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Tag: Ondo state

  • Troops nab cult leader in Ondo

    Troops of 32 Artillery Brigade, Owena barracks in Ondo state in collaboration with other security agencies on Thursday arrested one Abiola Oseni aka Oje one, a gang leader of a notorious cult popularly known as Black Axe Confraternity in Owo.

    Oseni, who had been on the wanted list was arrested based on a tip off, was arrested by the soldiers operating under the recently launched Exercise Egwu Eke 111.

    Read Also: FRSC records 29 auto crashes in Ondo

    His gang and other cult groups have been terrorizing Owo community and its environs for a long time.

    A statement by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations Major Ojo Adenegan urged the public to continue with their support to the troops  on information sharing through  emergency numbers: 09030002161. 09030002151.

  • FRSC records 29 auto crashes in Ondo

    The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) on Wednesday in Akure said it had recorded 29 road crashes from a special patrol that started in Ondo State on Dec. 15.

    Assistant Corps Marshal Godwin Ogagaoghene, the Zonal Commanding Officer in charge of Ondo, Osun and Oyo States,  disclosed this during a courtesy visit to Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State in his office.

    He explained that the special patrol, which would end on Jan. 15, had already recorded eight fatal accidents, 19 serious accidents and two minor ones, totalling 29 crashes.

    “We normally have an end of the year patrol to see that traffic and crashes on our roads are reduced.

    “Ondo State happens to cover a very strategic portion of the country, hence proactive actions were taken and we have seen a lot of differences between now and the previous years.

    “For the special patrol, the Corps Marshal established two parts with over 600 staff divided into different areas to monitor.

    “This is a far better result than what we had in the previous year, but the patrol is still on and we can’t give you the analysis of the percentage of our success over the previous years,” he said

    Responding, the governor appreciated the efforts of the FRSC  which he said greatly helped to reduce road crashes during the festive period.

    “Your activities made this possible, and I am happy that crashes have reduced. Thank you for your efforts.

    “I am sure that people travelling during that period appreciated you.

    “We have all these bad roads and driving habits because our people are so impatient. The work you are doing is appreciated,” he said. (NAN)

  • Partake actively in politics, Lawmaker urges Women

    The lawmaker representing Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency in Ondo state, Hon Bamidele Baderinwa (White) on Saturday urged women to actively participate in politics.

    This is to meet up with the 35 percent affirmative promised by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration.

    Baderinwa made the appeal while distributing items which include deep freezer, standard fridges and refrigerators of various sizes to over 100 women in Ero, Ifedore Local Government Area.

    The lawmaker who said such participation would avail women opportunities to agitate for what belong to them in the political circle, maintained that the beneficiaries worth compensation based on their role in the 2015 general elections.

    According to him, “The women had put in their best, they were fully on ground and engaged before and during the campaign, both days and nights and also ensure that our party emerged victorious at the polls”.

    “Such efforts deserve appreciation for others to emulate in the future”.

    Read Also: Group urges monarchs to shun politics

    Wife of the donor, Mrs Felicia Baderinwa hailed women for their patience and commitment during electioneering campaigns and elections.

    She charged them to do more in the coming elections, noting that the initiative was meant to encourage women.

    Mrs Baderinwa urged others in position of authority to do same, while charging women not to neglect their roles as wife and mothers at home.

    Two of the beneficiaries, Mrs Aro Fagite and Mrs Rachael Amininuola expressed delight on items received

    They promised to remain committed to the course of the donor through massive mobilization for the victory of the APC in the next month general elections.

    The event was witnessed by party leaders from Idanre and Ifedore local government areas of Ondo State.

     

  • 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.

  • Exciting moment at alumni’s reunion

    It was fun when old students of Ajuwa Grammar School, Oke-Agbo, Akoko, in Ondo State met at Omole Phase I Estate, Lagos, for a re-union after 36 years of leaving their alma mater.

    Old stories of who was the biggest bully, the best at studies, most disciplinarian teacher and others, filled the day and brought much laughter at the event.

    President of the Ajuwa Old Students Association (AOSA), Ola Mogaji, said about 60 students of the Class of 82 were present at the event with their wives and children.

    The 400-seater hall was beautifully decorated in green, white, purple and pink. The old students were gorgeously dressed in white with a green suspender to match.

    Mogaji said what brought the group together was the love “we spent together for five years at school.  Friendship keeps us together; it was increasing and we are helping each other socially and otherwise”.

    He said the group planned to support the school with a laboratory project. He also spoke of plans for welfare, business ventures, empowerment, corporate social responsibility, insurance policy and investment for members.

    “We have spent so much this year and we plan to meet bi-annually as some of our members reside outside the country and may not be able to attend within a year since we want to carry all members along.

    “To consolidate on the investment and enhancing the progress of our alma mater, we have a platform and sensitisation ongoing.  We were 120 when we left secondary school. We are now 60 in the association.  We strongly believe that in a short time, we will get 90 old students into the association. We lost some members; others are living outside the shore of this country. However, all our members are doing well in their fields of endeavour, professions and trades,”he said.

    Some members of the class flew in from South Africa, United Kingdom and United State and other parts of the world for the re-union.

    The welfare officer of the association, Regina Figbele expressed her delight. “Today is one the happiest day in my life as we are celebrating together with old friends.  We had bad and good days at school, but we have to put them altogether to complement each other because life is full of ups and downs. There is always the past, present and the future in life,” she said.

    The vice president of the association, Sir Biodun Adeosun, gave a history of the school, which started out as boys’ only secondary school, but became mixed in 1977.

    He recalled that the school principal, Guy Gargiulo, an Italian by birth and dual citizen of British and Nigerian, was a disciplinarian, sports, educationist and social enthusiast.

    “He is in his late 80s, and has put in the best of his life in serving this country.  He deserves honour and award from the government,” Adeosun said.

    Adeosun described the union as unique and consequential, adding that   the association is a subset of Ajuwa Old School Association (AOSA) the mother body of AJUVIAN.

    The vice president said AOSA boasts of prominent old students like former Vice Chairman of Mobil Oil, Solomon Oladunmi, Editor of The Nation, Gbenga Omotoso,  Ola Mogaji, Dr Tunji Abayomi, Senator Tayo Alaso adura, Rear Admiral Sanmi Alade (rtd), past president of AOSA, Moses Oloro and many others. The  event climaxed with the presentation of awards, and fond reminiscences of the good old days.

  • 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.

     

  • ‘Compensate me for producing ‘Sai Buhari’ song’

    The Ondo state born-songwriter who composed the 2014 ‘Sai Buhari Campaign music, Ojetayo Oluwadamilare ‘aka); Ajakaye is aggrieved of an alleged breach of agreement.

    Some opposition leaders particularly in the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) camp are already inciting Ajakaye to take  legal action against the All Progressives Congress(APC) over copyright infringement on his literary work adopted as ‘Buhari for President Theme Song’.

    Ajakaye spoke with reporters and bloggers over his non-compensation by the APC after four years of allegedly tampering with his intellectual property that was illegally used for their political advantage.

    The Oke-Igbo born singer pointed out that his burning love as a progressive minded artiste delivered a track that was adopted as the party’s 2014 presidential theme song which went viral and boost the image of its then candidate,now President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Ajakaye recounted  his ordeal in the hands of the APC Media Handlers whose neglect had adversely affected his career and by extension his personal lifeline.

    Read Also: Buhari won’t abandon Nigerians, says Osinbajo

    According to him, the alleged recalcitrant  posture of the APC leaders who had kept him in suspense for the past four years without compensating him for using his track as the APC 2014 Presidential Theme Song was discouraging.

    Ajakaye however said he has continued  to resist all overtures from the opposition parties who wanted to capitalize on his frustrated career and poor financial status allegedly caused by the infringement by APC on his copyright and intellectual property to rubbish Buhari’s government.

    Ajakaye said despite the cloudy atmosphere surrounding his compensation from the APC, his hope remain solid on the assurance from Ooni of Ife,  Oba Enitan Ogunwusi- Ojaja and respected citizens who promised to wade into the contentious matter with the APC.

    He said with the prevailing socio-economic situation and the harsh political atmosphere, he might change his tactics by engaged in a drastic measure  to receive compensation from the party leaders who have repeatedly offering  him empty promises.

  • FECA students hail Akeredolu over power supply

    Students Union Government (SUG) of Federal College of Agriculture, Akure,  Ondo State on Friday commended the  Akeredolu-led administration on its efforts in improving power supply in the state.

    In a letter jointly signed by the President and the General Secretary of the union, Omotoso Surprise and Osemamhe Emmanuel respectively, the students expressed their appreciation to the administration for what they described as “the wonderful job it has done towards improvement of electricity supply on our campus as well as the reconstruction of Fiwasaye – Agbogbo Road streetlights in Akure.”

    They said the development had improved the social and commercial activities as well as the security situation within and around their campus as criminals could no longer operate due to the streetlights.

    Response on behalf of the governor, the Special Adviser to the governor on Public Utilities, Engr. Tunji Ariyomo appreciated the students for expressing their gratitude to the governor,  which he noted served as a concrete feedback on the efforts of the administration to making life more comfortable for the citizenry.

    He told the student leaders that all rehabilitation works have been completed regarding electricity supply to Ode-Aye in the Southern Senatorial District of the state.

    Read Also: Akeredolu presents vehicles to Ondo lawmakers

    According to Ariyomo, “Bulk Meters have been installed in the five substations by BEDC. The bulk meters is a temporary arrangement pending when MAP will be effective with BEDC.

    “We have been assured by BEDC that they are almost finalizing the MAP process.  It is important that I mentioned this because  Governor Akeredolu has informed BEDC that the mandatory metering policy of the Ondo State Government must be adhered to.”

    The Special Adviser,  however, assured the students of further improvement in power supply in the state, saying “the reconstruction works by NDPHC is also at an advanced stage which will lead to the reconnection of more larger towns like Okitipupa.

    Besides,  the state and its private sector partners are also at financial closure with some of the mini-grid projects.”

  • PDP lied over ‘purported’ APC members defection in Ondo

    The Ondo state Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday faulted the claim by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)  that it received about 10,000 of its members in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.

    It described the notion as porous and cheap propaganda, stressing that the claim had helped to amplify what has already been known that the party has no regards for figures, besides it’s inelastic capacity for distortion of glaring facts.

    A statement by the party’s spokesman, Alex Kalejaye said “The APC in Ondo State wishes to place on records that a fraction of those who followed Chief Olusola Oke to the party early this year actually returned to where they always belong. They were less than 50 in number.

    “The ruling party deeply appreciates the courage and will of the bulk of the group for believing in the APC, and resisting the indescribable efforts aimed at inducing them financially.

    Read Also: PDP to Buhari: don’t extend IGP’s tenure

    “What happened in Okitipupa was a political jamboree by the Ondo State PDP, designed to justify the huge financial investment of its national leaders, who stormed Akure, the Ondo State capital last Thursday, and led by Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State.

    “It was therefore necessary for the State chapter to rent some idle youths that have no electoral values to present a seemingly huge crowd for further patronage.

    The  statement stressed that Ondo APC was unperturbed about the hollow and rootless antics that will expire in February.

    It said “We remain committed to our determination to deliver the State for our party during the general elections.

    The party will continue to work for the good people of Ondo State and and showcase what we have been able to do, even at the national level, rather than orchestrated propaganda.

    “This government has no place for deception and empty promises that will not improve the living conditions and welfare of the people.

    The statement assured the citizenry that the present Akeredolu’s government would implement all the projects intended, and flagged off, while payment of workers’ salaries and wages would be sustained.