Labour unions in Ondo State have appreciated government for the payment of their salaries despite shutting down of offices for months during the first wave of coronavirus
They stated this on the occasion of 2021 Workers Day celebration in Akure, Ondo State capital
Olorunferanmi Odofin completes the story
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, today Thursday, April 1, 2021 begins a 15-day working vacation as first instalment of his 2021 Annual Leave.
In a letter transmitted to the State House of Assembly and addressed to the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Bamidele Oleyelogun, Governor Akeredolu said the leave will commence from Thursday, 1st to Friday, 23rd April, 2021, both days inclusive.
While Governor Akeredolu is away on vacation, the Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa will perform the functions of the office of the Governor.
The Governor will resume for duties on Monday, April 26, 2021.
Signed:
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
April 1, 2021.
The Cathedral Church of Saint Andrew’s Anglican Communion in Owo today wore a mournful look as the Chief of Protocols to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Late Ade Oluwatomisin Ogunbodede was laid to rest.
The congregation, members of the deceased family, political and professional associates were virtually in dark attires at the church to bid him farewell.
Describing life as unpredictably transient and uncontrollable, the Owo Diocesan Bishop of Anglican Diocese, Right Reverend Stephen Fagbemi urged Christians to be prepared and to settle whatever could hinder their eternity.
Bishop Fagbemi, however, appealed to government to ensure that Nigeria roads were carnage free, adding that a great number of such accidents were avoidable.
In his letter of condolences, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu described his late chief protocol as a dedicated, dependable and humble ally.
His wife, Olufunke and children described the late lawyer as a loving husband and caring father, but saw his untimely death as shockingly painful and unbearable.
Aged fifty-six, Late Ade Oluwatomisin Ogunbodede, a lawyer, who died in a motor accident on the second of this month along Akure-Ilesha road on his way from Ibadan Oyo State is survived by wife, four children, aged mother and siblings.
Olorunferanmi Odofin
Farmers, drivers, forest guards among other groups in Ondo State have described the eviction notice given to illegal herdsmen in the State Forest Reserves as appropriate and timely.
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu had on Monday issued a seven-day ultimatum for the eviction of herdsmen occupying the forest reserves illegally.
The people made their support known during a solidarity visit to the Governor’s Office in Akure.
The Ondo State Agricultural Commodity Association, OSACA Chairman, Mr Gbenga Obaweya, in a letter at the solidarity visit, said the criminal elements had seen the forest reserves as hideouts for their nefarious activities
Mr Obaweya, who also supported the ban on night grazing, movement of cattle in the cities and highways across the state, was optimistic that the step would boost the economy and induce food security in the state
The chairman, alongside his secretary, Mr Ayo Omogie, opined that if not checked, criminal activities of the herdsmen could lead to severe famine as farmers now avoid their farmlands for fear of being raped, kidnapped or killed
Responding, the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Temitayo Oluwatuyi, pointed out that government owed it a responsibility to protect the lives and property of the people.
Olorunferanmi Odofin
The Chief of Protocol to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State Mr Tosin Ogunbodede has died along with his driver.
The duo were said to have died in a ghastly motor accident along Ilesha Road.
The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Cheif Olugbenga Ale confirmed the incident in Akure.
He said the victims were rushed to the Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa where they later died.
Another occupant of the car is said to be in critical condition
The identity of the person is yet to be known.
Ogunbodede, a lawyer and former staff of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, was appointed as Chief of Protocol, COP, by Ondo Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on assumption of office in 2017.
Two weeks ago, the Governor Akredolu lost his Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, Professor Bayonile Ademodi, who died at the OAU Teaching Hospital Ile Ife as a result of complications from surgical operations
Feranmi Odofin
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu wants the people of Ondo State not to lose faith in themselves, the nation and society at large.
In his New Year message, Governor Akeredolu expressed optimism that the best of all is embedded in every individual as long as the resolve to surmount challenges is placed above ‘self-abnegation’.
According to him, humanity has never been insulated from challenges neither has human challenges ever remained invincible and endlessly insolvent as witnessed in Year 2020
Governor Akeredolu called for an optimistic approach to Year 2021, as it is a potent force that can open minds to the hidden and exploitable opportunities required for fresh paths of growth and development.
The governor advised Nigerians to remain faithful faith to themselves and the nation.
Governor Akeredolu also urged Nigerians to disallow divergence in religion, politics and social stratification to avoid creating needless boundaries on our way to a greater nation.
Olorunferanmi Odofin
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has signed the Ondo State 2021 Appropriation Bill into law
Endorsing the appropriation bill at his office in Akure, Governor Akeredolu expressed optimism that the new budget, tagged, “budget of hope” would move the state forward
Governor Akeredolu lamented that COVID-19 pandemic had greatly dragged the state’s revenue backwards and urged the residents to abide by all protocols put in place to contain the dreaded virus
The governor maintained that twenty-one percent of the budget would go for the ongoing projects while nineteen percent would be spent on education, especially the technical and technological aspects for economic reactivation
To rekindle the hope of the state, Governor Akeredolu pledged to lay the foundations of befitting government house for the Governor, Deputy Governor, Speaker and the Chief Judge.
Earlier, the Speaker of the House, Mr Bamidele Oleyeloogun said the appropriation bill received on 27th of last month had undergone thorough screening by the members of the House of Assembly
Mr Oleyeloogun hinted that the provision had however been increased from one hundred and seventy billion to one hundred and seventy four billion, eight hundred and seventy-three million, three hundred and five thousand, five hundred and twenty five naira, thirty kobo
Olorunferanmi Odofin
Sir Charles Titiloye has been sworn in as the new Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Ondo State
Performing the ceremony, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu described Sir Titiloye’s choice as the best for being with the state since inception and had also been with the governor throughout his political struggle.
Describing justice as key to good governance, Governor Akeredolu encouraged the new attorney general to discharge his duties accordingly by standing by the truth, justice and equity.
Governor Akeredolu expressed the state’s government determination to cast aside anything that could make it lose focus on people’s oriented projects
Appreciating government for the new position, Sir Charles Titiloye pledged to discharge his duties in accordance with the Constitution and the fear of God
The 19th state attorney general replaced Mr Adekola Olawoye SAN who was relieved of his appointment early in the month.
Olorunferanmi Odofin
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, has inaugurated a Judicial Panel of Inquiry to look into the allegation of illegal activities of the officers of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) in the state.
Members of the Panel include; Rtd Judge, Ex-Police Commissioner, Activists, #EndSars Advocate and others.
Hon. Justice Salisu Adesola Sidiq (Rtd) Rtd. High Court Judge is the Chairman while Mr. Lanre Amuda is the Secretary of the Panel.
Other members of the Panel include; Mrs. Banke Oloba, Ifeanyi Odili , Mr. Samuel Adetuyi, Mr. Oluyemi Fasipe, Mr. Leo Ologun and Sunday Oyewole.
The Panel, according to the Governor, is expected to receive and investigate complaints of police brutality or related extra-judicial killings by the police in the State and also evaluate evidence and draw conclusions on validity of complains.
Governor Akeredolu stressed that the Panel is to also recommend compensation and other remedial measures, and carry out any other assignment that may be deemed necessary.
He advised the #Endsars campaigners on the street to be wary of the incursion of thugs and other elements who are bent on hijacking the protest to unleash violence on the people and cause unrest.
While stating that the Panel has six months to submit its report, Governor Akeredolu expressed hope that the findings of the panel will assist the State to find lasting solutions to the perennial crises of confidence between the Police and the citizenry.
He admonished parents, guardians and all responsible citizens to take charge and advise their children to desist from perpetrating acts which may deepen the precarious situation.
Governor Akeredolu said” The Government, under our leadership, will not permit any person or a group of persons to compound the already tense situation under any nebulous guise.“
“The membership of the panel reflects the determination of the Government to tackle the problem comprehensively. The careful selection of activists and security experts of proven integrity underscores the seriousness of the Government.
“We enjoin members who have useful information on the untoward activities of the disbanded security outfit SARS in particular and other security apparatus to avail themselves of this opportunity and submit memoranda to the panel.
“We should also encourage anyone who has had unpleasant encounters with officers and men of the defunct unit to file complaints before the Panel.
Speaking on behalf of members of Panel, the chairman, Hon. Justice Salisu Adesola Sidiq (Rtd) assured that members of the Panel will do more than their ability.
He said the constitution of the panel was a clarion call to serve and ensure that the society is better, saying the Panel will discharge its duty in fairness and commitment to ensure that peace is returned to the land.
Dupe Isename
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Owaale of Ikare Akoko, Oba Kolapo Adegbite Adedoyin.
Late Oba Adegbite Adedoyin joined his ancestors on the first of this month at the age of eighty five years.
Governor Akeredolu said he had been with the late Owaale for a very long time aside from being an NBA Ibadan chapter’s chairman when the late monarch was also an NBA chairman for Ikare Akoko.
Governor Akeredolu, who revealed that late Oba Owaale had been very supportive of his political career implored the monarch’s subjects, especially his chiefs, to exhibit positive development that the late monarch was known for.
Responding, the Asojuoba of Ikare Akoko, Chief Olabisi Babajide maintained that the residents would not let the governor down, especially towards his aspirations for the second term in office.
Also, wife of the late monarch, Olori Titilayo Adegbite-Adedoyin recognized several roles played by Governor Akeredolu before the monarch’s demise.
Olori Adegbite-Adedoyin, who prayed for the governor, encouraged him not to abandon Okorun palace where the monarch passed on after reigning for 48years.
Until his death, late Oba Kolapo Adegbite Adedoyin was the President of a group of Ondo State traditional rulers under 130 Crown Obas and member of the State Council of Obas.
Olorunferanmi Odofin
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has pledged to support the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC headquarters in Akure, Ondo State over the inferno that destroyed a section of the office yesterday.
Governor Akeredolu made the pledged when he visited the scene with other top government officials.
He expressed shock at the unwholesome development, noting that the fire must have been very serious following offensive smokes emanating from the scene as at sixteen hours thereafter.
Governor Akeredolu maintained that the replacement of the destroyed gadgets, especially the card readers would be of great cost, particularly in less than a month to the governorship election hence the need for the state’s support
The fire incident, which occurred at about half past eight yesterday destroyed the two containers where the card readers meant for the conduct of the state’s Governorship election slated for tenth of next month were kept.
Appreciating the governor’s visit, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Ambassador Rufus Akeju said effort was on to know the cause of the inferno
Ambassador Akeju also maintained that all burnt gadgets would be replaced by INEC for smooth conduct of the October tenth governorship election in the state.
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has appealed to Nigerians to start seeing themselves as one regardless of tribe or state of origin
He gave the advice while receiving indigenous people of Edo State in his office in Akure
Governor Akeredolu explained that every citizen given birth to in a state should be accorded all privileges enjoyed by the inhabitants of such state
Mr Akeredolu decried how long a person given birth to in a particular state would continue to be tagged a sojourner, thus deprived of some privileges
Earlier, a representative of the Edo residents in Ondo State, Mr Jonah Omoruwa hinged their support for the second term bid of Governor Akeredolu on laudable projects so far executed in less than four years.
Olorunferanmi Odofin
