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Tag: Ondo State

  • OAUSTECH begins post-UTME registration

    OAUSTECH begins post-UTME registration

    The Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, Ondo State, has begun registration of candidates seeking admission through the 2025/2026 post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) screening exercise.

    Mr Abiodun Okunniga, the institution’s Registrar, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Okitipupa.

    The Registrar, also said that candidates must meet the institution’s criteria and eligibility conditions before registering for the Post-UTME admission screening exercise.

    “Candidates must choose the institution as first choice and must score 150 marks and above in the 2025 Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination.

    “Candidates, who chooses the institution as second choice or did not choose it at all must change the institution to first choice on the JAMB portal before being eligible for the Post-UTME.

    “Candidates must also posses five O’level Credits in relevant subjects including English and Mathematics, not more than two sittings.

    “Candidates must also have clocked 16 years of age by Sept. 30 before registering for the Post-UTME exercise,” he said.

    Okunniga also advised candidates to visit the institution’s website; https://oaustech.edu.ng or the admission portal; https://portal.oaustech.edu.ng, for further information and registration payments.

    He said that the date of the Post-UTME examination would be announced in due time through the media and the institution’s websites.

    The institution’s seven schools for candidates’ admission are: Nursing and Allied Sciences, Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, and Engineering and Engineering Technology.

    Others are: Earth Sciences, Information and Communication Technology, Management Sciences and Sciences.

  • Final-year AAUA student allegedly murdered by boyfriend

    Final-year AAUA student allegedly murdered by boyfriend

    The Police Command in Ondo State has confirmed killing of a female final-year student of the Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko (AAUA).

    The command’s spokesperson, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, told NAN on Saturday that the victim was allegedly killed by her boyfriend.

    “The victim was final-year student of AAUA.

    “She was declared missing initially by her boss who is running a POS (Point of Sale) business after giving her the sum of N2 million to be given to someone.

    “The money was not deposited and the lady was not found which was why the boss reported her missing.

    “With the efforts to unravel the incident, the police tracked her cell phone and the result pointed at her boyfriend.

    “When the police got to her boyfriend house, his room was locked, they had to break the door into the room and found her decomposing body inside her boyfriend’s room,” Ayanlade said.

    He disclosed that the boyfriend’s landlord and some other people, suspected to have facilitated the killing, had been arrested.

    Ayanlade, who declined to give the name of the student, said the boyfriend was yet to be arrested by the police.

    “I will not disclose the name of the murdered student for now, because it is a case of gender based violence,” he said.
    NAN reports that the incident led to a peaceful protest by the students of university in the town, impeding vehicular movement.

    The command’s spokesperson, however, said the police had addressed protesting students, saying that normalcy had returned to the town.

    Reacting to the killing, the President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of AAUA, Mr Akeem Salami, condemned what he called incessant killing of students of the university.

    “We received the first shocking news of two students that were gruesomely murdered, having been kidnapped for days.

    “We were further bewildered with the news that the primary suspects of the crime are indigenes.

    “The matter was taken up and the police were actively engaged in collaboration with important stakeholders within the Akungba community, hoping this unfortunate incident will not reoccur.

    “However, to our greatest surprise, we were rudely confronted with another terrible news of another student that was murdered by her boyfriend who also happened to be an indigene of the host community,” he said.

    He stated that it was discovered that the female student was stabbed to death and “left to decompose in her boyfriend’s room for more than three days.”

    The SUG President appealed to the state government, police and all associated bodies to stop the gruesome and incessant killings of students in the community.

  • Suspected drug dealers kill NDLEA officer in Ondo

    Suspected drug dealers kill NDLEA officer in Ondo

    Suspected banned drug dealers have killed an officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Ondo State.

    The officer attached to the Ondo Command of the Agency was shot dead during a raid on an apartment in the Ita’nla area of Ondo town on Tuesday.

    The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Mr Adebowale Lawal, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview with NAN in Akure.

    Lawal said four suspects have been arrested in connection with the crime, adding that a single barrel gun was recovered.

    “Immediately it happened, we reinforced some of our officers to the scene. We have arrested four suspects who are now in our custody.

    “We have also recovered a single barrel gun, and investigation is ongoing to bring the culprits to book. The remains of the officer have been deposited at hospital morgue,” he said.

    The commissioner of police did not give further details on the incident.

    Other sources said that the NDLEA operatives came under gunfire when they stormed a building at Ita’nla to recover drugs stored inside the ceiling of the apartment.

    “I guess the team got a tip that some drugs were stored inside the residential building at Ita’nla in Ondo town. So, the officials came very early in a sting operation to bust the building.

    “Immediately they came in, some of them entered into the building to recover the exhibits while the officer stood outside mounting the sentry guard.

    “The suspected gunmen came from nowhere and opened fire on the operative. The officer was immediately rushed to the hospital, but the doctors on duty confirmed him dead on arrival,” the source said.

  • 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).

  • ADC woos PDP, APC members in Ondo

    ADC woos PDP, APC members in Ondo

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, has expressed its readiness to welcome members of the opposition parties into its fold.

    Mr Oluwambe Ogunbameru, the party’s Chairman in the council, made this known while welcoming 25 new members into the party on Monday in Okitipupa.

    ADC which was launched last week in Abuja as a coalition to wrestle power from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027 general elections.

    Ogunbameru affirmed that the growth of the party recently reflected a larger wave of political consciousness across the country.

    “The expansion of the party is a move that guarantees liberty for all Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, religion, or region and paves the way for a just and accountable leadership.

    “I praise the decision of the new entrants, because the ADC remains a party committed to national unity, freedom and good governance. This is a very good and welcome move that is sacrosanct for all genuine Nigerians.

    “In a significant stride toward building a stronger democratic future, the ADC in Okitipupa Local Government welcome new members and poised to welcome more members into its fold,” Ogunbaneru said.

    He called on all well-meaning Nigerians to join hands with ADC to ensure the restoration of democratic values and integrity in governance, saying “Nigerians shall be rescued and Nigeria shall be great again.”

  • 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.

  • Residents lament as flood wreaks havoc in Ondo community

    Residents lament as flood wreaks havoc in Ondo community

    Some residents of Okitipupa, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, have been displaced due to flooding, with their houses submerged following a three-day torrential rain.

    A check by NAN in some of the affected areas in Okitipupa on Saturday revealed that the flooding resulted in significant property damage and rendered many homeless.

    Mostly affected areas are Okitipupa-Erinje axis, Omawa, Kuneyin, Apata, Igbodigo and Ayeka that had no proper drainage systems.

    The residents who spoke with NAN in separate interviews, said that the flood was worrisome as some houses were submerged with commercial activities also affected as many people could not go out for their business.

    They appealed to the management of the Okitipupa Local Government to clear blocked drains and also commence construction of drainages where they are lacking.

    Mr Ganiyu Akinfenwa, a resident of Erinje said that the community has been experiencing flooding for long due to lack of proper drainage systems.

    “We have been appealing to the government for help in this axis to build drainage systems so that erosion can flow freely during downpour like we experienced for the last three-days,” he said.

    Mr Tosin Akindolire, a resident in Apata said many houses submerged during the rain as residents bale water out of their houses.

    “In our own case, the drainages were blocked with nylons and plastic bottles causing the water to overflow into our houses,” he said.

    Akindolire appealed to the government to help clear the blocked drainages.

    Mrs Catherine Ebisemiju, a resident of Omawa said that many houses were affected by the flood and commercial activities disrupted as people were unable to go out for businesses due to the torrential rain.

    Another resident of Igbodigo, Chief Michael Orogbemi said that the ongoing road construction in the area was affecting the residents during the rain.

    “The ongoing construction of roads and drainage systems is affecting us as water overflow the constructed drainages and affecting our houses.

    “We appeal to the government to expedite the construction and keep it on scheduled,” Orogbemi said.

    Mr Andrew Ogunsakin, the chairman of the local government, while confirming the flooding, said that the council secretary had visited the affected areas.

    Ogunsakin assured residents of quick intervention by the government to address flooding in Okitipupa and its environ.

    “We have visited affected areas and I can only assure residents of quick intervention in order to prevent flooding across Okitipupa and its environs,” Ogunsakin said.

  • Ondo judiciary workers call off strike

    Ondo judiciary workers call off strike

    The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Ondo State Branch, on Wednesday announced the suspension of its indefinite strike.

    The union had on June 13 embarked on an indefinite strike over non-implementation of financial autonomy for the judiciary by the state government.

    The suspension of the strike is contained in a statement issued by the state secretary of the union, Mr Kehinde Alade, in Akure.

    Alade said that the state government has demonstrated commitment to implementing the union’s demands.

    He said that the government also promised to constitute a committee to work within a reasonable timeframe to fast-track the implementation of the union’s demands by July.

    “It is also resolved that the judiciary will be allowed to henceforth manage its funds on a monthly basis starting from July.

    “In view of this development, JUSUN members are hereby directed to resume work with immediate effect.

    “We will continue to engage with the government until the implementation of our demands in July,” he said.