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Author: Segun Giwa

  • Ondo to get new stadium soon, says Aiyedatiwa

    Representative of Gov. Aiyedatiwa, Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami, leading the Olympic Day Run event

    Stadium

    By Segun Giwa

    Akure,June 29,2024 (NAN) Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo said on Saturday that plans were on to construct a brand new stadium in the state to help nurture talents who would represent the state and the country at international competitions.

    Aiyedatiwa made this known in his speech at an event to commemorate the 2024 Olympic Day Run held at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the event featuring Olympians, sports men and women started from the Government House and terminated at the state sports complex.

    The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Olayide Adelam, said efforts were in top gear to ensure that work commenced at the site of the new stadium to ease the pressure placed on the old stadium.

    He promised that the state would continue to support the objectives of the Olympic celebration which among others was to promote national unity and grassroots sports development in the country.

    “Efforts are on to award the contract of the new stadium at Araromi in Akure to curb the over stretching of facilities at the Ondo State Sports Complex and to enhance sports development in the state.

    “The contract for the upgrading of Akure township stadium has been awarded by the state government to a reputable contractor to make the facilities meet international standards for the use of the sports loving people of Ondo state.

    “Other mini stadia in Ondo, Ikare and Ile Oluji will also be awarded soon to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people.

    “Our administration will continue to give necessary priority to sports,” he said.

    Aiyedatiwa said his administration was determined to give the state a befitting stadium and that he would prioritise sports and also pay attention to the welfare of athletes.

    He described sports as a good avenue for social interaction and integration amongst youths.

    “Sports is very dear to our hearts in Ondo and our administration will not relent in its efforts to engage the people in sporting activities for health benefits and as a chosen career where we gainfully employ the youth,” he said.

    In his welcome address, Mr Saka Ogunleye, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, said the sustainability of the event was a clear indication that sport remained a veritable instrument for the promotion of global peace.

    “The extension of the event to Ondo State is a clear indication that sports promote global peace.

    “We are committed to prioritise sports and engage the youths in a meaningful way through sporting activities. Sports facilities are upgraded all over the state.

    “Our target is to ensure that our athletes are able to compete with their counterparts outside the state and win laurels and go further to thereby represent Nigeria in international competitions.”

    The representative of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Mr Sylvester Ikuejamoye, in his remarks, noted that sporting activities keep the mind and body strong.

    Ikuejamoye also said that healthy living can also be gotten through sports. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    GSD/ISHO/EMAF
    ==============
    Edited by Yinusa Ishola and Emmanuel Afonne

  • Sunshine Stars, Queens get 3-week break

    Break

    By Segun Giwa

    Akure,June 27,2024 (NAN) The management of Sunshine Stars and Sunshine Queens on Thursday announced a three-week break for both teams after the conclusion of the 2023/2024 season.

    The State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, made the announcement at a meeting with players and officials of both teams and relevant stakeholders.

    Yusuf-Ogunleye also commended the players, coaches, supporters club of both teams as well as sport writers and the tactical rescue committee, for a job well done.

    Yusuf-Ogunleye had put in place a tactical rescue committee, comprising professionals when he resumed office as the commissioner, with the mandate to take the team out of red zone.

    Sunshine Stars finished 10th on the NPFL log with 52 points.

    ”We are not going to play politics with selection of players for Sunshine Stars and Sunshine Queens next season.

    ”We will always go for best legs that will return us to where are supposed to be among the comity of teams in the country.

    ”Everybody must be on their toes ,no politics, no sentiment, everybody must perform their duties effectively.

    ”We will start preparation for a better season, we must be more serious this time; we can play continental next season, teams that qualified are not better than us,” he said.

    Also, the Administrative Secretary of Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA), Mr Ijeh Bekewei, described the just concluded NPFL season as a very challenging one for the teams.

    ”We thank God that we are able to surmount the challenges, we are going to start on a good note next season,” he said.

    All the stakeholders at the meeting urged the management of the teams to start preparation for next season early.

    They also urged the teams’ management to prioritise the welfare of the players and officials.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    GSD/DOE
    =======
    Edited by Dianabasi Effiong

  • Ondo: LIFE-ND empowers 3500 youths in agriculture

     

    Group photograph after the event

     

    Ondo: LIFE-ND empowers 3500 youths in agriculture

    Empowerment
    By Segun Giwa
    Akure, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Coordinator of Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises Project for the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND), says about 3,500 youths in Ondo State have been empowered through its agricultural programmes.

    The National Project Coordinator of the project, Mr Sanni Abiodun stated this during a courtesy visit to the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in Akure on Thursday.

    Abiodun said the project is in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Federal Government and the host state.

    He said the project is currently in its fifth year.

    “The LIFE-ND team is in the state for the 4th joint supervision mission.

    “The team will inspect ongoing project sites of already empowered youths, ranging from fishery to poultry, cassava mills and market stalls, among others,” he said.

    Abiodun described LIFE-ND as an agro-entrepreneurship project with the sole aim of ensuring food security and enhancing income generation in the nation.

    Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Mr Olayide Adelami, thanked the team for “a productive partnership” with the state government.

    The governor reiterated the commitment of the state government to do more in agriculture.

    He said that food production and youth empowerment are key on his agenda. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    GSD/CEO/IKU
    Edited by Chidi Opara/Tayo Ikujuni

     

     

  • We’ve not abandoned construction of new stadium -Aiyedatiwa

    We’ve not abandoned construction of new Stadium -Aiyedatiwa

    The contractor Mike Aremu(on the left) receiving the handover letter from the Commissioner for Sports, Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye

    Construction

    By Segun Giwa

    Akure, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, on Wednesday, said that the government has no plan to abandon the construction of a new stadium in Akure.

     

    The governor, however, did not elaborate on the construction of the new stadium, which was first mooted and approved by the government of the late Gov. Olusegun Agagu, two decades  ago.

     

    Aiyedatiwa said this at the official handing over of the Ondo State Sports Complex in Akure to the contractor awarded the renovation of the  facility – Reform Sports West Africa .

     

    The governor, represented at the ceremony by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, said that the old stadium nevertheless need to to be renovated, likewise the ones in Ondo, Ore, Okitipupa and other part of the state.

    According to him, this was in line with his vision to develop sports talents at the grassroots.

    Aiyedatiwa urged the contractor handling the project to deliver within the specified time frame.

    “I want you to resume work here next Monday, there is no room for wasting of time.

    “Work must resume immediately, I will have to relocate my office to this place.

    “Your company is a reputable organisations,we have been working with you since 2012, as you laid this same turf and we have no doubt in our minds that you will deliver as expected,” he said.

    The governor said that the renovation work was expected to be completed before the beginning of the next football season.

    Also, the Chairman Of Ondo State Football Association, Chief Dele Ajayi, commended the governor for approving the renovation of the stadium.

    Ajayi said that when the stadium was completed, one of the national team’s top flight matches would be brought to Akure.

    The Chief Executive Officer of Reform Sports West Africa, Mr Michael Adamu, said his company would strive to deliver a quality job and meet up with the agreed date of delivery.

    “We are a lucky organisation, remember immediately we delivered in 2012 Sunshine Stars played in the continent.

    With God on our side, such era will return after we have delivered again,” he said

    Also, the Project Manager of the company, Mr Arnold Nosa, said areas to be renovated include; the main pitch, Basketball court, Volleyball and Handball courts.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    GSD/AOS

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    Edited by Bayo Sekoni

     

  • NDLEA seizes 10,000kg of marijuana, secures conviction of 241 suspects in Ondo

     

    NDLEA seizes 10000kg of marijuana, secures conviction of 241 suspects in Ondo

    The NDLEA Commander addressing students before sensitisation walk in Akure

     

    Rehabilitation

    By Segun Giwa

    Akure, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), on Wednesday, said it sezed 10,000 kg of marijuana and secured the conviction of 241 suspects in Ondo State between June 2023 and May 2024.

    The NDLEA Narcotics Commander in Ondo State, Mr Kayode Raji, said this after a sensitisation walk around parts of Akure metropolis to commemorate the 2024 United Nations Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

    Raji said that the command during the period under review also rehabilitated over 20 persons and counselled 18 others through its drug demand reduction programme in the state.

    The Narcotics Commander said that 120 farmers cultivating marijuana on farmlands in different parts of the state were also arrested.

    Raji said that the agency’s programmes across its areas of command in the state was with the objective of bringing awareness to the doorstep of everybody.

    According to him, the agency is investing more into prevention of Illicit drug usage and planting, rather than announcement of numbers of arrests made.

    “The joy in rehabilitation of drug dependant persons is that we don’t just rehabilitate and send them back to the society, we follow up on them, so that they don’t fall back to their old ways,” the commander said.

    An NDLEA Ambassador and National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) official, Mr Seyi Ogundipe, said the day was important because of its objective to save youths from consumption of illicit drugs.

    Ogundipe said that the national students body would continue to advocate a drug free society.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is: “Evidence is Clear, Invest In Prevention.”

    The United Nations declared June 26 annually the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking to focus attention on the menace. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    GSD/CEO/AOS

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    Edited by Chidi Opara/Bayo Sekoni

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • ASUU strike: NANS appeals to lecturers, FG to shift ground

    ASUU strike: NANS appeals to lecturers, FG to shift ground

    NANS
    By Segun Giwa
    Akure,June 23,2024 (NAN) National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) has appealed to the Federal Government and Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU) to find common grounds to prevent disruption in the academic calendar.

    The NANS Senate President, Mr Henry Okunomo, stated this on Sunday in Akure at a news briefing.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ASUU had issued a three-week ultimatum to the Federal Government over some outstanding demands.

    According to Okunomo, the association is appealing to the Federal Government to take immediate and decisive action to prevent disruption in the educational sector by preventing any strike.

    He also urged President Bola Tinubu to allocate sufficient resources to the educational sector to improve infrastructure, provide necessary teaching aids, and ensure timely payment of salaries and benefits to lecturers.

    He said that establishing a continuous platform for dialogue between the government, university administrators and lecturers to address grievances before escalation was important to prevent academic disruption.

    “We are all acutely aware of the recurring disruptions caused by strikes in our universities.

    “These strikes, often as a result of unresolved issues between university lecturers and the government, have profound and far reaching consequences on the educational journey of countless students.

    “It is with a heavy heart and a determined spirit that I address this pressing issue today, appealing to the government to take immediate and effective steps to prevent our lecturers resorting to another strike.

    “We, the students, are the primary stakeholders in this situation. Our voices, hopes, and futures hang in the balance.

    “We are counting on the government to act decisively and with a sense of urgency to prevent the devastating impact of another strike.

    “We appeal to our lecturers to also embrace dialogue and shift ground where necessary to avoid collapse of the education system,” he said.

    Okunomo concluded that it would be disastrous for university lecturers to shut down the universities with an industrial action when the country is battling economic hardship. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    GSD/AYO/IKU
    Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Tayo Ikujuni

  • Ondo Govt., NDDC to partner on youth development – says State Commissioner

    Ondo Govt., NDDC to partner on youth development – says State Commissioner

    Partnership
    By Segun Giwa
    Akure, June 22, 2024 (NAN) Ondo State Government says it is poised to partner with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on ways to implement more empowerment programmes for the youths of the state.

    The Ondo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, said this when he paid a courtesy visit to the commission’s Executive Director of Corporate Services, Mr Ifedayo Abegunde, in his Akure country home on Saturday.

    According to the commissioner, the present government in the state wants the youths to be engaged actively to reduce social vices.

    “We are here to inform you about our plan to visit your office in Port Harcourt and we felt it won’t be a good thing for you to see us in your office without you having pre- knowledge of our visit.

    “I don’t want to be seen as a commissioner for football, I am for all sports and we also want to ensure that our youths are positively engaged.

    “We will continue to engage critical stakeholders on how to empower our youths and take them away from social vices,” Yusuf-Ogunleye said.

    Responding, Abegunde lauded the commissioner for the steps he was taking to collaborate with the commission.

    He said that youth empowerment was part of the mandate of NDDC, adding that it was the responsibility of the commission to make the leaders of tomorrow self-reliant.

    He urged the youths in the state to register in the NDDC database programme, tagged Holistic Opportunity Project of Engagement.

    “What you are here for is part of our commission’s responsibility and I will ensure that this collaboration is successful.

    “I promise to inform my chairman that your ministry is coming,” he said.

    The commissioner, who inspected the skill acquisition centers in Akure, promised to put the facility in use as soon as possible for the benefit of the youths. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    GSD/OJI/USO
    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Sam Oditah

     

     

  • Ondo Govt. reacts to judgment nullifying 33 LCDAs

     

    Ondo Govt. reacts to judgment nullifying 33 LCDAs

    Judgment

    By Segun Giwa

    Akure,June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Ondo State Government says necessary legal action will be taken on the judgment nullifying the creation of the 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.

    The government’s reaction is contained in a statement by the Attorney General of Ondo State, Mr Kayode Ajulo SAN, made available to  newsmen on Friday in Akure.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice A.O Adebusuoye, of the state High Court had in a judgment on Thursday described the creation of the LCDAs as unlawful.

    The court said it was illegal for a governor to sign a law outside the State.

    The court said that the Local Government Creation Law 2023 signed by the late Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu in Ibadan was unconstitutional, illegal, null and void.

    The statement said the government has taken cognizance of Ondo State High Court’s judgment and had requested for a Certified True Copy of it.

    Ajulo said after it was studied and analysed, a legal opinion would be presented to the state government.

    “Subsequently, all necessary measures, in accordance with our laws, will be taken to safeguard the interests of our citizens, foster peaceful coexistence, and uphold the rule of law.

    “The Attorney General remains steadfast in his commitment to prioritizing the well-being and welfare of our citizens, working tirelessly to ensure that justice and the law are served,” the statement said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    GSD/AOS

    ==========

    Edited by Bayo Sekoni

    07037659369

     

  • Ondo 2024: I will support Aiyedatiwa despite my grievances – Olusola Oke

     

    Ondo 2024: I will support Aiyedatiwa despite my grievances – Olusola Oke

    Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Chief Olusola Oke at Oke’s residence

     

    Election
    By Segun Giwa
    Akure, June 20, 2023 (NAN) Chief Olusola Oke, an aspirant in the April 20 All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary in Ondo State, has promised to support the party’s candidate for the Nov. 16 election, despite his grievances.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State emerged as the candidate of the party in the primary, which had 15 other aspirants.

    Oke, who disclosed this while playing host to Aiyedatiwa on Thursday in Akure, said he decided not to challenge the outcome of the primary in court due to his respect for the party.

    “I will not gain anything if I go to court, win, and the party does not have a candidate, so I will prefer APC to be in power.

    “Especially, when the candidate is my brother from the same ward in Ilaje Local Government, it is better than to have the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Agboola Ajayi, win the election.

    “Alhough, I had planned to contest and win and invite the governor to come and support me, but it did not work out as I planned, because God knows best.

    “You recall that we met twice after the primary, if I wanted to fight, there are several ways to fight.

    “We would have gone to court and we will not have a candidate like the Zamfara case, if my prayers are granted.

    “I am not an emergency politician who will go out to hire crowds, I have aspired to be governor four times,” he said.

    Oke advised the governor not to treat members of the party who did not support him in the primary as outcasts.

    “Call your people to order so that we can win together. Let me remind you that people are not smiling because of our party policies.

    “You promised me in the next government after winning that deserving members will be included,” he said.

    Reacting, Aiyedatiwa, who commended Oke for his stance and support, said “all that transpired was part of the democratic process.”

    According to him, there are no camps in APC in the state, promising to treat all members equally and with equity.

    The governor said Oke had demonstrated “uncommon interest and maturity with his gesture for following up his words with actions.

    “I have not been offended in anyway, even in my ward, some did not support me.

    “If we had that in our family, what about the whole state. What you have done is democratic. I endorse all that was said by you.

    “In any political gathering, there are three interests; personal interest, community interest and party interest. Without your party being in government, you can hardly fulfil the interests.

    “You won’t be an outcast in our party and I thank you for believing in me,” the governor said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    GSD/AYO/IKU
    Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Tayo Ikujuni

     

     

     

  • We’re committed to food security -Aiyedatiwa

     

    We’re committed to food security -Aiyedatiwa

    Food

    By Segun Giwa

    Akure,June 20, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State says his administration is committed to food security and welfare of the people of the state.

    Aiyedatiwa stated this during the flag-off of the second phase of distribution of palliatives and farm implements to beneficiaries in Akure on Thursday.

    The governor said that the initiative was in line with the government’s plan and commitment to ensure food security and stabilty in the  state, especially in view of the challenges occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy.

    Aiyedatiwa appealed to traders and other service providers to shun exploitative practices, adding that there was a need for empathy and compassion in business dealings.

    He said that the government had constituted  an Agriculture and Food Security Committee in combating food insecurity,  lauding their previous successes and ongoing efforts.

    The governor said that the second phase of the palliatives entails distribution of 24,000 bags of rice, 14,040 bags of maize, 3,440 bags of garri.

    “Others are over 170 farm tricycles, tillers and Canoes – implements, aimed at benefiting various groups across the state,” he said.

    The governor assured the people of more welfare packages and stressed the need to leverage on local resources for agricultural production.

    “Our administration is undoubtedly committed to regular interventions and activities towards alleviating sufferings, hunger and ensuring massive availability of food supply in the state.

    “I call on us all to refrain from shylock tendencies to exploit others, not minding the implication of such actions on the economy and people’s welfare.

    “Specifically, I call on our Iya-lojas,
    Baba-lajes, farmers associations, transport management bodies and all other production and trade organisations in Ondo State and Nigeria at large.

    “They should encourage their members, to start bringing down prices of food, goods and services,” he said.

    Aiyedatiwa also thanked all agricultural stakeholders for their support and expressed confidence that collaborative efforts would improve Ondo State and Nigeria.

    Earlier, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Mr Olayato Aribo, said that food security was one of the primary responsibilities of governments.

    He urged beneficiaries to use the distributed items judiciously, adding that the distribution would continue and reach all local governments, farmers, and individuals. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    GSD/AYO/AOS

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    Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Bayo Sekoni