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Tag: ondo

  • INSECURITY! Gunmen reportedly kidnap 10 travellers in Ondo

    INSECURITY! Gunmen reportedly kidnap 10 travellers in Ondo

    No fewer than ten passengers have been kidnapped by unknown gunmen along the Owo-Ipele-Benin Highway in Ondo State.

    Confirming the incident, the state police spokesperson, Funmi Odunlami, stated that seven persons were kidnapped by the assailants.

    Sources in Akure, the Ondo State capital, revealed that the travellers were returning from a South-South state and heading to Akure when the gunmen struck.

    Their commercial vehicle was later found abandoned by the roadside, prompting other drivers to raise the alarm.

    Odunlami assured the public that further details would be provided as investigations continue.

    Meanwhile, it was gathered that the kidnappers have contacted the families of the victims and are demanding ransom for their release.

  • Ondo nurses suspend 4-day-old indefinite strike

    Ondo nurses suspend 4-day-old indefinite strike

    The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Ondo State Council, has suspended its four-day-old indefinite strike.

    Recall that nurses and midwives in the state government-owned hospitals and health centres began an indefinite strike on Jan. 31.

    Mr Lucky Aremu, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the association, made this known in a statement on Monday in Akure.

    “The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), hereby, announces the suspension of the indefinite industrial action embarked upon by nurses across all state public health institutions.

    “This decision follows a series of negotiations with the Ondo State Government, which culminated in assurances and commitments to address our demands.

    “These demands includes proper remuneration, welfare, conversion issues and improved working conditions.

    “In light of these developments, and in the spirit of goodwill, we have decided to give the government the benefit of the doubt to fulfil its promises,” he said.

    Aremu appreciated the unwavering support, resilience and solidarity demonstrated by association’s members.

    He added that their dedication had been instrumental in amplifying the association’s collective voice.

    Aremu extended the gratitude to members of the public for their understanding, patience and involvement while the strike lasted.

    He asked all nurses and midwives in the government owned health facilities to resume at their official posts on Tuesday.

    “While we suspend the strike, we remain vigilant and committed to ensuring that the government honours its commitments.

    “We will not hesitate to take necessary actions should there be any breach of the trust,” he said.

    NAN

  • No basis for industrial action – Ondo Govt tells striking nurses

    No basis for industrial action – Ondo Govt tells striking nurses

    The Ondo State Government has urged striking nurses in public healthcare facilities in the state to return to work as there was no basis for their industrial action.

    The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) in the state, on Thursday, after an emergency meeting directed its members to commence an indefinite strike at 12:00a.m. on Jan. 31.

    A statement issued and signed by association’s chairman and secretary, Felix Orobode and  Lucky Aremu, respectively directed its members to stay off duty until their demands are met by the state government.

    The demands of the association include: Payment of the balance of January 2025 salary as agreed, with the 100 per cent new salary table.

    Others demands are correction of the 2022 conversion exercise during which some of its members were indirectly demoted and payment of the arrears of promotion and hazard allowances.

    The association also called for the resumption of negotiation on uniform allowance for nurses as captured in the Public Service rule.

    “The government’s refusal to address nurses’ welfare has left us with no other option but to take this action.

    “Nurses can no longer endure the financial and professional neglect that has characterised our relationship with the government,” the group said.

    However, the state, through the Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip, said that the state government was surprised by the action of the association.

    In a statement issued in Akure on Friday, Philip said that like other health workers and public servants in the state, the nurses recently enjoyed a pay rise from the implementation of the N73,O00 minimum wage.

    “In mid January 2025, other health workers, aside the medical doctors, met with the government to press for a full implementation of CONHESS Salary Table and it was jointly agreed that the matter be placed before Mr Governor for consideration.

    “Mr Governor in his characteristic love for the health sector, directed that the financial implication be worked out for his consideration.

    “And that is presently being concluded and should not be an excuse to delay the payment of January 2025 salary.

    “Government is therefore calling on the nurses to shelve their planned industrial action as there is no basis for such, at all.

    “Like other health workers, nurses are aware of the attention and action of government and they should allow good reasoning to prevail since there is neither any disputation nor deadlock.

    “Nurses in the State General/Specialist hospitals should cancel the planned action as government will not tolerate any unwarranted disruption to its healthcare services,” the statement said.

    NAN

  • Ondo PDP resolves impasse over LG election withdrawal

    Ondo PDP resolves impasse over LG election withdrawal

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ondo Chapter, says it has resolved the disagreement over the party’s decision to withdraw from the recently conducted local government election in the state.

    The state’s Director of Media and Publicity of PDP, Mr Leye Igbabo, made this known in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Akure.

    According to reports, PDP tendered its letter of withdrawal 48 hours to the Jan. 18 local government election.

    They alleged the lack of trust in the ability of the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) to conduct a fair and free election.

    Igbabo explained that the Chairman of PDP in the state, Dr Bakitta Bello, had shed more light on reasons for pulling out of the electoral process.

    He said that the chairman, who addressed chairmanship and councillorship candidates in the election, alleged that the election process lacked transparency, credibility and acceptability.

    According to him, the chairman says that it will have been a great disservice and a mockery of democracy, if the party had allowed itself to be involved in such alleged clearly flawed elections.

    “The candidates have expressed their joy over soothing words spoken by the party leadership and as well expressed their continued solidarity and avowed commitment to the party.

    “The candidates had also tendered their unreserved apologies over the actions of some of them, who attempted to vent their anger on the state’s secretariat of the party in Akure.

    “A joint meeting of state Caretaker Committee members, Elders Committee and the candidates, resolved to advance the course of the party at all times and its smooth administration.

    “A motion for vote of confidence in the party leadership was moved by Ese-Odo Local Government Chairmanship candidate, Mr Buna Doso.

    “The motion was seconded by Mr Fasaanu Lawrence, the Ward 2 Councilorship candidate from Akure South Local Government.

    “With the joint meeting, the impasse over the  withdrawal of PDP from the Ondo State local government elections, has been permanently laid to rest,” he said.

    NAN

  • LG election: APC wins 18 chairmanship, 203 councilorship seats in Ondo

    LG election: APC wins 18 chairmanship, 203 councilorship seats in Ondo

    The All Progressive Congress (APC) has won all the 18 chairmanship and 203 councilorship seat in the Local Government (LG) election held on Jan.18 in Ondo State.

    Dr Joseph Aremo, Chairman, Ondo State  Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC), made the announcement at the commission’s headquarters on Sunday night in Akure.

    Aremo, who explained that the election was keenly contested by 13 different political parties, said it was peaceful without any casualty or loss of lives and properties during the exercise.

    According to him, there are 203 wards and 18 Local Governments in Ondo State.

    “The election across the 203 wards was keenly contested, and candidates sponsored by APC emerged as councilors elect in the 2025 local government election of Ondo State.

    “Also for the chairmanship election as well, it was keenly contested and from presentations made at the respective LG level, the candidates of APC emerged winner across all the 18 councils,” he said.

    Aremo, therefore, appreciated Ondo State residents for upholding the tenet of rule of law, and for coming out to vote for the candidates of their choices.

    According to him, the presentation of the results show that Saturday’s election was free, fair, credible and transparent.

    The chairman assured residents of the commission’s readiness to do more in subsequent elections, and called on political parties to play their roles in terms of voter education and participation.

    “Whatever the short coming we might identify in the process, we will definitely improve, especially in the area of enlightement.

    “But we cannot do it alone, because political parties must step up the desire to enlighten their members in terms of voter education and participation.

    “Sovereignty ultimately belongs to the people and they should be allowed to choose whoever they want as their leaders,” he said.

    NAN reports that Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) withdrew their participation 48 hours to the election.

    They alleged the lack of confidence in ODIEC to conduct free, credible, and transparent election.

  • PDP withdraws from Ondo LG polls

    PDP withdraws from Ondo LG polls

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State says it has withdrawn from the Local Government (LG) elections slated for Saturday in the state.

    The Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) fixed Saturday, Jan.18 for the LG elections in the 18 local government areas of the state.

    This is contained in a statement on Thursday in Akure made available to newsmen by Mr Leye Igbabo, the PDP Director of Media and Publicity in the state.

    “This decision is a product of several layers of consultations of party leaders, stakeholders and the national secretariat of our great party.

    “Our party fielded 15 chairmanship candidates in 15 local government areas and 131 councillorship candidates.

    “But, from all indications, ODIEC’s credibility, transparency, and impartiality have failed the integrity test.

    “Recent observations and reports point to a troubling pattern of double standards by ODIEC, raising serious doubts about their ability to conduct a free, fair, and credible election,” the statement read.

    According to the statement, PDP as a responsible political party, is committed to democracy and the rule of law

    “The party cannot, in good conscience, confer legitimacy on a compromised process by participating in the election. This withdrawal is in line with our stance on integrity.

    “We have, therefore, resolved to withdraw our participation in this exercise to uphold the integrity of our party and our unwavering belief in credible electoral practices.

    “We further assure our teeming supporters, and the good people of Ondo State, that our commitment to sanitise the electoral  process is irrevocable,” the statement read.

    Also, The PDP Chairman in the state, Dr Bakitta Bello, who spoke with NAN on telephone, confirmed the party’s withdrawal from the elections.

  • BREAKING: Ondo gov, Aiyedatiwa sacks commissioners, retains two

    BREAKING: Ondo gov, Aiyedatiwa sacks commissioners, retains two

    Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has dissolved the State Executive Council with immediate effect.

    Governor Aiyedatiwa, however, exempted two members of the cabinet from the dissolution “due to the critical nature of their duties.”

    A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, listed the two cabinet members as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, and the Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Omowunmi Isaac.

    The statement directed all affected cabinet members to hand over all government properties in their care to the accounting officers of their respective ministries.

    Governor Aiyedatiwa thanked the EXCO members for their service and contributions to the development of the state under his administration and wished them well in their future endeavours.

  • 2 die in Ondo communal clash

    2 die in Ondo communal clash

    The Commissioner of Police (CP) in Ondo State, Mr Wilfred Afolabi, has called for peace in Iwaro, Akoko South-East LGA following clashes among youths of Oka-Odo, Ebo and Owake communities during which two persons died.

    According to reports, the three communities are in Akoko South-East Local Government Area of Ondo state.

    Afolabi, who made the call in a statement made available to newsmen on Monday in Akure, urged all parties involved in the conflicts to sheath their sword.

    According to the CP, violence and destruction of properties will only result in stagnation and under development.

    “The clash started on Jan. 12, when youths from Oka-Odo went on a hunting expedition and were allegedly attacked by youths from Ebo.

    “The Ebo youths were said to have mistaken them for individuals from Owake, with whom they have an unresolved land dispute.

    “In retaliation, Oka-Odo youths mobilised and invaded Ebo community, leading to incidents of arson.

    “The conflict led to casualties on both sides, and also led to the death of two persons (names and identities unknown), while the injured are currently receiving treatment in the hospital,” he explained.

    The CP said that a police team, led by a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) has been deployed to the area to restore peace and prevent further escalation.

    He urged the communities to seek peaceful resolutions to their disputes and avoid further loss of lives and property.

    Afolabi also assured residents in the communities that the police would ensure that the perpetrators of violence on both sides were brought to justice.

    NAN

  • LG poll: We will repeat landslide victory – Ondo APC

    LG poll: We will repeat landslide victory – Ondo APC

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State says it will repeat the landslide victory in the forthcoming Local Government (LG) election on Saturday.

    NAN reports that the party won in all the 18 Local Government Areas of the state during the Nov.16 governorship election.

    The state Publicity Secretary of APC, Mr Alex Kalejaye, who stated this on Monday in Akure at the party’s secretariat while speaking with newsmen on the party’s preparations ahead the Jan.18 LG election.

    Kalejaye, who assured that APC would win the election. expressed displeasure with the inauguration of caretaker committees at the third tiers of government.

    According to him, we are confident of repeating the victory recorded in the last Nov. 16 governorship election on Saturday.

    Kalejaye said that the people of the state would vote for APC on Saturday due to the level of performance of Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa-led administration.

    The publicity secretary disclosed that in preparation for the election, the party had constituted a five-man committee, led by the party’s state Organising Secretary, Charles Fagbohunka.

    He said Fagbohunka would coordinate the campaign of all committee set up at the local government level, while the  committees would coordinate the campaign at ward and unit levels for mobilisation and sensitisation.

    Kalejaye said the party had also constituted a reconciliation committee led by the state Vice Chairman of the party, Mr Atili Agabra, to settle all misunderstanding among party members ahead of the Saturday poll.

    “APC has met all the conditions reeled out by ODIEC and all our candidates across the 18 local government areas are sellable.

    “The party is well prepared for the election and will round off its campaign on Thursday in line with the Electoral Act.

    “We have started the campaign by meeting with all stakeholders across all the 18 local government areas of the state,” he said. (

  • Ondo: Gov Lucky Aiyedatiwa speaks on election victory

    Ondo: Gov Lucky Aiyedatiwa speaks on election victory

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has reacted to his victory in Saturday’s governorship election.

    Aiyedatiwa promised to serve the people of Ondo State.

    Addressing journalists in Akure, the state Capital after he was declared winner, Aiyedatiwa said: “I thank Ondo for the renewed mandate given to me to be their gov beyond 2025 and I promise to serve them.”

    The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, declared Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress, APC, winner of Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State.

    Aiyedatiwa was declared winner after polling the highest number of votes in the election.

    The incumbent governor battled Ajayi Agboola of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Olorunfemi Festus of the Labour Party, LP, and Abbas Mimiko of Zenith Labour Party, ZLP, among others, in Saturday’s poll.

    INEC’s Returning Officer and Vice Chancellor of Federal University, Lokoja, Prof. Akinwumi Olayemi Durotimi, said Aiyedatiwa polled a total of 366781 while Ajayi got 117845 while LP had 1162.