Transportation

Hike in Transport Fare As Eid-El-Kabir Approaches

By Web News 788

Few hours to the celebration few travelers have been leaving Ibadan to other parts of the country.

Our correspondent who monitored transportation situation in different and major inter state parks in Ibadan reports that fare from Ibadan to Akure, Eruwa, Ibarapa, Ado-Ekiti, Lagos, Osogbo, Ondo ranged between one thousand five hundred naira and two thousand naira.

At Iwo road inter state park, fare from Ibadan to Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, Jos was between ten thousand and fifteen thousand naira depending on the choice of vehicle.

Speaking with Radio Nigeria, two transporters, Mr. Sulaiman Egbeleke and Mr. Kazeem Akindayo said patronage was low as they recorded less passengers.

Radio Nigeria noticed that passengers at the motor parks did not comply with covid-19 protocols.

Funmilola Obagbayegun

News

NOA Reiterates Commitment to Kick Against Social Vices

By Web News 680

The National Orientation Agency is committed to ensuring a society that is orderly, disciplined and patriotic so that the nation can win the war against all forms of social vices.

Acting Director of The National Orientation Agency in Ondo State, Mrs Adelayo Adefolalu stated this when he led the management team of NOA on a courtesy visit to Radio Nigeria Positive fm Akure.

Mrs Adefolalu noted with dismay the growing spate of crime in Nigeria stressing the need for constant re-orientation of the youths who most often engaged in social vices.

Mrs Adefolalu therefore called for more collaboration between NOA and Radio Nigeria positive fm in the areas of public enlightenment and sensitization while also appreciating the station for being a worthy partner.

Responding, positive fm General Manager, Mr Tunde Abiodun noted that Radio Nigeria was also committed to its vision of making Nigeria an indivisible entity through the broadcast of contents that unite the nation.

Mr Abiodun wished the NOA acting director well in her new position promising that Positive fm would continue to support the agency in achieving its purpose.

Highlight of the visit was the symbolic presentation of the national flag to Positive fm by the NOA acting director to emphasise the spirit of unity which both organisations preach.

 Adebukola Bardi

Crime

Ondo Police Parades 15 Suspected Robbers, Rapists

By Web News 828

The Ondo state Police Command has paraded fifteen suspects in connection with armed robbery, gang-raping, attacking and snatching of motorcycles in the state.

Parading the suspects at the command’s headquarters, Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Mr Bolaji Salami said the suspects were arrested at different locations in Akure and other parts of the state.

According to the Police Commissioner, twelve armed robbers and three suspected rapists were arrested while nine stolen motorcycles, one pump action gun as well as one truck and its content were recovered from the suspects.

Mr Salami noted that his detectives swung into action and in the process apprehended 27-year-old Gbenga Kikiowo and 25-year-old Aladeloye Tope at Oke-Aro area of Akure.

The CP said with the proactive nature of the police in Ondo State, an eight-man robbery syndicate that specializes in snatching articulated vehicles with its contents at gun-point were nabbed by the police.

The police commissioner said all the suspects would be charged to court immediately, as some of the suspects confessed to the offence during an interview with newsmen.

One of the suspects, a 27-year-old, Gbenga Kikiowo, said he had started robbery at the tender age of seven years at his home town in Igbara-Oke and has been jailed severally. Leke Adegbite

Politics

INEC Hopeful of Electoral Reforms Before General Election

By Web News 685

The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC says it is hopeful that the electoral laws will be amended before the next general election. 

The Chief press secretary to INEC Chairman, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi who stated this during a media parley with journalists in Akure hinted that the laws were hampering the use of some certain technologies in conducting elections. 

Mr Oyekanmi said INEC was committed to deepening the use of technology hence the reason behind electronic voter registration starting on 28th of June to August. 

Mr Oyekanmi who enjoined Nigerians that could not login for the process to visit any registration point and do the exercise however warned against double registration. 

Speaking on the forth coming governorship elections in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun state, Mr Oyekanmi informed that security measures were being stepped up to prevent sabotage of the electoral process and by extension INEC offices. 

Augustina Okinedo

Politics

Youths Hold Peaceful Protest In Ondo, Demand Good Governance

By Web News 849

Some youths in Akure, Ondo State capital on Saturday staged a peaceful protest in commemoration of the June 12 Democracy Day.

The youths in their numbers took to the street to join their counterparts across the country to demand good governance as well as an urgent end to insecurity.

They converged on Post Office Junction in the state capital holding placards with various inscriptions, stating their demands.

Similarly, Youths in Ondo Town also took to the streets in their hundreds chanting various songs which focused on demand for good governance.

The youths later converged on the popular Yaba Police Station where they were addressed before dispersing.

Adebukola Bardi

Sport

Players Of Sunshine FC Of Akure Protest Non Payment Of Salaries

By Web News 966

Players and officials of sunshine stars football club of Ondo state this morning disrupted vehicular movement at the road linking to the Governor’s office gate protesting the non-payment of their wages.

The players who dressed in sporting attires with various placard accompanied with inscriptions like ‘save sunshine stars, ‘Mr. Governor help us’, ‘pay us our salary’ rendered songs of solidarity.

Our sports correspondent said the team also accused the state government of trying to sell the team, a move they said would not be favorably to them.

Speaking to Radio Nigeria, captain of the team, Sunday Abe said the players are finding it difficult to cater for their financial demands due to the backlogged of salaries and urging the state government to consider the players in their decisions.

Responding, the Deputy  Governor, Mr. Lucky Ayedatiwa debunked alleged selling of the team saying stakeholders would be involved before such action.

He also promised to work on the outstanding wages of the players.

Security officials were on ground to prevent any break down of law and order.

Isaac Afolabi

Energy

Maritime Expert Canvasses Alternative Source Of Energy

By Web News 657

The Director-General, Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh has stressed the need for the country to find an alternative source of energy in the nearest future.

Dr Jamoh made the emphasis during a courtesy visit to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in Akure.

He observed that several countries has been working hard towards alternative sources for energy, hence the need for Nigeria to also find one.

Dr Jamoh, who said Nigeria relied on oil as a natural resource and its main source of energy, explained that most countries would have nothing to do with oil in the nearest future.

Earlier, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu had expressed his administration readiness to embrace better economy policy in the interest of the citizens.

Governor Akeredolu also listed the features of the state which qualified Ondo for a deep sea port to include the deepest draught and longest coastline in the country.

Feranmi Odofin

Security

Akeredolu Receives New Commander Of Owena Cantonment

By Web News 1835

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has pledged his continual support for the 32 Artillery Brigade, Owena Cantonment in Akure with a view to combating crime in Ondo State.

Governor Akeredolu made the pledge while receiving the newly posted Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Raymond Utsaha in his office.

The governor commended Nigerian Army for the immense contributions to the security of the state.

Governor Akeredolu, however, encouraged the new Brigade Commander to cooperate with all sister security agencies to further nip crime in the bud.

Earlier, the former Brigade Commander, 32 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General Zakare Abubakar, who recognized the state government’s support to the military especially on the care for widows of the fallen heroes sought similar cooperation for his successor, Brigadier General Raymond Utsaha.

Brigadier General Abubakar attributed his transfer to the expiration of his two-year tenure in Owena Cantonment.

Olorunferanmi Odofin

Security

Insecurity: S/W Governors, Miyetti Allah Meeting On-going in Akure.

By Web News 643

Meeting between the Southwest Governors and the leadership of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN has commenced in Akure.

The venue of the meeting, the Dome was fully occupied by security operatives.

Present at the meeting were Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti state, Gboyega Oyetola of Osun, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi, Muhammed Abubakar of Jigawa, the host Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State and a former deputy Governor of Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore .

The meeting is to find lasting solutions to the incessant killings, raping, kidnappings and crises between herdsmen and farmers in the South-west geo-political Zone,

The quit notice order given to illegal herders in Ondo State forest reserves expired yesterday and the state government had expressed readiness to commence peaceful enforcement of the quit order to free the forest reserves of illegal occupants.

The presidency had described the quit notice order as outside of the governor’s powers but the state government insisted that the order was lawful.

Olorunferanmi Odofin

Crime

Clergy to Spend Two Years in Jail for Perjury

By Web News 1084

An Ondo State High Court sitting in Akure has sentenced a clergyman, Pastor John Abiodun to two years imprisonment for lying and publishing false allegation.

 Pastor John Abiodun claimed that the founder of the Promiseland Prophetic Ministry, Akure, Pastor Gbenga Akinbiyi, planted seven babies’ placentas on the church’s altar.

The trial judge, Justice Bode Adegbehingbe, held that Pastor Abiodu was found guilty of committing perjury which is punishable under section 118 of Criminal code, laws of Ondo state.

But the court acquitted Professor Lanre Olu-Adeyemi of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko of allegations of aiding false publication, impersonation and conspiracy.

Delivering the over three hours judgment, the judge further ruled that Pastor John Abiodun was guilty of count 5 of the case for contradicting himself while giving evidence in the allegation against him.

These included using different church WhatsApp platforms and other social media to malign, carry out false publication and wrongly alleged the founder of the Promiseland Prophetic Ministry located opposite Shasha Market on Akure/Owo expressway, Akure, Pastor Gbenga Akinbiyi and some elders of the church of planting babies’ placentas on the church’s altar and some fetish objects.

The judge said although Pastor Abiodun was guilty of fourteen years imprisonment but tempered justice with mercy by jailing him for two years due to his aged parents and children.

Pastor John Abiodun faced eight Count charge of conspiracy, publication of false news, perjury, impersonation and threatening violence amongst other charges, but only found guilty of perjury, while Prof Lanre Olu-Adeyemi who stood trial on five (5) count charges of conspiracy, publication of false news, aiding publication of false news and aiding impersonation, was discharged and acquitted of all the charges.

Leke Adegbite

Crime

Gunmen Shoot Akure Pastor, Driver On Ilesha-Ibadan Road

By Web News 3190

Report says a senior Pastor at CAC , Glory of God , FUTA Akure , Dr Amos Arijesuyo and his driver were allegedly shot on Saturday by suspected herdsmen.

Another Pastor of the church , Pastor Olu Aladesanmi who related the incident to Positive FM said it happened between five and six o’clock in the evening along Ilesa – Akure road while the duo were coming from Ibadan.
He said the pastor and his driver were fortunate to have survived the attack though with bullet wounds and now receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

The clergyman decried the rising spate of insecurity in the country noting that no one is safe.

Pastor Aladesanmi appealed to the Federal Goverment to urgently address this problem which was fast becoming a demon as many innocent lives of Nigerians had been wasted in senseless killings.

Sola Oguntoye

Religion

Military need to be better equipped to succeed – Gov. Akeredolu

By Web News 622

Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has called for better equipment for the military to succeed in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other crimes in the country.

Governor Akeredolu gave the advice at the commemoration of the 2021 Armed Forces and Remembrance Day celebration, held at St. Benedict Military Catholic Church, Owena Cantonment Nigerian Army, Ondo Road, Akure.

The governor also recommended multi-level policing system to secure the country, noting that the issue of state policing had become more necessary than ever.

Mr Akeredolu however lauded the military’s counter-terrorism efforts aimed at ridding the country and the state of criminal elements particularly the kidnappers.

The governor who requested for synergy among security agencies, also implored Nigerians to pray and empathise with the widows and dependents of the fallen heroes.

In a remark, the Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General Zakare Abubakar appreciated the commitment of Ondo State government to the 32 Artillery Brigade, soldiers, widows and dependents of the fallen heroes.

Olorunferanmi Odofin

Environment

Debris Takes Over The Streets Of Akure

By Web News 954

The adages, health is wealth and cleanliness is next to godliness seem miles away from what obtains at present in Akure the Ondo State capital.

Major roads in Akure once regarded as one of the neatest state capitals have now been taken over by dirt.

Staff Reporter Isaac Afolabi went round the state capital to take the views of residents on this.

The report.

Isaac Afolabi

Sport

Fans Call For Resumption Of NPBL

By Web News 673

Relevant stakeholders have advocated quick resumption of the Nigeria Premier Basketball League, NPBL, which has been put on hold for three years.

They observed that lack of activities had negatively affected the overall growth of the dunk and slam game in Nigeria.

Sports reporter, Isaac Afolabi spoke with stakeholders in Akure the Ondo state capital on this.

Isaac Afolabi

Lifestyle

1st Working Day Prayers: Ondo Workers Mourn Dead Colleagues

By Web News 714

The special first working day prayer session for public servants in Ondo State was held amidst mournful atmosphere at the governor’s office in Akure, the state capital.

The attendees adorned their dressings with black arm band and black attires, reflecting soberness and mourning in honour of all of those  who died in active service in the last one year .

Radio Nigeria’s Tosin Aderibigbe has details.

Tosin Aderibigbe

Lifestyle

Fun Seekers Ignore Fun Spots In Akure

By Web News 3781

Akure, the Ondo state capital is witnessing low turnout of fun seekers as this year’s Boxing day is being observed.
This was against what was experienced last year when residents trooped out in large numbers to celebrate the day at different locations.
Staff Reporter, Oluwatosin Ighoteguono, who went round the capital city observes that despite the low turn out of people, fun parks, supermarkets, malls, Restaurants and bars opened with strict adherence to Covid-19 protocols.

Oluwatosin Ighoteguono

Economy

Shoppers Flood Akure Markets Ahead Of Christmas Celebrations

By Web News 1348

Markets in Akure, the Ondo State capital have begun to experience increased patronage as residents troop out to shop for this year’s Christmas celebrations.

Staff reporter, Tosin Aderibigbe who visited some markets observed that while some commodities have increased in price, others either remain as they were prior to this period or have reduced a bit.

Tosin Aderibigbe

Crime

83 Person Rescued In 3 Years – NAPTIP DG

By Web News 708

Eighty-three persons have been rescued from trafficking in Ondo State in the last three years while three suspected traffickers are currently being prosecuted at various courts in the state.

The Director-General, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Mrs Julie Okah-Donli made this known when she paid a visit to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in Akure.

Mrs Okah-Donli who is in Akure for the training of members of the NAPTIP taskforces against human trafficking in Ondo and Ekiti States said Ondo State was strategic in the fight against trafficking hence the plan by NAPTIP to establish a state command in Akure.

The NAPTIP Director General said the taskforces had been set up in fourteen states of the federation with the support of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Responding, Governor Akeredolu emphasized the need to re-orientate the youths in the country on the value of human dignity and pride.

The governor commended NAPTIP for its achievements so far, urging it to do more in rescuing youths from traffickers.

Leke Adegbite

Security

Fire razes Ondo SUBEB Office

By Web News 923

The building belonging to the State SUBEB at Oke Eda, Akure has been gutted .

The cause of the inferno which completely ruined the office complex is yet to be ascertained.

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu , accompanied by the  head of service , Mr. Dare Aragbaye visited the scene of the fire and directed that staff be relocated.

The governor said the cause of the fire would be duly investigated.

 Dupe Isename

Security

Normalcy Returns to Akure after President Buhari’s Address

By Web News 722

Normalcy is gradually returning to Akure, the capital of Ondo State after President Muhammadu Buhari’s address to the nation as some residents cleared roadblocks, sticks and bonfires on major roads in the capital.

The exercise was being carried out by some youths and leaders of political parties.

The roads were deserted for four days due to the civil unrest caused by hoodlums who hijacked the ENDSARS leading to imposition of  curfew by the state government .

At road block junction, which happened to be one of the hot spots for the protest in Akure, people were now going about  their normal activities unhindered despite the curfew.

Many others however still stayed back home waiting for government declaration on the 24 hr Curfew placed on the state on Monday night 

Vehicular movement was coming up gradually at the junction which link Ilesa – Akure – Owo / Benin highway, a road which had been blocked since Monday this week.

Many were of the opinion that the President’s address was one of the reasons that calmed the situation.

Bardi /Oguntoye

Security

APC Secretariat in Akure Allegedly Attacked

By Web News 717

Report says the Secretariat of The All Progressives Congress, APC in Akure the Ondo State capital has been attacked by hoodlums.

The party’s publicity secretary , Alex Kalejaiye confirmed this to Radio Nigeria.

He said The hoodlums attacked the APC office under the pretence of #ENDSARS protest and set ablaze the APC Secretariat on fire.

Details later

Olumide Abudu

Transportation

Accident Claims Lives of Policemen in Akure

By Web News 1146

A lone accident involving men of the Nigeria Police has claimed two lives of policemen in Akure.

The accident which occurred on Oba Ile road was reportedly caused by a burst tyre.

Ondo State Police Command PRO Tee Leo who also confirmed the accident said accident said Eight other policemen sustained various degrees of injuries and had been taken to the hospital.

Report says the convoy of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu ran into the scene and made efforts to rescue the injured.

Olorunfemi Odofin

Crime

Popular Akure Prophet, Sotitobire Bags Life Imprisonment over Missing Child

By Web News 1074

Justice Olusegun Odusola of the Ondo state High Court in Akure has sentenced the Founder of Sotitobire Praising Chapel, Prophet Babatunde Alfa and 5 others to life imprisonment over the disappearance of one year old gold kolawole in the church last year.

Justice Odusola convicted the defendants having found them guilty of the two count charge of kidnapping and aiding and abetting to kidnap based on the circumstantial evidence presented by the prosecution.

He also condemned in strong terms the complicity, compromise, and lackadaisical attitude of the Ondo State Police Command after Gold got missing which also led the burning of Sotitobire Church.

 Dupe Isename

Politics

Senate Calls for Proper Conduct of Ondo Governorship Poll

By Web News 1184

The Senate has called for a level playing field in the conduct of the October 10, 2020 Governorship election in Ondo State.

The chairman, Senate Committee on INEC, Senator Ibrahim Gaya made call while on assessment visit to the Commission’s office in Akure ahead of the Guber poll.

Senator Gaya urged the electoral body to take a cue from the peaceful and transparent conduct of the Governorship election in Edo State.

Senator Gaya expressed concern on three local government areas, with high number of people who are yet to collect their permanent voter card, PVCs.

The Senate Committee Chairman also made case for procurement of extra smart card readers in view of the fire incident that gutted a makeshift office housing more than five thousand card readers.

Earlier in a welcome address, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ondo State, Ambassador Rufus Akeju said the commission was prepared for a free fair and acceptable election.

Ambassador Akeju noted that necessary things had been put in place to ensure hitch-free election.

Olumide Abudu

Politics

Nigeria@60: We need to fight for Nigeria’s corporate existence – Respondents

By Web News 889

As Nigeria clocks 60 years of independence, a cross-section of citizens in Ondo state has described the country as special and capable of overcoming her various challenges, hence all citizens must work hard to sustain its corporate existence.

In this report, Radio Nigeria’s correspondent Leke Adegbite examines Nigeria at 60, the gains, challenges and way forward.

His report.

Leke Adegbite