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Tag: ONDO

  • Gunmen kidnap lawyer in Ondo

    Gunmen kidnap lawyer in Ondo

    A 40-year-old lawyer in Owo, Olumide Ilegbusi, was yesterday kidnapped by gunmen on Oba-Akoko-Owo road, near Ago-Ajayi village, in Akoko South West Local Government of Ondo State.

    The incident, sources said, occurred when the victim was travelling to Oba-Akoko, his town, to prepare for a funeral.

    The Nation learnt that the lawyer was travelling in a commercial vehicle when the gunmen with AK-47 rifles waylaid them and took two of the passengers inside a bush, while others were robbed, including the driver.

    Confirming the incident, the Oba-Akoko monarch, Oba Nurudeen Adegoroye, said the kidnappers had demanded N2 million ransom.

    He said the road that passed through his domain was notorious for kidnapping, urging the police to provide security.

    The Divisional Police Officer(DPO), Kunle Fabolude, said efforts were on to arrest the culprits.

    The Akoko Area Commander, Razak Rauf, said his men would rescue the victim.

  • Tinubu always welcome in Ondo, says Akeredolu

    Tinubu always welcome in Ondo, says Akeredolu

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu yesterday said former Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is always welcome in his state.

    A statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Yemi Olowolabi, faulted reports that the All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart was not needed in the state.

    The statement reads: “The attention of Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) has been drawn to news reports in some media of February 26 in respect of statements made at the meet the governor’s programme, which was part of the activities to mark the anniversary of his first year in office.

    “According to the reports, the governor said the reconciliation committee, led by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has no business in Ondo State and that the state ‘does not need a trouble shooter’.

    “Another headline stated: ‘Why Tinubu can’t come to Ondo’, which suggests that Asiwaju Tinubu is not welcome in Ondo State.

    “It was also reported that Governor Akeredolu ‘denied Boroffice as senator representing Ondo North’.

    “Akeredolu would like to clarify any potential misunderstanding that could arise from these false and misleading reports.

    “He wishes to make it clear that the Asiwaju Tinubu-led reconciliation committee is welcome in Ondo State at any time.

    “The committee will, however, find that it has no work to do in the state, as there is peace and stability in the Ondo State APC.

    “The governor never doubts the ability of Asiwaju Tinubu to successfully carry out this onerous task of uniting our great party and putting it in good stead for the task ahead.

    “The governor does not deny the legitimacy of Senator Ajayi Boroffice’s position as the senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District.

    “However, the point Governor Akeredolu made was that he knows of only two APC senators in the state who are currently working with the state government for uplifting Ondo State.”

     

  • Boroffice is ‘Ondo Role Model’

    Boroffice is ‘Ondo Role Model’

    The Chairman, Senate Committee on Science and Technology, Robert Ajayi Boroffice, is to be crowned Ondo Role Model of the Year, by Omoluwabi Leadership Reporters.

    A statement by the organiser said: “The coast is now clear for the first ever edition of the Ondo State Role Model of the Year Award ceremony as the organiser finally penciled down one of the noblest politicians, a very distinguished senator who is very quiet but sound, solid and dutifully responsible. This yearly event packaged by Omoluwabi Leadership Reporters is now scheduled for Sunday, 22th April, 2018, at the Royal Bird Hotel, Alagbaka, Akure, the Ondo State capital.

    “According to the Award Governing Board under the chairmanship of Dr. Bolu Folayan, the Award was designed to be the flagship award in Ondo state and the ultimate honour bestowed on that man or woman of excellence, a chart-topper whose peerless actions and priceless contributions to the state or national development have inspired high hopes for a better society.

    “The award is very significant more so, in this age when genuine role-models with sincerity of purpose, uncommon vision, focus and Olympian fortitude are bred less frequently. It is imperative to identify and celebrate those that are making their visible marks in the task of collective transformation even if only to create a sense of desire for others to emulate their noble deeds.”

    On the selection, the Chief Operating Officer of Omoluwabi Leadership Reporters, Omoba Adekunle Ayegbe, in a statement, said: “It is imperative to establish that the selection panel for this prestigious award comprises of well-meaning professionals drawn from all walks of life who objectively considered without bias or favoritism, the public recommendations of Nominees, through a fair and transparent process.

    “Senator Ajayi Boroffice’s public spirited standpoint in the National Assembly, his public and private comportments which typified the ethos of Omoluwabi (well behaved Yoruba son) and more recently his continuous and unparalleled humanitarian service.”

    There will also be a lecture series with the topic, ‘Integrity in Leadership: A Panacea for New and Prosperous Nigeria’. It is designed to  find solutions to contemporary national issues.

  • Ondo celebrates Akeredolu’s one year in office, backs Buhari’s second term

    Ondo celebrates Akeredolu’s one year in office, backs Buhari’s second term

    The week-long activities marking the first anniversary of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s administration in Ondo State ended yesterday with the endorsement of President Muhammadu Buhari for second term in office by the state government and the All Progressives Congress(APC) in the state. Akeredolu, who spoke at a rally organised by the state chapter of the APC to mark the occasion, noted that the state has resolved to support Buhari to win next year’s presidential election.

    According to him, President Buhari deserved a second term in office for his good governance. He said the government of Buhari was laid on the foundation of truth and fairness, which led to various achievements recorded in the fight against corruption, recovery of looted funds and protection of the country’s image before the international community, among others.

    Besides, the governor sought the support of the people to enable his administration achieve greater things in the years ahead. Akeredolu, who was full of praises to God and the citizenry for rallying round his administration to record many feats in the past one year, said without their support, it would have been difficult for his administration to achieve that much in such a little time.

    The governor particularly singled out his wife, Betty; the leadership of the Assembly led by its Speaker, Bamidele Oleyelogun and his deputy, Iroju Ogundeji; APC state chairman, Ade Adetimehin; National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun and President Buhari for their support to his administration. He acknowledged the mutual understanding of the state lawmakers, describing them as lovers of the sunshine state.

    Other speakers at the rally included the National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Oyegun, Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, Ogun State Governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi and the Deputy National Chairman of the APC, Segun Oni, called on Nigerians to support the Buhari administration.

    Other dignitaries who graced the unity rally included the Minister of State for Niger/Delta Development, Prof. Cladius Daramola, National Vice Chairman (South west) of the APC, Chief Pius Akinyelure, Osun State Commissioner for Regional Integration, Bola Ilori, and former governorship candidate of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in the state, Chief Olusola Oke.

  • Ondo people have no excuse to wallow in poverty –Akeredolu

    Ondo people have no excuse to wallow in poverty –Akeredolu

    Ondo State governor, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), says the people of the state have no excuse to wallow in abject poverty.

    He says his administration will make the state a commercial hub that should be taken seriously by genuine investors.

    The governor, who spoke on Friday during the flag-off of egg powder production mechanized factory at Emure in Owo Local Government Area of the state, insisted that his government planned to make the people the central focus of all his actions.

    The flag-off of the egg powder factory is part of the activities marking the first  anniversary of Governor Akeredolu in office.

    A one-week filled with activities to celebrate the achievements of the administration in the last one year were lined up for the celebration.

    As part of the celebrations, many projects, including the re-constructed Oke-Oka section of the Akugba-Lokoja-Abuja, the Iwalewa and Abusororoads in Akure and Bajare and Oke Lisa roads in Idanre among several other roads spread across the three senatorial districts were commissioned.

    Other fresh projects, including a N15bn international industrial park in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area of the state were also flagged-off.

    Speaking on Friday during the flagging-off of the egg factory, Akeredolu reiterated that his administration’s intention was to develop the state.

    He said: “We have been able, in our modest ways, to showcase the possibility of making things work for our people in real terms, devoid of grandstanding.

    “We are insistent on making the people of this state the central focus of all our actions. We will not accept the narrative of despondency as our lot. All of us must be resolute in our determination to effect positive change.

    “Our administration promised to create jobs for the teeming unemployed and disoriented youths in the state. Our intention has never been to deceive.

    “The flag-off of the egg-powder production in our state will serve as a tremendous boost to poultry farming business.

    “The country’s inability to process eggs to egg powder, in spite of egg glut, is a colossal loss to the country.”

  • Ondo Govt. distributes 362 ICT tablets

    Ondo Govt. distributes 362 ICT tablets

     

    Ondo State Government on Tuesday began the distribution of 362 data management tools known as clinipak tablets to health workers to enhance primary healthcare delivery across 18 local government areas of the state.

    The distribution was inaugurated by Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, who was represented by Dr Wahab Adegbenro, the state Commissioner for Health in Akure on Tuesday.

    He said that the state government decided to embark on the project to enhance effective management of health information data, which was key to the delivery of qualitative healthcare.

    According to him, health workers had earlier been trained on the use of the ICT tools.

    He added that the state procured the tablets while the technical partner, Instar Global Health Solution, designed and installed the Clinipak application.

    Read Also: SSG: Akeredolu’s govt will uplift Ondo

    The governor said that the tools had been tested and proven to be the ideal solution for data management.

    Akeredolu commended the state health workers for working tirelessly to put the state at the forefront in healthcare delivery.

    He urged them to hit the ground running as the tablets were meant to improve both their efficiency and effectiveness.

    In his remark, the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on ICT, Mr Olumbe Akinkugbe, applauded the state Primary Healthcare Development Board for the initiative, which he said would enhance healthcare delivery.

    Akinkugbe expressed delight that the state was moving in the right direction using modern ICT tools in the management of health information data.

    Similarly, Mr Abiola Oshunniyi, Director, Business Development International, said that with the Clinipak application, health facilities in the state would move from just collecting and reporting patients data to leveraging on mobile solutions for improved decision from facility level to the policy making level.

    Oshunniyi added that the application was currently being used in some states in Nigeria, but that of Ondo State was the largest deployment.

    NAN

     

     

  • APC’s changing our lives in Ondo – Egunjobi

    APC’s changing our lives in Ondo – Egunjobi

    Ondo State House of Assembly aspirant, Adeyinka Egunjobi speaks with Taiwo Alimi on his drive, aspirations and blueprint to better the lot of his people in Akoko North East federal constituency.    

    WHAT are your political thoughts and ideology?

    By nature I am a progressive. I am a student of Obafemi Awolowo political thought that sees the people as the centre of your government. That is why in any position I find myself my drive is to serve the people because they are the central focus of any serious minded government. My aim in government is to serve the people and let their welfare be paramount. Also make your environment whether at the local or state level better than the way you met it. The reason why I am in politics basically is to serve because I believe that politics is all about service. And I am coming now to offer myself so as to ensure quality and effective presentation of my people at the state level which will in turn impact positively on their wellbeing.

    Before now, what have you done to identify and better the lot of your people?

    I easily identify with my people anywhere and at anytime. This informed the reason why people easily know and trace me to Ikare and Akoko at Large. I was a main force in the formation of Akoko student association at OAU after a protracted period of nonexistence of the body on OAU campus. I have duly represented Ikare in my characters by in the larger society by demonstrating the highest moral etiquette, which I proudly flaunt as a trade mark of Akoko people. As a businessman, I have a foundation where we take care of people that are sick and provide free health services for people. We give eye glasses and give scholarships to people around us.

    As an individual there is a limit to what I can do and that is why I believe that when I get to government, I will be able to reach more people, especially in the lower strata of the society. This I will achieve by ways of viable and strong representation, prompt delivery of meaningful constituency projects and sponsorship of bills which aim at liberating my people.

    You live and work in Lagos and Ogun State how is this going to affect your aspiration in Akoko North East in Ondo State?

    Even though I do business there, I have always been a home boy. From time to time, I have been involved in the activities in my state. Right from the University I was president of Akoko Student association. Akoko in general and Ikare in particular have always been my focus. Apart from politics, I have been going home regularly and we have been doing one thing or another to better the lot of my people. We have awarded scholarship to student in my constituency from our meager resources and encouraged people to get education and seek for knowledge. We have bought WAEC, GCE, and JAMB forms for students that could not afford it. And we have offered assistance to people in the constituency.

    I am a graduate of Microbiology from Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile Ife, Osun State. I also obtained a MSC in Microbiology from Covenant University Ota, Ogun State.  My political sojourn started from the University. I was chairman of my hall, Adekunle Fajuyi Hall and at another time I was chairman of Electoral Committee for Faculty of Science. I was also a member of the Student Parliamentary arm called the SRC in OAU. In my working career I have worked in several places but right now I work for myself as the CEO of LinearAid Global Resource. The company is into supply and sale of medical equipment and also runs diagnostic laboratory. I am married with children. Politically, I am a member of the APC right from 1999 when it was called AD, and through the metamorphosis into Action Congress (AC) ACN and to All Progressives Congress (APC).  Presently I am aspiring to represent Akoko North East constituency at the Ondo State House of Assembly.

    What is your blueprint for Akoko Ikare?

    My blueprint is to offer my people responsible representation. To speak their voice and project them in the larger Ondo state so as to ensure that they get what is due to them. My blueprint basically is to represent Akoko North East the way it has never been done before. It is to use my influence as a legislator to formulate laws that would have direct bearings on the people of the constituency. It is to ensure that the executive arm of the government carry out its function like it should be done. Also as a legislator, carry out the oversight functions, to ensure that everything that is in the budget is carried out. That at the end of the day, the common man on the street, the man that is going to his farm, will feel the impact of the government. I am bold to say that I know their feeling because I have lived with them and interacted with and eat with and know what they need and desire and their aspirations. We have met with the leaders and people of my constituency and they have seen our programmes.

    You talk about making changes yet as a legislator your job is to make law, how do you hope to achieve this?

    Government as it is practice in Nigeria has three arms, the executive, legislative and judiciary. Our own function is to strengthen the institution of governance. The reason why Nigeria is not moving as it should is because some legislators don’t know why they are there. When you make good laws it strengthens institution. When you have strong institution, no matter who is in government, they are bound to perform because the framework is solid. If you put a weak man in a sound institution, he will perform, likewise if you put a solid person in a weak institution they will not perform. The president or government needs strong institution to perform and that is our job. To enact laws that will add value to our institution and strengthen it. So that whoever becomes president or governor will have little or no choice but to perform because the system on ground will not accommodate mediocrity. That is what we have in advanced country. For example our Police are weak because we have an institution whereas the executive governor does not have power over them and yet they are operating in his domain. It is a defective system and things are not working because we have very weak institutions. I are not going to fight the governor but to work with him.

    How do you assess the present government of Ondo State?

    Governor of Ondo State in the person of Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu has done well. In the last one year in office he has touched every senatorial district in the state. He has opened places that were hitherto unopened. For example he is flagging the dualisation of a road in my constituency which is something that we have been yearning for. He has paid civil servant up to date. He does not owe as we speak. He is a very smart person and a man a believe in. if I’m to score him I will score him well over 90 per cent.  Governor Akeredolu and the APC are changing our lives in Ondo state.

    How do you assess your chances?

    It is God that ordains. I want to be this I want to be that is solely in the hands of God. But having said that, in the past one year I have been going home and meeting with the party and people and my chance is very bright I’m convinced that I would emerge winner in the general election. I just want to add that Nigeria will be a better place if all parties should embrace internal democracy. With internal democracy there will be fewer quarrels and less fight and the best candidate would emerge. Akeredolu was the choice of the people and that is why APC won in Ondo state.

  • Ondo House of Reps aspirants worried over deplorable roads

    Ondo House of Reps aspirants worried over deplorable roads

    House of Representative aspirant for the Federal Akoko North East /West federal constituency seat, Ondo State is worried over the deplorable state of roads, insecurity and poor electricity supply in Akoko area.

    The aspirant, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, from Oke-Agbe lamented that the Akoko area of Ondo State was becoming a corridor and being cut off from other parts of the state.

    Tunji-Ojo, who is a management consultant, also lamented the level of insecurity in Akoko where kidnappings have become very rampant.

    He urged the Federal Government to pay attention to the deplorable state roads in his constituency.

    On his foray into politics, Tunji-Ojo said a desire to turn things around for his people and his poor background informed his interest in seeking political office.

    He urged those who have accomplished in various fields of endevour to show interest in partisan politics, warning that leaving the game to mediocre players would be counter-productive.

    According to him, holding a political office would broaden his scope to assist the society, more than what he has been given back to his immediate community.

    He said his ambition was not driven for pecks of office, but for the zeal to serve as a role model for up-coming generations.

    The aspirant anchored his focus on three ‘Rs’ which he explained as Restoration, Revitalisation and Re-engineering of social minds.

    Admitting that the position of a legislator has no provision for executive powers and approving authority for projects, Tunji-Ojo said that aspiration to elective office must be driven by the desire to serve.

    His words: “I know what it takes to be nowhere and also what it takes to be somewhere”.

    Noting that the affected roads belong to the Federal Government, he described Akoko as the gateway to Edo State and the northern part of the country through Kogi State.

  • 15 forest ‘ encroachers’ arrested in Ondo

    15 forest ‘ encroachers’ arrested in Ondo

    Concessionaires in Akure/Ofosu forest reserves in Ondo State yesterday apprehended 15 suspected encroachers allegedly depleting the government’s forests and its economic trees.

    The suspects were said to have come from neighbouring Edo State.

    Also, seven trucks loaded with logs were impounded.

    The Timber Association, in collaboration with the government’s task force, arrested the trucks at Ofosu village, near Idanre.

    Addressing reporters in Akure, the capital, the chairman of the concessionaires, Olu Ayodele said the “culprits” entered the forest to cut the trees without licence or papers backing their action.

    He said: “They came from neighbouring Edo State to carry out illegal activities in our forest reserve. Some of them are on the run. But their trucks were impounded and are on the premises of the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources.”

     

     

  • Akure’s monarchs decry herdsmen attack on council workers.

    Akure’s monarchs decry herdsmen attack on council workers.

    The lawmaker representing Ondo Central Senatorial District, Chief Tayo Alasoadura has criticized the reported attack on Akure South local government workers by suspected herdsmen.

    Besides,the Deji of Akure,Oba Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo expressed displeasure on the impunity of Fulani herdsmen across the country.

    A statement by Alasoadura’s media aide, Dayo Joseph said it was high time the federal government proffered permanent solutions to the problem.

    The lawmaker described the incident as unfortunate, stressing that the incessant attacks by herdsmen were getting out of hand and should be curtailed.

    The chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources(Upstream) urged his constituents to be more vigilant and wary of the activities of the herdsmen in the area.

    He urged security agencies to be more proactive on the present challenge in order to sustain peace in the community

    Oba Aladetoyinbo described the invasion as barbaric, provocative and an attempt to stir up trouble in the peaceful Akure Community.

    The monarch wondered why the herdsmen would have chosen to lead their cattle to graze on the farmland belonging to the council if not an attempt to create tension in the community.

    Read Also: Suspected herdsmen sack Akure council workers

    He expressed sadness that no major arrest had been made by the Police since the attack on Chief Olu Falae’s farm, stressing that the arsonists who parade themselves as herdsmen now target the local government as their next point of call.

    The royal father called on President Muhammadu Buhari not to treat the issue of the herdsmen with kid gloves as their activities were becoming unbearable.

    Oba Aladetoyinbo said the people could no longer tolerate the excesses of these herdsmen who according to him, are now making live unbearable with their nefarious attitudes.

    The traditional ruler urged Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu as the Chief Security Officer (CSO) in the State to take proactive measures in curbing the menace.

    Besides, he appealed the Inspector General of Police (IG) Ibrahim Idris and the Commissioner of Police, Gbenga Adeyanju with other security agents to take more decisive action and ensure that the menace is curtailed.