AMPHIBIOUS EXCAVATOR | Speaker's Impeachment | SOSOLISO CRASH | THE eGovernment | NATION MOURNS | STELLA OBASANJONews!

March 20th 2006 - New! 2006 NATIONAL CENSUS: The 2006 national head count is slated for between Tuesday 21st and Saturday 25th of March 2006. All is now set in Ondo State for the census while Ondo State Government has appealed to the people to stay where they are and ensure they are counted. Schools are to remain opened through the period, movement is not restricted and the state's command of the Nigerian Police has deployed about 4, 000 men.


March 18th 2006 - New! PRESIDENT OBASANJO VISITS ONDO STATE: The government and people of Ondo State are to receive the President of the nation, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR on a two day official visit on the 21st and 22nd of April 2006. The President will use the occasion to commission a number of projects that have been executed by the Olusegun Agagu's administration in the state.


March 13th 2006 - New! WORK ADVANCES ON THE DUALIZATION OF AKURE ROADS:  Inspection carried out on the two roads being dualized in Akure showed that work on the roads have progressed to advanced level. Already, the underground tunnel at Ilesha garage area has been completed while the earth work has been completed up to formation level. Also as at today, the median demarcating the Alagbaka road was under construction while works on the drains have also reached an advanced stage.


March 10th 2006 - New! Impeachment Saga ... Agagu praised for prompt intervention: Mr. Kole Abe, the Special Adviser to the Chairman of PDP South West Senator Omilani has commended the governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Agagu for the mature way he intervened in the crisis that rocked the state House of Assembly early in the month which led to the impeachment of the Speaker for a period of one day. Mr Kole Abe praised the governor for what he described as a rare feat in the resolution of the crisis within 24 hours. Senator Omilani (PDP Chairman South-West) himself had earlier described Agagu's effort as a commendable one. Other leaders of the PDP recommended Agagu's style of leadership as a model for other governors to emulate. It should be recalled that less than two weeks ago, the Ondo State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan and his deputy, Hon. Mayowa Akinfolarin were impeached by 16 out of 26 members of the house. A new speaker in the person of Hon. Oluwasegunota was promptly sworn in by those that supported the impeachment. The Party Leadership in the state however waded into the matter which resulted in the collective reversal of the decision by the entire members of the House of Assembly and the subsequent stepping aside of Oluwasegunota. Hon. Victor Olabimtan and Mayowa Akinfolarin have since returned to their positions.


March 10th 2006 - New! HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY PLEDGES UNALLOYED SUPPORT FOR AGAGU: Less than one week after the resolution of the crisis at the state House of Assembly, the 26 Honorable Members of the House have endorsed a letter to His Excellency the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo pledging their unalloyed support to the Governor, Dr. Olusegun Agagu. The letter which was given wide publicity in the nation's print medium has again confirmed the cordial relationship between t Executive and the Legislature in Ondo State.


February 23th 2006 - New! ONDO CAN SAVE 3.0b naira annually: The state government will be able to save about 3.0 billion naira annually following the planned implementation of e-governance. This was made known this morning by the Coordinator of Ondo State Information Technology Development Centre (SITDEC), Office of the Governor, Engr. 'Tunji Ariyo. In a press conference addressed by Ariyo and the Hon. State Commissioner for Information, Ariyo explained that e-Governance will improve efficiency and speed of service delivery in the state. He further asserted that implementation of eGovernance in Ondo State will erase human to human contact thus reducing corruption and graft. He said the government has approved a sum of about 430 million naira for the Phase 1 of the state e-government project which will involve the acquisition of modern computer systems, laptops, server equipment, creation of the state public serve network via an extensive networking of all government offices and buildings as well as providing a major Internet gateway for the state to boost communication within the state and with other parts of the globe. He also hinted that very shortly, Ondo State shall have most of her forms computerized to the end that anyone wishing to collect any type of form from government only needed to visit the state portal to achieve this.


February 23th 2006 -  Avian Flu update: The state commissioner for information, Prince Ola Mafo has announced the decision of the state government to ban the importation of birds into Ondo State. He also announced a ban on the movement of bird in the state. He made this known in a press conference jointly addressed by the commissioner and the Special Assistant to the Governor on Information Communication Technology, Engr. 'Tunji Ariyo. Avian flu or bird flu has ravaged the northern part of the country for the past two weeks.


February 18th 2006 - Agagu honoured in Nasarawa - Gets Doctorate Degree. Dr. Olusegun Agagu was yesterday honoured with a Doctorate Degree by the Nasarawa State University amidst pump and pageantry. Others honoured at the occasion included the Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Mohammed Uwais, the Managing Director of Oceanic Bank Plc, Mrs. Cecilia Ibru and three other governors.


February 16th 2006 - Governor Agagu celebrates 58th Birthday in the midst of friends. Dr. Olusegun Agagu today celebrated his birthday starting with a prayer and thanksgiving session which was attended by dignitaries in the state. Notable amongst the early callers to the venue of the thanksgiving were Obas like the Deji of Akure, the Iralepo of Isikan, the Osolo of Isolo, the Olugbo of Igbo, traditional chiefs, members of the State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council and other bigwigs in the state. At the occasion, thousands of PDP supporters from Akure South later paid a solidarity visit to the governor and used the occasion to formally adopt the governor for a second term in office.


February 15th 2006 - Ondo completes Abuja investment summit 2006 ... Details HERE.


February 14th 2006 - Ondo allays fears of job loss over IT ... Details HERE.


February 7th 2006 - Ondo earmarks N19.15bn for capital projects. The Ondo State Government has said it will spend N19.15bn on capital projects. The figure according to the Commissioner for Finance and Planning, Chief Tayo Alasoadura, in an interview with our correspondent on Monday, was N6billion higher than the 2005 figure. He explained that the amount set aside for capital development projects in the year was 50 per cent of the total budget for the year, which was put at N38.299billion.


February 5th 2006 - Governor Agagu's 30th anniversary speeches: DINNER and CARNIVAL


February 3rd  2006 - ONDO CLOCKS 30 years!: Ondo State clocks thirty years on the 3rd of February 2006. The state was created on 3rd of February 1976 by the then Federal Military Government. Already, activities have been lined up for the people of the state to commemorate the occasion. Chief Richards Akinjide gave the Anniversary Lecture at the State Cultural Centre, Ministry of Culture and Tourism on 1st of February 2006.


January 22nd 2006 - "DUALISE Ilesha Garage-Akure-Owo Express way" - His Excellency, Dr. Olusegun Agagu today ordered the  extension of the dual carriage way that hitherto terminated at the Ilesha Garage end of Akure to Akure-Owo express way. The Governor gave the directive at the conclusion of the annual retreat organized for political office holders and senior civil servants in Ondo State. Dr. Agagu further directed that the Ministry of Works henceforth, must be ready to move at his pace. He said if required, the Ministry should work day and night to ensure the March 2006 completion target is met. He further instructed that the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry should get 'spike shoes' if that is what would enable him to move at the desired pace.


January 22nd 2006: Retreat for Top Government Functionaries ends - 12-point communiqué endorsed by participants - The goal of communiqué centers upon excellent service delivery to the people of Ondo State plus measures geared towards improving efficiency, transparency, accountability and probity in the public sector. The communiqué was read by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Department, Office of the Governor, Mr. Dare Adebiyi. A Cross-section of Participants HERE.


January 1st 2006 - HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! The people of Ondo State join millions of Nigerians to welcome the new year. Thousands of people in Akure, the state capital, Ondo town, Ikare, Owo, Okitipupa, Idanre, Igbokoda etc rang in 2006 with parties, fireworks. See HERE.


January 1st 2006: Read article on 2006 by veteran Journalist, Dr. Rueben Abati HERE (source credit, Nigerian Guardian Newspaper).


December 30, 2005: BUDGET 2006 - Governor Agagu signed the 2006 appropriation law - Agagu sets the pace by becoming the first Head of Government to sign into law the 2006 budget. By this, Ondo makes history as the only state with approved budget for the 2006 fiscal year. Other states and the Federal Government are expected to follow in succession. For the past 3 years, Governor Agagu has instituted a culture of financial decency and timeliness. His painstaking attention to details has been commended by both admires and critics. ... Details of the budget will be posted on this site soon!


December 18, 2005: Governor Agagu receives commendations - Several citizens of  the sunshine state have commended the governor of Ondo State for giving dividends of democracy to the people. Detailed compilation of achievement of the Governor Agagu led administration shall be made available on the website soon... watch out!


December 16, 2005: SOSOLISO crash update - Ondo State people join millions of Nigerians to MOURN with concerned families on the Sosoliso air crash on December 10, 2005 in which over 100 people, including over 70 children from Loyola Jesuit College lost their lives. We wish Nigerians strength and courage to endure the loss of loved ones.


December 12, 2005: Governor Agagu hands over Amphibious Excavator to Ministry of Works - In keeping his promise to the people of Ondo State, governor Agagu has purchased an amphibious excavator and its low loader at the total cost of 105.0million naira for the people of Ondo State. The excavator is to be utilized by the Works Department for the dredging of the rivers and the clearing of debris on the waterways. Rivers in Akure (Ala, Elegbin etc) have wrecked havocs because of blocked waterways. Other parts of the state have not fared better. The excavator will put an end to this perennial problems of erosion and flood.

  Nigeria bans some B737 models from flying - AFTERMATH of SOSOLISO CRASH
  Lagos, Nigeria (PANA) - Nigeria has slammed an immediate ban on some models of the popular Boeing 737 airplanes being used by most of the local airlines, dealing a serious blow to the nation's domestic air operations.    18/12/2005   full text...
Nigeria police fire in the air to disperse women protesters
Lagos, Nigeria (PANA) - Nigerian police Friday in Lagos fired shots in the air and threw tear gas to disperse a group of women protesting the spate of air crashes in the country.    16/12/2005   full text...
Experts harp on use of biotechnology to fight poverty
Abeokuta, Nigeria (PANA) - Experts at a workshop on biotechnology have agreed on the need to take advantage of the new technology and its applications to address critical issues of hunger, food insecurity, poverty and diseases in the continent.    16/12/2005   full text...
Nigeria's external reserves show slight fall
  Lagos, Nigeria (PANA) - Nigeria's external reserves fell from US$30.02 billion to US$23.92 billion at the end of October, representing a drop of 20.32 percent, according to the latest figures from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).    16/12/2005   full text...
Nigeria's Bayelsa state radio returns to the air
  Lagos, Nigeria (PANA) - Shut down in the wake of a political row involving former Bayelsa state governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, Radio Glory has resumed normal broadcasting in the state.    16/12/2005   full text...

 


Commercial Secondary School and the famous Aquinas College, Akure (ACA). He then November 7, 2005: Oba Oluwadare Adepoju Adesina becomes 46th Ajapada, the Deji of Akure Kingdom. - After seven years of intransigence, Akure finally gets a new Oba (king). He is Oba Oluwadare Adepoju Adesina. He was given the staff of office on 7th of November 2005. Oba Adesina attended St. David Primary School, Akure Commercial Secondary School and the famous Aquinas College, Akure (ACA). He then proceeded to London to study accounting. The new Oba has stretched his olive hands to other contestants to the throne. The Lisa of Akure in his reaction advised Akure people to embrace the new king and give him their support. Already, message of commendation has gone to the government from several people and organizations including the Akure Youth Forum and the Old Boys of Aquinas College, Akure. The Akure Youth Forum praised the Governor Agagu led administration for the matured and impartial role it played throughout the period of the 'obaship' crisis. Other fellow obas, namely the Iralepo of Isikan, the Olojoda of Oda and the Osolo of Isolo were at the occasion in solidarity with the government and the new oba. The Ifaturoti family has also expressed its support for the new oba.


The nation mourns. For details click HERE.| For List of Air-crash Victims, see HERE


October 27 2005: AGAGU MAKES CASE FOR states to be more involved in relief and emergency management - The governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Agagu has advocated that the tasks of managing and responding to emergencies should not be limited to the Federal Government alone. He said other tiers of government should perform more proactive roles. The other tiers of government are the state and the local governments. The Governor said this while expressing the condolence of the people of the state on the death of the First Lady, Mrs. Stella Obasanjo and the 117 victims of the ill-fated flight.


October 26 2005: PLANE CRASH - ONDO STATE PERSONAL LOSS - The government of Ondo State has confirmed its personal loss in the ill fated plane crash. Mr. J. J. Olumekun, brother to the Permanent Secretary (Government House & Protocol) died in the crash as well as two members of a team of investors that was scheduled to visit the state from France. At exactly 12noon on the 26th of October, 2005, Governor Olusegun Agagu personally led a one minute silence in respect of the First Lady and the 117 departed souls.


October 25 2005: ODSG approves 116 million naira for e-Governance - The government of Ondo State has approved the commencement of full e-Governance in Ondo State. Making this announcement to journalists in Akure was the State Commissioner for Information & Sports. He was accompanied to the briefing by the Special Adviser on Education & Information, Dr. Olu Akinkoye, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Information Communication Technology, Engr. 'Tunji Ariyo and the state Commissioner for Finance and Planning, Chief Tayo Alasoadura.


October 23 2005: THE NATION MOURNS - 117 PEOPLE were killed in a crash involving a Bellview Aircraft on the 22nd of Oct. 2005. The flight took off from Lagos on the 22nd of Oct. 2005 at 8.30pm. The plane crashed in Ifo, Ogun State.  LAGOS, Nigeria - A local government spokesman said Sunday that all 117 people on board a passenger jet that crashed shortly after takeoff from Nigeria's largest city dead.


October 23 2005: THE NATION MOURNS - The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, (Chief) Mrs. Stella Obasanjo has died. She passed away in Spain on the 23rd of Oct. 2005 after surgery operations at a Spanish hospital. Condolence registers have been opened in several government offices. The people of Ondo State regret the loss of this astute supporter of the rights of the less privileged. May her gentle soul rest in peace.


October 12 2005: ECONOMIC SUMMIT ENDS 2005 - The just concluded economic and investment summit has been described as a huge success. This was the conclusion of participants at the 2-day event that ended on the 11th of October 2005. Details HERE.


October 12 2005: TENDER INFORMATION - Tender out on the computerization of education processing system in Ondo State. Details HERE


October 12 2005: Govt. spends 7.1b - Determined to open the state for development and investment, Ondo State Government has in the last two years spent over N7 billion to revamp infrastructural facilities in the state. The Governor disclosed this on Monday while declaring open the Ondo State Economic and Investment Summit held at Solton International Hotel in Akure. He said the huge amount has been expended on construction and rehabilitation of roads, provision of electricity and portable water (Source, The Hope, Oct. 12).


October 11 2005: BURSARY & SCHOLARSHIP LIST OUT - Ondo State Government has released the list of successful candidates for the 2005 bursary and scholarship grants. For more information, please visit the State Scholarship Board, Ministry of Education and Youth Development, Akure.


October 10 2005: ECONOMIC SUMMIT 2005 - Ondo State Governor kicks off the state economic summit on Monday 10th October 2005. Venue is Solton International Hotel, Ijapo Estate, Akure. Time 10am prompt. Attendance is by invitation.


October 8 2005: ODSG orders fresh selection process - The government of Ondo State has directed the relevant authority to commence fresh selection process towards the installation of the Deji of Akure. In a release by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Mr. Jola Oladunmoye, government said the decision was taken in the interest of the Akure community and to fulfill their desire for an acceptable choice as their monarch. Government further explains that it adopted the 1991 declaration because the 1958 declaration being clamoured for by a few people would be illegal because the 1991 declaration is more recent and that the former was unfair as it gave recognition to only the children of one Deji to the exclusion of many qualified princes of Akure. In its reaction, the Akure Youth Forum AYF has commended the government for not taking side in the issue and for being fair in the handling of the 'obaship' imbroglio.


October 8 2005: Oba's Market Nearing Completion - The people of Akure have commended the government of Dr. Olusegun Agagu for fulfilling his promise over the burnt Oba's market. As at 8th of October 2005, construction activities on the site have reached advanced stage.


October: Free Meals for Pupils - Ondo State Governor has announced that very shortly and in support of the Universal Basic Education policy of government, pupils in primary schools are to be given free meals once a day.


October: As the days draw closer for banks to attain 25billion Naira minimum capital base, the CBN and SEC have given issuing houses 48 hour ultimatum to transfer all subscription monies to be verified by the two regulatory bodies to the CBN Escrow Account (Source: Oluyinka Akintunde,  The Punch, 5th October 2005). 


October: Governor flags off Teachers' Day in Akure (5th of October 2005).  In solidarity with one of world most important professions, His Excellency the Governor of Ondo State will today flag off this year's World Teachers' Day in Akure at the Teachers' House along Oda road, Akure. Governor has directed that all members of the State Executive Council should be present at the occasion as a mark of respect for teachers.


 October: October 1st celebrations - Commissioner for Women Affairs counseled mothers to train their wards so that they can be good ambassadors of the State.


September: John Mafo replies critics. Gives facts of Olusegun Agagu's activities. For pictorials on the activities of the Governor please see HERE


September: SITDEC flags off second batch training of civil servants in ICT. To benefit please contact the Director of Training and Manpower Development (Office of Establishment and Service Matters, Akure).


August: Good news from Thailand - a team of leading international investors are visiting Ondo State to continue discussions on the intensive agricultural ventures to be embarked upon by the Ondo State Government. The area of focus are (1) Cassava and cassava products (2) Shrimps and prawns, and; (3) rice. The team is being led by Mrs. A. Bokki, a Professor of Communication, who has put in over twenty years as a policy maker in the Thai Government. The first leg of the project commenced when His Excellency, Dr. Agagu visited Thailand in 2004.   


August 2005: ODHA OKAYS 22 FIRST CLASS OBAS

Ondo State House of Assembly has okayed 22 paramount rulers as first class Obas... (Click above for details)


August 2005: NINE OIL-PRODUCING STATES SHARE N141.75BN


July 2005: AGAGU ORDERS ROAD CONTRACTORS TO LAY ASPHALT NOW

In keeping with his promise in the road map, the Governor of Ondo State has ordered that roads in the state that have been surfaced dressed and considered okay by engineers should now be given the final coat of asphalt normally referred to as 'wearing course'... (Click above for details)


July 2005: APPEAL COURT FREES OLADUNNI ODU FROM LIFE BAN

 The Chairman of the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board, Mrs. Oladunni Odu has secured the judgment of a competent court ... (Click above for details)

June 11, 2005: ONDO revives education (Source, Hope Newspaper)Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Agagu has disclosed that the administration has spent over N20 billion on reviving the education sector in the last two years. The Governor made this disclosure while playing host to the President of National Association of Local Government Education Secretaries in Nigeria, Alhaji Abubakar Agaie and members of the association who paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Alagbaka.


June 2005: Obasanjo, U.N. food agency seek end to hunger in Africa
From Emeka Anuforo, Abuja (Source Guardian Newspaper ).
PRESIDENT Olusegun Obasanjo and the Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), James Morris, at the weekend called for greater efforts to eradicate child hunger and malnutrition in Africa, ahead of next month's summit of the G8 leading industrialized countries in Scotland.


June, 2005: Democracy Day - Agagu commissioned 30 projects. HERE


June 2005: ODSG EARMARKS N2.5BILLION FOR ROAD CONSTRUCTION IN THREE    SENATORIAL DISTRICTS. Details HERE.


June 2005: Victor Olabimtan (Speaker, Ondo House of Assembly) highlights gains of belonging to the centre. HERE


MAY 2005: ONDO STATE COMES FIRST AT SCIENCE COMPETITION. Details HERE.


OGUN STATE plans ICT monotechnics as ONDO STATE leads in commencing statewide ICT trainings for all civil servants. HERE


MAY 5, 2005: GOOD TIMES FOR ONDO STATE WORKERS. As other states still battle their workforce on the implementation of the 12.5% pay rise, Ondo State has become the first in the country to implement the 12.5% pay rise. The OLUSEGUN AGAGU administration did this in order to cushion the effect of inflation in Nigeria.


June 13, 2005: Ogun State plans ICT monotechnics. READ HERE


April 2005: ONDO STATE GOVERNMENT has been commended by the state's citizens for giving a befitting burial to the late Barrister Afolabi Iyantan. Earlier, the Governor, Dr. Olusegun Agagu paid a condolence visit to the home of late Barrister Afolabi Iyantan, immediate past Deputy Governor of Ondo State. Late Barrister Afolabi Iyantan died on Monday 21st March 2005 in a ghastly motor accident along Ondo - Akure road. The Government through the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Segun Mimiko had earlier described the late former No. 2 Citizen as an epitome of humility. May his soul rest in perfect peace.


WEDNESDAY 23, March 2005: Dr. Segun Agagu returns from official trip overseas. His Excellency would preside over the State Executive Council Meeting scheduled for Thursday 24 2005.


18, March 2005: WORKS COMMISSIONER has directed the Engineer handling the 20km Ugbe-Iboropa-Ise road project instruction to hire a bulldozer to replace the one that had broken down for speedy job execution. Meanwhile, the Commissioner has directed the contractor handling the Ikare-Arigidi-Ajowa road to stop further work on the project and report at his office in Akure. This was as a result of perceived shoddy job done by the contractor (Hempel Gef Construction Company).


THURSDAY 10, March 2005: CONFERENCE OF MPs - Second South West Legislators Conference holds in Akure. 10 Members each of the states' Houses of Assembly from Lagos, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Osun and Ekiti are participants.


1 March '05: Ondo State Government revokes road contracts. Details here!!.


10 February '05: The Government of Ondo State has directed that the State Teaching Service Commission recruit more teachers in five Core subjects. The State Commissioner for Information and Sports, Prince John Ola Mafo gave the information while addressing newsmen in Akure on the outcome of the meeting of the State Executive Council held on Wednesday 26 January 2005.  A total of 304 teachers are to be recruited.


10 February '05: The Ondo State Police Command has complied with the directive of the new Inspector General of Police, Mr. Sunday Ehindero on its operational motto. The old “Operation Fire for Fire” has been replaced with “Protect and Service with Integrity”. The reformist, Mr. Sunday Ehindero is from Ondo State.


8 February '05: The Ondo State Executive Council has approved this year’s Investment Forum that will draw the attention of investors to the huge economic potentials of the state. Already, the committee saddled with the assignment of ensuring a hitch-free economic and investment Forum has reached advance stages in terms of preparations. Details Soon…


10 February '05: The Government of Ondo State has begun a purposeful campaign at ridding its schools of examination malpractices. A school principal in Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Area has been retired with immediate effect. He was indicted for encouraging examination malpractice in his school. The Chairman of the State Teaching Service Commission, Chief Adesanya Orunngbemi gave the information while chatting with newsmen in his office.


28 January '05: The Governor of Ondo State has threatened to terminate any road construction contract that fails to meet the standard of the government. Government made this known on Thursday 27th January 2005 at the commissioning of the 11.4KM Bamikemo-Ileoluji-Okeigbo road. The Governor also revealed that government has developed a detailed blueprint for the development of infrastructure, particularly roads.


12 January '05: Federal Government sites $6b LNG project in Ondo State. Great boost to Ondo Investment potential. The Natural Gas Plant project is to be located in Olokola in Ilaje local government area and to be jointly operated by NNPC/Chevron-Texaco and British Gas. SEE DETAILS HERE.


10 January '05: Government released over 22 million naira for road rehabilitation in major Ondo State towns. This was made known at the leaders' meeting held on Saturday, 8th January 2005. Owo, Ondo, Ikare, Bolorunduro, Okitipupa to benefit. As at the time of this report, repair work has already commenced on some of the roads. Hon. D. I. Kekemeke, the State Hon. Commissioner for Works, Lands and Housing is currently visiting all the sites.


Governor AGAGU makes history, signs 2005 Appropriation Act into law. First government to achieve this feat in the history of the nation. 2005 budget is about 29.4 billion naira comprising of about 17.55 billion for recurrent expenditure and 11.85 billion for capital expenditure. Details soon...


Pa. James AGAGU has been buried. The late Pa. AGAGU acted as the father to the incumbent Governor of Ondo State ever since the death of the latter's real father. DETAIL HERE

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Commissioners take up new postings - From January 3rd 2005

S/No.

Name

New Post

1.

Chief Bisi Taiwo

Ministry of Culture and Tourism

2.

Dr. Emmanuel Adewole

Ministry of Education & Youth Affairs

3.

Mrs. Tola Aworh

Ministry of Commerce & Industry

4.

Hon. D. I. Kekemeke

Ministry of Works, Lands and Housing

5.

Barrister (Hon.) Alao

Attorney General, Ministry of Justice

6.

Princess A. Ajayi Olufolaji

Women Affairs and Social Welfare

7.

Chief Tayo Alasoadura

Ministry of Finance and Planning

8.

Mr. Olaitan Ayeni

Special Duties

9.

Dr. Oluremi Akinbobola

Ministry of Health

10.

Deacon Ayo Ifayefunmi

Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forest Resources

11.

Prince John Ola Mafo

Ministry of Information & Sports

 


Ogun plans ICT monotechnics
By Kolade Larewaju (Source: Vanguard Newspaper)
Posted to the Web: Monday, June 13, 2005

ABEOKUTA –– Ogun State government plans to set up an ICT monotechnic in each of the state’s senatorial districts to provide both full-time and part-time post-graduate programmes in computer studies.

The monotechnics will, among other programmes, provide each school in the state with a qualified IT technician/teacher and prepare secondary school students for IT examinations to obtain internationally recognized qualification.

The programme coordinator, Mrs. Stella Hunter of SMH Consultancy Ltd, London, who announced this at a press conference in Abeokuta jointly addressed with the Consultant to the state government on ICT, Mr. Folorunso Alli, said that the monotechnic campus in Abeokuta would take of immediately.

She explained that other campuses of the school would be at Atikori in Ijebu-Igbo, Saapade in Remo North and Igbesa in Ado-Odo area.

According to the programme coordinator, the programme which will be run in collaboration with CISCO Networking Academy will offer internationally recognised courses in computer hardware and software, and will award diplomas, certificates, Bsc. degrees, masters and Phd.


Democracy Day: Agagu to commission 30 projects
By Dayo Johnson
Posted to the Web: Monday, May 23, 2005

AKURE—AT least 30 projects worth billions of naira have been lined up for commissioning by Governor Olusegun Agagu of Ondo State as part of activities marking Democracy Day and his second year in office.

Briefing newsmen in Akure, chairman of the anniversary committee and Secretary to the State Government, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, said the projects cover health, education, agriculture, roads and rural electrification of communities across the state.

Mimiko pointed out that a nine-day programme, which started last week Friday, have been slated for the Democracy Day and anniversary celebration across the state.

Slated for Tuesday, are a visit to Okitipupa Oil Palm Plc and commissioning of model classroom blocks in the South senatorial district and some road projects.

Tomorrow, the democracy day lecture entitled: “Ondo State, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” will be delivered by Ambassador Oladele Akadiri at the Cultural Centre, Akure at 11 am.

This would be followed by commissioning of some projects in Central and North senatorial districts of the state.
The commissioning of the office complex of the Local Government Service Commission, Akure and hostel accommodation at the Local Government Training School, Itaogbolu, has been slated for Wednesday.

Thursday has been dedicated to health projects as the Comprehensive Health Centres at Okeigbo, Ilara- Mokin and Owena; General Hospital, Owo and projects at the School of Health Technology, Akure have been listed for commissioning.
A command performance follows later in the day at the Cultural Centre, Akure .

The Akure-Ijare Road is billed to be commissioned on Friday, while the Children’’s Day celebration follows at the  stadium .
On Tuesday, the state governor, Dr. Olusegun Agagu, would play host to media executives in a chat at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Akure.

The Democracy Day carnival, which is the climax of the week long celebration, holds on Saturday, May 28, at the Ondo State Sports Stadium, Akure.

During the carnival, two eminent indigenes of the state, acting Inspector General of Police ( I G ), Mr. Sunday Ehindero, and the NNPC Group Managing Director (GMD ), Mr. Funso Kupolokun, will be honoured by the state government.
The programme would end on Sunday with a service at the Methodist Cathedral, Gbogi, Akure.


APPEAL COURT FREES ODU FROM LIFE BAN.

      An Appeal Court sitting in Benin City has overturned a life-time ban imposed on a former Commissioner in Ondo State, who is currently the Chairman of universal Basic education Board (UBEB), Princess Catherine Oladunni Odu from holding public office.

     Delivering a lead judgment in a unanimous decision by the three justices of the court on an appeal filed by Odu last Thursday, Justice Amina Augie set aside an earlier judgement of Ondo State high Court which affirmed the decision of the Commission of Inquiry headed by Justice Rasheed Fawehinmi recommending a life ban on Odu from holding public office.

     The state government had under the leadership of former Governor Adebayo Adefarati set up a commission of inquiry into the activities of the past military regime under which Odu served.

     The commission subsequently indicted Princess Odu asking her to refund a sum of N22.2 million to the coffers of the government in addition to banning her from holding public office for life as contained in a white paper issued by the government.

Princess Odu thereafter challenged the validity of the commission’s recommendation and the government white paper on it as it affected her.

     Justice H.M. ogunwumiju of Akure High Court who presided over the case struck out Princess odu’s petition on November,12, 2002.

     Following the Akure High Courts ruling Princess Odu filed an appeal to the Court of Appeal in Benin City.

     She prayed the appellate court to quash the findings and recommendations of Fawehinmi’s commission and the state government’s acceptance of same as contained in the white paper.

     Joined as co-respondents in the suit were Barrister Dele Awopeju who was chairman and commissioner appointed to inquire on capital projects between 1995 to 1999, Ondo State Governor and the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

     In the petition which was heard by Justice Rabiu Danlami Muhammed, Patrick Ibe Amaizu and Amina Adamu Augie, the appeal court allowed the appeal to subsist on merit setting aside the judgment of the trial court.

 


AGAGU ORDERS ROAD CONTRACTORS TO LAY ASPHALT NOW

      Ondo State Governor on 26th July, 2005 directed contractors handling road projects in the state to begin asphalt laying on all the roads earlier surface dressed by the present administration.

     The State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Agagu, gave this directive during a meeting he held with the contractors at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office, Alagbaka, Akure.

     Dr. Olusegun Agagu who stated that the meeting was called to review the progress made so far in the last two months, ordered the contractors to go and patch the weak points on the roads constructed across the state and subsequently commence asphalt laying on them in October this year.

     The Governor disclosed that he embarked on the surface dressing to ensure that all roads were well constructed and to determine the weak points before laying asphalt on them.

     Governor Agagu said the move was to ensure the fulfilment of his administration’s promise of providing good road network across the state.

     He noted that over 90 percent of the roads were bad shape when he assumed duties in 2003, stating that work was almost complete in 15 out of the 18 local government of the state.

     Agagu however warned the few contractors that were not measuring to the kind of pace set for them by the government to brace up as his administration would terminate their contracts if there was no substantial improvement in the quality and the pace of their job by end of August.

    While expressing satisfaction at the job by some of the contractors, he said; “I think quite a good number of them ar doing very well,” adding that he would leave no stone unturned to encourage them as and when due.

     The governor emphasized that they started road construction with surface dressing in order to cover as many grounds as possible and allow the roads to mature, noting that “we are now going over them with asphalt so that they can be in a permanent shape.”

    Stressing the importance of road maintenance, Agagu posited that each contractor had a mandate to maintain the roads for a year after completion based on their terms of agreement.

     The Commissioner for Works, Isaac Kekemeke, while speaking with Government House Correspondence, said the close monitoring being given to the contractors has led to the success made so far.

     Kekemeke promised to continue the exercise, noting that it was it that which has kept the contractors on their toes.

 


ODHA OKAYS 22 FIRST CLASS OBAS

   

     Ondo State House of Assembly on 26th July, 2005 passed into law the amended bill of the state Council of Chiefs increasing the number of first class Obas who were permanent members from ten to twenty –two.

     Also, the numbers of other council members on rotational basis were increase from 30 to 39.

     However, the passage into law generated some controversies as some members frowned at the composition of the permanent members, describing it as bogus and uneven.

     This school of thought argue that some big local government councils were cheated as they could not boast of more than one permanent members while a smaller local government council in the northern part of the state had four permanent members.

     They added that the interest of other Obas not in the council would be highly jeopardized, as those in the council would not be able to represent them well.

    Those for the bill and the opposition argued for many hours and when the plenary was becoming rowdy, the speaker ruled that the bill should be put into vote.

     At the end of the voting session those for the passage of the bill out-numbered the opposition with an overwhelming vote.

    However, three members of the House who opposed the bill walked out of the gallery in annoyance without voting.

     Speaking after the passage, the Speaker, Hon. Victor Olabimtan, said” law is made for man, and not man for the law, those aggrieved have a way of channeling their grievances and they should pass such to the appropriate authority.”

     “The issue of the chairmanship raised by some members should be left for the executive to decide.  Chairman of the council of Chiefs is a traditional matter that should be handled traditionally”.

     The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Mayowa Akifolarin added that the issue was very sensitive, stressing that there was no way all the local government councils can have first class Obas.  The leader of the House, hon. Ademola Babalola moved the motion for the bill’s passage and he was supported by Hon. Kingsley Kuku.

     With the passage, the twenty-two permanent members are Osemawe of Ondo, Olowo of Owo, Owa of Idanre, Deji of Akure, Olukare of Ikare, Olubaka of Oka, Abodi of Ikoya, olugbo of Ugbo, jegun of Ili-oluji and Amapetu of Mahin. 

          Others are Agadagba of Ijaw-Ibe, Olushua Of Isua, Olufon of Ifon, Alaani of Idoaani, owa of Ogbagi, Akala of Ikaramu and Zaki of Arigidi.  The rest are Onirun of Irun, Jegun of Idepe, Rabuja of osoro, Olofin of Irele and Kalasuwe of Apoi.

          In the new bill, Akoko North West tops the list of local council area with the highest number of permanent first class Obas with foru, followed by okitipupa having three first class Obas. 

          Ose, ilaje and Ese-Odo have two each, while Akoko North East, Akoko South East, Akoko South West, Akure South, Idanre, Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo. Irele, Ondo West and Owo each has one permanent first class Oba.  Those without permanent first class Obas are Ifedore, Odigbo and Ondo East local government councils.

 

LIST OF FIRST CLASS OBAS IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS

S/N

LG AREA

PERMANENT/FIRST

 CLASS

ROTATIONAL

TOTAL

1

Akoko North East

1

1

2

2