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Tag: Ondo State

  • Ondo governorship election: 18 LGAs receive sensitive materials

    Ondo governorship election: 18 LGAs receive sensitive materials

    The Independence National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday distributed sensitive materials to the 18 Local Government Area of Ondo State ahead of the Nov.16 governorship election in the state.

    Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ondo State monitored the exercise at the Akure branch of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    She said that the early distribution of the sensitive materials was to show that the commission was ready for the election.

    The REC said that the sensitive materials were being distributed to ensure that no ward or polling unit was omitted.

    She re-assured the residents of the state, political parties and all stakeholders, of the commission’s readiness to conduct a transparent, free and fair election.

    “We promise that the commission will be transparent in the conduct of the election. You can see that the distribution exercise is going on very smoothly.

    “The farthest local governments have started moving to their locations. All the other local governments have received their materials, they are checking and loading the vehicles.

    “I’m sure that in another one and a half hours, we should be out of it. You can see the logistics we are distributing today and the vehicles are already moving. Ilaje has left, Ese-Odo has left, Okitipupa and Irele are loading. They will soon leave.

    “Then we move to the next set, Akoko North-East, North-West, Akoko South-West, South-East, Owo and Ose, they have collected all their materials and they will leave any moment from now.

    “Then Odigbo, Ondo-East, Ondo-West, Ifedore, Axis, they are leaving. We are on course. We are moving. The movement is not local government by local government. We are doing simultaneous movement,” she said.

    The REC explained the difficult terrain on water, Ilaje and Ese-Odo had been identified those areas and there were boats that would transport both men and materials.

    “We also have the support of the Navy. They are giving us gunboats to secure the movement. For the land where we have difficult terrain, we will move out to the place where  vehicle can reach and we will continue the rest with suitable means of transportation,” she said.

    Babalola, therefore, appealed to the political parties and their supporters to eschew violence on the election day and after the election.

    The Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Ade Adetimehin, and the State Chairman of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Adesanya Olaoluwa, commended INEC for their transparency in the exercise.

    The duo said all the parties were ready to cooperate with the commission.

    Representatives of the  political parties participating in the election and security agencies including the Police, NSCDC, FRSC, Immigration, Customs and DSS were at the venue of the exercise.

    Meanwhile, INEC said it is tracking the movement of the sensitive materials and that so far, the materials have arrived in 13 LGAs. They are Ilaje, Irele, Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo, Ose, Owo, Akoko North East, Akoko South West, Idanre, Ifedore, Akure North, Akure South, Ondo East and Ondo West.

    “The remaining 5 LGAs will arrive shortly,” the Commission stated.

    Earlier, the Supervising National Commissioner for Ondo, Ogun and Osun States, Prof. Kunle Ajayi and the Ondo REC, Babalola countersign the Ward and Local Government Area (LGA) Collation Result Sheets at the CBN, Akure, in the presence of stakeholders to further reassure them of the transparency of the process.

  • Ondo polls: IGP orders watertight security, restriction of movement

    Ondo polls: IGP orders watertight security, restriction of movement

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Kayode Egbetokun has announced comprehensive security measures aimed at ensuring a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process during the upcoming Ondo off-season Gubernatorial elections scheduled for Saturday, November 16, 2024.

    In preparation for the elections, the IGP has deployed DIG Sylvester Abiodun Alabi as the coordinating DIG for the Elections, tasked with overseeing the implementation of the Police security strategies to maintain law and order throughout the electoral period, while AIG Bennett Igweh, mni, and CP Tunji Disu are deployed as AIG and CP Elections respectively.

    As part of the security framework, there will be a restriction of all vehicular movements on roads, waterways, and other means of transportation from 6am to 6pm on Election Day, with the exception of those on essential services, such as ambulances, media officials, fire services, and other accredited media.

    Furthermore, security aides and escorts attached to VIPs are banned from accompanying VIPs to polling booths and collation centres to prevent disruptions. Unauthorized security personnel and quasi-security agencies will not be permitted to operate during the election, and a strict ban on the use of sirens by unauthorized vehicles will be enforced.

    Special consideration will also be extended to individuals with disabilities, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and those facing mobility challenges to ensure that polling stations remain accessible.

    Designated election lines have been established for inquiries and reporting incidents. These lines will be publicized as soon as possible.

    The Nigeria Police Force urges citizens to report all suspicious activities that may threaten the integrity of the electoral process and reaffirms its commitment to fostering a safe and democratic environment as the state gears up for the elections.

    The Police will also be working with the military and other Federal security agencies as collaborative efforts from all stakeholders are vital to ensuring that the elections are conducted fairly and peacefully.

  • Ondo 2024: INEC begins distribution of sensitive materials today

    Ondo 2024: INEC begins distribution of sensitive materials today

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will today begin the distribution of sensitive materials for the Ondo State governorship election scheduled to hold on Saturday November 16 2024.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ondo disclosed this while assuring electorates and stakeholders of transparency.

    Babalola gave the assurance during the inspection of sensitive materials by major stakeholders at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Wednesday in Akure.

    The REC, who said the sensitive materials would be distributed on Thursday, explained that the inspection of the sensitive materials was in a bid to show the transparency of the commission.

    According to her, showing the stakeholders the sensitive materials shows that the commission is committed to deliver a free, fair and credible election.

    “The reason we invited critical stakeholders such as security officers, political parties, observers, media, among others, to this inspection is to show transparency. You can see that they are well wrapped, nobody has tampered with them.

    “When we come tomorrow (Thursday) for distribution, we will open them one Local Government (LG) at a time and give them to the electoral officers.

    “We will start with the furthest LG so that they can get there on time. When they get to the LG, distribution to registration areas and polling units will start,” she said.

    Also, Mr Olumide Festus, a People Democratic Party (PDP) agent, and one of the stakeholders inspecting the sensitive materials, said it would go a long way to determine the outcome of the election.

    “With these inspection, I believe that election will taking place as scheduled and I can see security agencies particularly here in CBN that they are fully on ground.

    “And we too as a party, we are ready for the election and by the grace of God we shall win,” he said

    Also, Ms Faith Nwadishi, Executive Director, Centre For Transparency Advocacy (CTA), applauded INEC for its transparency ahead of the election.

    “With these sensitive materials, we believe that the election will hold as scheduled,” she said.

  • Why Ondo people should re-elect Gov Aiyedatiwa – VP Shettima

    Why Ondo people should re-elect Gov Aiyedatiwa – VP Shettima

    Vice-President Kashim Shettima has implored voters in Ondo State to re-elect Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, in Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

    Shettima made the call on Wednesday while addressing the crowd at the MKO Abiola Democracy Park, Akure, for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship campaign.

    The Vice-President assured that the duo would bring hope, prosperity, and unity. He added that they would ensure that the sun continued to shine brighter in the sunshine state.

    Shettima told the electorate to ensure their votes collectively become their voice, conviction and message to those underestimating APC’s strength and will in the state.

    “Aiyedatiwa is not merely campaigning to hold onto a position — he is campaigning to bring hope, prosperity, and unity to every corner of Ondo State.

    ”I am confident he is the leader who can turn these ambitions into realities. This election is more than a choice between two candidates. It is a choice between progress and stagnation; unity and division. It is a chance to stand with a party that has consistently delivered and with a leader who truly understands the heartbeat of Ondo.

    “So, as you go to the polls, remember what we stand for. Remember what you deserve: a governor with the experience, the compassion, and the strength to keep pushing Ondo toward greatness. Let’s secure Ondo’s future together. Let us vote APC, and re-elect Aiyedatiwa,” he said.

    Extending President Bola Tinubu’s goodwill to the people of the state, Shettima said the President was in support of Aiyedatiwa. According to him, President Tinubu is confident that the governor’s re-election will sustain the commitment of APC to the people’s well-being.

    “Today, I bring you the goodwill of  President Tinubu, who would have loved to be here today, but he is with us in spirit, and he has fully endorsed the Aiyedatiwa-Adelami ticket as the torchbearers of prosperity for the state,” he said.

    Shettima urged the people of Ondo to look beyond distractions and instead at the integrity and stability, the APC has brought to the state.

    “Look at the work we’ve done to strengthen our economy; even if the gains may not always be immediately visible. Consider the real, practical solutions APC offers to make the sun shine brighter in Ondo State,” he added.

    He described Aiyedatiwa and his deputy as men of exceptional courage and leaders tested by challenges that would have deterred many.

    Shettima noted that the governor had shown remarkable resilience in building a formidable force for the APC in the state.

    “From overcoming politically motivated attacks to uniting our great party, he has proven himself not just a survivor but a leader who stands strong for the good people of the sunshine state,” he said.

    Earlier, Aiyedatiwa urged the people to vote for APC, saying that his predecessor, late Rotimi Akeredolu, would be happy seeing all APC winning the election.

    Aiyedatiwa recalled that Akeredolu once told him that he, Aiyedatiwa, would succeed him, adding that the late governor would be glad to see this happen come Saturday.

    He said that the electorate would attest to the level of development in the state, pledging that by the time he returned, he would do his best.

    The National Chairman of APC, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, also expressed confidence that Aiyedatiwa would win the Saturday, Nov. 16 gubernatorial election. According to him, a vote for Aiyedatiwa is a vote for unity, peace and development.

  • Gov Aiyedatiwa tasks Ondo residents on farming

    Gov Aiyedatiwa tasks Ondo residents on farming

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has called on Nigerians to participate more in farming to reduce prices of food in the country.

    Aiyedatiwa made call during the unveiling of N10 billion mixed-use housing project and inauguration of new executive members of Ondo State Farmers Congress held on Friday in Akure.

    According to the governor, if we have more of farmers going to the farms, then food will be cheaper than it is right now.

    “Because we believe in the common economic principle that if you increase production and there is available food in large quantity, economy of scale, then definitely, prices will reduce,” he said.

    Aiyedatiwa, who promised to continue to support farmers in the state, said his government would not relent in its commitment to construct and grade more rural roads for easy access to farmlands in the state.

    “This government will continue to support you, especially those of you that are in the foremost part of the hinterlands who don’t have motorable roads to your various farms.

    “It is a programme we have started and we will continue to look forward to it, it will come to your area,” he said.

    The governor applauded farmers for their unrelated efforts to stand in day and night to ensure there were food in abundance in the state.

    Earlier, Mr Abayomi Monilari, President, State Farmers’ Congress, said that the N10 billion mixed-use housing project would provide much-needed housing and community spaces for hardworking farmers in the state.

    Monilari, who promised to deliver 450,000 votes for the governor in Nov.16 governorship election, requested for reinstatement of cocoa development fund to the congress.

    He explained that the fund would enable them to play their roles and responsibilities to the entire farming communities.

    “We are proud to announce that the Ondo State Farmers’ Congress is committed to delivering 450,000 votes to Your Excellency in this upcoming election.

    “This commitment is borne out of our deep appreciation for the progress we have seen under your administration.

    “The promise of these votes is not merely symbolic; it is a well-analysed projection based on the mobilisation of farmers across all wards and communities in the state.

    “Our analysis shows that farmers are not only the backbone of our economy but also a powerful electoral force.

    “We are determined to channel this force to support your re-election bid, as we believe that the continuity of your leadership is essential for the ongoing transformation of Ondo’s agricultural sector,” he said.

  • Ondo 2024: 18 parties sign peace accord

    Ondo 2024: 18 parties sign peace accord

    At least, 18 governorship candidates on Friday in Akure have signed a peace accord ahead of the 2024 Ondo State off-cyle Governorship Election scheduled for November 16 in the State.

    Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, Chairman, National Peace Committee (NPC), who oversaw the signing, said it was to support a peaceful and credible electoral process. He also said the accord would promote the ideals of peace and democracy.

    Abubakar urged the party leaders and candidates to accept the outcome of the election as long as it was adjudged to be free, fair and credible.

    He said that any candidate or party should seek legitimate and peaceful means of addressing any concern that may arise thereafter.

    “I want to call on all stakeholders to work assiduously in their capacities to ensure that peace reigns supreme during this election.

    “And that the Ondo State off-cycle Election sets a precedent for other off-cycle elections to emulate. I want to urge all politicians who will sign the accord to fully commit themselves and their parties to the letter and spirit of the accord.

    “Shun violence and intimidation and remember that as politicians, you must demonstrate the spirit of sportsmanship, as that is a key trait of good leadership.

    “So, It is the sincere hope of the National Peace Committee that the Ondo State election will be free, fair, credible, and peaceful,” the NPC chairman said.

    Abubakar, who commended INEC for the work done so far, called on them to continuously live up to their responsibilities in ensuring that eligible voters exercised their franchise peacefully.

    Earlier, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, National Chairman, Independence National Electoral Commission (INEC), commended the committee for their timely efforts in bringing parties and candidate together for peaceful elections in Nigeria.

    Yakubu said that seven peace accords had been signed in off-cycle elections since inception in 2020.

    He called on religious leaders, traditional leaders, security agencies and others to join hands with the commission for a peaceful election.

    “To all political parties and candidates, singing of the peace accord alone will not guarantee a peaceful election. Peace accord is never ultimated but your commitment with implementation is crucial.

    “So, you have signed the peace accord, you should commit yourself with implementation and pass the message to your supporters to comply to honour the effort.

    “I have said repeatedly that to honour the effort and sacrifices of the chairman and members of the NPC, we must ensure peaceful elections in Nigeria,” Yakubu said.

    Also, Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by DIG Abiodun Alabi, said that 36,637 personnel would be deployed to all the 3933 polling units, 203 wards across the 18 Local Government Area of Ondo State.

    “We are going to deploy four personnel to each of the polling units to protect the INEC materials, officials and electorate during and after the election,” he said.

    Speaking on behalf of the candidates, Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State and governorship candidate of All Progressive Congress (APC), promised to abide by the laws and regulations guiding the election process.

  • Governorship election: Aiyedatiwa makes promise to Ondo workers

    Governorship election: Aiyedatiwa makes promise to Ondo workers

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has assured workers in the State that his administration has no plan to downsize.

    Aiyedatiwa made the promise on Monday in Akure during the Ondo State Public Service Week Celebration Lecture with the theme: “Creating and Managing a Future-Ready Public Service: A Pathway to Sustainable Development”.

    The governor also assured the workers of his administration’s commitment to prompt and regular payment of salaries, allowances and pensions.

    “The gradual recruitment into critical sectors of the Service to address acute personnel gaps will also continue as much as practicable.

    “I want to assure you that even with the financial burden that all of these may attract, our administration will never ever contemplate downsising the workforce.

    “In all honesty, the Public Service requires to be rejigged and equipped to upscale its roles and processes to meet the trends of best world practices in Public Administration.

    “The time has come, therefore, for the Service to be more proactive, innovative, dynamic and be tech-driven.

    “The capacity of the institutions and its operators must be enhanced for effective and efficient service delivery to justify the huge resources invested in it and to serve the society better.

    “I have no doubt in my mind, therefore, that this forum will come with a great impartation for our public servants,” he said.
    Aiyedatiwa, while assuring the workers of the payment of the new minimum wage, congratulated them for the 2024 celebration.

    Earlier, the Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip, appreciated the governor for his moral and physical support toward the welfare of public servants in the state.

    Philip thanked the governor for the constant payment of workers’ salaries, key appointments, and the promotion of over 5,040 civil servants in the state.

    He stressed the essential role of the public service in fostering forward-thinking governance and highlighted the administration’s commitment to regular salary payments, pensions and the provision of 2024 leave bonuses.

  • Aiyedatiwa tells Ondo workers when to expect new minimum wage payment

    Aiyedatiwa tells Ondo workers when to expect new minimum wage payment

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has said that the new minimum wage of ₦73,000 for civil servants would be implemented from November.

    The governor made this announcement on Friday in Akure while addressing workers during a fitness walk, which is part of the 2024 Public Service Week celebration programme.

    The civil servants, who walked through parts of Akure, the state capital, later converged at the Government House, Alagbaka, where they were warmly received.

    Aiyedatiwa emphasised that the welfare of civil servants remained a priority of his administration.

    “Anything we have done for civil servants has never been politically driven.

    “If workers are not happy, they won’t be encouraged. That is why we have always prioritised their welfare,” he said

    The governor further stressed the importance of motivation among workers, describing it as a mindset essential for productivity.

    Aiyedatiwa assured the civil servants that if elected, he would surpass his current achievements, pledging to break his own record by delivering even more for the workforce.

    He expressed appreciation for their show of solidarity and reminded them of his shared identity as the number one civil servant in the state.

    The Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philips, during the event, appreciated Aiyedatiwa for creating a conducive environment for civil servants.

    He acknowledged the administration’s commitment to prompt salary payments, regular promotions, and the consistent disbursement of pension.

    Philips emphasised that civil servants gathered at the event were not politicians but were there to express their appreciation for the governor’s dedication to their welfare.

    Also, the State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, Mr Clement Fatuase, expressed confidence in Aiyedatiwa’s continued support for civil servants.

    He assured the governor that after the Nov. 16 governorship election, the civil servants would proudly come forward on Nov. 17 to celebrate his victory.

    Fatuase emphasised the strong bond between the governor and the public workforce, highlighting the appreciation and loyalty of civil servants towards his administration.

  • Gunmen kill bar owner in Ondo

    Gunmen kill bar owner in Ondo

    A 41-year-old bar owner, identified as “Oluomo” in Yaba, Ondo West Local Government Area of Ondo State has been killed by unknown assailants on Thursday October 31. 

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) learnt that Oluomo was ruthlessly gunned down outside a popular bar in Omoloore, Yaba.

    According to eyewitness, a group of men fatally shot Oluomo, minutes after walking in and ordering for drinks.

    The perpetrators quickly fled the scene after the attack.

    A mourner at the scene, Mrs. Denhinde Sola, shared her account of the harrowing ordeal.

    “Oluomo came to the bar as usual. Just as he was about to close up for the night, some men came in, sat down, and ordered drinks. Before anyone knew what was happening, they pointed a gun at him and fired,” she explained.

    Family members of the deceased frantically attempted to rush him to a nearby hospital, but sadly, he was declared dead upon arrival.

    Police officers from the Yaba Divisional Station later arrived, removing the body to the general hospital, where it was transferred to the state mortuary.

    The Ondo Police Command has assured the public that investigations are underway to bring the perpetrators to justice.

  • All federal roads will be motorable by Christmas – Umahi

    All federal roads will be motorable by Christmas – Umahi

    Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi has disclosed that all federal road controllers have been directed to give details of roads within their domain, whether awarded or not, so that by this Christmas, all federal high roads in the country will be motorable.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Umahi made this disclosure on Thursday in Akure during the Federal Ministry of Works Town Hall meeting/stakeholders’ engagement on the alignment of the Ondo State with the 63km segment of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway.

    Speaking, the Minister of Works said the current administration met over 2,000 incomplete road projects running into trillions of Naira and that his ministry was not afraid of taking big decisions and had wielded the big stick by terminating 10 contracts of erring companies.

    According to Umahi, President Bola Tinubu is a gift to Nigeria by starting several legacy projects that would last beyond the current administration. The Minister said the Federal Government and the state government were committed to restoring Aiyetoro community that was currently battling sea incursion.

    Umahi also said that the road, which would pass through seven states, would open up new businesses. He assured that the design for the section of the road in the state would be concluded in November.

    “We have terminated over 10 contracts of big companies and we have the mind to terminate more and you can’t dictate to us, we will tell you what we want. Our books are very much open. We will conclude the design (for Ondo State) within the month of November and we will inaugurate it.

    “We have directed that all federal road controllers should give us details of roads within their domain, whether awarded or not, so that by this Christmas, all federal high roads will be motorable. We are coming back after your election to start the Aiyetoro project, which we will construct after this one.

    “Nigerians should be grateful that we have a listening President. He is committed to all sectors. This country still has a lot of potentials,” he said.

    Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State commended Tinubu for always remembering the state when it comes to legacy projects. Aiyedatiwa, who said the project was not a political one, noted that the project had already started in other sections.

    “He (Tinubu) is supporting us economically. I want to thank you for all the other projects in the country. This projects will be of huge benefit to us, that is why we are going to corporate with the Federal Government and the contractors,” he said.

    Earlier, the Chairman, House of Representatives’ Committee on Works, Mr Akin Alabi, commended Tinubu for the initiative and the minister for working hard to get the desired results for Nigerian roads.

    “We at the House of Representatives are fully behind the President and the works minister. Our aim is that, we want Nigeria to work. We have to say bye-bye to the practice of contractors collecting money and not working.

    ”If contractor are not in site, don’t pay them, that’s one of the biggest scam in the ministry,” he said.

    A representative of the Riverine communities, Mr Banji Okunomo, appreciated President Tinubu for deeming it important to ensure the road pass through their domain.

    Okunomo noted that the 93 km shore line of the riverine areas had been so disconnected, urging them to deliver the project in stipulated time and assured of enabling environment to achieve the result.