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Author: Segun Giwa

  • Ondo Govt. inaugurates youth body in agriculture

    Agriculture
    By Segun Giwa
    Akure, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Ondo State Government, on Wednesday, inaugurated the Sunshine Youth Agricultural Empowerment Association, a group of youths involved in different agricultural value chain in the state.

    In a speech at the event in Akure, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Mr Olayato Aribo, said he was happy that youths were showing interested in going into agriculture “at a time many of them are involved in different vices”.

    Aribo described agriculture as “the easiest job” and “one of the easiest ways to get rich quickly”.

    He identified the huge gap between the old farmers and current generation as part of the problems hampering the country’s quest to attain food sufficiency.

    He, therefore, urged the association to keep the flag flying in their chosen areas of agricultural value chain and assured them of government’s imminent intervention.

    “I am happy that all of you cut across all the different value chain of the business.

    “I am happy that you came together. Agriculture is the easiest job to do

    “If you want to be rich, you have to be self-employed.

    “And farming is the first business that was set up by God. The most prominent job in the Bible.

    “I will advise you that agriculture is not for lazy men.

    “If you want to be in agriculture, you must be genuinely interested.

    “Farmers are the greatest people with faith, they believe that there will be good weather, growth and harvest.

    “Now that I have seen you, my hope is rekindled, so please don’t disappoint me.

    “We will, as a government, try as much as possible to be there for you.

    “We must see that you are there. If you are doing very well, intervention will come looking for you.

    “We will be happy to use you as an encouragement to others,” Aribo said.

    Earlier, the Chairman of the association, Mr Femi Eniola, said It became necessary as youths to speak with one voice, adding that the group posed no threat to any other associations.

    Eniola said that the association was going to do what was right, in terms of food production and sufficiency, to put the state on the map of leading food producers in the country.

    “We are not here to pose a threat or act as if we don’t know that there are other associations in the state, we only want our voice to be heard.

    “And it became necessary to be here and speak with one voice

    “We are going to do what is right and will make the state proud,” he said.

    Other executive members included  Vice President Boluwaji Enahoro, Dr Iredele Sort (Secretary), Kemi Afolabi (Financial Secretary) and  Oluwole Olugbode (Welfare Coordinator), amongst others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    GSD/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

     

  • Finidi’s resignation will pave way for a better tactician-Ologbese

    Finidi’s resignation will pave way for a better tactician, Ologbese says

    Resignation

    By Segun Giwa

    Akure, June 15, 2024 (NAN) Dele Ologbese,immediate past Vice Chairman of Ondo State Football Association has described the resignation of Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Finidi George as a welcome development.

    Ologbese said his  resignation would pave way for the appointment of a more experienced tactician.

    “It will not be good if Nigeria fails  to qualify for the 2026 World Cup”

    Ologbese told a Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a telephone interview on Saturday in Akure.

    NAN reports that Finidi had faced heavy  criticisms after series of poor results  in the  South Africa and Benin Republic world cup qualification matches.

    Finidi led the Super Eagles to play 1-1 against South Africa and lost 2-1 to Benin Republic, with 3 point and sit at the bottom of the group.

    NFF had announced its resolve to appoint a foreign Technical Adviser for the Super Eagles in the coming weeks,  ahead of the start of 2025 Africa Cup of Nation’s qualifiers in September.

    Ologbese said the leadership of the NFF seemed to be toying with Super Eagles’ World cup qualification bid with Finidi’s appointment aibinio.

    “His resignation from the important job will pave the way forthe appointment of a better tactician who will pilot the Super Eagles to the next world cup.

    “It will not be good for Nigeria’s image as a soccer power in Africa to loose out of the world cup in two consecutive times.

    “So, Super Eagles need a high flying gaffer at this time who commands respect of the team to prosecute the remaining six matches in group C.

    “With the resignation of the coach the ball is in the court of the apex football body and sports ministry to do the needful,” he said.

    According to Ologbese, the country’s failure to qualify for Qatar 2022 World Cup means no excuse will be acceptable for not appearing in the next edition.

    “The sports ministry and NFF must do everything humanly possible to ensure that Super Eagles win all their outstanding six matches.

    ” A versatile and highly experienced coach who understands Nigeria’s football terrain should be appointed to handle the Super Eagles,” said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    GSD/KOO/JPE
    ============
    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Joseph Edeh

     

  • June 12: Aiyedatiwa calls for reflection on Nigeria’s democratic journey

    June 12: Aiyedatiwa calls for reflection on Nigeria’s democratic journey

    Sen. Surajudeen Ajibola having handshake with Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State with Prof. Olu Aderounmi in the middle

    Reflection

    By Segun Giwa

    Akure, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has called for reflection on the country’s democratic journey as the nation celebrates 25 years of unbroken democratic rule.

     

    Aiyedatiwa stated this in his address on Wednesday in Akure at an event to mark the country’s democracy day celebration.

     

    The governor said June 12 was a day of celebration, solemn reflection and time to reminisce on the journey, challenges faced and the way forward in the coutry’s nascent democracy.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that June 12 was declared Democracy Day to commemorate the struggle that followed the annulment of June 12, 1993, election generally believed to have been won by the late Chief MKO Abiola.

     

    He said that democracy was well and alive in Nigeria, affirming, that the sacrifices of the patriotic heroes and martyrs of the June 12 struggles had not been in vain.

     

    “Today is a day of celebration and solemn reflection, It is a time to reminisce on our democratic journey, the challenges we’ve faced, and the way forward.

     

    “We honor the sacrifices of those who fought for our democratic rights and strived to consolidate this great legacy,” he said.

     

    Aiyedatiwa said the June 12 was pivotal moment in the country’s socio-political history and its role in advancing democratic governance, civil liberties and nationhood could not be understated.

     

    “We are dedicated to ensuring that Ondo State enjoys the dividends of good governance.

     

    “We will continue to address security challenges, strengthen the ‘Amotekun Corps’ in collaboration with other security agencies, and pursue transformational strategies that align with our socio-economic realities,” he said.

     

    Aiyedatiwa advised residents and political stakeholders in the state to maintain law and order as the Nov.16 governorship election approaches.

     

    Earlier, the guest speaker, Sen. Surajudeen Ajibola, who spoke on the theme “The State of Democracy in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges, and the Way Forward.” noted that since 1999, democracy in Nigeria had faced so many challenges.

    Ajibola listed such challenges as; electoral integrity, judicial efficiency, corruption, and weak institutions.

     

    Ajibola said that despite reforms, issues like vote buying and electoral violence persists, while political interference hinder judicial and good governance.

     

    He called for comprehensive reforms, including deeper electoral reforms with technology, judicial independence, and stronger anti-corruption measures.

     

    Ajibola also added his voice to the long list of stakeholders calling for the local government autonomy, transparency and community participation to improve service delivery to the people.

     

    In his welcome address, Chairman of the event, Prof. Olu Aderohunmu, said that the celebration was to honour activists and stakeholders who fought for the democracy the country is enjoying.

     

    He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for restoring the essence of democracy and thanked the governor for his leadership and efforts in making Ondo State a conducive place to live.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    GSD/AOS

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    Edited by Bayo Sekoni

     

  • Ondo govt. approves judicial village, N980m Akure Stadium projects

     

    Approval

    By Segun Giwa

    Akure, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The Ondo State Government has approved the building of a new judicial village and renovation of the  state’s  Sports Complex.

    It has also approved the construction of a 28 kilometre road in Irele local government area that leads to the state’s free trade zone and Edo.

    The Commissioners for Justice, Mr Kayode Ajulo (SAN), Commissioner for  Sports, Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, and Special Adviser on Infrastructure Ayo Babalola, disclosed this at a news  briefing after the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting held on Tuesday in Akure.

    Ajulo announced that the SEC approved the building of a new judicial village that would be a legacy project of the current administration.

    The commissioner said the building project would be  different from previous ones and would be more befitting and conducive for judicial workers in the state.

    “This project has been conceptualised earlier, this is what is important to our governor and a laudable project.

    “And I believe this is the first time we are having such project in Ondo State to have a befitting place for our justices and where people get justice,” he said.

    Also, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development said that the executive council had approved N980 million for the renovation of the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure.

    Yusuf-Ogunleye said the renovation would cover the main pitch,  indoor sports hall and other necessary facilities to make the stadium a better place.

    He commended Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his unwavering support for the development of sports and support for youths in the state.

    Meanwhile, the Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Mr Ayo Babalola, said that the executive council had approved construction of the 28 kilometre Akotobo- Iju-Osun road in Irele Local Government Area of the state.

    Babalola said that the road when completed would add economic value to lives of the people of the state, provide access to the  free trade zone, Edo and the ongoing Federal Government’s  coastal road.  (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    GSD/CHOM/AOS

    ===============

    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Bayo Sekoni

     

     

     

     

  • NPFL: Sunshine Stars beat Akwa United 2-0 in Akure

    NPFL: Sunshine stars beat Akwa United 2-0 in Akure

    Victory

    By Segun Giwa

    Akure, June 9, 2024 (NAN) Sunshine Stars FC of Akure on Sunday defeated fellow strugglers, Akwa United, 2-0 in the match day 35 encounter of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

    The match played at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure was a push for survival in the league for both teams as Lucky Nwafor and Ibrahim Yusuf did the job for the hosts.

    The home team threw everything at thier  opponent’s half in the first half, but could not get a breakthrough as the first half ended goalless.

    Sunshine Stars’ best chance came in the 47th minute with Lucky Nwafor’s 26 yards shot which didn’t shake the net.

    Sunshine Stars’ forward, Promise Awosanmi, also got a chance after Sunshine’s Nwafor’s beautiful control in the vital area, but missed the target.

    Akwa United’s effort to push for an equaliser failed as the home team’s defenders were resilient and coordinated.

    However, Boboye’s introduction of young sensation, Chinedu Nwosu, in the 73rd minute  did the magic as Lucky Nwafor was lucky to give the home team an opener in the 74th minute.

    One of the substitutes, Yusuf Ibrahim, scored from a close range freekick to make it 2 -0 to put the game  beyond the visitors.

    Sunshine Stars’ Technical Adviser, Kennedy Boboye,min his post match interview, assured  the home fans  that the team would continue to push until the league is over.

    “It’s a good one for us at home today, it’s not over yet, but of course, we are happy with the result because it pushed us out of the danger zone. We wont relent.”

    “We fought hard, we decided not to give up, no matter what, in the first half. We continued to push harder because we hax no  option  than to win which we eventually did.

    ” Today’s victory will lift us on the log. We will continue to push to the last day,” he said.

    Akwa United’s Head coach, Mohammed Babaganaru, said the game was a disappointing one for his side as they failed to pick the needed points.

    “It’s not easy to play a relegated threatened team in the league,” he said.

    Sunshine Stars, who are now on 11th position on the  table,  will be  up against Doma United of Gombe, in their next match.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    GSD/JPE

    =======

    Edited by Joseph Edeh

     

     

     

  • 81,000 residents to benefit from FG’s cash transfer in Ondo

    81,000 residents to benefit from FG’s cash transfer in Ondo

    Transfer
    By Segun Giwa
    Akure, June 5, 2024 (NAN) No fewer than 81,000 residents of Ondo State are to benefit from the Federal Government’s Cash Transfer programme.

    Mrs Tosin Olupona, Manager, Ondo Cash Transfer, office of the Public and Intergovernmental Relations, made this known on Wednesday in Akure during a training programme for local government cash facilitator.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training was organised in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and the National Social Investment Programmes Agency.

    According to Olupona, each of the beneficiaries would receive the sum of N25, 000 each for three months.

    She said the programme was for the poor households, adding that in the past the state had only 12, 000 beneficiaries.

    ”Now it has been increased to 81,000 in line with the renewed hope agenda of the present government.

    “The benefit is to cushion the effect of removal of fuel subsidy. It is an economic shock response, because the fact remains that nobody is finding it easy now, particularly the poor and vulnerable households.

    “The FG has started paying them N25, 000, and they are going to take this for three months, after which they will exited the programme and another set of people will benefit.

    Olupona revealed that the beneficiaries were drawn from the National Social Register and their BVN and NIN were linked for accountability, with the money paid directly into beneficiary’s account.

    Similarly, the Administrative Secretary, Office of Public and Intergovernmental Relations, Mrs Yemi Pirisola, said the public should have knowledge about the activities of the Agency.

    Pirisola urged the desk officers and beneficiaries to let people know about what the government was doing and steps taking to cushion the effect of the removal of fuel subsidy and improving the lives of the vulnerable people. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    GSD/DCO/IKU
    =========

    Edited by Deborah Coker/Tayo Ikujuni

  • Aiyedatiwa flags off 1,000m concrete walkway, jetty in Ilaje

     

    Aiyedatiwa at flag off of the project in Obe-Nla in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State

    Walkway

    By Segun Giwa

    Ilaje, June 3, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Monday, flagged-off the construction of a 1,000-meter concrete walkway and a jetty at Obe-Nla, Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.

    Speaking at the ceremony in Ilaje, Aiyedatiwa  expressed happiness that he inaugurated the impactful project in his country home.

    The governor said the community’s long standing demand for a durable and safe concrete walkway had been long overdue.

    According to him, the project is a testament to his administration’s commitment to improving quality of life of residents in the state.

    “This moment is unique in several respects. Firstly, it is for me a historic homecoming to flag-off an important project like this in my
    own community, here in Obe-Nla as the governor of Ondo state.

    ”I thank Almighty God for this rare honour in fulfilment of just one of His numerous purposes for me as a man who hails from this community,” he said.

    The governor highlighted the project’s innovative engineering design, adding that it was departure from the traditional wooden walkways prevalent in the region.

    Aiyedatiwa reiterated his administration’s resolve to the overall development of Ondo state, stating that other key projects were underway.

    The governor said that the completion of the 28.5-kilometer Aboto-Atijere road, the third phase of the Igbokoda-Ayetoro road construction and the imminent commencement of a 4.72-kilometer link road between Ugbonla and Ayetoro were on course.

    According to the governor, the projects are expected to significantly enhance socio-economic activities and address critical challenges such as the Ayetoro sea incursion.

    “We have deliberately factored durability into the project and daily safety and comfort of our people as they make use of the concrete walkway and jetty to ensure long-term benefits,” he said.

    Aiyedatiwa praised the collaboration with service providers to ensure availability of pre-paid meters, enhancing electricity access in Okitipupa, Irele, Ilaje, and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas.

    The governor assured residents that the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) would receive the statutory 40 per cent  of the 13 per cent  Oil Derivation Fund to expedite ongoing and future projects in Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas.

    Aiyedatiwa later expressed gratitude to the community for their support, loyalty and commitment of the people to his administration and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Earlier in his welcome address, the OSOPADEC Chairman, Sam Erejuwa, said that the contract for the project was awarded in August 2023.

    Erejuwa, however, said due to unforeseen circumstances, it was delayed.

    “Now, it’s finally becoming a reality, God’s timing is perfect,” he said.

    The traditional ruler of the host community, Oba Andrew Kolawole, said that the project would significantly boost the economic development of the fishing communities.

    He expressed the community’s deep appreciation for the governor’s unwavering commitment to improving the riverine areas.

    Some residents of the Community,Olajide Samson and Biodun Adelarin, who lauded Aiyedatiwa for being sensitive to their plights, expressed optimism about the project’s potential impact. (NAN)(wwwnannews.ng)

    GSD/CHOM/AOS

    ===============

    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Bayo Sekoni

     

  • Strike: Banks, schools, civil servants comply with NLC directive in Ondo, Osun 

    Strike: Banks, schools, civil servants comply with NLC directive in Ondo, Osun

    By Reporters

    Akure, June 3, 2024 (NAN) Banks, public schools and government ofices were closed in Osun and Ondo states as workers complied with the directive of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress to commence a nationwide indefinite strike on Monday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NLC, had ordered workers to begin an indefinite nationwide strike following the May 31 deadline for the Federal Government to approve and implement a new National Minimum Wage.

    NAN also reports that last minute intervention on Sunday night by the National Assembly to prevent the nationwide strike was futile as the meeting with government representatives and labour leaders ended in a deadlock.

    The Federal Government had insisted on N60,000 as the new minimum wage, while labour demanded N495,000 as what was acceptable to the unions.

    NAN correspondents, who monitored the level of compliance in Akure and Osogbo, in Ondo and Osun states respectively, reports that most banks did not open their doors to customers.

    Also, the federal and state secretariats and other government establishments in the two states were closed and offices deserted as workers complied with the directives of the labour unions.

    Pupils of public primary and secondary schools, who went to school early, were seen returning home after they were turned back at their various school gates by teachers.

    At the governor’s office in Alagbaka, Akure, there was low key activities as only few workers were seen in the premises

    In one of the commercial banks in Akure, a staff, who did not want his name published, told NAN that the closure was in compliance with the labour unions’ directives.

    “We are not open for service today and we can not actually say the day we are going to open until directives come from above,” he said.

    Also, speaking with NAN in Ikare-Akoko, a local government staff of Akoko North-East Local Government, Mr Muriana Balogun, called on the Federal Government to do the needful concerning Labour’s demand so that the strike would not have much impact on the nation’s economy.

    Balogun, who said that he could not blame the labour union for the commencement of the strike, noted that there was enough time for government to avoid the strike if it was serious about workers welfare.

    According to him, now that all the public schools are closed, government workers are at home, even none of the banks opened for services.

    “If care is not taken, it will affect the economy. Here in Ikare-Akoko, the only people you can see working today is INEC officials for registration of PVC ahead of governorship election coming up in November.

    “So, I will appeal to government and the labour unions to have a rethink and return to the negotiation table and arrive at a consensus to move the nation forward,” he said.

    At the Osun State Government Secretariat in Abere, Osogbo, the gates to the secretariat were locked, even as security men were stationed at the gates to prevent breakdown of law and order.

    Speaking with NAN, Mr Christopher Arapasopo, Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Osun Chapter, said the directive was for all workers to stay at home and away from their offices.

    Arapasopo said there would be no form of protest or rally, as the instruction was just for workers to stay in their homes.

    He disclosed that a monitoring and enforcement committee had been set up to go round to ensure that the directive was fully complied with.

    Mr Taiwo Olapade, Chairman of the state labour monitoring and enforcement committee, told NAN that they were at the state secretariat gate, to ensure that workers comply with the strike directive.

    “We are at the Abere First Gate (Osun Government Secretariat main gate) ensuring people do not have access into the secretariat.

    “We are sending people back home that there is a nationwide indefinite strike. No worker is going into the secretariat now.” he said

    He said all the local government secretariats too had been shut down and there were enforcers too to ensure full compliance with the strike directive. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    REPORTERS/DC/KOLE/AOS

    =========================

    Edited by Deborah Coker/ Remi Koleoso/Bayo Sekoni