The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Akure

  • Cooks arrested for picking students used sanitary pads

    Cooks arrested for picking students used sanitary pads

    There was confusion at the Federal Girls’ College, (FGC) Akure in Ondo State Capital at the weekend following an alarm raised by the students that their used sanitary pads are being allegedly picked by two of their cooks.
    Our reporter gathered that the suspects were allegedly caught by the students at their dustbins on Friday, which was a day to their “Visiting Day”.
    The boarding students, who were in Junior Secondary School (JSS) three and the Senior Secondary School (SSS) three were preparing for the their Junior and Senior West Africa Examination Council (WAEC).
    Other students are on holiday break.
    It was learnt that the aggrieved students quickly reported the matter to one of their teachers, who informed the Principal on the issue.
    Already, the two suspects have been suspended by the School Principal, Mrs. Florence Ejikeme and had been handed over to police for proper investigation.
    The students, were said to have attempted to stage a protest on that Friday, but were calmed by the chairman of the Parents Teachers Association of the school, Mr. Akin Ashimolowo.
    The matter became worsen on their “Visiting Day” as parents were seen protesting against the management of the school.
    One of the parents was said to have called the Police Area commander, who immediately arrived the school.
    The students were said to have vowed not to eat the food prepare by the cooks.
    Though, it was not yet clear if the suspects were using the used sanity pad for themselves or selling them for spiritual purposes.
    A parent on condition of anonymity said the suspects had confessed to the crime at the police station .
    She said one of the suspects is a wife of a prominent politician in the state and may want to use their ‘connections’ to sweep the matter under the carpets , adding that her child told her that it was not the first time such a thing would be happening in the school and nothing was being done.
    She said ” the question we want to ask the police is that, where did they (suspects) keep all the sanitary pads they have been taking since all these days? Who sent them, who are they working for?”
    The State Police Public Relations Officers, Mr. Femi Joseph, who confirmed the incident said only two of the women were in the police custody.
    He added that the command had commenced investigation on the matter.
    But, Joseph refused to mention names of the two suspects, saying the command had not been able to establish that whether or not the suspects used the sanitary pads for ritual purposes as alleged.
    Joseph appealed to the students to be calm that the police would get into the root of the matter.
    “The matter is still at the realm of allegation, so as I’m speaking with you we, are still investigating,” Joseph said off the telephone.
    All efforts to reach the Principal of the school, Mrs Ejikeme was unsuccessful, as she was said to have traveled out of the town and some of the staffs met in the school declined to speak with our correspondent.
    Similarly, the P.T.A chairman of the school, Mr. Ashimolowo also refused to speak with our correspondent on the matter on the telephone.
    Ashimolowo simply said ” I don’t know you and I can not speak on that matter on the telephone “.
  • Scores dump PDP for APC in Ondo Community

    Scores dump PDP for APC in Ondo Community

    There was massive defection of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporters to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday at Afo in Ose local government area of Ondo State.

    The defectors were led by a community leader and Atunluse of Afo, Chief R.B Animola.

    At the event witnessed by many party supporters, the Asiwaju of Afo community, Chief Oni Olowu said the grassroots mobilization drive and sensitization of the people to come out massively to support the APC is the key to the success of the progressive party in the coming gubernatorial election.

    He commended the leader of the decampees, Animola who worked for the realisation of the massive defection of PDP members to APC in the community.

    Olowu described Animola as a political reference point in Ose local government, Ondo State and Nigeria, whose political experience spanning over 60 years and still counting.

    He expressed his gratitude on behalf of the six Irekari communities in the Local government area.

    The politician also appreciated God that he witnessed the reception of those he called “Children” who almost lost to the falsehood and deception orchestrated by the “clueless” leadership of the past ruling party in the country for 16 years.

    Animola expressed delight for the opportunity to lead many people from the “darkness to light”, stressing that they would work assiduously to ensure the victory of APC in the state during the November governorship poll.

    He urged APC supporters, particularly the new decampees to embark on massive mobilisation for the party.

    According to Animola “come February 2017, we want to send the usurpers in the administration of the sunshine stay away with our votes and we are fully determined to achieve this”.

    Present at the occasion were the Ose Local Government APC Chairman, Chief J. M. Oredola, a governorship aspirant, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) and many other party stalwarts.

  • Ondo Poll: Group asks parties to pick administrators as candidates

    Ondo Poll: Group asks parties to pick administrators as candidates

    A group, Ondo State Technical Working Group (OSTWG), on Wednesday urged political parties to present suitable and credible persons as their candidates in the November 26 governorship election in the state.
    The group said with the economic crisis in the state, somebody who will play politics with issues affecting the people should not be allowed to be in the helm of affairs.
    It urged political parties to present statesmen and administrators, who have all it takes to resuscitate the dwindling economy of the state, as their candidates.
    OSTWG, whose members claimed not to be politicians, spoke to reporters in Akure, the state capital, through its Director of Research, Mr. Kolawole Johnson, and  Head of Project Analysis, Engineer Adedayo Ogedengbe.
    Johnson, particularly lamented that some politicians, stakeholders and political parties only champion personal agenda which is not in the interest of the state.
    He, however, appealed to the people to stop promoting selfish and parochial interest above the agenda of the people.
    He noted “the politicians of today, especially of the Nigerian stock have not been able to practice the politics that gives credence to good governance, rather they are taken back by sentiments of their immediate interest and that of their group.
    “This has made the electorate and masses to be at the receiving end of their self aggrandizing politics, thereby denying the governed a proper dividend of true democracy, and good governance.
    “It is therefore pertinent that very concerned stakeholders should not continue to permit this act of impunity being perpetrated by the so called politicians that are sacrificing good governance of the altar of political interest that are most time self centered, and not tailored to achieving good practices which encourages or promotes having the best man deploy to the deem.
    “OSTWG hereby rises to the occasion in Ondo State to raise the bar and improve the quality of debate during the present electioneering process.”
  • Ondo, a failed state – Boroffice

    Ondo, a failed state – Boroffice

    A Senator representing Ondo North District, Prof Ajayi Boroffice has said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state would not sell the projects of the state to other states if assumed power after the November governorship poll.

    He alleged that projects worth N670m belonging to the state has been sold by the state government, describing Ondo as a failed state.

    Boroffice, who is a governorship aspirant, lamented the current economic situation in the state, stressing that Governor Olusegun Mimiko should be held responsible for the poor economic situation in the state.

    He alleged that the state government recently sold some projects belonging to the state, particularly the proposed Dangote oil refinery which has been relocated to Lagos state.

    The Chairman, Senate Committee on Science and Technology who spoke during a visit to the state Secretariat of the APC, declared his intention to contest the November governorship election in the state.

    He alleged that the projects were diverted to other states of the federation.

    He also berated the Mimiko led administration for demolishing many projects belonging to the state, especially the Owena hotels.

    The Asiwaju of Akokoland however, disclosed his plan to transform the state and give it a new beginning if elected the next Governor of the state.

    He said: “my vision is to build the APC and transform the party to serve as the hope of all the people of the state. My plan is to serve the entire people of Ondo state irrespective of religion or ethnic affiliation.”

    He said “the incoming APC government in Ondo state will promote equity, justice and fairness unlike what currently operates in the state. APC is a political party for all the indigene and non-indigine of this state and this we shall show when we get to government, as every individual will be actively involved in government.”

    “Our suffering will soon end in Ondo state because after darkness comes sunshine. With APC government in place, all the sufferings being experienced in Ondo state will become a thing of the past.”

    He declared that he was destined to rule the state and his dream would be realized on the platform of the APC,stressing that he will implement party supremacy.

    Boroffice said: “Give me the opportunity to Alagbaka House and I will move this state forward in a couple of months. In his remarks, the state chairman of the party, Hon Isaac Kekemeke assured that the party’s flag bearer will emerge through a transparent primary election.

    He said all the Governorship aspirants of the party will be given a level playing ground in the party.

    According to him, “I have no power to endorse any aspirant likewise my state exco, I am so excited that platform has become credible and everybody is eager to become governor under the APC.”

  • Protest in Ondo over disappearance of health workers’ Salary

    Protest in Ondo over disappearance of health workers’ Salary

    Health Workers at Ondo State Specialist Hospital, in Ikare-Akoko, Akoko North East local government area of the state on Monday staged a protest over the missing of N15million meant for the payment of their November salary.

     

    It was gathered that the protesters were accusing the accounting officer of the hospital, whom they claimed allegedly absconded with the money.

     

    Already, the aggrieved workers have down tools and vowed that they would only return to work when they received their salaries.

     

    The protesting workers called on government to urgently arrest and prosecute the suspected fraudulent accountant.

     

    However, the Chairman of the state Hospital management board, Dr Niran Okunrinboye appealed to workers to return to work and allow government to find solution to the problem.

     

    But, the chairman of the national Association of Nigerian Nurses and midwives, Mr. Kolawole Ezekiel, who spoke with reporters, insisted that all staff of the hospital had embarked on strike to press home for the payment of their November salary.

     

    It was observed that families have started withdrawing their patients from the hospital after twenty four hours of non-treatment.

  • Power should shift to Akure, says aspirant

    A governorship aspirant in Ondo State Mr. Light Ariyomo has urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to zone the governorship ticket to Akure, the state capital.

    He said since the creation of the state, no Akure indigene has served as the governor.

    Ariyomo, however, clarified that merit, competence, capability and patriotism are more important criteria, stressing that the state deserves a better governor in post-Mimiko period.

    Ariyomo, an engineer, described himself as a competent contender who can take the state to a greater height.

    He said: ‘I am in the race to make  a difference. I have the qualification , political and administrative experience. I understands the problems of the state and how to solve them.’

    Ariyomo will face other aspirants at the primary election. They include Awodeyi Akinsehinwa, Jamiu Ekungba, Jumoke Anifowose, Sule Akinsuyi, Segun Abraham, Dr, Ayorinde, Bukola Adetula, Paul Akinterinwa, Odunayo Akeredolu, Ajayi Boroffice, Tayo Alasoadura, Ayo Akinyelure and Akinyinka Akinnola.

  • Akwa United confident of victory in Akure

    Akwa United confident of victory in Akure

    •Target Super Four crown in Uyo

    Akwa United have stated that they are very confident that they will shock their hosts, Sunshine Stars in the MatchDay One of the Glo Premier League after the draws were made at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna venue of the ongoing LMC Super Four.

    The Promise Keepers lost their opening match of the Super Four to Warri Wolves but have bounced back to record four points from the last two matches played in Kaduna.

    Reacting to the 2015/2016 Premier League draws done in Kaduna yesterday, the Media Officer of Akwa United, Uwem Ekoh told SportingLife that their display at the Super Four has given them reasons for optimism and that they are sure that Sunshine Stars won’t get the better of them in Akure on February 21.

    Ekoh disclosed that they would returning back to Uyo with their heads held high knowing full well that they have done their best in Kaduna and would improve on it when the second leg of the Super Four hots up in Uyo with the determination to secure enough points to win the tournament.

    “Our performance in Kaduna is an eye opener and we are going back home to polish what we have done here. We won’t be carried away in Uyo during the second leg of the Super Four and we are confident that we are going to lift the Super Four trophy at home.

    “Sunshine Stars are a tough side but with our current form, they will find it hard to beat us. We are very positive that we are going to beat them in Akure, Ekoh told SportingLife.

    Akwa United are campaigning in the CAF Confederation Cup and will face Vital Club of Republic of Congo in the preliminary round next month.

  • Film house opens in Akure

    As the festive season commences, residents of Ondo State, particularly those in Akure, the State Capital are expected to celebrate the Christmas and New Year in a more exciting mood as more fun spots hit the state.

    One of these fun spots is the Film House Cinemas at Akure Mall in Igbatoro, Akure, launched recently.

    The film house has joined other outlets in Lagos, Calabar, Ibadan, Kano, Port Harcourt and Asaba, which have been serving as relaxation centres for their residents.

    Co-founder and Managing Director of the company, Kene Mkparu, who took reporters round the cinema house, said they saw Akure as a strategic area and the state government has given them a good platform.

    He noted that his team was prepared to give its guests the best entertainment solution in all the latest movies.

    Mkparu explained that their ticket price  is N600, while for a VIP seat, it is N1200.

    He said the cinema offers films for every age group.

    He said: “We have the best sound system. We have films for different age groups and we are staring our Saturday and Sunday children’s club. We also show Yoruba Nollywood movies because we are passionate about Nigeria movie industry.”

  • ‘Power should shift to Akure’

    ‘Power should shift to Akure’

    Sunday Idowu, a community leader, is clamouring for the zoning of the governorship slot to Akure, the state capital. He spoke with DAMISI OJO on the motive for the ‘Akure Agenda’ and other issues.

    What is the motive behind the current wave in Ondo state over Akure agenda?

    The essence of every human being is to develop his or her immediate environment.Akure Division which has been granted state capital status since 1976 is being marginalised in the scheme of things particularly in political circle.There are four local government areas in Akure Division namely Idanre,Ifedore,Akure North and Akure South.By my calculation,Okitipupa Division had produced a governor and deputy governor,Ondo Division is currently in power in the state,Akoko Division had produced a Governor and two deputies,Owo produced the first executive governor of the state,Chief Adekunle Ajasin.

    However, it is painful that Akure Division with the largest votes in the state has only produced one deputy governor since 1976.

    We are only appealing to our brothers and sisters in other divisions to exhibit fair play, since we have been magnanimous in our votes. Anytime they bring out their candidates,we have been supporting them and this is pay back time.

    How determined are you with this struggle as it is a general belief that Akure people are fond of not speaking with one voice.

    With our votes and numerical strenght,we are now more resolute with this agenda.If any political party brings a candidate that is from our division,we will embrace such person and support him fully.We are not hinging our agitation on party affliation of either PDP or APC,when we get there,we will know what to do next.

    We have been able to meet many prospective aspirants from PDP and APC,this is a collective struggle,all traditional rulers in Akure Division are in our support.The notion that Akure can not speak with one voice will be defeated this time around because we will invoke the spirit of our ancestors on who ever wants to betray our collective goals.

    What is the position of Dr Olusegun Mimiko on the Akure Agenda?

    Except the few months of Chief Olu Falae as the minister for finance, Akure has never got any key position in the federal cabinet, economically, we are backward, we marginalised ourselves by not coming together as a formidable force. Akure people have been supporting Mimiko’s government, it is to his political survival that Akure person should be picked as the next governor in the state.

    Ditto to APC,if they pick candidate from Akoko,they would fail,we are now sounding it clear to both sides.This should be a pay back time for Mimiko to reciprocate what Akure people have been doing for him which actually prompted his political survival,”they are just leading the flies to the Oil”.

    As a leading member of the Akure Agenda Group, which political party do you belong?

    I am not a politician.I am a business man and employer of labour, but I have interest in the development of my community, Akuere. I sojourned for many years in Akwa ibom state.I am not partisan, the APC candidate in that state, Okon Umana Okon is my good friend. The same way, I am close to the former governor in the state, Dr Godswill Akpabio, a PDP chieftain and presently a Senator. I have friends in all the political parties.

    What is your assessment of the state of affairs in Ondo state here?

    The situation is so pathetic. Virtually with all resources abound in the state, there is no single line of production. Bitumen for example is said to be a federal project and we allow ourselves to remain coward through retrogressive legislation.

    In Ondo South for example, there is no electricity in the past one year,  an area that is laying the golden eggs with which the state is surviving (crude oil). It is so unfortunate, we are too complacent in Ondo state.

  • ‘I ‘ll attract federal presence to Akure North/South’

    ‘I ‘ll attract federal presence to Akure North/South’

    Afe Olowookere is a member of the House of Representatives from Akure North/South Constituency. In this interview with DAMISI OJO, he speaks about his governorship ambition and other partisan issue.

    Why did you embark on community development projects shortly after the inauguration of the eighth National Assembly?

    I want to appreciate God for the opportunity he has given unto me at this material time to represent the good people of Akure North and South. I also want to say that this rare opportunity is a grace from God. I believe that since it is a grace, you should not misuse it. That is why I decided to commit myself to serving the people, to give back to my constituents, because they gave me the opportunity to represent them.

    There are so many Akure indigenes that are qualified to represent the constituency in the House of Representatives. Since the people has chosen me, they deserve the best from me. They deserve very robust and quality representation. They deserve the good things democracy can offer.

    It is believed that you’re only softening the ground because you have a governorship ambition. What’s your reactionto this?

    Those having the impression that I am doing all the projects because I have a governorship aspiration are wrong. It is unfortunate that our people do not believe that an elected official can serve his people without any ulterior motive. I embarked on the projects without thinking of what to get in return. I do not have any governorship ambition for now. All I’m doing is just to serve my people and to represent them in words and in action.

    I will try my best to attract federal presence to my constituency. I will also use the little resources at my disposal to fulfil our campaign promises. My greatest ambition is to deliver on the mandate that has been given to me by the people.

    What has been your experience so far as a member of the National Assembly?

    So far, it has been interesting, as well as challenging. I am really enjoying it. I was once a member of the Ondo State House of Assembly. We were just 26 there. Comparatively, we have 360 members in the House of Representatives. as such, my experience in the House of Representatives is different from that of the House of Assembly. In the Assembly, you could be recognised whenever you signified or raised your hand to contribute. But, because of the large number of members in the House of Representatives, it is in our standing order that a member cannot speak on an issue more than two times.

    The challenge there is that a serious-minded representative has to get himself prepared for sittings every time. You read your book, you read journals and dailies. It is not a tea party for those who want to make impact.

    What is your assessment of Bola Tinubu’s contribution to the progressive politics in Nigeria, particularly the Southwest?

    Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is a pillar of democracy in Nigeria. In fact, he is a force to be reckoned with. He is godfather of progressive politics in Nigeria today. I have my reasons for having this opinion about him. In 2003, when some of us failed our elections in the Alliance for Democracy, (AD) this man invited all of us to Lagos. All the senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly candidates on the plaform of Alliance for Democracy(AD) in the Southwest.

    Only Lagos State survived the PDP tsunami at that time.Tinubu encouraged us that we should go back to our states and work. He said he would do everything possible within his means to flush PDP out of the Southwest. He vowed to also lead the progressives to win the centre. When you sit down today and reflect on what he told us in 2003, I always say this man is a political wizard. He is a political juggernaut. There is no way to describe him more than that. He put people from Ondo, Osun, Ekiti, Oyo and Ogun into his cabinet. He made some of them commissioners and in 2007. He also sent them back to their various states to wrestle power of the PDP. He matched his words with action; by equipping people financially. He was able to achieve more than half of what he set to achieve in 2003. Today, we’ve seen the reality; Tinubu has led the progressives to capture the centre.

    Buhari had contested the presidency three times. He did not win until Tinubu decided to champion the cause and mobilise the progressives all over the country. Today, the progressives are controlling the centre. Some people may not agree, but to me Tinubu is a leader. He deserves respect from everyone of us. He deserves our loyalty, especially those of us from the Southwest.

    I was  impressed when some of my colleagues from the North were weeping when Femi Gbajabiamila lost the House Speakership election. They said Buhari would not have won the election, if not for Tinubu. And this is a reality. If northerners could appreciate his contribution to the liberation of Nigeria politically today, what stops us from also appreciating him. He is our political father. It is not a matter of age. I will continue to be loyal to him. I will continue to appreciate him. I will continue to respect him. I will continue to learn from his kind of politics.

    How did you feel when you moved your first motion on the first day in the House?

    It was not the first day I moved the motion. It was the third day. But, I made an attempt to raise the motion on the very first day the National Assembly was innaugurated. The practice in the National Assembly is different from that of the State Houses of Assembly. If you want to raise a motion under matter of urgent public importance in the House of Assembly, you don’t need to give it to the Speaker for him to sign. Under motion for adjournment, you can just stand up and raise your motion of urgent public importance.