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Tag: ONDO

  • Suspected cannabis cultivators nabbed in Ondo

    In an effort to fight the menace of hard drugs, the Ondo State government has handed over 14 people who allegedly encroached  its forests and two suspected cannabis cultivators with 16 bags of the illicit drugs to the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the state.

    The state Commissioner for Natural Resources, Mr Tunde Atere who handed the suspects to the agency said they were arrested by officials of his ministry with the aid of the Task Force set up by the state government.

    The commissioner disclosed that one of the suspects, Hammed Musa hails from Bama in  Borno state and the other, Sunday Samuel hails from Ebonyi state.

    He said the arrest was part of the ministry’s efforts aimed at preventing encroachment on government’s land and to prevent cannabis cultivation in the state.

    The commissioner said the suspects were arrested in Owo reserve at about 12 midnight, adding that the 14 cultivators are already in police custody undergoing interrogation. He expressed the readiness of the Ministry to rid its reserves in Ala, Ose and Owo of illegal activities of  hemp cultivators.

    Atere who said that it took the officials of the ministry over seven hours in the forest to arrest the suspects, noted that three other suspects arrested last year in Ala forest reserve with 95 bags of cannabis have also been handed over to NDLEA officials for investigation.

     

  • Schools open in Lagos Kogi, Delta, Ondo

    Schools open in Lagos Kogi, Delta, Ondo

    Private schools in Lagos State resumed yesterday, despite the state’s  postponement of resumption till October 8.

    However, it appears there is a division within the ranks of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Lagos State chapter.

    Private schools under the umbrella of the Association of Formidable Educational Development (AFED) resumed yesterday, despite the decision of their public schools counterparts not to resume.

    Amid uncertainty, following the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), pupils in Kogi State returned to school yesterday after about three months holidays.

    The government has begun distribution of preventive materials to schools across the 21 local governments.

    Items distributed included soaps, buckets with tap heads, thermometers and hand gloves.

    The Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Agnes Okai, told The Nation that the measure formed part of a plan to re-introduce personal hygiene in schools.

    Her words: “We are also providing these in the rural areas where tap water is rare. They have motorised borehole and they can fill these buckets and pupils can wash their hands and, by so doing, the culture of hygiene will return to our schools and colleges.

    “Besides Ebola, the plan of the Federal Government is for the culture of hygiene to return to our schools and colleges.”

    Public and private schools in Delta State complied yesterday with the September 22 resumption date, as schools were reopened.

    Teachers and pupils were seen in classes, although serious academic work had not begun.

    A teacher, who asked for anonymity, hailed the government for keeping to the resumption date. She said the state was free from EVD.

    She, however, advised  the government to provide water in public schools to promote hygiene.

    Public and private primary and secondary schools resumed yesterday in the 18 local governments in Ondo State, in compliance with government’s directive.

    However, not all schools had the necessary preventive materials to prevent EVD.

  • ‘PDP can not intimidate APC in Ondo’

    ‘PDP can not intimidate APC in Ondo’

    House of Representatives aspirant in Akoko Southeast/Southwest Constituency Hon. Temidayo Adejuwon is a chieftain of the  All Progressives Congress (APC). He told  DELE ANOFI that the party will bounce back in Ondo State in next year’s elections.

    Why did you join the APC, instead of the LP, despite the fact that the LP is the ruling party in Ondo State?

    If we are to examine governance in this country and, if we are not going to deceive ourselves, it is not difficult to see that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has not impacted positively on the majority of Nigeria. As for Ondo State, the LP that has now turned to the PDP that has been in government since 2007 can not also boast of succeeding in turning round the fortunes of this state or empowering the teeming masses of this state. In view of this and in the context of Nigerian politics, it is easy to align with the bandwagon and go with the ruling party, but, if politics is about service, then, the most sensible thing is to go with the progressives where such dreams can be realised.

    Yes, I am involved in active politics and in 2015, I am contesting for the  Federal House of Representatives seat for Akoko Southeast and Akoko Southwest constituency of Ondo State under the All Progressives Congress  (APC). I choose  House of Representatives  because I believe that, if right laws are made and the nation’s constitutions are written  well in a way to move the nation forward, then, the executive has no option but to abide and conform within the ambience of the laws. So, I have chosen to be part of a group of people that will reason  and write a formidable and good constitutions and legislate excellent laws that can help take Nigeria to the promised land and, with my leaders backing me and the electorate from my Constituency backing me, I know, I will be there to contribute my own quota of moving Nigeria forward. Besides, if my constituency has seen the kind of development we were hoping for, there would have been no need for me to contest but support the incumbent lawmaker. Unfortunately, we are not getting the requisite quality representation we were hoping for. I am not intimidated. I believe the people know what is good for them and that is why I am going into this.

    Are you saying that politicians are responsible for under-developing this country?

    On the issue that politicians are under developing the nation, I don’t subscribe to that. Though it is a fact that some politicians are  bad and corrupt, but some politicians are good too. I think it is about individual differences and my  candid advise is that politicians should choose to be trail blazers and achievers, whose impact will always be found and visibly seen on the sand of time. after all, the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s legacies are still here with us even though he has been dead for decades now. Politicians can be good and politicians can develop the nation.

    You are a youth. What value have the youths added to politics in this country?

    No doubt, the youths of this country constitute a large number of the electorate. To the best of my knowledge, youths have been casting their votes well, but I will rather advise the youths to change their voting pattern now. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led federal government has been in power since the days of former President Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 no. Nigeria has not witnessed any fundamental growth, either with respect to economic growth, educational growth or improvement in the lives of the citizens. Instead, it has been case of hunger and increment in crime rate because the youths are jobless and unemployed. So, I will rather advise the youth who are the larger part of the electorate

    to change their voting pattern by not voting for the ruling PDP  in the 2015 election. The youths should vote for the opposition  All Progressives Congress (APC) so that we can have a change  and Nigerians can have a clean breath and a fresh government that can usher in peace, progress and advancement for the country.

    How can the youths be properly mobilised for political action?

    The youth of this country can get it right in the political arena when we have a holistic and complete change of orientation. Ordinarily, each generation has peculiarities and this generation that I belong to, the most challenging task we have is the task of rebuilding Nigeria. We need to cultivate the Idea and believe that we belong to a Nehemiah generation. In the Bible, Nehemiah was the man that allowed himself to be used by God to rebuild the broken and fallen wall of Jerusalem. Things are so bad in Nigeria today that the countrymen have lost hope. But, amidst all of these,  a new era will come up in Nigeria and we will witness economy buoyancy and crime and insecurity will end. virtually all our government schools both tertiary and secondary school are now shadows of their past. Our health institutions are in shambles. Boko Haram and other national menace can become history, if we  rebuild Nigeria because that is the only option we are left with.

  • Kwara, Ondo direct schools to open Monday

    Kwara, Ondo direct schools to open Monday

    he Kwara State government has directed primary and secondary schools to resume on Monday.

    The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) had directed itsmembers not to resume, until their demands on the control of the Ebola Viral Disease (EVD) were met.

    The Commissioner for Education, Saka Onimago, asked all schools to provide basic hygiene materials, such as washing bowls, soap and towels.

    Onimago, in a statement, directed two teachers from each school to undergo training on Ebola prevention, adding that the programme would begin as soon as the federal ministries of Health and Education provide the necessary facilities.

    He said the new school fees of N750 per term had been fixed for senior secondary schools, N500 for junior secondary and N250 for primary schools.

    Also, the Ondo State government has directed all public and private schools to resume on Monday.

    Commissioner for Information Kayode Akinmade, in a statement, said the government has made provision for the safe return of pupils to their schools.

    He said the state has lined up activities to sensitise the public, headteachers and teachers on how to prevent the disease.

    The statement said scanners would be distributed to schools for early detection of contagious diseases.

    The statement said meeting and sensitisation are on-going among education and health officials as well as stakeholders in the primary and secondary education system.

     Akinmade said government has also brought in a disinfection expert from the United Kingdom to train in the prevention of the disease.

    But in Niger State, the government has fixed October 10 for the resumption for all schools.

    The government said the new date was informed by the Eid-el-Kabir festival expected to hold in the first week of October.

    The new date was announced when Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu received a delegation of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the West African Examination Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO) in his office yesterday.

    Aliyu said mostpupils would want to celebrate the festival with their parents, hence the September 22 date will not work.

    “Most of the children will want to witness the slaughtering of rams and participate in other post-Sallah festivities,” Aliyu said.

    He said fixing the resumption date for Friday would enable pupils in boarding schools to tidy their surroundings for classes to begin on Monday.

  • Kwara, Ondo direct schools to open Monday

    Kwara, Ondo direct schools to open Monday

    The Kwara State government has directed primary and secondary schools to resume on Monday.

    The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) had directed itsmembers not to resume, until their demands on the control of the Ebola Viral Disease (EVD) were met.

    The Commissioner for Education, Saka Onimago, asked all schools to provide basic hygiene materials, such as washing bowls, soap and towels.

    Onimago, in a statement, directed two teachers from each school to undergo training on Ebola prevention, adding that the programme would begin as soon as the federal ministries of Health and Education provide the necessary facilities.

    He said the new school fees of N750 per term had been fixed for senior secondary schools, N500 for junior secondary and N250 for primary schools.

    Also, the Ondo State government has directed all public and private schools to resume on Monday.

    Commissioner for Information Kayode Akinmade, in a statement, said the government has made provision for the safe return of pupils to their schools.

    He said the state has lined up activities to sensitise the public, headteachers and teachers on how to prevent the disease.

    The statement said scanners would be distributed to schools for early detection of contagious diseases.

    The statement said meeting and sensitisation are on-going among education and health officials as well as stakeholders in the primary and secondary education system.

     Akinmade said government has also brought in a disinfection expert from the United Kingdom to train in the prevention of the disease.

    But in Niger State, the government has fixed October 10 for the resumption for all schools.

    The government said the new date was informed by the Eid-el-Kabir festival expected to hold in the first week of October.

    The new date was announced when Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu received a delegation of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the West African Examination Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO) in his office yesterday.

    Aliyu said mostpupils would want to celebrate the festival with their parents, hence the September 22 date will not work.

    “Most of the children will want to witness the slaughtering of rams and participate in other post-Sallah festivities,” Aliyu said.

    He said fixing the resumption date for Friday would enable pupils in boarding schools to tidy their surroundings for classes to begin on Monday.

  • Water spill sacks Ondo community

    Water spill sacks Ondo community

    Indigenes of Ilaje local government area of Ondo State are pleading with government at all levels and oil companies to come to their aid following a tidewater spill from two rivers in the area which had destroyed no fewer than 200 houses and property worth millions of naira. LEKE AKEREDOLU reports.

    For one month running now, residents of Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje local government area of Ondo State have been battling with a natural disaster that has rendered over 1000 people homeless following a spill of tidewater from Oluwa and Ofala Rivers which surrounds the riverside community.

    The water had submerged several houses, including the palace of the community’s monarch, Olu of Igbokoda, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo, and that of the State Commissioner of Environment, Chief Sola Ebiseni. Others houses affected include those of the Caretaker Chairman of Ilaje local government, Hon, Soji Ayenuro, Chief Olusola Oke mother’s house, houses of former NDDC Commissioner, Dr, Ibukun Omotehinse and Hon, Tunde Ayemo.

    Already, Ilaje people, who are naturally living on water have adapted to the disaster as some of them now paddle canoes to their various homes. Children could be seen swimming inside the water  when  The Nation went to the area.

    About 15 quarters have so far been affected. They include Ebiseni Avenue, GRA, Kofawe, Orikiti, Ilu-Church, Up Market, Larada, Kugbene among others.

    It was observed that those who could not withstand the disaster have  relocated to neighbouring communities.

    The river‘s surge has been described by residents as a recurring disaster that happens every 10 to 15 years in the community.

    But, this year’s experience has been described as the worst since the existence of the community.

    According to the Council Chairman, Ayenuro and the Commissioner for Environment, Ebiseni, they have provided accommodation at Holy Trinity Secondary School and Igbokoda High School for those whose homes have been submerged in water.

    Ebiseni, who spoke with The Nation on phone, said the disaster was caused by climate change that normally occurs in the community.

    He noted that Igbokoda was a confluence town between Oluwa and Ofala Rivers, describing the situation as unfortunate.

    He added that his ministry and the council have immediately responded to the disaster by providing accommodation for the victims at Holy Trinity Secondary School and Igbokoda High School.

    Ayenuro, said the community has been taken over by flood due to the fact that all the water channels have been  blocked, adding that with the assistance of Governor Olusegun Mimiko, all that could change.

    The Council boss lamented the attitude of his people who normally empty their wastes and sand into the gutters, thereby preventing free flow of water.

    Ayenuro warned that the natural disaster must not be linked to government neglect of the community, stressing that Mimiko’s administration has impacted a lot on the riverside areas in the state.

    He affirmed that there was no irrigation in the age-long road of Igbokoda which he said could have helped in diverting the water from entering various homes.

    “As you know, Igbokoda is a metropolitan area in Ilaje local government area. More than 80 percent of the habitants of this local government have been affected by the flood.

    “The Olugbo of Ugbo land, Oba Fredrick Akinruntan was here few hours ago to sympathize with me but the reason why I am happy is that when we were appointed, Mr. Governor told us to reside with our people so that the caring heart programme of the state government could be extended to the grassroots.

    “Having been a partaker of this disaster now, I am always happy anytime they call on me that ‘Chairman come and check at my own building,’ I will also tell them to come to my own house and see what the water has destroyed in my place. This is telling you that our government is above all this capitalist agenda.

    “For the past few weeks now, I have been trying my best to make relief materials available for those who have no place to stay. I have created a particular building for them in the council so that they will continue to manage the place. I have seen a man who has seven family members now managing a kiosk. This is really unfortunate.

    “We are calling on government at Federal and State levels, Oil Companies, NDDC and OSOPADEC to come to our aid, and bring us out of this mess. My people are suffering and we are appealing that these people should quickly intervene and save us” Ayenuro said.

  • Ondo signs MoU with IITA

    The Ondo State government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, for the training of 280 graduates on cassava planting.

    Commissioner for Information Kayode Akinmade said the government would embark on the cultivation of cassava for commercial and domestic purposes.

    Akinmade said the government’s aim was to create jobs for youths.

    He said the participants have been engaged in the cultivation of a 1,000-hectare farm at the Ore Agro Business City, which also has maize and rice plantations.

    Akinmade said the programme was part of efforts by the Olusegun Mimiko-led administration to tackle unemployment, promote food security and agricultural development in the state.

  • Mimiko’s defection alters 2015 calculation in Ondo

    Mimiko’s defection alters 2015 calculation in Ondo

  • Ondo APC faults plan to recruit teachers

    Ondo APC faults plan to recruit teachers

    The Ondo State Chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday criticised the move by the government to recruit 2,000 teachers, describing it as a mirage and another way of deceiving the people.

    The party said:”If 2,000 qualified teachers are genuinely recruited in the highly-publicised recruitment plan of the government, and not the usual chicanery, trickery and media propaganda of the Mimiko-led administration, then the Dr Olusegun Mimiko-led administration would have scored a point,  truly beneficial to the people, since inception in February 24,2009.

    “But, what Ondo State people has witnessed, since February, 2009, in the scope of employment and empowerment, are nepotism, discrimination and partisanship. Friends and families of the governor are being smuggled through the backdoor into the state’s Civil Service Commission, while bristling population of the unemployed youths are left in the eternal joblessness by the Mimiko-led administration. Sacking and retrenchment of workers on flimsy excuses are common.

    “Therefore, the people of Ondo State were astonished that a government that has abandoned them for almost six uneventful years suddenly announced its intention to recruit 2,000 teachers. Is this August recruitment a bid to shore up the dwindling popularity of the government?

    “For record purposes, the last time Ondo State people witnessed mass and genuine recruitment into the Civil Service precedes the Mimiko era. Also, the need to boost the Teaching Service Commission with over 10,000 teachers has been at the fore of developmental discourse since 2009.

    “The government has incisive recommendations to this effect, but chose to do absolutely nothing. Why did it take the Mimiko-led administration almost six years to announce recruitment plan, despite the huge revenue allocations to the state?

    “If it takes the government six years to embark on recruitment exercise, how many years will it take the same government to finally get the teachers into the classrooms to teach our children? The mixed feelings that welcomed the recruitment plan from the people of Ondo State is understandable in view of the antecedents of the government.

    “Will this government not give the prospective 2,000 teachers the treatment it gave to the workers in the 18 local governments areas, recruited under Mr Governor’s supervision, through the backdoor, few months to the election in the 2012? Those workers were consequently tagged ghost workers and sacked immediately after the re-election of Mr Governor.”

  • Fed Govt, Ondo fight over control of taxes

    There is a cold war between the Ministry of Mines and Steel and the Ondo State government over multiple taxations levied on members of the Quarry Owners Association (QOA).

    The ministry is against the N3, 000 charge levied on the quarry owners by the state government.

    There was a verbal confrontation between leadership of the quarry union and officials the state government for allegedly preventing trucks from moving out of the quarry depot on Akure-Owo Expressway.

    Speaking with reporters, the association’s Vice-Chairman, Jimoh Ojo, said the union would never comply with the state government’s directive.

    Ojo said their businesses had been affected by multiple taxes levied on them by the state government, adding that the matter is before the court.

    The  Director, Ministry of Mines and Steel, Opeyemi Fadare, said only the Federal Government has the right to collect tax on the minerals.

    He cautioned state officials to stop harassing members of the union, saying the step taken by the government was an act of exploitation and a way of increasing cost of building.

    The leader of the consultancy team representing the state government on the issue, Mr. Akinfaderin Oye, said the government has the constitutional right to collect tax from the union.

    He noted that they were hired by the Ministry of Environment to collect the levies from the buyers of the mineral.

    Oye confirmed that he was aware that the matter is before a high court.