Today, on this momentous Mothering Sunday, OSRC joined the global community in paying tribute to the selfless love and devotion of mothers everywhere. The occasion was marked with a heartfelt thanksgiving service at the Government House Chapel, where the OSRC family gathered to express their deepest gratitude to God.
The Director General of the Corporation was represented by his Technical Adviser, Hon. Collins Olagundoye, who led the management and staff in spirited praise and worship. In his poignant remarks, Hon. Olagundoye acknowledged God’s boundless goodness and extended his sincerest appreciation to the Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa, for his visionary leadership and profound impact on the media group.
This special day, also known as Laetare Sunday, is a time-honored tradition that celebrates the joy and beauty of motherhood. It is a poignant reminder of the invaluable role that mothers play in nurturing and shaping the lives of their children.
The event was a resplendent celebration of motherhood, faith, and community, underscoring the profound significance of these values in our lives. As we honor the mothers among us, we are reminded of the transformative power of love, care, and devotion.
Ondo State contingent on Sunday departs Akure the state capital for the maiden Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF) in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State with 320 athletes.
Team Ondo will join other eight Niger Delta states to compete in 17 games which will commence between April 1- 9,2025.
The states will be competing in the following games: Football, Wrestling, Boxing, Table tennis, Athletes Scrabble,Handball, Canoeing , Basketball, Chess, Weightlifting, Para- Athletics, Traditional Wrestling, Volleyball, Swimming, Tennis, Power Lifting
The Chairman Ondo State Liaison Committee for the festival, Mrs Tolulope Adeyemi, who said the 320 state contingent would participate in 17 accredited sports.
She assured that Ondo State will come out top at the festival.
Adeyemi said that over 1,000 athletes participated in the pre- trials and the best were selected for the competition proper
“Ondo is ready! We are set, I am sure our athletes will emerge victorious in this maiden edition of the competition. We want to appreciate our amiable Governor for all the support we have received so far. We assure the state that we will not disappoint and we will bring back laurels and do our state proud,” she said.
The Niger-Delta has nine states, which includes; Edo, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River and Akwa Ibom, Ondo Abia and Imo.
The Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has congratulated the Muslim community in Ondo State as they celebrate Eid-el-fitr, imploring them to rekindle their commitment to unity and love for fellow residents.
Governor Aiyedatiwa congratulated Muslims for successfully completing the holy month of Ramadan, a period dedicated to fasting, prayer, reflection, and service to community.
The Governor said: “As you mark the end of this sacred month, I rejoice with you on this year’s Eid-el-fitr and urge you to use this celebration to reflect on the lessons of Ramadan.
“I urge you to continue to embody the virtues of patience, love, compassion, and self-discipline cultivated during Ramadan.
“As we celebrate this season with you, may Allah shower His countless blessings upon you and your loved ones.
“Happy Eid-el-fitr celebration.”
The Governor prayed that this year’s Eid will bring blessings, peace and prosperity for all Muslim faithful, expressing optimism for a sustained peaceful coexistence in the State.
While thanking Muslim clerics and leaders across the State for their support and prayers for his administration, the Governor promised to continue to provide conducive environment for religious harmony in the State.
The Governor of Ondo State, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his 73rd birthday, thanking the president for his support towards the development of the State.
The Governor in a birthday message to the President, said under the Renewed Hope administration, Ondo State has witneseed unprecedented federal presence and support, including infrastructural projects and appointments.
The Governor said: “I write to congratulate an icon, a worthy example in excellence, courage and passion; a dogged fighter and leader of leaders, His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, on the auspicious occasion of his 73rd birthday.
“Dear Mr. President, your life has been a testament of what only God and determination could do. The Nigerian political scene remains incomplete without a worthy mention of your unconditional contributions even before democracy returned in 1999.
“In and out of government, you resisted the temptation of flirtatious political entanglement and remained true to progressive ideas and ideals even when it wasn’t fashionable. We see in you a leader with so much patience, always ready to allow others grow while waiting for no compensation.
“As our leader, I am in awe of your uncanny ability to take bold decisions in the overall interest of the people while bearing the consequences that may come thereafter without caving in to pressures. Of bold steps to engender development in every part of the country, you have demonstrated courage in the face of hopelessness.
“As the father of the nation, we appreciate the blessedness of your wisdom in quelling a political inferno while entrenching political stability in our State when we direly needed one.
“Importantly, we recognize your developmental support geared towards making Ondo State great in all ramifications. Chiefly, the dualisation of Ore-Ondo-Akure road, establishment of Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital, construction of Lagos/Calabar Coastal Highway, giving us an avaition institution and several political appointments for sons and daughters of Ondo State bear testimonies to the unprecedented inclusivity that the State has enjoyed since 1999.
“On behalf of the people and Government of Ondo State, I wish Mr. President renewed vigour, strength, courage and good health to lead Nigeria to the realm of desired progress and bliss.”
Orders rehabilitation of internal roads of institutions
The Governor of Ondo State, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Thursday met with the leadership of the National Association Nigerian Students in Ondo State on issues raised on education and students welfare.
This followed a protest organised by the Joint Campus Committee (JCC) of NANS in Akure where the students expressed concerns over the conditions of some of their schools.
Meeting the student leaders at the Governor’s Office later in the day, Governor Aiyedatiwa said many of their requests were already being addressed by his administration.
The Governor, who commended the peaceful nature of their protest, said his administration has taken many measures to improve education, including an increase in the subventions of tertiary institutions and payment of bursary and scholarships.
While giving a directive to the Ministry of Infrastructure on the rehabilitation of Internal roads of the institutions, the Governor said the government had already done the designs for some of the roads leading to the schools, including that of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko.
Governor Aiyedatiwa added that intervention agencies had been approached to speed up work on abandoned hostel projects in some of the schools.
The Governor also directed the management of the former Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, to begin preparations for the convocation of the past ten sessions of graduands.
On the issue of security, the Governor said relative peace has returned to the State as security agencies are now working together better to ensure the safety of lives and properties.
The Governor also addressed the issues of renovation of the NYSC camp at Ikare Akoko, land grabbing at the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure and buses for Students Union Governments.
The student leaders thanked the Governor for the audience and the promises made to address their concerns.
Those at the meeting included the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, Attorney General and Commisoner for Justice, Dr Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Students Affairs, Mr. Kelvin Solomon Olaolu and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Empowerment, Mr. Orioye Benedict Gbayisemore.
As Ondo moves to create employment opportunities in tech sector
The Governor of Ondo State, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Wednesday met with the management team of the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT), Nigeria’s leading satellite service provider.
The meeting, which took place at the Ondo State Lodge in Abuja, centred around the efforts of the Ondo State Government to train youths and create employment opportunities in the Information Technology sector.
The team of NIGCOMSAT, an agency under the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, was led by the Managing Director, Mrs Nkechi Jane Egerton-Idehen.
The team also discussed with the Governor the strategic planning for the proposed Hackathon Space-technology and VSAT Satellite training for university students and youths in Ondo state.
The programme is designed to enhance the capacities of local innovators and startups, and ultimately create employment opportunities in the ICT sector of Ondo state.
Ondo state had been selected as the Southwest regional location for the hackathon space-tech training, a testament to the digital transformation of the state being championed by Governor Aiyedatiwa.
The nationwide training kicked off in Adamawa state as Northeast regional location, with Jigawa state as Northwest regional location coming up next week, while Imo state will follow after Ondo state as Southeast regional location.
The training of the youths in Ondo state will hold between April 28 and May 2nd.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, who appreciated the NIGCOMSAT team for picking Ondo state as the Southwest regional location, also called for more partnership between the company and Ondo State Government.
The Governor said the partnership will help in bridging the digital divide among Ondo state youths, and leveraging technology to improve the efficiency of social services.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on ICT, Hon Tomide Akinribido, joined the Governor to receive the NIGCOMSAT team.
Other officials of NIGCOMSAT who accompanied the MD included; Mrs Adama Kure, Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Engr Musa Otaru, General Manager, Regional Sales and Business Development and Engr Ikechukwu Amalu, Acting Director, Technical services, among others.
Muslim leaders hail Aiyedatiwa on developmental strides
The Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has urged the Muslim community to use the Holy Month of Ramadan as an opportunity to pray for peace, security, and national stability, emphasizing the power of prayers in shaping a prosperous future.
Speaking at the 2025 Governor’s Iftar Programme held at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome), Akure on Tuesday, the Governor expressed his gratitude to Almighty Allah for granting the grace to witness another Ramadan, describing the period as a time of spiritual reflection, self-purification, and renewed faith.
“The Holy Month of Ramadan is a sacred period for Muslims to rekindle their faith, seek forgiveness, and strive for spiritual growth. As we observe this fasting season, I urge our revered clerics to offer special prayers for divine guidance, protection, and peace for our country.
“Nigeria is at a critical juncture in our nationhood, facing several challenges. While the Federal and Subnational Governments are tackling these issues decisively, we must seek Allah’s intervention to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free year 2025,” he stated.
The Governor also urged the gathering to combat misinformation and fake news, warning that false narratives can fuel panic and societal unrest.
“I implore you to continue preaching against the menace of fake news, unnecessary alarms, and the activation of unwarranted panic mode. These have far-reaching consequences on our society,” he cautioned.
Governor Aiyedatiwa appreciated the Muslim community for their unwavering support and prayers for his administration, assuring them that his government remains committed to delivering the dividends of good governance despite global economic challenges.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to religious harmony, emphasizing that both Christians and Muslims in Ondo State are treated with fairness and inclusivity.
On security, the Governor reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to flush out criminal elements operating in the state, stating that Ondo will not be a safe haven for criminals disguising as farmers or herders.
“The security and welfare of our people shall remain a priority. We will not allow Ondo State to become a hideout for criminals. While we welcome all law-abiding Nigerians who wish to live and do legitimate business in our state, there shall be no room for those using our forests as cover for criminal activities,” he declared.
Governor Aiyedatiwa urged all citizens to remain united in building a peaceful and prosperous Ondo State, emphasizing that collaboration and mutual respect among all ethnic and religious groups are crucial for progress.
During his welcome address, the Chairman of the Ondo State Muslim Welfare Board, Zikrullah Adam Chandy, described this year’s iftar with Mr Governor as particularly significant. He noted that the Iftar holds special meaning as it comes just a month after Governor Aiyedatiwa was sworn in for a new administration, making it a moment of reflection and renewed commitment.
He expressed deep appreciation to the governor for his unwavering commitment to the development of the state and for his efforts in ensuring the welfare of the Muslim community.
Chandy also reaffirmed the Muslim community’s loyalty to the government, as enjoined by Islamic teachings.
Delivering a lecture at the Iftar gathering, the Grand Mufti of Ondo State and Fakhrul-Ulamai of Yorubaland, Edo, and Delta, Alhaji Dr. Sheikh Batuta, emphasized the shared humanity between Muslims and non-Muslims, stating that all people are children of the same mother and should coexist in harmony.
The Grand Mufti also commended Governor Aiyedatiwa’s leadership, attributing the state’s progress and answered prayers to the governor’s compassionate and selfless nature.
In his goodwill message, the Grand Imam of the Akure Empire, Alhaji Sheikh Abdulakeem Yayi Akorede, lauded Governor Aiyedatiwa for his proactive leadership and swift actions since assuming office.
He noted that the governor had wasted no time in making key decisions that have accelerated government activities, particularly through the timely appointment of major government officials, ensuring smooth governance and continuity.
He also commended the governor’s commitment to workers’ welfare, employment of over 2000 new teachers and enhancing infrastructure through new road projects.
The Grand Imam encouraged the governor to continue on this path, assuring him of the support and prayers of the Muslim community for the success of his administration.
In attendance were the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, State Chairman of APC, Engr Ade Adetimehin, Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip, Member representing Ese-Odo/Ilaje federal constituency, Hon. Donald Ojogo, members of Ondo State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, Heads of Security Agencies, Local Government Chairmen and traditional rulers.
The OSRC Media Group has received commendation from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for its significant strides in quality broadcasting, boasting a notable 60% improvement in station operations.
During the NBC’s recent familiarization visit to the media headquarters in Akure, State Officer Omowunmi Kehinde highlighted areas of improvement, including enhanced programming consistency, new content introduction, and improved audio and television picture quality across OSRC’s platforms.
The Director-General, Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson, was joined by key team members, including Adeleke Collins Olagundoye, Technical Adviser to the DG; Engr Femi Ayekomilogbon, Director of Engineering and Technical Services; Mrs Bukola Ogunkua, Director of Programmes, Sunshine 96.5 FM; Alalaye Mrs Ireti Alewi, Director of Programmes, OSRC TV; and Mrs Remi Allen, Director of Programmes, Orange 94.5 FM.
While praising OSRC leadership for its commitment to quality transmission, Ms. Kehinde emphasized the need for expanded children’s programming, aligning with previous initiatives promoting quality children’s content. In response, Director-General Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson reaffirmed the group’s dedication to delivering quality content, disclosing plans for further technical upgrades and appealing for assistance in addressing interference issues affecting the group’s radio stations.
TEXT OF THE BROADCAST BY PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES, DECLARING STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RIVERS STATE ON TUESDAY 18 MARCH 2025
Fellow Nigerians, I feel greatly disturbed at the turn we have come to regarding the political crisis in Rivers State. Like many of you, I have watched with concern the development with the hope that the parties involved would allow good sense to prevail at the soonest, but all that hope burned out without any solution to the crisis.
With the crisis persisting, there is no way democratic governance, which we have all fought and worked for over the years, can thrive in a way that will redound to the benefit of the good people of the state. The state has been at a standstill since the crisis started, with the good people of the state not being able to have access to the dividends of democracy.
Also, it is public knowledge that the Governor of Rivers State for unjustifiable reasons, demolished the House of Assembly of the state as far back as 13th December 2023 and has, up until now, fourteen (14) months after, not rebuilt same. I have made personal interventions between the contending parties for a peaceful resolution of the crisis, but my efforts have been largely ignored by the parties to the crisis. I am also aware that many well-meaning Nigerians, Leaders of thought and Patriotic groups have also intervened at various times with the best of intentions to resolve the matter, but all their efforts were also to no avail. Still, I thank them.
On February 28, 2025, the supreme court, in a judgment in respect of about eight consolidated appeals concerning the political crisis in Rivers State, based on several grave unconstitutional acts and disregard of rule of law that have been committed by the Governor of Rivers State as shown by the evidence before it pronounced in very clear terms:
“A government cannot be said to exist without one of the three arms that make up the government of a state under the 1999 Constitution as amended. In this case the head of the executive arm of the government has chosen to collapse the legislature to enable him to govern without the legislature as a despot. As it is there is no government in Rivers State.”
The above pronouncement came after a catalogue of judicial findings of constitutional breaches against the Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Going Forward in their judgment, and having found and held that 27 members of the House who had allegedly defected
“are still valid members of Rivers State House of Assembly and cannot be prevented from participating in the proceedings of that House by the 8th Respondent (that is, the Governor) in cohorts with four members”
The Supreme Court then made some orders to restore the state to immediate constitutional democracy. These orders include the immediate passing of an Appropriation Bill by the Rivers State House of Assembly which up till now has not been facilitated.
Some militants had threatened fire and brimstone against their perceived enemy of the governor who has up till now NOT disowned them.
Apart from that both the House and the governor have not been able to work together.
Both of them do not realise that they are in office to work together for the peace and good governance of the state.
The latest security reports made available to me show that between yesterday and today there have been disturbing incidents of vandalization of pipelines by some militant without the governor taking any action to curtail them. I have, of course given stern order to the security agencies to ensure safety of lives of the good people of Rivers State and the oil pipelines.
With all these and many more, no good and responsible President will standby and allow the grave situation to continue without taking remedial steps prescribed by the Constitution to address the situation in the state, which no doubt requires extraordinary measures to restore good governance, peace, order and security.
In the circumstance, having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State and the Governor and Deputy Governor of Rivers State having failed to make a request to me as President to issue this proclamation as required by section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, it has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke the provision of section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State with effect from today, 18th March, 2025 and I so do.
By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.
In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State. For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate.
The Administrator will not make any new laws. He will, however, be free to formulate regulations as may be found necessary to do his job, but such regulations will need to be considered and approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President for the state.
This declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette, a copy of which has been forwarded to the National Assembly in accordance with the Constitution. It is my fervent hope that this inevitable intervention will help to restore peace and order in Rivers State by awakening all the contenders to the constitutional imperatives binding on all political players in Rivers State in particular and Nigeria as a whole.
Long live a united, peaceful, secure and democratic Rivers State in particular and the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a whole.
Olabimtan praises Governor over unprecedented feats in education
In a deliberate effort to fill critical vacancies in Public Primary Schools across the State, Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has approved the employment of 1,100 (One thousand one hundred) teachers by the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (ODSUBEB).
The Governor gave the approval after the completion of the recruitment process by the board.
The state government had recently employed 1,010 new teachers for public secondary schools. This brings the total number of newly recruited teachers in the State to 2,110.
Governor Aiyedatiwa had expressed determination to fill all the vacant teaching staff positions to combat the acute shortages in public schools in the State.
Reacting to the development, the Executive Chairman of ODSUBEB, Rt. Hon. Victor Olambitan, appreciated the Governor for approving the recruitment aimed at addressing gaps and shortfalls created by workers leaving the Public Service.
According to him, the employment will go a long way to improve Pupils -Teachers’ Ratio in the Public Primary Schools and at the same time help the quality of education delivered in schools, especially in rural and hard to reach areas across the State.
Olabimtan commended the many unprecedented feats of the Aiyedatiwa administration in the education sector of the State.
Full details on how successful applicants will check for their names and commence documentation will be made public shortly.
