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Tag: Akeredolu

  • Akeredolu kick-starts community water project

    Akeredolu kick-starts community water project

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) yesterday kick-started the state’s community water revolution through its Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA).

    Akeredolu, whose five cardinal programmes are focused on improving the standard of living of the people, was represented at the occasion by his Special Adviser on Public Utilities, Tunji Ariyomo, who was accompanied by the General Manager of the agency, Moses Omodemi.

    The kick-off started at the Ifelodun-Alamoye community in Akure High School area of Akure South Local Government Area.

    Ariyomo said RUWASSA had identified over 200 sites for rural and small towns’ borehole rehabilitation projects as well as nearly 100 new borehole sites as part of efforts to overhaul rural water supply in the 18 local government areas this year.

    He said: “Beyond the boreholes, which will meet immediate needs of our people, Mr. Governor has also recorded appreciable progress in urban water supply. The state has begun …consultancy on the supply of water to parts of the core urban centres in the state capital as part of a major water project that’s underway.

    “For the community water projects, some of the beneficiary communities include Atipere, Agbayewa, Oke-Meji, Potoki on Idanre Road, Ifeloju-Alamoye as well as batteries of motorised boreholes with overhead tanks to be cited in Cocoa Board area in Oda.”

    Ariyomo added: “The governor is determined to improving the standard of living of the people through water, electricity and construction of roads across the state.”

    The adviser noted that “as we gather here today, for instance, Governor Akeredolu has succeeded in getting the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) through the assistance of the Minister of Power, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), to energise Omotosho community in Ondo State. We expect Omotosho to go live any moment from today. This is a community that has never experienced electricity supply since the return to democracy in 1999 and even since the two national power plants were sited in that community.”

    Residents of the Alawoye community expressed joy over the state government’s borehole project.

    Mrs. Bola Alo, one of the residents, recalled how the area had suffered from lack of potable water for decades.

    She said their wells got dry quickly during the dry season, adding that not all the wells were safe for drinking.

    Mrs Alo said the worst nightmare of the residents was that they trekked long distance to fetch water.

    The community leader, Owolade Lawrence, who described Akeredolu as God-sent and a listening governor, said the governor had fulfilled one of the two electioneering promises he made to the community.

    He said: “It remains Alaogo Road, which is not motorable. Some residents have been cut off.”

    They declared unflinching support for the governor, urging other residents across the state to support the implementation of the present administration’s programmes.

    Ariyomo said his office was working with the Ministry of Education to tackle water shortage in the state’s special schools, including the School for the Deaf.

    The governor’s aide reiterated Akeredolu’s commitment to ensuring that communities, such as Ode-Aye and Okitipupa, were reconnected to the national grid.

    He said: “I can confidently tell you that I was on the phone with the contractor handling the Omotosho to Okitipupa transmission line today and he was full of praises to Governor Akeredolu for his strategic intervention. The Benin electricity distribution company (DISCO) has also informed us that the December delay was occasioned by challenges it faced on contractor selection.”

     

     

  • Akure indigenes laud Akeredolu over proposed road projects

    A group, Akure Patriots (AP), has lauded Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for proposing in the 2018 budget, the rehabilitation and construction of many roads in the community.

    Some of the listed roads mapped out for construction are dualisation of ‘A’ Division-Hospital road-Olukayode roundabout-Oke Obere-Ijoka road, Oke Obere-Ijoka in Akure to Idanre, construction of Gaga community road, construction of Oke-Ogba community road and that of Appeal Court road.

    Others include the rehabilitation of Igbaraoke-Ibuji-Ondo/Ekiti State boundary, rehabilitation of roads in Isarun, Ifedore local government and the dualisation of Akure-Iju-Itaogbolu-Ondo/Ekiti State boundary.

    The commendation was contained in a communique issued at the end of its meeting held in Akure and signed by Prof. Olu Aboluwoye and Olusoji Aga on behalf of the group.

    It unfolded plans to subject all candidates of different political parties seeking offices to debate in order to put its best forward to occupy political positions.

    The group also expressed displeasure that those who had represented the community in the past have not really brought development to the town, lamenting the underdevelopment of the town despite being the state capital.

    The group, however, praised Governor Akeredolu and his deputy, Agboola Ajayi, for appointing indigenes of the town into vital positions in the present administration.

    Those appointed, according to the communiqué, included the Secretary to the State Government (SSG),Ifedayo Abegunde, Mrs Olawunmi Edet and Saka Yusuf Ogunleye as commissioners, Mrs Bunmi Ademosun and Tunji Light Ariyomo as special advisers.

    The group, which faulted the quality of people elected into offices in the past, said “we unanimously agree that all contestants in Akure will be subjected to thorough, open debates so as to ensure the emergence of the best candidates to represent Akure.

    “We enjoin various youth leaders in Akure communities to organise symposia, conferences to integrate their teeming members in the political system as they are expected to be future leaders.”

     

  • Workers’ training remains our priority, says Akeredolu

    Workers’ training remains our priority, says Akeredolu

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) has said the training and retraining of workers for optimum service delivery will form the central focus of his administration this year.

    The governor, in his first address to civil servants in the new year, urged them to update their knowledge in relevant areas of service.

    Akeredolu, who hailed the workers for showing understanding and cooperating with his administration from inception, solicited their continued support and rededication to duty.

    The governor said the people’s welfare would be the central focus of his administration’s aspirations and the extent to which they are satisfied would form the veritable yardstick for measuring the achievements of his government.

    He urged those who desire progress for the state to prepare to sacrifice.

    Akeredolu said every segment of the state would feel the direct impact of his administration.

    He said: “What concerns all must be shared and borne by all. Our people must also feel the direct impact of governance.”

    The governor added that the culture of payment of paying salaries and allowances of workers without the provision of social service to the people would not be allowed to continue.

    He said: “We intend to shift attention, progressively, keenly and resolutely, to the provision of social infrastructure for the people.

    “The embarrassing state of our roads, hospitals, schools and public utilities will be addressed. There is no gain asserting the obvious that the current practice cannot engender development. Consequently, we enjoin all public servants to remain loyal and dedicated in the discharge of their responsibilities.”

    The governor urged the workers to shun their bad habits and practices and have a change of attitude to duty.

    Akeredolu said: “As the government strives to block leakages, public servants must support the efforts to steer the ship of the state away from the precipice.

    “We have engaged some consultants, who have the mandates to improve the revenue base of the state. These efforts can only be complementary to the statutory functions of public servants, who serve the people in truth and in deed.

    “We, on our part, will continue to reward merit and diligence. We will also not fail to sanction any acts which stand at variance with the dictates of decency and regulations.”

     

  • Akeredolu presents N171bn 2018 budget to Ondo Assembly

    Akeredolu presents N171bn 2018 budget to Ondo Assembly

    Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, on Friday presented an appropriation bill of N171 billion for the 2018 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly for scrutiny and approval.

    The estimates, christened “Budget of Progress,” earmarked N81.521 billion for recurrent expenditure and N68.096 for capital votes.

    He said the budget reflected the collective aspiration of the people of the state, after having consulted widely to incorporate the input of all stakeholders.

    Akeredolu said the budget captured the essence of his administration’s blueprint, adding that the document was christened “Budget of Progress” to achieve the programmes in his administration’s Strategic Development and Policy Implementation.

    According to him, his administration will pursue activities targeted at encouraging productivity and creation of real opportunity for the people in the next fiscal year.

    He therefore, asked the state Assembly to give the budget realistic scrutiny before approval.

    Akeredolu also lauded the lawmakers for passing all the Public Financial Management laws which had been pending before the House for six years.

    The governor said: “The 2018 budget is designed to achieve stability, fiscal re-prioritisation and consolidation to create the base for sustainable growth and development.

    “It is focused on reversing the growth of debt, unsustainable deficits and the burden of interest payments which is almost unsustainable.

    “The 2018 budget estimates will focus on rebuilding the state’s economy through prioritised investment on infrastructure and agriculture-related activities.”

    The governor listed the objectives of the budget, including intensifying efforts on independent revenue initiatives, massive infrastructure development and wealth creation through empowerment of youths, artisans, farmers and market women.

    NAN

     

     

  • I’ll fight poverty, says Akeredolu

    I’ll fight poverty, says Akeredolu

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) has restated his administration’s commitment to pursue programmes and initiatives that reduce poverty and provide jobs for the residents.

    The governor said this is in furtherance of his administration’s efforts to leave the people better than it met them.

    Akeredolu, who spoke during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the kick-off of the Niger Delta Support Programme (NDSP4) at the Cocoa Conference Room of the Governor’s Office at Alagbaka in Akure, the state capital, said the NDSP4 was an extension of the Micro-Project Programme (MPP9) launched to further tackle poverty and provide infrastructure for the residents.

    He said: “I am glad that 69 new projects will be built in three local government areas in the state, that is, Akoko North-West, Ilaje and Ondo East, which have been chosen to benefit from the first phase of the NDSP4.

    “In addition, some projects have also been identified in Owo, Irele, Ese-Odo, Ose and Ondo West local government areas as part of the second phase of the programme…”

  • Akeredolu urged ‘to intervene in royal tussle’

    Akeredolu urged ‘to intervene in royal tussle’

    Indigenes of Afin in Akoko Northwest Local Government Area of Ondo State have urged Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to intervene in the protracted royal feud to let peace reign in the community.

    The Alafin of Afin-Akoko stool, for several years, has remained vacant due to a tussle among aggrieved parties for the position.

    It led to litigation in a suit filed by the Ode Gbangba Family against Ode Asigi Ruling House at the High Court of Ikare-Akoko.

    The outcome of the litigation reportedly favoured Ode Asigi Ruling House, which led to moves to fill the vacant stool.

    The ruling house met and sent the names of three princes – Abdul Ganiyu Jimoh Adegboyega, Abdul Rahim Mustafa Gold and Prince Taiwo Alabi, among others – to the Opameso, the kingmakers, for appointment of the Alafin-elect.

    It was learnt that on November 13, the kingmakers met at the house of Abore, their chairman, where they consulted Ifa oracle, which chose Prince Abdul Ganiyu Adegboyega.

    But sources said an indigene of the town and Commissioner for Natural Resources, Rasheed Badmus, allegedly objected to the choice and imposed another contestant, Abdulrahim Gold.

    The head of the kingmakers, Chief Zaccheaus Adeyemi, who addressed reporters in Akure, the capital, urged Akeredolu to intervene in the matter.

    He said the indigenes would not allow the commissioner to “fraudulently” impose his “unpopular” candidate on the community.

    But Badmus denied the allegation, saying the choice of Mustafa Gold followed due process.

    According to him, the selection favoured Gold with six votes against three secured by Adegboyega.

    The commissioner urged his aggrieved kinsmen to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.

    He said there was no pandemonium after the selection process which favoured Gold, contrary to claims that there was tension after his choice.

  • Adams a brave man, says Akeredolu

    Adams a brave man, says Akeredolu

    The Oluwarotimi Akeredolu administration in Ondo State has said the choice of Otunba Gani Adams as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate of the Yoruba is a testimony to his bravery and broad-minded commitment to Yoruba nationalism.

    In a congratulatory message at the weekend by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Yemi Olowolabi, the “government and people of Ondo State” described the title as “a rare honour bestowed on him by the great monarch, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi”.

    Adams is an indigene of Arigidi Akoko in Ondo State.

    Olowolabi said: “I write to convey to you the good wishes of the people and government of Ondo State on your recent appointment as the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land.

    “This is a rare honour attesting to your bravery and broad-minded commitment to Yoruba nationalism.

    “You have, in the last two decades, carved a niche for yourself as a courageous advocate of cultural renaissance and a frontline defender of the interest of your people.”

    The letter noted that “having come this far in your career as cultural revivalist and a leader of the famous Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), no one was surprised that you have been so honoured”.

    It added: “It is, therefore, our fervent prayers that God will give you the wisdom to succeed in your huge historic task of fostering unity, upholding integrity and development of Oduduwa sons and daughters.”

  • Brace up for real development, Akeredolu urges academics

    Brace up for real development, Akeredolu urges academics

    Ondo State governor, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN),  yesterday charged the nation’s tertiary institutions to brace up to the challenges of real development. He said there appeared to be increasing disconnect between the curricula adopted for the training of the citizenry and the current realities. Akeredolu, who spoke during the 15th convocation ceremonies of Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, noted that the country was confronted  with  the  inexplicable  situation, leading to millions of the nation’s youths being unemployed.

    The Governor said “the tragic reality borders on the level and quality of training received by these wonderful creatures who excel so easily whenever they find themselves in an environment which encourages education.” He maintained that while it is important for government at all levels to concentrate on the education of the citizenry, there is also the need for the academics to descend from the ivory tower to interact with the society with a view to come to terms with realities.

    According to him, “The character of the curricula of education must be such that addresses basic challenges of existence in any given environment. Acquisition of knowledge must be seen as integral part of the quest for the development of a society. The process is too important to be reduced to a carnival-like fiesta, which is mere evidence of participation in the certification rites, culminating in the award of degrees and diplomas of varying degrees. An educated person should be able to solve specific problems.”

    Akeredolu, who was conferred with a honourary Degree of Doctor of Law by the management of Igbinedion University, said it was high time the nation stopped undue romanticisation of the role of government in funding education.

    He said: “It is correct to hold that any society owes its citizens a bounding duty in ensuring that their welfare shall be the sole reason for governance. If we all agree that there can be no substitute for good education if a society is truly desirous of joining the rest of the civilized world, then it is patently unrealistic to expect a benevolent phantom called government to provide everything, while procreation remains the only active index of participation of a large percentage of the populace.”

  • ‘Akeredolu committed to Ondo economic growth’

    ‘Akeredolu committed to Ondo economic growth’

    The Oluwarotimi Akeredolu administration in Ondo State is committed to improving the fortunes of the state through all-round economic development, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Yemi Olowolabi, has said.

    The commissioner spoke yesterday in his office in Akure, the state capital.

    He said: “We knew the need to take the bull by the horns was inevitable; hence the decision to be pragmatic. Our focus is on making the economy of the state buoyant, viable and sustainable by laying emphasis on our areas of strength, where we have relative advantage.

    “We have the longest coast in Nigeria. This means nature has bestowed on us a gift of immeasurable economic advantages. All we need is to be proactive and sensible and tap into the benefits derivable from this gift of nature.

    “It is no longer a secret that Governor Akeredolu has been making efforts to get the state a deep seaport, which would help in no small way to improve the lot of the state. Everyone knows a deep seaport will catapult the state into a beehive of economic activities.”

    Olowolabi said the government was not unmindful of the bitumen deposit in the state, adding: “By the time the Federal and state governments conclude the paperwork on the exploration of this deposit, definitely, our collective fortune is bound to improve.”

    The commissioner said the state government was also maximising the opportunities available in agriculture.

    He said: “With the vegetation we have across the three senatorial districts, it would be a disservice to the people if we do not make use of the sector to boost our economy.

    “To show our seriousness, trainings are being conducted and loans given out to youths who are interested in farming. Agriculture will be used to take as many youths as possible off the unemployment market. The task is achievable.”

    Olowolabi assured the residents that Akeredolu would leave a lasting legacy.

    He said: “This government has the mission to improve the people, the infrastructure and strengthen the system. Years after leaving office, a good leader should be remembered for the transformation he brought into governance. This is in form of economic well-being he was able to bring about in office.”

    The commissioner said the situation Akeredolu met on the ground was not encouraging, adding that his administration was ready to weather the storm.

    Olowolabi noted that the economic situation in the state was not the best due to reliance on stipends from the Federation Account.

    He said: “We remain determined to move the state forward, despite the challenges. People in government need to make use of the power they have to change the fortune of the people.”

     

  • Akeredolu gets most detribalised Nigerian award

    Akeredolu gets most detribalised Nigerian award

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) has won the most detribalised Nigerian award.

    The award shows that the governor’s thoughts and actions are in consonance with national unity and development.

    Akeredolu won the award at this year’s lecture and award ceremony of the Epiphany Azinge Foundation at the Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

    The governor was honoured for his patriotic stance on Nigeria, which his marriage to an Igbo wife symbolises.

    The foundation’s founder Prof Epiphany Azinge (SAN) hailed Akeredolu for winning the award.

    Speaking on the theme of the lecture, titled: Nigeria in Search of A Detribalised Race, Prof Azinge noted that Akeredolu “is not only detribalised but also a complete Nigerian who represents sterling qualities that must be present in anyone aspiring to lead this country”.

    The eminent lawyer said it must have been tough for the governor to marry an Igbo wife.

    He said: “How challenging it must have been for you, many years back, to take an Igbo wife, replicated again by your son, who also got married to an Igbo wife. Your years as President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) undeniably were made lighter by your connections.”

    Prof Azinge, a former Director General of Nigerian Institute for Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), said the objectives of Epiphany Azinge Foundation include: “to engage in special legal research for positive development of the Nigerian legal system and enthronement of ethical standards and values”.

    The legal luminary said the foundation also promotes patriotism and nationalism through identifying and recognising persons with proven records of being detribalised Nigerians and using them as examples to build unity and promote “Nigerianism”.

    He said: “We are using this foundation to promote the art and culture of Nigeria and internationalise the customs and traditions of the people of Nigeria as well as cultivate and inculcate the altruistic passion of volunteerism.”

    Akeredolu said agitations be subsumed within the laws of the land.