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The Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) has honoured one of its Chief Motor-Driver Mechanics, Mr Ojo Amutolayan, following his retirement after years of dedicated and meritorious service to the Commission.
Amutolayan was celebrated at a send-forth ceremony attended by members of the management and staff, colleagues, friends and well-wishers, who gathered to acknowledge his contributions to the organisation.
The event featured emotional tributes, prayers and commendations, with speakers describing the retiree as disciplined, peaceful, mature and committed to his responsibilities.
The Director of Legal Services, Barrister Pamela Olowoyo, described Amutolayan as a pleasant and peaceful individual who avoided gossip and maintained a quiet disposition.
Olowoyo said his attitude towards work and relationships with colleagues offered valuable lessons on the importance of maintaining peace and avoiding unnecessary discussions about others.
She thanked God for preserving his life and enabling him to complete his years of service successfully.
Also speaking, the Director of Human Resources, Mrs Adebimpe Ademibo Aletile, said the ceremony was organised not only to mark the end of Amutolayan’s career but also to appreciate his contributions to the growth and development of OSOPADEC.
Aletile urged members of staff to continue to promote unity, peace and responsible conduct, noting that the progress of any organisation depended largely on cooperation and mutual support among its workforce.
The Commission’s Chief Driver, Mr Yomi Ojabogun, described Amutolayan as a man of good character, wisdom and maturity, noting that he maintained cordial relationships with his colleagues throughout his service.
Responding, Amutolayan expressed appreciation to the Board, management and staff of OSOPADEC for giving him the opportunity to serve and for the support he received throughout his career.
He specifically appreciated his colleagues in the Transportation Unit, describing their friendship, cooperation and support as an important part of his journey in the Commission.
The retiree also thanked God for granting him the grace to complete his service in good health, while expressing appreciation to his family, colleagues and friends for their support throughout his career.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has called on members of the Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to put aside personal differences, embrace reconciliation and work collectively to advance the interests of the party.
Tunji-Ojo made the call when he received the Ondo APC Reconciliation Committee, led by its Chairman, Prince Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye, in Abuja yesterday, where he stressed the need for party stakeholders to prioritise progress, unity and collective success ahead of forthcoming general elections.
The Minister, who spoke in firm terms, urged members of the party to move beyond internal disagreements and focus on building a stronger and more formidable APC capable of delivering on its promises to the people.
He emphasised that the party’s strength lies in its ability to resolve differences amicably, accommodate divergent interests and maintain a united front, particularly at a time when the political landscape demands greater cohesion.
According to him, reconciliation should not be viewed merely as an exercise in settling disputes but as an opportunity to reposition the party, restore confidence among its members and create a stronger platform for electoral success.
Tunji-Ojo also called on APC members in Ondo State to work towards consolidating support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other APC candidates, stressing the importance of collective efforts in advancing the President’s Renewed Hope agenda.
He urged party leaders, candidates and supporters to demonstrate commitment to the party’s ideals and ensure that political activities translate into tangible progress for the people.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Ondo APC Reconciliation Committee, Prince Poroye, said the committee was determined to promote genuine reconciliation and restore unity among aggrieved members and stakeholders within the party.
Poroye urged APC candidates and other stakeholders to deploy strategies capable of guaranteeing victory, advising them to focus on grassroots mobilisation, effective engagement with party members and the development of a realistic and winning political strategy.
He stressed that victory at the polls would require more than individual ambition, noting that candidates must be prepared to work with other stakeholders and build broad-based support across the state.
The reconciliation committee’s visit is expected to further strengthen ongoing efforts to resolve internal differences within the Ondo APC and position the party for greater cohesion and electoral competitiveness.
The meeting also underscored the growing emphasis on unity and strategic mobilisation as the APC seeks to consolidate its political base in Ondo State and strengthen support for the Tinubu administration.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State is united and fully focused on securing the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, a chieftain of the party, Banji Okunomo, has declared.
Okunomo, while speaking on the political situation within the party, said the absence of a governorship election in Ondo State in 2027 had made the presidential election the major focus of APC members in the state.
According to him, members of the party are largely unanimous in their support for President Tinubu’s bid for a second term, noting that the President’s support base extends beyond the APC.
“The central agenda of our party in Ondo State is how we will contribute meaningfully to ensuring that our great party retains power at the centre.
“As we all know, Ondo State does not have a governorship election in the 2027 general election cycle, our election having gone off the normal electoral cycle. Therefore, the major election that is of central concern to members of the APC in Ondo State is the presidential election,” he said.
Okunomo, however, admitted that all was not entirely harmonious within the state chapter, particularly over some National Assembly candidacies.
He acknowledged that some aspirants and candidates whose names were allegedly substituted by the national leadership of the party were challenging the decisions through appropriate channels.
He noted that while some of those affected had resorted to the courts, others had left the APC to pursue their political ambitions on the platforms of other parties.
“Therefore, as far as the National Assembly elections are concerned, the level of consensus is understandably not the same as what we have regarding the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
Okunomo nevertheless maintained that the disagreements would not undermine the strength of the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
He expressed optimism that the disputes would be resolved either politically or through the courts, stressing that the APC remained a “strong and formidable political family” in Ondo State.
“What I am saying, simply, is that we are united and focused on returning President Tinubu for another term. On that objective, we are largely on the same page,” he said.
He added that the party had the capacity to resolve its internal differences and emerge stronger ahead of the 2027 general election.
Hon. Princess Omowunmi Olatunji Ohwovorole, the APC candidate for the Akure North and Akure South Federal Constituency in the 2027 House of Representatives election, has felicitated with the Ondo State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hon. Sunday Olajide, on his birthday.
In a congratulatory message, Olatunji described Olajide as a distinguished public servant, visionary leader and patriot whose contributions to governance and the development of Ondo State have remained impactful.
She commended the commissioner’s commitment to excellence, purposeful leadership and sustainable urban development, noting that his service to the state reflects competence, integrity, responsibility and dedication.
According to her, Olajide’s contributions to the physical planning and urban development sector have demonstrated the importance of effective leadership in building a well-planned and sustainable society.
Olatunji prayed that God would grant the commissioner sound health, greater wisdom, renewed strength and divine favour as he begins another year.
She also wished him greater accomplishments, peace, fulfilment and many more years of impactful service to the people of Ondo State.
“Happy birthday to an exemplary leader and dedicated public servant. May the years ahead bring you greater accomplishments, purpose and fulfilment,” she said.
Five states will converge on Akure this week for the fifth edition of the South-West Veterans Zonal Football Qualifiers, with hosts Ondo State aiming to secure the region’s sole ticket to the national competition.
The three-day tournament, organised by the Ondo State All Stars Football Veterans, begins on Friday, September 4,with participating teams expected to arrive in Akure on Thursday.
President of the Ondo State All Stars Football Veterans, Rafiu Yusuf (Elele), disclosed this at a press briefing in Akure, the Ondo State Capital.
Yusuf, who was flanked by the other executive members of the association, said Ondo, Lagos, Ekiti, Oyo and Osun states would battle for the sole South-West qualifying ticket, while Ogun State has already secured automatic qualification as host of the national competition.
He explained that the draws would be held at the Ondo State Sports Complex Hall by 5pm upon the arrival of the participating teams, with the competition kicking off on Friday.
According to him, the competition would be played in a round-robin format, with each state playing three matches. Some teams may play twice in a day, with matches scheduled start from about 7am into the evening.
“Only one team from the South-West zone will qualify for the national competition, scheduled to hold in Ogun State in November,” he said.
Yusuf said Ondo State had consistently represented the zone at the national level, including last year when it emerged as the only South-West state to qualify for the national tournament in Lagos.
He assured the visiting states of maximum security, saying arrangements had been made with the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Amotekun Corps and other relevant security agencies to ensure a safe environment for players and spectators.
He explained that the tournament was designed not only as a sporting event but also to help former footballers maintain their fitness, reunite with old teammates and promote their well-being after retirement.
The Vice-President of the Ondo State All Stars Football veterans, Comrade Gbenga Agbaje, said the association was also using its activities to identify and support emerging football talent.
He added that the club organised inter-club competitions for young players and had facilitated trials with clubs within Akure and beyond with some players already securing opportunities.
The organisers appealed to residents of Ondo State, individuals and the state government to support the tournament, describing the participation of five states as an opportunity to showcase Akure and promote football in the state.
They also urged sports writers in the state to help publicise and propagate he tournament, calling on residents to turn out in large numbers to support the Ondo team.
The Executive Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Prince Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye, has charged men and women to take greater responsibility for the spiritual growth of their families and communities.
Poroye gave the charge at the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of the Mount Shiloh Zion Assembly, Sapele, Delta State, led by the General Overseer of the church and OSOPADEC Board member, Primate (Dr.) Ola Judah, the Ajibokun Soro 2 (Oba Osumare).
Speaking at the anniversary celebration, which had the theme, “The Faithful God,” the OSOPADEC Chairman urged men to be actively involved in church activities and uphold their spiritual responsibilities.
“The entire leadership of Ondo State, especially the Ilaje nation, congratulates this church today. All of us that are present here today, let our hands be seen in the church. Men should be alive to spiritual responsibility,” Poroye said.
He urged the congregation not to allow political, material or social positions to become the measure of their success, stressing that true prosperity comes from God.
“Let us be committed to the things of God. Position does not make anybody rich; only God does. Partner with God because there is nothing that you do with God that amounts to nothing,” he added.
Poroye also commended Primate Judah for his dedication to the service of God and his commitment to his responsibilities as a member of the OSOPADEC Board.
He congratulated the church for attaining 50 years, describing the milestone as evidence of God’s faithfulness and the enduring impact of its ministry.
The celebration featured worship, thanksgiving, inspiring messages and prayers, with participants reflecting on the five-decade journey of the church and the need to preserve its spiritual legacy for younger generations.
The event attracted traditional rulers, spiritual leaders, OSOPADEC Board members and other dignitaries from Ilaje and beyond.
Among those present were OSOPADEC Board members, including Hon. Bayo Anifowose, Hon. Steven Tibiebi Lawrence and Princess Ronke Benjamin Efurubu, as well as senior management staff of the Commission.
“A house divided against itself may stand for a while, but when the real storm comes, its cracks will surely be exposed.”
By Olamide Akintayo, a Concerned Citizen of Ondo South
As a critical thinker and political observer with a keen interest in the development and political progress of my dear Ondo South Senatorial District, I have watched with concern the events unfolding within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
To be honest, things do not appear to be going as smoothly as they should within the party. The disagreements, fallouts and controversies surrounding the recent primaries, particularly the Senatorial primary, have created wounds that cannot simply be wished away.
In politics, popularity, acceptability and the ability to win elections should always matter. Unfortunately, there is a growing perception that these important considerations have sometimes been pushed aside in favour of personal relationships and political interests.
Politics is ultimately about people. The candidate who can connect with the people, unite different groups and deliver victory should be given serious consideration.
One cannot ignore the fact that Ilaje Local Government has produced the incumbent Executive Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, who is also the first full Executive Governor of the state from Ilaje.
Beyond that, Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency currently has other important appointments and political representations connected to Ilaje, including Hon. Otito Atikase, Ondo State representative on the NDDC Board; Ambassador Joseph Olusola Iji, Ambassador to the Russian Federation; and the leadership of OSOPADEC, currently chaired by Prince Biyi Poroye while some local Government from Ondo South has no Federal presence at all.
Against this background, many people are asking a legitimate political question: why has the APC Senatorial ticket once again gone to Ese-Odo, specifically Arogbo, where Hon. Donald Ojogo also hails from?
This is not an argument against the people of Ese-Odo or Arogbo. They are important stakeholders in Ondo South and deserve every opportunity to participate in leadership.
Rather, my concern is about balance, political strategy and the need to spread opportunities fairly across the Senatorial District.
If we continue to make political decisions based largely on personal relationships, rather than broader acceptability and electoral strength, we may eventually pay a heavy price at the polls.
THE ISSUE OF RECONCILIATION
Another issue that should concern every genuine APC member is the level of reconciliation after the primaries.
Politics does not end immediately after a primary election. In fact, that is where the real work begins.
Those who contested and lost are not enemies. They are still members of the same political family, and many of them have supporters, structures and significant influence across Ondo South.
Among those who were associated with the APC Ondo South Senatorial contest are:
Mayowa Akinfolarin
Morayo Lebi
Agboola Ajayi
Matthew Oyerinmade (MATO)
Jumoke Akindele
Boye Oyewumi
Diran Iyantan
Kayode Fakuyi
and other interested aspirants.
The decision to adopt a consensus arrangement around Isaacs Kekemeke has, understandably, left different camps with concerns and grievances.
Whether one agrees with the arrangement or not, the reality is that these political wounds must be addressed before the 2027 election.
I am particularly concerned about reports and comments attributed to Hon. Matthew Oyerinmade (MATO) suggesting that he intends to contest the Senatorial election on another platform. He has reportedly said on different occasions that he will be on the ballot, although he has not publicly disclosed which party he intends to contest under.
For now, fingers remain crossed.
But this is precisely why the APC leadership should not wait until things become irreversible before reaching out.
THE APC CANNOT AFFORD TO TAKE ONDO SOUTH FOR GRANTED
As an ardent supporter of the APC, I believe the party still has enough time to correct whatever mistakes may have been made.
The Governor, the State Chairman, Hon. Babatunde Kolawole, and the relevant leaders of the party should urgently begin genuine reconciliation with all the aspirants and stakeholders.
The question is simple:
How many of those who purchased nomination forms have been genuinely reached out to?
How many of them have been properly engaged?
How many have been given a sense of belonging?
How many of their supporters have been brought into the reconciliation process?
Winning an election is not just about having a candidate. It is about building a united political family around that candidate.
A candidate cannot do it alone.
The APC must therefore understand that every aspirant has supporters, friends, structures and influence. If these people feel ignored or humiliated, their silence should not automatically be interpreted as loyalty.
TIME TO PUT ONDO SOUTH FIRST
The 2027 election is approaching, and the campaign season is already upon us.
This is not the time for camps, grudges and political ego. It is time for serious engagement.
The APC must look beyond individual interests and ask one fundamental question:
What is best for Ondo South and what will give the party the strongest chance of winning?
We need a Senator who will represent the entire Senatorial District, not just one local government or one political camp.
We need a party that recognises that Ilaje, Ese-Odo, Okitipupa, Irele, Odigbo and Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo are all important components of Ondo South.
No part should feel deliberately marginalised.
No aspirant should feel discarded after serving the party.
And no supporter should be made to believe that political relevance belongs exclusively to a particular group.
My position is not an attack on Governor Aiyedatiwa, the APC leadership or any individual aspirant. It is a concerned observation from someone who wants the APC to succeed and, more importantly, wants Ondo South to benefit from quality representation.
The APC still has an opportunity to put its house in order.
Let there be genuine reconciliation.
Let there be sincere engagement.
Let grievances be addressed.
Let personal differences be put aside.
And let every stakeholder understand that 2027 is bigger than any individual ambition.
If the APC gets it right, Ondo South can remain a stronghold of the party.
But if the party ignores the cracks within its own house, the consequences may become difficult to manage when the real contest begins.
Ondo South deserves better.
The APC deserves unity.
And 2027 demands wisdom, maturity and strategic thinking.
Olamide Akintayo Concerned Citizen, Ondo South Senatorial District
The newly appointed Chairman of the Ondo State Sports Council, Hon. Oladimeji Abimbola, has pledged to reposition and restructure the council and restore sports in the state to its former glory.
Abimbola made the pledge on his official resumption of duty as chairman, alongside board members Baba Tunde Martins and Ibitoye Matthew Abiodun.
He said the restructuring of the council would provide a clear direction and enable the new board to identify the factors responsible for the decline in the state’s sporting fortunes over the years.
According to him, there is no time to waste, as the board would immediately commence work towards achieving its mandate.
“We have to roll up our sleeves and swing into action immediately because the council needs our quick response. Our days have started counting.”
Abimbola, while appreciating Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for appointing him to lead the council, promised to align his administration with the state government’s “Our EASE”Agenda.
He listed the welfare of athletes, coaches and other officials, rehabilitation of sports facilities, and strengthening of grassroots sports development among his priorities.
He said the council’s area offices, which serve as a link to the grassroots, would be revitalised through the deployment of competent coaches and other personnel.
He, however, appealed to all staff of the council, irrespective of their cadre, to cooperate with the new board, stressing that transforming sports in the state was a collective responsibility.
“We are going to collaborate with all the relevant stakeholders to achieve the set goal.
The task ahead is not about me and other board members, but all the sports-loving people of the state.” The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Amidu Takuro, in his goodwill message, assured the new chairman of the government’s support in transforming the Sports Council. Takuro expressed confidence in Abimbola’s experience and ability to reposition sports in the state.
“I have no doubt in my mind that with Hon. Oladimeji Abimbola and his team, with the cooperation of the staff, our sports will be great again.”
He said Governor Aiyedatiwa’s decision to appoint a grassroots sports expert was in line with the administration’s vision of putting smiles on the faces of Ondo State residents.
Also speaking, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of OSRC Media Group, Mr Kenneth Stevenson – Odusola, disclosed that Abimbola had recently undergone sports management training in Germany in preparation for the assignment.
Odusola-Stevenson said the state’s sports sector had experienced both successes and setbacks over the years, expressing optimism that the new chairman and his team would deploy their wealth of experience to improve its fortunes.
He urged Abimbola to remain consistent and innovative in the discharge of his duties.
The Chairman of Odigbo Local Government, Hon. Taiwo Adegoroye, also expressed optimism that Abimbola’s appointment would herald a new dawn for sports development in the state.
Similarly, the Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Comrade Ademola Odudu, appealed to Sports Council staff to give the new chairman maximum support to enable him to succeed.
The Chairman of the Ondo State Football Association, Otunba Dele Ajayi, advised Abimbola to avoid acting on impulse, urging him to carefully process available information before taking decisions.
Earlier, the General Manager of the Ondo State Sports Council, Mrs Evelyn Lebi, described Abimbola’s appointment as “a round peg in a round hole”.
Lebi assured the new chairman of the cooperation and support of the council’s staff, expressing confidence that his experience and commitment would help reposition Ondo State as a leading force in sports development.
The Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba (Dr.) Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo, Jilo III, will today grace the grand finale of the End Miscreants Football Competition, Ondo 2026, in a move expected to further strengthen the campaign for peace, unity and positive youth development in the kingdom.
The final, scheduled for 9:00 a.m., will feature a decisive clash between Loro FC and Okelisa FC, as the two teams battle for the championship trophy.
The monarch is expected to join philanthropists, kingdom leaders, dignitaries and sons and daughters of Ondo Kingdom from within Nigeria and the diaspora at the historic occasion.
His participation in the event is seen as a show of support for initiatives that engage youths positively and promote peaceful coexistence within the kingdom.
The competition, which has attracted attention across Ondo, is being used as a platform to encourage young people to channel their energy into productive activities while discouraging miscreancy and other social vices.
The organisers said the grand finale would go beyond the football contest, describing it as a celebration of unity, community spirit and the collective determination to build a peaceful and progressive Ondo Kingdom.
They called on residents and football enthusiasts to come out and witness the final as Loro FC and Okelisa FC compete for the ultimate prize.
The organisers reiterated the message behind the competition: “One Game, One Champion, One Community.”
They urged all participants and supporters to play fair, stay united and join the campaign to End Miscreants.
The Ondo State Government says the administration of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has recorded significant progress in infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, security, employment and workers’ welfare within 18 months in office.
The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, stated this during interractions with Journalists in Akure to mark the administration’s 18-month milestone, saying the achievements were anchored on the “OUR EASE” agenda of ease of living, ease of doing business and ease of governance.
According to Adeniyan, the administration’s focus has been on improving public services, executing critical infrastructure and strengthening the state’s economic base through prudent financial management and strategic investments.
He said the state had achieved an 82.6 per cent reduction in its domestic debt profile, which he described as the highest percentage reduction recorded by any state in the country.
Adeniyan added that the administration had also cleared inherited salary arrears owed to workers and former political office holders, while making significant payments towards outstanding pensioners’ gratuities.
The CPS said the administration had recruited more than 2,000 health professionals and improved the remuneration of health workers as part of efforts to retain skilled personnel in the state.
He said Ondo became the first state in the South-West to implement the enhanced CONMESS and CONHESS allowances for health workers.
According to him, the State Executive Council also approved a N1 billion hospital intervention fund to expand and modernise healthcare facilities, while upgrade projects involving 100-bed capacity hospitals are ongoing in Ikare-Akoko, Ore and Okitipupa, with 50-bed capacity improvements being undertaken in Irele and Igbokoda.
He said more than 100 health centres had been renovated, while the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital had received modern diagnostic equipment, including a 1.5 Tesla MRI machine, 160-slice CT scanner, 3D digital mammography equipment, 4D ultrasound machines and digital X-ray machines.
Adeniyan also cited the expansion of the Orange Health Insurance Scheme to cover public servants, informal sector workers, retirees and pensioners.
He said recent health indicators had placed Ondo among the best-performing states in neonatal, infant and under-five mortality, adding that Governor Aiyedatiwa had also received a “Best Governor in Health Transformation” award from BusinessTimes.
On road infrastructure, the CPS said more than 200 kilometres of roads had been completed within the period under review, while a 90-kilometre rehabilitation programme covering all 18 local government areas was ongoing.
He said the administration had also commenced the construction of the Oba Adesida Flyover in Akure to address persistent traffic congestion along one of the city’s busiest corridors.
Adeniyan listed ongoing intercity dualisation projects as Akungba–Ikare Akoko, Akure–Idanre and Okitipupa–Igbokoda, describing them as the first time three major dualisation projects had been undertaken simultaneously across the state’s three senatorial districts.
He added that the inherited Onyearugbulem–Irese flyover project in Akure had been completed and commissioned.
According to him, rural roads linking farming communities to markets have also been upgraded through the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) and state-funded interventions.
In the education sector, Adeniyan said more than 2,000 teachers had been recruited into public primary and secondary schools, comprising 1,010 secondary school teachers and 1,100 primary school teachers.
He said the government had strengthened the free school shuttle programme, expanded scholarships and bursaries, paid WAEC examination fees for public secondary school students and distributed books, tablets and sporting equipment to schools across the state.
The CPS disclosed that the government recently increased subventions to tertiary institutions by 60 per cent and approved the salary agreement between the Federal Government and university staff unions.
He added that inherited salary arrears owed workers of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, had been cleared, while more than N1 billion had been committed to the construction of a new Senate Building at the University of Medical Sciences.
Adeniyan said the administration had also embarked on urban renewal projects, including the rehabilitation of Fasoranti Park, installation of solar streetlights and interventions in water supply and sanitation.
He said about 5,000 complete units of solar streetlights had been installed under the Light-Up initiative across Akure and other major towns.
The CPS said the Akure Water Supply and Sanitation Project, being implemented under the $223 million Nigeria Urban Water Sector Reform Programme, was also receiving attention, alongside renewed efforts to improve the Owena Dam and expand water distribution.
On electricity, he said the State Executive Council had approved a $1.6 million, 350-kilowatt hydropower project and a 7.5-megawatt gas-fired turbine to supply government facilities.
He added that the government had commenced the distribution of transformers to communities to improve power supply.
According to Adeniyan, the government had committed more than N10 billion to agricultural development, while supporting young people and farmers through training, access to farmland and interventions aimed at improving food security.
He said more than 500 youths had been trained in modern agriculture, while the Ondo State Cocoa Revolution and Management Board had been inaugurated to strengthen the state’s position as a leading cocoa-producing state.
He added that 14,000 smallholder cocoa and oil palm farmers had been profiled under the FAO GEF-7 programme across eight local government areas.
On industrialisation, the CPS said the administration was pursuing investments in the Ondo Deep Sea Port, refinery, Free Trade Zone, fertiliser and petrochemical sectors.
He said the state had signed several memoranda of understanding with investors, including agreements involving a proposed 500,000 barrels-per-day refinery, a 1,471-hectare Free Trade Zone in Ilaje and a proposed $4 billion petrochemical, fertiliser and cement project.
Adeniyan also said the return of the Dangote Group to the state was among the outcomes of the administration’s investment drive, with plans for the establishment of what he described as Nigeria’s largest industrial zone in Ondo State.
The CPS said more than 6,000 people had been recruited into various sectors, including education, healthcare, security and agriculture.
He said the government had also implemented skills acquisition programmes, including the O’Datiwa Skill-Up a Woman Initiative, through which 1,000 women were trained in tailoring, catering, ICT and other vocational skills.
He added that young people had benefited from the One Youth, One Skill Programme, while market women, artisans and small business owners had received interest-free loans and grants under the Ondo Ease Fund.
Adeniyan said the administration had prioritised regular payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities, noting that civil servants now receive their salaries on or before the 25th of every month.
He said inherited salary arrears had been cleared, including outstanding payments owed former political appointees who served under the administration of former Governor Olusegun Mimiko.
The CPS added that the government had also made progress in clearing outstanding pension gratuities, while implementing measures including improved hazard allowances for health workers, salary reviews for medical doctors, extension of tutors’ service years and the workers’ contributory health insurance scheme.
On security, Adeniyan said the government had strengthened the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, through recruitment, improved welfare and provision of operational equipment.
He said more than 100 operational vehicles had been distributed to security agencies, while 500 personnel had been recruited into the Amotekun Corps.
According to him, a modern Command and Control Centre had also been established and equipped to improve security coordination and response.
Adeniyan said the government would continue to pursue projects and policies aimed at improving the welfare of residents and creating an environment conducive to investment and economic growth.
He said, “With several projects at various stages of completion and new ones in the pipeline, the Aiyedatiwa administration remains committed to the OUR EASE mandate: a government that works and delivers for the people of Ondo State.”
