Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has commissioned a state-of-the-art palm oil and palm kernel production factory established by a private company in Akure, marking a major boost to the state’s agro-industrial drive.
The fully integrated, end-to-end facility, located along Irese Road in Akure, boasts a daily production capacity of 5,000 litres.
The plant runs a complete value chain that guarantees maximum utilisation of every component of the oil palm.
Beyond extracting high-quality crude palm oil and palm kernel oil, the factory converts all by-products into commercially valuable outputs, reinforcing its sustainability and economic impact.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Governor Aiyedatiwa described local production facilities as critical engines of economic growth and industrial expansion in Ondo State.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for small and medium-scale enterprises to thrive.
“This factory will do more than produce palm oil and palm kernel. It will create jobs for our youths, stimulate ancillary businesses, support local farmers, reduce dependence on external supplies, and strengthen our Internally Generated Revenue, IGR,” Governor Aiyedatiwa said.
He stressed that sustainable business growth depends on stability and security, noting that his administration has deliberately strengthened the state’s security architecture and deepened community policing.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also commended the management of the company for their confidence in Ondo State and for prioritising local skills across the factory’s operations.
In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr Lateef Audu, said his passion for agriculture and belief in a production-driven economy inspired the investment.
He thanked the Ondo State government for sustaining a business-friendly environment and supporting entrepreneurship.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Diaspora Affairs and Youth Advocate, Mr Oluyemi Fasipe, called on entrepreneurs in the Diaspora to invest in Ondo State, describing it as one of Nigeria’s most investor-friendly states.
Mr Fasipe applauded the company for locating the project in the state, noting that the investment would boost investor confidence and expand employment opportunities for young people.
The event climaxed with a guided tour of the facility, during which the lead engineer detailed the production process and operational capacity of the installed machinery.
The South-West Governors’ Forum has urged the Federal Government to urgently establish state police, saying rising insecurity across the country makes the move necessary.
The call was contained in a communiqué read by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu after the Forum’s meeting hosted by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde in Ibadan.
The governors—representing Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo and Osun (via the deputy governor)—said state police would strengthen security both in the region and nationwide.
They also announced the creation of a joint security intelligence-sharing and communication system, including a live digital platform to exchange threat alerts, log incidents, and coordinate responses.
The Forum reviewed recent security breaches and set up a South-West Security Trust Fund under the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria DAWN Commission, to be managed by the Special Advisers on Security from the six states.
The governors commended President Bola Tinubu for ongoing security reforms and the swift rescue of abducted victims in Kwara and Niger States.
They called for immediate Federal Government surveillance of forests across the region, noting that criminal groups increasingly use them as hideouts.
They also appealed to the President to deploy forest guards to South-West states while state governments provide personnel.
The communiqué noted concerns about unregulated interstate migration and announced plans for stricter border monitoring, improved data collection and collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, for proper identification.
The governors also raised alarm over illegal mining, calling for a stronger licensing and enforcement framework to curb environmental and security risks.
Reaffirming their support for state police, they said “the time is now,” adding that the region remains committed to reclaiming forests, enhancing food security, and promoting peace.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has called on stakeholders in the education sector to speak out against the growing menace of bullying, which has become a serious concern in both public and private schools.
The governor made this appeal during a one-day strategic workshop in Ondo State to commemorate the 2025 International Children’s Day.
The event brought together a diverse group of education stakeholders, including teachers, school administrators, educationists, and policymakers.
Held under the theme “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,” the workshop aimed to raise awareness and promote solutions to curb bullying in schools.
Delivering the governor’s address, the Chairman of the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Victor Olabimtan, described the theme as timely and significant, noting the rising negative impact of bullying on children and young adults.
He stressed the importance of intensified awareness campaigns and the creation of safe, inclusive learning environments where children can grow without fear of intimidation or harassment.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also called for stronger collaboration between stakeholders and the state government to completely eradicate bullying in all its forms.
Meanwhile, the Government of Ondo State has unveiled a series of activities to commemorate the 2025 Children’s Day celebration.
Addressing journalists at a press briefing held at the Women Affairs Hall, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Seun Osamaye, noted that the National Children’s Day is celebrated annually to honour, recognise, and identify with children across the state, particularly those in primary and secondary schools.
She explained that the purpose was to inform and sensitise children about the government’s efforts to improve their lives and to ensure continuous investment in child development and education across the state.
She revealed that several competitions would be held in different categories to identify outstanding students, who will represent their schools and local government areas. The aim, she said, is to encourage intellectual growth, a reading culture, and academic seriousness among students.
She added that the workshop, chaired by the SUBEB Chairman, would also feature the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, who would speak on the Child Rights Law.
According to her, the initiative is designed to ensure all stakeholders align with the outlined activities and take the message back to their respective schools and institutions, in preparation for the upcoming competitions.
Mrs Osamaye disclosed that on Tuesday, the State Children’s Parliament would visit the State House of Assembly to observe plenary proceedings and interact with the Speaker.
“The Ondo State Children’s Parliament, which has been moribund for over a decade, is being revived. Tomorrow, the children will be introduced to the Speaker and will observe plenary with the assistance of Safety Children International.”
She stated that the children would participate in a two-day orientation programme between Wednesday and Thursday, where they would be trained on their parliamentary roles and responsibilities.
On Friday, there will be a pre-rehearsal for the main event scheduled for next week on Tuesday.
According to her, activities for that day include a series of competitions such as a public speaking competition based on the theme of the celebration, and it will involve 18 selected schools, each represented by its best speaker. A total of 2,500 children from 100 schools across the state are expected to attend.
She further revealed that there will be a march-past and each school would also present a cultural display to showcase the unique heritage of their locality.
Dr. Osamaye announced that the winners of the competitions would be rewarded with cash prizes. The first-place winner will receive a grand prize of ₦500,000; the second-place winner, ₦200,000; and the third-place winner, ₦100,000.
“These prizes and trophies are meant to promote unity, love, and active engagement among our students“, she concluded.
An aide to the Ondo State governor has called for peace and unity as she congratulates Muslim residents and persons with disabilities in the state on Eid-el-Fitr.
In a statement issued in Akure, the Special Adviser on Women Affairs, Dr. Seun Osamaye, praised Muslims for completing the Ramadan fast, a month she noted was marked by prayer, reflection, and community service.
She urged residents to sustain values cultivated during the period, including patience, compassion, and self-discipline.
“The principles of charity, empathy, and devotion must guide our actions beyond Ramadan,” Osamaye said, emphasizing that such virtues strengthen communal welfare.
She also reaffirmed the Aiyedatiwa administration’s commitment to prioritizing women’s inclusion in state development projects.
The adviser stressed that unity and collective effort were critical to addressing societal challenges, adding, “Our diversity should propel progress, not division.”
Ondo State government has approved a thirty-five million naira non-interest loan to the widows of fallen heroes with an assurance of more benefits.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa announced this during the celebration of the 2025 Armed Forces and Remembrance Day in Akure the Ondo State capital.
The venue of the ceremony, Akure Cenotaph was filled with serving military, and non-military personnel, widows and children of fallen heroes, traditional and members of the Nigerian Legion.
The governor represented by the Deputy Governor, Olayide Adelami commended the military and paramilitary for their sacrifices in protecting the territorial integrity of the country.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Lola Fagbemi appreciated the governor for his commitment to the welfare of the widows of fallen heroes, and their family members and urged Nigerians to always appreciate the efforts of the military.
Three of the widows, Mrs Christiana Ogunjobi, Mrs Sarah Tanko and Mrs Elizabeth Owolemi thanked the governor for the gesture and promised to make good use of the loan and ensure prompt repayment.
The high point of the occasion was a minute silence, a gunshot salute for the departed soldiers, the laying of wreaths, the release of balloons symbolizing peace and the distribution of loans to the windows of the fallen heroes.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has challenged civil servants in Ondo State to be more dedicated to their work to contribute meaningfully to the all-round development of the state.
Governor Aiyedatiwa gave the charge during the first Working Day Prayer Meeting which took place at the Governor’s office in Alagbaka, Akure.
He saluted the workers, union leaders, security agencies and other stakeholders for their cooperation as well as dedication to duty urging them to join him in fulfilling his electioneering promises to the people.
Earlier, the Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philips had charged workers to be more proactive, and dedicated to duty and also justify the commitment of the state government to their welfare.
Admonishing the people, Reverend Funke Felix-Adejumo of the Agape Ministries, Chairman, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, Ondo State, Bishop Joshua Opayinka and Pastor Michael Ogunbayode of Season of Life Ministries urged civil servants to be more passionate about their job and pray fervently for success in all ways.
The workers who dressed in beautiful attires danced to various worship songs led by gospel artists.
During the programme, prayers were offered for the peace and development of Ondo State and Nigeria in general. Some of the dignitaries who graced the colourful occasion included the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, Speaker of Ondo State House Of Assembly, ODHA, Mr Olamide Oladiji, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Ondo State, Mr Ade Adetimehin, Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola, union leaders from the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, and Radio, Television, Art Theatre Worker Union Of Nigeria, RATTAWU, among others.
The Ondo State government has celebrated forty women as champions of immunisation and family planning having stuck to the life-saving procedures for a long period of time.
The programme was launched in Ifedore and Odigbo Local Government Areas of the state, with twenty women in each of the council area benefiting from the gift items which included foodstuffs, cash of ten thousand naira, plaques (inscribed with their names and pictures) and other items.
Speaking at the event in Igbaraoke, Ifedore Council area, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka expressed optimism that the initiative would spur more women to embrace family planning and also present their babies for immunisation regularly.
Dr Ajaka who was represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor, Professor Simi Odimayo restated the commitment of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to the wellbeing of mothers and children in Ondo State, using all available strategies.
The commissioner congratulated the champions for their commitment to family planning and immunisation in the bid to keep a healthy family, assuring them that government would regularly come up with programmes and policies that would make life more meaningful for women and children in the state.
He said,“the government is really in love with the people and wants to showcase the love at all times that’s why these women are being appreciated today. The government is not only appreciating the women but making family planning and immunisation commodities available and the teams supported. Family planning will help women to be in good form to take their children for immunisation, so I congratulate the champions and urge them to become advocates of immunisation and family planning in their communities”.
The Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, ODPHCDA, Dr Francis Akanbiemu said the idea of the programme was conceived by the award winning agency to encourage mothers who had shown great commitment to matters of immunisation and family planning being propagated by government to enhance maternal and child health in the state.
Dr Akanbiemu noted, “We tell our mothers, take your children for immunisation, ensure you space your children through family planning, but not all of them take to this, so the government under the leadership of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa considered it worthwhile to reward those mothers who listened to and acted on the government’s advice so that they will serve as role models for others”.
He said even though, the immunisation coverage of the state was currently at over eighty-four percent, the programme, “rewarding the champions” would be held in all the local government areas in the state to ensure one hundred percent coverage of both mothers and children in terms of family planning and immunization”.
“By the time we are done taking this programme round all the eighteen local government areas of Ondo State, our immunisation data must have gone up and also improve service delivery. The champions emerged through rigorous selection processes and we are hopeful that for every ten persons motivated, one thousand other mothers would join the train”.
The Director of Disease Control and Immunisation in the agency, Dr Victor Adefesoye while congratulating the champions stressed the need for other women to embrace family planning so they could avoid unplanned pregnancies which he noted was dangerous to their health while also ensuring that their children do not miss any immunisation schedule.
Also speaking, the Director of Medical Services, ODPHCDA, Dr Paulinus Omode admonished mothers generally to embrace preventive health care system by making sure that their children live in a clean environment, eat good diet and are immunised against child-killer diseases.
In their goodwill messages, representatives of World Health Organisation, WHO, Mrs Modupe Dosumu and that of United Nations Population Fund, UNPF, Mrs Opeyemi Agunbiade commended Ondo State government for the innovation.
Primary Health Care Coordinator in Ifedore Council Area, Dr Adedayo Fayanju described the strategy as a step towards boosting the health of women and children.
A royal father, the Adapogun of Ipogun, Oba Rapheal Ojo expressed delight that the exercise started in his domain especially at this time when economic challenges were compelling families to have only children they could cater for.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs Ebunoluwa Charles, and Hajia Mariam Yusuf appreciated Ondo State government for the gesture, promising to be advocates of family planning and immunisation in their various localities.
According to them, “this is one honour we will appreciate in a long time to come, we appreciate the gifts, the foodstuff and other items the government has given us today, we will definitely continue in this line and convince more women to be part of be committed to immunisation and family planning”.
At Odigbo Local Government Area, the ODPHCDA train landed in Ore Town where another set of twenty champions were celebrated.
At the event, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka also congratulated the lucky mothers for emerging champions of immunisation and family planning and charged them to always key into government’s programmes and policies aimed at improving their child and maternal health.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary, ODPHCDA, Dr Francis Akanbiemu hinted that women who adhere to all medical procedures on maternal and child health would continue to receive motivation from government.
The Ondo State Immunisation Officer, Mrs Comfort Olagundoye while enumerating the criteria used in selecting the champions noted that those considered were found to have completed all immunisation schedules for their children right from birth and also encouraged other women to keep immunisation appointments for them to have healthy children.
Two of the champions from Ore, Mrs Ajoke Ikumawoyi, Deborah Ige Imisioluwa Akintunde also hailed the Ondo State government for the encouragement with a pledge not to renege.
In all, 40 women were decorated as immunisation and family planning champions in both Ifedore and Odigbo Council areas with each of them going home with foodstuff, ten thousand naira cash, plaques and other items.
The event was witnessed by the Director of Public Health, Ondo State Ministry of Health, Dr Stephen Fagbemi, who represented the Permanent Secretary, Dr Niran Ikuomola, top officials of the Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency which include Director Planning, Research and Statistics, Dr Yetunde Olagbuji, Director Medical Services, Dr Paulinus Omode, Director, Health System Development, Dr Olajide, Dr Isreal Adeyemi, Director of Finance and Administration, Mrs Folasade Ale, Dr Isreal Adeyemi, and Director Pharmaceutical Services.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has applauded the synergy between security operatives in the state in the bid for a crime-free society.
Governor Aiyedatiwa spoke when he hosted the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Mr Abayomi Oladipupo in Akure.
Governor Aiyedatiwa said plans were underway for the provision of more logistical vehicles for all security agencies in the state to aid them in carrying out their duty effectively.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Abayomi Oladipupo who informed the governor of the cooperation between the police and other security agencies in the state in arresting some crimes, also pledged the continued dedication of officers.
Our correspondent reports that Mr Oladipupo is the 44th Commissioner of Police in Ondo State.
Sixteen new permanent secretaries and two tutors general have been sworn in in Ondo State.
Speaking at the event, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa pointed out that their elevation was on merit noting that his administration would not downplay the sacrifices of workers with an assurance that the appointment would be constant without any political colouration.
Radio Nigeria correspondent, Isaac Afolabi reports that Governor Aiyedatiwa announced that his administration would soon recruit two thousand new teachers.
In a remark, the Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip charged the new permanent secretaries to live up to expectations as the present government was committed to the welfare of workers.
Fourteen permanent secretaries were sworn in for the civil service mainstream, two for the local government with two Tutors-General.
Dignitaries on the occasion included the All Progressives Congress, APC chairman in Ondo State, Mr Ade Adetimehin, Chief Justice of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola, former Chief of Staff, Chief Olugbenga Ale, former Head of Service, Pastor Kayode Ogundele, Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, political appointees, members of the Ondo State House of Assembly, ODHA, among others.
The Governor of Ondo State, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has dissolved the State Executive Council, with immediate effect.
Also all members of the cabinet are to immediately hand over to the Permanent Secretaries or the most senior administrative officers in their respective offices.
A statement from the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Ebenezer Adeniyan also says all Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) and Special Assistants (SAs) are relieved of their duties, with immediate effect.
All the affected officials are directed to hand over all government properties in their possession.
The Governor thanked the affected officials for their services and contributions to the development of the State.
