After suffering defeat in Ilorin against Kwara United, the management of Sunshine Stars has decided to part ways with the team head coach Edith Agoye.
The Akure Landlords have been blowing hot and cold this season and suffered a narrow defeat to the Afonja Warriors last weekend.
Sunshine Stars have picked some fantastic results on the road but home form seems to have been the major bane for the club.
The report from the team camp on Monday morning shows that the club hierarchy has asked the coach to step aside and they have begun the search for a new coach.
Kennedy Boboye, Duke Udi and Deji Ayeni all of whom have managed the club in the past have been touted as possible replacements.
The Ondo State Executive Council has approved a wide range of decisions aimed at accelerating development of the state and its people at the weekly meeting presided over by Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Top among the approved decisions for implementation is an action plan on finding lasting and sustainable solution to the incessant ocean surge in Aiyetoro community in Ilaje local government area of the State.
The EXCO also took a significant step towards fostering economic development by approving the State Action Plan on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) programs.
Government House Correspondent, Wahab Bankole has details of these and other decisions taken by the state executive council.
Nigeria’s U20 girls, Falconets, have earned a place at this year’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals after a goal by Opeyemi Ajakaye eventually brought down hard-fighting Burundi in a final round, second leg encounter at the MKO Abiola National Stadium on Saturday evening. This tallied to a 2-0 aggregate victory for Nigeria in the final round of the qualifying race in Africa.
The Falconets had won the first leg 1-0 in Dar es Salaam six days ago.
As was the case in the first leg in Dar es Salaam, the Nigerian girls created opportunity after opportunity, but failed to put them away to make their vast superiority count. As early as the 2nd minute, Opeyemi Ajakaye, who was top scorer for the FIFA U17 World Cup bronze-winning Flamingos two years ago, volleyed wide when it appeared easier to score.
In the quarter-hour, Chiamaka Okwuchukwu swung the ball into the visitors’ box from the wing, but the team’s leading scorer Janet Akekoromowei failed to convert the opportunity. It was Okwuchukwu’s turn to miss in the 34th minute, when she could not convert a pull-out by Ajakaye.
Eight minutes after the restart, Ajakaye went on a solo run into the visitors’ eighteen-yard box, only to end with a weak shot that was easily collected by goalkeeper Amissa Inarukundo.
The deadlock was broken in the 78th minute by Ajakaye, who made hay with an assist by Akekoromowei. Ajakaye scored again in the 90th minute but the goal did not stand. The result put the Falconets through to the final tournament in Colombia later this year.
Nigeria has been an ever-present at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, since it was launched as an U19 tournament in Canada 22 years ago, finishing as runners-up in 2010 and 2014, and reaching the semi-finals in Japan in 2012.
Residents of Ondo State have been reassured of the dedication of the present administration to policies and programmes that promote their welfare and all round development of the state.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa who played host to royal fathers from Ose Local Government Area of the state and leadership of market women, said no efforts will be spared in making life better for the people.
The governor urged more support for his administration towards promoting the economic prosperity of the state.
Government House Correspondent, Wahab Bankole reports that the people visited the governor to condole him over the demise of his former boss, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
The immediate past chairmen of the local government areas of Ondo State have pledged their support for the present administration under the leadership of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The people who were at the governor’s office to condole the governor and people of the state over demise of former governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu said his impactful legacies will remain indelible.
The people commended the Aiyedatiwa administration for promoting economic prosperity of the state and sustaining the legacies of the late governor.
Government House Correspondent, Wahab Bankole completes the story.
Ondo State Governor, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa, at the weekend hailed the historic emergence of Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala as the first female President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE.
The Governor made the remark as the Guest Speaker at the inauguration ceremony of Engr. Oguntala as the 34th President of the NSE at the International Conference Centre in Abuja on Saturday.
He described Oguntala as a distinguished woman of substance, saying that her emergence “is a testimony to that fact that our great country is again recognising the invaluable contributions of the female gender and the need to encourage and support the emergence of women in leadership roles and in healthy competitive elections. This indeed is a very rare feat that needs to be recognized as well as celebrated.”
The Governor added: “Engr. Mrs. Oguntala is known to be a woman of sterling qualities and substantial substance, and coupled with her vast experience, knowledge and exposure, I have no doubt that this woman of substance would move the umbrella body to great heights. Kudos to you madam for this rare feat, and you make us proud in Ondo State.”
While commending engineers for the crucial roles they play in the development of any society, the Governor stressed that “a major part of the responsibilities of building the nation of our dream lies mainly upon the shoulders of engineers and technologists.”
“However, I must challenge you that it behoves on the engineers and technologists to complement the efforts of government by formulating and producing state-of-the-art solutions to the hydra-headed developmental challenges of our great nation.
“We must begin to build roads, bridges and other infrastructure that will stand the test of time, and even outlive their design-life. We must begin to look at and introduce technology that will conserve energy and preserve our environment that is already being degraded from the dangerous gaseous emissions from gasoline and diesel engines of our automobiles and industries. The way to go, therefore, is to introduce electronic solutions, work smartly and to green energy.”
Mrs. Oguntala, speaking shortly after her investiture, urged the Federal Government to implement fully the presidential order 5 which promotes the consumption of made-in-Nigeria goods and services.
She called on the government to amongst other things “implement the GL 09 entry point for engineers in some of the states that are yet to effect the enhanced entry point for engineers in civil service. Formulate a policy to compel employers of labour to pay commensurate welfare packages/hazard allowances for engineers.
“Implement Executive Order 5 with sincerity of purpose. Promote Nigerian-made goods and services. Have the Presidency invite the NSE to nominate engineers for inclusion in the newly formed “Policy Coordination, Evaluation, Monitoring, and Delivery Unit” as announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his 2024 New Year broadcast. We praise the President for this initiative.
“Encourage entrepreneurship by providing incentives and support for engineers in small businesses and startups in the extractive industry. Promote STEM education to encourage more students to pursue engineering careers and contribute to nation-building.”
Earlier in his Keynote Address, Senator President Godswill Akpabio praised the society for electing its first first female president.
Represented by Deputy Senate President, Barau Jubrin, Akpabio said: “Oguntala’s appointment serves as a powerful testament to the fact that talent, dedication, and expertise know no gender boundaries. It is a clear indication that the Nigerian Society of Engineers recognizes and values the invaluable contributions of women in shaping the future of engineering.”
Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State. January 20, 2024
There was a reported kidnapped of unspecified number of people last night between Ikere Ekiti and Iju axis of Ondo State.
The victims were in two vehicles: a Toyota Corolla and a white Highlander.
They were said to have been kidnapped and taken into the bush around Iju.
When contacted, the State Police public relations officer, Funmi Odunlami who could not confirm if it was a case of kidnap said police men had been deployed to comb the area.
She assured that the state Police command would soon unravel what took place.
The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, has charged newly inaugurated chairmen of councils in the state on the need to be accountable to the people even as he assured them that his administration would not divert nor touch allocations accruing to the local councils from the federation accounts.
The Governor also warned the Chairmen and other council officials against dropping his name to perpetrate fraud, saying whoever is caught in the web will face the full weight of the law.
In his determined action to stop pilfering of public funds in councils, Oyebanji cautioned against moving of public money into private accounts for direct labour projects, saying such act is tantamount to fraud and won’t be tolerated under his leadership.
Oyebanji stated these on Thursday, while flagging off a three-day retreat for the elected council chairmen and other top local government functionaries in Ekiti State, held at Adetiloye Hall, Ado Ekiti.
Declaring open the retreat with the theme: “State and Local Government Strategic Planning and Implementation”, the Governor assured that under no guise would he interfere with how the money appropriated for the councils are expended.
“Sometimes around December 2023, I learnt local government officials in each of the councils deducted N1m out of the money approved for Christmas celebration and claimed they wanted to give it to me. I didn’t ask anybody to deduct any money for me.
“This might be true and it might not be true . If it was true, I didn’t get any money. Let me clear that I didn’t ask anybody to bring any money to me. And I didn’t collect any money. Henceforth, when you hear something of this nature, quickly contact me.
“Nobody should use my name for any fraudulent thing. I have made a covenant with God that such won’t happen under me. I am not going to touch your money, but I won’t allow you to spend it recklessly. Remember that humility in power is not a weakness, but a virtue”.
Sharing his perspective on how an ideal local government system should be run, Oyebanji urged the Chairmen to be participatory, by consulting widely with all the communities to execute projects that would have direct impact on the masses.
“Let me state here today that opportunities come with responsibilities. Those who elected you did that for a purpose. Your conduct will make the people form an opinion about our government. Your election is not an invitation for luxury, but for service.
“The question you should ask yourselves is, how do I make a difference in the lives of the people? Ask yourselves, how will I be remembered after this office? Three years is short and will soon come to an end. Will people still welcome you home or ignore you, the choice is yours”.
Oyebanji appealed to the council bosses to undertake projects that are 21st century compliant and that are based on the current economic realities to be able to reduce poverty, unemployment and solve most challenges associated with the local communities.
“What I have noticed is that, our people are stereotyped about Local Government system. This time, I don’t expect you to be buying rechargable light that will be dead tomorrow or build markets that nobody will use. Nothing stops the LG from doing electricity for a town that has not enjoyed light for 10 years, because light is catalytic.
“Nothing stops the LG from helping the farmers with seedlings, or provide tractorisation. Nothing stops you from empowering the traders. These are projects that resonate with the people. I closed my eyes to some things done under the last LG administration to avoid rancour , but for you, we are in the same boat together. I can hold you accountable for any of your actions”.
Urging the new council helmsmen to be wary of their actions, Oyebanji reminded that “you are a product of the people’s vote and your loyalty must be to the people. If your projects are popular among the people, the APC will be popular. After this retreat, go round the wards and collate what they want. It is the products that will form your Development Plans”.
For accountability, transparency and probity, Oyebanji promised that his government will set up a Procurement Process and Office of Transformation and Service Delivery in all councils to monitor expenditure and performance.
The Governor appealed to the council chairmen not to adopt direct labour for all projects, urging them to patronise local contractors.
In his submission, the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Hon. Folorunso Olabode, described the retreat as a strategic way of showing that the local government is strategic to the development plans of Ekiti State.
A Resource Person at the event, Senator Olubunmi Adetumbi, said the kernel of the retreat is to build a framework for effective partnership between the state and the local governments for operation devoid of division, so that the citizens could have value for their money.
Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, yesterday received on a condolence visit the immediate past elected local government chairmen of the State.
The group, led by Hon Gbenga Olaniyi, former Chairman of Akure South local government, expressed sympathy on the demise of the late former Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
Olaniyi commended the late governor’s impactful legacy, noting his achievements across various sectors, from infrastructure to education, agriculture, and security.
Addressing Governor Aiyedatiwa, Olaniyi expressed admiration for his leadership, acknowledging the preservation of peace and continuity of the late governor’s legacy.
The former chairmen then declared their total support for the new administration in the State, commending the steps so far taken by the Governor towards the development of the State.
The governor, in response, thanked the former council chairmen for their visit and emphasized the significant contributions of the late former governor.
Aiyedatiwa highlighted the historical milestones achieved under Akeredolu’s leadership, including the appointment of the first female SSG, Ilaje’s first deputy governor, and posthumously, the first ilaje governor.
Acknowledging the mixed emotions surrounding the loss, Governor Aiyedatiwa invited the members to be part of the burial arrangements, emphasizing the need to celebrate the late governor’s purposeful life.
Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State. January 18, 2024.
-Urges Ondo Amotekun to offer support to Oyo State counterparts
The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, sympathizes with the people and government of Oyo State over the unfortunate explosion that has claimed three lives and left scores injured in Ibadan, the State capital.
While sympathizing with the relatives of those who lost their lives as well as those who have lost their properties, the governor urges support for the government and security agencies to unravel the perpetrators of this heinous crime against humanity, saying such criminal act must not go unpunished.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, who pledged the support of the government of Ondo State to the people of Oyo State as they deal with the aftermath of the unfortunate incident, urged the officers of the Amotekun security agency in the State to extend support to their Oyo State counterparts at this critical period.
The Governor offers prayers for peace and stability in Oyo State, the South West and the entire country.
Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State. January 17, 2024
