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Tag: Oluwarotimi Akeredolu

  • NSCDC arrests 60 suspects, convicts 10 in 3 months

    NSCDC arrests 60 suspects, convicts 10 in 3 months

    The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC ) Ondo State Command, said it arrested more than 60 suspects and secured the conviction of 10 people for various crimes within 100 days in the state.

    Mr Awili Pedro, the State Commandant of NSCDC, announced this on Friday during the commissioning of the divisional headquarters, ‘B’ Division of NSCDC in Iju, Akure North Local Government Area of the state.

    Reports say  that the building is donated to NSCDC by the Iju Community in Akure North area.

    “Since my assumption of duty 100 days today, the command has held four press briefings and paraded over 60 suspects for various crimes, including vandalism, petroleum products adulteration and diversion.

    “Others are destruction of farm products by herdsmen, robbery, child abuse and trafficking, obtaining money under false pretence (419) and operation of private guard company without valid licence, to mention a few.

    “Within this period, we have recovered vandalised petroleum products, telecommunications and power equipment such as high tension cables, solar batteries and transformer accessories, including vehicles recovered from robbery suspects.

    Read also: NSCDC deploys personnel to filling stations

    “Most of these suspects are now facing trials and about 10 convictions have been secured within three months,” he said.

    Pedro said the command established quick response units of the corps on Ondo road in Akure and Uso and Emure-Ile communities which would be commissioned soon with the approval of the state government.

    He appreciated the state government and leaders of other sister agencies such as Brigade Commander, Director of DSS and Commissioner of Police for their positive interventions towards dislodging kidnapping and terrorist elements in Ondo North Senatorial districts and other parts of the state.

    “We enjoyed this synergy and unity of purpose in these operations that we are also a part of. It is our determination to continue to work in tandem with these sister agencies in making Ondo State a safe haven.

    “It is equally important to stress to this community, the need to collaborate with our personnel posted to work in this facility and indeed in the state.

    “We need timely information to enhance our effective service delivery,” he said.

    In his speech, Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, called on individuals to support government and security agencies in the state to eradicate crime in its 18 local government areas

    Akeredolu, who was represented by Mr Ifedayo Abegunde, Secretary to the State Government ( SSG ), appealed to NSCDC to fulfill its core mandate of protecting and securing both the civil population and government infrastructure and assets.

    “The commissioning of a divisional headquarters ‘B’ Division of NSCDC in Iju will go a long way in facilitating the peace, tranquility and security of the state as a whole and Akure North local government area in particular.

    “Since the entrenchment of peace and security is germane to the prosperity of a people, all hands must truly be on deck in supporting the extension of government security apparatus and services to the ancient town of Iju and its environs.

    “To this end, I deem it appropriate to admonish the ‘B’ division of the NSCDC to hit the ground running, by carrying out the duties effectively.

    NAN

  • Why we dumped PDP for APC in Ondo

    Why we dumped PDP for APC in Ondo

    Several members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo state on Tuesday dumped the party for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

    The defectors were led into the APC by former Education Secretary of Akoko Southwest, Ware Olukayode.

    He said they were attracted to the APC by the developmental revolution of the Oluwarotimi Akeredolu led administration in Akoko.

    Olukayode stressed that they were particularly grateful to the governor on the ongoing Oka Akoko road rehabilitation.

    The defector, who explained that many lives have been lost to the road, noted that Akeredolu has shown that his government place premium on human lives.

    He said the PDP has become a shadow of itself, adding that it is a party which is no longer acceptable to the people of Akoko.

    Olukayode said “We have come to join the winning team. Akeredolu has consolidated on the popularity of the APC in Akoko.

    APC has been winning Akoko for a long time. It is because the party is deep rooted here. We want to join the rest of our people, PDP is no longer a place of abode us “.

    Receiving the defectors, the Association acting Chairman, Ade Adetimehin assured the new members of level playing ground.

    He charged them to keep faith with the party and support the development drive of Governor Akeredolu’s government.

    Adetimehin called on members of the party who were involved in anti- party activities during the last year gubernatorial election to retrace their step into the APC.

    He said they can only come back into the party by following the appropriate channel in their various wards.

  • Constitution amendment will strengthen Nigeria’s democracy – Akeredolu

    Constitution amendment will strengthen Nigeria’s democracy – Akeredolu

    Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State on Thursday said the proposed constitutional amendment process, on completion, would help in strengthening the nation’s democracy.

    Akeredolu said this when receiving members of a group — Friends of Democracy on the Proposed Constitutional Amendment– in his office, in Akure.

    The governor, represented by his deputy, Mr Agboola Ajayi, said that the proposed amendment, if passed into law, would enhance good governance and strengthen the system.

    He called for amendments that would strengthen the judiciary, particularly on pre-election matters, to fast track justice delivery system.

    The governor stressed the need for the public to be involved in the amendment through the engagement of the State Houses of Assembly, for true federalism to be achieved.

    Earlier, the leader of the team, Sen. Olorunimbe Mamora, said that 23 proposed constitutional amendments had been passed by the National Assembly for consideration.

    Mamora said that the group was to ensure state governments were carried along in the constitution amendment process.

    Some of the proposed constitutional amendments border on the issue of local government financial autonomy, strengthening of governance institutions, financial autonomy for the Houses of Assembly and presidential assent to bills.

    Others are issue of immunity for lawmakers, authorisation of expenditure, and time for submission of ministerial and commissioners nominees and their portfolios, to enhance efficiency of Houses.

    Also proposed for amendment are constitutional provisions relating to determination of pre-election cases and strengthening of the judicial system to fast track justice delivery, among others.

    He said the team’s visit to the South-West geo-political zone of the country was to engage the governors and the State Houses of Assembly on the process.

    Mamora said the members of the team had visited Ogun, Oyo and Osun states.

    He said that other members of the team were assigned to visit other geo-political zones of the country.

    NAN

  • NNPC to create 1million jobs, establish bio-fuel plant in Ondo

    NNPC to create 1million jobs, establish bio-fuel plant in Ondo

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation ( NNPC ) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ondo State Government to establish a 65,000 million litres bio-fuel plant in Okeluse, Ondo State.

    The NNPC Group Managing Director (GMD), Dr Maikanti Baru, said this when he received Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on a courtesy visit.

    This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday by Mr Ndu Ughamadu, the corporation’s Group General Manager, Public Affairs Division.

    Baru explained that the plant and other projects such cassava feed stock production would create at least one million direct and indirect jobs.

    According to him, the project would be partly funded by some investors bringing in Foreign Direct Investment into the country.

    Baru reeled out other benefits of the project to include reduction of fuel import and greenhouse gas emission, and boosting the production of animal feeds from by-products of the plant.

    The GMD also allayed fears of any possible negative impact of the plant on the supply of cassava-based foods for human consumption.

    He explained that the cassava to be used for the bio-fuel project was a special breed that would not interfere with the activities of farmers cultivating other breeds of cassava or crops.

    “We have already discussed with you and you have agreed to make 15,000 hectares of land available towards the cultivation of this cassava.

    “It will, of course, in the process invite people who are used to farming cassava as well as new entrepreneurs who want to go into that business to participate in the cultivation of the cassava that we are going to use for the production of the fuel ethanol.

    “We expect that this plant, when built, will be producing at least 65 million litres per annum of ethanol that could be blended into our Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and will be used in Nigeria and neighbouring countries when exported,” Baru said.

    He disclosed that the bio-fuel project would be fitted with a 40 megawatts electricity plant that would also supply power to the host communities.

    The GMD said NNPC intended to commercialize the greenhouse gas emission reduction capability of the project to win carbon credit for the nation from the international community.

    He added that it would also make money from such by-product as industrial starch and others which would be converted to animal feeds to boost food production in the country.

    “The benefits of this project to Nigeria and specifically to Ondo State are immense and NNPC is very eager to see it implemented.

    “We are working with the investors who will invest because there are several dimensions to the project,” he said.

    Earlier, Gov. Akeredolu, assured that the state had enough farmers as well as cassava to sustain the bio-fuel plant, stressing that his visit was to show his commitment to the project.

    Present at the signing of the MoU were officials of Nigeria Export-Import Bank ( NEXIM ), New Partnership for African Development and National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency.

    NAN

  • Hand washing practice reduces risk of diseases by 40% – UNICEF

    Hand washing practice reduces risk of diseases by 40% – UNICEF

    The United Nations Children’s Fund ( UNICEF ) says that hand washing practice can reduce the risk of contracting diarrhoea and other communicable diseases by 40 per cent.

    The UNICEF’s Country Representative, Mr Mohamed Fall made the assertion in Akure on Friday when he paid a courtesy visit to Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State.

    Fall stressed the importance of promoting sanitation and hand washing in complementing the achievements of the state government in the areas of healthcare and quality education.

    He pointed out that partnership between UNICEF and the state government will go a long way to improve sanitation in the state.

    Fall noted that access to quality education and good healthcare is crucial to human capital development.

    Driving home the position of Nigeria in African Affairs, the country representative said, “if Nigeria does not make Sustainable Development Goals, Africa will not make it, especially the sub Saharan Africa.”

    He also commended the state’s achievements in the area of child survival, saying “From all indicators on child survival, the state is doing well, Ondo State is standing as one of the best performing state in under five (child) survival.

    “All investments might be lost without having good sanitation, but with joint effort must be geared towards better sanitation in the state,” he said.

    Fall urged the governor to ensure security of lives and property of the agency’s staff posted to Akure, saying, “Akure has the best sub-office so far.”

    Responding, Gov. Akeredolu thanked the UNICEF for its concerns about improving the sanitation in Akure and other parts of the state.

    The governor also assured UNICEF of adequate security of lives and property of all and sundry living in the state, saying that his administration was committed to achieving the SDGs and promoting hand washing and sanitation.

    He promised that measures would be taken to ensure that all houses have toilets to enhance the state’s environment and reduce open defecation.

    Billboards on importance of sanitation and having toilets were visible at the main entrance of the governor’s office.

    NAN

  • Osinbajo in Akure for Niger Delta meeting

    Osinbajo in Akure for Niger Delta meeting

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, on Tuesday arrive Akure Airport at 10:54 am for the 2nd National Council on Niger Delta meeting.

    There was tight security at the airport and venue of the meeting provided by the police, Army, Civil Defence Corps and road marshals among others.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Osinbajo would deliver the keynote address at the event and later meet with communities of riverside areas of Ondo State.

    Osinbajo, accompanied by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Usani Usani, was received on arrival by Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

    Also on the vice presidents entourage were the Minister of State, Niger Delta Affairs, Prof Claudius Daramola, and Sen. Victor Udoma, Chairman, Niger Delta Development Commission.

    Others at the airport to receive the vice president were the Speaker, Ondo state House of Assembly, Mr Bamidele Oleyeloogun, Secretary to the State Government, Ifedayo Abegunde and other top government officials.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Olabimtan Hails Akeredolu’s at 61

    Olabimtan Hails Akeredolu’s at 61

    Former Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan on Friday extolled the virtues of the state governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on his 61st birthday, saying “You are a character that outwit, outlast, and outplay the rest of your contemporaries”.
    Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) who was born on 21st July 1956 at Owo in the Northern Senatorial District of the state, clocks 61 today.
    In a congratulatory message personally signed by him a, Olabimtan who was the Director General of the Governorship Campaign of Akeredolu said history and posterity will always be kind to the governor whenever the story of consistency, doggedness, firmness, honesty and sincerity of purpose is being told in the nation.
    Olabimtan also congratulated the wife of the governor, Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu who marked her 64th birthday on Thursday, describing her as woman of valour worthy of emulation by the younger generation.
    “On behalf of all the nuclear and extended members of my family, i congratulate you, your Excellency as you add another year today. I want to say without mincing words that your consistency, doggedness, firmness, honesty and sincerity of purpose are unparalleled.
    “Today, we may not say much about you but history and posterity will always be kind to you for being sincere to your belief. Without being hypocritical, i can say that you certainly outwit, outlast, and outplay the rest of your contemporaries.
     “I wish you more wisdom, knowledge and understanding needed to lead our dear state into Canaan land; triumph against the tangles of life and the grace to live in good health till the end.
    “Also, permit me to use this opportunity to congratulate her Excellency, Chief Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu who added a new year to her age yesterday. Such woman of valour and a personification of beauty worthy of emulation only deserve a man of uncommon destiny like you.” Olabimtan said.
  • Appeal Court dismisses Akeredolu’s appeal

    Appeal Court dismisses Akeredolu’s appeal

    The Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed an appeal filed by Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

    Akeredolu had, by the appeal, challenged an order by a 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.

    The Court of Appeal, in a unanimous judgment yesterday, upheld the ruling of the Federal High Court, grabting leave to Abraham to serve Akeredolu thorugh substituted means.

    Justive Abdu Aboki, in the lead judgment, said the lower court was right in ordering substituted service on Akeredolu through the headquarter of the APC.

    He also considered as proper service the decision of the court to allow Abraham serve the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) through its headquarters in Abuja.

    Akeredolu’s appeal was against the ruling by the Federal High Court delivered on December 16, 2016 granting leave to Abraham to effect service through substituted means on the defendants.
    Reacting to the judgment yesterday, Abraham’s lawyer, Johnson Usman expressed delight over the court’s decision.

    He said the verdict of the court will afford his client the opportunity to expose the irregularities in the APC primary election.

    Usman said the coast is now clear for his client to prove, through his case, that  the September 3, 2016 primary election of the APC that produced Akeredolu as the party’s candidate was marred with irregularities.

    Lawyer to Akeredolu, Oluseyi Adetanmi said he will consult with his client before deciding on what further steps to take.

    Proceedings in the substantive case before the Federal High Court, Abuja has been adjourned indefinitely to await the outcome of Akeredolu’s appeal.

    Abraham, who was the first runner up in the primary election, is praying the court for among others, an order nullifying Akeredolu’s election