The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Mr Kayode Akinmade

  • I inherited a N220bn debt from Mimiko – Akeredolu

    I inherited a N220bn debt from Mimiko – Akeredolu

    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. He advised the people of the state to refrain from acts that could further push the state into deep economic crisis.

    But his claim about the debt legacy was promptly attacked by a former commissioner for Information during the Mimiko administration, Mr Kayode Akinmade, who said that Mimiko left N20billion in the kitty of the state government. Akinmade skirted the issue of debt and also did not explain why Mimiko failed to match the N38.64 billion left in the kitty of the state government by his predecessor, Gov.Olusegun Agagu.

    Akeredolu said with a debt of more than N220 billion, it was not difficult for anyone to know that the government’s capacity for adjustment to cater for the people had been stretched to its limit.

    According to him Internal Debt of N53.15billion constituted almost a quarter of the debt legacy.

    Others are External Debt, N17.48billion; Unpaid Salaries and Allowances, Aug. to Dec. 2016, N17.27billion; and Jan. to Feb. 2017, N6,91billion, Ondo State Pension Liabilities, N4.80billion; Ondo State Gratuity, N15.04billion; Unpaid Local Government Salaries and Allowances Aug. to Dec. 2016, N9.3billion; Jan. to Feb. 2017, N5.19billion.

    Local Government Pension Liabilities of N25.23billion; Local Government Gratuities N20,96billion; Contractors’ Liabilities N39.74billion; Outstanding payment requests in the Office of the Accountant-General without cash backing, N5.45billion made up the rest of the debt profile.

    However, Akeredolu promised to provide the needed leadership to move the state forward and make life more abundant for the people.

    “We will continue to strive to keep that vow within the available resources. We can turn things around positively,’’ he said.

    The governor also congratulated the commissioners and special assistants, adding 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.

    Former Gov. Olusegun Mimiko handed over to Akeredolu on Feb.24, 2017.

  • Mimiko dissolves council of Obas

    Mimiko dissolves council of Obas

    • Appoints new chair

    Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko on Tuesday dissolved the state’s Council of Obas led by the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Victor Kiladejo.

    He consequently appointed the Olukare of Ikare, Oba Akadiri Momoh as the new chairman.

    A statement by the Commissioner for Information, Mr Kayode Akinmade said: “Governor Mimiko CON, has formally dissolved the State Council of Obas and appointed Olukare of Ikare-Akoko Oba Akadiri Momoh as the new Chairman.

    The appointment takes effect from Monday, February 20.

  • Minor cabinet reshuffle in Ondo

    The Ondo state government has announced a minor cabinet reshuffle.

    Announcing this after the state executive council meeting, the commissioner for Information, Mr Kayode Akinmade said Barrister Remi Olatubora has been appointed as the Ondo state Attorney General and commissioner for justice.

    He replaced Mr Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) who resigned to pursue his governorship ambition.

    Until now, Barrister Olatubora was the commissioner for Adult, Technical and vocational education.

    Also, Mr Tunde Atere of Mineral resources is to oversee the ministry of local government and chieftaincy affairs.

    This followed the resignation of Mr Bamiduro Dada.

    Equally, the commissioner for commerce and industry, Chief Ayo Abiola is to oversee the ministry of environment following the resignation of barrister sola Ebiseni.

  • Davido, Olamide, Ara for Mare Festival

    Davido, Olamide, Ara for Mare Festival

    This year’s Mare Festival opening tomorrow will be unique and different from  past editions, Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mr  Kayode Akinmade has said. He spoke at an interaction with the media at Ile Eri Igi (one of the wooden houses) at Iroko Mountain Resort Idanre.

    Beyond the regular mountain climbing, how ready is the state for the visit of UNESCO officials?

    We are expecting the UNESCO officials to come and look at what we have here as part of the process of enlisting Idanre hills into world heritage sites and with the development that is going on here we are optimistic that Idanre hills will make the list this time around”.

    What are the innovations that will make this year’s festival unique?

    What you are seeing around the resort are indications that we are ready to ensure that this year’s Mare Festival will be like no other because this year’s festival will be that of distinction, unique and there will be many side attractions. We don’t have this type of structure last year. Now, we are creating resort like never before where tourists can come, stay and connect with nature, and enjoy nature it at its best.

    Apart from the normal cultural event and dance we are also introducing sporting competitions such as  table tennis tournament  badminton competition, and other indoor games , not only that we are also creating Idanre as an experience you will treasure for life. Our athletes for the marathon race are also warming up for the events as well as the cultural events.

    “We are also using this event to expose and develop talents among the youths. We have discovered raw talents in this environment and there are many amazing talents. So, we are using the festival to develop them and showcase them to the world. These and many others are our plans to make sure Mare 2014 is a Mare of distinction and a festival like never before.

     How prepared is the state in terms of security?

    Security issue is not what you discuss on the pages of the newspaper but I can tell you we are providing adequate security, in fact, world class security because we are aware of the situation in the country and we are not leaving anything undone to ensure that live of our tourists and visitors are safe.

    For your information, dignitaries expected at the festival include the Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Chief  Edem Duke, Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Commission (NTDC)  Mrs Sally Mbanefo and her team, State Commissioners of Culture and Tourism  from across the country,  Chairman of Elizade Motor, Chief Michael Ade Ojo, who  is also collaborating with us in this project. In fact, we are expecting many people including local and foreign tourists and we are fully prepared.

     Who are the musicians for the gala night?

    Top on the list of entertainers are Davido, Olamide and Ara that will perform at the gala night. Also, prominent traditional rulers in Idanre local government are flag off the marathon race while their subjects and guests will cheer the participants.