The Ondo State Government has sealed Olukayode Shopping Plaza in Akure following a court order over the alleged improper evacuation and disposal of waste from the facility’s soakaway pit.

The sealing followed the presentation of evidence by the state Ministry of Environment that the plaza allegedly evacuated a filled soakaway pit manually in a manner capable of generating offensive odour and posing a risk to public health.

The ministry also informed the court that an unregistered private service provider engaged to carry out the evacuation allegedly dumped the waste indiscriminately by the roadside along the Oba Ile–Airport Road, resulting in an obnoxious odour and potential environmental hazards.

Speaking during the enforcement exercise, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Engr. Akinluyi Omotola, said the ministry approached the court after receiving credible reports about a vehicle conveying substances emitting a highly offensive odour.

According to him, information provided by a concerned citizen led to the discreet trailing and interception of the vehicle, after which the driver was handed over to the police for questioning and appropriate action.

He said the driver, identified as Olorunwa Sunday, a native of Delta State and resident in Oke-Aro, disclosed that he had been contracted to dispose of the suspected malodorous substance from Olukayode House at any convenient location.

The Commissioner for Environment, Dr Tob Loko, assured residents that the state government remained committed to taking necessary measures to protect public health, safety and the wellbeing of residents.

Loko said proper inspection of the premises, including the septic tank, would be carried out, while the facility would be fumigated by environmental professionals to ensure the safety of occupants and the general public.

Although the defendant, Olukayode Shopping Plaza, was not represented in court, the judge, citing the sensitivity of the alleged offence and the need to safeguard public health, ordered that the premises be sealed.

The matter was adjourned until Thursday, September 17, 2026, for further hearing.

The court also ordered that the driver of the vehicle conveying the suspected harmful substance be remanded at the Olokuta Correctional Centre pending further proceedings.

Aiyedatiwa confident of senator’s competence, says APC chairman

St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ikoya, was filled to capacity on Sunday as dignitaries from across Ondo State gathered to celebrate the election victory of the Senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District, Prof. Francis Adedayo Faduyile, OON, at a thanksgiving service.

The service was organised to thank God for Faduyile’s victory in the June 20 senatorial by-election and his subsequent assumption of office in the 10th Senate.

Faduyile, who emerged victorious in the Ondo South APC primary before winning the senatorial by-election, has since commenced his legislative duties at the National Assembly.

Delivering the sermon, Rev. Fr. Stephen Omokoga, who quoted from Ecclesiastes Chapter 27, urged politicians to embrace forgiveness and avoid vengeance against those who opposed them during elections.

He said politicians often knew those who supported them and those who voted against them, but stressed that the Bible cautioned against taking revenge.

Today, Senator Faduyile has come to show thanksgiving to God because he understands that there is virtue in showing gratitude to God, Omokoga said.

The priest urged the senator to prioritise development in Ondo South, expressing confidence that his experience in medical administration would help him make a positive impact in the district.

He also advised political leaders to focus on what they could do for the people rather than what the people could do for them.

In his goodwill message, the Ondo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Babatunde Kolawole, described Faduyile as “a round peg in a round hole,” saying his previous leadership roles in the National Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and Lagos State NMA had prepared him for the responsibility of representing the district.

Kolawole said Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa was confident in the senator’s capacity and competence to deliver on his mandate.

“Rest assured, Senator Faduyile, that Governor Aiyedatiwa is very confident about your capacity and competence to perform. That is the goodwill message from the Ondo State Governor,” he said.

He congratulated the senator on behalf of the state APC and prayed for divine enablement for him to succeed in office.

Also speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the event, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prince Segun Omojuwa, said the people of Ondo South had entrusted Faduyile with a significant mandate, expressing confidence that the district was in capable hands.

Omojuwa appealed to the senator to work closely with Governor Aiyedatiwa in the interest of the people, reiterating the governor’s confidence in his leadership capacity.

The thanksgiving service featured Bible readings by Senator Faduyile and his mother, Olori Grace Olabode Faduyile, as well as Holy Communion and a thanksgiving dance by the celebrant, his family and invited guests.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Ondo State Wing, has commended Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for clearing the five-year backlog of gratuities owed to retired primary school teachers in the state.

The union, in a statement signed electronically by Comrade Abayomi Goodluck, said the payment covered gratuities for the years 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.

According to the NUT, the development, achieved within two years of the administration, has brought relief, joy and renewed dignity to the retirees and their families after years of waiting.

The union described the payment as a demonstration of the governor’s commitment to recognising the sacrifices and contributions of retired teachers to the development of the state’s education sector.

It said, “In just two years in office, Governor Aiyedatiwa has achieved what seemed impossible by clearing the five-year backlog of gratuities owed to Ondo State primary school retirees.”

The NUT expressed appreciation to the governor, praying for continued strength and wisdom for him to do more for the people of the state.

The statement was issued on behalf of the NUT, Ondo State Wing.

..as Governor’s aide defends School of Nursing, College of Education in Ilaje

A Senior Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor on Special Interest and Public Engagement, Apostle Temitope Dadeowo Olowofoyekun, has cautioned against what he described as disrespectful criticism of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa over the establishment and location of educational institutions in Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.

Olowofoyekun, in a statement on Saturday, particularly defended the Ondo State School of Nursing at Kofawe and the Ondo State College of Education at Aboto, saying the institutions should be seen as opportunities for human-capital development in Ilaje rather than condemned on political grounds.

He was reacting to calls in some quarters for the establishment of a Maritime University Institute of Oceanography as an alternative to the existing institutions.

According to him, there is nothing wrong with advocating for specialised maritime education in Ilaje, given the area’s strategic position and enormous potential in the blue economy, but such advocacy should be constructive, factual and respectful.

He noted that the Department of Marine Science of the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, already has a presence at Ugbonla, adding that existing educational initiatives should not be rejected simply because there are demands for additional institutions.

“Development is not achieved by condemning everything that already exists,” he said, stressing that institutions such as the School of Nursing and College of Education provide opportunities for young people in Ilaje and neighbouring communities to acquire professional skills.

The governor’s aide, however, acknowledged the need for further investment in maritime education, saying the peculiar geographical and economic position of Ilaje made it necessary to pursue opportunities in marine transportation, fisheries, oceanography, offshore activities and other areas of the blue economy.

He advocated complementing existing institutions with additional programmes or specialised institutions where there is demonstrable need.

Olowofoyekun also condemned what he described as personal attacks and insults directed at the governor, saying political disagreement should not degenerate into disrespect for public office holders.

He said residents had the right to disagree with government policies, criticise its performance and demand more development, but such criticism should be based on facts and presented with maturity.

According to him, “We should not allow political differences or personal interests to destroy the culture of respect for elders and leaders that has traditionally characterised Ilaje society.”

He urged stakeholders and development advocates in Ilaje to acknowledge positive government interventions, identify areas requiring improvement and propose practical solutions rather than condemn every initiative of the administration.

Olowofoyekun said the development of Ilaje should be regarded as a collective responsibility, urging residents to support beneficial initiatives while demanding more in areas where government intervention is considered inadequate.

He said Ilaje’s vast human and natural resources could only be fully harnessed through sustained investment in education, employment, infrastructure, maritime development, healthcare and other sectors.

“Let us therefore separate politics from development. Let us disagree without being disagreeable. Let us criticise policies without abusing personalities. Above all, let us place the collective interest of Ilaje above personal, political, or financial considerations,” he said.

The Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Prince Biyi Poroye, has commended Coastal Renaissance Media Group for its innovative approach to media, publicity and strategic communication.

Poroye also directed that the organisation be engaged whenever its expertise is required to enhance publicity and media coverage of government programmes.

The OSOPADEC Chairman gave the commendation when the management of Coastal Renaissance, led by its Chief Executive Officer and former Senior Special Assistant on Multimedia to the Governor of Ondo State, Pastor Taiwo Ilesanmi Gbamila, paid a visit to the Commission’s headquarters.

Poroye described Coastal Renaissance as a team with considerable expertise in media mobilisation, publicity and strategic communication, noting that its innovative use of modern media tools had contributed significantly to promoting government programmes and activities.

He recalled the group’s deployment of large display screens and live coverage during previous government engagements, saying such initiatives enabled members of the public to follow government proceedings in real time.

According to him, effective communication is critical to ensuring that government policies, programmes and achievements are properly communicated to the people.

Poroye stressed that Coastal Renaissance’s contribution to government publicity should not be determined by whether its members currently hold government positions, but by the expertise and value they bring to public communication.

He urged the organisation to sustain its support for effective communication and development initiatives across the state.

Earlier, Gbamila expressed appreciation to the OSOPADEC Chairman and management for their support, encouragement and patronage since Poroye assumed office.

He said Coastal Renaissance remained committed to using its expertise and resources to support initiatives that would promote development, particularly in communities within OSOPADEC’s mandate areas.

As part of its commitment to education and community development, Coastal Renaissance donated 1,000 customised exercise books to pupils in Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas, which constitute OSOPADEC’s mandate areas.

Gbamila said the donation was aimed at complementing government’s efforts to improve educational opportunities and encourage learning among children in the oil-producing communities.

He noted that the organisation would continue to identify areas where it could contribute meaningfully to the development of communities and support initiatives that directly impact the lives of residents.

The gesture was described as part of Coastal Renaissance’s broader commitment to giving back to the communities and supporting education as a tool for sustainable development.

Ondo State All Stars Football Veterans have qualified for the All Stars Veterans National Football Competition scheduled to take place in Ogun State later this year.

Ondo clinched the sole qualification ticket at the fifth edition of the South-West Veterans Zonal Qualifiers held in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

Ekiti, Lagos, Osun, Oyo and Ondo States battled for the only available qualification slot, after Ogun State automatically qualified as hosts of the national competition.

Ondo will join Ogun State to fly the flag of the South-West at the national competition, which is scheduled to be held at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta later this year.

The hosts, Ondo State, edged out Lagos on goal difference after both teams finished level on eight points.

Ondo played a goalless draw against Lagos in their opening encounter, thrashed Osun 3–0, defeated Ekiti 2–1 and drew against Oyo in their final match of the qualifiers.

Speaking with newsmen after the competition, the President of Ondo State All Stars Football Veterans, Comrade Rafiu Yusuf (Elele), thanked God for the feat achieved by the team in securing the sole qualification ticket.

Yusuf also commended members of the Ondo State All Stars Football Veterans and their supporters for their backing, describing the qualification as a success for everyone associated with the team.

“I have to thank the retired but never tired All Stars players who represented our association, as well as the coaching crew, for their doggedness and concentration from the kick-off of the competition to the final day.

“This is the first phase of the competition and we need to swing into preparation for the national competition. We have the material to win the national competition.

“To this end, I call on all members of the Ondo State All Stars Football Veterans to come together in unity to ensure that we do not just go to Ogun State to make up the numbers, but to be genuine competitors.

“This is our association and we must come together to lift it up, so that the founding fathers of the association will be proud of us.”

…Poroye seeks joint action with Navy, NSCDC on waterways security

The Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have commenced moves to strengthen collaboration in tackling drug abuse and insecurity in Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas of the state.

The Executive Chairman of OSOPADEC, Prince Biyi Poroye, disclosed this when he received the newly posted Ondo State Commander of the NDLEA, CN Folayemi Gabriel Adeyemo, who led a delegation of the agency on a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters.

Poroye stressed the need for a coordinated approach involving relevant government institutions and security agencies to effectively address drug abuse and security challenges, particularly in the riverine communities and waterways within the state.

He said OSOPADEC was already exploring collaboration with the Ondo State Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, noting that the NDLEA should be incorporated into the proposed security framework alongside the Nigerian Navy and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

According to him, the partnership would create a more coordinated operational framework for securing the waterways and vulnerable communities within OSOPADEC’s mandate areas.

“God has been so kind to us since we came on board. We have established cordial and functional relationship with security agencies in the State. We have remained focused and determined, and we have been able to drive home benefits and projects that are people-oriented. People can see what we are doing,” Poroye said.

The OSOPADEC chairman assured the NDLEA of the Commission’s readiness to support the agency within the limits of its statutory mandate and available resources.

Poroye also proposed a community-based sensitisation programme involving ex-militants, youths and other critical stakeholders as part of efforts to prevent drug abuse and its associated social consequences.

He said taking the campaign directly to the grassroots would help reach young people and other vulnerable groups who might not be adequately reached through conventional sensitisation programmes.

“Once the society is drug-free, it is for everybody’s benefit,” he said.

Poroye congratulated Adeyemo on his posting to Ondo State and wished him a successful and peaceful tenure.

Earlier, Adeyemo thanked the OSOPADEC management for receiving his delegation, explaining that the visit was aimed at formally introducing the new NDLEA command and strengthening the existing relationship between the two organisations.

He said the mandates of OSOPADEC and the NDLEA were closely connected, particularly in protecting young people and communities from the dangers associated with illicit drug use.

Adeyemo expressed concern over the increasing exposure of young people, including underage children, to illicit drugs, saying the development was putting additional pressure on rehabilitation facilities in the state, whose capacity he described as inadequate.

He therefore called for stronger preventive measures, sensitisation and community-based interventions, adding that the NDLEA had intensified its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign in schools, markets, motor parks and other public places.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of OSOPADEC, F. A. Omomowo, commended the NDLEA delegation for the visit and stressed the importance of sustained cooperation among security agencies operating within the Commission’s mandate areas.

Omomowo described Poroye as a hospitable but firm leader who had continued to provide direction and leadership for the Commission.

He expressed optimism that the visit would mark the beginning of a stronger partnership between OSOPADEC and the NDLEA in combating drug abuse and insecurity across the Commission’s mandate areas.