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Tag: Ondo State

  • Guber poll: Work together – Ganduje appeals to Ondo APC leaders

    Guber poll: Work together – Ganduje appeals to Ondo APC leaders

    National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Abdulahi Ganduje, has appealed to leaders of the party in Ondo State to work together for victory in the November 16 governorship election.

    Ganduje made the appeal at the South-West APC Governors’ Forum stakeholders meeting on Sunday in Akure. He said all bigwigs of the party in the region and at the national level were in the state to show their support and commitment for the election.

    The APC National Chairman said he was encouraged by the number of party leaders in the state that were present at the meeting, urging them to put all that happened in the primary behind them and support the party’s candidate.

    “Our mission is to give you assurance that the party is solidly behind you and all stakeholders at national level are being coordinated so that we have a successful election in Ondo State.

    “We are here to motivate, energise and support you that this election and the success in this election is a task that must be done.

    “We are expecting 90 per cent in the coming election. Make sure you know those that are supposed to vote in the polling units. We assure you Tinubu is the best leader that we have,” he said.

    Also speaking, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State expressed delight for the unity in the party in Ondo State. Sanwo-Olu commended all the aspirants in the April 20 party’s primary for their sportsmanship, appealing to them to “unite for the victory of APC in the November election.”

    The Governor of Ekiti State, Abiodun Oyebanji, urged the stakeholders to work for the success of the party’s candidate as it was the first election that would be held in the region of President BolaTinubu.

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who is the APC candidate in the election, in his remarks, appreciated the leaders, assuring them that all the suggestions at the meeting would be addressed.

    Also, the Chairman of APC in Ondo State, Mr Ade Adetimehin, said that the party was more united, saying “no faction, no division in Ondo State; we are one.”

  • Gov Aiyedatiwa announces N73,000 minimum wage for Ondo workers

    Gov Aiyedatiwa announces N73,000 minimum wage for Ondo workers

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, on Saturday, said N73,000 would be paid as new minimum wage for workers in the State.

    Aiyedatiwa made the announcement at the flag off of his campaign in Ondo town for the Nov.16 governorship election in the state

    The governor is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the election

    The flag off campaign, which kicked off in Ondo West Local Government Area of the State, had  many party chieftains, in attendance.

    Aiyedatiwa, who announced the new minimum wage, said it was important for people of the state to vote for him to enable him continue the the good he was currently doing.

    He said the N73000 new minimum wage was part of the fulfillment of his promise to ensure workers in the state enjoyed dividends of democracy and lived a better life.

    Aiyedatiwa also said the feed back he had got from his appointees, showed that people were happy with his good work so far.

    “I will like to mention few of our various initiative we have brought on board, in the last 10 months.

    “In Agriculture, in other to increase our food production, we have approved over N1 billion  to clear lands for our people to boost food production .

    “We have also embarked on rural road construction, and we have flagged off over nine rural roads.

    “To further enhance and support our farmers, we are upscaling our security architecture so that when farmers go to farm, they will be secured.

    “We have also supported our home grown security network and other security agencies.

    “The collaboration between security outfit and Amotekun has been fantastic to achieve the desired result,” he said.

    Aiyedatiwa said his administration had touched different sectors in the last few months, to ensure that no stone was left unturned in the state.

    Also, the APC Chairman in the state, Mr Ade Adetimehin, said the few politicians left in the opposition would soon join the good party.

    Adetimehin eulogised the late Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu for laying good foundation for the party over the last eight years.

    The APC chairman appreciated  Aiyedatiwa for continuing the good work of his former boss, by continuing the progressive work.

    A governorship aspirant in the party, Chief Olusola Oke (SAN), urged all party members to vote and support the governor to emerge as winner in the coming election.

    “It is good that we that are good are all in one party. Those on the other side are in ‘darkness’. It is good to to be on the winning side,” he said.

    A two-term member of the House of Representatives, Mr Lolade Akinjo, PDP, representing Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency, said he had defected to the APC.

    Akinjo said all the followers of former Governor Olusegun Mimiko of the state had moved to the ruling party because of the ideology of the sitting governor.

    Former PDP Chairman in the state Mr Ebenezer Alabi, said that the APC was the best party to bring dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

  • We are ready for Ondo governorship election – INEC

    We are ready for Ondo governorship election – INEC

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says 2.053 million registered voters will participate in the Nov. 16 governorship election in Ondo State.

    Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, made the disclosure on Saturday in Akure, while addressing newsmen on the level of the commission’s preparedness of the governorship election.

    Babalola said that 1.034 million males (50.36 per cent), and 1.019 million females (49.64 per cent) were registered for the election.

    She said that only 726,944 (35.41 per cent) were youth, 721,982 (35.17 per cent) were middle age. She said that the commission was had concluded arrangement for a free and fair process.

    “INEC has concluded the continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which saw a significant increase in registered voters across the state.

    “After the successful conclusion of the exercise, 58,708 new voters were registered. In addition, 3,132 voters transferred their registration into Ondo State while 123 voters transferred their registration out of Ondo State.

    ”The harmonised total number of new registered voters with the old registered voters is now 2.053 million.

    “So, it is well established that the registration exercise was inclusive, transparent, and accessible to all eligible citizens, including marginalised groups such as women , youth, and persons with Disabilities ( PWDs),” she said.

    Babalola said that the commission would soon commence the distribution of PVC, urging all registered voters in the previous registration exercise who are yet to collect their PVCs to do so.

    She said that the commission would simplify the collection process and establish PVC collection centers in all Registration Area (RA) and in the Local Government Areas for ease of access.

    The REC said that a large percentage of the non- sensitive election materials required for the election had been received and deployed to the 18 Local Government offices.

    According to her, the commission is working with the relevant security agencies and stakeholders to ensure safe storage and timely distribution of the materials on the eve of election.

    Babalola, who explained that commission had taken custody of sufficient numbers of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), said that it would be deployed in all 3,933 polling units during the election in the state.

    She said that INEC had maintained a cordial relationship with political parties, civil society Organisations, and community leaders to ensure a peaceful and credible election.

    “let me reiterate that INEC is fully committed to conducting a credible, transparent, and inclusive election in Ondo State.

    “We call on the good people of Ondo State to come out en masse on election day, exercise their franchise peacefully, and contribute to the democratic process.

    “We encourage all political parties, candidates, and their supporters to respect the rules of engagement and promote a peaceful atmosphere before, during, and after the election,” she said.

  • Ondo: Gov Aiyedatiwa swears in new Judges, doles out vehicles

    Ondo: Gov Aiyedatiwa swears in new Judges, doles out vehicles

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has sworn in six newly appointed Judges of the State High Court and presented official vehicles to each of the Judges.

    Aiyedatiwa, at the event on Thursday in Akure, described the event as a significant step in strengthening the judiciary and advancing the administration of justice in the state.

    The Governor said the importance of the appointments would mark the second large-scale judicial swearing-in, during his tenure.

    The six newly sworn-in Judges are; Hon. Justices Adebisi Daomi, Adeola Adegoroye, Justinah Kpemi, Happiness Demehin-Ogunbayo, Wumi Fabuluje and Idowu Ogunwumiju.

    The Governor appreciated the justices for their contributions to the legal profession and their dedication to justice.

    “This is particularly fulfilling for me, as it marks the second instance on record in our administration that appointment to the bench of the state judiciary would be carried out, and in large number.

    “These appointees have distinguished themselves in the practice of law and administration of justice in our dear state,” he said.

    Aiyedatiwa appreciated the efforts of the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Segun Odusola, for his leadership in ensuring a significant increase in the number of judges, thereby reducing the workload of the courts.

    He thanked the National Judicial Council and the newly appointed Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, GCON, for their role in facilitating the appointments.

    Aiyedatiwa commended the diligence, knowledge of the law, and commitment to justice, saying their appointments were as a product of rigorous and thorough processes, to have most qualified hands in dispensing  justice in the state

    He later reiterated his administration’s dedication to upholding the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary, encouraging the new judges to carry out their duties with “diligence, sobriety, courage, and the fear of God.”.

    Earlier, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice for Ondo State, Olukayode Ajulo,said the governor had high respect for the judiciary, and his strong commitment to upholding the rule of law.

    Ajulo said through his policies and actions, the governor had consistently demonstrated his dedication to ensuring the judiciary was well-resourced, for the effective delivery of justice.

    Ajulo stated the critical collaboration between the judiciary, the legal profession, the executive, and the legislature, which had greatly improved the efficiency of the justice system in Ondo State.

    He underscored that since the governor assumed office, there had been seamless cooperation between the executive and judicial branches, working together as progressive partners, in advancing justice delivery across the state.

    Speaking on behalf of the newly appointed judges, Justice Williams Daomi, pledged that they would uphold the high standards of the judiciary and serve as exemplary ambassadors.

  • Ondo 2024: Youths protest, demand removal of INEC REC

    Ondo 2024: Youths protest, demand removal of INEC REC

    Some youths in Ondo State have staged a protest and demanded for the removal of Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state.

    The youths, who marched through major roads in Akure and finally to the INEC State office in Alagbaka carrying placards with different inscriptions, on Wednesday, called for the removal of Babalola before the Nov. 16 governorship election.

    Some of the placards had inscriptions such as “INEC Must Do the Needful; “We Are Demanding for REC Removal’’ among others,.

    Babalola, who became REC in the state on Dec. 18, 2023, was alleged to be romancing a particular political party in the state.

    Speaking on behalf of the youths, Mr Ijanusi Olawale, alleged that the REC had been unprofessional in the conduct of her duties and could undermine the election process.

    “The youths are demanding for free and fair election and we want INEC not to be bias, but transparent and ensure free and fair governorship election in the state,” he said.

    Addressing the protesters, Mr Biodun Amosu, Administrative Secretary of INEC in the state, commended the youths for their peaceful protest and assured them that their votes would count.

    Amosu said “one thing we must confirm is that peaceful protest is allowed in our democracy.

    “To us, you have not done anything bad. Thank you for being peaceful.”

    He said that the allegations against the REC would be handled at the national headquarters of the electoral body.

    “We have heard your demands, but we can assure you that once you have your agents in your polling booths, you protect your votes, nothing can happen

    “And with the caliber of officers here, we can assure you, we will always work to ensure that your votes count.

    “Please, corporate with us, work with us, and let us work together. We will look at the various issues.

    We can assure you that the issue will be adequately attended to, but one thing that is important, votes will count in Ondo State,” the INEC Administrative Secretary said.

  • Ondo NYSC gets new State Coordinator

    Ondo NYSC gets new State Coordinator

    Mrs Kuburat Bakare, the new Ondo State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has promised to build on the successes of her predecessors.

    Bakare stated this on Friday in Akure while taking over from, Mr Samuel Pepple, who has also been reassigned to Akwa Ibom.

    The state coordinator, who is taking up the mantle of leadership in the state as the 22nd state coordinator, charged staff to promote unity and healthy working relationships.

    “My distinguished colleagues, my appointment as state coordinator and subsequent posting to Ondo State is to come and work with the winning team who have positive attitude and mentality towards achieving common goals.

    “And I want to give you my words today that no one will be oppressed under my watch.

    “However, it is incumbent on me to let you know that service delivery to our primary and principal stakeholder, the corps members, must be top-notch and in line with the best practices.

    “I want to strongly advise that we should all play the game of mentoring and moulding the graduate youths according to the dictates of the public service rule and NYSC composite document,” she said.

    Bakare promised to prioritise the security and welfare of corps members and ensure that staff were accorded attention as and when due.

    Speaking, the immediate past State Coordinator, Mr Samuel Pepple, thanked the staff of the scheme for the support he received during his short stint in the state and solicited same for her successor.

    Pepple expressed gratitude to the state government for upgrading facilities at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Ikare-Akoko.

    Speaking on behalf of the staff, the Assistant Director/Head, Human Resource Management, Mr Ojo Kolawole promised that the staff would give maximum cooperation and support to the new coordinator to succeed.

  • Police decorate 18 promoted senior officers in Ondo

    Police decorate 18 promoted senior officers in Ondo

    The Police Command in Ondo State on Friday decorated no fewer than 18 newly promoted senior officers.

    SP Funmilayo Odunlami, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ondo Command, made this known in a statement made available to newsmen in Akure.

    According to the statement, the former Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in charge of Operations, John Agwoye, was elevated to the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP).

    It said that the officer in charge of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad, Kabiru Akinroye, was promoted to the rank of ACP.

    The statement also said that 16 Superintendent of Police (SP) were promoted to the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP).

    “Amongst the 16 SP are Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ijoka, Otu, Bolorunduro, Okeigbo, among others.

    “The Commissioner of Police (CP) Abayomi Oladipo, while congratulating the affected officers, remarks that more rank signifies bigger responsibilities.

    “Oladipo urges all promoted officers to be role models to their subordinates wherever they are posted and a good ambassador of the Nigeria Police,” it said.

    Responding on behalf of the promoted officers, DCP Agwoye expressed gratitude to the CP, Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Police Service Commission, for finding them worthy of their new posts.

    Agwoye, therefore, promised that the officers would do their best in the interest of the force and the nation at large.

  • How I was forced to kill my madam over ‘N150,000’ — 17-Year-Old confesses

    How I was forced to kill my madam over ‘N150,000’ — 17-Year-Old confesses

    Philip Emmanuel, a 17-year-old Ondo resident has opened up on how a newly employed driver, Perious forced him into the crime of murdering his principal, a popular caterer, Mrs Adene for N150,000.

    The suspect paraded at the Ondo Police Command on Wednesday, confessed that the driver threatened to kill him, for refusing to kill his principal at first.

    Speaking to the press, Emmanuel said, “I am here because I killed my madam. Last month, I have worked with her for five months. I was her cook.

    “She just employed a driver who has only worked for two weeks.

    “One day the driver came to me and said N150,000 just entered madam account.

    “He told me we should kill my madam and collect the money. I said I have not killed someone before.

    “On Saturday, madam said I should come and help her wash clothes, that she was very tired.

    “The driver came around and madam was surprised but the driver explained that he wanted to help her.

    “That day, the driver brought a drink and gave to me. I drank it.

    “He brought out a cutlass and started threatening me that he would also kill me.

    “We went into the house and he pushed me inside. I said i should use cutlass to hit the woman. I did it. But I started crying.

    “After we killed the woman, the driver went to check the only the account and found only N60,000. He gave me N30,000. I went to Idanre.

    “After four days, we heard the woman had died. Police called us to come and explain when last we saw the woman. I told them and they asked me to go home.

    “They called me again and told me I am in communication with the driver. I had to confess.”

    Speaking about the situation, Oladipo Abayomi, the Ondo Police Commissioner,  urged residents to be cautioned when discussing sensitive financial information, especially around employees or individuals who might misuse such knowledge.

  • Again, Ondo shifts LG election, to 2025

    Again, Ondo shifts LG election, to 2025

    The Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) has again shifted the local government election for the State to January 18, 2025. Dr Joseph Aremo, ODIEC Chairman, made the announcement during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the commission’s headquarters in Akure.

    The election, which was earlier scheduled to be conducted on December 16, 2023, was postponed to February 17, later postponed to July 13, and finally postponed indefinitely before the announcement of the new date in 2025.

    ”Election was never cancelled but rescheduled due to non-compliance of political parties with the electoral guidelines and processes,” he said.

    Aremo, while assuring residents of the commission’s readiness to conduct a free, fair and credible election, said that the exercise would be transparent. He urged political parties that had conducted primaries before the postponement to forward the validated list of candidates to the commission.

    “The completion of political parties’ primaries and validation of candidates will take place from November 25 to December 7. Dec. 9 will be the last day for the submission of forms for particulars of candidates and the list of candidates by political parties.

    “Substitution of candidates by political parties will occur from December 12 to December 13, while the collection and submission of nomination forms will begin from December 16 until December 18. Campaigns by political parties will kick off on Dec. 23 and end by midnight of Jan. 16, 2025,” he said.

    The chairman said that the distribution of non-sensitive materials to the 18 local governments would take place from Jan. 6, 2025 to Jan. 10, 2025

    Mr Olaoluwa Adesanya, the State Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council(IPAC), expressed satisfaction with the ODIEC chairman’s presentation on the preparedness of the commission for the elections. He assured the commission and residents of IPAC’s participation in the election.

  • Traditional worshippers call for Oath-Taking for public officials

    Traditional worshippers call for Oath-Taking for public officials

    Traditional worshippers in Ondo State, located in southwest Nigeria, are advocating for the recognition of traditional oath-taking for public officials, arguing that it is more powerful and effective than the current faith-based oath-taking methods.

    They claim that over the years, public officials, after being sworn into office using the Bible for Christians and the Quran for Muslims, have engaged in corruption and abuse of power without facing consequences.

    Ayobami Ogedengbe, the Araba Awo of Oke Agbe, made this suggestion during the Isese Day celebration in Akure on Tuesday.

    He argued that traditional oath-taking would alter the current system, as any violation would result in immediate and severe punishment.

    Ogedengbe emphasized that to restore integrity and order in public offices, the government should permit traditional oath-taking.

    He noted that in Yorubaland, the potency and consequences of breaking such oaths are well understood.

     

    “The current system in Nigeria has flaws that undermine integrity.

    Our people are aware that the gods uphold honesty, and no Yoruba person would dare violate an oath taken before the gods,” he said.

     

    “This will restore order in our system because an average African, especially a Yoruba person, fears the repercussions of swearing by Ogun (the god of thunder) or other traditional deities.

    They wouldn’t dare swear to something they don’t believe in.

    Swearing through traditional means enhances the potency of African traditional religion and its practices.”

     

    Speaking at the event, Araba Folorunsho Adetunji, the Araba Isese of Ondo State, called on the Ondo government to declare August 20 a public holiday in honor of the Isese festival.

    “Isese Day is a celebration of our roots, highlighting the achievements of our ancestors and embracing our culture and customs,” Adetunji explained.