Ondo Catholic Church says no priest was adopted in attack which rocked St. Francis Catholic, Owo. This was stated in a Press Release Signed by the Director, Social Communications, Rev. Fr. Augustine IK WU.
The statement says that while the Holy Mass was going on, unknown Gunmen attacked St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, leaving many dead and scores injured and the Church violated.
It adds that the identity of the perpetrators remains unknow while the situation has left the community devastated.
The statement further states that security agencies have been deployed to the community to relatively handle the situation.
It urges everyone to continue to pray for them and the good people of Owo and the state at large.
The Bishop appeals to people to remain calm, be law abiding and pray for peace and normalcy to return to the community, state and country.
Prices of Food items soared high with Ramadan ending as Muslims celebrate Eid El Fitri.
Radio Nigeria reporter who went on market survey in Akure reports that both consumers and traders complained bitterly of the development.
According to the survey , a cartoon of fish sold for 34,000 naira is now sold for 40,000 naira , a 25 litres of groundnut oil is 37,000 naira as against 32,000 naira and a Kongo of beans moved to 1,400 naira from 1,100 naira while white beans rose from 800 naira to 950 naira.
For vegetables , a small basket of bell pepper , popularly known as rodo was sold for 1,700 naira , a Congo of melon sold at 2000 naira as against 1500 naira, 5kg of semolina increased from 2,700 naira to 3,000 naira while a pack of spaghetti that was sold for between 6500 naira sold for 7200 naira.
Meanwhile, the prices of foreign and Nigerian rice remained the same with Foreign rice at 32,000 naira and Nigerian rice between 28,000 naira and 30,000 naira.
Some Residents who spoke with Radio Nigeria lamented incessant hike in the prices of foodstuffs saying the situation was becoming unbearable for ordinary Nigerians.
A house wife, Mrs Risikat Adeoye said she had to drag her husband to the market for him to have a firsthand information of the ugly development While a retailer,.Mrs Nike Anifowose appealed to the government to Increase workers salary and find a lasting solution to the increases in prices of food item.
For muslims in Akoko areas of the state , engaging fully in the Zakat Fitri , an essential part of the Ramadan which involves giving to the needy for the Eid El Fitri celebration might be difficult due to hike in the prices of foods.
Market survey in the area indicates about 200% price increase on commodities partly due to insecurity aside the general inflation in the country as farmers abandoned their farmlands for fear of being Kidnapped or killed .
The Chairman , Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs , Akoko Northwest council, Sheik Basiru Aminu however charged muslims to celebrate moderately but encouraged them to perform the Zakat ftri to make their fasting valid and rewarding.
As aspirants make top preparation to clinch their parties tickets, Governor, Oluwarotimi has announced that he has no preferred candidate . The governor, who made this known during a meeting with APC aspirants in Akure, however gave an assurance of level playing field for all aspirants. He also specifically said serving lawmakers in the state who had performed below expectation in their constituencies should reassess themselves before contesting the party’s tickets. Earlier, chairman of the party , Mr Ade Adetimehin, reminded the aspirants that the party would be guided by principles . Two of the aspirants, Mr Jimoh Ibrahim, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo were optimistic that APC was the party to beat in the forthcoming election due to people oriented projects executed by Akeredolu administration. Oriola Afolabi
Ondo State House of Assembly has expressed displeasure at the budget performance of the state oil producing areas development commission, OSOPADEC saying it is below expectation.
Chairman House Committee on OSOPADEC, Mr Abayomi Akinruntan made the observation when he led members of the committee on a familiarization visit to the new board of the commission in Akure.
Mr Akinruntan spoke making OSOPADEC to improvement on its budget performance in order to carry out impactful projects in the mandate areas.
He said the house had received the budget proposal of the commission and would invite the board to shed more light on it at the committee level.
Earlier, the chairman of OSOPADEC, Mr Sam Erejuwa said the commission looked forward to a robust relationship with the lawmakers with an assurance that the newly inaugurated board would deliver on its mandate to improve the lives of people of the riverine areas.
A mysterious thunderstorm has killed five persons at Ago Dada, near Ala village/Imafon in Akure North local government area of Ondo State.
Newsmen gathered that the victims who were farmers from other neighbouring states, were playing football when the incident occurred.
Witness told Radio Nigeria that the people of the village alleged the head of the community of complicity in the mysterious incident as the similar incident occurred last year in the area with nine villagers struck by thunderstorm.
It took the timely intervention of policemen and hunters to rescue the village Head from being lynched.
Residents of Akure, Ondo State have appealed to the federal government and other stakeholders to urgently revive the nation’s moribound refineries as a lasting solution to fuel crisis in Nigeria.
They made the appeal against the backdrop of the lingering fuel scarcity which is biting harder by the day.
Radio Nigeria went round some filling stations on Ondo road, Oba-ile, and Arakale areas of Akure, observed that, both motorists and commuters struggle day and night to get fuel from a few filling stations that are dispensing the product amidst frustration of getting it at increased price, which sells between one hundred and sixty five naira and three hundred naira.
Three of the residents, Olanrewaju Omolayo, Kola Olawuyi and Mrs Deola Akintunde said being on the queue for long hours did not guarantee them the access to the product.
On their parts, two parents, Mrs Tolulope Ekundayo and Mrs Folake Ojo lamented the one hundred percent increase in transport fare.
Meanwhile, the long queues at filling stations have become unbearable to many, as gridlock, even as most dualized roads had been turned to a single lane due to unnecessary queues on the roads.
They however appealed to the federal government to urgently end the current situation.
When contacted on the need to ensure free flow traffic on the affected roads, special adviser, Ondo state governor on transport, Mr Tobi Ogunleye said his office would look into the matter.
A middle aged man, Soji Bakare popularly known as SOJ has been arrested by men of the Ondo state Police Command for allegedly raping a 10yr-old primary school female pupil.
Radio Nigeria gathered that SOJ assaulted the minor at her parents’ house at the weekend at Aiyeyemi street, Isolo area of Akure when her mother was at the nearby market selling soup ingredients.
Narrating the situation, the mother of the victim, Mrs Yinka Romoke Babalola said the suspect was caught in the act and he had been apprehended by men of the A’Division police station, Akure. Mrs explained that her child had been taken to hospital by the police for medical treatment and examination.
The woman who said her husband travelled out of Akure, appealed to the police authorities, the Ondo state government and civil society organizations to come to her aid so that the suspect SOJ would be brought to book for allegedly raping her child.
Confirming the incident, the State Police Public Relations officer, PPRO, Mrs Funmi Odunlami, noted that SOJ would be charged to court immediately because of the gravity of the offence.
Ondo State 2022 budget proposal of over one hundred and ninety one billion naira has passed second reading at the plenary of the state assembly.
The lawmakers at the plenary referred the budget proposal to committee level after the reading by the acting Clerk of the House, Mr Benjamin Jaiyeola.
The Speaker, Mr Bamidele Oleyelogun while calling for thorough job urged all Ministries, Departments and Agencies liaise with their various house committees for timely passage of the budget proposal.
The lawmakers thereafter gave the house Committee on Finance and Appropriation two ultimatum to submit its report.
Speaking with Assembly Correspondents after plenary, Chairman, House committee on Finance and Appropriation, Mr Sunday Olajide said the committee will work within the time frame to achieve desired results for the 2022 fiscal year.
On the budgetary provision for the house after its autonomy, Mr Olajide noted that the committee will take a critical look into the aspect and do the needful for the better running of the legislative arm.
In a bid to prevent outbreak of cholera among residents of Ondo state, eighteen buildings have been closed by officials of the Environmental Services in Akure South Local Government for unhygienic practices.
Director of Environmental Services, Akure South Local Government Area, Mr. Ayo Bello, disclosed this in an interview with Positive FM, Akure.
Mr. Bello said the action to close the houses was part of the ongoing massive operations to sensitize residents on how to prevent cholera and other epidemics in the State Capital.
He said his office was also obtaining court order to close more houses for unhygienic practices, while some residents were charged to court for incessant violating environmental regulations despite several warnings.
Mr. Bello pointed out that the measures were aimed at preventing outbreak of cholera or any other epidemic in Akure South local government area in particular and the state in general.
The Director, who is also a former Ondo State President, Environmental Health Officers Association of Nigeria, said his men were also monitoring water and food premises to make sure that food that is displayed for human consumption is safe.
The Environmental Health Expert also urged the Ondo State Government to employ more Environmental Health Officers as the available ones were not adequate to properly perform their functions.
A Storey building has collapsed along Fanibi Junction in Akure, the Ondo state capital, killing one person, while other members of the family were trapped.
It was gathered that the incident occurred around 3 o’clock in the morning while the occupants had slept.
An eyewitness told our correspondent that the building collapsed and one of the occupants, a woman, died instantly as her bodies had been taken out.
He said neighbors had been helping to rescue others including children trapped in the building as the fire brigade had not responded after two hours they have been contacted.
The Ondo State Security Agency Network Codenamed Amotekun Corps said it has foiled 35 kidnap cases from May 2020 to September 2021.
Two illegal gold miners were also arrested by operatives of the corps in the state.
The state Commander of the Corps, Chief Adetunji Adeleye added that the corps has attended to 2,633 cases within the same period.
Briefing reporters in Akure, the Amotekun boss, said the Corps also arrested 1000 suspects, waded into 515 herders/farmers clashes and arrested kidnappers.
He added that the Corps has also impounded 26 cars and over 1000 Okadas, totalling 2,633 cases from May 2020 to September 2021.
“Operation Amotekun” is the codename for the security initiative of the South West Governors under the leadership of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, to address the wanton killings, kidnappings, armed robbery and other forms of criminalities in the state and the Southwest region”
Adeleye said one of the challenges facing the Corps was lack of the need to get legal backing to allow the Agency carry weapons commensurate with the firepower of criminals.
He added that the Corps need to secure large expanse of land for training camp/barracks for the Agency.
He also mentioned improved subvention to address officers’ welfare/training, maintenance of 24 hours surveillance and acquisition of hardware for officers.
The 11yr obaship tussle in the ancient town of Irun Akoko in Akoko Northwest local Government of Ondo state, Southwest Nigeria has finally been settled as Prince Bayode Agboola on Tuesday emerged the Onirun of Irun Elect.
Five out of eight kingmakers in the town voted for Prince Agboola while his opponent, Prince Amos Adeniyi recorded no vote as two of the kingmakers were absent while the remaining one had died.
Positive fm gathered that the election was witnessed by traditional chiefs, security agents, local government officials.
Women and youths also came in their hundreds singing and dancing in support of the new development.
Commenting on the election, head of local government administration in Akoko Northwest Council area, Mr Ade Ajibogun described the process that produced Prince Agboola as the Onirun-elect as transparent, noting no council official meddled in the whole affair.
Positive fm had reported last week that some youths and leaders in Irun Akoko staged a peaceful protest against the lingering obaship tussle in the community, calling for the election of a new monarch for the ancient town.
They accused the local government chairman, Elder Ayodele Akande and head of local government administration mr Ade Ajibogun of delaying the selection process of the new irun which had negatively affected the development of Irun for the past eleven years with series of court cases.
The last onirun of Irun, Oba williams Adeusi joined his ancestors eleven years ago while his daughter Princess obideyi who became the regent also died on the stool.
Towns with vacant stools in Akoko land include, Ifira, ugbe, Iboropa, Ikakumo, Akunu, Iye, Igasi, Efifa Ajowa, ora Ajowa with people of the communities calling for the emergence of new Monarchs to fast track development in the areas.
Two security guards working a filling station on custom junction , Ondo road Akure have been killed by unknown gunmen speaking with Radio Nigeria, one of the filling station supervisors, Mr Buhari Ashiru said the forty-five year old Israel and the other security man were found drenched in their pool of blood around five thirty in this morning when other workers resumed duty. Mr Ashiru explained that one of the security men who was twenty eight years old had just spent two days at the filling station The Station supervisor disclosed that the perpetrators attempted breaking into the filling station safe inside the store.
Ondo state police command has arrested a mass Communications student of The Polytechnic, Ibadan who specialised in stealing money from bank account using stolen SIMs cards. The suspected hacker, Omisakin Samson, was arrested after he stole N44,000 from a victim’s bank account using a stolen SIM card. Parading some suspects in Akure, the state Commissioner of police, Mr Bolaji Salami, said the police also apprehended a 30 year-old woman, Blessing Jimoh for allegedly Killing her mother, Ijeoma Odo over allegation of witchcraft. Blessing who is a native of Enugu state allegedly killed her mother after her pastor told her that she was a witch which inflicted her with madness. The Police Commissioner said the twelve suspects would be charged to court after investigations.
Members of Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, PASAN, Ondo State Chapter have shut down the complex of the State House of Assembly in Akure.
The Association’s members defiling the morning rainfall, carry placards with different inscriptions and singing solidarity songs locked the main gate of the Assembly complex.
Speaking with newsmen, Ondo State Chapter Chairman of PASAN, Comrade Raphael Urona said the peaceful protest was in line with the directives from the National headquarters of the Association to press home their demand for the implementation of the agitations of financial autonomy for the legislative arm of government.
Comrade Urona noted that President Muhammadu Buhari had since 2018 accented to the bill while state governments refused to implement it.
He said the protest will continue until further notice from the National body of the Association.
Correspondent Olumide Abudu report that men of Nigerian Police, NSCDC, FRSC were on ground to ensure the protest were peaceful and not hijacked by hoodlums
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu says security operatives will continue to arrest under-age herders across Ondo State.
Governor Akeredolu stated this while swearing in Princess Oladunni Odu as the first female Secretary to the State Government alongside four special advisers to the governor.
The Special Advisers were the immediate-past Head of the State Public Service, Mr. Dare Aragbaiye as Special Adviser on Union Matters and Special Duties, Mrs Olubunmi Ademosu Special Adviser, Public and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr Babatunde Kolawole as Special Adviser, Rural and Community Development as well as Mr Summy-Smart Francis as Special Adviser on Entrepreneurship Development
Congratulating the people of Ondo state on the versatile Special advisers being choosing towards good governance Governor Akeredolu said the state government would continue to eject illegal occupants from the state forests.
Governor Akeredolu explained that modern methods of cattle breeding and cattle ranching would be encouraged where herders would be duly registered to end incessant conflicts between herders and farmers or the host communities
Responding on behalf of others, the secretary to the state government, Princess Oladunni Odu and Kolawole Babatunde in an interview pledged that the new appointees would be committed to making Ondo State better than they met it
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has appealed to the Food and Agriculture Organization, FAO to profer timely solution to herders and farmers clashes Governor Akeredolu made this appeal while playing host to the management team of FAO in Akure, the Ondo State capital Governor Akeredolu decried frequent clashes between farmers and herdsmen noting that farmers were no longer ready for their livelihoods. The governor who opined that if not handled on time, the situation might degenerate to food insecurity On the deforestation and climate change, the governor also requested the organization’s inputs to save the farming system Earlier, the FAO country’s representative, Mr Fred Kafeero had hinged the visit on how to strengthen the state’s agricultural framework for food sufficiency Mr Kafeero expressed the FAO readiness to assist the state in the areas of finance, humanitarian and climate change adding that efforts were on to end clashes among herders, farmers and fishers through water accessibility. Olorunferanmi Odofin
Ondo State House of Assembly says there was no missing fund of two point four million Naira as being circulated in some medium.
The Chairman, House Committee on Information, Youth and Sports development, Mr. Olugbenga Omole made clarification while briefing newsmen on the invitation of a lawmaker, Mr. Bankole Felemu-Gudu and the clerk of the house, Mr. Bode Adeyelu by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
Mr. Omole stated that there was actually an issue in the house from a petition written to the EFCC by one of the lawmakers and a former deputy speaker, Mr. Iroju Ogundeji over a supposed seminar billed for December, but was not attended due to the situation in the country then.
The Chairman informed journalists that the money meant for the seminar, the sum of two point four million naira was not accessed until May last year and had since been deposited in the coffer of the Assembly.
He said though the lawmaker, Mr. Felemu-Gudu and the Clerk, Mr. Adeyelu were invited by the EFCC since last week Thursday for interrogation but could not meet bail condition over the weekend.
Mr. Omole noted that the duo would be released and will be back in the Ondo State anytime soon.
The Chairman of the house committee who noted that he was misquoted by some journalists urged media to verify issues and be double sure before reportage of such event or happenings.
Raising awareness on healthy environment by tackling plastic pollution is the focus of this year’s World Consumer Rights Day which holds every 15th of March. In this special report, Staff Reporter Leke Adegbite examines the level of awareness among ondo state residents on how plastic materials are polluting the environment and the way forward. World Consumer Rights Day every year, is a means of raising global awareness about consumer rights and needs. Therefore, Commemorating the day is a chance to demand that the rights of all consumers are respected and protected. It is also to protest market abuses and social injustices which undermine those rights. The theme for this year’s World Consumer Rights Day is: “Tackling Plastic Pollution”, targeted at raising awareness and engaging consumers globally to adopt and promote more sustainable environmental practices. According to a recent survey, 55% of consumers globally have now become more concerned about the environment as a result of COVID-19 and nearly 74% of consumers are willing to spend more on sustainable packaging. Speaking with Radio Nigeria, two residents of Akure, Ondo state, Mr Adetona Aderoboye and Babatope Okeowo lamented indiscriminate dumping of waste especially plastic materials by people. Mr Aderoboye and Okeowo advised government to convert plastic waste to wealth to prevent pollution in the country. An environmental officer in Akure, Mr Tobi Afolabi also speaks on how plastic pollution could be tackled in line with the focus of this year’s world consumer rights day. What are the implications of plastic pollution, a medical expert, Festus Ekehinde, speaks on both the benefits and disadvantages of the environmental challenge. Comrade Ekehinde tasked state governments to establish waste recycling plants in all the local government areas of the country. Efforts to get comments of the Administrative Secretary of Consumer Protection Committee, CPC, in Ondo State Mr Mesulaya on this year’s World consumer rights day were unsuccessful as he declined interview by Radio Nigeria. Leke Adegbite
Ondo State House of Assembly has confirmed the four Commissioner Nominees forwarded to it by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu last week. The Commissioner Nominees include Mr Donald Ojogo, Mr Wale Akinterinwa, Sir Charles Titiloye and Mr Raimi Aminu. The house at the plenary led by the Speaker, Mr Bamidele Oleyelogun after receiving the report of the house committee on selection embarked on the confirmation process. At the plenary, the lawmakers from the constituencies of the nominees took turn to speak on the nominees and formally present them before the house. The Speaker, Mr Oleyelogun thereafter put the confirmation to voice vote and the lawmakers accented to it. The house also confirm the nomination of Mr Bayo Olufusi as a member of Ondo State Judicial Service Commission. Responding on behalf of the Nominees, Mr Donald Ojogo commended the lawmakers for the thorough screening and reception accorded them and promised to discharged responsibilities to be given to them in the interest of developing the state.
One person has been reportedly killed in the fight that broke out between two factions of the National Union Of Road Transport Workers, NURTW in Akure, Ondo State capital.
The deceased said to be a member of the union and identified as Shina was allegedly shot during the fracas.
Radio Nigeria gathered that the drivers were fighting over management of parks even after the Ondo state government had ordered the suspension of driver’s unions activities in the state.
The unionists this morning caused pandemonium around Oja Oba area, on Adesida Road by shooting sporadically while residents and traders scampered to safety.
This came barely 48hours after the factional unionists fought at Owode area of the state, injuring many people.
As at the time of filing this report, Vehicular movement and business activities around the area Oja oba, Adesida Road, Fiwasaye and Old garage have been brought to a halt as a result of the NURTW Fraca.
Ondo State Government has announced indefinite suspension of all activities of the NURTW across the state
Addressing Government House Correspondents, the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Special Duties and strategy, Dr Doyin Odebowale also ordered the NURTW members to vacate all motor parks across the state immediately
The government hinged its decision on what it described as unruly and uncultured behaviour of the union leaders which resulted to violent attacks on members and the innocent citizens
The government however, said the indefinite suspension did not affect RTEAN who comported themselves in a peaceful manner
The state government had earlier ordered the suspension of the activities of NURTW and RTEAN for two weeks over imminent power tussles among the union leaders where government warned against violence in any part of the state
Meanwhile, one of the members popularly called Tshaina had been killed during a clash this morning at a motor park in Akure.
The Ondo State House of Assembly has described as untrue the rumour making the rounds that the Speaker, Mr Bamidele Oleyelogun was invited by the Economy and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC.
Addressing Newsmen at the Conference Hall of the Assembly, the Chairman, house committee on information, youths and sports development, Mr Olugbenga Omole emphasized that the rumour was mere imagination of those that wanted to disturb the existing peace in the house.
Mr. Omole noted that the true situation was that aggrieved members of the house petitioned the EFCC which made the commission to invite the concerned staff.
He berated those medium spreading unverified information and called for more efforts at eradicating fake news.
Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Ondo State council has Congratulated one of its veterans, Mrs Julie Fayeun of the State Ministry of Information, elevated to the position of Permanent Secretary in the Ondo State Civil Service.
NAWOJ notes with delight, that the elevation of Mrs Julie Fayeun is well deserved having pursued her career with high level of Professionalism and dedication to service.
A Statement jointly signed by Ondo NAWOJ Chairperson, Mrs Doris Olumoko and the Association’s Secretary, Mrs Patience Ibe notes, that, the appointment of the new Permanent Secretary is the best way to celebrate today’s International Women’s Day which has as its theme “Women in Leadership, Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world.”
The Statement affirmed the commitment of women to take up more challenging responsibilities and ensuring and fully contribute in National Development.
NAWOJ appreciates the Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for the appointment of Mrs Julie Fayeun as Permanent Secretary.
As Oliver Twist, the Association looks forward to seeing more women in Ondo State, rise and take up leadership positions.
Some filling stations in Akure, Ondo State capital are not selling petrol to residents.
While some are completely shut, others open but not selling fuel.
Only a few filling stations in Road Block Arakale, Ondo, Irese, Oke-Aro Adesida and Lafe areas are selling the product between one hundred and sixty-nine naira and one hundred and sixty-five Naira as against the government approved price of one hundred and sixty-three naira per litre.
Long queues were also noticed in the few filling stations dispensing fuel.
When Radio Nigeria correspondent sought to know the reason for the development, managers of the filling stations declined comments.
In an interview, a taxi driver, Mr Biodun Olajimi called on the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, to prevent petrol marketers from hoarding the product.
