Ondo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye has assured officials and athletes at the Ondo State Sports Council (OSSC) of better welfare packages.
Yusuf-Ogunleye said the current government is ready to encourage and motivate the athletes to get the best out of them.
The Commissioner stated this in a meeting held with the management and staff at the indoor hall of the sports council, in Akure the state capital.
He added that athletes will be motivated ,saying he had instructed the General Manager to bring the file of athletes that have won laurel for the state for presentation before the Governor.
“I will have to present them to the Governor, because if we failed to do this, athletes will not give their best.
“Non of our athletes will be left unattended to, their welfare must all also be looked into.
“Some athletes that are collecting 5000 five years ago are still on same payment while civil servants are clamouring for better minimum wage, we have to find a way to improve in this area,” He said.
He urged the staff of the council to work harmoniously with the new general manager to fast track the development of sports in the state.
He said: “I have come before you with my words of encouragement that my second coming as the commissioner for sports is to improve your welfare and put things right.
“I can assure you all that all your complaints will be attended to, none of you will be shortchanged you wont be deprived of your right.”
You must work hard, absenteeism of any kind will not be tolerated, I plead with you all to be diligent in your duty post.
“I’m here to ensure that your living standards is improved and see that all that is needed to do at the council is provided by the government.”
He however, announced the dissolution of all sports association committee at the Ondo State Sports Council, saying their term in office has elapsed.
He also assured of adequate security of equipment at the sports council to prevent vandalism.
Earlier, in his welcome address the General Manager of the state Sports council, Mr Sunday Fagite, assured the commissioner the readiness of the management and staff of the council to work with him for the rapid development of sports in Ondo State.
He thanked the commissioner for deeming but fit to meet the staff of the council, saying the step he had taken will bring positive change to the sports development in the state.
The Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has suspended Senator Jimoh Ibrahim.
Ibrahim, who represents Ondo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly was suspended for alleged anti-party activities.
The lawmaker was suspended by members of the APC Executive Committee of Igbotako Ward 11 in Okitipupa Local Goverment Area of Ondo State.
The notice was signed by ward executive members including Bakere Usuf, Tore Obwoselu, Oloyinmi Idowu, Borewaye Louyomi, Oladipupo Bose, Alkimbobola Seyi, Lawal-Babatunde, Aritawe-Ademole, Akinkuoju Olarewaju and Fabioye Ajoke.
Ibrahim’s suspension is coming after he lost out in the party’s governorship primary election in the state.
The Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has suspended Senator Jimoh Ibrahim.
Ibrahim, who represents Ondo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly was suspended for alleged anti-party activities.
The lawmaker was suspended by members of the APC Executive Committee of Igbotako Ward 11 in Okitipupa Local Goverment Area of Ondo State.
The notice was signed by ward executive members including Bakere Usuf, Tore Obwoselu, Oloyinmi Idowu, Borewaye Louyomi, Oladipupo Bose, Alkimbobola Seyi, Lawal-Babatunde, Aritawe-Ademole, Akinkuoju Olarewaju and Fabioye Ajoke.
Ibrahim’s suspension is coming after he lost out in the party’s governorship primary election in the state.
Towards effective propagation of government activities and fostering harmonious relationship between the Ondo state government and the people of the state, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Wale Akinlosotu, has emphasised the need for ingenuity and professionalism among Information Officers in the discharge of their duties.
The Commissioner also called on the Information Officers within the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to discover new ways of executing their roles.
This appeal was made during his inaugural meeting with the information officers at his office.
Mr. Akinlosotu emphasized the importance of being proactive and generating new ideas to enhance the effectiveness of their duties. He stressed the need for all officers to take their responsibilities seriously, ensuring they represent the Ministry well and provide accurate information to the public.
He encouraged the officers to work diligently and uphold their reputations within their respective MDAs, highlighting the significance of their roles in making a global impact.
The commissioner revealed plans for significant changes aimed at creating positive impact within the Ministry.
Mr. Akinlosotu also pledged to address concerns raised by the information officers and strive to position the Ministry as a leader among the state’s MDAs.
In addition, the Administrative Secretary, Mrs. Toyin Onisile, urged the officers to demonstrate increased dedication, hard work, and proactivity in their assignments.
Timilehin Ogunsulire Media Manager Ministry of Information and Orientation May 15th, 2024.
The Federal Government has announced the approval of 1 Billion Naira to be utilised as equity contribution in partnership with private developers to construct hostels in twelve selected tertiary institutions in the country made up of six universities, three polytechnics, and three colleges of education.
Speaking at a workshop on ‘Emerging Areas of Students Needs in Beneficiary Institutions’ organised by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in Abuja on Tuesday, the Executive Secretary of the Fund Sonny Echono who announced the approval, says the deplorable state of hostel accommodation in many institutions is hampering learning outcomes of students.
Echono equally urged heads of institutions with faculties of education to fashion new ways of giving effect to the Federal Government’s directive on teaching practice to churn out well-trained teachers.
The Federal Executive Council after a marathon meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday rolled out 21 major policy initiatives.
The President’s Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Bayo Onanuga, in a post on his X handle, formerly Twitter, listed the initiatives as a 48-hour visa policy, cancelling of airport toll payment exemption for very important persons and ban on sand dredging 10 kilometres from all federal bridges throughout the country among others.
The FEC meeting, which started on Monday was concluded on Tuesday in what experts have described as unprecedented in the history of the council.
After exhaustive deliberations, the council approved several policies and projects that would further boost the economy, facilitate investments and promote the ease of doing business in the country.
Briefing the State House correspondents on Tuesday after the FEC meeting at Aso Rock Villa Abuja on Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the Federal Government was reviewing its visa regime to enable persons who wish to invest in Nigeria to obtain a visa within 48 hours.
Idris stated that the visa policy was one of the several resolutions of FEC, adding that it was aimed at encouraging investors and tourists.
According to him, the visa policy review is necessary to foster ease of doing business on Nigerian soil.
Since assuming office in May 2023, the Bola Tinubu administration has actively pursued foreign investment opportunities through a series of strategic international engagements and high-level meetings aimed at boosting Nigeria’s economic profile.
Briefing journalists after the FEC meeting on Tuesday, the information minister said a tripartite committee had been created to review the visa issuance process.
Idris said, “Now, the Federal Executive Council has noted that our visa processes are becoming cumbersome and this is not encouraging investors to come in easily because, as the President has indicated, the ease of doing business is also tied to the ease of visa application.
“Therefore, the FEC has set up a committee to look at our visa processes to reduce the cumbersome nature of these visa processes, meaning that those investors or tourists who want to come into Nigeria will find it a lot easier to go into this country provided they follow all the laid down processes.
1) e-visa platform
“This includes the e-visa platform, which has already been discussed. The Federal Government is also mulling the idea of every visa application being processed within the next 48 hours.”
Nigeria’s e-visa process is part of a broader effort to streamline and modernise the country’s visa system, as outlined in the Nigeria Visa Policy (NVP) 2020.
The e-visa system allows visiting non-Nigerians to apply online. Applicants must complete an electronic application form, upload necessary documents, and pay the required fees.
Such e-visas available include the Short Visit Visa for business, which allows for a maximum stay of 90 days, and various investor visas that cater to different scales of investment from small to ultra-large enterprises.
However, the system has been plagued by inefficiencies, making the process cumbersome due to several factors. Applicants often face difficulties fulfilling documentation requirements and dealing with occasional technical hitches on the application portal.
More so, the need for detailed documentation, such as letters of invitation, evidence of sufficient funds, and investment proofs, adds to the complexity. The process also requires pre-approval via an electronic travel authorisation letter, which must be printed and presented upon arrival.
Though designed to ensure security and proper vetting, they have been time-consuming and challenging for users.
2) N10bn airport tolls
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has said it will generate at least N10bn annually from airport access tolls.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, who disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents after the FEC meeting, also said the council approved a memorandum from the ministry scrapping toll exemptions for all very important persons and government officials using airports nationwide.
Tuesday’s decision would see President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, who were earlier exempted, paying airport access toll and parking fees.
Keyamo said the government’s rationale was to stop the revenue haemorrhage, denying the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria the much-needed means to maintain the facilities and provide quality services to users.
He argued that the government lost over 82 per cent of the money it would have generated from e-tags sold to VIPs and government officials for easy airport access.
The memoranda initially recommended an exemption for the President and the vice president. However, Tinubu, who chairs the Council, overruled this, insisting that he and the VP, alongside their aides, must pay tolls.
“How much are we expecting? It runs into billions. We are looking at raising at least N10bn annually. This is a very big one for us (Federal Government). And we will market the e-tags so that VIPS will buy into it,” said Keyamo when asked about specifics.
He explained, “When we came to office, we met a tradition on the ground where at the end of the year, all manners of VIPs would approach us for what they call complimentary e-tags or complimentary stickers. They don’t pay airport access fees, parking, or essential services.
“The negative figure we get at the end of the day from the complimentary e-tags is -82 per cent. In other words, we end up selling only 18 per cent of e-tages. Imagine the loss! I told myself and my team, not under my watch. It is inconceivable that the VIPs don’t pay for services, but the poor pay.
“Our memo says with the exception of the President and the Vice President. But the President overruled me and said he and the Vice President would pay. He said everybody must pay.”
Enacted in 1995, the FAAN Act (Part IV) empowers the airport authority to levy and collect various charges from various categories of airport users to support the maintenance and development of airport infrastructure.
He added that a percentage rebate was being considered for service veterans.
The minister also vowed to ensure compliance, saying, “I will breathe down on the regulators. I must direct them to do what the law says diligently. I will ensure that they don’t water. down the regulatory measures.”
He said toll collection officers at the airport gates would no longer be bullied into granting access to uniform officers who refuse to pay. He assured them that more cameras would be “planted” in strategic positions to capture and expose any acts of harassment.
Regarding his alleged interference in the operations of airlines, especially as it concerns the closure of Dana Airlines, Keyamo noted that he would “continue to interfere to save lives until he leaves office.”
In a related development, the FEC approved a memorandum seeking N4.2bn for the maintenance and supply of aircraft recovery equipment.
Keyamo said the equipment would be used at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Lagos and was designed to respond to occasions of aircraft breakdown on runways.
Apart from the initiative on the airports, the FEC also approved a N2tn mortgage initiative and banned sand-dredging 10km from federal bridges.
The council also approved a N51bn transport terminal hub in Abuja. It added that $7m US property would become Nigeria’s tech hub.
FEC also approved a new revenue platform for gaming and lottery businesses as well as N546bn for roads in Lagos, Kwara, Edo, Kebbi and Sokoto.
3) N72bn transmission lines
This came as the Federal Government also defended the Lagos-Ibadan Coastal Highway project, saying the project which would enhance growth and development followed due process.
Approved N72bn project includes the first is a 93-kilometer transmission line at Oji River/9th Mile for the 132 KV double circuit transmission line, costing $33.9m (N50.93bn) and N10.1m.
The second is for the supply and installation of 15 units of emergency restoration systems costing $14m (N21.04bn) for 330 KV and 132 KV transmission lines. The system will expedite the repair of damaged power infrastructure.
Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, revealed this to journalists at the State House as some of the approvals he secured at Tuesday’s Federal Executive Council meeting.
He explained that the emergency restoration system is a response to the impact of vandalism on power transmission assets, particularly in the Northeast, where there has been a blackout for the past weeks due to vandalism.
“We are aware of what is happening in the Northeast today in the last two to three weeks. There have been blackouts because of vandalisation activities. The Transmission Company of Nigeria has been trying to ensure that they fix these vandalised assets and we hope that before the end of the month, we should be able to return normalcy to the power situation in the Northeast.
“This emergency ratio restoration system will enable us to fix all the vandalised and damaged power infrastructure across the country.
“This was brought about by the impact of vandalisation across the country in terms of power transmission assets to ensure that the students enjoy 24/7 uninterrupted power supply,” Adelabu explained.
The power minister also noted that the new 93km transmission line will stabilise the national grid and expand its capacity, in line with the national grid expansion plan and the Presidential Power Initiative to increase its end-to-end capacity.
Monday’s approval also includes the procurement of 10 transformers and 10 reactors for the Transmission Company of Nigeria at a total cost of $4.8m (N7.2bn) and N102m, saying this will enhance the optimal performance of the national grid, reduce the risk of electric shock and equipment damage, and protect personnel from the effects of high voltage.
The Federal Government also appealed to Organised Labour not to derail the transformation plan for the power sector, saying to achieve the desired service the current sacrifice is required.
Adelabu also assured Labour that their demands made during their nationwide protest on Monday were being considered.
On Monday, leaders of the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria led their members in peaceful protest in different parts of the country, picketing the activities of agencies and institutions under the Power Ministry, demanding the reversal of the recent increase in electricity tariff.
However, reacting to the demands by the Labour unions, Adelabu noted that the federal government had noted their grievances, received their demands and would be engaging further with them, emphasising that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is a listening government
He said, “It’s the right of the Labour to protest peacefully and to come up with their demands, from the perspective they saw what we did. It is allowed, it is legitimate and it is understandable
“Let me make that clear. President Bola Tinubu’s administration is also a listening government. We have heard demands, we’re going to look at it, we’ll make further engagements and I believe we’re going to reach a peaceful resolution with the labour.
“My appeal again is that they should please not derail or distract our transformation plan for the industry. We have a documented reform roadmap to take us to our desired destination, where we’re going to have reliable, functional, cost-effective and affordable electricity in Nigeria. It cannot be achieved overnight because this is a decay of almost 60 years, which we are trying to correct.
“Nobody promised us or assured us that the road will be smooth. We knew it was going to be rough, but we must weather the storm, which is going to be temporary. It’s a lot of sacrifice from everybody; from the government’s side, from the people’s side, from the private sector side. So we must bear this sacrifice for us to have a permanent gain.”
Meanwhile, the FG has revealed plans to tap into local funds such as pension and life insurance to develop infrastructure in the country.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun, disclosed this while briefing correspondents saying that there are over N20tn of such funds available in the country.
He said the fund would go into infrastructure such as housing and providing long-term mortgages.
He explained, “Nigeria is resilient, Nigerians are resilient. The fact is that even before we start looking to foreign investors, we start looking to foreign funding, there are available in Nigeria, long-term funds to fund infrastructure projects, and it’s within the pension, life insurance and investment fund industry generally.
“There is upwards of N20tn available, and much of it is in short-term funding that doesn’t need to be. Pension money is long-term.
“People save over their lifetime for their pension. And so in conversation, in consultation, collaboration and cooperation with the private sector, we are now able to announce and with the full knowledge and support of all parties, that there will be an initiative to fund growth through investment in infrastructure, including housing, provision of mortgages, long term mortgages, 25-year mortgages at relatively low interest rates.
He noted that, initially, the government would stand back and provide some support, particularly in the era of high interest rates but will lessen its involvement as interest rates stabilise.
“On the supply side, construction of houses will be funded. On the demand side mortgages will be made available so that those constructing houses have an outlet and Nigerians who are saving so much by way of pension funds, have the bonus of access to affordable mortgages.
“That is the long and short of this initiative and you also as much as anybody else can understand and see what it means in the construction industry to do for the country.
“That is the plan, that is the target that is the hope. And in this particular case, you have the best and the brightest that Nigeria has to offer, putting their minds together and committing to achieving the goals,” he said.
Edun spoke against the backdrop of what he said in the context of President Bola Tinubu’s macroeconomic reforms, “which are necessary and could not be delayed a moment longer.”
The Federal Executive Council presided over by President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday approved N96,297,056,103bn for the development of bus terminals and other transportation facilities in the nation’s capital, Abuja.
The amount also covers the award of contract to Masssr Planet Project Limited for the construction of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, contract for the provision of Security operation and maintenance of back-up generator for the street lights along the Presidential routes and Villa Gate 8 in the Federal Capital City, as well as the upgrade roads in Kwali Area Council.
Minister of State for the FCT, Mrs Mariya Mahmood, also disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents at the end of the FEC meeting.
She explained that all the due process for the procurement procedure has already been followed and the certificate of no-objection has been obtained for the contracts.
According to her, “The first approval is for the award of contract for the development of bus terminal and other transportation facilities in the Capital territory. Secondly, is approval for the award of contract for the construction of the Court of Appeal Abuja division.
“And number three is approval for the award of contracts for the provision of security operations and maintenance of backup generators for the streetlights along presidential routes and villa gate 8, the federal capital city.
“And lastly, the fourth one is for the upgrading of Koita-Igbu in Kwali Area Council. All the necessary due process for the procurement procedure has been followed. And a certificate of no objection has been obtained for all the awarded approved contracts.”
Breaking down the figures, the Minister said “ I do have costs and contractors. The first one for the first time was awarded at a cost of N51,025,172,424.90 and it was awarded in favour of Messrs Planet Project Limited.
“Then the second one is in favour of Visible Construction Limited at the cost of N37,259,513,881.14 and the upgrading of Kwali-Ibu is at N7.6 billion in favour of El Emad Nigeria Limited. For the generator and also the security there are two things attached to that memo.
“The issue of security operation and maintenance of the backup generator and it’s at the cost of N412,352,800 million. It was awarded to Messiah Contract People Limited.”
Mimiko’s ex-appointees hail gov for timely intervention
The Ondo State Government on Tuesday began payment of two months salary arrears of former political office holders in the State.
This followed the approval of the Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, last week for the payment of two of the three outstanding months of salary arrears of the former appointees.
The beneficiaries are those who served under the administration of Dr. Olusegun Mimiko as governor of the State between 2009 and 2017.
They include those who served as members of the State Executive Council, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, Education Secretaries and board chairmen and members.
The Mimiko administration had left in February 2017 with seven months arrears of salary of workers and political office holders. The administration of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu had paid six out of the seven months arrears for workers and four months for the former appointees.
Governor Aiyedatiwa had in January this year paid the outstanding one month for workers and last week approved payment of two months for the former appointees.
Many of the beneficiaries have commended the Governor for responding to their pleas for the payment within his first four months in office.
One of the coordinators of the group of the former appointees, Mr. Femi Bosede, said the Governor has just displayed leadership with empathy, describing the intervention as timely.
He said: “Although we have been on this for a very long time but we must appreciate Mr. Governor for listening to us and approving the payment.
“The struggle has been a tough one for many of our people since 2017 but we can now get a relief with the two months paid. I’m sure Mr. Governor will approve the remaining one month in no distant time. We are indeed grateful to him.”
Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State. May 15, 2024.
Ondo state Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa says his administration is fully committed to the security of lives and property especially the farmers in the 18 council areas of the state.
Governor Aiyedatiwa made the remark at the inauguration ceremony of the new executive members of the Ondo state agricultural commodities association OSACA held at the women development skill and acquisition centre in Akure.
The 26 affiliated bodies of the Ondo state agricultural commodities association OSACA gathered at the women acquisition centre of the Ministry of women affairs and social development to usher in their new executive that will pilot their affairs for the next three years.
In his address, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa saluted the farmers and congratulated the new executives charging them on increased food sufficiency, reduction of prices of agricultural products and leveraging on the use of technology to boost production.
Represented by his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, Aiyedatiwa said his administration has initiated and delivered nobel agricultural programs to sustain food production in the state.
According to him “Dear Ondo state farmers, we salute you because i know what farming entails in the 24th century in terms of human and financial resources. Let me congratulate the new excos of OSACA who are being sworn in today for coming at the right time, a time when we have a forward thinking Governor, His Excellency Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa”.
“Governor Aiyedatiwa has committed in no small measure a lot of resources to the development of agriculture and promotion of food sufficiency in Ondo state. It is worthy of note that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has initiated and delivered several agricultural programs, projects and policies in line with the renewed hope agenda of the President of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR”. he stated
“Recently, the state government contributed 1,200 metric tons of grains as palliative to farmers in the state to address the rising cost of food prices and I’m sure your association OSACA was part of the beneficiaries.
He said government has embarked on construction and rehabilitation of rural roads for easy mobility of farm produce for local consumption.
“Recognizing the importance of access roads to farmers, our government has embarked on massive construction and rehabilitation of rural access roads in communities through the rural access mobility project RAMP among many other laudable agricultural interventions”.
“The primary responsibility of government is the provision of security to the people and this government have been responsible for it. You also highlighted the initiatives of the government to ensure the safety and security of farmers in the state.”
The newly inaugurated chairman of OSACA, Chief Abiodun Adejo who took the baton from the immediate past chairman, Mr Gbenga Obaweya said more will be done to actively involve the association in formulation of government policies to boost agriculture and food security.
“The government is looking up to us to coordinate and mobilize farmers and agropreneurs to transform the agricultural sector of the state to increase production, lower the current high pricing of agricultural products and to leverage on the use of technology to boost production”.
” We must position our association to be actively involved in formulation of government policies to boost agriculture and food security”.
Representatives of SMEDAN, bank of Industry, cocoa council association of Nigeria and other affiliate bodies emphasized on unity to achieve the needed success for all farmers in the state.
The Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC), has reiterated its commitment to conduct elections in the 18 Local Government areas and 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state slated for July 13.
The Commission added that the day for the election is sacrosanct to elect 18 council chairmen and 33 councilors into all the LCDAs.
Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Joseph Aremo who declared this at a meeting with political parties in the state on Monday, assured that the elections would hold as scheduled.
He assured cooperation of all the stakeholders including security operatives to conduct peaceful elections in the 18 councils and the 33 LCDAs across the state.
According to him, the timetable and outline of activities for the conduct of the elections did not change as it was planned.
He charged the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) as the umbrella body of political parties in the state on the need to communicate the readiness of the Commission on the polls to other political parties not in attendance.
In the guidelines for the elections, the political parties are expected to commence their primaries on May 13 and end it on June 3.
Aremo appealed to all the representatives of the political parties at the meeting to stick to days programmed by the Commission for the conduct of their primaries.
He urged them to pick their candidates within the LCDAs they belong to avoid litigation.
His words “We are conducting elections into 203 wards for the position of councilorship and two positions which include chairmen in 18 councils and 33 LCDAs.
“On our part, we are set. All we need is your cooperation.
“The essence of the meeting is to charge and prepare political parties ahead of the elections. We are not rescheduling again as the day is sacrosanct.”
Speaking, the State Chairman of IPAC, Mr. Olaoluwa Adesanya, commended the chairman of the commission for his preparation to ensure the elections are held.
He, therefore, assured the Commission of IPAC’s cooperation towards the conduct of credible elections.
At the 2nd Regular Quarterly Meeting between the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Leaders of Political Parties held today at the Commission’s headquarters, Abuja, the Hon. Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu informed the party leaders about the Commission’s decision to resume the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in Edo and Ondo States from Monday 27th May to Wednesday 5th June 2024 between 9am and 3pm daily, including the weekend.
This CVR is only open to NEW REGISTRANTS and those seeking to transfer their registration from other States to Edo and Ondo States.
Persons who are registered voters SHOULD NOT ATTEMPT TO REGISTER AGAIN.
