Religion

The General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Christian Ministry, Pastor Williams Kumuyi has arrived in Ondo State for a global crusade.

Pastor Kumuyi, who is also the convener of the global crusade with the theme, “TRIUMPHANT POWER”, was welcomed at the Akure Airport by a crowd of worshippers and proceeded to the Governor’s office where he was received by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and members of his cabinet.

Speaking during the visit, Governor Akeredolu commended Pastor Kumuyi for his passion for preaching the gospel, saying his visit to the state would usher in good tidings.

Governor Akeredolu also lauded Pastor Kumuyi’s prowess as a former lecturer and accepted the invitation to be at the crusade with some of his cabinet members.

Earlier, Pastor Kumuyi had extolled the virtues of Governor Akeredolu, describing him as courageous and prayed for him to fulfil his promises to the Ondo State people before leaving office.

Pastor Kumuyi before proceeding to Ondo town, the venue of the crusade prayed for the governor, the state and the nation at large.

The crusade is billed to hold at the Ondo Anglican Grammar School, Ondo town from Thursday 25th to 30th at five o’clock in the evening.

Isaac Afolabi

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Security

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu is seeking collaboration with traditional rulers in tackling insecurity in their domains to safeguard lives and property of the people.

The governor spoke at the inauguration of the State Council of Obas held at the Dome in Akure.

Governor Akeredolu while appreciating the advisory roles of the Royal fathers said his administration would not underrate their contributions to National development.

He charged the Chairman Council of Obas and the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladelusi Aladetoyinbo to unite others for a successful tenure.

Responding, the Deji of Akure land and the Chairman, Ondo State Council of Obas thanked governor Akeredolu for the appointment promising that the monarchs would play their parts in ensuring safety in their domains.

Oba Aladetoyinbo also appealed for constitutional roles for monarchs and the creation of state police to support already existing security agencies.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Samson Sowore applauded the governor for his impartial roles.

Some of the notable dignitaries at the ceremony included the deputy Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, members of the State House of Assembly, Regents and well wishers.

Isaac Afolabi

News

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

Politics

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has commissioned the ten township roads at Araromi-Obu, in Odigbo local government area of Ondo State.
The constructed roads totalling five point four-four kilometers are better life, moferere, surulere, Iyaoba, hospital, Ayesan, Ajewole, Royal, Kolejo and Okeli roads all in Ajobu town.
The Commissioning is part of the activities to mark the one hundred days in office of governor Akeredolu
Describing the project as iconic, Governor Akeredolu said the administration was committed to rural-urban development
He encouraged the people to guard against anything that could destroy the roads’ life span especially burning of tyres pledging that new companies would still spring up to accelerate the state economy
Earlier, the Commissioner for lands and infrastructure, Mr Raimi Aminu who described the road as part of Governor Akeredolu’s campaign promises to the people explained that government paid more on the construction following the absence of construction materials in the axis
In their separate remarks the Ajobu of Araromi-Obu, Oba Aderemi Adelola and member of the House of representatives, Odigbo-Ileoluji okeigbo federal constituency, Mayowa Akinfolarin commended governor Akeredolu for the projects saying the town had never enjoyed such gesture from the state government.

Olorunferanmi Odofin

Judiciary

The judicial panel of inquiry on Police brutality and other related matters in Ondo State has recommended seven hundred and fifty-five million naira compensation for victims following the aftermath of the Endsars protest.

This is after treating 14 criminal and 63 petitions bordering on human rights violation.

The chairman, Retired Justice Adesola Sidiq made this known while submitting the panel’s report to governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in Akure.

Justice Sidiq said the panel also recommended the publication of apologies in national newspapers, particularly where the reputation of victims had been tarnished

The justice said Akure South, Ondo West, Odigbo and Okitipupa were the four most affected local government areas.

The governor said the Endsars protest was legitimate until it was hijacked by criminals, and recommended training for police in conformity with societal norms.

The governor condemned the destruction that followed the protest and encouraged communities to always guard property in their domains

Governor Akeredolu commended the panel and promised to look into the report for appropriate action.

Olorunferanmi Odofin

Politics

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has dissolved members of Ondo State Executive Council.

Governor Akeredolu announced this at the Exco-Chamber, Governor’s Office in Akure.

He pointed out that the outgone cabinet members had been very supportive for almost four years.

Governor Akeredolu said they had worked together as one and the interest of the state had remained paramount throughout their services to the state government.

In their validatory statements, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Rural and Community Development and former member representing, Akoko Southeast Southwest Federal Constituency, Mr Kolawole Babatunde, and the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Titi Adeyemi described Governor Akeredolu as a rare leader who strongly believed in people’s oriented projects.

Also at the ongoing event, the Permanent Secretary for Cabinet and Service Matter, Mr Gbenga Elewuju, who would be retiring from civil service on the fifth of next month, was also recognized for his humble and accessible lifestyle.

Olorunferanmi Odofin

Education

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has pledged to ensure that the dreams of the state-owned University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, are realized.

The Governor stated this when he received the Management of the university led by its Vice Chancellor, Professor Adesegun Fatusi at Akure.

He expressed happiness that the university had been impactful in Medical field, saying it would soon become a reference point in the nation’s medical education.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Adesegun Fatusi had congratulated the governor on his re-election which he described as a sign of renewed hope for the university.

Professor Fatusi appreciated the governor for uncommon support which according to him had given the university foundational strength and standard.

Reeling out various challenges confronting the Institution, Professor Fatusi however assured that UNIMED, being the first specialized Medical University in Nigeria would continue to be a leading light.

Olorunferanmi Odofin

Politics

Another aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ondo State, Mr Olayide Adelami has donated his campaign office to the party’s governorship candidate, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu

Mr Adelami, who also handed over the party’s materials including copies of the party’s constitution at the campaign office in Akure, announced the collapse of his structure in favour of Governor Akeredolu’s reelection bid.

He hinged his decision on the love he had for the party and the state, saying such interest was constant among other co-aspirants. 

Mr Adelami, who explained that he received no dime from Governor Akeredolu before his decision, directed his supporters to work for the victory of APC in the October tenth governorship election.

Appreciating Mr Adelami for the gesture, Governor Akeredolu described his decision as a symbol of solidarity taken to favour the party and to move the state forward

Governor Akeredolu, who observed that no political party had taken such step in the history of the state, called on remaining aspirants to sink their differences for the party to continue its leadership position.

Olorunferanmi Odofin

Sport

Ondo state Governor Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has fulfilled his promise by donating a bus to the Ondo State Sports Writers Association, SWAN, Ondo State Chapter.

Governor Akeredolu stated this while playing host to the executive members of SWAN who were in his office to appreciate his support towards the successful hosting of the 2020 SWAN week.

Our sports correspondent reports that Governor Akeredolu applauded SWAN for exposing the students to the game of golf but emphasized on exploring other sports which he noted are easier and economical to maintain.

He also appealed to SWAN to use all available platform to promote sunshine stars, lure investors to partner the state in getting sponsors for the team and other sporting activities in the state.

Mr. Akeredolu said government alone cannot fund sports hence the need for stakeholders to assist in moving sports to the next phase.

Earlier, Chairman SWAN Ondo State, Mr Wahab Bankole lauded the governor’s impact in sports despite the economic situation of the country and assured the governor of SWAN’S support in projecting his good works particularly in the area of sports.

Some of the dignitaries who graced the occasion are the commissioner for youths and sports Mr. Dotun Owanikin, SSG Mr. Temitayo Oluwatuyi, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Olugbenga Ale among others.

Oriola Afolabi

Security

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

Politics

President Mohammadu Buhari has arrived Akure, the Ondo state Capital to commission some projects in the state.

President Buhari arrived Akure airport at 11: 22am with some members of the Federal Executives.

The President’s visit is a part of activities marking the third anniversary of governor Akeredolu’s third year anniversary in office.

President Mohammed Buhari accompanied by some members of Federal executives were welcomed by Ondo State Governor, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and his Ekiti counterpart, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, then later inspected the guard of honour .

Some traditional leaders were also among dignitaries who received the President.

The Akure airport was filled with the people from all walks of life as well as Traditional dance groups from the state to welcome the President

Members of the All Progressive Congress, APC, registered their presence in thousands led by the State Chairman, Mr. Ade Adetimehin and other party leaders. 

The President was later airlifted with chopper to Ore town where he is expected to commission the Flyover and Ore industrial hub.  

President Muhammadu Buhari expressed optimism that Ondo state will soon become a more viable investment destination, creating jobs for teeming unemployed Nigerians.

The President stated this while commissioning the Ondo-Linyil Industrial Hub and the Ore interchange in Odigbo Local Government Area of the State.

President Buhari said the two projects would no doubt utilize locally available materials thus boosting the economy of the state.

He commended Governor Akeredolu for his administration’s dedication and commitment to deliver an all inclusive development to the people of Ondo state.

Earlier, Governor Akeredolu had explained that the industrial hub which included a Plywood Industry, Cassava Processing Company and Textile Company is established to reduce unemployment in the state while the Ore Flyover is meant to end traffic congestion along the ever busy Ore-Benin expressway.

Ore Plywood Plant

The Development Manager of the project, Mr Kalvin Zhu thanked the host community for assisting in ensuring that the project came into reality.

The event was attended by Governor Kayode Fayemi, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state, Captains Of Industry, Top Government Functionaries, Traditional Rulers while the President’s entourage included the Minister of Trade of Trade and Investment, Chief Niyi Adebayo, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina among others.

Olorunferanmi Odofin/ Bukola Bardi