The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu

  • I’ll tackle Akure airport challenges –Akeredolu

    Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State on Thursday assured the National Airspace Management Authority (NAMA) that he would tackle some of the challenges confronting the Akure airport.

    Akeredolu gave the assurance in Akure during a visit by Mr Adebayo Ogunleye, the new Airspace Manager of  NAMA at the airport, to the Government House.

    He said  the Akure airport, billed to be a cargo port, was very important to the economic programmes of the present administration in the state.

    Read Also: Akeredolu and Ondo’s next level

    “We will see what to do about the runway lights, bad roads and lack of vehicles, ‘’  he said.

    The governor, however, said whatever the state government would do in  form of assistance would be integrated into  the 2019 budget.

    Earlier, Ogunleye said the agency was committed to the safety of   travellers and would  continue to ensure the efficacy of  equipment for successful flights.

    “We have been trained on all sorts of equipment;  I was sent here to be part of the team that would install the Instrument Landing System (ILS) that would be deployed to this state,” he said.

    He explained that the ILS enabled flights at all times would allow the pilot to land even in adverse weather conditions.

    The manager, however, appealed to the governor to assist the agency in fixing the airport’s runway edge light that would enable flights to take off and land at night.

  • Akeredolu swears in new commissioners,special assistants

    Akeredolu swears in new commissioners,special assistants

    Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has congratulated the newly sworn -in commissioners and special assistants, stating that they should use this opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the people.

    Mr Femi Agagu, who spoke on behalf of other commissioners, thanked the governor for the privilege given them to serve the people.

    “We are aware that your administration has a blueprint to transform the state. Collectively, we will take the state to a glorious destination.

    “We pledge to discharge our duties faithfully and with the fear of God. We will defend the oath we have sworn to and we will uphold this honour you have bestowed on us,” Agagu said.

    The commissioners are Mr Taofiq Abdusallam, Mr Rasheed Badmus, Mr Solagbade Amodeni, Chief Adegboyega Adefarati, Mr Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, Mrs Omowumi Olatunji, Mr Donald Ojogo, Mr Yemi Olowolabi and Dr Wahab Adegbenro.

    Others are; Mr Funso Esan, Mr Wale Akinterinwa, Pastor Emmanuel Igbasan, Alhaji Olurimisi Ismaila, Mr Femi Agagu, Prof. Bayonle Ademodi, Mrs Julianah Fagbemi, Mr Timilehin Adelegbe and Mr Kola Olawole.

    The special advisers sworn in include Mr Victor Olabimtan, Mrs Olubukola Ademosu, Mr Tunji Ariyomo, Mr Tobi Ogunleye, and Mr Akinboye Oyewunmi.

    Others are Dr Olawunmi Ilawole, Dr Jibayo Adeyeye, Mr Tunji Fabiyi, Mr Alaba Isijola, and Mr Raheem Aminu.

  • Ondo State: Breakdown of Akeredolu’s inherited debt

    Ondo State: Breakdown of Akeredolu’s inherited debt

    Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State says his administration inherited a debt burden of N220.58bn at its inception.

    Akeredolu made this known in Akure on Wednesday while swearing-in commissioners and special advisers.

    • Mimiko

     

    BREAKDOWN OF DEBT LEGACY

    Internal Debt: N53.15billion

    External Debt, N17.48billion;

    Unpaid Salaries and Allowances (Aug.-Dec. 2016): N17.27billion;

    Unpaid Salaries and Allowances(Jan.-Feb. 2017): N6,91billion,

    Ondo State Pension Liabilities: N4.80billion;

    Ondo State Gratuity: N15.04billion;

    Unpaid Local Government Salaries and Allowances (Aug.-Dec. 2016): N9.3billion;

    Unpaid Local Government Salaries and Allowances(Jan.-Feb. 2017): N5.19billion.

    Local Government Pension Liabilities: N25.23billion;

    Local Government Gratuities: N20,96billion;

    Contractors’ Liabilities: N39.74billion;

    Outstanding payment requests without cash backing, (Office of the Accountant-General): N5.45billion

  • Ondo State governor’s wife empowers 150 girls

    Ondo State governor’s wife empowers 150 girls

    The Ondo State governor’s wife, Mrs Betty Akeredolu, on Tuesday inaugurated a training for 150 secondary school girls on energy management, green energy sources, climate change awareness and building of solar panels.

    The programme for the girls drawn from the 18 local government areas of the state was holding at Elizade University, Ilara Mokin in Ifedore Local Government Area of the state.

    She said the training became imperative because of “the present day reality in Nigeria where there is no electricity supply and the oil wells are drying up’’.

    She said that the initiative was aimed at training girls to become advocates of renewable energy and future leaders in the energy sector.

    “The training is also to bridge the gender gap in the renewable energy sector.

    “We are grooming girls that will redefine Nigeria sooner than later. And, yes, we can.

    “The participants are to be trained on energy management, green energy sources, climate change awareness and building of solar panels,’’ she said.

    She advised the girls to explore the opportunities that the programme would afford them to improve their lives and become great assets to the society and the world at large.

    Also, the Chief Operating Officer of Ashdam Solar Ltd., Mrs Damilola Ashaleye, said the training was a dream comes true.

    Ashaleye said the girls were going to be enlightened on the global climate change problems and the solutions to them.

    “They will be able to carry out basic solar electricity installations, assemble solar panels, build solar ovens and know that the energy industry is highly viable for both men and women.

    “With the increased call for safe and environmentally friendly energy systems; solar energy has become one of the most sought after energy sources globally, hence, this programme could not have come at a better time.

    “We believe that the girl-child  should be empowered with all e necessary technical skills and support as well as given a level playing ground, ’’Ashaleye said.

    The facilitator of the programme, Lilian Adesokan, said the girls were divided into five groups under the supervision of seasoned and experienced personnel in order for them to acquire vast knowledge.

    Adesokan said the programme was not just going to be about solar alone.

    “The girls will be exposed to breast health awareness in other to fight breast cancer.

    “They will learn how to develop healthy lifestyles through daily exercise and healthy eating.’’

    She said that there would be a sick bay to be operated by nurses and other medical personnel during the programme.

    “Several recreational activities have been lined up to make the sessions interesting.’’

    Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Ifedayo Abegunde at the event.

    He lauded the efforts of his wife in her efforts to empower girls and women through her pet programme.

  • Akeredolu laments rising cases of kidnapping

    Akeredolu laments rising cases of kidnapping

    Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State on Wednesday decried the rising cases of kidnapping across the country, urging security agencies to address this.

    Akeredolu spoke in Akure when the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Maj.- Gen. Chukwunedum Abraham, paid him a courtesy call.

    According to the governor,  kidnapping remains one of the greatest problems confronting Ondo State and other parts of the country.

    “There is insecurity in Nigeria and total breakdown of law and order. People are being kidnapped here and there, causing panic.

    “It is getting alarming and I am not too sure it’s something within the powers of the police.

    “ It’s totally out of their hands and if we don’t get the military to assist, then we will all be at the mercy of kidnappers.

    “This is an opportunity to re-emphasise this key issue as an area of concern to us all, an area we believe you have to deploy more men to give us security in the state,” he said.

    Akeredolu further suggested an increase in the regularity of changing military posts in the state as a solution to the problem.

    “ We cannot just allow these hoodlums to operate at will. We want more effective military roadblocks,” he said.

    Responding, the GOC commended Akeredolu for the  assistance to the army in the state.

    “We are here for the Warrant Officer and Sergeant competition.

    “ We chose 32 Brigade, Akure, as host, to use the opportunity to visit the governor personally and appreciate him for his show of love to us,” he said

    He said the competition was to train the warrant officers and Sergeants on weapon handling, map reading, physical fitness and also to create an atmosphere for espirit-de-corps among officers in the division.

    Abraham said the GOC of 2 Division, comprising Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Kwara and Edo, was saddled with the responsibility of protecting Nigerians.

  • Gov. Akeredolu calls for vocational centres for graduates

    Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State on Thursday called for vocational centres to enhance self reliance of youths after graduation.

    Akeredolu made the call when the National Association of Ondo State Students (NAOSS), visited him in Akure.

    Represented by his deputy, Agboola Ajayi, Akeredolu said youths no longer focused on white collar jobs after leaving the university, hence the need of the vocational centres.

    The governor said his administration would not impose or dictate a national president for NAOSS as it holds election soon.

    “We will provide a level playing field for all contestants but we will also not tolerate violence in any way.

    “The primary objective of any government is to protect lives and property; that we won’t compromise”, he said.

    Mr Adeolu Iwakun, National President, NAOSS, commended the administration for prompt payment of salaries.

    He listed the payment of the outstanding 2013 to 2017 bursaries as part of the demands of the association.

    “We are owed 2013/2014 bursaries where N50 million was paid after pronouncement of N350 million to be released for this.

    “We want this government to introduce post-graduate scholarship as we all know that the value of first degree is fast diminishing in Nigeria.

    “The government cannot employ everyone and we have skilled graduates who are willing to display the skills but no opportunity, hence the need for vocational centres which will also reduce the rate of unemployment”, he said.

  • Akeredolu declares state of emergency in cocoa production

    Akeredolu declares state of emergency in cocoa production

    Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has declared a state of emergency in cocoa production to ensure that the state maintains its position as the leading cocoa producing state in Nigeria.

    The governor made the declaration when the Yoruba Patriot Movement (YPM), a socio-political group, paid him a visit in Akure on Friday.

    “It is true that most of our cocoa trees are ageing; we will bring different species of cocoa for re-planting to replace the ageing ones.

    “This will revive the dwindling fortunes of cocoa in Ondo State and Nigeria in general. The state government is committed to revolutionalising cocoa production,’’ he said.

    Akeredolu called on farmers to embrace all-year round farming, saying this was a panacea to the food scarcity being experienced in the country.

    He emphasised the need for restructuring the federal system of government to cede more powers to states in calculated efforts to enhance the country’s socio- economic and political development.

    He said that the concentration of powers in the centre had largely contributed to Nigeria’s nation-building problems.

    “We have been clamouring for the country’s restructuring for a long time and this must remain our focus. We must ensure that we speak with one voice to attain our dream.

    “We must give it whatever it takes to restructure Nigeria for good governance and the betterment of the nation,’’ he said.

    Earlier, Chief Oladosu Oladipo, National Coordinator of YPM, said that the major concern of the organisation was widespread poverty and food security challenges facing the Yoruba nation.

    “We seek government’s assistance in the area of basic infrastructure which includes dams to cushion the effect of drought and provision of security for the lives and property of our people.

    “For instance, the Ogerego Dam in Oyo State, which would have been the largest dam in West Africa, was abandoned.

    “The dam could have served as a means of electricity generation and massive irrigation farming, which would have saved us from the shortage of food.

    “The widespread poverty in South West can only be reduced by venturing into agriculture; with the government providing basic infrastructure like good roads and markets, among others.

    “We are planning to hold an economic development summit for the Yoruba nation, where inputs will be needed for the preparation of a well-thought-out position paper on production functions for the Yoruba nation,’’ he said.

    Also, Dr Fredrick Fashehun, Founder of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), urged the people of Ondo State to support the Akeredolu-administration and ensure its success.

    He appealed to the state government to accord priority to the security of lives and property of the people.

    Fashehun urged the Yoruba nation to remain united and speak with one voice on national issues.

    He also said that the restructuring of Nigeria would aid efforts to reposition the country for impactful governance.

  • Akeredolu plans to link ondo coastal community with lagos laudable – APC

    Akeredolu plans to link ondo coastal community with lagos laudable – APC

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has lauded the initiative of Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State to construct a 50-kilometre road to link coastal communities in the state with Lagos State.

    According to a statement signed by Prince Abayomi Adesanya, the state APC Publicity Secretary, on Thursday in Lagos, the party described the project as “laudable and remarkable’’.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Akeredolu had on April 5 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to construct the road.

    NAN reports that the road is expected to connect Araromi Seaside in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State with Akodo in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State.

    The road is expected to be completed within two and half years.

    Adesanya said, “This is laudable and remarkable, because in less than 100 days of the APC-led administration in the state, the governor has attracted such a monumental project to the state.

    “The first and only MoU ever signed by NDDC with any state government within its mandate area (the Niger-Delta region).

    “The people of Ilaje and the Niger-Delta areas of the state have rolled out drums to thank Akeredolu and NDDC for this laudable stride.’’

    He said that when completed the road would help to decongest the Benin-Ore-Lagos Expressway.

    “Once this project is completed, the people can now travel to Lagos by road in less than an hour, as against the usual four to five hours being spent through other roads to Lagos,’’ he said.

    Adesanya assured the people of the state that more of such laudable projects would be executed by the Akeredolu-led government in the state

  • Akeredolu, NDDC sign MoU on 50km road project

    Akeredolu, NDDC sign MoU on 50km road project

    Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Niger Delta Development Commission ((NDDC) for the construction of the 50km Akodo-Araromi Road.

    Akeredolu said in Akure that the road would link Akodo in Lagos State to Araromi in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State and `unearth the hidden treasures’ in Ondo South Senatorial District.

    “Today marks the beginning of unearthing the treasures which will benefit this state.

    “Not even five billion naira is enough for this project; it is a mega project which both parties are interested in and committed to; before our tenure runs out, we should complete it.

    “When the Akodo-Ibeju-Lekki-Araromi-Ilaje Road is completed, it will help decongest the Ore-Benin-Lagos Expressway,” he said.

    The governor said that the unavailability of electricity supply in some parts of the senatorial district in the past four years would soon be resolved.

    Akeredolu also decried lack of potable water in the riverine area, and stressed the need for a water scheme in the area.

    Earlier, Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba, Chairman, NDDC, said that this was the first MoU the commission would sign with a member-state.

    He said that the commission had 785 projects in the state.

    “A total of 381 are ongoing while 26 are active; 266 have been completed, 96 either stalled or abandoned, while 42 are awarded but contractors are yet to be mobilised.

    “I believe that, with the directive of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo that contractors should return to sites, we are likely to see many more abandoned projects become active.

    “It will be better to have fewer projects people see than so many they won’t see, and I think NDDC should concern itself with projects that truly integrate the region and not ad-hoc projects scattered all over,” he said.

    Speaking with newsmen, Mr Agboola Ajayi, Ondo State Deputy Governor, said that the project would bring economic development to the people of the area and the state in general.

    Ajayi pledged the cooperation of people of the state.