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Tag: Akeredolu

  • We’ll open up rural roads, says Akeredolu

    We’ll open up rural roads, says Akeredolu

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) yesterday restated his administration’s determination to open up rural roads for economic development.

    Akeredolu said he decided to open up the hinterland through massive and sustained abridgment of existing infrastructural gap between rural communities and urban centres.

    The governor spoke in Akure, the state capital, at a stakeholders’ meeting on Rural Roads Identification, Intervention and Prioritisation Study in the 18 local government areas.

    He said there would be no realistic development without accessible roads.

    Akeredolu said his administration would continue to welcome international agencies, such as the World Bank, French Development Agency, African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Federal Government intervention agencies to ensure equitable and qualitative rural infrastructure across the state.

    He said: “We are convinced there can be no meaningful development in the polity until the rural environment enjoys a symbiotic relationship devoid of neglect and exploitation.”

    The governor said his administration, which he said intended to depart from the unproductive practice of rendering youths redundant and confused through creation of white collar jobs, said infrastructural development would guarantee investments and enhance accessibility, among other benefits.

    He said his administration would examine the state’s education system to address a situation where youths were being churned out of schools without indepth training.

    Akeredolu added: “An accessible and affordable health care system is our objective. It is attainable, as our experience in the system has shown.

    “Agriculture is a fundamental pillar upon which this administration erects its service structure.

    “The civil service envisioned will be such that enhances ease of doing business. We will strive towards re-establishing a bureaucracy with manifest commitment to equity, transparency, accountability and justice.”

    The governor said his administration would meet the eligibility criteria of development partners and ensure probity and accountability in public expenditure.

    To achieve the objective, he said his administration presented three bills, which were passed into law by the House.

    According to him, the bills are Procurement Law 2017; Fiscal Responsibility and Financial Management Law.

    Akeredolu noted that the laws will help the state to achieve fiscal discipline in its public expenditure.

  • Akeredolu is on course, says Alabi

    Akeredolu is on course, says Alabi

    Lagos lawyer Banji Alabi is the Convener, Ondo State Eminent Personalities Group (OSEPG), a group of professionals dedicated to the development of the Sunshine State. In this interview with reporters in Lagos, he speaks on the progress so far made by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. Excerpts:

    What is your assessment of the Akeredolu administration?

    The Akeredolu administration has done well thus far. Recall that this administration came in at a very difficult period when the state was neck deep in a very serious crisis. However, things did not take long before they started taking shape because the governors unique selling point is integrity. This reflected in the massive votes he recorded across the state, and luckily he has steered the ship of state in a manner that has been very commendable. We are not  particularly surprised in view of his background as a through bred professional who rose through the ranks as a lawyer to become a senior Advocate of Nigeria. He came in with a great deal of experience having worked with the late Sir Michael Adekunle Ajasin at a relatively young age as Attorney General and Commissioner for justice. Even the opposition Peoples Democracy Party publicly acknowledged that Akeredolu has done well so far. I am indeeds delighted that the administration has justified the confidence reposed in it by the people of Ondo State who voted massively for Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

    Why did you back the governor since you are supposed to be apolitical?

    You are right. But remember we also gave our support to the Mimiko administration. Our role is to get the best for Ondo State at every point in time. We see ourselves first and foremost as Ondo State people, and the best we can do is to give our all to the state because we have no other state we can call our own. Governor Akeredolu (SAN) himself is a thorough bred professional. Remember that he has devoted entire life to the legal profession in Nigeria, rising to the exalted position of a senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and later the president of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA). As a group of professionals from Ondo state, we have had very close contact with him and can attest to his integrity and professionalism. We are not politicians, but as a group  committed  to the growth and development of Ondo state we make bold to say that only those who have what it takes can take Nigeria to where it ought to be in the comity of Nations. That is why we believe that Governor Akeredolu’s experience will work for the people of Ondo State.

    Has the governor performed? 

    I think the Governor deserves the praises of all thus far. Recall that it was all industrial unrest in the dying days of the last administration because salaries of several months could not be paid. Today, it is a brand new day in Ondo State. It’s a pity that they we forget so soon in Nigeria. To appreciate the enormous work of the governor, I want to suggest that the government should publish the balance sheet of what it inherited from the Mimiko administration to enable Ondo state people appreciate the enormous work this administration has put in within such a short period. As a member of the transition committee which ushered in this administration, I can clearly tell you that Ondo state was on life support before this governor came in. It is however a thing of Joy that things are moving very fast, I am happy that the Ondo State is been restored by Governor Akeredolu. Today, civil servants are happy because salaries are been paid. Even lecturers that were sacked by the Mimiko administration at the state-owned Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akolo have been re-instated and their full benefits paid to date. The Governor has also signed an MoU with a foreign firm on the Olokola project to construct a 27km bridge across the sea to link Ilaje area of the state with Lekki in Lagos state. This no doubt is a milestone in view of what Ondo State stands to benefits from this strategic project. For those who don’t know Lekki is the home of business in Lagos which is Nigeria’s business, capital. It therefore means that huge business benefits will accrue to Ondo State as the Lekki area is home to Africa’s largest private refinery, owned by Aliko Dangote. The Icing on the cake I think is that the impact of this young administration is gradually been felt in the area of infrastructural development across the three senatorial districts. Only recently he gave out cheques running into hundreds of millions of naira to FADAMA framers. This will go a long way in boosting food security in the state. It will equally reduce unemployment because more people will be engaged in agriculture.

    With the appointment of commissioners, what do expect?

    I think this is the time the goods will be delivered faster and better. I say this because even when the cabinet was yet to be inaugurated, signs that this government is serious were more than evident I have gone through the list of commissioners and I can attest the fact that the governor did a very good job in picking people with quality. What this means is that Ondo state is set for business. May I also seize this opportunity to commend that lawmakers for approving the list in record time. The Ondo government in its entirety need to show the world that we can aim for the sky and the time is now.

  • Akeredolu, Ganduje: state police will end insecurity

    Akeredolu, Ganduje: state police will end insecurity

    KANO State Governor Abdulahi Ganduje and his Ondo State counterpart Oluwarotimi Akeredolu yesterday restated calls for state police.

    According to them, it is the only way to guarantee security and create peaceful atmosphere for growth.

    The governors said states were already funding and equipping the Police, which they said lack enough men and capacity to provide effective security.

    Ganduje and Akeredolu spoke during the Governors’ Forum session at the Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Lagos.

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, who was represented by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Emmanuel Aguma (SAN), said the Niger Delta would be better off without oil.

    Akeredolu said the time has come for states to have their police since the Federal Government cannot fund the police well.

    “If we must provide everything for the police, the time has come to have state police. Let’s have our own police. There is nothing wrong with it.

    “The Nigeria Police is short-staffed. They are stretched. Sometimes even the commissioner of police is helpless. The men are not there.”

    Akeredolu said devolving more power to states would mean that Ondo would have the sea port it deserves.

    “If there should be a hub for maritime in Nigeria, it has to be Ondo State. Ondo has the potential. We have the longest coastline, yet we cannot boast of a seaport,” he said.

    Ganduje said most states pay policemen allowances, besides providing them with other equipment.

    He said devolution of powers would mean increasing states’ capacity to fund their police.

    “We are still equipping the police, even paying their allowances in some cases. The budget that is supposed to be given to the police should be given to the states,” he said.

    According to him, institutions such as the judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must be strong for democracy to thrive.

    Wike said Rivers was focusing on strengthening institutions, without which he said there would be no growth.

    For instance, he said the state ensured that the judiciary, which was closed for several months, was re-opened, while due process was followed in the appointment of the Chief Judge, a non-indigene.

    On consequences of drop in global oil prices, the governor said the Niger Delta would be better-off without oil.

    “It does appear that the raison d’etat for Nigeria is oil,” he said, adding that maybe without oil, Nigeria would finally decide on whether to remain together.

    Besides, he said a Nigeria Delta without oil would mean “fresher fish, cleaner water, cleaner air.”

     

  • Akeredolu, Ganduje demand state police

    Akeredolu, Ganduje demand state police

    … Niger Delta better off without oil – Wike

    Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and his Kano State counterpart, Abdullahi Ganduje, on Wednesday restated calls for state police.

    The governors said state police would guarantee security and peaceful atmosphere for development.

    Ganduje and Akeredolu said states were already funding and equipping the police, which they said lack enough men and capacity to provide effective security across the country.

    They spoke during the Governors’ Forum session at the Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Lagos.

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, who was represented by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Emmanuel Aguma (SAN), said the Niger Delta would be better off without oil.

    Akeredolu said the time has come for states to have their police since the Federal Government cannot fund the police well.

    “If we must provide everything for the police, the time has come to have state police. Let’s have our own police. There is nothing wrong with it.

    “The Nigeria Police is short staffed. They are stretched. Sometimes even the commissioner of police is helpless. The men are not there.

    “The country is vast. We cannot afford to continue under one command where you take orders from the Inspector-General of Police in Abuja.

    “You cannot effectively police an area when you bring in people who don’t know the terrain,” he said.

    Akeredolu said devolving more power to states would mean that Ondo would have the sea port it deserves.

    “If there should be a hub for maritime in Nigeria, it has to be Ondo State. Ondo has the potential. We have the longest coastline, yet we cannot boast of a seaport,” added.

    The governor called for stronger institutions, such as the legislature, saying a governor should have no business choosing the Speaker, which he said is the business of lawmakers in line with the principle of separation of powers.

    “We should build institutions and allow them to thrive,” he said.

    Ganduje said most states pay policemen allowances, besides providing them with other equipment.

    He said devolution of powers would mean increasing states’ capacity to fund their police.

    “We are still equipping the police, even paying their allowances in some cases. The budget that is supposed to be given to the police should be given to the states,” he said.

    On what it takes to build strong institutions, Ganduje said it requires a strong template for recruitment, capacity development through training and setting clear-cut goals.

    “You don’t need strong men; you need strong institutions. Strong institutions are indispensable to socio-economic development. Strong institutions surpass those who created them.

    “Our institutions need to have clear-cut goals and objectives. There must be free flow of information, transparency and accountability.

    “There must be a template for reward and punishment. The institutions must be insulated from political interference,” the Kano State governor said.

  • Labour to Akeredolu: full pay or nothing

    Labour to Akeredolu: full pay or nothing

    Organised labour unions in Ondo State have accused the government of “suspiciously and forcefully” introducing percentage and fractional salary payment.

    They vowed not to accept  the 80 per cent the government offered for last September’s arrears from the second tranche of the Paris Club refund.

    Rising from an emergency meeting at the weekend at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Office in Akure, the state capital, the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) said despite an earlier letter to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) advising his administration against percentage salary payment, the government still directed its accountant-general to pay 80 per cent of last September salary.

    At the meeting, presided over by NLC State Chairman, Mrs Bosede Daramola, and her TUC counterpart, Soladoye Ekundayo, the labour leaders recalled that earlier meetings with Akeredolu and some government’s representatives only agreed on how best to use the second tranche of the 75 per cent Paris Club refund for workers on grade levels 1 to 14.

    According to them, most workers viewed the 80 per cent, paid last Friday, as a gift and not a salary, until government made full payment of last September’s arrears.

    They said: “If Governor Akeredolu’s administration can spend money left in the account by his predecessor, he should also pay in full the debt and salaries owed by Olusegun Mimiko’s government whenever funds are available, instead of using his aides to attack labour unions.

    “We will do everything to reject the introduction of percentage salary in Ondo State, no matter government’s propaganda to blackmail us.”

    The organised labour expressed disappointment at the attitude of Head of Service (HoS) Toyin Akinkuotu, who failed to protect interest of workers.

    They berated the governor’s Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Special Duties and Strategy, Dr Doyin Odebowale, for allegedly using unprinted names and unguarded statements on indigenes and labour leaders.

  • Paris club refund: My govt is for all, says Akeredolu

    Paris club refund: My govt is for all, says Akeredolu

    The Ondo State government yesterday explained the disbursement of its N6.38 billion Paris Club refund.

    A statement by the governor’s Senior Special Assistant, Special Duties & Strategy, Dr Doyin Odebowale, said contrary to claims the administration got N7.03 billion, the state got N6.38 billion to pay September 2016 arrears and execute projects.

    Odebowale said no major administrative decision was taken on welfare without consulting the labour union.

    According to him, it was shocking that those who participated in meetings on the payment of arrears could misinform the public.

    He said: “It is on record that some states allocated 50 per cent of the refund to offset salaries and the remaining 50 per cent for projects. Ondo State has agreed to allocate 75 per cent to pay pensioners in full, offset part of gratuities owed retirees, release subventions to institutions and parastatals and to pay 80 per cent of the September salary.

    “The remaining 25 per cent is for capital projects. It is rather disturbing to note that those who claim to serve the public will insist that the government should reserve nothing for the  the people who constitute over 95 per cent of the populace.”

    The statement said: “The allegiance of this government is to them and not a select few. No worker should be afraid of persecution in this dispensation. No one will, however, enjoy unmerited privileges.

    “No amount of blackmail can stampede the administration to take decisions inimical to the interest of people not in the employ of the government.”

  • Akeredolu woos investors as Air Peace makes maiden flight to Akure

    Akeredolu woos investors as Air Peace makes maiden flight to Akure

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) yesterday reiterated his administration’s determination to make the state attractive to local and foreign investors.

    He spoke at Akure Airport as a private commercial airline made its maiden flight to the state.

    The governor, who said the development marked the beginning of great happenings in the state.

    Akeredole urged the residents to avail themselves of the services provided by the airline.

    The flight into Akure, the state capital, marked the beginning of a Private Public Partnership (PPP) arrangement between the state government and Air Peace, a private airline.

    The governor praised God for making the development possible, describing the arrival of Air Peace in the state as the beginning of great economic revival.

    He hoped the initiative would stimulate the industrial growth of the All Progressives Congress (APC) change mantra, adding that before long, cargo services would begin at the airport to assist the export of farm produce to the United States of America (U.S.A.) and other foreign countries.

    Akeredolu said: “Today marks another giant step in our determination to develop Ondo State. The commencement of commercial flights into Akure will no doubt reduce the stress, risk and wear and tear that our people go through to go to Lagos.

    “More importantly, it will open up the state to local and foreign investors who can now access our state from Lagos in under one hour. It is another chapter in our determination to make sure that we leave Ondo State better than we met it.”

    The governor hailed the airline for showing interest in the state.

    The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, expressed delight with the arrangement.

  • We’ll make abductors of Lagos school boys give up arms, says Akeredolu

    We’ll make abductors of Lagos school boys give up arms, says Akeredolu

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) said yesterday that he would work to ensure ttat the abductors of Lagos school boys dropped their arms.

    He also confirmed that he promised the kidnappers of  inclusion in the Federal Government amnesty programme.

    He spoke in an interview programme on an Ibadan-based radio, Fresh FM at the weekend.

    Akeredolu explained that as soon as the Federal Government hinted him that the children were hidden somewhere in the creeks of Ondo State, he assigned his deputy, who hailed from a riverine area of the state, to find means of opening discussions with the abductors.

    On successfully establishing contact with them after risking his life, the governor recalled that he joined in the discussion to know the motive of the abductors.

    According to him, the militants complained that they were excluded in the amnesty programme launched for all militants in the Niger Delta.

    Akeredolu said he promised them that he would  intimate the Federal Government of the need to include them in the programme. He said the government did not pay ransom to secure their release.

    The governor said he, however, made them realise the danger of criminality.

    He said the militants expressed trust in his administration to right the wrongs of the past.

    “My deputy did a yeoman’s job and started a discussion with the abductors. We made them realise that they may have their problem with the government but we told them that we will report that to the Federal Government. People repose a lot of trust in our government. They have implicit trust in us. The young boys (kidnappers) have trust in us. We promised them we would persuade the Federal Government to include them in the amnesty programme.  We did not pay any ransom. We will work with the Federal Government to make them surrender their arms,” Akeredolu said.

    Akeredolu also acknowledged that there is division in the All Progressives Congress (APC), pointing out that the party is so big that all members can not always agree. He stressed that it is part of the beauty of democracy.

    He also denied working as one of President Muhammadu Buhari’s boys in Southwest, saying he is not a boy to anybody.

  • Akeredolu hailed on appointment of engineers

    Akeredolu hailed on appointment of engineers

    Former National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE), Dr. Tunde Olatunji, has commended Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu over the recent appointment of two engineers, Tunji Ariyomo and Raimi Aminu, into his cabinet.

    Olatunji, who is also a former Director of Professional Services with the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), lamented engineering has been suffering from inclusiveness at leadership level.

    This, he pointed out, has created gaps between engineering policies and standards on one hand and the realisation of the desired development objective for the nation.

    He described one of the appointees, Ariyomo, as an experienced colleague committed to the progress of Nigeria through application of technology.

    He said Akeredolu deserves commendation for reversing the trend and trusting in engineers.

    A former President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Titi Omo-Ettu, strongly made a case for involvement of more qualified engineers and other professionals in a fit-for-purpose model.

    Omo-Ettu, who recently presented the Lead Paper at the 2017 Nigerian Engineering Assembly in Abuja, said: “In a cabinet of more than 12 persons there are only two engineers, it means that place is like USA, which has no problem of infrastructure development but priority for order and peace”

    While praying for the success of Akeredolu, Omo-Ettu added: “For me, Nigeria is an environment where the CHINA scenario is the best.

    “In China 80 percent of all cabinet members at all levels are made up of engineers, scientists and people of engineering background.

    “That way, we in the engineering profession will have basis to give kudos or knocks to our colleagues that have been saddled with sensitive leadership positions”.

  • Pray for Nigeria, Buhari, Akeredolu urge pilgrims

    Pray for Nigeria, Buhari, Akeredolu urge pilgrims

    The Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has urged intending pilgrims to the 2017 Hajj in Mecca to pray for the peaceful coexistence of Nigeria.

    The governor, at a farewell ceremony for the 301 intending pilgrims, at the Babafunke Auditorium, Akure, the state capital, also asked them to seek God’s intervention for President Muhammadu Buhari’s health challenge.

    Represented by his deputy, Agboola Ajayi, the governor advised the pilgrims to conform with the rules and regulations of Saudi Arabia and shun the conducts that could bring their names and reputation of the state into disrepute.

    He said: “You must resist the temptation of carrying hard drugs or prohibited goods to the Holy land. The attributes of honesty and discipline which are enshrined in the Holy Quran must be conspicuously displayed in your performance of hajj.

    Earlier, Chairman, Ondo State Muslim Welfare Board, Alhaji Khaleel Fawehinmi, urged the intending pilgrims to pray for the state and country in general.