Fidelis David in Akure

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has approved the employment of 1,010 (one thousand and ten) new teachers for secondary schools in the state.

The governor’s approval came after completion of the recruitment process by the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) which screened thousands of applicants last year.

A statement issued on Monday by the chief press secretary to the governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, explained the list of successful candidates will be made public online and will be displayed at the premises of TESCOM headquarters and zonal offices across the State from tomorrow (Tuesday).

It noted that the successful candidates are to begin their documentation immediately.

The statement read: “The governor had given an approval for the recruitment of 1000 secondary school and 1000 primary school teachers last year, which signaled the start of the recruitment exercise by TESCOM and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).

“While the final list for the secondary school candidates was approved by the governor on Friday, that of the primary school candidates is currently undergoing its finishing touches.

“Governor Aiyedatiwa had expressed concern over teaching staff shortages in public schools, particularly in rural communities. This necessitated his directive that the recruitment must be based on the peculiar needs of the understaffed schools across the state.”

It stressed that the recruitment of teachers in both primary and secondary schools is one of the efforts of the Aiyedatiwa administration in revamping the education sector in the State.

The governor had last Friday approved the payment of N633m for the registration of students for the West Africa Examination Council’s Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination.

This came after the governor approved the upgrade and conversion of the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo to a University of Agriculture and Agribusiness.

Fidelis David in Akure

Finance and economic experts including an industrialist, Alex Ajipe, on Monday expressed divergent views on the capacity of Ondo State government to effectively implement the 2025 budget recently signed into law by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

The experts spoke in Akure at a symposium organized by the Akure & District Society of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) themed: “Budget of Recovery: Opportunities, Prospects, and Key Issues Towards Actualization.”

On his part, the Managing Director, Klick Konnect Networks, Alex Ajipe, who is one of the discussants said budgets should be customized in such a way that will reflect productivity.

Ajipe who is also a stalwart of APC in the state stressed that budget must also be inclusive, thereby considering the needs of all stakeholders, including the poor masses.

The APC chieftain, noted that “It goes beyond recurrent expenditure or capital expenditure. We need a budget that works for us. Between 1978-1979, we have a kind of economic system in Ondo State. We had over 95 percent of industries owned by the state.

“Most people working there were state workers. So, when you are preparing such budget, we might likely have huge recurrent expenditure and productivity will increase. But, as time goes by, private sectors started emerging.

“The productivity from the civil servants have reduced. If you look at the number of Professors we have in Ondo and Ekiti states, teaching, we’re not supposed to be hungry but the truth of the matter is that we’re still hungry,” he said.

Ajipe stressed that, “the larger chunk of money government uses for training is for the civil servants, not the private sector but what is the productivity of average civil servants? What are they bringing back?

“You discover that the best brains are in the civil service but we’re not getting anything from them. It is easy for us to blame the FG and state governments, but as an individual, what are you contributing to economic sector?”

The expert expressed divergent opinions and provided insights into the 2025 Ondo State Budget with a focus on economic revitalization, sustainable fiscal policies, and investment opportunities.

In his presentation, the lead speaker, Prof. Festus Oladipupo, Head of the Department of Accounting, Ekiti State University, observed that the downward trend of IGR-TOTAL revenue ratio is enslavement to additional borrowing and federal allocation with consistent growth in total annual spending.

He however said the steady and consistent growth in allocation to capital expenditure over recurrent is noticeable in Ondo State budget and commendable, and should be sustained.

Earlier, Hon. Idowu Otetubi, ICAN Chairman, Akure & District Society said the symposium was organized to provide insights into the 2025 Ondo State Budget with a focus on economic revitalization, sustainable fiscal policies, and investment opportunities.

Recall that Aiyedatiwa, had on 30th December, 2024 signed the 2025 Appropriation Bill totaling N698.659bn into law tagged “Budget of recovery”. The budget was increased by N43,429,496,000 above the N655,230bn initially proposed by Aiyedatiwa when he presented it to the Assembly.

The budget allocates N433b (62.06%) to capital expenditure, N265b (37.94%) to recurrent expenditure.

Fidelis David in Akure

A communal clash between the Owake and Ebo communities in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State has led to the death of two people.

ÌÇĐÄÊÓÆ” gathered yesterday that the latest attack occurred last Sunday, and a house belonging to Omorinbola Francis was set ablaze, while several injured residents were rushed to the newly inaugurated Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Iwaro-Oka for treatment.

A source, who preferred anonymity, revealed that the Palace of the Asin of Oka-Odo and an event hall were also destroyed during the clash.

He said: “Oka-Odo community was attacked last Sunday night by suspected hoodlums allegedly from the neighbouring Ebo community. As I speak, both the palace and the event hall have been completely destroyed, and several houses were set on fire. Sadly, a house belonging to Mr. Omorinbola Francis-also known as Ekoro- was burnt to the ground, and efforts to extinguish the flames proved futile.

“Earlier that same day, members of the Owake community had gone to install signposts on lands along Ikun Road, acting in line with an Appeal Court judgment that affirmed their ownership of the disputed lands.

“However, on their way back, members of the Owake community were ambushed by suspected thugs, who launched a violent attack, leaving many injured. The injured residents were promptly transported to the Federal Medical Centre in GRA for medical attention.”

While reacting, the state Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, through the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, confirmed the development, describing it as clashes between the youths of Oka Odo, Ebo, and Owake communities in Iwaro.

The CP urged all parties involved to sheath their swords, as violence and property destruction would only result in stagnation and underdevelopment.

According to him, “The clash started on January 12, 2025, 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 mobilized and invaded the Ebo community, leading to incidents of arson. The conflict led to casualties on both sides leading to death of two persons (names and identities unknown), while the injured are currently receiving treatment in the hospital.”

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

He further urged the communities to seek peaceful resolutions to their disputes to avoid further loss of lives and property while assuring residents that the police would ensure that the perpetrators of violence on both sides are brought to justice.

Fidelis David in Akure

The new Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Wilfred Afolabi, yesterday, revealed that 19 suspects had been arrested in connection with Sunday’s cult clash in Owo, Owo Local Government Area of the state. 

ÌÇĐÄÊÓÆ” reported that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, had Monday ordered a dawn-to-dusk curfew in the town till further notice, following the cult clash and unrest in the community.

However, CP Afolabi while speaking with journalists at the command headquarters in Akure upon his assumption of office as the 45th commissioner of police in the coastal state, said aside the 19 suspects, efforts were ongoing to arrest other miscreants, having connection with the killing.

Afolabi, who had earlier went for an on-the-spot assessment of the crime scene of the violent cult attack that left four persons dead said peace has been restored to the affected areas, which included Eyin Ogbe, Iselu, Ijebu Owo, and Palace area, amongst others.

Consequently, the police boss assured the people that those arrested would be made to face the full weight of the law, stressing that level of compliance with the curfew imposed on the town by the state government was satisfactory.

“So far, 19 suspects have been arrested in connection with the crisis. Investigations are ongoing to determine their level of involvement in the incident. Life is precious and we will make sure that justice is dispensed over the Owo matter.

“There is proliferation of firearms in the hands of people, who aren’t supposed to be in possession of them. And that’s why we are experiencing clashes here and there.

“But, we will work assiduously to make sure that such people are dispossessed of the firearms so that the state can be made safe and conducive for people to live.”

Afolabi, however, issued a stern warning to miscreants and potential criminals to stay away from the state, emphasising the command’s resolve to rid the state of all forms of crimes and criminality.

Fidelis David in Akure

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has ordered a dawn-to-dusk curfew in Owo town, headquarters of Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State till further notice following the cult clash and unrest in the ancient town .

This was contained in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan.

The statement orders all residents to remain indoors during the curfew except essential services, such as hospitals, emergency services, and law enforcement which are will be exempted.

The government also asked security agencies in the State to enforce the curfew, ensure safety of lives and properties as well arrest perpetrators of the violence in the community.

Not less than four persons have been confirmed dead in a violent clash between two rival cult groups in Owo, headquarters of Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

ÌÇĐÄÊÓÆ” gathered yesterday that the incident happened on Sunday, and it continued till the early hours of yesterday.

Basically, a source hinted that the incident was a renewed cult clash occasioned by past crises between the cults groups involved in the melee.

Also, it was learnt that a former vice chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the local government, Mr. Fisayo Oladipupo, was among the victims of the cult clash.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, confirmed the incident, saying: “We can’t confirm if an APC chieftain was affected, but four people have been confirmed dead.”

The PPRO stated that normalcy has returned to the affected area through the intervention of the police, adding that efforts are on to arrest the perpetrators of the act.

Fidelis David in Akure

Members of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH), Ondo have commenced an indefinite strike over alleged poor condition of service.

ÌÇĐÄÊÓÆ” gathered on Tuesday that the striking resident doctors protested on Monday after management of the hospital refused to heed to their demands.

Precisely, they demanded a stop to illegal deductions from their salaries, check on huge payment of taxes, non-payment of hazard allowance amongst others.

President of the UNIMEDTH ARD, Dr. Olaogbe Kehinde, urged the state government to expedite payment of all outstanding salaries and allowances, improve working conditions in the three centres across the state, and ensure prompt implementation of their demands.

He said the workload was too much for doctors in the hospital, noting that many doctors have resigned while others left without prior notification due to poor conditions of service.

Dr. Olaogbe who claimed the hospital management refused to heed to their request for a review of their working conditions said the strike action was a difficult decision due to failure to address critical issues affecting its members, infrastructure, and the delivery of quality healthcare services.

He said: “We demand the correction of irregularities and discrepancies in salary payments, the implementation of the new minimum wage scale, and parity in salary payments with other tertiary hospitals as stipulated in the teaching hospital constitution, among other issues. We deeply regret any inconvenience this strike may cause to patients and the public.”

The immediate past president of the striking doctors, Dr. John Matthew, said the disparity between the salary of doctors in Ondo State and other states were huge due to illegal deductions and taxes.

Dr. Matthew said many doctors in the state have taken up appointments in other states.

According to him, “We will not return to work until our demands are met. Money is the core issue because that is what is driving doctors away. There is a huge disparity in payment between Ondo and Ogun States. Doctors will go to states that are giving doctors good welfare packages but they are worsening the terrible welfare here.

“The issues are illegal deductions from our salary and the humungous taxes we are paying. It is killing the system and driving doctors away. The hospital was disconnected from the national grid and we were sleeping and working in the dark.”

However, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Gbala Micheal, pleaded with the striking doctors for more time to enable management address their grievances.

Fidelis David in Akure and James Sowole in Abeokuta

Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, yesterday, signed the 2025 Appropriation Bill totaling N698.659 billion into law.

Also, his Ogun State counterpart, Dapo Abiodun, signed his N1.054 trillion 2025 State Appropriation Bill into law.

For Ondo State, the budget was increased by N43.429 billion, above the N655.230 bn initially proposed by Aiyedatiwa when he presented the 2025 “Budget of recovery” to the Assembly.

The budget allocated N433 billion (62.06%) to capital expenditure and N265 billion (37.94%) to recurrent expenditure.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, held at the Exco Chamber, Governor’s office, Akure, Aiyedatiwa said the event marked a significant step at fulfilling the promises he made to the people of Ondo State during the electioneering processes.

Aiyedatiwa described the 2025 fiscal plan as a bold and strategic step towards rebuilding the state’s economy and addressing critical socio-economic challenges.

“This is a critical moment for our administration, one that marks a significant step towards fulfilling the promises we made to the people of Ondo State during the electioneering processes,” he said

Aiyedatiwa explained the deliberate prioritisation of capital development, stating, “We have deliberately allocated the higher percentage to capital development to jumpstart the economy and initiate massive infrastructural renewal across the State.

“The main objective of this budget is to make life easy for our people. This objective is sacrosanct and non-negotiable.”

The Governor emphasised that the budget reflects the collective aspirations of Ondo State residents, noting that it was crafted with inputs from stakeholders during town hall meetings across the state.

“The budget reflects our collective vision for the future of Ondo State and demonstrates that when we work together, we can achieve great things for our people,” he added.

Highlighting the administration’s priorities,  Aiyedatiwa noted that the 2025 budget allocates significant resources to agriculture, infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, and social welfare. He described these allocations as investments in the lives of the people.

“These allocations are not just numbers on a page; they are proposed investments in the lives and well-being of every resident of our State.

“It is through these resources that we will continue to create opportunities, improve livelihoods, and build a sustainable future for ourselves and generations to come,” he stated.

To ensure accessibility and compliance, the Governor announced that the 2025 budget would be available on the State’s budget portal from January 1, 2025.

Earlier, the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly,  Olamide Oladiji, applauded Aiyedatiwa for his commitment to advancing all critical sectors of the state’s economy.

He noted that the focus on holistic development was evident in the upward revision of the budget from N655.230 billion to N698.659 billion, reflecting the administration’s determination to meet the growing needs of the state.

Meanwhile, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, yesterday, signed the N1.054 trillion 2025 State Appropriation Bill into law.

The signing, which took place at the Governor’s Office in Abeokuta, was witnessed by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, principal officers of the House, the Deputy Governor, and members of the State Executive Council.

Speaking after receiving the clean copies of the Bill, Abiodun announced that his administration would, in the coming month, sign the partnership agreement with potential partners for the development of the Olokola Sea Port.

He said the government would also focus on the provision of more basic infrastructure with the signing of more Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with private corporate bodies in renewable energy, agriculture, and other sectors that would boost the State’s economy.

He said: “It is my pleasure to announce to you that in the coming month, we will be signing the partnership agreement with potential partners in our port development. The Olokola Port is back on track.

“In the coming year, you will see us signing more Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with private players in the areas of renewable energy, energy transition, and agriculture, particularly animal husbandry. We intend to join the league of those producing beef and pork, not just for domestic consumption, but for export.

“We will continue to provide more infrastructure, particularly roads, in every local government in the State. We will continue in our stride to provide the right infrastructure and the right situation to ensure that students in Ogun State learn in a conducive environment.

“We will continue to pursue our healthcare program in primary health care, secondary, and tertiary, and of course, our policy on ‘grow what you eat and eat what you grow.’ We are going to be more aggressive in the area of agriculture.”

While noting that his administration would be relentless in the pursuit of infrastructure that would engender more socio-economic development, Abiodun revealed that emphasis on arterial roads like the Ijebu-Ode-Epe, Sagamu-Abeokuta, Atan-Lusada-Agbara, Ota-Abeokuta, and Ilaro-Owode roads had played important roles as they had helped to improve the State’s Internally Generated Revenue through the influx of more people and industries.

He acknowledged the difficulties people were going through due to the bold policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to pull the country out of the woods but maintained that his administration had risen to the occasion by providing needed palliatives to cushion the effects and help the people navigate the period.

“I want to assure you that we can only hope for more wins in the future. It has been a very difficult year for us all, not just as a state but as a country. Our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, started his tenure with very bold reforms that have resulted in some unintended consequences that we must all endure so that we can have a country that is solvent,” he added

He appreciated members of the Assembly for the speedy passage of the Bill after due diligence and commended their high level of commitment to their constituents and the state, noting that their collaboration with the executive arm had led to the state growing in leaps and bounds.

Speaking earlier, Elemide, noted that the speedy passage of the Bill was in keeping with the promise made to the governor when he presented the Bill to the assembly on the 4th of December this year, adding that no budget bill had been passed before Christmas in the past.

While appreciating the governor for the facelift given to the Assembly Complex, Elemide said his colleagues worked tirelessly to ensure that the budget was passed on time so as to keep the wheels of the state’s progress moving.

He assured that the Assembly would continue collaborating with the other arms of government to ensure that the people enjoy the dividends of democracy.

Fidelis David in Akure

Son of a former governor of Ondo State, Babajide Akeredolu, has questioned the sincerity of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa by naming a yet-to-be-completed project after his late Father, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN).

ÌÇĐÄÊÓÆ” reported on Friday that Aiyedatiwa, had last Thursday flagged-off the construction of the new High Court Complex (Judiciary Village), named after Akeredolu in Akure the state capital.

However, in a statement in Akure, yesterday, Babajide Akeredolu knocked the state governor and asked him  to complete all projects started by his father if the governor genuinely wanted to honour him.

Besides, the late governor’s son also described as ‘lack of courtesy and respect’ for the state government to organise a memorial lecture for his father without involving any member of the Akeredolu’s family.

“It is important to state unequivocally that Governor Aiyedatiwa was aware of the Akeredolu family’s plans for the remembrance. My uncle and head of the Akeredolu family, Prof. Wole Akeredolu, personally informed the governor at his monthly praise night in November at the Dome in Akure.

“The governor acknowledged this and affirmed that the state government would be a part of the event. Furthermore, an official invitation letter was delivered to the Director of Protocol, Government House, Mr. George Asonja.

“The letter was duly received and acknowledged. At no point did the governor or his representatives indicate any conflicting plans or suggest that the state government intended to organise a separate event.

“It was, therefore, both shocking and deeply disappointing to learn about the state-organised event through social media, just three days before it was held.

“Even more disappointing was that no member of the Akeredolu family was invited to this event. This lack of courtesy and respect is unheard of and unbecoming, especially for an event meant to honour the memory of a former governor and patriarch.

“While we recognise that the state government has the prerogative to organise such events, basic decency and protocol demand that the family of the deceased be informed and included.

“This glaring oversight leads one to question if it was intentional mischief or based on erroneous advice from the governor’s aides.”

On the judicial complex, which he termed misplaced priorities, Akeredolu said naming a project after someone before its completion is both premature and insincere.

Fidelis David in Akure

The Vice Chancellor of the Ondo State-owned Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Prof. Olugbenga Ige, on Monday disclosed that a total of 62 students of the institution would be graduating with First Class honours as the institution holds its 13th convocation ceremony.

Prof. Ige stated this at a press briefing heralding the convocation ceremony, held at the institution’s ÌÇĐÄÊÓÆ” School in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

Precisely, the VC said a total of 6,837 graduands from the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic session which include 657 postgraduate students among whom 46 Ph.D. degrees will be presented.

According to Prof. Ige, “Among the 6,182 undergraduate graduands, 62 achieved First Class Honoursa testament to the academic excellence upheld by this institution. Additionally, 1,941 earned Second Class Honours (Upper Division), 3,486 attained Second Class Honours (Lower Division), 684 graduated with Third Class Honours, and eight fall into the Pass category.

“That is not all, we are also conferring honourary degrees on three distinguished Nigerians for their outstanding contributions to society: His Excellency Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa (Doctor of Public Administration, Honoris Causa); Hon. Adegboyega Adeyemi Adefarati (Doctor of Political Science, Honoris Causa) and Mr. Hazmat Ayodele Subair (Doctor of ÌÇĐÄÊÓÆ” Administration, Honoris Causa).”

Prof. Ige said this year’s convocation holds special significance as it coincides with the Silver Jubilee Anniversary of AAUA, stressing that the celebration goes beyond festivities as it is marked by a historic milestone at the foundation laying of a multi-million-naira Hall of Residence Project.

“Other activities for the 13th Convocation Ceremony include innovative research exhibitions and a friendly football match tomorrow Tuesday; the Anniversary Lecture to be delivered on Wednesday by Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Ondo State; while the AAUA at 25 Awards Ceremony will hold the same day,” he added.

He said despite the economic difficulties and the instability confronting higher education in Nigeria, AAUA has persevered and addressed emerging issues, provided visionary leadership, nurtured intellectual growth, created impactful programmes, advanced professionalism, and fostered an environment conducive to learning and service.

His words: “We are proud to note that in the last one year, despite numerous challenges, we have expanded our academic offerings with the establishment of two new faculties: the Faculty of Allied and Health Sciences; and the Faculty of Computing, which now offer programmes such as Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, Public Health; Cyber Security, Data Science, Software Engineering, Information, and Communication Technology; and Information System. Our Faculty of Agriculture has also added Food Science and Technology to its existing programmes.”

 Most notably, the VC said eight of its academics were recently ranked among the top 2% of global scientists in the prestigious 2024 Stanford-Elsevier ranking, serving as a beacon of the quality of education and mentorship offered at the university.

Prof. Ige added that the school academics have demonstrated outstanding research prowess by securing highly competitive research grants of over half a billion naira.

Fidelis David reports that the stage appears set for Saturday’s governorship poll in Ondo state following the signing of the Peace Accord by 18 political parties with an intent to birth a credible and peaceful electoral process.

The fierce battle for the soul of Ondo State is becoming more intense, campaigns are in full swing, political activities have been tumultuous, full of riotousness and uncertainty.

Albert Einstein, a German-born theoretical physicist who is widely held as one of the most influential scientists believes that peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.

Ronald Wilson Reagan, the 40th president of the United States (1981 to 1989) also asserted that peace is not the absence of conflict; it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means.

The positions of the two icons above highlighted the importance of mutual respect, tolerance, and empathy in building peaceful societies and these validates the  Ondo peace accord.

Succinctly put, it justifies last Friday’s signing of a Peace Accord by 18 political parties and its candidates to ensure a credible and peaceful electoral process ahead of the November 16, 2024 Governorship election in the sunshine state.

Parties and their candidates including the All Progressives Congress’ Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Peoples Democratic Party’s Agboola Ajayi;  Labour Party’s Sola Ebiseni; Social Democratic Party’s  Bamidele Akingboye; and New Nigeria Peoples Party’s Gbenga Edema, among others, signed the Peace Accord.

PDP’s Agboola who attended the ceremony briefly was later represented by his Deputy, Hon. Festus Akingbaso during the signing ceremony.

It is essential to state that the National Peace Committee was founded in 2014 as a non-governmental organisation comprised of elder statesmen in the country to promote free, fair, credible and peaceful elections.

Basically, the peace accord aims to ensure that a credible and peaceful electoral process while the candidates pledge to accept the outcome of the poll and if feel aggrieved they will seek redress through constitutional process.

The first Peace Accord outside Abuja was signed in Edo State prior to the Governorship election held in September 2020. Since then, similar Peace Accords were signed in seven more States, namely Ondo in 2020, Anambra in 2021, Ekiti and Osun in 2022, followed by Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi in 2023.

Therefore, for Ondo State,  it was the second Peace Accord to be signed by the political parties and their candidates. The latest peace accord signing process in Ondo was initiated and led by the National Peace Committee chaired by former Head of State, Geneeal Abdulsalam Abubakar and convened by his Lordship, Catholic Bishop Matthew Kukah.

The symbolic event held at the International Culture and Event Centre (The Dome) in Akure, the state capital saw all the candidates and chairmen of the political parties participating in the forthcoming governorship poll  in attendance.

Chairman of the National Peace Committee and former Head of State, General Abubakar urged the party leaders and candidates to accept the outcome of the elections as long as it is adjudged to be free, fair, and credible, and to seek legitimate and peaceful means of addressing any concern that may arise thereafter.

His words: “I want to call on all stakeholders to work assiduously in their capacities to ensure that peace reigns supreme during this election and that the Ondo state off-cycle election sets a precedent for other off-cycle elections to emulate.

“While I commend the INEC, for the work done so far, I call on them to continuously live up to their responsibilities in ensuring that eligible voters exercise their franchise peacefully and that the remaining electoral processes are credible free, and fair.

“I must also extol the Nigeria Police Force and members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) for maintaining peace and security in Ondo state. It has indeed remained one of the relatively peaceful states in the country. I therefore urge them to remain resilient in averting any threats of violence and maintaining the peace in the state as we are only a few days away from the elections.”

Abubakar called on the people of Ondo state to exercise their civic duty by coming out en masse to vote for the candidates of their choice and desist from selling their votes, as it contradicts the very essence of democracy.

On his part, Convener of the National Peace Committee, Bishop Kukah, charged the candidates to see peace as a foundation for a credible election, accept the outcome of the election as long as it is adjudged to be free, fair, and credible, and to appropriately seek legitimate and peaceful means of addressing any concern that may arise thereafter.

INEC And PVC Collection

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu revealed that collection of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) from the recent voter registration, ended two days before the event, adding that a total of 64,273 PVCs were collected by voters out of the 89,777 cards delivered to the state. This, he said, represents an impressive collection rate of 71.6 per cent.

Notably, he said the commission has perfected arrangements for the movement of over 17,000 ad hoc and regular officials as well as large quantities of materials to 4,154 voting and collation locations (3,933 polling units, 203 Ward and 18 LGA collation centres).

According to him: “In the case of Ondo State, this task is to be accomplished by boat in the two riverine Local Government Areas of Ese Odo and Ilaje, and by a combination of trucks, four wheel vehicles and motorcycles in respect of the mainland areas of the State. You should therefore expect to see a remarkable improvement in election day logistics. Voters in Ondo State should also expect to see similar improvement in result management.

“I will not be tired of appealing to political parties and candidates to note that your signatures on the Peace Accord document alone will not guarantee a peaceful election. The Peace Accord is not an automated, self-activating document. Your commitment to its implementation is critical.

“Therefore, as you sign the Peace Accord, you should commit yourselves to its implementation and pass the message to your supporters at all levels for compliance.

As I said repeatedly, this is the best way to honour the effort and sacrifice of the Chairman and members of the NPC to peaceful elections in Nigeria.”

Deployment of 43,157 security personnel for  Poll

In his address, the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun said the Police will timeously provide enough Armoured Personnel Carrier (APCs), trucks, patrol vehicles, buses for covert operations, ambulances, helicopters, drones, K9 and anti-riot equipment to complement the strength of Ondo State Command.

The IGP, represented by DIG Abiodun Alabi, said the Police will deploy a total of 34,657 personnel to the polling units, wards/LGA collation centers as well as other strategic locations.

“It is expected that Four (4) Police personnel will be deployed at each polling unit, which then implies that 15,732 conventional police personnel will be required for the 3,933 polling units and voting points in the State.

“This will be complemented by the Armed Forces, the Intelligence Security Agencies and other sister Security Agencies. A total of 8,500 personnel from the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency will be deployed to augment the Police strength. This will bring the total number of security personnel deployed for the election to 43,157”, Egbetokun added.

Speaking behalf of other candidates, Ondo State Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate,  Lucky Aiyedatiwa, pledged to uphold the peace accord and provide a peaceful environment for the success of the poll.

Full swing Campaigns

The last 30 days has been tumultuous in Ondo. Basically, the ruling All Progressives Congress began its campaign on October 12, followed by the Peoples Democratic Party  on October 15, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party on October 17.

The Labour Party launched its campaign on October 26, while other parties have yet to initiate any official campaign activities five days to the election.

APC, PDP, LP, NNPP, YPP, SDP and other parties’ politicians have been tranversing the entire nook and cranny of the coastal State, asking the electorate for their votes and wooing some with rice, beans, and other food items to win their heart.

Typical of elections in Nigeria, the electioneering for the Ondo gubernatorial poll has been characterized by carpet-crossing, realignments and horse-trading.

Despite being  tumultuous and full of riotousness, it is heartening to note that there has been no incidence resulting in the loss of lives throughout the campaigns of the candidates and their political parties.

It is worthy to also note that the factors that are likely to determine who will emerge victorious at the end of the exercise are, to a greater extent, dimensionally three.

The factor of ethnicity has been settled with the zoning of the election to the southern senatorial district and thanks to goodness, all the candidates in the race are from the district, majorly from Ilaje, Okitipupa, Okitipupa and Ese Odo.

However,  the first factor is the personalities of the candidates. The second is the financial strength of the candidates and parties. The last is the roles of godfathers/ third-part advocacies.

Whatever factor decides the poll, residents of the sunshine state, basically do not want a repeat of 1983 incident in the old Ondo state because of unguarded utterances and actions of reckless political actors who wanted to grab powers by force with the effort of the then National Party of Nigeria (NPN) to impose Akin Omoboriowo as governor.

Fidelis David reports that last week’s stakeholders and reconciliation meeting of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State ahead of the November 16, 2024 gubernatorial election has proven that the party is ever ready for the poll and is not taking its chances for granted.

No doubt, the saying that “when you fail to plan, you are planning to fail”, is an indisputable fact because it has from time immemorial proved its veracity in practical terms in human evolution.

The All Progressives Congress has been exploring this saying, knowing fully well that it’s not just fascinating glimpse into what might be possible but a reminder that the landscape of planning and strategy is continuously evolving, and strategists must evolve with it to remain effective.

The above can be practically linked to last weekend’s stakeholders and reconciliation meeting of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State ahead of the November 16 governorship poll.

Notably, the three Southwest governors under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) namely Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti state and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State were in Akure, the Ondo State capital, to rally stakeholders of the party in preparation for the governorship election.

The stakeholders meeting, which took place at The Dome in Akure, was also attended by the National Chairman of the APC, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru and Southwest National Vice Chairman, Hon. Isaack Kekemeke.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who is the Chairman of the Southwest Governors Forum, moderated the meeting, emphasizing the need for the party to mobilize effectively ahead of the Ondo election.

He said: “We are here to appreciate every party member. Whatever differences may have existed in the past, it’s time to set them aside and work together as one big family. Nobody will be left behind or taken for granted.

“President Bola Tinubu is aware of this gathering and keen on ensuring APC’s victory in the coming election. We are in this race to sustain the ongoing development. We can’t afford to let our progress be reversed.”

Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, highlighted the significance of the election, saying, “although we are marking my second year in office in Ekiti, I had to be here because the Ondo election is more important.”

He appealed to party members to remain united to preserve the achievements of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, adding, “This is why APC must be returned to power. The legacy the late governor left behind must be sustained.”

Echoing similar sentiments, Senate Majority Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, and Prince Tajudeen Olusi of the Lagos Governance Advisory Council, stressed the need for unity in the party to ensure a smooth and decisive victory on November 16.

The APC National Chairman, Ganduje, revealed that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will capture the Southwest geo-political zone in the next round of elections.

This is just as he urged all aggrieved governorship aspirants in the Ondo State governorship primary to close rank ahead of the election, noting that the state must be at the forefront in winning the zone.

He disclosed that the party will not reveal its secret in winning the other two remaining states in the next off-cycle governorship elections.

Ganduje who led other National Working Committee members of the party to the meeting said: “ In this geo-political zone, we must deliver 100 percent in favour of APC, therefore, Ondo State you must be at the forefront. The two other states, I will not reveal our secret but we assure you, we are strategizing. Everything must be 100 percent behind President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.”

“This election is critical, and as party leaders, we must treat it with the seriousness it deserves. It is a task we must carry out diligently, not just for the state but for the party at large. This election is a win-win situation for everyone, and as the APC National Chairman, I expect nothing less than 90% of the total votes. Victory in Ondo is non-negotiable”, Ganduje stated.

To Capture Ondo Guber Poll is to Repeat Events of 1983, 1962

However, the Peoples Democratic Party, in a swift reaction faulted the remarks by Ganduje, for boasting that the intention of APC is to capture Ondo State and, by extension, the entire South-West region.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba in a statement described Ganduje’s comments as reckless and threatening.

“What Ganduje said about the APC’s plans to ‘capture’ Ondo and the South-West is both alarming and inappropriate. The term ‘capture’ implies forceful control or occupation, and we will not accept being enslaved in our own land.”

Ologunagba expressed worries that the collapse of democracy in Nigeria since 1983 was because of unguarded utterances and actions of reckless political actors who wanted to grab powers at by force.

“Historically, attempts to impose control have led to significant unrest. The ‘wetie’ crisis in the 1960s and the National Party of Nigeria’s (NPN) efforts to impose Akin Omoboriowo as governor in 1983 both serve as reminders of what happens when the will of the people is disregarded. Any attempt by the APC to force itself upon the people of Ondo State will be met with strong resistance.”

Also, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state and leader of PDP in in the region while leading the campaign train of the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the forthcoming poll, Mr Agboola Ajayi, to the Akoko area of Ondo state last Wednesday said the people of the South West are now wiser, stressing that the results of the November 16 poll will shock Ganduje and other members of the ruling party.

“If wishes were horses, everybody would be riding it. I can tell you that the people of southwest of Nigeria are wiser and especially in Ondo State, where we are, you can see the crowd, look at the enthusiasm.

“On November the 16th, they will tell him that Ondo State and indeed Southwest is for the PDP. You rig where you are popular. Now, we have used Edo State as a template because we saw what they did.  And all the loopholes are being blocked right now. And our people are ready, they will come out. Not only will they come out to vote, they will also stay with their vote and ensure that the vote is counted and it counts.

“On November the 16th, write it down, PDP will prevail and Agboola Ajayi will be declared as the Governor-Elect. Not based on anything but the people of the state. It’s their wish and we can feel it all around us. Talk, they say is cheap. You can say whatever you like with your mouth but the people of Ondo State will speak loud and clear on the 16th of November 2024 and then all of us in this country will hear it loud and clear”, Makinde added.

Assurances of Oke, Kekemeke, Odu, Akinterinwa 

At the meeting, a former APC governorship aspirant, Chief Olusola Oke,  urged members to focus on the future. “In democracy, contests are normal, but our focus now is on the party’s interest, the state, and the country. We cannot allow the opposition to take our mandate. We are fully behind our candidate, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.”

National Vice Chairman, Kekemeke, called for collective mobilization ahead of the election, saying “Any internal disagreements should be laid to rest. Now is the time to rally behind Governor Aiyedatiwa and secure victory.”

Mr. Wale Akinterinwa, a former finance commissioner and gubernatorial aspirant, dismissed rumors of his defection from the APC, saying “I’ve heard speculations that I left the party; those are false. I am fully committed to APC and to supporting Governor Aiyedatiwa’s candidacy. What matters now is securing a prosperous future for Ondo State.”

Former Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu, said: “I am proud to be part of this gathering. Whatever happened in the past is behind us because the party is supreme. Now, we must focus on the future,” she remarked.

Responding to the expressions of support, Governor Aiyedatiwa thanked the party leaders and stakeholders for their show of love, unity and commitment.

“I am grateful for the show of solidarity from every corner of our party. Our administration has laid the groundwork for sustainable development, and we cannot afford to let that progress slip away. This election is about moving Ondo forward, and with your unwavering support, we will achieve that.

“We are working to improve infrastructure, enhance security, and create more opportunities for every citizen. With our united front, I have no doubt that we will deliver a resounding victory come November 16,” he added.

APC State Chairman,  Ade Adetimehin, stressed the importance of unity within the party, saying: “There are no divisions in our house. Ondo APC remains one indivisible family. We will make the national leadership proud by delivering a decisive victory in November.”

Fidelis David in Akure

As the federal government approved a sum of N70,000 minimum wage for civil servants, the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa yesterday 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.

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 although 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 (APC) 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 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 “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.

In his remarks, the state chairman of the APC, Mr Ade Adetimehin, urged the electorate to vote for the party to maintain its power.
He emphasised Governor Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to infrastructural development across the state.

He reminded party members of the importance of safeguarding their voter cards, which are essential for ensuring the party’s continued leadership.

Also speaking, the Director General of the campaign and member of the House of Representatives, Abiola Makinde, said Aiyedatiwa encouraged supporters to return to their local communities and mobilise voters for the governor, stressing the need for a strong turnout in the coming election. 

Fidelis David in Akure

Residents of Ondo State on Tuesday stormed the streets to express their displeasure over the current economic hardship ravaging the country under the present administration led by President Bola Tinubu.  

The residents, who were joined by human rights activists in a protest tagged #FearlessInOctober, trooped to the roads in protest to demand an immediate action over the high cost of foodstuffs and inflation amid growing frustration on the price of petrol nationwide.  

The protest came despite warnings by the state police command against any demonstration on the streets with the celebration of October 1 Independence Day. 

Precisely, the state Commissioner of Police, Abayomi Oladipo, had earlier on Monday in a statement issued by the spokesperson of the command, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, asked residents not to join any protest in the state. 

Oladipo said the command has deployed its men in the town to ensure no protest is staged to truncate the celebration of the Independence Day.

However, the angry protesters turned deaf hear to the warning by trooping out to  the popular Cathedral Church junction in Akure, chanting solidarity songs while demanding that President Tinubu should address the issue of hunger, reduce pump price of petrol and electricity tariffs in the country. 

The protest, which was closely monitored by the combined team of armed police officers and men of the state security services, also drew the attention of commercial drivers and motorcyclists, who lamented the disparity in the prices of fuel at filling station in the state. 

Addressing journalists, one of the protesters, Kunle Wiseman Ajayi, accused the government of not being sensitive to the needs of Nigerians in the face of the economic challenges in the country. 

Ajayi explained that the various “anti-people policies” of the current government have further plunged the country into economic crisis, noting that Nigerians can no longer bear the hardship. 

“As you can see, Nigerians are angry and at the same time hungry because of the poor economic policies of Tinubu’s government. Imagine the price of fuel. The high price of food, the common man can no longer feed well. Do they want to kill us? Why is this government not listening to the people?

“There is hunger in the land. Inflation in the country because of poor and unfavourable economic policies. We are demanding an end to this suffering. They should immediately reverse both fuel subsidy and electricity. This government continues to waste our resources and enriching their own pockets. We want to say ‘Enough is Enough’. They should allow the common man to breathe,” he said. 

While listing to some of the demands of the protesters to include an end to hunger and high cost of food, creation of jobs for the youths, reduction in the price of fuel and electricity tariff, introduction of free education, Ajayi vowed that the people would continue with their action by demonstrating on the streets until the government addresses their grievances.

Also speaking, Seyi Ogundipe said the economic hardship in the country has worsened the plans of many youths who are self-reliant and entrepreneurs. 

He added that if the situation persists without being addressed, the country may continue to record a high rate of unemployment with the youths resulting in crime. 

Fidelis David in Akure

 The Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has vowed to transform the state into Nigeria’s leading hub for entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology.

Speaking at the prize-giving ceremony for the ONDEA My IDEA 2.0 Competition in Akure, Governor Aiyedatiwa declared his administration’s commitment to fostering an environment where young entrepreneurs can thrive and shine on national and global stages.

Each of the 20 winners, who emerged from hundreds of applicants from across the state, would get N1million and N2million worth of working equipment to enhance their businesses.

Governor Aiyedatiwa had earlier in the year increased the number of beneficiaries from the initial 10 to 20 in order to encourage more young people to embrace entrepreneurship.

According to him, “The end has come for the narrative of Ondo State being a civil service state. In my time as the state governor, as I renew my mandate in November, by the Grace of God, Ondo State will be known as the capital for entrepreneurship, innovation and technology, thereby allowing our youths to shine brightly in the Sunshine State.

“History has shown that prosperous regions are often transformed by innovative solutions that address challenges and create new industries. In Ondo State, we recognize the power of entrepreneurship and technology to reshape our economy and elevate our people’s lives.”

Governor Aiyedatiwa further noted the importance of supporting young entrepreneurs, affirming that the state government is dedicated to providing the necessary tools, resources, and mentorship to help them succeed in a technology-driven world.

“This competition is a testament to our belief in the capacity of our young people to generate groundbreaking ideas that will shape the future of this state and the country,” he added.

As Ondo State prepares to host the Global Entrepreneurship Festival, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed optimism about the opportunities the event will present. He said the festival would showcase the state investment opportunities, while fostering collaborations that will drive economic growth.

The governor encouraged participants to remain steadfast in their pursuits, regardless of competition’s outcomes, just as he thanked the ONDEA team for their hard work and expressed confidence that the ideas generated through the competition would have a lasting impact on the future of Ondo State.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Entrepreneurship, Mr. Summy Smart Francis, commended the governor’s deep sense of empathy, stating that it has significantly fostered the growth of entrepreneurship across Ondo State. He noted that the governor’s inclusive approach ensures that no community is overlooked, making it easier for aspiring entrepreneurs, even in the most remote areas, to thrive.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Oladeju Oluwadamilola expressed heartfelt gratitude to the governor for his support and the opportunity provided through the ONDEA My IDEA initiative, pledging that the beneficiaries would make the most of the resources and support they’ve received.

Fidelis David in Akure

Ondo State Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, yesterday said his administration is committed to strengthening good delivery of democracy dividends at the grassroots, uphold the principles of representation, accountability, and the rule of law.

Governor Aiyedatiwa stated this while declaring open a two-day sensitisation workshop for political parties and election stakeholders organised by the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) with the theme: ‘Election Stakeholders, Grassroots Democracy and Good Governance’.

Aiyedatiwa, represented by his Deputy, Olayide Adelami, said as announced by the electoral body on August 29, 2024, the local  government election will hold on January 18, 2025, noting that resources must reach people at the grass-roots to feel the impact of the government.

According to him, “As critical stakeholders, we must take the collective responsibility of coming together to promote a peaceful, inclusive and transparent process in the upcoming local government elections.

“The theme of this workshop is: ‘Election Stakeholders, Grassroots Democracy and Good Governance’. This is very apt because Section 7 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) states that the system of local government by democratically elected Local Government Councils is under this constitution guaranteed: a position which was recently affirmed by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

“We must applaud the Ondo State Electoral Commission for its unwavering commitment to guaranteeing democracy at the grass-roots through its pursuit of conducting free, fair, credible and transparent elections by re-adjusting its schedule of activities and bringing about stakeholders and political parties engagement; and even for this sensitisation workshop, among others.”

He said, to ensure the existence of democracy at the local level, the State Independent Electoral Commission, in paragraph four sub-paragraph (a) and (b) Part II (B) of the Third Schedule of the Constitution of the Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) is empowered to organise, undertake and supervise all elections to local government councils within the state, federal; to render such advice as it may consider necessary to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the compilation and register of voters.

“This gathering, therefore, resonates well with the foregoing provisions the Electoral Act and the Constitution as ODIEC provides a veritable platform for election stakeholders, including those individuals, groups, organisations and communities that have an interest or stake in its election operations. We are by this promoting good governance as the process of measuring the concerns of the public on how public institutions conduct public affairs, manage public resources and guarantee the realisation of human rights in a manner essentially free of abuse and corruption, with due regard to the rule of law.”

Aiyedatiwa assured the state that the state government would continue to make provisions for the needs of the commission as the laws and available resources to enable it uphold its independence and “discharge its statutory duties in the overall interest of our dear Sunshine State.”

The ODIEC Chairman, Dr. Joseph Aremo, justified that the election, which was to be conducted on December 16, 2023, was postponed to February 17, and later postponed to July 13 and finally postponed indefinitely before the announcement of the new date due to non-compliance of political parties with the electoral guidelines and processes.

He said: “The intention of this workshop is to ensure that all the key players play according to the rules. More importantly, we want to entrench democracy. The key players are the political parties, civil societies, security personnel. We want to ensure that they leave up to expectations and they do the needful because we weren’t happy that we’re talking about rescheduling election.

“We know that the election is fixed for January and we want to ensure that there is optimum and massive participation. The election is going to be free, fair, credible and transparent. We want to let our people know that democracy is second to none.”

Fidelis David in Akure

The candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) for the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State, John Otitoloju Akinmurele, has attributed incompetent leadership, mal-administration, and corruption as major problems hindering the growth of the state.

This is just as he warned the state Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to stop playing politics with people’s lives ahead of the poll.

Akinmurele stated this at the weekend in his hometown, Ilu-Titun, Okitipupa Local Government Area of the state where he was received by a mammoth crowd of supporters, amid cheers and jubilation.

The YPP governorship candidate, who was received by Majuwa of Moribodo kingdom Ilutitun, Oba Ernest Adeoye Idepefo; the Oniju of Iju-Odo, Oba Festus Olumoyegun; the head of his family, Chief Aaron Ojapinwa and the party Chairman, Dotun Ojon, noted that Ondo State is blessed with abundant natural resources, and if properly harnessed, would help tackle poverty and other issues affecting the people.

Precisely, Akinmurele said to move the coastal state forward, the electorate must ensure that incompetent, selfish and arrogant people are not allowed to lead at any level again.

According to him, “Incompetence, mal-administration, corruption and other leadership deficiencies are some of the problems drawing Ondo State backward and YPP has come to right the wrong, so that people can have food on their table.

“YPP has come so that the state will be secured and there can be hope for the hopeless. YPP has come so that there will be infrastructure and creative governance in the state. We’ve come to reinvigorate agriculture in Ondo State, we’ve come to tap the numerous potential of this state and make it to work for the people. We’ve come to lift people above poverty.

One of the strategy to win the election is what we’re doing today. Getting to the grassroots and letting people know that this campaign is theirs. Let the market women and men, artisans and everyone take ownership of their campaign. The greatest office in any country is the office of the citizen, the electorate. And that’s why we’re here, so that people can be informed of what we have to offer and they should take ownership of it.”

He promised to turn around the agriculture sector through the provision of modern farm implements at subsidised rates to the farmers across the state.

“We are going to revolutionise agriculture in this state. We want to ensure that the people have adequate food. We will prioritise security so that the people can sleep with their two eyes closed. This, we will do by deploying technology. We will revitalize our civil service, we want the civil servants to own the governance and take government as their own.

“Education in Ondo State today is an eyesore and the state used to be a pride when it comes to education. So, we will bring back the glory of the education sector. We promise to reduce tuition being paid in our tertiary institutions in the state by bringing it to the barest level. We are going to ensure that there is universal basic education from primary to secondary school, not only free but also compulsory while the tertiary education will be affordable and qualitative.

He boasted the he would have block votes from the southern senatorial district where he hails from, saying: “I am a son of the soil, I’m always here but coming today is just to familiarise more with my people and make a statement for my family because we believe that every politics is local, so we want to harness the gains of the grassroots. We want my family and members of my community to own my campaign. You could see we’ve visited three traditional rulers. You could see the reception and prayers offered. I brought it to them to take ownership of it because charity begins at home.”

Besides, he knocked the state governor over the appointment of 344 people as senior special assistants and special assistants, describing it as ridiculous and an appointment for electoral gain.

Earlier, the state Chairman of YPP, Dotun Ojon, said: “Just about two weeks ago, we assembled all our coordinators from the 203 political wards in Ondo State, and it’s very clear that we want to make a statement that we’re on ground, and by the end of this month, we will assemble all our polling unit agents, that is to further state to the people that we are on ground, and by November 16, the people will actually know that we mean business.”

Fidelis David in Akure

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, Thursday, said the state Abiyamo Maternal and Child Health Insurance Scheme (AMCHIS) has produced no fewer than 4,265 babies since its inception.

This is just as the governor announced government’s plan to construct a cancer healthcare center in the state.

Aiyedatiwa who said the scheme which was designed by his late principal and former governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, in 2022 for pregnant women and children under five years of age to prevent maternal mortality in the state stated the state government’s commitment to revitalising the state health sector.

He revealed this through the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Awolowo Banji Ajaka and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Prof. Simi Odimayo, in Akure the Ondo State capital, at a programme organized by the Commissioner for Information, Wale Akinlosotu, for state government officials to give stewardship of their offices.

Specifically, he said, over 4,265 babies, among which are 380 twins, 10 triplets and two quadruplets all delivered under the state equity scheme.

His words: “Implementation of Abiyamo Maternal and Child Insurance Scheme (Abiyamo Scheme) – fully funded by Ondo State Government where pregnant women and under-5 children are fully covered as vulnerable. Till date, Abiyamo scheme has recorded over 46,741 beneficiaries (pregnant women and children below 5 years of age).

“Total deliveries 4,265; twins 380; triplets 10; quadruplets two and all services are provided at no cost to the beneficiaries.”

On healthcare financing, Aiyedatiwa said the establishment of Ondo State Contributory Health Commission was aimed at ensuring Universal Health Coverage for citizens of Ondo State birthed 56,700 enrollees across 203 wards in 18 LGAs of the state.

He added: “Beneficiaries include widows, elderly, people with disabilities, the vulnerable women of reproductive age group and children under five.”
According to him, “till date, 101,017 enrollees (Public Servants and their dependents) are fully covered under the Orange Health Insurance Scheme (ORANGHIS) for all public servants in the state. Over 460 surgeries have been performed in less than 2 years under ORANGHIS.”

Similarly, he stressed that two days ago, Governor Aiyedatiwa  flagged-off the Orange Health Insurance Scheme (ORANGHIS) for the state’s informal sector and over 4,000 artisans, market women, farmers, commercial transport operators, and private sector workers across the State among others would benefit from the scheme.

He listed other achievements of the ministry to include: “Massive recruitment of health professionals across all levels of care: primary, secondary and tertiary; training of one hundred and twenty (120) health workers on new – and childhood illness management; training of 130 health workers in 2024 across 65 facilities in 18 LGAs on clinical and self-breast examination; training of primary healthcare workers on mental health and regular payment of health workers salaries.”

Also speaking, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Health, Prof Simi Odimayo stressed the achievement of the state in the health sector to include, “Regular payment of full hazard allowance for health workers; approval and commencement of new entry points of GL. 13 and 10 for doctors and nurses respectively as against GL 12 and 10 were the norm.

“This will attract most health professionals to the state and checkmate exodus of existing ones; approval and commencement of full CONMESS for doctors in the state and establishment of DHCMA with commencement of full operationalization in September, 2023-this aims at providing quality and affordable drugs to Ondo State residents.”

He also revealed that the ministry massively distributed free drugs and health commodities worth N100 million to secondary and tertiary health facilities/institutions across the State in March, 2023.

“Construction of surgical and medical wards at Mother and Child Hospital, Akure; Extension works for Pharmacy, Laboratory and HMIS department at General Hospital Igbokada, Ilaje LGA; renovation of Children ward, Isolation ward, and Female ward of General Hospital, Iwaro-oka. Akoko South West LGA; extension of Pharmacy, Laboratory and HMIS departments at General Hospital Bolorunduro, Ondo East LGA amongst others.”

Fidelis David in Akure

As part of efforts to make available affordable health care for the citizenry, the Ondo State Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has flagged off the Orange Health Insurance Scheme (ORANGHIS) for the state informal sector.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, who launched the scheme at the International Culture and Event Centre (Dome), Akure, said it’s targeted at residents of State in the informal sector, and covers treatment of malaria, RTI, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, common infections; surgeries for appendicitis, hernia, fibroid, enlarged prostate, antenatal services, child delivery, including caesarean section, postnatal services, neonatal services, and immunisation services among others.

Aiyedatiwa, who reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring access to affordable healthcare for all residents of the state, said over 4,000 artisans, market women, farmers, commercial transport operators, and private sector workers across the state among others would benefit from the scheme.

The governor emphasised the importance of collective efforts to improve healthcare accessibility and affordability, stating that health is a fundamental human right and a critical indicator of human development.

He said: “I am delighted that we have been able to create a sustainable source of funding that lowers the financial barriers to healthcare for our residents. It is on this premise that I stand to usher in a breath of fresh air in our healthcare delivery system with the Orange Health Insurance Scheme, designed for those in the informal sector.

“Our painstakingly conceptualised vision as an administration rightly accommodates qualitative and accessible healthcare delivery in order to fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3.8 that pointedly strive to achieve the global theme of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).  Our administration once again has demonstrated the political will in line with the need to attain Universal Health Coverage (UHC).”

The governor stated that ORANGHIS has already been successful among public servants since its inception in 2022, acknowledging the foundational work laid by his predecessor, the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, in establishing ORANGHIS for public servants.

Governor Aiyedatiwa praised the leadership of the organised labour unions for its support in implementing the scheme for public servants, calling it a model of collaboration.

He reeled out the ongoing healthcare initiatives under his administration, particularly the Abiyamo Maternal and Child Health Insurance Scheme, which covers antenatal care, delivery, and other essential services for pregnant women and children under five. He noted that since 2019, the scheme has benefited over 46,740 residents.

Aiyedatiwa encouraged the participation in the scheme, saying: “I urge all political leaders, philanthropists, and individuals to enroll themselves and their communities in this life-changing programme. Together, we can improve our health indices and ensure qualitative healthcare delivery across Ondo State.”

The Director-General, Ondo State Contributory Health Commission (ODCHC), Dr. Abiodun Oyeneyin, who described health insurance as a pragmatic way of solving Nigeria’s dwindling health indices, said that the state would be among the top five states with the highest health insurance coverage in the country by year 2027.

Also, the Director-General, National Health Insurance Authority, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, lauded the government’s contribution to the premium of ORANGHIS beneficiaries.

On his own, the state Coordinator, World Health Organisation, Dr. Dele David, commended the commitment of the government to the attainment of universal health coverage, adding that the organisation will continue to support the state to ensure that more people access qualitative health care delivery in the state.

Candidate of Zenith Labour Party in the November, 2024 governorship election in Ondo state, Dr Abbas Mimiko in this interview with Fidelis David speaks on the concept of gubernatorial rotation policy, his seven-key agenda for the state, among other issues.

Why do you want to be governor of Ondo State, especially considering the fact that your brother, Dr Olusegun Mimiko ruled just eight years ago?

One of the things that propelled me to coming back was when ‘Iroko’ wanted to run Ondo State . I knew the caliber of person he is, that if we can have a leader like this in the state, things are going to change for our people. So I said, let me come and throw in my 10 cents as the saying goes.

It is easy to sit in the comfort of your home and say, well, I’m a psychiatrist, I’m this, I’m that. When your next-door neighbor that is pregnant die because she couldn’t bring up N350,000 to pay maternity. When your next-door neighbor’s daughter that left in the morning looking beautiful, what you hear in the evening is that they amputated her legs after she had accident on motorcycle. Unless you don’t have consciousness of God in you, you won’t feel good.

So I kept asking myself, must it be like this? Must we continue like this? When are people going to realize that there is bigger joy in service than in what you accumulate personally? So, I said, let us take up this challenge.

Do you think your ambition is a cause worth fighting for?

Definitely, it’s a cause that is worth fighting. But it’s not something one can fight alone. Look, I’m a regular struggling person. If you want to take power from those who obtain N10 billion a month from federal allocation it’s going to be difficult unless the common people believe that they really want to take themselves out of the doldrums of poverty and disease and want a place of prosperity. It’s not a one-man show.

What is your agenda for the state?

We are running on the seven keys of prosperity. One is ‘Karije’ – food security for everybody. Two is  ‘Karimu’ – portable water for every citizen. The third one is ‘Karina’ – massive industrialisation, wealth creation, entrepreneurship that will take us to the next level in economic independence. ‘Karika’ – educational opportunity for every citizen, ‘Kanilera’ – that’s our health project, among others.

You are from the central district and going by the “unwritten” zoning arrangement in the state, the people of  Ondo South Senatorial district believe that it is their turn to produce the next governor. What’s your position on this?

Ondo State isn’t ripe for the concept of governorship rotational policy.We need an efficient running system that is productive for the people before talking of rotation. A place where people are already happy with their lives. I’m not using Lagos as a prototype of goodness but for example, Lagos state, it doesn’t matter if they have a very good governor or not because the system has a lot of businesses and a lot of things running, almost like an automaton.

But in Ondo state, we have to understand one thing, we are running basically on federal allocation. It’s extremely important that we have a leader that can use what we have to get what we want. That’s why I said, if everything was running smoothly, it would be an embarrassment. I personally felt embarrassed the first time I said, I want to run for governor.

It is like we are on a flight, and the plane is about to crash. We want the best pilot in the world to pilot that plane to safety, not the ones that come from a particular neighborhood. That’s my own challenge with regards to weather it’s the turn of the South, North or central. Until we have a system where every mother feeds herself and her children, where every father goes home proudly in the evening with money in his pocket to take care of the school fees of his children, we can’t do rotation now. Let’s get the best of the best.

Is your brother, Dr Olusegun Mimiko in support of your political move?

I don’t want him to give me any endorsement. What I need is the people, the endorsement of the masses and the people of Ondo State. I won’t vote for somebody whose brother is raising his hand saying I became governor, come and vote for my brother! No!

So I don’t want to be referenced, you can reference me as part of the success of the ‘Iroko’ phenomenon because we planned many of those good programmes together, but I can’t claim those programmes. I was not the governor, I want to be governor so that I can showcase the plans I have. ‘Iroko’s’ administration will be child’s play with what we have on ground for Ondo.

No doubt, the power of incumbency, structure and financial strength are some of the factors considered in an election, what are the measures you put in place to ensure that you defeat the incumbent government in the coming election?

Let’s look at this analysis. We are six million people in Ondo state and all the active politicians in Ondo state are not more than 50,000. At best, let’s say 60,000. That’s one percent  of six million. I’m not your run-of-the-mill politician. I don’t even consider myself a politician. I consider myself one of the people of Ondo state that are suffering, that want to liberate themselves from poverty, from disease, from want. So, I am not fazed by the idea that somebody is an incumbent governor who obtains N10 billion a month from federal allocation.

And that’s why some of the APC stalwarts are saying, ‘we would buy a vote for N20,000, we sweep you away. You have no idea. If we pay N20,000 per vote, the voters will not only sell their vote, they will sell their mothers in addition.’ They can say all they want to say. It’s left for the people of Ondo state to demonstrate that we are decent human beings, that we know what we want, that we’re not going to be sold off to Babylon again. It is our duty.

The level of insecurity in the country is worrisome,  what are your plans, especially areas where kidnapping is becoming unabated in the Northern part of Ondo State?

The level of insecurity is staggering, it is flabbergasting to say the least. That why the 7th ‘K’ of prosperity in my manifesto which means ‘Kani’ (Let’s have peace) will take care of security. The regular federal security agencies, Army, police, DSS, Federal Road Safety Corps, Civil Defence, all of them, we will strengthen them to the best of our ability.

Fidelis David in Akure

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Ondo State Command, have arrested four suspects who specialise in car snatching and robbery in the state.

The state Commissioner of Police, Abayomi Oladipo, while parading members of the syndicate alongside other suspects at the Command’s headquarters in Akure, said the arrests were part of the significant strides the Force made in the fight against crime in the state in August.

Precisely, Oladipo said the car snatching suspects are members of a four-man gang who specialize in inter-state car snatching, adding that through intelligence gathering, they were arrested in Ogun State where they usually take the stolen vehicles  to sell, and that seven vehicles were recovered while efforts are on to get others.

According to him, “On July 11, 2024, a petition was received at the Command detailing a daring armed robbery. A Toyota Corolla, a Tecno POP 5 phone, and N1.5 million in cash were stolen at gunpoint. Our Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit, using advanced intelligence, traced the perpetrators of the crime to Ogun State, where some suspects were arrested.

“Among these suspects was Akinsanya Sarafa Adeniyi, a notorious receiver of stolen vehicles, known in certain circles as ‘Oba Idan’. Also arrested was a female accomplice, who produced fake vehicular documents, and others who aided the principal suspect in evading arrest. Despite our success, the mastermind remains at large, and our search for him continues.

“In another act of violence, on August 11, 2024, a commercial motorcyclist was attacked while simply trying to earn his daily bread. Contracted to carry a passenger to Oke-Agbe, Adeferati Road in Akungba Akoko, the motorcyclist was ambushed by the passenger and two others who emerged from the bushes. Shot in the thigh, he was left for dead as they fled with his motorcycle. Fortunately, the victim survived and was able to identify one of his attackers, leading to the arrest of Saheed Musa, a member of the Neo Black Movement (Aiye Confraternity).”

On a specific note, Oladipo said the police have arrested the suspected killers of the President/Chief Executive Officer of Kitchen County, late Mrs. Debbie Olakunbi Monsurat Iyabo Adene (Nee Oyeneye), who was  gruesomely murdered in her home in Akure, Ondo State, last month.

He said: “On the afternoon of July 28, 2024, officers at the Oda Division Police headquarters received an unsettling report.

 A foul odour had been perceived coming from the apartment of Mrs. Adene, a well-known caterer, who had not been seen in days. Officers rushed to the scene, where they discovered a grim sight-her mutilated body on her bed. Nearby, a blood-stained machete and a mobile phone hinted at the violence that had taken place. This tragic incident was quickly escalated to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

“Through painstaking investigative works and technical intelligence, our officers arrested 17-year-old Philip Emmanuel, a trusted employee of the deceased. In a shocking confession, Emmanuel revealed that he had conspired with Mrs. Deborah’s driver to kill her. The driver, eager to start a ‘yahoo’ business, suggested they steal her ATM card, having overheard that a large sum of money was soon to be deposited into her account.

“On July 25, 2024, Emmanuel and the driver carried out their horrific plan. After lurking around till the unsuspecting woman fell asleep, they brutally attacked her, stole her ATM card, and withdrew a total of N60,000. The driver remains at large, and efforts to apprehend him are ongoing.”

He said the tragic murder of Mrs. Adene underscores the importance of exercising caution when discussing sensitive financial information, especially around employees or individuals who might misuse such knowledge.

The police commissioner said his men also arrested a hunter, Ajegba Joseph, for attempted murder.

“On August 23, 2024, at about 2300hrs, a case of attempted murder was reported to the police, the victim went to his friend, who is a divorcee in her house.

“Ajegba Joseph, a hunter, 38, who was also having an affair with the woman, visited her on the same day in possession of an unlicensed single barrel gun. However, upon sighting the victim with the woman in bed, the suspect shot the victim through the window side. The suspect was arrested and the barrel gun recovered with an expended cartridge, while the victim rescued by the police is currently recuperating at the hospital.

“Also, on August 11, 2024, a case of theft was reported at Ala Area Command. The victim left his Techno POP 08 phone charging in his car overnight, along with a cash sum of N400, 000. By morning, both the phone and the money were gone.

“Our investigation quickly led us to Oni Samuel, a 40-year-old man with a history of stealing car stereos and phones. Upon searching his residence, we uncovered not just the stolen items but also a Beretta pistol, live ammunition, handcuffs, pepper spray, laptops, and various other electronic devices. Samuel’s illegal activities extended beyond mere theft, as he is now facing multiple charges,” he said.

Oladipo reassured the residents of the coastal state that he would do all within his power to prevent crimes in all of its forms, and ensure the safety of everyone in the state.

Fidelis David in Akure 

The Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), Ondo State chapter, has lauded Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s commitment and investments in the state’s education sector.

This is just as the union commem5 Aiyedatiwa for approving the recruitment of teachers into our primary and secondary schools in the state.

Recently, Aiyedatiwa approved the employment of 2,000 teachers into the state civil service as part of his efforts to reposition the education sector.

The state Chairman of ASUSS, Tajudeen Balogun, who gave the commendation during the inauguration of phase one of the union’s secretariat, at Imafon, Akure, said, “Ondo State chapter of ASUSS is proud of Aiyedatiwa’s efforts in the education sector and we’re sure that his impact will lead to positively on the larger society.

Besides, Tajudeen said the new secretariat symbolizes the collective effort, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the advancement of education in the ‘Sunshine State’.

“This building is more than just a structure; it is the embodiment of our dreams and aspirations. For years, tutors in this state have yearned for a place we can call our own, a place where we can come together to deliberate on issues that concern us, and a place where we can plan and execute our vision for the future of education.

“Today, as we stand on the threshold of this new chapter, we celebrate not just the completion of Phase one but the beginning of a journey towards greater unity, strength, and purpose within our union. This building will serve as a hub for educational development, a place where ideas are birthed, and solutions to our challenges are found,” he said.

Tajudeen lauded the tireless efforts of the building committee (both past and present), the executive council of the Union at all levels, and everyone who contributed to the realisation of the project.

He praised the vision of the immediate past Chairman of ASUSS, Dayo Hanney Adebiyi, for initiating the building project.

Ondo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Olaolu Akindolie, reiterated the state government’s commitment to the welfare and well-being of teachers in the state.

Represented by Lekan Adesida, the commissioner said the state government is  doing its best to ensure that the welfare of the teachers is adequately taken care of.

In addition to prompt benefits to the teachers, he said the government has continued to rehabilitate school buildings and provide school facilities where needed. 

Also, the Administrative Secretary of the Ondo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Mrs. Morayo Bayo-Phillip, expressed delight at seeing the teaching profession grow in the state. She praised the cooperation among the teachers and assured them that promotion letters would be issued in January every year without delay.

Fidelis David in Akure

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has charged the youths to rethink their approach and prioritise learning a skill in order to position themselves adequately for the 21st century job.

The minister gave the charge at a colloquium organised by BTO Youth Development Convention with the theme: ‘We Can Evolve: Building a Prosperous Nation, a Joint Task, the Tunji-Ojo’s Model’, held at the weekend at the International Culture and Event Centre (Dome) in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

Tunji-Ojo, represented by his Special Adviser on Strategy and Innovation, Prof Mukhtar Abdulkadir, said earning a degree certificate is not enough but equipping themselves with in-demand skills, especially in ICT will give them an edge in the job market.

According to him, “Because of the advent of AI, artificial intelligence, you look at most of the graduates today, they are still looking at traditional courses like Electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, maybe medicine and surgery but if you look at what the World Economic Forum said in 2023, it said that by 2030, 83 million jobs will be lost and 95 million jobs will be created.

“What are those 95 million jobs? We’re looking at jobs like artificial intelligence and machine learning experts Robotic engineers, cyber security experts, sustainability experts.

“Today, lawyers are going to be replaced by social development experts. Some call them social impact experts. What do we mean here? Today, if you go to the internet using this AI tool, just type something, you’ll see the solution.  For doctors, if you have a skin disease, go to any AI tool, it will tell you the solution. In the next few years, those jobs will be eliminated.

“You may say, I’ve already graduated, I have a degree in electrical or chemical engineering, and in law, and what do I do?  You can actually get a certification. There are certificate programmes you can run.

“Don’t limit yourself, don’t say, I went to the university, why should I go for vocational training? No! Because today, as we speak, the world is moving away from certificates, going for skills. That’s why I summarised skills, not certificates. How do you get those certificates? You get them through vocational training.”

Besides, Tunji-Ojo noted that unleashing the potential of youths is a critical factor in driving national prosperity and global development, because young people, who constitute a significant proportion of the world’s population, hold the keys to innovation, economic growth, and social transformation.

The minister added: “However, realising this potential requires more than individual efforts-it necessitates a collective approach that involves collaboration among various stakeholders, including governments, educational institutions, the private sector, civil society, and the youth themselves.

“A collective approach is essential because it is a means of encouraging youths to do great things for themselves and also to make great impact in their society Comprehensive Support Systems.

“By working together, different stakeholders can create an environment where youths are supported at every stage of their development, from education to employment.

“Governments, schools, and the private sector can collaborate to provide quality education and vocational training that is aligned with market demands. This ensures that young people are equipped with the skills they need to succeed in the workforce.”

Speaking on his one year in office, he said the ministry of interior under his watch has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation, marked by significant reforms and unprecedented accomplishments.

The minister highlighted some of the achievements which include swift clearance of passport backlogs and issuance of new passports; elimination of 2.5 million NIN modification backlogs; prison decongestion and inmate rehabilitation; launch of the safe school initiative; enhanced emergency and fire response capabilities and establishment of enhanced e-passport facilities in key embassies.

Others include technological advancement in passport processing; completion of a state-of-the-art data centre and command hub; launch of 10,000 Agro Rangers for farmland protection; remodelling and upgrading of the National Fire Academy; installation of e-Gate facilities at major international airports; establishment of the ‘Power Rangers’ initiative for infrastructure protection; launch of mining marshals to protect national resources; inauguration of 30 operational vehicles for border surveillance among others.

Fidelis David in Akure

An agriculture expert and former Senior Special Assistant on Agric and Agribusiness to late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Mr . Akin Olotu, has warned that the food crisis in Nigeria may last even longer than anticipated.

Olotu, who spoke in Akure, at the annual lecture series of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Ondo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), said the only way out of the quagmire is for government to tackle climate change, pest infestations, and other threats to agricultural productivity.

His words: “In the months ahead, there will be more food crisis. The present climatic condition is not favourable to farming activities. Something has to be done. Food crisis is still ahead. President Bola Tinubu has to set target for the state and local councils. Presently, Nigeria’s poultry industry has collapsed. 

Precisely, Olotu who noted that Nigeria faces significant food security challenges exacerbated by escalating conflicts, economic instability, and atypical staple food prices, urged the state Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to dedicate 24 per cent of the state’s 2025 budget to agriculture to enhance food production.

While  stressing that his late boss, cultivated 87,000 hectares of oil palms out of a target 100,000 hectares in pursuit of the ‘Red gold’ revolution, said the initiative created over 30,000 jobs.

“Ondo State has comparative advantage in tree crops. We targeted 100,000 hectares for oil palm but we did 87,000 hectares. We also succeeded in tomato cultivation in Ondo. Nigeria is importing oil palm heavily. We need concerted efforts to tackle food shortage. We need to plan, we need to know where we are and where we are going to.”

 The former aide to Akeredolu,  who noted his previous warning on food crisis was ignored, said this year’s climatic condition was not favourable to farming.

He stressed  that the earlier prediction by the United Nations that 82 million Nigerians, about 64 per cent of the country’s population, may go hungry by 2030 was true. 

 Besides, he lambasted agricultural research institutes for not living up to Nigerians expectations to tackle food crisis as well as bridging the gap between research and knowledge, saying: “There should be aggressive rural transformation. The government needs to curb rural-urban drift. If we do not have rural transformation, we are going no where.”

Governor  Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by Secretary to the State Government, Tayo Oluwatuyi, said his administration has embarked on several initiatives to boost food production in the  and improve the welfare of the citizens.

 He also charged journalists in the state to bear in mind that they owe it a duty to report only the truth at all times and avoid giving out false and misleading information that may disrupt the peace of the society as the state cannot afford any electoral crisis again.

“The media should not shy away from the duty of amplifying the voices of the oppressed and the marginalised in the society so as to live up to expectation as the mouthpiece and watchdog of the society.”

Earlier, the Chairman of the Chapel, Tosin Ajuwon, said the Correspondents’ Week is an important event in the calendar of the chapel which features lecture and award ceremony to celebrates excellence, impact, greatness, commitment, and dedication to the course of humanity

“This year’s event is unique, given that it is a year we are witnessing an off cycle governorship election in Ondo state. This has also influenced the choice of the theme for this year’s event, which is “Electioneering: The Roles and Responsibilities of the Media.” (I so much believe our erudite scholar, Dr Abimbola, would be doing justice to that soon). 

“To us as journalists, an election is not just about casting the ballots, it’s also about ensuring a transparent process that holds the leaders accountable and to guarantee the rights of the people to be heard. We must ensure they have the right to promote the values they hold dearly, the issues that matter most to them and the kind of society they want the leaders to build,” Ajuwon added.

The Guest Lecturer and Head, Department of Mass Communication, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Dr Olugbenga Abimbola, while speaking on’Electioneering: Roles and Responsibilities of the Media,’ stressed the need for journalists to be well-versed in election timelines, processes and laws to ensure a successful outcome.

 He also urged them to prioritise their safety during elections and also play their roles effectively to help preserve the state’s’s peace and democracy. 

 Meanwhile, the colourful event featured presentation of awards to the state Commander of Amotekun, Adetunji Adeleye, Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan while Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Iresi of Osi kingdom, Oba Olajide Okunato were decorated as Grand patron and patron respectively.

 Other awardees are: Chief Akindele Omole; John Alamu; Akinola Olotu; Mrs Oluseto Abidemi; Mrs. Olamide Falana and Bishop Soji Gbadebo.

Fidelis David in Akure

Amid herders/farmers clashes in the Northern senatorial district of Ondo State, the state Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has directed the State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, to establish additional six control points within the state forests to counter the activities of criminals terrorising residents.

The state Commander of Amotekun, Adetunji Adeleye, who disclosed this while parading nine suspects arrested for various alleged offences at the headquarters of the corps in Akure explained that the establishment of the specialised unit within the Amotekun Corps called ‘Amot Rangers’ will rid the coastal state of criminal elements.

Precisely, Adeleye said these rangers would operate from six newly established control points within the state’s forests which will cover areas along the borders with Edo, Kogi, Kwara, and Ekiti States and will live in the forests to control the excesses of miscreants causing trouble in the state.

He said: “We are carrying out the directives of the governor pursuant to the Ondo State Livestock and Grazing Regulations and Establishment of Ranch Law 2021, as amended, which mandates the Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps to oversee and enforce peaceful relationship between the farmers and headers and inhabitants of the forests.

“In view of the governor’s directives, we are establishing immediately six major control points for a special unit of the Amotekun Corps that is coded ‘Amot Rangers’. The ‘Amot Rangers’ will live in the forests to control the excesses of these miscreants causing trouble in Ondo State.

“These six control points cut across the troubled borders around Edo, Kogi, Kwara, and Ekiti States. In the last 72 hours, men of the Ondo State Security Network had combed every nook and cranny of the four Local government Areas in Akoko, and we’ve been able to flush out the miscreants.

“As a matter of fact, they even ran away before our men got there. This is to tell them that Ondo State is not a place for terrorists and people with bad intention to stay. No matter how deep into the forestry area, we remain resolute to ensuring the safety of lives and property in such area.

“Hence, the governor has graciously approved that two of the existing control posts in the forest be further reinforced while additional four, making a total of six, will be put in place. These are to be manned by specially trained Amotekun Rangers whose sole responsibility is to ensure that the nefarious activities of these miscreants are checkmated.”

Besides, the Amotekun commander said the decline in the number of suspects paraded can be grossly attributed to the 24-hour patrol of men of the Ondo State Security Network Agency.

“A syndicate that specialises across the state in killing the Okada riders and making away with their bikes include those being paraded today. We equally have two of them who attempted to kill the security men put in charge of a petroleum product. We have on display the guns which they used before the long arm of law caught up with them.

On a specific note, he said James Amos and Moses Ponsak aged 30 and 21 respectively, were arrested on charges of robbery, attempted murder, and theft of diesel while Boboye Matthew, 18, and Boboye Lekan (siblings) specialise in stealing, dismantling, and selling of Okada bikes.

Similarly, he said Rabiu Mogaji, Daouda Alassin, and Godwin Isaac, were picked from different locations for stealing generators and phones whenever the owners were not available.

He said: “We equally have what we recovered from them on display. Azubuike Okafor Patti was arrested  in the act of breaking into houses when the owners had gone to work. Isiaka Audu was arrested for stealing of motorcycles and tubers of yams. In all, today, I’m parading these nine suspects to send warning to thieves, kidnappers, and murderers, that Ondo State is not a place for them to stay.

“Under law and order, we’ve been able to stabilize the enforcement of laws and order of the state to such an extent that there is stability. The anti-grazing and farmer-herdsmen relationship, we have a number of issues regarding the enforcement of the anti-open grazing law but we are putting measures in place to checkmate the excesses.

“Our ultimate goal is that farmers should be able to farm without fear while herders do their businesses without infringing on the rights of the farmers. On labour union matters, I want to deeply on behalf of the government of Ondo State appreciate that even despite the pressures of the protests in the beginning of the month, our people recognised the fact to allow dialogue to take the centre stage.

“On student affairs, there has been no issues among the student union as they equally saw reason with us that peaceful resolution of crisis is better.

“On land and chieftaincy issues, areas of disputes are being taken into consideration and the government of Ondo State, especially the ministry of local government, is taking proactive actions to ensure that lives and property are maintained while the tradition of our people are not underplayed.”

Fidelis David in Akure

A pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, yesterday, called on President Bola Tinubu to overhaul the security architecture of the country to ensure that Nigerians live and move about without the fear of being kidnapped or harassed in any way.

In communique issued after the meeting held at the residence of its national leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, Afenifere berated the spate of kidnapping across the country, particularly that of medical students that were kidnapped at Otukpo in Benue State, the invasion of villages between Oyo and Iseyin in Oyo State and the ones in Borno, Niger and Imo States.

The communique signed by the National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Jare Ajayi, explained that there was also the urgent need to deploy modern technology more comprehensively into the efforts of combating banditry and terrorism.

According to Afenifere, doing so would check, if not totally stop, the incidences of kidnapping and sundry banditry now ravaging the land.

“Afenifere also advocated for the licensing of Amotekun to carry lethal weapons. There should be greater cooperation  between Amotekun and other security agencies. Command and Control posts be installed across all the local government areas so that information can be shared in real-time as is done in many developed and not so developed countries.”

In the light of the current high cost of living, Afenifere urged the federal government, through its various organs in charge of finance and fiscal policies, to accelerate actions that would strengthen the value of naira, enhance productivity, reduce costs of items and services geared towards reducing inflation and enhancing the welfare of the people.

“In view of the strategic position that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Plc and Independent Oil Marketers occupy in the oil sector, Afenifere strongly called on them to let the interest of the nation, nay the interest of the people of Nigeria, be uppermost in their minds and actions.

“The ruling by the Supreme Court has made it possible for local governments to have more control over their finances. It is, therefore, imperative for them to go back to what used to be the case in the past.

“By this, we mean a situation in which local government councils not only have farms, but make things easy for local farmers by providing them with needed resources – sometimes at subsidised fees.

“This will not only make foodstuffs more available, it will also enhance the council’s finances and boost the local economy. This will also partly take care of the concerns raised by the farmers who visited The Leader in April this year.”