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Tag: Ondo State

  • Akeredolu presents cash, gifts to first baby of 2023, others

    Akeredolu presents cash, gifts to first baby of 2023, others

    Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, Wife of the Ondo State Governor, on Sunday presented cash and gifts to the first three babies of 2023 in Akure.

    Anyanwu-Akeredolu also presented cash and gifts to seven other babies who were delivered on Christmas day, and in the last hours of 2022.

    The wife of the governor, who presented the gifts and cash to the parents of the babies at the Mother and Child Hospital, Akure, and Arakale Comprehensive Health Centre, Akure, said the gesture was to support the parents of the babies for their upkeep.

    According to her, it has become an annual ritual for us in the state to celebrate first child of the year and I am very delighted to see babies delivered in the two centres are healthy.

    Anyanwu-Akeredolu, who appreciated the doctors and nurses at the two hospitals due to the safe deliveries of the mothers, called on the parents to imbibe the culture of family planning in their child-bearing period to enable them to train the children well.

    “For a child born in this century to function properly, you must give him or her good education, you must provide for them, give them balanced diet for them to grow well and develop well so that they can compete favourably.

    “If a child is malnourished, that child will not do well in school and it’s at this very beginning, how they were born, how they were nourished that will determine the child.

    “We are not saying we want to lock their womb, but there is the need for our people to reduce the number of children that they give birth to because that’s what the present situation demands.

    “And we can not run away from the fact that it’s really a lot of money to bring up a child in this present century.

    “So, Nigerians will continue to have baby which is a good thing but all we are saying let us have the number we can afford to train or take care of.

    “Please, do a family planning and not over do it so that you will have enough to train these children and give them a healthy live style,” she said.

    Earlier, Dr Banjo Ajaka, State Commissioner for Health, who presented four babies to the wife of the governor at the Mother and Child Hospital, Akure said that the first child was born at 5:30am with a weight of 3.5 kg.

    “The other three babies, one was born on Christmas day and two others born during the last hour of the year 2022,” he said.

    Similarly, Dr Omoseyi Adeyemi-Osowe, Director, Primary Health Centre, Arakale in Akure South Local Government Area, who presented six babies to Anyanwu-Akeredolu, said the first child was born at 1:30 a.m, the second at 1:55 a.m, while they weighed 3.5kg and 3.4kg respectively.

    Also, Mrs Ayomide Bankole, who gave birth at 1:30 a.m., and Mrs Olatuji Mariam, who gave birth at 5:30 a.m., both on Sunday, appreciated the wife of the governor for the gesture, saying it would go a long way to take care of their babies.

    “We are very happy and grateful for what the wife of the governor has done for us. May Almighty God continue to bless her for us,” the duo said.

  • 2023: Struggle for Southern presidency must continue – Gov Akeredolu tells Amaechi

    2023: Struggle for Southern presidency must continue – Gov Akeredolu tells Amaechi

    Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, on Thursday declared that the struggle for the Southern part of the country to produce the next President must continue until it is realised.

    Governor Akeredolu particularly urged the people to vote for the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the spirit of fairness and equality.

    The Governor explained that since President Muhammadu Buhari from the North is spending eight years, then it is the turn of the South to produce the next President for another eight years.

    Governor Akeredolu spoke while playing host to former Minister of Transportation, Chief Rotimi Amaechi at the Government House, Alagbaka, Akure.

    Chief Rotimi Amaechi was in Akure for the Presentation of Staff of Office to Chief Olu Falae as Olu of Ilu Abo, in Akure North Local Government Area.

    Arakunrin Akeredolu disclosed that no loyalist of the APC can forget the principal role of Amaechi as Director-General of the party’s Presidential campaign in 2015.

    He appreciated the former minister for coming to Akure to honour Chief Falae, adding that the monarch has served Nigeria creditably well and the State is proud of him.

    “Thank you for coming. Chief Falae has served this country creditably well, and we, in Ondo State, are very proud of him. He left from the Bank, he became the Minister for Finance and also served as Secretary to the Government of the Federation. So he has done his best and uptill now when he is less busy he will find time to advice us”, the Governor said.

    Earlier, the former Minister of Transportation, Chief Rotimi Amaechi thanked Governor Akeredolu for recognizing and elevating Chief Olu Falae, describing him as one of the few Nigerian elites who is prominent, patriotic and had served Nigeria diligently.

    “Because of my campaign for Presidency, I knew Chief Olu Falae. We visited his house in Akure. So I came to visit Chief Olu Falae whom you have kindly recognized with the Panel report”, he added.

    Chief Amaechi lauded Governor Akeredolu for his leadership qualities and for always being at the fore front of good governance in the country.

  • Abducted Kogi Poly female students regain freedom in Ondo

    Abducted Kogi Poly female students regain freedom in Ondo

    Abductors have freed four students of the Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, after being  held in captivity for few days in Ondo state.

    The students namely Florence Obadero, Oreoluwa Aregbesola, Ifeoluwa Ahmed, and Omotoyosi Olarotimi, were released on Wednesday evening after spending five days in the abductor’s den.

    It was gathered that the four of them were released after their families paid ransom to the abductors.

    Meanwhile, the exact figure paid cannot be ascertained as of the time filing this report.

    Findings show that the victims were abducted last week Friday while returning to their hometown of Ajowa-Akoko in Akoko North West Local Government for Christmas.

    When the car they were riding in became stuck at the Ago Jinadu axis of the road, the gunmen kidnapped the students, all female, along the Akunnu-Ajowa highway in Akoko.

    An undisclosed sum was said to have been paid to ensure the students’ release, according to Soji Ogedengbe, a former majority leader in the Akoko North West Local Council.

    The entire Ajowa community, according to Ogedengbe, erupted in celebration when word of the victims’ release spread in the town.

    The state’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed the incident but didn’t say if ransom was paid or not.

     

  • Ilaje/Ese-Odo 2023: Arogbo/Ijaw People Are Interlopers – Former PDP Gov Aspirant

    Ilaje/Ese-Odo 2023: Arogbo/Ijaw People Are Interlopers – Former PDP Gov Aspirant

    A frontline PDP governorship aspirant in the 2020 election in Ondo state, Hon. Banji Okunomo has said it is an insult for Arogbo/ Ijaw people to drag the House of Representatives seat with Ilaje in Ondo South Senatorial district.

    Okunomo described the Arogbo/Ijaw people as interlopers in Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal constituency.

    He admonished Ilaje leaders supporting anyone outside Ilaje and Apoi ethnic nationalities to withdraw the gesture, saying such was a betrayal of the Yoruba interest.

    Okunomo, like the PDP House of Representatives candidate, Hon. Kolade Akinjo, hails from Ilaje local government while main challenger of the lawmaker’s (Akinjo) third term bid is the Ondo State former Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo who hails from Ijaw Arogbo in Ese-Odo local government.

    But Okunomo who spoke at the PDP stakeholders forum at Igbokoda,  headquarters of Ilaje Local Government opined that Ilaje Ese-Odo Federal Constituency belonged to the Ilaje and Apoi sub-ethnic groups of the Yoruba Nation.

    The former chairman of Ilaje local government said:”It is an insult for anyone outside, especially interlopers and strangers from Bayelsa State to contend the House of Representatives seat with the Ilaje and Apoi people.

    “This is a Yoruba state and it is only when Ilajes are tired and have something bigger that we can allow Ese-Odo to take Reps, and even at that, we know our friends and brothers, the Apois, they are the ones to have it and not some strangers from nowhere.

    “This federal constituency is a Yoruba heritage, it is our heritage so those Ilaje leaders who are running after the APC are only betrayers of our common cause. We must ensure we keep this that belongs to us in Ilaje.

    “By our arrangement in the PDP, we have given the Senate seat to the Apoi, so let’s vote for them and vote for our own, Kolade Akinjo of the PDP so that once and for all, we can stop the interlopers and stamp out authority in this federal constituency.

  • Akeredolu mourns Ondo PENCOM Chairman, Anthonia Smart

    Akeredolu mourns Ondo PENCOM Chairman, Anthonia Smart

    Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, on Sunday commiserated with the State Pension Commission (PENCOM) over the demise of its part-time Chairman, Dr (Mrs) Anthonia Smart.

    Akeredolu said he was personally touched by her death, according to a Press statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Richard Olatunde, in Akure.

    “It is a huge, irreparable loss that has left deep scars of pain in our hearts,” he said.
    Akeredolu said Smart accepted to serve the state out of sheer passion and commitment to public service.

    He described the deceased as a resourceful and selfless woman whose track records in her chosen career served as a beacon to many women.

    “The death of Dr. Tonia Smart is, indeed, a huge loss. It’s a piercing pain that only time can heal. We have lost a very resourceful woman.

    “Her immeasurable contributions to pension matters in our state can never be forgotten.
    “I commiserate with the family she left behind, especially my brother, the President of the African Insurers Organisation, AIO, Mr. Tope Smart, on this irreplaceable loss.

    “We can only pray to God to give you the fortitude to bear this loss,” he said.
    Akeredolu said late Smart was an experienced insurance practitioner and pensions administrator with nearly three decades of work experience.

    “Her short time as the Part-Time Chairman of the Ondo State Pension Commission (PENCOM) was marked by remarkable feats.

    “She deployed her wealth of experience in insurance broking, life insurance, pension administration and pension regulator in the discharge of her duties.

    “As Christians, we can only accept this as an act of God. He giveth and taketh. We will take solace in the quality life Dr. Tonia Smart lived while here with us. She was an achiever who still had so much to offer.

    “As we mourn our departed beloved, we pray God to grant her eternal rest and console the family she left behind,” Akeredolu said

  • Kidnappers demand N100m ransom for the release of Ondo monarch

    Kidnappers demand N100m ransom for the release of Ondo monarch

    Kidnappers have demanded N100m ransom for the release of Oba Clement Jimoh Olukotun, the traditional ruler of Oso Community in Ajowa-Akoko North West Local Council of Ondo state, Oloso of Oso.

    Recall that Oba Clement was kidnapped on Thursday, at his residence.

    The kidnappers made contact with Oba Clement’s family members to make a demand for their ransom.

    Meanwhile, the members of the community have appealed to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and relevant authorities to help in rescuing their monarch from his abductors.

    A source disclosed that the combined forces of the police and local hunters have begun intensive combing of the forest from Ajowa to Kogi borders to ensure that they secure the traditional ruler.

    “We received a call early today. One of the family members received the call. We can now confirm that the Invaders were kidnappers,” the source said.

    “They demanded a sum of N100m as a ransom for Kabiyesi to be let off the hook. Where can we get such a huge amount? This is beyond our reach.

    “We are pleading with the Ondo State government, leaders of Akoko Northwest Local Council, and other Nigerians to help us out so that Kabiyesi can be released sound and safe from where he was being held captive.” the source added.

  • How I spent 13% derivation refund – Gov Akeredolu

    How I spent 13% derivation refund – Gov Akeredolu

    Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has confirmed the receipt of 13 per cent oil derivation, subsidy and SURE-P refunds from the Federation Account in the last two years (2021-2022).

    A statement signed by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, explained that the refunds received by the state were expended on capital projects and payment of accumulated salary arrears.

    The statement also disassociated Governor Akeredolu from those alleged to have been stealing funds meant for the Local Governments from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

    According to the statement, the refunds received from the Federal Government were judiciously expended on some key capital projects across the three senatorial districts of the state.

    “Some of the impactful projects undertaken and completed by this administration include the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of the 32.6km Araromi-Alape road in Ilaje Local Government Area; 16.65km Ikaramu-Akunnu-chainnage 7-Oke Agbe Road in Akoko Northwest Local Government Area; 4.5km Agadagba Obon-New Ajapa Road in Ese-Odo Local Government Area; 3.0km Oke Igbo Township roads, Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Area, among others.

    “Recently, the Governor commenced the rehabilitation of over 35 kilometers network of roads in Akure, the state capital. The roads being rehabilitated are the existing ones built by past governments several years ago and which are already in bad shapes with potholes and failed sections. The 9.5km Emure- Iporo Road and rehabilitation of 15.2km Akure phase “D” road networks have all begun.

    “The 10km Okitipupa-Igbokoda virgin road which will be commissioned by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is another evidence of Governor Akeredolu’s commitment to infrastructural development. These intensive capital projects are financed from these refunds and Internally Generated Revenue.

    “The monthly FAAC receipts are devoted to the payment of salaries and pensions as agreed by Labour Leaders at the monthly meetings presided over by the Head of Service and Chairman of Joint Negotiating Council (JNC).

    “Despite Governor Akeredolu’s vow to always pay salaries and pensions as and when due, the financial crisis across the country occasioned by the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic resulted in non-payment of salaries in full for some months. As at January 2022, Government was owing four months salary arrears as against seven months inherited.

    “Governor Akeredolu, having promised the civil servants in the state to prioritise payment of salaries, has continued to clear these backlogs of arrears. On three occasions this year, Government has paid double salaries in a month, thereby reducing the number of arrears. All salaries will be cleared before the year ends.

    “If the amount expended on these infrastructural projects and payment of salary arrears is juxtaposed with the refunds, it is crystal clear that the monies were not mismanaged in Ondo State.

    “The administration of Governor Akeredolu stands on the tripod of Transparency, Accountability and Integrity. We will continue to hoist the flag of transparency in governance while pursuing excellence in the journey to transform the state for the better,” the statement said.

    On the allegation that some Governors are stealing Local Government Funds, the statement noted that the Akeredolu administration has not touched funds meant for Local Governments since its inception.

    “As a matter of policy, monies meant for Local Governments are shared at their monthly Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC). Mr Governor doesn’t touch local governments funds. The local government Chairmen can attest to the fact that they have total freedom in the management of their funds,” the statement added.

  • Gunmen kidnap traditional ruler in Ondo State

    Gunmen kidnap traditional ruler in Ondo State

    Gunmen have abducted a 66-year-old traditional ruler, Oba Clement Olukotun, the Oloso of Oso, at Ajowa-Akoko, in Akoko North-West Local Government Area of Ondo State.

    It was gathered on Friday that the abductors stormed the traditional ruler’s residence at about 10.15 p.m. on Thursday and whisked him away to an unknown destination.

    A family source revealed that the gunmen shot sporadically and destroyed the palace main door to gain access into his residential area before perpetrating the act.

    According to the source, the gunmen knocked the door and asked the occupants to open the door.

    “But when the assailants realised that the occupants were not ready to obey their command, they shot at the main door and destroyed it.

    The source, which explained that the gunshot pellets pierced the door and wall into the living room, said that none of the occupants was hit or injured.

    “When they came, they surrounded the building and started ordering the king and other occupants to open the door and surrender willingly, but nobody answered. At this point, they started shooting .

    “They destroyed the main door and entered. They terrorised Kabiyesi and his family members before dragging him out and taking him away.

    “As at this morning, none of the family members had been contacted, but we knew they were kidnappers,” he said.

    When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer(PPRO), Ondo State Command, SP Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed the incident.

    “It is true but the details of the incident is still not clear.

    “However, police from the Divisional Police headquarters at Oke-Agbe, headquarters of Akoko Northwest Local Government Area of Ondo State, have been deployed in the town to launch investigation into the incident,” Odunlami said.

  • Police arrest three high school students for raping 14-year-old girl in Ondo

    Police arrest three high school students for raping 14-year-old girl in Ondo

    The operative of  Nigerian police in Ondo state have arrested  three male students of the  Akure High School in the state  for alleged conspiracy and defilement of a 14-year-old student.

    It was gathered that the victims lured the unsuspecting 14-year-old pupil into the bush behind the school and gang-raped her.

    The command’s spokesperson, SP Olufunmilayo Odunlami,confirmed this via a statement issued on Monday.

    Odunlami stated: “The suspects are students of Akure High School.

    “They lured a 14-year-old student into the bush at the back of the school gate and gang-raped her.

    “The three suspects are in police custody and will be charged to court after conclusion of our investigations.”

  • Gunmen kill 2 security guards, cut off head, hand in Ondo State

    Gunmen kill 2 security guards, cut off head, hand in Ondo State

    Gunmen have killed two security guards in different locations at Ikare-Akoko, Akoko Northeast Local Government Area of Ondo State.

    It was gathered that the gunmen raided the government-owned Mimiko Market and NASFAT Schools in the Ikare-Akoko metropolis, killed the guards and dismembered their bodies, leaving their remains in the pool of blood.

    According to a source, the gunmen attacked the two places in the middle of the night on Friday while the deceased were found in the pool of blood on Saturday.

    “The gunmen killed one of the guards and cut off his head and placed the head beside his body while the other man’s hand was cut and placed beside him too.

    The source, who said that the killers did not take anything from the deceased before they left the scene, added that the way and manner the suspected bandits carried out the attack raised the suspicion of ritual killing.

    Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO) SP Olufunmilayo Odunlami, said that the police had deposited the remains of the deceased in mortuary of state specialist hospital, Ikare-Akoko.

    “We have commenced investigation into the incident, and the criminals will soon be arrested,” the PPRO said.