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Former Ondo State Deputy Governor and gubernatorial candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the State’s forthcoming gubernatorial election, Hon. Agboola Alfred Ajayi has assured the youths of Ondo State of his readiness to work with them to ensure that Ondo State’s pride is restored. He said this at a meeting he had with the Ondo State PDP Youth Directorate on Thursday morning at his Akure home.

“The obvious truth is that the people of Ondo State are waiting for us. They have seen our Party as the way forward from the numerous anomalies inflicted by the incumbent government and Party in Ondo State. It is left for us to present ourselves as worthy recipient of their trust. As youths, you’re our major partner in this project. Be rest assured that you have our support in whatever you decide to do for the success of this Party and candidacy.” Agboola said.

The former House of Representatives member representing Ilaje/Ese Odo Federal Constituency went ahead to announce the appointment of Mr. Wándé T. Àjàyí as the Head of New Media of the Campaign, effective immediately.

While replying, Victor Oguntoyinbo, the Head of Ondo State PDP Youth Directorate, informed the flag-bearer of the plans put in place by the Directorate to further the course of the campaign. “Going into this election, we have unanimously agreed within ourselves to give our maximum support to ensure our victory. Our unity has been our driving force. We believe in this Party and we are certain that victory is undisputed if we put everything in place to ensure it.” he said.

The meeting had in attendance the Deputy Director General of the Campaign, Hon. Rasheed Elegbeleye, the Head of the Youth Directorate, Hon. Victor Oguntoyinbo, candidates of the Party in Akure North and Irele LGs, Hon. Busuyi Alademehin and Hon. Sola Nenuwa respectively, among various other notable youths of the Party across Ondo State.

The Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) announced on Wednesday that as of Tuesday, July 16, 2024, the landing cost of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) was N1,117 per litre.

MEMAN shared this information during a webinar with journalists, revealing that the landing cost of diesel stood at N1,157 per litre, and aviation fuel at N1,127 per litre.

The N1,117 landing cost of petrol significantly exceeds its current pump price in Nigeria. Presently, petrol stations operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and major marketers sell PMS at between N617 and N660 per litre, while independent marketers charge N700 or more per litre.

Although NNPC, the sole importer of petrol into Nigeria, has consistently denied subsidizing PMS, it has not disclosed the product’s landing cost. MEMAN’s disclosure is one of the first from industry marketers, as the landing cost has largely been kept secret by the importer.

Clement Isong, MEMAN’s Executive Secretary, stated that the costs were sourced from independent energy price benchmark providers. The association intends to regularly release similar information to keep the public informed.

Recently, independent oil marketers accused private depot owners of increasing the ex-depot price of petrol from N630 to N720 per litre.

Energy sector expert Prof. Wumi Iledare told our correspondent that the price of PMS in Nigeria is significantly below the international price, especially when compared to the price of diesel. “The gap between the cost of diesel and petrol in Nigeria is much. It is never like that all over the world. That means something is wrong. I don’t know if NNPC is paying subsidies or not, but somebody is absorbing the difference. You can call it under-recovery or subsidy, but the price of petrol today does not reflect the market cost of producing a litre of petrol,” he explained.

Iledare added that given the current exchange rate, the price of petrol should be no less than 80% of the price of diesel.

Echoing this sentiment, Adeola Adenikinju, a Professor of Economics at the University of Ibadan and President of the Nigerian Economics Society, stated, “The current price of PMS is being subsidised by the government. The government buys at higher rates and sells to us at subsidised rates. That is what they call under-recovery.”

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently urged the Nigerian government to eliminate implicit fuel and electricity subsidies, warning that these subsidies could consume 3% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product in 2024, up from 1% the previous year. President Bola Tinubu announced the removal of fuel subsidies during his inauguration on May 29, 2023. However, the IMF noted that adequate compensatory measures for the poor were not promptly implemented and were subsequently paused due to corruption concerns. As a result, capping pump prices below cost reintroduced implicit subsidies by the end of 2023 to help Nigerians cope with high inflation and exchange rate depreciation.

Despite these observations, the NNPC and the Federal Government continue to deny subsidizing the current price of PMS.

Ondo State People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Youth Directorate has today flagged off the hoisting of campaign billboards across Ondo State. In a short event witnessed by the Head, Youth Directorate, Hon. Victor Oguntoyinbo, on Tuesday at the Ondo State Secretariat of the Party in Akure, the scheme is to be reciprocated across Ondo State.

“Our commitment to preaching the good news of a new dawn in Ondo State is not negotiable. Across the State, we will position billboards in strategic positions to keep our people aware of the need to change the status quo in Ondo State and assure our people that we are ready.” Oguntoyinbo said.

“Ondo State is ours to win and we will leave no stone unturned to give our people the good governance they truly deserved. We have heard their calls, loud and clear. Ondo will be great again.” 

Manchester United has appointed Rene Hake and Ruud van Nistelrooy as assistant managers of the men’s first team, to work under Erik ten Hag until June 2026.

Erik ten Hag, first-team manager, said: “I am delighted that Rene and Ruud have agreed to join our project, adding a wealth of experience, knowledge and new energy to the staff. Now is a good time to refresh the coaching team as we look to build on the achievements of the past two years and push to the next level.”

Erik ten Hag being interviewed.

Dan Ashworth, sporting director, said: “Together with Erik, we are working to strengthen all areas of our men’s first-team operations, and refreshing the coaching staff is an important part of that.

“It’s a particular pleasure to welcome Ruud back to the club where he enjoyed so much success as a player, and I know that he and Rene will help reinforce the winning mentality and high standards we are aiming for.” 

Steve McClaren and Darren Fletcher remain key parts of the staff as senior first-team coach and first-team coach, respectively. Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy have left the club. 

Ten Hag added: “Mitchell has decided that now is the right time for him to pursue his own ambitions in a number one position; I want to pay tribute to his fantastic service over the past two years, and also to Benni for his important contributions. We send them our thanks and best wishes for the future.”

The Gubernatorial Candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the November 16th Ondo State Elections, Kunle ‘Wizeman’ Ajayi commends the Supreme Court for its affirmation of Local Government Autonomy. Thisbjs contained in a statement released to pressmen on Thursday afternoon in Akure, the Ondo State capital and signed by Abiodun Lijofi, the Spokesperson, Ajayi/Dada IrapadaOndo Gubernatorial Campaign Committee.

In its lead judgement read by Justice Emmanuel Agim, the apex court observed that the refusal of state government on financial autonomy for local governments has gone on for over two decades.

“The Supreme Court also said local governments have since stopped receiving the money meant for them from the state governors who act in their stead. The Supreme Court, therefore, ordered that the 774 local government councils in the country should manage their funds themselves.”

“This is also a great victory for the National Association of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and workers generally in Nigeria as their long fights have now come to success.”

“The AAC candidate believes that the local government is the closest to the people and should be the centre point of development. Sadly, governors have been usurping this for primitive accumulation of wealth and power. So, the position of the Supreme Court will engender democracy and help more Nigerians to hold their leaders accountable.”

“This judgement is also a great loss to Lucky Aiyedatiwa and other governors who had gone to court to battle against Local Government Autonomy. We warned them that the truth would prevail. These governors hate democracy and believe that Nigerians must be exploited more in order to satisfy their greed. Now, they have lost woefully!” the statement added.

“We call on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to dissolve Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) immediately. The agency is more or less a section of the ruling party, and it is quite anti-democratic!”

“We remember, with nostalgia, how our party, the African Action Congress (AAC), was robbed in the last Ondo State Local Government elections in 2020. We are glad that we protested this in a long and well detailed petition, but sadly, the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu never constituted the Elections Tribunal to look into our grievances. Such is the tyrannical method governors use in hoodwinking democracy from the grassroots.”

“Finally, the African Action Congress (AAC) urges INEC to immediately meet with all local government stakeholders and draw a timetable for a uniform Local Government Elections nationwide. We will continue to push for real democracy even when rogue forces are so reluctant to give up!”

The Gubernatorial Candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the November 16th Ondo State Elections, Kunle ‘Wizeman’ Ajayi commends the Supreme Court for its affirmation of Local Government Autonomy. Thisbjs contained in a statement released to pressmen on Thursday afternoon in Akure, the Ondo State capital and signed by Abiodun Lijofi, the Spokesperson, Ajayi/Dada IrapadaOndo Gubernatorial Campaign Committee.

In its lead judgement read by Justice Emmanuel Agim, the apex court observed that the refusal of state government on financial autonomy for local governments has gone on for over two decades.

“The Supreme Court also said local governments have since stopped receiving the money meant for them from the state governors who act in their stead. The Supreme Court, therefore, ordered that the 774 local government councils in the country should manage their funds themselves.”

“This is also a great victory for the National Association of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and workers generally in Nigeria as their long fights have now come to success.”

“The AAC candidate believes that the local government is the closest to the people and should be the centre point of development. Sadly, governors have been usurping this for primitive accumulation of wealth and power. So, the position of the Supreme Court will engender democracy and help more Nigerians to hold their leaders accountable.”

“This judgement is also a great loss to Lucky Aiyedatiwa and other governors who had gone to court to battle against Local Government Autonomy. We warned them that the truth would prevail. These governors hate democracy and believe that Nigerians must be exploited more in order to satisfy their greed. Now, they have lost woefully!” the statement added.

“We call on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to dissolve Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) immediately. The agency is more or less a section of the ruling party, and it is quite anti-democratic!”

“We remember, with nostalgia, how our party, the African Action Congress (AAC), was robbed in the last Ondo State Local Government elections in 2020. We are glad that we protested this in a long and well detailed petition, but sadly, the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu never constituted the Elections Tribunal to look into our grievances. Such is the tyrannical method governors use in hoodwinking democracy from the grassroots.”

“Finally, the African Action Congress (AAC) urges INEC to immediately meet with all local government stakeholders and draw a timetable for a uniform Local Government Elections nationwide. We will continue to push for real democracy even when rogue forces are so reluctant to give up!”

A former Special Assistant to Ondo State Governor on Youth Mobilization (South), Hon. Alexander Funmi Gbologe has rejected his appointment as a member of Ikale West LCDA Transition Committee. This was contained in a letter obtained by SunshineReporters on Thursday morning in Akure and signed by Gbologe was addressed to Govenor Ayedatiwa.

“Early this morning, I read in a letter in media space where the governor of Ondo State, his Excellency, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa appointed me as one of the members of Ikale West LCDA transition committee.” the letter read.

The former Director General of the All Progressives Congress(APC) Campaign Committee in Okitipupa Local government said “I appreciate the trust and believe his excellency placed in me, but due to some circumstances I have to humbly decline the appointment.”

“As a dutiful and loyal party person who is ready to work for the party, I will continue to contribute my own little quota to the success of the party and by extension Ondo State when called upon in the nearest future.” the statement concluded.

 

…..Appoints Chairman, DG and Deputy DGs.

The Ondo State Working Committee of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has approved the appointment of principal officers for the Agboola Ajayi State Campaign Council for the November 16, 2024 Gubernatorial election.

The appointments are as follows:

1. Olorogun Eddy Olafeso PhD.- Chairman.

2. Engr Clement Faboyede -Director General

3. John Ola Mafo -DG Special Duties

4. Hon Ifedayo Akinsoyinu-Deputy DG

5. Hon Rasheed Elegbeleye Deputy DG

6. Bala Akinwunmi Esq Deputy DG

7. Dr Deji Aseniserare – Secretary Campaign Council.

The full list of the Campaign Council and date of inauguration will be made public in due course.

Kennedy Ikantu Peretei

State Publicity Secretary.

The Ondo State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has distanced itself from a viral statement appointing Dr. Eddy Olafeso and Hon. Clement Faboyede as Chairman and Director General of the State’s gubernatorial campaign council. In a statement issued to newsmen on Monday afternoon at the State Party Secretariat, Alagbaka, Akure and signed by Hon. Ikantu Peretei, the State Publicity Secretary, Ondo PDP will make the appointment at the appropriate time. 

The statement reads:

PRESS STATEMENT.

ONDO PDP HAS NOT MADE ANY APPOINTMENT ON CAMPAIGN COUNCIL BESIDE THE NATIONAL CAMPAIGN COUNCIL INAUGURATED BY NWC.

The announcement by one Samuel Ogunmusi appointing persons to coordinate the Campaigns of H.E Agboola Ajayi for the November Election is not only embarrassing but a violation of the PDP Constitution (2017 as Amended).

Articles 46(1) and 40(1)(a)(b) and (c) does not permit of such announcement coming from individuals not known to the party. To such an extent, all the supposed announcements are null, void and of no effect.

Our party is an organised party and guided by rule of law. At the appropriate time, appointments for the Local Campaign Council will be made public.

Kennedy Ikantu Peretei.

State Publicity Secretary, PDP, Ondo State.

Bello Oluwasina Opeyemi the CEO/Director of Toppy De Autos has been recognized and listed for an award by the Coalition of Nigeria Youth on security and Safety Affairs(CONYSSA), as an Icon of Security Ambassador 2024. This award is to be physically presented to him in the CONYSSA forthcoming MULTI-STAKEHOLDERS SUMMIT ON CRIME REDUCTION AND PREVENTION, scheduled to take place in Lagos State.

Opeyemi’s recognition for this prestigious award is due to his relentless security advocacies and participation in ensuring the safety and security of all within his reach and community.

Opeyemi who is also a Business entrepreneur, is the Ceo/Director of Toppy. He has partnered various Security Organizations and pioneer strategic measures taken in curbing insecurities in his community.

He has through his humanitarian services engaged a lot of youths by supporting them in there career to be successful. Paid students school and scholarship to some fear others. 

Nigeria’s struggle with soaring insecurities is becoming alarming. Hence, to address these complex and sensitive issues as well as profer a lasting solution is a driving point for this great awardee. 

Individuals like Opeyemi continue to be significant contributors in tackling these challenges head-on to ensure a safe and secure society for all through is activities of checking out on young once who needs help. 

As a strong advocate of security, Opeyemi believes that the cumulative effects of insecurity if not properly addressed, will not only affect the victims, but will have a devastating consequences on every citizen and the society at large. These guiding principles has always geared Opeyemi’s selfless services in improving security consciousness and promoting lasting peace and serene society for all.