News

Ondo Monarch Set to Honour Gov. Makinde

By Web News 451

Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State is to be honoured by the Osemawe and Paramount Ruler of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Dr Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo, for his outstanding achievements in office as governor.

The monarch, who made this known through a delegation that paid a courtesy visit to the governor in Ibadan lauded him for his numerous and unprecedented achievements spanning infrastructure, education and promotion of businesses in the state.

The representatives of the monarch presented an invitation to Governor Makinde, who is expected to deliver an anniversary lecture in an event to celebrate the monarch’s 17th coronation and 70th birthday anniversary, slated for November 11, 2023, in Ondo, Ondo State.

Governor Makinde was equally presented with a letter notifying him of the planned conferment of a chieftaincy title on him by the Ondo monarch.

Speaking on behalf of the Osemawe, the chairman, Protocol and Logistics sub-committee for the event, Dr Seyi Roberts, said the monarch appreciate the good work the governor is doing in Oyo State.

The royal father equally urged other leaders to emulate Makinde’s sterling leadership, adding that the conferment of the chieftaincy title is in acknowledgment of the governor’s passion, commitment and service to humanity in the state and across the country.

PR/Iyabo Adebisi

Politics

Impeachment: Ondo Assembly Directs CJ to Constitute Panel

By Web News 461

The Ondo State House of Assembly, on Tuesday, gave a fresh directive to the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Olusegun Odusola, to set up a seven-man panel to investigate the allegation of gross misconduct against the Deputy Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

The Assembly began the impeachment process against the Deputy Governor last week, serving him with a notice containing 14 allegations of gross misconduct.

The House, at the Tuesday plenary, said the Deputy Governor is yet to respond to the allegations.

The Majority Leader, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, therefore, moved a motion to direct the Chief Judge to set up a panel to commence Aiyedatiwa’s probe. The motion was seconded by Mr Felix Afe.

In his remarks, the Speaker of the Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, who confirmed the alleged failure of Aiyedatiwa to respond to the allegations, said the letter of notice was received by the Chief Protocol Officer of the Deputy Governor on his ( Aiyedatiwa) behalf.

According to the Speaker, Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution stipulates that the Assembly should wait for seven days for the Deputy Governor to respond, which had lapsed.

The Speaker said, “Concerted efforts were made to serve the notice on the Deputy Governor, who, for some time, was not available for the service, prompting the House to approach the court for a substituted service on the Deputy Governor.

“On 25th of September, a substituted service of the notice of allegations was made on the Deputy Governor duly signed by more than one-third honourable members of the House as required by the Constitution in Section 188(2).”

He added, “Section 188 of the Constitution states further that the Deputy Governor has seven days within which to reply to the allegations levelled against him.

“The constitution states further that within seven days of the passing of a motion, under the foregoing provisions of this section, the Chief Judge of the State shall at the request of the Speaker of the House of Assembly appoint a panel of seven persons.

“Distinguished colleagues, I, therefore, wish to seek your opinion to direct the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Honourable Justice Olusegun Odusola, to, in line with this section of the constitution, set up a seven-man panel to investigate the Deputy Governor on the allegations levelled against him.”

The Deputy Governor had last week secured an interim order from the Federal High Court in Abuja, restraining the Assembly from moving to impeach him.

The court also restrained Governor Rotimi Akeredolu from nominating a new Deputy Governor and forwarding the name to the lawmakers for approval pending the hearing and determination of the substantive matter.

Punch/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko 

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Crime

Ondo Wife Pestles Husband to Death

By Web News 576

The Ondo State Police Command on Wednesday said it would soon arrest a middle-aged woman, Mrs Tayelolu Solomon, for allegedly killing her husband, Mr Felix Solomon.

 Tayelolu was reported to have hit her 67-year-old husband with a pestle on Saturday at the GRA area of Ondo town in Ondo State when the deceased was asleep.

Prior to the incident, it was gathered that the couple had been having a lingering crisis.

The son of the deceased, Ibukun Solomon, who witnessed the incident, confirmed that his mother allegedly hit the head of his father with the pestle while he was sleeping and ran away, saying the couple had quarreled some hours earlier.

He narrated, “My mother killed my father with a pestle in my presence and took to her heels. She used the pestle to hit his head when he was asleep.

“Earlier on the fateful day, a minor argument had ensued between them that resulted in a fight. After the fight, my father went to lie on the chair and my mother hit his head with the pestle.

“He became unconscious in the process and fell down from where he was sleeping. My mother used the pestle to hit my father’s head three times and he later died.

“When my mother saw that my father was already unconscious, she hid the pestle at the back of our house and ran away. I alerted some of the residents, who rushed my father to the hospital.

“But he later died. His corpse has been deposited at the morgue. My mother had three children for my father and I’m the last child.”

The Police Public Relation Officer in the State, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami, who confirmed the incident, said, the command would soon arrest the suspect.

She said the deceased was quickly rushed to the hospital where he gave up the ghost.

“The incident happened last week when the couple had a fight but the suspect is currently at large. We are already on her trail,” the PPRO stated.

Punch /Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Politics

Akeredolu Sacks Deputy Governor’s Media Team

By Web News 376

Barely one week after Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, returned from an overseas medical trip, crisis has started rocking the State cabinet. Details of the crisis could not be ascertained as of press time but sources close to the matter said the issues bothered on whether the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, was loyal to his principal or not.

The matter is said to be fuelling disaffection between Akeredolu and the Deputy Governor.

However, the governor has fired the deputy’s media aides, who were accused of stocking crisis between Akeredolu and Aiyedatiwa.

Consequently, all the media aides attached to the office of the Ondo State Deputy Governor were fired on Tuesday.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Richard Olatunde, on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the affected aides include Press Secretary to the Governor, Kenneth Odusola; Special Assistant to Governor (New Media) Okunniga Oladipupo; and Special Assistant to the Governor (Photography), Abayomi Samson Adefolalu.

The statement read “All media aides appointed by the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, and seconded to the office of the deputy governor, have been relieved of their appointments with immediate effect.

“They are to submit all government properties in their possession to the Acting Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor.

“Similarly, the press crew attached to the office of the deputy governor has been disbanded. Consequently, all members of the press crew are to report back to their various ministries and stations.

“Equally, the Ministry of Information and Orientation is directed to provide adequate coverage for the activities of the deputy’s governor office henceforth.”

However, it was gathered that the sacked media aides of the deputy governor were involved in some disloyal acts against the governor.

A reliable source in the government revealed that the aides were sacked as a result of insubordination and flagrant disregard for appropriate authority.

The source said, “One of the sacked aides openly abused the governor on his WhatsApp status and the screenshot is with the governor’s people.

 “These faceless individuals who have been hiding their identities because what they are putting out are pure fabrications, are being sponsored by those who are threatened by the profile of the deputy governor, his relationship with his boss and the goodwill he enjoys with the people.

“Many stakeholders have commended the deputy governor for the way he handled State affairs while he was Acting Governor, despite all his detractors did to provoke him into taking drastic actions. He avoided their booby traps and they tripped on their own banana peels.”

The statement also declared that the deputy governor was in constant touch with his principal on official State matters and there was no gap between them.

“Now that Mr. Governor is back and has started working, the deputy governor remains calm and committed to the duties of his office and unruffled by the lies of desperate politicians and their agents. The deputy governor remains loyal to his principal and no amount of fabricated lies will change that,” the statement submitted

Punch/Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Economy

Subsidy Palliatives: Ondo Govt. Assures of Commitment to Residents’ Welfare

By Web News 390

By Bukola Bardi

Ondo State government assures residents of its commitment to equitable distribution of fuel subsidy palliatives as it will commence payment of ten thousand naira to the vulnerable and distribution of food items to households by September this year.

The Commissioner for Information, Mrs Bamidele Ademola-Olateju announced this in a statement, giving updates on measures to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal.

Mrs Ademola-Olateju said pensioners in the state would also get their ten thousand naira along with their monthly pay as social intervention while civil servants would receive their outstanding leave bonus for 2020 by the end of this month.

The commissioner also announced that the provision of farm inputs to farmers would start next week while school buses and boats would be made available before resumption of blessed.

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Security

We are restrategizing on combating insurgency – COAS

By Web News 577

By Olufisoye Adenitan

Nigerian Army says it is restrategizing and brainstorming on tackling contemporary security challenges and improving the capability of support elements to combat insurgency.

The Chief Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja made this known while speaking in Akure at the Nigerian Army combat support Arms Training week.

He said that the army would be transformed to adopt local indigenous capacity to address security challenges.

Lieutenant General Lagbaja explained that the training was to enhance conversations between serving officers and Retired Generals on way to adopt Technology through research to enhance security in the country.

In an address, the Acting Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Ayedatiwa commended the selfless service and unwavering support of the Nigerian Army to the relative peace in Ondo State.

He however called for synergy between the army and other security agencies including Amotekun corps established by South-West governments to stem security challenges in the region.

Mr Ayedatiwa also admonished the military to adopt new security architecture for operational efficiency and national security.

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Judiciary

Ondo Trains Judicial Officers on VAPP Law

By Web News 540

By Olufisoye Adenitan

Ondo state government says it will continue to empower judicial workers and prosecutors with training and retraining towards adequate usage of the VAPP Law to prosecute sexual and gender-based violence offenders and get justice for survivors.

The Executive Secretary, Ondo State Agency Against Gender-Based Violence, OSSAGBV, Mrs Bolanle Afolabi made this known at a Stakeholders engagement with Ondo Magistrates and Prosecutors facilitated by the state government and Westminster Foundation for Democracy in Akure.

Mrs. Afolabi admonished the Judicial Officers to be open-minded in refraining from doing things that would deny Gender-based violence victims of Quick Justice.

Speaking on the roles of prosecutors in Gender Based Violence cases, Assistant Director, Ministry of Justice, Oyo state, Mrs Deborah Collins emphasized the need for prosecutors to serve as Investigators to get in-depth knowledge of Issues.

Mrs. Collins charged the Judicial Officers to exonerate themselves from biases encountered in the criminal justice system to give the sector more credibility.

In her submission, Professor of Gender Studies, Adekunle Ajasin University, Bukola Osunyikanmi, emphasized that GBV was a global pandemic that needed the support of the judiciary sector for a quick justice system for victims.

She called on mothers to make discipline more statutory for children considering the gravity of offenses perpetrated by teenagers in recent times. 

The Director of Legal Services, Ondo State Ministry of Justice, Mrs Stella Adegoke explained that the VAPP Law has adequate provisions to address  GBV cases and punish offenders.

In her goodwill messages, a member, Ondo State House of Assembly from Ilaje Constituency II, Mrs. Olawumi Fayemi reaffirmed the resolve of the legislative arm of government to continue to pass gender-friendly bills that would stop gender-based violence cases in the State.

Earlier, Country Director, Westminster Foundation for Democracy, Mr Adebowale Olorunmola stressed that WFD was committed to improved Advocacy and engagement of stakeholders for adequate usage of the VAPP Law to get justice for victims and survivors.

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Crime

Police Nab Man for Strangling Student

By Web News 353

The Ondo State Police Command, on Thursday, confirmed the arrest of a man identified simply as Oke Loya, for allegedly killing a teenager, Timibra Meretighan, at the Arogbo community in the Ese Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

It was gathered that the 17-year-old pupil and his colleagues were writing an examination in a classroom at the Ijaw National High School, in the Arogbo area of the State last Monday when the suspect invaded the premises and started chasing the students out of the classroom.

A source said while chasing the pupils out of the classroom, the suspect allegedly strangulated the 17-year-old student.

“After the incident, the principal of the school quickly rushed to the police station to report the matter,” the source said.

Contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Odunlami, who confirmed the arrest of the suspect, and said an investigation had commenced.

Odunlami said, “On Monday, the Principal of Ijaw National High School, came to the station and reported that one Oke Loya, 27, who took shed at the school security gate during the rain, strangulated one Meretighan Timibra, 17, of Arogbo Ibe. The suspect claimed the students called him a madman; he has been arrested and detained.”

Punch/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Politics

Gov. Akeredolu Prepares Return from Medical Leave

By Web News 359

By Isaac Afolabi

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State is ready and in high spirits to return home after a medical leave.

The governor made this known in a statement he released on his state of health.

He said he was full of joy over the unprecedented display of genuine affection and solidarity describing it as a soothing balm.

Gov Akeredolu was equally grateful for the ceaseless outpouring of prayers, love and messages of goodwill for his full recovery.

He disclosed that he was on the path of recovery having faith in the expertise of his doctors and would return soon with the approval of his medical handlers.

The governor had been rumoured to have died while receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment but this had often been debunked by the state government.

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Education

Varsity Workers Protest Colleagues’ Sack in Ondo

By Web News 418

Workers at the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, Ondo State, on Wednesday morning, staged a protest, against the dismissal of over 35 of their colleagues by the school’s authority.

It was gathered that all the concerned workers received their sack letters on Tuesday.

The protesting workers, who shut the school’s main gate blocked the entrance preventing people to go out or coming to the campus.

It was gathered that the sack of the affected workers was approved by the governing council of the institution but the protesters frowned at the development on the grounds that the sacked workers were duly employed, issued appointment letters, did all documentation and had worked in the school for over six months.

They vowed to continue to paralyse all academic and non-academic activities on the campus until the management reverses the decision.

Punch/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Health

NYSC takes Healthcare Services to Rural Area

By Web News 513

By Kayode Animasaun

The Acting Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Ayedatiwa has promised that the state government will strengthen the partnership with the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, towards ensuring that many rural dwellers benefit from the scheme’s qualitative healthcare services.

Ayedatiwa made this remark while flagging off the first quarter Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) programme held at Ipogun community in Ifedore Local Government.

The Acting Governor, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Mrs Foluke Tunde-Daramola commended the NYSC for reaching out beyond her primary mandate of uniting the country to provide free and qualitative healthcare services to rural communities.

In an address, the State Coordinator, Mrs Victoria Nnenna Ani said that NYSC came up with the idea of the Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) programme as a means to reach out to the rural dwellers who under normal circumstances were unable to access medical attention as a result of neglect and remoteness of their locations.

The State Coordinator disclosed that the programme aimed at mobilising volunteer corps medical personnel to rural settings to complement government at all levels to give free and qualitative healthcare services.

Also speaking, the Adapogun Oripogun of Ipogunland, Oba Raphael Ojo urged the community dwellers to take advantage of free medical services provided by the NYSC to improve their health conditions.

Some corps medical personnel gave health talks on critical health conditions such as blood pressure, diabetes, physical well-being, and balanced diet as well as discourse on open defecation before a medical investigation and administration of drugs.

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Security

Ondo Monarch Calls for Security Formation in Imoru

By Web News 874

By Bukola Bardi

Olumoru of Imoru in Ose local government area of Ondo State, Oba Rotimi Obamuwagun has urged the federal government to take the issue of insecurity with all the seriousness it deserves so that the country can be safe for the citizenry.

Oba Obamuwagun who made the call in a chat with positive fm on the security situation in the country noted that banditry and kidnapping were still rampant in some communities in the country noting that putting an end to crimes would accelerate the development of the country.

The monarch lamented that criminals were still terrorising Ose communities, kidnapping indigenes, raping women and girls and maiming farmers.

Oba Obamuwagun however commended Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for the establishment of the Amotekun security outfit which he said was complementing the efforts of the conventional security agencies in the state.

He therefore appealed to the government to establish a security post in Imoru community to tackle insecurity in the Ifon, Ajagba, Okeluse and Ute axis of Ondo state.

Oba Obamuwagun who is a veteran journalist also praised the media for reporting the spate of crime in the country especially in the northern part of the country where the banditry and kidnapping had continued unabated.

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Environment

Rainstorm: Govt Puts Smiles on Victims’ Faces

By Web News 537

By Olufisoye Adenitan

Victims of rainstorm in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State have received relief materials from the State government.

At the ceremony in Owo, the Deputy Governor, Lucky Ayedatiwa said the distribution of the materials was to bring relief and succour to the people.

Ayedatiwa said the government would continue to do its best to make life meaningful for citizens.

He urged them to embrace tree planting to reduce rainstorm disasters in the State.

Earlier, the Chairman of Owo Local Government, Mr Samuel Adegbegi appreciated the kind gesture and prompt response of the government to the plight of the victims.

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Lifestyle

Ondo State Government Launches Braille Version of VAPP Law

By Web News 511

By Olufisoye Adenitan

The Ondo State Government has launched the Braille Version of the Violence against Persons Prohibited Law, VAPP for persons with disability.

The braille version of the law was produced by the Ondo State Agency against Gender Based Violence, OSSAGBV, and the Westminster Foundation For Democracy, WFD.

At the occasion, the Executive Director, OSSAGBV, Mrs Bolanle Afolabi said the VAPP law was an important document enacted to protect the rights of all citizens of the state.

In her address on the occasion, the wife of the governor, Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, represented by Senior Special Assistant on Gender Matters, Mrs Ngozi Igbo-Okoro emphasized that the braille version was a good development in order to carry everyone in the society along especially persons with disability in the state.

She said the current administration in the was working towards ensuring that the VAPP Law was adequately implemented to protect vulnerable special people.

Also speaking, the Ondo State Agency for the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities, Folasade Arise commended the initiative of the production of the braille version of the law.

She said persons with disability are most times vulnerable to rape because of the peculiarity of their disability.

Also the chairman, Joint National Association of Persons with Disability JONAPWD, Mr Abiodun Samuel Olusegun appreciated the braille version of VAPP law which he said will assist the visually impaired persons in the state.

Earlier the Country Representative , Westminster Foundation For Democracy, WFD, Mr Adebowale Olorunmola said the organisation supported the provision of the assistive devices like the braille version of the VAPP law to aid the work of persons with disabilities.

In his presentation, the Executive Director, Disability Awareness and Development Initiative, Mr Stephen Akinola stressed the need for the creation of an economic empowerment initiative that would give financial stability to persons with disability.

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Economy

Ondo Seeks More Partnership With China

By Web News 527

By Olufisoye Adenitan

The Ondo State government will continue to create enabling environment for investors to showcase the state positively to the international community.

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu announced this while playing host to the Nigerian Ambassador to China, Ambassador Wale Oloko in Akure.

The Governor represented by Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa noted the state government had good relationship with China and would sustain it through the Ministry of Regional integration and Ministry of culture and tourism.

The Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, Mr Boye Ologbese said the visit of the Nigerian ambassador is in furtherance of Governor Akeredolu blueprint to partner with investors.

In a remark, Ambassador Oloko commended Governor Akeredolu for people oriented and laudable programs executed by his administration.

Ambassador Oloko sought more collaboration between the state and the Chinese government to further improve more on industrial and agricultural strides and boost the economic prospects of the state

The Commissioner for Regional Integration, Mr Boye Ologbese said the visit of the ambassador was in furtherance of the present administration’s blueprint to partner investors.

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Politics

Akeredolu Kicks Against Vote Buying During Election

By Web News 521

Olufisoye Adenitan

Ondo state Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has admonished Nigerians to come out en mass and vote their conscience come Feb 25 presidential election.

Governor Akeredolu made this known while speaking at a symposium organized by Atunluse initiative held in Akure 

The Governor represented by Deputy Governor, Lucky Ayedatiwa said that it was important that Nigerians shun vote trading in this coming election in order to have the thorough democracy they have been clamouring for in the country.

The governor also stressed the need for devolution of power from the centre in order for states to be able to stand on it own and remit resources like taxes to the central.

Earlier the convener of the initiative, Akin Akinbobola charged Nigerians to think deeply and set their priorities straight by voting for leaders without sentiments but leaders with the capacity to rule the country effectively.

A legal luminary Kayode Ajulo harps on adequate enlightenment for Nigerians to understand the electoral process in order to shun vote trading.

Also, Professor Akin Alao of the Obafemi Awolowo University said greed and lack of discipline were why most politicians and followers could not emulate the legacy of Obafemi Awolowo.

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News

NBC to Collaborate ODSG on Host Communities Gazetting

By Web News 508

By Olufisoye Adenitan

Ondo State Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, says, for “Host Communities” to be recognized by the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA and for them to be gazetted by National Boundary Commission, NBC, the government needs to intensify efforts to identify areas that fall within the category.

“This is to enable those communities to benefit from the 3% set aside for them by PIA Act”.

The Deputy Governor made this submission in Akure while receiving the delegation of NBC who paid an advocacy visit on the determination of “Host Communities Along the Gulf of Guinea”.

The NBC team was in the State to press home the need to work closely with Ondo State Boundary Commission to identify the communities recognized by the Acts as “Host Communities”.

According to him, Section 318 of the PIA, states- “a littoral community is a deep-water area of operation located along the Gulf of Guinea of the Nigerian shoreline up to about 500 meters inland, provided that such community is gazetted by the NBC”.

He said the primary objectives of gazetting the host communities are to foster sustainable prosperity, enhance harmonious co-existence between Licenses/Lesses and host communities, provide direct social and economic benefits and create a framework to support the development of identified and gazetted host Communities.

Aiyedatiwa applauded NBC for its advocacy. In his words, “your visit is a laudable idea and I want to assure you that for us in Ondo State, we will cooperate and collaborate with your Commission to ensure that all the Communities that fall within that region would benefit from the PIA, and non of these communities would be left out”.

He further stated that Ondo State Government would give all the necessary support to ensure that the exercise is successfully conducted. 

In his Address  Director General National Boundary Commission, Surveyor Adamu Adaji represented by the Director of Internal Boundaries, Mr Nicholas Emiowele, appreciated the warm reception accorded them by the State Government, as well as the support the State has given to  NBC.

“We have partnered with you on some of the activities undertaken with respect to the common Interstate boundaries with your neighbours….we intend to make further progress on the emplacement of pillars on the required sector of the boundary”, he said.

Speaking further, Mr Emiowele said, “it is important that all the Communities within the specified 500m buffers from the coastline must be located and captured in the data bank of the Communities to be gazetted, for them to benefit adequately from the provisions of the Act.

“A previous survey had identified some of these communities, but it is imperative that the Commission, in conjunction with the Ondo State Boundary Commission, do a thorough compilation that can be defended.

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Crime

Man, 60, Arraigned for Raping 16-Year-Old Daughter’s Friend

By Web News 457

A Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting in Akure, Ondo State, has ordered the remand of a man, Samuel Gbadamosi, in prison for allegedly raping a 16-year-old girl (name withheld).

The 60-year-old was alleged to have committed the offence on Obasekola Street, Owo, the headquarters of Owo Local Government Area of the state.

He was arraigned on one count of rape.

The police prosecutor, Augustine Omhenemhen, told the court that the defendant forcefully had sexual intercourse with the victim when she came to collect a textbook from his (defendant) daughter, who was her friend.

The prosecutor said the offence was contrary to and punishable under Section 357 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State, Nigeria, 2006.

But the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge, saying he did not force himself on the minor.

He also said the teenager had intercourse with him on her own volition.

“I did not force the girl, both of us agreed to have sex,” he said.

The prosecutor urged the court to remand the defendant in a custodial centre pending the issuance of advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.

The counsel for the defendant, P.A. Amuluru, sought the bail of the defendant in liberal terms.

The Magistrate, O.R. Yakubu, ordered the remand of the defendant in the Olokuta Custodial Centre pending advice from the DPP.

She adjourned the case till April 27, 2023.

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Lifestyle

Ondo Extends Maternity Leave to Six Months

By Web News 623

The Ondo State Government has announced the extension of maternity leave from three to six months as part of efforts to ensure a total child development.

The Head of Service, Mr Kayode Ogundele announced this while receiving members of the Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, Ondo State chapter, in his office, Akure.

Mr Ogundele said the move was to build a society where children were healthily raised and had all that was required in terms of maternal care.

The HoS said the decision was to enable mothers to give their newborn babies adequate attention during the leave period, stressing that, medical experts affirmed that, breastfeeding should be exclusive in the first six months.

Mr Ogundele said, the current government’s efforts were aimed at providing a better society for women and had also recently established the agency for the Protection Against Gender Violence.

Earlier, the state Chairperson of FIDA, Mrs Catherine Ogunjebi, advocated the elimination of some encumbrances in the administration of maternity leave irrespective of marital status.

Isaac Afolabi

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Politics

Tinubu in Ondo, Promises Students Loan Facility

By Web News 970

The All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has pledged stable power supply in the country and students credit loan facility if voted into power next month.

Asiwaju Tinubu made the pledge during the party’s campaign rally held in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

Correspondent, Olorunferanmi Odofin reports that the MKO Democracy park, venue of the APC presidential campaign rally was filled to capacity with party stalwarts and faithful who trooped out to receive the party’s presidential candidate , Senator Tinubu and the vice presidential candidate , Senator Kashim Shettima.

The party members resorted to trekking as major routes to the venue were closed to vehicular movement as early as eight o’clock for easy access to the venue.

Addressing the massive crowd Asiwaju Tinubu who was overwhelmed by the reception affirmed that Ondo state had hitherto remained vanguard of positive leadership.

While encouraging the electorate to obtain their PVCs and vote the APC, Asiwaju Tinubu promised to develop the state’s deep seaport and hydro electricity.

The APC presidential candidate also pledged to make education at all levels uninterrupted and affordable.

The host Governor and southwest coordinator of Tinubu-Shettima campaign organisation, Governnor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu said Ondo State remained progressive in all ramifications and appealed to all and sundry to vote Asiwaju Tinubu who had the capacity to make things better.

Some of the APC supporters including the National President of Irorun Support Group, Ambassador Oluwatosin Daramola, Mr Daniel Agángà and a party leader from Ondo South Oyerinmade Màtó, described Asiwaju Tinubu and Senator Kashim Shettima as the best choice for the country.

Party stalwarts at the venue included the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwoolu, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, former governor of Osun State, Gboyega Oyetola, former governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, former Lagos State Deputy Governor Mrs Sarah Sosan and a host of others.

Olorunferanmi Odofin

Economy

Travellers in Christmas Rush Amidst Fuel Price Hike

By Web News 514

Despite the hike and scarcity of fuel in the country, many motor parks in Akure the Ondo state capital still witness an influx of passengers travelling for the Christmas and new year holidays.

Our reporter, who visited some of the motor parks reports that with the transport sector is seriously affected by the hike in fuel prices where even petrol stations now sell at #300 per litre and getting the product becoming a Herculean task, yet the business activities around the parks were still lively.

As early as four o’clock in the morning business activities resumed in major motor parks in Akure with passengers moving in with their luggage to travel to different destinations for the Yuletide.

At the popular Ondo motor park, travellers who spoke with Radio Nigeria lamented the state of the country’s economy which had badly affected the transport sector.

One of them, Mr Yusuf Oluremi complained about the hike in transport fares.

Another passenger at cathedral motor park Akure Mrs Adetutu Adinlewa said she was travelling because it was an aged long tradition of her family to have a reunion during Christmas hence her defying all challenges to be with the rest of the family.

She appealed to the government to address the current fuel scarcity to ease the burden on the masses.

A commercial driver, Mr Joseph Adekunle however said, many people avoided travelling due to insecurity on the roads and the present economic challenges.

Meanwhile, Ondo state sector commander of the FRSC , Mr Ezikiel son Allah reminded drivers to shun night journeys and overspeeding to avoid crashes.

Radio Nigeria gathered that all transport fares had been jacked up, as Akure to Lagos is now four thousand five hundred, Akure to Ado Ekiti now goes for two thousand nairas, Akure to Owo , one thousand nairas while Akure to Ibadan is between two thousand five hundred and three thousand nairas.

Isaac Afolabi

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Transportation

Stakeholder Seeks Ban on Alcohol Sales at Motor Parks

By Web News 955

As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark this year’s World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Ondo State Sector says it recorded a 16.77 per cent reduction in road traffic deaths in the state between 2021 and 2022.

According to statistics obtained from the FRSC in Ondo State, which covers between January 2021 to October 2021, and January 2022 to October 2022, the number of people injured in 2021 was 775 while 852 people were injured in 2022 with an increase of 9.93 per cent.

Similarly, 161 deaths were recorded in 2021 while 134 deaths were recorded in 2022 which is a decrease of 16.77 per cent.

And in 2021, 409 road crashes were recorded while 320 crashes were recorded in 2022, which is a decrease of 21.7 per cent of the total road crashes.

Speaking on this, the Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, Ondo State, Mr Ezekiel SonAllah who attributed some of the roads crashes to violations of road traffic rules and over-speeding, appealed to road users especially commercial drivers to obey traffic rules always, including ensuring that their vehicles were roadworthy to prevent carnage on the road.

Mr SonAllah reminded road users that life had no duplicate hence all must abide by the laws to stay alive.

Our reporter also spoke with other stakeholders on the occasion examining how best to make the road safer for users.

A transporter, Mr Debisi Oluwole suggested the fixing of bad roads and clearing bushes on the fringes of the highways, which he said were sometimes responsible for accidents.

An accident victim, who did not want his name mentioned, recounted how he survived a ghastly accident though with a fracture and warned road users against night travelling.

A traveller, Mr Kayode Williams who spoke with Radio Nigeria at a motor park in Akure, the Ondo State capital, charged the leadership of transport unions to always sensitize their members against reckless driving with an emphasis on constant maintenance of vehicles before travelling.

Mr Williams also suggested banning the sale of alcohol in motor parks as there are several drinking joints selling popular local alcoholic beverages such as Jedi, and Opa Eyin which are taken by many commercial drivers.

The theme for this year’s celebration of the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is, “Justice” with the slogan “Remember, Support, Act!”.

Isaac Afolabi

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Crime

Police Arrest Man For Setting Children Ablaze

By Web News 667

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a 54year-old father, Mr Ojo Joseph for setting ablaze five of his step children at Fagun crescent area of Ondo town in Ondo State.

Reports say that, the man alleged that his wife who is the mother of the children offended him over a little misunderstanding.

It was further learnt that the father who was said to have poured petrol into the room of the children while asleep and set the kids on fire as one of them was burnt to death.

Four other victims currently are receiving treatment at Federal Medical Centre, Owo, while their mother and 18month-old twins escaped from inferno with minor injury.

Confirming the incident, the State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mrs Funmi Odunlami said the man had been apprehended by the police for a case of alleged arson and murder.

The PPRO said further that, investigation would be carried out before charging the suspect to court.

Leke Adegbite

Education

School Feeding: Enrol Your Wards, NOA Tells Parents

By Web News 639

Parents need to ensure that their children are enrolled in schools to reduce the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria as the second phase of the National Home-Grown School Feeding Program takes off.

The National Orientation Agency, NOA, State Director, Mrs Adelayo Adefolalu gave the advice while monitoring the programme at Oda in Akure South Council Area of Ondo State.

Mrs Adefolalu pointed out that the second phase of the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme would assist the parents while retaining their wards in schools.

The NOA Director added that the programme, which was hundred per cent free, would boost the health of the pupils and also empower economically those engaged in the supply and cooking of food.

In a remark, the Head Mistresses of St Williams RCM Primary School and St James Anglican Primary School in Oda town, Mrs Abímbólá Àìkú and Mrs Grace Oluwalade lauded the programme but asked that it should be extended to cover other classes.

Earlier at Olojoda Palace, the regent of Oda, Princess Dr Adeyinka Akosile called for the establishment of more primary Schools in the villages to address pupils trekking long distances from home to schools.

Over ninety thousand pupils in Ondo State benefitted from the first phase of the National Home Grown School Feeding Programme.

John Ebiofini

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Agriculture

Food Day: Stakeholders Call for Safety on Farms

By Web News 635

Stakeholders in the Agriculture sector in Ondo State have called for the provision of enhanced security and a good road network to boost food sufficiency as this year’s World Food Day is being commemorated.

Speaking with Radio in Akure, the Chairman, Ondo State Agricultural Commodities Association, OSACA, Mr Oluwagbemiga Obaweya and a farmer, Pastor Hezekiah Omojola maintained that healthy diets could hardly be achieved with the current insecurity and global warming challenges 

The farmers, therefore, encouraged the government to ensure a better security system, a good road network and also provide farm inputs at subsidised rates 

However, a retired Permanent Secretary, Agric Inputs Supply Agency, Mr Lanke Olamisegbe said the government had been enhancing food sufficiency through the provision of numerous inputs to farmers but supported the need to beef up security in the country.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Amotekun Corps Commander, Chief Adetunji Adeleye has encouraged members of the public especially farmers to promptly report any threat to security agencies in their domains

The theme for this year’s World Food Day which is ‘Safe food today for a healthy tomorrow’ stresses that production and consumption of safe food have “immediate and long-term benefits for people, the planet, and the economy”

World Food Day is celebrated every October 16 to promote global awareness about the day and ensure healthy diets for all with the projection to eradicate hunger by 2030.

The Day was originally founded by the United Nations in 1945 and First commemorated by the Food and Agriculture Organisation in 1979.

Olorunferanmi Odofin