Venite University Appoints Professor Olabisi Idowu AINA as Chairman of the Governing Council.

Venite University Appoints Professor Olabisi Idowu AINA as Chairman of the Governing Council. 

Special Release:

Professor Olabisi Idowu AINA FSSAN

B.Sc. /M.Phil./Ph.D. Ife; Cert. UCL, London.

Venite University Iloro-Ekiti has appointed Professor Olabisi Idowu Aina, FSSAN, as the Chairman of the Governing Council, effective September 5, 2023. 

Professor Aina is a distinguished Professor of Sociology and Gender Studies, a Fellow of the Social Science Academy of Nigeria, and former President of Nigeria Anthropological and Sociology Association Practitioners. She holds BSc/MPhil/PhD degrees in Sociology/Anthropology from the Obafemi Awolowo University and a Certificate in Gender Policy and Planning from the University College London.

In Pic: Professor Olabisi Idowu AINA FSSAN

B.Sc. /M.Phil./Ph.D. Ife; Cert. UCL, London.

Professor Aina has built an impeccable reputation as an outstanding scholar and administrator in her career in academia spanning over three decades. She started her academic career at the Obafemi Awolowo University as an Assistant Lecturer in 1987 and rose to the position of Professor in October 2000. Her academic career is enriched with several honors and awards, including the Ford Foundation Scholarship Award for Postgraduate Studies, and CODESRIA Ph.D. Thesis Writing Award, CIDA Fellowship Award in Women's Studies at Mount Saint Vincent University and the University of Dalhousie, both in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada in 1990 – 1991, Fellowship award under the OAU-Wisconsin Linkage Program in African-American Studies at the University of Wisconsin - Parkside,  Kenosha, Wisconsin (USA); British Chevening Scholarship for a Certificate Course in Gender Policy and Planning, Development Planning Unit, University College London, England in 1996 among others.

Professor Aina brings a wealth of administrative and academic experience to her new position as Chairman of the Council, having served the university system in Nigeria and elsewhere in various capacities. At the Obafemi Awolowo University, she served in various leadership and academic positions, including a 5-year term as Head of, the Department of Sociology/Anthropology; Director of, the Centre for Gender and Social Policy Studies (2004 - 2006); and Dean, of Faculty of Social Sciences, 2011 to 2013. Also, she served in other Nigerian Universities in various capacities including Ag. Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Lagos State University in 2009; the Foundation Director, Centre for Gender and Development Studies, Ekiti State University, 2014 - 2015; and the Pioneer Director, Centre for Gender, Humanitarian and Development Studies, at the Redeemer’s University (2019 - 2022). 

At the national level, Professor Aina recorded landmark achievements for her commitment to transformative national development through her contributions to the development of national, state, and institutional Gender and Social Inclusion Policies and Programs. Currently, she is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Legislative Advocacy Coalition on Violence against Women (LACVAW) and a member of the National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee of TETFUND.

Professor Aina continues to work closely with CSOs, Governments, and Development Partners in reshaping the gender and social development agenda in Nigeria and within the African region.  Her scholarly research, with over 150 publications in learned journals, books, and technical reports has been translated into guiding frames for development practice, in the fields of education, institutional governance, social development, peacebuilding, and humanitarian studies. 

As Chairman of the Council, Professor Aina will leverage her vast academic and administrative experience in guiding the University’s strategic direction towards excellence in education, research, and community engagements, and enhance the overall academic experience for our students.

Venite University is thrilled to welcome Professor Aina as the Chairman of the Venite University Governing Council, We remain confident that her leadership will help Venite University emerge as a promising institution of higher learning dedicated to academic excellence, research, and community engagement and a University committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders and scholars with renewed value for positive impact on the society.

Governor Akeredolu Reaffirms Unyielding Commitment to Port Ondo Project.

Governor Akeredolu Reaffirms Unyielding Commitment to Port Ondo Project.

In Pic: His Excellency Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Aketi, SAN, CON, Executive Governor of Ondo State. 

In a resounding declaration of dedication to the economic prosperity of Ondo State, Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Aketi, SAN, CON, has reiterated his administration's unwavering commitment to the realization of a Deep Sea port in the Sunshine State. At a recent Stakeholders' meeting with Ondo State's National Assembly members, Governor Akeredolu left no room for doubt, proclaiming, "There is no going back on the actualization of this lofty project."

The Deep Sea port project has been hailed as a pivotal step towards bolstering Ondo State's economic development, and Governor Akeredolu's steadfast determination to see it through is a testament to his vision for a brighter future. The port is expected to stimulate trade, create jobs, and catalyze overall growth within the state.

The Governor's call for unity and collaboration resonated strongly during the meeting, as he urged federal lawmakers from Ondo State to join hands in supporting this transformative initiative. He underlined his administration's commitment to laying a solid foundation for Port Ondo, ensuring its long-term success and benefits for the people of Ondo.

In response to Governor Akeredolu's impassioned plea, Senator Jide Ipinsagba, representing Ondo North, spoke on behalf of the National Assembly members. He assured the Governor of the full support of Ondo NASS Caucus and expressed gratitude for Governor Akeredolu's safe return, offering heartfelt prayers for his continued protection and well-being.

The resolute commitment of Governor Akeredolu and the unified efforts of Ondo State's political leaders herald a bright and promising future for the Sunshine State. With the Deep Sea port project firmly on track, Ondo State is poised to achieve new heights of economic prosperity and development, ensuring a better quality of life for its citizens.

Path to Resolution: Tinubu Heads to Abu Dhabi for Visa Ban Negotiations.

Path to Resolution: Tinubu Heads to Abu Dhabi for Visa Ban Negotiations.

President Bola Tinubu left New Delhi, India early Sunday morning for Abu Dhabi to meet with the President of United Arab Emirates and other senior government officials to resolve the lingering diplomatic row between Nigeria and that country over visa ban.

UAE authorities banned Nigerians from visiting their country last year October following many reported cases of violent crimes said to involve Nigerians.

The visa restriction is also not unconnected with trapped cash of Emirates Airline which is put at over $300million according to aviation industry sources.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has not been able to meet the demands of many foreign Airlines to repatriate funds due to foreign exchange crisis Nigeria has been facing in the last couple of years. 

The CBN is reported to have over $8billion backlogs of foreign exchange commitments to clear which the Acting CBN Governor, Mr. Folashodun Shonubi, has now promised to clear within the next one month.

Diplomatic sources told WesternPost that the government of UAE imposed visa ban on Nigerians, a gesture Nigerian government immediately reciprocated under the principle of reciprocity in diplomatic relation, to force the hands of the Federal Government of Nigeria to get CBN to release the money of Emirates Airline.

The ban has affected bilateral relationship between the two countries and people to people economic and cultural engagements.

Tinubu recently promised to personally intervene in the rift and reach a resolution when he accepted the Letter of Credence of the new UAE Ambassador to Nigeria.

National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, according to our sources, has been working behind the scene to ensure the two countries resolve the row for normal relationship to be restored.

Tinubu after the stop in Abu Dhabi is expected to return to Abuja Monday night or early Tuesday morning after which he will travel by weekend for the United Nations General Assembly in New York where he will deliver Nigeria’s address and hold a sideline bilateral meeting with President Joe Biden alongside other engagements already lined up for him.

Nigeria's President Tinubu Champions Global Unity and Inclusion at G-20 Summit.

Nigeria's President Tinubu Champions Global Unity and Inclusion at G-20 Summit.

In a remarkable address to world leaders at the 18th G-20 Leaders' Summit in New Delhi, India, President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria emphasized the critical role his country could play within the G-20, stressing that Nigeria's strategic importance as Africa's largest economy and democracy makes it a vital contributor to shaping a more equitable world.

President Tinubu passionately expressed, "Nigeria is poised, able, and willing to be a major player in this family of the G-20 and in shaping a new world, without whom, the family will remain incomplete."

This compelling message was conveyed by Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, in a statement titled 'President Tinubu to G-20 leaders: As Africa’s largest market, economy and democracy, Nigeria is ready to play a vital role in G-20.'

Acknowledging the G-20's essential role in shaping a rules-based world order that promotes shared prosperity and security, Tinubu emphasized the international nature of today's pressing issues, asserting that they "cannot be addressed without multilateral cooperation."

In a resounding call for unity, cooperation, and partnerships among diverse regions, President Tinubu emphasized that these are the pathways to a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future for the world.

Tinubu stated, "A world that lives as one family, but is divided by staggering income inequalities and uneven access to basic social goods by the vast majority of our people cannot result in a peaceful and secure world where shared prosperity is achieved."

He underscored the importance of collectively designing, owning, and managing global governance structures, aligning with the true spirit of unity, mutual respect, and sustainable development.

President Tinubu congratulated India for hosting the historic summit and praised the country for its remarkable achievement of successfully landing on the moon under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He hailed this accomplishment as an inspiration to all developing countries of the Global South.

Furthermore, Tinubu welcomed the African Union's inclusion in the G-20, seeing it as an opportunity for future membership that reflects the balance of power and inclusiveness of humanity as one global family.

President Tinubu called for greater solidarity among nations, urging advanced economies to support disadvantaged regions in the Global South and promote climate justice. He emphasized the need to strengthen international frameworks based on justice, equity, and fairness for resource mobilization and governance.

Tinubu concluded with a powerful message, appealing to the Global North, advanced economies, and multilateral institutions to mobilize resources where needed most in the disadvantaged Global South. He highlighted that such efforts would build a society founded on tolerance, mutual respect, diplomacy, dialogue, and cooperation, rather than competition and division rooted in inflexible ideologies.

President Tinubu's visionary address at the G-20 Summit resonated as a call for global unity and collaboration in shaping a more equitable and prosperous world for all.

Governor Akeredolu Signs LCDA Bill Into Law.

Governor Akeredolu Signs LCDA Bill Into Law.

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Aketi, SAN, CON, has assented to the bill creating 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.

The bill was presented to the Governor for assent by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oladiji Landmark Olamide, during a brief ceremony.

The Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Prince Abayomi Babatunde Akinruntan ; Majority Leader, Hon.  Oluwole Emmanuel Ogunmolasuyi ; and the Parliamentary Secretary, Hon. Otunba Moyinolorun Ogunwumiju  were also present. 

With the Governor's assent, the bill, which had already been passed by the state House of Assembly, now possesses the legal backing for the creation of the LCDAs in Ondo State.

The establishment of these LCDAs marks a substantial step towards fulfilling Governor Akeredolu's campaign promises and addressing the aspirations of the people for enhanced grassroots development.

Moreover, this initiative underscores Governor Akeredolu's unwavering commitment to improving public service delivery, as it aims at bringing governance closer to the people, ultimately resulting in more responsive and efficient services.

Governor Akeredolu remains dedicated to delivering impactful projects and innovative initiatives, just as he is poised to redouble his efforts in advancing the development of the Sunshine State.

Hon. Fambegbe Extends Heartfelt Welcome to Governor Akeredolu Upon His Return from Medical Leave.

Hon. Fambegbe Extends Heartfelt Welcome to Governor Akeredolu Upon His Return from Medical Leave.

In a heartwarming display of unity and solidarity, Governor Akeredolu has returned to Ondo State following his medical leave to an exuberant reception from the people he serves. The Governor's homecoming was punctuated by an overwhelming outpouring of gratitude for his recovery and fervent well-wishes for his continuous good health and successful leadership of the state.

Prominent Ondo State political figure, Hon. Fambegbe Olakunle Famola, conveyed sincere greetings and goodwill on behalf of the entire state, expressing heartfelt thanks to God for the Governor's faithfulness and offering prayers for his swift and complete recovery.

In Pic: Hon. Fambegbe Olakunle Famola.

The Governor's temporary absence had left a noticeable void in the state's leadership, but his return has rekindled optimism and enthusiasm among its citizens. Regardless of their political affiliations, residents from all walks of life united to welcome their leader back, showcasing an inspiring spirit of togetherness and solidarity.

Hon. Fambegbe Olakunle went on to describe Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, as a dedicated and committed leader who always places the interests of the state first. He emphasized, "Your leadership is unparalleled, and your devotion to our state is commendable. Ondo State is truly blessed to have you as our leader."

His Excellency Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, Executive Governor of Ondo State. 

Governor Akeredolu, in response to the warm welcome, expressed profound gratitude to the people of Ondo State for their unwavering support and prayers during his absence. He reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the state's progress and the well-being of its citizens, pledging to redouble his efforts in fulfilling his duties as their elected leader.

His Excellency Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, Executive Governor of Ondo State. 

As Governor Akeredolu resumes his official duties, Ondo State eagerly anticipates a future marked by sustained progress and development under his steadfast leadership. The remarkable show of solidarity and support during his return serves as a poignant reminder of the indomitable spirit of the people of Ondo State as they confront challenges and work towards a brighter tomorrow.

Security: Oyebanji presents APCs, operational Vehicles, gadgets to Ekiti Police.

Security: Oyebanji presents APCs, operational Vehicles, gadgets to Ekiti Police.

In a bid to improve and strengthen security architecture of the state, Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has donated two Armoured Personnel Carriers, ten operational Vehicles and other security equipment and gadgets to the State Command of the Nigeria Police.

The gesture, according to the Governor is geared towards supporting the police to improve its operations and ensure a safer and more peaceful environment in the state.

Presenting the vehicles and equipment on Friday at the Fajuyi Pavilion in Ado Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji said the vehicles were meant to assist the activities of the command and boost the morale of its officers and men, adding that the bedrock of good governance is peace and security without which no development is possible.

The Governor noted that the security challenges facing the nation were enormous and urged the State Command to be proactive and engage more in intelligence-gathering and community policing rather than allowing criminals to perpetrate their heinous crime before rising to the situation.

Oyebanji used the opportunity to commend men of the command for maintaining peaceful and safe atmosphere in the state with the assurance that his administration would continue to support all security outfits in the state to enable them function effectively and efficiently.

He said his administration would not only overhaul and rejig the security architecture of the state but will also do everything within its capacity to provide necessary logistics and all they needed to function effectively and ensure that criminals were not allowed safe abode in the state.

According to Governor Oyebanji,“As we all know, the bedrock of good governance is peace and security without which no development is possible. It is in the realization of this that we have paid a lot of attention to the security of lives and properties in the state. Aside from isolated cases of kidnapping incidences reported in recent time, the state has been relatively peaceful and remained one of the most secured states in the country.

“In spite of this exciting records of peaceful atmosphere, we recognized the enormous works that still need to be done to better enhance the security of lives and properties in the Nigeria state. We will therefore continue to evaluate security situation of the state and respond accordingly, more than ever, we are committed to the welfare and increased capacity of the security agencies to respond to security challenges.

“It is in fulfilment of this commitment that we have procured these equipment with the aim of strengthening security architecture to be able to respond more assuredly to any security challenge within the state. It is therefore my honour to present the following items to Ekiti state Police Command as the first tranche of our support to the command.”

The donation included ten units of patrol vehicles, two Armoured Personnel Carriers, 50 units of Helmet level 3a, 50 bullet proof vests level 4, 80 pairs of tactical boots, and 80 pieces of batons.

The Governor implored the police to make judicious and maximum use of the equipment and ensure that the vehicles are properly maintained. He also  challenged them to work assiduously in developing capacity to combat kidnapping, burglary and other violent crimes that still occur in the state.

Oyebanji said a similar gesture will be extended to other security outfits in the state, stressing that the Friday presentation of vehicles was the first in the series of other plans to support and elevate operations of security agencies in the state.

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (rtd.) commended the Governor for all his efforts geared towards enhancing and ensuring security of lives and properties in the state.

The General lauded the high level of synergy among all the security outfits in the state adding that the new equipment would facilitate quick response to crimes and all forms of criminality in the state.

In his response shortly after receiving the vehicles and equipment, the Commissioner for Police in the State, Dare Ogundare said the equipment would allow the police respond effectively and promptly to distress calls by citizens to security situations.

The Police Chief also solicited government support in fixing various unserviceable vehicles owned by the Command that could be used to further support the force for adequate policing of the state.

Present at the brief event were the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; Members of the State House of Assembly; members of the State Executive Council; the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Habibat Adubiaro and Head of Service, Mr Sunday Komolafe. Officers and men of the Command were also in attendance at the event.