The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ondo state

  • Court docks men for stealing palm fruits

    Court docks men for stealing palm fruits

    Two labourers – Timilehin Arogundade, 22, and Babatunde Oludasa, 23, were on Thursday arraigned in an Okitipupa Magistrates’ Court, Ondo State, for allegedly stealing 80 bunches of palm fruits valued at N50,000.

    The defendants of no fixed addresses are standing trial on a two-count charge of felony and stealing.

    The Prosecutor, Insp. Zedekiah Orogbemi, told the court that the accused persons on Aug. 7 around 6:30 a.m. at Igbo Igbonran village in Okitipupa, conspired to commit the offence.

    He said that they were employed as labourers to work on the farmland belonging to one Mathew Philip.

    The prosecutor alleged that they stole 80 bunches of palm fruits ready to be processed into palm oil after being paid their wages.

    He said that the offences contravened Sections 516 and 390(9),of Criminal Code, Cap.37, Vol.1, Laws of Ondo State 2006.

    The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge levelled against them.

    The Magistrate, Mr Banji Ayeomoni, granted the accused persons bail in the sum of N20,000 each and a surety each in like sums.

    He adjourned the case until Sept. 19 for further hearing.

  • Applause for TETFund’s impact on AAUA

    The Vice Chancellor (VC), Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, has described as profound the impact of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund’s (TetFund) intervention efforts on the tertiary education sector.

    The VC said this during an interactive session with top officials of the agency held at the university.

    He listed the landmark projects sponsored by TetFund in AAUA, adding that such interventions have changed the face of infrastructural development in the institution.

    Ajibefun was elated at the maiden visit of the Executive Secretary of TetFund to the institution, describing it as historic

    He said:  “Your visit today is a historic one. This is the first time the number one person in TETFund would be paying an official visit. It is our strong belief that this historic visit by TETFund will bring unprecedented development to our university.”

    Earlier, the TetFund Executive Secretary, represented by Mallam Aliyu Na’iya, the Director, Research and Development, said the visit was part of projects proposal defence, verification of physical projects, and reconciliation of financial records of beneficiaries of the Fund to determine their compliance with laid-down procedures for retiring released funds.

    This, he said, would ensure transparency and openness in dealing with financial transactions bythe agency.

    The ES addressed several issues, including sponsorship of conferences and workshops, training for academic and non-staff, problems associated with inbreeding, and other related matters during interactive sessions with staff members.

    He regretted that money worth millions of Naira earmarked for research and development in tertiary institutions had been  unutilised.

  • ‘Student unionism not a tool for violence’

    ‘Student unionism not a tool for violence’

    Adekunle Ajasin University  Akungba-Akoko (AAUA),  Ondo State Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof Igbekele Ajibefun has said students’ unionism should not cause hostility and destruction in the university, but be seen as a call to serve, in concert with the school management to promote students’ welfare and provide a conducive atmosphere for learning and research.

    Prof Ajibefun gave the advice penultimate Monday at a three-day Leadership Training and Seminar, organised for members of the institution’s Student Union Government (SUG) in Igbara-Oke, Ifedore Local Government Area of the state.

    The event with the theme: Promoting a peaceful university environment, was at the instance of the Students’ Affairs Unit of the school.

    The VC condemned the notion that unionism should be destructive, violent, quarrelsome and confrontational, pointing out that the SUG is a platform for students to acquire progressive leadership values.

    He said: “It is a regrettable error that some student unionists believe that the effectiveness of their stewardship would be measured by the number of battles and wars they fight with the school authorities. They tend to believe that their members would hail them as ‘action man’ if they are constantly at war with the management or how effective they are pushing for destructive Aluta.

    “You must understand that these are wrong notions about student unionism.  SUG members stand to gain more and achieve their target of improving the lots of their members through mutual cooperation, and constant dialogue with management on whatever demands they make.

    “Therefore, as student leaders, you must be firm and resolute. You must also be transparent and carry your members along in all decisions. There have been peace and tranquility on our campus for some years; you have responsibility to maintain this tempo during your tenure.”

    Prof Ajibefun promised the students’ leaders that the management would always listen to them and strive to meet their demands, despite the challenge of funding. He assured them that the university would prioritise students’ interests.

    The event featured lectures and interactive sessions with members of the union executive and Students Representative Council (SRC).

    In a lecture titled: The roles of communication ethics in peaceful and progressive unionism, former AAUA Deputy VC (Administration), Prof Francis Oyebade, advised the students’ leaders to create channel of effective communication with their members and the school authorities in presenting their goals logically. He said lack of communication would lead to suspicion, which would in turn fuel crisis that may bring the union into disrepute.

    The Deputy VC, Prof Olugbenga Ige, took the students on the theme: Redefining the roles of 21st Century students’ unionism: A pragmatic approach to leadership, while the Bursar, Mrs Olubunmi Ologun, spoke on how the students’ leaders could be accountable in her lecture with the theme: Roles of financial record keeping and transparency in students’ union leadership as panacea for peace in the university.

    Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr Francis Gbore,  urged the students to imbibe the lessons learnt from the seminar, urging them to become pragmatic leaders.

    The training, he said, was necessary to engender a peaceful campus and train the students on the values of leadership.

    The union president, Olawale Ijanusi, thanked the management for the training. He added that the seminar changed their perception of unionism and leadership values.

  • Students donate bus to department

    To enhance service delivery at the Department of Mass Communication of the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic (RUGIPO) in Ondo State, members of the National Association of Mass Communication Students (NAMACOS) have donated an 18-seater bus to the department.

    President of the association Kehinde Ogunkorede, who led other executive members to deliver the bus, said the bus was to support the department’s drive for improved service delivery. He said the bus was bought from students’ annual due.

    The Mass Communication Department is the first in the school to have a staff bus.

    The Rector, Mr. I.B. Ologunagba, led other members of the management to the event where the bus was presented. He hailed the students for the gesture, saying the bus would help reduce transport stress among the department’s employees.

    He said: “I am delighted this is happening in our time. This goes to show that students are partners in our drive to improve the welfare of the school members. We are proud of the legacy being left behind by Mass Communication students.”

    Ologunagba charged other students’ associations to emulate the gesture, advising them to complement management’s effort in making the institution better.

    The Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences and Communication Studies, Dr O.S. Ajumuda, promised that the management would maintain the cordial relationship between the school and various students’ bodies, saying the gesture was part friendly rapports with students.

    While unveiling the Toyota bus, the Head of Mass Communication Department (HOD), Mrs Iyadunni Adedowole, said the bus cost the students N3 million, saying the association’s intervention would ease the department’s transport challenges.

    She advised students to channel their energy and resources to activities that could promote peace and development.

    Former Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Communication Studies, Mr. Foluso Alabi, described the gesture as “a welcome development”, stressing that the country would be better if young people contributed their quota to progress of their immediate environment.

    CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the students started contributing money to buy the bus four years ago, immediately after Adedowole emerged the HOD.

     

  • AAUA FM awaits licence

    The management and other principal officers of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko,(AAUA) Ondo State have  taken possession of the facilities of its radio station.

    Christened Radio AAUA, the frequency modulation (FM) station is located within the university campus and is licensed to broadcast on 90.3 Megahertz.

    It is billed to come on air as soon as approval is secured from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

    Speaking at the brief handover, Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, said the medium would offer a quantum leap in the quality of training facilities available to students.

    It would also serve as veritable medium of information, education and entertainment the university community, as well as the inhabitants of neighboring communities.

    Ajibefun recalled that the institution had embarked on several efforts to get an operating licence for a campus radio, until it was finally obtained less than a year ago.

    He commended the various officers who had played one role or the other in the actualisation of the dream.

    Ajibefun expressed delight at the quality of equipment installed, and applauded management for ensuring speedy completion of the project in the face of scarce resources.

    Ajibefun later went round the studios and other adjourning offices, accompanied by other management team led by some top principal of the university.

    The Managing Director of the contracting firm-Sound Broadcast Communications Limited, Olusola Akinrinola, had earlier assured the university of quality and durability of equipment supplied.

  • Akeredolu swears in new commissioners,special assistants

    Akeredolu swears in new commissioners,special assistants

    Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has congratulated the newly sworn -in commissioners and special assistants, stating 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.

  • Ondo State: Breakdown of Akeredolu’s inherited debt

    Ondo State: Breakdown of Akeredolu’s inherited debt

    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.

    • Mimiko

     

    BREAKDOWN OF DEBT LEGACY

    Internal Debt: N53.15billion

    External Debt, N17.48billion;

    Unpaid Salaries and Allowances (Aug.-Dec. 2016): N17.27billion;

    Unpaid Salaries and Allowances(Jan.-Feb. 2017): N6,91billion,

    Ondo State Pension Liabilities: N4.80billion;

    Ondo State Gratuity: N15.04billion;

    Unpaid Local Government Salaries and Allowances (Aug.-Dec. 2016): N9.3billion;

    Unpaid Local Government Salaries and Allowances(Jan.-Feb. 2017): N5.19billion.

    Local Government Pension Liabilities: N25.23billion;

    Local Government Gratuities: N20,96billion;

    Contractors’ Liabilities: N39.74billion;

    Outstanding payment requests without cash backing, (Office of the Accountant-General): N5.45billion

  • 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.

  • ‘Women vulnerable to breast cancer’

    The wife of Ondo State Governor, Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu has said one in eight women has breast cancer.

    Mrs Akeredolu, who is the founder of the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN) revealed this during an awareness campaign on Breast Cancer held at Isinkan Market Akure, the state capital.

    It was in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of Oluwarotimi Nursery and Primary School, Akure, which collaborated with BRECAN for the advocacy programme.

    Mrs Anyanwu-Akeredolu, who was represented by the Chairperson of Ondo State branch of BRECAN, Dr Toyin Ayimoro said breast cancer as an ailment is not limited for women alone, stressing that it could affect anybody.

    She said: “We need to stem the tide of the disease by creating awareness and sensitising the people to the dangers of the disease. My mission is to ensure that less people die of breast cancer again.

    Mrs Akeredolu, who is a survivor of the disease, urged women to always examine themselves and go for treatment if they detect the symptom, stressing that they should not keep the problem a secret.

    At the event, pupils of Oluwarotimi Nursery and Primary School performed drama presentation on breast cancer advocacy. They described the disease as threat to life.

    Head teacher of the school, Mrs Noah-Isah appreciated God for keeping members of staff and pupils of the school together for the past 30 years.

    According to her, the management of the school realised the importance of good health and decided, as part of its responsibilities, to organise the awareness campaign against breast cancer in collaboration with BRECAN.

    This, she noted, was to sensitise the public to the danger inherent in lack of information and awareness on the disease.

  • Robbers kill Cleric in Ondo

    Robbers kill Cleric in Ondo

    A Cleric, with the Nigerian Baptist Conference in Ondo State, identified as Pastor Deji Joshua was reportedly killed in Okitipupa, the headquarters of Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State on Monday night by some suspected armed robbers. 

    The deceased was said to be pastor in charge of the Goodnews Baptist Church, Igbegunrin in Ilaje/Apoi Baptist Association of Ondo State Baptist Conference.

    A source said the deceased was on his motorcycle when the suspected robbers attacked and killed him on Ode Aye road. They reportedly took away the motorcycle after the pastor was killed.

    Police source said the incident occurred at about 11.30 pm, however the police command was yet to ascertain the real cause of these death of the clergy man.

    When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the State Police Command, Femi Joseph confirmed the incident and said the command had commenced investigation on the incident. 

    He said when his men heard about the incident, they moved to the scene and saw bullet wounds on his body,adding that they would conduct an autopsy to know the actual cause of  his death.

    The state chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Revd. John Ayo Oladapo urged the security agencies in the state to fish out the killers of the deceased.