The Ondo State will field over 300 athletes and coaches at the second edition of the Niger Delta Sports Games, as Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa urged the contingent to remain disciplined and focused on medal targets.
The state received the symbolic Torch of Unity at the Akure Sports Complex ahead of departure for the Games.
The Ondo State team comprises 270 athletes and 46 coaches.
Officials charged them to serve as worthy ambassadors through sportsmanship and competitive discipline.
The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Henry Omoyofunmi, representing the governor, assured the delegation of full government support throughout the competition.
The Secretary, Niger Delta Sports Games Ondo Liaison Office, Mr. Henry Babatunde, commended the athletes’ preparations and urged them to surpass their previous outing in Uyo.
A Director at the Edo State Sports Commission, Mr. Frank Ilaboya, said organisers would award scholarships to outstanding athletes to reward excellence.
Swimmer Mojisola Giwa expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness, citing improved fitness and teamwork after camping.
The Games will hold in Edo State from February 20 to 27, 2026.
The Ondo State Government has announced that it will mark the 2026 International Mother Language Day, also known as “Asa Day,” on Monday, February 23, 2026, in all public and private schools across the state.
The Director of School Services, Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, Mrs Olubunmi Ilori, said in a circular issued by Bisi Lawani to schools that the global observance traditionally holds on February 21 but falls on a Saturday this year, prompting the state to shift its official celebration to Monday, February 23.
She directed all principals, head teachers, students, and education stakeholders to participate fully in the exercise and instructed attendees to appear in their traditional cultural attire to commemorate the day.
The ministry stated that compliance with the government-approved date for Asa Day is mandatory for all educational institutions in the state.
The annual observance of International Mother Language Day was established by UNESCO to promote linguistic diversity, safeguard indigenous languages, and celebrate cultural heritage worldwide.
The 2026 theme is “Preservation, Promotion, and Intergenerational Transmission of Indigenous Languages as Instruments for Cultural Identity and Sustainable Development.”
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.
Ondo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps said it had arrested four persons for allegedly stealing transformer parts and telecommunication equipment.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Mr Dan Aidamenbor on Sunday.
According to him, the suspects are Mogaji Ibrahim, 40, Umaru Adamu, 32, Abba Muhazu, 19, male, and Adamu Idris, 25.
The Command’s spokesman also stated that the suspects were apprehended at Ore in Odigbo Local Government Area of the state last Thursday, while transporting the equipment from the northern part of the country to Lagos State.
He said, “In a renewed fight against economic saboteurs targeted at critical national assets and infrastructures of government across the country, the officers of the Ondo State Command of the NSCDC have intensified intelligence-led surveillance across the state.
“Acting on credible intelligence, the command tactical team on 26th June, 2025 at about 1000hrs, intercepted and arrested four suspected vandals at old Ore Toll Gate, Lagos Expressway, Odigbo LGA.
“They were apprehended while transporting vandalized telecommunication wires, electricity equipment such as transformer parts, high tension cables, copper and armored cables and other cut-to-size metal objects from Kano to Lagos.
“The exhibits have been recovered and secured as evidence. The suspects are currently in custody, and investigations are ongoing to uncover the master minds and the likely syndicates.”
The state command warned all criminal elements in the state and those using the state as a thoroughfare to other states to steer clear of “Ondo State as operatives of the command are on high alert to flush out criminal elements from the state.”
The Ondo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, sitting in Akure has upheld the election of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress, APC, confirming his victory in the November 16, 2024, gubernatorial election.
The three-member panel, led by Justice Benson Ogbu, delivered a unanimous verdict, dismissing the petitions filed by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate, Agboola Ajayi, and other parties. The tribunal ruled that allegations of widespread irregularities and non-compliance with the Electoral Act were not proven.
Speaking with Radio Nigeria correspondent, after the judgment, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude to God and to the people of Ondo State.
He said that the tribunal’s decision reaffirmed the will of the electorate calling on opposition party to join him in transforming the state.
Reacting, counsel to PDP Mr Olujimi Oluseye said his client next decision would be made public soon.
Hundreds of APC supporters gathered outside the court jubilating over the declaration.
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.
The Court of Appeal sitting in Akure, the Ondo State capital, has dismissed the appeal filed by the candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party in the November 16, 2024, governorship election in Ondo State, Olugbenga Edema, against the victory of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami.
Edema had earlier approached the Federal High Court to order the Independent National Electoral Commission to remove the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Aiyedatiwa, and his running mate, Adelami, from the list of candidates that contested the poll.
He also asked the court to interpret the application of Section 15 of the Third Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) over the nomination of the APC candidate. However, the court struck out the case.
Not satisfied with the outcome of the lower court, Edema approached the appellate court to challenge the high court’s verdict.
In the judgement delivered by the appeal court on Wednesday, Justice Oyebisi Omoleye affirmed the judgement of the Federal High Court.
In the verdict, the three-man appeal court panel unanimously resolved all the issues formulated against Edema and consequently dismissed the appeal for abuse of court process and for lack of merit. The court also awarded a fine of N1 million to each of the respondents.
In his reaction to the judgement, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Kayode Ajulo SAN, lauded the courage of the judges, saying he agreed with the decision of the court.
Ajulo said, “One cannot but salute the industry and courage of the judges. I was in the court from the beginning to the end. You can see the erudition and the research that can sum up the judgment. On the judgment, I think we will need to first see this as another reaffirmation of the mandate of the people reposed on the governor of the state, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
“We have been saying it; the 18–0 is not a fluke, and this has been reaffirmed again. One just needs to salute the courage of the whole people of this state. Both the appellant and the respondent are citizens of this state.
“I have been saying this: there must be an end to this litigation; the people have spoken, and they spoke clearly. Using any other means, running from pillar to post, will not help; we belong to the same family, and we need to come together. What we should be discussing now is to see how we can move Ondo State forward, not with this endless litigation. Going further is a waste of time.”
Punch/Adebukola Aluko
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Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has urged health sector stakeholders to join forces with his administration in eliminating vaccine-preventable diseases across the state.
The governor made this appeal during the official launch of the 2025 National Immunisation Plus Days at the Mother and Child Hospital, Oke-Aro, Akure, emphasising the critical need for collective action to safeguard public health.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Dr Taiwo Fashoranti, the governor noted that Ondo State had been adjudged one of the high-performing states in polio eradication and was determined to maintain the status.
Governor Aiyedatiwa called on mothers and caregivers to present children from ages zero to five years for vaccination during the immunisation programme which kicks off tomorrow.
In a remark, the Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Francis Akanbiemu also charged mothers to cooperate fully with health workers as they move round houses, markets, churches, and other places with a significant number of children.
The Director, Disease Control and Immunisation in the agency, Dr Victor Adefesoye explained that children would be administered with oral polio vaccine, Vitamin A and other antigens as part of routine immunisation for children under five.
Two mothers, Mrs Kehinde Faleye and Mrs Faith James, expressed gratitude to the government and other stakeholders for securing a healthy life for their children through regular vaccination against childhood diseases.
The National Immunisation Plus Days programme begins on Saturday in Ondo State and is expected to end on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, after which a mop-up exercise will also take place.
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 Governor, Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has charged the newly appointed cabinet members to uphold the principles of hard work, transparency, and dedication in their service to the state.
The governor gave the charge while swearing-in the officials at the Governor’s Office in Akure.
Governor Aiyedatiwa urged them to collectively work towards the delivery of good governance to the people of the state, with an emphasis that his administration was in a hurry to deliver, to make a positive and visible impact.
The officials sworn-in were the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Dr Taiwo Fasonranti, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Kayode Ajulo and Commissioner for Finance, Mrs Omowumi Isaac.
Others were Special Advisers on Power, Mr Johnson Alabi, Women Affairs, Dr. SeunOsamaye, Union Matters and Special Duties, Mr Taiwo Bola, health,
Professor Simidele Odimayo, Infrastructure, Lands, and Housing, Mr Abiola Olawoye.
Speaking on behalf of the new appointees, the SSG, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti expressed gratitude to the governor for the opportunity to serve and promised that they will serve in the spirit of teamwork.
Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum, SGF, and Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has congratulated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on his inauguration as the seventh democratically elected governor of Ondo State.
In a statement, Prince Abiodun described the occasion as the beginning of a new chapter in the state’s development, expressing confidence in Aiyedatiwa’s ability to drive transformative progress under the All Progressives Congress, APC administration.
He commended the governor’s early initiatives, particularly his plans connected to boosting tourism and attracting investments, citing the recent unveiling of Araromi Seaside’s potential to local and international investors as a testament to his commitment to unlocking Ondo State’s economic opportunities.
“Even before his resounding victory in the November 16, 2024, governorship election, His Excellency, Mr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, had demonstrated his readiness to lead Ondo State into a new era of prosperity,” Abiodun stated.
“As Deputy Governor to the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of blessed memory, he displayed unwavering dedication to the development of the state. His inauguration marks a significant moment for Ondo, signalling a renewed drive for progress and good governance.”
Governor Abiodun further highlighted the experience and leadership capabilities of Aiyedatiwa and the deputy governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, noting that their background in governance and the private sector positions them well to deliver democratic dividends to the people of Ondo State.
“On behalf of my colleagues at the Southern Governors Forum, I extend my best wishes to Governor Aiyedatiwa and his team for a successful tenure,” he added.
All is now set for the inauguration of the Ondo State Governor Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami after emerging victorious in the November 16th, 2024 election.
The event is scheduled to take place at the Akure Sports Complex.
Radio Nigeria correspondent who was at the venue reports that the place was wearing a new look, with ongoing renovations at the spectators’ area and the roads leading to the sports complex.
Security personnel from various agencies, including the Police, Army, Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and Amotekun Corps had been strategically deployed for law and order.
Also, traffic around the venue had been diverted while commuters who regularly use routes around the venue were advised to take alternative routes.
In a chat with Radio Nigeria, APC Chairman in Ondo State, Mr Ade Adetimehin, expressed delight describing the occasion as historic while a former Commissioner for Information, Mr Akin Akinlosotu expressed confidence in Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa to take the state to a higher height.
Another former Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Omowunmi Ohwovoriole enjoined residents of Ondo State to anticipate monumental programs under Ayedatiwa’s administration.
Also speaking, the Chief Imam of Akure, Alhaji Abdulhakeem Yayi-Akorede however charged the incoming administration on fulfilling its campaign promises.
President Bola Tinubu, APC governors and many other dignitaries are expected to grace the inauguration.
Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has announced the extension of grace and mercy to 43 convicts to mark his inauguration as the governor for the second term in office.
This follows the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Olukayode Ajulo, SAN.
“As part of this initiative, the Governor has ordered the outright release of 8 individuals who were previously incarcerated
“Additionally, 15 condemned inmates who were sentenced to death by hanging have had their sentences commuted to various prison terms, while 20 other convicts serving life imprisonment have also had their sentences adjusted to more lenient terms.
“This decision is a testament to Governor Aiyedatiwa’s belief in second chances and the potential for rehabilitation. It is His Excellency’s responsibility to ensure that our justice system reflects mercy and humanity” Dr Ajulo stated.
He added that the Governor’s action aligns with his ongoing efforts to address issues within the penal system and to promote the reintegration of individuals into society as productive members.
Ondo State Government has declared Friday, 17th of January, 2025 as a Work-Free Day for Public Servants in the state to enable them to travel to their various communities to exercise their civic responsibilities in the Local Government Election in Ondo State has been scheduled by the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) to hold on Saturday, 18th of January 2025.
This was contained in a press statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan.
The Statement states that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa urges all stakeholders to ensure a free, fair and peaceful local government election across the state.
The Ondo State Chief Judge, Justice Olusegun Odusola, on Thursday, swore in two sets of local government election petition tribunals to try electoral cases that may emanate after the state January 18, 2025, Local government election.
They are: Dr Dickson Omotuyole Oguntuyi, Mrs Ruth Olumilua Adebodun, Mr Kehinde Aladedutire, Mrs Aduroja Folasade Atinuke, Mr Lebi Taiwo Olalekan and Mr Victor Adetiloye Ajayi.
At the inauguration ceremony which was held at the Conference hall of the Ondo state High Court, Justice Odusola said the appointed Chairmen and members of the tribunal were designated to preside over election petition tribunals.
According to him: ”This occasion underscores the vital role of the judiciary in safeguarding democracy, upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice depended without fear or favour.”
He said elections are the bedrock of democracy, as it allows the people to choose their leaders according to their wills, saying that whenever disputes arise the judiciary becomes a point of call to interpret the law, resolve conflicts and restore public confidence in the electoral processes.
While addressing the newly inaugurated members, Justice Odusola said the task before them is critical and delicate.
”You are not only the arbiters of justice but also guardians of democracy. Your decision will shape public trust, the integrity and Impartiality with which you approach this responsibility will determine the credibility of the outcomes and the stability of our democratic framework” he stated.
He advised them to discharge their responsibility discreetly as justice must not only be done but must be manifestly seen to be done by not being biased, prejudiced or predisposition.
“Your decisions must be based on the law, evidence, and the facts before you. Avoid the influence of external pressure or public opinion as the law is bound to take its cause. You are expected to uphold the highest ethical standards, knowing that your conduct reflects on the entire judiciary “
He also called on the public to imbibe patience and respect for the judicial process by trusting in the system and refraining from actions or utterances that may undermine the judiciary or jeopardize peace.
Ahead of next Saturday’s Local Government election in Ondo State, the All Progressives Congress, APC, party in the state has constituted two committees for the purpose of the election.
The committees are a five-man council poll campaign committee to be chaired by Sir Charles Fagbohunka while another three-man reconcilatory committee will be headed by Mr Agaba Atili.
Briefing newsmen at the party’s secretariat in Akure, APC state’s publicity secretary, Mr Alex Kalejaye explained that the committees were put in place to ensure a smooth campaign ahead of the poll and to also address aggrieved party members.
Mr Kalejaye who said the party was fully prepared for the election noted that the APC campaign would come to an end on Thursday, January 16th.
The APC publicity secretary expressed optimism that the party would emerge victorious in Saturday’s poll as residents would want to reciprocate the ongoing people’s oriented projects across the state
Mr Kalejaye expressed satisfaction with all the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission, ODIEC’s conditions adding that APC alongside 12 other political parties would be participating in the council poll.
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.
Congregants of St Thomas’s Anglican Church Isinkan Akure today commemorated the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ to Jerusalem with procession, prayers, and thanksgiving.
The worshippers held palm fronds and walked through the popular Arakale Road through Oke-aro, then back to the church auditorium for a holy communion service and other activities for the palm sunday.
Leading the procession was the vicar, the Venerable Thompson Akinboro who noted that the triumphant entry of Jesus christ into Jerusalem signified humility, love and victory urging Nigerian leaders to imbibe such virtues for the good of the country.
The clergyman said it was high time Nigerians allowed God to take His rightful position in the administration of the country as He was capable of correcting all mistakes and as well bring back the lost glory of the nation.
The Venerable Akinboro urged christians to allow Jesus christ to also ride triumphantly in their lives for His peace and grace to abide with them forever.
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 management of Sunshine Stars Football Club of Ondo State has unveiled a new technical crew for the team ahead of the second stanza of the Nigeria Premier Football League 2023/24.
The technical crew will be led by Coach Kennedy Boboye, Coach Kayode Julius as the Chief Coach, Coach Ifeanyi Nwachukwu as the assistant coach while the goalkeepers’ coach is John Gadi and former Super Eagles defender and former captain Geoffrey Oboabona as player.
Speaking at the event, the captain of Sunshine Stars, Abe Sunday appealed for total support for the team for a better result.
Responding, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, Mrs Foluke Daramola expressed satisfaction with the reappointment of the technical crew.
Mrs Daramola said the state government would support the Sunshine Stars.
She further appealed to sports stakeholders to attract sponsors to the team for all-round development.
In an acceptance speech, Coach Boboye appealed to all stakeholders to support the team to achieve success in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL 2023/24.
Major stakeholders including the supporters club, Coaches Associations, Sports Writers Association Of Nigeria , SWAN Ondo State chapter were in attendance.
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Ondo State House of Assembly has screened and ratified the nomination of Dr Olayide Adelami as Deputy-Governor designate of the state.
Submitting the report of the screening at the plenary presided over by the Speaker, Mr Olamide Oladiji, the Deputy Speaker, Prince Abayomi Akinruntan said Dr Adelami was found to be a man of reputable character, well exposed, physically and mentally fit for the position.
The house after the report then confirmed Dr Adelami to be Deputy- Governor designate.
Dr Adelami in a response thanked Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa for allowing him to serve.
He said his appointment was a call to duty and promised to work for the development of Ondo State and promote a harmonious relationship between the executive and the legislature.
In a remark, The speaker, Mr Oladiji said that with the confirmation of Dr Adelami, the stage was set for rapid development.
Radio Nigeria correspondent reports that the hallow chamber was packed with guests, traditional rulers, and party members who had come to grace the occasion.
As part of efforts of the Ondo State Government to settle the backlog of gratuity of state retirees, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has approved the sum of 1.2b naira to fully offset gratuity of 2014 set of state retirees.
Distribution of cheques to beneficiaries will be launched by the governor at an event to be held at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office, Alagbaka, Akure on Thursday 11th January, 2024 at 3pm.
Report says all 2013 set of state retirees’ gratuity had been cleared last year while 2011 and a fractional part of 2012 set of the local government retirees were also cleared.
This is apart from about N320m monthly, totaling about N2.7b yearly, that government has set aside for the settlement of all other categories of the pensioners’ benefits.
The newly sworn-in Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has visited the family of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Speaking with journalists after the visit,Governor Aiyedatiwa said the late governor had always been a courageous person who has governed Ondo State in the last six or seven years with great courage and so many legacies.
The Governor described his late principal as a sincere, courageous, selfless and patriotic leader who fought for his people, championed development and touched many lives.
Governor Aiyedatiwa reiterated that the demise of his late boss is a great loss to Ondo State, tthe Southwest region and Nigeria at large, stressing that Akeredolu’s struggle for a peaceful, fair and just society is one that can never be forgotten in a hurry.
Aiyedatiwa said: We are here as government under my leadership on behalf of the good people of Ondo State to pay a condolence visit to the immediate and extended family of our former Governor, Arakurin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu ,san, who passed on yesterday”.
‘’We are here as the government of Ondo State, of which I am the leader, to pay a condolence visit to the family of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu. He had always been our leader, a courageous one for that matter. One who has governed Ondo State in the last six or seven years with great courage and so many legacies he left behind. He is an exemplary leader. A leader that believed in fairness and equity.
‘’A Senior Advocate of Nigeria who spoke on national issues so that proper decisions can be made. He was known for that as an activist. Today, he is no more. We have to pay him back that respect by coming to the family to condole with them.
‘’We pray that God will grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and to able to emulate some of sterling qualities he was known for so that we can keep some of the legacies he left behind’’
Responding on behalf of the Akeredolu Family, the younger brother of the deceased, Pastor Kola Akeredolu, thanked the delegation led by Governor Aiyedatiwa for the thoughtful visit.
Prayers were offered for the Akeredolu Family while Governor Aiyedatiwa led others to the signing of the condolence register.
Ondo State Acting Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has frozen the accounts of the 18 Local Government Areas, LGAs and 33 Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs.
Reports also state that the acting governor told the newly created LCDA not to open new accounts.
A letter to the local councils reads: “Distinguished HOLGAs, Your Excellency the Acting Governor of Ondo State had directed that all spending/ expenditure from local government account should be suspended. No signing of cheques, no change of signatories, no withdrawal of any sort until further directive”.
“Please adhere strictly to instruction and be guided.”
One of the caretaker chairmen told Vanguard in confidence that the development was worrisome.
“Yes, he has blocked the accounts of the local governments. We don’t know why he’s doing that now,” the official said.
Meanwhile, the acting governor has also said that his Deputy Chief of Staff, Olusegun Omojuwa, will be responsible for the preparation and signing of his official engagements for the time being.
A letter signed by Omojuwa and addressed to members of the State Executive Council and top government functionaries reads, “The Acting Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has directed me to inform all members of the State Executive Council and Top Government Functionaries that the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor would be responsible for the preparation and signing of his official engagements for the time being”.
“The Chief of Protocol would take charge of this responsibility as soon as Mr. Governor resumes from his medical vacation.”
