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Tag: Lucky Aiyedatiwa

  • 2027: Aiyedatiwa rallies Ondo APC leaders for Tinubu

    2027: Aiyedatiwa rallies Ondo APC leaders for Tinubu

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Friday in Akure hosted the All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders in the state as part of efforts to strengthen the party.

    Aiyedatiwa at the meeting called for unity and expressed optimism that the APC would continue to wax stronger in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    According to him, the meeting is for the statutory members of the party in the state under his leadership to replicate the version of the national caucus.

    Aiyedatiwa said the caucus would now meet on a regular basis, reiterating the supremacy of the party, and noted that all groups in the state must work under the leadership of the party.

    The governor disclosed the decision of the National Economic Council to launch the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme was aimed at taking development to the grassroots.

    “Our strength lies in our unity and all of us as leaders of the APC in the state must come together to build on the foundation already laid.

    “As we are heading towards general elections, it is expected that various support groups will spring up.

    “All groups must be under the leadership of the central party structure which has the state working committee and the state caucus as core components.

    “We don’t have any pending governorship election here in Ondo State, therefore, we have to focus all our efforts on mobilising grassroots votes for the re-election of the President in 2007.

    “It is granted that the President will win the election, however, for us in the South-West and Ondo State, the victory must be overwhelming,” he said.

    At the meeting, party leaders unanimously agreed that President Bola Tinubu needed to continue in office beyond 2027, by floating an umbrella structure named ‘Ondo State for Tinubu 2027’.

    The caucus later appointed the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti and the State Secretary of the APC, Mrs Roseline Okafor, to coordinate the state secretariat of the caucus.

    The member representing Akure North/Akure South Federal Constituency, Derin Adesida, told newsmen on the sidelines of the event that the gathering was enshrined in the APC Constitution to enable leaders to meet and deliberate on the party’s future.

    Also speaking with newsmen, APC chieftain, Mr Sola Iji, noted that the constitutional caucus meeting is primarily reserved for top echelons of the party, commending the governor for convening the meeting.

    Similarly, the Executive Director, Corporate Affairs, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr Ifedayo Abegunde, applauded Aiyedatiwa for his proactive leadership and foresight in steering the party in the right direction.

    Party leaders, both past and present were present at the meeting.

  • Aiyedatiwa swears-in 16 new commissioners

    Aiyedatiwa swears-in 16 new commissioners

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has reiterated his administration’s commitment to accountability and excellent service delivery to the people of the state.

    Aiyedatiwa stated this during the swearing-in of the second batch of commissioners into the State Executive Council on Monday in Akure.

    The governor described the event as a “significant milestone in the journey to building a greater state.”

    Aiyedatiwa said that his administration believed in slow and steady governance by prioritising consistency, goal attainment, and sustained progress over haste.

    He urged the new commissioners to hit the ground running, noting that the expectations of the people of the state are high hence only the best is acceptable.

    “The people of Ondo State expect nothing but the best from us, having entrusted us with an overwhelming mandate, and we must strive to deliver on all our electioneering promises.

    “This concept highlights the value of persistence, patience and steady progress in achieving goals. Within the first 100 days of our administration, we have been able to prove that slow and steady wins the race,” he said.

    The governor urged the families and associates of the new commissioners, against exerting undue pressure on them for personal or sectional gains.

    Aiyedatiwa said that his administration had maintained continuity on building existing projects and by introducing new initiatives across the state.

    The governor added that proactive engagements with credible investors were already yielding positive results for the state’s economy.

    “Our administration is committed to integrity, transparency, accountability and excellent service.

    “We enjoin the new appointees to key fully into these values toward developing a more virile and prosperous Ondo State,” he said.

    Earlier in his welcome address, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, described the appointment of the new commissioners as a strategic step toward inclusive and people-focused governance in the state.

    He praised Aiyedatiwa’s visionary leadership and commitment to development, noting that the appointees were carefully selected based on merit, competence and loyalty to the administration’s agenda.

    He urged the new commissioners to see their roles as a call to impactful service and charged them to uphold the trust placed in them.

    Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated Commissioners, Mr Segun Omoyofunmi, expressed gratitude to the governor for the trust and opportunity to serve.

    He assured that they would discharge their duties diligently and serve the state to the best of their abilities.

    The new commissioners are; Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, Engr Ayorinde Olawoye, Mr Ayodele Akande, Engr Alabi Johnson, Mr Amidu Takuro and Mr Adewale Akinlosotu.

    Others are; Mr Idowu Ajanaku, Dr Oluwaseun Osamaye, Mr Tob Loko, Mr Olaolu Akindolire, Hon. Sunday Olajide, Mr Segun Omoyofunmi, Mr Bola Ademuwagun, Mr Leye Akinola, Dr Banji Ajaka and Mr Adesoji Afolabi.

  • Company to invest $2.6b on petrochemical company in Ondo

    Company to invest $2.6b on petrochemical company in Ondo

    A Petrochemical Company, Residents Group Cement on Friday said it was investing $2.6 billion to build a petrochemical company in the state.

    The Executive Director of the company, Mr Abbas Waziri, who was accompanied by Gov. Bala Muhammed of Bauchi state, disclosed this in Akure during a courtesy visit to Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State.

    Waziri said the company would be completed within 12 months, while a fertiliser production and harmonial plant, as well as other petrol chemical industries, would be built in the state.

    He assured that the company  would work with both the states and the community to make sure that everyone benefitted from the opportunity.

    “Ondo, as far as I am concerned is still a green field for everybody to come and invest in, so we saw the opportunity to come and invest in fertiliser production.

    “We will also invest in an ammonia plant and other petrochemical industry, oil and gas generally,” he said.

    Responding, Gov. Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State said more investors were already indicating interest to tap into the state’s vast natural resources, which showed that his government was on track.

    Aiyedatiwa appreciated his counterpart from Bauchi for accompanying the investor and vouching for him with a testimony of similar investments in Bauchi State.

    The governor appreciated the investor and assured of adequate support for the business to succeed, as it would be beneficial to the people of the state.

    “I feel so honoured for my brother governor from Bauchi for coming this morning to introduce a friend of his, an investor who has invested heavily in Bauchi State,” he said.

    Speaking with newsmen on the sidelines of the event, Gov. Bala Muhammed of Bauchi State, described Waziri as a good investor in his state who showed interest in coming to invest in Ondo State.

    “I have come here to visit a friend, a colleague and a brother, the Executive Governor of Ondo State, my brother, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who is a friend of mine and brother.

    “The gentleman is an investor in my state and I have seen what he has done.

    “In our peer review mechanism, we always look at colleagues that will share the same view, the same aspiration and the same vision,” he said.

  • Ondo Assembly confirms Aiyedatiwa’s Special Adviser as commissioner

    Ondo Assembly confirms Aiyedatiwa’s Special Adviser as commissioner

    The Ondo State House of the Assembly, on Tuesday, confirmed Mr Abiola Olawoye as a commissioner-designate.

    Olawoye, one of the 16 nominees whose names were sent by Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa to the House of Assembly for screening and confirmation, was absent on July 1 when the 15 others were confirmed.

    The commissioner designate before the recent appointment was the Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Land and Housing to Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    Chief Olamide Oladiji, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, described the commissioner-designate as a technocrat and a qualified engineer.

    Oladiji said that the Special Adviser had performed excellently in all assigned roles and had contributed immensely to infrastructural development of the state.

    He expressed confidence that Olawoye would perform excellently in any ministry assigned to him by the state governor.

    Earlier, the Majority Leader, Mr Olatunji Oshati, had moved a motion for Olawoye to be confirmed while Mr Fatai Atere, Akoko North-West Constituency 1/ APC, seconded the motion.

    Speaking to journalists after his confirmation, Olawoye appreciated Aiyedatiwa for deeming it fit to appoint him to serve the state in a new capacity.

    He pledged to continue to show unwavering support to the development of the state.

    Four bills also passed through First Reading at the plenary.

    The bills are: The Registration of Domestic Staff Service Providers, Collection of Data of Domestic Staff in Ondo State and a Bill for a law to provide for the Prohibition of Act of Kidnapping and Abduction.

    Others are: A Bill to Provide for the Prohibition of Unlawful Societies and Cultism in Learning Institutions and Communities across Ondo State and a Bill for a Law to Establish the Ondo State Roads Funds (ODSRF).

  • NDDC has lived up to its statutory mandate – Aiyedatiwa

    NDDC has lived up to its statutory mandate – Aiyedatiwa

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State says the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has lived up to its established mandate.

    Aiyedatiwa stated this at the thanksgiving service to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the commission on Sunday in Akure.

    The governor commended the board and management for their exemplary leadership and commitment, especially dedication to project conception, implementation and completion which he described as impressive.

    Aiyedatiwa, who recalled his time as a former member of the commission’s board between 2018 and 2019, said he was proud of the impacts made so far, and was delighted with the continued growth and success.

    He also commended the state representatives on the board and management for their worthy representation which he said has started yielding results.

    “As we celebrate the silver jubilee of the NDDC, it is imperative that we acknowledge the progress we have made.

    “We also recognise that there is still much work to be done as the Niger Delta region continues to face significant development challenges and we must work together to address these issues.

    “I urge the NDDC to continue to improve on its activities, ensuring that projects are tailored to the needs of the communities we serve.

    “Let us work together to unlock the potential of our region, promote economic growth and enhance the lives of our people. We are partners in progress, unity and development.

    “Just as NDDC is on top of its jobs, in Ondo State, we have the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) that is living up to expectation in addressing the ecological and infrastructural needs of the oil-producing areas,” he said.

    Earlier, the Bishop of Akure Anglican Diocese, Rt. Revd. Simon Borokini, in his sermon reminded public officials that they would give account of their stewardship before God.

    “Every man, regardless of title, will one day bow before God, the perfect judge who knows all.

    “Positions of privilege are from God. The real question is: how are you using the position He has given you,” he asked.

    The NDDC Managing Director, Mr Samuel Ogbuku, in his remarks at the service commended the commission’s legacy over the past 25 years.

    Ogbuku affirmed that the commission remained accountable and transparent, stating that under the current administration, the NDDC is more focused on purposeful development.

    “President Bola Tinubu has made a difference. He has set the tone of accountability, and we are building on that vision,” he said.

  • Ondo Assembly screens 8 of 12 commissioner-nominees

    Ondo Assembly screens 8 of 12 commissioner-nominees

    The Ondo State House of Assembly has screened  eight commissioner-nominees out of the 12 persons nominated and forwarded to the assembly for confirmation by Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    The assembly commenced the screening exercise on Thursday and it is expected to end on Monday.

    Those screened by the lawmakers included,  Mr Sunday Olajide, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, Mr Olaolu Akindolire and Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun.

    Others were,  Dr Seun Osamaye, Ayodele Akande, Wale Akinlosotu and Dr Tob Loko.

    Speaking to newsmen after the exercise, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs, Dr Seun Osamaye, appreciated  members of the assembly for conducting the screening exercise in a professional way.

    Akande, one of the nominees thanked the state governor for finding him worthy, stating, “it is an opportunity to serve and I will not take it for granted”.

    Akande also promised to promote the existing peace and unity in thestate, when confirmed

    “First and foremost, before you can bring an innovation into a place, there must be peace, there must be unity.

    “I will ensure that all hands are on deck by seeking the support and cooperation of the people,” he said.

    Akinlosotu,  a former Commissioner for Information in the state, thanked the governor for deeming him fit of the nomination.

    “I’m not the only one. It is a privilege and I promise that I will not take it for granted,” he said.

    Akinlosotu pledged to do his best in whatever ministry he found himself, adding that he would bring in innovation, synergy and as well work with the stakeholders to make the state move forward.

    On his part, Loko expressed his preparedness and determination to make necessary contributions to justify the confidence reposed in him by the governor.

    He described the screening process as a transparent one.

    Recall that the governor on June 13 nominated 12 commissioners to serve in the state executive council and forwarded their names to the state House of Assembly for confirmation.

    The four other nominees awaiting screening are Ayorinde Olawoye,  Alabi Johnson,  Idowu Ajanaku and Omoyofunmi Henry.

  • Gov Aiyedatiwa nominates 12 commissioners

    Gov Aiyedatiwa nominates 12 commissioners

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has nominated 12 commissioners to serve in the state executive council.

    This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday in Akure by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan.

    The statement disclosed that the names of the nominees have been forwarded to the state House of Assembly for confirmation.

    It explained that the nomination was conveyed in a letter addressed to Speaker of the House, Olamide Oladiji on Thursday.

    The nominees are, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, Engr Ayorinde Olawoye, Mr Ayodele Akande, Engr Alabi Johnson, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, Mr Adewale Akinlosotu, Mr Idowu Ajanaku and Mrs Oluwaseun Osamaye.

    Others are; Dr Tob Loko, Mr Olaolu Akindolire, Hon. Sunday Olajide and Mr Omoyofunmi Henry.

    “In exercise of the power conferred on me by Section 192 (1&2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), I wish to forward to your esteemed office the following commissioner nominees for your kind consideration and confirmation of the House of Assembly.

    “I shall be most obliged to the honourable House for your expeditious action on this request in the overall interest of our dear state.

    “Please accept, as always, my highest regards for your esteemed self and other distinguished Members of the House,” the statement noted.

    Aiyedatiwa was sworn in on Feb. 24, 2025, two months after winning the governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.

  • Ondo governorship: Gov Aiyedatiwa reacts over tribunal victory

    Ondo governorship: Gov Aiyedatiwa reacts over tribunal victory

    The Ondo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal on Wednesday in Akure upheld the victory of Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa in the Nov.16, 2024 election and declared petitions against him as speculative.

    In a unanimous judgment, the three-member panel headed by Justice Benson Ogbu, said that the petitioners were not able to prove the allegations of over voting, non compliance with Electoral Act 2022 “beyond reasonable doubt.”

    Justice Benson Ogbu, Justice Imelda Etiape, and Justice Daurabu Sikkam, affirmed Aiyedatiwa’s victory and dismissed all petitions filed against him.

    The tribunal, which began sitting on Jan. 31, received five petitions challenging the outcome of the election.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Aiyedatiwa, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress(APC), winner of the election.

    The five petitioners were seeking the nullification of the election on grounds of non-compliance with the provisions of Electoral Act.

    The petitioners are: Action Alliance( AA) and its candidate, Mr Abdullahi Olowokere; and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidate, Chief Bamidele Akingboye.

    Others are: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Mr Agboola Ajayi; the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and its candidate, Kolawole Ogunfeyimi; and African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its candidate, Mr Adeyemi Nejo.

    The respondents are: APC, Aiyedatiwa and his running mate, Mr Olayide Adelami; and INEC.

    Mr Ishaka Dikko and Bankole Akomolafe, the PDP’s counsel, argued that the election was marred by substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act and asked the tribunal to void Aiyedatiwa’s certificate of return.

    On the other hand, Aiyedatiwa, his deputy, Adelami and the INEC enjoined the tribunal to dismiss the petitions.

    The tribunal, however, said that the allegation of vote buying could not be substantiated and supported with facts.

    It added that the petitions lacked merit that could stand as a fact to nullify the election’s outcome as being asked by the petitioners.

    The AA, through its National Chairman, Mr Adekunle Omoaje, also petitioned the tribunal, asserting that Aiyedatiwa’s declaration as the winner was illegal and void due to non-compliance with the provision of Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution.

    Omoaje claimed that the party was not permitted to nominate its legitimate governorship candidate, alleging that INEC imposed Akinnuli Omolere as the party’s candidate.

    On AA alleged exclusion of its candidate from the ballot paper on the election day, the panel held that the party lacked locus standi to initiate the petition because the party had no candidate in the said election.

    According to the panel, AA should have instituted a case at a high court to mandate INEC to submit its alleged rightful candidate for the election instead of bringing the matter to the tribunal which has no jurisdiction on pre-election matter.

    Also on APM’s allegation of evidence corrupt practices during the election, the panel struck out the petition, saying it was inconsequential because there were no material facts to support the claim.

    The tribunal also said that SDP failed to prove its allegations of over voting and corrupt practices by INEC in favour of APC.

    It added that there was nothing shown by SDP and its candidate to prove that there was over voting nor was able to tender evidence that there was falsification of the election’s result as claimed in its petition.

    The tribunal stated that elections are not determined by public opinion or propaganda, and described the petitions as a waste of the tribunal’s time and taxpayers’ money, noting that SDP and its candidate failed to provide evidence for any of the relief sought.

    The tribunal further stated that the petitions instituted by ADC and its candidate were still still-born and dead on arrival because the petitioners could not link a single polling unit to the alleged electoral malpractices.

    It also unanimously delivered its judgment on the petitions filed by PDP and its governorship candidate, Agboola Ajayi.

    PDP submitted its petition on three grounds of allegation of fake academic qualifications of deputy governor, Olayide Adelami, non compliance with electoral laws by INEC and that Aiyedatiwa did not score the lawful counts of votes during the election.

    The tribunal said that PDP presented 22 witnesses during the proceedings of the tribunal’s sittings.

    It, therefore, dismissed allegation of non academic qualification levelled against the deputy governor since it was a pre-election matter which had been decided by apex court, stating that “the petition should not have been filed at all.”

    The tribunal noted that the statistics and forensic expert’s evidence brought by PDP was faulty because the said expert could not give any identification and evidence to substantiate his expertise, subsequently, allegation of non compliance with the Electoral Act was dismissed.

    It said that the petitioners’ documents presented as their evidence could not be verified by the tribunal and that the petitioners could not also tender evidence of allegation of over voting during the election.

    The three-member panel, therefore, dismissed all the petitions for lack of merit.

    Tribunal’s verdict: You can’t steal mandate through back door – Aiyedatiwa

    Meanwhile, Governor Aiyedatiwa has reacted to the judgment of the Election Petition Tribunal that upheld his victory in the Nov. 16, 2024 governorship election.

    Aiyedatiwa, who spoke to journalists after the judgment, said that some political parties thought they could steal his mandate through the back door.

    “Some political parties thought that they can steal the mandate through the back door, but today, the judiciary has confirmed the decision of the majority of indigenes and residents of Ondo State.

    “So, I am delighted and happy; I, myself, my deputy and the chairman of our happy, we are grateful to God,” he said.

    The governor, therefore, extended the hand of fellowship to oppositions in the state, stating that their ideas would contribute to the development of the state.

  • 5 illegal miners arrested in Ondo

    5 illegal miners arrested in Ondo

    The Ondo State Government has arrested five suspected illegal sand miners at Ilu-Agbo in Ese-Local Government Area of the State.

    Mrs Folawe Sipasi-Aluko, Senior Special Assistant on Mining to Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, made this known in a statement on Saturday in Okitipupa.

    The suspected illegal miners are: David Ayara, David Monday, Bonima Boluwatife, Stanley Odoh and Wisdom Nomiye.

    Sipasi-Aluko led the operation in collaboration of the Federal Mines Task Force and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

    Other officials from the State Ministry of Mineral and Energy, State Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture and Afforestation were involved in the operation.

    Also, involved in the operation were the Department of State Security (DSS) and Ondo State Security Network (Amotekun) led by one Mr Joseph Ebisanmi, among others.

    Sipasi-Aluko said several warnings issued by the government in the past, fell on the deaf ears of the miners in the area, explaining that Gov.  Aiyedatiwa has zero tolerance for illegal mining activities.

    She declared that companies involved in sand mining must legalise their operations by obtaining an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certificate or an Environmental Management Plan (EMP).

    She added that the effects of illegal mining, such as flooding, are deadly, and emphasised that the government will not stand idly by while citizens suffer as the rainy season intensifies.

    “It is high time we put an end to illegal mining in Ondo state, particularly sand mining at Ilu-Agbo along River Oluwa in Ese-Odo.

    “The effects on the community are extremely dangerous and the state government. Ondo state have zero tolerance for illegal mining.

    “All companies operating illegally must obtain their EIA certificate or Environmental Management Plan.

    “We aim to eradicate flooding from this community as Mr Governor is committed to ensuring the safety of our people,” she said.

    Mr Isaac Ojo, the Director of Environmental Impact Assessment, stated that miners would be given instructions during the EIA process to ensure that their activities do not harm the community.

    “They will be guided on where to place their machines, loading points and how to channel waste properly. Without an EIA certificate, there is a significant risk of future harm,” he said.

    Chief Taiwo Abisagbo, a community leader in Igbobini also commended the government over the operation and the bold step to moderate activities of illegal miners on waterways across the state.

    He said illegal sand mining in the area had caused significant damage to the community, particularly in agriculture, housing and health.

    He, however, reiterated the readiness of the leadership of the community to continue to collaborate with the office of the senior special assistant to the governor on mining to ensure success.

  • Ondo Assembly confirms 2 commissioner-designate, approves 10 SAs

    Ondo Assembly confirms 2 commissioner-designate, approves 10 SAs

    The Ondo State House of Assembly, on Wednesday, confirmed two commissioner-designate, Dr Kayode Ajulo and Mrs Omowunmi Issac, whose names were forwarded to it by Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa after his inauguration on Monday.

    Mr Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, APC/Owo 1, moved a motion for the report of the Committee of Whole House to be presented on the commissioner-nominees for confirmation.

    Dr Chris  Ogunlana, Irele/ APC, seconded the motion.

    The Deputy Speaker, Mr Abayomi Akinruntan, who submitted the report, said that the nominees, possessed requirements to function as commissioners, adding that the two candidates are mentally and physically fit to excel in their respective positions.

    Speaking on the commissioners-designate, a member, Chief Olamide Oladiji, said that the duo had been screened, and found worthy to serve in the capacity.

    ”These nominees have distinguished themselves in their professional fields, and have carved a niche for themselves in all sphere of life.

    ”They have meritoriously served the state, hence their nomination by Mr Governor.

    ”Dr Ajulo, SAN , is a legal luminary, with proven integrity, within and outside the bar.

    “He has been able to distinguish himself in his professional filed, and had received national honours and several laurels, due to hard work and dedication.

    ”Also, Mrs Omowunmi is a financial expert that has contributed immensely to the development of Ondo State, and had managed the lean resources of the state for economic and infrastructural development and advancement,” he said.

    Oladiji asked the commissioners-designate to uphold truth, and discharge their duties to the best of their abilities, so that the state would continue to be the positive reference in the comity of states in the country.

    The legislators subsequently by a voice vote of the majority confirmed the two commissioners-designate.

    Speaking after their confirmation, Ajulo commended the state governor for having faith and confidence in them, stating that they would serve in line with the laws of the land.

    The House of Assembly also approved the request of the state governor to appoint 10 special advisers.

    The House of the Assembly,  thereafter adjourned plenary till Feb. 27.

    NAN eports that Aiyedatiwa on Tuesday, reappointed  Ajulo and Isaac, who were immediate past Commissioners for Justice and Finance, subject to their approval by the legislative.