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Ahead of the new year and his inauguration on February 24, 2025, Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has approved the implementation of one of the critical components of his campaign promises to the people of the State: enhanced road infrastructure.    As part of the ‘OUR EASE’ mandate, the Governor last week gave approval, with the release of funds, for the reconstruction, asphalt overlay and rehabilitation of over 50 selected township roads across the 18 local government areas of the State. Speaking on the development, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Pastor Ayoade Babalola, said Governor Aiyedatiwa noted that investing in road infrastructure is essential for building a strong foundation for transportation system, driving economic growth and improving quality of life.  Babalola said: “It is no longer news that in the last few months contracts for the asphalt overlay of 60km road projects across the state had since commenced followi...

Sunshine Stars Football Club players and Officials have proceeded on a mid-season break to spend some with their families. The management of the team approved the break, in Akure following the team’s return from their matchday 19 tie against Ikorodu City in Lagos. The break begins on Friday, 30th December and ends on Sunday, 5th January 2025. President of the club, Bamidele  Ologunloluwa, commending the players for their efforts during the first stanza of the season, which placed them in 15th on the log called for a moderate celebration during the holiday. He equally thanked Ondo State government for throwing his full weight behind the club. "I appreciate our sports-loving Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his support. I also thank and commend our tireless fans for standing by the team through thick and thin," he said. Speaking further, he acknowledged the challenges the team faced, playing away from their traditional home ground in Akure. "The renovation of our stadium is ...

The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa on Friday led the state in honouring the legacies of his predecessor, late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, during the maiden edition of the Akeredolu Leadership Lecture Series held at the International Culture and Events Centre (The Dome), in Akure.  The event was themed “Security Sector Reform in Promoting Peace, Stability, and Development: The Ondo State Example.” Speaking with deep emotion, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the day as one filled with mixed feelings.  He said: “Today, we gather on the threshold of history, with mixed feelings, in commemoration of the first anniversary of the glorious but painful exit of our leader and mentor, the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu. On that unforgettable day, 27th December 2023, mountains moved and the earth shook at the loss of the icon and courageous statesman who emptied himself in service to our dear Sunshine State and humanity. “Arakunrin...

The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has emphasized his administration’s unwavering commitment to the advancement of justice and the welfare of judicial officers in the state.  Speaking during the flag-off ceremony for the construction of the new High Court Complex (Judiciary Village) along Oba Osupa Road in Akure, on Friday, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the project as a historic milestone for Ondo State. The Governor announced that the mega project will be named after the former Governor of the State, late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, under whose leadership the vision for the project was conceived.  The Governor said: “This is a milestone celebration as we flag off the construction of a New High Court Complex in our dear state. Since the creation of Ondo State in 1976, no attempt has been made to provide a modern edifice for the administration of justice. Today, we are not only making history but also fulfilling a long-standing dream o...

Ilawole Taiwo Samuel has issued a heartfelt commendation for Dr. Afiz Ogun Oluwatoyin, the Director General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), recognizing his outstanding leadership and impactful initiatives in the informal sector.  Samuel particularly praised Dr. Ogun for his role in launching the Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) program, which has significantly empowered over 3,700 youths across Nigeria, providing them with essential vocational skills and fostering entrepreneurship. Ilawole Taiwo Samuel is a prominent youth advocate dedicated to mobilizing Nigerian youth for social, political, and economic development Samuel expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing such a capable leader, noting that Dr. Ogun's vision aligns seamlessly with the Presidency's renewed hope agenda.  Under his stewardship, the ITF has revitalized its operations, enhancing awareness about training initiatives and creating pathways out of youth unemployment. The SUPA program exe...

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan   The Bishop of the Ibadan Anglican Diocese, Most Rev. Joseph Akinfenwa, has urged Nigerians to embrace a stronger productivity culture as they enter 2025 . Akinfenwa gave the advice in his Christmas message, which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Wednesday. He urged Nigerians never to lose hope but to prepare to embrace the new season of abundance coming for the nation in 2025. “It is therefore necessary for us to begin to position ourselves (spiritually and psychologically) to make the best use of the new possibilities God will offer the nation in the nearest future. “We urge all to spend this season in deep spiritual introspection; listening to the Lord for insight on what should be our respective roles in the new Nigeria that shall soon emerge. “So, it’s a call for improved productivity, as God’s word says the Lord shall bless our handworks while the lazy ones will go hungry. “Notwithstanding the myriad system...

The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has urged the people of the state to spread the virtues of love, kindness, and generosity at Christmas. Governor Aiyedatiwa in a message to the people of the State congratulated them on witnessing another Christmas celebrations, urging them to embrace modesty during the Yuletide season.  “Christmas is not just a day; it is a frame of mind. A good conscience is a continual Christmas. Our celebration must embody the virtues and principles of Christ, for Jesus Christ is the reason for this season. “This season is a testament to divine goodwill towards mankind, unfolding the great plan of redemption, worship, and praise to the Almighty God for His benevolence,” he said. Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude for the blessings God has poured over Ondo State to overcome many challenges.  On a reflection on the past year, the Governor thanked the people of the State for their support for his administration which clocks one ...

As part of its continued efforts to support widows and the vulnerable, ADVATANN Care Foundation, in collaboration with Uplifting Power Key (UPK) Foundation, extended a helping hand to widows and vulnerable individuals in Akure. The gesture, marked by distribution of foodstuffs and medical checkup to the beneficiaries, was to cushion the harsh economic realities in the country and provide support to them for  Christmas and the New Year festivals.  The event marks the fourth edition of ADVATANN's charitable initiative, aimed at alleviating hardship and spreading joy during Christmas. The event also received support from other organisations, including HOWGA, a human development NGO. The founder of ADVATANN Care Foundation, Ayanfe Beloved Adeyemi, emphasised the organisation's commitment to supporting the less privileged.  "Today, our foundation is giving back to the society like we always do and our focus is on providing food for widows and orphans. Also for those that are u...

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan   A legal practitioner, Mr Oluwatobi Fatoki, has condemned the parents involved in throwing children over the fence to collect palliatives as witnessed in Wednesday’s funfair tragedy in Ibadan. Fatoki, a former spokesperson, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan Branch, said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Tuesday that such parents were culpable. NAN recalls 35 children died on Wednesday in a funfair stampede at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan. Fatoki emphasised that the act of throwing or aiding children over the fence to collect palliatives was outrightly illegal and injurious. “Such a parent should be held culpable for the death of any child who dies in the process; the paramount interest of a child should be the major concern of any parent. “Parents and guardians should live up to the responsibility to protect their wards. We have lost national ethics according to the constitution. “Government should en...

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan  The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo, Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo, has advised Christians and Nigerians in general to do away with hypocrisy, deceit and selfishness. Badejo gave the advice in his Christmas message made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Tuesday. The Catholic bishop called on the Christian faithful to live out the true Christmas, expressed in love, solidarity, generosity, restoration, reparation and reconciliation. “At Christmas, Jesus invites us all to become truly human by being answerable to God for our brothers and sisters who are in need. “The outstretched hands of baby Jesus invites us to embrace His humility, His authentic Christmas today calls us to focus less on pleasure for ourselves and work more for the pleasure of all. “That is when Christmas joy will really stay with us and transform our entire world. “Let’s believe that it’s possible for all to be happy and work it out,” Badejo said. Badejo...

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan  A medical practitioner, Dr Muhammed Odedeji, has warned that gathering large numbers of people in a small place can be a risk factor for transmissible infections, especially among children. Odedeji disclosed this on Monday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan, following Wednesday’s stampede at a children’s funfair at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan. NAN recalls the stampede led to the death of 35 children, leaving others injured. Odedeji, the Medical Director of Ashamby Hospital, Moniya, Ibadan, remarked that the event’s venue was not ideal for hosting such a crowd. He said that with 5,000 people at the venue, respiratory tract infections could spread easily, more so during the current dusty harmattan period. “Medically, it’s bad to have that number of children gathering in such a micro-environment, as overcrowding is a risk factor for a number of transmissible infections. “For instance, among the 5,000 children, i...

In response to the recent spike in tragedies across the country, and in a bid to enhance public safety and order during gatherings across Ondo State, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, OON, SAN, has issued a series of directives outlining improved crowd control measures .   The guidelines, documented in Directive No. 01-1224, are aimed at regulating public gatherings and ensuring the protection of lives and property during events.   These directives are anchored in the powers vested in the Attorney General under Section 195 of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), Sections 62 and 95 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Ondo State 2015, and Sections 2 and 4 of the Nigeria Police Act 2020.   Dr. Ajulo emphasized that the guidelines prioritize public safety while respecting citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly.   The Directives   1. Assessment of Crowds:  - Law enforc...

Promise Awosanmi came to the rescue as Sunshine Stars Football Club of Akure strolled past El-Kanemi Warriors in the match day 18 tie of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).  The Owena Whales waited till the 84th minute before breaking the deadlock through Promise Awosanmi who beat goalkeeper George Abine from Elmer Arunta's pass. Sunshine Stars started the encounter on a bright note with  good exchange of passes but were unable to find the back of the net despite creating goal scoring opportunities in the first half. All efforts from the visitors  to break the brick wall of Sunshine Stars defence in the second half was resisted by the backline coordinated by team captain Chidozie Iwundu and assisted by Adebayo Alimi and Yusuf Olowoshile. Opeoluwa Olufemi thought he had given the home team the lead in the 68th minute only to see his short parried away by Abine.  El kanemi Warriors were reduced to ten men in the 78th minute as one their players received the marchin...

By Our Correspondent All roads lead to the Royal Ranch, Ayede Ogbese in Akure North local government area, for the celebration of the yuletide season.  Newsline NG learnt that the celebration is also to commemorate the life and legacy of HRM the late Alaiyeluwa Rev. Oba Ajibola Olaleye Oluyede,  The event which was earlier scheduled to hold on Saturday, November 30, 2024 will be will held tomorrow, Monday, December 23, 2024  Notably, the Regent of Ayede Ogbese, Her Royal Highness Dr. Olufunto Oluyede-Campbell (a United States accomplished Medical Practitioner) shall, on the grand occasion, provide All-Day Community Health and Wellness Checks gratis to all and sundry. The widely-acclaimed event is organized annually under the auspices of HRH Olori Olufunmilayo Ajibola-Oluyede, the town’s altruistic, globally-renowned queen. As in previous years, the 2024 august occasion promises to be yet another impactfully memorable one, with dignitaries attending from far and wide. New...

By Sunday Afolayan, Chairman, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Ondo State Chapter & Lecturer, Department of Journalism and Media Studies, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Nigeria TITLE: Beyond Bereavement AUTHOR: Kemi Kehinde-Dare PUBLISHER: Blackgrafix Int’l Ltd., Ibadan NO OF PAGES: 81 PRICE: Not Stated Beyond Bereavement is a fast-paced account of hope and despair, love and pains - a story of deep affection that ended sorrowfully without notice. It is an emotion-laden narrative written in lucid prose by a young lady – Kemi, who fell in love and later got married to the desire of her heart – an enterprising young fella - Brother Niyi, with whom she shared some intimate childhood background in the same compound in Lagos, many years before their marriage.  More sadly than she could have ever imagined, what the writer thought was going to be a life-long partnership, with high hopes and expectations, suddenly crashed, leaving her broken and devastated – no thanks to the painful...

The acting Director, Information and Public Relations Unit of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mrs. Caroline Williams Embu has felicitated with the family of Professor Oluayo and Mrs. Olufunso Olusoji during their daughter's traditional wedding.  The Director, who is the Chief Image Maker of the noble Scheme prayed that the conjugal blessings will be permanent for Oluwatosin Pearl Olusoji as she promised to live the rest of her life with her heartthrob, Oluwasina Clement Adejube. Embu, who specially rejoiced with Mrs. Olufunso Olanike Olusoji, the Deputy Director, Publicity at the Directorate Headquarters, Abuja said that it is usually an amazing feeling for parents to witness the day of their children's solemnization. "I want to rejoice with my dear sister and colleague, Mrs. Olufunso and her husband, Professor Oluayo Olusoji, for being alive today to give out their daughter hand in marriage. Not everyone that desire this witness this. We are grateful that the wil...

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan  The Association of Orphanages and Homes Operators in Nigeria (ASOHON), South-West Zone, has called for increased oversight and enforcement of safety standards at public events. ASOHON South-West Coordinator, Dr Rosemary Odigbo, made the call in a statement issued in Ibadan on Saturday following Wednesday’s stampede at a children’s funfair. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that 35 children died in the stampede at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, the venue of the funfair. Odigbo also called for mandatory safety audits and emergency response plans. She urged relevant authorities to conduct thorough inquiries to uncover the root causes of the tragedy. Odigbo added that the organisers should be held accountable and prosecuted for gross negligence and endangerment of lives. According to her, the families of the deceased children must be adequately compensated, while medical and psychological support must be provided to all affected victims...

By Our Correspondent  All appears set as the illustrious Akenneyin Royal Dynasty is set to hold its one-of-a-kind 2024 End-of-Year Get-together Party in grandstyle  The event is scheduled to commence on Saturday, December 28, 2024 at the ancient palace in Ode-Mahin, Ilaje Local Government of Ondo State by 11am  Newsline NG learnt that the event is purposely designed to bring together eminent members of the family from far and wide to share memorable experience for its distinguished family members, whilst simultaneously fostering a sense of filial fellowship in an atmosphere of uninhibited amity with world-class entertainment, sumptuous gourmet food, choice wines and enjoyment galore. The Olori Ebi of the Akenneyin Dynasty, High Chief Lennard Oluyoye Ifayemi while giving a historical background of the legendary prestigious family reiterated that the main objective of the get-together is to encourage enduring, cordial relations among family members and to strengthen the pla...

As part of the present administration’s commitment to enhancing food security and supporting the agriculture sector in the State, the Ondo State Government on Friday distributed Agrochemicals to some selected farmers groups in the state. Some of the farmers groups that benefited from the free agrochemicals included Young Farmers Group, Agbeladun and All sunshine youth agricultural empowerment association.  While distributing the chemical, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture  and Agribusiness, Mr Wemimo Akinsola said that the present administration under the leadership of Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa would continue to support farmers and make the agricultural sector more attractive and profitable. He explained that arrangements have been concluded by the government to make more land available and accessible to the farmers across the state. Mr Akinsola noted that the recently signed Executive Orders by Mr Governor would further help the Agency to make more land ...

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Oyo State has called for speedy investigation and the discharge of justice to victims and survivors of Wednesday’s funfair tragedy in Ibadan. The FIDA Oyo State chairperson, Mrs Ademubowale Adelabu, made the call in a statement issued in Ibadan on Friday. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls a stampede at a children’s funfair, held at Islamic High School Bashorun, Ibadan, on Wednesday, claimed 35 lives and left many injured. The event was reportedly organised by Naomi Silekunola (former Ooni of Ife’s wife) in partnership with Agidigbo Radio Station, Ibadan. Adelabu urged the government to take proactive measures to ensure justice for victims, mindful of the police promise to oversee and investigate the incident. She says FIDA Oyo State stands in solidarity with the families who lost one or more members of their family at the funfair. Adelabu alleged that the organisers might have poorly coordinated the e...

Professor Comfort Akinfolarin, a distinguished scholar in Educational Management, has, on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, underscored the indispensable role of resource management in fostering qualitative and functional education . Prof. Akinfolarin made the submissinnon while delivering the 31st Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, titled, “Resource Management: A Catalyst for Qualitative and Functional Education. Noting the foundational importance of resources in all aspects of life, including homes and schools, Prof. Akinfolarin stated, "Functional and qualitative education makes a nation worthy of development; hence, the availability, utilization, and maintenance of resources are paramount."  She emphasised education as a pivotal factor in national progress, calling for collective efforts from individuals, philanthropists, parents, religious institutions, government, non-governmental organizations, and international agencies to sustain and grow Niger...

The Federal Capital Territory High Court, on Thursday, granted the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, bail in the sum of N500 million with three sureties in like sum . Justice Maryann Anenih had, on December 10, refused the ex-governor's bail application, saying it was filed prematurely.  While delivering the initial ruling, she said, having been filed when the 1st defendant was neither in custody nor before the court, the instant application was incompetent. There was, however room for the governor's lawyers to file a fresh application for bail and apply for hearing date. The former governor is facing an alleged money laundering trial to the tune of N110bn, along with two others. He had pleaded not guilty to the 16-count charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.  When the case was called for hearing, on Thursday, Counsel for the former governor, Joseph Daudu, SAN, informed the court that the defence counsels had filed a fur...