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Tag: Oluwarotimi Akeredolu

  • Easter: Nigeria “ll soon overcome challenges – Akeredolu

     

    Ondo State governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) has felicitated Christians across the country on the success of this year’s Easter celebrations.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary(CPS) Segun Ajiboye Governor Akeredolu expressed the belief  that since Easter represented the death and resurrection  of Jesus Christ,Nigeria will soon overcome whatever challenges that might be confronting the country.

    Describing Easter celebrations as a period of sober reflection on the significance of the death of Jesus Christ and great sacrifice by the Saviour to give humanity the hope eternal life, the governor asked the Christians to emulate the good example laid by Jesus.

    According to the governor, the exemplary life of Jesus Christ is a great lesson that should be emulated by all.

    Besides, Akeredolu urged Christians to continue to be tolerant of one another, show and promote love, as well as be advocate of peaceful existence,

    He urged the Christian community to have hope in Nigeria that the country will be great again.

    The governor also advised them to rededicate themselves to the service of their fatherland.

     

  • Akeredolu loses at Supreme Court

    *Apex court awards N500, 000 penalty on Ondo Gov

    “It’s a none-issue” – Akeredolu

     

    The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed an appeal by Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for lacking in merit.

    Akeredolu had, by the appeal, challenged a July 20017 judgment of the Court of Appeal, Abuja, which upheld an order by Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of Federal High Court in Abuja, granting permission to Olusegun Abraham to serve Akeredolu through substituted means, court documents in relation to the suit he (Abraham) filed.

    Abraham’s suit is challenging the outcome of the primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which produced Akeredolu as the party’s candidate for the last governorship election in Ondo State.

    In a unanimous judgment on the appeal marked: SC/698?2017, a five-man panel of the Supreme Court held that Akeredolu’s appeal was without merit.

    Akeredolu has however described the court’s decision as a none-issue.

    Justice John Okoro, in the lead judgment, but read by Justice Paul Galinje, upheld the earlier decision of the Court of Appeal and awarded N500,000 cost against Akeredolu, in favour of Abraham.

    Justice Galinje said: “the appellant went to the Federal High Court to challenge serve of originating summons and other process on him. His challenge was dismissed. At the appeal to the Court of Appeal, his appeal was also dismissed.

    “He further appealed to this place and filed six grounds of appeal and formulated four issues for determination of the appeal. My leaned brother considered all the issues submitted for the determination of this appeal and came to the conclusion that the appeal lacks merit and ought to be dismissed.

    “The appeal is accordingly dismissed. Cost of N500,000 is awarded against the appellant and against the 1st respondent. “

    Justices Ibrahim Tanko, Olukayode Ariwoola, Kumai Akaahs and and Galinje, who were also members of the panel, agreed with the lead judgment.

    In a recation to the judgment, Akeredolu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Segun Ajiboye, assured the people of the state that there is no cause for alarm over the supreme

    “Court ruling which dismissed the appeal filed by him. He describes the ruling as a non-issue.

    The governor asks the peace-loving people to dismiss the ruling, adding that it is nothing to worry about and advised them to continue to support his administration in its determination to develop the state.

    “What the Supreme Court ruled on was whether the service of the Originating Process on the APC secretariat in Abuja, instead of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, was right or not.

    “At best, the ruling only succeeded in correcting Abraham to serve Akeredolu through substituted means in relation to the suit he (Abraham) filed.

    Governor Akeredolu, therefore, wants to state equivocally that there is no cause for alarm over the ruling delivered by the Supreme Court,” Ajiboye said.

  • Akeredolu remains Ondo Governor – APC

     

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo state on Friday reacted to the verdict of the Supreme Court on the commencement of hearing in a case filed against the outcome of September 3, 2016  primary in Ondo State by an aspirant, Dr. Olusegun Abraham.

    The party in a statement by its Director of Media&Publicity, Steve Otalorilot noted that some political

    confusionists have started misinterpreting the apex court’s verdict as outright removal of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu from office and to be replaced with the applicant, Abraham.

    The party said “it is unfortunate that this group of people decided to confuse members of our party and the good people of Ondo State in favour of their leader.

    “Without prejudice to the judgement handed down by the Supreme Court, every member of APC is convinced that the primary was free, fair and transparent.

    “It is established that the authentic party register was used at the primary, which was adjudged free, fair and acceptable by the party which would still form the basis for the application of the plaintiff”.

    However, the statement urged all APC members and the citizenry to remain calm and refused to be confused on the court verdict, which is a mere permission to begin the hearing of the case itself.

    According to the statement”it is pertinent to let our members and people of Ondo State to know that the governor is unperturbed being a legal luminary who understands that the Supreme Court verdict only permits him to open up his defence and put the record straight.

    “The veracity of the matter is largely on Akeredolu’s side considering the avalanche of evidence in his favour.

    It said “Akeredolu’s character, popularity and conviction on the fair conduct of the primary prompted other contestants in the primary to congratulate him when he was declared winner.

    “It is also clear that the apex court’s verdict is a sheer approval to commence hearing of a case that has not begun.

    “Nevertheless, Abraham is currently alone on this legal journey as all other contestants in the primary have been working towards strengthening the party, while the national leadership of the party as well as our national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is already working with Akeredolu and our party (APC) for successful implementation of all his people-oriented programmes.”

    The APC said the current unity among members of the party was a strong indication that” Abraham is standing alone in his illusion, trying to whip up a dead horse”.

     

  • ‘Ondo to spend N50b on road rehabilitation’

    Ondo State government has said it had earmarked about N50 billion in the 2018 budget for rehabilitation of roads in the state toward making them free of potholes.

    The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Yemi Olowolabi said this in an interview with journalists on Tuesday in Akure.

    Olowolabi said that the people of the Ondo state were happy with the achievements of Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu-led administration in the past one year.

    The commissioner noted that work had commenced at Idanre road in Akure, after the first anniversary of the present government in the state.

    “Contractors are on site at the 4.1 kilometers Ikare township road dualisation while work is ongoing at various roads inaugurated by the governor during the first year anniversary,” he said.

    Olowolabi, however, noted that work was slow in the A Division to Oke Obere dualisation in Akure because lots of property would give way for the project.

    The commissioner assured that compensation would be paid to the affected property owners.

    He stressed that there was no local government in the state that the state government had not touched with developmental projects in the last one year.

    The commissioner said the current government in the state was prepared and focused to serve the people by bringing development to their door step.

    “This government is focused, committed and planned any action to be taken in moving the state forward.

    “Whatever developmental projects that will be taken by the government in the next four years will be in accordance with its blueprint which will serve as a working guide.”

    NAN

  • Akeredolu donates 10 Navy speed boats

    The Ondo State Governor, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has appealed to repentant militants who submitted their arms and ammunition during the ongoing amnesty programme to be patient with the state government.

    Akeredolu, who was speaking during the presentation of 10 speed boats to the Naval Operational Base in Igbokoda Ilaje Local Government Area of the state, restated the commitment of his administration to ensure that the repentant armed bandits are incorporated into the federal government amnesty programme.

    He said the new speed boats, purchased by the state was part of the efforts to enable the security agents to properly man the waterways.

    The governor, who noted that the speed boats that would complement the naval officers’ gun boats and will enable them to maneuver their ways into the shallow creeks when chasing criminals, promised that his administration would continue to give necessary support to the security operatives in order for him to achieve his aim of making the state investors-friendly.

    It will be recalled that on November 9, 2017, Akeredolu proclaimed amnesty for militants, who are willing to drop their arms and ammunition and also promised them that they would be incorporated into the federal government amnesty programme.

    The State Amnesty Committee, headed by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, worked tirelessly to ensure that the armed bandits dropped their weapons within the 21 days stipulated for collection and documentation of arms and ammunition.

    Since then, the ex-militants have been nursing the fear of being short-changed.

    While addressing them, Akeredolu said he was aware of their worries, assuring them that the state government would fulfill its own part of the bargain.

    His words, “I know they have been crying because of their own perspective that we have not delivered on our words. The amnesty programme does not begin with the state and it will not end with the state government.

    “Ours is to ensure the baby is delivered and we have delivered you (baby) to the federal government.

    Read Also: Akeredolu urges Senate to confirm Magu as EFCC chair

    “We won’t relent on our efforts to ensure that you are all incorporated into the programme. The whole issue is now in the hands of the Federal Government because we have done our own part.

    “For those who submitted their guns, we won’t deceive you. We want our people to understand and our leaders must talk to them.

    “We are committed to see that you are part of the Federal Government amnesty programme. We are appealing to you to be patient.”

    Speaking earlier, the deputy governor, Agboola Ajayi, lauded Akeredolu for making the state safe for investors, adding that the amnesty programme has not only brought peace into the state, but has also reduced the rate of crime in Ogun and Lagos states.

  • Ondo trains 18,000 youths on agri-business

    Ondo State Government has trained 18,000 youths on various agriculture businesses through a programme of Ondo State Agri-Business Empowerment Centre ( OSAEC ) tagged: “Youth on the Ridges”.

    The trainees were drawn across the 18 local government areas of the state.

    Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who launched the training on Thursday at the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, described agriculture as a major sector that creates job.

    Akeredolu said that the initiative was a proof of his administration’s commitment to ensuring food security and job creation.

    The governor, therefore, urged the beneficiaries to take the initiative as a limitless possibility to greatness.

    “No serious government can be comfortable with the present rate of unemployment. So, there is need for our youths to be engaged in modern agriculture,” the governor said.

    He promised to make land and funds available, saying that there was money meant for agriculture that was yet to be tapped.

    Mr Akin Olotu, Chairman of OSAEC and Senior Special Assistant to the governor on agriculture, stated that the programme would rewrite the story of farming and farmers in the state.

    Olotu said that the governor’s vision to ensure agro-preneurs was becoming a reality.

    He urged the beneficiaries to be focused so as to stand out in their chosen profession “as history beckons on them”.

    The OSAEC chairman said that the beneficiaries would be empowered to take advantage of all links on the agricultural commodities to become employers of labour.

    Earlier, Mr Adegboyega Adefarati, the state Commissioner for Agriculture, noted that the programne was designed to improve on food production and arouse interest of the youths in agriculture.

    “Our aim is to increase food production in the state and promote youth employment by engaging 18,000 youths across the state.

    “The governor has created enabling environment for youths and women to take up career in modern agriculture,” he said.

    Dr Samson Odedina, Provost, Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, thanked the state government for the initiative, saying it would go a long way to encourage young people into agriculture.

    Odedina promised that the college would train the participants on attitude, increased productivity and cost reductions.

    NAN

  • Akeredolu kick-starts repair of Araromi-Akodo-Lekki road

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) yesterday begged youths in Ondo South Senatorial District to cooperate with contractors and security agents for the construction of virgin 51-kilometre Araromi Seaside-Akodo-Lekki Road for early completion.

    The governor urged them to shun activities that might lead to negative reports on the project.

    Akeredolu, who spoke at the take-off of the construction of the road at Araromi in Ilaje Local Government Area, said the project would not only bring tremendous benefits to the people of the area but would also link other Niger Delta states.

    He said: “The attendant socio-economic benefits, which the completion of this road will bring, are considerable. There will be an unprecedented influx of visitors to our state through this route.

    “The sons and daughters of these communities too will no longer have excuses not to visit as frequently as possible. Economic activities will improve and real wealth will be created for the benefit of our people.”

    A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) for the construction of the Araromi Seaside-Akodo-Lekki Road was signed on April 5, last year.

    Akeredolu, who described the kick-off of the road as historical, assured the people that it would not suffer the fate others that were hurriedly conceived to achieve parochial political ends.

    He said: “The knowledge of the indispensability of a link road between our coastal communities and Lagos, the commercial capital of the country, propelled this administration to ensure that this construction does not only take off, but we are also reassuring our people that we shall be back to inaugurate it in due course.”

    OSOPADEC Chairman Gbenga Edema hailed Akeredolu for opening up the road to facilitate economic development of the state.

    Edema, who relied on Zachariah 4:9, predicted that “the hands of Akeredolu, which laid the foundation of the road, shall also complete it”.

    Also, NDDC Chairman Victor Ndoma-Egba assured the peole that the project would not be abandoned.

  • Road dualization: Fear grips Akoko residents.

     

    Residents of Ikare-Akoko, the commercial nerve center of the four local government areas of Akokoland are in confusion over the proposed idealization of the major road in the ancient community.

    It was learnt that officials of the town planning and regional development in the state were already marking properties that will give ways to the dualization of the township road project.

    The project was flagged-off two weeks ago by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu with fanfare.

    It will start from Oke-Igbede area and terminate at Semusemu area of the town which is  an area  that had over the years played host to many roadside properties of commercial values like shops, restaurant, filling stations, banks and others.

    Some Churches and Mosques would not be also be spared in the demolition exercise for road dualization.

    A business man and community leader, Alhaji Fasasi Okoja urged people to exercise patience as the state government has no intention to bring hardship on the people while making efforts in a bid to dualise the road.

    He warned Ikare residents to be wary of fraudsters parading themselves as government officials to help them jack up their compensation to be paid by the state government.

    Another resident, Kehinde Ojuolape noted that there is nowhere in the world that construction work would take place without affecting some valuables.

    He however said the gains of the project would be for everybody living in the community.

    Ojuolape urged people particularly shop owners to be patient as government meant well for them.

     

     

  • NURTW celebrates Akeredolu’s anniversary with empowerment facilities

    NURTW celebrates Akeredolu’s anniversary with empowerment facilities

    Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Thursday hailed the peaceful conduct,and discipline exhibited by members of the National union of Road Transport Workers(NURTW) in Ondo state since the inception of its present leadership.

    Akeredolu made the remarks during an empowerment programme organized by the Union to commemorate the one year anniversary of his administration at the Union’s State Secretariat, Igoba, Akure.

    The governor, while commending the initiative of its leadership, said the union played a key role in maintaining peace in the state.

    He noted that that they also boosted the economy through transportation and pledged his administration’s support for its members.

    Earlier, the state chairman, Adebo Jacob (aka Idajo) hailed Akeredolu for his good governance in the state.

    Read Also: Akeredolu kick-starts N15b industrial park, others

    According to him, he decided to empower women in the union, introduce cheaper and customized engine oil branded ‘Otun-Otun’ the campaign slogan of Akeredolu for motorists and mass production of exercise books for all branches in support of the present administration passion for change in the state.

    Adebo said his administration has encouraged and will continue to encourage members who are interested in pursuing academic qualifications to add more dignity to the profession.

    At the occasion, all registered women members of the union from the 18 local government areas also received N100,000 each for empowerment.

    Dignitaries at the event include Secretary to the State Government, Ifedayo Abegunde, former speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Taofiq Abdulsalam, Senator Tayo Alasoadura and the NURTW State Secretary Kayode Agbeyangi.

     

  • Ondo commends NURTW for promoting peace

    Ondo commends NURTW for promoting peace

    The Ondo State Government on Thursday commended the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the state for conducting its activities in a peaceful manner.

    Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu gave the commendation  in .Akure at  an empowerment programme organised by the union’s leadership to commemorate the one year anniversary of the governor’s administration.

    The News men reports that all registered female members of the union from the 18 local government areas of the state got N100,000 each under the union’s  initiative.

    Akeredolu expressed delight at the orderliness, discipline and peaceful conduct displayed by members of the union in the state since the inception of his administration.

    Read Also: NURTW chief hails police for arrest of suspected killers

    The governor also lauded the empowerment initiative, saying, “this union played a key role in maintaining peace in the state and boosting the economy through transportation.”

    “Our women must use the cash well motorists should not be known for violence, we will continue to support the union in our way,” he added.

    Earlier, Mr Jacob Adebo, the NURTW Chairman in the state, had thanked the governor for honouring the union by his visit.

    Adebo noted that the motive for empowering women in the union was to key into the state government’s policy of empowerment

    He pledged his administration would continue to encourage members who are interested in pursuing academic careers in order to boost the profile of the union.

    “No chairman has ever empowered women in the union before now. We are doing this to help our women who, mostly, are politicians so they can help themselves in businesses of their choice.

    “We also decided to print books to encourage our members to read and write in line with the governor’s passion for education,” he said.

    NAN