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Tag: Akeredolu

  • Ondo: Igbo elders meet Akeredolu, sue for peace

    Elders of Igbo community in Ondo State have called on their people living in the state to live in peace, harmony and unity with one another and their host communities. The elders, particularly appealed to the warring factions within the community to sheath their swords and work for the progress of all Igbo residents in the state

    It would be recalled that some Igbo leaders in Akure have been at loggerahead with the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, over the proscribed Eze-Ndigbo title. The elders, who recently met with the governor-elect, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), issued a statement that efforts are on to resolve all issues within the community in the interest of peace.

    The statement, which was signed by the pioneer leader of Igbo community in the state, Chief Titus Umenweke, urged the Igbos to come together as one indivisible entity. The elders however said they have resolved that the Igbos inn Ondo State would now be unified under the umbrella of Igbo General Assembly (IGA).

    In the statement, Engr. Emeka Opara and Nneke Ikechukwu were announced as the IGA Coordinator and Secretary respectively.

    Some elders were also listed in the committee. These include Chief Gregory Ileochika, Chief Titus Umenweke, Chief Samuel Owoyeiche, Chief Kingsley Chukwuma and Otunba Emeka Okafor.

  • ‘Owo not expecting varsity from Akeredolu’

    The Ogbeni Oja of Owo Kingdom, Chief Akin Aruwajoye, is the national coordinator of Owo is One Movement (OOM). In this interview with LEKE AKEREDOLU, he spoke on how the group worked assiduously in Owo and Ose local governments for Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s victory, among others

    The major target of your group was for Owo to produce the next governor of Ondo State, how were you able to achieve this?

    The major goal of our organisation is not to produce a governor. The main objective of our organisation is to bring development ýand prosperity to our people. It was coincidental that the first major thing we did that people would know about was our campaign to get one of us elected as the governor of Ondo State. This is only one of the tools of getting development and improving the well-being of our people and of course it was a very intense struggle but we thank God and we also thank the people of Ondo State who reasoned with us and make it possible for us to achieve that objective.

    Many Owo sons and daughters participated in the September 3, 2016 governorship primary of APC, how were you able to manage the wrangling among them, and ensure they all worked for Akeredolu during the poll?

    We called our people and we let them know that this thing you are going after it should be the tool to be used in getting improvement of lives of the people of Ondo State. ýWith that, it was possible to call back our people that if you want to go and represent us and we don’t give you our mandate, then you go and queue again because they are lot of other areas in the community where you can perform. Now, we have one of us as the candidate of a major party, all you need to do to contribute to the community is to support the candidate so that if he emerges, we will know we have somebody somewhere who we can talk to, who will listen to us. They all agreed. If we have started with anointing a governorship candidate, it would have been difficult but we told them that we wanted somebody who could work for our community.

    What roles did your organisation play in ensuring your people speak with one voice?

    Owo is One Movement is a grassroot movement. It is actually the movement of Owo and Ose people. We have found out that our people were complacent. They did not believe that they could get improvement to their taste through the political structure and actually, we have been marginalised for so long. Our people have suffered extreme negligence and marginalisation. So, the movement now went to work with the community and explaining to them that active participation in the political process was part of the tools for achieving the economic development and improvement they wanted. Thank God because they found out that we are genuine, the leadership of Owo is One does not consist of politicians. They are ordinary people on the street, credible, who had done one or two things in their lives and the community has seen that they are successful and not greedy or wanted a political post to further push their personal interest. It was a very strong mobilisation effort that included all the Obas, all the Chiefs, farmers, artisans and others. They all knew that what the organisation wanted was development and progress in the community. So, they supported the philosophy of Owo is One Movement than their political affiliations. The votes in Owo and Ose, I can tell you, were not on party basis. It was on an advice the organisation wanted the people to do and that was what they did.

    How will your organisation advise the incoming government to tackle all the challenges that it will inherit?

    Government is a continuum and ýin every government, there is always a challenge. It is for the people, who are in the government to rise up to the challenges. In America, Barrack Obama took over government during the economic recession. He clarified his programmes and worked on issues to restore the economy to growth and by the time he left office, the American economy had come back. Now, that a new government is coming in Ondo State, I am very positive that with the kind of people he has put in the various committees he set up that they would be able to articulate measures and steps that will be taken to reduce the stress in our system. I am very positive that Governor-elect Rotimi Akeredolu is very intelligent, smart and educated person and from the little I have seen through those he has selected in his inaugural and transition committees, I think there will be ideas that will be generated and which will make him survive the economic doldrums.

    What areas are you expecting the governor-elect to work on?

    We are talking with ourselves to articulate our needs and wants and present to the government. He should enthrone good governance, transparency, accountability, reduce the leakages in the system, put in more efficiency in the running of government. If he does all these, the whole state will be better.

    How will your organisation expect the governor-elect impact on Owo?

    It is standard in this part of the world. We have seen what other governors have done impacting in their communities. We expect that he will impact on our community in the same way. For instance, the dualised road in Owo was just about three quarters of the length of the road. Ordinarily, we have expected that it is the whole road that should be dualised. All the roads dualised in other places come with streetlights but ours is just blind road with nothing. We expect that he will correct that obvious sign of neglect and marginalisation and those things that will improve the life of our people generally.

    Since 1999, there is one thing that is so common with the governors. They always siteuUniversities in their towns; are you expecting Akeredolu to site a university in Owo?

    That is not within our expectation. We could desire it but then, we know how functional or how much the University in Okitipupa has been developed. We know all the crisis of lack of resources that Adekunle Ajasin University in Akungba-Akoko is suffering from. We know that the Polytechnic in Owo is being under-staffed. We will not expect our son to go and do cosmetic things or rather to work a plan that is just copycatting. We expect him to put a lot of thought to what he does and he does what will benefit the people, not just his community.

    What kind of people are you expecting the incoming governor to put in his cabinet?

    I looked at the list of people who are put in the committees on the ýstrategic planning and infrastructures and many of them are universities professors. A lot of them tested professionals, who had demonstrated capacities over several years. I will imagine that his cabinet should be made up of such people. People who know that at this stage of our lives, at this stage of our economy, at this stage in our country, we need to improve the efficiency of our system, we need to increase productivity, we need to be innovative and creative.

    Don’t you think, those core politicians, who laboured for him during the primary and the major election will see this cheating?

    Life really is management of conflicts. If there are no conflicts, then there is no more life. But he has been tested too, if you recall, he was National President of Nigeria Bar Association, and he is top notch lawyer. What thing the lawyer said about themselves is that they know little about everything.

  • ‘Akeredolu has no reason not to perform’

    ‘Akeredolu has no reason not to perform’

    Dele Ologun is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress(APC)in Ondo State. He spoke with DAMISI OJO on last year’s governorship election, the expectations of youths about the in coming Akeredolu administration and other issues. 

    What does the victory of Rotimi Akeredolu portends for Ondo State?

    My view is that whatever God decides in a man’s life,it will come to pass,no matter the obstacles and hindrances against it.God had destined Akeredolu’s victory. Every other issues were mere challenges to catapult him to his present destination . God gave him a well-deserved victory, after the poor outing of 2012 governorship poll when he came a distant third on the platform of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria(ACN).A lot of waters passed under the bridge, but today,the dream had come to fruition as he will be sworn in as the sixth executive governor on February 24. we are celebrating him and as well celebrating all that worked for him. The dogged man has fought for what he believed in and he has won and to God be the glory.

    What is your perception of political godfatherism in Nigeria?

    Well, the governor-elect has redefined it. What I think Akeredolu is saying in essence is that you should believe in yourself. Believe in who you are and stand firm. Believe in your God, believe in your capacity and capability and with God on your side, everything is going to work.One needs to first of all believe in himself or herself . That is what we can learn from Akeredolu’s victory, which has become a common phenomenon.

    How would the new administration cope with backlog of salaries of civil servants, the pensioners, contractor fees, and uncompleted projects in this period of recession?

    Definitely, that is another challenge. But, when you have a capable man at the helms of affairs, you are more relieved. It is going to be a very great task, but Akeredolu will bring back the state on the right track. Ondo State people will need to be patient with him. It is not going to happen overnight, but I can assure you that he will transform the state. I believe in him. he has done it before as the President of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), as former Attorney-General of Ondo State. He has the capacity and the capability. Although, we shouldn’t expect miracle overnight, there will be challenges. Like you rightly observed, there is recession in the country and the most important thing is how to come out of it and having a man who is ready to work, he is very prudent and intelligent. I can assure you that the sun will shine again.

    How best do you think the youth can be developed and be involved in developmental processes and in the running of the affairs of the state?

    Youths need to be empowered. I will go back to what I said earlier. the youth needs to believe in themselves. The youths are not only leaders of tomorrow as often said, but they are the leaders of today and tomorrow. For them to function well, they must be empowered today, be given the opportunity to utilise their potentials. The present time is ours to take. And I will advise the youths to braze up for the challenges ahead and be prepared to take the bull by the horn. The Ondo State youths are not touts. Many  are where they are today because they were not given a better direction. But, once the youths are empowered, they will deploy their potentials to turn situations around for good. All they need to do now is to stand and ask for their rights. And fortunately, the man taking over the affairs of the state now knows what they deserve. He will give the youths the enabling environment to function well.

    In what ways can the youths be empowered?

    Empowerments are in various forms. It can come in form of providing the right tools for the craft men, make available power-electricity – and all sorts of that. Getting them gainfully employed, bursary and scholarship to the students in tertiary institutions. And most importantly, what each community needs differs from others. This should be looked into and provided for. I want to also inform you that myself and some other partners have developed a blueprint on how best the youths in Ondo state can be empowered and I intend to submit the document to the governor-eect soonest.

    What do you think people should expect in the first 100 days in office?

    People should expect accountability, prudency and transparency. When you have a governor that is accountable to you, who cherishes integrity and transparency, then, all is well because he is going to lay a foundation and leave behind a legacy that any incoming administration would find difficult to beat. He is a man that will first of all let us know what is on ground, where we are going and how to get there and, of course, he has a road map. In fact, I will tell you, he is going to rewind Ondo State back to eight years, where Agagu left it. And gradually, great things will begin to unfold.

    What advice will you give to the governor-elect on how to set up his cabinet?

    Akeredolu I know is a very cerebral man, brilliant and knowledgeable, a man with mission and focus. With all these endowment, he will pick the best out of the best. He had overtime displayed it and he knows what to do. Like I said earlier that he has road maps and he knows that, he needs capable and qualified hands to work with him. His ultimate goal is to transform the state and you must also remember that he is a man of integrity who would not want his reputation destroyed. And for him to achieve that he knows he must work with great minds, people that are competent, capable and shares his dreams for  Ondo State. I am not in the position to advise him on that. But, all I can say is that Ondo State is in save hands with Akeredolu. God will give him the wisdom to choose rightly.

    Recently, you decided to give back to the society by giving out scholarship,  JAMB forms and others. What informed this philanthropic gesture?

    Dele Ologun Foundation has been in existence for years. we are not just starting this. In the past years, lots have been done even in Lagos State. with this one, my local government benefitted. The simple truth is that one needs to give back to his or her community, to give back to humanity. And while you are doing that, you are helping yourself. If you develop people, the people will in return reciprocate by developing others and that is how you make the world a better place to live. Other projects are in the pipeline such as artisans empowerment, that is, giving out tools and equipment to some of the artisans like barbers, tailors, bricklayers e.t.c to start businesses; aged empowerment, that is, giving some stipends to the widows and widowers in the local government and later, we extend to the central senatorial district of Ondo state and lots more.

    What advice will you give to the youths?

    They should believe in themselves, to be hard working, focused and believe in tomorrow. I keep saying that one should believe in himself because that is the foundation of success. Anyone who doesn’t first believe in himself is dead already. When you believe in yourself, you will wake up in the morning and confess positively to yourself that you will make it and once you believe you are going to make it and you pursue it with all zeal, you can be rest assured that you will make it in life.

  • Ondo: Akeredolu promises inclusive governance

    Ondo: Akeredolu promises inclusive governance

    Ondo State Governor-elect, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu SAN, has assured traditional rulers in the state that his administration will partner with them to ensure they are integrated in the scheme of things.
    Akeredolu who was represented by the deputy governor-elect, Agboola Ajayi, gave the assurance at a thanksgiving programme organised by 130 crown club made up of grade B and below monarchs in the state held at Alade Idanre in Idanre local government.
    Akeredolu noted that the incoming administration will have a robust relationship with the traditional institution.
    Dignitaries at the event included ; deputy chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Ade Adetimehin, governorship candidate of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in the last election , Olusola Oke, Saka Yusuf Ogunleye, Yemi Olowolabi, Ojo Alalabiaye , Bamiduro Dada and Sola Ebiseni.
    Akeredolu said his incoming administration will build a lasting relationship with the traditional rulers in order to integrate them into the government.
    He said the place of the traditional institution will be respected, saying the monarchs deserved to be commended for securing their communities peacefully.
    According to him, the government will create an important role for the traditional rulers in the incoming government .
    He said “Ondo state , being a Yoruba state, we cherish age and authority, and our traditional institution must be respected
    “We will accord our traditional rulers all the respect , their roles cannot be undermined , if you observed critically, you will also understand that Ondo state has been very peaceful in terms of securing the environment , we give the credit to the traditional rulers
    “They are the custodian of our culture and they are in charge of our community, we are going to work with them to ensure that Ondo state continue to enjoy the peace its witnessing now
    “At the local government level , at the state level , they will be fully involved in the government , they will be part of the government , they will be fully integrated into the government ” .
    Earlier at the Church service , the Bishop of Akure Diocese , Rt. Rev Simeon Borokini Bishop of Akure Diocese charged the traditional rulers to ensure they record good history during their reign.
    He warned them not to allow politicians use them for political reasons , saying politicians are the cause of divisions among the traditional rulers.
    The cleric also noted that the country is in dire need for leadership, stressing that leadership starts with the traditional institution. Bishop also urged the monarchs to always seek the face of God in all their doings.

  • Mimiko’s, Akeredolu’s transition committees meet

    Mimiko’s, Akeredolu’s transition committees meet

    The transition committees of Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko and Governor-elect Rotimi Akeredolu, at the weekend, met to ensure a seamless transition.

    This is the first time in the state’s history that outgoing and incoming governments have set up transition committees.

    The Chairman of Mimiko’s committee, Jide Adejuyigbe, who is the Commissioner for Education, said: “The Mimiko administration  set up a transition committee headed by me and the other side is headed by Jamiu Ekungba.

    “What we have done today is to meet and start the process towards a successful, seamless, unique and great inauguration.

    “We are making history because this is the first civilian-to-civilian transition that will be seamless and we are proud to be part of this history making event.

    “We are breaking the jinx of hostile transitions and we need to do this for history and to demonstrate to the world that in Ondo State we are mature politically and we are ready to sustain democracy.

    “Our goal is to make sure we have a good and great event on that day.

    “This committee is to essentially provide the venue, comfort for the guests.”

    He explained that the committee will be working with other committees to ensure the success of the smooth transition.

    Ekungba said the two committees met for the same objective.

  • Group urges Akeredolu to beware of sycophant politicians

    Group urges Akeredolu to beware of sycophant politicians

    A group, The Aketi Vanguard, has warned the Governor-elect of Ondo State, Barrister Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), to beware of sycophants and other desperate politicians, who may want to hijack his soon to be inaugurated administration. The group said it observed that since Akeredolu’s victory at the November 26 governorship election, some desperate politicians have been hanging around him.
    It noted that these people have been presenting themselves as the best hands in the state. It however warned that the antecedents of these people are some of the reasons why the state is still crawling. This was contained in a statement issued and signed by the Coordinators of the group, Otunba Ola Atere and Victor Faremi, and made available to reporters in Akure, the state capital.
    The group leaders lamented that a recent advertorial of Akeredolu’s transition and inauguration committees pointed in the direction that the so called sycophants politicians may be on their way to hijack the incoming government even before its inauguration. They therefore called on the governor-elect to tread cautiously.
    The group, which pledged their unalloyed loyalty and total ?commitment to Akeredolu’s incoming administration, charged the governor-elect to select the best brain into his cabinet. They also urged him to ensure that he is not cajoled by some desperate politicians currently hobnobbing with him into making costly mistakes.

  • Adesanya: Mimiko wants to create problem for Akeredolu

    Adesanya: Mimiko wants to create problem for Akeredolu

    The Publicity Secretary of the Ondo State All Progressives Congress (APC), Abayomi Adesanya, has alleged that Governor Olusegun Mimiko may create problems for his successor, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), by awarding questionable road contracts across the 18 local governments.
    He urged the governor to halt the plan to award the contracts, saying that his contributions to the state should now be limited to the transition process.
    Adesanya said in a statement that N450m has been earmarked for the emergency projects, which may increase the burden of the new governor after assuming the reins.
    He said if the contract was awarded under the guise of grading roads, it may pale into the looting of the treasury.
    Adesanya stressed: “We have learnt that the governor has approved N25 m for each local government chairman for the grading of roads in their domains. We are of the view that the local government administrators will only have access to N2 m each per local government while someone will get kickback of N23 m from each local government.
    “The money is scheduled to be disbursed next week from the state treasury. The APC wishes to alert the general public to the desperate efforts of the out-going government to loot the treasury. We also wish to caution civil servants to desist from conniving with officials of the out-going government to steal the resources of the state.
    “All the detailed activities and documentation of the out-going government are at our disposal. We have been closely monitoring the actions and activities of Governor Olusegun Mimiko since November 2016, especially the last minute contracts and the disbursement of funds.”

  • Akeredolu: New era of great expectations

    Akeredolu: New era of great expectations

    There will be a change of baton in Ondo State next month. Governor Olusegun Mimiko will bow out of office after the expiration of his two terms of eight years. Correspondent DAMISI OJO highlights the challenges that will confront the Akeredolu administration and people’s expectations about the new dawn.

    Rotimi Akeredolu, lawyer and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), is warming up for the task of governance in Ondo State. On February 24, he will receive the mantle of leadership from Governor Olusegun Mimiko, who is bowing out after spending eight years in office. Can the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain make a difference in the Alagabaka Government House?

    The governor-elect is a lucky man. He will not be diverted by protracted litigations, unlike his predecessor, who was in court for 22 months fighting to reclaim his stolen mandate. It is evident that he will savour a smooth transition. He has made peace, in the interim, with Mimiko by trying to commend his achievements. Various committees saddled with the transition assignment have swung into action.

    However, the new governor will inherit some challenges. Akeredolu is assuming the reins in an atmosphere of a malevolent economy. He will have to contend with dwindling federal allocation and internally generated revenue. Labour dispute may be imminent, unless efforts are made to quickly paid the seven months salaries owed to public workers. The intra-party struggle for slots in the State Executive Council may generate tension. Beneficiaries of on-going projects will agitate for their completion.

    Next month, the APC will become a ruling party. Following the controversial primary, it became a polarised platform. Some chieftains are still aggrieved. Automatically, the governor becomes the party leader and arrowhead. The question is: can Akeredolu unite the party?

    Many stakeholders have described his victory as an act of God. The legal luminary has had his baptism of fire twice. As the governorship candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria(ACN), he failed at the poll four years ago. There was no primary in 2012. Party leaders, including Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Chief Bisi Akande, ensured that he emerged as the flag bearer on merit. But, Akeredolu came a distant third, trailing Chief Olusola Oke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Mimiko, who won a second term.

    However, his victory in last year’s election has implications for the progressive bloc in Ondo State. It could be said that progressives are now back in power after the exit of Governor Adebayo Adefarati, who rule the state between 1999 and 2003. This may also be the crux of the matter. The APC has progressive policies and programmes, unlike the conservative platforms that have bestrode the state for 15 years.

    Following the emergence of Akeredolu as the governor-elect, his Owo country home has become a ‘Mecca’ of sorts, particularly for those looking for political patronage and appointments, although he has maintained that he has not promised anybody any position.

    But, his pre-inauguration ad hoc appointments are a pointer to bi-partisanship. Akeredolu has appointed Former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Funsho Kupolokun as the Chairman of the transition committee. He has charged the technocrat to ensure a smooth transition, meet relevant stakeholders before the inauguration and submit a report on February 20. Other committees include the Inauguration Committee headed by Chief Jamiu Ekungba, the Strategic

    Policy and Implementation Committee, the Information and Media Committee, Agriculture and Natural Natural Resources Committee and the Education, Science and Technology Committee.

    Akeredolu reiterated his commitment to the development of the state and welfare of the people. He promised to uphold the cardinal principles of the APC and serve the state with all his strength and vigour so that it can become the envy of other states.

    Kupolokun urged the governor-elect to look beyond the monthly federal allocation, saying that it could not cater for the needs of the state. He said: “The era of total reliance on monthly federal allocation has gone. Hence, the need for the state to develop means of generating funds to cater for the needs of the people. It is therefore, important for the incoming administration to look inward for ways of generating money to run the affairs of the state.”

    Stakeholders, including traditional rulers, community leaders, traders, politicians, and artisans, have spoken on their expectations about the new government.

    A monarch in Akoko Northwest, Oba Olusegun Atibioke, urged Akeredolu to see Mimiko as a partner in progress, stressing that government is a continuum. According to the royal father, Akeredolu should be more closer to God than the people for God to direct him positively. He urged the governor-elect to offer improved welfare package for the people, particularly traditional rulers and public servants. He also urged him to sustain religious harmony in the state.

    A community leader,Chief Owolabi Abanikannda from Oke-Agbe Akoko, advised the incoming APC government to give priority to water supply in Akokoland and other parts of the state. He lamented that the Awara Water Project in Ikare-Akoko has failed to yield the desired result. Besides, Abanikanda called for the recruitment of more health and para-medical workers and the completion of the Oke-Alabojuto-Ikare-Oyin-Okeagbe Road flagged off by Mimiko.

    The community leader pleaded for the regular payment of salaries to workers and stipends to pensioners. He said the governor-elect should not to allow the notion that an Owo man would humiliate Akokos to become a reality. “All moribund industries across the state should be revamped to facilitate employment opportunities,” he added.

    A commentator, Olujimi Adekanle, said the in-coming administration should  carry out a holistic staff audit of the civil service to ascertain the true number of staff. He noted that the figure was over bloated by the past administration. Also, Adekanle urged Akeredolu to probe the Wealth Creation Agency (WECA), alleging that it was characterised by fraud.

    His words:” It was on paper that N2b was spent on palm seedlings in 2011. The governor-elect should ask them where the palm trees are? Also, what the agency did with the N2b naira agriculture funding from CBN in 2015.

    “The destruction of Owena Motels for Shoprite while the last government refused to use the idle trade fair complex, which is just 200metres away from Owena Motels. Who are the owners of the shops in Shoprite?

    “Akeredolu should, as a matter of urgency, approach the Benin Electricity Development Corporation (BEDC) for the restoration of light to the Southern Senatorial District, which has been in darkness for close to four years”.

    Adekanle also charged the new governor to make sure that salaries are paid to workers and pensions to retirees, in fulfilment of his campaign promises.  He also enjoined him to renovate the abandoned primary schools  and convert the mega schools built by Mimiko to hospitals to boost medical delivery services in the state.

    He added: “The Ondo State Radiovision Corporation (OSRC) should be restructured as it is a ghost of itself. A panel of enquiry should be set up to ascertain the true position of the Outside Broadcasting Van (OB Van)that was bought for the cooperation at a whooping cost of N400m that never worked for a day.

    “The Dome should be privatised immediately to boost the IGR of the state and finally, Akeredolu should not be sectional in his appointments. He should look for good hands to help him in the management of the state. Not like the immediate governor that has five of his siblings in sensitive and lucrative agencies as heads despite that they are not capable of being in such office.

    A Special Assistant(SA) to Governor Mimiko on Social Media, Sunday Menukuro, said Akeredolu should expect agitations for employment from the people because of the high rate of unemployed graduates roaming the streets.

    He should also settle outstanding salaries of public servants and build on various laudable projects of Mimiko’s administration, rather than scrapping it, he added.

    The deputy governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party(SDP), Erelu Modupe Akindele Martins, urged the incoming administration to pay workers outstanding salaries and give priority to industrialization. She also called for the implementation of 35 per cent mandatory right for women in the sharing of political positions.

    A former Commissioner for Transport, Otunba Omoniyi Omodara, charged Akeredolu to complete viable on-going projects, improve the health sector and allow local governments to operate independently to ensure better service delivery to the grassroots.

    A retiree, Alhaji Ibrahim Kilani, urged Akeredolu to assemble trusted politicians and seasoned technocrats into his cabinet. He also called for autonomy for local government councils. He said the free shuttle bus system for school children initiated by Mimiko should be sustained.

    All Progressives Congress(APC) chieftain Adebowale Akinlosotu advised the governor-elect to provide enabling environment for agriculture, enterpreneurship, technology and infrastructural development.

    He also urged him to empower the youths through skill acquisition and micro-credit loan.

    A petty trader, Funmilayo Salami, urged Akeredolu to govern with human face.

    According to her, the manner the outgoing government has been generating revenue is too harsh on low income earners, especially petty traders, shop owners and road transporters.

    Besides, she called for the constitution of Commodity Price Control Board to regulate the rising cost of goods in the market.

  • Akeredolu inaugurates transition committee

    Akeredolu inaugurates transition committee

    Ondo State Governor-elect Rotimi Akeredolu has inaugurated a 21-member transition committee in preparation for his inauguration on February 24.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Akeredolu unvieled two other committees to help chart a course for the incoming administration.

    He said the transition committee, headed by Dr Funso Kupolokun, would “interact with the government to ensure a seamless transition and effective receipt of detailed handover notes”.

    The governor-elect announced a 158-member Strategic Development and Policy Implementation Committee, headed by Agboola Ajayi.

    He said it was to “develop a detailed sectoral policy and programme document, to be called `A Blueprint to Progress in Ondo State 2017 – 20212 “.

    “This document shall guide government towards effective service delivery and a purposeful tenure.

    “The underlining focus of its assignment is also to guide government to deliver on the popular five cardinal programmes, which formed the kernel of our campaign promises.”

    NAN reports that another committee, with 78 members, chaired by Jamiu Ekungba, was constituted by Akeredolu to plan the inauguration of the incoming administration.

    He said the incoming government must plan well to ease out challenges.

    Akeredolu identified some  challenges as collapse of industries, unpaid salaries and pension, and unemployment among the youth.

    “Our young people are unemployed and traumatised and are fast losing confidence in themselves and established institutions while families wallow in arrested hope and forlorn aspirations.”

    The governor-elect, therefore, pledged not to fail the people who voted the administration to power.

    “The vision and mission of our administration is to lead a patriotic, highly inspired and competent team to rescue the ship of our state.

    “I intend to help rebuild our economy, resuscitate damaged infrastructure, restore hope and return our state to a free and prosperous land.”

  • Akeredolu hails INEC

    Akeredolu hails INEC

    Ondo State Governor-elect Rotimi Akeredolu has said  Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) is moving toward acceptable elections.

    The 30 days’ stipulation for contention of result in the Electoral Law passed with no petition at the tribunal.

    Akeredolu hailed the maturity of his fellow contestants, especially his major contestants from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Alliance for Democracy (AD), for not challenging his victory at the tribunal.

    “They must be commended. They have shown they are true sportsmen,” he said

    “I will not have to pay for legal services, but whether I like it or not, it saves money. It is a welcome development in the interest of the state and my interest too.

    “My party feels everything was free and fair and I am sure most of my other contestants too saw it that way.

     “It is not because I won the election. I believe INEC is perfecting its act. It is moving toward acceptable election.

    “If INEC gets to that level, so many more elections will not be contested at tribunals.”