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Tag: Lucky Aiyedatiwa

  • Gov Aiyedatiwa approves conversion of Ondo Poly to university

    Gov Aiyedatiwa approves conversion of Ondo Poly to university

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has approved the conversion of the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, to a University of Agriculture and Agribusiness.

    The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ebenezer Adeniyan, announced this on Wednesday in a statement in Akure.

    The statement said the decision followed a review of the initial proposal for the upgrade of the polytechnic to a university of management science and technology by the former administration.

    According to the statement, the school will be the model for the agriculture and food security revolution initiative of the state government.

    It said that a committee would be set up by the government to work out the modalities for the implementation of the conversion.

    “This is to ensure that this will not have any negative effects on the current students and staff of the institution,” it said.

    According to the statement, the governor also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the state government and a private investor to inject N15 billion into a youth-oriented agriculture initiative.

    It noted that the MoU was an agreement for the establishment and operation of the Young Ranchers Agricultural Cluster Development Programme between the government and AgroMall Discovery and Extension Limited.

    It added that the initiative would focus on practical farming for young people and practical training for students in agriculture and agric related operations.

    The statement said the company would make use of five hectares of land in each of the three approved clusters in the state.

    “Using three higher institutions, including the newly upgraded RUGIPO, as host pilot beneficiaries,” it said.

    It added that aside from training of the students, each of the institutions to be used as hosts also would benefit a percentage from the proceeds of the operations.

  • What Tinubu said about Gov Aiyedatiwa’s fresh term in office

    What Tinubu said about Gov Aiyedatiwa’s fresh term in office

    President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on his fresh term in office.

    Aiyedatiwa, who succeeded former Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu, was sworn in on Monday in Akure, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President’s spokesman, said in a statement.

    Tinubu urged the governor to use his mandate to serve the people of the state and build upon the legacy of his predecessor, the late Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu.

    “I congratulate you on your successful inauguration today for a new term of office after an outstanding run in the last governorship election in Ondo State.

    “You have the rare privilege to succeed your illustrious predecessor, who worked for the growth and development of the state and advanced the progress of Nigeria as a whole,” Tinubu said.

    The President further urged Aiyedatiwa to work in the best interest of the people of Ondo State and the nation.

    “I will be your partner in progress to usher in a new era of prosperity to the people of Ondo State,” Tinubu added.

    What Aiyedatiwa said after taking oath of office

    Meanwhile, Governor Aiyedatiwa has said that he was not under any illusions that the task ahead of his administration was going to be easy.

    Aiyedatiwa said this on Monday in Akure at his  inauguration as the governor, but expressed confidence that with the continued support and cooperation of  the people of the state, the administration shall succeed.

    The governor and his Deputy, Mr Olayide Adelami, were sworn in by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Olusegun Odusola at the ceremony witnessed by APC National Chairman, Alhaj Abdulahi Ganduje.

    Also present at the occasion were Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, former APC Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande and former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba.

    Also in attendance were Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of Youths, Mr Olawande Ayodele and former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko among others.

    Aiyedatiwa and his deputy were elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Nov. 16 governorship election.

    In his inaugural speech, Gov. Aiyedatiwa paid tributes to past leaders of the state for laying the foundation upon which successive governments have built.

    He said that his administration had in the last 14 months been able to restore the confidence of the people in government.

    Aiyedatiwa said that in spite of the political division and crisis brought about by the sickness and the eventual death of  Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu, he had demonstrated utter commitment to the development and welfare of the people.

    He acknowledged and appreciated the support and goodwill of President Bola Tinubu for the confidence reposed in the state, for his leadership and unwavering commitment to evolving a new Nigeria.

    The governor stated that security of lives and properties would remain on the top of his agenda as well as creation of jobs for the people.

    Aiyedatiwa said that  focus would also be given to technology and innovation as part of efforts to also create new opportunities for the unemployed youth.

    He added that government would build technical schools across the senatorial districts of the state.

    “Our dear Sunshine State has witnessed tremendous progress in infrastructural development, provision of social amenities and public buildings, while we have kept on the front burner the social well-being of the people.

    “We have impacted the state positively in agriculture, health, revenue generation, urban renewal, rural roads construction, education, employment, investments promotion and entrepreneurship.

    “We like to assure you that the overwhelming renewed mandate you have freely given to us has further placed on us a huge burden of leadership and we promise never to rest on our oars.

    “We make a solemn pledge this day that we shall lead and govern with the fear of God and utmost dedication to the progress of the state.

    “We will prioritise the welfare of our people, particularly the most vulnerable among us – the poor, the sick and the marginalised,” the governor said.

    Aiyedatiwa also appealed to opposition parties to join hands with his administration to develop the state.

    He added that there was no need for unnecessary political distractions which would cost time, resources and energies that could be redirected and gainfully utilised for accelerated development.

  • Gov Aiyedatiwa appoints Pa Fasoranti’s son as SSG

    Gov Aiyedatiwa appoints Pa Fasoranti’s son as SSG

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has appointed Dr Taiwo Fasoranti as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

    Taiwo is the son of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the leader of pan Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere.

    The appointment is contained in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ebenezer Adeniyan, on Monday in Akure.

    Aiyedatiwa was inaugurated earlier on Monday as the 7th elected governor of the state.

    Until his appointment as SSG, Fasoranti, who hails from Akure South Local Government, was the Chairman of the Ondo State Hospitals Management Board.

    The governor also reappointed Dr Kayode Ajulo as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, and Mrs Omowunmi Isaac as Commissioner for Finance.

    Aiyedatiwa also approved the appointment of four Special Advisers; Engr Johnson Alabi on Power; Seun Osamaye on Women Affairs; Mr Bola Taiwo on Union Matters and Special Duties; and Prof. Simidele Odimayo on Health.

    The governor said the Senior Special Assistant on Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, had been elevated to the position of Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Lands and Housing.

    Aiyedatiwa urged the appointees “to hit the ground running by providing effective and efficient services to the people of Ondo State.”

    He said that all appointments were with immediate effect.

  • Swearing-in: Aiyedatiwa pardons 43 convicts

    Swearing-in: Aiyedatiwa pardons 43 convicts

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Monday pardoned 43 convicts to celebrate his swearing-in as governor.

    This is contained in a statement issued by his Spokesperson, Mr Ebenezer Adeniyan in Akure.

    Aiyedatiwa was sworn in on Monday as the seventh elected governor of the state after winning the Nov. 16, 2024 governorship election.

    The government said the pardon follows the recommendation by the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Kayode Ajulo.

    “As part of this initiative, the governor has ordered the outright release of eight individuals who were previously incarcerated.

    “Additionally, 15 condemned inmates who were sentenced to death by hanging have had their sentences commuted to various prison terms, while 20 other convicts serving life imprisonment have also had their sentences adjusted to more lenient terms.

    “This momentous decision was made to commemorate Governor Aiyedatiwa’s swearing-in today, reflecting his commitment to reformative justice and humane governance,” the government  said.

    The governor’s action, it added, aligns with his ongoing efforts to address issues within the penal system and to promote the reintegration of individuals into society as productive members.

  • Tight security as Aiyedatiwa is sworn in as Governor today

    Tight security as Aiyedatiwa is sworn in as Governor today

    The Ondo State Police Command has ordered the deployment of personnel and tight security measures around the venue for the swearing-in of Lucky Aiyedatiwa as Governor of Ondo State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Mr Wilfred Afolabi, Commissioner of Police, Ondo State, gave the order as Aiyedatiwa would be sworn-in today as the Governor of Ondo State.

    He was a former deputy governor to the late governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, who died of cancer in December 2023, before he became an acting governor.

    Aiyedatiwa went on to win the governorship election held in Ondo State on November 16 2024.

    He braved all odds to emerge victorious in the governorship election, which was a two horse race between him and Agboola Ajayi of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The governor-elect won the election with 366,781 votes, defeating his closest rival, who scored 117,845 votes, with Aiyedatiwa winning in all 18 local governments of the State.

    His victory did not, however, come easy as he faced so many hurdles in his attempt to seek the mandate of the people of Ondo State for the exalted office of the governor.

    The hurdles ranged from attempted impeachment to undermining his office as the acting governor, among several attempts to smear his name, ahead of the governorship polls due to the health challenges faced by his then boss, Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu.

    For Aiyedatiwa, who was appointed deputy governor after the removal of Agboola Ajayi, the erstwhile occupant of the office, his road to the Alagbaka Government House did not just come on a platter.

    He battled 15 other contestants to secure the ticket of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    He clinched the ticket with a resounding victory, amassing a total of 48,569 votes in the governorship primaries, with his closest contender, Mayowa Akinfolarin, trailing behind him with 15,343 votes, while Chief Olusola Oke placed third with 14,865 votes.

    In a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday in Akure by CSP Funmilayo Odunlami, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ondo State Command, Afolabi explained that the deployment of personnel and security measures for the swearing in was to ensure the safety of attendees.

    According to him, the deployment will also ensure smooth running of activities, while escorts attached to Very Important Persons (VIPs) will not be permitted entry with rifles, as part of security measures.

    “However, they may remain around the stadium perimeter in designated areas. Also, commuters who regularly use routes around the venue are advised to take alternative routes for ease of movement and to reduce congestion.

    “Vehicle owners who usually park around Stadium Area are strongly advised to park in safer locations to avoid damage, congestion, or obstruction on the road.

    “All security agencies will be on ground to enforce compliance with these guidelines,”  the CP said.

    Afolabi, therefore, urged the residents of the state to align with the guidelines to ensure a secure and orderly event.

  • Aiyedatiwa vows to clear outstanding gratuities of LG retirees

    Aiyedatiwa vows to clear outstanding gratuities of LG retirees

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has promised to pay the backlog of gratuities for primary school teachers and local government retirees in the state.

    Aiyedatiwa made the pledge at the commencement of the 4th tranche payment of outstanding gratuities to the pensioners on Friday in Akure.

    He said the sum of N2.5 billion has been earmarked for the payment of 2013 outstanding gratuity to local government retirees.

    “Under our watch, a system of regular warehousing of funds for gratuity payment to pensioners both at the state and local government levels has been put in place and assisted.

    “I’ll like to use this occasion to pledge our irrevocable commitment to this plan until the last kobo of gratuity owed retirees in Ondo State is finally liquidated,” he said.

    The governor further said the payment was not for political gains but to express the sincerity of his administration on the provision of welfare and infrastructure to the people of the state.

    He also said that his administration would continue to accord special care to the elderly and the vulnerable persons.

    Aiyedatiwa thanked the people of the state for voting for him during the Nov. 16 governorship election, with a promise to deliver good governance for the benefits of all and sundry.

    Speaking, the Head of Service, Pastor Bayo Philip, said that the governor was known for putting smile on the faces of pensioners.

    “If people pretend not to see anything, they cannot deny this. The governor is determined to upset all gratuities in the state,” Philip stressed.

    In his remarks, the state President of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), Elder Johnson Osunyemi, appreciated the governor’s effort, especially the payment of consequential adjustment in pensions.

  • Governor, dignitaries honour late Ondo SSG

    Governor, dignitaries honour late Ondo SSG

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, alongside other dignitaries, attended the Service of Songs and Christian wake on Friday, held in honour of the late Temitayo Oluwatuyi.

    The event was part of the activities organised ahead of Oluwatuyi’s burial programme.

    Aiyedatiwa, paying tribute to the late Secretary to the State Government, acknowledged his remarkable contributions to the political and administrative landscapes of Ondo State.

    He described Oluwatuyi as a seasoned, generous, and diligent statesman whose calmness and wealth of experience were invaluable.

    “He was a selfless leader who dedicated his life to public service, championing various interests and contributing immensely to the state’s growth and development,” Aiyedatiwa said.

    The service began with a Bible reading by the deceased’s daughter, Mrs Jumoke Adeola, from Ecclesiastes 3:1-11, a passage reflecting on life’s seasons and divine timing.

    Pastor James Onagwa, delivering words of encouragement from Matthew 24:35, titled ‘Where Will Christ Find You?’, emphasised life’s brevity and the need to prepare for eternity.

    In his tribute, Sen. Adeniyi Adegbonmire, representing Ondo Central Senatorial District, described Oluwatuyi’s passing as a significant loss to the Akure community.

    Adegbonmire highlighted the deceased’s contributions and exemplary service.

    Reflecting on her father’s legacy, Mrs Jumoke Adeola described him as a compassionate man and a cheerful giver who instilled in his children the value of selfless generosity.

    Oluwatuyi’s final rites will take place on Saturday.

    The event was attended by top government officials and political figures, including Ondo State’s Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, and Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mr Olamide Oladiji.

  • Ondo LG election: Gov Aiyedatiwa reacts, berates PDP for withdrawal

    Ondo LG election: Gov Aiyedatiwa reacts, berates PDP for withdrawal

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has described as cowardly, the withdrawal of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the local government election in the state.

    Aiyedatiwa said this on Saturday while speaking with newsmen after casting his vote at polling Unit 5, Ugbo Ward 4, in Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.

    Recall Mr Leye Igbagbo, PDP Director of Media and Publicity in Ondo State, had announced the withdrawal of the party from the election in a statement on Thursday.

    “For PDP to to pull out, that is cowardice. They participated in the whole process. ODIEC released the time table for the election on time, I don’t know the reason for that (withdrawal).

    “Maybe the fear of losing. Every election has its own logistics and other political parties are participating. So, whatever reason that made them withdraw, I am not privy to that,” he said.

    Aiyedatiwa also described the election as a step towards enhancing grassroots development. The governor reiterated the commitment of his administration to the effective running of the local government system in the state in line with the provisions of the law.

    Aiyedatiwa commended the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) for the seamless conduct of the polls, and thanked the people for participating in the election.

    “I just cast my vote without any crisis, this is just what happened on the Nov.16 governorship election which was adjudged to be free and fair.

    “The materials arrived early and the security and citizens are here. They are participating and at the end of the day, just as we have in the last election, we don’t expect anything else,” he said.

    Also  the Ondo State Deputy Governor, Mr Olayide Adelami, voted at 9:45 a.m. at Igbooroko Unit 16, Ward 3 in Owo, Owo LGA. Adelami, who praised the electorate for the turnout, urged them to vote massively for APC.

    APC chairmanship candidate commends conduct of Ondo LG polls

    Meanwhile, the chairmanship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akure South Local Government Area (LGA), Dr Gbenga Fasua, has commended the conduct of the ongoing Ondo State Local Government Election.

    Fasua, who stated this on Saturday after casting his vote at Ward 10, Polling Unit 5, Oja Oshodi, Akure, said that the election at Akure South LGA, was free and fair in all ramifications.

    The candidate also noted that there was no intimidation, and applauded Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) for the peaceful, and fair conduct of the election.

    According to him, there is relatively good turnout contrary to the opinion of some people that voters might not come out.

    “People thought there would be voter apathy but you can see that people are coming out to vote. There is peaceful conduct of the election and everything is orderly.

    “In this election, I am sure of victory and when declared winner, I will change the narrative. I am experienced enough to occupy the position,” he said.

  • Gov Aiyedatiwa frees 40 prisoners to mark 60th birthday

    Gov Aiyedatiwa frees 40 prisoners to mark 60th birthday

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State in a poignant act of compassion commemorating his 60th birthday has granted prerogative of mercy to 40 prisoners in the state.

    Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor made this known in a statement on Sunday in Akure.

    Adeniyan explained that initiative emerged from recommendations put forth by the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy headed by Dr. Olukayode Ajulo (SAN), the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.

    According to him, the initiative emphasise the governor’s dedication to fostering a justice system that prioritises reform over retribution.

    He said that the governor’s decision reflects a profound commitment to rehabilitation and the transformative power of second chances.

    ”Among the fortunate beneficiaries, 15 convicts will experience the profound relief of outright release effective from Jan. 12, 2025.

    “In a further demonstration of mercy, several death sentences will be commuted to life imprisonment.

    “while others will see their terms of incarceration reduced, thereby nurturing renewed hope for reintegration into society.

    “The signing of the release orders coincides with the governor’s 60th birthday, marking a significant occasion with an act of grace.

    “Gov. Aiyedatiwa’s actions are in accordance with Section 212 (1) (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended),” Adeniyan said.

    He, therefore, said that  Aiyedatiwa chose to forgo his birthday celebrations in honour of the late Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon. Tayo Oluwatuyi (Tuykana) who died previous week.

    However, Ajulo said that the council’s deliberations were enriched by insights from correctional authorities, legal experts.

    “And esteemed community members, focusing on the nature of the offenses, duration of incarceration, age, health, and behaviour of the inmates.

    “Also, this compassionate gesture underscores Gov. Aiyedatiwa’s unwavering commitment to extend Grace and Mercy to the said convicts which represented a vital component of his administration’s ongoing Justice Sector Reforms,” he said.

  • Gov Aiyedatiwa declares curfew in Owo over deadly cult clashes

    Gov Aiyedatiwa declares curfew in Owo over deadly cult clashes

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has declared a dawn to dusk curfew in Owo, Owo Local Government Area over cult clashes which claimed four lives on Monday.

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

    According to him, the ongoing violent cult clashes and security disturbances in Owo has led to loss of lives.

    “The governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has ordered a dawn-to-dusk curfew in the town till further notice.

    “All residents are required to remain indoors during the curfew. Only essential services, such as hospitals, emergency services, and law enforcement will be exempted from the curfew.

    “The governor has tasked security agencies in the state to enforce the curfew, ensure safety of lives and properties, arrest the perpetrators of violence and restore peace to the community,” Adeniyan said.