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Sports Ambassadors in Ondo South have congratulated Coach Dimeji Abimbola on his appointment as Chairman of the Ondo State Sports Council.
The congratulatory message, signed by the Convener of the group, Ibukunoluwa Obateru, described Abimbola’s appointment as a recognition of his years of commitment and contributions to sports development in Ondo State, particularly at the grassroots.
Obateru noted that Abimbola, who is also Chairman of the Odigbo Local Government Football Council and Vice Chairman of the Ondo State Football Association, had demonstrated passion for football development, talent discovery and grassroots sports promotion.
According to him, Abimbola’s efforts have helped create opportunities for young and emerging talents to showcase their abilities and pursue careers in sports.
The group expressed confidence that the new chairman’s experience, administrative capacity and passion for sports would bring renewed energy and purposeful direction to the Ondo State Sports Council.
It, however, urged Abimbola to give greater attention to sports development across the state, particularly in Ondo South, where it said many talented athletes and footballers required adequate support, sporting facilities, competitions, exposure and opportunities.
The Sports Ambassadors also called for stronger grassroots sports programmes, improved talent identification and youth development, better sporting facilities and the creation of sustainable pathways for athletes across the state.
The group wished Abimbola wisdom, strength, sound health and a successful tenure, expressing optimism that his leadership would leave a lasting positive impact on the sporting landscape of Ondo State.
In fulfillment of his administration’s commitment to ease traffic congestion and modernize urban infrastructure, the Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, will on Monday, 24th August, 2026 flag off the construction of a Flyover Bridge along the Oyemekun-Oba Adesida Road in Akure.
The flag-off ceremony is scheduled to hold at 11:00AM at Cathedral Junction, Oba Adesida Road, Akure.
The project, which will run from Adegbola Junction to St. Mathias/NNPC Filling Station, is designed to address perennial gridlock, improve vehicular movement, and enhance the aesthetics of the state capital.
The flyover bridge is a key component of the OUR EASE agenda of the Aiyedatiwa administration, aimed at delivering people-oriented infrastructure that directly impacts the lives of residents.
Members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers, community and religious leaders, and other stakeholders are expected at the ceremony.
Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State. August 22, 2026
The people of Odun Ebiwonjumi Community in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State have raised the alarm over an alleged invasion of their community by some Itsekiri people, accusing them of coming into the area with arms and ammunition and laying claim to the community.
The people made their position known during a peaceful protest in the community yesterday, where they carried placards with various inscriptions calling for government intervention and the protection of their ancestral land.
The development, according to the protesters, followed moves to construct a concrete jetty in the community by the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC).
Speaking on behalf of the community, Busayo Ebiniyi one of the sons of the soil said the people of Odun Ebiwonjumi and the Itsekiri had maintained longstanding relationships through friendship, trade and intermarriage, noting that there had been peaceful coexistence between the two nationalities for generations.
“The Itsekiri nationalities have been friends and fraternised with us for decades, permit me to say for generations, as the case may be,” Ebiniyi said.
He insisted that Odun Ebiwonjumi was located in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State and that its citizens owed their allegiance to the Ondo State Government.
According to him, the community is an ancestral settlement handed down by their forefathers, stressing that the people would not surrender their heritage.
He said the dispute was not limited to Odun Ebiwonjumi but extended to a number of other Ilaje coastal communities in the area.
He listed the affected communities as Odun Makin, Ilu Titun, Odun Odunjo, Odun Maha, Eke Nla, Eke Kekere, Ubajakere, Eke Itiola, Odun Okoro, Odun Yonren, Odun Beku, Odun Ogungbeje, Odun Oyinbo, Odun Oriretan, Ubale Kekere, Ubale Nla, Ikuyinminu and Odun Igo.
Ebiniyi described the communities as distinct and independent Ilaje communities which had historically operated as separate oil-producing communities.
He appealed to the Ondo and Delta State governments, as well as traditional rulers and other stakeholders, to urgently intervene and prevent the disagreement from escalating into violence.
“We want to plead with the governments of Ondo and Delta states to go all out for government-to-government agreements and assemble elders of both Ilaje and Itsekiri communities so that we will be able to dialogue on the essence of peace rather than war,” he said.
He added that peace remained the preferred option but warned that the community would not accept intimidation or suppression.
Ebiniyi further explained that the name Ebiwonjumi was not a mere label but an ancestral identity handed down by their forefathers.
He appealed to the Federal Government, the Ondo and Delta State governments and royal fathers to intervene, stressing that the community had historically identified with Ugbo Kingdom in Ilaje Local Government Area.
He also cited various projects executed in the community by successive Ondo State administrations as evidence of the community’s longstanding relationship with Ondo State.
Another community leader, Hon. Olumide Ebiwonjumi, said the name Ebiwon was derived from Ebiwonjumi, the ancestral name of their forefathers.
He maintained that Odun Ebiwonjumi was in Ondo State and under Ilaje Local Government Area and Ugbo Kingdom, rather than Delta State.
Ebiwonjumi further stated that the communities were previously represented within the Ultimate Oil Producing Community Association and the Ilaje Eight United Oil Producing Communities Association, prior to the advent and implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
He said he was born and raised in the community and pointed to the presence of government projects and political structures administered by Ondo State as further evidence of its affiliation with the state.
The Baale of Odun Ebiwonjumi Community, Chief Orimisan Ebiwonjumi, son of the late Baale, Chief Ephenus Menukanren Ebiwonjumi, also affirmed the community’s position.
He said projects executed in the community had been carried out by the Ondo State Government and called on the state authorities not to abandon the people.
Chief Ebiwonjumi alleged that residents of six Itsekiri communities recently entered Odun Ebiwonjumi with arms and ammunition while laying claim to the community.
He appealed to the Ondo State Government to provide basic amenities, including potable water, healthcare facilities, housing, solar power and a signpost identifying the community as part of Ondo State.
The community leaders further alleged that the renewed dispute was connected to the presence of crude oil resources in the area.
While reiterating their commitment to peace, Chief Ebiwonjumi said the community would resist any attempt to dispossess it of its ancestral land.
He urged the government and traditional institutions to act swiftly, warning that failure to address the dispute could create tension and lead to avoidable conflict in the coastal communities.
All is set for the kick-off of the 6th IJapo Ages Stars FC Intra-Club Competition on Saturday, August 22, at the Ijapo Housing Field in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
Members of the club have been divided into five teams: Team A, Algeria; Team B, Burkina Faso; Team C, Cape Verde; Team D, DR Congo; and Team E, Egypt.
This medium reports that Team Cherry won the 5th edition of the Intra-Club Competition.
According to a statement by the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Mr Henry Olonimoyo, made available to newsmen by the Secretary of the Committee, Mr Michael Karimu, Team Algeria will trade tackles with Burkina Faso in the opening match of the competition.
Cape Verde will take on DR Congo in the second match of the opening day, while Egypt will be on a bye. The competition is expected to run for about six weeks.
The Organising Committee said the Intra-Club Competition is designed to strengthen the spirit of unity, friendship, mutual respect and sportsmanship among members of the club.
The committee admonished team leaders to rein in their players and encourage them to compete with determination, passion and a winning mentality, in line with the rules of the competition.
Participants are expected to uphold the highest standards of discipline, fair play and respect for match officials, teammates, opponents and spectators.
The committee noted that healthy competition brings out the best in individuals and provides an avenue to discover talent, improve individual and team performance, build confidence and foster lasting relationships.
“We should all remember that beyond the result on the field, the true victory lies in promoting love, togetherness, physical fitness and the enduring bond that makes our team one united family,” the statement said.
Adu Oluwaseun Empowers Ifedore Farmers With 5,000 Hybrid Cocoa Seedlings In Support of LG Boss, Applauds Aiyedatiwa’s Developmental Strides
Comrade Adu Oluwaseun Rufus, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Ijare Ward 2 in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State, has distributed 5,000 hybrid cocoa seedlings to farmers across the local government in support of the efforts of Local Government Chairman on his laudable efforts on agriculture, describing the initiative as his contribution towards strengthening agriculture and improving the economic fortunes of the people.
Speaking at the empowerment programme on 17th of July 2026 at Local Government Secretariat in Igbara-Oke, Comrade Adu said he was delighted to support hardworking farmers of Ifedore through an initiative designed to promote sustainable agriculture, increase productivity and create opportunities for improved livelihoods. He noted that his commitment to the progressive political family dates back to the eras of the UPN, AD, ACN and AC, and continues today under the APC, following the footsteps of his late mentor, benefactor and political father, Dr. Akerele Adu.
Addressing the beneficiaries, Adu congratulated the farmers and urged them to treat the seedlings as valuable investments rather than ordinary gifts. According to him, the hybrid cocoa varieties are bred for early maturity and high yield, but their success ultimately depends on proper planting, consistent care, protection and effective farm management.
He stressed that the seedlings, if properly nurtured, would not only provide abundant harvests for the beneficiaries but also contribute significantly to the economic prosperity of Ifedore Local Government. He therefore encouraged the farmers to approach the planting season with seriousness, dedication and a strong determination to succeed.
Comrade Adu explained that the provision of the 5,000 hybrid cocoa seedlings was motivated by his desire, as an agricultural expert, to contribute his quota to grassroots development and support the administration of the Executive Chairman of Ifedore Local Government, Hon. Ajibola Oladipupo Amos, in advancing agricultural development at the local level.
He further stated that the initiative was in harmony with the agricultural component of the “OUR EASE” Agenda of the Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, which he described as a visionary and people-oriented approach worthy of support and emulation.
The APC chieftain also commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for what he described as remarkable developmental strides across Ondo State, particularly in infrastructure and community development. He expressed appreciation for road projects across Ifedore, including the 8.7-kilometre Akure–Ikota–Ijare Road and the Eti-Mariwo–Ijare Road, saying the projects would significantly improve connectivity and bridge the gap between farmers and markets.
According to him, improved road infrastructure would make it easier for farmers to transport their agricultural produce, reduce challenges associated with accessing markets and ultimately stimulate economic activities across the communities.
Comrade Adu used the occasion to reaffirm his unwavering support for the administration of Governor Aiyedatiwa, while also declaring his commitment to the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He prayed for continued peace, progress and prosperity in Ifedore Local Government, Ondo State and Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Ifedore Local Government, Hon. Ajibola Oladipupo Amos, expressed profound appreciation to Comrade Adu Oluwaseun for the gesture, describing the donation of the cocoa seedlings as a timely intervention that would further strengthen the agricultural sector and benefit farmers across the local government.
The Chairman said his administration had remained committed to empowering farmers and improving the welfare of residents, noting that the local government had trained tomato farmers and provided them with chemicals and water pumps. He added that fertilizer, tomato seedlings and palm seedlings had also been distributed to farmers across the area.
Hon. Ajibola further disclosed that the administration had introduced several interventions targeted at students, women, youths and the elderly. These, according to him, include bursary support for students, distribution of laptops, construction of bridges and markets, and the installation of solar-powered street lights in communities across Ifedore.
He said the local government had also provided N100,000 business support to women and youths, while aged residents receive N20,000 monthly, as part of the social intervention initiatives under the “OUR EASE” agenda. He maintained that the administration was still counting its achievements and remained determined to do more for the people.
The Chairman disclosed that beneficiaries at the programme would receive different agricultural inputs, with some farmers receiving fertilizer while others would benefit from the hybrid cocoa seedlings. He appreciated individuals and organisations supporting the government, saying such partnerships were essential to enabling the administration to deliver more dividends of democracy to the people
The Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA), Ifedore Local Government, Mrs. Awolere, also expressed her heartfelt appreciation to Comrade Adu Oluwaseun and the local government chairman for their commitment to the progress and welfare of farmers.
Mrs. Awolere urged the beneficiaries to take the empowerment seriously and ensure that the seedlings are planted and properly nurtured. She cautioned against the temptation to sell the seedlings, stressing that doing so would defeat the long-term purpose of the empowerment programme and deprive the beneficiaries of the future economic benefits embedded in cocoa farming.
She encouraged the farmers to exercise diligence, patience and commitment, assuring them that proper management of the farms would enable the seedlings to thrive and eventually translate into sustainable sources of income.
The event attracted a gathering of political leaders, government officials, community stakeholders, farmers and party leaders, including the Chairman of Ifedore Local Government, Hon. Ajibola Oladipupo Amos; his wife, Barr. Yetunde Oladipupo; the APC Chairman in Ifedore, Prince Adegbonmire; the Vice Chairman, Rt. Hon. Oluyi; HOLGA Ifedore, Mrs. Awolere; Hon. Richard; Chief Sao; Mrs. Morayo; party chairmen across Ifedore; councillors; women leaders; DFA Mr. Bashiru; and Chairmen of LCDA, among other dignitaries.
The distribution of the 5,000 hybrid cocoa seedlings has therefore been widely regarded as another practical step towards encouraging agricultural production, empowering rural farmers and strengthening the economic base of Ifedore Local Government, while complementing ongoing government efforts to make agriculture a stronger pillar of grassroots development.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Mr Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), effective August 27, 2026.
Enitan will succeed Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who is due to retire from the Federal Civil Service upon attaining the statutory retirement age of 60.
A native of Osun State, Enitan is currently the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education and is the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service.
He has served as a Permanent Secretary for seven years and seven months, with postings to the Ministry of Police Affairs, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Office of the Vice President.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Enitan brings extensive institutional experience and a deep understanding of the operations of the Federal Civil Service to his new assignment.
President Tinubu expressed appreciation to Walson-Jack for her distinguished service to the nation, particularly the reforms, innovations and other impacts recorded in the Civil Service during her tenure.
The President wished her a fulfilling life after service and conveyed the nation’s gratitude for her years of dedicated public service.
Tinubu charged the incoming Head of Service to consolidate ongoing reforms and innovations, deepen professionalism and efficiency across the service, and build a more effective and responsive Civil Service capable of supporting the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He further urged Enitan to lead a Civil Service that is professional, merit-driven, accountable, innovative and responsive to the needs and aspirations of Nigerians.
Enitan was born on December 12, 1966. He had his secondary education at Ajibode Grammar School, Ibadan, and the College of Arts and Science, Ile-Ife.
He proceeded to the University of Lagos, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Banking in 1988.
In 2015, he earned a Master of Science degree in Public Policy Analysis from Nasarawa State University, Lafia.
The appointment was announced in a statement dated August 19, 2026, and signed by Onanuga.
“Representation should be assessed not merely through party affiliation, but through humanity, character, competence, commitment, accessibility and a demonstrable record of service.”
The emergence of Hon. Matthew Oye Oyerinmade, popularly known as MATO, as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Ondo South has generated renewed political interest across the senatorial district, with his supporters describing his candidacy as a credible and compelling choice for the people.
MATO is being presented as a philanthropist whose record of community service, integrity and grassroots engagement extends beyond partisan politics. His supporters point to his longstanding commitment to improving the lives of residents across Ondo State, particularly through initiatives targeted at youths, market men and women, students, the elderly and persons living with disabilities.
They argue that MATO’s interventions have not been dependent on holding a political appointment or elective office, describing his philanthropy as evidence of a personal commitment to community development.
One of the initiatives frequently cited by his supporters was his intervention during a period of fuel scarcity in Nigeria, when he provided free fuel trucks to support Okada riders across Ondo State. According to his supporters, the gesture was not restricted to Ondo South, but extended to people across the state.
His supporters also highlight his activities during his time in the All Progressives Congress (APC), where, they say, he renovated and equipped the six APC party secretariats across Ondo South, in addition to supporting the party’s state office.
Beyond political structures, MATO has also been associated with various empowerment programmes aimed at assisting vulnerable and less-privileged members of society. His supporters say these initiatives have provided opportunities and relief for numerous beneficiaries, including young people, traders and physically challenged persons.
With his emergence as the PDP candidate, attention has now shifted to what his candidacy could mean for the political contest in Ondo South. Supporters believe his grassroots presence, accessibility and experience have given him an understanding of the challenges confronting communities across the senatorial district.
They contend that representation should be assessed not merely through party affiliation, but also through character, competence, commitment, accessibility and a demonstrable record of service.
The growing campaign around MATO is consequently built on the conviction among his supporters that he can provide effective representation, unite diverse interests within Ondo South and give the district a stronger voice in government.
As political activities intensify, voters are expected to scrutinise the records, programmes and capacity of all candidates seeking their mandate. For MATO’s supporters, however, the choice is already clear: they believe his record of philanthropy, grassroots engagement and commitment to public service makes him a strong and credible alternative for Ondo South.
*For Ondo South, the message is unequivocal: with MATO on the PDP platform, Ondo South has a candidate they believe is prepared to serve, represent and deliver.*
*Comrade Fisayo Adesoji writes from Ileoluji in Ondo South*
Italuogho FC have booked their place in the semi-finals of the End Miscreants Football Competition, Ondo 2026, after overcoming highly-rated Losunla FC in a tense and closely contested quarter-final decided by penalties.
The encounter, played on Wednesday, was a tough battle from start to finish, with both sides showing determination and refusing to give each other much room to operate.
The regulation time ended 1-1, forcing the quarter-final tie to be decided through a penalty shootout.
Italuogho FC eventually held their nerve to triumph 7-6 on penalties, securing a hard-fought victory and a place in the last four of the competition.
The victory was particularly significant for Italuogho, as Losunla FC had been widely regarded as one of the strong sides in the competition.
Despite the pressure, Italuogho remained composed and demonstrated resilience to overcome their opponents in what was arguably one of the most fiercely contested matches of the tournament so far.
With the victory, attention now shifts to the semi-final, where Italuogho will seek to maintain their momentum and take another step towards winning the coveted trophy.
For the Italuogho community, the team’s progress has generated excitement, with supporters hoping that the trophy can ultimately be brought home and become a source of pride and prestige for the community across Ondo City.
The team will, however, need to remain focused, disciplined and united as the competition enters its decisive stage.
Odour linked to air pollution, organic compounds – Govt
Residents urged to use nose masks, report unusual emissions
The Ondo State Government has disclosed that the offensive odour currently being perceived in parts of Akure metropolis is not emanating from the Ala River, contrary to earlier speculation.
The government, in a statement on Wednesday, said preliminary findings from an investigation by the Ministry of Environment indicated that the odour was caused by air pollution resulting from the release of certain organic compounds into the atmosphere.
The investigation followed a directive by the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Tob Loko, who constituted a team of professionals to work with environmental consultants to determine the source and nature of the offensive odour.
According to the government, efforts are still ongoing to identify the specific organic compound or compounds responsible, determine their characteristics and establish the exact source of the emission.
Residents advised to take precautions
As investigations continue, the government advised residents in affected areas to limit their exposure to the odour and make use of nose masks as a precautionary measure.
It urged residents to remain calm and continue with their normal daily activities, while assuring them that necessary steps were being taken to address the situation.
Govt seeks public cooperation
The government also called on residents to promptly report suspicious activities, including illegal waste disposal, unusual emissions and other environmental violations, to the Ministry of Environment.
Complaints can be made through 08030730479, 08033738102 and 08066144651.
The government reiterated its commitment to protecting the environment and safeguarding the health, safety and well-being of residents.
It also appreciated the cooperation and understanding of the public as investigations continue, assuring residents that all necessary measures are being taken to resolve the situation.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has appealed to the management of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) to reopen its school fees payment and course registration portal for an additional 48 hours to enable affected students complete their registration ahead of the forthcoming examinations.
In a press statement issued on Friday and signed by the President of NANS, Dist. Comr. Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, the association expressed concern over the closure of the portal on June 21, despite the university’s examinations being scheduled to begin on August 10.
According to NANS, the decision has left many students stranded at a time when the country is facing severe economic challenges, making it difficult for many parents and students to meet their financial obligations.
The student body noted that the Federal Government’s Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) was established to improve access to higher education, stressing that universities should complement such efforts by showing flexibility and understanding.
“Nigerian students and their parents are already burdened by the prevailing economic realities. Many students were still making genuine efforts to raise their school fees before the portal was shut. Closing the portal at this stage has placed their academic future at serious risk through no fault of their own,” the statement read.
While acknowledging the university’s authority to determine its academic and administrative procedures, NANS appealed to the institution to temper its decision with compassion.
The association urged the university management to reopen the payment and registration portal for at least 48 hours, describing the move as a humane intervention that would provide affected students with a final opportunity to regularise their registration before examinations commence.
“NANS respectfully appeals to the management of UNILAG to reconsider its decision in view of the prevailing economic realities. Justice, no matter how sound, should never be separated from mercy,” the statement added.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the interests of Nigerian students, insisting that no student should be denied access to education because of temporary financial difficulties.
NANS also called on the university authorities to act swiftly and compassionately to prevent deserving students from losing an academic session due to circumstances beyond their control.
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