Shortly after the inauguration of Aketidatiwa Campaign Committee by the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, members of the group has began a massive campaign mobilization to ensure a second time Governorship victory come 10 October.
The group formed on 26th August , 2020 was to ensure a grassroot awareness and garnered all support needed across the State.
It was gathered that Hon. Nimbe Tawose, among the “Special Interest Group”, alongside Hon. Adamson Orowole and other APC Leaders met in his country Home of Mahintedo, in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo South for immediate responsibilities without delay.
While addressing the Group, Hon. Tawose, saluted the members and new members for the courage to joining the progressive train stating that the beauty of coming together was to work assiduously in ensuring the party’s victory come October 10th, he said.
While appreciating all the members in attendance, and gracing the meeting, he charged the nominated members to stand up to their responsibility and work fervently in achieving success.
The mobilization campaign also welcomed members of PDP, ZLP and EPP at the ward level who were led by Prince Biyi Poroye but was duly represented by Mr Olanrewaju Orowole into APC fold.
In the meantime, the Leaders of the party constituted 30 members in each polling units including women and youths to saddle the affairs of voters mobilization across board.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ), condemns the gangster-like outburst by Chief Femi Fani Kayode against the Cross River State Correspondent of the Daily Trust Newspaper, Eyo Charles who asked him a simple question which he felt was embarrassing.
In his reaction, Kayode assaulted the journalist and threatened him for daring to ask such a question.
By denigrating the journalist, Fani Kayode has exposed himself the more as an intolerant and unstable person who will not want his activities closely scrutinised by the Media.
It is instructive to remind the likes of Fani Kayode that it is the Constitutional right of Journalists to monitor and keep a check on people and institutions in power.
By delving into politics and holding political office, Fani Kayode is very conversant with the watchdog role of the media. For him to have embarked on assessment of projects in some states, even though we are yet to be told under what platform, he is doing so, it is proper for the media to hold him to account for his actions and decisions. His reaction was totally unacceptable, dishonourable and reprehensible and we demand for retraction of his untoward, irritating and awkward utterances which negate simple decorum and civility.
We are more shocked that the same Kayode who had in recent times, used his social media handles to call leaders to account is at the same time attacking a Journalist for a simple demand for him to unmask those behind his nationwide tour. He had already visited six states. This is indeed, terribly disappointing.
A councillorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Johnson Faloye in Saturday’s local government election in Ondo State, has accused a serving Commissioner in the state of planning to manipulate the election result.
Faloye said he polled a total of 520 votes in the election to defeat his close rival, Korede Folorunsho of the All Progressives Congress who polled 498 votes.
Faloye had participated in the election held at unit 03 of Oba Ile in Akure North Local Council Area of the state.
Addressing journalists, the SDP councillorship candidate alleged that the Commissioner led thugs to the polling units in the town to hijack ballot papers and other election materials.
Faloye said the Commissioner went to Araromi and Owode to snatch the election materials and disrupt the exercise due to the popularity of the SDP in the community.
He alleged that despite the resistance from the people, the Commissioner went ahead with thugs to thumbprint and stuffed the ballot papers in favor of the council lordship candidate of the APC.
He complained that the action of the Commissioner led to the cancellation of elections in three polling units.
According to him, the election results were cancelled at owode,Araromi and Maternity units by the electoral officers due to the violence perpetrated by the serving Commissioner.
“The election was cancelled at the collation centre at Ejioba High School and Faloye was declared the winner publicly but the commissioner is going about to announce a different result.
“We want the Commissioner to be called to order and let him stay off the election collation Centre in Oba Ile because we reliably learned that he has gone to ODIEC office to manipulate the result of Oba Ile Ward 09.
“We are asking ODIEC to abide by the result that was declared inside the Ejioba Secondary School in Oba Ile collation centre in order to avoid any violence as people are already boiling with anger.
“And we are also pleading with governor (Rotimi Akeredolu) to call his Commissioner to order because we are aware he has perfected plans to manipulate the election results of Oba-Ile.
CLOSURE OF MARKETS AND SHOPS IN AKURE TO OBSERVE AHEREGBE AND AMOLE FESTIVAL
The Palace wish to notify the residents of Akure and its environ that all Markets and Shops in Akure will be shut on Monday 24th August, 2020 and Wednesday 9th September, 2020.
2. The closure becomes necessary as part of the age long tradition in observing the annual Aheregbe and Amole Festival.
The Palace wish to inform residents that no trading or opening of shops under any guise will be allowed on these days.
Residents, Market Women and shop owners are kindly enjoined to comply with this directive.
However, the festival will not in anyway restrict both human and vehicular movement.
Akure a gbe a oo
Signed. Adeyeye Michael Chief Press Secretary to the Deji of Akure. 21st August, 2020
The Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN has directed that Friday August 21, 2020 be observed as a work-free day.
This directive is to enable residents of the State have adequate time to prepare for the Local Government Election scheduled for Saturday, August 22, 2020.
A statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo quoted Governor Akeredolu as equally urging the electorate to freely exercise their voting rights just as he called on them to shun violence during the exercise.
“As we are all aware, the Local Government Election scheduled for Saturday August 22, 2020 is yet another opportunity for the citizens of Ondo State to avail themselves of the chance of democratic participation.
“This is particularly imperative in view of the importance of that tier of government as the closest to the grassroots. We cannot therefore, afford to take less advantage of this golden opportunity not only to deepen our democratic structures but to equally decide our leadership contents for optimum development drive.
“In this regard, Mr. Governor has directed that Friday, August 22, be declared a work-free for workers to enable them prepare adequately for the local government election.
“Governor Akeredolu, while urging all citizens of the state to take maximum advantage of the election to freely exercise their rights, enjoins all to shun violence before, during and after the exercise.
The Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Hon Agboola Alfred Ajayi has described the death of Ayo Ogedengbe as a loss not only to his family but to journalism profession , Ondo State, and the nation at large.
This contained in a condolence statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Babatope Okeowo, on Thursday.
“It has come as a rude shock the death of a quintessential journalist, Mr. Ayo Ogendengbe who died in the early hours of Thursday”.
Hon Ajayi prays for the repose of the soul of the veteran journalist and for the family to have the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
The Deputy Governor who described death as the necessary end of every human being however noted that the legacies left behind by individuals will speak when he has left for the great beyond.
Hon Ajayi advises journalists to emulate the passion Late Ogendegbe had for his job when he worked as the state-owned media outfit and Ministry of information.
The Chairman, Adetona Aderoboye, executives and members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council have received the sudden death of one of the vibrant Veteran journalists in the state, Mr Ayo Ogedengbe with rude shock and disbelief.
In a Press Statement signed by the State Secretary of the Union, Leke Adegbite, NUJ describes late Ogedengbe popularly known as “Oged” in the media industry, was a goal getter, straightforward, bold and disciplined journalist.
The Union also notes with satisfaction various contributions of late Ogedengbe to journalism profession especially broadcasting industry in Ondo state, as he trained many fine broadcasters and journalists who are blossom in the Industry across the world.
Ondo NUJ will not forget the deceased’s vibrancy even in retirement contributed positively to his profession and his Okeagbe Akoko community till his demise.
The late seasoned Journalist and Information Manager, worked at Ondo state Radiovision Corporation (OSRC) where he rose to the position of Director of News and Current affairs, and retired at the State Ministry of Information few years ago.
Mr Ogedengbe died at the early hours of thursday August 20, 2020 at his Oba-ile residence, Akure, during a brief illness and his family will announce his burial programmes soon.
We pray Lord to grant his soul peaceful rest and uphold his family members.
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.
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.
