News, Events and People.

  ODIRS disburses N42m land use charge, radio/TV licence revenues to 18 Ondo Local Govts The Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS) has presented cheques totaling ₦20,445,784.00 for land use charges and ₦22,100,000.00 for radio and television license revenue to the 18 local government chairmen. The cheques were handed over during the March edition of the Joint State Revenue Committee (JSRC) meeting, held at the ODIRS Hall in Alagbaka, Akure. Strengthening Revenue Collection The Acting Chairman of ODIRS, Mr. Bayo Rojugbokan, emphasized that the JSRC serves as a collaborative platform between ODIRS and the local government chairmen to harmonize policies and guidelines for efficient internal revenue collection across the state. “We are making progress and fostering a cooperative approach toward improved revenue collection in Ondo State. Compared to previous disbursements, this allocation is higher, and I believe the local government chairmen are pleased to receive these cheques...

IFAD/LIFE-ND ONDO OFFICE GRADUATES OVER 5000 INCUBATEES, TO ENGAGE 6,000 MORE THIS YEAR. Over 5,000 incubatees engaged by the IFAD/LIFE-ND, Ondo Project have been presented with certificates of participation by the Office. At a short ceremony held at the Ministry of Women Affairs, Akure, representatives of the incubatees drawn from the 10 local government areas where the project is taking place were advised to use the knowledge they have acquired to benefit their communities. The National Project Coordinator, who spoke through the State Project Coordinator, Prince Olawale Ademola, said the IFAD/LIFE-ND Project was aimed at alleviating poverty in the Niger Delta states, focusing on women and youths. "You are our ambassadors. Go and use the seeds we have given you wisely. Develop what you have learned, become employers of labor, and engage other youths. I am looking for 20 champions in each local government area. I am talking about 20 people I can show the world as successful produ...

It was a day of accolades as Depna Gas, a subsidiary of Enpre Nigeria Limited, officially opened for business in Akure, the Ondo State capital. Dignitaries at the opening ceremony praised the CEO of the company for her industriousness, entrepreneurial drive, and sense of responsibility. Chairing the event, the CEO of Denki Wire and Cable, Engr. Emmanuel Adewumi, lauded her business acumen and progressive strides. In his words Engr. Adewumi stated that  "I am delighted by the exceptional ability to turn ideas into success you have consistently demonstrated. Nigeria needs more individuals like you, both in the private and public sectors, to achieve greatness. " Other dignitaries who graced the occasion included Mr. Bayo Philip, Mr. Bamidele Daisi, and the former General Manager of NTA Akure, Mrs. Tinu Olowofela. They echoed similar sentiments, expressing confidence that her track record would ensure the success of the gas station. In her response, the CEO of Depna Gas gave glor...

Ondo State at 49: A Footballing Legacy By Sunday Ajibola Ondo State marked its 49th anniversary on Monday. How time flies! If it were a human being, it would be an adult by now—perhaps with a family, children, and even grandchildren. When the late General Murtala Muhammed's short-lived but eventful regime announced the creation of Ondo State, the news was met with jubilation. The elderly, who understood the significance of this development, rejoiced, while we, the younger ones, eagerly joined in the celebrations. Ondo State was carved out of the defunct Western Region, along with Ogun and Oyo States, which were also created on the same day. Looking back, Ondo State started on a strong footing. Many people from Oyo, Ilorin, and Abeokuta chose to make it their home, drawn by the opportunities in the newly created state. Even some expatriates were not left out. Ondo was like a young, untouched land, full of promise for all who sought to grow. In various sectors—agriculture, educati...

Trump’s Victory, U.S. Immigration, Nigeria’s Leadership Crisis and  Its Implications By Sunday Ajibola Given the chance, many would have prevented Donald Trump from winning the last U.S. presidential election. Many Nigerians followed the election closely, primarily due to concerns about the new administration’s immigration policies. However, the reality remains that a majority of Americans supported the outspoken Trump. He made it clear that America belongs to its citizens and that everything must be done to protect American interests—economically, socially, and militarily. Some of the promises made by his opponent, Kamala Harris, contributed to Trump's victory. As he returned for a second term, Trump was neither a newcomer nor a novice in U.S. politics. Unlike traditional politicians, he is not one to bow to public pressure. A billionaire businessman, Trump largely self-funded his first campaign, which explains why he governed like he was running a business empire. One of his m...

  U.S. Moves to Deport 3,690 Nigerians in Immigration Crackdown As part of the Trump administration's intensified crackdown on illegal immigration, the United States government has identified 3,690 Nigerians residing in the country unlawfully, signaling their imminent deportation. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) pinpointed these individuals as part of its ongoing efforts to enforce federal immigration laws. According to official reports, the affected Nigerians are listed under the “Noncitizens on the ICE Non-Detained Docket with Final Orders of Removal by Country of Citizenship.” This means that they have undergone legal proceedings and have been ordered to leave the country but have not yet been physically detained. Deportation operations will be carried out by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers, who are responsible for maintaining national security and public safety. This development aligns with President Donald Trump's aggressive immig...

  The Ondo State Government has been urged to enforce strict compliance with safety standards for all buildings and structures under construction to prevent the recurring issue of building collapse and the resultant loss of lives. The call was made on Saturday by the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE), Ondo State chapter, during a public awareness walk in Akure, the state capital. The event, themed “Walk Against Building Collapse,” brought together professionals to raise awareness about the dangers of cutting corners in construction and the need to prioritize safety and professionalism. Speaking to journalists at the Alagbaka roundabout, where members of the institution converged, the state Chairman of NICE, Engr. Rasak Ejibunu, attributed most cases of structural defects and building collapse to the actions of building owners. According to him, many developers compromise on quality by cutting costs, often ignoring professional advice and safety standards. “A lot of fac...

Ondo State Governor Commissions IFAD-Sponsored Projects to Boost Rural Agriculture The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has inaugurated six impactful projects across the state. These projects, funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) under the tripartite FGN/NDDC/IFAD-assisted Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises – Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) Project, were established in Mahintedo, Ilaje Local Government Area, and Igedegede, Akoko North-West Local Government Area. At the cassava processing mill in Mahintedo, Dr. Olayide Adelami, representing the governor, emphasized the transformative nature of the project: “This is a project that will improve the livelihoods of rural communities. The cassava processing plant, located in the agrarian Mahintedo community, will encourage farmers to grow more cassava by eliminating the challenge of transporting raw and processed produce to markets. “Remarkably, all the processing machines are locally produced in Nigeria...

Ministry Celebrates Pastor Babalola for Transformative Leadership  The Ministry of Works and Infrastructure has honored Pastor Joseph Ayoade Babalola, the immediate past Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Lands, and Housing, for his exceptional leadership, character, and contributions during his tenure. The event, held at the Ministry’s headquarters, was attended by top government officials and staff, who described Pastor Babalola as a visionary leader, a mentor, and a team player who exemplified humility and a strong work ethic. Speaking at the ceremony, the Administrative Secretary of the Ministry, Engineer Akinluyi Omotola, emphasized the need to celebrate Babalola’s legacy, which, according to him, left an indelible mark on the Ministry. “Pastor Babalola brought a new dimension to leadership during his short but impactful tenure. He fostered unity, love, and inclusion, ensuring that no officer was sidelined or marginalized. His humility, openness, and respect fo...

 NG-CARES: A Model for Effective Grassroots Intervention  says Ondo Govt.   The Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Dr. Emmanuel Igbasan, has praised the NG-CARES initiative, describing its framework as the most effective among social protection programmes in Nigeria. Dr. Igbasan made these remarks while hosting the Independent Verification Agents (IVA), who were in the state on verification exercise of the results achieved under the NG-CARES Programme. In his address, the Commissioner commended the Federal Government, the World Bank, and the Governors’ Forum for conceiving the NG-CARES programme. He highlighted its far-reaching impact on poor and the vulnerable and its success in delivering life-changing initiatives across the state. “NG-CARES is designed with robust safeguards and an embedded monitoring mechanism that make it unique and its outcomes verifiable,” he stated.  “This program played a significant role in the Governor’s landslide victory durin...

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...