence funded with taxpayers’ money.”

    However, Governor Aiyedatiwa dismissed the allegation, describing the PDP as a “dead party.”

    In a statement by his Special Assistant on New Media, Sunday Abire, the governor said the opposition’s claim was baseless and intended to distract his administration.

    “For the record, TSG is a group of personalities in the state who can wilfully donate resources to promote President Tinubu’s vision,” he said.

    “Let’s even agree their jejune allegation of N100 million is true – TSG has over a hundred members who can contribute a million naira each without troubling the governor. It’s pitiable that the PDP finds news value in such a baseless claim,” the governor added.

    Aiyedatiwa advised the PDP spokesman to “focus on mending the torn umbrella of his party, rather than chasing social media relevance through trending political events.”