As a way of appraising the existing security architecture in the state, Ondo State will next week Thursday host the first security summit .

According to a statement from the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Administration and Policy Planning, Mr Jones Ogunmusire, the summit with the theme ” Improving Security Architecture in Ondo state for Sustainable Peace and Development” will be held at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome), Igbatoro road, Akure

The summit with two plenary sessions will feature a lead Speaker and 10 discussants that will handle the sub-themes.

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday said he was confident of victory at next month’s presidential election.

He stated that all that was needed was an extra push by the Presidential Campaign Council and the February 16 poll would become a formality.

Buhari spoke in Abuja at the inaugural meeting of the council.


However, All Progressives Congress governors were absent at the meeting.

Buhari said, “I will like to appeal to you to dedicate yourselves once again to the task at hand.

“There is no doubt that victory is ours. But that shouldn’t mean we should rest even for a moment.”

The National Leader of the APC and co-chairman of the council, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; the APC National Chairman, Mr Adams Oshiomhole; and the Director-General of the campaign and Minster of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, among others, attended the session

Buhari had on Tuesday handed over the leadership of the campaign to Tinubu when he inaugurated the council in Abuja.

On Thursday, he reminded the council members that they were the best materials available to the party.

“I urge you to rise to the challenge of the great expectations of this party and Nigerians – and the confidence that I personally have in the ability of all of you to deliver,” Buhari added.

In his speech, Oshiomhole said the state governors were already doing their coordination assignments and were busy in their respective states.

SOURCE: https://punchng.com/victory-is-mine-buhari-boasts-ahead-of-poll/

Miyyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association in Ondo State has vowed to fish out criminals among the pastoralists and called on the assailants to lay down their arms or face the wrath of law.

The National President of the association, Alhaji Muhammad Kiruwa made the vow in a resolution after the meeting of members of the association with the state government.

The meeting was aimed at finding a lasting solution to kidnapping and farmers/herders clashes in the state.

The association in the resolution also resolved to put an end to under-age and night grazing in the state.

Kiruwa explained that his leadership will not condone crimininality in any way, and it has resolved to assist farmers and assure them of every assistance to bring an end to the farmers/herdsmen crisis.

He regretted that members of the group were linked with various criminal activities especially kidnapping and armed robbery as well as frequent clashes with farmers across the state.

“We are here to fish out criminals among the pastoralists. They should come and lay down their arms, and if they refuse, we will work with security agents to go after them.

“We have also agreed to stop night grazing, under aged grazing, and to impose a penalty on whoever allows his cows to stray into farms.

“Night movement of migrants will also be organised with security agents. The state government should also support biometric capture of our members in the state for identification and security purposes”, he said.

In his remarks, Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), assured of his readiness to ensure their resolutions are put to use without delay for sustenance of the existing peace in the state.

Akeredolu who encouraged members of the association to notify security agents about suspected criminals in their domains, promised to enact laws against under-age and night grazing as well as capturing biometric data of all cattle rearers in the state for proper identification.

He assured that the state government will implement all resolutions because they are good decisions, adding that night grazing and under-aged grazing would be looked at almost immediately, so that laws that will ban both will be put in place.

Earlier, Heads of security agencies in the state appealed to members of the Cattle Breeders Association on the need to listen to advice of their leaders with a view to putting an end to criminal activities in the state which included kidnapping and armed robbery.

Commander, 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, Brigadier-General James Ataguba who noted that kidnapping has been one of the most worrisome security challenges in the state, warned that it won’t be business as usual if they don’t caution themselves.

Also, the State Commissioner of Police, Mr Gbenga Adeyanju enjoined members of the group to work hand in glove with security agencies in the state to fish out and identify those truncating the peace of the state.

Contributing, the State Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr Pedro Awili Ideba who said 120 cases were related to farmers/herders clashes last year with 80 resolved, expressed the believe that the issue will be resolved through this interface.

Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Security Matters, Alhaji Jimoh Dojumo, lauded the National President of the association for honouring the invitation and noted that their resolutions will go a long way in addressing the issue of kidnapping, armed robbery, farmers and herders clashes among other issues threatening the peace of the state.

At the end of the meeting, a 10-man committee was inaugurated by the leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association to work with security agencies towards ending the ugly trend in the state.

It would be recalled that the state government, after carrying out series of measures to curtail the incessant kidnapping and clashes between herders and farmers, decided to invite the National Executives of the Association to talk to their members, with the aim of assisting the state in ending the scourge that had led to insecurity in the state.

SOURCE: http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/Miyetti-Allah-vows-to-fish-out-kidnappers-in-Ondo

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has reiterated the commitment of his administration to continue to create an enabling environment for the artisans to thrive in the state.

Akeredolu said the ultimate goal of his administration is to support the generation of significant number of vocational jobs for the teeming youths in the state.

The Governor spoke on Thursday at the 2019 Artisans' Day Celebration at the MKO Abiola Democracy Park, Akure, the state capital. The event was attended by the Deputy governor, Hon. Agboola Ajayi , Senator representing Ondo Central Senatorial District, Senator Tayo Alasoadura, Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters, Mr. Alaba Isijola and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and documentation, Mr. Kunle Adebayo.

According to the Governor, a sum of N50 Million has been given to the artisan group as loans from the state Micro Credit Agency as part of the contributions of his administration to the development of the vocational sector in the state.

Governor Akeredolu who said that power is critical to the activities of the artisans, revealed that his administration is harnessing the efforts of all stakeholders in the sector to ensure that power supply to Akure the State capital and indeed the entire State enjoys significant improvement.

He said "Artisanship is the way to go in this dispensation. We enjoin our teeming youths to learn vocations. We will strive to collaborate with all stakeholders to emplace and implement programmes that will boost the productivity of our artisans across the State.

"I enjoin you to step up your skills in order to be able to compete favourably in the global space. The quality of your products must be able to stand the test of time like their counterparts across the world.

"Our youths must shun the proclivity for get-rich-quick that is now pervasive in our society. Let me state unequivocally that we shall continue to create an enabling environment for the sector to thrive in our State and for every individual to engage in lawful businesses without let or hindrance.

"We all know that power is critical to your activities. To this end, we are harnessing the efforts of all stakeholders in the sector to ensure that power supply to Akure the State capital and indeed the entire State enjoys significant improvement.

"The sector should not be seen as an area which is meant for illiterates; rather it should be seen as businesses for serious minded skilled people which are capable of creating massive employment and income generation for our dear State.

"It should be noted that in other parts of the world, artisans are a major source of employers of labour. They are expected to contribute a high percentage to our Gross Domestic Product (GDP). "

The President General of the state artisan group, Akomolafe Daisi appreciated Governor Akeredolu for the N50 Million set aside for the group as loans.

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The Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Ile Oluji, (FEDPOLEL), Prof Adedayo Fasakin has disclosed that the institution will soon move to its permanent site.

He made the disclosure while addressing the members of staff.

Fasakin also called on them to continue to pray for a favourable response from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) in respect of the Resource Verification Exercise carried out last year for mounting of seven new programmes in the Institution.

He revealed that the Institution would facilitate the full accreditation of its existing five National Diploma (ND) programmes in Accountancy,Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Electronics Engineering and Statistics,in addition to kick- starting the Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes.

He also emphasised that staff training and development would be given necessary attention subject to availability of fund.

Earlier, in his short exhortation Pastor Afolabi Oludeyi,who also doubles as the institution’s Student Affairs Officer,charged the gathering to be faithful and optimistic in the New Year as there is nothing insurmountable for God to conquer if one remains steadfast in His abiding Grace.

He called all and sundry to seek God,serve Him and run away from sins in order to benefit from the divine presence of God.

The monthly prayer meeting, which has become a tradition in the Institution, was also attended by the Registrar, Mr Olufeyisayo Adetula; Polytechnic Librarian, Mr Akin Olofinsawe; Ag.Dean of Programmes, Engr.Felix Akinnifesi;Heads of departments and units, among others.

We have effectively utilized the N7.8billion budgeted for Ondo State Universal Basic Education .

The Chairman, Ondo State Universal Basic Education, Princess, Oladunni Odu disclosed this. According to her: ” we have added value to the N7.8billion Naira we got from the government for the basic education in the state”.

She said that all the 18 local government areas of the state were touched in the area of schools renovation or building of new structures.

She said” if you go to all the nooks and crannies of the state, even into the interiors, you will see schools being renovated, this year, with the money given to us by the state government and marching grants from the Federal government, we will to renovate or build more schools”

The Chairman also stated that plans are on to renovate and construct 250 more schools this year.

Odu said basic education is returning to agriculture and sport, adding that boreholes and new furniture will be provided in schools across the state.

“We will provide boreholes, furniture and even do more because the basic education sector is returning to agriculture, so we are going to build poultry farms ,fisheries in our schools and also in the area of sport, so that our children can be healthy in body and in mind,we are going into badminton, volley ball and also buying sporting equipment in our schools” Odu stated.

She also disclosed that the state government has voted two percent into quality assurance in order to have quality education.

The Chairman therefore thanked the governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) for his support and believe in the basic education sector that once the foundation is right, every other things built on it will be very good.

SOURCE: http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/N7.8-b-budget-for-education-used-judiciously-%E2%80%93-SUBEB

Executive Secretary, Ondo State Primary Healthcare Board, Dr. Francis Akanbiemu has disclosed that the board is set to reduce child morbidity rate by giving priority to the prevention of childhood death from avoidable condition.

This according to him will enable the state have a robust health sector.

He disclosed this while speaking with The Hope in Akure.

According to him, the ‘Agbomola’ project which was initiated few months ago will be strengthened adding that immunisation of children from preventable diseases will be adequately attended to.

While speaking further, he explained that treatment will be provided for commonly occurring ailments at the local government level, community level and health centres.”

Akanbiemu who revealed the board’s determination to drive the processes with adequate human resources noted that the board will give priority to the availability of drugs at the various health centres.

While speaking extensively on the board’s projection for the new year, he said; “we will ensure as a matter of priority immunisation of children less than five years with inpreventable diseases by providing immunisation coverage for them.

“We will also work on children nutrition by providing Vitamin A in order to curtail malnutrition and to achieve this, we will collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture in providing advice and technical support so as to ensure the availability of food.

“We will also ensure that there is availability of food for both children and pregnant women and also guarantee good antenatal care and safe delivery for expectant mothers.”

The board’s boss who hinted that it is the responsibility of the board to provide leadership and governance to all the 18 local governments, promised to render improve the health services to the people of the state through more commitment from staff and putting in place the necessary measures for effective result.

However he said; “we will ensure that we have control of environmental acquired health conditions that is keeping the environment clean, ridding the environment of nuisance and ensuring that bushes around the house are cleared in order to prevent the spread of parasitic infection, Malaria and soil transmitted hemitic infections.

“In addition, we will collaborate with the Ministry of Information in disseminating health promoting messages to the grassroots to keep the people informed.

SOURCE: http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/ODPHB-sets-to-reduce-child-morbidity-rate

The Ondo State University of Science and Technology, OSUSTECH, Okitipupa will soon begin to run courses in Maritime Education through its partnership with a topflight institution in Maritime studies, it has been disclosed.
Vice-Chancellor, Ondo State University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa (OSUSTECH), Prof Sunday Ogunduyile made the disclosure, when he led Deputy Vice Chancellor of Caribbean Maritime University, Jamaica, Prof Ibraheem Ajaguna on a courtesy visit to the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, in his office in Akure.

Prof Ogunduyile explained that the development was a follow-up to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed with the Caribbean Maritime University, Jamaica recently.

Vice-Chancellor added that the partnership followed the charge of the State Governor to OSUSTECH at the inception of his administration on ways the university could leverage on its proximity to the state’s aquatic potentials, having the longest and deepest coastline in West Africa Sub-region.

He said upon several searches, the partnership would be beneficial to students, the state and Nigeria, if eventually, the Maritime Education takes off.

Describing the Caribbean Maritime University, Jamaica, as a global stakeholder in Maritime Education, its Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Ibraheem Ajaguna said the university has the best of laboratory in Maritime Studies in the world with accreditations from various international regulatory organisations.

Prof. Ajaguna, who is an indigene of Ondo State, added that with the location of OSUSTECH which according to him was conducive for knowledge and skill acquisitions, there were chances of OSUSTECH surpassing older institutions in Maritime Education.

While assuring of his determination to make OSUSTECH benefit maximally from the deal with his university, Ajaguna described Maritime as a sector with limitless opportunities for employment and tourism.

He however regretted that the curriculum for courses in Nigerian institutions were not in tandem with the need realities of today and the future.

Responding, Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), expressed happiness that OSUSTECH took up the challenge he threw at it on Maritime studies.

SOURCE: http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/OSUSTECH-to-begin-Maritime-Education

Primary Health workers in the employ of Ondo State government caught engaging in shady deals would be severely dealt with.

Executive Secretary, Ondo State Primary Healthcare Board, Dr. Francis Akanbiemu gave the warning while speaking with The Hope in Akure.

Reacting to an allegation against some primary health workers, he frowned at the illegal collection of money from the age group outside the formidable group covered for free health at the Primary Health Care level saying, such won’t be tolerated by government.

While condemning the act, he said; “there has been this issue at the facility level whereby payment are made without following the rules and regulations even for cases that require little payment especially for those outside the formidable age (that is under five children and pregnant women) covered by free health.


“Henceforth, anybody found collecting money without issuing receipt will face the wrath of the law.

“If we pursue this, illegal collection of money will stop because the receipts are security documents.”

While speaking further, he hinted that a circular has been issued in respect of that and it will be followed up for effective monitoring and supervision.

He added that the board has developed a software; ‘Comcare’ which according to him is electronically developed to enable effective monitoring of facilities in the Primary Health care centres.

His words; “for our monitoring, we use Comcare and we act on it. The software captures where the user is and sends required information immediately.”

SOURCE: http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/Fraud%3a-Ondo-Health-workers-to-face-penalty

Chukazu:


Are you From Ondo?

yes

Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Hospitals’ Management Board, Dr. Niran Ikuomola has expressed the board’s readiness to make the state health system ‘patient friendly’, so as to improve the people’s trust in the sector.

He disclosed this while speaking with The Hope shortly after the 2019 first prayer meeting of the board on Wednesday in Akure.

According to him, the introduction of the Contributory Health Scheme enables government hospitals to become the first port of call for patients, hence the need to improve the hospitals’ standard to a level which would enable them compete favourably among good hospitals within and outside the country.

He noted that the board can only achieve it by embarking on regular training of its staff aside its routine monitoring exercise.

His words: “As a board, we will intensify our monitoring effort in ensuring that the hospitals continue to provide quality service and also give prompt attention to the care of our people.

“We will also examine ourselves to know our area of strength to build on it and work on our area of weakness.”

He called on the staff to be favourably disposed to providing services to the people of the state saying, “you must always come very early to work. “

However, he expressed the board’s determination to frown at acts of indiscipline among workers.

Earlier in his words the board’s Pay Master, Mr. Christopher Adedayo admonished the staff to be conscious of their act in the new year and added that they should live righteously.

He enjoined them to make good and godly resolutions so as to enjoy the glory of God in the new year.

Governor Odunayo Oluwarotimi Akeredolu inaugurated the strategic development and policy implementation committee to develop a detailed sectoral policy and programs for the education/technology sector.

Since the inception of the committee, the government has successfully launched out these projects and many more:

- Provision of recommended textbooks to libraries at least in core subjects of English and the STEM fields – Science, Technology, -
Engineering and Mathematics.
- Provisions of Computer set in schools to improve digital literacy.
- School environment was made attractive through beautification and landscaping.
- Career counselling particularly in the choice of subject combination should be provided for students.
- Commencement of tertiary institutions abandoned projects.
- Provision of running grants to schools.
- Commencement of provision of scholarships on merit for deserving students in secondary/ tertiary institutions.
- Provision of necessary counterpart funding to access outstanding UBEC 3.6 Billion naira fund arrears.
- Upward review of incentives for teachers posted to difficult terrains.
- Regular monthly release, in advance, of feeding and maintenance grants to 4 special schools.

A Teaching Hospital for the training of medical students of the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo has taken off.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Wahab Adegbenro said personnel needed for the teaching hospital had been interviewed and deployed to the teaching hospital while facilities which form the nucleus of the hospital complex have been put in place.

The various facilities include the Medical Village which is made up of the Trauma Centre, Kidney Care Centre, Mother and Child hospital and the State Specialist Hospitals both in Akure and Ondo, will all take care of the training needs of students of the Medical University.

Speaking further, he stated that the State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has approved the sum of N120 million for the take off grant of the University of Medical Science Teaching Hospital and added that measures are being put in place to ensure that it functions effectively.

He stated that the teaching hospital will not only provide the training need of students but also tertiary healthcare services to the people of the state.

His words: “There were some issues when we came on board. There was the need to set up a Teaching Hospital because this state has a medical university and we now have medical students at 400Level and they obviously need a teaching hospital for training.

That was why the government quickly established the Medical Science Teaching Hospital which is a multi campus set up. That is, we have some facilities in Ondo, we have some in Akure as well,” he said.

Adegbenro noted that residents of Akure with a teeming population will benefit more from the Teaching Hospital. “Apart from enjoying what we know as secondary healthcare, they will now be enjoying tertiary healthcare. We would have a lot of lecturers, consultants, professors who will do a lot of things more than what we used to have at that place.”

Reacting to protest in some quarters about the development, he said government would not remove the structures from Akure and “that is why we said the name of the teaching hospital is University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital Complex.

I don’t think there should be any problem. Also, as part of the activities of the government, we have moved the School of Nursing and School of Midwifery to the university and the nurses who graduate there will have degrees and would no longer be termed staff nurse, staff midwives. They would graduate with BSc nursing certificate”, he added.

Speaking extensively on the Contributory Health Scheme, the commissioner noted that it will take off by February .

“We are hoping that towards January ending or February we should be able to start the scheme.”

He explained that the governor has set aside fund to take care of those in the vulnerable group. That is the pregnant women, under five children and the physically and mentally challenged.

Commenting on the increased number of Mother and Child hospitals in the state, he hinted that there are moves to scale up the standard of facilities to be used in order to enable them function as mono specialist centres.

He said: “We have one in Ikare, that is at state specialist hospital, Ikare; then we have one in Owo, also at General Hospital, Owo, for the northern senatorial zone.

“The facilities are existing there but they would now have special sections that take care of these two groups of people: the pregnant women and under five children.

“Then to the south, we have three because of the peculiarity of that environment. The General Hospital, Ore is going to serve as a mother and child hospital. The State Specialist Hospital, Okitipupa will also serve as one, then the General Hospital, Igbokoda, towards the riverine area, will also have one.

“In short, we would now have about seven of them in place, and Mr Governor has also made provisions for the running of these centres. “

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has commended the people of the state for their commitment to the prompt payment of taxes just as he also sues for more cooperation from them.

He made the commendation during the budget presentation at the State House of Assembly complex, Akure last Monday.

According to him, payment of tax especially by market men and women has brought improvement to the state’s economy saying “you have demonstrated to us your readiness to contribute directly or indirectly to the state’s economic growth.”

While commending them specifically for their support for government, he appealed to tax defaulters to turn a new leaf by getting involved in performing their civic responsibility in order to speed up developmental process in the state.

However, he warned those who engage in injurious practices to desist from such saying “we are ever ready to reward excellence and dedication to service, we shall not fail to sanction, swiftly and firmly any errant attitudes which stand against decency and progress. “

The contributions of worthy Nigerians to national development will soon be appreciated through the award of National Honours, President Muhammadu Buhari has said.

Receiving a delegation of members of Buhari Support Group Centre (BSGC) at State House, Abuja, Thursday, the President said the intention of the administration was to “leave a better country for our children, and for coming generations,” and those who partake in such national effort would be duly rewarded with National Honours.

“Many people are qualified for such honours. We are looking at it, and we will appreciate the contributions of such people,” President Buhari said.

He commended members of BSGC, who have made immense personal sacrifices to support him since he joined partisan politics, adding that they did so out of personal conviction, “because I’m not known to be a very generous person.”

The President added: “What you are doing can’t be materially compensated. You are doing it out of conviction, at the expense of your pockets, and it is God that will reward you.”

Speaking, Director General of BSGC, Umaru Dembo, said the group had sensitized Nigerians on the need to get their voters cards, keep them safe, “and voting the right candidates during elections.”

President Buhari was decorated as Grand Patron of the Buhari Support Group Centre, and also presented with two books and discs done by the group.

In furtherance of the President Muhammadu Buhari's administration determination to provide adequate security in the Nigeria and rid the States of criminal elements and activities, the Nigerian Military will today launch "Exercise Egwu Eke III" in Ondo State.

The exercise which will be launched in Owo, Owo local government area of the state will be performed by the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division Major General Okwudili Azinta and witnessed by the Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN. The exercise will hold from Thursday, January 3rd 2018 to February 24, 2018.

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has assured the people of Ondo State that criminals and crime will have no place in the state.

The South-West Zonal Director of the Buhari/Osinbajo Campaign Organisation and a former governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Olusola Oke, has expressed optimism that President Muhammadu Buhari would win the election, despite the internal crises rocking the party in some states .

He said all aggrieved members of the party would work for Buhari, saying “Buhari is the real project.”

Oke stated this while receiving members of Buhari/Osinbajo Strategic Solidarity Movement in Akure, the Ondo State capital on Wednesday.

He explained that his primary assignment as a South-West BMO Director was to bring all party members together in order for APC to emerge victorious.

He said, “We need everybody, so whosoever is aggrieved; we would make appeal to them. I am happy about one thing: whosoever is aggrieved will still say ‘I am going to work for our President.’

“Mr President is the real project and the APC has a way of finding solutions to its problems, so, that is not a problem. We will all work together.”

He said there was the need for Nigerians to make the right choice at the forthcoming presidential election.
Oke added , “Voting for another candidate apart from President Buhari is like the Israelites going back to Egypt but in APC, we are focused on Canaan by supporting Buhari.

“The Yoruba people are very sophisticated politically. Their place in the last election was crucial and critical and it’s going to be same in this election.

“We have our own options and we have weighed the options and at this level, Buhari has no alternative and that is why we are going for him. ”

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Wednesday evening, restated his unwavering determination to entrench good governance in the state.

The Governor gave assurance of the commitment of his administration to fairness and equity to all parts of the state in the delivery of projects and appointments.

Governor Akeredolu gave the assurance at an event organised by the Owo Youths General Assembly, tagged “Dinner with Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN” held at Owo.

He appreciated the commitment to the salutary vision of ‘Owo Is One Movement ” which championed the course of his governorship election in 2016. The Governor reiterated his commitment to entrench good governance in Ondo State like never before so as to make all sons and daughters Owo be proud of having one of them as Governor of the state after the first in over three decades.

Governor Akeredolu said the occasion afforded him the opportunity to rub minds with the youths on the strategic pathway to unleash the enormous potentials of the young people at contributing to the advancement of the town and the state in general.

He said the modest achievements of his administration so far were as a result of the relative peace prevalent in the state, which youths have been critical partners.

“We are creating conducive environment for them with a view to including them in our decision making process and other governmental endeavors. Quite a significant number of our youths are occupying prime positions in our administration,” he said.

The Youths General Assembly compromises indigenes of Owo, Isu-Ada, Emure-Ile, Uso, Ipele, Iyire and parts of Ose Local Government Area.

The gathering according to the President of Owo Youth General Assembly, Mr Olamiposi Oyegoke was to commend the glittering success that followed the “OIOM” that worked tirelessly for the emergence of Arakunrin Akeredolu as the sixth democractically elected Governor of Ondo State in 2016.

Mr Oyegoke, who noted with satisfaction the resultant effects of the project, said both young and old including non-indigenes residents in Owo kingdom came together to pursue the sole objective of having a son of Owo Kingdom as governor ahead of the 2016 gubernatorial election in the state and the project came to fruition.

While justifying that Governor Akeredolu has been an Icon of Unity and a pride to Owo Kingdom, the President said the performance of the governor in less than two years in office across all sectors showed that the project of “OIOM” was a divine agenda.

He categorically stated that no administration in the history of Ondo State has in two years constructed the number of kilometers of roads so far delivered by the Akeredolu administration.

Nine indigenes of the town were honoured with various awards including the Chairman Governing Council of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic , Owo, Banji Alabi, Esq. as Patron while the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Olugbenga Ale was conferred with the Award of Hero for Outstanding Community Service to the all-round development of Owo Kingdom.

Also the Special Adviser to the Governor on Lands, Works and Infrastructure, Engineer Raimi Aminu bagged the Award of Excellence as Political Technocrat of the Year 2018 in recognition of his immense contributions to the advancement of Owo Kingdom while the Special Assistant on Natural Resources, Hon Lawal Fatai Olushina was equally honoured for his untiring contributions to youth activities within the kingdom.

Dignitaries at the event include: Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Hon Ifedayo Abegunde with his wife; the immediate past Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in Ondo State, Otunba Timehin Adelegbe ; Chairman Ondo State Local Government Service Commission, Hon Femi Idris and the Chairman of Kick-Connect, Chief Alex Ajipe.

The year 2018 in our political party saw more than its usual share of challenge. Cyclical and battle-induced downturns, the fallout from our national convention, the aftermath of the primary election and the harmful effects of the legislative struggles combined to trigger a mild political impasse in our party, in the state.

Thus, 2018 in many ways tested our resolve as a political party. But, 2018 also brought measurable progressions. Our party’s Chapter leadership’s legal battle was finally put to rest with an overwhelming court judgment favourable to the current ExCo led by Engr. Ade Adetimehin.

But, what perhaps, should bring us the greatest pleasure is the good works of the Reconciliation Committee put in place by our party National Working Committee (NWC) to resolve the post primary election issues and other contending issues within our Party. Survey showed that 90% of the contending issues in were resolved nationwide.

Hence, about 9 in 10 of the members polled expressed a high level of satisfaction; and a great percentage of our members, especially, in Ondo State felt satisfied, and are willing to work for the common interest of the party in the coming 2019 general elections.

So, ultimately, 2018 was in fact a year which illustrated the truism that things are never other than a mix: good with bad, progress with obstacles, advancement with setbacks. But, whenever the scale tilt more to the minus side, we assure you that we will be Churchillian in our optimism that we can make good opportunities out of the difficulties. Thus, it is that we march into 2019 certain that the next 12 months will establish good above evil.

In all of our struggles and battles as a political party in Ondo State, there is one common denominator binding all members : that is to work together for the overall interest of the party in the resolve to return President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to office. This was never in contention at any given time. In fact, many opposition members in the State have agreed with us that it is in the best interest of our nation to elect honest men with proven integrity and character to manage our economy, rather than a set of bourgeois who are bereft of the type of the progressive ideas to run the country. They presented a team which lack integrity, smeared with the dirt of corruption allegation of international dimension. Projecting such persons as our elected leaders would make us a laughing stock in the international community.

We will not end this message without mentioning some great strive and progress made by the government under the leadership of our indefatigable governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN. The government’s infrastructure renewal took off without delay, as well, a number of multibillion naira road projects, community engagements, trade-group empowerments and human and resources development visible across the State.

There were good investments in many industrial sectors to provide employment and empowerment. In addition, many notable private sector developments and partnership drive took place in the year 2018.

There was the restoration of electricity to the South Senatorial District of the state, starting with all the houses in Ebute-Ipare and Aboto towns in Ilaje local government area and majority of houses in Igbobini in Ese-odo local government area which were powered using solar technology as well as Ode-Aye which was recently reenergized by BEDC, after several years of a being cut-off from the national grid.

The state government and its private sector partners are presently at an advanced stage of the introduction of Independent Power Plants (IPP) in strategic parts of the state, which will ensure constant power supply in Ondo State.

There are unprecedented improvements in the state’s tourism and agriculture sectors that will see us into historic heights in employment and revenue generation.

Our projection is that 2019 must be a turn around stanza as we seek to continue to fulfill the promises of our electoral campaigns.

We heartily wish all members of the All Progressives Congress and the generality of the good people of Ondo State ‘Happy New Year’ and abundant God’s blessings in 2019.

Steve Otaloro
Director, Media & Publicity
APC, Ondo State.

Workers in Ondo State on Wednesday thanked Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, for bringing joy to their homes through improved workers' welfare.

The number one civil servant in the state, Barrister Toyin Akinkuotu gave the appreciation on behalf of the civil servants in the state at the annual prayer meeting of the Governor with he Public Servants in the state.

The meeting which was held at the premise of the Governor's office, Alagbaka, Akure was well attended by civil servants and other top government functionaries.

Akinkuotu said when Governor Akeredolu came on board in February 2017, it was a period of low spirit from loss of hope arising from the seven months unpaid salaries by the previous administration.

According to him, the Akeredolu led administration has shown total commitment to the welfare of workers in the state since inception.

He said "About two years ago when Governor Akeredolu came on board, it was a period of despondency. When workers were not paid for seven months , you are simply telling them to go and die. We thank God today, Governor Akeredolu has changed the narratives by putting smiles on our faces

"When you came on board, Sir, Workers' Welfare was like 40%, but right now, I say it's like 98% percent. We are praying and trusting God and Mr. Governor that in this year, the remaining 2% will be added to make it 100%

"I thank my colleagues, the civil servant, for identifying with this government that's committed to their welfare

"This is an election year , you must shine your eyes and make sure you don't go back to Egypt. Work hard to vote for the government that promotes your welfare . "

#Ondo2019Budget

The 2019 Budget is the second major budget to be prepared by this Administration, and so, our emphasis will be to consolidate and build on the feats achieved in 2018.

To this end, our objectives for the 2019 budget are:
(i) Completion of on-going programmes/projects;
(ii) Rapid economic development and transformation;
(iii) Sustained expansion of the fiscal space and rejig the economy through strategic wealth creation for the productive sector (Youths, Artisans, Women, etc);
(iv) Innovative and integrated approach to drive government revenue through technology to increase actual Independent Revenue by at least 50%;
(v) Improvement in the State’s fiscal performance to enable the State increase its draw-down on Federal Government and international performance-based grants;
(vi) Reduction in reliance on Federal Transfers through diversification of the State’s economy;
(vii) Inclusive growth based on Intelligent Development approach;
(viii) Sustained investment in infrastructural facilities and resuscitation of ailing/moribund industries in the State;
(ix) Accelerated rural development;
(x) Promotion of functional education and technological growth;
(xi) Robust human Capital Investment Initiatives and Social Security Services.

In order for us to achieve the foregoing objectives, highlighted below are some of the strategies we are going to adopt.
(i) Constitution of Economic Advisory Team and Efficiency Unit for the State;
(ii) Compliance with global best practices in Fiscal Allocation and Management;
(iii) Development of ICT to drive Independent Revenue (IR), empower and create wealth for our productive sectors;
(iv) Sustained engagement of revenue consultants to help drive independent revenue generation;
(v) Leverage on donor partners support and diaspora monetary inflow;
(vi) Provision of social security services for the elderly and others;
(vii) Deliberate investments in agro enterprises, provisions of farm inputs and supply of improved seedlings to farmers to boost food production and generate employment for our youths; and
(viii) Continuous opening up of rural feeder roads to enhance hitch free conveyance of farm produce to the market;
(ix) Rigorous pursuit of efforts at Industrialising the State.

Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has just arrived the Ondo State House of Assembly where he will be presenting the 2019 appropriation bill to the House.

The Governor was ushered in by the majority leader of the House, Hon. Araoyinbo.

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has expressed the optimism that the All Progressives Congress will emerge victorious in the 2019 general elections.

He said President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration had performed well and deserved another term.

Akeredolu said this while donating 18 buses to the Buhari/Osinbajo Campaign Organisation in the state during an end-of-the year party he hosted in his home town, Owo, on Saturday.

He said the gesture was part of his efforts and commitment to boosting the re-election campaign of Buhari and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo in the state.

He said, “The 2019 elections are very important to the APC and our state and we have to work for the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari because he has done well and we have to give him another term.

“What I am sure of is that victory is sure for the President in Ondo State and the country in general.”

Akeredolu urged members of the campaign organisation to ensure that the vehicles were used for the purpose they were meant for.

He said the buses were meant to be used to mobilise members of the party across the state.

The state Chairman of the APC, Ade Adetimehin, urged members to work for the party’s victory. He also urged them to shun violence before, during and after the elections.

“We have no problem in Ondo State. We have started work, so victory is sure for the APC. Victory is sure for President Muhammadu Buhari, “ Adetimehin said.

The buses were presented to the chairmen of APC in the 18 local government areas of the state.

Without doubt, Ondo State has witnessed a very troubling experience with the activities of kidnappers in the last one month.

All over the world, the most tasking challenge that may confront any government is insecurity. Nigeria, our dear nation, is not an exception. The country has continued to witness serious security challenges in more than one decade now, and it is getting worse year by year.

Every state of the country has had its own share of this dangerous challenge, with each struggling to tackle the menace in its own way.

It is important to note that cases of kidnappings are not limited to any particular state, with the media replete of the dastardly acts of the devilish men on daily basis.

In Ondo State, the peace enjoyed by the people since the Oluwarotimi Akeredolu administration came on board was punctured by the sudden surge in the activities of kidnappers on our highways. It assumed a dangerous dimension around November and early December.

And like every other challenge faced by government at any level in Nigeria, the Akeredolu administration rose up to the challenge and responded like any other responsible government should.

In a period like this, the most that is expected of any responsible citizen is to join hands with the government to fight the enemies.

It is, therefore shocking that a political group masquerading as a lover of the people would come out to attack Governor Akeredolu and the police boss in the state.

While it is not our duty to speak for Akeredolu and the government, but times like this, when politicians are putting on the cloak of civility and philanthropy to deceive the people demands that the few good ones among us speak out.

We have it on good authority that since the ugly incidents of kidnapping began, the governor and all the security agencies in the state, including the police, army and immigration among others have held countless number of meetings, during which strategies were discussed. The recent run of successes is the result of these meetings and strategy sessions.

The combined team of Police , Army and other security agencies have embarked on aggressive combing of forests within the state, especially the forest along the Akure /Owo /Akoko highway. Over four suspected kidnappers have been arrested so far .

Its also worthy of note that in the past one week or more, there has been no single case of kidnapping report on the route. Indeed, the various meetings presided over by the Governor has paid off. No leader will be happy with kidnapping activities in the state.

Apart from the ugly politics the SLF attempted to play with the lives and security of the people of the state , we must remind them that Governor Akeredolu was greeted into office with worrisome security challenges in the riverine area of the state including Ogun and Lagos states.

Without making noise, Akeredolu restored peace to the south west by ending the reigns of militants who had then , taking to kidnapping of people including School children. Its a known fact, that the Governor’s efforts led to the rescue of the students of Lagos State Model College. The silent Akeredolu made such feat without taking advert slots to make noise about it.



Governor Akeredolu has also procured some speed boats for the Naval command in the riverine area to ease their job of policing the area very well. Recently, the same Governor donated some Hilux van to the police command in the state to compliment the ones already on ground, so as to extend their strategic policing job.

The state Command of the police has done creditably well in its task of policing the state, with CP Gbenga Adeyanju in the forefront of the battle against criminals in the state. On several occasions, he has led his men into the most dangerous places in this onerous task. It is, therefore, a big surprise that the SLF would call for the removal of this hard working man.

The SLF is aware of the Governor’s efforts, it was merely playing politics. We are also aware that the group is sponsored by a politician who has failed the people of his constituency on all fronts. Like the Ostrich, they continue to bury their heads in the sand while the backside remains open to the people.

As a group, we only want to remind the SLF and its paymaster that CONSCIENCE IS AN OPEN WOUND, ONLY TRUTH CAN HEAL IT.



OREDOLA JOSEPH

COORDINATOR, ONDO REDEMPTION GROUP

Plans are underway to make Akure, the Ondo State capital, the technology hub of West Africa, by creating the needed ambiance for technology enthusiasts and start-ups to thrive in the city, Information and

Communications Technology expert, Mr. Babajide Akeredolu, has said.

The ICT expert, who is a son of the governor-elect of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, dropped the hint at a ‘Meet Up’ organised by Akure TechUp, a growing community of tech start-ups.

The troops of 32 Artillery Brigade has commenced a 3 day intensive Clearance Operation at kidnappers hideouts within Owo and Ose Local Government areas which are being used for various nefarious activities such as collection of ransoms from kidnapp victims, rape and other sundry crimes.

The Operation is aimed at ensuring safety of travellers along Owo and Ose roads and also to complement the ongoing efforts of the joint security agencies in the State to curtail the activities of kidnappers and other criminal elements.

You will recall that some kidnap victims were released a few days back after a shootout with some of the kidnappers and also the arrest of two suspects who are currently undergoing interrogation.

Members of the public within these localities are advised not to panic as the massive deployment is to checkmate the activists of these hoodlums while creating a conducive environment for the communities to carryout their legitimate activities.

All useful information on the movements of the kidnappers and their collaborators should be forwarded to the following emergency numbers: 09030002151
09030002161.

You are please requested to disseminate this information to the general public in both local and English languages.
Thanks for your cooperation
Major Ojo Adenegan
Assistant Director Army Public Relations.

In furtherance of his commitment to the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President, Yemi Osinbanjo, Ondo state governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Wednesday donated buses to the State chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) across the 18 local government areas of the state.

The Governor said the buses are meant to mobilize members of the party in the state.

Presenting the buses to the local government Chairmen of the party, Akeredolu said the 2019 elections is very important to the APC and the state.

The buses were presented at the open field besides Nigeria Prison, GRA, Owo. Governor Akeredolu urged the Chairmen and members of the party to make good use of the buses.

#Ondo4Buhari
#Aketi4PMB

In less than two years in office, the unprecedented success in road constructions and rehabilitations. Like no other administration before it, Gov. Akeredolu has kept to his promise to make both the people’s welfare and infrastructural development of the state a priority of his administration.

The Akeredolu’s magic touch on roads rehabilitation and construction does not discriminate against federal, state or local government roads. That is the case on the Owo-Ikare road and several other roads spread across the three senatorial districts of the Sunshine State.

THE FACTS:
1. Rehabilitation of selected road in Ifon (2.063km)
2. Rehabilitation of Oke Afa Road in Supare (1.448km)
3. Rehabilitation of Lennon Jubile-Solaco Road, Ugbe Road (2.358km)
4. Rehabilitation of failed portion along Iwaro-Oka-Isua Road (900m) and (21.8km)
5. Installation of street light along Owo Dualised Road
6. Construction of GRA roads (2.5km) to Owo dualisation
7. Construction of Iyere/Igbe Road, Owo
8. Construction of Iyere/Ipele Road, Owo (Phase 2)
9. Construction of Melege Junction-Ute township road (9km)
10. Dualisation of road from Emure junction (4.273km) -AUD and from Ministry of Works to Iyere junction (2.963),owo
11. Construction of Iyere/Ipele Road, Owo (3.50km) Phase 1
12. Dualisation of Ikare Township Road Phase 11
13. Rehabilitation of Owo-Ikare Road (35km)
14. Dualisation of Oke Alabojuto Road, Ikare Phase 1 (0.5km)
15. Construction of 3 No box culverts at Ikare
16. Construction of box culvert and a bridge along Oba-Akoko-Ikun Road
17. Construction of box culvert at Aralepo, Owo
18. 5km pilot scheme RAAMP Project Molege Ute Road
19. Construction of selected roads in I danre (2.76km)
20. Construction of Iwalewa-Alafiaatayo, Iwalewa-Oshinle, Iwalewa-Hospital Road and Abusoro Road, Ijoka Phase 1
21. Construction of Alagbaka SIB-Appeal Court Road (6.02km)
22. Rehabilitation of Igbara-Oke-Isharun and Isharun Township Road (3.1km)
23. Rehabilitation of Igbara-Oke-Ibuji Road (8.1km)
24. Rehabilitation/construction of Oke-Ogba community road (5.412km)
25. Construction of Gaga community township road (5.569km)
26. Reconstruction of Bolorunduro to Fagbo Road (8.50km), Ondo
27. Construction of Ijoka to Idanre Road (15km)
28. Construction of dual carriageway from Oba Adesida (A Division) Oba Osupa (Hospital) Road-Oluwatuyi-Ijoka (8.135km)
29. Rehabilitation of Ondo dual carriage Road Phase 11 (4.3km)
30. Lighting/rehabiitation of Mobil Fiwasaye-Airport Road (8.950km)
31. Rehabilitation of selected roads in Ondo town (7.11km)
32. Dualisation of Ondo township Road ohase 1 (5.5km)
33. Rehabilitation of Access Road Royal Birds Motel/Kayode, Adinlewa Alagbaka, Akure (1.89km)
34. Construction of Army Barracks Network Rods, Akure
35. Construction/Rehabilitation of Ijapo Housing Estate Road (2.817km)
36. Construction of terminal building access road/parking lot at Akure Airport
37. Patching of selected roads in Akure township
38. Construction of Sabomi-Ajagba Road (2.3km)
39. Rehabilitation of Ore township (Mobil-Sabo Juntion (0.5km)
40. Rehabilitation/Construction of Ile-Oluji township Road (5.25km)
41. Construction of Okitipupa Igbokoda Bypass Road phase 1 (10km)
42. Construction of Flyover across Benin/Ore expressway
43. Construction of box culvert, channels, drains and approaches at Ore.

Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Odigbo Local Government area of Ondo State have pledged to work assiduously for the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari and other candidates of the party in the 2019 general elections .

They gave the pledge during an event organized to honour the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly and lawmaker representing Odigbo State Constituency 1, Mr. Iroju Ogundeji, for his commitment to adding values to the consistency since assumption of office.

At the event, party faithful, men and women, youths as well as supporters came out in large number to welcome one of their own, Iroju Ogundeji, who they described as God sent to change the narrative of the constituency and to put smiles on the faces of the people .

In his welcome address, Chairman APC in Odigbo Local Government area, Mr. Fatai Olawale commended Ogundeji for what he described as his unprecedented commitment to the development of the constituency.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to Governor Akeredolu on Political Matters, Mr. Tunji Fabiyi while highlighting the achievements of the Akeredolu’s administration in developing Odigbo, canvassed for massive votes for the re-election of the lawmaker and other APC candidates in the forthcoming 2019 polls.

The Secretary-General of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Blessing Adebowale Akinlosotu has applauded the Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN whom he described as a promise keeper and the builder of the Youth.

Addressing Journalists in Abuja after the news of State Bursary and Scholarship payment got to him. He expressed joy and satisfaction that after five years of persistent failed promises by the past adminstration of to pay the students of Ondo State their legitimate, rightful and statutory allowance for excellence performance in their respective academics.

NYCN Scribe noted that though the last time Bursary and Scholarship was paid in Ondo State to the Students was in 2012/2013 session, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu promised the students at the celebration of the 2018 International Students Day Ceremony in Akure some few weeks ago and fulfilled it.

He further explained that himself and other colleagues benefitted in the past as they used Bursary and Scholarship to pay school fees during their days in school.

"we used bursary and scholarship to pay our fees in our days in the higher institution, some of us are opportune to be graduates today with the help of Dr. Segun Agagu constant payment of Bursary and Scholarship." - Blessing said

He said the Governor had once again shown to the Students and Youths of the Sunshine State that he is truly a Youth-lover and Students-friendly Governor with this singular gesture.

Furthermore, he advised the Students to judiciously use the money for the upliftment of their academic pursuit for a more robust, better opportunities and enhance entrepreneurial activities.

He also appeal to the Governor of Ondo State to look into the yearly subvention of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) in the State for better delivery of youth empowerment and development by the Leadership of the Council.

He promised the Governor of continued support by the Youths and Students of Ondo State. In his words "we will continue to support your good work and administration in the sunshine State. Be rest assured of the total support of the Students and Youths of the Sunshine State."