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Aketi , Set To Reduce Tuition In State Owned Institutions

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has promised to review the tuition in the state owned institution.

He disclosed this on Wednesday evening during a courtesy visit by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) at the Governor’s office , Alagbaka , Akure , the state capital.

The Association therefore declared its support for Aketi, stating that his performance across the state is impressive.

The student body led by its President, Comrade Danielson Bamidele commended the gaint strides recorded across the various sectors of the state by the Akeredolu administration.

The student body leadership led by its President has been in the state for three days, where they have embarked on inspection and monitoring of the Governor’s projects.

Speaking, the former Senate President of NANS, Olalekan Smart Edward said Governor Akeredolu’s projects are speaking for him within and outside the state.

He said:”Your projects are speaking for you. President Buhari has commendations for you. APC has commendations for you. Outsiders have commendations for you. And we agree that there must be consistency in development. Governor Akeredolu is doing well.”

In his remarks, the NANS President, Comrade Danielson Bamidele said the national delegation of the student body has been in the state for three days for inspection and monitoring of the Akeredolu administration projects, adding that the Governor has done creditably well.

He described the road projects executed by the Akeredolu administration as quality, stressing that that Governor has embarked on enduring projects.

The NANS President appreciated Governor Akeredolu for his interventions at the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa (OAUSTECH) which he said, has turned the school around for good.
He equally appealed to the Governor to reconsider the tuition payable in the state owned institutions in the state.

Responding, Governor Akeredolu who said students are important to his administration, disclosed that he had instructed his team to find out the tuition payable in other state owned institution so as to know what step to take on the reduction of tuition in the state.

“It will take all of us to sit down to have this discussion about tuition. It’s not a discussion of the deaf. All of us will be hearing. A time when you go to Abuja and take N9 Billion monthly as against when you go to Abuja now and get far less and you have to pay salary.

“Unlike somebody that decided not to pay for seven months. I met seven months salary arrears and I have paid six. So I prioritized the workers’ welfare. We shored up our IGR to spend more on infrastructure. I note what you have raised on this issue of fee.

“At my last meeting, I have said let me have where they are paying less than what we charge here. What we found out was that for those newly admitted, we still charge the lowest in tuition but for the second year and all, we have state owned institutions that charge lesser then us. And if not for this issue of Covid, we have decided to reduce it. We will reduce it.

“It’s not a matter for political gains. I know by the time we announce it they will turn it to political gains. We will make sure that by next week we make the announcement on the fee.

…As Governor Commissions New Projects in OAUTECH

Akeredolu Architect of Modern Day OAUTECH, Pace Setter – VC

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Aketi, SAN, on Thursday, lamented the array of abandoned projects initiated by the late Olusegun Agagu by the immediate-past Olusegun Mimiko administration.

Arakunrin Akeredolu described the manner of abandoning the projects due to political differences as a disgrace to governance and disservice to the good people of the Southern Senatorial district in particular and the entire state at large.

The Governor said his administration, which believes in the axiom that Government is continuum, has even completed projects inherited from the same administration who neglected Agagu’s projects for eight years.

Governor Akeredolu spoke at the commissioning of some newly completed projects in the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa (AOUTECH)

The projects commissioned include the University Library, University Auditorium and the Administrative Building, all of which were initiated by the late Governor Olusegun Agagu, but abandoned for eight years by the previous administration.

Speaking at the event, Governor Akeredolu saluted the great vision of the former Governor of the state, Late Dr. Olusegun Agagu for his sincerity of purpose and commitment, which he said made the establishment of the University a reality.

The Governor noted that at the inception of his administration, he was alarmed with the deplorable condition of things in the University in terms of infrastructure, workers’ welfare and other essential facilities incidental to conducive learning environment.

According to him, the unfortunate and deplorable situation in the University strengthened his administration’s resolve to change the narrative, by immediately commencing a gradual, radical and systematic implementation of the State Government’s strategic plan as it relates to the University.

The Governor disclosed that, aside the commencement and completion of a new Electrification Project, his administration was able to facilitate the donation of science equipment worth millions of Naira from Seeding Lab., USA, in order to encourage meaningful learning and research in the institution.

Arakunrin Akeredolu said within hundred days in office, his administration completed the asphalt laying of the road from the Main Gate to the heart of the Campus, stressing that the road contract was awarded, but abandoned for over eight years.

He explained that the institution, which was a one-Faculty University for over eight years, now has two added additional schools; the School of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and the School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, as a result of improved funding from his administration.

The Governor said: “Our administration is desirous to expand the programmes as stated in the Brief of the University. Marine Engineering, Applied Geology, Applied Geophysics, Petrochemical Engineering with options in Petroleum and Chemical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering and Computer Engineering are some of the programmes already approved by the Senate of this University in this regard.

“It is gratifying to note that all programmes due for National Universities Commission’s accreditation have been accredited. This has been accomplished as a result of the commitment of our administration to the development of the University.

“In line with the desire of our administration to transforming OAUSTECH to a world class University, it has been enlisted as a beneficiary of TETFund for the first time since inception. The University is at present having some interventions in this regard, which will raise the status of the institution. OAUSTECH has also been selected to be a major beneficiary of the normal TETFund intervention for year 2020.”

In his address, the Vice -Chancellor of the University, Prof. Sunday Roberts Ogunduyile decribed Governor Akeredolu as the architect of the modern day OAUTECH and a pace setter per excellence.

Olabode Richard Olatunde
Special Assistant to the Governor (New Media)
August 13, 2020.

…Says Thuggery, Criminality shall not be tolerated in the forthcoming election 

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, has assured the people of the state that no criminal element shall trouble the relative peace enjoyed in the state, as the Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps) begins operation . 

The Governor stressed that with a workable synergy among the leadership of the security agencies and that of Amotekun, a water-tight strategies capable of arresting crimes even before they occur would be deployed. 

Arakunrin Akeredolu spoke at the Passing-Out Ceremony of the pioneer Amotekun Corps Officers in the state, held at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade, Igbatoro Road, Akure, the state capital. 

The Governor recalled that many people felt he was putting his second term ambition on the line when the Amotekun Corps was launched in Ibadan in January this year.

”And I told them, time and again, that my ambition is not worth the insecurities that our people are confronted with, where at some point, people were afraid of travelling out of the State. 

“It was so horrible that marauders laid siege to the highways, as well as in the farmlands, waiting to kidnap or devour anyone in sight.   With the launch of Amotekun, we resolved that it shall be no retreat, no surrender.  We are not going to be intimidated or blackmailed,” Akeredolu said. 

Governor Akeredolu, who expressed his readiness to champion the course of a better, safer and prosperous society and country, said he was determined not to pay lip service to the constitutional role of government, which is to seek the welfare and protection of the lives and property of the people.

He said: “It is incontrovertible that the existing security framework is being overstretched and we had to device a means of confronting the challenge of insecurity head-on.  That was when the concept of Amotekun came up.  As Yorubas, we are not known to surrender to our adversaries and if our forebears did not, we should not.

“On 4th March, this year, just two months after the launch of Amotekun in Ibadan, the Bill setting up the Corps was signed into law, after diligent and thorough work by the State House of Assembly.  The import of this is that Amotekun Corps is now a legal entity not just the idea of an individual. 

“As noted at the launch, it is not a parallel security structure to any of the security agencies. Rather, it is to complement what is on ground so that together they can achieve the goal of a safer environment, conducive enough to encourage foreign investors and rid our State of all forms of crime and criminally-minded elements. 

The Governor also reassured the people that the forthcoming election in the State would be very peaceful, adding that the state will not tolerate any form of thuggery or criminality occasioned by elections.

Traditional rulers including the Olugbo of Ugbo, Oba Fedrick Obateru Akinrutan, Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye and other prominent monarchs attended the event.

Heads of security agencies in the State as well as religious leaders and other stakeholders also graced the event.

Ondo State High Court sitting in Akure has restrained the Ondo State House of Assembly and the Speaker; Mr David Oleyeloogun from suspending the lawmaker representing Ese-odo constituency in the Assembly.

The lawmaker; Hon Success Torhukerhijo who was expelled by the All Progressives Congress (APC) sought the protection of the court from being suspended from his legislative duties

The Assembly has suspended four lawmakers including the Deputy Speaker; Hon Ogundeji Iroju, the only woman; Favour Tomomowo and the only Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) member in the Assembly, Hon Tomide Akinribido and Wale Williams over their refusal to sign impeachment notice against the Deputy Governor.

Following the suspension of Hon. Akinribido representing Ondo West Constituency under ZLP, a committee was set up to investigate Hon Torhukerhijo over his purported foul language in a media chat and report back to the house so as to carry out their premeditated agenda.

Fearing that he may be suspended like his other pro-Ajayi lawmakers,
Torhukerhijo sought the protection of the court from being suspended.

An order ex-parte granted by Justice Ademola Bola consequently restrained the Assembly, Speaker, their officers, agents and servants from suspending the lawmaker representing Ese-Odo as a member of the House.

The order was also served with a motion on notice as well as an originating summons.

By Maria Ifafesobi

The Ondo State Governor, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) has promised to put in place appropriate measures that will help reduce the effect of the deadly Corona Virus (Covid-19) in the state.

The governor, who likened the pandemic to the state of war said, his government will ensure that it minimises the effect of the deadly virus with the limited available resources in the state.

Mr. Akeredolu made this known during the flag-off ceremony of Coalition Against COVID 19 (CA-COVID) Palliative Items Distribution which held at the Ministry of Agriculture Central Warehouse in Akure.

Coalition Against COVID 19 (CA-COVID) is an initiative of a non-governmental organisation which is headed by Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, in collaboration with the Federal Government to provide food items as palliatives for the citizens.

He described COVID 19 as an invisible enemy that must be confronted frontally by individuals and communities. He said the outbreak of the virus had adversely affected both the lives and means of the livelihood of the people.

He said: “Many are carrying the bullet wound without knowing and many are already sent to early graves and many more might still go unless we brace up and do what is right as individuals and communities.”

Arakunrin Akeredolu, however, recalled the various relief strategies that has been adopted by his administration to provide food items as palliatives to the people since the pandemic broke out.

“We started by setting up a palliative committee to gather and distribute food items to the people through the Local Government Distribution Committees. We ensured that the committees are truly representative in composition in terms geographical, gender, professional and religious spread”. He added.

He further said that the first phase of the operation has been about to reach over 200, 000 households since the distribution of the palliatives started.

Also, the palliative distribution committee was able to reach the vulnerable and those in the hospitals; the sick, pregnant women and nursing mothers who needed special attention.

Mr. Akeredolu then thanked the organisers of Coalition Against COVID 19 (CA-COVID), Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Mr. Godwin Emefiele, for their collaboration with the Federal Government to provide food items for the masses.

He said the donated food items would take care of at least 50,000 households across the state. He also assured that there would be an equitable and fair distribution of the items across the state.

As part of effort to boost the campaigns for the re-election bid of the party’s governorship candidate, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, Ondo State Chairman, Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Princess Oladuni Odu, has donated campaign materials to the State secretariat of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akure.

Receiving the items on behalf of the party, Ondo State APC Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, described Princess Odu as a notable politician with high regard for party structure.

Adetimehin said only a few politicians appreciate the party, “once they get political appointments”.

In a statement signed by the state APC Publicity Secretary, Alex Kalejaye today, noted that SUBEB boss was first political office holder to do so, few weeks after a governorship candidate of the party emerged .

Items donated for a successful campaign include a thousand posters, another thousand face caps, and 500 T-shirts, with the inscription, AKETI 2020, and the party logo.

Adetimehin said, “I am not surprised at what Princess Oladuni Odu has done today. It takes people like you in positions of authority to build a strong political party. I can assure you that the party structure will stand by you when you need it”.

The party boss promised to ensure that the items were distributed among the 18 local government party chairmen, so the impact of the donation could be felt by all.

Earlier, the SUBEB boss explained that the supremacy of the party requires that politicians and political office holders support and exhibit much respect to the party’s structure.

She argued that those that had experienced life outside government would appreciate how lofty and enticing it is to be in power, adding that leaders should work together to ensure victory for the party’s candidate, come October.

“This is my widow’s mite, donated to the party for the success of our governorship campaign. I must say it is a demonstration of my loyalty and commitment to the party and its success at the governorship election in October”, she further explained.

Ahead of the October 10 2020, gubernatorial election in Ondo State, critical stakeholders in Odigbo Local Government Area of the state have vowed to work towards  the victory of Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN  at the polls.

The leaders of All Progressive Congress, APC, in the local government led by the House of Representatives member representing Odigbo/Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Federal Constituency,  Hon Mayowa Akinfolarin, said they were fully prepared more than ever before to support the re-election of the governor.

The APC stakeholders spoke during their meeting with the Governor at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office, Alagbaka Akure, the Ondo state capital.

Speaking on behalf of the party leaders, Hon Mayowa Akinfolarin, explained that they have all learnt from their past mistakes and have decided not to repeat such again, hence they made up their minds to work for the victory of the governor come October 10.

The federal lawmaker lauded Governor Akeredolu for the various infrastructural projects across  Odigbo Local Government Area, saying the governor has turned Ore to a Mega City. 

He specifically appreciated the governor for the construction of the Ore Flyover Interchange also known as Redemption Bridge which has put an end to incessant carnages in the axis, the Ondo-Linyl Industrial hub, the various road projects among other developmental efforts of the Akeredolu led administration.

Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Water Resources, Sanitation and Public Hygiene; Mrs. Yetunde Adeyanju; saluted the efforts of Governor Akeredolu for the developmental strides in Odigbo Local Government and pledged their unflinching support for the second term ambition of the Governor.

Responding, Governor Akeredolu who appreciated the people for their continued support added that the people of Odigbo local government have always supported him, urging them to do more in the forthcoming governorship elections.

Governor who listed some of his achievements in the local government including the construction of the Redemption Bridge, Ondo-Linyi Industrial Hub, various road projects among others, also noted that the bitumen exploitation in Irele was as a result of untiring efforts and determination to open up the southern senatorial district to the outside world and improve the economy of the state.

He further said the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, which was abandoned for over 8 years by the past administration, has been transformed by his administration.

Governor Akeredolu added that other various ongoing projects including the Port of Ondo and other infrastructural projects would be completed by his administration for the benefit of the people.

The Ondo State Customary Court of Appeal sitting in Akure has upheld the September 30, 2019 judgement of a Grade ‘A’ Customary Court, Odigbo, delivered in a land dispute situated at Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The Appeal Court presided over by Justice Eunice Aderonke Alade with Justice Christy Titilayo Adesola-Ikpati and Justice Akinfemi Micheal Owoyemi, as members, affirmed the verdict of the lower court and dismissed the appeal brought before it for lack of merit .

In the lead judgement read by Justice Eunice Alade, the court held that the appellants failed to establish their case as required by the law before the lower court.

It held, ”The appeal fails and is accordingly dismissed and the judgement of the trial court granting title to the respondent in respect of the 10 plots of land in dispute affirmed.

The appellants, Mr. Henry Morakinyo , and Mr. Abiodun Akinboboye (for themselves and on behalf of the estate of Pa. Rufus Olaniji Akinboboye family of Ondo, had earlier approached the lower court to ask for the customary right of occupancy to the piece or parcel of land lying , and situate along Benin / Shagamu Expressway interchangeably called Lagos/Benin expressway , Ashejire in Odigbo local government Area of Ondo State.

Morakinyo and Akinbobola, (plaintiffs) on behalf of the family had instituted the case against one Chief Emmanuel Ukaegbu , at the Grade ‘A’ Customary Court over a parcel of land measuring approximately ten (10) plots of one hundred feet in length by fifty feet in breath(100ft by 50ft) each.

Ukaegbu was the defendant at the lower court and respondent at the appellate court.

The appellants were represented by  Mr. O.P Akinrintan (counsel), while the respondent was represented by Mr. M.A Adegboye

After series of arguments the lower court gave its judgement in favour of the defendant, Chief Ukaegbu and made an order, declaring that the defendant/counter claimant is entitled to the grant of customary right of occupancy to the piece or parcel of land.

The court also ordered the plaintiffs to prepare, sign and execute a title document in respect of the twelve (12) plots of land giving out /granted to the defendant/ counter claimant, while the cost of N50,000 was awarded against each of the plaintiffs in favour of the defendant

Dissatisfied with the verdict, the plaintiffs initiated the appeal by filing their notice at the Court of Appeal.
The appellate court held, ” This is an appeal against the decision of the Ondo State Grade ‘A’ Customary court sitting at Odigbo delivered by His worship , B.E Adenigbo ESQ (Presiding) and their honour to wit: B.O Olajobi and I.B Orogun (members) on Monday 30, September 2019 in suit No: ORCC/44/2019 wherein judgement was entered for the respondent.

In the final analysis, the Court of Appeal, held that the appellants failed to establish their case as required by the Law before the lower court.

The case was accordingly dismissed the judgement of the trial court granting tittle to the respondent in respect of the 10 plots of lands affirmed.

The incumbent Deputy Governor of Ondo State and Member of the PDP, Barr. Agboola Ajayi, has debunked the rumour that he has concluded plans to join the Zenith Labour Party.

This was contained in a press statement released on 2nd August, 2020 by the Director of Media and Publicity of Ondo PDP, Mr. Zadok Akintoye.

Read the full text:

ONDO PDP 2nd August, 2020 PRESS STATEMENT

RE: AGBOOLA AJAYI JOINS ZLP We take note of the information being promoted and spread across social media platforms that HE. Barr. Agboola Ajayi, the incumbent Deputy Governor and Member of the PDP has concluded plans to join the Zenith Labour Party.

For the avoidance of doubt, Mr. Agboola Ajayi remains a valuable and respected member of the PDP and has not informed the party of his intention to leave and remains a committed member of the party.

Please note that clarification on the allegation has been sought from the Deputy Governor and assurances given to the leadership of the party of his intention to stay in the PDP.

We therefore implore all members of the party and the general public to disregard the information as H.E. has assured the party leaders and elders (on his honor) of not leaving. Our efforts at winning the next election remains ongoing and we are committed to removing the incumbent governor through a free and fair election.

Thank you.

Zadok Akintoye

Director of Media and Publicity.

The immediate past National President of Nigeria Medical Association ( NMA ), Professor Dayo Faduyile has praised the choice of Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa as Ondo State Deputy Designate by Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

Faduyile made this statement on Friday while chatting with news men in Abuja.

The Professor of forensic medicine emphasized that the choice of Aiyedatiwa, who holds a Master Degree in Business Administration ( MBA ) from the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom, as Governor Akeredolu’s running mate in the October 10 Ondo State Gubernatorial Election reflects the governor’s trust in the Southern Senatoral District of the State and also as expression of gratitude to the oil producing area of the State that lays “the golden egg” .

While congratulating Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa ahead of October 10 Gubernatorial poll, the Ikoya born Prince described Aiyedatiwa as a technocrat, Politician and Community leader, noting that his wealth of wealth of experience on the Board of NDDC where he had represented Ondo State and other high profile organizations that he has worked with, will count positively for him as Ondo State Deputy Governor in due course.

Professor Faduyile also called on APC faithfuls and the good people of Ondo State to continue to rally support for the Akeredolu/Aiyedatiwa mandate, saying that “with God on our side, the victory of the duo of Akeredolu and Aiyedatiwa in the coming poll is assured” .

It would be recalled that, the emergenced of Aiyedatiwa was believed on the fact that it is reward time for his loyalty both to the party and Governor Akeredolu.

It was also due to the age long clamour by the Ilaje people for Deputy Governorship slot since the State was created in February 3, 1976.

Credit; Bombay Ladi-Okunniga.