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Tag: Akeredolu

  • Akeredolu sends N169.720b budget proposal to Ondo Assembly

    Akeredolu sends N169.720b budget proposal to Ondo Assembly

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) yesterday forwarded this year’s budget proposal to the House of Assembly for approval.

    The Assembly is expected to deliberate on the proposal, which is the first from the Akeredolu administration.

    It was learnt that after deliberations, the Assembly will invite the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to defend their budgets before the lawmaker pass it into law.

    Details of the budget were sketchy last night, but it was gathered that the budget’s total is N169,720,580,000.

    The development was a new dimension to budget presentation in the state.

    Successive administrations, through their governors, usually presented the budgets personally to the Assembly for onward passage after deliberations on the floor of the House.

     

     

  • Osinbajo, Amosun, Akeredolu, minister, UNFPA, others express shock

    Osinbajo, Amosun, Akeredolu, minister, UNFPA, others express shock

    Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, Minister of Health Prof. Isaac Adewole and United Nations Population Fund  (UNFPA)  have expressed shock over the  sadden death of Prof. Babatunde Osotimehin.

    He was until his death, UNFPA Executive Director and a former Minister of Health.

    The Acting President, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, extended heartfelt condolences to Osotimehin’s wife, his children and entire family.

    He commiserated with UNFPA workers and the entire UN system on the demise of “a very remarkable international public servant, who served passionately, diligently and worked tirelessly at the global and national stages to reduce maternal mortality and promote universal access to reproductive health”.

    The late Osotimehin, he noted, also had a distinguished career as medical doctor and teacher before he served as a cabinet minister in Nigeria and later at the UN.

    He said the deceased will be long remembered for his many significant developmental contributions at home and in the international community.

    As Prof. Osotimehin is being mourned internationally, the Acting President urged the Osotimehin family, friends and associates to take solace knowing that his notable service and worthy contributions, especially towards improving women and children’s health across the world are widely acclaimed, deeply appreciated, and would be long remembered and honoured.

    Akeredolu commiserated with the Osotimehin family and Nigerians over the demise of the former minister.

    According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Segun Ajiboye, Akeredolu lamented the death of Osotimehin, describing the professor’s death as a big loss to Nigeria.

    He said: “The death of Prof. Osotimehin is a big loss, not only to his family, but the country as a whole. His death, coming at this crucial time when the nation needs his service most, is no doubt a huge blow.”

    Amosun described the death of the UNFPA Executive Director as a big loss to Nigeria and the world.

    The governor said the death of the professor of clinical pathology, who he described as a world acclaimed public servant, was particularly saddening for Ogun State, as he was one of the many illustrious sons and daughters that the Gateway State is proud of.

    “We cannot forget his invaluable contributions as Provost, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan and the war against HIV/AIDS, when he served as Executive Director of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), which no doubt, significantly tamed the spread of the disease in Nigeria.

    “His achievements, definitely earned him a well-deserved seat in the Federal Executive Council of the previous administration, where he held the portfolio of the Minister of Health,” he added.

    He prayed that God grants the Osotimehin family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

    UNFPA yesterday promised that it would keep Osotimehin’s grand vision for women and young people. It added that it would continue to stand up for the human rights and dignity of everyone, particularly the most vulnerable adolescent girls.

    In a statement on its website, the organisation wrote: “This is a devastating loss for UNFPA and for the people, especially women, girls and youth he dedicated his life to serving, starting from when he became a doctor in Nigeria.

    “UNFPA expressed its deep sympathy to his family and prays that they have the fortitude to bear this great loss.”

    “Dr. Osotimehin was bold and never afraid of a challenge and his strong leadership helped keep the health and rights of the world’s women and girls high on the global agenda.

    “He understood that the world’s 1.8 billion young people are truly its greatest hope for the future.”

    Adewole described Osotimehin’s death as shocking.

    The late Osotimehin, according to the minister, will be remembered for his role and global contributions to increased access to Family Planning as well as sexual and adolescent health, especially in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs).

    “Professor Osotimehin whom I fondly called the ‘Big Boss’ during his lifetime will definitely be missed for his dedication, humility, mentorship and patriotism,” Adewole said.

    The minister, who spoke on behalf of the management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Health, condoled with the family, friends, associates and colleagues of the late professor at the United Nations.

  • Akeredolu wins as Ondo students elect leaders at 10th convention

    Members of the National Association of Ondo State Students (NAOSS) have elected leaders who will oversee the association’s affairs for one year.

    The election took place during the 10th convention of the body  on Saturday in Akure, the Ondo State capital. The electoral process was conducted under close supervision of independent observers and security agents.

    About 105 delegates from 55 recognised tertiary institutions nationwide were accredited to elect the leaders.

    The electoral committee chairman, Oluwatobi Ebiwonjumi, while announcing the results, declared Comrade Emmanuel Akeredolu as president-elect after polling 87 votes of the 104 total votes cast. Emmanuel defeated Ayomipo Oloyede, who got 10 votes, and Wealth Akerele, who got six votes. A vote was voided.

    Ebiwonjumi described the election as peaceful and credible, thanking the candidates for displaying maturity during and after the election.

    The outgoing president, Charles Iwakun, congratulated his successor, noting that his determination to conduct free and fair election was achieved. According to him, the outgoing administration set good pace for the development of the association, advising Akeredolu to consulate on his achievement. He urged his successor to be magnanimous in victory by extending a hand of fellowship to his opponents.

    Akeredolu, a student of Ekiti State University (EKSU), thanked the delegates for the confidence reposed in him. He promised to bring positive change to the association, pledging to work with his opponents.

    Mr Alex Gbologe, an observer from the National Orientation Agency (NOA), who spoke on behalf of the independent observers, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the election. He said the process was devoid of rancour, fighting and abusive words.

    Other elected include Vice President, Omotayo Olibamoyo, General Secretary, Gbenga Ogunderu, Public Relations Officer, Alex Adesuyi, Treasurer, Oluwagbenga Ogunji, Director of Special Duties, Oluwaseun Aruwajoye, Financial Secretary, Opemipo Amusa, and Social Director, John Daudu.

    Others are Sports Director, Temitope Menawonu, Assistant General Secretary, Janet Akinyuwa, Senate President, Lawrence Oguniyi, Deputy Senate President, Tony Odimayo, Chief Whip, Excel Oloriegbe and Clerk, Oluwafemi Omolaja.

  • Akeredolu wins as Ondo students elect leaders at 10th convention

    Members of the National Association of Ondo State Students (NAOSS) have elected leaders who will oversee the association’s affairs for one year.

    The election took place during the 10th convention of the body  on Saturday in Akure, the Ondo State capital. The electoral process was conducted under close supervision of independent observers and security agents.

    About 105 delegates from 55 recognised tertiary institutions nationwide were accredited to elect the leaders.

    The electoral committee chairman, Oluwatobi Ebiwonjumi, while announcing the results, declared Comrade Emmanuel Akeredolu as president-elect after polling 87 votes of the 104 total votes cast. Emmanuel defeated Ayomipo Oloyede, who got 10 votes, and Wealth Akerele, who got six votes. A vote was voided.

    Ebiwonjumi described the election as peaceful and credible, thanking the candidates for displaying maturity during and after the election.

    The outgoing president, Charles Iwakun, congratulated his successor, noting that his determination to conduct free and fair election was achieved. According to him, the outgoing administration set good pace for the development of the association, advising Akeredolu to consulate on his achievement. He urged his successor to be magnanimous in victory by extending a hand of fellowship to his opponents.

    Akeredolu, a student of Ekiti State University (EKSU), thanked the delegates for the confidence reposed in him. He promised to bring positive change to the association, pledging to work with his opponents.

    Mr Alex Gbologe, an observer from the National Orientation Agency (NOA), who spoke on behalf of the independent observers, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the election. He said the process was devoid of rancour, fighting and abusive words.

    Other elected include Vice President, Omotayo Olibamoyo, General Secretary, Gbenga Ogunderu, Public Relations Officer, Alex Adesuyi, Treasurer, Oluwagbenga Ogunji, Director of Special Duties, Oluwaseun Aruwajoye, Financial Secretary, Opemipo Amusa, and Social Director, John Daudu.

    Others are Sports Director, Temitope Menawonu, Assistant General Secretary, Janet Akinyuwa, Senate President, Lawrence Oguniyi, Deputy Senate President, Tony Odimayo, Chief Whip, Excel Oloriegbe and Clerk, Oluwafemi Omolaja.

  • When ‘ll Akeredolu appoint commissioners?

    When ‘ll Akeredolu appoint commissioners?

    Three months after his inauguration as the sixth elected governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) is still trying to settle down to business. He has made some appointments, but the people of the Sunshine State are still eagerly waiting for the list of commissioners. Correspondent DAMISI OJO writes on the scramble for slots in the State Executive Council.

    AFTER making some appointments into his kitchen cabinet, stakeholders now expect Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who mounted the reins of power on February 24 as the sixth civilian governor of Ondo State, to constitute his cabinet.

    The impression the Owo-born legal luminary gave at the outset was that of someone who came into office prepared. Between the period he won the election and February 23, when his predecessor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, handed over the mantle of leadership to him at the Cocoa Conference Hall, Governor’s Office, Alagbaka, Akure, various committees had been set up to ensure a seamless transition.

    Many indigenes and observers had expected the governor to announce his political appointees immediately after delivering his maiden speech at the State Sports Stadium, venue of the inauguration. Such observers have been speculating about who will make the cabinet list.

    But, apparently, the former Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) President is not in a hurry to constitute his cabinet; his attitude suggests that he does not want to be stampeded into making any appointments.

    Akeredolu has however, made some crucial appointments. In recognition of the impact of the media and information in the daily routine of government affairs, Akeredolu has approved the appointment of his media aides headed by Segun Ajiboye, a journalist. The unit swung into action and started dishing out information on the activities of the government through mass media channels.

    Other crucial appointments followed some weeks later. For instance, he announced the appointment of the former lawmaker, representing Akure North/South Federal Constituency, Ifedayo Abegunde as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG). He hails from Akure in the Central District.

    This was in a bid to balance the political equation, since the governor is from North District and his deputy, Agboola Ajayi, is from the South District. Akeredolu also announced the appointment of his kinsman from Owo, retired Permanent Secretary Gbenga Ale as his Chief of Staff (CoS).

    The appointment of Abegunde met the expectations of many people, especially from the Central District. But, that of the CoS shocked many observers, because the Owo-born technocrat was not known to be a politician. Nevertheless, from the governor’s perspective, Ale is the right man for the job.

    Akeredolu also approved the appointment of more political aides, including Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Women Affairs, Mrs. Titi Adeyemi; SSA Oil and Gas, Benson Enikuomehin; SSA on Public and Inter-Government Relations, Mrs. Bunmi Ademosu; SSA on Agriculture, Akinola Olotu; SSA on ICT, Olumbe Akinkugbe; SSA on Development and Investment, Boye Oyewunmi and SSA on Security, Alhaji Jimoh Dojumo.

    He also appointed a former member of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olugbenga Edema, from Ogogoro in Ilaje Local Government, as the new chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC). Other members with him on the commission are Mrs. M. Witherspoon, Olumide Ikuepenikan, Ikoto Agabra Atili, Chief Ilawole, Igbekele Akinrinwa and Bankole Ogbesetoro.

    Though many appointments have been made, the commissioners that will drive the governor’s programme in the various ministries are still outstanding and many residents of the state are anxious to know those who will make the list.

    Insiders say Akeredolu is working towards reducing the number of ministries, in keeping with the harsh economic realities. This was unlike the immediate past administration that paraded 23 commissioners with the same number of ministries.

    The governor is believed to have come up with a list of those who may make the cabinet, but he is keeping it close to his chest. Those allegedly struggling to be appointed as commissioners cut across the three districts. Eyes are on the son of late former governor Adebayo Adefarati, Otunba Gboyega Adefarati (Akoko Southwest); former Commissioner for Natural Resources, Prince Sola Amodeni (Akoko Southeast); former CoS to late Agagu, Pastor Femi Agagu (Okitipupa); and former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon. Oluwasegunota Bolarinwa (Akoko Northwest).

    Also itching for positions are: former Coordinator, Ondo State Information Technology Development Commission (SITDEC), Tunji Light Ariyomo (Akure South); seasoned banker and hotelier, Timehin Adelegbe (Ose); Bode Olawoye (Owo); the APC Youth leader, Bamidele Ologun (Akure North) and Saka Yusuf (Akure North). The list also includes: former Commissioner for Finance, Wale Akinterinwa (Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo), former Commissioner under Mimiko’s administration, Mrs. Yetunde Adeyanju and the APC Deputy Chairman, Ade Adetimehin (Idanre).

    Some eminent indigenes have advised Akeredolu on the type of people he should appoint into his cabinet. For instance, a Second Republic politician, Senator Olorunnimbe Farukanmi, said now that the governor is having problems settling the backlog of salary arrears, he must bid his time to ensure that he gets respectable, well informed and diligent characters to work with, to facilitate smooth governance and development.

    An Akure lawyer and human rights activist, Charles Titiloye, said, based on the personality and the reformation agenda of the governor, his commissioners must be men of proven integrity and technocrats who have excelled in their various fields of endeavour.

    The APC stalwart however, said the governor must come up with a blend of technocrats and politicians of high repute, to ensure political stability of his government.

    A retired principal and seasoned educationist from Arigidi-Akoko, Chief Bola Komolafe, urged Akeredolu to pick professionals with track records that will assist his government to achieve success. He warned him against appointing professional lobbyists who will secure appointments but would not perform.

    A community leader and the National Organising Secretary of Ansar-UD-Deen Society of Nigeria, Alhaji Ibrahim Kilani, wants the governor to look inwards and consider credible people at the grassroots who will return to their constituencies by weekends to interact with people and educate them on government policies.

    Kilani said former governors Adekunle Ajasin and Adefarati made use of such commissioners who were based in Ondo, rather than Lagos, Abuja and Ibadan. He said: “I am not being sentimental on the basis of religion, but Muslims in the state deserve reasonable numbers of commissioners, having lost out in many key appointments in the past.”

    APC Chieftain, Kehinde Ojuolape, advocated for credible and experienced politicians, who will share the progressive agenda of the party to transform the state as promised by Akeredolu. Ojuolape urged the governor to consider those who are closer to the grassroots to make his administration popular.

    Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), was the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice under late Anthony Onyearugbulem. Thus, he has had the opportunity of understudying governance and what the Sunshine State desires. The Owo-born legal luminary made his first attempt to govern the state in 2012 on the platform of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), but he was not successful.

  • Akeredolu: we’re determined to woo investors for people’s benefit

    Akeredolu: we’re determined to woo investors for people’s benefit

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) has said the focus of his administration is to attract investors for the sustainability of the environment and for people’s benefit.

    He said it was the responsibility of his administration to make a difference in the lives and well-being of the people.

    The governor spoke yesterday at the launch of the 10,000 hectares forestation project at Omotosho in Okitipupa Local Government.

    It is a partnership between the government and a Chinese company, Wewood Ltd.

    Akeredolu, who described the event as a landmark, said the project of such magnitude was last embarked on in 1979 during the administration of the late Governor Adekunle Ajasin to supply wood pulp to Iwopin Paper Mill and other wood-based industries.

    He said it was unfortunate that nothing had been done in the forest reserve area for its sustainability, adding that the project failed to fulfil the purpose for which it was established.

    The governor noted that the afforestation reserve area, established by the late Ajasin, had been encroached on and depleted by encroachers and miscreants.

    He assured people that his government would stop this.

    The Business Development Manager of Wewood Ltd, Mr. Sun Peng, said the move by the governor to tackle unemployment and ensure protection of the environment had started yielding results.

    He said 30 Chinese investors had shown interest in investing in the state because of Governor Akeredolu.

     

  • Akeredolu hails security operatives over release of abducted Ondo PS

    Akeredolu hails security operatives over release of abducted Ondo PS

    Ondo State Governor, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), has congratulated the abducted Permanent Secretary, Hospital Management Board, Dr. Niran Ikuomola, on his release.

    Akeredolu also congratulated members of the immediate family of Ikuomola and members of the Nigerian medical Association (NMA) on the release of the abducted permanent secretary.

    The governor, who joyfully welcomed Dr. Ikuomola back home, thanked his immediate family and his professional colleagues for their support and prayers during the trying period.

    It would be recalled that Ikuomola was kidnapped alongside his driver by some gunmen on Sunday evening along the Okene-Lokoja-Abuja Road.

    Akeredolu, however, hailed the heroic performance of the security agencies in the state, especially security personnel in the office of the governor for their efforts in ensuring that Ikuomola regains his freedom from the kidnappers.

    In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Segun Ajiboye, the governor assured members of the public of his administration’s determination to continue to protect lives and properties, adding that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring that Ondo State is made conducive for all categories of peace-loving people

    Akeredolu therefore urged all the relevant stakeholders in the state, including traditional rulers, religious bodies, youth groups and non-governmental organizations to be vigilant and volunteer information on suspects in their vicinities to security agencies for prompt actions.

  • Akeredolu decries loss of lives to malaria

    Akeredolu decries loss of lives to malaria

    Ondo State governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), has lamented the unnecessary loss of lives to malaria in Nigeria, describing the situation as unfortunate. Akeredolu made this known during an advocacy visit on Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLIN) replacement campaign by Catholic Relief Services Nigeria (CRS) in conjunction with National Malaria Elimination Project, in Akure.
    “We can refer to malaria as simple, but the records of death prove otherwise, it shows malaria has become a big scourge because it kills more than Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). A number of times, we concentrate more on other diseases, hence it gets pronounced. The malaria project is worthy of our continued indebtedness as a people to you,” the Governor said.
    He also decried the commercialisation of the LLIN by the people employed for its free distribution and appreciated the efforts of the Catholic Church, which he said, always went for quality in their projects. “A lot is expected from us, and we will do our best since you have also assisted us,” he said.
    Earlier, Rebecca Bassey, Country representative, CRS, said over N2.5 billion worth of LLIN would be distributed in the State. “It has started arriving. This year, NMEP, CRS and federal Ministry of Health will oversee the distribution of 2.9 million LLIN in Ondo State starting from September with the aim to replace over 1.5 million nets distributed in 2012.
    “Use of LLIN has been proven to reduce contact of mosquitoes with human beings and mass campaigns are used to ensure that they reach the beneficiaries within a short period. The roles and responsibilities of the state include ownership and active participation, coordination of campaign implementation at State level, resource mobilisation to fill gap, conducive environment(security and safety), and recruitment of campaign personnel,” she said.

  • Akeredolu assures civil servants of job security

    Akeredolu assures civil servants of job security

    Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) of Ondo State has assured the state civil servants that they will not lose their job following the implementation of the State Integrated Financial Management Information System (SIFMIS).

    He said the change his administration planned to bring about in the state would begin with the civil servants, whose resilience he commended regardless of the challenges confronting the state.

    Akeredolu, who spoke on Thursday during the flag-off of the implementation of the State Integrated Financial Management Information System (SIFMIS) in Akure, the state capital, said the adoption of the project would promote good governance through technology.

    He described the civil servants as some of the most hardworking and dedicated workers in the country.

    “The process and progress made so far in the project has further reinforced my pride in Ondo State civil servants.

    “SIFMIS will support capacity building efforts aimed at erecting an institutional framework for the public service in compliance with world best global practice.

    “Achieving this will further build on our existing relationships with local and international development partners as well as potential local and international investors,” he said.

    The governor expressed belief that the project would change procurement, accounting processes, human resources and payroll, and reports generated.

    Earlier, Mr Laolu Akindolire, Accountant General (AG), Ondo State, said SIFMIS would facilitate complete and timely exchange of data and information among ministries, departments and agencies among others.

    “In order to strengthen the workforce and bring about efficient service delivery, the state Government with support of World Bank embarked on carrying out public sector reform programmes.

    “SIFMIS is one of the sub components of the Ondo State Public Sector Governance Reform Project. Ad the name implies, it is the warehouse of data for all government business processes.

    “It is aimed at improving revenue generation, allocation, utilization and financial reporting of public financial resources automated and integrated, effective, efficient information management system.

    “SIFMIS will also aid strategic management of public financial resources for enhanced accountability, transparency, a cost effective public service delivery, economic growth and poverty reduction efforts,” he said.

     

  • Ondo HoS hails Akeredolu for revamping Olokola

    Ondo HoS hails Akeredolu for revamping Olokola

    Ondo state Head of Service (HoS), Toyin Akinkuotu, at the weekend hailed Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) for taking steps to boost the state’s economy.

    He praised the governor for setting up a nine-man committee to revamp the abandoned Olokola Free Trade Zone and Liquefied Natural Gas projects.

    The HoS described the move as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to further boost the economy.

    Akinkuotu said the committee was carefully selected from the best and seasoned hands within and outside of the state.

    The HoS said the members would review all that has happened at the Free Trade Zone (OK-FTZ) and Liquefied Natural Gas (OK-LNG) till date, re-asses the corporate structures and identify key projects that could act as a lynchpin for the proper take-off of the project.

    He said Olokola had been a major plank for the development of the state.

    Akinkuotu expressed displeasure over successive administrations, which he said tried their best but were unable to tap the abundant benefits in the project, despite huge investments committed to it.