In preparation for the March 18 state house of assembly election in Ondo State, the Estate Rent & Commission Agent Association of Nigeria (ERCAAN) Ondo West local government chapter, has thrown its weight behind the APC candidate, Otunba Moyinolorun Ogunwumiji(OMO) for the seat of the MHA, Ondo West Constituency 1 in the forthcoming election.

In a letter signed by the Chairman, Secretary and PRO of the association, extolled the leadership quality of OMO which he has displayed since his emergence as the APC MHA candidate is second to none, especially among the candidate vying for the seat.

In the signed letter to OMO, “Indeed, out of the numerous candidates vying for the same office, you have distinguished yourself as a youth with good leadership quality with your ability to contribute towards putting smiles on the faces of both young and old in our society.

“Hence, we the leadership of the above-named association therefore wish to intimate you with our support for your election into office.” – Hon. Kehinde Akinmarin, Chairman

In his response, Otunba Moyinolorun Ogunwumiju(OMO) thanked the leadership of the association for seeing beyond the ordinary and for the endorsement to represent the good people of Ondo West constituency 1, in the 10th Ondo State House of Assembly.

OMO later promised never to disappoint them and the entire association by giving them quality representation and making laws that will further strengthen the activities of the association.

“My major legislative duties in the House are to facilitate passage of laws that will better lives of my people, and various associations like yours. I want to assure you that I will never hesitate to do everything possible in the Assembly to make sure that your association did not lag behind among those that will benefit from my lawmaking assignments in the House,” said OMO.

Signed:
Abimbola Sodiq Oyetunde
SA(Media and Publicity) to Otunba Moyinolorun Ogunwumiju
09/03/2023.

Leaders of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ondo Noth Senatorial District have expressed satisfaction at the performances of the party in the just concluded Presidential and National Assembly Elections in the country.

One of the leaders who is also the Director General, Campaign Council for Ondo North Senatorial District, Hon. Kolawole Babatunde, particularly expressed happiness at the victory of the APC presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and other members of the National Assembly, describing their election as a true reflection of the genuine wishes of Nigerians.

He congratulated the President-elect and the National Assembly members from the state, saying their election is a demonstration of the commitment of people of the state to remain within the progressive ideological bloc.

Babatunde, who is also the Special Adviser to the Ondo State Governor on Rural and Community Development said the quality delivery of dividends of good governance by the Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Administration in the state inspired the electorate to vote massively for APC candidates.

“Our victory, as recorded on Saturday during the Presidential and National Assembly Elections, was attributed to our collective aspiration and aggressive actions matched with unrepentant commitment by all and sundry towards achieving excellence, yet, we made it. 

“The spirit of this hardwork was invoked by our visionary Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, we followed religiously and we made history”, he said.

While applauding the collective aspiration and aggressive actions matched with unrelenting efforts of party members at achieving the feat, Hon. Babatunde urged APC leaders and members in the state not to relent but scale up their efforts with greater zeal during the House of Assembly election in the state to ensure landslide victory.

The Director General assured that the APC controlled governments at the Federal and State levels will make life more meaningful for all citizens.

It was a moment of joy and memorable occasion on Saturday, February 11, 2023, as Seun Sunday and Omotayo Theresa exchanged marital vows.

Seun Sunday is the son of the General Manager of Ondo State Consumer Protection Agency, High Chief Ayo Mesileya.

The wedding reception held at the spacious St Luke’s Anglican Hall, Idi-Agba Titun, Akure, was attended by dignitaries from all walks of life.

Families, friends and associates  thronged the venue to celebrate with the newest couple.

Earlier, there was engagement at Plot 11, Ologede MTN Mast, Off Leo, Akure, which was immediately followed by Solemnization of Holy Matrimony at the Gospel Faith Mission International, Covenant of God Assembly, Behind MTN Mast, Ologede, Akure, where the Officiating Minister admonished the young couple to make God pillar of their marriage and avoid outside interference in their home.

Chairman at the wedding reception, Elder Ale Monebi, advised the new couple to always see themselves as one, and as such, love and cherish each other.

Among the dignitaries present at the wedding ceremony are the Deputy Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Samuel Aderoboye; immediate past Head of Service, Pastor John Adeyemo; top civil servants, traditional rulers among others.

The Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, has counselled the newly-admitted students to the Institution’s Institute of Part-Time Programmes (IPTP), to guard their admission jealously by focusing on their studies and eschewing all forms of vices.

Prof. Ige gave the advice while addressing the students at the Matriculation Ceremony for the 2021/22 and 2022/23 Academic Sessions held in the University Multipurpose Hall on Thursday, February 2, 2023.

The VC said, “Our newly-matriculated students, you should count yourselves providential to have been admitted to AAUA because out of the huge number of applicants that sought admission to our Institute of Part Time Programmes (IPTP), only 1,175 were admitted.

“Therefore, your admission is a no mean achievement, having scaled the rigorous but fair hurdles of the admission exercise.

“As a result, I congratulate you on being accepted into the prestigious class of university undergraduates. You must, however, guard this valuable attainment of yours jealously by focusing on your studies and eschewing all forms vices.”

He reiterated that the University has several times been rated the best among state varsities in the country and one of the most sought after nationally.

The VC, who noted that the University has produced several graduates who have become giants in all walks of life, and who, today, have become change agents in the society, said, “All eyes are on you to join this enviable rank of our distinguished, competent and confident graduates who have made us proud.”

He urged them to abide by the rules and regulations guiding their studentship.

“Our University is strictly governed by standard norms and values, and the university will not tolerate any antisocial behaviour and character that may contravene or contradict the laid down rules and regulations. Incidents of cultism, rape, examination misconduct, indecent dressing, sexual harassment and the likes will not be tolerated. Anyone caught in these misconducts stands the risk of losing his/her studentship”, the VC warned.

The Registrar of the University, Mr. Olugbenga Ararjulu, had earlier administered the Matriculation Oath on the students.

No fewer than 1,175 newly-admitted students to the Institute of Part Time Programmes (IPTP) of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, will take Matriculation Oath on Thursday, February 2, 2023.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Admin.), Prof. Adebisi Daramola, made this known on Thursday, January 26, 2023, while speaking with the Information Unit of the University.

Ahead of the Matriculation Ceremony, Prof. Daramola, who is also the Chairman of the University Ceremonies Committee, stressed the inevitability of the ceremony to all the new students, saying, whoever fails to take and sign the Matriculation Oath would be sanctioned.

He noted that the 2021/22 and 2022/23 sets of students from the Institute would formally become bonafide members of the University Community through the Matriculation Ceremony.

He said,” We have made it clear that any student who fails to sign the Matriculation Oath and register will face severe sanctions as the Matriculation Ceremony is compulsory for new students; it is their initiation into the University system.

“We are ready for what will be a colourful event. We have made all the necessary arrangements as we expect the matriculants to come with their friends and family members. In total, we are expecting 1, 175 students from our IPTP centres; and the Matriculation Ceremony is for the sets of 2021/22 and the 2022/23 academic sessions”, he added. 

The ceremony, which would hold in the University Multipurpose Hall at 10:00am, will be chaired by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, while the Institution’s Registrar, Mr. Olugbenga Arajulu, would administer the Matriculation Oath on the students.  

Students are expected to have been seated by 9:30am.

The Minister of State for Transportation, Prince Ademola Adegoroye, has said a number of jobless youths in Ondo State have been penciled down for recruitment into various agencies of the federal government.

The Minister disclosed this on Monday while featuring on Situation Room, a live interview program on Fresh FM radio in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

Adegoroye, who said one of his priorities when he assumed office was to get as many Ondo State indigenes as possible recruited into federal civil service, said the first batch of beneficiaries has been shortlisted and will soon be issued letters.

Adding that another batch is in progress, the Minister said this is in continuation of his advocacy to correct the poor representation of Ondo State in federal civil service, which had necessitated his visit to the Head of Service of the Federation shortly after he assumed office in Abuja.

Speaking on the proposed Ondo Sea Port, the Minister stated that the process of Port Declaration was in the final stages and it is his desire for President Muhammadu Buhari to approve the declaration of Ondo Sea Port before leaving office.

On the Akure-Ado road dualisation, Adegoroye said the contract for the project has been reawarded but the court action instituted by the former contractor has stalled the execution of the project.

“I know how our people are suffering on that road. My mother is from Ekiti and my father is from Akure. So, I know how crucial that road is to our people in Ondo and Ekiti States. We are not relenting in our efforts on the road.

“Two days ago, I and the new Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, met and we discussed this issue. We resolved to meet with the former contractor in January to see how the issue can be settled out of court so that the project can take off”, the Minister added.

Reeling out the activities of his ministry in the last few months, Adegoroye expressed optimism that the ongoing railway network across the country will get to Ondo State, starting from Ore which is part of the ongoing eastern route.

Stressing that President Buhari has done a lot in the transportation sector of the country, the Minister added that approval has been given for the reintroduction of mass transit in the country by the President.

On the coming general elections, the Minister expressed the readiness of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct credible election, saying that the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is miles ahead of other contenders and is the right person to take over from Buhari.

Christians have been urged to use the Christmas season to pray for unity, peace and prosperity of Nigeria. 

The was contained in a message by Olowa and Paramount Ruler of Igbara-Oke kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Francis Adefarakanmi Agbede (OFR), to the Christians as they celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

A statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to Olowa of Igbara-Oke kingdom, Ayodeji Owolabi, said Christmas is a season to show love to one another, celebrate peaceful co-existence and another opportunity to increase our acts of kindness and care for the less privileges.

According to the monarch, the impact of love and peaceful coexistence will bring about a positive change that will lead to unity and development which will move the nation forward.

Oba Agbede expressed the need to rededicate ourselves to the service of humanity in line with the true teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ, which preach tolerance, patience, kindness, selflessness, among other virtues.

The monarch also reiterated the need for us as citizens to continue to reflect on positive tenets that unite the nation and strengthen the polity. He said we should not relent in prayers for our dear nation.

He enjoined Nigerians to keep hope alive despite challenges facing the country.

As the general election is around the corner, the monarch urged the citizens to eschew any act that can truncate the unity of our country.

The Federal Government has reassured that the ongoing expansion of railway network across the country will not leave out Ondo State, just as efforts are in motion to declare a deep sea port in the State.

These were part of the resolutions reached at the executive session of the 17th National Council on Transportation (NCT) held in Abuja with the theme: “Transportation Technology and Innovation for Socio – Economic Sustainability”.                     

Presiding over the session, the Minister of Transportation, Engr. Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, said the target of the rail network expansion is to touch all the 36 State capitals in the country, stressing that Akure will be on the network in no distant time.

The Minister, who acknowledged the efforts of the Minister of State for Transportation, Prince Ademola Adegoroye, in this regard, added that the declaration of deep sea port for Ondo State will become a reality in the life of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. 

A statement released by the Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Prince Adegoroye, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, disclosed that Sambo gave assurances that the Ministry will implement workable and practicable policy initiatives that will advance the efficiency of the transport sector to play a critical role in the sustainable development of the economy.  

He called for a more serious synergy between the Federal Government and the States, noting that milestones of the Government will come to naught unless the State governments are on board.  

The Minister of State for Transportation, Prince Ademola Adegoroye, while giving the welcome remarks at the event, said: “this year’s theme is a call for a paradigm shift from the well-known traditional approach to adapting new innovative technologies that will revolutionise the movement of people and goods, transform the design and operation of Transportation systems”. 

Adegoroye harped on the need to embrace imminent transition in the transportation sector that will impact positively on the Nigerian transport system, noting that with growth of new technologies such as Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, among others, if properly harnessed will guaranty an all encompassing national development for the country. 

He added: “It is imperative that we join the moving train of Technology and Innovation by keying in and supporting initiatives and plans that will evolve new and digital technology. 

“To facilitate the attainment of our new resolve, we need to invest in training and re-training of our personnel, acquire state-of-the art technology where necessary, imbibe innovative policies and support collaborations among relevant Agencies/Organisations. This will in turn improve the quality of live of Nigerians, provide job opportunities and foster economic development.”

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Marine and Land Transport, Senator Danjuma Goje, in his remarks, assured of the National Assembly’s support, noting that no country can attain development without viable and sustainable transportation system. 

The 4-day 17th National Council on Transportation had in attendance State Commissioners for Transportation and their Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Agencies, Captains of industries and other relevant stakeholders, numbering about 500. 

The Chief Executive Officer of Benakol Legal Classics (a company dealing in production, sale and supply of Lawyer’s Legislator’s and Judge’s robes), Mrs Kehinde Oluwadaisi, has presented three graduates of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, who made First Class at the Bar Final Examination at the Nigerian Law School with the quality of Wig and Gown and other complete accessories for their Call to Bar. 

According to the CEO, the gesture was in fulfilment of the promise made three years ago by the Board of Directors of the company to honour outstanding graduates of AAUA at the Law School annually. 

She appreciated the principal member of the BoD, a Senior Lecturer, and Head of the Department of Jurisprudence and International Law, at the Faculty of Law, AAUA, Dr. Akin Oluwadaisi, for his huge support to the initiative.

This year’s beneficiaries are: Chibueze Esther Uchechi, Akinyemi Damilola Tobiloba, and Adeayo Precious

The Governing Council of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, at its 80th Regular Meeting on Friday, December 9, 2022, ratified the appointment of two new Deputy Vice-Chancellors for the Institution. 

They are Professor Adebisi Daramola (Administration) and Professor Olusegun Akinwumi (Academic).

The duo had emerged after their nominations alongside two other professors for election by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, during the 177th Regular Senate Meeting of the University on Wednesday, November 30, 2022. 

Prof. Daramola obtained a Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE) in 1977 at Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo; earned a Bachelor of Education degree in Guidance and Counselling from University of Ibadan in 1981; got a Master of Education degree in Guidance and Counselling from University of Ibadan in 1984 and bagged a Ph.D.  in Counselling Psychology from the then Ondo State University, Ado  Ekiti, now Ekiti State University in 1993. 

Prof. Daramola, who was among the staffers that relocated to AAUA from the then Ondo State University, Ado  Ekiti, in 1999, joined the services of the University at Ado-Ekiti, in 1989 as a lecturer II.  He rose through the rank to become a Professor of Counselling Psychology in 2005.

He had, at different times, served the University in over 50 administrative and academic capacities, including Dean, Faculty of Arts and Education; Dean, Postgraduate School; Dean, Student Affairs; Chairman, AAUA/Akungba Community Relations Committee; and Director, University Linkages and International Programmes Office.

Prof. Daramola, the pioneer Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, AAUA branch, was an external examiner/assessor to nine local and foreign universities. While he has published three books, he has written chapters in many books; and has over 30 articles in both local and international journals. 

He has presented over 15 seminars/public lectures; and attended over  23 local and international conferences. 

Prof. Daramola belongs to many professional bodies, such as Counseling Association of Nigeria (CASSON);  Chairman, Nigerian Association of Educational Psychologists (NAEP); World Council for Gifted and Talented Children (WCGTC), U.S.A; International Federation for Psychotherapy (IFP) Germany; Nigerian Association of Educational Research and Evaluation (NAERE); Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN); Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (AIPM); Luminaries of Professional Educators of Nigeria (LUPEN); and Institute of Industrial Administration of Nigeria (NIIA).

He is a recipient of many honours and awards, including Best Postgraduate Student Award Ondo State University; Man of the Year 2004, American Biographical Institute, U.S.A; First  Ph.D  Graduate, Ondo State University, Ado Ekiti; Honorary Doctor of Divinity (DD) Asland University, Ohio, U.S.A.  2002; and Fellow, Institute of Industrial Administration of Nigeria (IIAN).

He hails from Ondo City in Ondo West Local Government Area of Ondo State. He is happily married with children and affable wife.

Similarly, Prof. Akinwumi obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Calabar in 1984; proceeded to the University of Ibadan and the Federal University of Technology, Akure, where he bagged a Masters degree in Zoology (Fisheries and Hydrobiology) and a Ph.D. in Fish Post-Harvest Technology in 1991 and 2006, respectively.

He joined the services of then Ondo State University, Ado-Ekiti, in 1998 as a lecturer II and moved to AAUA in 1999, rising through the rank to become a Professor in 2015.

He has served in over 50 academic and administrative positions in the University, including Head, Department of Animal and Environmental Biology; Chairman, Ceremonies Committee; Chairman, AAUA Committee on Public Lecture Series; pioneer Vice Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, AAUA branch; and Chairman, Universitys Farm Management Committee. 

Prof. Akinwumi is the immediate Dean, Faculty of Science, and a member representing the University Congregation on the University Governing Council. 

Prof. Akinwumi has published seven books; edited three others, and has 27 articles published in reputable local and international journals.

Prof. Akinwumi, who had undergone various leadership trainings globally, including at the famous Galilee International Management Institute, Israel (2015), and the Shanxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Datong, China (2007), has 12 published conference abstracts and presentations.  

Prof. Akinwumi is a winner of many research grants, awards and prizes including the Federal Government Postgraduate (M.Sc.) Scholarship (1990), Ondo State Government Postgraduate (Ph.D.) Scholarship (2001), and the University Research grant in 2005 and 2011.

He has membership of several professional bodies among which are: Fisheries Society of Nigeria; Entomological Society of Nigeria; Zoological Society of Nigeria; and Science Association of Nigeria.

Prof. Akinwumi  who is happily married with children and amiable wife hails from Akure, in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo  State.