Politics

2023 census vital to development plans – Ondo Dep. Governor

By Web News 610

The 2023 Population and Housing Census is critical to development and new data plan requirements for the revised National Policy on Education for sustainable development.

Ondo State Deputy Governor, Lucky Ayedatiwa stated this at the stakeholders’ summit for the 2023 census with the theme “Getting the People Involved ” organised by the National Population Commission, NPC, Ondo State held in Akure.

Mr Ayedatiwa pointed out that the census required the commitment of all citizens of Ondo State for accurate data collation to tackle insecurity through technology.

He said the census was unique considering the fact that NPC was deploying technology for the 2023 census.

Earlier, the Federal Commissioner, NPC, Ondo State, Prince Oladiran Iyantan highlighted the objectives of the summit to include insight into the imperatives, methodology, and timelines as well as promotion of robust national conversation on the processes and procedures for the 2023 census 

Prince Iyantan added that the stakeholders’ engagement was also aimed at ensuring an acceptable and credible digitalised census.

In their goodwill messages, stakeholders from the clusters of persons with disability, the Trade Union Congress, the Academia, the Youth Vanguard, market women representatives as well as the traditional council enjoined the people of Ondo State to participate actively in the exercise come 2023.

They emphasised the need for the Commission to ensure that every interest group was covered in the census with proper arrangement for internet services in rural areas and farmsteads where network services might pose a challenge.

During the technical session, NPC Census Manager, Dr Inuwa Bakari and Mrs Geraldine Arukwe gave an assurance to Nigerians that the Commission would ensure accurate data collection that would boost and promote the goals of the sustainable development plans.

Olufisoye Adenitan

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Lifestyle

Makinde Condoles with Akeredolu Over His Mother’s Demise

By Web News 537

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has expressed his heartfelt condolences to his Ondo State counterpart and chairman, South-West Governors’ Forum, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, over the death of his mother, Mrs Grace Akeredolu.

Governor Makinde, who condoled with the governor of Ondo State and his family, prayed to God to grant repose to the soul of the late Madam Akeredolu, whom he said, lived a good life.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Taiwo Adisa, quoted the governor as also commiserating with the government and good people of Ondo State over the death of the governor’s mother.

Governor Makinde, who paid a condolence visit to the Orogun residence of the late Madam Akeredolu, described her as a woman of virtue and a great woman.

He said: ‘”I commiserate with my Egbon, who is also the chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, His Excellency, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on the death of his mother, Mama Grace Akeredolu.”

“I equally express my condolences to the government and good people of Ondo State and I pray to God to grant repose to Mama’s soul and to grant the entire Akeredolu family the fortitude to bear the loss.”

“No matter how old our loved ones are, we never would love to see them leave us. But in the programme of God, there is a time to be born and a time to die. “So, we can only submit to God’s will and cherish the memories our loved ones leave us with.”

“I am sure that Mama left a bundle of good memories because she was a woman of virtue and a great mother. So, I encourage Governor Akeredolu and everyone Mama left behind to take solace in the great life Mama lived.”

The governor also wrote in the condolence register opened in Mama’s house: “Mama lived a happy and fulfilled life. May her beautiful soul rest in perfect peace, Amen.”

Iyabo Adebisi

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Health

Akeredolu Orders Immediate Recruitment of Health Workers

By Web News 1481

Ondo State governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has ordered the immediate employment of more health workers to boost healthcare services in the state.

The governor made this known when he played host to the executive members of the Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, Ondo State chapter.

Governor Akeredolu said the government was looking into other critical challenges facing the health sector with the aim of finding solutions.

He further disclosed that the ongoing construction work at UNIMED facilities in Akure and Ondo Town would soon be completed with the procurement of more equipment and payment of outstanding allowances of medical practitioners.

Earlier, the chairman of NMA, Ondo State chapter, Dr Omosehin Adeyemi-Osowe applauded the governor for being proactive in the area of security and improved infrastructure.

Dr Adeyemi-Osowe sought more collaboration between the government and the association to address the brain drain among health workers.

Isaac Afolabi

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Security

Ondo Resumes Ban on Okada, Use of Tinted Glasses

By Web News 856

The Ondo State government has ordered resumed the enforcement of the ban on motorcycle operations outside 6am-6pm, nightclub activities beyond 12 midnight and the use of tinted glasses on vehicles without an official permit.

The governor’s Special Adviser on Security Matters, Chief Adetunji Adeleye and Corps Commander of the Amotekun corps, made this known in a statement made available to newsmen in Akure.

According to the statement, Chief Adeleye said, “in furtherance of the current administration’s efforts to rid the state of criminally-minded persons or groups, law enforcement agencies are to resume enforcement on the ban on motorcycle operations outside 6am-6pm, night club activities beyond 12 midnight, use of vehicles with tinted glasses without a permit, unregistered vehicles, use of sticker number plates in lieu of car dealership approved stickers”. 

He said all security agencies are hereby enjoined to impound all such motorcycles and vehicles while the owners or riders would be prosecuted.

The government encourages all vehicle and motorcycle owners to register their vehicles/motorcycles as defaulters would be made to face the full wrath of the law.

Leke Adegbite

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Crime

Security Agencies Search for Travellers Abducted in Ondo by Gunmen

By Web News 418

Scores of travellers were reportedly abducted on the Benin-Owo Expressway in Ifon, the headquarters of Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State on Saturday evening.

The exact number of the victims was not ascertained as of the time of filing this report as some sources said the victims were over 40 in number.

However, another source disclosed that the travellers were 32 in number, who were travelling in a Coastal bus to Benin City, Edo State, from Ondo State but on getting to Ifon area the hoodlums appeared from the bush and stopped the vehicle after which they whisked all the occupants of the vehicle into the bush.

The source said, “The people (victims) and they were going to Benin when they were kidnapped in the Ifon area on their way yesterday ( Saturday) and nobody has heard anything about them since then.”

When contacted on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the state, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed the incident. She, however, was not certain about the number of the victims.

But the PPRO said the men of the command and other security agencies in the state had commenced the search for the victims in the forest.

“Our men and other security agencies are already in the forest to rescue the victims unhurt, while an investigation into the incident has commenced,” Odunlami stated.

Similarly, the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun, said its men were currently combing the Benin-Ifon to Owo forest in the state in search of the victims.

The state commander of the Amotekun Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, said the command would do all in its power to rescue the victims and rid the state of criminals.

The commander stated that the men of the corps and other security agencies “have been briefed and have since commenced the search for the victims.”

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Security

Ondo Govt Announces Monetary Reward For Exposing Criminals

By Web News 489

In Ondo State, anyone who exposes or reports incident leading to the arrest of kidnappers or other criminals in the state will be rewarded with a sum of 50,000 Naira.

The Commissioner for Information, Mrs Bamidele Ademola-Olateju announced this while briefing newsmen in Akure.

She said it was to further encourage citizens to give useful and timely information about criminal activities in any part of the state.

The commissioner called for timely reports of criminal activities, saying the government would protect anybody who reports or gives useful information about criminal activities in his area.

Mrs Olateju disclosed that government acknowledged the appreciation and commendation arising from the laudable initiative of a toll-free line – 

 0800-555-5555 to report, give security tips and report criminal activities or strange movements.

Isaac Afolabi

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Crime

Owo Church Attack: Defence Hqr Confirms Arrest of Additional Two suspected Attackers

By Web News 564

The Defence Headquarters on Thursday said two additional suspected terrorists linked with the Owo attack have been arrested.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, had during a meeting with media executives and editors on Tuesday announced the arrest of some suspected terrorists including the mastermind of Owo attack.

In a statement on Thursday, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Jimmy Akpor, said the duo of Al-Qasim Idris and Abdulhaleem Idris were arrested at the Omialafara (Omulafa), Ose LGA in Ondo State during a joint operation with the DSS, Police.

The statement titled, ‘Arrest of two additional suspected terrorists in connection with the Owo Catholic Church on June 5,2022.’ reads, “Recall that the Chief of Defence Staff during his parley with media executives and editors yesterday, Tuesday 9 August 2022, informed of the arrest of 4 terrorists among those who carried out the attack on St Francis Catholic Church, Owo on 5 June 2022.

“They were arrested through a combined operation by military and DSS personnel at Eika, Okehi LGA, Kogi State on 1 August 2022. Those arrested include Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (a.k.a Bin Malik), Momoh Otohu Abubakar, Aliyu Yusuf Itopa and Auwal Ishaq Onimisi.

“Barely few hours after the disclosure by the CDS of the arrest of four of the Owo Catholic Church attackers, two additional ISWAP terrorists, who were also connected to the attack on the church were apprehended at Omialafara (Omulafa), Ose LGA, Ondo State yesterday, August 9 2022.

“The arrests were made through the collaborative effort by military and DSS personnel. The suspects are Al-Qasim Idris and Abdulhaleem Idris. ”

He, however, said that Abdulhaleem, alongside other high profile ISWAP commanders, had previously coordinated attacks on military targets in Okene, Okene LGA, Kogi State, which led to the death of many.

Punch/Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Security

Amotekun Intercepts Another truck with 151 Northerner Travellers

By Web News 503

The men of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps, have intercepted a truck that conveyed about 151 persons who were suspected to be invaders.

It was gathered that the corps made the arrest while acting on intelligence on the incursion of terrorists into the South- West of Nigeria.

The suspects included five women, hidden behind beans and rice bags inside the trailers.

They were intercepted around the Sango area of Akure-Ado Expressway by the operatives of the corps who were on ‘stop and search’ on Thursday as they became suspicious of their movement.

The state Commander of Amotekun, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, said the suspects were concealed behind bags of rice inside the truck.

He said, “We intercepted two trucks conveying 151 people who were cleverly concealed behind bags of rice and beans in a way that one may not know these number of people were tucked in the trucks.

“Upon interception, we asked of their destinations. Some said Akure, while others said Osogbo in Osun state. Although, we have not completed profiling them, as none of them has an idea of what they were going to do or their mission.

“All they were able to tell us is that they entered the vehicle and came to Ondo State.

“While searching the vehicles, we saw 10 bikes and various dangerous charms. If we check and do not find anything on them as long as they don’t have anybody ready to take custody of them in Ondo state, we will send them back to their various states.”

The suspects were said to have been coming from Kastina, Kano, and Jigawa states heading to South-West states.

He continued, “Some of them claimed they are from Kastina, Kano, and Jigawa states, but on how they came together, they said they couldn’t figure it out, but that they were conveyed by the truck down to Akure in Ondo State.

“This, however, is not a good sign, following the security warning in the South West states.

“While respecting their rights as Nigerians, yet, we are not sure of what they are here for. We still feel that while travelling, anyone should have a mission and destination at where he or she is going to,” he said.

Vanguard/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Crime

UPDATED: Unknown Gunmen Kidnap Ondo Traditional Chief, 3 Others

By Web News 617

Some gunmen on Thursday evening kidnapped a traditional chief in Ikare Akoko, Akoko North East Local Government Area of Ondo State, High Chief Mukaila Bello.

It was gathered that Bello, who was said to be the head of Iku Quarters in the ancient community, was abducted with three other persons

The other victims are Mr Adeniran Adeyemo, Mr Bashiru Adekile and Chief Gbafinro.

According to a source, the victims were kidnapped along Ago Panu area of Owo-Ikare Expressway, while travelling from Akure to Ikare.

The source said the driver of the car conveying the victims escaped but was shot and he is now receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

It was also learnt that the kidnappers were yet to contact the families of the victims at the time of filing this report.

The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the Kidnap of a quarter chief in Ikare Akoko, High Chief Mukaila Bello and three others.

The other victims are another chief, Yeye Gbafinro, Adenitan Adeyemo and Bashiru Adekile

A statement from the command’s PPRO, Funmi Odunlami explains that the police received a distress call at about half past six in the evening of Thursday,4th of August that gunmen shot at one Toyota Corolla car on Akure -Ikare while on motion.

The bullet reportedly hit the driver on the head forcing the vehicle to stop and the four occupants taken away into the bush while the driver was abandoned.

It says the police had recovered the vehicle while the driver taken to the hospital was now in stable condition.

Meanwhile, the police have swung into action with local hunters and vigilantes in the area to rescue the victims and arrest the assailants.

Punch/Oluwayemisi Owonikoko/Leke Adegbita

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Security

Ondo Govt Extends Enforcement of Compulsory Installation of CCTV in Public Places

By Web News 528

Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has extended the enforcement of compulsory installation of Close Circuit Television, CCTV, devices in all public places in the state to September 1, 2022.

The extension is sequel to appeals from churches, mosques and other public centres to enable them put in place necessary measures as contained in the State Executive Order.

Governor Akeredolu signed an Executive Order on June 22, 2022 mandating owners, occupiers, managers and operators of public/private institutions within Ondo State to install, use and maintain CCTV devices and other secret cameras to monitor and keep surveillance on the daily activities in their premises.

According to a release from the governor’s chief press secretary , Richard Olatunde, with one month extension, all security agencies in the state shall enforce the Executive Order as from September 1, 2022 .

Violators shall be prosecuted in accordance with Section 203 of the Criminal Code (Cap. 37) Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria.

Governor Akeredolu reiterated his administration’s commitment to the security of lives and property of the people, describing it as a priority.

PR / Isaac Afolabi

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Security

Ondo Amotekun Arrest Six Suspects

By Web News 487

Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency codenamed Amotekun, have arrested six suspected members of a gang who specializes in hypnotizing their victims before kidnapping them in Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.

They included two females and a herbalist who fortified the kidnap syndicate before going on operations.

The Amotekun Commander, Chief Adetunji Adeleye paraded the syndicates in Akure alongside 39 other suspects who were arrested for various criminal offences ranging from kidnapping, armed robbery, stealing, and snatching of motorbikes among others.

The Amotekun Commander said the 45 suspects included 10  kidnappers; eight burglars; 10  armed robbers; one minor rapist; three motorcycle snatchers; eight Illegal possessors of firearms; one car vandal;  one generator robber and three cattle rustlers.

Chief Adeleye explained that the suspects will be charged to court after the completion of the investigation, 

One of the kidnap suspects, Mrs Adesanya Folasade, confessed that she only directed the gang to help her kidnap a mad pregnant woman.

Leke Adegbite

Crime

Police Station Attack Claims 1 in Akure

By Web News 552

Hoodlums reportedly attacked a police station in Akure early Monday morning resulting in the death of a police officer.

A statement from the Police Public Relations Officer, Ondo State Command, Funmi Odunlami however notes that the officers on duty who were at alert repelled the attack and prevented the miscreants from gaining entrance into the station.

The statement says a police officer, Temenu Boluwaji hit by a bullet during the crossfire later died while being taken to the hospital.  

Meanwhile, The Commissioner of Police, Mr Oyeyemi  Oyediran has ordered the State Criminal Investigation Department to take over the case and ensure the perpetrators were arrested. 

He also encouraged the people of the state to go about their lawful duty without fear as the police were determined to rid the state of criminals.

Dupe Isename

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Transportation

Car Crash Kills 9 in Ondo

By Web News 440

Nine persons were burnt to death on Friday in an auto crash which occurred at Omotosho Step Down Bridge, on Ore-Lagos expressway in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ore Unit Command, Mr Sikiru Alonge confirmed the accident to newsmen in Ore.

Alonge said the crash which happened early in the morning involved two vehicles, a white Toyota Hiace bus with registration number FKJ 095 XE and a Honda Accord Saloon car which the registration number cannot be ascertained.

“Nine persons were burnt to death in a ghastly accident which happened on Ore-Lagos expressway early this morning.

“The accident was caused by a tyre burst which causes a head-on collision which later resulted into a fire blast which burnt all occupants of the vehicles beyond recognition,” he said.

Alonge said the remains of the victims had been deposited at the morgue of the General Hospital in Ore.

He advised motorists to always maintain the speed limits, concentrate, exercise patience, and obey all traffic rules and regulations while driving in order to save lives and property.

Vanguard/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

Politics

Ondo Gets New Commissioners

By Web News 763

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has sworn in two new commissioners, who were recently confirmed by the state house of assembly.

The two commissioners are Mr Akinwunmi Sowore and Mr Adeboboye Ologbese.

Governor Akeredolu charged them to be dedicated and render laudable services to the good people of the state and shun all forms of distractions.

He also asked the commissioners to be loyal and committed to the party adding that his administration would fulfill all promises made to the people.

Dignitaries at the occasion included Kalasuwe of APOI land Oba Professor Sunday Adejimola, family members of the newly appointed commissioners, and the Chief Judge of Ondo state Justice Williams Akintoye among others.

Isaac  Afolabi

News

Auto Crash Claims 4 Lives in Ondo

By Web News 684

Four persons including a commercial driver have been confirmed dead in an accident that occurred along Olokuta/Shasha Road, in Akure, Ondo State on Wednesday morning.

According to eyewitnesses, the accident occurred when a Sienna bus, coming from Ondo axis had a head-on collision with a hummer bus coming from the Akure axis.

The four victims were said to have died instantly.

It took the intervention of motorists and residents around the area to rescue other passengers who were trapped in the vehicles.

Men of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC in Ondo State later got to the scene and removed the corpses of the victims to the mortuary.

The accident caused a gridlock on the Akure-Ondo road for several hours.

Oluwatosin Ighoteguono

Security

Ondo Assembly Amends Amotekun Corps Law

By Web News 443

Ondo State house of assembly has passed the State security network agency and Amotekun corps law, amendment, 2022.

Also passed is the bill to provide for the establishment of the State Security Trust Fund.

The passage of the bills followed the submission of reports by the chairman, the house committee on security Olulade Gbegudu for consideration and approval at plenary.

While presenting the reports, Mr Gbegudu explained that the bills would provide funds for special equipment, training and retraining of Amotekun personnel as well as foster an effective and enduring public-private partnership for crime prevention, containment and eradication.

He said it would also provide for joint border patrols with neighbouring states under the coordination of the leadership of the Amotekun Corps Commandant. 

After the lawmakers unanimously agreed through a voice vote, the speaker, Bamidele Oleyelogun ruled for the bills to be passed.

Augustina Okinedo

Transportation

Registration of Commercial Motorcycles Begins in Ondo

By Web News 655

As part of measures to further strengthen the security of lives and property of the people of Ondo State, the State Government has commenced the registration of commercial motorcycles popularly called Okada in all the eighteen local governments.

Senior Special Assistant to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Strategy and Special Duties, Dr. Doyin Odebowale stated this while briefing journalists at the board room of the Ondo State Internal Revenue Office, Akure.

Dr Odebowale said the registration which started in 2018 would be continued to address the influx of motorcyclists and check the rate of crime allegedly committed on a daily basis by some motorcyclists.

He further noted that a biometric registration would be involved alongside a jacket, ticket, and color code for each senatorial district for proper identification while each registration would cost the sum of two thousand five hundred naira only.

Dr Odebowale also noted that all motorcycles without number-plate would be arrested.

Reacting, ODIR boss, Mr Tolu Adeigbe further explained that the exercise was in partnership with all local government chairmen, and their offices would be used as the registration points.

He also said an application had been designed to help security officials identify each registered motorcyclist.

Isaac Afolabi

Security

Ondo Gives August 1 Ultimatum for CCTV Installation

By Web News 478

The Ondo State Government has ordered all public and private institutions in the state to install Close Circuit Television, CCTV on their premises on or before August 1, 2022.

This followed the directive of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu that CCTV should be installed in all public and private institutions across the state as part of the measure to fight insecurity in the state.

In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, the governor said that any institution that failed to comply with the directive would be shut down.

The statement read, “In furtherance of his tireless commitment to strengthen the security architecture of the state toward securing lives and property of the good people of Ondo State, Governor  Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, recently issued an Executive Order making it mandatory for all public places, financial institutions, restaurants, hotels and other lodging facilities, beer – parlors/bars, night club , educational institutions and religious worship centers in all the 18 local government areas of the state to have functional video surveillance/ CCTV equipment installed in strategic locations within their premises.

“This is aimed at assisting security agencies in tracking criminal elements that have been terrorising our environment for some time now.

“This step is no doubt in line with global best practices in Intelligence operations to provide real-time clips on criminal activities.

“To this end, the state government encourages operators and owners to comply on or before August 1 in line with the Executive Order, after which security agencies; particularly the Amotekun Corps, will commence full enforcement.

 “Owners / Proprietors of the above–mentioned premises are hereby enjoined to ensure the safety of all video recordings as any attempt to damage or manipulate such shall be liable to prosecution.”

It further states that, “The failure of any of the concerned operators/owners to comply with this directive will attract the following sanctions: the premises shall be closed down indefinitely and the owner (s) shall be prosecuted.

“I wish to reassure citizens of Nigeria residing in the State that the administration of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, will stop at nothing to rid the state of criminal elements.”

Punch/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

Environment

Lawmakers Order Evacuation of Waste in Ondo

By Web News 498

In the bid to prevent the outbreak of epidemic and restore the aesthetic beauty of Ondo State, the State House of Assembly has mandated the Ministry of Environment to immediately find solutions to the wastes that litter the state capital.

This came up during an interface with the ministry of environment and Waste Management Board in Akure.

The lawmakers who frowned at the indiscriminate dumping of wastes and overgrown weeds defacing the state capital charged the ministry to review its working policies, enforce rules and engage stakeholders to ensure the state was not overwhelmed with waste.

The speaker, Mr Bamidele Oleyelogun also asked the ministry to look inwardly to generate funds and create job opportunities for the youths.

Responding, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr Sunday Akinwalere blamed the paucity of funds and hike in the prices of diesel for the prolonged non -evacuation of waste.

Mr Akinwalere also called on various MDAs to take up the responsibility of clearing weeds around their office environments.

Augustina Okinedo

Education

Councils Get New Education Secretaries In Ondo

By Web News 952

As part of efforts to promote education administration at the grassroots, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has approved the appointment of education secretaries for the eighteen council areas of the state

In a statement signed by the chief press secretary to the governor, Richard Olatunde said the appointment took effect on June 23, 2022.

The  Education Secretaries are Akoko North-East – Adejoro Sunday Ganiyu,  Akoko North West – Bankole Joseph, Akoko South West – Chief Balogun Arogunjo, Akoko South East – Femi Kure,Ose – Chief J. Makanjuola Oredola, and Owo – Mrs Ajibike Stella Anoma

Others are Akure North – Samuel Olowere, Akure South — Mrs Bola Alade, Ondo West – Mathew Bada Esq, Ondo East – Mrs Abiodun Adebusoye, Ifedore – Taiye Adegbamigbe, Idanre – Mrs Ronke Akindolie,

The rest are Odigbo – Chief Charles Meroyi, Ilaje – Mr Alex Kalajaiye,Irele – Mr Iseleoluwa Olajide, Ile Oluji/Oke Igbo – Dr M. Adedini Omololu, Okitipupa – Solomon Akin Arowojou, Ese Odo – Grace Adeyoriju

The statement adds the appointment would improve the education sector in the state for optimum performance.

Isaac Afolabi

Security

Amotekun Commanders Synergize to Fish Out Perpetrators of Owo Attack

By Web News 615

Commanders of the Southwest Security Network codenamed, Amotekun Corps, are now in Ondo State to provide strategic support to security operatives that can lead to the arrest of perpetrators of Owo Catholic Church massacre.

This is just as the heads of Amotekun gave the people of the South West region assurance, that they would synergize in ensuring that the Owo attack does not occur again in any part of Yorubaland.

The Commanders include Retired General Joe Komolafe from Ekiti state; Retired Colonel Olayinka Olayanju from Oyo state, Retired Commissioner of Police, David Ajibola Akinremi from Ogun state and Retired Brigadier General Isah Aderibigbe from Osun State as well as the host, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye of Ondo State Amotekun Corps.

The Southwest Amotekun Commanders visited the scene of the Owo massacre; the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye; the Deji of Akure and Chairman, Ondo State Council of Obas, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi and the Bishop of Ondo Catholic Diocese, Most Reverend Jude Arogundade, where they vowed to track down the killers.

Speaking with newsmen, the Chairman of the Amotekun Commanders, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye urged the people of the Southwest to remain calm and support security operatives with the necessary information that would make them track down the criminals.

In their separate responses, the Deji of Akure, the Olowo of Owo and Bishop Arogundade commended Amotekun heads and their officers for ensuring the security of lives and property in the Southwest region, urging them not to be discouraged.

Leke Adegbite

Transportation

Traders Escape Death as Trailer Crashes into Shops in Ondo

By Web News 519

It was a miraculous escape for traders at the popular Adebowale market along Ondo road in Akure the Ondo State capital in the early hours of today when a fully loaded trailer truck fell off crashing into some shops.

Eyewitnesses said the accident would have been fatal if it had occurred during the day with traders and passersby around.

The distressed traders, whose shops and goods were completely destroyed, appealed to the government to come to the rescue by constructing the major road linking the Adebowale to Aponmu community.

One of the shop owners, Mrs. Rahmat Ashimolowo, who was still in shock over the incident, said accidents on the road especially that of trucks had become a daily occurrence.

On his part the Chief Imam of Aponmu land, Mukaila Ashiru observed that over one hundred trucks ply the Adebowale-Aponmu road on a daily basis, appealing for the quick construction of the road to avoid further disasters

Former chairman, Information Village, Adebowale Community, Mr. Lanre Oluwateru revealed that the community did its best by fixing a portion through communal efforts but it was inadequate as the community now accommodates many people, factories, and other companies.

Mr. Oluwateru said the road was very important to farmers in Aponmu, Ita Oniyan, and other farming communities for transporting their produce.

Isaac Afolabi

News

Owo Attack: 22 Worshippers Confirmed Dead- State Government

By Web News 530

The Ondo State government on Tuesday disclosed that 22 worshippers were confirmed dead in the terrorist attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo town.

The government further disclosed that a total of 87 worshippers were affected by the attack on the church which occurred during mass on Sunday.

Giving the breakdown, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka said 18 people were on admission at the Federal Medical Centre and St. Louis Hospital all in Owo town.

Ajaka, who stated that seven people were treated on an out-patient basis at St. Louis Hospital explained that four victims have been treated and discharged successfully.

According to him, “The total involved as of today (Tuesday) is 88. And the breakdown is this; out of the 88, we have confirmed 22 dead.

“So, there were about 7 people treated on an outpatient basis at St. Louis Hospital. There are 19 on admission at the same hospital.

“The dastardly act left so many dead and others injured. We have relocated to the Owo since that day and the governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, is coordinating us here. We are here to ensure that we track everybody involved”.

“Presently, 66 worshippers survived the attack. This morning, a 3-year old child was admitted as a result of the blast. The baby was still in shock due to the sound of the explosion.

“We thank the state governor and other stakeholders for their support since the beginning of this incident. This is a very sad situation for us in Ondo State. The people of the state responded by donating blood for the victims to save their lives. The Country Representative of the World Health Organisation is also on the ground to render assistance.

PR/Bukola Bardi

Agriculture

Ondo Partners Netherlands on Fish Production

By Web News 598

Ondo State Government Is To Train About One Hundred Aquapreneurs in the Blue Revolution Fish Value Chain

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu represented by the  Deputy Governor, Lucky Ayedatiwa made this known while flagging off the blue Revolution fish value chain training for participants in Akure. 

The Governor said the project was to improve fish value chain to open several opportunities such as fish farming equipments and materials, Agribusiness, enhance protein intake and improved IGR.

Governor Akeredolu said the country was still lagging behind in the United Nations standards in terms of animal protein intake stressing that the government would partner a company in Nether land in building Aquaculture Resource centre. 

Earlier, the SSA to the governor on Agric and Agric business, pastor Akin Olotu said the one hundred trainees would be exposed to mechanised way of rearing various species of fish for local consumption.

Participants from Ose local government, Thomas Monday, James Dupe and Adeyeye Oluwaseyi appreciated Ondo State governor for the opportunity to be part of the training.

Olufisoye Adenitan

Education

NYSC Sanctions 27 Corp Members in Ondo for Misconduct

By Web News 512

The National Youths Service Corps, NYSC, has sanctioned twenty-seven corps members in Ondo state for contravening the rules guiding the scheme during their service year.

The NYSC coordinator in the state, Mrs Victoria Ani stated this during the passing out ceremony for the 2021 batch ‘A’, Stream II, Corps members held in Akure, the state capital.

Represented by an Assistant Director of the scheme, Mrs   Adejoke Fashola, Mrs Ani explained that out of the number, 13 corps members would have their service year extended for various misdemeanours while 14 others would have their service year repeated for absconding from service.

The Coordinator, however, pointed out that a Corps member, Victor Onwuemene would be rewarded with state honour and two others would receive the state Coordinator’s commendation certificate.

Mrs Ani called on the Corps members to be good ambassadors and eschew acts of arrogance and rudeness if they wanted to achieve in life.

In a remark, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu urged the corps members to always render assistance to security agencies for a safer society.

Represented by the Commissioner for Sports and Youths Development, Chief Dele Ologun, Governor Akeredolu gave the assurance that the state government would always provide security to corps members who chose to stay behind.

Kayode Animasaun