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Chairman, Ondo State Inter-ministerial Committee on COVID-19, Prof. Adesegun Fatusi, has disclosed that schools in the state would soon resume for academic activities. Fatusi who announced this on Monday in Akure during a news briefing on COVID-19 said the resumption of educational institutions in the state was under review. While explaining that the committee was aware that some states had released a timetable regarding the resumption of schools, he said, “we will also do a comprehensive review across all sectors in the course of the week.” “As we are watching what other states are doing, we are also watching the state of the epidemic in Ondo State. “One of the fastest ways to learn is through other people’s experiences. “It will also help us in our modelling of what is likely to happen, so you can be sure we are reviewing the guidelines regarding our education sector. “But we can’t tell you more than this because the committee is headed by the governor. “So there will be discussions ...

The Alumni Association of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo(formerly Ondo State Polytechnic) has appealed to graduates of the institution for financial support for the school. This was contained in a statement signed by Ehinola Olufemi, National President of the Alumni Association and made available to newsmen on Monday in Akure, the Ondo State capital. It was revealed that the association set up a fact-finding committee to look into remote and immediate causes of the challenges of the institution and proffer solutions to them for concerted efforts with the Mr. Banji Alabi-led Governing Council of the school. The statement reads in parts, "Findings of the Committee revealed that RUGIPO under the current Governing Council ably led by Barr. Banji Alabi Esq., the Polytechnic has witnessed tremendous development. This claim is attested to by the following: Massive upgrade of Infrastructure, training and retraining of staff, giving deserved attention to the welfare of students, among others....

Women's Champions League Japan star Saki Kumagai's strike proved crucial as Lyon continued their reign as Europe's dominant women's club side on Sunday, beating Wolfsburg 3-1 in the Champions League final to win the trophy for the fifth year running. Kumagai scored after Eugenie Le Sommer had handed the French outfit the lead in San Sebastian, giving Lyon a 2-0 half-time advantage and leaving Wolfsburg with too much to do even if Alexandra Popp did pull one back for the Germans in the second half. Icelandic midfielder Sara Bjork Gunnarsdottir's late effort made sure of the victory for Lyon, whose fifth consecutive Champions League crown is also their seventh overall, comfortably a record. A fifth straight title sees them equal the feat achieved by the Real Madrid men's team between 1956 and 1960, in the early days of the European Cup. All of Lyon's seven titles have come in the last decade and this latest triumph confirms their status as the finest club team...

Former Secretary to the Ondo State Government (SSG) Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde who resigned from the Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu administration has returned to the Governor. Recalled that, Abegunde resigned his appointment in June and declared his support for one of the governorship aspirants, Segun Abraham who participated in the July 20 APC governorship primary election and lost to Akeredolu. The former SSG later switched support for another governorship aspirant, Olayide Adelami after Abraham withdrew from the primary election race and backed Akeredolu. Abegunde, on Sunday evening, met with Governor Akeredolu at the Government House, Alagbaka, Akure and took pictures with the four plus four fingers after the meeting. With his return to Akeredolu’s fold, the former SSG will be joining political gladiators in Akure, the state capital to lead the APC to victory in the forthcoming October 10, 2020 governorship election. Sources at the meeting hinted that Abegunde who met with the Governor...

Supporters of Zenith Labour Party in Akungba, Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State has alleged the ruling all Progressives Congress of sponsoring thugs to disrupt thier meeting. The political meeting which was held in United primary school, Akungba was reportedly disrupted by thugs believed to be members of the APC. It was learnt that the thugs destroyed the instrument  of the compere that was hired to provide sound system for the party. Speaking with our correspondent, a former member of Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon. Abiodun Ogunbi said he is not happy about the incident, as one of the said thugs tried to axe down a member of ZLP which lead to injuries of the former ondo lawmaker.  According to Ogunbi "we wanted to receive upto 1500 members of the opposition party, when some APC Chieftains sent some hoodlums to stop our meeting"  "I was threatened by hoodlums  to take my leave" He however said a call will be put across to  President Buhari...

"Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu has done well  for distributing palliatives across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state, to cushion lockdown pains on women who have lost their breadwinning husbands" A former House of Representatives member, Kolawole Babatunde  made this disclosure in an interview recently.  He commended the wife of Ondo state Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu f or her kind gestures aimed at reducing hardship of widows in Ondo State Kolawole noted that the good deeds of Akeredolu's wife has brought succor to the vulnerable widows in the State. It will be recalled that the wife of the Governor and her team have just concluded a tour of all the entire State, during which relief items were distributed to this group of people in need.  The incentives given included foofstuff, cash and grinding machines. The Governor's aide, Kolawole who  is also a frontline leader of Akoko South East Local Government, said he was elated by the bene...

Death as been announced of four persons in a motor accident in  the ancient city of Ikare, in A koko north east local government of Ondo state.  It was gathered that a truck loaded with diesel lost control and crashed  into commercial area around Oloko axis at okorun Street.  According to Report, The accident happened as a result of  brake failure,  when the truck coming from ogbagi road suddenly lost control.  A stationery vehicle which was there before, was badly damaged and added to enormity of the accident. The unfortunate incident has claimed        4  lives and others with various degree of injuries while  Okada riders with their passengers at the scene were also affected   Details later 

By Kayode Afolabi  Yinka Ayefele,   a  popular Nigerian gospel artiste and father of triplets  has said he felt relieved of his pain and able to stand on his feet again years after getting involved in a life-threatening accident many years ago. According to him, "i was able to achieve the feat with the help of a highly-sophisticated machine.  He said, the strapped machine was given to him by a good friend, identified as Oludare Akande"    P. K. A OBAMA Recall that, Yinka Ayefele was involved in a ghastly motor accident on December 12, 1997 which confined him on wheelchair.  In a video shared on his Instagram page , the musician was seen on machine which enable him stand on his feet saying “so i can now stand up to sing anywhere….” “I feel so relieved of my pain…Hon Oludare Akande bought this for me.You will never experience pains in your entire life."  He however thank .Oludare Akande P. K. A Obama. saying" You raise my hope of walking a...

A n Ondo State High Court sitting in Akure has ordered the state house of assembly to reinstate the Deputy Speaker of the Ondo state House of Assembly, Iroju Ogundeji and two other lawmakers The court reversed the their suspension and ordered Ondo State House of Assembly to immediately pay all their entitlements and also pay them five million naira compensation to each of them. Recall that, the trio lawmakers were suspended over alleged misconducts by the Assembly recently.  Justice Ademola Bola,while giving the ruling, maintained that it was illegal to prevent an elected legislator from duly representing his/her constituency. The house had suspended the three pro-Ondo Deputy Governor lawmakers, namely: Rt.Hon Iroju Ogundeji, Hon. Wale Williams from Ondo west constituency 2 and Hon. Favour Tomomewo from Ilaje 2. The anti-impeachment lawmakers were suspended for refusing to sign the impeachment notice served on deputy governor who defected from All Progressives Congress(APC)

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on Thursday said the resumption of international flights has now been shifted to September 5. The earlier date had been August 29. Director-General of the NCAA, Musa Shuaibu Nuhu, revealed the news during an ongoing Presidential Task Force COVID-19 briefing in Abuja. He said while airlines and airports were ready to operate, other non-aviation logistics prompted the one-week extension. “We have other non-aviation logistics we are still working on, mostly the COVID-19 protocol tests and online platform,” he said. “We need to get this ready.” Mr Nuhu described September 5 as a “sacrosanct date”, noting that “the initial announcement was anytime from the 29th.” “In due course, we will be announcing the protocols for the resumptions and we will be giving further details,” he said. “Hopefully early next week, we will release this.” Details later…

By Kayode Afolabi  Ondo state Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has said that the University should consider a reduction in tuition fees in a way that quality education can still be sustained in the University. The was done, following appeal from students, and in view of the economic effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the country.  In a statement signed by Opeoluwa AKINFEMIWA, the registrar of the institution today stated that,  all Deans, Heads of Department and stakeholders are requested to note the information  The statement read in part," I write on the directive of the Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Olugbenga E. IGE to inform all returning students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko that following an earlier appeal by students, and in view of the economic effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the country on parents and students, the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Rotimi AKEREDOLU, SAN, has directed that the University should consider a ...

The Deputy Vice chancellor, Academic, of Adekunle Ajasin Univeristy, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Prof Francis Gbore and the Bursar of the institution, Mrs Olubunmi Ologun,  have been  honoured with the award of the  Akoko Conscience Group's (ACG) Golden Leadership Excellence Award as the most Distinguished Personality of the year  2019/2020.  The award ceremony was held in the Senate Chamber of the Univeristy. President of the group, Mr Adeosun Olabanji Williams, described the duo as  distinguished  son and daughter of akoko land.   Olabanji  said the award came as a  recognition for their contributions to qualitative education, youth development and their unquantifiable roles in the uplift of Akoko land and humanity.  He described them as  role models whose quality of leaderships over the years have inspired many people and the generality of Akoko land.  Prof Gbore, in his response, expressed appreciation to the group...

"God please, send down the rain to boost our productivity in the Farm"  This was the cry of farmers in Akoko area of Ondo State  Positive Fm gathered that  residents in the area turned to Almighty  God through interdenominational prayers as rainy season had changed to dry season in the region.  It was revealed that many communities in some areas has experienced rain over 40 days ago thereby making many wells to dry while farm crops suffered similar fate due to lack of water. Some affected communities like  Epinmi,Afin Akunu Ajowa Iye and so on were experiencing the unfavorable weather for agriculture.At an interactive session with some Farmers in the area they lamented their ordeals. Alhaji Abu Balogun from Afin Akoko northwest local government area of Ondo state described the situation as worrisome as farmers are face with uncertainty in the repayment of agricultural loans obtained to plant crops this year as the crops had been destroyed due to lack of rai...

The  Social Democratic Party (SDP),  Ilaje local government chapter of Ondo has condemned and rejected the result of the last Saturday local government election as announced by the Ondo Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC).  The party described the conduct of the exercise as another daylight rob on the nation's democracy,  however alledged ODIEC of complicity with the rulling All Progressive Congress (APC) to rigged the election. The party threatened to seek legal means to reclaime it's stolen mandate from the rulling APC, also called on well meaning individuals to intervene into the matter. In a protest letter written and personally signed by the councilorship candidate of the SDP, Mahin Ward III, Ilaje local government area of Ondo state, Hon. Kolawole Agbeni, alledged that the APC and the ODIEC allegedly conive together to robbed the SDP of the mandate giving to him by his teaming supporters. He alledged that ODIEC had  failled to distribute  el...

Following the announcement of the local government result by the Ondo State independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) last Saturday, members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Ondo West Local Government chapter have rejected the result and call for  cancellation.  The party also noted that a new and a fresh election should be fixed in the interest of democracy. The party spoke during a press conference jointly organised by candidates from Ondo East West local governments during the election. The Press Conference was also attended by Chieftains, party loyalist and Stewarts  within the two local government areas. Speaking on behalf of other members, the ADC Chairman, Ondo West, Pastor Owolabi Oladimeji, said the election apart from been characterised by what he called irregularities, it was also mared with intimidation of voters and ballots snatching. He alleged that his political party which is the most popular in the two local governments...

Press Statement  Following their emergence at the just concluded Ondo State Local Government elections, which held on Saturday, August 23, 2020, the State Governor,  Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, will tomorrow,  Monday, 24 August, 2020, swear -in the newly elected Chairmen and Councillors of the 18 local government areas.  The swearing-in will hold inside the main hall of the International Cultural & Events Centre (The Dome) at 8:30am The chairmen, councillors and their guests are expected to be in the hall by 8am. Signed: Segun Ajiboye  Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

Mrs Aina Kayode, a   physically challenged widow has been  empowered by the  First lady of Ondo State, Arabirin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu  in OkeAgbe Akoko South East Ondo State  today   The physically challenged widow was discovered by  Mrs Akeredolu  during the just concluded distribution of palliatives to widows across the state.  It was gathered that Mrs Akeredolu went back to OkeAgbe town today and presented a grinding machine and its accessories, including cash gift to the physically challenged widow. The beneficiary, family members and neighbours were surprised to see the team of the wife of the Governor, led by the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Gender Research and Documentation, Mrs Temitope Daniyan with the unexpected gifts. The head of the family who reacted to the gesture appreciated the donor immensely, describing such as first of its kind without writing a letter of help or seeking to see the First Lady for ...

As preparations for the October 10, 2020 governorship election hot up in Ondo state, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of the APC and the PDP Candidate, Eyitayo Jegede are now at loggerhead over alleged destruction of campaign posters and billboards of Jegede in Owo, by suspected political thugs loyal to the governor in his home town. The Eyitayo Jegede Campaign Organisation (EJCO), had in a press statement by its Head, Media Research, Mr. Samuel Fasua, said reports reaching it confirmed that those perpetrating the act were political thugs in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Akeredolu. “In the last one week, political thugs loyal to the APC and Akeredolu have been gamboling round the streets of Owo, the governor’s paternal native home, tearing Jegede’s posters and causing mayhem within neighbourhoods. “The apparent aim of the poster-tearing thugs and their paymaster is to impose on the people’s psyche, the impression that Akeredolu is from Owo and as such, ...

PRESS STATEMENT  On Wednesday, August 19, 2020, Ondo State Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN subtly suggested that he might consider a reduction of the exorbitant tuition fees payable in the tertiary institutions in the state. It should be noted that upon his assumption of office as governor, Rotimi Akeredolu had increased the tuition fees payable in state owned tertiary institutions to the chagrin and protestations of all critical stakeholders especially the students. All pleas and entreaties to make the governor rescind the anti-people decision were vehemently rebuffed as the governor stuck to his guns. The public would recall that one of the major disagreements between Agboola Ajayi and his boss the Governor was on the governor's insensitive decision to commercialise education and make it unaffordable to ordinary people in a state, where education is about the only industry. The Deputy governor had sharply disagreed  with the obnoxious policy of an increase in th...

PRESS STATEMENT The pledge by Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu to reduce tuition fees in tertiary institutions is mere campaign to hoodwink the electorates ahead of the October Gubernatorial Election.  Did he just realise that hundreds of students have dropped out of State owned tertiary institutions on account of increased fees? Did Akeredolu not say that the increment of fees parents were complaining about is not more than the cost of a pair of shoes? Making such a pledge now that elections are just around the corner is laughable and ridiculous. It is a calculated attempt to deceive the people who have outrightly rejected Akeredolu and the APC for anti-people policies and Programes. There is no amount of deceit and fake promises that can save Akeredolu from defeat at the polls come October, 2020. Kennedy Ikantu Peretei. State Publicity Secretary, PDP, Ondo State. 20th August, 2020.

Press Statement  ALLEGED FIRE OUTBREAK: OONI'S PALACE INTACT The Palace of the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, wishes to inform the entire public that a minor fire outbreak  involving a tiny part of one of the administrative buildings within the premises of the palace occurred at about 1:15pm today, Wednesday 19th, August 2020, leaving no harm to the oldest palace in Yoruba land.  The minor inferno which lasted for about 20 minutes was immediately put out by collective efforts of people in the palace led by the Ooni's Chief Security, Kolawole Emmanuel, later joined by men of the fire services from the state government, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife..  Aside from the fact that there was no causality whatsoever, the fire was just a minor occurrence which was nothing to be compared to the misleading huge pictures being painted in the media, particularly the social media. While it is susp...

The two men kidnapped at Ikun Akoko in Akoko Southwest local government area of Ondo state have regained their freedom. The duo of Surajudeen Alao and Ade Ikudaisi both indigenes of Oba and Ikun were released in the early hours of Wednesday. A family member from Oba Akoko said a ransom of an undisclosed amount was paid to the abductors before releasing the victims. Residents of  both Oba and Ikun Akoko jubilated when the victims reunited with their families. Meanwhile, Residents of Akoko and travellers plying roads in the area have appealed to Government and security agencies to beef up security in on the roads especially Oba-Ikun, Afo- Idoani road. News track  

By Okon Godswill The church is the answer to the problem of this world- Christ the Head, you the Body. You are the ones chosen by God, chosen… to be a holy people, God’s instruments to do his work and speak out for him…you are the light of the world. 1Peter 2:9–10, Matthew 5:14. To a great extent we have believed salvation to be all about being saved from sin to live a good life and go to heaven when we die. We see being children of God as living the life of “good” people who try as much as possible to run away from “bad” people so they do not implicate us when Jesus returns to take us to heaven and punish the rest, but this is not salvation plan at all. This is not how God wants it. You are not saved just to quit smoking, attend church services, and live a nice life. You are saved to become a saver! From the words of that great man of God, John G. Lake, salvation is a full package in itself. It is an all-inclusive word, including all that God does for the spirit, soul, and body of man...

By Okon Godswill Once you ascertain it’s a torch all you look for is the switch… Everything was created through him; nothing—not one thing!—came into being without him…absolutely everything…got started in him and finds its purpose in him. John 1:3, Colossians 1:16 MSG If you read the first episode of this series you would have found out that you’re almost completely helpless if those who came to here before you tell you they do not know why you’re here on earth. Seriously, are they really clueless no matter the dressed-up stories. They are not to blame for that anyway, it is obviously impossible to know the use of a thing if you do not know what that thing is in the first place. So the question is: Who are you??? “Errrrh…ehmmm…my name is…” No, not your name. Not your age. Not your sex. Not your societal status. Not your academic degrees…who are you before God? (Think this through before you continue please). Man lost his identity and hence purpose, through the disobedience of the first...

EUROPA LEAGUE Inter Milan thrashed Shakhtar Donetsk 5-0 to secure a place in the Europa League final on Friday.   The Italian side mercilessly defeated their counterparts from Ukraine with a resounding victory to book their Europa League final place where they will play against Sevilla. Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez both scored a brace and Danilo D’Ambrosio also got on the score sheet. Lukaku took his goal tally to 33 in all competitions this season while Martinez has scored 21 times. This makes it the first time since Obafemi Martins and Adriano in the 2004/05 season for an Inter Milan duo to score at least 20 goals each. Lukaku has now had a hand in 18 goals in his last 10 Europa League matches, that’s 14 goals and four assists and he became the first player to score in 10 successive Europa League matches. This stat stretch back to November 2014 when he was at Everton. It’s been a long season for Inter Milan, crashing out of the Champions League group stage, moving to the Eu...

The  Ondo Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has replied a statement credited to his predecessor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, saying he cannot market what he termed a treacherous product ahead of the October 10 governorship election Mimiko, a National leader of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), which has picked Deputy Governor Hon Agboola Ajayi as candidate for the gubernatorial race. Akeredolu, who spoke through his Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo, was reacting to comments by Mimiko that he is not a progressive Governor. Mimiko had berated Akeredolu for abandoning the reproductive health care programme in the state, adding that he would speak out during campaigns. Mimiko reminded the governor that the ZLP was made up of well-studded politicians and not hypocrites. The former Ondo Governor said the ZLP was not expecting any surprises from Agboola and other defectors into the party. He described Agboola as a well-groomed and seasoned politician who has learned a lot in ...

By David Fidelis As Cocoa  with the biological name “Theobroma cacao” (food of the gods), prices are melting lower as the resurgence of COVID-19 around the world threatens global demand for chocolate, the questions begging for answers in my mind are, will Cocoa Farmers Smile this season? Has COVID-19 and low rainfall caused them detriment? With a machete in hand, looking perplexed, dissatisfied and hopeless  an Akwa-Ibom Man, Mr Itoro Ubongabasi in Ayede Ogbese, in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State examines his farm, perhaps, wondering and pondering, thinking that year 2020 is a year of retrogression, stagnation or questioning Almighty Jah for his looses this season. Ultimately, he unconsciously dropped a mouthful spongy phlegm on the ground while an unseen tears rolled down his cheeks.   Accurate Newspaper's David Fidelis who went to villages In Idanre and Akure South Local Government Areas of the State to document farmers pains reported that for the past f...