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Tag: Ondo state

  • Ondo govt bans Illegal levies in public schools, moves admissions to digital platform

    Ondo govt bans Illegal levies in public schools, moves admissions to digital platform

    Ahead of the 2025/2026 academic session, the Ondo state government has prohibited the illegal collection of levies in all public schools.

    The ban followed persistent calls from parents and education stakeholders for reforms in the state’s education sector.

    Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun announced the directive on Tuesday after a meeting with principals from the 18 local government areas of the state.

    Ajibefun said reports had revealed that many public schools were engaged in unapproved collections, warning that offenders would face serious sanctions.

    “It is now unlawful for any school to collect any amount without the ministry’s approval. We will not hesitate to sanction erring schools,” he said.

    He further disclosed that the government would digitise admissions for all public schools, with the ministry officially issuing admission letters. 

    The move, Ajibefun explained, would curb excess enrolment and improve supervision.

    “No school can go beyond its carrying capacity. Admissions will be digitised, and anyone who goes against this will be sanctioned,” he stressed.

    The commissioner also cautioned against lateness, absenteeism, cultism, vandalism, and unruly behaviour in schools, warning principals to restore discipline and uphold cultural values of respect.

    On examination malpractice, he decried students’ over-reliance on “expo” and vowed that the government would revive the reading culture across schools.

    “There won’t be cheating in any of our schools. We will come up with strategies to combat this, and schools found culpable will be sanctioned,” Ajibefun said

    In her remarks, Dr. Fadekemi Jogbodo, President of the All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), welcomed the reforms, describing them as long overdue.

    She pledged the support of principals in implementing the policies while urging the government to involve security agencies, sensitise parents, and prioritise teachers’ welfare.

    “We are pleading for the promotion of principals to Grade Level 17, the recognition of outstanding teachers, recruitment of ICT instructors, and infrastructural development. With collaborative leadership, these reforms will succeed,” Jogbodo assured.

  • Ondo will maintain status as top cocoa producer in Nigeria, says Aiyedatiwa

    Ondo will maintain status as top cocoa producer in Nigeria, says Aiyedatiwa

    Ondo state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the state retains its position as Nigeria’s leading cocoa producer.

    The governor made this known in Akure while inaugurating members of the Ondo State Strategic Committee for European Union Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR) Compliance.

    Speaking at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office, Aiyedatiwa noted that Ondo accounts for about 40 percent of Nigeria’s cocoa production, making it the largest cocoa-producing state in the country.

    He explained that the inauguration of the committee, which draws stakeholders from across the cocoa value chain – farmers, exporters, processors, and commodity associations – marks a significant step toward aligning the state’s cocoa industry with international sustainability standards.

    The governor also disclosed that the EU regulation, which comes into effect on December 30, 2025, prohibits the sale of cocoa, coffee, oil palm, and other agricultural products linked to deforestation in European markets.

    “Nigeria is the fourth-largest cocoa exporter in Africa, while Ondo State accounts for about 40 percent of national output.

    “With around 60 percent of our farmers engaged in cocoa cultivation, and many others in processing, warehousing, marketing, and transportation, our cocoa sector could be at risk if we fail to prepare for EUDR compliance,” Aiyedatiwa warned.

    He urged the committee to engage in broad stakeholder consultations and design strategies that would position Ondo cocoa for global competitiveness.

    The governor also commended exporters and processors who have already invested in polygon mapping, agroforestry practices, and sustainability initiatives ahead of the deadline.

    While pledging his administration’s continued support for agroforestry and forest restoration, Aiyedatiwa lauded President Bola Tinubu for approving the draft bill to establish the National Cocoa Management Board (NCMB), which he said would regulate and promote sustainable growth in the subsector.

    In his remarks, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Engr. Leye Akinola applauded the governor’s foresight, stressing that the committee would work vigorously to meet its goals.

    He expressed confidence that, with cooperation, Ondo could achieve in 90 days what took countries like Cameroon four years to accomplish.

    Read Also: Ondo tertiary institution workers lament unpaid salaries, appeal to Aiyedatiwa

    “Cocoa is the backbone of our state’s economy, and with the governor’s support, we are confident of boosting production, increasing revenue, and strengthening Ondo’s place as Nigeria’s cocoa leader,” Akinola said.

    Also speaking, the National President of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN), Mr. Adeola Adegoke, pledged the association’s full cooperation with the state government.

    He stressed the need to produce deforestation-free cocoa to protect the environment, secure global market access, and sustain farmers’ livelihoods.

    Adegoke urged stakeholders to embrace agroforestry and data-driven mapping systems already introduced by exporters, noting that such measures would not only ensure compliance with the EUDR but also guarantee long-term environmental sustainability.

  • Ondo committed to improved welfare, security of corps members, says Aiyedatiwa

    Ondo committed to improved welfare, security of corps members, says Aiyedatiwa

    Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and security of members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in the state.

    The governor gave the assurance during the closing ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream 1 Orientation Course, held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Ikare-Akoko on Tuesday.

    Represented by the NYSC State Coordinator, Kuburat Omowumi Bakare, Governor Aiyedatiwa said his government remained committed to youth empowerment, development, and welfare.

    He promised the corps members serving in the state a peaceful and conducive environment to carry out their national service and make meaningful contributions.

    The governor also urged them to remain law-abiding, security-conscious, and conduct themselves in ways that reflect positively on their families, institutions, and the NYSC scheme.

    He further reminded the corps members that they are ambassadors of unity, peace, and development both in the state and the country as a whole.

    “Allow your conduct to reflect the values instilled in you during the orientation course. Be proactive, embrace your host communities, identify areas of need, and contribute to community development initiatives.

    Read Also: 2027: Aiyedatiwa convenes advisory council meeting

    “By doing so, you will not only leave positive footprints but also promote national unity and integration,” Aiyedatiwa said.

    The governor also encouraged the corps members to take full advantage of the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, urging them to pursue ventures that will make them self-reliant after their service year.

    While highlighting the roles of community leaders and stakeholders, Aiyedatiwa appealed for their continuous support, love, and protection of corps members.

    “Embrace them as your own and provide the enabling environment they need to thrive,” he added.

  • Ondo APC group donates cash to hospital patients 

    Ondo APC group donates cash to hospital patients 

    A group under the Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Independent Consultancy Council (ICC), has concluded its outreach programme with a visit to the community hospital in Okeagbe, Akoko North-West Local Government Area.

    Led by its leader, Olumide Aliu, and chairman, Femi Oloruntoba, the group distributed cash gifts to patients at the hospital over the weekend as part of efforts to ease their pains and bring relief.

    Aliu explained that the gesture was meant to put smiles on the faces of the patients despite its modest nature.

    “As a group allied to the APC, we decided to help ease the pains of these patients by giving them a token. This may truly not be enough to take away their pains, but we are convinced that it will help them in a way,” he said.

    He added that ICC remains committed to contributing its quota to community development and supporting humanitarian initiatives in the state.

    Read Also: NDC Commandant calls for critical thinking to solve Nigeria’s security challenges 

    “The ICC’s efforts to reach out to the community and provide support to those in need are truly commendable. As the organization continues to work towards the betterment of Okeagbe and its people, we can expect to see positive changes in the community.”

    Meanwhile, in a statement released after their meeting, the ICC described the programme as significant milestone.

    “Our meeting was a resounding success. It marked a significant milestone in our commitment to community development. It also attracted a large turnout by members of the organization from Akoko and beyond, underscoring the ICC’s growing influence and reach.

    “With its commitment to community development, outreach, and leadership, the ICC is poised to make a lasting impact on Okeagbe and beyond. As the organization continues to grow and expand its reach, we can expect to see even more innovative initiatives and programs that benefit the community.”

  • Herders invade farms in Ondo

    Herders invade farms in Ondo

    Tension has gripped Ipogun community in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State, following the alleged invasion of farms by herdsmen, who reportedly allowed their cattle to destroy crops worth over N20million.

    The Nation gathered that the incident, which occurred on July 5 and 6, led to the destruction of maize, cassava, plantain, vegetables and yams planted in large commercial quantities.

    Confirming the destruction on the farmland, one of the affected farmers, Tunde Fawoyi, who spoke yesterday, described the situation as ‘devastating’ due to the financial resources committed to the farms.

    He highlighted the huge money, time and human resources invested in the farming venture.

    Fawoyi said a protest letter had been written to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to intervene, to prevent conflicts or further destruction of farms.

    Adefila Solomon, another victim whose yam and cassava farms were destroyed, appealed to Governor Aiyedatiwa to compensate the affected farmers for the “heinous acts” allegedly committed by the herders.

    Read Also: Shettima commissions FGs ultra-modern ICT hub, two state aircraft in Cross River

    In a copy of the letter dated July 10, 2025, the farmers said they wrote the security agencies in the state demanding that compensation be paid to them, but were yet to see any action or arrest of the suspects.

    They called Amotekun Corps in the letter to urgently intervene to prevent herdsmen/farmers clashes at Oke Ose, Ipogun in Ifedore Local Government.

    Contacted, Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Olaleye Akinola, condemned the destruction of the farms, vowing to investigate the matter.

    He said the state government was taking action to prevent reprisal by the indigenes.

    Appealing to stakeholders to cooperate with the administration of Governor Aiyedatiwa in tackling insecurity affecting farmers, Akinola added that the government would continue to provide necessary assistance, including adequate security, to farmers across the state.

  • JUST IN: Suspected abductors of AAUA staff nabbed while sharing ransom in Ondo forest

    JUST IN: Suspected abductors of AAUA staff nabbed while sharing ransom in Ondo forest

    A gang of three suspected kidnappers of a staff member of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, Omoniyi Eleyinmi, has been nabbed, the Nation can report.

    The suspects were apprehended in the early hours of Monday while allegedly sharing the ransom collected from the families of Eleyinmi for his release.

    The fresh development is coming barely 24 hours after the staff member of the state-owned university regained freedom following the payment of an undisclosed ransom to set him free.

    In a viral video posted on social media, it was gathered that the suspects were nabbed inside a thick forest in Ago Panu, a village and settlement between the Oba Akoko and Owo area of the state.

    It is not immediately clear if they were nabbed by security agencies or local hunters.

    Olayinka Ayanlade, the spokesman for the Ondo state Police Command, could not immediately be reached for comments when contacted by our reporter.

    A text message seeking reactions over the update was yet to be delivered as of the time of filing this report.

    Eleyinmi, a faculty officer in the department of education at the AAUA, was released by his captors on Sunday, nearly a week after his abduction.

    A colleague of the university staff, who pleaded anonymity, had confirmed his release via a phone.

    Also, a family source who spoke in confidence disclosed that Eleyinmi was freed after the payment of a substantial ransom.

    Recall that the victim was abducted last Monday while returning to his Supare-Akoko residence from work.

    He was seized by the gunmen, who had laid an ambush at his home, firing sporadically as he stepped down from a commercial motorcycle, which he rode home from the office, before whisking him away.

    Sources said the kidnappers initially demanded N100 million from the family but later reduced it to N7 million after negotiations.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Abducted AAUA staff regains freedom

    Moved by the development, the AAUA Alumni Association – of which Eleyinmi is a member – immediately launched an appeal for donations to raise the ransom.

    The association’s Global Publicity Secretary, O’Seun Ogunsakin, asked the members and Nigerians to donate within 24 hours to secure his release, providing a Polaris Bank account for contributions.

    “Distinguished Alumni, I am sure that the majority of you must have heard the news of the kidnapping of one of us, Niyi Eleyinmi, who is the Faculty Officer of the Faculty of Education, AAUA.

    “Eleyinmi was kidnapped on Monday, and the kidnappers have demanded a sum of seven million Naira (N7,000,000). It is on this note that I want to passionately appeal to you to donate towards securing the safe release of Niyi from his captors,” he said in a statement. 

  • Fed Govt disburses ₦250,000 grants to MSMEs in Ondo

    Fed Govt disburses ₦250,000 grants to MSMEs in Ondo

    The Federal Government on Tuesday disbursed ₦250,000 each in unconditional grants to outstanding small business owners in Ondo State, as Vice President Kashim Shettima launched the 7th edition of the Expanded National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Clinics in Akure.

    The grants, according to the Vice President, are a practical demonstration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to building a thriving and inclusive economy by empowering grassroots entrepreneurs.

    “This is not a loan. It is a gift from the Nigerian people, through their government, to the champions of local industry. We see you, we value you, and we believe in your journey”, Senator Shettima declared at the event, which attracted state governors, traditional rulers, and business stakeholders.

    Describing MSMEs as the “silent architects of survival” and “the pulse of every community,” the Vice President said their empowerment remains central to the economic policy of the Renewed Hope administration, especially as they account for over 90 percent of businesses in Nigeria, contribute more than 45 percent to GDP, and employ over 60 million Nigerians.

    “This administration is deliberate in walking the talk, and one of the ways we do so is through platforms such as the MSME Clinics, conceived to draw the Federal Government closer to the creators of jobs, the innovators, the dreamers who make things happen in our communities,” he added.

    The MSME Clinics, initiated to provide direct interface between small businesses and relevant government agencies, also serve as platforms for problem-solving and partnership building, Shettima said. 

    According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, he noted that the Ondo edition offers small business operators a unique opportunity to engage directly with regulators, financial institutions, and support organisations.

    In addition to the ₦250,000 grants for exhibiting MSMEs at the Clinics, the Vice President highlighted other federal interventions under the Tinubu administration. 

    These include the ₦75 billion MSME Intervention Fund administered by the Bank of Industry; the ₦50 billion Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme targeting one million nano businesses across all 774 local government areas; and the ₦75 billion Manufacturers Fund that enables manufacturers to access up to ₦1 billion in loans at a 9 percent interest rate.

    “These interventions are not theories or wishful thinking. They are real-time, face-to-face, problem-solving solutions for small business challenges,” Shettima said.

    He urged small business owners to take full advantage of the Clinics by engaging the agencies present, asking questions, and leveraging the platforms to elevate their enterprises.

    The event also featured a tour of a product exhibition by MSME operators from across Ondo State and beyond, led by Vice President Shettima and accompanied by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, and other dignitaries.

    In his remarks, Governor Aiyedatiwa reiterated his administration’s alignment with the federal government’s MSME agenda. He said Ondo’s seven-point development plan places strong emphasis on empowering small businesses, with successes recorded in agriculture, fashion, and light manufacturing.

    “Your presence here today demonstrates your unwavering commitment to the development of our state and key sectors of our nation’s economy. Your interest in promoting MSMEs across Nigeria has changed the fortunes and stories of small businesses”, the governor told the Vice President.

    Also speaking, Governor Oyebanji hailed the Clinics initiative as a first-of-its-kind effort by any government in Nigeria to directly connect small business operators with facilitators of growth.

    In a goodwill message, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, acknowledged the contributions of the Tinubu administration and the Ondo State government to MSME development. 

    He called on all stakeholders to promote made-in-Nigeria products as a strategic way to support young entrepreneurs and grow the local economy.

    The Director General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Mr. Charles Odii, noted that the Clinics have been instrumental in actualising the federal government’s MSME agenda, with positive feedback from participants at previous editions.

    Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, the Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, also lauded the programme’s impact, assuring that the Ondo edition would be no different.

    Earlier in the day, Vice President Shettima paid a courtesy visit to the Ondo State Council of Chiefs, where he was warmly received by the traditional rulers led by the Chairman, Oba (Dr) Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III.

    During the visit, the VP commended the traditional institution for its support of the administration’s reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy. 

    Read Also: Ondo trains 100 livestock farmers on safety to boost food security

    He said President Tinubu had taken difficult but necessary decisions to reposition the economy, including addressing issues like multiple taxation and investing in infrastructure such as the Lagos-Badagry-Calabar Highway.

    “The President, being a son of the South West, is a man of courage who means well for traditional institutions,” Shettima told the council.

    In response, Oba Ogunoye praised the President for ending the fuel subsidy regime, stating that it has freed up resources that are now being channelled into critical sectors of the economy. 

    He pledged the continued support of the traditional rulers for both the federal and Ondo State governments.

    The MSME Clinic in Akure is the seventh in the expanded series initiated under the Tinubu administration. 

  • Ondo trains 100 livestock farmers on safety to boost food security

    Ondo trains 100 livestock farmers on safety to boost food security

    As part of efforts to enhance food security, the Ondo state government on Tuesday trained 100 livestock farmers on precautionary measures and safety management practices to improve productivity and protect lives.

    The four-day training, organised in partnership with the World Bank and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, aimed to promote productivity and efficiency within the state’s livestock farming systems.

    Speaking at the programme themed “Occupational Health and Safety Workshop for Livestock Farmers/Stakeholders in the Ondo State L-PRES Project,” the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Leye Akinola, described the initiative as a vital component of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s agenda to drive food security and agricultural development.

    Mr Akinola, represented by the Director of the Animal Husbandry Services Department, Mr. Ojo Raphael, said the trained farmers were drawn from the 18 local government areas of the state.

    He stressed the important role they play in ensuring food security, generating income, and stimulating rural development, noting that livestock farming comes with numerous occupational risks and hazards.

    “We interact more with animals than anyone else. We are exposed to various risks – animals that may kick, bite, or transmit zoonotic diseases, harsh weather, chemicals, dust, noise, and physically demanding work,” he said.

    “Unfortunately, these dangers are often overlooked and accepted as part of the job, resulting in preventable injuries and even fatalities.”

    He emphasized that occupational health and safety should not be seen as a financial burden, but as a critical investment in farmers’ wellbeing, the quality of the food supply, and the long-term sustainability of the livestock sector.

    “Safety is not optional but necessary. Training creates awareness, and awareness breeds habit. This workshop must not be a one-off,” he added.

    The Commissioner called for continuous training and awareness campaigns focusing on areas such as safe animal handling, machinery use, disease prevention, and biosecurity.

    Also speaking, the State Programme Coordinator of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (Ondo L-PRES), Mr. Olufemi Adeogun, explained that the beneficiaries were randomly selected from all 18 local government areas.

    Adeogun said the L-PRES is a six-year intervention by the World Bank through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, with the Project Development Objective (PDO) of improving productivity, commercialisation, and resilience of targeted livestock systems.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Police confirm abduction of AAUA senior staff in Ondo

    He highlighted the importance of timely disease reporting and public health awareness, stressing the importance of global relevance of occupational safety.

    “Some farmers fail to report outbreaks like bird flu, which poses health risks to the general public. We must prioritise both personal and public health.

    “Every day, millions of people go to work expecting to return home safely. Sadly, that’s not always the case due to preventable workplace injuries and fatalities.

    “Occupational Health and Safety is not just about ticking boxes or passing inspections – it’s about valuing life and fostering a culture of shared responsibility,” Mr Adeogun. 

  • Aiyedatiwa to host Ondo-born Super Falcons star, officials after WAFCON triumph

    Aiyedatiwa to host Ondo-born Super Falcons star, officials after WAFCON triumph

    Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is set to host indigenes of the state who were part of Nigeria’s victorious Super Falcons squad at the just-concluded 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) tournament.

    The Super Falcons clinched their historic 10th continental title a fortnight ago, defeating host nation Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses in a thrilling final in Rabat.

    As part of celebrations to honour the state’s contribution to the national team’s success, Governor Aiyedatiwa will receive Super Falcons defender, Tosin Demehin, alongside two officials of the team who also hail from Ondo State.

    According to a statement released on Monday by the media office of the Ondo State Football Association (FA), the event is scheduled to hold at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office, Alagbaka, Akure, this evening.

    Read Also: Court restrains Aiyedatiwa from appointing, installing monarch in Ondo community

    “Super Falcons defender, Tosin Demehin, will be hosted alongside two officials of the Super Falcons team who are of Ondo State origin,” the statement read.

    The Super Falcons’ victory has sparked nationwide celebrations, with many Nigerians praising the team for their unwavering resilience, discipline, and determination throughout the tournament – a performance that once again cemented Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football. 

  • Gunmen open fire on Amotekun corps attempting rescue of seven abducted farmers in Ondo

    Gunmen open fire on Amotekun corps attempting rescue of seven abducted farmers in Ondo

    •Abductors reduce ransom to N20m

    Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, has confirmed that three of its operatives sustained serious injuries during a gun battle with suspected kidnappers who recently abducted seven farmers.

    The farmers were reportedly seized over the weekend while working on their farmland in the Itaogbolu axis of Akure North Local Government Area.

    The victims were said to have been harvesting palm fruits when the assailants struck.

    According to family sources, the kidnappers have contacted them and are demanding a N100 million ransom for the release of the abductees.

    Read Also: How bio technology can tackle Nigeria’s food crisis, by clerics, experts

    Addressing reporters yesterday in Akure, the state Commander of Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, confirmed that his men came under heavy gunfire during a rescue launched to free the kidnapped farmers.

    “We caught up with the kidnappers on Tuesday, but they opened fire on us. Three of my men were severely injured and almost killed in the process,” Adeleye stated.

    He also said the operatives engaged the assailants in a fierce gun duel in a forest and that the corps remains determined to secure the safe return of the victims.

    “We are hot on their trail and will not rest until the farmers are rescued. We are camped in the bush; that is where we sleep. By God’s grace, we will get them out,” he assured.

    Adeleye emphasised that no fatalities were recorded during the shootout and reassured the public of Amotekun’s commitment to combating kidnapping and other criminals across the state.

     The abductors have reduced the ransom to N20milion, according to a source.