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Gov. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has appointed Princess Abike Ilawole  as Secretary of Ondo State oil producing development commission (Osopadec) More details later

THE COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE CONGRESS OF THE NIGERIA UNION OF JOURNALISTS (NUJ), ONDO STATE COUNCIL, HELD ON THURSDAY 30TH MAY, 2024 AT THE PRESS CENTRE, PEN CRESCENT, ALAGBAKA-AKURE The Congress was presided over by the State Chairman, Prince Leke Adegbite and deliberated on a wide range of issues, from media industry, politics, to economy, security, and welfare of members among others The Congress, after exhaustive deliberations, resolved as follows: 1. That the Union observed that some quacks who are not professional journalists go round the town ahead of the 2024 State gubernatorial election, blackmailing, engaging in unethical conducts with politicians and unsuspecting members of the public. The union Taskforce against Fake journalists has the mandate to track down such characters and hand them over to security operatives.  2. That the Congress bemoaned the epileptic and deplorable conditions of the ONDO State Government- owned media organizations, the Ondo State Radiovision C...

The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Abayomi, Peter Oladipo, has assured management of the National Youth Service Corps in the state of adequate surveillance of all the Corps Lodges across all Local Governments .  CP Abayomi gave the assurance when he received in audience, the NYSC Ondo State Coordinator, Mr. Sam Amaramiro Pepple at the Command Headquarters in Akure, the state capital.  The Police Chief, while promising information sharing and communication with NYSC declared that the Command would ensure that corps members, who are precious citizens of the country are adequately protected in all the nooks and crannies of the State. The CP, in asserting that protection of corps members is sacrosanct and on the priority list of the Command, allayed any fear whatsoever in any part of the state, submitting that the Command has enough manpower and logistics to give topnotch services to indigenes and residents of the Sunshine State. The security expert disclosed that ...

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan   Some Christian religious leaders in Oyo State, have assessed Gov. Seyi Makinde’s performance in the last one year, urging him to focus more on matters of public interest. They stated this in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan. The Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Oyo, Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo, urged the governor to focus more on matters of public interest. He also enjoined Makinde to be as fair as possible in dishing out privileges and favours, especially where religious bodies were concerned. According to him, the governor should try as much as possible to resist undue pressure from whatever quarters. “The interest of religious bodies is in the overall welfare and the common good of everybody. This is where the call for the return of schools to religious organisations still has a lot of merits. “Oyo State, given its current position on the scale of performance in Nigeria today, needs that boost,” he said. Badejo note...

Ondo State Governor, Hon Lucky Orimisan Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Thursday disclosed that his administration is open to offering incentives to attract both local and foreign investments into the economy of the State to drive development.  The Governor said with the many natural and mineral resources in the State and plans of the government to develop a deep sea port and enhance infrastructure, the State is wide open for investors to do business.  Governor Aiyedatiwa stated this when he received on a courtesy visit in his office the management of Owena Bitumen Exploration Nigeria Limited led by Alhaji Musa Ibrahim Mantu, the chairman of the company.  The team, which included expatriates from Italy and France, represents the company globally and specializes in mining, refining, and processing of bitumen and other allied resources. The primary goal, accordijg to Mantu, is to explore bitumen in Ondo State, with a processing plant already under construction in Ijebu Ode, project...

Professor Mary Fasoranti, an expert in development economics, has advocated practicable approaches to redeeming Nigerias prevailing throes of poverty, stressing that, Capital intensive and urban based growth cannot reduce poverty.  Only agricultural-based growth and labour-intensive technology have the capacity to reduce poverty. Prof. Fasoranti gave counsels on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, while delivering the 24th Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, titled, "Rural Poverty: Incapacitating the Hydra-Headed Monster." Prof. Fasoranti underscored the significant role rural economies play in national development, stressing that "the prevalence of poverty is a major issue undermining the role of the rural economy in the overall development of the nation." Despite numerous attempts to combat rural poverty, she noted that such efforts have yielded "no visible, lasting results." She noted that, The economic growth must occur on a ...

GOODWILL MESSAGE TO HIS EXCELLENCY, ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR, PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA Mr. President,  It is already a year of selfless service to the people of Nigeria. In all measures, the tasks have been herculean but the journey to reposition our country to the path of true greatness has been birthed in the Renewed Hope Agenda. As an important stakeholder who oversees one of the federating units of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I bear witness to your genuineness and purity of heart in reclaiming the lost glory of our dear nation. These efforts are glaring in the policies and programmes of Government that you superintend. Our nation, no doubt, has faced difficulties but you have shown strength in character and courage. You own up to these challenges and you have never stopped taking steps to mitigate them. As a leader, the comforting mantra of 'ẹlọfọkànbalẹ' is not just reassuring but one that births a national trust leadi...

Sunshine Queens Football Club of Akure defeated Honey Badgers 2-0 in the round of 16 to qualify for quarter finals of the 2024 President Federation Cup decided at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba. Bolaji Olamide puts Sunshine Queens ahead in the 17th minutes from Shola Oduwale's cross in the entertaining encounter. Aluba Ogba sealed the victory for the 2015 Women Federation Cup winners in the 62nd minutes from her long range strike. The Akure Landladies dominated the game from the blast of the referee's whistle to the end of the tie.  Augusta Nnaneme and Suliyat Ajibade were replaced by Taiwo Aganmuyi and Mercy Mbachu in the second half. Sunshine Queens Head Coach, Rafiu Oseni in a chat with newsmen, commended his players for their impressive performances, saying they are well coordinated and disciplined during and after the game. Oseni added that he would remained focused and approach every game as they come, adding that it was hard work that earned his side the victor...

Indigenes of Kogi State have cautioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)  against those they described as embittered and desperate ethnic jingoists who are strengthening the public opinion that the Commission is collaborating with certain opposition figures to persecute the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.  The indigenes said since the allegation of corruption by the EFCC against the former Governor became a national discourse, "some persons who are afraid of chasing their dreams at the polls have hidden under the veneer of activism to sponsor their tribesmen to impugn on the character of ex Governor Yahaya Bello maliciously". Addressing a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja, the Chairman of Kogi Youth Leaders Forum, Benjamin Oguche, PhD, specifically noted that those still calling for the arrest of Bello even in the face of an ongoing court process, were either uninformed or out to rubbish the image of EFCC while pursuing their prolon...

By Our Correspondent  Residents of Ayetoro community, in Ilaje local government Area of Ondo state have called on the federal and the state government to save their souls and rescue the community from inccessant ocean surge.  They made the call during a peaceful protest that held (Democracy day) at the main Street of the community on Wednesday   The protesters who trump out massively to express their grievances, displaying plugcards with different inscriptions, such as "Save our souls, save Ayetoro community",  "oil exploration has become a curse', "6.5billion shoreline project award by NDDC yet not executed after 16 years". Others are;  "we can not access our school again", more than 700 houses have been destroyed", community owned factories have been washed away", shoreline protection we demand", many more. Speaking with journalists, The Kabiesi of the community, Oba Oluwanbe Ojagbonmi JP, the Ogeloyinbo of Ayetoro, community, app...

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko Ibadan  A man, Useim Hamadu,  on Wednesday appeared before an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, for allegedly cutting another  man on the head, hand and ear. Hamadu, whose address was not provided, is charged with conspiracy and causing grievous harm, to which he pleaded not guilty. The prosecutor, Insp Elisha Tellang, told the court that the defendant  committed the offences on May 25, at Elebu in Ibadan. Tellang said that the defendant  caused grievous harm to a man simply identified as  Isaiah  by cutting his head, hand and ear with a cutlass. He said that the defendant conducted himself in a manner likely to cause breach of peace by the act and, therefore, committed offences contrary to Sections 516 and 249(d) of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000. The Magistrate, Mrs M. Olagbenro, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N300,000 with two sureties in like sum. Olagbenro thereafter adjourned the case until June 26 for...

Former chairman of Ondo State Football Agency, ODSFA, Chief Tajudeen Akinyemi has congratulated Dr. Olayemi Adelami On his nomination as a running mate to Governor Lucky Orimisan. The former ODSFA chairman who is a native of Owo kingdom expressed his immense joy and satisfaction in the recent nomination of Dr. Olayide Adelami, the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, as the running mate to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa in the forthcoming governorship election in the State slated for November 2024. While congratulating Dr Adelami on his nomination in a press statement released to journalists, Chief Tajudeen Akinyemi described the nomination as a cheering and a welcoming development, based on the qualities he displayed before and while serving. According to Chief Akinyemi, the commitment and dedication, humility and prompt rendering of service displayed by the Deputy Governor surely won the heart of many and earned him the party Joint tickets with Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa. The s...

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan  Two armed robbery suspects: Damilare Adeniran, 27 and his friend simply identified as Victor, on Tuesday attempted to evade trial by jumping from a two-storey building located within Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court Complex in Ibadan, where they are facing trial. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the duo jumped simultaneously as  Magistrate G. Oladele was about to give the next adjourned date. The police had  charged the duo and three others with conspiracy and armed robbery. According to the prosecutor, Insp Femi Omilana, the five suspects had been remanded by the court since 2023 pending advice of Oyo State Director of Public Prosecution in the case. Omilana alleged that the five suspects robbed some people while armed with guns and other dangerous weapons. “They were remanded since then at the Agodi correctional facility, Ibadan, but were today brought to the court for mentioning of the case and for the court to know the positi...

Sunshine Queens Football Club of Akure will tomorrow square up against Honey Badgers of Markurdi in the Women's President Federation Cup round of 16 at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba.  Sunshine Queens had defeated Green Foot FC of Enugu 3-1 to qualify for the round of 16. The Akure Landladies had twice played against Honey Badgers in recent time, with Sunshine Queens winning 1 and drew 1. Sunshine Queens defeated Honey Badgers 2-1 in the Nigeria Women championship at Remo Stars stadium in Ikenne in 2023, both sides also played  a 2-2 at the Sheroe Cup pre -season tournament held in Abuja same year.  Sunshine Queens had shrugged off the disappointed 2023/24 season, and focused on the oldest cup in the country they won nine years ago. Recalled, Sunshine Queens were the champions of the 2015 Women Federation Cup when they defeated Bayelsa Queens 5-4 in a penalty shoot out after they played 1-1 in the regulation time. One of the assistant  coaches of the team, wh...

BEING A SPEECH BY THE GOVERNOR OF ONDO STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, HON. LUCKY ORIMISAN AIYEDATIWA, AT THE GRAND FINALE OF THE 2024 CHILDREN’S DAY CELEBRATION HELD AT THE GANI FAWEHINMI FREEDOM SQUARE, IGBATORO ROAD, AKURE ON MONDAY, 27TH MAY, 2024 . It is with great delight that I address you, dear promising children and the entire good people of Ondo State at the grand finale of year 2024 Edition of the National Children’s Day Celebration. I congratulate all the children on this special day dedicated annually to honour them and focus on issues bordering on their welfare and general well-being. I am aware that the theme for this year’s celebration is “Building a Brighter Future for Our Children”. I am deeply convinced that this theme must have been carefully chosen having in mind that our children are not just the future leaders; they are the architect of tomorrow’s world. It is, therefore, our collective responsibility to provide them with necessary tools, opportunities, support and guidan...

  By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan  The Oyo State Government through the State Primary Health Care Board, on Monday, rolled out Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination programme to prevent cervical cancer in the state and Nigeria at large. Mrs Tamunominini Makinde, Oyo Governor’s wife, while inaugurating the vaccination programme in Ibadan, said introduction of the HPV vaccine for girls aged nine to 14, was a testament to the government’s mission to improve health of young girls. Makinde, represented by the Oyo Deputy Governor’s wife, Mrs Ajibola Lawal, reiterated the government’s commitment to reducing the burden of cervical cancer in Nigeria and providing girls with a healthier, brighter future. She remarked that the HPV is the primary cause of cervical cancer, which is the fourth most common cancer globally, and the second most common cancer among women in Nigeria. According to her, cervical cancer is a leading cause of death among women in Nigeria. She added that the burd...

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State remains a united and indivisible family, regardless of individual ambitions and differences. Governor Aiyedatiwa stated this during the party's stakeholders meeting on Saturday, attended by leaders of the party from the 18 local government areas of the State, at the International Event Center, The Dome, in Akure. This came as the Independent National Electoeal Commission, INEC, certified the outcome of the APC primary election held on April 20 by publishing the details of Governor Aiyedatiwa as the candidate of the party for the November governorship election.  The electoral body on Saturday pasted the details of all the candidates participating in the governorship election at its head office in Akure. Addressing the party leaders, the Governor stressed the need for unity within the party, stressing that a cohesive and united front is essential for achieving common go...

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan  As the world marks thyroid day, a Consultant-General and Endocrine Surgeon, Dr Adefemi Afolabi, has urged Nigerians not to stigmatise thyroid disease patients. Afolabi, from the University College Hospital, Ibadan, said that thyroid diseases were non-communicable. He spoke  in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Ibadan. Afolabi, also the Founder of Thyroid Care Association of Nigeria, remarked that the theme of 2024 World Thyroid Day –  “Thyroid Diseases are Non-Communicable Disease”  –  was apt. He said that the commemoration would  increase public  awareness about thyroid diseases and their non-communicable nature. “The patient, the family,  philanthropists,  non-government organisations, journalists and, more importantly, the government have roles to play in the regulation of care and improving our healthcare system to prevent diseases and improve outcome of care. “The theme ...

  The people of Ayeka community in Okitipupa local government area of Ondo State have pledged their support for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his administration.  The community leaders, led by Rtd. Gen. Joseph Oluyemi Bajowa, the Jagunmolu of Ikale land and a Prince of Igbotako married to a Princess of Ayeka who is also the Regent of the community, endorsed the candidacy of the Governor for the November 16 governorship election in the State. Speaking during a courtesy visit to the governor in Akure on Friday, Gen. Bajowa said the Governor has done more than enough to earn the trust and support of the people of the State.  He said: "We are here on behalf of the entire Ayeka kingdom to pledge our unalloyed support and to congratulate you on your excellent governance in the State.  "We want to specially commend your leadership style and the remarkable progress and peace that you have brought to Ondo State. We stand firmly behind you." Bajowa also informed the Governor t...

  By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan  A Grade A Customary Court in Ibadan, on Friday, sentenced three motorcyclists to two weeks imprisonment for reckless driving. The motorcyclists, whose addresses were not provided, are Soliu Mohammed, 35, Babatunde Busari, 32, and Dauda Olatunbosun, 42. The court summarily tried and convicted them for reckless driving after they pleaded guilty to the charge. The Court President, Mrs Mojisola Aworemi, sentenced them to two weeks imprisonment at  the Agodi custodial facility, Ibadan. Aworemi, however, gave them an option of three-hour daily community service for a week. She also ordered them to pay N10, 000 fine. Earlier, the prosecutor, Mr Philip Amusan, told the court that the motorcyclists committed the offence on May 22, at about 1.45 p.m. at Dugbe area, Ibadan. Amusan said that the motorcyclists drove recklessly on a public highway and obstructed free passage of vehicles even while carrying passengers. He said that the offence contra...

Again, scores of Anti-Corruption Civil Society Organisations have kicked against what they described as the perceived use of the platform of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission by politicians to fight their political battles. They said this during an emergency Press conference on Friday, in reaction to a joint press conference by "a civil society organisation and a group, which called itself Kogites United Against Corruption Coalition." The frontline CSOs, led by the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, CACOL, wondered why a few Nigerians were not seeing the persecution in the current case against the former Governor of Kogi State, considering the anomaly in the undending calls for arrest, mainly by members of the opposition party in the state, in collaboration with alleged sponsored CSOs, when the matter was before the courts. According to them, the line-up of lawyers, both at the Tribunal and as seen on the current charge sheet against the former Governo...

A distinguished figure in Economics, Professor Mary Modupe Fasoranti is set to deliver the 24th Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria.  The lecture, titled, "Rural Poverty: Incapacitating the Hydra-headed Monster", is scheduled for Tuesday, May 28, 2024. According to a statement by the Chairman of the University Ceremonies Committee and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Admin.), Prof. Adebisi Daramola, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, will chair the event.  The lecture will take place at the University Multipurpose Hall, commencing at 2:00 pm, with guests urged to be seated by 1:30 pm. Prof. Modupe Fasoranti's academic journey includes earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics, followed by a Master's degree in Economics both from University of Benin, Benin City, in 1983 and 1987, respectively, and obtained a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Agric Economics from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Ondo...