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Tag: ONDO

  • Ondo HoS hails Akeredolu for revamping Olokola

    Ondo HoS hails Akeredolu for revamping Olokola

    Ondo state Head of Service (HoS), Toyin Akinkuotu, at the weekend hailed Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) for taking steps to boost the state’s economy.

    He praised the governor for setting up a nine-man committee to revamp the abandoned Olokola Free Trade Zone and Liquefied Natural Gas projects.

    The HoS described the move as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to further boost the economy.

    Akinkuotu said the committee was carefully selected from the best and seasoned hands within and outside of the state.

    The HoS said the members would review all that has happened at the Free Trade Zone (OK-FTZ) and Liquefied Natural Gas (OK-LNG) till date, re-asses the corporate structures and identify key projects that could act as a lynchpin for the proper take-off of the project.

    He said Olokola had been a major plank for the development of the state.

    Akinkuotu expressed displeasure over successive administrations, which he said tried their best but were unable to tap the abundant benefits in the project, despite huge investments committed to it.

  • Lagos to assist Ondo on procurement agency

    The Lagos State Head of Service (HoS), Mrs Olabowale Ademola, has said the state government will support its Ondo State counterpart to establish a Public Procurement Agency.

    Mrs Ademola spoke yesterday on behalf of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode when she hosted a delegation from Ondo State House of Assembly, led by Deputy Speaker Ogundeji Iroju.

    The lawmakers were in Lagos to understudy their host on the establishment of the Public Procurement Agency.

    The HoS said the lawmakers’ study visit underscored the need for regional integration and collaboration to further broaden and quicken the pace of Southwest development.

    She said: “I will like to welcome you on behalf of Governor Ambode. We are indeed humbled by your visit to Lagos State to understudy the working of our Public Procurement Agency.”

    Mrs Ademola noted that the visit will enable the lawmakers have first-hand experience on how to ensure the smooth passage of the Ondo State Public Procurement Agency Bill.

    Iroju said the visit would enable his team learn from Lagos State to replicate the agency in the Sunshine State, since Lagos is the forerunner in Public Procurement administration in Nigeria.

  • Ondo monarch’s kidnapper begged victim to pray for him to renounce criminality

    Ondo monarch’s kidnapper begged victim to pray for him to renounce criminality

    •Second–in-command abducted alongwith Oba Daodu relives trauma

    The last may not have been heard about the kidnap of Ondo State monarch, Oba Sunday Daodu, last weekend.

    This is as the second-in-command, Chief Olugbenga Giwa, who was kidnapped along with the monarch has revealed how the leader of the kidnap gang regretted his involvement in criminal activities and begged his astounded victim to pray for his “deliverance from the spirit of criminality.”

    Giwa said: “There was a time inside the bush that the leader of the kidnappers approached the monarch to pray for him to renounce his criminality.

    Oba Daodu consented and prayed for him.” He debunked the claim that they were targeted for abduction,stressing that they were only victims of circumstance that could happen to any passenger on the highway.

    Giwa said the hoodlums held them after shooting and deflating two tyres of the vehicle they were travelling in. He said they became so apprehensive immediately the kidnappers shot their tyres that it didn’t occur to them to pray for divine intervention.

    After immobilizing their vehicle, Giwa said the gunmen grabbed them and pushed him and the monarch into the bush where the journey to an ‘unknown’ land began. According to him: “The abductors were not Yoruba going by their postures and intonations.

    “They look more like Boko Haram insurgents. We were inbetween life and death because of the brutal treatment they meted out to us.” The monarch and his second-in command were abducted last weekend near Oba-Akoko on Owo-Ikare Road around 4.30pm.

    Giwa, who is the Shaba of Iyani-Akoko, drove the monarch’s car before they were seized by the kidnappers.

    Notable personalities have continued to visit the palace of the monarch to rejoice with him. Former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly,Dr Bakitta Bello, said he was disturbed that public highways in the country were no more safe for passengers.

    He urged the state assembly to “enact a law that would curtail kidnapping and armed robbery.” On his part, the Chairman, Akoko Northwest Local Government Council, Morakinyo Ajayi, who paid a congratulatory visit to the freed monarch appreciated Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for his efforts in ensuring the safe return of Oba Daodu from the kidnappers’ den.

  • Ondo LG dissolution and PRP

    ON the surface, the March 31 judgement of a High Court in Ondo State ordering the dissolution of the 18 local governments sworn in by former governor Olusegun Mimiko should not raise eyebrows. It however does. The case was originally instituted by Balarabe Musa’s Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), but long since abandoned because the reason for going to court, non-inclusion in the ballot in last year’s local government poll, had been resolved. Someone, somewhere, some say agents of the new All Progressives Congress (APC) Rotimi Akeredolu government, revived the case and asked for the LGs to be dissolved.

    Alerted to the case, the PRP chairman and the party’s lawyer, Femi Aborishade, and other party supporters thronged the court to confirm that they had discontinued the case, and that in any case, they should be heard. Justice S.A. Sadiq, however, reportedly disregarded the PRP leaders and their lawyer, and chose to recognise another lawyer claiming to represent the party, one Segun Agodo, a stranger to the case. The PRP, which had participated in the election, insisted it had no reason to ask for the LGs dissolution, but the court went ahead anyway. Indeed, it was the APC that had boycotted the election last year, though the party’s name and symbol were on the ballot. It had claimed that it had a case pending in court questioning the composition of the state electoral body, OSIEC.

    Immediately the court dissolved the LGs on March 31, though their tenure was to expire in April 2019, the state government announced new caretaker chairmen. Earlier, however, the 18 chairmen, all of whom belonged to the PDP and feared what injury the new APC government was capable of inflicting, had gone to court to bar the government from sacking the LGs. The former Chief Judge of the state, Justice Olasehinde Kumuyi, assented to their request and barred the government from interfering with the councils. But the APC was reported in February to have appealed Justice Kumuyi’s January 17 decision and was waiting for its determination when the idea of reviving the PRP case occurred to some bright minds in the APC. The government’s lawyers, however, said they were not aware of the case, let alone any appeal. But in March, the government had frozen the accounts of the LGs. Eventually, not even the PRP was allowed to have a say in the case they were purported to have filed, a case both the PRP chairman and lawyer had said was overtaken by their participation in the LG poll.

    The manner the Ondo State government cleverly tweaked the legal process, and the collusion of the judiciary among other insalubrious measures, probably prompted Mallam Musa to suggest that the APC had become a fascist government far worse than the incompetent PDP government it replaced. Few Nigerians will disagree with the PRP national chairman.

  • Ondo LG dissolution and PRP

    On the surface, the March 31 judgement of a High Court in Ondo State ordering the dissolution of the 18 local governments sworn in by former governor Olusegun Mimiko should not raise eyebrows. It however does. The case was originally instituted by Balarabe Musa’s Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), but long since abandoned because the reason for going to court, non-inclusion in the ballot in last year’s local government poll, had been resolved. Someone, somewhere, some say agents of the new All Progressives Congress (APC) Rotimi Akeredolu government, revived the case and asked for the LGs to be dissolved.

    Alerted to the case, the PRP chairman and the party’s lawyer, Femi Aborishade, and other party supporters thronged the court to confirm that they had discontinued the case, and that in any case, they should be heard. Justice S.A. Sadiq, however, reportedly disregarded the PRP leaders and their lawyer, and chose to recognise another lawyer claiming to represent the party, one Segun Agodo, a stranger to the case. The PRP, which had participated in the election, insisted it had no reason to ask for the LGs dissolution, but the court went ahead anyway. Indeed, it was the APC that had boycotted the election last year, though the party’s name and symbol were on the ballot. It had claimed that it had a case pending in court questioning the composition of the state electoral body, OSIEC.

    Immediately the court dissolved the LGs on March 31, though their tenure was to expire in April 2019, the state government announced new caretaker chairmen. Earlier, however, the 18 chairmen, all of whom belonged to the PDP and feared what injury the new APC government was capable of inflicting, had gone to court to bar the government from sacking the LGs. The former Chief Judge of the state, Justice Olasehinde Kumuyi, assented to their request and barred the government from interfering with the councils. But the APC was reported in February to have appealed Justice Kumuyi’s January 17 decision and was waiting for its determination when the idea of reviving the PRP case occurred to some bright minds in the APC. The government’s lawyers, however, said they were not aware of the case, let alone any appeal. But in March, the government had frozen the accounts of the LGs. Eventually, not even the PRP was allowed to have a say in the case they were purported to have filed, a case both the PRP chairman and lawyer had said was overtaken by their participation in the LG poll.

    The manner the Ondo State government cleverly tweaked the legal process, and the collusion of the judiciary among other insalubrious measures, probably prompted Mallam Musa to suggest that the APC had become a fascist government far worse than the incompetent PDP government it replaced. Few Nigerians will disagree with the PRP national chairman.

  • Buhari assure Nigerians of a better country

    Buhari assure Nigerians of a better country

    President Mohammadu Buhari on Thursday in Kano declared that the change agenda of the All Progressive Congress (APC) will no doubt reflect and create an enduring hope to better the lots of Nigerians contrary to insinuation from some quarter.

    Buhari in his message during the launch of the North West National Committee of Buhari Support Groups, (NCBSG) said that efforts and dedication of Nigerians will change our country for the better.

    The President’s message, read by Senator Ahmed Lawal said, “I’m happy to send this message of thanks and good will to all organizers and participants on the lunching of National Committee of Buhari Support group taking place today in Kano. Your effort and dedication are very well known to me. You are inviting this part of movement on the APC and change agenda. We must change our country for the better.”

    “We must stand by regarding ourselves as examples; change begins with you and I and then all of us in Nigeria. You should carry this message to all corners of our country. It is a bottom up operation in our country. Successes at your level is success for all of and our dear country.”

    “I wish you a very successful launching and I looking forward to getting up to date reports of your activities”

    The Chairman Board of Trustees of NCBSG, Senator Abu Ibrahim who represents Katsina south senatorial district  told the group from the north west zone that President Buhari is been endorsed for a major interest that will reflect the creation of a new hope for Nigerians in  which his committed and determined to achieve.

    According to him, “the group was   formed   with   the   mandate   to   coordinate   and organise the affairs of the various Buhari Support Groups that participated in the enthronement and ascension to office of President Muhammadu Buhari through the 2015 election.”

    “These   pre-existing   support   groups   piloted   the   grassroots initiatives via which our Dear President’s message of hope was delivered to all the nooks and crannies of the country and we intend to keep them as channels of outreach and feedback between the government and the citizenry.

    “It is   our desire   therefore   to   use this   gathering   today as   a platform to appreciate and express our profound gratitude to you all.

    “When we elected President Muhammadu Buhari into office, we did so with the conviction that our dear nation needed to be put on a new pedestal, for the dreams of our founding fathers to be realised.

    “We were convinced of the need to establish a firm foundation   upon   which   a   united,   peaceful   and   prosperous nation can be built by, and for, this and succeeding generations of Nigerians. It is in this regard that I must personally commend all of you for your patience and understanding as our Dear President steers us through the difficult steps necessary to achieve this objective.

    “The poor management of the country, especially under the watch of the now opposition PDP, is the reason we have had to endure a harsh economic climate. The signs of a decline in the economy   were   there   a   clear   two   years   before   the   2015 elections.

    “It is therefore inexcusable that those who had the responsibility of managing our affairs failed to save for the rainy day and freely helped themselves with our common patrimony, including funds earmarked for restoring peace and security in the land.

    “Recent gory news of the recoveries of stolen cash provides proof that some individuals behaved like delinquent juveniles, to paraphrase Mr. President, when they had the opportunity to lead this great nation.

    “We must stand firm and resolute to say NEVER AGAIN shall we allow the destiny of Nigeria in the hands of unscrupulous abusers of public trust, wanton riggers of elections and peddlers of thuggery. They should never be allowed to tie down the destiny of this   land   of   inestimable potential, to their whims and caprices.

    “As you and I know, when they fail to explain away their glaringly failed stewardship, they resort to name-calling. When that doesn’t deter you, they resort to outright blackmail and threats to life and property. It is our collective duty to restore this nation’s pride because we have no choice.

    “This land belongs to all of us and we must be proud to work tirelessly to make it better for our children and our children’s children. Let the naysayers know that we shall never give up this God-given right.”

    However, Senators from Katsina, Yobe, Ondo as well as house of representative members and some top government dignitaries and politicians graced the launching.

     

  • Poisonous cassava: NAFDAC to sensitise farmers, food outlets in Kogi, Ondo

    Poisonous cassava: NAFDAC to sensitise farmers, food outlets in Kogi, Ondo

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says arrangements are on to sensitise farmers in Kogi and Ondo on how to handle food chain from the farms to consumers’ table.

    The NAFDAC Director, Special Duties, Dr Abubakar Jimoh, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday, said operators of fast food outlets in both states would also be trained.

    NAN reports that the sensitisation is coming on the heels of the death of nine people after consuming “amala’’ meal made from poisonous cassava flour.
    The incident occurred in Ogaminana, Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi state in November, 2016.

    Jimoh explained that NAFDAC had carried out investigation into the incident with a view to addressing the problem.

    He added that some people also consumed poisonous beans in some places.

    Jimoh said the agency had taken statistics of farmers and operators of all food outlets in both states that would participate in a workshop to be organised by the agency.

    According to him, they will be trained on how to handle critical aspects of food chain from the farms to consumers’ table.

    “We shall train farmers on the best practices and the correct way of applying fertilisers, herbicides, pesticides and other chemicals for storage of their harvests.

    “We will also teach farmers how to dry their produce because they often spread them on the express way where such are exposed to contamination and it is hazardous to the health of members of the public.

    “Though, this is not part of the mandate of NAFDAC as we deal mainly with processed foods, but we cannot close our eyes in a matter that affects peoples’ health,’’ he said. (NAN)

  • ‘Ondo will thrive under Akeredolu’

    ‘Ondo will thrive under Akeredolu’

    Olaoluwa Adeyeye is an international trade and investment lawyer who recently contested the governorship elections in Ondo State under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). In this interview with Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf, he speaks on the prospects of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s government in Ondo State, among other sundry issues. Excerpts:

    You sought your party’s nomination in the 2016 governorship elections in Ondo State which Rotimi Akeredolu won. Does APC victory in that election inspire you?

    One thing was very clear at that time, Ondo State needed to be salvaged from a downturn into poverty, starvation, mediocrity and the economic stagnancy militating against the state. The Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in the state had stayed on the same level for a very long time and even at a time it dropped. The infrastructure of the state appeared abandoned to rot. No pipe borne water; no power supply in the entire southern senatorial district for many years. The four local government areas in the Akoko region became most horrible with little or no economic activity in play. So from all indications, it was very clear that there was need to take the state in another direction. I was clear in my mind that the APC candidate was going to win the last election regardless of whether it was my humble self or indeed anyone of the other eminently qualified aspirants. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have been able to put my hand up and indicate interest in that office and that desire was borne out of a faith we had and we still have in the future of Ondo State to be a trendsetting state in this country.

    What is your assessment of Governor Akeredolu’s performance thus far?

    Coming into office for the first time is different from an incumbent who would have had a hang of things. Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu has come into office for the very first time as the governor of Ondo State. We need to give him the benefit of time to fully appreciate, assimilate what he has met on ground and set the pace for his tenure. He has already begun to demonstrate the tone of his term with a few remarkable strides he has taken in this short period. For example, he’s trying to catch up with the salary arrears that the past administration left unpaid. He has also mapped out plans on how the state is going to move forward economically. He has commenced long outstanding road projects that are so crucial for the state in keeping with his five cardinal programmes promised, which include massive infrastructure deployment. Governor Akeredolu recently entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to construct a road that will connect Ondo State directly with Lagos State thereby enhancing much needed access to market for farmers as well as other added benefits. We are moving forward and I believe that Governor Akeredolu is going to do very well for Ondo State.

    Do you see Akeredolu performing better than his predecessor?

    I can say categorically that my expectation from Governor Rotimi Akeredolu is much higher than that of the former governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko. Governor Akeredolu is not just a legal practitioner; he is a legal practitioner par excellence. He is someone who has practiced our profession at the very highest level. He comes to Ondo State with a reputation and a record that is intimidating both in practicing and administering the profession as a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). He is a man that we know to be courageous, that will take the right stand even if everybody is going the other way. Our expectation of Akeredolu is very high and I’m certain he will not disappoint the good people of Ondo State.

    As an international trade and investment lawyer, how do you think you can contribute to the development of Ondo State, using your wealth of experience and connections?

    My specialty in the practice of law has given me the opportunity to see firsthand how capital can be harnessed to stimulate development in the form of projects. One thing is quite clear now; we cannot leave the development of our nation and in this case Ondo State to the government alone to do. I’m already a mobile billboard for the amazing strategic opportunities that are possible in Ondo State and whenever I see willing players, I will be more than willing to steer them towards my dear state.

    Is it true that you collected money to step aside for Senator Ajayi Boroffice a week to the primaries?

    Let me state for the records as I have on a few occasions addressed this issue recently; I don’t make light of my statements nor do I delight in misrepresentations. I Michael Olaoluwa Adeyeye did not receive a dime to step down from the governorship race. I did not receive any money from/on behalf of the Boroffice Campaign Organisation. It was a decision I made and I followed through on my own. But you know people will always talk but that doesn’t bother me. I would rather focus on achieving set goals. While some disgruntled members of the APC moved over to the AD after the primaries, I stood firmly in the APC because there is no need to go right, left and centre when you have not finished the programme you are working with. So, we are still in the APC, we’ve always been in the APC and we are glad that our party won the election.

    Should the people of Akure be watching out for you in 2019?

    2019 is very close and yet it is very much far away. At the moment we are focused on some of the community impact initiatives that we want to drive forward.  Those projects are much more important than elections and political projections. We are in politics to impact the lives of the people firstly. Very soon, we will let you know our decision about 2019 if any. Presently, we have a number of projects in the pipeline; a community library coming up and we are trying to find a site for sport facilities and a health center somewhere inside of our two local governments between Akure North and Akure South.

    Tell us more about Olaoluwa Adeyeye Foundation?

    Olaloluwa Adeoye Foundation is a vehicle I convened and is supported by my family and my friends as a platform via which we will give back to society, especially the people at the lower wrung of the ladder.  Some of the people who support the foundation are old friends that I grew up with in Ondo State and some others are not even from Ondo State but they have come to identify with the passion I have for the state and its people.

  • Akeredolu urges peace, love at Easter

    Akeredolu urges peace, love at Easter

     

    Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has urged the people to continue to live in peace and show love to one another as Christians world over observe Easter.

    He said irrespective of class, religion or creed the people should learn to be tolerant and use the occasion of Easter to reflect on the life of Jesus Christ, who laid down His life for all.

    The people should emulate the exemplary life of Jesus Christ full of love and sacrifice, the governor said in a message to Christians to commemorate Easter.

    “It is encapsulated in Jesus Christ’s decision to lay down his life for the redemption of humanity.

    “I want to use the opportunity of the Easter season to urge every Christian and indeed, every indigene of our state to continue to live in peace.

    “To love one another as exemplified by our Lord Jesus Christ, who laid down his life for the redemption of our sins,’’ he said.

    Akeredolu urged youths to also embrace peace and continue to support the government, promising that the administration would implement programmes that  would bring development to the state.

     

  • Bride absconds on wedding day in Ondo

    The solemnisation of a marriage was at the weekend stalled in Ondo town when the bride allegedly abandoned the groom and moved to an unknown destination.

    It was learnt the duo were former students of Adeyemi College of Education (ACE) Ondo and had been dating for seven years.

    Family sources said the wedding programmes, which were in two parts, begun on December 27, 2016, with the traditional introduction of families of the couple amid fanfare.

    The final wedlock scheduled for last Saturday was to be attended by dignitaries within and outside the town. This could not hold following the sudden disappearance of the bride in the early hour of the day.

    At the residence of the bride’s parents at Christ Land Area, Oka, Ondo, several visitors including the Ogunsua of Modakeke,Oba Festus Adedoyin, as well members of a Pentecostal Church from Lagos State were seen waiting endlessly for the arrival of the bride.

    Also,a cow and several food items were placed under an expansive canopy in front of the house. A lady said to be the twin sister of the absconded bride was seen wailing.

    A close ally of the groom, who identified himself as the “best man”, said arrangements had been concluded and the church service was to be held at Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) Oka-Ondo before the bride suddenly disappeared.

    Also,one of the groom’s men at the ceremony, who craved anonymity, said all was well with the groom and the bride until Saturday morning when the bride disappeared.

    He explained that traditional wedding was held in her father’s house located at Christ Land area, Oka, Ondo town “with pomp and pageantry last year December where the date of marriage was sealed”.

    It was learnt the bride’s mother slumped on hearing the news about the disappearance of her daughter. She was rushed to the Ondo State Specialist Hospital, where she was placed on treatment.

    As at the press time,the whereabouts of the bride was yet to be ascertained as efforts to reach her on phone was futile.