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Tag: Ondo state

  • Suspected gunmen kidnap four in Ondo

    Suspected gunmen kidnap four in Ondo

    Unknown gunmen Monday reportedly abducted four commuters travelling in a commercial bus along Owo-Ikare road in Ondo state.

    The victims were said to have taken off from Ikare, headquarters of Akoko Northeast heading to Akure,the state capital when they were said to have been seized at Ose-Oba axis of the road.

    It was learnt that one of the passengers said to be a Pastor,who confronted the gun men was shot on the head.

    Sources said it was the same spot where the Oluyani of Iyani-Akoko,Oba Sunday Daodu was kidnapped few months ago with his second-in-command.

    They were released from captivity after spending almost two weeks with the kidnappers where they celebrated the last Easter period with their captors inside the bush.

    Reacting to the incident, the Oloba of Oba-Akoko, Ona Nurudeen Adegoroye called for more police men and another military checkpoint between the dangerous spot within Owo and Oba-Akoko.

    One of the passengers who witnessed the incident, Mrs Janet Adeyemi, wife of the Information Officer, Akoko Northeast local government said the gunmen demanded N1m each from the victims.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Femi Johnson, a Superintendent of Police (SP) confirmed the report.

    According to him, investigation has begun while Police men were combing the whole area,assuring that the culprits would be apprended soon.

    It would be recalled that on this same spot, a catholic priest and former Regent of Akungba-Akoko,Princess Toyin Omosowon among others were kidnapped at different times.

  • Ondo college to admit 650

    Merit will be the only criterion to admit 650 students into the six departments of the Ondo State School of Health Technology for the 2017/2018 academic session.

    While monitoring the entrance examination held simultaneously at the school premises and at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, the Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Ministry of Health, Dr Taiye Oni, praised the management and students for the success of the examination, which he said was devoid of malpractice.

    He added that the track record of the school has made it popular for prospective applicants to seek its admission across the country.

    Oni assured the candidates that the examination will be marked by the computer, thus will be devoid of favouritism.

    He warned the candidates not to lobby or bribe any staff for assistance, as candidates would be admitted on merit.

  • Ondo: Youth entrepreneur organizes free summer classes for school children

    Ondo: Youth entrepreneur organizes free summer classes for school children

    As part of his efforts towards developing education at the grassroots, a young entrepreneur, Alhaji Tajudeen Adefisoye has organized a free summer coaching class for school children in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State.
    In a statement made available to news men on Wednesday in Akure, the state capital, Adefisoye said the free coaching classes which had commenced since 7th August, would come to an end on September 15th, 2017, urging secondary school students in the council area to participate.
    According to the statement, the exercise would be held across three centres between 8 am and 12noon which include, Baptist Secondary School, Igbara-Oke, St Andrew Anglican Primary School, Ilara-Mokin and Adinlewa Nursery and Primary School, Ijare all in Ifedore council area.
    While assuring pupils that experienced and qualified teachers would be on the ground to impact knowledge unto them, the Philanthropist who is the Chairman of Vata Bottling Company, Akure and grassroots politician said the classes would cover academic disciplines such as English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Economics and Government.
    Adefisoye, fondly called Small Alhaji by his admirers further said he would award a scholarship to the best students in each subject to study in any public university of their choice in Nigeria at the end of the coaching class.
  • A teacher’s regrets – and joy – at 85

    A teacher’s regrets – and joy – at 85

    Old students of Ajuwa Grammar School, Okeagbe-Akoko in Akoko Northwest Local Government Area of Ondo State and the entire community gathered to celebrate with Chief Guy Gargiulo, an Anglo-Italian who is a former headmaster of the school on his 85th birthday. The event was an opportunity to reminisce on the octogenarian’s legacy of selfless service since his arrival in the community in 1960. ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA reports.

    FOR the octogenarian, it has been a fulfilled life – of moulding youths into responsible adults and uplifting the poor.

    But Chief Guy Gargiulo, a British-Italian, there is a fringe of regret – his beloved profession, teaching, is in a bad shape.

    “Teaching is no longer going on in Nigeria,” he told The Nation on the sideline of a swimming competition to mark his 85th birthday at Ajuwa Grammar School, Okeagbe-Akoko, Ondo State.

    He was born in a comfortable family and studied in some of the best schools in the United Kingdom, Italy and Switzerland. But his love for adventure and quest to serve humanity brought him to Nigeria on January 5, 1960.

    He took up a teaching job at Igbobi College, Yaba, Lagos.  In 1963, he left for a far-flung rural community of Okeagbe-Akoko, Ondo State – a decision that shocked many.

    Chief Guy Gargiulo was convinced that the decision was sound as it was to mould future generations and contribute his quota to manpower development in Nigeria.

    Gargiulo, who has made Okeagbe his home, has no regrets. On arrival in the community, he was appointed Principal of Ajuwa Grammar School; a position he held for 15 years.

    Gargiulo, fondly called “GG” by his students, was born on August 13, 1932 in Port Vale, United Kingdom to an Italian father and a British mother. He attended the University of Cambridge where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Natural Science, Physics/Geology after which he obtained his Master’s of Arts (M.A.) in the same discipline.

    At Igbobi College, the octogenarian was the Head of Mathematics/Physics Department. He also served as Housemaster and Games Master in the college.

    An Okeagbe indigene, the late Chief Stephen Ajayi Ogedengbe and other well-meaning individuals initiated Gargiulo’s transfer to Ajuwa Grammar School which was on the verge of collapse at the time of his arrival.

    Gargiulo was the principal between January 1963 and September 1978. In appreciation of his service to humanity, he was honoured with chieftaincy titles by three traditional rulers who were once his students.

    The titles included Adekowajo of Okeagbe, Atunluse of Ugbe-Akoko and Aare Atayese of Erusu-Akoko.

    To many of his admirers, it is surprising that despite his over five decades’ stay in Nigeria and selfless service, Gargiulo is yet to be given any national honour.

    After retiring as Principal of Ajuwa Grammar School, Gargiulo worked in other places between 1979 and 1994 when he retired from active service. His giant strides in education include the introduction and implementation of Continuous Assessment in Ondo State Ministry of Education, which he began in Ajuwa Grammar School.

    Gargiulo also introduced vocational education in Ajuwa and Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo town where he served as Director of the Computer Centre.

    Gargiulo is the foundation Chairman of the Ondo State Swimming Association and was honoured by Sports Writers’ Association of Nigeria (SWAN) with a Certificate of Merit in 1991.

    Okeagbe, which is now the headquarters of Akoko Northwest Local Government Area, was agog from August 12  to 13 when the Ajuwa Old Students’ Association (AOSA) threw a birthday party for Gargiulo, who clocked 85.

    Many of the students who passed through Gargiulo are making waves in various fields. There are traditional institution, clergy, academia, military, police, law, Foreign Service, oil and gas, medicine, civil service, media and sports.

    Gargiulo expressed his regrets at the state of teaching in Nigeria. He noted that “teaching is no longer going on in Nigeria” as the same modus operandi is used by teachers at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels.

    He is delighted that his old students came around to celebrate his 85th birthday with him and declared that he would love to spend the rest of his life in Nigeria and have his body cremated when he dies.

    Gargiulo said: “I am feeling good and I am at this poolside to see how these young ones are performing. I am impressed with the way Regina; Nigeria’s swimming coach is training the students.

    “It’s a pity Tunji Abayomi couldn’t bring Governor Rotimi Akeredolu here. I am happy with my students who are doing fine in their various fields of human endeavour. One of them printed the programme booklets we are using here.

    “I am very sorry that teaching is no longer going on in this country; what they are doing is copying notes rather than teaching them to do something. That is not teaching, that is not teaching.

    “We have many great people in this country. I don’t know what has been going on with education in Nigeria; I don’t know.”

    On whether he would leave for Italy, his homeland or United Kingdom, where he was born, Gargiulo retorted: “I am living in Okeagbe and the old students have given me my Certificate of Occupancy (C of O). If I die here or in England, let them cremate me.”

    Notable Ajuwa old students include the Senator representing Ondo Central in the National Assembly, Chief Tayo Alasoadura; immediate past Commandant, National Defence College, Rear Admiral Samuel Alade; Rear Admiral Adebisi Aremo (rtd), Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Mike Igbokwe; Constitutional lawyer,  Dr. Tunji Abayomi; former member of House of Representatives, Hon. Ganny Dauda; former  Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Dr. Olufowobi Bakkita Bello; Commissioner of Police, Dele Babaleye; Prof. Esan Aderinola, Prof. Ade Babalola, former Vice-Chairman of Mobil Oil, Otunba Solomon Oladunni; retired Permanent Secretary, Chief John Ademoyegun; Bishop of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Rt. Rev. Jacob Ajetunmobi; Human Resources Manager, International Breweries Plc, Ilesa, Mrs. Florence Justus-Oni (nee Ajimuda); renowned broadcaster Mr. Ayo Ogedengbe; former Ekiti State Commissioner for Works and a governorship aspirant Chief Diran Adesua  and Dr Foluso Arewa, consultant at the National Hospital, Abuja, among others.

    Gargiulo has made Okeagbe his home for the past 54 years. He had carried out many philanthropic activities and executed projects in the community.

    He personally financed the construction of Pleaidi Road named after a similar project in his native Italy. He also sponsored surgical operations carried out on some needy patients, even as he bankrolled education of the physically-challenged.

    Gargiulo speaks Yoruba and is proficient in the local Akoko dialect.

    According to his students, one of his famous Yoruba proverbs is aya nini ju oogun lo, which is translated “boldness is efficacious than charms.”

    He was famous for wearing shorts and that is why he is also fondly called oyinbo oni sokoto penpe (white man wearing shorts) and oloye oni sokoto (the chief wearing shorts).

    The first day of the celebration (August 12) witnessed quiz competition, public lecture, swimming/water polo competition at the school dam and candle procession round the town.

    In the quiz competition, SS2 students with 17 points defeated students of SS3 who had 17 points in a keenly contested intellectual duel.

    On the second day (August 13), a thanksgiving service was held in honour of the celebrator at St. George’s Anglican Church, Okeagbe.

    Gargiulo wore a flowing agbada and danced to the admiration of the congregation.

    Gargiulo did not witness the quiz competition and the public lecture, which was held at the school hall. He was at the school dam/swimming pool which was built when he was the principal.

    The retired school administrator is a lover of sports and the school, under his leadership, was a breeding ground for talents in various sports. He was at the poolside to witness a competition organised in his honour by students of the school.

    Paying tribute to the celebrator, AOSA President Matthew Imoru, a retired Permanent Secretary in Ondo State  civil service, described Gargiulo as an inimitable teacher who could teach all subjects.

    Imoru said: “The school dam was built about 45 years ago. I left the school in 1973 and such a project was not common in the hinterland then. We all learnt swimming through GG.

    “He was Chairman of Ondo State Swimming Association and swimmers in Ondo State came here to practise. He could teach virtually all subjects.”

    Former Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly Dr. Bello hailed Gargiulo for choosing to come to the rustic community to oversee the revival of the school no principal or teacher was willing to supervise.

    Apart from Gargiulo’s commitment to the education of his pupils, Bello said, the school administrator cultivated teak; cashew and oil palm plantations which boosted the economy of the school and gave it a beautiful scenery.

    The former Speaker, who is now Chairman of Ondo State Teaching Service Commission, said Gargiulo elevated many students from poor homes to fame.

    Bello said he had many brushes with his old principal, including leading a riot which shook the school to its foundation, but Gargiulo forgave him. According to him, Gargiulo is fatherly, forgiving, detailed, investigative and wise.

    Bello went on: “On arrival, he (Gargiulo) loved the countryside, the simple agrarian lifestyle and he was charged with the responsibility of transforming the school, which lacked facilities, such as water, electricity and good road.

    “During his time, students must belong to two trade clubs and participate in sporting activities. Ajuwa was noted for excellent performance and reputable records in academics and this earned us fame and glory both locally and internationally.

    “He believes mankind can advance through training and mentoring irrespective of colour, creed and race. Any wonder he rescued Ajuwa from being closed down. Through the philosophy of aya nini ju ogun lo, he conquered his environment.”

  • Ondo State governor’s wife empowers 150 girls

    Ondo State governor’s wife empowers 150 girls

    The Ondo State governor’s wife, Mrs Betty Akeredolu, on Tuesday inaugurated a training for 150 secondary school girls on energy management, green energy sources, climate change awareness and building of solar panels.

    The programme for the girls drawn from the 18 local government areas of the state was holding at Elizade University, Ilara Mokin in Ifedore Local Government Area of the state.

    She said the training became imperative because of “the present day reality in Nigeria where there is no electricity supply and the oil wells are drying up’’.

    She said that the initiative was aimed at training girls to become advocates of renewable energy and future leaders in the energy sector.

    “The training is also to bridge the gender gap in the renewable energy sector.

    “We are grooming girls that will redefine Nigeria sooner than later. And, yes, we can.

    “The participants are to be trained on energy management, green energy sources, climate change awareness and building of solar panels,’’ she said.

    She advised the girls to explore the opportunities that the programme would afford them to improve their lives and become great assets to the society and the world at large.

    Also, the Chief Operating Officer of Ashdam Solar Ltd., Mrs Damilola Ashaleye, said the training was a dream comes true.

    Ashaleye said the girls were going to be enlightened on the global climate change problems and the solutions to them.

    “They will be able to carry out basic solar electricity installations, assemble solar panels, build solar ovens and know that the energy industry is highly viable for both men and women.

    “With the increased call for safe and environmentally friendly energy systems; solar energy has become one of the most sought after energy sources globally, hence, this programme could not have come at a better time.

    “We believe that the girl-child  should be empowered with all e necessary technical skills and support as well as given a level playing ground, ’’Ashaleye said.

    The facilitator of the programme, Lilian Adesokan, said the girls were divided into five groups under the supervision of seasoned and experienced personnel in order for them to acquire vast knowledge.

    Adesokan said the programme was not just going to be about solar alone.

    “The girls will be exposed to breast health awareness in other to fight breast cancer.

    “They will learn how to develop healthy lifestyles through daily exercise and healthy eating.’’

    She said that there would be a sick bay to be operated by nurses and other medical personnel during the programme.

    “Several recreational activities have been lined up to make the sessions interesting.’’

    Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Ifedayo Abegunde at the event.

    He lauded the efforts of his wife in her efforts to empower girls and women through her pet programme.

  • Lassa fever: Ondo trains 54 surveillance officers, informants

    Lassa fever: Ondo trains 54 surveillance officers, informants

    The Ondo State Government on Thursday in Akure concluded the training of surveillance officers and informants to contain the spread of Lassa fever across the 18 local government areas of the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 54 participants were trained, with three participants drawn from each of the local government areas.

    Speaking at the occasion, Dr Taiye Oni, the Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Ministry of Health, said that it was necessary for the state government to build up the capacity of the trainees for effective service delivery.

    Oni, who was represented by Dr Ayodele Adelusi, the Deputy Director of Public Health at the ministry, said Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu approved the training to combat any likely outbreak of lassa fever in any part of the state.

    He said the trainees would function as Disease Notification Officers that would alert the appropriate authorities if there was any strange manifestation of illnesses in their respective areas.

    “These are the people to let us know if there is any strange development or outbreak because we cannot be everywhere, every time.

    “These are the people across the state and they are not for lassa fever alone, but other diseases as well,’’ he said.

    According to him, everyone has to be on his/her toes not to allow the disease have its way in the state, adding that the trainees should use the opportunity of the training to the benefit of the state.

    The permanent secretary noted that the trainees would also be responsible for sensitisation and proper orientation of residents at the grassroots.

    Similarly, Dr Waheed Afolayan, the State Epidemiologist, said that the trainees were important, considering their vital role in enhancing healthcare delivery throughout the state.

    Afolayan, who gave a comprehensive presentation and lecture, urged them to be extra careful, saying that there should be immediate reports of any disease to the designated clinic centres.

    He admonished them to carry out community mobilisation, health education and sensitisation.

    According to him, the trainees should have a good relationship with their assigned communities so that there could be a sense of trust and confidence in their activities.

    The epidemiologist, however, urged the officials to protect themselves so that they would not turn out to be victims themselves.

    One of the participants, Mr Adewale Agbede, said the training was timely, saying it was part of the build-up against the disease and its containment.

    Another participant, Mrs Folashade Afolabi, said the training had enabled her to be an advocate for “Operation Do not Eat Rats’’ and that she would also use the opportunity to encourage regular hand-washing.

  • Lassa fever: Ondo launches clean-up operation

    Lassa fever: Ondo launches clean-up operation

    The Ondo State Government says it has increased the level of health awareness campaign to prevent the outbreak of Lassa fever in the state, tagged operation “kill all rats, stay in hygienic environment”.

    Dr Olumide Akadiri, the Chief Medical Director, Ondo State Specialist Hospital, Okitipupa, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Okitipupa.

    Akadiri said the increased awareness and enlightenment campaign, followed the recent re-occurrence of the outbreak of Lassa fever in some parts of the country, hence, the launch of operation “kill all rats, stay in hygienic environment”.

    He said that the hospital medical team had mobilised other health officers at the Okitipupa Council, to raise the level of awareness of the people in the locality to the recurrence of Lassa fever.

    Kadiri, who maintained that no case of Lassa fever had been reported in the state, explained that the awareness campaign was a proactive measure to prevent the disease through education of the people on the need to maintain a healthy environment and life style.

    NAN reports that Lassa fever is caused by Lassa virus found in infected rats with many breasts (multimate rat) named Mastonys Matalensis.

    He said: “We heard about the re-occurrence of Lassa fever in some states but we have not recorded any case here.

    “We launched an awareness team that goes to all communities in this council to declare total war on rats and ensure they live in a

    hygienic environment at all times.

    “I also implore residents to always cover their foodstuffs very well and ensure they throw away leftovers which usually are baits to contact the disease.”

    Akadiri list some signs and symptoms of Lassa fever to include fever, sore throat, difficulty in swallowing, bloody diarrhoea, cough, headache, abdominal pain and bleeding from the nose, mouth, ears and eyes.

    He advised residents with signs of malaria or any of the listed symptoms to report to the nearest general hospital for diagnosis and treatment.

  • Thrill as community honours gentleman officer

    Thrill as community honours gentleman officer

    Oyin-Akoko, a rustic community in Ondo State was agog penultimate Saturday as dignitaries across the country trooped in to celebrate the Commandant, National Defence College (NDC), Rear Admiral Samuel Ilesanmi Alade. PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU reports

    For several hours penultimate Saturday, dignitaries from far and near converged on Oyi Community in Ondo State to rejoice with the Commandant, National Defence College (NDC) Rear Admiral Samuel Ilesanmi Alade who was  honoured by his community. The honour was in recognition of his immense contributions to the development of the community. Members of the community described him as a benevolent, diligent and humble man; hence the  recognition.

    A thanksgiving service was held at St. John’s Anglican Church, after which a reception was held at the Comprehensive High School which was filled to its capacity.

    Among those who attended the civic reception to honour Alade were Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN); Minister of Solid Minerals, Kayode Fayemi, Minister of Niger Delta, Pastor Usani Usani, former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Chief Sunday Ehindero, Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Odundun II, the Oloyin of Oyin-Akoko, Oba Lawrence Bamisile III and Vice-Chairman, Bi-Courtney, Kola Akingbami.

    Others included the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command (WNC) Rear Admiral Sylvanus Abba, the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Logistics Command, Air Vice-Marshal Ibrahim Yahaya, Maj.-Gen. SM Abraham and Rear Admiral MM Salami, who represented the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Minister for Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff  (CDS) respectively.

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III was represented by the Danmaliki of Sokoto, the Ooni of Ife sent Oba Adekunle Adewale and Yemi Osintoku stood in for the Chairman, Sahara Group, Tope Shonubi.

    Aside honouring Alade, Oyin community used the opportunity to do a N500 million fundraising, which would be channelled towards providing social amenities for the people.

    According to Oyin community, the choice to recognise Rear Admiral Alade was borne out of the need to inspire youths and children to imbibe good virtues in them.

    In his welcome address, the chairman organising committee, Philip Alabi said the community was celebrating Alade for his hard work, diligence, obedience, endurance and excellent performance in his chosen career.

    He said: “There’s no gainsaying that he has excelled in his chosen career to the admiration of Oyin community because he rose through the ranks.

    We are also celebrating him for his contributions towards the development of our community. “Few years back, he called on Oyin-Akoko sons and daughters executive to source a place for the establishment of a computer training centre and Internet for the benefit of the youth.

    He ended up establishing it as St. John’s Anglican Primary School, Oyin so that school children can be computer literate like their peers in cities.

    “This has started yielding result because during the last Primary School Leaving Certificate Examination, a very high percentage was recorded.

    “Also, Rear Admiral Alade celebrated his mother’s 80th birthday last December and the proceed was used to rehabilitate the three primary schools in the community- St. John’s, Baptist and Ansar-U-Deen Primary Schools-to provide good learning environment for the children.

    “He participates in anything that would benefit the people and identifies with the people. He comes home to rest whenever he has the opportunity. He has been able to help many youths in their academic pursuit and assisted many to be employed.”

    Continuing, Alabi said the celebrator has set a classic example in hard work, humility and obedience for the youth.

    “The calibre of people present at the occasion signifies his virility, respect, openness and friendliness to both old and young. This is another quality worthy of emulation,” he said.

    Ehindero, who was chairman of the occasion, described Alade as a symbol of simplicity and an epitome of humility. He said a lot of those who came for the event were those who believed in Alade and saw the rare qualities in him.

    Lending his voice to the fund raising, Ehindero noted that there were a lot of challenges bedevilling Oyin community, which include no electricity, about 1,200 trainees at the Police Training School that need to be catered for and poor state of the community’s hospital.

    In his remark, Oba Bamisile urged the state government to show more interest in ensuring that the only federal road that passes through the community was free of all impediments.

    He said the community was in need of more transformers and potable water, noting that they do not believe in folding their arms and expecting the government to do everything.

    Bamisile also said they would upgrade libraries and science laboratories of schools, put facilities in place to prevent erosion and flooding, among others.

    The monarch appealed that the water reservoir project that was abandoned be revisited and that industries be located in the community to drive development.

    Appreciating the community and the guests for honouring him, Alade said he was happy he made a good career choice because it has taken him to various places and exposed him to different experiences.

    He said: “It is gladdening for one to be recognised by his people, as that is testimony that one has touched lives and commands respect of others. I am particularly delighted by this initiative of our royal father and the good people of Oyin and I am humbled as well.

    “This day is not just about Samuel Ilesanmi Alade as I am known, it is indeed about all of us here,  who have decided to come and partake in a noble cause that will forever remain indelible in the minds of the people of this community and for generations to come. It is about extending our hands of fellowship to uplift a community and provide succour to a people in dire need of some help. It is about putting smiles on the faces of many sons and daughters of this community who will always be grateful for our great sacrifices.

    “It is a fact that we, Nigerians, are truly our brother’s keepers. That has been our hallmark. Despite all the artificial barriers that a few people try to create to divide us, deep down, we have interest in ensuring that the less-endowed have a sense of belonging.

    “You all have heeded the clarion call to uplift my people, especially the youth, who remain our hope for a stronger Nigeria in the near future. If we do not invest in their future, we run the risk of mortgaging the future of this great nation going forward.”

  • Akerodolu commends Air Peace for extending flight operations to Akure

    Akerodolu commends Air Peace for extending flight operations to Akure

    Gov. Rotimi Akerodolu of Ondo State has commended Air Peace for extending its domestic flight operations to Akure, the state capital.

    Akerodolu made the commendation on Sunday at the Akure Airport after the airline’s inaugural flight to the state from Lagos.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Boeing 737 aircraft with registration number 5N-BQO, which landed at the airport at 1.45 pm, was received by aviation officials and other top dignitaries.

    Akerodolu said that the government decided to partner with Air Peace because of its belief that air connectivity would help to attract investors to the state in line with its objectives.

    He said : “Our drive today is for investment and a lot of our investors want to come in.

    “We have had problems with them since I came into office because they have always complained about the time they used in travelling from Lagos and the hazards on the road.

    “As we all know, the roads are not so good in terms of physical state and other hazards like armed robbery and kidnapping . So, we are so worried that a number of them after coming here do not want to return. ”

    According to him, some civil servants on official duties have also been kidnapped on the same route, but the move by the airline will help to avoid such incidents.

    To this end, Akerodolu said a circular had already been issued making it mandatory for government officials and employees on official engagement to Lagos to fly with the airline.

    The Chairman of Air Peace, Mr Allen Onyema, expressed optimism that the beginning of direct flight operations between Akure and Lagos would jump-start the effort of the government to open up the state to massive investment.

    Onyema said the airline decided to fix the air fare at just N10, 000 to encourage the flying public and also support the vision of the government in making the state a tourism and investment destination.

    “Ondo State is an oil producing state. It also has a lot of agricultural products attractive to investors. So it has a lot to give to Nigeria and humanity.

    “We are optimistic that if we are able to sustain this operation, a lot of jobs will be created and business opportunities will increase here in the next few months, ” he said.

    The airline boss also used the opportunity to advise Nigerians on the benefits and importance of having a united country, appealing to those fanning the embers of disunity to stop their agitation.

    Mrs Cecilia Oguema, the Akure Airport Manager, thanked Air Peace for bringing its services to the airport, noting that it would boost socio-economic activities in the state.

  • Police arraign lottery agent for stealing N21,000

    Police arraign lottery agent for stealing N21,000

    The police, on Tuesday, arraigned a 25-year-old lottery agent, Moses Shonaike, at an Okitipupa Magistrates’ Court in Ondo State for allegedly stealing N21,000.

    The accused, who is of no fixed address , is standing trial on a one-count charge of stealing.

    The Police Prosecutor, Insp Zedekiah Orogbemi, told the court that the accused, on July 29, about 9:00 a.m. at No. 5, Hospital Road, Okitipupa, allegedly stole the money.

    According to Orogbemi, the money belongs to one Gbenga Akinrinlola, the director of a lottery company.

    The prosecutor said that the offence contravened Sections 390 (8b) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Vol.1, Laws of Ondo State 2006.

    The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge and consequently, the magistrate, Mr Banji Ayeomoni, granted him bail in the sum of N50,000 and a surety in like sum.

    Ayeomoni ordered that the surety must present evidence of one year tax payment to the Ondo State Government to the court’s registrar as part of the bail condition.

    He adjourned the case to Aug. 18.