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Tag: Oluwarotimi Akeredolu

  • Why we are in Thailand, by Akeredolu

    Ondo State governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has said Nigeria will be shortchanged with an estimated value of $145 Billion in 2025 if it failed to tap into the legal Marijuana Market.

    Akeredolu who described Ondo State as the hot bed of cannabis cultivation in Nigeria, noted that how to grow cannabis is never a problem in the sunshine state.

    He said “We know how to grow it and it thrives well in the Sunshine State.”

    The governor made this known via his verified twitter handle on Tuesday while reacting to some media report that he was in Thailand to learn how to grow cannabis.

    Akeredolu said the focus of his administration is on medical Marijuana cultivation in controlled Plantation under the full supervision of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

    He implored the Federal Government to take it seriously as it is a thriving industry that will create over one thousand jobs for the youths and spur the economic diversification.

    The Governor alongside the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Col. Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah rtd are currently on a visit to Thailand for a Program on Medicinal Canabis Extract Development.

    READ ALSO: Obasanjo, others held for selling Marijuana

    The program which is centred around exploiting the possibility of medicinal cannabis extract development, is aimed at building capacity and researching the modality of licensing for planting and extracting cannabis oil in Nigeria as well as exploiting its commercial potential with focus on Ondo State.

    The Ondo State government and the NDLEA are using the visit to access Thailand materials and best practises with the possibility of replicating them in Nigeria.

    At the briefing, the Secretary-General of Thai Food and Drug Administration Dr. Tares Krassanairawiwong stated that the meeting will be of great advantage to the Nigerian Government.

    Akeredolu appreciated the Thai Government and said Ondo State is known as the largest in the planting of cannabis.

    He said “we are here to study how cannabis can be of more advantage to the state and Nigeria at large just the way Thai Government has done. Cannabis is used for medical purposes; how can it be cultivated for specific purposes and not be abused?”

    Col. Abdullah said the current trend in the world is to look into the advantage of cannabis in the making of food and drugs.

    They also visited the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok where the Management made presentations on how to control cannabis, licensing, pharmaceutical benefits of cannabis etc.

    They also toured the University’s Cannabis research laboratory where Governor Akeredolu proposed that they also work along with Nigerian species during their research as Ondo State is ready for partnership with the Naresuan University Team.

  • Ondo to partner local professionals in project execution

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has indicated his administration’s readiness to partner professionals in the state to enhance ongoing massive infrastructural growth.

    He spoke in Akure at the third Annual Lecture and Investiture of Mr. Adedire Adeyinka as the fourth Chairman of Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN), Ondo State Chapter.

    The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ifedayo Abegunde, solicited the support of the professional bodies for his administration’s efforts to bring dividends of democracy to the people through road construction and establishment of industries to create employment opportunities.

    Read Also: 100 women empowered in Ondo

    He reiterated his administration’s efforts to bring dividends of democracy to people through massive infrastructure growth in road construction and establishing industries for job creation.

    The governor hailed the dynamism of APBN for its proactiveness in giving a sense of direction to at least 30 functional professional bodies.

  • Why Nigerian lawyers must embrace technology–Akeredolu

    Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State on Tuesday advised lawyers in the country to take advantage of  the current developments in technology to improve the legal profession.

    Akeredolu gave the advice at the 2019 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Section on Legal Practice which took place at the International Event Centre in Akure.

    The governor said the introduction of technology into legal practice would promote proficiency, save cost as well as improve practice and service delivery.

    Akeredolu noted that the step would also give both the bench  and the bar proficiency and better leverage.

    He, however, argued that artificial intelligence could never totally replace  practitioners but rather assist them.

    The governor also described as archaic a situation where lawyers take boxes of books and files to court for reference instead of  using a  digital library.

    “Technology will certainly assist with the things that are repetitive. We cannot run away from technology, it is good,” he said.

    Read Also: Akeredolu, Adekoya, Falana, others for conference

    Earlier, Tanko Muhammed, the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), had urged  legal practitioners to be fair to clients and ensure professionalism.

    Represented by Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, the CJN enjoined  lawyers to add value to the profession by critical examination and analysis of services rendered to their clients for the betterment of the society.

    According to him, the theme ‘Value Added to Legal Practice’ is encompassing and includes but not limited to probate practice, labour law as well as  identifying the strength, weaknesses, opportunity and threat to valued added legal practice,

    “It would further give opportunity to legal practitioners to analyse and improve the quality of their services and their revenue,” he said.

    He stressed that adding value would ensure responsiveness, integrity, problem solving and efficiency mutually beneficial to members of the legal profession and their clients.

    NAN

  • Akeredolu’s suspension from APC, mere rumours

    A group, The Campaign Concourse (TCC) has described as mere rumours, the purported suspension of Ondo state governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu by the National Working Commitee (NWC) of the party.

    The group said the insinuation was sponsored by enemies of good governance ‘who are not pleased’ with the developmental revolution Akeredolu was offering the state presently leading to massive infrastructure, industrialization and grass root development.

    The group in a statement signed by its Coordinator, Amudipe Marcus in Akure, the state capital pointed out that the NWC of the party has not issued any official statement from Abuja or anywhere to pronounce the purported suspension.

    It wondered where the authencity of the story came from saying’ the APC has not at any point communicated the governor or the party at the state level on such decision which is traditionally the party’s business.

    The group said ” It is crystal clear that the purported suspension of Akeredolu was only sponsored by some detractors who are not happy with the development taking place across the state today.

    “We are aware that when some governors were suspended, the National Publicity Secretary of the party was the one who announced such suspension. Our question is, who announced Akeredolu’s Suspension?

    “It’s also funny that while some enemies of progress planted that story in the media,  Lanre Issa – Onilu said he was not aware of any suspension of Akeredolu. As we speak, the Governor has neither received any suspension nor query letter from the party.

    ” We like to advise the APC to be more concern about gaining more grounds. The party has suffered so much injuries. We are aware how Aregbesola sponsored the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in 2016 and also rewarded Bola Ilori by appointing him as a commissioner in his cabinet.

    “Till date, no one has punished Aregbesola or Bola Ilori for engaging in an open anti – Party activities especially when Ilori was the Director General of the AD candidate’s campaign organisation

    “The people of Ondo State stand with Akeredolu. The Governor has performed so well that he has represented that party well in the state. Those behind the suspension saga wanted to force such decision on the party leadership,but have failed.

    The Chief Press Secretary to the governor,Segun Ajiboye maintained his stand not to make any comment on the issue.

     

  • Akeredolu greets Christians on Easter celebration

    Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, of Ondo State, has rejoiced with Christians across the country on the successful celebration of this year’s Easter.

    He urged the Christian community to continue to trust and believe the words of God which enjoins them to love one another.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary(CPS) Segun Ajiboye,the governor noted that Easter, which is celebrated in remembrance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, preaches love and the hope of everlasting life, and he, therefore, asks Christians to continue to have hope and faith in the nation’s leaders’ capacities to develop the country.

    Read also: Easter: PDP urges prayers for national rebirth

    While urging the Christian community to be diligent and steadfast in their worship of God, Akeredolu equally asked them not to forget to make moderation their watchword during the celebrations.

  • Akeredolu pays condolence visit to Olowo’s palace

    Ondo State governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Friday, visited the palace of the late Olowo of Owo, Oba Folagbade Olateru Olagbegi, to commiserate with the immediate family of the monarch, the chiefs and the entire people of Owo kingdom.

    While addressing the people inside the palace, Akeredolu said late Oba Olagbegi towered above many people, not only as a King but also as an intellectual.

    He said the people must at this point in time be proud of the services the late monarch rendered to the town, the state and the country at large which brought unprecedented development to the town and state

    Akeredolu, who was received into Palace by the Olowo – in – Council led by the Ojumu of Owo Kingdom, said the town has lost a giant who was respected for his education, adding that the town has lost a great icon.

    Read Also: Rainstorm victim to Akeredolu: pay my gratuity

    He said “Baba was very close to many of us, but many people didn’t know. I was President of the Bar and as President of the Bar you decide who you will make a bencher. I made him a bencher. Two weeks ago he was in Abuja and was honored as a life bencher. We know that we have lost a giant. We had a king that was respected for his rich education. We had a Kabiyesi that was most respected.

    “He knew the Prince of Peace when he was alive. He was committed to building a church because he believed in the God he served. He was always at the Holy Ghost service. The fact that he knew the Prince of Peace, let us be rest assured that he’s resting in peace. Kabiyesi has done his best, we will give him a beffiting burial.

    “We should at this point in time be proud of the services of Kabiyesi. He fought to make sure that something good come to Owo and it came. And he did that in many areas. And he had the love of this town at heart. He’s gone but he lived a good life. Owo kingdom has lost an icon. He was a tower above so many not only as a king but as an intellectual.

  • UPDATED: Olowo of Owo dies at 77

    A first class monarch in Ondo State, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Folagbade Olateru Olagbegi is dead.

    The traditional ruler, who ascended the throne in 2003, was 77.

    A palace source hinted that the monarch had earlier attended a security summit held in the town on Tuesday and developed complications after he had retired to the palace and eventually died.

    Although the state government was yet to make any official statement on the death of the traditional ruler, the news of his death has spread across the state and beyond.

    The Commissioner for Information,Yemi Olowolabi said he was not aware of the development, stressing only Olowo’s palace could confirm the story.

    Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who hails from Owo, is currently on an official engagement outside the country.

    However, an official of Owo Local Government Area of the state who spoke in confidence confirmed the death of the monarch.

    He stated the chairman of the Local Government will announce his death officially on Thursday.

    READ ALSO: ‘I see humility as a virtue’ – Olowo of Owo

    He said the monarch had been on and off the hospital for over a year, attributing his death to health challenges he suffered since his ascension to the throne.

    Oba Folagbade Olateru Olagbegi was the eldest son of his late father, Sir Olateru Olagbegi who ruled the ancient town of Owo between 1910 and 1998.

    He received the staff of office as Olowo in December 11, 2003 from the late former Governor Olusegun Agagu after succeeding his father in 1999.

    He received his first degree in law from London, UK and attended Nigeria Law school in 1968.

    He was married to Ololade Olateru-Olagbegi, a Barrister and law lecturer at the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko and they are blessed with children and grandchildren.

    Folagbade obtained a bachelor’s degree in Law from London, UK.

    He later returned to Nigeria to practice Law under the late Fatai Williams.

    He was a lecturer in the Nigerian Law School, where he retired as a reader in 1999 to ascend the throne of his forefathers.

    He was appointed as Chancellor of University of Benin (Nigeria) in 2005 and later University of Abuja.

    He was honoured with the national award of the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR).

    Besides, he was appointed the Chancellor, University of Benin in 2015 and later the University of Abuja.

    The late Oba Olagbegi was a former chairman, Ondo State Council of Obas.

    Palace sources confirmed his death but stated “we cannot announce it now because of various traditions to follow.

    “Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu who is an indigene of Owo is currently out of the country for an official duty and must be formally briefed on Olowo’s exit before official announcement,” sources said.

  • Row over withdrawal of petition against Boroffice at Election Tribunal

    The lawmaker representing Ondo North Senatorial District, Prof Ajayi Boroffice has said that the state governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu was not involved in the final withdrawal of the case at the Ondo state Election Tribunal as being reported in the media.

    It would be recalled that the petition filed before the State Election Petition Tribunal on behalf of Mega Party of Nigeria (MPN) against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over absence of its logo on the ballot papers used for Ondo North senatorial election had been withdrawn by the party.

    A statement through his Press Secretary, Kayode Fakuyi described the claim as false, stressing that MPN did not sponsor any candidate for Ondo North senatorial election conducted on February 23.

    It said” this fact is contained in Form CFO 002 C (II) that was signed by both the National Chairman and National Secretary of MPN. The form CF 002 C (II) was submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the 18th of October, 2018.

    READ ALSO: Boroffice condemns invasion of Ondo Assembly

    “This fact also explains the absence of MPN’s logo on the ballot papers used for Ondo North senatorial election.

    “Secondly, MPN did not actually file petition against INEC and Senator  Boroffice. It was the senatorial candidate of Action Alliance (AA) for Ondo North, Tunji Abayomi, who sponsored the case on behalf of MPN without the authorisation of the National leadership of MPN.

    “Instructively, Abayomi of the AA could not have sponsored the case without the support of his political leader, Governor Akeredolu.

    “From the above-stated facts, it is clear Akeredolu did not play any such role like role of arbiter in the resolution of the MPN to discontinue a case that was initiated and instituted on its behalf without its authorisation.

    “Furthermore, If the media wishes to attribute role to Akeredolu on the matter, such role should be confined to the sponsorship of the case”.

    The statement encouraged the media to always maintain its cherished tradition of credible broadcasting and reportage of issues of public importance.

     

  • Banks shut down in Ondo communities

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Tuesday gave a marching order to security agencies to arrest the robbers, who attacked a bank on Monday at Idoani in Ose Local Government.

    Seven lives, including that of a policeman, were reportedly lost during the robbery.

    Security operatives said they have arrested a suspect.

    Akeredolu spoke on Tuesday when he visited the Alani of Idoani, Oba Olufemi Olutoye, at his palace.

    The governor, represented by his deputy, Agboola Ajayi, described the incident as unfortunate, but implored security agents to fish out the perpetrators.

    Akeredolu assured people that his administration would partner security agencies to tighten security.

    He urged residents to assist the security operatives by giving them information, to reduce crimes.

    Read Also: Akeredolu showcases Ondo economic potentials in Dubai

    Oba Olutoye said the hoodlums also entered his palace by damaging the entrance door, “but their efforts eventually became fruitless.”

    He appealed to the government to assist the bereaved families.

    Economic activities at the neighbouring Akoko area were yesterday paralysed.

    Commercial banks in the four local governments, especially in Ikare-Akoko, were shut down.

    Many people, who came for transactions, returned home without achieving their aim.

    Efforts to speak with the Ikare Akoko Police Area Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Razak Rauf, on this development, failed.

     

  • Akeredolu showcases Ondo economic potentials in Dubai

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has joined President Muhammadu Buhari and other world leaders at Dubai, United Arab Emirates 9th Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) to showcase the state’s potentials.

    Akeredolu, who has attracted many investors into the state within the space of two years, will also address potential investors on the gains of investing in Ondo State.

    The governor had visited China last year with fruitful outcome, which produced the current industrial revolution ongoing at the Ondo – Linyi Industrial Park in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area.

    The AIM is the world’s leading platform for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

    It is an initiative of the UAE Ministry of Economy, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

    Read Also: Rainstorm victim to Akeredolu: pay my gratuity

    Before he departed Nigeria for the UAE, Akeredolu told reporters in Akure that the trip would further expose the economic potential of the Sunshine State to the developed economies of the world.

    The theme is: “Mapping the future of FDI: Enriching world economies through digital globalization”.

    Already, the Ondo State stand has been set at the venue of the largest global investment gathering of corporate leaders, policy makers, businessmen, regional and international investors, entrepreneurs, leading academics and experts showcasing up-to-date information, strategies and knowledge on attracting FDI.

    The governor and his investment team will showcase the potentials of the Sunshine state at the meeting and also attract more investors to develop the state