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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.

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.

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.”

• 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).

Goals from Mistura Olamilekan and Victory Lucky were all Sunshine Queens needed to come from behind and knock out Nigeria Women Football League campaigners, Confluence Queens, in the 2025 President Federation Cup Round of 16 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Sunshine Queens’ victory over Confluence Queens has taken them to the quarter-finals of the oldest football competition in the country.

Confluence Queens opened the scoring in the 17th minute through Winner David, leaving the Akure Land Ladies trailing by a goal in the first half of the encounter.

Sunshine Queens shrugged off the early setback and continued pressing for an equaliser, which didn’t come until after the break, as the centre referee signalled the end of the first stanza.

Mistura Olamilekan wasted no time in restoring parity for Sunshine Queens in the 63rd minute, scoring from a rebound off her teammate’s strike.

The contest remained intense, with Sunshine Queens dominating play from defence to the final third.

Victory Lucky sealed Sunshine Queens’ quarter-final ticket with an 83rd-minute strike, converting from Aluba Ogba’s well-placed free kick.

Confluence Queens’ efforts to equalise proved abortive, as the enthralling encounter ended in favour of Sunshine Queens.

Meanwhile, Onimarg FC, the second representative from Ondo State in the competition, suffered a 5–0 defeat to another NWFL side, Heartland Queens FC, at the same venue.

In his post-match interview, Sunshine Queens’ head coach, Rafiu Oseni, commended his players for sticking to instructions, saying the victory was a collective effort from the coaching team.

Oseni noted that despite the victory over an NWFL side, there were still areas of the team’s play that needed improvement.

According to him, “We will build on this good performance as we prepare for the Championship in the next few weeks.

“This President Federation Cup serves as a preparatory competition for us ahead of the forthcoming NWFL Championship.

“We’re not there yet; we will continue to work hard.

“We still have some good players back home who are not eligible for this FA Cup.

“I knew this game was going to be tough. Playing against a league team isn’t easy, but thank God for my assistants.

“We planned for this game together, and to the glory of God, it ended in our favour.”

SQFC Media