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  • Ondo football stakeholders government one -year ultimatum to return Sunshine Stars/Queens back to Premiership

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    ….Lament dwindling fortunes of sports,calls for Sunshine Stars’ last five matches probed

    Football stakeholders in Ondo State have given Ondo State Government one year ultimatum to return Sunshine Stars and Sunshine Queens to back the premier League.

    The stakeholders decried the relegation of both Sunshine Stars, Sunshine Queens, and the dwindling fortunes of other sports in the state.

    At a media parley with Newsmen in Akure, the state capital, the stakeholders called on the Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to set up a panel of enquiry to probe the last five matches played by Sunshine Stars.

    Some of the stakeholders pledged to testify and provide evidence if such a panel is constituted.

    The former Chairman of the Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA), Akinshola Akinbobola, flanked by the ex-Chairman of the Sunshine Stars Supporters Club, Mr. Oduyi Emmanuel, and a former player of Rising Stars, Mr. Udo Daniel, expressed pain over the relegation of Owena Whales, once considered the state’s heritage and pride to the lower league.

    Akinbobola further lamented that other sports, including male basketball, male handball had also been relegated in their respective leagues.

    “Since 2016, Sunshine Stars have been battling relegation season after season.

    “Three seasons ago, when the current Governor was Deputy Governor, he called on me to assist in rescuing the team after they went 18 games without a win.

    “By the grace of God and the involvement of key individuals, we were able to rescue the team from relegation,” he said.

    The stakeholders unanimously gave the state government a one-year ultimatum to return the teams to their respective elite leagues, insisting that it is achievable with the appointment of technocrats to professionally manage the teams.

    “Relegation to the lower league is not a sin, but our inability to rise quickly will be our greatest undoing.

    “While we call for a probe into how we found ourselves in this situation, we are also calling on the government to set up a high-powered committee of football administrators within the state, with a mandate to return the teams to the premiership within a year.”

    Citing Nasarawa United’s relegation in the 2022/23 season and their return to the elite league after just one season in the lower division, Akinbobola expressed optimism: “With the right people managing the team, I am confident Sunshine Stars will return within a year. This is not rocket science.”

    He attributed the relegation of Sunshine Stars and Sunshine Queens, as well as the general decline in sports, to the appointment of incompetent individuals by the government.

    “There are people who should not be anywhere near the sporting arena, yet they were appointed to pilot the affairs of our teams,” he added.

    “Sunshine Stars and Sunshine Queens used to be household names in Nigerian football.

    “Sunshine Stars represented Nigeria twice at the continental level and reached the semi-finals.

    “Sunshine Queens won the Federation Cup in 2015. Today, those same teams are nowhere to be found because mediocrity was placed above competence.

    “They are now a shadow of their former selves.”

    He continued, “There was a time Sunshine Stars ranked among the top four teams in Africa. Where is our pride? What went wrong? Is it poor funding?

    “The appointment of the wrong people? Whatever the reason, we are calling on the government to redefine its approach to the sports sector.”

    “The sports arena should not be a place for rewarding political loyalists who has no experience in football management.

    “Sports is a big business, if properly invested in and managed by the right people.”

    “This is not a blame game, but a clarion call to the government to do the needful by reviving what once brought joy to the people of the state.

    “As football stakeholders who have significantly contributed to the development of sports in Ondo State, we cannot fold our arms and watch our beloved teams decline without speaking the truth.”

    “The government should, as a matter of urgency, complete the renovation of the Akure stadium and improve other stadia across the state.”

    “It is unheard of that Ondo State cannot boast of a befitting stadium.

    There are no tracks for athletics, no equipment for other sports, yet we expect optimal performance.”

    Both former Supporters Club Chairman Oduyi Emmanuel and Udo Daniel urged the current government to appoint indigenous football administrators to manage the teams for a swift return to the elite league.

    According to Emmanuel, “I was chairman when Sunshine Stars played in continental competitions twice. I was also there when the female team won the Federation Cup.

    “We are appealing to the government to reposition our sports sector so we can regain our lost glory,” he said.

  • 53 Die, 244 Injured in Ondo Road Crashes in Three Months — FRSC

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    No fewer than 53 people lost their lives while 244 others sustained varying degrees of injuries in 94 road crashes recorded across Ondo State within the first quarter of 2025, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has disclosed.

    The state Sector Commander of the Corps, Dr. Samuel Ibitoye, revealed the figures on Monday during the commemoration of the 8th United Nations Road Safety Week, held in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

    The event, themed “Streets for Life: Make Walking and Cycling Safe”, highlighted the growing risks on Nigerian roads. Dr. Ibitoye noted that the latest statistics mark a sharp increase from the same period in 2024, which recorded 33 deaths and 237 injuries in 74 crashes.

    According to him, the primary causes of the spike include reckless driving behaviours such as speeding, dangerous overtaking, overloading, driver fatigue, poor vehicle maintenance, and dilapidated road conditions.

    “Of the 53 persons killed, 39 were male adults, 13 were female adults, and one was a female child,” he said.

    Describing the situation as “horrendous and worrisome,” Ibitoye expressed concern over the preventable nature of the fatalities and called for a total behavioural overhaul among all categories of road users — including drivers, pedestrians, and commercial operators.

    “There is urgent need for attitudinal change. Drivers must shun drunk driving, speeding and road rage,” he said. “Commercial drivers, in particular, are often at the centre of these incidents and must take responsibility for their actions on the road.”

    The sector commander also urged policymakers, engineers, and transport authorities to strengthen their commitment to road safety, emphasizing the need for a multi-sectoral approach to address the crisis.

    While commending Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his administration’s efforts to improve road infrastructure and mobility, Ibitoye appealed to contractors handling road projects to incorporate pedestrian walkways and cycling lanes in future designs.

    “This will not only ease traffic congestion but also encourage healthier lifestyles and reduce carbon emissions by promoting non-motorised transport,” he added.

    In their remarks, the Vice Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the state, Comrade Adeniyi Oyedapo, and the Deputy Secretary of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Kareem Tajudeen, commended the FRSC for its continuous advocacy.

    They noted that their unions had initiated internal sensitisation campaigns to educate members on the importance of regular vehicle maintenance and strict adherence to road safety protocols.

    The Hope

  • Ekimogun Youths Connect commends Hon. Olumbe Akinkugbe, says the Independent Power Plant is a game changer for Ondo city’s economy

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    .. the most precious gift a man can give is light – even God said, ‘Let there be light

    From the moment I heard that Ondo City would soon be free from the deliberate and persistent epileptic power supply imposed by BEDC, I knew that Hon. Olumbe Akinkugbe was destined for greatness. He who brings light brings life—and truly, Hon. Olumbe has brought life to Ondo City.

    As a committed community stakeholder and passionate advocate for development, I felt it was necessary to independently assess the ongoing 5MW Independent Power Plant project, facilitated by Hon. Olumbe Akinkugbe, Executive Director of Digital Exploration & Technical Services at Galaxy Backbone Ltd. This laudable initiative is in partnership with Lincs Power Ltd., and is set to eliminate darkness in Ondo City by December.

    Accompanied by his Media Adviser, Hon. Ms. Bukky Oyeniyi, I visited the project site for firsthand insight. The engineer in charge took us through the master plan and gave a detailed explanation of how the gas-powered plant will function.

    According to the project team, the first phase of the initiative will guarantee uninterrupted 24-hour electricity supply to key institutions in Ondo City, including:

    University of Medical Sciences, Ondo

    Medical Village, Laje (including Mother & Child Hospitals)

    General Hospital, Ondo

    Adeyemi Federal University of Education

    All street lighting systems across the city

    We, the youth of Ondo City, are filled with hope and gratitude. This project is not just a technological feat—it is a beacon of economic transformation. On behalf of Ekimogun Youths Connect, I pledged our total support and commitment to the successful completion of this project.

    This is a historic milestone, and we are proud it is happening in our generation.

    Comr. Famakinwa Lucaskakaki
    President, Ekimogun Youths Connect

  • Okitipupa LG commissions utility vehicles, receives Fire Truck from ODSG

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    In a strategic move to boost local governance and enhance public service delivery, the Executive Chairman of Okitipupa Local Government, Hon. Andrew Ogunsakin, has officially commissioned new utility vehicles for council officials and key management personnel.

    The commissioning ceremony, held at the Local Government Secretariat, underscores the administration’s dedication to operational efficiency, improved mobility, and effective oversight across departments.

    While addressing attendees, Hon. Ogunsakin highlighted that the vehicles are vital tools for service, not personal luxuries. “These vehicles are instrumental to our mission of grassroots development. I urge the beneficiaries to deploy them responsibly and in service of our communities,” he said.

    He further encouraged council leaders and management staff to maintain a proactive and committed approach to their duties, reaffirming his administration’s focus on delivering people-oriented governance.

    The event also marked the official handover of a modern fire truck to the council, recently provided by the Ondo State Government as part of its ongoing effort to strengthen emergency response infrastructure across the state.

    Hon. Ogunsakin conveyed deep appreciation to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for his consistent support for local governments. He noted that the new fire truck would significantly bolster the council’s emergency response capabilities, helping protect lives and property within Okitipupa and neighboring communities.

  • Ayingba IEDN begins electricity distribution in Irele and Ese Odo after regulatory approval

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    Residents of Ode Irele and Ese Odo Local Government Areas in Ondo State can look forward to stable electricity for the first time in over 15 years, as Ayingba Independent Electricity Distribution Network Limited (Ayingba IEDN) officially begins power distribution operations in the region.

    This development follows the company’s receipt of full authorization from the Ondo State Electricity Regulatory Bureau (OSERB) on April 14, 2025. The license, issued under the Ondo State Electricity Power Sector Law of 2020, was signed by the State Coordinator of OSERB, Engr. Stephen Olugbenga Bolawole, FNSE, FCAI.

    Ayingba IEDN, which has built a solid reputation in Nigeria’s power sector since its establishment in 2019, will now oversee the supply and distribution of electricity in the two local government areas. Its responsibilities include the deployment of electrical infrastructure, metering, and billing systems.

    The company has already mobilized teams and equipment to the affected areas, with a focus on key infrastructure projects. These include the commissioning of a 2×7.5 MVA, 33/11KV substation in Irele Town and a 1×7.5 MVA, 33/11KV substation in Ajagba Town. Existing distribution substations in both LGAs are also undergoing rehabilitation.

    According to a company statement, faulty transformers and service lines have been identified and are currently under repair. Additionally, Ayingba IEDN has started installing metering systems to ensure transparent and efficient power delivery.

    “Our mission is to reconnect these communities to the national grid and provide uninterrupted, affordable power supply,” the management stated. “This effort will drive economic growth, improve quality of life, and bring long-overdue relief to thousands of residents and businesses.”

    The company emphasized that the services are being delivered at no cost to the consumers, except in cases where groups choose to contribute to infrastructure under a reimbursement agreement with the company.

    The initiative is expected to significantly transform the social and economic landscape of the area, ending over a decade of blackout and setting a new standard for localized electricity distribution in Ondo State.

  • Ijapo Ages Stars Pip Host Team, win maiden regional football league

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    Ijapo Ages Stars FC (IASFC) have defeated Benfad FC to emerge winners of the maiden Regional Football League held in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

    Nosa Enabulele scored the lone goal of the high-intensity final from the penalty spot in the 49th minute, after Femi Kolawole was fouled inside the box by the Benfad FC goalkeeper at the match played at the Police Secondary School, Ita-Ogbolu, Akure North.

    The first stanza of the pulsating encounter ended in a goalless draw, with both sides unable to find the back of the net.

    Both teams showed class and played their hearts out, displaying football artistry that thrilled the spectators at the arena.

    Tactical efforts by Benfad FC to level up were frustrated by the Ijapo Ages Stars FC defenders and the ever-alert goalkeeper, Ayomide Francis, as the Ijapo-based team coasted home with a giant trophy and a N1, 000, 000 prize.

    Benfad FC went home with a N500,000 prize as first runners-up.

    FJ Academy received N300,000 as third-place winners, having defeated Elite FC by a lone goal scored by Abayomi Ayibiowu.

    Ijapo Ages Stars FC coach, Adeola Adetomiwa, commended his players for their resilience in securing the much-needed result.

    Adetomiwa thanked the management of the team and other coaching crew, saying the feat recorded was a collective effort.

    “It was teamwork that gave us the victory. I’m very happy to lead my team to lift the maiden Regional Football League,” he said.

  • Plenary Attendance: Court Grants Ekimogun Roundtable Leave to Serve National Assembly, Hon. Abiola Makinde

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    The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted leave to the Registered Trustees of the Ekimogun Roundtable to apply for an order of Mandamus against the National Assembly, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Honourable Abiola Makinde, the member representing Ondo East/West Federal Constituency.

    The decision, delivered by Hon. Justice B.F.M. Nyako on March 13, 2025, followed an ex-parte motion filed on March 12, 2025, by the applicant. The motion seeks to compel the National Assembly to fulfill its statutory duty by disclosing information regarding the plenary attendance of Hon. Abiola Makinde, who the group alleged has abandoned his legislative responsibilities, leaving the constituency without adequate representation for an extended period.

    Specifically, the group is requesting details of Hon. Makinde’s attendance at plenary sessions as well as records of constituency and intervention funds allocated to Ondo East/West Federal Constituency during the period under review. According to the group, these requests are grounded in Section 68(f) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which provides that a lawmaker who fails to attend the required number of plenary days in a legislative year may be compelled to vacate their seat.

    Ekimogun Roundtable further claims to be tracking over N4 billion allocated to the constituency through the National Assembly in the last four years, funds they allege remain largely unaccounted for due to misrepresentation.

    The motion, supported by an affidavit sworn to by Ogah Blessing Nneku-Ojo, a legal practitioner, emphasized that the respondents had failed to respond to legitimate demands for information, thereby prompting legal action. Represented by lead counsel Timilehin Albert, Esq., who led a team of over twenty other lawyers in the suit, the applicant argued that the requested disclosures were in the public interest and necessary for transparency and accountability in governance.

    The court granted the applicant leave to proceed with the order of Mandamus, directed that the respondents be put on notice, and adjourned the matter to May 19, 2025, for mention.

    The National Assembly and Hon. Abiola Makinde have since been formally served.

  • SJC Ondo ’97 set donates multimillion naira Lab equipment to Alma Mater

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    The Saint Joseph College Old Boys Association, 1997 set, has donated science laboratory equipment worth multi-million naira to their alma mater.

    The 28-year-old former SJC students presented the equipment as a way of giving back to the college that shaped their lives as part of their Direct Impact Project programmes.

    Speaking during the presentation, the Coordinator of the 1997 class, Mr. Ayodeji Fasehun who was represented by Mr. Oluwaseun Sosa Akinsulire, stated that the gesture was aimed at creating a conducive learning environment for the students, especially those in the science classes.

    He noted that the equipment, valued millions of naira, was provided to improve the academic standard of the school.

    “We thought about it, and after leaving the school 28 years ago, we knew it was time to give back.

    “So we met with the principal, who told us that science equipment remained a major challenge, and we contributed to provide them for the students’ use.”

    Fasehun urged the students to be committed to their studies, remain disciplined, and make effective use of the science equipment for quality education in line with the United Nation Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

    “The science equipment would be used in the Biology, Physics, and Chemistry laboratories.

    ” We, therefore, urge the science teachers to utilise the materials and teach the students effectively.”

    Reacting to the gesture, the Principal of St. Joseph’s College, Ondo, Pastor Adekunle Adeyinka, expressed great delight at the contributions from the former students, noting that the intervention was very apt and timely.

    He commended the ” ’97 old boys” saying that they have shown great generosity by giving back to the school that produced them.

    His words: “I am so happy today because one of the major challenges we face in the school is the lack of science laboratory equipment, especially with the ongoing West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and NECO exams.

    He appreciated the 1997 Alumni group for remembering their alma mater and prayed that God would continue to bless their lives.

    He therefore called for increased investment in the education sector from Alumni associations, private organizations and individuals to drive national growth and sustain development across all sectors.

    The Principal equally urged the governments at all levels to demonstrate the political will to improve the nation’s education system by committing more resources to the development of the sector at all levels.

    He said: “Education is capital-intensive. It is a long-term investment, and we need to have that political will to commit more resources to education. That would be the only solution.”

  • Landlord’s son allegedly kills tenant after argument in Ondo community

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    By Damilola Atoyebi

    Tragedy struck in Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State on Monday morning as a young woman identified as Miss Joy was allegedly killed by the son of her landlord during a heated argument.

    According to eyewitnesses, the disagreement between the deceased and the suspect whose name has not yet been officially released escalated into violence, ultimately leading to Miss Joy’s death. The incident occurred in the early hours of the day, sending shockwaves through the quiet community.

    Local sources confirmed that the suspect has since been arrested and is currently in police custody as investigations continue.

    In response to the incident, the Executive Chairman of Irele Local Government, Hon. (Deacon) Olajide Akinfe, visited the Irele Divisional Police Headquarters to get firsthand information on the case. During his visit, he held a closed-door meeting with the Divisional Police Officer and pledged the council’s full support to the ongoing investigation.

    According a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the chairman, Mr Aro Olorunyomi Victor, Hon. Akinfe condemned the act, describing it as “heinous and despicable,” and emphasized the importance of community vigilance and collective condemnation of violent acts. He praised the swift response of the police, which, he said, helped to calm tensions in the area.

    The Council Chairman appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid resorting to mob justice. He urged the public to cooperate with law enforcement by providing credible information that could assist in the investigation.

    “Our administration maintains a zero-tolerance stance on crime and violence. We will continue working closely with security agencies and community leaders to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our people,” he stated.

    Hon. Akinfe also announced plans to convene a security meeting involving traditional rulers and heads of security agencies to develop proactive measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.

    He was accompanied on the visit by the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Yemi Otutu, and the Irele Community Youth Leader and Special Assistant to the Governor, Hon. (Chief) Sola Adekugbe, popularly known as Erica.

  • ELECTRICITY SUPPLY: OSOPADEC ENERGIZES 500KVA ABOTO TRANSFORMER

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    • Installs Four Others in Igbokoda Communities

    The community of Aboto witnessed a significant infrastructure transformation today as the newly installed power transformer was officially energized.

    This development marks a crucial step in strengthening the local power distribution network and ensuring a more stable electricity supply to households, businesses, and critical services in and around the ancient town.

    The energization of the transformer, undertaken by Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) is expected to significantly reduce power outages, enhance voltage quality, and support the growing energy needs of Aboto and surrounding areas.

    Speaking at the energization event, OSOPADEC Secretary, Princess Abike Bayo-Ilawole stated, “Today’s achievement is a testament to our commitment to modernizing power infrastructure. The Aboto transformer will not only address existing distribution challenges but also position us for future growth.

    “This project is part of a broader statewide initiative to upgrade and expand power infrastructure, improve energy reliability, and drive economic development, particularly in the mandate areas.

    “The Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa is deeply committed to uplifting the standard of living across all communities within the state through targeted policies, strategic development initiatives, and a people-centered approach.

    “The government equally aims to address other critical needs such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic empowerment, ensuring that every resident benefits from inclusive and sustainable growth”.

    Expressing gratitude during the one hour event, community leaders, youths and women groups in the community lauded Governor Aiyedatiwa for the developmental stride, expressing optimism about its long-term benefits for residents and businesses alike.

    Other benefiting communities include; Broad Street, Igbokoda (300KVA), Larada (300KVA),
    Temetan (300KVA) and Okoga (300KVA).

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