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Tag: Oluwarotimi Akeredolu

  • Akeredolu to Investors: Leave Lagos, Come to Ondo

    Akeredolu to Investors: Leave Lagos, Come to Ondo

    Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State on Monday urged investors in the country and outside the shores to bring their investments down to his state, instead of concentrating their investments in traffic-ridden and human congested Lagos State, saying that “my state is blessed with abundant resources”.

     The governor made this known in Akure, the state capital while welcoming the delegation of Federal Government Industrialization and Economic Diversification team led by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Pastor Usani Usani to his office.

     The Governor said Ondo state would be ready to partner with investors so that the State can become the hub of economic activities in Nigeria.

     He said, “According to the Nigerian Police Force and Department of Security Services (DSS), Ondo state is the 3rd most secured state in the country, therefore, i want to urge investors in the country to come and explore untapped resources which are abundant here.

     “We have them in their numbers here, let them come. The rain in here is not much while the harmattan is not harsh. Ondo has the second highest reserve of bitumen in the world. Ondo sustained the Western region before independent and during the first republic because of the Cocoa from Ondo state.

     “The Federal government should also build a sea port in Ondo state. The Atlantic Ocean that passes through Ondo State is the deepest in West Africa. Also, from Araromi in Ilaje is about 45 minutes drive to Ibeju/Lekki in Lagos. So, investors should prefer Ondo state that is free without any traffic to Lagos that is over-congested and has no land?” Akeredolu said.

    The governor further said that the state is well placed and situated to connect other states across the country for economic and business activities because those coming from the eastern part, the north and other Niger/Delta States passes through the state while going to Lagos for business transactions.

    Speaking on the purpose of the visit, Usani said federal government set up an initiative that focuses mainly on Agriculture and Manufacturing sectors in order to explore the opportunities in states in the country.

     He said moribund industries would be revived and that agriculture would be made attractive not only to farmers but the youths.

     Reacting, the Minister said “we are here in view of the Presidential initiative that focuses on the manufacturing and agricultural sectors. The Federal Government want to work in conjunction with states so that various moribund industries could be revived towards jobs creation and economic development.

     The Minister said the agricultural sector will be prioritised in the sense that incentives will be provided to interest Nigerians with special consideration for the youths. He promised that something visible will be done for Ondo state before the end of the current financial year.`

     He commended Akeredolu for his response to the scheme, stating that of all 10 states selected for the first phase, Ondo state was the first state to be visited because the state is the most forthcoming.

     Partners in the Initiative include the Nigerian National Petroleum Commission (NNPC), Ministry of Mines and Steels Development, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority and Nigerian Export-Import Bank.

     Others are Bank of Industry, Ministry of Niger Delta affairs and the New Economic Partnership for Africa Development (NEPAD).

     At event were the Deputy governor of the state, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde ,the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Olugbenga Ale; the head of service ,Mr. Toyin Akinkuotu, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Investment, Mr. Boye Oyewumi and numerous top officials of the state government.

    Others on the delegation of the Federal were the representative of Minister of Mines and Steels Development, Mrs Onyeku Okeke, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Economic Matters, Mrs Fola Oyeyinka, National Coordinator, Senior Investment Corporation, Dora Akugbulo and many others.

  • OSRC: Akeredolu approves interim management

    OSRC: Akeredolu approves interim management

    Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu  of Ondo State has appointed a three-man interim management to  run the affairs of the Ondo State Radiovision Corporation (OSRC) and Orange FM.

    A statement issued on  Tuesday in Akure by Mr Olusegun Ajiboye, Chief Press Secretary  to the Governor, listed the management team to include  Mr Kunle Adebayo  as Chairman, as well as Mr Soji Alakuro and Mr Steve Alabi as members.

    He said the appointments  take  immediate  effect.

  • 100 days: Residents of Ondo commend Akeredolu, want more benefits of democracy

    100 days: Residents of Ondo commend Akeredolu, want more benefits of democracy

    Some residents of Ondo State have urged Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to ensure more benefits of democracy for the people as the government celebrates its 100 days in office.

    Akeredolu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who emerged the winner of the Nov. 26, 2016 Governorship Election, was inaugurated as the sixth executive governor of the state on Feb. 24.

    The residents, who spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Okitipupa, Ondo State, commended the governor for his achievements in 100 days in power.

    They urged the governor not to rest on his oars but ensure he fulfilled all his electioneering promises to the people.

    A civil servant, Mr Wole Akinjuyigbe, who praised the state government for paying salaries of workers, urged the governor to revive all moribund industries.

    “Gov. Akeredolu is God-sent to this state but l urge him to help resuscitate all our dead factories; Okitipupa Oil Palm, Oluwa Glass, Cocoa industries and others,” he said.

    A hairdresser, Mrs Adenike Akinbobola, who also commended the government’s performance, urged the governor to urgently address the epileptic power supply in the southern part of the state.

    “We have been in total darkness for the past three years now, this has really affected our businesses, l urge our governor to help us,” she said.

    A trader, Mrs Morenike Idris, urged Akeredolu to give more political appointments to women in his administration.

    She contended that women deserved more involvement in view of their contributions to the governor’s victory at the poll.

    Mr Omowaire Odusola, a lawyer urged the governor to take urgent steps toward youth empowerment to reduce social vices in the society.

    “We hear so many cases of criminal activities being perpetrated by the youth, this is the outcome of unemployment; our governor should address this issue,” Odusola said.

    Mr Sola Ikuidowo, the Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Okitipupa chapter, also said  Akeredolu had performed well in his 100 days in office.

    “We all felt his presence since his assumption of office, in spite of paucity of funds he completed some roads abandoned by previous government; this is a plus for him,” he said.

    Mr Tajudeen Akanbi, the Chairman, Association of Commercial Motorcycle Riders Association (ACCOMORAN), Okitipupa chapter also lauded the governor’s performance.

    “I think the governor has performed well, the peace we the  okada riders are experiencing now was not there before because we were being chased here and there for multiple taxes,’’ Akanbi said.

    A chieftain of APC, Mr Wole Akeremale said that the Akeredolu’s administration had brought smiles to faces of many citizens in the state.

    Akeremale noted the prompt payment of salaries, road network constructions, support for education, renewal of the forestation policies and agricultural empowerment to youths as part of the government’s achievements.

  • Akeredolu enjoins Police to checkmate kidnapping

    Akeredolu enjoins Police to checkmate kidnapping

    Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State on Tuesday enjoined the Police to provide adequate security to keep the menace of kidnapping out of the state.

    Akeredolu made the appeal when he received the new Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) of Police, Zone 11, Mr Agboola Oshodi-Glover, in Akure.

    He said the menace of kidnapping was a source of concern to the people and government of the state.

    “These miscreants are trying to infiltrate into our state and it is only the Police that can guarantee our security,” the governor said.

    He said the police had been doing well, but asked for more patrols to be able to keep such crime at bay.

    “All we need is a pro-active force, which is what we already have,” he said.

    The governor, who welcomed the AIG, said the state had enjoyed tremendous cooperation of the police, and would continue to give the needed support.

    Earlier, Oshodi-Glover assured the governor of the readiness of his men to ensure adequate security in the state.

    “I am here to talk to my men, ginger up their spirit, and intimate them on instructions from the Force Headquarters.

    “I started in Osun State and I’m now in Ondo State. I have been with them, giving them lectures; they are in high spirit and are ever ready to work and give their best for the security of the state and the nation,’’ he said.

  • Afforestation project “ll facilitate employment – Akeredolu

    Afforestation project “ll facilitate employment – Akeredolu

    Ondo state governor,Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has been commended for flagging-off the 10,000 hectares afforestation project at Omotosho in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo state.

    The project is in partnership with the State government and a Chinese company, Wewood Limited.

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress(APC) Orimisan Adelokiki,said the project would have positive effects on the economy and social status of Okitipupa local government and the southern senatorial district of the state.

    He noted that despite the short period of his administration, Governor Akeredolu has been able to initiate such laudable project in the state.

    Adelokiki assured that the people of the sunshine state will reap more dividends of democracy under Akeredolu government than its predecessor.

    He said despite the economic challenges in the country presently,the governor has started delivering on his electoral promises.

    The community leader maintained that Akeredolu has began industrialisation of the state by partnering with the Chinese company to provide jobs for over 10,000 youths in the state.

    He expressed appreciation to the governor for kick starting his road to redemption on industrialisation,stressing that  the people of the area will benefit from  the wewood project in Omotosho.

  • Children’s Day: Akeredolu cancels Saturday’s restriction on movement

    Children’s Day: Akeredolu cancels Saturday’s restriction on movement

    Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu  of  Ondo State  has cancelled the restriction on  movement  during  Saturday’s monthly environmental sanitation due to the Children Day’s celebration.

    Mr Olusegun Ajiboye, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, said in a statement on Friday in Akure that  the cancellation was  to enable  children to enjoy the celebration.

    The statement, however, urged all residents of the state to still clean their  environment.

    It also admonished children to face their studies  as well as eschew violence to enable them become good leaders of tomorrow.

     

  • We will try not to owe workers – Akeredolu

    We will try not to owe workers – Akeredolu

    Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State on Thursday said government will try and make sure it does not owe workers their salaries.

    Akeredolu made this promise while receiving report of Committee on Arrears of Salaries of Public Servants in Akure.

    He said the present administration does not have any other option but to pay salaries.

    Akeredolu expressed hope that the workers would waive the outstanding salary arrears as part of their contributions to development.

    “If they meet and say they waived two months, we will be glad but if they insist on having the full arrears, we thank them and will look for ways of paying.

    “The government will continue to try and make sure we don’t owe them salaries”, he said.

    The governor also said the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), needed to be increased very soon to tackle the salary arrears.

    “Before we present our budget and after presentation, I will have to address the workers to let them know that it’s not possible to use all our money to pay salaries.

    “We have said this many times, we must be prepared to make sacrifices because we don’t borrow money to pay salaries, something must be done.

    “I thank the people for their efforts and resilience. I know it’s not easy, but it’s also getting increasingly difficult for the government too; but whatever we do, we will try not to owe salaries”, he said.

    Deputy Governor Agboola Ajayi said the salary arrears owed workers by the previous administration amounted to ₦38.57 billion.

    “This is not inclusive of the ₦41.5 billion representing outstanding gratuities.

    “We came in on Feb. 24, we paid February, March, April salaries and also one month out of the six months salaries owed by the past government.

    “Right now, what is outstanding is N34.5 billion which is like I said, outside the N41.5 billion, representing outstanding gratuities across the board.

    ”What the government is owing now is N34.5 billion, representing  five months salaries as against the six months we met on board”, he added.

    He, however, commended the governor for promising to offset the salaries as soon as money was available.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the committee was inaugurated on March 7 to deliberate and report on ways of offsetting seven months’ salary arrears owed by the previous administration.

  • Breast cancer: Mrs. Akeredolu tasks OSOPADEC on enlightenment of women

    Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the wife of the Ondo State governor, has tasked the state’s Oil Producing Area Development Commission (OSOPADEC) on the proper enlightenment of women in the state’s coastal area on breast cancer.

    Akeredolu spoke on Wednesday when the commission’s board members led by its chairman, Mr. Gbenga Edema, paid her a courtesy visit in her office in Akure.

    She called for the full support of OSOPADEC in educating the women on breast cancer and how to prevent it without delay.

    The governor’s wife said breast cancer was not a spiritual attack but a medical challenge that could be treated and managed very well.

    She insisted that the people could not be left to die of a disease that was preventable.

    “People must discard taboos and superstitious beliefs about the disease by stopping to spread false information because a healthy population is vital for productivity.

    “We must prioritise the health of the people in the area by strengthening and equipping their primary health care centres with up to date facilities,’’ Akeredolu said.

    The governor’s wife described Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu as a very straight forward man and urged the board members to be hardworking and transparent to ensure good representation of their people.

    She said that the commission had enormous responsibilities to perform for the people, saying that the government was determined to actualise a new dawn in the state.

    The chairman of OSOPADEC, Mr. Gbenga Edema, thanked the governor’s wife for her tremendous service to humanity and the less privileged since she came on board.

    Edema said that women were indispensable to societal development.

    He also described the state governor as a man of integrity, assuring that the commission would ensure a good representation of the people and impact positively on their lives.

     

  • Akeredolu urges peace, love at Easter

    Akeredolu urges peace, love at Easter

     

    Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has urged the people to continue to live in peace and show love to one another as Christians world over observe Easter.

    He said irrespective of class, religion or creed the people should learn to be tolerant and use the occasion of Easter to reflect on the life of Jesus Christ, who laid down His life for all.

    The people should emulate the exemplary life of Jesus Christ full of love and sacrifice, the governor said in a message to Christians to commemorate Easter.

    “It is encapsulated in Jesus Christ’s decision to lay down his life for the redemption of humanity.

    “I want to use the opportunity of the Easter season to urge every Christian and indeed, every indigene of our state to continue to live in peace.

    “To love one another as exemplified by our Lord Jesus Christ, who laid down his life for the redemption of our sins,’’ he said.

    Akeredolu urged youths to also embrace peace and continue to support the government, promising that the administration would implement programmes that  would bring development to the state.

     

  • Ondo ex-militants cry out over non-payment of allowances

    Some ex-militants from Bolowou community in Ese-Edo local government area of Ondo State yesterday raised the alarm over nonpayment of their N65,000 monthly Amnesty stipend.

    The Affected ex-militants, numbering 25 said they became worried when they were not paid their last month stipend, whereas other beneficiaries of the scheme in the council received alerts on their bank accounts.

    They alleged that they were being victimised due their stands to support the All Progressive Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN during the last year November 26, Governorship election in the state.

    Ese-Odo has always been a stronghold of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but the council was won by APC during the last gubernatorial poll.

    The victims are also alleging the former western fringe commander of the defunct Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Mr. Bibopere Ajube, alias General Shoot at Sight, as the mastermind of the stoppage of their allowances.

    A statement jointly signed by two of the ex-militants, Jamin Wariebi and Lubi Timiakirimni  said Ajube was punishing them over their refusal‎ to support the governorship candidate of the PDP, Mr. Eyitayo Jegede SAN in the November 26 governorship election in Ondo state.

    They therefore threatened to embark on a peaceful protest on Wednesday this week at Bolowou if their allowances remained unpaid before then.

    They alleged that Ajube delisted their names at the Amnesty Office, Abuja after meeting with top officers at the office.

    The statement reads ”We are worried and constrained to alert the nation that a former MEND commander, Bibopere Ajube, aka General Shoot at Sight has stopped the payment of our N65,000 monthly stipends with the collaborating of the programme’s ccordinator, Brigadier General Paul Boroh (rtd).

    “All other beneficiaries of the programme have been paid last week, but to our surprise, ours was not and we were informed by competent sources at the Amnesty Office that Ajube went to coordinator to delist us from the programme and has already replaced us with persons who were not even captured in the programme.

    ”From all indications, our ordeal is not unconnected with our refusal to support his preferred governorship candidate in the last election in Ondo state, Mr Eyitayo Jegede, SAN.

    “Since the election, Ajube has threatened to deal with all those who worked for the APC candidate and now governor, Rotimi Akeredolu”.

    But when contacted, Ajube confirmed the allegation, saying he has given their slots to those who were genuine ex-militants.

    He warned them to stop linking their ordeal with the last governorship election state, insisting that they will never benefit from the scheme again because they are not ex-militants.

    He noted that the 25 victims lied by claiming that they work for APC during last governorship election because they were loyalists of Chief Olusola Oke of the Alliance for Democracy (AD).

    He said “I have been sincered to my people on this issue of Amnesty and that is why I always directed the Amnesty office to pay directly into the boys’ accounts on like my colleagues, who will ask the office to pay into their accounts and later share the money to their boys.

    “We will ensure only those genuine ex-militants will continue to benefit from the scheme and those 25 will never benefit from scheme because they are not ex-militants”.