TheNewsGuru

Tag: Ondo State

  • Ondo LG elections: Gunmen attack SDP chairmanship candidate

    Ondo LG elections: Gunmen attack SDP chairmanship candidate

    Mr Gbenga Fasua, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Chairmanship Candidate in Akure South Local Government in the upcoming local government elections, has alleged that he was attacked by gunmen on Friday.

    Fasua, in a chat with journalists in Akure, Ondo Sate, on Sunday, said that the attackers destroyed some of his property including campaign vehicles, doors, windows and television set in his house.

    The Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) has scheduled local government elections for April 18.

    Fasua alleged that the incident happened around 11:45 p.m. after he featured in a political programme titled “Oselu” on Ondo State Radio Corporation (OSRC).

    He said that armed men, numbering about five, scaled the fence into his house located behind Golden Filling Station in Irese, Akure.

    Fasua said immediately the attackers entered the compound, they “shot sporadically” and asked his wife about his whereabout.

    According to him, the gunmen seized his ATM cards, mobile phones, car keys and ransacked the compound looking for him.

    The SDP candidate said that the gunmen left at about 1:12 a.m. with one of his vehicles which was later abandoned at Ijare, a nearby community.

    “When they saw my wife, they asked after me and she said I was not at home, but they told her they saw me from outside before gaining entrance, but at that time I was already hiding somewhere in the house.

    “After 35 minutes of a serious searching for me, they requested for all ATM cards and destroyed many of my properties.

    “They left with the salon Benz car around 1:12 a.m. which was abandoned at Ijare, a nearby community.

    “I came out from where I was hiding at about 1.35 a.m., went to Ijapo Police Station and reported the matter.

    “The patrol team came to my home at about 2:00 a.m., saw the broken burglary doors and expended bullet pellets.

    “When l heard that the vehicle was abandoned at Ijare, l went back to Ijapo Police Station and reported the development to the DPO.

    “The DPO called the Commissioner of Police, Mr Undie Adie, who directed him to provide two officers and special patrol around my house,” he said.

    Fasua, who attributed the attack to his political ambition, appealed to security agencies to ensure adequate protection for all candidates in the forthcoming local government elections in the state.

    Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Tee-Leo Ikoro, told the NAN that investigation was ongoing to apprehend those involved in the crime.

    “Investigation is ongoing and certainly the command shall round up those involved in the crime,” Ikoro said.

  • Tragic! Two killed as mob burn Ondo worship centre over missing boy

    A policeman and an unidentified person were killed on Wednesday as suspected arsonists burnt down a worship house, Sotitobire Miracle Centre, in Oshinle, Akure, the Ondo State capital.

    TheNewsGuru recalls that there had been tension in the area over the reported disappearance of a one-year-old boy, Gold Kolawole, at the worship house on November 10.

    Police spokesman Femi Joseph confirmed the killing of a policeman and an unidentified person.

    The killings occurred as youths set ablaze the worship house and a vehicle following reports that the body of the missing boy was exhumed from the worship house.

    The billboard of the worship house at another branch in Oba Ile, Akure was pulled down.

    Kolawole, according to reports, was last seen in company of his parents at a programme held at the worship house on November 10 at about 11:30am.

    The founder of the worship house, Alfa Babatunde, was arrested by the Department of State Services on December 8 following a petition by the parents of the boy.

    Joseph had in a statement yesterday dismissed reports that the body of the missing boy was exhumed inside the worship house.

    “It is most unfortunate that this misleading information, spearheaded by a popular TV station, has ignited spontaneous reactions from the people, leading to wanton destruction of belongings and injuries to many.

    “The worship house was set ablaze by youths. Some of our officers despatched to the scene to contain the situation were pelted with stones, with many of them sustaining injuries.

    “Their patrol vehicle was damaged,” he said.

    Joseph urged the public not to be deceived by reports that the command had abandoned the investigation of the incident, saying the case file would be sent to the DPP for legal advice.

     

  • NIMASA extends aid to Ondo State

    … As Agency Continues Donation of Relief Materials

    …Ondo State Government Hails Agency

    The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has continued its donation of relief materials to victims affected by flood and other disasters across the country.

    The Agency took the exercise to Akure in Ondo state where various items were donated to the Ondo State Government for onward distribution to affected citizens.

    Speaking during the presentation of the materials in Akure, the Director General of NIMASA Dr. Dakuku Peterside stated that in line with the Agency’s policy on Corporate Social Responsibility, NIMASA would continue to provide support for victims of natural and man-made disasters across the country.

    The Director General who was represented by the Agency’s Director, Western Zonal Office, Mr. Olayemi Abass said that the Agency will continue to vigorously pursue the improvement of the welfare of Nigerians and the economy as a whole.

    In his words” We are here to comply with the Federal Government’s directive for all government organizations to use their powers and resources to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians affected by flood and other disasters. We therefore call on other corporate bodies to partner with us in this drive”, he said.

    While receiving the materials, the Deputy Governor of Ondo State Hon. Agboola Ajayi commended NIMASA for reaching out to Ondo State. He said that the materials could not have come at a better time especially because the Ondo State Government is currently handling the devastating effect of the rain storm that ravaged the Supare and Ikare Akoko areas of the state.

    The Deputy Governor who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Desola Alabi, said that the Ondo State Government would continue to partner with agencies such as NIMASA in various areas for the common good of Nigeria.

    It will be recalled that NIMASA commenced the second phase of the donation of relief materials to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) nationwide last week with the presentation of household items to IDPs in Lagos and Niger States.

    Twenty states across the nation’s six geopolitical zones that have been ravaged by flood and other disasters will benefit from this segment of the exercise.

  • Court orders IGP to pay Ondo widow N7.9m, 7yrs after police killed husband

    A Federal High Court, sitting in Akure on Monday, ordered the Inspector-General of Police to pay N7.9 million to Mrs Queen Akarewan, widow of Christopher , who was shot and killed by a police team in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State on October 11, 2011.

    Akarewan, a commercial motorcyclist, was said to have been killed for refusing to give N50 to two policemen at a check point.

    The two policemen, John Aghaulor and Igodi Gbefamoghan, had already been dismissed by the Nigeria Police.

    Justice Abdu Dogo, in his judgment, held that the victim’s life was unlawfully terminated contrary to Section 33 of Nigerian Constitution.

    According to him, the section of the constitution allows anybody who has interest in existence of person whose life is taken unlawfully to take redress in court of jurisdiction.

    “The perpetrators were still under the service of the Nigeria Police Force when the crime was committed.

    “I condemn in strong terms, the gruesome, unlawful and extra-judicial killing of the deceased over bribe of N50.

    “This money must be paid within 30 days of the judgment”, Dogo held.

    Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria after the judgment, Temokun applauded the verdict.

    “The best day in court for the common man is that day in which the poor citizen of this country leaves the court, reaffirming the old saying, that the court is still the last hope of the common man,” she said.

    The widow had through her counsel, Mr Tope Temokun , approached the court on Jan 5, 2013 claiming damages to the tune of N8 million against the Nigeria Police Force, the state Commissioner of Police, and the police officers alleged to be responsible.

    Temokun noted that the loss of the victim had multiplier effect on his wife, four children and his aged mother because he was their bread winner.

    The counsel to the defendants, Mr Edward Ojemu, who held brief for Mr Tolu Abisagbo, said that the plaintiff had no right to institute the first instance.

    Ojemu explained that Nigeria Police Force had no link with the said crime committed.

     

  • Mrs. Akeredolu distributes laptops to 2018 Summer Boot Camp 4 Girls Naija participants

    The Ondo State Governor’s wife, Mrs. Betty Akeredolu, has distributed 400 Microsoft laptop computers to some girls on two weeks ICT and solar technology training in the state.

    Mrs Akeredolu made this known in Akure at the closing ceremony of the 2018 Summer Boot Camp 4 Girls Naija.

    She said she had never been more hopeful of a better Nigeria than this moment, seeing 400 girls ready to “change our story and make us more visible on the world map.”

    She said although the two weeks rigorous training in ICT, solar technology and life-enhancing skills was over, the girls had many years of impacting the world and making it a better place.

    The governor’s wife said: “the baton has been placed in your hands; your race now begins.

    “I must warn you that there will be challenging times, but you should know that this boot camp has equipped you with all that you need to overcome them all.

    “Girls, to rise up to the task ahead, you must put all you have learned here to practice; mentor many more girl children and build a formidable network of change agent.”

    Mrs Akeredolu commended those who contributed in one way or the other to the success of the 2018 Summer Boot Camp 4 Girls Naija.

    She described the contributors as great giants upon whose shoulders the girls would stand to see further and create lasting development in Nigeria and the world at large.

    “You have given a head start to the girl child and indeed the marginalised of the society and pitched their tents in the court of great visionaries,” she noted.

    She called on Nigerian to endeavor to help children in various communities without waiting for government support.

    The Representative of Microsoft Nigeria, Mr Olusola Amosan, commended the First Lady for the initiative, saying it would enable the girls to prepare themselves for a better tomorrow.

    Amosan said the two weeks training had exposed the girls to many applications in computer, which they could use to better their lots in a legitimate manner.

    The training was the second edition since Mrs Akeredolu assumed office of the first lady of Ondo state.

     

  • Gov. Akeredolu pledges more child protection intervention programmes

    Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has reiterated his administration’s commitment to preemptive and preventive intervention measures to ensure the security of children in the state.

    The governor gave this pledge in his address to commemorate the 2018 Children’s Day on Sunday in Akure.

    Akeredolu, represented by his deputy, Mr Agboola Ajayi, said government and its officials, could not be everywhere, hence, measures must be in place to enhance preventive intervention programmes through collective responsibility.

    He said that it was the collective responsibility of parents, schools authorities, teachers, religious leaders, traditional leaders and civil society to create safe spaces for children.

    The governor said the theme of this year’s celebration, “Creating safe spaces for children: Our collective responsibility” was timely with the increasing cases of threats to security of children in the society.

    “To demonstrate our commitment to the objectives of ensuring that children are safe everywhere in the state, on May 27, 2017, I announced and showed a red card alert to all child abusers to stop the act or face the wrath of law.

    “While government is not interested in putting anyone in prison, it will not fold it arms and allow enemies of progress to destroy the children and the well-being of our society,” he said.

    Akeredolu further used the occasion to stress the importance of education and access to justice for children in the state.

    Earlier in her welcome address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Omowumi Olatunji-Edet, said the day was important to draw the attention of government at all levels to the prevailing issues on children.

    Olatunji-Edet said the event would allow the children come together in relatively large groups to socialise and share experiences, thereby broadening their horizons.

    She, therefore, urged stakeholders to give attention to the issues bordering on the children as well as give them the necessary space to thrive without exposing them to danger.

     

  • Ondo First Lady makes case for Nigerian youths

    Ondo First Lady makes case for Nigerian youths

    Wife of Ondo State Governor, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has said the progress and future of Nigeria is dependent on Nigerian youths.

    The Ondo First Lady stated this during the unveiling of Dozie Mezie Owerri’s Employment and Job centre.

    “The progress and future of this Nation as we know is dependent on the youth. It is unrealistic for us to imagine a great future if we do not empower the youth or give them the abilities and opportunities to succeed.

    “For those who follow me and my projects, both here in Imo State and in Ondo State, you know that one of my passions is empowering young people; skill development and value creation. A youth employment centre is a project which I greatly applaud,” she said.

    TheNewsGuru reports Dozie Mezie Owerri (DMO) is a foremost social cultural association of Owerri professionals and statesmen with active membership across the country and in diaspora that is committed to fostering social, economic and cultural development of Owerri people and Owerri nation.

    While congratulating DMO on their accomplishments, Mrs Akeredolu urged them to remain focused and not allow the centre to fail.

    In his welcome address, the Council Chairman of Dozie Mezie Owerri, Sir Okay Ikpe said the Central Council of DMO decided to take a more pragmatic step and process after a very careful and creative thought to reverse the trend by creating a youth empowerment and job centre.

    According to Ikpe, the job centre will focus on employment, training and retraining programs, scholarship, career guidance, job monitoring, funding of small entrepreneurs among other things.

    Former Minister for Interior, Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho and Anglican Bishop of Egbu, Rt Rev G. E. Okoroafor were among the dignitaries at the event.

     

  • South West Governors formally admit Lagos into O’dua Investment Group

    The six Governors of south west region under the auspices of the Western Nigerian Governors Forum on Wednesdayformally admitted Lagos State into the O’dua Investment Group with a total of 115million shares thus growing the share equity of the company to 690million.

    The Governors – Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo) and Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), in a communiqué issued at the end of a two-day quarterly meeting held at Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja, also ratified a document allowing Lagos to acquire land in their respective states for massive rice cultivation and production.

    Specifically, all the Governors resolved to embark on a Rice Accelerated Program for Integrated Development (Western RAPID) to further consolidate actions on food security and job creation in the region, while a Regional Agriculture Summit to be sponsored by Lagos State, was agreed to be held in Ibadan in May 2018.

    The forum, which is being coordinated through the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, also signified interest in the concession of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

    Reading the communiqué to journalists, Director General of DAWN Commission, Mr Oluseye Oyeleye said: “The States of the Region as a bloc will be monitoring the process for the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Concession into a world class infrastructure.”

    He said the Governors also resolved that DAWN Commission, Focal Representatives and Agriculture Commissioners of the region would hold a technical session with Nigeria Incentive-based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) and develop a state by state roadmap in four weeks before the Regional Agriculture Summit scheduled for May 2018.

    It was also agreed that DAWN Commission should work on reviving Regional Inter-School Football Competition, and as well conduct a study on the successes in Education in Ekiti State for peer learning/adoption among the Western Nigeria states.

    Also, the Governors directed the DAWN Commission and the Focal representatives to structure a programme on the Omoluabi Ethos of the Yoruba people.

    However, Ogun State Deputy Governor, Mrs Yetunde Onanuga, who represented Governor Amosu, raised some reservations about the land deal, saying that the State Government on account of previous issues with Lagos on the similar subject matter would be refraining from releasing land to the State until the said issues were resolved.

    Nonetheless, Onanuga said: “We will be prepared to sign this memorandum later when some of these issues are straightened out.”

    When asked by journalists on way out of the issues raised by Ogun State, Governor Ambode said he was optimistic that all the States would join in the effort to ensure food security and create jobs for the people.

    He said: “What has happened is that we wanted to expand the agric output of our rice mill and in doing so, we decided that all the south west States should be able to cultivate rice and supply paddy to the proposed rice mill that is coming up in Imota in Lagos.

    “So, what we have done is that four other States have agreed to sign the Memorandum of Understanding which they have actually done today and so what is happening between Lagos and Ogun is that there were some minor issues that were outstanding before and based on that they could not sign today but you could also hear that they are committed to signing when those issues are resolved.

    “We are having a 32-ton per hour rice mill in Imota and we are going to require 32,000 hectares of paddy cultivation which even the whole of the south west cannot even provide but because we are interested in integration and also independence, it is important that beyond going to Kebbi or Kano, all the south western states should also benefit from it and the idea is that we are trying to procure land there but we will also use the people and the farmers in the respective states to cultivate the land and by so doing we have created employment in those States and we will be off-takers to the paddies that they are producing and so I am able to buy it and also use it for my own rice mill and then sell it in Lagos and so I create employment across the region and at the same time put money into the pocket of our people,” Governor Ambode said.

    Earlier, Governor Aregbesola described the incorporation of Lagos State into the economic framework of the south west region as historic and long coming since 1948, adding that the development would strengthen the O’dua Investment Group and drive the development of the region.

     

  • Akeredolu presents staff of office to monarch after 28 years interregnum

    Akeredolu presents staff of office to monarch after 28 years interregnum

    The Ondo State Government has presented a staff of office and instrument of appointment to the Maporure Agerige of Aheriland, Oba Richard Adubi-lge Kudehinbu.

    The event, which took place on Tuesday in Akure, was to fill the stool of Maporure which had been vacant for over 28 years.

    The vacuum followed the demise of the late monarch, Oba Marcus Akinjopo Gbose, on Jan. 28, 1989, and the protracted litigation which stalled the process of selecting and appointing a successor.

    Presenting the staff of office to Kudehinbu, the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, congratulated the new traditional ruler on his appointment.

    Ajayi also felicitated with indigenes of the community, saying their desire to have a monarch had come to reality.

    He, however, urged the monarch to employ the principle of equity and fairness in his dealings with all his subjects.

    The deputy governor also enjoined him to exercise restraint in the use of the powers conferred on him with the instrument of office.

    Ajayi further appealed to all the indigenes of the community to cooperate with the monarch for his reign to be memorable.

    In his acceptance speech, the traditional ruler expressed gratitude to the state government on the presentation of staff of office.

    The monarch, who spoke through the former Head of Service, Mr Ajose Kudehinbu, appealed to the state government for the upgrade of the Maporure title.

     

    NAN

  • Boundary crisis: Ondo, Ogun govts meet to settle disputes

    The Ogun and Ondo State Governments on Thursday met to resolve the boundary issues between the people of Atijere in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo and Makun-Omi in Waterside Local Government Area of Ogun.

    The meeting, which took place at the Government House in Abeokuta, had in attendance the deputy governor of Ondo State, Chief Agboola Ajayi, and his counterpart in Ogun, Mrs Yetunde Onanuga.

    Briefing newsmen after the meeting, Ajayi gave an assurance that people living in both communities would soon realise that they had no reason to fight each other.

    Ajayi said that the informal meeting was only to discuss issues affecting the two communities.

    The deputy governor promised to invite his Ogun counterpart to a stakeholders’ meeting in Ondo State where all the traditional rulers in both communities would have the opportunity to discuss issues amicably.

    “We are one. We will resolve all the issues. We are expecting the boundary commission to come and conduct the survey which had been done in Ogun, and we will amicably agree and come to live together.

    “The two communities have done so many things together.

    “ The two governors of our states are credible leaders, so I believe when the community leaders see smiles on television, they will see reason that we mean well,” he said

    Earlier, Onanuga, who also affirmed that the meeting was not official, explained that “the sister states deemed it fit to hold a meeting to discuss some of the boundary issues.’’

    She noted that the two states had resolved to continue with the peaceful coexistence they had been enjoying in the past.

    “This is not an official meeting. It is an informal one at the instance of his Excellency, the Deputy Governor of Ondo State and Chairman of the Ondo State Boundary Commission.

    “Their administration just assumed office, the two sister states deemed it fit to hold a boundary meeting to resolve some of the issues we have between our two states and that was why the meeting was held.

    “I can authoritatively tell you that we have resolved to go back and talk to our people to live happily,” she said.

    Onanuga said the two states would work with the National Boundary Commission to conduct a survey in Ondo State similar to what was done in Ogun after which a meeting would hold to resolve the outstanding issues.