The Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Prof. Olugbenga Ige, has been honoured with the Distinguished Alumni Award by the University of Ibadan Alumni Association.

The Award ceremony was held on Saturday, July 23, 2022, at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) as part of the 2022 Basorun Seinde Arogbofa/University of Ibadan Alumni Association Ondo Lecture.

According to the Ondo State Branch Chairman of UIAA, Mr Bola Kayode, Esq, the Award ceremony was to recognise the products of the University of Ibadan who are doing well in their chosen careers, and to acknowledge their contributions to the society.

In his response, the AAUA VC, an Alumnus of the University of Ibadan, thanked the association for the honour, saying that it would spur him to do more and to continue to fly high the flag of the oldest university in Nigeria.

Prof. Ige called on other awardees and alumni to prove their mettle wherever they found themselves.

Other awardees included the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Ayedatiwa; Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu; Rector of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Mr. Gani Ogundahunsi; immediate past CAN State Chairman, Rev. Ayo Oladapo; Oba of Agoro-Ijebu, Kabiyesi Adedeji Omisami; and the State Head of Service, Mr. John Adeyemo.

The Guest Lecturer, Gen. Jones Arogbofa, who was represented by Major General Temidayo Olukoju (Rtd), spoke on “Insecurity in our Nation: Challenges and Responsibilities of the Elite.”

He blamed the Nigerian elite for the festering sore of insecurity in the country. He said that political elite were in the habit of arming thugs and youths to protect themselves and intimidate the opposition during electioneering, and only for the elite to abandon the armed youths after election.

He said many of the armed youths ended up in nefarious activities like kidnapping and armed robbery to make ends meet after their abandonment by the political godfathers.

Gen, Arogbofa, who was the Chief of Staff to former President Goodluck Jonathan, lamented that it was unfortunate that the same elite class who nurtured the monster of insecurity now want the same eradicated overnight. He called on them to join hands with and financially support the security agencies to stem the tide of insecurity in all its ramifications.

The Awards ceremony was graced by dignitaries from all walks of life, including Principal Officers and staff members from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko. They were: Registrar, Mr. Gbenga Arajulu; Bursar, Mr. Tobi Orina, FCA; University Librarian, Dr. Yemisi Olorunfemi; Dean of Postgraduate School, Prof. Benson Akinnawonu; as well as Deans of Faculty, among others.

The ancient town of Ile-oluji in Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Area of Ondo state was a beehive of activities on Friday 8th July, 2022 as the remains of Chief (Mrs) Esther Olagbemisotu Adeyemo was laid to rest amidst tributes from children, family, friends and well-wishers.

Late Chief (Mrs) Esther Olagbemisotu Adeyemo, mother of the Head of Service of Ondo State, Pastor John Adeyemo,  slept in the Lord on Saturday 30th April, 2022, at the age of 82 years. She was finally laid to rest in the presence of dignitaries, friends and family, on Friday 8th July, 2022. 

The funeral service held at Holy Saviour’s Gospel Mission International, Oke-Alaafia West, Ile-Oluji, was attended by the children of the deceased including Pastor John Adeyemo among other children, as well as dignitaries across various spheres of life. 

Dignitaries at the well attended farewell service included Governor of Ondo state, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu; members of the State Executive Council led by the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu; members of the House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Bamidele Oleyelogun; the Chief Judge of Ondo state, Justice Williams Akintoroye; the state chairman of the APC, Ade Adetimehin; wife of the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mrs. Folasade Ale; State Accountant General, Mrs. Toyin Oni and Chairman Ondo State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Tolu Adegbie.

Also present were the Queen of Ile-Oluji, Olori Adetokunbo Adetimehin; former commissioner for Information Mr. John Ola Mafo; the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Ondo State chapter, Rev. Fr. Anselm Ologunwa; Rector Federal Polytechnic Ile-oluji, Professor Dayo Fasakin; Vice Chancellor Adekunle Ajasin University, Professor Olugbenga Ige; former Vice Chancellor Adekunle Ajasin University, Professor Olufemi Mimiko; General Overseer of Holy Saviour’s Gospel Mission International; veteran Labour Leader, Pastor Oyekan Arije, among other dignitaries.

The funeral service commenced on Thursday 7th July, 2022 with a service of songs at her residence, 53, Temidire Street, Ile-Oluji with songs and prayers rendered for departed soul and her family.

At the church, melodious and thought-provoking hymns and songs were rendered by the church choir to celebrate the life and times of the departed soul, and to also preach about the importance of living exemplary lives to the congregation who had gathered to witness the memorable occasion.

Speaking at the event, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu described the deceased as a great woman who was able to attain success in life through determination despite the obstacles before her. Akeredolu, however, commiserated with the family on the monumental loss and urged the children to keep her legacies alive.

 The Governor represented by his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said late (Mrs) Esther Olagbemisotu lived well, describing the event as a celebration of a life well spent.

“Let me specially greet the Head of Service, Pastor John Adeyemo mni, his amiable wife, your brothers and every member of this family. Truly, there is time for everything. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to mourn and a time to rejoice. We are not mourning. Mama has come, spent eighty two on earth and so we are celebrating mama. Even though no matter how old our parents might be, we always miss them whenever God calls them home.

“We draw more from the mother. The relationship and bond between the children and the mother is very strong. So, if you shed tears, it is understandable. I pray that there will be no more tears in your household. Now you are celebrating and we are here to celebrate with you. 

“This is a celebration of life because mama lived well. She made a vow and she fulfilled that vow. She was satisfied. She left good children behind which is a great legacy. We have a Permanent Secretary who is a son of mama and a Head of Service who is also a son of mama. Mama really tried. So, mama lives on even though she has died. There is no way the history of the Adeyemos will be written without the name of mama appearing”, he added.

Earlier in his sermon,, Pastor Joseph Akinsefunmi encouraged the children of the deceased and other well-wishers to emulate the exemplary life of the departed soul and sustain her good legacies.

“I have the unique opportunity to pastor mama for two years. I went to the church at Temidire when the church was suffering from flooding. It was during my time that mama went to live with her children in Akure. Despite the distance, mama would always do everything right about the growth of the church. The programme today is holding in this church because of what mama had done. 

“I have checked through the Bible and seen giants of faith. The life of mama is unique. Righteous people will be remembered forever. We will remember mama forever. Will the same be done for you? I want us to live a life that will be remembered like we are remembering mama today. We all know that mama lived a good life. She has gone to rest with the Lord. We will always remember her”, the Pastor said.

The remains of late Chief (Mrs) Esther Olagbemisotu Adeyemo was later laid to rest at her residence amidst tears from children, grand children, great grandchildren and other relatives who were at her grave side to pay their last respect.

Eulogizing his late mother, the Head of Service of Ondo State, Pastor John Adeyemo described his mother as a blessing to not just her children and family but to everyone who came in contact with her during her lifetime.

“She is indeed my world. She lived her life for we, her children. She supported us fully and made sure that we are successful in life. My mother was truthful to a fault. She did not get herself involved in dirty dealings. She loved peace. She settled a lot of quarrels in the family, community and church of God. She was a virtuous woman. She made sure that everything worked out for the family. Even though she lost her own mother when she was just seven years old, she did not allow that discourage her. She was very hardworking. These are some of the legacies she left behind. We cherish her.”

“If I have the opportunity of talking to my mother right now, I would say thank you and we appreciate you. She was a woman favoured by God. She took everyone as her children. So, we appreciate her in all ramifications. Today, I am the Head of Service, one of my younger brothers is a Permanent Secretary, we have two accountants and we also have two education officers of repute. She was a favoured woman and we appreciate God in her life”, the Head of Service stressed.

Also, eulogizing his late mother, the Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Ministry of Information and Orientation, Pastor Adeyemi Adeyemo described his late mother as a great woman who lived a life of service to humanity and left behind great achievements which her offsprings will strive to follow.

“We thank God for our mother. Growing up, my mother was very diligent. She always ensured that we have our needs and get educated in an atmosphere of love, support and sacrifice. She was God-fearing. She feared God and attended to things of God with seriousness. Even at her old age, she woke up every morning to attend devotions and preach the gospel. She was a generous person. She sacrificed a lot for people. She was also a disciplinarian who made sure that things were done the normal way”, he said.

He further added that the family would continue to work in line with the visions and dreams of their late mother in order to preserve her legacies for future generations so that they too will have the opportunity of enjoying the exemplary lifestyle of mama.

The General Manager, Ondo State Waste Management Authority (ODSWMA), who is also her daughter-in-law, Rev. Mrs. Ayo Adeyemo (JP) described the deceased as her own mother due to the love and care she received from mama during her lifetime.

“I have known mama for more than twenty years now. The woman we are celebrating today was not mother-in-law, she was my mother. We are all celebrating her glorious exit because mama left behind legacies of generosity, kindness and godliness. I want everyone to emulate her. I am her first wife and she cared for me like her own child. She did what was expected from her. She worshipped God always. She was merciful, accommodating and loved, making people happy. So, she was my mother and I want people to emulate her good deeds”, she said.

Guests were later treated to both local and continental dishes under a carnival-like atmosphere at Holy Saviour’s Gospel High School field, Ile-Oluji.

An international civil and not for profit organisation, Egalitarian Mission for Africa, has disclosed that its research has shown that a great number of government agencies in Nigeria do not observe the guidelines of the Code of Conduct Act as instructed by the law. 

The group alleged that most defaulters of the Act are political office holders, and therefore asked the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Justice Danladi Umar, to bring them to book.

This was disclosed in Abuja on Thursday by the organisation in its reaction to issues relating to violations of asset declaration Act. The group alleged that many government workers as well as political office holders, including politicians seeking elections have failed to declare their assets through the filling of asset declaration form as expected by the provision of law in accordance with the Code of Conduct Act.

The organisation said that government workers, especially political office holders who have tried to comply are also not always truthful to the law in completing the declaration of assets form.

The Chairman, Board of Trustees of the organisation, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, in his reaction said, the group will be working in partnership with the Code of Conduct Tribunal to ensure that the law of declaration of assets is strictly adhere to in government organisations.

“The Code of Conduct Tribunal is a constitutional body established by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 and duly empowered to try public officials for breach of the provisions of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act.

“The Tribunal is further empowered to impose any of the following punishments;

Vacation of office or seat in any Legislative house, as the case may be; disqualification from membership of a legislative house and from holding of any public office for a period not exceeding ten years; and seizure and forfeiture to the State of any property acquired in abuse or corruption of office. 

“The CCT Chairman, Justice Danladi Umar, is doing tremendous work and we are, in partnership with him, compiling the list of violators of this law and ready to publish it at the end of the process and will accordingly drag them before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) thereafter”, Ajulo said.

The group said it is the collective responsibility of every citizen to collaborate with the agencies of government to ensure smooth operation for the greater good of the country. It said citizens are expected to cooperate with the guiding rules and regulations which have been established to promote accountability for the betterment of the country and the people. 

“Declaration of assets at the CCB is no news to any public office holder. We all must play our parts in the development of this country. Nigeria will not develop with many violators of the law managing the affairs of government.

“Therefore, we are giving government workers, especially political office holders who are yet to declare their assets to choose the path of integrity and do that within the window of opportunity of the next seven days after which, we will publish the list of defaulters and serve them the necessary letters to face the CCT.

“It is right to say that any public office holder or politican seeking election who finds it hard to act in accordance with the rule of law cannot be a good representation of the people, and such person does not deserve to be in government, either by election or appointment”, the group emphasised. 

The organisation said that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration has less than a year in government hence, the need for the CCT to act now, saying it will be a guide for potential public officer holders in the next administration.

Ondo State Government has mandated the use of non-transferable reflective jackets for all commercial motorcycle operators across the state for easy identification.

The government also announced the resumption of registration for all motorcycle users in all the 18 Local Government Areas of the state.

Speaking with Journalists yesterday in Akure, the state capital, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Special Duties & Strategy, Dr Doyin Odebowale, explained that the development  became imperative to further ensure the security of lives and properties of all residents in the state.

According to him, with this directive, it is now a criminal offence for any motorcycle operator to operate without valid form of identification in any part of the state, noting that such operator will be arrested and the motorcycle confiscated.

He noted that Governor Akeredolu is concerned about the safety of both motorcycle operators and their passengers, saying the development will be in the interest of all genuine okada riders and help identify criminals masquerading as motorcycle operators.

Dr. Odebowale said the Governor has graciously procured the reflective jackets for all the commerical motorcycle operators to be distributed to them free of charge, adding that the jackets have different colour code and numbers written on them according to their local government areas.

“You would recall that we brought the idea of registration in 2018, and what informed our decision to register Okada operators in Ondo state was a security situation we met on ground. Now, we must be thorough and insist on best practices at all times. We are desirous of saving the lives and properties of the poeple of Ondo State. We are commencing the registration of Okada operators in all the 18 Local Government Areas of the state.

“The governor has approved the payment of N2, 500 across board for ID cards and other biometrics.  We are going to insist that anybody who wants to operate commercial motorcycle must put this jacket on.  We are giving these jackets out for free.

“As we did in 2018, now the State Information Technology Agency (SITA), has been mandated to take the biometrics of all Okada operators. Those who are qualified to approach SITA are the ones who have valid registration papers for their motorcycles”, he said

For the new operators, Dr Odebowale said everything about them including where they are coming from must be known and that nobody will be registered by proxy. He added that each operator must come with a genuine guarantor, and that any motorcycle operator without valid papers would not be allowed to operate in the state any longer.

He added that those who did their registration in 2018 or 2020 before the suspension of the exercise would need to update their records to accommodate new addresses and other changes in their personal information.

The SSA noted that the reflective jackets are not transferable, and that jackets for a particular local government cannot be used in another local government areas of the state.

Also, the Chairman, Ondo State Internal Revenue Service, Mr Tolu Adegbie, said all the 18 Local Government Chairmen are being partnered  in the exercise, adding that the local government offices would be used for the registration exercise.

At least 42 people were held today, Saturday, during the June edition of the monthly environmental sanitation excise in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The poeple were picked up by officials of Ondo State Waste Management Authority (ODSWMA), at various locations within Akure metropolis over various offences ranging from illegal dumping of refuse, dirty environment and roaming the streets while the exercise was going on.

The ODSWMA General Manager, Rev. (Mrs) Ayo Adeyemo  who disclosed this shortly after monitoring this month’s edition of the exercise, added that the offenders were charged to court for appropriate punishment.

The state Commissioner for Environment, Mr Sunday Akinwalere, also led other officials of the ministry to monitor the June edition of the monthly environmental sanitation excise across the state capital.

Rev Adeyemo said their arrest and subsequent arraignment in court would serve as deterrent to others, emphasising that the poeple must learn to show the right attitude towards their environment at all times.

She also encouraged all residents including owners of shopping malls across the state to make environmental sanitation a daily affair to ensure healthy living.

According to her, a dirty environment will cause epidemic and other health related diseases, noting that government will not allow that to happen in the Sunshine State.

She insisted that there will be no room for uncleanliness in whatever form.

The GM appealed to the people of the state to always support government and key into the sanitation excise for their own benefit and that of the society at large.

“Today environmental sanitation excise is fair, though there some residents who are still recalcitrant and refused to participate in the exercise. Like in Ilesha Motor Park, some food vendors were cooking, doing buying and selling in the park, and in few other places. 

“But generally, the compliance level is fair. We only need to keep encouraging our poeple to ensure they take the issue of cleanliness serious. They should not wait until they are forced to clean their environment. Environmental sanitation should be a daily affair to ensure healthy living”, she said.

The Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has commissioned the upgraded Millennium Eye Centre building at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Akure.

The health facility was renovated and upgraded by Lions Clubs International, Multiple District 404 Nigeria.

Commissioning the project on Friday, Governor Akeredolu expressed the appreciation of the state government and good people of the State to the Lions Clubs  International Foundation for what he called kind and uncommon gesture.

Akeredolu who explained that vision plays a critical role in every facet and stage of human lives, said it is surprising that out of sheer ignorance people take vision for granted, forgetting that  without vision, we struggle to learn, walk, read and participate in schooling activities as well as education and to work for a living.

The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa and some members of the State Executive Council. Lion leaders at the event include Past Council Chair, Air Vice Marshal Anthony Okpere; PDG Adekunle Adedipe; In-coming District Governor, District 404A-1, Lion Anogwi Anyanwu; In-coming District Governor, District 404A-2, Lion Jide Bello; In-coming District Governor, District 404B-2, Lion Lekan Owolabi, in-coming First-Vice District Governor, Lion Dr Kofoworola Jegede, Cabinet Officers and Lion members across the Multiple District, 404 Nigeria.

While emphasising that government alone cannot effectively address all the socio-economic challenges calling for attention no matter the amount of revenue accruing to government, Governor Akeredolu used the occasion to call on other public-spirited corporate bodies and individuals with capacity to emulate the Lions Clubs and further intervene in bridging the gap in the public health institution in the State.

“It will be recalled that this is not the first completed project donated to the state by Lions Clubs in the last five years.  I personally want to appreciate the leadership of the Lions Clubs, particularly those directly involved in the planning and execution of these projects for accomplishing them in record time.  I convey my sincere gratitude to Lion Adedipe and his team for the Dialysis Centre and Lion Jegede and his team for the Eye Centre.

“It is important to note that the resources required to bridge the existing gap in our socio-economic needs are enormous.  If government is to commit the entire available resources to only the Eye/Vision/Sight health needs alone, there will still be gaps to be filled.  This is because the whole healthcare needs of the State and other essential obligations and services required by the people outside the health sector are enormous”, he added.

Akeredolu who revealed that the risk of inappropriate attention to eye problem is so grievous that it could result in blindness or visual impairment, particularly advised  people above 40 years of age to do routine eye evaluation so that the avoidable causes of vision impairment can be picked up and corrected before it becomes a problem.

“We are lucky in Ondo State to have integrated eye health into our health care system and this opportunity of the Lions Club gesture has further brightened our hope for a result-oriented solution in this regard”, the Governor said.

He equally commended all the medical personnel including doctors, nurses, pharmacists and all other allied health workers for their resilience at this trying time and for their passion and contributions to healthcare services in all the government hospitals in the State, assuring them that government is committed to their welfare and the development of healthcare facilities in the State. 

Earlier, the Grant Administrator of the Project who is a Past Council Chairman of Lions Clubs International, Multiple District 404 Nigeria, Lion Olumuyiwa Jegede, appreciated the all-round support provided by Governor Akeredolu and  other officials of his administration which cascaded into the successful completion of the project.

He specifically said all the inputs of the Governor into the architectural designs of the project kept all engineers and other workers on their toes throughout the project implementation.

Lion Jegede said it was not only that the  physical infrastructure of the Millennium Eye Centre has been completed but that the other three arms of the project, which include: Capacity Building of Staff; Injection of State of the Art Equipment;  and Organising Quarterly Outreaches in each of the 18 Local Government Areas of Ondo State to take four years were on- going.

“The physical infrastructure upgrade was by no means an easy task, this being a renovation of a structure that had had an infestation of termites, leading to a near total collapse of same. Building from the scratch would have provided a better experience and faster in completion. However, the policy guideline of LCIF does not support such in Sight grants.

“As for Capacity Building, Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Ophthalmic nurses and other categories of staff have been trained and continue to be trained. A couple of Doctors and Project team members would soon travel abroad in continuation of the training activities”, he said 

With the delivery of the project, the Grant Administrator assured that eye care services in the Sunshine State will henceforth wear a new look in terms of scope and capacity due to the nature of equipment in place in the specialised eye care facility to include the Laser Equipment.

“This is arguably the first time ever this kind of equipment is being domiciled in Ondo State, and it is the one that gives glaucoma patients some semblance of hope from their seeming condemnation to perpetual blindness. The objective of this type of intervention by Lions Clubs International Foundation is to take care of the less privileged members of the communities in terms of affordable health care. First it was the Dialysis Centre, now it’s the Millennium Eye Center”, he said.

Lion Jegede equally spoke on the computerisation of all Patient-Health Worker relationship in the facility towards eliminating physical card carrying system with the introduction of an EMR system right from the first interface with the patients to take their records to the stage of visiting the Consultants. 

Also, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka appreciated the Lions Clubs International for the delivery of the project and its unwavering partnership and collaboration with the State Government in the health sector to move the sector forward. 

The Chief Medical Director of University of Medical Sciences Teaching  Hospital, UNIMEDTH, Dr. Oluwole Ige lauded the Lions Clubs for its humanitarian gestures which he said have always been readily available in form of support to the Teaching

 Hospital.

On her part, the Multiple District Council Chairperson for Multiple District 404 Nigeria, MCC Idowu Omolola Anobili represented by PDG Taiwo Adewumi said the Lions Clubs International will continue to live by its slogan of providing needed supports wherever such supports are essentially needed. 

The Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, has counseled affiliated institutions to always indicate their  institution’s name before they write in affiliation with Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko. 

Prof. Ige gave the advice in Akungba during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the AAUA and Bayo Tijani College of Education, Lagos. The MoU permits the College to run Degree programmes in Education under the supervision of the University.

He reiterated that affiliation is a mutual partnership that is beneficial to both parties and the society in order to equalize access to quality education. 

Prof.  Ige also cautioned the afflicted institutions to adhere strictly to the terms and conditions guiding the relationship between them in order not to compromise the University’s academic excellence and the integrity of its certificates.

He said, “Adekunle Ajasin University has become known for excellence and the quality of its graduates, and we will do our utmost to protect that reputation. Therefore, we will not hesitate to terminate the agreement between us and any affiliated college once it is ascertaied that our hard-earned integrity is being compromised. We shall continue to pay unscheduled inspections to ensure that the agreement between us is being kept.

He added that agreement should not be interpreted to mean that Adekunle Ajasin University has moved to Lagos. 

In his reaction,  the Acting Director of the University’s Institute of Education, Dr. Olusegun Owolewa, explained that the College was recommended for the affiliation following several visits to ascertain it’s readiness. 

Speaking earlier, the Provost of the College, Dr. (Mrs.) Matilda Amaechi, had thanked the University for approving the affiliation. She disclosed that the College decided on AAUA for the affiliation because of the giant status of the University and its fine reputation.

She said that the readiness of the College to run degree programmes under the supervision of the University was underscored by the fact that relevant government regulatory bodies have assessed the human and structural facilities of the College and declared them as suitable.

Present at the event were the University Registrar, Mr. Gbenga Arajulu; Dean of Education, Prof. Moshood Hassan; the College Registrar, Mrs Lateefat Usman; and the Director of Studies, Mr. Lawal Bello; among others.

The seemingly riotous video that circulated a few weeks back where a guy was seen throwing missiles and rendering some blasphemy at the person of the Majority Leader of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Honourable Wole Ogunmolasuyi has been attributed to a moment of stupor and a misguided, miscalculated action to seek an immediate attention from the lawmaker in question.

The ringleader and chief perpetrator of the ill-sponsored scene, Mr. Bamidele Adekunle (alias Jelenke), has come out to narrate what transpired that day and seized the opportunity to apologize to Hon.  Ogunmolasuyi for allowing himself to be used by the agents of destabilization against a benevolent benefactor of the Youths in Iloro quarters and the entire Owo  Constituency 1.

Adekunle who could be seen in a new video which has gone viral on social media denouncing his action that day while blaming the root cause of their unruly behaviour on a member of the opposition in the area who wanted to contest for the State House of Assembly position under the Peoples Democratic Party. 

According to Jelenke, in the process of him trying to gain the attention of the  Majority Leader, who was in the area to carry out one of his numerous empowerment programs, he became unruly when it became clear to him that he was not attracting the attention of Hon. West and the PDP miscreants lurking around the scene took advantage and started throwing  sachet water at the camp of the honourable.

He went on further to say that the lawmaker, however, showed a lot of maturity by preventing his aides including the armed security guard at the scene from retaliating which would have led to a loss of lives that day.

According to him,  he is aware that Honourable West, whom everybody loves and cherishes in Iloro and beyond, is not what anybody can mess up with without repercussion. 

To appease the teeming supporters of the Assembly member in Iloro and beyond, he has no choice but to seek police protection by giving himself up at the police station as that has also given him the opportunity to explain himself, as well as seek forgiveness from Honourable Ogunmolasuyi, the man of the people.

He concluded by requesting the Majority Leader to find a place in his large heart to forgive him.

 “To err is human but to forgive is divine,” Jelenke pleaded for forgiveness for his action.

The Ondo State Government on Tuesday honoured the state Correspondent of TVC News, Ayodeji Moradeyo, as the Most Supportive Media Reporter of the year, 2021.

Moradeyo, is among several other people who bagged awards  for their contributions towards the growth and development of agriculture and agribusiness in the state.

The event held at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office, Alagbaka Akure, was attended by farmers and other stakeholders in the agric and agribusiness.

Speaking at event, the Ondo state governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, congratulated Moradeyo and other awardees for distinguishing themselves in their chosen endeavours.

The Governor said: “There is need to move the agriculture sector to the next gear in order to compete with nations across the world. It is an incontrovertible fact that agriculture holds the future of Ondo State and my administration will continue to see it as a priority”.

Akeredolu also said he has directed that 350 personnel should be employed into the Ondo State Security Network Agency codenamed ‘Amotekun Corps’.

He noted that the crop of Amotekun Corps will be deployed to the forests and bushes to provide security for farmers and their farmlands.

Akeredolu said more operational vehicles and motorcycles will be purchased to aid Amotekun operations in the state.

Earlier, the Senior Special Adviser to Governor on Agric and Agribusiness, Mr Akin Olotu, said the award presentation is an initiative of the Ondo State Agribusiness Empowerment Centre (OSAEC) to deserving people who have distinguished themselves in their chosen endeavours.

He specifically described Moradeyo as a Journalist who has distinguished himself in propagating the activities of agribusiness in the State.

Responding, Mr Ayodeji Moradeyo, thanked the the state government and OSAEC for the special recognition.

“This award, I must say, is a motivation and it would definitely spur me to do more. My continuous specialized reports in Agribusiness was motivated by my passion for Agriculture and Journalism”, he added.