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A very distinguished Journalist, Media Scholar and Head Media and Corporate Communications of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) Abuja, Dr. Felix Ale has been nominated for the highest Church’s honour of the ANGLICAN CROWNHOOD AWARD of Akoko Anglican Diocese (ACAAD), Ondo State, Nigeria.

In a letter to Dr. Ale and signed by the Bishop of Akoko Anglican Diocese, The Rt. Reverend Jacob Bada, the ANGLICAN CROWNHOOD was described as the highest church honour which has a biblical origin in (Ex.29:6, Lev.8:9, 1 Peter 5:4, James 1:12).

Dr. Ale will be honoured with the prestigious award among other distinguished Nigerians on the 26th April, 2020 at Ikare-Akoko in recognition of his outstanding services to the church and exceptional leadership in the Society.
.
The Anglican Crownhood will give the distinguished media practitioner and other awardees the benefits of being invested with a holy crown which they can always wear on special occasions, ceremonies and services in the church.

It also qualifies them to use “SIR” as a title before their names and dignifies them as a church’s noble synonymous with Saint as well as automatic nominees of the Bishop to the synod of Akoko Diocese.

The investiture of the awardees will be performed by the Bishop of Akoko Diocese, The Rt Reverend Jacob Bada on the 26th April, 2020 during a special service at St. Stephen’s Anglican Cathedral Church Ikare-Akoko in Ondo State.

It could be recalled that, Dr.  Felix Ale was earlier installed as the BABA-EWE of St. James’s Anglican Church, Oka-Akoko in 1998 at a Special Ceremony that was personally presided over by the then Bishop of Akoko Anglican Diocese, Rt Reverend Kehinde Olowokere.

The talented Son of Akokoland who was then a practicing journalist, one of the leading Reporters and Government House Correspondent in Ondo State was bestowed with the honour in recognition of his exemplary conduct, discipline, professional excellence and outstanding contributions to his church and thus became the youngest in age in the history of the church to receive such a recognition which elevated him to the exalted position of a “Chief” in the church at such a tender age.
Despite his tight schedule, Dr. Felix Ale was said not to have relent in  justifying the roles expected of him as a Chief in the church or shy away from any responsibilities as assigned by various successive Priests or Pastors that have administered his home church till date.
He is well known and appreciated for his philanthropic gestures and commitment to the development of the church of God where he has single handedly executed projects within his available resources for its growth and development. Hence the news of the proposed Crownhood Award in honour of the Illustrious son of Oka Akoko was received with applause by the entire congregation of his parish church, describing it as well deserved.

The Vicar of St. James’s Anglican Church, Oka-Akoko, Reverend Canon Johnson Akpata described the nomination of Dr. Felix Ale for the unique award by the Diocese as a recognition of excellence, reward for hard work and exemplary conduct.
He said, the entire congregation of St James’s Anglican Church, Oka is full of gratitude and appreciation to the Diocesan Bishop for the special honour on one of their most precious, dependable and prominent members and indeed a very distinguished son of Ondo state.
In his reaction, The Archdeacon, Oka Archdeaconry of the Anglican Church, Venerable Tokunbo Adebiyi congratulated       Dr. Felix Ale whom he described as a source of inspiration and pride to the church.
Venerable Adebiyi said he is a living witness to what God has used Dr Felix Ale to do for the church of God, saying the Oka-Akoko media Scholar and Journalist is indeed a great blessing to humanity.
He said, the award is most deserving and encouraging, pointing out that, the recognition will serve as a catalyst to spur the awardee to do more in the service of God, particularly at St James’s Anglican Chuch, Korowa-Oka, Oka Archdeaconry and the Akoko Anglican Diocese which he described as one of the most senior dioceses in the church of Nigeria Anglican Communion.
Also, Reverend Canon Moses Ajose of  St Silas Anglican Church, Ise-Akoko described Dr Felix Ale as God fearing, highly dedicated and indeed a very dynamic young man who has invested so much in the house of God.
Reverend Canon Ajose who was the Parish Pastor of Dr Ale’s church at Oka-Akoko for almost ten years described him as one of the most consistent, reliable and prominent members of the church who was always available for the church at any point in time.
He described the award being conferred on the distinguished Journalist as one of the greatest in the Anglican Communion, saying the recognition is a challenge to the young ones across the Diocese, particularly on the need for them to always bear in mind their responsibilities and contributions to their home churches from wherever they live or in whatever position they find themselves.
In his congratulatory message via email, a friend of the awardee who is the current Assistant City Manager, City of Kyle, Texas, USA, Mr James Earp described Dr Ale as the most sincere, intelligent and positive professional he has ever met.
While thanking the Anglican communion of Nigeria for honouring his highly revered friend, Mr Earp said Dr Ale remain one of the great ambassadors of the black race and his brand is hope in an otherwise uncaring World.
Also in his congratulatory email, the Associate Professor of Joint African American Studies and History at the Los Angeles City College, USA, Gabriel Selassie  said he was not surprised by the proposed recognition for his good friend whom he described as very intelligent and resourceful.
He said, Dr Felix Ale is an esteemed colleague and it is always a wonderful pleasure to bear witness to his enviable character and work as a Scholar, distinguished journalist and communication strategist.
Selassie expressed appreciation to the Bishop of Akoko Diocese for the honour done the quintessential man of excellence and media Scholar, saying the awardee is not only a shining star but a distinguished Nigerian who has succeeded in carving a niche for himself in the field of Space Journalism and New Media through intellectual contributions at various international fora and publications across the globe
Also in his reaction via an email, a former Space Communications and Navigation expert at the National Aeronautic and Space Administration, USA, Dr Aler Finberg thanked the Akoko Anglican leadership for the honour to be bestowed on the awardee, describing him as a man of great character who place others at ease with his gentle dispositions, clean and beautiful appearances at all times.
He recalled his close interactions with the awardee during an Executive program at the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University in the United States, saying, Dr Ale has demonstrated to his friends across the globe that character is a universal concept composed of core ethical values that transcend cultural, religious and socio-economic differences.
Dr Finberg therefore congratulated the Oka-Akoko born Journalist and Scholar who he further described as a unique personality endowed with humility and worthy life guided by moral principles and commitment to the cause and good of humanity.

The paramount ruler of Oka-Akoko, the Olubaka, Oba Adebori Adeleye in a telephone reaction, expressed delight for the choice of Dr. Felix Ale for the historic award.
This according to Olubaka can only be made possible by God.
Oba Adeleye described the NASRDA’S Spokesperson as one of his illustrious sons whom he is well pleased and indeed very proud of his passion for excellence, discipline, hard work and love for his community and the people.
Dr Felix Ale who started his elementary School as St John’s Anglican Primary School, Oka-Akoko was said to have remained an active choir member of the Anglican church at Oka-Akoko during his primary and secondary school days before proceeding for further studies which took him out of his community but never lost touch with the church and great people of his great community.
He is well known by his people, friends, and associates as a dynamic young man who has created a collection of monuments and achievements for himself through perseverance, discipline, hard work and abiding faith in GOD and one cannot but be fascinated by his enviable record of achievements and lifestyles.
Felix Ale who was also a one time Chief Press Secretary in Ondo State is today one of the leading Space Journalists and Scholars in Africa with a novel Ph.D research works on Space Journalism and New Media in Sub-Sahara Africa.
With his nomination and subsequent investiture with this glorious and unique recognition, Sir (Dr) Felix Babatunde Abimbola Ale thus becomes the first to be conferred with  a CROWNHOOD AWARD by the Anglican communion in the inspiring history of the ancient community he proudly traces his root and historic sojourn, Oka-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria.
The historic Oka-Akoko town, situated on a plateau, the capital city of Akoko South West local Government is currently under the Traditional leadership and prescribed Authority of a former legal Icon in Nigeria and first class traditional ruler- The OLUBAKA OF OKA AKOKO-His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr) Yusuf Adebori Adeleye.

A very distinguished Journalist, Media Scholar and Head Media and Corporate Communications of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) Abuja, Dr. Felix Ale has been nominated for the highest Church’s honour of the ANGLICAN CROWNHOOD AWARD of Akoko Anglican Diocese (ACAAD), Ondo State, Nigeria.

In a letter to Dr. Ale and signed by the Bishop of Akoko Anglican Diocese, The Rt. Reverend Jacob Bada, the ANGLICAN CROWNHOOD was described as the highest church honour which has a biblical origin in (Ex.29:6, Lev.8:9, 1 Peter 5:4, James 1:12).

Dr. Ale will be honoured with the prestigious award among other distinguished Nigerians on the 26th April, 2020 at Ikare-Akoko in recognition of his outstanding services to the church and exceptional leadership in the Society.
.
The Anglican Crownhood will give the distinguished media practitioner and other awardees the benefits of being invested with a holy crown which they can always wear on special occasions, ceremonies and services in the church.

It also qualifies them to use “SIR” as a title before their names and dignifies them as a church’s noble synonymous with Saint as well as automatic nominees of the Bishop to the synod of Akoko Diocese.

The investiture of the awardees will be performed by the Bishop of Akoko Diocese, The Rt Reverend Jacob Bada on the 26th April, 2020 during a special service at St. Stephen’s Anglican Cathedral Church Ikare-Akoko in Ondo State.

It could be recalled that, Dr.  Felix Ale was earlier installed as the BABA-EWE of St. James’s Anglican Church, Oka-Akoko in 1998 at a Special Ceremony that was personally presided over by the then Bishop of Akoko Anglican Diocese, Rt Reverend Kehinde Olowokere.

The talented Son of Akokoland who was then a practicing journalist, one of the leading Reporters and Government House Correspondent in Ondo State was bestowed with the honour in recognition of his exemplary conduct, discipline, professional excellence and outstanding contributions to his church and thus became the youngest in age in the history of the church to receive such a recognition which elevated him to the exalted position of a “Chief” in the church at such a tender age.
Despite his tight schedule, Dr. Felix Ale was said not to have relent in  justifying the roles expected of him as a Chief in the church or shy away from any responsibilities as assigned by various successive Priests or Pastors that have administered his home church till date.
He is well known and appreciated for his philanthropic gestures and commitment to the development of the church of God where he has single handedly executed projects within his available resources for its growth and development. Hence the news of the proposed Crownhood Award in honour of the Illustrious son of Oka Akoko was received with applause by the entire congregation of his parish church, describing it as well deserved.

The Vicar of St. James’s Anglican Church, Oka-Akoko, Reverend Canon Johnson Akpata described the nomination of Dr. Felix Ale for the unique award by the Diocese as a recognition of excellence, reward for hard work and exemplary conduct.
He said, the entire congregation of St James’s Anglican Church, Oka is full of gratitude and appreciation to the Diocesan Bishop for the special honour on one of their most precious, dependable and prominent members and indeed a very distinguished son of Ondo state.
In his reaction, The Archdeacon, Oka Archdeaconry of the Anglican Church, Venerable Tokunbo Adebiyi congratulated       Dr. Felix Ale whom he described as a source of inspiration and pride to the church.
Venerable Adebiyi said he is a living witness to what God has used Dr Felix Ale to do for the church of God, saying the Oka-Akoko media Scholar and Journalist is indeed a great blessing to humanity.
He said, the award is most deserving and encouraging, pointing out that, the recognition will serve as a catalyst to spur the awardee to do more in the service of God, particularly at St James’s Anglican Chuch, Korowa-Oka, Oka Archdeaconry and the Akoko Anglican Diocese which he described as one of the most senior dioceses in the church of Nigeria Anglican Communion.
Also, Reverend Canon Moses Ajose of  St Silas Anglican Church, Ise-Akoko described Dr Felix Ale as God fearing, highly dedicated and indeed a very dynamic young man who has invested so much in the house of God.
Reverend Canon Ajose who was the Parish Pastor of Dr Ale’s church at Oka-Akoko for almost ten years described him as one of the most consistent, reliable and prominent members of the church who was always available for the church at any point in time.
He described the award being conferred on the distinguished Journalist as one of the greatest in the Anglican Communion, saying the recognition is a challenge to the young ones across the Diocese, particularly on the need for them to always bear in mind their responsibilities and contributions to their home churches from wherever they live or in whatever position they find themselves.
In his congratulatory message via email, a friend of the awardee who is the current Assistant City Manager, City of Kyle, Texas, USA, Mr James Earp described Dr Ale as the most sincere, intelligent and positive professional he has ever met.
While thanking the Anglican communion of Nigeria for honouring his highly revered friend, Mr Earp said Dr Ale remain one of the great ambassadors of the black race and his brand is hope in an otherwise uncaring World.
Also in his congratulatory email, the Associate Professor of Joint African American Studies and History at the Los Angeles City College, USA, Gabriel Selassie  said he was not surprised by the proposed recognition for his good friend whom he described as very intelligent and resourceful.
He said, Dr Felix Ale is an esteemed colleague and it is always a wonderful pleasure to bear witness to his enviable character and work as a Scholar, distinguished journalist and communication strategist.
Selassie expressed appreciation to the Bishop of Akoko Diocese for the honour done the quintessential man of excellence and media Scholar, saying the awardee is not only a shining star but a distinguished Nigerian who has succeeded in carving a niche for himself in the field of Space Journalism and New Media through intellectual contributions at various international fora and publications across the globe
Also in his reaction via an email, a former Space Communications and Navigation expert at the National Aeronautic and Space Administration, USA, Dr Aler Finberg thanked the Akoko Anglican leadership for the honour to be bestowed on the awardee, describing him as a man of great character who place others at ease with his gentle dispositions, clean and beautiful appearances at all times.
He recalled his close interactions with the awardee during an Executive program at the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University in the United States, saying, Dr Ale has demonstrated to his friends across the globe that character is a universal concept composed of core ethical values that transcend cultural, religious and socio-economic differences.
Dr Finberg therefore congratulated the Oka-Akoko born Journalist and Scholar who he further described as a unique personality endowed with humility and worthy life guided by moral principles and commitment to the cause and good of humanity.

The paramount ruler of Oka-Akoko, the Olubaka, Oba Adebori Adeleye in a telephone reaction, expressed delight for the choice of Dr. Felix Ale for the historic award.
This according to Olubaka can only be made possible by God.
Oba Adeleye described the NASRDA’S Spokesperson as one of his illustrious sons whom he is well pleased and indeed very proud of his passion for excellence, discipline, hard work and love for his community and the people.
Dr Felix Ale who started his elementary School as St John’s Anglican Primary School, Oka-Akoko was said to have remained an active choir member of the Anglican church at Oka-Akoko during his primary and secondary school days before proceeding for further studies which took him out of his community but never lost touch with the church and great people of his great community.
He is well known by his people, friends, and associates as a dynamic young man who has created a collection of monuments and achievements for himself through perseverance, discipline, hard work and abiding faith in GOD and one cannot but be fascinated by his enviable record of achievements and lifestyles.
Felix Ale who was also a one time Chief Press Secretary in Ondo State is today one of the leading Space Journalists and Scholars in Africa with a novel Ph.D research works on Space Journalism and New Media in Sub-Sahara Africa.
With his nomination and subsequent investiture with this glorious and unique recognition, Sir (Dr) Felix Babatunde Abimbola Ale thus becomes the first to be conferred with  a CROWNHOOD AWARD by the Anglican communion in the inspiring history of the ancient community he proudly traces his root and historic sojourn, Oka-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria.
The historic Oka-Akoko town, situated on a plateau, the capital city of Akoko South West local Government is currently under the Traditional leadership and prescribed Authority of a former legal Icon in Nigeria and first class traditional ruler- The OLUBAKA OF OKA AKOKO-His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr) Yusuf Adebori Adeleye.

A group of Youths in All Progressives Congress (APC) under the auspices of APC Youth Assembly has sent a message to the leader of the Unity Group faction of APC in Ondo State, Senator Ajayi Boroffice, asking him not to contest the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the State.

The Unity Group has been in a running battle with the incumbent Governor of the State, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu over his handling of the party in the state. Boroffice has been at the forefront of the struggle and has been warned not to destroy his hard earned work by opting to contest instead of coordinating the group to wrestle power out of the hand of Akeredolu.

The full statement reads:

RE-OPEN LETTER TO PROF ROBERT AJAYI BOROFFICE

Dear Distinguished Senator,

Let us say without any iota of flattery that we attest to your outstanding record as dependable and well rooted leader, a loyal party man and an enviable ambassador of the party at all levels that you have served. We appreciate you.

It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation, and only one bad one to lose it, Benjamin Franklin wisely said.

Despite the state onslaught deployed against your candidacy and personality since the last governorship election in 2016 upto the 2019 election, we thank you for putting the past behind you. We again sincerely commend you for how you have been a rallying point to unite our divided party in Ondo state in order to position it back to winning ways after the poor outing which saw us losing several National Assembly seats in the 2019 elections, posterity will never forget your sacrifice.

Most distinguished sir, we read with utmost disbelief a publication by some presumed and disguised lover of you and your record under the auspices of Sunshine Patriotic Vanguard, wooing you to contest the October 2020 governorship election. We carefully read how they tried to sweetalk you into considering such position using your unstained and enviable records. We want to say that while their mouth drips honey, their heart is filled with bile. Be careful not to fall for their deceit!

Yes, records are there to encourage and act as stimulant to do more but the ability to recongnise the limit and appreciate when one’s record of service is at a peaceful equilibrium will allow him to spot a blackmail and an attempt to soil his reputation. This is what your supposed suitor are trying to do to your reputation. Your political career has been stable more than that of any politician in Ondo state in recent times, and they want you to shed some good accolades off your shoulder and retire with disgruntled followers who were once singing your hallelujah. “Ma a jo lo, mo n w’eyin e” Don’t fall for the bait.

Dear Senator, you are fast attaining the honourable stage of elder statesmen that have contributed immensely to the growth of our dear state. The Pa. Fasoranti, Baba Olu Falae, Pa Sehinde Arogbofa, of this world even, Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi of the religious extraction. While these celebrated elders are retiring from the stage, you have been spotted to be one of the men in line to carry the touch, owing to your immense developmental contributions to the academic sector, political sector and the welfare of your people. You cannot afford to lose the revered stage of leadership that you have attained through diligence and hard work.

The uncoated truth is that you have become aged and the reality of our society, especially Ondo State is, to present an agile, dynamic, and intelligent but younger version of you who will bridge the gap between the old and the young generations of Ondo State citizens, respect the party and the entire people of Ondo state, to be the next flag bearer of the party in the next election. Many of us who look up to you and mean well for the party are expecting you, as one of the most elderly and experienced, to provide direction and support for the party, All Progressives Congress in Ondo state, in this regard.

One of the party’s assurances of replacing the present lousy occupant of Alagbaka, who is hell bent on destorying the image of the party which you and other party leaders have toiled to build lies in your wealthy experience. Little wonder why he saw you as a point of contact, attacking you to rub your enviable reputation off you. A little shake here, a little jiggle there, the respect falls off. Now isn’t the time to throw in your hat to test the ring, you have become the man who should decide the most suitable hat.

You have the pen already sir, don’t let anyone write and distort your clean record.

APC YOUTHS ASSEMBLY

A governorship hopeful, Adekunle Adeleye, has continued to hammer on his plans to build a more prosperous, resilient, able and capable youth population in Ondo State. Adekunle, who hails from the Southern Senatorial District of the state, insists the youth owns the present and the future and the failure to plan for them now will spell doom for the state and the nation at large.

He said this while answering questions from some journalists over the weekend. In his words, ‘my focus, therefore, will be the development of our youths, our leaders in the near future. Youths in the State will be gainfully employed because the untrained youths will be the problems of tomorrow. It will be the business of our government to right all the past wrongs in the State’.

Adekunle, who lamented the woes of the state for few years now as a result of bad leadership, promises to offer himself for quality service to the good people of Ondo State and run for the number one seat in the forthcoming gubernatorial elections.

‘I am a man who is ready and well equipped to bring the true and desired change to our great State, where I discovered most people are suffering in the midst of plenty. Is this not the same State that thrived and prospered under Chief Adekunle Ajasin and to an extent under Dr Olusegun Agagu? Why can’t we reinvent the lofty visions of those eras, to make life more meaningful to our people? For this reason and many more, I humbly seek to offer myself for the service of our people in the next gubernatorial election.’

A USA resident, who has also spent time in the United Kingdom, where he founded and
convened The Office of the Celebration of Excellence in Africa with the primary purpose of bringing a consistent and good leadership to all the states and at the centre, is ready to lead police reforms, correctional service reforms and work towards total eradication of corruption, greed, redundant policies, impunity and nepotism in governance.

The governorship aspirant, working under the Adekunle Adeleye Movement For Real Change, agreeing that Lagos and Abuja are glorified slums, promises to turn around the fortunes of Ondo people, link the Southwest to the Southeast, harness all the natural resources in the state, bring genuine investors and abstain from accessing loan facilities from international funding agencies. He is confident his policies will empower the youths of the state with the needed skills, training and knowledge to become better employed and employable citizens.

As political parties in Ondo state prepare for their primaries ahead of the October 2020 gubernatorial election in the state, a group within the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC Youths Assembly, has issued a strong warning to all concerned stakeholders in the leading interest group within the party, The Unity Forum, “not to make the mistake” of fielding Olusola Oke SAN as its candidate to slug it out with the state governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, in the primaries.

The group said it has watched with keen interest the drama that is playing out within the group, saying it would be an effort in futility and will amount to an easy ride for the present governor to present Olusola Oke as the consensus candidate that will contest against the incumbent governor.

Rising from its emergency meeting in Akure, the state capital, the President of the group, Com. Adifala Ologun, cited what he described as the inconsistency and losing antecedents of Olusola Oke over the years as some of the reasons why his group believes he is not the right candidate to represent the Unity Forum.

These, he said are enough reasons to pose him as a liability if considered for such vintage position.

“Success is neither magical nor mysterious. Success is the natural consequence of consistently applying basic fundamentals and it is clear to all within the party and non-party members in Ondo state that these basic principles are found wanting in the records of Chief Oke” Adifala said.

He stated further that, “Oke is a man known for his inconsistency. He has contested in virtually all leading political parties just to satisfy his desperate political yearning. That obviously had a damaging effect on his followership base across board knowing fully well that consistency is the true foundation of trust. He had for long betrayed the confidence reposed in him by the people. A man jumping from one political party to another to quench his ambitious thirst can’t be trusted”

“However, the losing streaks associated with him is not helpful, it is spiritual. Masses don’t see him as a man who is serious to contest any election. Little wonder he had lost out to both Dr. Olusegun Mimiko and Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu at different elections. We also heard from a reliable source that he is even negotiating with Aketi. The source confirmed that Oke admitted to the allegation when he was confronted by some leadership of the group. So where does his loyality lie?”

The group further alleged that Oke has a long history of diverting monies meant for election for private use, and that “if the Unity Forum desires to be victorious in the forthcoming APC primary, they must look beyond the choice of Olusola Oke SAN.”

The state-owned Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, Ondo State, formerly known as Ondo State University of Science and Technology (OSUSTECH) has  fixed it’s maiden convocation ceremony for 21st – 27th of March, 2020.

Addressing a press briefing at the University’s permanent campus at Òkitipupa, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Sunday Roberts Ogunduyile, the University, established in 2008 will be presenting graduates from five(5) sets for the event, first of its kind. A total of 573 graduands will convocate with 20 of them graduating with a First Class degree, 205 Second Class Upper Division, 264 Second Class Lower Division and 84 Third Class students. The school recorded no single pass student. The post graduate studies is inchoate with Prof. Ogunduyile confident that with efforts put in setting it up, the category will produce it’s first graduands soon.

Though created in 2008 by the Dr. Olusegun Agagu administration, academic activities in the school didn’t start until 2011 when it admitted it’s first set of students at their temporary site in Idepe, Òkitipupa.

Despite being largely underdeveloped, the school witnessed a sizeable number of infrastructural developments which includes the relocation to it’s permanent site, maiden foundation day lecture, completion of drive way, Senate building, University auditorium by the Arakunrin Akeredolu administration. The University’s permanent site is filled with abandoned uncompleted projects which the VC said are Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) projects.

 “The school didn’t key into TETFUND since we know funds aren’t coming from Government”, he said, while responding to questions over the development rate of the school. “As part of our direct contribution to the growth and development of the University, principal officers and members of staff have started donating some amount of money to be deducted from their monthly salaries which already kicked off in February this year and will last for a full year.” he added.

Ogunduyile listed the addition of two more faculties (faculty of Engineering & Engineering Technology, and Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources to the existing Science faculty as the academic programmes of the school with various collaborations which include a recently signed tripartite MoU with Ondo State Government and Emerging Communities Africa. Others are with FUTA, IITA, UI, NASRDA, Caribbean Maritime University, Jamaica, International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) at the University of Karachi, Pakistan etc

The Convocation lecture on “Travails of Nigerian Nation; Science and Technology to the Rescue” will be delivered by Prof. O. Ibidapo-Obe on Friday 20th of March, 2020 while the award of first degree and presentation of prizes will be held at the University Main Auditorium, Permanent Site by 10am on 21st of March, 2020. The Alumni association will be inaugurated on Thursday, 19th March, 2020 at the school’s permanent site, too.

The state-owned Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, Ondo State, formerly known as Ondo State University of Science and Technology (OSUSTECH) has  fixed it’s maiden convocation ceremony for 21st – 27th of March, 2020.

Addressing a press briefing at the University’s permanent campus at Òkitipupa, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Sunday Roberts Ogunduyile, the University, established in 2008 will be presenting graduates from five(5) sets for the event, first of its kind. A total of 573 graduands will convocate with 20 of them graduating with a First Class degree, 205 Second Class Upper Division, 264 Second Class Lower Division and 84 Third Class students. The school recorded no single pass student. The post graduate studies is inchoate with Prof. Ogunduyile confident that with efforts put in setting it up, the category will produce it’s first graduands soon.

Though created in 2008 by the Dr. Olusegun Agagu administration, academic activities in the school didn’t start until 2011 when it admitted it’s first set of students at their temporary site in Idepe, Òkitipupa.

Despite being largely underdeveloped, the school witnessed a sizeable number of infrastructural developments which includes the relocation to it’s permanent site, maiden foundation day lecture, completion of drive way, Senate building, University auditorium by the Arakunrin Akeredolu administration. The University’s permanent site is filled with abandoned uncompleted projects which the VC said are Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) projects.

 “The school didn’t key into TETFUND since we know funds aren’t coming from Government”, he said, while responding to questions over the development rate of the school. “As part of our direct contribution to the growth and development of the University, principal officers and members of staff have started donating some amount of money to be deducted from their monthly salaries which already kicked off in February this year and will last for a full year.” he added.

Ogunduyile listed the addition of two more faculties (faculty of Engineering & Engineering Technology, and Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources to the existing Science faculty as the academic programmes of the school with various collaborations which include a recently signed tripartite MoU with Ondo State Government and Emerging Communities Africa. Others are with FUTA, IITA, UI, NASRDA, Caribbean Maritime University, Jamaica, International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) at the University of Karachi, Pakistan etc

The Convocation lecture on “Travails of Nigerian Nation; Science and Technology to the Rescue” will be delivered by Prof. O. Ibidapo-Obe on Friday 20th of March, 2020 while the award of first degree and presentation of prizes will be held at the University Main Auditorium, Permanent Site by 10am on 21st of March, 2020. The Alumni association will be inaugurated on Thursday, 19th March, 2020 at the school’s permanent site, too.

… as Bode George, Fayose, others storm Ibadan for meeting

THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders in the southwest states have unanimously re-strategised to take over the remaining five states being controlled by the All Progressives Congress (APC), just as the party harped on unity to achieve the desired results.

This was revealed on Thursday, at an enlarged meeting of the party in Ibadan, the Oyo capital, facilitated by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, held at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan.

The two-hour meeting had in attendance the former governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose; a former deputy governor of Lagos State, Sen. Kofo Bucknor Akerele; PDP deputy chairman, southwest, Dr. Eddy Olafeso; a former deputy governor of Osun State and former Minister of State for Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada; a former PDP southwest Vice Chairman, Chief Olabode George, Dr. Saka Balogun, Alhaja Bosede Adedibu and a host of other leaders.

While speaking, Chief Bode George enjoined all members of the party to remain united in order to form a common front to dislodge the ruling APC in the remaining five southwest states.

He noted that if the party is united it could achieve its success, adding that disunity has been the problem confronting the party for many years.
Chief George said: “Like I said, nobody can know your house more than you. I want to urge the governor of Oyo State to ensure the unity of PDP in all the southwest states. Let’s work together to achieve success.”

“Similarly, I want to appeal to all leaders of the party to be faithful in the discharge of their respective duties in order to have the remains states back in the fold of our great party. I did my best when I was there and generations to come will blame us if we decided to play with their future in our decisions.”

In his remark, former governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose also toed the path of earlier speaker, urging all members of the party to speak with one voice at all times.
He recalled that when he was the governor, he used all his powers to ensure the party remain united, despite humiliation from the ruling APC at the federal level.
“We have done our part when we’re in government and we have handed the baton to those in government now to use the power within their means to ensure the party succeeds.”
The former governor lauded the Amotekun Corps initiative while urging the respective southwest states to provide the necessary logistics for the personnel for its smooth take off.

Also speaking, the PDP deputy chairman, southwest, Dr. Eddy Olafeso lauded Governor Makinde for laudable steps he has been taken since he became the governor to see to the unity of the party, noting that his emergence brought hope for the party in the southwest.
He pointed out that the governor has been making efforts to strategies the remaining south west states are recovered from the APC, adding that it is a worthy cause that should be supported by the stakeholders in the party.

While responding, the host, Governor Seyi Makinde disclosed that he was fully ready to do anything for the success and unity of the party in the southwest.
He called on leaders of the party to close ranks in order for the party to achieve its success and to remain united, noting that, it was only the panacea to regain the remaining southwest states from the APC.

The governor noted that: “The only message from me is that of unity. Unity and unity for the southwest zone. Why am I harping on unity for unity of the southwest zone? If we go down the memory lane, you will know that when the southwest is striving, when the southwest his unified, the entire country is unified. So, we need to work extremely hard to unify all the tendencies.”
“I tried to be frontal because I believe we have to play a different brand of politics. I tell people the way I see things. Let us send a very strong signal out that the southwest is ready to lead the charge again,” the governor added.

A pro-democracy and socio-political group, the Ondo State Youth Coalition for Good Governance, has condemned the extension of the tenure of the state Head of Service, Mr Dare Aragbaye by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

The state governor had on Tuesday announced a one-year tenure extension for Mr Aragbaye against his mandatory retirement from service which is expected to take effect from March 11, 2020.

The group, in a statement by its public relations officer, Akinkugbe Philip, said Akeredolu’s decision to illegally extend the tenure of the Head of Service is an insult on the collective intelligence of the diligent and vibrant men and women of the Ondo State Civil Service and the entire people of the State.

“Let me state without any equivocation that we have nothing against the person of Mr. Dare Aragbaye or where he comes from. In fact, he deserves our commendation to have diligently served the state for the number of years stipulated by law,” the group said

“But it is essential to advise that he should not play to the gallery and take his compulsory leave now that the accolade is high. He would be perceived as greedy and insensitive to remain within the illegal extension of tenure bestowed on him by Akeredolu.”

The statement further read:

“Retaining Mr Aragbaye on the basis of frivolous reasons is to armtwist and blackmail those who the unpalatable directive will affect directly, and the entire workforce of the State who maybe affraid to oppose the stand of Akeredolu.

“It is no news that Akeredolu is incoherent, inconsistent and insensitive in his style of governance. But we are still wondering why he is so determined to collapse the entire structure of Ondo state. Enrollment into our school have drastically reduced due to high tuition, the health sector is in disarray, no one matters expect him.

“Ondo State civil service has the most vibrant and intelligent crop of people compared to other states of the federation. The records are there to check. There are many others who can replace Mr. Aragbaye and do better.

“What happens to the man next in line or other civil servants whose dream of becoming a Head of Service later in their career is truncated with this insensitive extension.” The group said.

The group also opined that if Akeredolu wants Mr Aragbaye’s service that much, he should let him retire and give him a political appointment in that regard.