Economy

Akeredolu, Labour Unions, Agree on Payment of Leave Bonus Arrears, Others

By Web News 2144

Oganised Labour Unions and the Ondo State government have agreed to the approval of the immediate payment of five months outstanding deductions from salaries of the state workers from February to June, this year.

Similarly, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu ordered payment of 2018 leave bonus to all workers and settlement of 2019 leave bonus for workers on grade level one to six.

This formed part of the decisions reached by both government’s representatives and the labour unions when Mr Akeredolu held a crucial meeting with them in Akure.

The organised labour under the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) had two weeks ago sent a letter to the governor to demand payment of some of the workers’ outstanding entitlements ranging from 2018, 2019 leave bonus, unpaid accumulated deduction from February, 2020 till date.

Speaking on behalf of the government, Ondo State Head of Service, Mr Dare Aragbaiye as well as the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Donald Ojogo said the government would also settle Special COVID-19 hazard allowance of May, 2020 for health workers.

Mr Aragbaiye noted that out of the available resources of government, sixty-eight percent of June salary and pensions would be paid to local government workers.

Also speaking at a labour meeting in Akure, three unions’ leaders, Comrade Oluwaniyi Fabunmi of JNC; Sunday Adeleye-Oluwole of NLC and the vice chairman of TUC, Clement Fatuase, said they agreed to the payment arrangements to save workers who had mortgaged their salaries with cooperatives and loans from untold hardship.

The labour leaders declared that the latest agreement would go a long way in strengthening harmonious relationship between the Governor Akeredolu-led government and the labour unions in the state.

Leke Adegbite

Politics

Ondo Governorship: APC Aspirants Demand Direct Primaries

By Web News 627

Only five out of the twelve All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship aspirants in Ondo State attended the reconciliation meeting set up by the national leadership of the party to address some grievances ahead of its primary election.

The meeting which was held in Akure the state capital had in attendance Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Mrs Jumoke Ajasin-Anifowose, Mr Ife Oyedele, Ambassador Sola Iji and Chief Olusola Oke.

The chairman of the reconciliation committee and governor of Niger state, Alhaji Abubakar Bello pleaded with the aspirants to forget their differences.

Governor Bello emhasized that no meaningful development could be achieved in an atmosphere of rancour hence the need to embrace peace.

On the demand for direct primary election agitated for by some aspirants, Governor Bello said he would notify the party hierarchy of their demands.

One of the aspirants, Chief Olusola Oke spoke with newsmen at the venue and expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome.

Chief Oke who enjoined the APC leadership to embrace direct primary so as not to contradict its constitution also vowed to seek redress if otherwise.

The APC Primary Election comes up next week Monday, the 20th of July.

Olorunferanmi Odofin

Politics

We cannot be induced or swayed from true democratic values – ODHA Members

By Web News 798

The Ondo State House of Assembly, ODHA, has debunked the rumour making the rounds that members received the sum of ten million naira each to fast-track the impeachment process of the embattled deputy governor, Chief Agboola Ajayi.

The lawmakers in a statement by the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Mr Olugbenga Omole and made available to newsmen described the allegation as unfounded and an attempt to create enmity between the executive and legislature.

The statement indicates that the lawmakers claimed they cannot be induced as they represent the interests of the people of the state.

The lawmakers expressed their unalloyed support to the developmental strides of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and true democratic values.

They cautioned the embattled deputy governor to avoid implicating the lawmakers in a bid to carry his cross.

The lawmakers urged the people of the state to disregard the rumour and go about their lawful dealings without fear.

Olumide Abudu

Politics

I did not celebrate Oshiomhole’s removal – Akeredolu

By Web News 702

Ondo state government has debunked reports of jubilation in the state over the appellate court judgment which affirmed the suspension of the embattled National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

The state Commissioner for Information, Mr Donald Ojogo while addressing journalists in Akure described the online publication in one of the National dailies as mischievous and aimed at creating crisis between Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and the leadership of the APC.

Mr Ojogo asked the public to disregard the publication noting that there was no jubilation in any part of the state over the judgment.

The Commissioner maintained that Governor Akeredolu holds the APC National Working Committee, NWC, in high esteem and would not do anything to disrespect or ridicule the members.

Mr Ojogo however called on the leadership of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ to check the activities of its members to guard against quackery in the pen profession.

Olumide Abudu

Politics

I have no plans to dump APC – Akeredolu

By Web News 748

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu says he remains in the All Progressives Congress, APC, and ready for any mode of primary election ahead of the October 10th governorship election.

The governor speaking through his Commissioner for Information, Mr Donald Ojogo maintained that he had no plan to dump the All Progressives Congress, APC in the event of any eventuality.

Mr Ojogo said the governor was more prepared for the party primary either direct or indirect form.

The commissioner who berated the numerous attack on Governor Akeredolu’s family which he said though was expected at a period like this, challenged the opposition to engage in constructive criticism in the interest of a better democratic dispensation.

He described the activities in the APC Unity Forum as that of contradictory interest which could not hold water or affect the aspirations and developmental strides of Governor Akeredolu.

Mr Ojogo however commended the media in Ondo State for their unbiased reportage as events unfold in the state.

Olumide Abudu

Health

Akeredolu Bans Operations of Major Market in Ondo

By Web News 1671

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has banned operations of major markets in Ondo state to prevent the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.

Governor Akeredolu who gave the directive while briefing newsmen at the Government House in Akure, named the affected markets as Ojaoba, Isikan, Iloro, shasha and other equivalent markets in the state.

The governor who decried disobedience of the social and physical distancing directive at the markets, hence the closure as from next week, however, explained that the markets would be allowed to open on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The governor also directed that perishable goods such as tomatoes, and pepper would be allowed on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Shasha, Iloro and other equivalent markets across the state. 

He further reaffirmed the ban on non-food items and total blockade of the state boundaries where some positive COVID-19 cases came in through.

Mr Akeredolu who disclosed that three members of staff of the State Infectious Hospital Center had contracted Coronavirus, announced special hazard allowances for health workers in the state who were on the front line in the fight against COVID-19

Olorunferanmi Odofin

Security

Lock Down: AIG Zone-Eleven Visits Southwest Region

By Web News 817

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG, in charge of Zone-Eleven, Mr Bashir Makama has started visiting states in the southwest region to monitor the level of compliance with the government’s directive on COVID-19 lockdown.

While on a visit to Ondo State, Mr Makama said that his coming to the state was to assess the situation and challenges of his men deployed to borders.

On the alleged bribery at borders, the AIG warned that any policemen caught would be dealt with.

In a remark, the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Mr Undie Adie expressed satisfaction with level of people’s compliance with dusk to dawn curfew declared in Ondo state by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

Leke Adegbite

Security

Police to Begin Enforcement of Ondo Government Orders

By Web News 667

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

Health

84 Lassa Fever Cases Recorded in Ondo

By Web News 1126

The outbreak of Lassa fever has hit Ondo State.

So far, eighty-four cases have been recorded in the New Year. 

While sixteen of the patients have died, forty-seven others were currently on admission and responding to treatment.

The State Epidemiologist, Dr. Steven Fagbemi, confirmed this during a meeting with Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and Local Government Chairmen from Ondo North and Central Senatorial District at the Governor’s Office in Akure.

According to Dr. Fagbemi twenty-one persons had already been treated and discharged. 

Also speaking, the leader of the National Center for Disease Control, NCDC, Dr. Yahaya Disu, explained that the Lassa fever cases were recorded in Owo, Akoko South West, Akure South, and Ondo West Local Government Areas.

Corroborating, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Wahab Adegbenro who advised Nigerians to visit hospitals when they notice fever symptoms, said the state government had mapped out strategies to contain the spread of the disease.

Earlier, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu had advised local government chairmen in the state to deploy cleaners to markets and public places while the residents should maintain high level of hygiene to curtail the spread of the Lassa virus in the state.

Olorunferanmi Odofin

Education

Ondo Free School Shuttles Resume Operation

By Web News 833

The free school shuttle buses that have been off the road since the beginning of the second academic term in Ondo state have resumed operations. 

This followed a directive by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu after Radio Nigeria reported the absence of the free shuttle buses which conveyed students in public schools in the state to and from their schools at no cost.

About fifty thousand students who are beneficiaries of this scheme had been left stranded since schools resumed last week while many have had to trek miles to and from their schools. 

Radio Correspondent, Leke Adegbite who monitored the situation reports that the school shuttle buses resumed operations today in Akure and Ondo town.

Reacting in a telephone interview, the Special Adviser to the governor on transport, Mr Tobi Ogunleye confirmed that the state government had concluded maintenance of the buses in Akure and Ondo town for their operations to start immediately.

Mr Ogunleye who insisted that the government would not suspend or cancel the free school shuttle buses, gave an assurance that the buses would return to other major towns before the end of this week.

Bukola Bardi