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Tag: Oluwarotimi Akeredolu

  • Ondo APC lost to internal wrangling, says Boroffice

    The lawmaker representing Ondo North Senatorial District, Prof. Ajayi Boroffice, who was just re-elected to the Upper Chamber for the third term, on Monday attributed the ‘unimpressive’ outcome of the election in the state to overwhelming crack within the ruling party.

    He noted the division in the party became noticeable shortly after the 2016 governorship primaries.

    Out of the three incumbent APC Senators that contested for the election, only Boroffice was reelected.

    He scored 53,199 votes to defeat his closest opponent, Dr Tunji Abayomi, who was formerly an APC stalwart but pulled out of the party when he lost its senatorial ticket and eventually become AA senatorial flag bearer, scoring 43,100.

    Abayomi was alleged to be funded by the state government against APC.

    It led to a protest in Abuja by members of the APC Mandate Group, who pleaded with the national leadership of the party to caution those perpetrating anti-party activities within its fold.

    However, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu at every occasion denied sponsoring AA.

    Sources hinted that supporters of APC were poorly mobilized for the last elections, a development observers believed also contributed to its dismal outing.

    Boroffice, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Science& Technology said:” I took the verdict of the last Saturday election with mixed feelings. We lost to PDP but my people in Ondo North gave me the mandate to retain my seat there in spite of all odds.

    Read Also: Boroffice faults invasion of Ondo Assembly

    “It is so sad that we lost Ondo Central and Ondo North senatorial seats to the opposition PDP. We went to the election as a divided house.

    “It is so painful but I thank God I delivered my area to President Muhammadu Buhari,who is a credible leader.

    “Although I was all alone doing my campaigns and I appreciate my supporters and people in Ondo North for reposing confidence in me.”

    He also blamed the APC woes during the last election in the state on inept party structure and malfunctioning state party executives that believed in themselves alone.

    The Asiwaju of Akoko hailed the smooth conduct of the election,while appreciating the security operatives, INEC Officials and electorate for their professionalism and maturity.

    He pledged to influence the Senate on how to tackle the poor road situation in Akoko during the next Assembly.

    Besides, he expressed the need for total overhauling of the APC structure in the state for the party to remain relevant.

  • APC supporters protest Akeredolu’s alleged alliance with opposition

    Supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akoko Northeast local government area of Ondo state on Tuesday marched on the streets of Ikare-Akoko to protest alleged anti-party activities of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu ahead of Saturday’s rescheduled polls.

    The protesters include party leaders and youth from all the 13 wards of the local government.

    They urged the leadership of the party at the national level to sanction Akeredolu for his alleged disloyalty to APC, the party he rode to power.

    Read Also: 2019 polls will be hitch-free, says Akeredolu

    Speaking to reporters, the duo of Chief Elemeje Idris,the APC Senatorial leader and Apostle Oloruntoba Johnson of Akoko East Elders Assembly condemned in strong term ,the visible support given to Action Alliance candidates for the next Saturday’s election at the expense of APC candidate, Prof. Ajayi Borrofice and Bunmi Ojo who are bonafide candidates of the ruling party.

    They said: “Governor Akeredolu and the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the local government, Rafiu Eniayewu with other political appointees are now agents of AA as they distanced themselves from APC and its candidates for the Saturday’s election”.

    The APC stalwarts urged the national leadership of the party not to put logistics of the party through the governor, stressing such would be used to work against President Muhammadu Buhari and other APC candidates in the area.

    However, Akeredolu had repeatedly denied the claims that he was working for AA candidates instead of APC flag bearers.

  • 2019 polls will be hitch-free, says Akeredolu

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has assured that the 2019 General Elections will be credible and peaceful

    The Governor said so far, President Muhammadu Buhari and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have shown their commitments and preparedness for a one man, one vote.

    Akeredolu spoke on Wednesday at the opening ceremony of the Strategic Stakeholders’ Dialogue On Peaceful and Violence free General elections in Nigeria at International Centre for Culture and Event (The Dome), Akure, the state capital.

    The programme was organised for South West States by the United Nations Development Programme and Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Ondo State Government.

    The Governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi, lauded Buhari for the facilitation of the early release of fund to INEC, which he said would enable the commission to exhibit high level of independence, objectivity, transparency and high standard of professionalism in the delivery of its primary mandate.

    He also reassured the gathering that the Buhari’s administration is committed with other tiers of governments and relevant stakeholders in ensuring the peaceful conduct of the coming elections.

    Read Also: Akeredolu restates commitment to Ondo development

    According to him “the President has assured Nigerians and the global community that the processes leading to the general election will be open and devoid of political interference”.

    Akeredolu charged both the foreign and local observers to work with INEC and security personnel and to also ensure they act and be seen to act with impartiality.

    “I implore local and international journalists, media, organizations, social commentators, to be more objective in their reportage and provide equal access to media platforms for all political parties and candidates in order to promote political fairness”, he stated.

    Stakeholders at the event included, representative of Governor of Osun State, Security Chiefs, Political, Traditional and Spiritual leaders, representatives of INEC, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) among others.

  • ‘Ondo bitumen first exploitation begins this year’

    Ondo state government on Friday said in the next two years, it would be on the world map for bitumen exploitation as arrangements have been concluded to begin processing of the natural resources in the state.

    The Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, Prof Bayonile Ademodi dropped the hints in Akure at a meeting with Licencee Bitumen Companies Operating in the state.

    Ademodi, who said some companies had been licensed to begin production in the state, noted that the essence of the meeting was to receive presentations from licencee bitumen companies on the level of work done in line with their workplan for bitumen exploitation development.

    He reiterated that the present administration under the leadership of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu was committed to providing bitumen investors, the necessary conducive atmosphere to thrive in the state.

    Ademodi said, “Since the beginning of the present administration in Ondo state, bitumen exploitation project have been put in the frontline.

    “This is the first time the ministry would be established for the purpose of overseeing the development of bitumen project in Ondo state.

    “The major task of this ministry is to prepare grounds for the successful operation of these bitumen companies and the host community. But the ministry has taken it upon itself as a major task to develop a conducive operational environment for the bitumen licencee companies. So we are fully engaged with the community.

    “I can assure the whole world that in two years time, Ondo state would be on the world map in terms of bitumen exploitation”.

    In his welcome address,the acting Permanent Secretary in the ministry,E.O Ogunsanmi,an engineer,said the programme was borne out of the ministry’s avowed commitment to ensure that bitumen exploitation in state was devoid of crisis which is usually associated with mining, particularly, crude oil as we have it in the Niger Delta Region.

    Ogunsanmi who also reiterated that the state governor was committed to the industrialization of the state and bitumen development was considered as a veritable means to transform the state from purely a civil service state to an industrial hub in Nigeria.

    According to him, “The present administration has improved the road infrastructure, and this again will aid the movement of your products to the market”.

    The Director, Project Manager of Kabara Mining Nigeria Limited, one of the companies that bid for the exploitation, Anit Wiener, expressed the readiness of his firm to begin work in the area.

    Wiener, however, charged the state government to prepare a ground with the host community for the commencement of the project saying that the company could not do it alone without the support of the state government and the community.

    He said, “We have bitumen licence that we have intent to establish, plant for separation and to finally take the bitumen from ground for the prosperity of the country, and the first exploitation would commence this year”.

  • Insecurity, major global challenge – Akeredolu

    Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State on Thursday, said insecurity was a major challenge globally as there was hardly any continent without its own peculiar socio-economic issues.

    Akeredolu made this assertion in Akure at the Ondo State Security Summit 2019 with the theme: “Improving Security Architecture in Ondo State for Sustainable Peace and Development.”

    He explained that the African continent grapples with serious challenges of existence, which have had debilitating impact on nations’ development.

    “Poverty, occasioned by incessant warfare, inclement climatic conditions, unproductive economies in a competitive and unfriendly ambience and above all, visionless leadership, make the geo-political space occupy an unenviable position in global affairs.

    “The combination of these factors had engendered insecurity. There is hardly any part of the continent that is totally free of crises.

    “Nigeria, our dear country, has had her own share of this existential burden, a phenomenon usually associated with most transitional societies. Socio-economic crises have ensured that the country slips from one crisis to another.

    Read Also: Akeredolu pledges support for security agencies

    “The deplorable situation often compels and uncritical and, most times, erroneous conclusion, which suggests lack of capacity to appreciate the enormity of these challenges by the political leadership,” he said.

    According to the governor, the understanding of the current issue of insecurity as a global challenge will assist us to adopt the right measures to combat the menace appropriately.

    “Our state awaits, eagerly, recommendations from this great gathering, which without doubt, will contribute significantly to the security of lives and property.

    “It will also scale up our index on the Ease of Doing Business,” he said.

    In his address of welcome, Mr Jones Ogunmusire, Chairman, Summit Planning Committee, said the summit was designed to make the state safe for its inhabitants, investors and also make way for capital inflow.

    Ogunmusire, also the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Administration and Policy Planning, said the objectives included appraising the current security architecture, and project the future of the state.

    He stated further that views and recommendations expressed at the summit and memoranda already received from the public would be harnessed, processed and developed into a draft Security Policy Document

    The SSA further explained that the document would be presented to the government for the consideration of the Security Council, while those that required legislation would be sent to the State House of Assembly.

    Delivering a lecture on the theme, Prof. Femi Odekunle, a Professor of Criminology, suggested among others, the establishment of an advisory social-science based ‘State Crime Prevention and Control’ body.

    He explained that the body would be for articulation and coordination of the objectives of crime prevention/control instrumentalities in the state as well for crime/criminal justice administration data collation/analysis and production for regular inputs into the state’s development and security planning.

    The Professor also suggested the execution, to start with, of an ‘Area Crime Prevention /Control strategy’, based on a statewide victim survey, to reduce criminal victimization of citizens in the state.

    Dignitaries at the summit include Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, represented by Brigade Commander, 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, Brig.-Gen. James Ataguba, Heads of security agencies, and traditional rulers.

    Others were representatives of governments of neighbouring states of Osun, Ekiti, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Ogun and Lagos; and the Areonakakanfo Gani Adams, represented by Yinka Oguntimehin.

    NAN

  • Akeredolu gives N3m to widows of fallen heroes

    Ondo State governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Tuesday distributed micro-credit loans to widows of soldiers from the 32 Artillery Brigade. Owena Cantonment, Akure, who lost their lives in the war against the Boko Haram sect.

    The governor also doled out a cash gift of N100, 000 to each to 30 widows of the fallen heroes from the cantonment, with a promise that his administration will continue to put smiles on the faces of the dependants of the fallen heroes.

    Akeredolu, who gave cheques to the dependants of the dead soldiers at the parade and wreath-laying ceremony of the 2019 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration, held at the state cenotaph, Akure, the state capital, said the token is to cushion the impact of immediate problems engendered by the unfortunate losses.

    He added that no amount of money can replace the lives of the dead soldiers, and called on individuals and corporate organizations to assist in bringing smiles to the faces of this category of persons who had become vulnerable because of the loss of their breadwinners.

    The governor also donated an operational vehicle to the Nigerian Legion in the state, in fulfillment of his promise to the demands of the Legion.

    Read Also: Akeredolu pledges support for security agencies

    While highlighting the steps taken so far by his administration to ensure security of lives and properties in the state, Akeredolu said, “I want to seize this opportunity to thank the security agencies for their efforts in providing security in the State

    “Recently, Operation Egwu Eke III was launched in the state to address our security challenges.

    The move was not unconnected with the incessant cases of kidnapping, armed robbery and ritual killings in parts of the state,

    Akeredolu said “I want to thank the Brigade Commander and his officers and men for their gallantry. We have started to see the effect of this exercise as all these crime prone areas have been quiet of late.

    “The state government is also holding meetings with all the relevant stakeholders in the state, including the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and our traditional institutions

    “Also, as part of efforts to completely stem the tide, in the next few weeks, we shall be providing additional new operational vehicles for our security agencies for adequate, effective and efficient patrol of the State

    “The state government is also organizing a Security Summit later in the week.  We are looking at the security architecture of the state holistically and trying to look at the challenges and proffering suitable solutions. I want to assure you of the readiness of the State Government to implement workable solutions generated at the end of the summit. ”

    The governor also said his administration has given the state’s cenotaph a face-lift in line with the demand of the Chairman, Nigerian Legion in the State.

    According to him, “It is obvious that the Cenotaph that was constructed in 1994 had suffered serious neglect for many years.   This was the situation when the demand for the upgrade/facelift was made, which led to what we are all seeing today

    “Though the work started late, it is, however, gratifying to see the effort we are making in renovating the Cenotaph.  In a similar vein, I want to enjoin the Chairmen of Caretaker Committees in the Local Government Councils to consider having befitting Cenotaphs in their respective Local Government Area Headquarters in the State

    “The spirits of our departed heroes lying symbolically within the Cenotaph deserve our recognition and appreciation at all times.”

  • Akeredolu flags off ‘Exercise Egwu Eke 111’

    Ondo State governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Thursday flagged off a military operation tagged “Exercise Egwu Eke III” in the state.

    The exercise holds  till February 24, 2019.

    The flagged off event which was held in Owo, Owo local government area of the state was attended by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division,  Maj Gen. Okwudili Azinta  and the Bridgade Commander,32 Artillery, Brig Gen James Ataguba,  Heads of other security agencies in the state, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Gbenga Ale and other members of the state executive Council.

    Akeredolu pledged to continue to support the security agencies within the available resources in carrying out their constitutional responsibilities, adding that his administration was aware that no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere devoid of peace.

    He said his administration had earlier donated some vehicles to the state command of the Nigeria Police.

    Akeredolu said more efforts are being made to procure more patrol vehicles and necessary equipment for the security agencies in the state as part of the contributions to effective and efficient security coverage of the state.

    The Governor who appreciated the Military and other security agencies in the state for their cooperation and efforts so far, urged the officers and men of the Nigeria Army that will be participating in the exercise to observe the rules of engagement and code of conduct to avoid any action that may infringe on the rights of the public especially the hosting communities.

    He expressed hope that the exercise will assist greatly in flushing out all criminal elements within the nooks and crannies of the State from their hideouts to give it the deserved peace and tranquility required for social and economic development.

    The Governor said “It is my pleasure again today to witness another important effort of the Nigerian Army in ensuring the security of lives and property in Ondo State with the Flag off ceremony of Exercise Egwu Eke III.

    Read Also: Akeredolu presents N190b budget

    “I am made to understand that this is an internal security exercise that will be conducted on both land and water with a view to checkmating the diverse security challenges prevalent in the Southern region of the country including militancy, vandalism of Oil and Gas Infrastructure, Piracy, Kidnapping, Armed Robbery, Cultism and illegal Bunkering, among others

    > “I have no doubt that the Nigerian Army is capable of flushing out the criminal elements among us, with the recent achievement in the ongoing internal security operations in the State embarked upon by the officers and men of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure.

    “We, therefore, attach a great importance to the issue of security in all parts of the State. We have of recent, witnessed an upsurge in criminalities especially kidnapping, cultism and army robbery.

    “However, I am happy to state that with the combined efforts of all the security agencies in the state, substantial arrests have been made.  All those found culpable will be charged to court and prosecuted accordingly to serve as deterrent to others. We are not going to relent until the state is rid of people with criminal tendencies. ”

    The GOC, Gen Azinta said there is no hiding place for kidnappers and criminals in Ondo State.

    He said the choice of Ondo State for the exercise was to assure the good people of the state that there will be no hiding place for criminals and kidnappers who have threatened the peace of the state recently.

  • Have confidence in Nigerian leaders, Akeredolu urged

    Ondo State governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Tuesday rejoiced with the people of the state and Nigerians in general on the opportunity granted by God to start the New Year 2019 in good health and renewed hope.

    A statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS) Segun Ajiboye pointed out that as citizenry begin the New Year with faith in God, they should have confidence in the ability of nation’s leaders to transform the country for better.

    Akeredolu asked Nigerians to continue to love one another and promote societal common good by making sacrifice for a better and peaceful Nigeria their utmost priority.

    Read Also: Akeredolu presents N190b 2019 budget

    The governor, who expressed his belief that only the best is good for Nigerians, advised them to cooperate with the government to enable it to deliver on its avowed promise to transform the country and its people.

    Akeredolu prayed that 2019 would usher in peace, progress and prosperity for all.

    He restated his administration’s determination not to relent in its efforts to make Ondo State a developed and prosperous state.

  • Akeredolu presents N190b 2019 budget

    Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state on Monday presented a budget estimate of N190.2b  to the 23 members of the state House of Assembly out of 26 for approval and passage with economic sector having the lion share of N92.46b.

    In the budget proposal christened: ‘Budget of Advancement’, N87b was estimated for capital expenditure, while N82b was for recurrent expenditure.

    Debt payment is expected to gulp N10.4b.

    The Governor who highlighted the achievements of his administration in 2018, pledged the determination of the state government to ensure that the 2019 budget is fully implemented.

    According to Akeredolu, the general welfare of the people of the state was considered in preparing the budget.

    The breakdown of the budget, according to the governor is economic sector N92.46b, social sector,N58.41b and regional sector with N7.1b

    He added that Administration sector is expected to take N28.83, while law and justice have N3.25b of the budget.

    Read Also: Akeredolu presents vehicles to Ondo lawmakers

    Akeredolu said the 2019 budget was prepared based on the projections of the 2019-2021 medium-term expenditure framework, stressing that MTEF is one of the statutory provisions of the state Fiscal Responsibility Law (FRL) which the Assembly passed in 2017.

    He said the 2019 budget is the second major budget to be prepares by theme present administration with a view to consolidate and build on feats achieved in 2018.

    The governor disclosed that the bitumen exploitation would kick off this year in the state, stressing that the MoU had been signed with all relevant stakeholders.

    Akeredolu assured that his administration would place great emphasis on capital projects in the next fiscal year for the benefit of the people.

    This, he said would attract investors, stressing that the state has a lot of values if properly developed.

    The Governor, said the state was blessed with abundant mineral resources, which would provide more jobs for the teeming youths in the state.

    Akeredolu, however declared that all the States owned moribund industries were dead and could no longer be revived by the present administration.

    He said the state would make use of the coast line located in the state, which according to him is the longest in the country to drive investors to the state.

    The speaker of the State House of Assembly, Bamidele Oloyelogun lauded the efforts of Governor Akeredolu at developing the state

    He pointed out that since the assumption of office of the present administration; the state has witnessed unprecedented development.

    The Speaker assured that the House would give urgent attention to the budget estimate and do the needful in no distant time.

    Oloyelogun said the cordial and harmonious relationship existing between the executive and legislative arms of government was as a result of the efforts of Akeredolu and his respect for the rule of law.

     

  • Akeredolu tasks workers on service delivery

    Gov Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State on Wednesday assured workers in the state that their welfare would remain top priority, advising them to rededicate themselves to their duties for effective service delivery.

    Akeredolu gave the assurance at the Annual First Work Day prayer meeting held with the public servants at the Governor’s office.

    He said that his administration would carry out its obligations to the people and workers despite the lean resources.

    The governor said the robust support and cooperation received from civil servants in the state since he assumed office was encouraging.

    Akeredolu, however, said that he would re-engineer the civil service for optimal service delivery and commitment.

    He also promised to improve on the infrastructural development recorded in 2018.

    Read Also: Akeredolu pledges support for security agencies

    The governor thanked security agents in the state for their efforts to wipe out criminals who had turned bushes to kidnap zones.

    He urged the people of the state not to panic as efforts were on to address all security challenges.

    In his sermon titled, ‘Making a Difference’, Bishop Felix Adejumo, General Overseer, Agape Christian Assembly, said he was hopeful of progress, blessings and increase in Ondo State in the New Year.

    Adejumo, however, urged the workers in the state to change their attitude to work, to add value to the system.

    Also, Mr Toyin Akinkuotu, the Head of Service, thanked the governor for placing priority on the welfare of workers through prompt payment of salaries and other backlog owed workers by the last administration.

    He advised the workers to always put in their best in order to move the state forward.