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Showing posts from January, 2025

President Trump, U.S. Immigration, Nigeria’s Leadership Crisis and their implications

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...

OVER 3000 NIGERIANS IN UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FACE DEPORTATION

  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...

Engineers Call for Adherence to Standards to Prevent Building Collapse in Ondo State

  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...

Governor Ayedatiwa Commissions IFAD-Life-nd Sponsored Projects to Boost Rural Agriculture in Ondo

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...

INFRASTRUCTURE MINISTRY CELEBRATES PASTOR BABALOLA FOR TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP

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.

 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

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

  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

 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

  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...

Public Notice: Temporary Road Closure to Aule Community for Maintenance Works

 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.