News, Events and People.

TUKANA'S DEMISE IS THE DEEPEST CUT INTO THE SOUL OF AKURE Akure, the beleaguered capital city of Ondo State, found itself in the news during the first weekend of 2025. However, the messages it received were neither of celebration nor joy. Instead, they were condolences—words meant to soothe the wounded hearts of its people. Yet, given the choice, Akure would rather not have been the recipient of such sympathies. The city mourned quietly, as it has done so often before. This weekend merely reopened its deep scars, adding another name to its ever-growing list of illustrious sons lost in their prime. To understand the weight of this moment, we must revisit history. In the mid-1970s, thirteen of Akure’s wealthiest young men perished in a tragic auto crash on their way to Lagos to purchase goods. Earlier, in 1972, the city lost its most talented musician, Wale Glorious, who died suddenly at the tender age of 29. Eleven years later, in 1983, Akure experienced a tempestuous day of tragedy...

  Ondo State Government Advocates Community Partnership in Road Maintenance Assures Completion  of Ongoing Projects, Warns Against Misuse The Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Pastor Ayoade Babaloa has called on residents of the state to collaborate with the government in maintaining roads, emphasizing the need for responsible road usage. Pastor Babalola made the call during an inspection of the ongoing asphalt laying on Aule and rehabilitation of Igoba township road, urged residents to monitor and protect the newly constructed roads.  The Special Adviser highlighted the importance of preventing practices that could damage the roads. He advised residents of Aule Road to ensure no canopies are nailed onto the asphalt during ceremonies and cautioned against burning tires or creating bonfires during protests, which could degrade the road surface. He also discouraged diesel spillage from heavy-duty vehicles, noting its damaging effects on asphalt. He reite...

 Ondo Government Applauds International Recognition for Budget Engagement The Ondo State Government has expressed delight at receiving international recognition and an award from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Polladium. DR. EMMANUEL IGBASAN (c) WITH THE ADMIN SECRETARIES FOR BUDGET PASTOR STEPHEN AWORERE (L) AND HIS ECONOMIC PLANNING AND COORDINATING OFFICE COUNTERPART, MR. BAMIDELE DAISI DIS0LAYING THE AWARD. ln a letter of commendation, USAID and Palladium acknowledged the Ondo State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget as "one of the best states on citizen engagement in budget preparation." The letter further highlighted the award as part of the Strengthening Civil Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE) initiative. The Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Dr. Emmanuel Igbasan, described the award as heartwarming and a testament to the government’s purposeful and deliberate pursuit of best practices in governance. “We are de...

  Ondo State Reviews Motorcycle and Tricycle Ticket Prices The Ondo State Government has announced a revised ticket pricing structure for motorcycle and tricycle riders across the state, following a consensus with representatives from all 18 local government areas. During an interactive session at the Revenue House in Akure, the Acting Chairman of the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS), Mr. Bayo Rojugbonkan , revealed the adjustments. The daily ticket price for motorcycles has been increased from ₦150 to ₦500, while tricycles will now pay ₦1,000, up from ₦300. Rojugbonkan explained that the revision was necessitated by the rising cost of ticket production, which had become unsustainable. He also emphasized that a comparative analysis of ticket prices in other South-Western states informed the decision. According to him, states like Ekiti charge ₦850, Osun ₦700, Edo ₦1,200, Lagos ₦1,300, and Oyo ₦1,200, making Ondo’s revised rates the lowest in the region. “The new ticket p...

 The general public, especially residents of Aule community in Akure, is hereby informed that the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure will carry out maintenance and repair operations on the culvert leading to Aule community, in Akure. As a result, the road leading to Aule from the Ilesha Garage and Ondo Road axis will be closed to traffic  throughout Saturday, 4th January 2025 . A statement by the Director Information, Ministry of Infrastructure, Foluke Amodu, quotes the acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engineer Akinluyi Omotola, as saying, an alternative route to the community during this period will be through the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) campus. Residents of Aule community are kindly requested to bear this temporary inconvenience as the maintenance work is crucial for road safety and accessibility. The Ministry expresses its gratitude to the public for their understanding and usual cooperation.

Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan: A Chief Press Secretary with a Difference    By Sunday Ajibola Positions offer individuals opportunities to serve, spanning appointments, promotional, spiritual, and secular roles. Service has two purposes: to benefit oneself and others. It is well-known that the ultimate duty of humanity is to serve people or  enriching oneself. Yet, many who are entrusted with such opportunities often disregard the first principle. They use their positions for personal gain, rendering themselves irrelevant and forgotten once they leave their esteemed roles. However, a young man is showing us that rendering self service is second to none. This is where Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan stands out—if not as the best, certainly among the very few outstanding Chief Press Secretaries (CPS) Ondo State has ever had. The CPS serves as the spokesperson and image-maker for their principal, the Governor. Prince Adeniyan was Governor Ayedatiwa's first appointment when he assumed o...

    People of Ondo State, particularly residents of Awule in Akure South Local Government Area of the state, have been assured that all roads in deplorable condition awarded under asphalt laying and rehabilitation township would be completed soon.  The Special Adviser on Lands, Housing and Infrastructure, Pastor Ayoade Babalola gave the assurance while  speaking on the ongoing asphalt laying and rehabilitation of Awule Road in Akure. Pastor Babalola said the Awule Road would be completed in a couple of days. He stated that with the pace and level of work on the road, it would be handed over to the state government soon.   Pastor Babalola said: "Let me appreciate our governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his prompt action on that road. The road is among the roads under group A of the township roads rehabilitation in Akure. "The people of Awule had been calling us complaining on the condition of the road. The work has reached appreciable level and will be com...

  OLUMIDE ORIGUNLOYE: THE GOLDEN BOY CHAMPIONING THE CAUSE OF REDEEMING AKURE By Sunday Ajibola Men (referring to both men and women) make things happen. We are the harbingers of all the good available in the world. Name it. Be it the scientific, technological, industrial, and educational breakthrough, men are the brains behind them. We have the power and privilege to bring about change by improving ourselves, our surroundings, and the lives of others. Talking about bringing lasting and developmental improvement, only individuals with discipline, dedication, vision, passion, and a love for others can carry it out. Anyone can think only of themselves and improve their lives in the process—it doesn’t require rocket science. Most of us belong to that category of people, which explains Nigeria's current backward position and the heightened suffering of its people. However, there are a few rare individuals whose works and activities are tailored toward enriching others. These are the r...

  The 2024 edition of the Ondo State Investment and Agriculture Fair and Festival (OSIAFFA) took center stage  in Akure, the Ondo State capital, bringing together key players in the agriculture sector. Organized by the Ondo State Agriculture Commodity Association (OSACA), the two-day event showcased raw, finished, and packaged products from farmers, corporate bodies, local governments, and government agencies. A notable participant was the IFAD/LIFE-ND Ondo Project Office, which highlighted its contributions at a strategic stand in the main hall of the event. This venue served as a hub for special guests, exhibitors, businesspeople, corporate representatives, and invited guests, with presentations on production, packaging, funding opportunities, and more delivered to an engaged audience. The IFAD/LIFE-ND stand featured a rich array of raw materials such as plantain, coconut, fish, and cocoa, alongside packaged products like cocoa, honey, chips, and cassava by-products. The exh...

FULFILMEMT OF GOV. AYEDATIWA'S INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT PROMISES ON TRACK, SAYS SA ON INFRASTRUCTURE The people of Ondo State have been reassured that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa will deliver on all transformative projects promised during his campaign. Pastor Ayo Babalola, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Lands, and Housing, provided this assurance during a press briefing in Akure on Wednesday. He revealed that preparations for new projects are underway, while ongoing projects have resumed in full force. According to Babalola, inflation-induced budget variations have been addressed through a supplementary budget, allowing contractors to proceed with renewed vigor. He added that the governor would begin inaugurating some of these projects in the near future. “When the governor toured during the campaign, over 80% of people’s requests focused on infrastructure—roads, buildings, and health facilities,” Babalola explained. “Specific roads like Akure/Ikare and area...

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola has signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him at the club until 2027, the Premier League champions announced on Thursday.  In a statement, the 53-year-old, who previously enjoyed successful stints at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, expressed his deep connection to Manchester City, stating, "Manchester City means so much to me. This is my ninth season here, and we have shared countless incredible moments together. I hold a special affection for this football club, which is why I am thrilled to extend my stay for another two seasons." Guardiola's arrival at the Abu Dhabi-owned City in 2016 has transformed the team into a dominant force in English and European football, establishing them as a consistent winner of major trophies. The Spaniard's decision solidifies his commitment to the club he joined in 2016, where he has overseen a remarkable period of success, including six Premier League titles and one Champions Leag...

  ECOWAS Court Awards N30 Million to Glory Okolie Over Illegal Detention The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, sitting in Abuja, delivered judgment on Thursday, awarding N30 million in reparations to Glory Okolie, a 22-year-old woman who was unlawfully detained and enslaved by officers of the Nigeria Police Force's Intelligence Response Team (IRT). Represented by Abuja-based human rights lawyer Samuel Ihensekhien, the court found that Okolie had been illegally detained for over 90 days, a clear violation of Nigerian law, the Constitution, and international treaties. The Nigerian government, in its defense, acknowledged her prolonged detention but failed to justify the breach of her fundamental human rights. Court records revealed that Okolie was arrested on June 17, 2021, and unlawfully held for 248 days, during which she was reportedly used as a maid by her captors. She was eventually released on March 23, 2022. Following her release, Ihensekhien and the One Love Foundation, a no...

  Celebrating a Born Leader on his birthday: Prince Leke Adegbite, Chairman of Ondo State NUJ Council" Every living being is imbued with certain characteristics and gifts, commonly referred to as talents. Each of us is given opportunities to showcase these talents whenever and wherever we can. One of these gifts is the ability to lead. Those who possess it naturally find leadership roles easy to embrace. Unfortunately, many traverse the world without fully utilizing their God-given talents, leaving no mark on the sands of time. Today marks the birthday of Prince Leke Adegbite, the Chairman of the Ondo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). Although relatively young, fate has placed him in a position to guide a vibrant union. Any leadership role within the NUJ, whether at the Chapel level or State level, is not for the faint-hearted. Some chapels are even known for frequent impeachments of their chairpersons. Leading the State Council, therefore, is no small feat....

  Ondo State Sets Focus on Food Security and Budget Implementation for 2025 The Ondo State government has pledged to address food security challenges through an integrated agricultural approach in the upcoming 2025 fiscal year. This commitment was announced by the State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Pastor Emmanuel Igbasan, Ph.D., during a Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and 2025 budget planning session. The engagement, held in Akure, the state capital, gathered representatives from Akure North, Akure South, Ifedore, and Idanre local government areas, along with trade unions, professional bodies, civil society organizations (CSOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), NGOs, and other stakeholders. Dr. Igbasan outlined various strategies, including improving security in farming communities, acquiring more tractors, enhancing farm yields with modern agricultural techniques, and making rural roads more accessible. Represented by Mr. Bamidele Daisi, Administr...

   Journalists Killed in Israeli Airstrike on Press Compound Three Lebanese journalists lost their lives in an Israeli airstrike on a press-designated guesthouse in Hasbaya, southeastern Lebanon, according to local sources. The attack targeted a compound that hosted journalists from various media outlets, with visible "press" markings on vehicles in the courtyard. Among the deceased were employees from Al-Manar and Al Mayadeen TV. Lebanon's information minister condemned the strike as a "war crime," alleging it was a deliberate act. While the Israeli military has previously denied targeting media personnel, it has not issued a statement on this incident. Al-Jadeed TV, whose reporters also stayed in the building, aired scenes of the destroyed structure, revealing debris-strewn floors and an overturned broadcast vehicle. The escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which began in October last year, has seen increased airstrikes in Lebanon, with over 1,700...

  Radio Station Sacks Journalists Replaces Them with AI, Igniting Debate on Future of Media A Polish radio station, OFF Radio Krakow, recently made waves by replacing human journalists with AI-generated presenters in a move it describes as an “experiment” to explore the impact of artificial intelligence on media. Based in Krakow, the station relaunched with virtual hosts, hoping to attract a younger audience by covering cultural, artistic, and social topics, including issues facing the LGBTQ+ community. OFF Radio Krakow’s director, Marcin Pulit, defended the decision as a necessary step to keep the station relevant. “Is artificial intelligence more of an opportunity or a threat to media, radio, and journalism?” he wrote, describing the change as a way to find answers to this question. However, the decision has drawn backlash, especially from former employees and concerned listeners. Journalist Mateusz Demski, who previously hosted a show on the station, responded by publishing an o...

  Meet President Tinubu's  New Ministers in the Education Sector Dr. Tunji Alausa/Suwaiba Ahmad In a bold move to revitalize his administration, President Bola Tinubu reshuffled his cabinet on Wednesday, replacing key ministers and realigning portfolios. This strategic overhaul included the merging of some ministries to enhance efficiency and better address national priorities. Among the changes, the Ministry of Education saw significant shifts, with new leadership aimed at transforming the sector. New Leadership at the Ministry of Education At the helm of the Ministry of Education is Dr. Tunji Alausa, a highly regarded medical professional. Dr. Alausa earned his Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Lagos in 1993 and later specialized in nephrology in the United States, where he achieved distinction as one of America’s Best Physicians in 2007, 2012, and 2020. He has also served as an Assistant Professor at Rush University Medical School in Chicago. ...

Ondo State Govt. Begins Preparation of 2025 Budget, holds Consultative Meetings With Stakeholders The Ondo State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget has commenced consultations with key stakeholders, including market traders, artisans, and community members, to gather input for the drafting of the 2025 fiscal budget. This engagement aims to ensure that the financial plans reflect the needs and expectations of the people, particularly in supporting businesses and improving livelihoods   Ondo State Govt. Begins Preparation of 2025 Budget Preparation with Engagement of Stakeholder The Ondo State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget has commenced consultations with key stakeholders, including market traders, artisans, and community members, to gather input for the drafting of the 2025 fiscal budget. This engagement aims to ensure that the financial plans reflect the needs and expectations of the people, particularly in supporting businesses and improving livelihoods . At the C...

SA ON INFRASTRUCTURE, AYO BABALOLA CAUTIONS ONDO STATE RESIDENTS AGAINST BUILDING STRUCTURES CLOSE TO RIVER CHANNELS, FOLLOWING FLOODING IN ONDO The Special Adviser to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Works and Infrastructure, Pastor Ayo Babalola, has visited the flood ravaged areas in Ondo Town with a team of engineers from the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure. At Ita Nla, Ile-Oluji Junction, a shop filled with bags of cement was completely washed away by the floodwaters, with over 300 bags destroyed. It was discovered that the culvert in the area was blocked by silt, and a relaxation spot had been constructed on the water channel, reducing its width and contributing to the flooding. At Oke Odunwo, the culvert was found to be too small to handle the volume of water, causing the flood to overflow and destroy structures within a 50-meter radius along the river's course. Residents of the area reported that the culvert, which had three rings, was over 50 years old and was likely b...