Acting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa Sworn In as Substantive Governor of Ondo State.

Acting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa Sworn In as Substantive Governor of Ondo State.

By Olamide Akinwumi J. 

In a solemn ceremony, the acting governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has been officially sworn in as the substantive governor of the state. The swearing-in ceremony, conducted by the Chief Judge of Ondo State, comes in the wake of the tragic demise of late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, who passed away in Germany on Wednesday, December 27.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa wasted no time in addressing the people of Ondo State following his formal assumption of office. In his first speech as the substantive governor, Aiyedatiwa expressed the heavy heart with which he took over the governance of the state after the untimely death of Akeredolu.

“It is a devastating thing for us to lose our dear governor. This is a monumental loss. It is a great loss to me as an individual,” the new governor stated, reflecting the somber mood that enveloped the state during this unexpected transition.

Aiyedatiwa acknowledged the gravity of the responsibilities that now rest on his shoulders and assured the people of Ondo State of his commitment to upholding the legacy and vision of the late governor. He pledged to continue the developmental strides initiated by Akeredolu and promised to lead with dedication and integrity.

The new governor also extended his condolences to the family of the late governor and reassured them that their patriarch's legacy would be preserved. He called for unity and support from all citizens as the state navigates through this challenging period.

The swearing-in ceremony and subsequent address by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa marked the beginning of a new chapter in the leadership of Ondo State. The people now look to their new leader to guide them through this transition and continue the progress that has defined the state in recent times.

Akeredolu: I have lost my friend and brother~ Fayemi.

Akeredolu: I have lost my friend and brother~ Fayemi.

Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the immediate-past governor of Ekiti State and Chairman of the Nigerian Governors (NGF), has expressed profound grief over the passing of His Excellency, Rotimi Akerodolu (SAN), the Governor of Ondo State. 

Fayemi described the late Akeredolu as a nationalist and statesman whose death was a great loss to the country and especially the people of Ondo State.

 In a message by the head of the Fayemi Media Centre, Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, Fayemi described the late Akeredolu as a true friend and brother with whom he collaborated over the years, in and out of government, on several national causes, to make life better for the ordinary people. 

He recalled many instances when the late governor intervened fearlessly on critical national issues and consistently stood on the side of equity, fairness, and justice.

 ‘’As a lawyer, NBA President, and Governor, he was an unwavering champion of the oppressed and a defender of the common man,” Fayemi said. ‘’He was deeply devoted to the ideals of equity and fairness, which motivated his outspokenness in national affairs. Although frank and courageous in expressing his views, his opinions were always grounded in the pursuit of truth, justice, good governance, and national unity.

‘’He was an outstanding governor who implemented wide-ranging infrastructural and socio-economic programs that have transformed the development of Ondo State. He has undoubtedly left indelible footprints on the sands of time as far as the state is concerned

 ‘’His passing grieves me deeply but I draw consolation from the fact that his was a memorable life in the service of his people. My wife and I convey our heartfelt condolences to his family, the people of Ondo State, and indeed all Nigerians on the loss of this great man.

“I pray that his soul rest in peace.”

Governor Oyebanji Presents Impressive Scorecard in Year-End Community Engagement.

Governor Oyebanji Presents Impressive Scorecard in Year-End Community Engagement.   By Olamide Akinwumi J. 

In a significant display of transparency and accountability, Governor Biodun Oyebanji presented his administration's scorecard to the people of Ekiti during the 2023 End of Year Community Engagement. The event took place  today 27th December at the Osuntokun Pavilion, Government House Grounds, Ado-Ekiti, with critical stakeholders in attendance.

Regularly engaging with various segments of society has become a hallmark of the Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji Administration, and this occasion was no exception. The Governor's presentation covered a spectrum of achievements, policies, and interventions implemented over the past year.

One of the notable aspects of the engagement was the inclusion of testimonials from beneficiaries of the Governor's interventions and empowerment programs. These testimonials offered a firsthand account of the positive impact of the administration's initiatives on the lives of the people.

The event also featured presentations by key figures in the administration, including the Director-General of Community Communications, the Director-General of Waste Management Authorities, and the Chairman of the Internal Revenue Service. Among the topics discussed was the upcoming Land Use Charges scheduled to commence in January 2024.

Governor Oyebanji emphasized the importance of such engagements in fostering a direct line of communication between the government and the people. It provides an opportunity for the administration to receive feedback, address concerns, and keep the public informed about ongoing and future initiatives.

The testimonials shared during the event underscored the positive impact of the administration's interventions, reflecting the tangible improvements in various sectors. The engagement further solidified the commitment of the Oyebanji Administration to transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance.

As the year draws to a close, Governor Oyebanji's presentation not only celebrated accomplishments but also set the stage for continued collaboration and progress in Ekiti State. The Land Use Charges announcement for 2024 adds a forward-looking dimension to the administration's efforts to ensure sustainable development and financial stability in the state.

What Akeredolu, Na’Abba’s death showed us — Obi.

What Akeredolu, Na’Abba’s death showed us — Obi.

The Labour Party presidential candidate during the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has said the death of two prominent Nigerians on Wednesday has shown political officeholders and others serving people that it is important for them to remain committed to good works.

Reported that Akeredolu died on Wednesday at 67. It was earlier reported that former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Na’Abba, is dead. Born on September 27, 1958, the 8th Speaker of the House of Representatives died in Abuja on Wednesday morning.

According to family sources, the late Na’Abba battled with an ailment for a long time before passing away.

But reacting to their deaths in a series of posts on his X account, Obi, who is a former Anambra State governor, said their deaths showed the nothingness of life.

According to him, I was opportune to be close to Akeredolu as the then President of the Nigerian Bar Association, he invited me to speak at an NBA event and since then we remained close and always discussed issues about Nigeria.

He added that while Na’Abba served as Speaker, he met with the lawmaker on several occasions and always discussed the problems of Nigeria.

“For Akerodolu, may God Almighty who called him home grant him eternal rest in His kingdom, and grant his immediate family and the good people of Ondo State, the fortitude to bear his loss.

“For Ghali Na’Abba, may God Almighty forgive his sins and grant him eternal rest and grant his family and the good people of Kano State, the fortitude to bear his loss.

“Their deaths show us, who are still serving, the nothingness of life and why we should remain firm in good works. May God grant all of us, who mourn them, and the entire nation, the fortitude to bear their losses,” Obi said.

Plateau Killings: Humanitarian minister pledges support for survivors.

Plateau Killings: Humanitarian minister pledges support for survivors.

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, has condoled with the government and people of Plateau State on the recent killings in the state, stating that humanitarian support will be provided for the survivors.

In a post on her X handle on Wednesday, Edu assured that the ministry in line with the directive of President Bola Tinubu will collaborate with the Plateau government to bring humanitarian succour to the survivors of the attacks, and the affected communities.

She wrote, “I condole with the State Government and People of Plateau State, especially families of the victims of this unnecessary assault on humanity which have left many dead and injured while many more are displaced.

“As a Ministry directly in charge of responding to humanitarian challenges in Nigeria, #fmha_pa has been directed by #officialABAT to collaborate with the Plateau govt to bring humanitarian succour to the survivors of the unfortunate attacks as well as the affected communities.”

She added that the ministry will not relent in its efforts until all humanitarian crises are resolved.

It was reported that over 150 persons were killed and thousands displaced as terrorists attacked communities in Barkin Ladi and Bokkos Local Government Areas of Plateau State on Christmas eve.

President Bola Tinubu also directed security agencies to scout for and apprehend culprits of the attacks.

Abass mourns Akeredolu, says death painful.

Abass mourns Akeredolu, says death painful.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has expressed sadness over the death of Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu describing his demise as a painful loss.

Akeredolu who battled prolonged ailment died on Wednesday at the age of 67.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, Abbas described Akeredolu’s death as a big blow to the All Progressives Congress family, even as he said that the late Governor was one of the brilliant legal minds in the ruling party.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Akeredolu rose to the pinnacle profession before joining partisan politics.

The Speaker further described the deceased as “A champion of the rule of law, democracy and true federalism.”

Speaker Abbas recalled how the late Akeredolu was one of the leading human rights activists who fought against military rule, leading to the return of democracy in 1999.

While he was a member of the inner Bar as a lawyer, Abbas added that Akeredolu not only became a governor but was Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum and Chairman, Southern Governors’ Forum.

The Speaker extended his condolences to the Akeredolu family, the people, and the government of Ondo State and prayed for the repose of his soul.

Born on July 21, 1956, Akeredolu hailed from Owo in Ondo State. He studied Law at the Obafemi Awolowo University (then University of Ife) graduating in 1977. He was called to the bar in 1978.

Akeredolu, politician with exceptional leadership skills – Ganduje.

Akeredolu, politician with exceptional leadership skills – Ganduje.

The National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, on Wednesday, mourned the Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who he described as a politician with exceptional leadership skills.

Akeredolu passed away after a protracted illness at the age of 67.

The APC national chairman, in a tribute released by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, in Abuja, described the death of the former National President of Nigerian Bar Association as a great loss, not only to Ondo people, but to Nigerians as a whole.

While saluting his courage as an accomplished lawyer and advocate for progress, Ganduje said the governor left behind a remarkable legacy of dedication towards the development and betterment of Ondo State.

He said, “As we reflect on Governor Akeredolu’s remarkable contributions to public service, we remember his unflinching commitment to the principles of democracy, his determination to make a lasting impact on the lives of the people he served, and his undying love for Ondo State and its citizens.

“Throughout his tenure, Governor Akeredolu exhibited exceptional leadership skills, fostering economic growth, implementing critical infrastructure projects, and championing initiatives that enhanced the standard of living for the people of Ondo State. His dedication to ensuring peace, stability, and unity within the state will forever be remembered.

“Governor Akeredolu’s departure leaves a significant void in our political landscape. His absence will be felt by all who had the privilege of working with him, collaborating on projects, or simply experiencing his remarkable leadership firsthand.

“On behalf of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I extend our deepest condolences to the family, the government, the people of Ondo State, friends, and loved ones of Governor Akeredolu. We share in their grief and offer our heartfelt support during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them, may they find solace in knowing that his contributions to Ondo State will be forever cherished.

“As we come to terms with this loss, let us honour Governor Akeredolu’s memory by remaining committed to the ideals and principles he held dear. Let us continue to work together, building on his firm foundation and striving for the progress and prosperity of Ondo State. Indeed, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s legacy will endure, and his vision for a better Ondo State will never be forgotten.”