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  • Akeredolu signs 2018 Appropriation Bill into law

    Akeredolu signs 2018 Appropriation Bill into law

    Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) yesterday signed the 2018 Appropriation Bill into law.

    The governor also signed into law the Contributory Health Insurance Bill and the Social Protection Law.

    The House of Assembly, last year, approved the N181 billion budget.

    Signing the budget and the bills into law at the Governor’s Office, Akeredolu said the laws would enhance development, if properly implemented.

    The governor said his intention was to take governance to residents through people-oriented programmes to take care of their needs.

    He said his administration would concentrate more on capital expenditure to abridge huge infrastructural deficit.

    Akeredolu, who decried the huge concentration of budgets on recurrent expenditure, noted that the rate of development in Ondo State was worrisome.

    The governor said he was prepared to develop the state and make it the envy of others.

    The capital expenditure for the fiscal year is N80 billion; debt service N13.600 billion and statutory transfers to local governments N8.307 billion.

    On the Contributory Health Insurance Scheme law, the governor said it would ensure that every resident has access to good health care services.

    He said: “The bill will ensure that all residents of Ondo State have financial protection, physical access to quality and affordable health care services. It will also protect families from the financial hardship posed by huge medical bills and regulate the rise in the cost of health care services.

    “It will ensure that the poor and vulnerable are guaranteed the basic minimum package as defined under the National Health Act.”

    Akeredolu said the bill would bring equitable distribution of health care costs across various income groups and maintain a high standard of health care delivery in the sector.

    According to him, the bill will provide efficiency in health care service delivery and improve private sector participation in health care services, among others.

    The governor was accompanied by House of Assembly Speaker Bamidele Oleyeloogun and other top officials.

    Also, Akeredolu approved the constitution of the State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC).

    The seven-man electoral commission is headed by Prof Yomi Dinakin.

    Other members are: Dr. Soji Omowole, Oladele Akinyelure, Tunde Adeleye, Mrs. Stella Omotosho, Taju Ibrahim and Rotimi Olorunfemi.

    The names will be sent to the House of Assembly for confirmation.

  • UNICEF hails Akeredolu for signing social protection bill into law

    UNICEF hails Akeredolu for signing social protection bill into law

    United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on Tuesday in Akure hailed the Ondo State Government for signing the Social Protection Appropriation Bill into law, which will protect women and children.

    Dr Niyi Olaleye, Officer in Charge of UNICEF, Akure, told newsmen shortly after Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State had signed the bill into law on Tuesday, that it was the first of its kind in the country.

    Olaleye said the bill was about the welfare of the vulnerable in the society, particularly the women and children.

    He noted that the Federal Executive Council had a policy on it in 2017, saying, “Ondo State is the first to pass the bill into law at the sub national level.”

    Olaleye noted that it was well in line with the mandate of UNICEF to assist government to protect children and appreciated the state government for passing and signing the bill into law.

    Read Also: Boko Haram destroyed 1,400 schools in Borno –  UNICEF

    “The bill is about welfare of the most vulnerable in the society, this is well in line with our mandate, we have been working with them for the past one and half years on the bill.

    “It is a milestone for women and children of Ondo State, as it makes the state to provide for them. Ondo State is the first state in the country to pass the bill into law.”

    Earlier in the day, Gov. Akeredolu   had signed the 2018 Appropriation Bill of N181.42 billion, Contributory Health Protection Bill and the Social Protection bill into law.

    Akeredolu said the bill was the primary reason the people of the state voted him into power.

    “The bill is about the welfare of the citizens, there shall be a council in charge of the bill,” the governor said.

     NAN

  • Ajimobi, Akeredolu, Fayemi, others celebrate Ayo Afolabi at 70

    Ajimobi, Akeredolu, Fayemi, others celebrate Ayo Afolabi at 70

    Governors, senators, political leaders, friends and associates yesterday poured encomiums on a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Ayo Afolabi, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, as he celebrated his 70th birthday.

    The event, which was organised by his friends, was held at the International Conference Centre of the University of Ibadan (UI).

    Two governors – Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State and Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State – took turns to shower encomiums on the celebrator, who is APC’s Director of Publicity in Southwest.

    Their Ogun and Osun states’ counterparts were represented by Deputy Governor Yetunde Onanuga and Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Moshood Adeoti.

    Ajimobi described Afolabi as a lucky man, who epitomises political progressivism and social seamlessness.

    The governor said Afolabi is accommodating and humble, adding that he is an exemplary man.

    He noted that as a strong member of the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), Afolabi, like his other colleagues in the group, is a committed, godly progressive.

    Akeredolu expressed gratitude to the celebrator for his consistence in progressive politics.

    The governor said Afolabi never left the fold of the progressives.

    He hailed the celebrator for contributing immensely to progressive politics and activism in Nigeria.

    According to him, Afolabi needs to slow down now that he is 70 years old.

    The Minister of Mines and Solid Minerals Development Dr Kayode Fayemi said Afolabi is dear to many people in progressive politics in many ways.

    He said the only way to summarise his personality is to describe him as a good person.

    The minister noted that anyone who ever worked with the celebrator would have benefitted from his goodness.

    Fayemi also described Afolabi as a life-long leader of the party, a mentor, teacher and friend.

    Delivering Amosun’s goodwill message for the celebrator, Mrs Onanuga said Afolabi had always been a man to emulate.

    The deputy governor said he had contributed a lot to the political development in Nigeria, especially the Southwest.

    In a personal letter read on behalf of Aregbesola to the celebrator, the governor affirmed that Afolabi remained a national figure to emulate.

    The Osun governor described the celebrator as humble, enterprising and selfless.

    He said Afolabi “lives an exemplary life and is steadfast in his commitment”.

    A lecture, titled: Aging and the Future of Yoruba Race, was delivered by Prof. Isaac Albert of UI.

    At the event were: senators Monsurat Sunmonu and Babafemi Ojudu, as well as the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolurin; a former deputy governor of Oyo State, who was the chairman of Afolabi’s Committee of Friends, Chief Iyiola Oladokun and the chairmen of the APC in Southwest.

    Afolabi expressed gratitude to God for joining the septuagenarian “club”.

    The celebrator said he was overwhelmed with the love his friends, family and co-politicians within the progressive fold showed him.

  • Akeredolu mourns Ondo road accident victims

    Akeredolu mourns Ondo road accident victims

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) yesterday commiserated with residents of Akungba in Akoko Southwest Local Government Area on the death of four road accident in the community.

    The governor, who expressed his sympathy during a condolence visit to the families of the deceased, also visited the scene of the accident to assess its impacts on lives and property of the residents.

    Akeredolu was represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Otunba Adegboyega Adefarati, an indigene of the community.

    He described the accident as shocking and painful.

    The governor prayed to God to give the families of the deceased the fortitude to bear the loss.

    The commissioner was accompanied by the State Liaison Officer for Military Affairs, Olugbenga Aliba.

    Akeredolu promised that necessary precautions would be put in place to guide against such fatal occurrence in the future.

    The accident occurred when a long vehicle descending the hill from Ikare Akoko lost control due to break failure and rammed into the market near the road.

    The vehicle killed four persons and destroyed valuables.

     

  • We’re determined to reposition education for global competition —Akeredolu

    We’re determined to reposition education for global competition —Akeredolu

    Ondo State governor, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, yesterday said his administration planned to reposition the state’s education sector for global competition.

    He said the move became necessary to produce competent professionals who would be agents and drivers of societal development.

    Akeredolu, who spoke when the four panels on the state-owned tertiary institutions presented their reports at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office, assured the panels that their recommendations would be critically looked into.

    It will be recalled that Governor Akeredolu in November last year inaugurated the four visitation panels to look at the plethora of problems bedevilling the four state-owned tertiary institutions as well as recommend solutions to them.

    The tertiary institutions are Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko; Ondo State University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa; University of Medical Science, Ondo and Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo.

    He said: “We are determined to efficiently use the limited resources available at this dire time to ensure optimal service delivery in all sectors of the economy with pride of place given to the education sub-sector.

    “We are unwaveringly committed to the delivery of 21st Century compliant tertiary education. We are not interested in rhetorics but delivery of people-oriented service that will be a lasting legacy.

    “As part of our efforts at revamping this critical sub-sector of our economy, we intend to improve on the funding of these schools as soon as our finances improve to enable them to improve on their infrastructure and payment of outstanding emoluments and staff entitlements.

    “Different measures will be taken to ensure that the fortunes of these institutions are in tune with the visions and aspirations of our administration.

    “Our passion is to reinvigorate the education system to make it vibrant, enviable and admirable globally.

  • Fuel scarcity: Akeredolu enforces N145 per litre

    Fuel scarcity: Akeredolu enforces N145 per litre

    •IPMAN seeks understanding

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu yesterday embarked on an unexpected inspection of some filling stations in Akure, the state capital.

    His action was meant to ensure compliance with the state government’s directive that fuel dealers should abide by the official pump price of N145 per litre.

    Akeredolu, who was accompanied by members of the Task Force on Petroleum, headed by his Senior Special Assistance (SSA) on Special Duties, Dr Doyin Odebowale, expressed displeasure that many filling stations were dispensing fuel at between N190 and N200 per litre.

    The governor ordered erring filling stations to immediately revert to the official N145 per litre, threatening to sanction any fuel dealers who indulged in over-pricing, hoarding and fuel diversion.

    Also, members of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) in the state have called for mutual understanding between the marketers and the government in the interest of the residents.

    Addressing reporters after meeting with the state government officials in Akure, the state capital, to reduce the fuel shortage, IPMAN Chairman at the Ore depot, Shina Amoo, said fuel marketers were ready to make petrol available across the state.

    The IPMAN chairman, who is also in charge of operations in Ondo, Ekiti, Osun and parts of Edo and Kogi states, said the marketers were facing hurdles at making the product available at filling stations across the state and selling at the approved pump price.

    He regretted that the inadequate fuel supply to the state had hindered their efforts.

    According to him, only nine trucks were allocated from Mosinmi Depot at Sagamu in Ogun State and only one from Ibadan, Oyo State, per day.

    Amoo said these were not enough for Akure alone, much less with other towns and villages in the state.

    The union leader solicited the support of the state government to make the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) increase the daily official allocation of fuel trucks to the state to reduce fuel shortage across the state.

    He sought the cooperation of the state government to cushion the effect of the hardship the residents are facing.

    Amoo promised to work with other IPMAN members to sell fuel at the approved pump price.

    Some state members of IPMAN were detained recently in for alleged hoarding and sale of fuel above the official pump price.

    The development led to the suspension of sale of fuel to motorists and other users in the state since last Wednesday, which paralysed commercial activities across the state.

  • We’ve put the past behind us, Akeredolu tells Oke

    We’ve put the past behind us, Akeredolu tells Oke

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) yesterday said his victory in the November 26, 2016 election was an act of God.

    He said the former governorship candidate of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), Chief Olusola Oke (SAN), is his closest friend, adding that the past acrimony between them was the handiwork of their detractors.

    The governor enthused that the political face-off had ended as APC, which he called a large family, would give sufficient room for everybody to occupy.

    Akeredolu urged party members to demonstrate love and unity in the interest of the party and the development of the state.

    Oke and other AD leaders, including his running mate, Ganny Dauda, as well as former Transportation Commissioner Otunba Omoniyi Omodara, former state lawmaker Akin Adeniyi, the 2016 governorship candidate of Democratic Peoples Party (DPP), among others, were received into the APC by Acting Chairman Ade Adetimehin with support from Governor Akeredolu.

    Oke, who is former National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), left the APC after the September 3, 2016 primary election.

    He hinged his exit from APC on alleged irregularities in the primary, which produced Akeredolu as the party’s flagbearer.

    But APC’s Acting Chairman Adetimehin said the primary election was free, fair and credible.

    Addressing defectors, Adetimehin said: “Permit me to state categorically here that the historic primary election that returned the incumbent governor of the state as the APC governorship candidate, was free, fair and credible.

    “It was keenly contested and there was no doctored list of delegates to favour the winner, nor was there voting by non-accredited or fictitious delegates, as espoused by some divides of the party after the primaries.

    “The widely publicised and orchestrated rumour of foul play during the exercise was a mere fabrication, distortion of fact and a figment of imagination of some overzealous supporters and agents of destabilisation, who were pursing selfish agenda.”

    The acting chairman noted that the crisis and what he called anti-party activities that followed the primary were the result of “clueless and undisciplined” actions of former leadership of the party.

    He blamed the former leadership of the party for allowing the situation to degenerate into an absurdity.

    According to him, the current party leaders will never allow political reckless to occur in APC again.

    Adetimehin applauded APC’s national leadership for building bridges and filling the gaps to build a strong and virile party in the state.

    Akeredolu said there was enough room for everyone to return to the party, adding that anyone who expresses the willingness to return would be accommodated.

    He said: “Sola is here today; he knows how close we are. He knows me and I know him very well. We should love each other.

    “We are supposed to be united. Nobody can do it alone. The position we are today is by the grace of God. We don’t know how to do it. Don’t let anybody boast; it just pleases God.

    “We should forget about the past because there is no how we will not offend each other, if we are aspiring for the same position. But we have resolved our differences.”

    Oke said he led his followers into the party to reload the APC.

    The lawyer said he was ready to give total loyalty to the party.

    He expressed appreciation to APC’s National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola for their interest in the progress of the party.

    At the ceremony were APC leaders, including Deputy Governor Agboola Ajayi and other top government officials, as well as Speaker Bamidele Oleyelogun, Chief Jamiu Ekungba, Senators Titus Olupitan and Gbenga Ogunniya.

    Also, a chieftain of the APC and senator representing Ondo North, Prof Ajayi Boroffice, lauded the return of Oke and his supporters to the progressives.

    In a statement by his Media Officer, Kayode Fakuyi, the senator expressed delight that his laudable efforts and those of other party leaders to woo politicians from other parties to the APC had started yielding positive results.

  • Maiden anniversary: Akeredolu begins inspection of projects

    Maiden anniversary: Akeredolu begins inspection of projects

    OOndo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu yesterday began an inspection of projects in the Northern Senatorial District of the state in preparation for his one year anniversary in office.

    The projects include 2.3 kilometre roads from Ogbonmo to Hawlett Street and Ajegunle Road, in Ifon and Ose local government areas.

    Akeredolu noted that non-availability of funds was limiting government from carrying out many projects across the state.

    The governor said his administration would continue to ensure that good governance is spread to all nook and crannies of the state.

    The Olufon of Ifon, Oba Israel Adeusi, who decried the level of neglect the community had suffered over the years, expressed gratitude to Akeredolu for making his people benefit from his administration.

    Akeredolu also inspected the construction of a block of six classrooms, the renovation of a block of six classrooms   as well as two classrooms at St. Andrews Primary School, Elegbeka, where he assured that such rehabilitation will be carried out across all primary schools in the state.

    The Baale of Elegbeka, Chief Olorunyomi Olaye and the head teacher of the school, Mrs Ann Osabiya, hailed the governor for giving the only school in the community a total face-lift.

    With the governor on the tour were the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Ifedayo Abegunde, the State APC Chairman Ade Adetimehin, Commissioner for Works, Taofeek Abdulsalam, Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperative Services, Timehin Adelegbe, Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Rahimi Aminu and his Rural and Community Development counterpart, Victor Adekanye Olabimtan.

     

  • 2018 budget: Akeredolu gets thumbs-up

    2018 budget: Akeredolu gets thumbs-up

    Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has been commended over the  2018 budget of the state which is being targeted at legacy projects.

    A political analyst, Dr. Kayode Fafisibe, said the 2018 budget presented by the governor is a masterstroke that will enshrine his name in the roll of leaders who came and impacted on the state.

    Fafisibe is particularly happy about the construction of a new access road to Idanre. According to him, the town, aside from being a popular tourism destination, is growing into becoming the headquarters of cocoa farming and production in the state.

    “The construction of a new road to Idanre is one of the best decisions any government can make. It is a confirmation of the promise by Governor Akeredolu to open up the state to agriculture by constructing access roads to all major towns and villages. This will no doubt boost the economy of the state by making agriculture attractive to young farmers,” Fafisibe explained.

    Also, the construction of a flyover at Ore, will go a long way in solving the traffic gridlock experienced by travelers plying the popular intersection between the West and East of the country. Being the first of its type in the state, it will surely be a reference point of the governor’s achievements for ages to come.

    “For most of us in this part, the construction of a flyover at Ore still sounds like a dream. It will solve whatever traffic problem that has persisted in the area for a long time. As a matter of time, I can tell you that it will form part of the legacies that will showcase Akeredolu’s success in Ondo State,” Ikuelogbon Bamitale, a transporter, said.

    For the people of the northern senatorial district, the dualization of Ikare Akoko town roads is a longtime dream come true. The town, generally regarded as the capital of Akokoland, remains one of the few major towns in the state without dualized roads.

  • Akeredolu approves committee on first year anniversary

    Akeredolu approves committee on first year anniversary

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) yesterday approved the setting up of a committee on the first anniversary celebration of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government in the state.

    The committee, which will plan and execute a weeklong celebration between Monday, February 19, to Sunday, February 28, has Finance Commissioner Wale Akinterinwa as its Chairman.

    Other members include Femi Agagu (Commissioner for Education Science and Technology), Yemi Olowolabi (Information and Orientation), Prince Solagbade Amodeni (Physical Planning and Urban Development) and Mrs Omowunmi Olatunji-Edet (Women Affairs and Social Development).

    The list also include Olayiwola Aminu (Special Adviser on Lands, Works and Infrastructure), Mrs. Olubunmi Olubukola Ademosu (Special Adviser on Public and Inter-Governmental Relations), Akinboboye Taiwo Oyewumi (Special Adviser on Development and Investments), Dr. Ajibayo Adeyeye (Special Adviser on Health), Alaba Isijola (Special Adviser

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) yesterday approved the setting up of a committee on the first anniversary celebration of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government in the state.

    The committee, which will plan and execute a weeklong celebration between Monday, February 19, to Sunday, February 28, has Finance Commissioner Wale Akinterinwa as its Chairman.

    Other members include Femi Agagu (Commissioner for Education Science and Technology), Yemi Olowolabi (Information and Orientation), Prince Solagbade Amodeni (Physical Planning and Urban Development) and Mrs Omowunmi Olatunji-Edet (Women Affairs and Social Development).

    The list also include Olayiwola Aminu (Special Adviser on Lands, Works and Infrastructure), Mrs. Olubunmi Olubukola Ademosu (Special Adviser on Public and Inter-Governmental Relations), Akinboboye Taiwo Oyewumi (Special Adviser on Development and Investments), Dr. Ajibayo Adeyeye (Special Adviser on Health), Alaba Isijola (Special Adviser on Union Matters) and Tunji Fabiyi (Special Adviser on Political Matters) and Princess Oladunni Odu (Chairman, SUBEB).

    The rest are: Gbenga Edema (Chairman, OSOPADEC), Kunle Adebayo (Senior Special Assistant on Research and Documentation), Jimoh Dojumo (Senior Special Assistant on Security), Tosin Ogunbodede (Chief of Protocol), Ade Adetimehin (Acting State, Chairman of APC, Ondo State), Mrs. Omodara Atiba (Ondo State APC Woman Leader), Mr. F. O. Osedinbola (Ondo North APC Senatorial Chairman), Paul Oyeto (Ondo South APC Senatorial Chairman), Omooba Abayomi Adesanya (APC Publicity Secretary), Mr. Ikoto Atili (Commissioner, OSOPADEC) and Alalabiaye Ojo (Idanre Local Government, Education Secretary).

    The committee members also include Allen Sowore (Special Assistant on New Media), Banji Olabanji (Special Assistant on Youth and Students’ Affairs), Olutayo Babatayo (APC Youth Leader), Mrs. Lanre Helen Oyelade (APC chieftain), Mrs. Tola Awoh (APC chieftain), Olayato Aribo (APC chieftain), Bolakale Daodu (APC Chairman, Akoko South West) and Mrs. Taiwo Kolawole (Permanent Secretary and Secretary of the committee).

    A statement by the Chief of Staff, Chief Olugbenga Ale (JP), said the terms of reference of the committee are: to organise Mr. Governor’s media chat on the anniversary, to make suggestions for the anniversary lecture and the guest lecturer and to identify completed projects for inauguration and new projects to lay foundations for.

    The committee will also organise Jum’at and church thanksgiving services, determine the invited/special guests for each programme, arrange anniversary political rally (Unification Rally) for the grand finale, determine the cost implication for the programmes and any other matters as may be determined by the committee.

    on Union Matters) and Tunji Fabiyi (Special Adviser on Political Matters) and Princess Oladunni Odu (Chairman, SUBEB).

    The rest are: Gbenga Edema (Chairman, OSOPADEC), Kunle Adebayo (Senior Special Assistant on Research and Documentation), Jimoh Dojumo (Senior Special Assistant on Security), Tosin Ogunbodede (Chief of Protocol), Ade Adetimehin (Acting State, Chairman of APC, Ondo State), Mrs. Omodara Atiba (Ondo State APC Woman Leader), Mr. F. O. Osedinbola (Ondo North APC Senatorial Chairman), Paul Oyeto (Ondo South APC Senatorial Chairman), Omooba Abayomi Adesanya (APC Publicity Secretary), Mr. Ikoto Atili (Commissioner, OSOPADEC) and Alalabiaye Ojo (Idanre Local Government, Education Secretary).

    The committee members also include Allen Sowore (Special Assistant on New Media), Banji Olabanji (Special Assistant on Youth and Students’ Affairs), Olutayo Babatayo (APC Youth Leader), Mrs. Lanre Helen Oyelade (APC chieftain), Mrs. Tola Awoh (APC chieftain), Olayato Aribo (APC chieftain), Bolakale Daodu (APC Chairman, Akoko South West) and Mrs. Taiwo Kolawole (Permanent Secretary and Secretary of the committee).

    A statement by the Chief of Staff, Chief Olugbenga Ale (JP), said the terms of reference of the committee are: to organise Mr. Governor’s media chat on the anniversary, to make suggestions for the anniversary lecture and the guest lecturer and to identify completed projects for inauguration and new projects to lay foundations for.

    The committee will also organise Jum’at and church thanksgiving services, determine the invited/special guests for each programme, arrange anniversary political rally (Unification Rally) for the grand finale, determine the cost implication for the programmes and any other matters as may be determined by the committee.