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Tag: ondo

  • Ondo: Hoodlums invade Ogbagi Akoko, destr0y electoral materials, others

    Ondo: Hoodlums invade Ogbagi Akoko, destr0y electoral materials, others

    Some hoodlums have attacked and assaulted officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at Polling Unit 19, Ward 6 Ogbagi in the Akoko area of Ondo State in the ongoing governorship election in the state.

    According to a video posted on social media, the Presiding Officer (PO) of the polling unit said that the attackers destroyed all the electoral materials at the polling unit, stole their phones and purses, and physically assaulted them.

    The Presiding Officer, who said that the attack happened shortly after a PDP agent at the polling unit was arrested by the police for tearing votes, said that her Assistant Presiding Officer 1 (APO 1) she identified as Bello Samuel, had been missing since they were attacked.

    Narrating what happened, the Presiding Officer said, “As the process of the election was going on, a party agent from PDP tore a vote without my consent. I don’t know his name because he had not indicated his name.

    “I was trying to address him but he asked me to do my work. In order to resolve the matter, the Kabiyesi of the community (community leader) came but he (the PDP) agent was trying to tear another vote when the officers (police) at the polling unit called the DPO for his arrest.

    “They (police) asked me what I wanted and I said he should be removed or the polling unit should be canceled. Then, he was arrested and the election continued.

    “Unaware, we discovered a gang of people parking the election materials and they beat us up – I and my APOs. Even till now, I haven’t seen my APO 1, Bello Samuel by name.

    “Our phones have been stolen with our purses, and all the electoral materials have been destroyed except the BVAS which I escaped with.”

    She said that before the hoodlums attacked them, “I called SPO and the officers called the DPO. After that, I know nothing preserved by grace.”

  • Ondo: Can Adeleke, Makinde uproot APC from govt house

    Ondo: Can Adeleke, Makinde uproot APC from govt house

    The Chairman of the PDP Gubernatorial Campaign Council for Ondo State 2024, Sen Ademola Adeleke, his colleagues from Oyo, Bayelsa, Adamawa and Bauchi states arriving the venue of the Grand Finale of Ondo PDP governorship campaign in Akure, Ondo state.

    Can Gov Adeleke and Seyi Makinde deliver Ondo to PDP?

    This is a million dollar question on the lips of Ondo people as the sitting governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa is already gathering support.

    As at on Thursday, more than five candidates had already thrown in their towels to support him.

  • We’ll not allow APC rig Ondo guber election – Gov Makinde vows

    We’ll not allow APC rig Ondo guber election – Gov Makinde vows

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has vowed that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) would do everything within its power to fix the Party and Nigeria, while assuring that the Party would prevent the All Progressives Congress (APC) rigging the forth-coming gubernatorial election in Ondo State.

    Governor Makinde said this, on Thursday, in Abuja, at the inauguration of the Board of Governors and the unveiling of the Roadmap for Peoples Democratic Institute (PDI).

    PDI is the research arm of PDP established in 2,000 to promote a new democratic culture in Nigeria and Africa through the provision of value-added education, training, capacity building, research, and documentation programmes.

    Governor Makinde said that PDP could fix Nigeria, adding that “we will fix PDP and then PDP will fix Nigeria, which will be the basis of real hope for the people of Nigeria.

    “As we approach 2027, it is clear that the PDP has to provide real hope for Nigeria. By revitalising the PDI that real hope is being provided for our people.

    “Our country needs direction. Nigerians are looking up to the PDP to provide an ideological foundation,” he said.
    The governor said that with the inauguration of the board, PDP was moving a step closer to defining the ideology it stood for.
    He advised politicians and leaders who were given opportunity to serve to always ask themselves what they want to be remembered for.

    The governor also pledged his commitment to strengthening of the country’s democracy and PDP.

    He continued, “From 2019, I’ve been benefitting from PDP. So, I want to say thank you to our great party, and all the stakeholders gathered here today, for giving me the opportunity to get not one, but two mandates, back to back, under this umbrella.

    “The only thing I can promise you, is that, since I fetched water from that well, and I have been drinking since 1999, I will not pollute the well when it is time for me to exit that office,” he said.

    Governor Makinde also urged PDP leaders, members and stakeholders to go into the November 16 Ondo governorship election united and resist any attempt to truncate the election.

    He said that the PDP needed true reconciliation and unity to wrest power from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo. “Our great party, the PDP, will not allow the All Progressives Congress (APC) to rig the election. Our chances are bright”.

    In his remarks, former Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki, emphasised the need to jointly build the PDP, saying parties were built on ideas, philosophies and policies.

    He urged PDP members to move away from building ideas on self or on ambition, as Nigeria move towards 2027.

    “We cannot have an ambition if we don’t have a party. We cannot have a party if we don’t have ideas. This is where it starts from. This is the foundation that is important.

    “Let us desist from talking about who is running for councillors, or who is running for governor, or who is running for president in 2027.

    “Let us talk about what is PDP. What does PDP represent? These are the issues and policies that we must take into account,” Saraki said.

    In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of PDI Board of Governors, Taofeek Arapaja, pledged the governing board members’ commitment to the mission, and vision of PDI, and to the guiding principles of the PDP.

    Arapaja, who is the PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), commended the party leadership and Makinde’s efforts at revamping PDI, said that the board would advance the principles of PDI to enrich Nigeria’s democracy.

    “As we embark on this journey, we pledge that we will live with innovations, transparency and inclusivity.

    “We are passionate about equipping the next generation of leaders and ensuring that the PDI becomes a true engine of progressive thoughts, skills, building and intellectual discourse within our party and beyond.

    “We envision a PDI that is not just a research institute, but a vibrant, inclusive hub for the youths, women and all party members,” Arapaja said.

    The Director General of PDI, Dr Edward Adie, acknowledging the support of Makinde for revamping of the institute, seek support from all in terms of funding, personnel among others.

    He said that research institute such as PDI was critical for party electoral success, funding substance of power and needed training for political leaders.

  • Ondo Assembly passes N96bn 2024 supplementary budget

    Ondo Assembly passes N96bn 2024 supplementary budget

    The Ondo State House of Assembly has passed the N96 billion 2024 supplementary budget.

    Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State recently forwarded to the lawmakers a bill  for a supplementary appropriation increasing the initial N395 billion 2024  budget to N487 billion.

    Aiyedatiwa had anchored his request for a supplementary budget on the effects of petrol subsidy removal and to enable implementation of N73, 000 minimum wage recently announced for the state’s workforce.

    The House of the Assembly in its discretion increased the governor’s proposal to N492 billion amounting to increase of N96 billion.

    Speaking after submitting the report of the House’s Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Mr Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, Owo 1/APC, said that there was need for additional funds for target goals of the government.

    Ogunmolasuyi, the House Majority Leader and Chairman of the Committee, stated that funds allocated to some government’s ministries, departments and agencies had been exhausted because of inflationary pressure on the signed 2024 budget.

    He added that the revised budget would give a clear expression for rapid development in the state.

    The chairman explained that the revised budget would cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal as well as the need to service the new minimum wage of N73,000.

    Ogunmolasuyi, therefore, moved a motion for the bill to be passed and Mr Nelson Akinsuroju, Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo/ APC, seconded the motion.

    The House of Assembly also passed two other bills.

    They are a bill to provide for 2024 budget of 18 local government areas of Ondo State and a bill to provide for amendment of the Oil Producing Areas Development Commission Law.

    Speaking at the plenary, Speaker of House of Assembly, Chief Olamide Oladiji, said that the legislative had recorded another milestone in the annals of history.

    Oladiji explained that there was an urgent need for amendment of the 2024 appropriation law to accommodate the new minimum wage and some developmental projects due to prevailing economic indices.

    He noted that amendment in the law that established OSOPADEC was overdue as it would address all identified lacuna and accommodate current administrative realities.

    The speaker said that the amendment was to eradicate the era of abandoned projects by the commission.

    Oladiji added that because there was no legislative arm in place at the local government level in the state, there was need for consideration on the local government bill.

    The House of Assembly adjourned the plenary to Thursday, Oct. 25.

  • Ondo 2024: APC has unbeatable structures to defeat other parties – Spokesman

    Ondo 2024: APC has unbeatable structures to defeat other parties – Spokesman

    All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State says that it has unbeatable structures across the state to defeat other political parties in any election.

    The party’s Publicity Secretary in the state, Mr Alex Kalejaiye, stated this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Akure.

    NAN reports that the statement was in apparent response to a call by Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on the people of Ondo State not to sell their conscience.

    Kalejaiye said that the recent defection of notable political giants from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had further fortified the chances of APC in the November 16 governorship election.

    “We consider as insulting the unsolicited advice to our people not to sell their conscience.

    “It is a popular fact that Ondo people are a politically-sophisticated entity who always acts out of conviction; they are not as cheap as being branded by Mr Makinde,” he said.

    The APC spokesperson said that the party in the state was shocked by a call from the governor for immediate transfer of the State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mrs Toyin Babalola, before the governorship election.

    “The state chapter wishes to remind the governor that neither Ondo State nor the electoral body is an appendage of his empire, where he rules as an administrator.

    “The party notes that the electoral officer has, since assumption of office, demonstrated integrity, competence and capacity to handle any election.

    “We find it extremely ludicrous that Gov. Makinde will give a directive in such manner, when he didn’t influence the transfer of Mrs Omobolanle to Ondo State, neither is he a player on the political space of the state.

    “Our counsel to the governor is to focus on the myriad of problems currently facing Oyo State,” he said.

    Kalejaiye commended APC members for their unwavering belief in the party, urging them to exhibit maturity and decorum as the party continued to solicit for a renewal of the people’s mandate in the forthcoming governorship election.

  • Ondo Govt. increases 2024 Budget by N92bn

    Ondo Govt. increases 2024 Budget by N92bn

    The Ondo State Government has requested the raise of its 2024 budget by N92 billion to cushion the effects of economic hardship and implement the new minimum wage for its workers.

    The State Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who wrote to the state House of Assembly, asked for amendment and increase of the 2024 Budget from N395 billion to N487 billion.

    The letter accompanying the bill for the amendment of the budget was read by the Clerk of the House of Assembly, Mr Benjamin Jaiyeola.

    A motion for the amendment of the budget was subsequently moved by the House Majority Leader, Mr Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, (Owo 1-APC) and was seconded by Mr Olatunji Oshati, (Ose- APC).

    Ogunmolasuyi said the bill for amendment if it  sails through would address the effects of the fuel subsidy removal and afford the government to implement the N73,000 minimum wage for its workers.

    Oshati, who seconded the motion, also moved the motion to commit the bill to the  Appropriation Committee, saying that the bill would address many things in the state.

    He added that the bill if passed into law would allow government to implement its programmes and policies in line with current economic realities.

    Also speaking, Mr Stephen Abitogun, (Akure South 2-APC), urged his colleagues to allow the bill sail through in order to cater for the needs of people of the state.

    Similarly, Mr Olatunji Fabiyi, (Odigbo- APC), said that without the amendment, there would be no way that civil servants, who are the engine room of government in the state, could enjoy the minimum wage promised by the governor.

    The Speaker, Chief Olamide Oladiji, said that without the bill being passed, there would be slow pace of implementation of government’s policies and programmes.

    “This bill is very important for the state because of the current economic indices and without it, implementation of minimum wage will not be realistic.

    “This is our own little way to support the administration of Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    “I, therefore, order the bill to be passed to the Finance and Appropriation Committee for proper and thorough screening and be submitted to the plenary,”he said.

    The sitting of the House of Assembly was later adjourned to Wednesday.

  • INEC warns people without PVCs to steer clear of Ondo election

    INEC warns people without PVCs to steer clear of Ondo election

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned persons without Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) to steer clear of polling centres during the Nov. 16 Governorship Election in Ondo State.

    Prof. Kunle Ajayi, INEC National Commissioner Supervising Ondo, Ogun and Osun States, gave the warning at the presentation of soft copies of the Register of Voters for the election to the political parties on Tuesday in Akure.

    Ajayi, who pledge the Commission’s preparedness and determination to conduct a free, fair, credible, and inclusive election in the state, said that 2,053,006 eligible voters were registered.

    ” it is important to reiterate to you that the Commission shall commence distribution of the newly printed Permanent Voters Cards and the uncollected PVCs from the previous CVR exercise starting from Thursday.

    “I strongly encourage all political party representatives to mobilise their supporters to come out and collect their PVCs.

    “Also, the Civil Society Organisations and the media here present are to use their various strong outlets and platforms to encourage the general public, registrants, and eligible voters to come out en mass to collect their PVCs.

    “Because Without the PVC, nobody would be allowed to vote,” he said.

    Ajayi said that the collection of PVCs won’t  be by proxy as it was against the law.

    According to him, anyone found in possession of more than one PVC would be made to face the full extent of the law.

    He, therefore, called on Persons With Disability (PWD), PWD-focused CSOs, and groups to encourage any PWD to come out and collect their PVCs.

    Ajayi said that the Commission has made adequate provision for assistive devices which will ensure a seamless voting experience for all PWDs in the forthcoming election.

    Also, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ondo State, said that the publication and presentation of the voter register was crucial and a statutory step in safeguarding the credibility and transparency of the electoral process.

    Babalola said that the presentation was a powerful reminder that the future of Ondo State was in hands of its people.

    “I call on all stakeholders to remain vigilant and committed, safeguarding the integrity of the process

    “I therefore use this medium to encourage voters in Ondo State to come out to cast their votes freely with the assurance that their choices are respected and their votes will count,” Babalola said.

    Mr Ade Adetimehin, Chairman of  All Progressive Congress (APC) in Ondo State, applauded the INEC for its timely presentation of the voters register.

    According to him, it would enable the political parties to go back to the field and mobilise and educate their supporters to come out en mass to vote on the election day.

    “It’s now our duty as political parties to go back to the all 3936 polling units to mobilise and canvass for their (electorate) votes,” he said

  • Ondo gov, Aiyedatiwa approves above FG’s N70,000 minimum wage

    Ondo gov, Aiyedatiwa approves above FG’s N70,000 minimum wage

    Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Saturday announced the implementation of N73,000 minimum wage for state government workers.

    The governor also expressed the commitment of his administration to the welfare of the people of the state.

    Recall that the Federal Government approved a sum of N70,000 minimum wage for civil servants.

    Aiyedatiwa made the announcement during the kick-off of his campaign in Ondo town, Ondo State, ahead of the November 16 governorship election.

    The governor declared that despite the fact that the Federal Government approved N70,000 as the new minimum wage, “Ondo will go a step further by paying N73,000 to our workers.”

    Addressing the mammoth crowd and the party faithful, Aiyedatiwa who is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the November 16 election, urged them to convert their supports into votes for the APC to ensure the continuity of developmental initiatives across the state.

    He said, “On November 16, I urge everyone gathered here and those who are not present to convert your support into votes for the APC to ensure the continuation of our significant progress in the state.

    “Based on reports and my personal observations, I am confident that you all want this administration to continue beyond 2024. I see the love and appreciation from you, and I do not take it for granted. The best way to demonstrate this love is to vote for continuity, which will bring even more dividends of democracy.”

    Highlighting some of his achievements in his 10 months in office, Aiyedatiwa, stated that “during my time in office, we have initiated several important projects, including those started by the late governor. In agriculture, we’ve taken significant strides, boosting food production across the state.”

    He added, “We’ve also approved over a billion naira for land clearing and launched various rural road construction projects to facilitate our farmers’ activities and improve productivity in rural areas.”

    He boasted that his administration’s efforts have made doctors more willing to stay in the state instead of leaving for opportunities elsewhere, disclosing that his administration has increased doctors’ salaries and allowances.

  • Lassa Fever cases surge in Ondo, Edo — NCDC

    Lassa Fever cases surge in Ondo, Edo — NCDC

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) recorded a rise in Lassa fever cases in week 39 of 2024, with Ondo and Edo states reporting nine new confirmed cases.

    The NCDC stated this on its official website, based on latest Lassa Fever Situation Report.

    The agency said that this marked an increase from four cases reported in  previous week, raising the total number of infection and deaths in the year to alarming levels.

    The NCDC revealed that “the country is witnessing a surge in Lassa fever cases, with the total number of infections in 2024 rising to 1,018 across 28 states.

    “As of week 39 (September 23-29), 172 deaths have been reported, reflecting a slight increase in the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) to 16.9 per cent, compared to 16.8 per cent in the same period in 2023.”

    It highlighted that the new confirmed cases were recorded in Ondo and Edo states, two of the three states that account for 68 per cent of all confirmed cases in 2024.

    It noted that “Ondo reported 28 per cent of the cases, followed by Edo with 23 per cent and Bauchi, 17 per cent.”

    The NCDC said that the predominant age group affected by the disease ranged from 31 to 40 years, with an equal number of male and female patients.

    It said that no healthcare workers were affected during the reporting week, a positive sign amid heightened number of cases.

    The Nigerian public health agency said that in spite of nationwide efforts to curb spread of the disease, the increasing number of deaths is worrisome.

    It attributed the high CFR to late presentation of cases, poor health-seeking behaviour and inadequate environmental sanitation in high-burden communities.

    It noted that the challenges, coupled with limited access to treatment, were posing significant threats to the country’s ability to reduce fatalities.

    The agency said the National Lassa Fever Technical Working Group (TWG) had continued to coordinate response activities, while alerts were sent through the Nigeria Preparedness and Readiness Alert System (NPRAS) on ongoing efforts.

    The NCDC added that its partners had rolled out various interventions to bolster efforts toward tackling the menace. 

    Lassa fever, identified by the World Health Organisation as pathogen with high potential for severe outbreaks, poses growing threat as climate change puts an estimated 700 million people at risk.

    Symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, muscle pain, and in severe cases, facial swelling and bleeding, as survivors often suffer from long-term complications, such as deafness.

    Meanwhile, as Nigeria battles the ongoing Lassa fever outbreak, public health experts said concerted efforts are required from both the government and the public to avert further loss of lives.

  • Reps urge IG to investigate case of missing corps member in Ondo

    Reps urge IG to investigate case of missing corps member in Ondo

    The House of Representatives has urged the Inspector General of Police to initiate measures to find a missing corps member, Mr Okeke, Chukwuemeka Godwin, who has not been seen since May 9, 2024.

    The call for the rescue was sequel to a motion by Rep. Nnolim Nnaji (PDP-Enugu state) at plenary on Thursday in Abuja.

    Moving the the motion, Nnaji said that the NYSC was established to engage Nigerian university graduates in effective community services and nation building across ethno-linguistic boundaries.

    He said that the scheme had been threatened by myriads of abductions, incessant attacks and murder due to the inadequate facilities and general welfare.

    The lawmaker said that there is an optimum obligation of providing safe environment and facilities for NYSC members on Federal and State Governments in conjunction with security agencies while serving or posted in various host communities.

    “Concerned about a youth corper and my constituent, Okeke Chukwuemeka Godwin from Umuanyi Village, Ovuorie, Ugbawka Community in Nkanu East LGA of Enugu State.

    “Being the best-graduated student in Computer Science Department at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra with Second Class upper division, has been missing till date, while serving in Ondo State under Batch 23B.

    “Godwin was supposed to complete his NYSC program on June 17, 2024, but got missing on May 9, 2024, which was the particular day his parents could not reach him on his mobile phone numbers till date.

    “On the May 13, 2024, the mother of the missing Corp member, Mrs. Okeke Patience and his younger brother, went to Akure to verify the situation and thereby visited his place of primary assignment and residence but could not get any vital information.

    “The relatives reported the matter to the Nigerian Police (Ijakpo Police Division) who sent signal to other police stations and the police headquarter in Ondo for investigation, but after some interrogations, the family has not been fully communicated on the outcome of these investigations.

    “The relatives also reported the matter to the Local Government and State offices of the NYSC, including the community leadership but up till date, the matter is still pending without any information leading to his rescue,” he said.

    The lawmaker said that June 9, 2024, the mother of Godwin with two other relatives and a journalist visited the Ondo State Police Command, the NYSC State and Local Government offices.

    He said that the journalist made some inquiries and produced a documentary via Trust Television while the mother proceeded and reported the matter and her ordeal at NYSC National Secretariat, Abuja;

    “The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State and the State Coordinator of NYSC with the management of the scheme have not taken adequate measures to search and rescue the missing corp member.

    “The negative and culminating effects of various State Governments not being proactive in taking adequate measures to provide basic accommodation facilities, clinics, enabling environment and other necessities has been very devastating to the safety and welfare of corps members,” he said.

    The house urged President Bola Tinubu to prevail on the State Governments and security agencies to provide maximum security and good habitation facilities for youth corp members.

    The house also urged the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and all relevant agencies to investigate the case of the missing corp member and initiate measures for the safety and welfare of corp members in every host community.

    In his ruling, the Speaker of the house, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas referred the motion to the relevant committees for further legislative action.