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Tag: Akeredolu

  • An avoidable crisis

    An avoidable crisis

    • Akeredolu bows to reason; finally hands over to deputy

    Thankfully, the crisis that nearly engulfed Ondo State has ended peacefully, with the parties allowing the provisions of the 1999 constitution (as amended), to prevail. The ill-health of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu deserves our sympathy and that of all well-meaning Nigerians. Indeed, his service to Ondo State and the country stands him as a statesman, who should be treated with respect and dignity for his contributions to national development.

    Until struck by ill-health, Governor Akeredolu was the leader of the Southwest Governors Forum.

    Before he was elected as a governor, he was a respected past president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). And before and after then, he was one of the finest legal minds that devoted his learning and capacity to progressive causes as a sterling champion of the rule of law and the dignity of the citizens. As governor, he has discharged his responsibilities with competence and candour. He spoke on national issues without fear or favour, and when the people he was elected to govern were threatened by retrogressive forces, he rallied his region to establish the Amotekun Security Corps.

    It would have been sad, if these achievements were sacrificed on the altar of holding on to power, at all cost. An aberration he fought against, as NBA president. In fairness to Governor Akeredolu, on other occasions that he travelled out of the country, he handed power to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, without any fuss, including when he travelled for medical treatment.

     The crisis of confidence started when his deputy was alleged to nurse a subversive hubris was orchestrating a plan to supplant him. An allegation his deputy denied.

    Apparently, at the risk of his health, he returned to Ibadan in Oyo State, instead of Akure, the capital of Ondo State, and regained his governorship position, when he could not effectively discharge the responsibilities. Before that return, his deputy appeared impatient to become a governor. He was fingered as responsible for leaking to the press that Governor Akeredolu was too ill to return to power. Unfortunately, the governor’s immediate and political family compounded the problem by taking matters in their own hands.

    A game that f browbeating erupted between the two camps in an existential duel.

    Read Also: Clark to CJN: correct grave anomalies in judiciary 

    The governor on his return stoked the fire by sacking the media aides of the deputy governor believed to have planted the story about his debilitating ill-health in the media. On his part, the deputy governor dug in and proceeded to obtain a court order to forestall any impeachment process against him, while the state House of Assembly started an impeachment process against the deputy governor. The state became polarised. Those belonging to the deputy governor’s side stoked the fire that he was being maligned because he comes from a certain part of the state. The Nigerian idiosyncrasies of tribe and clan overshadowed a mere issue of the rule of law.

    While the imbroglio lasted, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s détente policy which the parties agreed to, was breached. Now, the parties have agreed to observe the provisions of the First Alteration Act section 190(1) which provides: “Whenever the Governor is proceeding on vacation or is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office, he shall transmit a written declaration to the Speaker of the House of Assembly to that effect, and until he transmits to the Speaker a written declaration to the contrary, the Deputy Governor shall perform the functions of the Governor as Acting Governor.”     

    So, Aiyedatiwa is now the acting governor. He should match his desire with action. While he may be adjudged as impatient, he has declared his intention to work for the peace and unity of the state. He has also acknowledged that the recent crisis was avoidable. We urge him to always bear in mind the frailty of the human frame and the fragility of fate. What happened to his principal, Rotimi Akeredolu, could happen to anyone, and that power, however alluring, is transient. He should not seek vendetta against those who opposed his desire to become the acting governor, and must ensure his supporters observe similar decorum in the interest of peace in the state. He is not the acting governor of a cabal or trust but the conscience of Ondo State, whose people yearn for fruits of gubernatorial labour.

    Ever since the present republic, some deputy governors serving with puffy and unaccommodating governors have had a rough deal. What nearly happened in Ondo, happened during the time of Danbaba Suntai of Taraba State. It happened in Enugu State under Sullivan Chime. At the centre, it happened during the presidency of Umaru Yara’Adua. Perhaps, the lawmakers may have to further tinker with our laws, to chasten vaulting ambitions and give deputy governors responsibilities and protection so that they would not be seen and treated as disposable high flyers, executive pariahs, partners and spare tyres. The post has grown a fraught phenomenon in this republic. To avoid this sort of drama, we must address the issue outright.

    In the interest of Ondo State, the acting governor must rally the people of the state behind the government. He should concentrate his efforts on governance instead of strategising for the next election. We urge the political elites in the state to give the acting governor the benefit of the doubt, and support him to exercise his responsibilities with minimal distraction.

    Ondo State citizens would benefit from peace and tranquility within the executive arm of government.

  • Better late than never

    Better late than never

    The constitutional provision on the issue is unambiguous.  When the President or a state governor is incapacitated that he cannot discharge the functions of his office, he yields place to his deputy. But in a democratic setting like ours, where trust is scarce, the President and governors keep their deputies at arm’s length. So, they comply more in the negative with the constitutional provision to allow their deputies run the show when they are indisposed.

    Once they get into office, the President and governors and their deputies who ran on a joint ticket suddenly become arch foes. They make it look as if they just tolerated each other for the purpose of the election. After being sworn in, they become sworn enemies rather than settle down to work together.

    The enmity brews discontent, affecting largely governance. With the vice-president and deputy governors sidelined, trusted aides of the president and governors fill their roles. Without resources to fight back, they are reduced to reading newspapers jeje in their offices, as the wife of a former vice president once revealed. We saw what happened when the late President Umoru Yar’Adua took ill and could not continue to discharge his duties.

    The nation thought it had witnessed the last of such political drama until a similar case reared its head in Ondo State. Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has been ill for sometime now. A few months ago, he went abroad for treatment and handed over the reins of government to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, after duly informing the House of Assembly. He returned in September and wrote to the lawmakers that he was back and ready to resume work. He never did.

    Remember the late Danbaba Suntai of Taraba State? That was the same thing he did following injuries he sustained in a plane crash in 2012. He flew the plane. He abandoned his treatment abroad midway in 2013 and was brought back home to keep his job. He was in bad shape and never stepped into his office, even for one day throughout his remaining two years in power.

    Read Also: Medical leave: Ondo Assembly confirms receipt of letter from Akeredolu

    Obversely, Akeredolu never returned to Akure, his state capital, for work. Rather, he stayed in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, from where he tried to run Ondo. It did not work. His presence was needed more in Akure, but his health did not allow him. When you are ill, you are ill, there is nothing you can do about it except to seek medical help. For ranking public officials like the President and governors, their health matters so that they can discharge their functions, with their faculties intact.

    Where their health fails, the proper thing to do is to go for treatment, while their deputies stand in for them. The Constitution recognises the fact that as humans, the President and governors can fall ill like any other person. Being President or governor does not make any person super-human or indispensable. If it does, the Constitution would not have created the offices of vice-president and deputy governor.

    This constitutional allowance is reasonable and cannot be faulted. No man is a machine. Even machines break down and when they do, they are allowed to rest and fitted with new parts to get them working again. The human body is not like that. There are no new parts that can be bought off the shelf to make an ailing man function optimally, if he does not make the issue of his failing health top priority. The only way to do that is to go for medical scrutiny.

    It is heartening that Akeredolu has taken this step by returning to the hospital to take care of himself. No office can be more precious than life. No matter the office a man occupies, if he does not have good health, he cannot enjoy it. We can only pray for Akeredolu to get well soon and return to his post, if God wills. The governor has finally done the right thing. It is good that he is going to pay more attention to his health than hold tight to an office that is ephemeral.

  • Medical leave: Ondo Assembly confirms receipt of letter from Akeredolu

    Medical leave: Ondo Assembly confirms receipt of letter from Akeredolu

    The Ondo State House of Assembly, on Wednesday, confirmed receipt of a letter from Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo requesting to proceed on medical leave in Germany.

    Mr Olamide Oladiji, the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, said this in a statement made available to newsmen in Akure.

    Oladiji explained that the governor’s action was in line with Section 190 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

    According  to the speaker, the Deputy Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, would assume the responsibilities of the governor in acting capacity pending when Akeredolu communicates to it his return to take-up his duties.

    Read Also: Akeredolu transmits power to Lucky Aiyedatiwa

    He said that the letter stipulated that the leave would commence on Dec. 13.

    Oladiji, who expressed appreciation to God for the speedy recovery of the governor, expressed optimism that the governor would soon resume his duties.

    The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that the governor had similarly in July written to the legislative to request for medical leave and returned to the country on Sept. 7.

    (NAN)

  • BREAKING: Akeredolu begins another medical leave

    BREAKING: Akeredolu begins another medical leave

    Ondo state governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has commenced another medical absence. 

    The medical leave would begin  Wednesday, December 13, as a follow-up to a previous medical treatment.

    A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, said the governor would prioritise his health and ensure a full recovery before resuming official duties.

    It said a formal letter regarding the medical leave and a notice formally transferring power in line with the Nigerian Constitution would be transmitted to the House of Assembly.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Tinubu directs Ondo Assembly to transfer power to Aiyedatiwa

    The statement read: “In the absence of Governor Akeredolu, the Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, will assume the responsibilities of the Governor in acting capacity.

    “Governor Akeredolu expresses his gratitude for the unwavering support and affection of the people of Ondo State. He assures them that his administration remains committed to the path of progress and prosperity for the people.

    “As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a widely respected Nigerian, Governor Akeredolu has consistently delegated power to his deputy during his annual vacations. This practice was observed on April 1, 2021, April 1, 2022, April 3, 2023, and July 10, 2023, when he embarked on previous vacations.”

  • Your investments are safe in Ondo, Akeredolu woos diaspora community

    Your investments are safe in Ondo, Akeredolu woos diaspora community

    Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has assured the diaspora community willing to invest in Ondo state that their investments would be protected and safe.

    Governor Akeredolu said his administration was committed to collaborating with the diaspora community in channeling investments across vital and viable sectors of the state’s economy for inclusive and rapid growth

    He spoke at Ondo Diaspora Virtual Summit titled ‘Develop Ondo 2.1’, which targeted the state’s indigenes worldwide.

    Represented by his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Governor Akeredolu listed key sectors for investment opportunities including agriculture, technology, and real estate.

    Read Also: Akeredolu’s forged signature: Lawyer picks hole in forensic report, calls for proper scrutiny

    Governor Akeredolu said the state recognized its diaspora community as a valuable asset and a crucial development partner.

    He urged participants at the summit to identify and leverage investment opportunities within the state even as he assured them of the state’s commitment to protecting their investments through infrastructure availability and an investment-friendly legal and policy framework.

    The state commissioner for finance, Wale Akinterinwa, informed the diaspora community about key investment-friendly attributes of the state, including its coastline status.

    Akinterinwa said the administration of Akeredolu has removed red tape and made provisions for the protection of private property and investments.

    Director General of the Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA), Gbenga Badejo, said the state was ready to facilitate investments from the diaspora by providing structure to capture funding and ensure their successful performance.

    The summit was organized to mobilize investments from the state’s diaspora, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Union through the Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF) Phase II programme led by the Minister of Finance and supported by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs (OSSAP-SDGs).

  • Akeredolu’s forged signature: Lawyer picks hole in forensic report, calls for proper scrutiny

    Akeredolu’s forged signature: Lawyer picks hole in forensic report, calls for proper scrutiny

    An Ondo state-based lawyer, Femi Emmanuel Emodamori, has picked a hole in the forensic report which allegedly found discrepancies in the signatures of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

    The state commissioner for Energy, Rasaq Obe, had written to the deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, saying he uncovered the forgery of Akeredolu’s signatures after subjecting same to forensic analysis.

    However, Emodamori, in a statement issued in Akure, said the purported forensic report named the client who requested the examination as the “Act for Positive Transformation Initiative”, and not the commissioner.

    Emodamori noted that either the commissioner or the purported forensic report was lying about who hired the services of the alleged forensic expert who supposedly produced the report.

    He said the source of any document which the forensic expert claimed to have examined was very crucial in determining the issue of forgery.

    The lawyer said the state was under a tense political atmosphere where mischief and foul practices could be easily deployed for political reasons.

    Another fault observed by Emodamori was that his findings showed that the “Act of Positive Transformation Initiative” on whose behalf of the purported forensic expert claimed to have carried out the forensic examination, was not registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

    Emodamori stated that the non-jurist status of the “Act of Positive Transformation Initiative” rendered the purported forensic report a suspected fraudulent document or false certificate within the context of Section 105 of the Criminal Law of Ondo state.

    He said there was no single line in the five-page forensic report stating the real identity of the documents allegedly examined by the forensic expert.

    Another observation by Emodamori was that the letterhead containing the purported forensic report reads “Association of Forensic Practitioners of Nigeria”, and not the office address of any particular forensic expert but was signed by an individual in his personal capacity and not on behalf of the association.

    He said: “How can a ‘forensic expert’ be using the name and address of an association on his letterhead as against the name and address of his own office or firm? It is like a lawyer using the letterhead of the Nigerian Bar Association to prepare legal advice, or a Medical Doctor using the letterhead of the Nigerian Medical Association to prepare a medical report instead of the letterhead containing the name and address of his own hospital.

    “My seventh observation is about the political leaning of Engr. Rasaq Obi himself. The point is that political observers in the state may be right to assume or conclude that Engr. Rasaq Obe actually belongs to the Lucky Ayedatiwa faction. One would ask whether the above fundamental observations are enough to completely render the claims of Engr. Rasaq Obe incredulous.

    Read Also: Ondo commissioner confirms Akeredolu’s forged signature

    “These crucial observations however symbolise red flags why the claims of the commissioner ought to be taken with a pinch of salt, unless and until same is properly investigated by the appropriate law enforcement agencies, in this case, the Police or State Security Services.

    “Engr. Rasaq Obe himself would be the number one suspect in the course of such an investigation, while the purported forensic expert would also be very useful to the security agencies. The investigation should then be conducted on the owner of the alleged forged signature(s), who is the governor, as he alone could confirm whether his signature was forged on the subject documents or not.

    “The confirmation or denial of Mr Governor would be the surest guide to further investigation into this matter. It would enable us to determine whether we are simply dealing with public officers raising very serious and most embarrassing allegations supported with fraudulent documents to achieve a political objective, or heroes and watchdogs to whom we should be collectively grateful for their vigilance and courage.”

  • Fresh controversy as commissioner alleges forgery of Akeredolu’s signature

    Fresh controversy as commissioner alleges forgery of Akeredolu’s signature

    • Why governor won’t resign over health challenge – Olateju

    Ondo State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Rasaq Obe, stirred fresh controversy yesterday after telling Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, that he has confirmed the forgery of the signature of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

    Governor Akeredolu has been recuperating in Ibadan, Oyo State, since his return from medical vacation.

    Supporters of Aiyedatiwa had earlier raised the alarm that Governor Akeredolu’s signature was being forged to siphon money from the state coffers.

    Obe, in a letter to Aiyedatiwa dated December 7, 2023, said the situation required immediate action.

    In the letter, Obe said, ” It has been confirmed that the signature of Mr. Governor on a certain document has been forged.

    “The irregularities in the signature were first observed when a file from my ministry was returned through the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG). This is the only file that has been returned so far out of the five files that were sent for Mr. Governor’s approval about two months ago.

    “Upon closer inspection, I noticed significant differences between the suspicious signature and handwriting and Mr. Governor’s known signatures and handwriting in the file. Concerned about the gravity of the situation, I decided to seek a forensic review before disclosing my discovery. I sent the suspicious signature, handwriting samples, and copies of the old regular signatures to forensic experts, who have now confirmed that the suspicious signature and handwriting were indeed forged.

    Read Also: Furore over Portable, Pasuma’s invitation to church concert

    “Despite the inherent risks involved, I have chosen to fulfill the obligations of my office by reporting this alarming development to you as the highest-ranking member of the State Executive Council after Mr. Governor. I firmly believe that this is the course of action our esteemed leader, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, would take in such a situation.

    “Considering the possibility that such forgery may be widespread, this heads-up is of utmost importance to the government and people of Ondo State. I have attached a copy of the forensic report and relevant pages from the file for your reference.

    “I urge you to treat this matter with the urgency it deserves and take appropriate actions to address the situation. It is crucial that we restore the integrity of our processes and ensure that such a disturbing development is swiftly punctuated.”

    Obe confirmed to reporters that he wrote the letter but declined to give further details.

    Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation in Ondo State, Ms Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, has explained why the governor will not resign his position

    The commissioner, in an interview on Arise TV yesterday, explained that the governor was not incapacitated, and so there was no need for him to resign.

    She stated that the governor still performs all his duties and that the only thing he wasn’t doing at the moment was attending social events like weddings. She explained that the governor had been attending to memos and in touch with the cabinet members.

    When asked further why Akeredolu, a senior advocate of Nigeria, hasn’t considered resigning from office, the same way he, as the then President of the Nigerian Bar Association, called on the then President Umaru Yar’Adua to resign on account of his health, the commissioner insisted that the governor wasn’t incapacitated and didn’t have to resign.

    She noted, “The governor is not incapacitated, I still maintain that. He would have easily done the needful. The governor still gives approvals. No issue, other than the heightened political issues.”

    Speaking further on why the State Executive Council hasn’t in line with Section 189 (1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (As amended) declared the governor as incapable, she said the governor wasn’t incapacitated and the executive council had no such plan.

    “Unless the governor is incapacitated, there is no reason to evaluate his health,” she added.

    When asked why he had remained in Ibadan if truly he wasn’t incapacitated, the commissioner explained, “The governor is still recuperating having gone through a very bad illness. I can’t come here and lie – I know Nigerians are watching – that the governor can run and play tennis. That is not true.

    “The governor is still recuperating. His psychomotor, affective and cognitive skills are still intact, but he’s not as strong as he was in the past.”

    Asked about the nature of the governor’s illness, Ademola-Olateju stated, “It’s not a very good illness, I think it’s a somatic problem (related to the body, especially as distinct from the mind). He has lost some weight, and he once told us that after 40, nobody is well.”

    In spite of the commissioner’s claim that the governor is not incapacitated, a civil society group,  Ondo State Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (OSCOCSO) has issued a two-week ultimatum to the Ondo State House of Assembly to declare Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa as Acting Governor or face mass protest.

    It also invited the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate allegations of theft and funds mismanagement in the state.

    The OSCOCSO said its ultimatum was due to a constitutional crisis in the state following the governor’s prolonged absence from office due to ill health.

    Executive Director, Life and Peace Development Organization (LAGDO)    Franklyn Oloniju, who spoke at a joint press briefing in Akure, said it was alarming that the Ondo Assembly failed to activate relevant constitutional provisions to appoint Aiyedatiwa as Acting Governor even after the peace move facilitated by President Bola Tinubu.

    Oloniju said the Ondo Assembly’s inaction was a dereliction of duty and a violation of Section 190 of Nigeria’s  constitution (as amended).

    He stated that the  Governor’s prolonged absence has created a vacuum in the leadership of the state, leaving the government rudderless and unable to effectively address the pressing issues facing the people of Ondo State.

    According to him, “The failure of the House of Assembly to act promptly has exacerbated this crisis and is causing unnecessary hardship and uncertainty for the people of Ondo State.

    “We call on the Ondo State House of Assembly to immediately redress this lacuna and own up to its constitutional duty by designating the Deputy Governor as Acting Governor. This is essential to restore normalcy, ensure continuity of governance, and protect the interests of the people of Ondo State.

  • Ondo commissioner confirms Akeredolu’s forged signature

    Ondo commissioner confirms Akeredolu’s forged signature

    Ondo state commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Rasaq Obe, has told the deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, that he has confirmed forgery of the signature of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

    Governor Akeredolu has been recuperating in Ibadan, Oyo state since his return from medical vacation.

    Supporters of Aiyedatiwa had earlier raised the alarm that Governor Akeredolu’s signature was being forged to siphon money from the state coffers.

    Obe, in a letter to Aiyedatiwa and dated December 7, 2023, said the situation required immediate action.

    In the letter, Obe said: “It has been confirmed that the signature of Mr. Governor on a certain document has been forged.

    “The irregularities in the signature were first observed when a file from my ministry was returned through the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG). This is the only file that has been returned so far out of the five files that were sent for Mr. Governor’s approval about two months ago.

    Read Also: Ondo dismisses order compelling Assembly to constitute panel on Akeredolu’s health

    “Upon closer inspection, I noticed significant differences between the suspicious signature and handwriting and Mr. Governor’s known signatures and handwriting in the file. Concerned about the gravity of the situation, I decided to seek a forensic review before disclosing my discovery. I sent the suspicious signature, handwriting samples, and copies of the old regular signatures to forensic experts, who have now confirmed that the suspicious signature and handwriting were indeed forged.

    “Despite the inherent risks involved, I have chosen to fulfill the obligations of my office by reporting this alarming development to you as the highest-ranking member of the State Executive Council after Mr. Governor. I firmly believe that this is the course of action our esteemed leader, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, would take in such a situation.

    “Considering the possibility that such forgery may be widespread, this heads-up is of utmost importance to the government and people of Ondo State. I have attached a copy of the forensic report and relevant pages from the file for your reference.

    “I urge you to treat this matter with the urgency it deserves and take appropriate actions to address the situation. It is crucial that we restore the integrity of our processes and ensure that such a disturbing development is swiftly punctuated.”

    Obe confirmed to reporters that he wrote the letter but declined to give further details. 

  • Ondo dismisses order compelling Assembly to constitute panel on Akeredolu’s health

    Ondo dismisses order compelling Assembly to constitute panel on Akeredolu’s health

    Ondo State Government has dismissed a reported court order, which granted an order mandamus compelling the House of Assembly and its Speaker, Olamide Oladiji, to constitute a medical panel to assess Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s health.

    It described the report, which was viral, as fake and not a true representation of the ongoing court proceedings on the matter.

    Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Sir. Charles Titiloye, in a statement, said the court only granted leave for the said lawyers/applicants to apply for mandamus and serve parties in the case.

    Titiloye, who insisted that the Ondo State Government had not been served with the court processes or heard in the matter, said the sensational news portrayed grave political desperation.

    Read Also: Ondo lawmaker bags ‘Knight of World Peace’ award

    He warned those spreading fake news capable of igniting civil unrest to desist or face appropriate legal action.

    The statement said: “The Attorney General of Ondo State as the chief law officer will not be cowed into submitting the state into anarchy or abdicating its responsibilities under glaring orchestrated blackmail by political desperados scheming to take over power through extra legal means.”

    “Let it be known that when a dispute has been submitted to the court of competent jurisdiction, it is unethical and a grave misconduct for counsel to embark on media war in an attempt to intimidate or blackmail the court to reach a certain conclusion on their cases.

    “This matter is subjudice and the office of Attorney General will not be dragged into media trial of cases pending before the court of competent jurisdiction.”

  • Akeredolu’s wife holds 5th FOWOSO summit, launches book on Bemore

    Akeredolu’s wife holds 5th FOWOSO summit, launches book on Bemore

    Wife of Ondo state governor and founder of the Foundation for Wives of Ondo State Officials (FOWOSO), Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, on Wednesday, December 6, led Ondo women to the 5th Summit of the foundation.

    The summit held at the International Culture and Event Centre (The Dome), Igbatoro Road, Akure, Ondo State Capital, was themed ‘Living A Life of Purpose’.

    Speaking about the topic, the governor’s wife said it is a purposive strategy to inspire the womenfolk just as she affirmed that she will continue to advocate for more women’s participation in Nigeria’s political space.

    The First Lady said: “Celebrating the fifth summit signifies that we have truly come of age and quite evidently, FOWOSO has done well for women in Ondo State; it has elevated hitherto lower statuses, added inches to women’s economic heights and strengthened homes through various empowerment initiatives.

    “FOWOSO has elevated women’s economic heights and strengthened homes through various empowerment initiatives in the state while also assuring that she will continue to complement the government’s efforts in ensuring that gender-based violence remains a punishable offence in Ondo State.”

    Anyanwu-Akeredolu added: “Six years down the lane, women have steadily progressed; our performances are both concrete and evident in the number of women whose lives have been transformed through this great initiative.

    “It has liberated minds and continues to broaden mental horizons so that women can make more informed decisions. Through our various effectual interventions, we have been able to elevate the socioeconomic status of women as opposed to the dark years of tokenism and the absurd hiring of women as men hailers.”

    In her goodwill message at the Summit, the wife of the Bishop of Agape Christian Ministries, Pastor Funke Felix-Adejumo stressed the need for women to equip themselves with relevant knowledge which will position them for appointive and elective positions, noting that no woman is disadvantaged for being a woman and that it was high time women stopped standing behind but should stand beside to complement the menfolk.

    Read Also: Opposition parties pass vote of confidence in Akeredolu

    In his charge, Dr. (Barr.) Jimoh Ibrahim, the Senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District called on women to intensify efforts to improve their educational status to have a place and be relevant in the field of politics.

    Hon. (Princess) Omowunmi Ohwovoriole, a panelist at the Summit, acknowledged that the FOWOSO platform is a booster for many women in Ondo State and beyond.

    The day’s major highlight was the unveiling and launching of ‘The History of Bemore, a historical narrative on the Bemore Empowered Girls’ Foundation written by a Bemore alumna, Esther Micheal.