The first phase of the debate for Ondo State Governorship election has been held in Akure with participating candidates reeling out their programs.
The debate is organized by Face The Voters Initiative, a partnership of media organizations and other stakeholders in Ondo State.
Radio Nigeria correspondent John Ebiofini now reports.
John Ebiofini
By Olorunferanmi Odofin
Bishop at the Chapel Chapel of Praise, Apatapiti Layout, Akure, Sam Adejuyigbe has advised Christians against allowing the material pursuits of the world to make them lose focus on heaven.
Bishop Adejuyigbe gave the advice during the commendation service in memory of the former Governor of Old Ondo State, late Evangelist Bamidele Ishola Olomilua in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
In a sermon entitled, “Only one life”, Bishop Adejuyigbe described material wealth, status and positions on earth as transient hence the need for Christians to always prepare for the judgment day.
Taking his text from First John, Chapter two, verse fifteen, Bishop Adejuyigbe encouraged Nigerian leaders to live purposefully, worthily and accurately noting that late Olumilua as a governor, spanned both sides of the divide, political and secular but he served humanity well.
In a remark, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu described the late governor as a development-oriented leader who served Ondo State meritoriously despite his short tenure occasioned by the military coup of late General Sanni Abacha-led administration.
The eldest son of the late governor, Mr Olumide Olumilua who appreciated Ondo State government for the commendation service described his late father as a disciplined, transparent and God-fearing Christian while alive.
Aged eighty, Late Evangelist Bamidele Ishola Olumilua who democratically governed old Ondo State between 1992 and 1993 and was former Chancellor, Ekiti State University is survived by three wives, children and great-grandchildren.
Olorunferanmi Odofin
The People’s Democratic Party, PDP, has described the last Saturday’s local government election in Ondo state as a mere waste of resources and called on security agencies to investigate various threats of violence ahead of October 10 governorship election in the state.
Speaking with newsmen in Akure, the new State Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Fatai Adams said it was worrisome security agents were yet to arrest any of those threatening to use political thugs to rig the governorship election as well as those destroying campaign billboard and posters of the party’s candidate, Mr Eyitayo Jegede.
Alhaji Adams said PDP boycotted the local government election because it viewed as a charade and it would not reflect wishes of the people.
He enjoined all stakeholders in the forthcoming governorship election including Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and APC to join his party to ensure free and fair polls.
The PDP Chairman condemned unguarded commented credited to a former APC Chairman, Isaacs Kekemeke in a viral video, adding that the opposition party had written a petition to all security agencies to probe the video.
However, Mr Kekemeke had issued an open letter to apologise over his comment in the viral video, describing such as a pep talk.
Leke Adegbite
The All Progressives Congress, APC, will flag off its campaign in the first week of September ahead of the Ondo State governorship election slated for October tenth of this year.
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu made this known during the party’s meeting in Akure.
Mr Akeredolu encouraged the APC leaders to use the Saturday’s local government elections to confirm the APC’s popularity ahead the governorship election in the state.
The governor said his reelection bid was to pave the way to continuity, smooth governance and more space for party members to participate in the state’s development.
Governor Akeredolu made case for the sustenance of the reconciliation process and its extension to both local government, wards and unit levels to ensure the party’s victory in October polls.
Olorunferanmi Odofin
The war against rape in the country has received a major boost when as a Keke NAPEP driver, Mr Blessing Kingsley, bagged a life imprisonment for raping a teenager in Ondo town.
Kingsley is to spend the rest of his life in prison for raping a 14-year-old girl and infecting her with Hepatitis B two years ago.
Justice Bode Adegbehingbe of an Ondo State High Court sitting in Akure, who gave the judgment after a two-year trial, said the weight of evidence proved without doubt that Kingsley was guilty of the one-count charge of rape.
Reacting the Ondo State prosecutor, described the judgment as another success in the campaign against rape.
Leke Adegbite
Report says election materials have arrived the venue of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP Primary Elections.
As early as seven this morning, hundreds of security operatives have taken positions at the sprawling International Event Centre, The Dome, venue of the exercise.
Delegates for the election were however not yet sighted but journalists covering the election have flooded the venue.
Radio Nigeria reporters on ground at the venue report that there were provision for wash hand basins, soap and sanitizers at the entrances of the centre in compliance with Covid-19 protocols.
There are indications that accreditation and voting will be done simultaneously.
Over two thousand delegates are voting in today’s primary election to decide the fate of the eight aspirants jostling for the PDP governorship ticket in the October 10 Election.
Abiodun Akinluwa/Tosin Ighoteguono
The Ondo State Security Network Agency codenamed “Amotekun Corps” has arrested 42 cows for destroying farmlands around Alagbaka extension in Akure, the state capital.
Briefing journalists, the Ondo State Commander, Amotekun Corps, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, explained that the cows were arrested after series of complaints by owners of the farms in the axis.
According to him, over eight separate farmlands with crops such as maize and cassava were completely destroyed by the herdsmen who usually graze their cows around the affected area.
The Corps Commander noted that the herders who were heavily armed chased away the farm owners who later contacted the Amotekun Corps.
Chief Adeleye also revealed that when the joint security network including Agro-Rangers of the NSCDC got to the scene, the herders again attempted to attack them but they were overpowered by the security operatives, leading to the arrest of the cows while the herders however took to their heels.
The Corps Commander who advised farmers to always alert the Corps whenever they see cows destroying their crops added that the cow owners would not only pay for the crops destroyed but would be equally prosecuted.
The affected farmers, Loveday Job and Olawale Aluko, who said the heavily armed herders would have killed them if they had not taken to their heels added that the herders had consistently grazed their farms despite several complaints to security agencies without effect.
Olorunferanmi Odofin
The Ondo State government is to embark on a total overhaul of the state fire service for effective delivery.
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu made this known in Akure while inspecting the scene of a fire disaster at Oba Nla area in Akure metropolis.
The fire outbreak which occurred on Sunday night razed five shops and destroyed Property worth millions of naira.
The governor said that the State Emergency Management Agency would be mandated to assess the level of damage with a view to compensate the victims.
An eye witness and shop owner, Chukwuma Chinoso who explained that there was power outage before the incident, affirmed that none of the shops was selling gas or flammable commodities as speculated.
Report says that many houses and shops were destroyed completely as most of the shop owners were not around due to the COVID-19 lockdown.
According to the trader, an electrical spark could have been responsible for the fire outbreak during which they called the fire service but with complaints of no water, fuel and other logistics.
Olorunferanmi Odofin
An Ondo State High Court sitting in Akure has sentenced a Pastor, Kolawole Samson to death by hanging for killing one Ayo Olaniyi in a village near Okeigbo area of the state.
The trial judge, Justice Ademola Bola held that Pastor Kolawole was guilty of inflicting injury on the deceased’s head with a cutlass at Gberinlegi Village, via Okeigbo, which later led to his death at hospital.
Earlier the Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, represented by two government lawyers, Mr Olusegun Akeredolu and Mrs Omotola Ologun, had told the court that the pastor on 3rd of March, 2016, inflicted deep cut injury on the head of late Ayo Olaniyi when he went to hunt for frogs with his three other friends at a fish pond owned by the convict at the village, near Okeigbo.
The lawyers argued that the offence contrary to Section 316 and punishable under Section 319 of the Criminal Code, Cap 37, Laws of Ondo State (2006).
The accused person had claimed he was not guilty of the offence but in his judgment, Justice Ademola Bola ruled that all evidence adduced before the court during the trial in the last four years, showed that Pastor Kolawole was guilty of killing Olaniyi.
The judge held that Samson Kolawole should die by hanging.
Leke Adegbite
The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, have distributed over two thousand facemasks to residents of Ondo state to stop the spread of Covid-19 and in commemoration of the 47th anniversary of the scheme.
The scheme also donated food items to major motherless homes in the state capital to celebrate the day with a theme: “Deepening the Impact of the National Service through Innovations”.
Distributing the items to the people during a mini rally in Akure, the state coordinator of NYSC, Mrs Grace Akpabio said, since the outbreak of Covid-19, corps members had been working tirelessly to ensure that facemasks, hand sanitisers and other items were produced in mass for the benefit of the people.
Mrs Akpabio pointed out that the scheme would not relent in sensitizing people of the grassroots on the need to take precautions against the spread of Covid-19 pandemic.
She, however, urged corps members and other Nigerians to always follow the rules of using a facemask and desist from acts that could endanger others at this crucial period.
Kayode Animasaun
For close to two months now, schools have been shut indefinitely due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In this report, Radio Nigeria correspondent Kayode Animasaun examines the challenges faced by students who may have to stay at home as long as schools remain closed.
His report.
Kayode Animasaun
Another case of coronavirus disease has been confirmed in Ondo state.
Commissioner for Health, Dr Wahab Adegbenro while confirming the latest case to Radio Nigeria said the patient, a woman was reported by a private hospital as a suspected case after which necessary test was conducted and it turned out positive.
Dr Adegbenro hinted that the patient had since been moved to the Infectious Disease Hospital along Igbatoro Road, Akure for treatment.
He said there was no plan to quarantine the private hospital but contact tracing had commenced to reduce the spread of the disease in Oke-Aro Community where the facility was situated.
Dr Adegbenro appreciated the private hospital for alerting government promptly urging other private health facilities in the state to emulate such step.
The latest infection now brings to twenty the total number of coronavirus in Ondo state out of which there are six active cases, thirteen discharges and one death.
Adebukola Bardi
The critical role of the media in the fight against Covid-19 has again be reemphasized.
This came up at a one day training program on Coronavirus for media professionals in Ondo State.
The training was organised by United Nations International Children Emergency Fund, UNICEF, Akure Field Office in conjunction with Ondo State Ministry of Information and Orientation.
Addressing the participants, the Commissioner for Information, Mr Donald Ojogo appreciated the media for being conscientious in the task of ridding the country of the virus.
Mr Ojogo also recognised the media as having a strategic role in the struggle to kick the deadly disease out of Nigeria.
He however solicited proper narratives, positive reporting and verifiable information about the situation at hand.
In a contribution, the UNICEF representative, Mr Tunde Ayoade described the media as well suited to facilitate knowledge and adoption of measures and practices postulated to combat Coronavirus.
The resource person, Dr Stephen Fagbemi who is also the State Epidemiologist harped on redesigning media messages and content as well as developing new strategies and tips to drive home credible information about the pandemic.
Dr Fagbemi called for improved, robust engagement of the populace and improved synergy between the states and the Federal Government to win the war against Covid-19.
Dupe Isename
Resident doctors at the University of Medical Science Teaching Hospital, Ondo have threatened to resume their suspended strike if the state government fails to pay their six month salary arrears.
The medical doctors who declared this during a protest in Akure gave a seven-day ultimatum to the government after which they intend to down tool if there was no positive response.
Chairman of the association of resident doctors, UNIMED Teaching Hospital, Dr Ademola Shittu said they could no longer cope with the situation of not getting paid for months as they too had families to feed.
Also speaking the Public Relations Officer, PRO of the Resident Doctors’ Union, Dr John Mathew posited that it was risky for them to continue to be in the frontline especially in this era of covid-19 without being paid their wages promptly.
Another resident doctor, Taiwo Olagbe frowned at what he called insensitivity of government to their plight after series of meetings with key stakeholders in the matter.
The doctors who carried placards bearing various inscriptions also stressed the need for government to regularise the payment of their salaries as they were being owned between four and six month’s salaries.
Adebukola Bardi
Few days to this year Ramadan the usual preparation ahead of religious obligation such as renovation of mosques, electrical gadgets for call to prayers, pre and Ramadan lectures, stocking homes with food stuffs have been missing among Muslim folks in Ondo State.
This is due to the lockdown occasioned by Covid-19 which has affected prices of goods and services.
Though markets in Akure the state capital opened partially, markets in Akokoland had become shadow of what they used to be with scanty number of people.
Prices of grains such as maize, millet beans and rice have gone up.
A resident, Hajia Nimotalahi Sarumi said a bowl of garri earlier sold for 1500 naira was now 3000 naira, a kongo of guinea corn rose from 250 naira to 350 with rice selling between 20,000 naira and 30,000naira per bag.
The chairman, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Akoko Northwest Local Government Area, Sheik Basiru Aminu reminded Muslims of the need to adhere strictly with the directive from Saudi Arabia and that of the Islamic leadership in Nigeria that faithful should stay at home for this year Ramadan prayers to check the spread of Covid-19.
Another Muslim cleric, the Chief Imam Zumurat Islamiyah Supare-Akoko, Sheik Amusa Lawal urged Muslims to abide by all the directives on personal hygiene before, during and after Ramadan.
He, however, asked the state government to grant Muslims the use of calls to prayers early in the mornings as reminder to the faithful otherwise many would sleep off.
The cleric called on all Muslims to dedicate the Ramadan to fervent prayers against coronavirus so that normalcy would return to the country.
Dupe Isename
Encomiums have continued to pour in for Radio Nigeria Positive FM, Akure on the occasion of its 18th anniversary.
The station which came with a bang was one of the 32 FM stations project established in the country by the Federal government.
Located on a hill in the capital city of Ondo state, Akure, Radio Nigeria Positive FM came on air on the frequency modulation 102.5, after being inaugurated by former President OlusegunObasanjo on 20th of April, 2002.
Though a federal government owned medium, the station has rather remained committed to serving all, uplifting the people and uniting the nation.
The pioneer General Manager was Alhaji Kola Animasaun with four others staff, while the then Executive Director of FRCN Ibadan was Princess BankeAdemola.
In his contributions on the programme, the pioneer General Manager, Alhaji Kola Animasaun appreciated God for bringing the station thus far stating that the beginning was rough, but progress was achieved through hard work and dedication.
AlhajiAnimasaun appreciated the people of Ondo state for receiving the station with warm hands at inception.
The pioneer general manager urged staff of the organization to continue to be dedicated and professional just as he called on traditional, religious leaders, clients, fans and all stakeholders not to relent in giving support to the station.
Also Speaking, the Zonal Director, Ibadan National Station, Alhaji Mohammed Bello, appreciated listeners and workers of the station for their dedication to duty.
He promised to look into some of the challenges the station was facing like obsolate equipment and staff welfare.
Alhaji Bello added that the station would not relent in bridging the gap between the people and government with unbiased news and programming.
In a response, General Manager, Positive FM Akure, MrTundeAbiodun, appreciated the anniversary messages saying, it reflected the love for the station.
MrAbiodun also enjoined the listeners and clients of the station to keep faith in the station.
For 18 years, Positive FM has engaged in the delivery of quality programming in its news, program contents and other corporate responsibilities
In an interview a business woman,MrsDorcasAjayi said the rich and up to date early morning news on positive FM was something she always looked forward to.
An artisan and a school teacher,Mr Tope Oluwole and TolulopeOlatunji also commended the consistency in programs that cut across all classes and professions.
An online listener from Lagos,MrsOpeAjibowu said the audio streaming of the station had further expanded its reach.
The Monarch of Oka, Oba AdeboriAdeleye, an ardent listener commended the display of professionalism, while Oba Samuel Agunloye of AugaAkoko hailed the station for spreading its tentacles to the grassroots giving the rural dwellers a voice.
Others who praised the station for living up to expectation over the years however appealed for more funding for all government owned media establishments to meet up with digital broadcasting in line with global best practices.
Staff reporter, Oluwatosin Ighoteguono, who monitored callers on the station’s special edition of A.M Safari, files in the report.
Also, Isaac Afolabi, was in town to sample views of residents on their perception of Positive FM in the last eighteen years.
Isaac Afolabi/ Tosinighoteguono
Since the outbreak of Coronavirus in the country, hand sanitizers of different brands have flooded major markets and stores in Akure, Ondo state without NAFDAC number.
In this special report Olufisoye Adenitan finds out the authenticity of some of the products.
Her report.
The Ondo State government has begun the fumigation of major markets and motor parks as part of measures to prevent the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic in the state.
The exercise which is being carried out by the state’s committee on sanitation and traffic rules would be taken to major towns including Akure, the capital city, Ikare, Ondo, Okitipupa, Owo and Ore.
Speaking on the new development, two residents, Mallam Yussuf and Mrs Bolanle Awotunde commended the state government for taking all necessary steps towards keeping coronavirus away from the state.
They urged other residents to cooperate with the government while the exercise lasts.
Commissioner for Water and Natural Resources, Mrs Yetunde Adeyanju who led the fumigation team said government valued the health of the people and would not leave anything to chance in that regard.
Adebukola Bardi
There has been total compliance with the market closure order in Akure today Wednesday.
The Ondo State government in a bid to prevent the entry of the coronavirus had ordered a total shutdown of all markets after traders and residents failed to comply strictly with an earlier directive.
Radio Nigeria correspondent who visited Isinkan, Neighbourhood and Oba markets all in the metropolis sighted a handful of security operatives enforcing the closure.
Traders of food items who had converged on the popular Arakale Motor Park to ply their trade following their relocation a few days ago were not allowed as law enforcement agents turned them back.
The traders were later seen standing in groups around the marketplace.
Residents who also came for shopping at the Motor Park were disappointed as there were no perishable goods on display.
The situation has culminated in a free flow of vehicles along the ever-busy Arakale Road.
Adebukola Bardi
Sports lovers in Akure the Ondo state capital have expressed mixed feelings following the stay-at-home order and the shutdown of all sporting activities as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic.
Sports reporter, Isaac Afolabi who sampled their views completes the report.
Before the present situation, it is always a week full of action, be it the in the European football leagues, the Nigeria Professional Football League NPFL, matches or visiting viewing and betting centres just to get the excitement of sporting activities.
Now, the story has changed, stadia, betting shops, football viewing centres and gyms have all become shadows of themselves following the global pandemic which necessitated shutting down all sporting activities.
In the Akure, the Ondo state capital, the popular Akure Sports Complex was deserted even as the ever-busy sports betting shops located around the metropolis were under lock owing to the stay-at-home order by the government.
Speaking with Radio Nigeria on this scenario, a soccer fan and broadcaster Bunmi Afuye said the weekend was just boring as he couldn’t watch the European games and visit the stadium to watch Nigeria domestic league matches.
A passionate sports lover, Mrs Ola Adelalu said the current development was painful.
On his part, a fitness trainer and a basketball player, Henry Akinlaja said although the situation was in the best interest of all he had since gotten engaged with training at home to get over the boredom.
Also looking at the economic impact, Radio Nigeria caught up with an owner of a sports viewing centre who shared his concerns.
Meanwhile, young boys on the streets have resorted to playing football on empty roads in some parts of the state capital.
Many of the respondents could not but wish that things get back to normal and quickly too.
Isaac Afolabi
Coronavirus, also known as Covid-19 is one disease that is currently ravaging the world with so many deaths recorded and new cases reported by the day.
Nigeria happens to be one of the countries of the world facing the challenge of coronavirus as it was imported into the country in February by an Italian national who has now recovered from the disease.
The entry of Covid-19 into Nigeria no doubt sent shivers down the spines of every Nigerian for the fact that it has no cure for now and that it is highly infectious, killing people by the day especially In Asia, Europe and America.
Since the emergence of this disease in Nigeria, the federal government has deployed all necessary measures to contain its spread while ensuring that victims get the best of medical care to prevent death from coronavirus.
Governors of states where confirmed cases of coronavirus have been announced have also put in place various safety measures to stem the tide of the viral disease.
It is noteworthy that even states where a single case of Covid-19 infection has not been recorded, are not leaving anything to chance in ensuring that the disease does not catch them unawares.
One of such states is Ondo, where the government wasted no time in announcing some safety measures towards preventing the entry of coronavirus into the state and also contain it in case of any eventuality.
The first step was to embark massive media awareness campaign sensitizing people on the dangers of Coronavirus and the need to increase both environmental and personal hygiene especially regular hand washing with soap and running water to keep it away.
Another step being taken by the Ondo State Government against Covid-19 is the activation of its rapid response mechanism, mounting of surveillance on all border towns, ban on interstate travels, the closure of schools, markets, and worship centres.
Besides, the government has also directed workers on grade level one to twelve to work from home while Governor Akeredolu has also cancelled all official activities for two weeks, all in the bid to reduce the chance of contracting the disease.
Other safety measures are the ban on political gathering, social gathering and the convergence of more than fifty people at a time.
The government has also set up a task force to ensure total compliance with the shutting of markets, worship centres.
To cap it all, Governor Akeredolu directed all members of the state executive council to proceed to their local government areas to sensitise the people on the deadly virus.
These steps have no doubt helped Ondo State in keeping coronavirus away thus becoming the only state in the Southwest of Nigeria that has not recorded any confirmed case of Covid-19.
While the government, through the Ministries of Health and Information has promised to introduce more precautionary measures against the disease as the days go by, residents are also calling on the government to sustain the tempo to help Ondo state remain coronavirus-free.
Stakeholders believe that if this is done, more people will live beyond the pandemic.
Adebukola Bardi
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Undie Andie have visited the scene of the loud bang which occurred in Akure the Ondo State capital yesterday.
The governor was briefed by the commissioner that a vehicle in a convoy transporting explosives to a storage facility in a neighbouring state developed a fault.
Security personnel and other individuals transporting the explosives noticed smoke from the vehicle.
Subsequently, the explosives ignite resulting in a massive explosion that was felt in Akure and its environs.
The governor said efforts were being made to ascertain if there were casualties.
He further directed that the area be cordoned off to allow the bomb squad to investigate the vehicle buried underground because it was unclear if there were still explosives that yet to be detonated.
Kayode Animasaun
Police in Ondo State is to begin the enforcement government’s orders to contain the spread of Covid-19 in the state.
The Police Commissioner, Mr Undie Adie made this known during a joint briefing with Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in Akure the state capital.
Mr Undie expressed worry that some residents were still flouting government directives put in place to check the deadly virus.
The commissioner reemphasized that only those selling medicine, water and food items would be allowed to continue to render such services.
Earlier, Governor Akeredolu reaffirmed the ban on markets, shops, bars, clubs as well as religious and social gatherings.
The governor reiterated the administration’s resolve to try as much as possible to keep the state free of Covid-19.
Olorunferanmi Odofin
Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has taken the bull by the horns to ensure that constituency projects are carried out to their letters.
To achieve this, ICPC in collaboration with National Orientation Agency, NOA, embarked on enlightenment program, tagged “My Constituency, My Projects” in Akure to sensitize the public on Development projects meant for their areas.
ICPC recently set up Constituency Projects Tracking Group, CPTG, to track projects executed by legislators meant to develop the grassroots.
The group discovered many empowerment items tagged constituency projects meant to be given out piled up for over three years to the detriment of the people.
To address this anomaly, ICPC then partnered NOA to organize “My Constituency My Project” campaign to reawaken the people.
ICPC Chairman, Prof Bolaji Owasanoye, represented by ICPC commissioner for Ondo, Osun and Ekiti States, Baba-alaro Shuaib, said the Commission was out to correct corrupt practices perpetrated by legislators.
In a welcome address, the Director, National Orientation Agency, NOA, Dr Garba Abari represented by NOA Director, Ondo State, Mr Bode Famose, urged Nigerians to take ownership of various developments to better their lots.
Some of the participants, including the traditional head of Ijigba, Rev Luyi Rotimi, Mr Samuel Oso, Pastor Yinka Odedele and Mrs Folake Esan expressed confidence that the campaign would go a long way to address non-execution of constituency projects in the communities.
Security agents, corps members, traditional rulers, newsmen and other members of the public graced the occasion.
John Ebiofini
As the World Marks Consumer Rights Day, Radio Nigeria correspondent examines the protection of consumer rights in the global economy.
Olorunferanmi Odofin brings the details.
Olorunferanmi Odofin
