Politics

Vice President Flags off Akure Flyover

By Web News 162

By Isaac Afolabi

Vice President Kashim Shettima has inaugurated the Onyearugbulem–Shagari Flyover Bridge in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

At the inauguration, Senator Shettima commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for infrastructure development projects aimed at boosting business activities and easing transportation along the corridor.

He said the federal government was committed at easing the transportation challenges in Nigeria by the construction of numerous highways across the country including the Benin-Akure- Ilesha highway and the Lagos -Calabar coastal highway.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa appreciated President Bola Tinubu for laying a solid foundation for the transformation of the nation’s economy, which he said enabled states to execute impactful projects.

The governor urged the people of Ondo State to make proper use of the projects and support President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

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Lifestyle

Tributes Pour in for Florence Oyinsan

By Web News 381

By Kayode Animasaun

The wake of the late Chief (Mrs) Florence Olufunke Oyinsan, wife of a former Executive Director of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Ibadan National Station, Chief Sanya Oyinsan, took place on Thursday at her residence in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The event attracted family members, friends, political leaders, media professionals, and members of the Anglican Church from Ondo and Osun states.

In his sermon, the Venerable Stephen Ogunyemi of St David’s Cathedral, Akure, described the late Mrs Oyinsan as a woman of exemplary character who dedicated her life to doing good in all circumstances.

He urged those present to uphold integrity and kindness at all times, stressing that people are remembered for their deeds after death and that acts of kindness continue to yield positive impact even after one is gone.

Tributes from family members portrayed Mrs Oyinsan as a devoted Christian, a loving wife, and a supportive figure within her immediate and extended family.

They also described her as generous to the church and a quiet supporter of evangelism, noting her blend of beauty, wisdom, and organisational skills.

Relatives further described her as a role model whose life inspired others to live righteously and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

The burial service for the late Chief (Mrs) Florence Olufunke Oyinsan will hold on Friday at St David’s Cathedral Church, Akure.

Edited by Maxwell Oyekunle

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Human Angle

NIPOST Pensioners Protest Non-payment of Arrears

By Web News 255

By Kayode Animasaun

Aggrieved Nigeria Postal Service, NIPOST, pensioners have protested non-payment of some Pension Arrears and other entitlements by the Federal government.

The protesters who blocked the entrance of the NIPOST office in Akure, the Ondo state capital, carried various placards to express their grievances.

They lamented non payment of N32,000 pension increment, their removal from pension pay list since 2015, Non payment of N25,000 palliative of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government.

The pensioners described as disheartening that many of them had died for lack of money to take care of their medical bills and other needs.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Chairman of NIPOST Pensioners, Ondo state Branch, Comrade Stephen Duyilemi said the pensioners were tired of being treated like semi human beings.

He specifically alleged the office of the Accountant General of the Federation AG, the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate, PTAD, of withholding their entitlements without any justification.

The NIPOST pensioners called on President Bola Tinubu to wade in so that all the outstanding entitlements would be paid in time.

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Judiciary

Court of Appeal did not reinstate the council chairmen – Commissioner for Justice

By Web News 487

By Mojisola Oladele

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Osun State, Mr.Oluwole Jimi- Bada said the Court of Appeal did not reinstate the council chairmen sacked by a Federal High Court in the state.

Mr. Jimi – Bada made the clarification while addressing newsmen in his office, State Secretariat in Osogbo.

He maintained that the court never reinstated the sacked council officials, saying the judgement in the case filed by the APP, wherein the court nullified the election is the realm that affected all parties.

Mr. Jimi – Bada explains “I want to confirm to you straight away that Court of Appeal Akure did not go into the merit of the Appeal launched by the APC before them. Their finding was just that there was no cause of action on as at the time PDP brought suit against OSSIEC at the Federal High Court and what the Court of Appeal did was to strike out the originating summon filed by the PDP, and that was all.”

Radio Nigeria Correspondent report that, There had been counter interpretation of the Judgement of the Court of Appeal sitting in Akure held on 10th February , among the State government, the All Progressives Congress, APC, Peoples Democratic Party ,PDP and the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission,OSSEIC.

While the APC said the appellate court reinstated the sacked elected council officials, the PDP and state government disagreed, saying it only struck out PDP’s case.

Meanwhile, the official activities across the Thirty Local Government Areas under the leadership of Heads of Local Government Administration, went on smoothly as at the time of filling in this report. 

However combined Security Operatives were noticed around the premises of the Local Government secretariats.

Religion

Palm Sunday: Ven. Akinboro Admonishes Nigerians on Virtues

By Web News 584

 By Bukola Bardi

Congregants of St Thomas’s Anglican Church Isinkan Akure today commemorated the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ to Jerusalem with procession, prayers, and thanksgiving.

The worshippers held palm fronds and walked through the popular Arakale Road through Oke-aro, then back to the church auditorium for a holy communion service and other activities for the palm sunday.

Leading the procession was the vicar, the Venerable Thompson Akinboro who noted that the triumphant entry of Jesus christ into Jerusalem signified humility, love and victory urging Nigerian leaders to imbibe such virtues for the good of the country.

The clergyman said it was high time Nigerians allowed God to take His rightful position in the administration of the country as He was capable of correcting all mistakes and as well bring back the lost glory of the nation.

The Venerable Akinboro urged christians to allow Jesus christ to also ride triumphantly in their lives for His peace and grace to abide with them forever.

Culture

Markets Shut as Akure Goes Agog with Aheregbe Festival

By Web News 962

By Bukola Bardi

Akure community is today celebrating the annual Aheregbe festival with the popular Erekesan, Cash-hold, and Adedeji markets shut.

Aheregbe, also known as Dududu is a traditional festival commemorated mainly by the Paramount Ruler, the Deji and his chiefs, during which prayers are offered for the peace and progress of the ancient town.

Shops and markets are shut during the celebration while young men popularly called “palace Servants” and other well-wishers will dance around the town 

To mark this year’s Aheregbe festival, the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladelusi Aladetoyinbo had ordered the closure of all markets in the ancient town but this was swiftly countered by the state government, insisting that such a directive did not get its approval, hence all markets must open for business.

This, no doubt, threw traders in markets across the capital city into a dilemma.

A visit to Erekesan, Cash- hold and Adedeji markets in Akure today showed total compliance with the Deji’s order as the three markets were totally deserted by both residents.

There was a partial opening at the NEPA neighbourhood market.

It was, however, a beehive of activities at Isinkan and Isolo markets as buying and selling were going on in full swing.

Some security personnel, especially the Amotekun Corps, were seen patrolling the city to prevent looting spree and any form of hooliganism as witnessed during the past Aheregbe festival.

Meanwhile, some traders have called for a synergy between the Deji’s palace and the Ondo State Government on the issue of market closure for the annual festival.

The traders including Mr David Bonte and Miss Funke Akintola suggested that both parties should always reach a compromise before the date and procedure are announced for the Aheregbe festival to avoid any confusion.

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Economy

CBN Takes Sensitization on New Naira Notes to Markets

By Web News 553

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has commenced sensitization of market women and traders in Akure on the new naira notes.

The acting Branch Controller of CBN in Ondo State, Mr Giwa Ademola enjoined traders not to reject the new naira notes following reports that some traders were insisting on old notes in a bid to avoid fakes of the new notes.

He said the notes had become legal tender and it was now an offense to reject them.

Mr Ademola also told the traders to ensure they learn to differentiate between original and fake notes.

He reiterated that the old naira notes would cease to be legal tender on the 31st of January, 2023.

Two traders, Mrs Banke Omotosho and Oluwatosin Adesida applauded the CBN for the sensitization, noting that they were now better informed.

A resident of Akure, Mrs Blessing Gold, however, called for extension of the deadline to enable more people access the new naira notes.

Abiodun Akinluwa

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Crime

Police Station Attack Claims 1 in Akure

By Web News 571

Hoodlums reportedly attacked a police station in Akure early Monday morning resulting in the death of a police officer.

A statement from the Police Public Relations Officer, Ondo State Command, Funmi Odunlami however notes that the officers on duty who were at alert repelled the attack and prevented the miscreants from gaining entrance into the station.

The statement says a police officer, Temenu Boluwaji hit by a bullet during the crossfire later died while being taken to the hospital.  

Meanwhile, The Commissioner of Police, Mr Oyeyemi  Oyediran has ordered the State Criminal Investigation Department to take over the case and ensure the perpetrators were arrested. 

He also encouraged the people of the state to go about their lawful duty without fear as the police were determined to rid the state of criminals.

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News

Auto Crash Claims 4 Lives in Ondo

By Web News 737

Four persons including a commercial driver have been confirmed dead in an accident that occurred along Olokuta/Shasha Road, in Akure, Ondo State on Wednesday morning.

According to eyewitnesses, the accident occurred when a Sienna bus, coming from Ondo axis had a head-on collision with a hummer bus coming from the Akure axis.

The four victims were said to have died instantly.

It took the intervention of motorists and residents around the area to rescue other passengers who were trapped in the vehicles.

Men of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC in Ondo State later got to the scene and removed the corpses of the victims to the mortuary.

The accident caused a gridlock on the Akure-Ondo road for several hours.

Oluwatosin Ighoteguono

Lifestyle

Uphold professionalism in all you do – NBC charges Broadcast Stations

By Web News 619

Broadcast stations have been told to always uphold professionalism in their contents.

The new State Coordinator of the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, in Ondo State, Mrs Olubunmi Kehinde gave the charge when she paid a familiarization visit to Positive FM Akure.

Mrs Kehinde who explained that NBC was not created to witch-hunt any broadcast station but to guide, regulate and checkmate their daily activities within the NBC codes.

She commended Radio Nigeria for being a model in broadcasting in terms of news reportage and programming.

Mrs Kehinde reminded broadcast stations of the need to shun partisan politics, unapproved music and inciting words especially as the 2023 elections draw nearer.

While welcoming the New NBC Coordinator to the state, the General Manager, Positive FM, Akure, Mrs Olubunmi Olalere appreciated the NBC for carrying out its duties but advocated training and retraining of content creators to enable them function within the NBC rules and regulations.

Mrs Olalere said Radio Nigeria known for “Uplifting the People And Uniting the Nation” would continue to uphold professionalism.

Oluwatosin Ighoteguono

Lifestyle

Community Lauds Positive FM For Humanitarian Service

By Web News 709

The Landlord Association of Information Village, Adebowale, Ondo Road Akure has commended Positive F.M for helping the community to get the attention of  government and well

Chairman of the Association spirited Nigerians towards infrastructural development.

Mr Olusola Daramola gave the commendation when he led other excutive members of the Association on a visit to Positive F.M to felicitate with the station on its recently celebrated twentieth anniversary during which a giant congratulatory card was presented to the management team.

Mr Daramola described Positive F.M as an agent of change as the information village had benefited immensely from its operations.

He hailed the radio station for dishing out unbiased news and programmes at all times promising the community’s unflinching support .

Receiving the congratulatory card, the General Manager, Positive F.M Akure, Mrs Olubunmi Olalere appreciated the gesture saying it would spur the station to do more in helping communities to grow.

Mrs Olalere who commended the residents of information village for being able to provide social amenities  through communal effort said Positive F.M would always support them in any area of development.

Oluwatosin Ighoteguono                                         

Education

Groups Sensitize Pupils, Parents, On Sexual Abuse 

By Web News 723

Pupils of Ogo Oluwa Community Primary School, Oda Road, Akure, have been urged to speak out against any form of child abuse and to stay away from paedophiles.

The Network of Reproductive Health Journalists in Nigeria NRHJN, Ondo State in conjunction with an NGO made this known during advocacy to the school 

The Ondo State Coordinator of NRHJN, Alhaja Fatima Muraina, identified various forms of Abuse as she called on the pupils to speak out to get help on any form of abuse raging from sexual, physical, emotional and neglect.

Alhaja Muraina educated the children on the various strategies for identifying sexual abusers, which she said might be close relatives, neighbours, uncles and even fathers who may lure them with goodies.

Similarly, the Executive Director of the NGO, Mrs Olufisoye Adenitan said the purpose of the advocacy was aimed at further educating the children on the need to guard themselves against paedophiles in society.

Mrs Adenitan who also stressed the need for the children to always speak out while being abused or assaulted by family members, neighbours or siblings, admonished mothers to be alive to their responsibilities in protecting the children.

She equally spoke with parents who were on the ground about the need for conscious efforts to reduce the spate of sexual abuse which had become rampant in society in recent times.

Speaking on behalf of the school, the Chairman of the Parents Teachers Association, PTA, Elder Ajayi Ademola appreciated the team for what he described as an impactful time with both the children and the parents.

Olufisoye Adenitan

Health

Government Needs to Do More to Tackle Down Syndrome

By Web News 841

There is a need for the government, families and friends of people with Down syndrome to help them overcome all challenges associated with the health condition and also ensure that their rights are protected.

Some residents of Akure, Ondo State made the call on the occasion of this year’s World Down Syndrome Day with the theme “Inclusion Means Inclusion”.

Staff reporter, Augustina Okinedo completes the story.

Augustina Okinedo

News

Radio Family Visits New General Manager, Positive FM

By Web News 826

Radio Nigeria has again been urged not to derail from the path of professionalism for which it has been known since its establishment.

The chairman, Radio Nigeria Positive fm Fans club popularly called “radio family”, Reverend John Olowo stated this when he led executive members of the fans club on a courtesy visit to the new General Manager of the station, Mrs Olubunmi Olalere.

Reverend Olowo said Positive FM Akure had endeared itself to people with unbiased news and quality programmes which had impacted positively on the society.

The radio family coordinator, Mr Olu bright had earlier said the exco members were at the station to pledge their support to the new general, urging her to builld on the success of the broadcast outfit.

Responding,  Positve fm general manager, Mrs Olubunmi Olalere who appreciated members of the radio family for their loyalty and commitment always promised that the station would continue to serve the society without bias.

Mrs Olalere sought the support of the fans club for the station’s forthcoming 20th anniversary for a successful outing.

Special prayers were offered for the station and the Radio Nigeria family during the visit.

Tosin Aderibigbe

News

Accident: Shop Owners, Travellers, Escape Death In Ondo

By Web News 836

Some shop owners and travellers on Thursday escaped death when an Ondo bound vehicle rammed into shops at the popular Adebowale junction on Ondo road, Akure in Ondo state.

An eyewitness, Mr Lanre Ojurongbe said the vehicle, a sienna bus which was fully loaded with passengers was heading to Ondo town when a motorcycle suddenly showed up from the old Aponmu road and crossed the highway.

According to Mr Ojurongbe, the driver of the Ondo bound vehicle in the bid not to hit the motorcycle rammed into shops at the Adebowale junction as he was on top speed.

Even though no life was lost, but, some of the travellers sustained injuries and were immediately taken to a nearby clinic.

Some residents around the Adebowale area and passersby appealed to the federal government to construct road breakers on the Akure- Ondo road to prevent overspeeding.

Lanre Oluwateru

News

Fuel Crisis : Nigerians Groan

By Web News 673

Residents of Akure, Ondo State have appealed to the federal government and other stakeholders to urgently revive the nation’s moribound refineries as a lasting solution to fuel crisis in Nigeria.

They made the appeal against the backdrop of the lingering fuel scarcity which is biting harder by the day.

Radio Nigeria went round some filling stations on Ondo road, Oba-ile, and Arakale areas of Akure, observed that, both motorists and commuters struggle day and night to get fuel from a few filling stations that are dispensing the product amidst frustration of getting it at increased price, which sells between one hundred and sixty five naira and three hundred naira.

Three of the residents, Olanrewaju Omolayo, Kola Olawuyi and Mrs Deola Akintunde said being on the queue for long hours did not guarantee them the access to the product.

On their parts, two parents, Mrs Tolulope Ekundayo and Mrs Folake Ojo lamented the one hundred percent increase in transport fare.

Meanwhile, the long queues at filling stations have become unbearable to many, as gridlock, even as most dualized roads had been turned to a single lane due to unnecessary queues on the roads.

They however appealed to the federal government to urgently end the current situation.

When contacted on the need to ensure free flow traffic on the affected roads, special adviser, Ondo state governor on transport, Mr Tobi Ogunleye said his office would look into the matter.

Bukola Bardi

Politics

Akure Bye Election: Voting In Progress Amidst Tight Security

By Web News 579

Voting has commenced in Saturday’s bye-election into Akure North/Akure South Federal Constituency in Ondo State.

A team of Radio Nigeria correspondents covering the election in the two local governments report that accreditation started early in most of the polling units visited.

According to them, the process is going on peacefully in areas like Igbatoro, Ayede Ogbese, Oba Ile, Oke Aro, Isinkan, Ijomu, Obanla, Odopetu and Oda.

Eligible voters are trooping out in their numbers to cast their ballots while security personnel are in strategic positions to ensure law and order.

Seven political parties are participating in the bye-election.

Bukola Bardi

Politics

House of Reps Bye Election; Akure Decides

By Web News 1117

The people of Akure South and Akure North Local Governments in Ondo State will on Saturday file out to vote for the candidate of their choice in the House of Representatives bye-election taking place in the two local governments.

The seat became vacant following the sudden demise of the lawmaker representing the federal constituency covering the local governments, Mr Adedayo Omolafe on August 16, 2021.

Seven political parties are participating in the election with their candidates vying to occupy the vacant seat.

The candidates are: Olawanle Oyemakinde of Accord Party, AP, Oluwawemimo Fadeke of the African Democratic Party, ADP, Alade Olanrewaju of the All Progressives Congress, APC and Joseph Ajayi of the All Peoples Party, APP.

Others are Johnson Olanusi, National Redemption Movement, Olumuyiwa Adu, People’s Democratic Party, PDP and Opawole Tajudeen of the Social Democratic Party, SDP.

The candidates comprise five men and two women.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Government has announced a restriction of movement in the two local governments till five o’clock in the evening while police and other security agencies have deployed their personnel for the election.

Bukola Bardi

Crime

Ten Farmers In Captivity; Kidnappers Demand N100million Ransom

By Web News 500

Some unknown gunmen have reportedly abducted ten farmers  in Ayede Ogbese, Akure North council area of Ondo state.

A farmer identified as Femi Alawiye and nine of his workers were kidnapped at his farm.

It was gathered that the victims were abducted Saturday evening when the kidnappers lured them to the farm under false alarm that the farm was on fire.

According to a resident who did not want his name mentioned, “Alawiye was called on the phone that his farm was on fire and he quickly rushed down to the farm to see the level of the damages.

“As he got to the farm, the bandits appeared from their hidings and whisked them away.

 ” lt happened last Saturday he was called on the phone that his farm was on fire, he quickly called his workers and they rushed to the farm only to be ambushed by the bandits who have positioned themselves at the farm.

” They waited for them to get to the farm before they pounced on them. They were whisked away to an unknown destination. “

Speaking with newsmen, a family member of the kidnapped farmer said that the bandits had contacted the family and have demanding a sum of N100million ransom.

Spokesperson of the State police command,  Funmi Odunlami, confirmed the incident and said efforts were ongoing to rescue the victims unhurt.

Odunlami said that five of the abductors have been released by their captors.

She added that” Our men are already in the bush in search of the victims and we are sure they would be rescued.

Bukola Bardi

News

New Year Message: We Will Surmount Present Challenges, Akeredolu Assures

By Web News 538

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, has congratulated the people of Ondo State on the grace to witness the new year 2022.

Governor Akeredolu, who rejoiced with the people of the state, said despite the hurdles and the challenges experienced in the outgone year, God’s grace sustained the state, her people and the country at large.

The Governor, who hailed the people for their understanding, support and cooperation in the year 2021, reiterated his administration’s commitment to advancing the economic development and growth of the state in the new year and beyond.

He charged the people to rekindle hope and gear up for the struggle ahead, saying the challenges of Covid-19, insecurity and the economic downturn witnessed in the country will be confronted with vigor.

“Let us pray for Nigeria in the new year. We will surely surmount these challenges. We shall rise and emerge even stronger than before. I urge us all to continue to support the government at all levels.

“The future is only for those whose tenacity is unshakable. Our faith in one indivisible Nigeria must not be threatened by the actions of some marauders whose main purpose is to cause rift and rancor amongst us.

“We must be unwavering, and deliberate in our quest to come together and salvage what belongs to us all. Nigeria belongs to all of us. I assure you, with your support and prayer, I am positive that Nigeria will surmount the present challenges.”

Governor Akeredolu added that his administration will continue to stand by the side of the people and defend their rights and interest.

While praying God to guide and guard the state through the new year, the Governor said the people should expect more developmental projects just as he expressed hope that the finances of the state will improve in no distance time.

Samson Abiodun/PR

News

Boxing Day ;Remember Less Privileged During Celebration

By Web News 1001

It is In continuation of Christmas celebration as people exchange gifts with one another in the spirit of the season. 
Our correspondent, who spoke with some residents of Akure about the day, said that,
Some residents of Akure, Ondo state, Mrs Comfort Mosunmola, Bolaji Akintemi  and Mr Alo Micheal and mrs folasade Bamigboye in separate interviews with Radio Nigeria however said the current economic realities in the  country may not give room for such benevolence this year. 

The respondents however encouraged wealthy individuals to show love and affection to the less privileged especially those who found it hard to afford daily meals. 

When asked if she would be taking her family out for recreational activities, one if the respondents, Mrs comfort mosunmola said the Covid-19 omicrant variant would not allow them to do that at this period In time  hence her family had decided to mark the day indoors. 

Meanwhile, major recreational centres in Akure, the capital city are currently wearing a new look to entertain fun seekers as they celebrate Christmas.

Olufisoye Akinola

News

Yuletide Celebrations: Akure Traders Bemoan Low Patronage

By Web News 895

Food prices have continued to surge in the last year with the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, showing that the Composite Food Index rose by 22.72 per cent this year from 15.03 per cent.

Now that Yuletide is here, Tosin Aderibigbe in this special report went to do a market survey of commodities prices especially foods in high demand.

Her report.

Tosin Aderibigbe

Lifestyle

Family, Friends Pay Last Respect to Mrs Oyelakin in Ibadan

By Web News 1353

It was a moment of reflection as friends and family members of a philanthropist and retired assistant school headmistress Mrs. Victoria Olulayo Oyelakin gathered at her funeral service to pay their last respect.

Delivering a sermon at Christ Apostolic Church Missionary headquarter Ibadan, Pastor Samuel Adegbola said it was high time people deviated from evil ways as the end was imminent.

Pastor Adegbola noted that the end time was closer than people could ever imagine

Husband of the deceased Mr Benjamin Oyelakin said the union between him and his late wife was quite unique.

First son of the deceased pastor olusegun oyelakin desscribed his mother as an epitome of love.

Late Madam Victoria Olulayo Oyelakin who died at the age of seventy four was survived by husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The deceased was a mother-in-law to Sayo Olaniyan a member of staff of Radio Nigeria, Positive FM Akure.

Lilian Ibomor

News

Little Girls Abducted In Akure

By Web News 582

Two little girls of nursery and kindergarten classes have been abducted in their parents’ car, an ash coloured muscle Camry at Leo area, Akure.

The incident occurred around 8pm on Friday night as their mother drove into their compound.

Radio Nigeria gathered that the case had already been reported at a police station near the area.

The development is said to be causing panic among residents of Leo Area.

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