The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Akeredolu

  • Akeredolu hails Ondo residents over peaceful polls

    ONDO State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) has hailed the state’s residents for their exemplary conduct during the last presidential and National Assembly elections.

    He expressed delight that the people’s conduct during the polls portrayed them as good and responsible ambassadors.

    The governor, in a broadcast to the people at the weekend, attributed the peaceful atmosphere during and after the polls to the determination of the residents to participate in electing their representatives and always showcase the unique qualities of their decency and resilience.

    He said: “I wish to thank you, profusely, for your cooperation in ensuring that the state remains a reference point for reasons of valour, courage and fierce independence in the art of deliberative governance.

    “Your attitudes, manifest or implied, leave no room for conjectures. When you speak, it is eloquent, when you choose to act; your message is not mistaken. Our land is indeed a lesson for those who cherish frankness.”

    Akeredolu also congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on their victory in the February 23 presidential election.

    He said the victory represents Buhari’s widespread acceptability across all the country’s geo-political zones.

    The governor expressed the belief that the President would use his re-election to consolidate on the achievements of his economic policies.

    Akeredolu, however, reminded the people of the state of the March 9, 2019 House of Assembly election and urged them to display good conduct that would be second to none in the forthcoming polls.

  • Group wants Akeredolu sanctioned for anti-party activities

    The mandate Group of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo state wants the state leadership of the party sacked and the state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu sanctioned for working against the interest of the party in the just concluded Presidential and national Assembly elections.

    The group which has been complaining that Governor Akeredolu was working against the interest of the party said Governor Akeredolu and the state party chairman actually worked for the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar in the election, attributing the PDP victory in the state to the anti-party activities carried out by the governor.

    The APC Mandate Group two weeks ago raised an alarm and accused Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of working against the APC and the re-election of President Buhari.

    Addressing newsmen at the APC national secretariat, the group’s Publicity Secretary, Comrade Olugbenga Bojuwomi, said they have evidence that governor Akeredolu did not vote for President Muhammadu Buhari and all APC candidates in the Feb. 23 Presidential and National Assembly elections.

    They accused the governor of destroying the APC in the state by creating faction called Aketi group and using Ondo NURTW to actualise it and has divided the perfect circle of Ondo APC into segments and further disintegrated the party called in the state.

    “Even the logistics given to Governor Akeredolu from Abuja was used against all the APC Candidates, including President Buhari in Ondo-State.”

    He said it was unfortunate that the APC national leadership failed to listen to the group’s earlier alarm on the anti-party activities of some of the party’s stakeholders in the state. We have raised several allegations against Mr. Governor; the pockets of violence that were recorded in his home-town (Owo) on the election day against APC loyalists confirmed our allegations.

    “While voting, Governor Akeredolu was sighted voting for PDP Presidential Candidate and his Action Alliance (AA) National Assembly Candidates, that is why AA won in his unit and local government respectively. It is evidently clear that the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu and Ondo APC Chairman Ade Adetimehin have no regard for the APC leadership and the Presidency. The duo has fought President Buhari to a standstill in Ondo state, we hereby call for the immediate dissolution of Ondo APC Executive,” he said.

    According to him, the APC Ondo state executive has become Governor Akeredolu’s stooge since his inauguration, adding that appropriate sanctions should be meted on the state Governor and the party’s state chairman if the APC would still have the grasp of Ondo state which he said was presently a PDP State.

    He, however, noted that it was clear that a few APC stalwart were loyal to the APC and President Buhari in Ondo State, going by the trend of the election result.

    He added that it was obvious that Sen. Ajayi Boroffice was a strongman of Ondo politics, despite the huddles, rigors and threat from political stakeholders toward his re-election bid.

  • Akeredolu donates 26 buses to APC Assembly candidates

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has presented a Sienna space wagon bus to each of the 26 All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates for the forthcoming House of Assembly election on March 9.

    Addressing the candidates at the Buhari/Osinbajo Situation Office in Akure, the state capital, Akeredolu said the victory of the party’s candidates, beginning with President Muhammadu Buhari through the National Assembly to the state legislature, must be resounding.

    The governor said the candidates must not allow any laxity as an excuse for electoral loss.

    He advised them to redouble their efforts in their constituencies by winning handsomely for the APC.

    Akeredolu said the House of Assembly candidates must justify their closeness to the grassroots to mobilise every eligible voter to ensure that the President and other APC candidates win in the rescheduled elections.

    The governor enjoined the candidates to work with the party’s leadership and report any threat to the success of the party at the polls to the situation room for appropriately actions.

    The State APC Chairman Ade Adetimehin expressed appreciation to Akeredolu for his unequalled support for the party’s candidates.

    The chairman, who advised APC candidates not to keep potential areas of challenge to the success of the party in the elections, noted that with the all-round support the candidates were getting from the governor ahead of the elections, they had no reason not to get a landslide victory for the in their constituencies.

  • Akeredolu to electorate: vote for APC candidates

    •Governor forgives Boroffice, Kekemeke, others

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has advised All Progressives Congress (APC) members in the state to vote for the party’s candidates in tomorrow’s presidential and National Assembly elections.

    This followed a contrary claim in some quarters that the government had mandated all political office holders, including local government chairmen, to work for the Action Alliance (AA).

    Akeredolu reportedly hinged his change of mind on the need to avoid confusing voters, which may affect President Muhammadu Buhari’s votes in the state.

    A statement by the Media Assistant to the Concerned Group of APC, Shina Adewale, said: “Governor Akeredolu, in a telephone conversation with some leaders opposing him, said as the Chancellor in the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), he has forgiven Senator Ajayi Boroffice and others who worked against him.

    “I have to put my Christian faith to reality; we were bound to disagree and also agree in some situations.

    “As a leader, I must show exemplary leadership by doing the needful to ensure that our party, the APC, emerges victorious in the elections.

    “If Jesus can forgive our iniquities, who am I, an ordinary mortal being, not to let go in the interest of promoting our party?”

    Akeredolu was said to have urged party faithful to discountenance previous insinuations and instructions to vote for AA and directed Ondo State electorate to vote for APC in tomorrow’s elections.

    Reacting to the statement, the immediate and pioneer Chairman of APC in the state, Isaacs Kekemeke and former Deputy Governor Alli Olanusi said if the information was correct, Akeredolu must be commended for his statesmanship.

     

     

  • Lassa fever: Akeredolu inaugurates committee to end scourge

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu at the weekend inaugurated an Emergency Response Committee on Lassa fever.

    This followed recent reported cases of the disease in the state.

    The committee, chaired by Health Commissioner Dr. Wahab Adegbenro, has the General Manager of the state’s Waste Management Authority, Mrs Bola Akinyanmi, as its Secretary.

    Other members of the committee include the Commissioner for Environment, Mr Funso Esan; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters, Mr Alaba Isijola; the Chairman, Caretaker Committee of Owo Local Government Area, Benjamin Adebayo; the Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Dipo Durojaye; the Managing Director of ZL Global Limited, Dr Abiola Bashorun and Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Yemi Olowolabi, among others.

  • Groups urge Akeredolu to campaign for APC candidates

    Concerned elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the four major groups in the party at the weekend  raised the alarm over alleged plan by the leadership of the party to work against the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari and other APC candidates in the state. The group is made up of Olanusi, Boroffice, Abraham and Kekemeke supporters who met at the Akure residence of the former Deputy Governor, Ali Olanusi, in Alagbaka, Akure.

    They came from the three senatorial districts, urging the APC national leadership to probe the secret campaign activities and funding of Action Alliance (AA) especially in five constituencies in the state allegedly by Team Aketi and the Ade Adetimehin-led state executive committee. In a communique jointly signed after the emergency meeting, the groups alleged that clandestine moves were visible in Ondo North,Ondo South,Akoko Northeast/Northwest,Akoko Southwest/Southeast and Idanre/Ifedore House of Representatives seats.

    According to the communique,” Evidences and records exist of the support and funding of AA by Team Aketi. For instance, some of the AA candidates are people with strategic appointments in the Akeredolu’s led government. For Akeredolu to come clean of the alleged support of AA in the state, he needs to come out openly to campaign for the APC candidates in those five listed AA ‘infested’ constituencies. Anything short of that will affect the success of the President and APC candidates in those areas of the state”.

    The APC leaders noted that the collation of party agents’ list by Team Aketi and the Adetimehin led Exco without input of other party leaders suggested inimical moves.

     

  • Ondo port: We’re building for next generation, says Akeredolu

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has said the proposed sea port in the state will change its landscape and create many jobs.

    The governor said the sea port, called Port of Ondo, is an attempt to plant a tree under which shade the people will sit to relax in the foreseeable future.

    He said the port is among the projects his administration is building for the next generation.

    Akeredolu spoke yesterday at the community and stakeholders’ forum and the submission of the report of the Port of Ondo (Deep Sea) at the International Culture and Events Centre (DOME) in Akure, the state capital.

    He said: “We are doing things for generations to come. I have always believed that there should be a beginning. We have started; there is no going back. In the number of years we will be here, we will pursue the Port of Ondo.

    “I was privileged to travel with President Muhammadu Buhari to The Netherlands. We went on a boat and visited the ports. Immediately, I told him: if anything like this must happen in Nigeria, it must be in Ondo State. Not only that, the President has said it most of the times that he knows that Ondo is the right place for a deep sea port.”

    The governor, who warned that the stakeholders must not play politics with the dep sea port project, said it’s not the making of the state that it is in Ondo State.

    He said: “We should not play politics with everything. It’s not our making, but Providence has put us where we are today: near water. It’s the best place to have a deep sea port.”

    Akeredolu added that his administration’s dream for the port is to serve as a hub for goods from across Nigeria, not only in Ondo State.

    The governor said the state was only meant to prepare the ground and do the feasibility and the bankability of the port for the Federal Government.

    He said: “Our own is to prepare the ground and show the feasibility and bankability. Can Ondo State do it? No. Ondo State cannot build or own a port. But there are many people that are willing to invest.

    “The Chinese, Dutch and many others are interested because this will be West Africa’s port; not just for the country. It’s not like we are looking for money to build a port, but we are looking for investors and they will invest here.

    “We will have the port declared before the end of this year. As from next week, we will move and get that declaration soon. This port of Ondo will change the landscape of Ondo totally. It will mark the beginning of the greatness of Ondo.”

    The governor received the feasibility study report of the port from the Managing Director/Chief Executive of MTBS Netherlands, Mr. Chime Asonye.

    The MTBS project leader, Mr. Willem Slenderbroek, was also at the event.

     

     

  • Akeredolu: we’re determined to build law enforcement agencies’ capacities

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has promised to build the capacities of law enforcement agencies in the state to ensure effective performance.

    He said the decision arose from the need to proactively combat the security challenges confronting the state.

    Akeredolu spoke yesterday in Akure, the state capital, at a security summit, with theme: Improving the Security Architecture of Ondo State for Sustainable Peace and Development, organised by the state government.

    The governor, who said the summit would generate robust discussions expected to herald the desired change in the security framework of the state, added that his administration was committed to maximum protection of the lives and property of the residents.

    He said: “We possess sufficient understanding to appreciate that there can be no development without peace achieved through a sustainable programme of securing lives and property.

    “Our administration is embarking on ambitious programme of massive infrastructural development to create an enabling environment which will transform Ondo State into an industrial hub.

    “There exists also a huge potential of making our state a preferred tourist destination. We have also demonstrated, in practical terms, our intention to reclaim our place of pride in the field of agriculture.

    “Our efforts to transform the coastal belt of the state, through the development of a deep sea port, as well as the ongoing road project – from Lekki, Lagos State, across the coastal belt to Igbokoda – are all projected towards attracting capital and human inflow to the state.

    “It is, therefore, expected that we put in place the necessary security architecture that would enhance all-round development of the state and protect the citizens and investors operating in the state.”

    Akeredolu told the participants that though tight security for the residents was capital-intensive, but the ultimate expectation of the summit was improved capacity and readiness to address the challenges facing the state in order to open up its economic space for industrial development.

    Participants at the summit included traditional rulers, heads of security agencies, retired senior security agents and renowned academics, including Prof. Femi Odekunle and Prof. Kemi Rotimi.

    One after the other, they presented different position papers with strategies and suggestions to combat insecurity in the state and other parts of Nigeria.

    They emphasised the essence of security in the quest for peaceful environment and development.

    The security challenges in the state, including kidnapping and robbery, spurred the Akeredolu administration to set up a special task force comprising the Army, the police and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

     

     

     

     

  • Nigerian Army deserves our commendation, says Akeredolu

    Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, of Ondo State, on Friday praised the Nigerian Army for always proving their worth and professionalism in maintaining the world peace.

    He lauded the role played by the Nigerian Army from the various unrest that the world had witnessed to the current Boko Haram insurgency ravaging the country.

    The governor, who spoke during the Special Jumah Service in commemoration of the 2019 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebrations at the Akure Central Mosques, professionalism of the nation’s armed forces was second to none.

    Akeredolu said: “Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces have proven their worth in maintaining the world peace. They have done a lot in protecting Nigeria, especially, from being run down by the Boko Haram insurgent group.”

    He, however, reiterated his administration determination to always remember the families/dependants of the fallen heroes.

    While assuring the Muslims community in the state of equal treatment with their Christian counterparts, the governor would not discriminate against the people because of their religious beliefs.

    Akeredolu said: “Islam and Christianity is one. Adherents of both religions worship the same God. So, no discrimination between the two faiths.”

    Speaking at the Jumah Service, the Grand Imam of Akure, Alhaji Abdulkareem Yayi Akorede, praised Governor Akeredolu for shunning nepotism and favourism for equitable distribution of political offices in the state.

    Besides describing the governor as a promise keeper, the cleric said the “Akeredolu I know will never tell lies.”

    Akorede said: “Our dear governor sees Muslims in Ondo State as his brothers who must not suffer any injustice. He deserves our support always. We are ever ready to support him.”

  • We will create better environment for artisans, says Akeredolu

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has reiterated the commitment of his administration to create improved environment for artisans to thrive.

    He said the ultimate goal of his administration is to generate a significant number of vocational jobs for the teeming youths.

    The governor spoke yesterday at this year’s Artisans Day celebration at the M.K.O. Abiola Democracy Park in Akure, the state capital.

    The event was attended by Deputy Governor Agboola Ajayi; the senator representing Ondo Central, Tayo Alasoadura; the Special Adviser (SA) to the Governor on Union Matters, Mr. Alaba Isijola and the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Research and documentation, Mr. Kunle Adebayo.

    Akeredolu said N50 million had been given to the artisan group as loans from the state’s micro-credit agency as part of the contributions of his administration to the development of the vocational sector.

    The governor, who said power is critical to the activities of the artisans, added that his administration was harnessing the efforts of all stakeholders to ensure that power supply to Akure, the state capital, and other parts of the state improved.

    He said: “Artisanship is the way to go in this dispensation. We enjoin our teeming youths to learn vocations. We will strive to collaborate with all stakeholders to emplace and implement programmes that will boost the productivity of our artisans across the state.

    “I enjoin you to step up your skills to be able to compete favourably in the global space. The quality of your products must be able to stand the test of time, like their counterparts across the world.

    “Our youths must shun the proclivity for get-rich-quick that is now pervasive in our society. Let me state unequivocally that we shall continue to create an enabling environment for the sector to thrive in our state and for every individual to engage in lawful businesses without let or hindrance.

    “We all know that power is critical to your activities. To this end, we are harnessing the efforts of all stakeholders in the sector to ensure that power supply to Akure and the entire state enjoys significant improvement.

    “The sector should not be seen as an area for illiterates; rather, it should be seen as businesses for serious-minded skilled people who are capable of creating massive employment and income generation for our dear state.

    “It should be noted that in other parts of the world, artisans are a major source of employers of labour. They are expected to contribute a high percentage to our Gross Domestic Product (GDP).”