…says student unionism should be training ground for future leaders

The Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria, Prof. Olugbenga Ige has enjoined the newly-elected executives of the Student Union in the Institution to use the period of their leadership to learn how to manage men and resources.

He gave the admonition at the swearing-in ceremony of new officers.
Prof. Ige congratulated the new leaders and urged them to demonstrate maturity in leadership, adding that as leaders, they were expected to serve as good examples to their fellow students in terms of comportment and mode of dressing.
The Vice Chancellor reminded them that the University has zero tolerance for indecent dressing and other anti-social behaviours. He also cautioned against any aggressive agitation that could jeopardise the peace and tranquility of the institution. He charged them to encourage their fellow students to complete their registration on time.
The Vice Chancellor later administered the Oath of Office on the new executives, led by Kolade Ogunsanmi (President); while the Registrar, Mr. Gbenga Arajulu presented the Certificate of Return to them.
Others executives are;  Oluwakemisola Salami (Vice President); Tolulope Adeyefa (General Secretary); Timilehin Akinsulure (Public Relations Officer); Abe Busuyi (Treasurer); Okeke Patrick (Social Director); Odole Mojisola  (Welfare Director), and Akinwalere Omoniyi (Assistant General Secretary).
Also inaugurated at the ceremony were leaders of the Student Representatives Council (SRC) and the Student Judicial Council (SJC).
In his remarks, the Dean of Students, Prof. Segun Akanbi, appreciated the University authorities and the ICT Application Centre for ensuring a faultless electronic election that allowed thousands of students to exercise their franchise.
In his Valedictory Speech, the immediate past President of the Student Union, Comr. Daniel Oluwasegun Obagunwa, congratulated the new officers and wished them well in their administration.
In his speech, the new President, Comr. Ogunsanmi, promised to employ dialogue and diplomacy in steering the affairs of the new administration. 
He also pledged that his administration would ensure peaceful and convenient atmosphere in the University and that his focus would be erecting a lasting foundation for the Students’ Union

…as ODSWMA GM cautions Ondo residents against unhealthy practices

No fewer than 50 persons were arrested today Saturday over various environmental sanitation offences.
The General Manager, Ondo State Waste Management Authority (ODSWMA), Rev Mrs Ayo Adeyemo, who gave the figure added that the offenders were picked up at different locations within Akure metropolis during the monthly Environmental Sanitation exercise.
Rev. Adeyemo who spoke shortly after leading other top officials of the Authority to monitor the monthly Environmental Sanitation exercise within the state capital, equally stressed that the 3-hour sanitation period is meant for the cleanliness of the surroundings and not for something else.
She advised the residents to always obey the law and desist from dumping of waste in drainages and other unauthorised places, saying nobody who violates environmental sanitation law would face the consequence.
“We must imbibe the culture of keeping our environment clean. Environmental sanitation should be a daily affair and we should not wait until somebody forces us to clean our environment. Let us all keep our environment clean and free from any form of diseases.
“Today, some people who brought their waste to the road side to litter the street were arrested, and we shall continue to do this.

“Today’s exercise is full of action. When I say action I mean action. We should respect environmental law, we should obey the law so that things can work well. 
“We shall continue to sensitise, enlighten and also enforce so that we can achieve high level of cleanliness for the benefit of the residents and our state in general”, the GM added.
Rev. Adeyemo further disclosed that the popular shopping malls (Shoprite) and the NEPA Neighborhood market earlier sealed on Monday morning over unhygienic and unsanitary practices have been unsealed.
According to her, the commercial centres have complied, to a large extent, with the laid down hygienic practices even though the Authority is still monitoring them. 
She, however, warned that if the incident that led to their earlier closure re-occurs again, the Authority would not hesitate to permanently close down the affected shopping centres.
The GM appreciated the residents for their cooperation and support, saying  the state capital is now wearing a new look because the people are cooperating with government to keep their environment clean and desist from unhealthy practices.
She revealed that the aggressive sensitisation and enforcement exercise embarked upon by the Authority is yielding good result, adding the exercise would be sustained in the interest of the public and the state.

The Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, has advised the newly admitted students of the institution to complete their registration promptly, shun acts of violence, and comport themselves decently and orderly at all times both within and outside the campus.
Prof. Ige gave the  advice on Monday, September 20, 2021, while declaring open, a four-day Orientation exercise for the new students.
The Vice Chancellor said the Orientation exercise was put together to equip the students with relevant and valuable information vital to their studentship and academic engagements.
He informed the students that the University has provided relevant facilities and engaged qualified personnel to help them excel in their studies. 
The VC, however, admonished them to take note of key points, which include registration at appropriate time, shunning acts of violence, looking out for information, dressing decently, and the need for them to interact with both staff and students in order to get the best out of the Institution during their studentship.
“Above all, the kind of education we envision for you as a university is that which provides knowledge and skills for self-reliance in a conducive environment. Therefore, I charge you to make use of this exclusive opportunity to hone your skills through the knowledge platforms created by the University at the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Development, the Industrial Training Programmes, the Sports Centre, the Student Work-Study Scheme and such other student groups that promote talent and skills and are duly registered with the University”, Prof Ige emphasised.
He commended the Student Affairs Division headed by Prof. Segun Akanbi for putting the programme together and for having painstakingly chosen the resource persons that would take them.
Present at the event were the University Registrar, Gbenga Arajulu; Bursar, Tobi Orina, Coordinator of the University Library, Tunde Ademodi, and were also part of resource persons for the programme. 
Some students who spoke with the Information Unit of the University after the programme expressed satisfaction with the various topics treated and pledged to abide by rules and regulations guiding their conduct in the University.
Tofunmi Omoniyi (Political Science) said, “I’m happy to be a part of the orientation programme. It opened my eyes to many things. We have been told to do our registration on time for us to remain students. On our dressing too, it’s for our own good. We should all abide by dressing decently.”
Marvelous Ademola (Linguistics Department), said, “The Orientation Programme is very educative. We now know what we are supposed to do and what is expected of us. I thank the University authorities for putting this together for us.”
Some of the papers delivered at the Orientation programme were: AAUA Brand, Becoming Her Proud Ambassador; Process of Screening Exercise of Fresh Students after Admission; Rules and Regulations Guiding Students and Channels of Communication in the University; Students and the Host Community, Positive Town and Gown Relationship; the Role of Digital Libraries in the Present AAUA; and Procedures of Payment of School Fees; among other topical topics. The programme ended on Thursday with the tour of the campus.

A legal luminary, Dr Kayode Ajulo, has described Mr Femi Fani – Kayode’s (FFK) admission into the APC as a ‘symbolic presidential amnesty’, considering his past attacks on President Muhammadu Buhari.
He said the APC was magnanimous to have received FFK, irrespective of the fact that  some persons including some party members might  not be happy with the development.
Ajulo said this  in a statement  on Thursday in Abuja,  against the backdrop of FFK’s recent defection to the APC.

” FFK’ past attacks on President Buhari and  the APC  had unwittingly influenced passions in some quarters,  for armed and unarmed agitations against the President and the Nigerian state”, he said
He recalled that FFK had suggested on different occasions with his tweets, that the APC government was filled with terrorists.
Ajulo, however,  said that the commendable magnanimity of President Buhari to FFK  should be extended to various agitators across the country as a basis for amnesty.
According to him, amnesty in this context is not to be viewed from the strict standpoint of legal knowledge,  rather the ordinary meaning is desirable.“For our immediate purpose therefore, amnesty means forgiveness, cessation of remembrance of wrong, leniency and mercy,” he said.
He stated that it might not be wrong to state that the symbolic ‘amnesty’ granted to FFK by the President and the APC almost came on a platter of gold.“The symbolism by the President signposts the fact that the vilest of ‘sinner’ in his lucid moment of thorough reflections,  can be granted safe passage toward the “mercy seat,” he said.Ajuoo admitted that FFK  is  misunderstood man and a controversial personality.
According to him, haven  been given the benefit of ‘eating his cake and having it, the same level of understanding, leniency and mercy should be extended to his allies.
He said some of the agitations by secessionists had not gone without the open endorsement and support of FFK.He advised  FFK  to totally divest himself of his divisive un-nationalistic past.

The Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, Nigeria, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, has been conferred with an award of Ondo State Pillar of Education of the Year 2020.
Prof. Ige was honoured alongside other distinguished personalities at the annual Ondo State Outstanding Leadership Award Platform courtesy of The Hero Magazine International on Sunday, September 12, 2021, at the Dome International Event Centre, Akure.
The convener and Publisher of The Hero Magazine, Dr Sunday Akinbiola, while congratulating all awardees, said they were found worthy having distinguished themselves in their respective careers.
He said, “All our awardees for this 14th edition of award event were meritoriously selected. They are individuals who have made and still making positive impact on their immediate and extended  environments. And with this honour done on them, they have become ambassadors of Ondo State.”
Responding to the award after he was decorated by the Deputy Governor of Ondo state, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa,  Prof. Ige thanked the organizers for recognizing his modest efforts in the advancement of education in not only Ondo State, but also across Nigeria.
The VC assured that he would continue to lead AAUA in the right direction of setting the pace for others.

The Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, has stressed the need for the leadership of various arms of the University to enhance their efficient and effective service delivery that would further position the institution for relevance. Prof. Ige gave the charge on Wednesday, while declaring open a one-day leadership training organised by the Teaching and Leadership Centre of the University for Deans, Directors, and Heads of Department and Unit. He revealed that the leadership training was  purposely organised to hone the skills and effectiveness of the senior officers towards enhancing efficient and effective service delivery in the University. 
“I consider this programme very crucial and timely going by the various challenges rocking the administration of Universities globally at this critical period. “You will agree with me that every institution, including our University, has its peculiar experiences in this caldron of challenges. Looking forward, the roles of the leadership of higher institutions have been considered imperative in addressing these challenges and in positioning the institutions for relevance among its stakeholders”, Prof Ige added. The VC further emphasised that leadership required an individual with vision and mission and strong influence for achieving common goals by motivating his or her co-workers to conduct a planned change for a system.
He particularly commended the Teaching and Leadership Centre for organising the training for the ‘”ndispensable individuals and middlemen in the University leadership ladder who are shouldered with the responsibilities of positioning the University for greater heights through innovative and creative ideas at the face of its current challenges”. He thanked the resources persons for accepting to share their wealth of experience with the policy drivers of the University, and reaffirmed that his administration would continue to prioritise manpower development as a critical tool in building a 21st Century compliant work force. Earlier in her welcome address, the Director, Teaching and Leadership Centre, Prof. Oluyemisi Adebowale, said the training became imperative for the newly appointed Deans, Directors and Heads of Department and Unit to get acquainted with the nitty-gritty of the expectations of their office for the overall uplift of the University. Prof. Adebowale said, “There is the need for all policy drivers in AAUA to be acquainted with the nitty-gritty of the expectations of their offices. They must understand the basic things needed to have a successful tenure; conversant with the administrative and academic issues that need to be addressed; acquainted with work ethics, professionalism and how to build personal effectiveness in the system; and have good understanding of the relevant procedures, rules and regulations governing the conditions of service, appointments, promotion, discipline, general obligations of staff, budget implementation and preparation for accreditation.” She appreciated the Vice Chancellor for approving the training and for providing the resources and ensuring a conducive environment for its success. Prof, C.A Daramola spoke on “University Administration and Leadership: Responsibility of Deans, Directors and Heads of Department/Unit; while Mr. Adedayo Adedeji examined “Administrative Input for Organizational Growth; and Prof. Victor Olumekun talked on “Leadership Creativity and Innovation”. Other resources persons were the University Bursar, Mr. Tobi Orina, who spoke on “Effective Budget Implementation”; Prof. Emmanuel Fayankinnu, who examined “Conflict Management and Resolution”; Prof. M.A. Hassan, who talked on “Teaching, Examination Administration and Result Processing”; Prof. Bolanle Ogungbamila, who lectured on “From Feedback-to-Feedback Loop”; and Prof. Benson Akinnawonu, who talked on “Tips on Accreditation”.

The Teaching and Leadership Centre of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, is set to organize a one-day training programme aimed at honing the skills of senior officers of the University for efficient and effective service delivery.
The workshop, which will feature quintessential and notable resource personalities, is scheduled for Wednesday, September 8, 2021, in the Nelson Mandela Hall of the institution by 9.00am.
A release by the Director of the Teaching and Leadership Centre, Prof. Oluyemisi Adebowale, said those expected at the training are Principal Officers, Deans of Faculty, Directors of Centres, as well as Heads of Departments and Units, while Professor Olugbenga Ige, the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, is to chair the occasion.
All participants are enjoined to attend and be punctual.

Apparently determined to stop Indiscriminate dumping of refuse and ensure total cleanliness across the state, the Ondo State Waste Management Authority (ODSWMA) has again begun one week aggressive public  sensitization and enforcement within Akure, the Ondo state capital.
The sensitisation and enforcement team led by the General Manager of the Agency, Rev. (Mrs) Ayo Adeyemo moved round the major markets and streets within Akure metropolis.
Rev. Adeyemo advised all residents of the state including markets men and women against improper waste disposal to achieve environmental cleanliness. 
She frowned at indiscriminate waste dumping at roadsides, bus stops and other unauthorized spots around the state capital, saying such unhygienic practice threatens societal health.

The General Manager appealed to all and sundry to embrace proper hygiene to ensure healthy living.
The GM also cautioned the people against dumping of waste in the drainage system and along the river course, noting that such practice could cause flooding.
The exercise which started from Alagbaka axis down to Secretariat Road in Akure also took the team to NEPA axis where residents and traders were intimated with proper dumping of refuse.
Rev. Adeyemo condemned untoward attitude of some residents to environmental sanitation, saying measures are in place to bring defaulters to book as government is determined to restore cleanliness to Akure, the state capital.
“Enough is enough. We don’t expect anybody to dump any waste on the road or any unauthorised place. Keep all your waste in your waste-bin. We  also expect all offices to be kept clean. Make sure you procure a prescribed waste-bin and place it in a designated place and wait for evaluation.
“Enough is enough, cleanliness is next to Godliness and health is wealth. Your environment must be handled with care. You must see your environment as your next of kin. Don’t handle your environment with levity, be careful.
“We are saying no to indiscriminate dumping of waste. Let all of us keep our environment clean. Ondo state is a shining state, let us keep it shining. Contribute your own quota to make sure our environment is clean”, she stressed.
The exercise started on Monday is expected to end on Saturday.

…says court judgement represents people’s will

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development during the first term of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Alhaji Rasheed Badmus, has described the Supreme Court judgement which affirmed the victory of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu at the October 10, 2020 governorship election, as an act of God and a justification of the people’s mandate.
Badmus who specially gave glory to God Almighty and congratulated Governor Akeredolu and his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for the Supreme Court victory, also described the Governor as an uncommon man who has always enjoyed uncommon grace of God in his determination to develop the state and protect the interest of the people.
The Apex Court had last week Wednesday upheld the victory of Governor Akeredolu at the October 10, 2020 governorship election and dismissed the appeal filed by the PDP candidate, Eyitayo Jegede and his party.
Reacting to the judgement, Rasheed Badmus explained that the verdict has given people more confidence in the judiciary, even as he described the judgement as a victory for the people of the state
The APC chieftain noted that Governor Akeredolu’s sincerity, his fear of God and unwavering commitment to the service of the people made God help him to win the case and be victorious at the Supreme Court.
The immediate past Commissioner who equally appreciated all the APC leaders and the people of the state for standing firm by the Governor throughout the litigation period, also expressed joy that the ongoing developmental projects across the state under Governor Akeredolu are not truncated halfway.
Badmus applauded the Governor for working hard and serving the people well, adding that within the past four years and the first 100 days of the second term, so many developmental projects in terms of  roads construction, industrialisation, water supply scheme, agric development, youth empowerment and overall development of the state have been given serious attention by the Governor.
While noting that Akeredolu is focused and determined to ensure his regime is remembered for good in all aspects of the economy, the  APC chieftains also appreciated the PDP candidate, Mr. Eyitayo Jegede for congratulating Akeredolu on his victory, adding that he should also be ready to join hands and work with the Governor to collectively build, refine and develop the state.
“The main thing now is to appreciate God for Mr Governor, to appreciate God for APC and to appreciate God for Ondo state because the good works will continue”, he stressed.

…calls for more support for government

The Managing Director, Medaville Building & Construction Co. Ltd, Otunba Ademola Akin-Benson, has congratulated the Ondo state Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, over their victory at the Supreme Court.
It would be recalled that the Apex Court had on Wednesday last week affirmed the election of the state Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, at the October 10, 2020 governorship election.
Reacting to what he described as  landmark judgement on Monday, the seasoned Estate Developer congratulated the Governor and his deputy for their victory, saying it would  spur the Governor to do more for the development of the state and the people.
Otunba Akin-Benson, noted that the Supreme Court verdict has further justified the people’s mandate freely given to the Governor and his deputy at the last October governorship polls.

He specifically commended the Governor for his aggressive infrastructural development across the three senatorial districts of the state, adding with the Supreme Court judgement more people-oriented programmes and projects would be executed by Governor.
The seasoned Estate Developer called on the people of the state to continue to support the present administration for more development.