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Tag: Ondo State

  • NDDC targets 3-month completion of electricity project for seven LGAs in Ondo +Photos

    NDDC targets 3-month completion of electricity project for seven LGAs in Ondo +Photos

    The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has set a 90-day completion target for its 132/33kv sub-station in Okitipupa, Ondo State.

    Speaking during an inspection visit to the project site at Okitipupa, the NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Mr. Charles Ogunmola, stressed that the contractor must work towards meeting the completion target since the project has hit 95 percent execution.”

    Mr. Ogunmola stated that the NDDC is committed to providing electricity to oil-producing communities in Ondo South Senatorial District that have been without electricity for the past 15 years, adding that the speedy completion of the sub-station in Okitipupa will help achieve that goal and move the people from the 20th century to the 21st.

    Mr. Ogunmola said: “We are committed to lighting up the seven local government areas and the oil-producing communities in Ondo South Senatorial District that have not been connected to the National Grid for the past 15 years.”

    According to the NDDC Executive Director, Projects, completion of the sub-station project will boost economic activities in Ondo State, address the people’s needs and improve their living standards.

    He said: “Access to electricity is essential for economic development and improving the quality of life. The lack of electricity has hindered growth and development in many communities in the Niger Delta region. Therefore, NDDC’s efforts to provide electricity to these communities will have a significant impact on their lives and contribute to the overall development of the region.”
    Mr Ogunmola added: “The completion of the sub-station in Okitipupa is part of NDDC’s mandate to provide infrastructure and development projects in the Niger Delta region. The Commission is committed to fulfilling this mandate by completing ongoing projects, and ensuring that projects are completed on time.”

    Noting that the NDDC is also working towards diversifying the region’s economy from oil-dependent to other sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing, the NDDC Executive Director, Projects, said, “the provision of electricity will stimulate economic activities in the region, attract investment and create job opportunities. This is a step towards achieving sustainable development and reducing poverty in the region.”

    He was accompanied on the project inspection visit by the NDDC Director of Project Monitoring and Supervision, Engr. Nelson Onwo, and the Director of the Commission’s Ondo State Office, Mr. Salami Salami.

  • Angry mob stones Yahoo Boy to death in Ondo

    Angry mob stones Yahoo Boy to death in Ondo

    An angry mob, on Monday, stoned a 35-year-old man to death for allegedly killing two persons and injuring six others in an accident at Ijoka road, Akure, Ondo State capital.

    The Spokesperson for the police command in Ondo State, SP Olufunmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, confirmed the incident to newsmen.

    Odunlani-Omisanya said that the accident involved a vehicle and a commercial motorcycle, and led to a pandemonium in the area.

    “There was an accident that led to the death of a motorcyclist, and rather than the people around helping, they resorted to jungle justice by killing the young man and setting his car ablaze,” she said.

    The police spokesperson further stated that but for the quick intervention of the police, the parents of the driver too would have been killed.

    She said that the parents were not in the same vehicle with their son but only came to the scene to see what was happening.

    “In all, two people were confirmed dead while the six others who sustained injuries in the accident are currently receiving treatment at the hospital,” the PPRO said.

    It was had earlier gathered that the driver was suspected to be an internet fraudster popularly known as ‘Yahoo boy’.

    He was said to have driven recklessly and rammed into about five commercial motorcycles carrying passengers at different spots at Ijo Mimo through Sunday bus stop to Ijoka road in Akure.

    An eye witnesses, who did not want his name in print, said that three people died on the spot, while others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

    “The driver of the Toyota car, who did not sustain any injury, was trying to escape from the scene before he was caught by some youths and beaten into a coma.

    “The mob did not spare the man’s life, as he was beaten and stoned to death, while his vehicle was also set ablaze by the angry mob,” he said.

    The eye witness stated further those who sustained injuries were taken to a nearby hospital, while the lifeless body of the driver was left at the scene.

    The police spokesperson could, however, not confirm whether or not the driver was an internet fraudster.

  • Worshippers recall ugly incident as Owo Catholic Church reopens

    Worshippers recall ugly incident as Owo Catholic Church reopens

    St. Francis Catholic Church, Owaluwa, Owo in Ondo State on Sunday reopened for service ten months after the deadly attack on the church by gunmen.

    Recall that over 40 worshippers died in the June 5, 2022 attack by gunmen.

    Worshippers who defied fears to attend Easter Sunday service, expressed pleasure for the reopening of the church.

    Addressing the congregants, Bishop Jude Arogundade, the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, lamented the growing level of insecurity in the country.

    Arogundade appealed to the government to ensure that the attackers were brought to book to serve as deterrent to others.

    The bishop prayed for the congregants, especially the injured and those that lost their relatives, promising that the church would not abandon them.

    Some worshippers who were unable to control their emotions were seen weeping, while recalling the ugly incident.

    Arogundade appreciated the Aids to the Church in Need, Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu and other donors for extending their help to the church.

    He asked the church members to keep praying for those still suffering and in trauma as a result of the attack, stating that the church would continue to comfort those in pain.

    He, however, solicited for more assistance from the Federal Government and the well-to-do in the society for the victims and the church.

    “We are still waiting for the Federal Government. These are your citizens; let them know they belong to you. I have criticised you enough but if you do well, I will praise you.

    “Some who have psychological issues are still many; but we believe that with our support and prayers they will return,” he said.
    Speaking on the reopening of the church, Mrs Jumoke Oyekorode, who lost her mother in the attack, said that the vacuum left by her mother was yet to be filled.

    Oyekorode added that it was a good thing for her mother to have died in the church, and thanked God for the reopening of the church.

    Also, Mrs Margaret Ata, a survivor of the attack said that she was happy to be back in the church, though as an amputee.

    Ata, who lost her an eye and two legs as a result of injuries sustained in the attack, stated that two of her children were on scholarship.

  • VIDEO: Ondo student, Ezekiel becomes Guinness World Records holder

    VIDEO: Ondo student, Ezekiel becomes Guinness World Records holder

    Master Gbenga Ezekiel, a student of Ijapo High School in Akure, the Ondo State capital has entered the Guinness World Records for the most skips in one minute on one leg.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that 16-year-old Ezekiel, in SSS 1, achieved the feat at the Ondo State Sports Complex in Akure.

    He successfully erased the record of 262 skips in one minute on one leg by Rasel Islam from Bangladesh to set a new Guinness World Record with 265 skips.

    Ezekiel’s feat has been communicated to the national coach of the Nigeria Rope Skipping Federation, Chubuisi Ukandu. It has been updated on the Guinness World Records website as well.

    “The most skips in one minute on one leg is 265 and was achieved by Gbenga Ezekiel (Nigeria), in Akure, Nigeria, on 31 October 2022,” Guinness World Records stated on the website.

    With the feat, Ezekiel becomes the first athlete from Ondo State as well as the first Nigerian and African rope skipper to achieve a Guinness World Records title.

    Watch video below:

    https://twitter.com/ajaGunSEgun_/status/1626394102991298560

    Akeredolu to host Guinness World Records holder, Ezekiel

    Meanwhile, the Ondo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Bamidele Ologunloluwa has disclosed that the State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu will soon host the Akure Guinness World Records holder.

    Ologunloluwa, who visited Ijapo High School, expressed the willingness of the state government to host Gbenga Ezekiel soon.

    The commissioner congratulated the entire management and students of Ijapo High School, Akure, and the family of Gbenga Ezekiel for the great feat.

    Ologunloluwa, who noted that arrangement was on to schedule an official meeting of Mr Governor with the Ijapo High School pupil, charged Ezekiel to remain focused.

    “With this achievement, I will urge you to always listen to your coach in order for you to continue to do well in your sporting career.

    “On behalf of the state government, I want to congratulate you for this achievement and the glory you have brought to this state,” he said.

    While appreciating the Governor of Ondo State through the Commissioner, the Vice Principal of the School, Mr Oki Francis, expressed the joy which the news brought to Ijapo High School.

    Francis promised on behalf of the Principal that Ijapo High School, through the Ministry of Education would always cooperate and collaborate with the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development in its grassroots sports development programmes.

  • Ondo Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu declares Emefiele unfit

    Ondo Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu declares Emefiele unfit

    Ondo state Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has explained that the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN) Godwin Emefiele is unfit to head the Apex bank in the country.

    Akeredolu noted that Emefiele was supposed to have been booted out from office the moment he showed interest in contesting for the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress, (APC)

    The governor added that with the failed bid of Emefiele to contest the primary, he would ensure that he disrupts the 2023 polls.

    Akeredolu made his position known  when receiving members of the Youth Directorate of the Presidential Campaign Council, PCC, of the APC led by Seyi Tinubu in Ondo state.

    The Ondo Governor, disclosed that the rating of the APC has drastically dropped with the naira and fuel shortages in the country.

    He also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to direct Emefiele to reverse the naira redesign policy now, adding that the new and old notes should be allowed to co-exist.

    According to Akeredolu the old notes seems to be in extinct in the country despite a cSupreme Court injunction suspending the directive of the CBN.

    He said “We have a problem we are facing in this country today. Our rating as a party is not that favourable. Let’s not deceive ourselves. Must it be now that we will have this financial policy?

    “Okada, taxis, banks are not taking old notes again. There is an injunction, and everyone is behaving like there is no injunction.”

    On his part, Seyi Tinubu, son of the APC presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, appreciated Akeredolu for his commitment to youth development and inclusion in the state.

  • Ondo PDP candidates distance selves from posters endorsing Tinubu

    Ondo PDP candidates distance selves from posters endorsing Tinubu

    Two People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidates in Ondo State, Chief Ifedayo Adedipe and Princess Kemisola Adesanya, have denied any pact with All Progressives Congress (APC) or its presidential candidate, Sen. Bola Tinubu, ahead of the forthcoming general elections.

    The pTwo People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidates in Ondo State, Chief Ifedayo Adedipe and Princess Kemisola Adesanya, have denied any pact with All Progressives Congress (APC) or its presidential candidate, Sen. Bola Tinubu, ahead of the forthcoming general elections.osters of the PDP candidates, alongside that of Tinubu, had flooded the social media and some places in Akure, the state capital.

    Adedipe and Adesanya, candidates for Ondo Central Senatorial District and Akure North/South Federal Constituency respectively, distanced themselves from the APC presidential candidate during a joint news conference in Akure on Sunday.

    They said that apart from aiming to win their respective elections, they were focused on working for the victory of the PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

    They said that the circulation of the posters was the handiwork of a group to which they had no affinity or connection.

    “We are candidates of Peoples Democratic Party and have no connection whatsoever with the group that did the posters.

    “Both of us are focused and have clear directions on our ambitions, political ideologies, the ideology of our party, PDP.

    “We welcome support from members of other political parties who believe in our personalities and abilities to represent them well at the National Assembly.

    “However, our belief and support for our great party and its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, is total, unalloyed and unflinching.

    “We hereby wish to further reiterate our commitment to our party and our ambition for quality representation to the good people of our constituencies, to influence policies that will improve the lives of our constituents.

    “We believe there are so many ways to better the lives of our people than the present situation in the country,” they said.

    The duo urged their supporters and the electorate generally to remain resolute and vote for a new narrative, represented by PDP, to rescue Nigeria.

    “We urge the electorate to vote for all the candidates presented by PDP across board to put an end to the present APC government,” they said.

    Also, the PDP Chairman in the state, Alhaji Fatai Adams, said that the party was in support of the Dr Iyorcha Ayu-led National Executive Council and the presidential candidate.

    Adams described the posters as the handiwork of mischief makers trying to cause disaffection within the party in the state.

  • Ondo APC suspends campaign

    Ondo APC suspends campaign

    The Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has ordered the immediate suspension of its campaign activities in the state over the current scarcity of fuel and new naira notes.

    Mr Ade Adetimehin, the state chairman of the party, in a statement on Wednesday in Akure, explained that the decision was in sympathy with residents of the state.

    “The party has, therefore, directed chairmen, and Directors-General at all levels, within the chapter, to suspend rallies, in sympathy with our people,” Adetimehin said.

    The chairman expressed regrets that the country was experiencing unusual shortage of petrol and scarcity of the new naira notes few weeks to “an all-important general election.”

    He argued that the people of the state had the right to be angry, and express same over the unfortunate development, but urged them to do so as “patriots that believed in a better tomorrow.”

    “As a party, we identify with our people at this unpleasant period. We agree they are exercising their rights, but we urge them to do so with measure of restraints.

    “Our strong believe is that this time shall fade soon,” he added.

    He commended the efforts of the Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu-led administration to ameliorate the harsh situation and ensuring the security of residents of the state.

    Adetimehin called on chieftains and members of the party to show more understanding and identify with those in their various localities to ease the tension.

  • We will replace health workers that have migrated – Akeredolu

    We will replace health workers that have migrated – Akeredolu

    Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has reiterated the commitment of his administration to enhance the health sector in the state and replace healthcare professionals who have migrated.

    Akeredolu stated this at the inauguration of Samuel and Dorcas Oladiyun Maternity Home at CAC Oke – Isegun, Ile-Oluji in Okeigbo Local Government Area of the state.

    The governor, represented at the event by the state Commissioner for Finance, Mr Wale Akinterinwa, said that his administration had prioritised healthcare in its REDEEMED Agenda and intends to consolidate on the gains made during his first term.

    A statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Akure, by the Public Relations Office (PRO) of the Finance Ministry, Mr Bayo Egunjobi, quotes the governor as saying “my administration will not play politics with the health of people.’’

    Akeredolu said his administration was always ready to collaborate with genuine investors in the development of the state’s health sector to provide quality health services to the people irrespective of class, age, ethnic group, religion or political affiliation.

    He promised to establish an additional School of Technology in the Southern Senatorial District of the state with a view to addressing manpower challenge at the primary health level and wider coverage.

    Akeredolu, who enumerated some achievements recorded in the sector by his administration, said that the government was constructing world-class infrastructure at the University of Medical Science Teaching Hospital at Ondo and Akure complexes.

    He added that the Mother and Child Hospital in Akure had also been upgraded and given approval to offer full range of secondary health care services.

    Akeredolu explained that Mother and Child Hospitals had been increased from two to seven to cover all the senatorial districts in the state.

    ” We approved the release of the state counterpart fund to the Federal Government – Funded Basic Healthcare Provision Fund Programme (BHCPFP) for the vulnerable persons, widows, retirees, aged, women and children below the age 5 where about 20,595 residents have been enrolled and enjoying medical care,” he stated.

    Akeredolu, therefore, congratulated the donor of the health facility, Pastor Wole Adetiyun, and encourage other well-meaning sons and daughters of the state to complement government’s efforts at making health care accessible and available.

    In his words, the donor of the project to the church, Adetiyun, thanked God for making his dream of many years come to reality.

    Also speaking at the occasion, the Jegun of Ile-Oluji, Oba Adetimehin Olufaderin, appreciated the donor for the project and appealed to all health workers in the3 country to be loyal, hardworking and dedicated.

  • Fuel Scarcity: Petrol hit N500/litre in Ondo state

    Fuel Scarcity: Petrol hit N500/litre in Ondo state

    Findings show that some petrol filling stations in Ondo state have started selling Premium Motor Spirit, (PMS) at N500/litre as a result of the scarcity of the products.

    Similarly. Motorists in the state who couldn’t get the product also bough black market at N1000/litre in the Shasha -NEPA axis of the state capital.

    Long queues were also visible at few filling stations across the state, while motorcyclists and persons with jerrycans also besieged in their numbers

    At a filling station around Shasha market, where vehicle owners had queued as early as 5 am, motorists could be heard expressing anger over the situation.

    “This is just not acceptable anymore. At N500 and we are still struggling like this? We don’t know who will save us again because Nigerians are just fed up,” a driver vented his frustration.

    Meanwhile, vehicular traffic on the roads in the city was scanty due to the scarcity of fuel.

  • JUST IN: Gov Akeredolu suspends Governing Council Chairman of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic

    JUST IN: Gov Akeredolu suspends Governing Council Chairman of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic

    Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has suspended the Chairman of the Governing Council of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Mr. Banji Alabi.

    The suspension followed the report of the Visitation Panel that Alabi refused to honour its invitation on several occasions.

    The Governor announced the suspension while receiving the report of the 7-member Visitation Panel to the Polytechnic.

    According to the Governor, “the Chairman stands suspended until I hear from him.”

    Submitting the Panel report on Thursday at the Governor’s Office, Alagbaka Akure, the Chairman, Professor Olabode Kolade Koriko, appreciated Governor Akeredolu for finding it necessary to constitute the Panel.

    Prof. Koriko applauded Governor Akeredolu for releasing about N1.6bn bailout to the Polytechnic, adding that the commitment of the Governor to reposition the Polytechnic and restore its lost glory is commendable.

    The Chairman revealed that the Panel in the course of its assignment, held meetings and had interactions with relevant stakeholders from the Polytechnic and the host community at different locations in Owo before arriving at its recommendations.

    “Rufus Giwa Polytechnic until recently remains a model of institution in the South-West over the year, however, poor management of human and material resources appears to have eroded the gains of the past and turned the once famous citadel of learning that has produced very successful men and women in the society to a shadow of its self.

    “Your decision to set up the Visitation Panel at this auspicious moment could therefore not have come at a better time and is no doubt altruistic. It is expected that at the end, your desire to emplace probity and accountability in the management of this great citadel of learning would be realized.

    “The assignment which spanned a period of 3 months, commenced with the inauguration of the Visitation Panel by your good self on 21st September, 2022.

    “The Panel in the course of the exercise met at different locations in Owo and Akure during the three months duration of its assignment, critically perused all the items listed in the 7-point Terms of Reference , met with the relevant stakeholders, collected Memoranda from Staff, students and the Community, executed an extensive verification of staff and accounts of the Polytechnic, reviewed the laws of the Polytechnic, critically analyzed the content of the submitted Memoranda, other materials and oral evidence available to it to arrive at its recommendations.

    “The Panel also had extensive interaction and meetings with Principal Officers of the Polytechnic, union bodies, Chiefs of the host community, and of course the petitioners who were often invited to the Panel sitting for interrogation while a comprehensive inspection of facilities of the Polytechnic (including buildings, vehicles, ventures etc) diligently executed”, the chairman stressed.

    Receiving the report, Governor Akeredolu appreciated all members of the Panel for their labour, with a promise to look into the report.

    Governor Akeredolu, who expressed worry over what he called downward slide being observed in the Polytechnic, said the report would guide government on what to do.

    “Coincidentally, I am from Owo, I was inundated with several complaints here and there. A number of them I am not able to solve. I asked questions and got answers that probably were not correct, I can’t understand.

    “I got information that several people have been recruited and when I ask, they will say no. Then why is your wages going up? Why can’t you pay?

    “We have intervened on one or two occasions and we gave money with specific instruction to pay salaries. At the end of the day you cannot still complete salary payment. I’m sure your report will contain this.

    “Management, yes, there might be some problems with human and material resources but as I always say when they come and meet me, I know from verifiable facts that the Rector has attracted enormous funding to that place either through TETFUND or others, because of his connection. You can’t take that away from him”, Akeredolu explained.

    The Governor also declared that it has become more desirable now to turn the Polytechnic to university, noting that there is no going back.

    He stressed that the Polytechnic has all it takes in terms of facilities to become a university.