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Governorship Candidate, The African Action Congress (AAC.) Mr Kunle Ajayi,(Wizeman) has called Ondo State government and the Federal Ministry of Environment, Marine Economy and other agencies like NDDC and OSOPADEC to rise to their duties and declare a state of emergency on Ayetoro and other Niger Delta towns and villages currently ravaged by climate change as a result of the indiscriminate oil explorations.

This contained in a press statement personally signed and made available to newsmen, reacting to the issues of ocean surge and the systemic destruction of Ayetoro in Ilaje due to Oil Explorations and Climate Change.

Full text:

ON THE DISTRESSING YEARS OF OCEAN SURGE AT AYETORO, OUR LEGENDARY ILAJE LONDON; TIME TO RESCUE A NATIONAL MONUMENT!

(Press statement of the Kunle Ajayi, African Action Congress (AAC) Gubernatorial Candidate in Ondo2024)

Just about two days after I tweeted on X about the issues of ocean surge and the systemic destruction of Ayetoro in Ilaje due to Oil Explorations and Climate Change, the whole Ayetoro community, in Ilaje local government Area of Ondo state have staged a protest and called on the federal and the state government to save their souls and rescue the community. This protest was yesterday, May 29th.

Ayetoro Community protested over the long neglect by both the Federal and State government for the past two decades. This is despite the “6.5billion shoreline project award by NDDC” which is yet executed after 16 years!

Over 700 houses destroyed. Students can no longer go to school, while the enviable Community-owned factories are washed off. There is no shoreline protection neither is there a Marine plan by former Governments.

Many do no understand the significance of Ayetoro as a Communalist Town self-built by the people. It is a special experimented town of how best to build on the ocean. Ayetoro used to be proudly called the London of Ilaje, with it’s spectacular Egalitarian self-government. But sadly today, Ayetoro is getting extinct.

What is happening to Ayetoro is a parable to the whole of the Riverine Areas of Ondo state. This is why our party has adapted the great Amsterdam Plans to build a great chain of cities and towns all across Ilaje to Apoi to Arogbo with a well-mapped out rail/road Marine Transport way that will help to pave way for specially built Smart towns and cities that would be climate-fortified.

Our party’s approach to rebuilding Ayetoro and indeed the whole of Ondo Riverside will be proactive and explorative of great foresights over astonishments. Amsterdam is a city on water, yet, is one of the smartest and most artfully built globally with special use of Green Economy.

To our Ayetoro people, I commend us for taking mass actions, and we must be consistent with this. These rulers will only come out to make fake promises like they have always been doing, just for the press and votes. Sadly, two former Deputy Governors under the Late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu did nothing to help the plights of Ayetoro and the whole Ondo South. Even in electricity, they have been grossly irresponsible. In fact, Agboola Ajayi’s hometown, our beloved Kiribo, has never experienced electricity before. And Lucky Aiyedatiwa is a part and parcel of the old Akeredolu/NDDC fruitless promises to save Ayetoro. It’s sad that nothing good can come from the Jerusalem of these anti-developmental elements anymore.

But Ayetoro, succour is coming. #IrapadaOndo has promised a concise and emergent action once we win the race to Alagbaka. Before this, we will keep standing in solidarity with not only Ayetoro, but all of the Ondo State people in pains and penuries.

I therefore use this opportunity on the Ondo State government and the Federal Ministry of Environment, Marine Economy and other agencies like NDDC and OSOPADEC to rise to their duties and declare a state of emergency on Ayetoro and other Niger Delta towns and villages currently ravaged by climate change as a result of the indiscriminate oil explorations. We will mobilize our party members, and supporters to join in active solidarity the Protests by the great Ayetoro community, as we urge the whole of the people of Ilaje, Ikale, Arogbo, and Apoi to unite and defend the rights of the Ayetoro people to good and comfortable living. While we are doing this, we are also helping our own collective future!

Signed,
Kunle Ajayi (Wizeman,)
Governorship Candidate,
The African Action Congress (AAC.)
30th, May, 2024.

Ayeka community in Okitipupa Local Government area of Ondo State has elected Prince Babatunde Michael Ayeyowa as the Lisa of the Kingdom.

The Governor, His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, had on Friday, May 24th, during a courtesy visit to the Governor led by the Jagunmolu of Ikale land, Prince DR General Joseph OLUYEMI BAJOWA and the Regent of Ayeka kingdom, Princess Barrister Oluyemi Bajowa, suggested that the community should write to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to expedite the process.

Prince Babatunde Ayeyowa was elected during the process of selecting a new king for the town, which took place at the Okitipupa Local Government secretariat under the guidance of the State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

The Local Government officials, on behalf of the State government, conducted the process and declared Prince Babatunde Michael Ayeyowa as the winner and the king-elect of Ayeka kingdom.

The community leaders, including the Afobajes of the community, high chiefs and chiefs of Ayeka kingdom, and lawyers, were present at the venue of the event. Also, some residents, officials of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Okitipupa Local Government officials, and security agencies were there to witness the process.

-Urges Constituents to keep supporting the govt efforts to fix the country.

The Senator Representing Ondo Central Senatorial District, Adeniyi Adegbonmire SAN has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his one year in office.

Adegbonmire in a congratulatory message which he personally signed to mark the 25th year of uninterrupted democracy in the country and the first year anniversary of the Tinubu administration, said the president is committed to building a country that Nigerians will be proud of .

He appealed to Nigerians and his constituents in particular, not to give up hope as the government through the Renewed Hope Agenda is determined to realise the country’s full potential through job creation and economic development.

The federal lawmaker added that the government’s measures and policies are geared towards revamping our economy and ensuring sustainable prosperity for all Nigerians .

Adegbonmire who is the Chairman Senate Committee on Agriculture Colleges and Institutions stressed that under Tinubu’s watch, Nigeria will achieve greatness.

He therefore called for continued support for the government and perseverance on the part of Nigerians.

” I am convinced that the president is committed to building a nation which all Nigerians will be proud of.

The government’s measures and policies are geared towards revamping the country’s economy and ensuring sustainable prosperity for all Nigerians.

No doubt, all the reforms have not been without their challenges but in spite of these challenges , several efforts at mitigating the impact are being put in place by the government.

We must understand that every desireable development program often requires a temporary period of pain and adjustment.

I’m sure that the policies of this administration would ultimately bring smiles to the face of Nigerians “, he stated.

He listed some of the efforts made by the government to cushion the effects of the present but temporary economic challenges to include food palliative, rapid infrastructural development, students loan scheme designed to enable indigent students access interest free loans for their educational pursuit in tertiary institutions, consumer credit scheme aimed at making it easier for working Nigerians to own such things as houses and cars.

– Ode Erinje Power Substation commissioned, as Gov Aiyedatiwa promises more support

The implementation stage of the efforts to restore electricity supply to the southern senatorial district of Ondo State began on Wednesday as the federal government commissioned the Power Substation at Ode Erinje in Okitipupa local government area of the State.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, commissioned the 132KV transmission line and 132KV/33KV substation, bringing hope to residents who have endured nearly 15 years without electricity.

The Ode Erinje Power Substation, which draws its supply from the Omotosho Power Plant, is designed to illuminate over 2,000 communities spanning five local government areas in the senatorial district.

The project, which started about ten years ago, was handled by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), with support from the Ondo State Government.

The President emphasized that the project’s completion aligns with the administration’s focus on sustainable development and economic growth, highlighting the crucial role of reliable power supply in driving economy and revitalizing communities.

In his address, Ondo State Governor, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, expressed his administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure and ensuring a permanent end to the prolonged blackout in the Southern Senatorial District of the state.

The Governor said: “Without doubt, today’s event is a testament to our commitment to sustainable electricity supply and ensuring a permanent end to 15 years of darkness in the Southern Senatorial District of the State.

Governor Aiyedatiwa extended a warm welcome to the Minister and acknowledged the unwavering support and leadership of President Tinubu in making the project possible.

He highlighted the role of the NDDC and its management under the Chairmanship of Mr. Chiedu Ebie and the Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, for their invaluable partnership and steadfast commitment to realizing the high-impact endeavour.

The Governor emphasized the transformative benefits of the project, including job opportunities, new investments, better healthcare, and overall socioeconomic development.

“Our administration is committed to promoting collaboration with organisations with expertise and knowledge that can complement its efforts in advancing the energy sector. To this end, our government has been engaging with power companies, technology providers, regulatory bodies and other stakeholders to generate innovative solutions towards enhancing electricity generation, transmission, and distribution in the State”, he added.

The Governor urged the community to protect the infrastructure, highlighting the collective duty to safeguard the substation and allied facilities from vandalism.

Earlier in his opening address, the Chairman, NDDC governing board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, stated that the project is a key component of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, highlighting its significance due to the critical role of electricity in achieving sustainable development in the state and in Nigeria at large.

In his remarks, the Managing Director/CEO of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, noted that Ondo State is one of the few states where NDDC projects remain free from vandalism. He commended the governor for maintaining a crime-free state.

In his goodwill message, Oba Oladele Fredrick, the Orungberuwa-Elect of Ode Erinje, expressed his joy over the development, sayungbthat the absence of electricity has caused the community significant hardship.

The monarch commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his support for the project and his achievements since becoming Governor.

Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
May 22, 2024.
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Lead Culture Plus in collaboration with Ikale TV Diary have empowered over 200 farmers and food vendors in Okitpupa Local Government Area of Ondo with N5 million to boost local food production.

The project was also to protect the cultural food heritage of Ikale communities ranging from yam, plantain, cassava, flours and other local food items.

Mr Bolade Akinseloyin, Convener of the group, while presenting the money, at Stallamaris College, Okitipupa, on Wednesday said the project was to boost food production amid food crisis.

He said the project would also to encourage Ikale indigenes to consume local food items to preserve cultural heritage of the community.

The farmers and food vendors who received cash ranging from N20,000, N30,000 and N50,000 were encouraged to boost food production and prepare local foods to ease food crisis in the community and the state at large.

Akinseloyin added that the maiden programme would be sustained to encourage more indigent farmers and food vendors’ to plant and prepare local foods.

According to him, the project is for agriculture purposes, to boost food production especially traditional foods like plantain, yam, cassava and flours amid food crisis and to also preserve our cultural heritage.

“The programme which will be sustained is also to encourage food vendors to prepare local foods in order to discourage indigenes from relying on inter-continental foods,” he said.

Mr Babatinde Agbede, a farmer and a beneficiary told newsmen that he was happy to be part of the programme saying the money he received will be put to judicious use to preserve their cultural heritage.

Mrs Florence Akintan, a food vendor and a beneficiary also said she would prioritise the cooking of local foods to encourage the consumption of their local food which was far better than other foods.

Traditional rulers: Oba Michael Adetoye-Obatuga, Jegun of Idepe-Okitipupa Kingdom, Oba Oladele Fredrick-Akinmoye, Oyegberuwa of Erinje kingdom, other traditional rulers, high chiefs, indigenes among others graced the occasion.

(NAN)

A prominent Owo Indigene a businessman, Chief Olugbenga Abiodun Eleduma has demonstrated his dedication to the well-being of his community by sponsoring a one-day free medical outreach in Oke Mapo, Owo local government.

At the official flag-off ceremony, Eleduma emphasized his commitment to addressing the healthcare needs of his people, stating, ‘This medical outreach is a testament to my dedication to supporting the community’s well-being.

“By providing free medical services, I aim to make a positive impact on the lives of the good people of Owo local government and Ondo State at large.’”

Eleduma further emphasized that access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right, and he is committed to ensuring that his community has access to the best possible care.

The free medical outreach, which includes consultations, treatments, and medications, is a step towards achieving this goal.

The medical outreach was met with widespread appreciation and gratitude from the community, with many beneficiaries expressing their thanks for the timely intervention.

The event was attended by dignitaries from the local government, traditional leaders, and healthcare professionals, who all commended Eleduma for his philanthropic efforts.

As the medical outreach comes to a close, the community comes together to express their gratitude to Chief Eleduma for his kindness and generosity.

The All Progressives Congress, APC Chieftain, called on the government and other stakeholders to join hands in addressing the healthcare challenges facing the community, and to work towards providing quality and affordable healthcare for all.