Reaffirms Commitment to Peaceful Coexistence with Neighbouring Communities
The Executive Chairman of Irele Local Government, Hon. (Deacon) Olajide Akinfe, on Thursday received a high-powered delegation from the Iju-Osun community who paid him a courtesy visit to express appreciation for his instrumental role in the peaceful resolution of a long-standing land dispute between their community and the neighbouring Arogbo/Ijaw settlement.
The visiting delegation lauded Hon. Akinfe’s leadership, security consciousness, and hands-on approach in ensuring the amicable settlement of the conflict. They specifically acknowledged his direct involvement in visiting the disputed area and activating the Boundary Adjustment Committee to mediate the matter.
Welcoming the delegation alongside the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Yemi Otutu, the Chairman commended the people of Iju-Osun for their cooperation throughout the resolution process. He urged all stakeholders to continue to uphold peace, emphasizing the futility of violence and the need for harmonious coexistence.
“I remain committed to the wellbeing of all constituents and to fostering mutual respect and cordial relationships with neighbouring communities,” Hon. Akinfe affirmed.
Members of the Iju-Osun delegation included Hon. Oke Adeleke, Hon. Augustine Gboroye, and Pastor Okunnuwa Olanrewaju.
Aro Olorunyomi Victor Chief Press Secretary to Hon. (Deacon) Olajide Akinfe Executive Chairman, Irele Local Government
The National Body of Radio, Television,Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU) has dissolved the Ondo State Council Executive with immidiate effect.
The National Secretariat of the Union therefore appointed 5- Man Caretaker Committee to handle the affairs of the Union until proper election would be conducted.
According to letter made available to newsmen and signed by the General Secretary of the Union, Comrade A. Akpausoh, stated that; “In view of the fact that the tenure of the State Council Executive has expired, the National Secretariat writes to convey the dissolution of the State Council Executive with immediate effect.
“Be notified that a 5-Man Caretaker Committee has been appointed to handle the affairs of the Union pending when proper elections would be conducted.”
The Committee is comprised as follows;
Comrade Dairo Olufemi (NTA, Akure)-Chairman
Comrade Adeboboye Aderonke (Ministry of Culture & Tourism)-Secretary
The Ekimogun Roundtable, a leading socioeconomic advocacy group of Ondo indigenes both at home and in the diaspora, has revealed that Ondo East/West Federal Constituency is benefiting from over N2 billion worth of federal projects captured in the 2025 Appropriation Act, spanning key sectors such as infrastructure, education, youth empowerment, energy, and rural development.
The group’s National Assembly Liaison Officer, Barr. Kunle Ogundipe, disclosed the full list of constituency-bound projects in a statement released to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday. The group commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for its commitment to grassroots development and inclusive governance, as demonstrated in the approved budget.
The 2025 Projects Include:
Provision of Solar Streetlights within Ondo East/West Rural Communities, Ondo State: ₦30,118,042
Supply and Installation of All-in-One Solar Streetlights in Yaba Community, Ondo West LGA, Ondo State: ₦200,000,000
Entrepreneurship Training and Take-off Grants for Women and Youths in Selected Communities in Ondo West LGA, Ondo State: ₦400,000,000
Construction of 2km Road Using NBRRI Technology in Ondo West Government, Ondo State: ₦201,000,000
Provision of Artisan Call Center in Ondo West, Ondo State: ₦50,000,000
Provision of Transformers in Selected Communities of Ondo West/East, Ondo State: ₦50,000,000
Renovation of the Kingdom Palace in Ondo, Ondo State: ₦100,000,000
Provision of Solar Streetlights Across Selected Rural and Urban Communities within Ondo, Ondo State: ₦500,000,000
Provision of Instructional Materials to Selected Primary and Secondary Schools/Students in Ondo, Ondo State: ₦300,000,000
Construction of New Dual Carriageway from Ondo/Ore Highway to COEASU Building – Phase II: ₦200,000,000
Youth and Women Empowerment Through Environmentally Sound Management of Waste in Ondo East and Ondo West Federal Constituency: ₦30,000,000
The Roundtable, however, frowned at the process of project insertion into the 2025 budget, stating that it lacked the required community needs assessment and engagement. Nevertheless, it strongly enjoined constituents, traditional leaders, community stakeholders, and civil society organizations to take an active interest in monitoring the projects and ensuring their proper execution.
“This is a moment of both opportunity and responsibility. Our people must not only benefit from these projects but must rise to the duty of safeguarding their implementation. We call on every citizen, community leader, and civil society actor to be vigilant and proactive in ensuring that these projects are not only executed to standard but that the funds allocated are not diverted or siphoned.” The group said.
The group vowed to ensure that every kobo is fully accounted for throughout the implementation of the projects, emphasizing transparency and accountability at every stage to guarantee that the intended benefits reach the people.
A devastating fire has engulfed a residential building in the Adefunke area of Ile-Oluji, Ondo state, sending shockwaves through the quiet community and leaving residents in a state of panic.
Eyewitnesses at the scene report that the blaze began following what is believed to be a power surge, triggering an electrical fault that rapidly escalated into a full-blown fire. Within moments, flames swept through the structure, consuming valuable household items and leaving behind only charred remains.
Thankfully, no casualties have been reported at the time of this report.
A Nigerian educationist, Mr. Dolapo Moyo-peters, has called for urgent digital literacy campaigns and structured mentorship programs to combat the growing negative influence of social media on students’ academic performance.
Mr. Moyo-peters, who is the proprietor of The Unique Future Academy, made the call during an interview on Monday, warning that platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat, and OnlyFans are increasingly drawing students away from their academic responsibilities, particularly those preparing for major examinations like the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
“The solution isn’t to eliminate social media,” he said. “It’s about teaching responsible usage. With the right guidance and balance, students can enjoy the benefits of digital platforms without jeopardizing their future.”
He emphasized the need for coordinated efforts among parents, educators, and policymakers to guide students on healthy technology use through structured interventions and awareness campaigns.
According to him, social media’s fast-paced and visually engaging nature has weakened students’ concentration, fostered poor study habits, and created an environment of instant gratification. These factors, he said, are replacing long-term academic goals with short-term pleasures.
He also pointed to mental health concerns arising from prolonged social media use, including anxiety, stress, and disrupted sleep patterns, all of which negatively affect students’ ability to perform academically.
Stressing the importance of helping students find a balance, noting that while educational content exists on social media, the temptation to prioritize entertainment continues to undermine meaningful learning.
“Some students are beginning to replace their long-term academic goals with the pursuit of likes, shares, and fleeting online recognition. “This shift in priorities is dangerous and requires immediate intervention.”
To tackle these issues, he recommended the implementation of school-based digital responsibility programs, increased parental involvement, and targeted campaigns by education ministries to instill a balanced approach to technology. Advocating for collaborative efforts between government agencies, private schools, mental health professionals, and tech companies to create a safe and productive digital environment for learners.
“There is a need to reframe the narrative. Social media doesn’t have to be the enemy of education. But students must be taught how to control their usage, not be controlled by it,” he said.
Mr. Moyo-peters, concluded with a call to action for policymakers and stakeholders in the education sector. “If we are to prepare our students for a competitive global future, we must begin by equipping them with the skills to navigate the digital world responsibly.”
A political analyst, Mr. Gbenga Ajisafe, has said that while multi-party systems offer broad representation, they can also hinder the smooth functioning of government due to coalition politics and policy delays. He, however, emphasized that a one-party system would be unsuitable for a diverse and democratic nation like Nigeria.
Speaking during an exclusive interview with our correspondent, Ajisafe noted that one-party systems, though potentially more stable and efficient in decision-making, often breed dictatorship, restrict democratic freedoms, and increase the risk of corruption.
“One-party systems can deliver fast decisions without power struggles,” he said. “But they often lack checks and balances, suppress opposition, and fail to reflect the diversity of the people’s aspirations.”
Ajisafe cited examples of one-party states such as China, North Korea, Vietnam, Cuba, and Eritrea, where a single political party dominates governance, often with little or no room for opposition voices. While such systems may offer political stability, they tend to undermine democratic values.
He explained that a multi-party system, common in many democracies, allows multiple political parties to contest elections and share power, often forming coalition governments. This system, he noted, promotes inclusiveness and better represents a wide range of public interests.
However, he acknowledged that multi-party systems also come with challenges. “Coalition governments may lead to political instability and slow down policy implementation due to constant negotiations between parties,” Ajisafe said. “It can also confuse voters and increase the cost of governance.”
Despite these drawbacks, Ajisafe firmly stated that Nigeria’s unique socio-political structure makes a one-party system unworkable.
“A one-party system in Nigeria would lead to power domination by a particular ethnic or religious group, creating marginalization and deepening existing divides,” he warned. “Given our diversity, such a system could easily evolve into an oligarchy, where a select few determine the fate of millions.”
He argued that Nigeria’s political culture is not mature enough to support a one-party system, as politics in the country is still largely influenced by ethnicity, religion, wealth, and political godfatherism rather than ideology or policy competence.
“Nigeria is probably one of the few countries in the world with a multiplicity of political parties, and an almost infinite number of party cross-carpeters! Not only do people decamp from party to party at any time and for the flimsiest reasons, but the parties themselves are often merged, renamed, or simply fade away.”
“People decamp at the slightest sign of trouble or dispute, reinforcing the common saying that in politics, ‘there are no permanent enemies or friends, only permanent interests!’ This phenomenon is perhaps more pronounced in Nigeria than anywhere else.”
Given this history of ideological inconsistency, he argued, a one-party system in Nigeria becomes virtually impossible. “This is not unique to Nigeria alone, but common across much of Africa,” he added.
Ajisafe noted that the closest Nigeria came to a one-party state was in the early 1990s, during the era of the two-party structure, SDP and NRC. “With the way Nigeria has become fragmented along religious and ethnic lines, the fewest number of viable parties we can realistically have would be three, one for each region: North, West, and East.”
“In the U.S., voters align with parties based on ideology and candidate capability. In Nigeria, loyalty is driven by tribe, religion, and personal gain. Such a political culture cannot support a healthy one-party system,” he explained.
Ajisafe concluded by asserting that democracy thrives on choice, and a one-party system contradicts the very essence of democratic governance. “Democracy is about providing people with options. A one-party system denies them that. Therefore, it cannot prevail in Nigeria.”
The Ekimogun Roundtable Forum has commended a former House of Representatives aspirant in Osun State, Engr. David Ayodele Asalu, for his patriotic disclosure regarding Constituency Project Funds allocated to National Assembly members under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a video currently making the rounds, Engr. Asalu revealed that every Honourable member of the National Assembly is now entitled to no less than one billion Naira in constituency project funding since the removal of the fuel subsidy by the Tinubu administration.
“Quote me anywhere, since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his wisdom, removed the subsidy, both Governors and National Assembly Members have been receiving increased allocations. No Honourable Member gets less than one billion Naira for constituency projects,” he stated.
The Roundtable lauded this bold revelation, describing it as consistent with its long-standing advocacy for transparency and accountability in governance, especially in tracking and monitoring constituency projects.
According to the Forum, Engr. Asalu’s statement was not made in the spirit of vendetta but rather as a sincere call for the judicious use of public funds meant for the development of constituencies.
To buttress Engr. Asalu’s position, the Ekimogun Roundtable stated that the Ondo East/West Federal Constituency has been receiving billions in constituency allocations since 2019 from the National Assembly, much of which remains largely unaccounted for. The group emphasised that constituents must develop the habit of asking questions from their representatives rather than applauding them whenever they throw peanuts at them.
The group said it is out of sheer irresponsibility for a public representative to subject constituents to the rigours of a judicial process over a simple question concerning legislative performance and accountability, as is currently the case between the group and Hon. Abiola Makinde regarding constituency funds, allocations and plenary attendance.
The Ekimogun Roundtable reaffirmed its commitment to sensitising citizens, especially the people of Ondo East-West Federal Constituency, and promoting accountability among elected representatives.
….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.
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 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.
