Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, announced on Monday his administration’s commitment to combating unemployment through policy implementation aimed at job creation and youth empowerment in the state.
Aiyedatiwa’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, stated in a release that the governor made this assertion while inaugurating a two-week induction program for newly hired staff of the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS) in Akure.
Governor Aiyedatiwa extended congratulations to the new employees, dubbing them “The Lucky Ones,” underscoring his endorsement of their recruitment into the public service to revitalize the state’s revenue generation.
Lucky Aiyedatiwa and ithers while inaugurating a two-week induction program for newly hired staff of the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS) in Akure [PHOTO CREDIT: CPS Facebook’s page]
“With the induction of 165 new employees into the Public Service of Ondo State, we are taking a significant step towards building a strong and capable workforce. These individuals represent the best and brightest who will contribute fresh ideas and dedication to our mission of serving the people of Ondo State.”
Aiyedatiwa emphasised the importance of ongoing learning and professional growth in taxation, urging the new employees to seize training opportunities for skill enhancement.
“Innovation and creativity will be pivotal in our revenue generation strategy. Let us embrace new technologies and methodologies while ensuring fairness and equity in our tax policies,” he said.
Tolu Adegbie, Chairman of ODRIS, articulated the mission to reshape Ondo State’s tax landscape and boost revenue generation, encouraging the new hires to approach their duties with enthusiasm and uphold transparency and professionalism.
Adegbie highlighted Ondo State’s revenue growth, detailing plans to deploy the new staff across ODRIS offices in the state’s 18 local government areas.
Bayo Philips, the Head of Service, stressed the importance of adhering to public service regulations, emphasising integrity and ethical conduct, and underscoring the importance of delivering quality work promptly.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said the All Progressives Congress (APC) would not underestimate any candidate from opposing political parties in the gubernatorial election set for November 16.
Governor Aiyedatiwa made this declaration on Sunday during a gathering celebrating his victory at the APC governorship primary, organised by a group called ‘Friends of Lucky,’ took place in Akure.
Expressing gratitude to the people of Ondo State, the governor thanked the party leaders for their unwavering support, as well as the organizers of the celebration.
Lucky Aiyedatiwa [PHOTO CREDIT: NRTC Library]
“I deeply appreciate all my supporters. Your dedication, initiative, and efforts in spreading the message of O’datiwa, O’dirorun across the 18 local government areas of the State have not gone unnoticed,” he stated.
“However, our journey is far from over. This victory marks only the beginning. There are more challenges to face and victories to achieve as we progress from the primary election to the main battle.”
Mrs. Bukola Tenabe, Chairperson of the Organizing Committee, explained that the event aimed to honour the governor’s landslide victory at the APC primary election held on April 20, 2024, and to express gratitude to his supporters.
Chief Atili Adaba, Deputy State Chairman of the APC, congratulated the governor on his well-deserved victory, commending the organisers for their diligent efforts.
Representing the Speaker of the House, Olamide Oladiji, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, Majority Leader of the Ondo State House of Assembly, emphasised Governor Aiyedatiwa’s exceptional leadership, pledging continued support from the House for the state’s progress.
Adewale Akinlosotu, Commissioner for Information, speaking on behalf of the State Executive Council, emphasised the governor’s merit and called for unity within the APC to ensure success in the upcoming gubernatorial election.
Dr. Abiola Oshodi, representing APC Canada, extended congratulations to the governor, expressing confidence in his victory on November 16.
Victor Olabimtan, Former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly and Chairman of SUBEB, described the governor as a beneficiary of mercy and predicted unprecedented success for the APC on November 16.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has reiterated his administration’s steadfast commitment to nurturing the growth and prosperity of young people across the state.
Aiyedatiwa’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan in a statement said the governor spoke at the flag-off ceremony of the Public Service Training Institute (PSTI) Youth Empowerment Programme and the launch of the Institute’s e-Learning Platform in Ilara-Mokin, Ifedore local government area.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, while commending the inaugural beneficiaries of the e-Learning programme in Ifedore, encouraged young individuals to embrace self-employment through skill acquisition for sustainable empowerment.
Lucky Aiyedatiwa during the flag-off ceremony of the Public Service Training Institute (PSTI) Youth Empowerment Programme and the launch of the Institute’s e-Learning Platform in Ilara-Mokin, Ifedore local government area.
He underscored the significance of seizing training opportunities and emphasized the pivotal role of the knowledge economy propelled by quality education and technology, urging youths to prioritize acquiring technological skills.
Reiterating his administration’s commitment to promoting entrepreneurship, the governor reaffirmed the provision of essential support for young individuals to create wealth and significantly contribute to the state’s progress.
“Our administration recognizes that economic growth cannot be solely driven by the government. It is through proactive collaboration with communities and empowering our youths that we can unlock the full potential of our economy,” stated Governor Aiyedatiwa.
Highlighting the achievements of his administration within the past 120 days, Governor Aiyedatiwa outlined initiatives such as grants for young entrepreneurs, tech skills training for over 600 individuals, and ongoing recruitment efforts in critical sectors like health and education.
The governor also announced plans to establish new model technical schools in the state and reiterated the state’s commitment to hosting the Global Entrepreneurship Festival later in the year, providing a platform for youths to showcase their talents and innovations.
Commending PSTI’s efforts in training and capacity building, Governor Aiyedatiwa assured continued support from his administration and urged the Institute to uphold its commitment to service delivery.
Lucky Aiyedatiwa during the flag-off ceremony of the Public Service Training Institute (PSTI) Youth Empowerment Programme and the launch of the Institute’s e-Learning Platform in Ilara-Mokin, Ifedore local government area.
In his remarks, Olumide Asere, the Director-General of PSTI, emphasized the necessity for Nigerian youth to prepare themselves for a competitive future by taking proactive steps now, with significant support from the state government.
Bayo Philips, the Head of Service, also urged youths to aspire to become job creators and stressed the importance of hard work in achieving their goals.
The Ondo State Government on Wednesday addressed the fuel scarcity crisis gripping the nation.
The office of the Special Adviser on Special Duties and Strategy, in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, convened a meeting with the leadership of Independent and Major Petroleum Marketers to address the issue.
Ondo Govt Executives and the marketers [PHOTO CREDIT: CPS’s Facebook page]
State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa directed an immediate intervention to tackle the fuel shortage, leading to these meetings.
Government officials sought and obtained the support of the marketers. As a result, the fuel situation began showing signs of improvement on Wednesday.
The marketers advised the public to refrain from panic buying, assuring that the logistical issues causing disruptions in the supply chain would be resolved soon.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Wednesday affirmed his commitment to fostering industrial harmony and ensuring transparent governance, placing workers’ welfare at the forefront.
He shared these sentiments while addressing workers at the 2024 Worker’s Day celebration held at the Gani Fawehimi Freedom Arcade in Akure.
Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed satisfaction in marking his inaugural Workers’ Day as Ondo State Governor, underscoring its significance, especially amidst preparations for the forthcoming gubernatorial election.
Lucky Aiyedatiwa at the 2024 Worker’s Day celebration held at the Gani Fawehimi Freedom Arcade in Akure.
Acknowledging the state’s commendable track record of industrial peace, he attributed the administration’s modest achievements to the unwavering dedication of its workforce.
“In a demonstration of our commitment to the welfare of workers in the state, our administration is giving priority attention to the following, among others: regular payment of salaries and pensions, steady payment of gratuity, and payment of backlog of salaries. This has brought relief to both serving and retired officers.
“Regular promotion of workers with financial backing is being prioritised. This is to keep motivating our workers for quality service delivery. The promotion exercise for the current year is ongoing and I have given the Head of Service the go-ahead to commence next year’s promotion exercise before the close of the year to enable eligible workers to get their 2025 promotion letter at the beginning of the year 2025. This approach will make it possible for retiring officers to get their terminal promotion early enough to process their terminal benefits as appropriate.
“Full implementation of the workers’ Contributory Health Insurance Scheme, ORANGHIS. The Scheme has provided access to quality and affordable healthcare services for all workers in the State. Our administration is also considering the inclusion of pensioners in the Scheme as doing so will provide them access to affordable necessary healthcare in their retirement years.
“Monthly commitment of N200 million for steady payment of inherited arrears of gratuities in addition to the special provision of over N1.2 billion to clear arrears of gratuities up to 2014. Efforts are also underway to settle arrears of the year 2015 gratuities in one fell swoop in the current year. Of course, I consider this and the monthly steady payment of outstanding gratuities more meaningful than the unsustainable interim arrangement of N10,000 Wage Award to each pensioner
Lucky Aiyedatiwa at the 2024 Worker’s Day celebration held at the Gani Fawehimi Freedom Arcade in Akure.
“The steady recruitment into the State Public Service has been given priority attention as our administration has given new approval for the recruitment of the following categories of officers and the processes have commenced: Over 1,000 personnel in the health sector; and 2,000 personnel in the education sector.
“The upward review and payment of hazard allowance to health workers in the State and review of salaries and entry point of Medical Doctors are being implemented.
“Implementation of tutors’ elongation of service from 35 to 40 year length of service and from 60 to 65 years of age respectively, has been approved to shore up the dwindling staff strength in our public schools.
“I want to assure our workers and the generality of our people that the Nigerian economy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR is on the way to recovery. With the ongoing economic reforms coupled with the tenacity of Nigerians, let us be optimistic that things would fully turn around for the better, very soon.”
At the event, the governor announced Bola Taiwo’s appointment as his Special Adviser on Union Matters, a former President of NULGE.
Labour leaders, including Comrade Victor Amoko of NLC and Comrade Clement Fatuase of TUC, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his support to Ondo State workers, highlighting achievements in education, security, infrastructure, and healthcare.
Bayo Philip, the Head of Service, encouraged workers to continue their hard work, promising wage improvements through various measures implemented by the governor.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje on Monday presented a Certificate of Return to the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as the candidate of the party in the November 16 governorship election in the state.
Aiyedatiwa was declared winner of the party primary by the Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, who chairs the election committee.
Aiyedatiwa’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan in a statement said the certificate was presented to him at the National Secretariat of the party in Abuja in the presence of members of the National Working Committee of the party.
Lucky Aiyedatiwa receiving the Certificate of Return [PHOTO CREDIT: CPS Facebook’s page]
Presenting the certificate, Ganduje expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the primary and congratulated the Governor for emerging victorious.
Ganduje said he has been fascinated with the trajectory of Aiyedatiwa from Deputy Governor to Acting Governor and governor, adding that he will also remain governor from 24 February 2025.
The APC National Chairman stressed that continuity is crucial and with Aiyedatiwa continuing as governor, Ondo State will witness unprecedented development.
Speaking, Governor Aiyedatiwa thanked the national leadership of the party for presiding over a successful electoral process that brought about his emergence as the governorship candidate.
The governor saluted all the other aspirants who participated in the primary, appreciating them for being good sports and urging them to join hands with him in uniting the party towards a good outing in the coming election.
Lucky Aiyedatiwa showing his Certificate of Return [PHOTO CREDIT: CPS Facebook’s page]
The Deputy National Chairman, South, of the party, Emma Enekwu, said the NWC earlier in the day approved the report of the Primary Appeal Committee and subsequently adopted the outcome of the primary.
Ondo APC Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin said all efforts will be put in to ensure that the party remains united ahead of the governorship election, adding that Ondo will remain a progressive state.
It’s another edition of NRTC WEEKLY Roundup —in this week’s edition, we are focusing on five trending stories across the country.
As usual, the stories will cut across the top five beats in our media organization, NRTC [your one-stop hub for rich and reliable content covering entertainment, sports, politics, metro, and leading stories].
As we all know, a day can’t pass without trending stories and we have tracked many of them for you this week. Why not scroll down and treat yourself?
Metro: Actor Ganiyu Oyeyemi, Sports: EPL title race, leading stories: EFCC and Yahaya Bello, Politics: Ondo governorship election, entertainment: Jnr Pope for burial are issues to discuss onNRTC WEEKLY.
Metro: Actor Ganiyu Oyeyemi
Tears flowed freely as veteran Yoruba actor Ganiyu Oyeyemi, also known as Ogunjimi, passed away at the age of 66. The industry mourned the loss of Ogunjimi, who portrayed warlords and other characters in movies.
Late Ganiyu Oyeyemi [PHOTO CREDIT: Google]
Kunle Afod broke the news on his Instagram page with the caption, “We tried our best but God loves you more. May his soul rest in peace, baba Ogunjimi.”
NRTC WEEKLY gathered that many fans of the late actor, who was laid to rest in his Odigbo house in 2023, had appealed for help the previous year. The veteran had discussed some of the struggles he overcame in life.
While the cause of his death remains unclear, the veteran actor will be dearly missed.
Sports: EPL title race
NRTC WEEKLY gathered that the Premier League (EPL) title race is intensifying, eliciting a range of emotions from football fans, including excitement, anxiety, and even resignation.
Premier League [PHOTO CREDIT: NRTC Library]
Manchester City supporters are brimming with confidence following their commanding victory over Brighton, with many interpreting it as a precursor to their inevitable triumph. Some have gone as far as declaring the title race “over” on social media, spurred on by Kevin De Bruyne’s stellar performance.
Despite a sense of disappointment after their recent loss, Arsenal fans remain surprisingly optimistic. They take pride in their youthful team surpassing expectations and remain hopeful for a rebound, although concerns linger about the setback affecting their title aspirations.
While many pundits wrote off Liverpool’s chances following their defeat to Everton, NRTC WEEKLY discovered that the public is enamored with the unpredictable nature of the race.
Fans of teams outside the title race experience a mix of emotions. Some relish the heightened competition, while others lament their teams’ absence from contention. Manchester United supporters find joy in teasing both Arsenal and Chelsea.
The atmosphere is electric, with social media abuzz with discussions, pundits reveling in the drama, and fans eagerly anticipating the next twist in the title race. It’s an exhilarating time to be a Premier League enthusiast.
Leading stories: EFCC and Yahaya Bello
Nigerians are voicing concerns following the Kogi State High Court’s directive in Lokoja, ordering the chairperson of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, to appear before it on May 13 to justify why he should not face imprisonment for allegedly defying its order.
Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello
NRTC WEEKLY gathered that Judge I.A. Jamil issued the order in response to a suit marked HCL/68M/2024, filed by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
Bello’s application, seeking contempt charges against the EFCC chair, is seen as a desperate attempt to halt his arraignment and trial on N80 billion money laundering charges brought against him following his tenure as governor.
The EFCC recently filed a case against the former Kogi Governor for alleged misappropriation of $720,000, purportedly paid in advance as fees for his five children from the Kogi State Government’s funds. These children are reportedly in Grades 2 to 8 at their school.
Despite his refusal to comply, the EFCC has vowed to resign if he manages to evade prosecution.
Politics: Ondo governorship election
The forthcoming governorship election in Ondo State, scheduled for November, is progressing smoothly with the emergence of party candidates.
Ondo Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa [PHOTO CREDIT,: NRTC Library]
NRTC WEEKLY learned that nearly all political parties in the state have conducted their primaries to elect their flag bearers.
The two leading political parties in the state, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), share a commonality.
The APC’s flag bearer is Lucky Aiyedatiwa, a former deputy governor who assumed the governorship following the death of his principal.
Similarly, the PDP candidate is a former deputy governor during the first term of the late Rotimi Akeredolu.
Many observers believe that the contest primarily revolves around former deputy governors and are eagerly awaiting the commencement of the campaign season.
Entertainment: Jnr Pope for burial
After weeks of mourning, the family of the late Nollywood actor John Odonwodo, known as Junior Pope, has announced his burial arrangements.
Jnr Pope burial arrangements poster [PHOTO CREDIT: Facebook]
The actor lost his life on April 10 alongside four others in a boat accident on the River Niger during a movie shoot for ‘Other Side of Life’, produced by Adanma Luke.
NRTC WEEKLY learned that the funeral proceedings began on April 23 with a requiem mass at Saint John-Mary Vianney Parish in Asaba, Delta State.
Another requiem mass is scheduled for May 13 at Christ the King Catholic Parish in G.R.A, Enugu.
Tributes and a candlelight event will take place at the Amadeo Event Center in Enugu on May 14.
On May 16, a wake will be held at his hometown, Uwala Abaka, Ukehe, in Nsukkaa, Igboetiti LGA of Enugu State.
The interment will follow the burial mass at St. Peter’s Parish, Ukehe, on May 17. A final Thanksgiving mass is planned for Sunday, May 19, at St. Peter’s Parish Ukche Nsukkaa, Igboetiti LGA, Enugu.
Here, the cotton of this week’s episode of NRTC WEEKLY will drop. Join us for another edition next week as we explore the trending stories in Nigeria.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has praised Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, for his outstanding performance in the recently concluded Ondo State Governorship primary election.
Governor Ododo, who chaired the committee, announced Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the winner of the primary election.
During the presentation of the primary election committee’s report to Mr. Ganduje at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Tuesday, Governor Ododo received commendation.
Ganduje and Ododo [PHOTO CREDIT: CPS Facebook’s page]
Upon receiving the committee’s report, Mr Ganduje congratulated the governor for his excellent work, highlighting the party’s pride in his performance during his inaugural national assignment.
The APC national chairman lauded Mr Ododo’s exceptional leadership skills and impeccable management of the primary election. He emphasised that the transparent and integrity-laden collation of results from the 203 wards and 18 Local Government areas, broadcasted live on national television, was a remarkable display.
Earlier, Governor Ododo expressed gratitude to the APC National Working Committee for entrusting him and his committee members with such a crucial national task.
The governor affirmed that the committee’s report comprehensively addressed all aspects of the primary election, providing recommendations crucial for the party’s cohesion post-election, ensuring readiness to retain power in Ondo State in the November governorship election.
Ganduje and Ododo [PHOTO CREDIT: CPS Facebook’s page]
Governor Ododo was accompanied to the report presentation by the Committee’s Secretary, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Kogi State APC Chairman, Abdullahi Bello, House of Representatives Member Representing Ajaokuta Federal Constituency, Abdulrahim Egidi, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barr. Deedat Ozigi Salami, and several senior aides.
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, has urged all aspirants who contested the recent party primary election to unite in supporting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for the party’s success in the November election.
Governor Aiyedatiwa was declared the winner of the primary election on Monday by Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State, who chaired the primary election committee.
Mr Adetimehin emphasised that the party’s primary election was a familial event.
He said: “Now that the primary is concluded, he stressed the importance of party members remaining cohesive as a progressive family and rallying together for the November election.”
“The last time the governor visited, he came as an aspirant, but today, he arrives as the candidate of our party. We possess the necessary resources for victory and boast a strong candidate. Many leaders from opposition parties are already contemplating joining our ranks. It’s imperative that we secure a landslide victory in November as a ruling party with a reputable candidate.”
During his ‘Thank You’ visit to the party’s Secretariat in Akure on Monday, the governor expressed gratitude to the party leadership for facilitating a conducive environment for the conduct of a fair and transparent primary election that resulted in his candidacy.
He said, “The primary has concluded, and all aspirants emerge as victors. It was a familial contest, and we are all members of the same family. Now, we must organize ourselves for the forthcoming battle.”
Furthermore, the governor extended his appreciation to all members of the various committees from the National Secretariat who oversaw the election, as well as to party members for their active involvement in the primary.
Governor Aiyedatiwa later inaugurated his campaign headquarters situated along Oba Adesida road in Akure.
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