Tag: Lucky Aiyedatiwa

The Joint Action Committee of Ondo State-owned Tertiary Institutions (JAC-ODSTI) has called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to fully implement the 2025 and 2026 budgetary allocations to tertiary institutions in the state, warning that continued delays could worsen the crisis rocking the tertiary institutions sector of the state.

The committee appealed in a communiqué issued after its first-quarter congress held at the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH) in Okitipupa, on Friday.

The communiqué was jointly signed by the Committee’s Chairman, Comrade Tayo Ogungbeni, and Secretary, Kunle Akinwonmi.

JAC-ODSTI comprises the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SANU) Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANP), the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT).

The affected institutions include OAUSTECH, Okitipupa; Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), University of Medical Sciences, Ondo (UNIMED) and Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO).

The committee said the congress reviewed critical issues affecting staff welfare and the sustainability of tertiary education in the state, noting that unresolved financial and administrative challenges were undermining the effective running of the institutions.

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 The unions, however, commended the governor for paying the last tranche of the wage award and releasing the outstanding January 2017 subventions to state-owned institutions, describing the steps as encouraging.

 They, nonetheless, demanded the immediate and full implementation of the 2026 approved budget for all tertiary institutions to enable them meet their financial obligations to both staff and students.

 The committee also lamented that the 2025 budgetary allocations earlier acknowledged by the state government were not fully implemented, urging the governor to take swift corrective action to avert what it described as further institutional decline.

 The workers specifically called for the release of three months’ salary arrears owed to staff of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, saying the payment was earlier promised during the institution’s 2025 convocation ceremony.

 They also demanded the immediate implementation of the new N70,000 minimum wage for RUGIPO workers, alleging that staff were still earning N18,000.

 The unions further expressed concern over the delay in releasing the report of the staff verification and audit exercise conducted across the institutions in 2025, urging the government to make the findings public without further delay.

 They noted that the eight-year tenure of the governing councils of the state-owned institutions would expire in March and called for their urgent reconstitution.

 The committee warned that failure to constitute new councils within the stipulated time might compel it to withdraw recognition of the affected councils.

 “We demand the full implementation of the 2026 approved budget for all state-owned tertiary institutions to enable them to meet their financial obligations to both staff and students. Congress recalled that the governor’s earlier acknowledgement of the 2025 budgetary allocations was not fully implemented and urged immediate corrective action to avert further institutional decline.

 “Congress calls on the state government to urgently release the three months’ staff salary arrears to the staff of RUGIPO, earlier pronounced during the 2025 convocation ceremony of the institution. Congress also demands the immediate implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage for staff of RUGIPO, as against the current N18,000 being paid.

“Congress also expressed deep concern over the continued delay in the release of the report of the staff verification and audit exercise conducted across the various tertiary institutions in 2025; we urge the state government to make the report public without further delay,” the communique read.

“Congress calls on the state government to urgently release the three months’ staff salary arrears to the staff of RUGIPO, earlier pronounced during the 2025 convocation ceremony of the institution.”

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has lauded the Governor of Ondo state Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on the revalidation of the operating licence for the Ondo Deep Sea Port, describing the development as a historic milestone with far-reaching economic implications for the state, the South-West and Nigeria at large.

Recall that Governor Aiyedatiwa had said the proposed Ondo Deep Sea Port will serve as a major hub for international trade, benefiting not only Ondo State but Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries.

The governor stated this in Abuja after receiving the revalidated operating licence for the port from the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Chief Adegboyega Oyetola.

The licence, originally approved in 2023 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, was resubmitted for revalidation following errors discovered in the original document.

In a statement signed on Sunday by its National Organising Secretary, Kole Omololu, Afenifere said the revalidation of the licence marks a major stride in regional economic development and firmly positions Ondo State as an emerging maritime and industrial hub in the country.

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According to the organisation, the revalidated licence has removed all lingering administrative and regulatory encumbrances, providing the legal certainty and institutional clarity required for the full-scale development of the port project.

“Uniquely positioned with a depth capable of accommodating very large vessels unable to berth at existing Lagos ports, the facility will decongest Nigeria’s busiest maritime corridor, enhance cargo handling efficiency, reduce turnaround times and lower logistics costs.This positions Ondo State at the forefront of next-generation port infrastructure in the country.

“Beyond state-level benefits, the port will drive economic activity across the South-West through industrial clustering, petrochemical expansion, agro-export processing, and manufacturing value chains.

“Multiplier effects include job creation, skills development, technology transfer and increased internally generated revenue for state and federal governments,” it read.

Afenifere noted that the development reflects purposeful governance, strategic foresight, and institutional discipline on the part of the Aiyedatiwa administration, adding that it would significantly strengthen investor confidence in the project and the state’s economic vision.

The organisation highlighted the unique advantage of the proposed port, noting that its natural depth would enable it to accommodate very large vessels that are unable to berth at the existing Lagos ports.

It said the Ondo Deep Sea Port would help decongest Nigeria’s busiest maritime corridor, improve cargo handling efficiency, reduce vessel turnaround time and lower logistics costs, thereby placing Ondo State at the forefront of next-generation port infrastructure in Nigeria.

Beyond its direct benefits to Ondo State, Afenifere said the port would stimulate economic activities across the South-West through industrial clustering, petrochemical expansion, agro-export processing, and manufacturing value chains.

The organisation added that the multiplier effects of the project would include job creation, skills development, technology transfer, and increased internally generated revenue for both the state and the federal government.

At the regional level, Afenifere said the port is expected to serve as a vital gateway within the ECOWAS trade ecosystem, supporting regional trade integration, trans-shipment services, and West Africa’s participation in global maritime commerce.

According to the group, the project would further strengthen Nigeria’s leadership role in sub-regional economic coordination and trade facilitation.

Afenifere also acknowledged the supportive role of the Federal Government and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in aligning the Ondo Deep Sea Port project with national development priorities, particularly economic diversification under the blue economy framework.

While commending Governor Aiyedatiwa for sustaining momentum on what it described as a transformative and legacy infrastructure project, the organisation urged continued collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure timely execution and operational excellence.

It, however, expressed confidence that the Ondo Deep Sea Port, when completed, would deliver enduring prosperity for Ondo State, the South-West, and Nigeria as a whole.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, has approved the recruitment of 500 new personnel into the State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s security architecture amid rising national security challenges.

The governor announced the approval on Friday during the inauguration of a new cohort of Justices of the Peace (JPs) held in Akure, the state capital.

Aiyedatiwa explained that after nearly 17 years of inactivity, his administration decided to revive the office of the JPs to give citizens a more active role in local justice delivery.

 A total of 130 appointees, drawn from various sectors, were sworn in to reflect the diversity and inclusiveness central to his grassroots justice reform agenda.

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Describing the ceremony as a turning point in reinforcing justice at the grassroots, the governor said the initiative aligns with the “Order, Security and the Rule of Law” pillar of his administration’s OUR EASE agenda.

 Aiyedatiwa urged the new JPs to help enhance security, peace, and justice in their communities, reminding them that the office is a “sacred responsibility” requiring integrity, wisdom, and fairness.

He also highlighted ongoing judicial reforms in the state, including the recruitment of additional state counsels, expansion of the judiciary, and the near completion of a new Judiciary Complex featuring a ceremonial court, modular courts and a library intended to fast-track justice delivery.

 In his remarks, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, traced the origin of the JP institution to 14th-century England and its evolution in Nigeria during the colonial era.

Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Idowu Ajanaku, has expressed appreciation to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for what he described as an unprecedented recognition of Idogun community by his administration.

He spoke during a grand reception organised in his honour by Idogun Progressive Union (IPU).

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The event brought together community leaders, family, friends and well-wishers to celebrate his appointment as a commissioner.

The occasion, which began with an opening prayer by Pastor Gabriel Oyebola, was chaired by the former Chief of Staff to the late governor Rotimi Akeredolu, Chief Olugbenga Ale, who described Ajanaku’s elevation as an honour to Idogun and a pride to Ondo State.

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has presented staff of office to Oba Isiaka Adu as the Alale of Akungba in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The official presentation, held over the weekend, ends decades of legal battles and protracted chieftaincy disputes over the monarch’s stool.

Governor Aiyedatiwa described the event as the culmination of a long struggle for justice and the restoration of peace in the university town.

“It is only logical to allow Oba Adu, who obtained favourable judgments at all levels of the judicial process, to enjoy the benefits of his legal victory in the best interest of fair play, equity and justice,” the governor said.

He said although it was the turn of Olugbade Ruling House to produce the next monarch, following the passing of Oba Sunday Ajimo in March, the government had no choice but to uphold existing court rulings validating Adu’s claim.

The governor stressed that the decision was not an endorsement of one ruling house over another, but an effort to reconcile warring factions within Ole Ruling House.

He appealed for calm and urged Olugbade Ruling House to be patient in the interest of peace in Akungba.

Congratulating the new monarch, Aiyedatiwa advised him to see his ascension as a call to service.

“Kabiyesi, you are now a father to all. The staff of office should be employed to strengthen peace, unity and cohesion in your town, not to victimise perceived opponents,” he said.

The governor highlighted developmental projects in the region, including the reconstruction of Akungba–Ikare Road into a dual carriageway and flood mitigation efforts.

He reiterated government’s directive for roadside traders to relocate to Atiba Market for safety reasons, while reaffirming commitment to security through ‘Amotekun’ Corps and other agencies.

Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Amidu Takuro lauded the governor’s respect for due process in resolving the decades-long tussle.

Chairman of Akoko South West Local Government, Ayo Ajana, described the event as the dawn of a new threshold for Akungba.

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He thanked the governor for restoring peace and approving landmark projects in the area, including Akungba–Ikare Dual Carriageway and 5km roads in all local governments of the state.

“To Kabiyesi, this is not the time for recrimination and vengeance, but an opportunity to rally and unite the entire community behind your rulership,” Ajana said.

Oba Adu expressed gratitude to God and to the state government for upholding the Supreme Court judgment on the Alale chieftaincy matter.

“I lack human words to fully express my profound gratitude to the Almighty Father for making this day a reality.

“I am equally indebted to the governor of Ondo State for upholding the Supreme Court judgment, which culminated in my installation as the Alale of Akungba today,” he said.

The monarch described the installation as the fulfilment of a journey that began in 1951 with the aspiration of Agure Royal Family to ascend the throne.

He pledged to prioritise unity, inclusiveness and community development, assuring that every son and daughter of Akungba would be carried along.

A renowned lawyer in Akoko, Tolu Babaleye, described the event as historic, noting that it was the first time the community was uniting to celebrate a chosen monarch.

He said the ascension of Oba Adu, who waited 23 years for the throne, was truly worth celebrating.

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has presented the staff of office to His Royal Majesty, Oba Isiaka Oseni Adu, as the Alale of Akungba in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The official presentation held over the weekend ended the decades of legal battles and protracted chieftaincy disputes over the monarch’s stool.

Performing the ceremony, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the event as the culmination of a long struggle for justice and the restoration of peace in the university town

“It is only logical to allow His Royal Majesty, Oba Isiaka Oseni Adu, who obtained favourable judgments at all levels of the judicial process, to enjoy the benefits of his legal victory in the best interest of fair play, equity, and justice,” the governor said.

He explained that though it was the turn of the Olugbade Ruling House to produce the next monarch following the passing of Oba Sunday Adeyeye Ajimo in March 2025, the government had no choice but to uphold existing court rulings validating Adu’s claim.

The governor stressed that the decision was not an endorsement of one ruling house over another but an effort to reconcile warring factions within the Ole Ruling House.

He appealed for calm and urged the Olugbade Ruling House to exercise patience in the overall interest of peace in Akungba.

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Congratulating the new monarch, Aiyedatiwa charged him to see his ascension as a call to service.

“Kabiyesi, you are now a father to all. The Staff of Office should be employed to strengthen peace, unity, and cohesion in your town, not to victimise perceived opponents,” he cautioned.

The governor also highlighted developmental projects in the region, including the reconstruction of the Akungba–Ikare road into a dual carriageway and flood mitigation efforts.

He reiterated the government’s directive for roadside traders to relocate to Atiba Market for safety reasons while reaffirming commitment to security through the Amotekun Corps and other agencies.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amidu Takuro, commended the governor’s respect for due process in resolving the decades-long tussle.

Chairman of Akoko South West Local Government, Hon. Ayo Ajana, described the event as the dawn of a new threshold for Akungba.

He thanked the governor for restoring peace and approving several landmark projects in the area, including the Akungba–Ikare dual carriageway and 5km roads in all LGAs of the state.

“To Kabiyesi, this is not the time for recrimination and vengeance but an opportunity to rally and unite the entire community behind your rulership,” Ajana advised.

In his acceptance speech, Oba Isiaka Oseni Adu expressed gratitude to God and to the state government for upholding the Supreme Court judgment on the Alale chieftaincy matter.

“I lack human words to fully express my profound gratitude to the Almighty Father for making this day a reality.

“I am equally indebted to the Executive Governor of Ondo State for upholding the Supreme Court judgment which culminated in my installation as the Alale of Akungba today,” he said.

The monarch described the installation as the fulfilment of a journey that began in 1951 with the aspiration of the Agure royal family to ascend the throne.

He also pledged to prioritise unity, inclusiveness, and community development, assuring that every son and daughter of Akungba would be carried along.

A renowned lawyer in Akoko, Tolu Babaleye, described the event as historic, noting that it was the first time the community was uniting to celebrate a chosen monarch.

He said the ascension of Oba Isiaka Oseni Adu, who waited 23 years for the throne, was truly worth celebrating.

…say July, August salary still pending

Workers in Ondo State-owned tertiary institutions have appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa over the non-payment of accumulated salaries and arrears, saying the situation has left many struggling to survive amid the harsh economic climate.

The workers, drawn from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA); Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa; University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo; and Rufus Giwa Polytechnic (RUGIPO), Owo, expressed their frustration in interviews on Sunday.

They said many staff could no longer afford basic needs, pay school fees, or keep up with rent payments. 

Some claimed they were yet to receive their July salaries, with August also ending without payment.

Chairman of the Joint Action Committee (JAC), Comrade Olutayo Ogungbeni, speaking on behalf of the workers, said they were “dying of hunger” due to the delays, stressing that the subvention to some schools, particularly AAUA, is inadequate to meet salary obligations.

He appealed to the governor to intervene and ensure timely payment of salaries to ease the workers’ financial burden.

“As of today now, we are yet to receive the July salary. So, if we should count August, which will end next week, it shows we are automatically being owed two months’ salaries as workers of the institution. 

“And as I speak, there’s no hope that by next week they will pay us the salary. I remember during our struggle; an increase in subvention to the schools, especially AAUA, was a major issue we discussed with the governor. 

“N560 million monthly subvention to AAUA where salary would be paid including for pensioners, but the state government is releasing only N223 million, thereby leaving the school to augment it. You can imagine that the margine is far,” he said. 

Ogungbeni added, “Apart from AAUA, the challenge with other state owned-institution, especially in RUGIPO and UNIMED, is that they are yet to be paid the 2024 National minimum wage.”

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He called on Governor Aiyedatiwa to help the workers in the payment of their salary, saying there are ‘dependents’ who depend solely on them to survive financially. 

Ogungbeni said, “No staff will have less than two to four children, and now there’s no salary. We are appealing to the governor to fulfil the promise made to JAC of increasing the subvention to the schools so that people will not die prematurely and they can get their salary as at when due. 

“As I speak with you, some of our colleagues [University workers] are sick. They don’t have the money to buy drugs or pay for hospital treatment. Many can’t even afford food. We go to school hungry and return hungry.

“Although we know the problem confronted by the state is the issue of the multi-tertiary institutions but the state is capable if you are to consider the increase in the federal allocation to the state every month.”

Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, the commissioner for education in the state, could not immediately react when contacted via his official line by The Nation on Sunday. 

Ajibefun, however, promised to get back to one reporter but did not do so as of the time of publishing this story. 

But impeccable government sources said the Governor Aiyedatiwa has promised to look into the agitations of the workers by setting up a visitation panel to look into what is accurable into the institutions. 

“I think there’s corruption somewhere and the government would likely set up a committee to investigate the spending of the institutions and their IGR to determine how they’re spending the subventions and who is earning what in the schools,” one the sources told the Nation.