The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ondo state

  • Gunmen kidnap Ondo Community Leader

    Gunmen kidnap Ondo Community Leader

    Suspected gunmen have reportedly abducted a community leader Chief Ojo Omotayo (aka Oluomo) in Ikaram-Akoko, Ondo state.

    The incident happened barely two weeks after a monarch in Akokoland, who is the secretary of Akoko Traditional Council,Oba Joel Daodu was abducted alongside his second-in-command, Chief Olugbenga Giwa, the Shaba of Iyani Akoko along Owo-Ikare road.

    The due spent the Easter period in Kidnappers’den.

    Sources hinted that Omotayo,a former councillor representing Erusu/Ikaram ward was seized along Akunu-Ikakumo road in Akoko Northeast local government.

    According to Akala of Ikaram,Oba Andrew Momodu,the abductors had not contacted them for negotiation since Saturday night the victim was kidnapped.

    Oba Momodu urged the police and other security agencies to rescue the former councillor alive.

    There had been rampant cases of abduction and other criminal acts in Akoko division of the North Senatorial District.

    Many stakeholders’ particularly traditional rulers called for overhauling of security network in the four local government to ward off criminal tendencies.

    The State Police Spokesman, Femi Joseph could not be reached for comments

  • JTF Commander lauds troops for repelling attack in Ondo State

    The Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta, Rear Admiral Suleman Apochi, on Sunday commended the gallantry of soldiers who recently repelled an attack by militants on the JTF’s troops in Ondo State.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the JTF troops had killed a suspected militant leader in a shoot-out with militants in Ondo state, and one soldier was also killed during the incident that occurred on April 30.

    Apochi told NAN in an interview in Yenagoa that the JTF under his command remained committed to protecting innocent citizens residing in the Niger Delta region.

    He said it was regrettable that troops deployed on routine patrols to secure oil infrastructure were targeted in unprovoked attacks.

    He explained that the soldiers were ambushed but they quickly recovered and repelled the attack, while the militants took to their heels when they realised that their leader was killed.

    The commander said the hoodlums fled with gunshot wounds.

    According to the Commander, the military has reopened the Ono-Lagos waterways and made it navigable after the militants’ group led by late Ossy Ibori had blocked the route for four months.

    He noted that the relative peace and reduced incidents of attacks on oil facilities were a result of the tireless efforts of the Joint Military Force deployed to the region and called for the support and understanding of the people of the area.

    “Our people need to understand the sacrifices of the military as patriotic citizens who have volunteered to protect them and give them the support they need in the line of duty, we are trained to defend people.

    “In the ongoing operation to fish out those responsible for the attack, we are very careful not to harm innocent people and we shall make no mistake about it, but anyone who habours or protects criminals will lose that immunity.

    “We shall go after anyone or community that shields the criminals,” Apohi warned.

  • Sexagenarian remanded in prison over N9m fraud

    A 64-year-old driver, Owoeye Tayo, was on Friday remanded in prison on the orders of an Akure Chief Magistrates’ Court over alleged N9 million fraud.

    The accused, a resident of No. E29, Uja St., in Omuo Ekiti State, is facing a three-count of conspiracy,fraud and stealing.

    Chief Magistrate Victoria Bob-Emanuel ordered that the accused should remain in prison until May 23 for the consideration of his bail application.

    He urged the Nigeria Police to concluded their investigations on the case within two weeks.

    “Although it is a bailable offence but considering the accused person, who has no fixed address in Ondo State, it may hinder police investigation if he is released.

    “The accused should be remanded in prison until May 23 for bail consideration,”she said.

    Earlier, the Police Prosecutor Martins Olowofeso told the court that the accused fraudulently obtained N9 million from the complainant, Mrs Janet Mapayi on the pretext of helping to her convert the money to dollar.

    “The accused converted the money to personal use and used it to build a house at Ikota in Omuo.”

    According to him,  the accused committed the offences between December  2010 and January 2016 at Green Park, Oke-Aro, Akure.

    The offences contravened Sections 81, 419 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ondo State 2006.

    The accused pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge.

    Mr Timileyin Oguntuwase, Counsel to the accused, urged the court to grant him bail on liberal terms.

    The case was adjourned until May 23.

  • Gov. Akeredolu calls for vocational centres for graduates

    Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State on Thursday called for vocational centres to enhance self reliance of youths after graduation.

    Akeredolu made the call when the National Association of Ondo State Students (NAOSS), visited him in Akure.

    Represented by his deputy, Agboola Ajayi, Akeredolu said youths no longer focused on white collar jobs after leaving the university, hence the need of the vocational centres.

    The governor said his administration would not impose or dictate a national president for NAOSS as it holds election soon.

    “We will provide a level playing field for all contestants but we will also not tolerate violence in any way.

    “The primary objective of any government is to protect lives and property; that we won’t compromise”, he said.

    Mr Adeolu Iwakun, National President, NAOSS, commended the administration for prompt payment of salaries.

    He listed the payment of the outstanding 2013 to 2017 bursaries as part of the demands of the association.

    “We are owed 2013/2014 bursaries where N50 million was paid after pronouncement of N350 million to be released for this.

    “We want this government to introduce post-graduate scholarship as we all know that the value of first degree is fast diminishing in Nigeria.

    “The government cannot employ everyone and we have skilled graduates who are willing to display the skills but no opportunity, hence the need for vocational centres which will also reduce the rate of unemployment”, he said.

  • ‘Bail us out of religious crisis in Ondo riverine community’

    Stakeholders in Ilaje local government area of Ondo state have pleaded with security operatives to bail them out of religious acrimony in Ayetoro community.

    They particularly called for the intervention of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to check the alleged breach of peace by a cleric, Oluwambe Ojagbohunmi with impunity.

    Speaking to reporters in Igbokoda, headquarters of the local government, through the former Ilaje council chairman, Tola Alabere, the leaders lamented that peace had eluded Ayetoro community since Ojagbohunmi started his ministration in 2006.

    Alabere alleged that the cleric was running a parallel government with secret move to forcefully take over the throne of the monarch who also doubles as the spiritual leader of the community.

    According to him, Ayetoro, a community with a theocratic form of government has been under the control of Oba Micah Ajijo who was installed in 2015 as the 6th Ogeloyinbo.

    He said,several efforts had been made by the leaders, government, police and Olugbo-In-Council led by Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinrutan (Obat) to ensure that peace reign in the community to no avail.

    The former council boss said the ascension of Oba Ajijo as the spiritual leader of the community followed established processes and ratification by the Ogeloyinbo-In-Council.

    He denied the allegation that Oba Ajijo was imposed on Aiyetoro Community,stressing that his appointment followed a due process in accordance with the age-long tradition of the church and the Constitution of the Holy Apostles’ Church, Aiyetoro.

    Alabere threatened that the community would resist any attempt by Ojagbohunmi and his cohorts to destabilise Ogeloyinbo’s throne.

    Oba Ajijo had earlier accused prophet Ojagbohunmi of allegedly instigating some youth in the community under the guise of “prayer warriors” to destroy both private and public properties.

    The monarch, expressed surprise at the action of Ojagbohunmi whom he said was one of those who prophesied his emergence as king and paid him homage before declaring himself as
    General Overseer of the church.

    However in his swift reaction, Ojagbohunmi accused Oba Ajijo of imposing himself on the people of the coastal community.

    Ojagbohunmi who spoke through one of his aides, Victor Akinluwa, said he was unanimously ordained by the people of the community as their leader.

    He denied the report that he was breeding youth to revolt against the doctrines of the community.

  • ODSFA inaugurates seven-man technical committee

    The Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA) on Tuesday inaugurated a new technical committee for Sunshine Stars to ensure a better outing in the Nigeria Professional Football League.

    Speaking at the event in Akure, Chairman of ODSFA Interim Management Committee, Gbenga Elegbeleye, said members of the technical committee were carefully selected based on their proven track records and knowledge of the game.

    “We thank God for the journey so far and we appreciate the support we have received from the football family and the entire soccer loving people of the state.

    “Members of the technical committee are people with great knowledge of the game and we hope they will use their wealth of experience to take our darling team, Sunshine Stars to the next level,’’ he said.

    Responding, the Vice Chairman of the technical committee, Mr Steve Alabi said that members would work closely with the team’s technical crew led by Austin Eguavoen to achieve the desired results, describing the choice of Eguavoen as `perfect’.

    “We know what is at stake and we are ready to face the challenges, a great call to serve and by the grace of God and the support of all football stakeholders, we shall reach the promise land,” he said.

    ODSFA’s Technical Director, Sunday Erelesusi urged members of the technical committee to do their best for the team.

    The Technical Committee members include; Prince Tunde Ogunja as Chairman, while Chief Oyewole Ajidagba serves as Secretary and Mr Steve Alabi is the Vice Chairman.

    Other members of the committee are: Mr Dele Ogungbemi, Mr Fidelis Fabidun, Mr Yomi Ifabumuyi, and Mr Ayodele Clement.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Sunshine Stars have 24 points from 19 matches in the current soccer season in Nigeria.

  • INEC urges residents to collect unclaimed PVCs.  

    INEC urges residents to collect unclaimed PVCs.  

    The Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC)in Ondo state has urged those who registered in 2016 Continuous Voters Registration(CVR) and the ones preceeding it without claiming the Permanent Voter Cards(PVCs to come and collect them at INEC offices in the 18 local government areas of the state.

    About 380,000 cards yet to be collected are in the custody of INEC in the state.

    Speaking in Akure,the INEC State Administrative Secretary,Alhaji Kabir Omosanya noted that the step was the only prerequisite to exercise their franchise during elections.

    According to him,a credible register of voters is the bedrock of free,fair and credible elections,stressing that international best practices require that such a register must continuously be updated to enhance its quality and making electoral process more inclusive.

    Omosanya hailed the present regime of Prof Mahmud Yakubu at the INEC for ensuring that a vital statutory injunction is fulfilled.

    He noted that Section 9 to 12 of the 2010 Electoral Act(As Amended)directs INEC to compile,maintain and update on continuous basis a National Register of Voters.

    However the INEC officer observed that all along, the actualization of the statutory injunction has not been realized,stressing that what the Commission did in the past was to organize Voter Registration exercise as it was exigent before every election.

    He said the Voter Registry and Information Communication Technology(ICT)Department have worked out the best modality for the conduct of the exercise nationwide.

    Also,the Supervising National Commissioner for Ondo state,Dr Adekunle Ogunmola said the exercise would be all the year round.

    He charged leaders of political parties across the country to encourage their members to participate in the national assignment.

  • INEC Chief urges residents to collect unclaimed PVCs in Ondo

    INEC Chief urges residents to collect unclaimed PVCs in Ondo

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ondo state has urged those who registered in 2016 Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) and the ones preceeding it without claiming the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to come and collect them at INEC offices in the 18 local government areas of the state.

    About 380,000 cards yet to be collected are in the custody of INEC in the state.

    Speaking in Akure, the INEC State Administrative Secretary, Alhaji Kabir Omosanya noted that the step was the only prerequisite to exercise their franchise during elections.

    According to him, a credible register of voters is the bedrock of free, fair and credible elections, stressing that international best practices require that such a register must continuously be updated to enhance its quality and making electoral process more inclusive.

    Omosanya hailed the present regime of Prof Mahmud Yakubu at the INEC for ensuring that a vital statutory injunction is fulfilled.

    He noted that Section 9 to 12 of the 2010 Electoral Act (As Amended) directs INEC to compile, maintain and update on continuous basis a National Register of Voters.

    However the INEC officer observed that all along, the actualization of the statutory injunction has not been realized, stressing that what the Commission did in the past was to organize Voter Registration exercise as it was exigent before every election.

    He said the Voter Registry and Information Communication Technology (ICT) Department have worked out the best modality for the conduct of the exercise nationwide.

    Also, the Supervising National Commissioner for Ondo state, Dr Adekunle Ogunmola said the exercise would be all the year round.

    He charged leaders of political parties across the country to encourage their members to participate in the national assignment.

  • APC chieftain procure jamb form for applicants in Ondo

    The youth wing of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, under the aegis of Progressive Youth League(PYL)yesterday lauded the procurement of 100 JAMB  forms to applicants in Akure North local government.
    The coordinator of the group, Adebowale Akinlosotu who  praised a chieftain of the party,Dele Ologun for the gesture  said the youths are particularly proud of the politician for projecting the party’s image and representing the youths well.

    The group hailed the APC stalwart for complementing the effort of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, stressing that his  action has again demonstrated the readiness of APC led- administration to bring succor to all and sundry.

    It said “we have observed with keen interest the  passion of Ologun in development of youths and his
    commitment to projecting the APC in good image. “As youth group,  we are excited and proud to identify  with this party man,who himself is a youth”.

    PYL also commended him for keeping promises with party loyalists who stood with governor Akeredolu during the primary elections that ushered him into office.

    He said “We surely believe that this gesture is in line with the Akeredolu’s policy to give qualitative and free education to the good people of Ondo State.

    “We observe that you are really working in the direction of Akeredolu and we believe this kind of program  just needed to be sustained for many other less privileged to gain from it.

    “It is on record that the governor has a big plan for  the Youths and Students of Ondo State and we believe that  the Foundation is just supporting the good policy of this  new government”

    The group however urged other leaders from across the 18  Local Government of the state to key in into this  initiative for the betterment of Ondo State Youth.

     

  • Police arrest alleged kidnappers of septuagenarian 

    Police arrest alleged kidnappers of septuagenarian 

    The police in Ogun have arrested four suspected kidnappers of a 75-year-old woman, Wuraola Shittu.

    Shittu was kidnapped at Ibiade farm settlement in Ijebu Waterside on March 14.

    Towei Eduh, 31, Bikaramobowi, 17, Saturday Oti, 31 and Paymaster Efigga 30, all Ijaws from Arogbo in Ondo State, were apprehended by men of the state’s anti-kidnapping squad.

    It was gathered that the kidnappers invaded the settlement around 8pm and whisked the woman away.

    She was released several days after the kidnap after her family allegedly paid ransom.

    However, the police were said to have been on the trail of the criminals, who were eventually caught while on their way to Epe in Lagos to kodnap another victim.

    According to the command’s spokesman, Abimbola Oyeyemi, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), the suspects had assorted charms, masks and other dangerous weapons in their custody.

    He said: “Their kingpin, who they simply call ROY, is still on the run. Effort is on to get him arrested. Commissioner of Police Ahmed Iliyasu who commended the team on the arrest of the suspects, vowed that the state would not be conducive for kidnappers and other criminals.”