News
Open grazing war: Ondo journalists back Akeredolu, demands restructuring
Piqued by the spate of kidnappings and killings of innocent citizens, as well as wanton destruction of farmlands, Ondo State Media Practitioners Association (OSMEPA) based in Abuja have thrown their weight behind the Governor of Ondo state, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu over his open grazing ban in the State.
Speaking at press conference organized during the association’s general meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, the body through its Acting Spokesman, Oba Olasunkanmi John vehemently threw its weight behind the governor as a key promoter of war against the rising insecurity in Nigeria.
The Ondo indigenes with members drawn from various media organizations in Abuja, noted that Akeredolu’s fearless dispositions against killer herdsmen in Nigeria has been second to none among his counterparts.
With theme: “Taming Insecurity, and The Burden on Arakunrin Akeredolu”, OSMEPA highlighted various efforts of the governor both at the State and national level and the vigour in which the executive governor has risen to the challenges.
“It is a truism that the ultimate goal that drives development in any society is security and no nation can develop in an atmosphere of rancour and instability.
“Ondo state, as one of the component states in the country, has had its own fair share of the rising cases of insecurity in Nigeria.
“As a matter of fact, Ondo State has had it worse among the states in the South-Western part of Nigeria as insecurity continues unabated. OSMEPA laments.
While decries levels of criminal invasion of Ondo state by bandits and notorious herdsmen, the journalists highlighted various actions so far taken by Governor Akeredolu to nip kidnappings and wanton killings of innocent citizens in the bud.
“Our State has suffered various degrees of violence in those hands of criminal elements and marauders in the recent time.
“We recall the kidnap and killings of notable citizens in our state by unidentified bandits; prominent among such was the kidnaped of one of our prominent leaders, Chief Olu Falae.
“We consider kidnap and the killing of some traditional rulers in our state as strange in Yoruba land.
“The killing of the daughter of one of the Yoruba leaders, Late Mrs Funke Olakunrin are among evils too many, perpetrated against our state by killer herdsmen.
“The robbery of innocent travelers who are crisscrossing Ondo state continues unabated due to the strategic location of Ondo state.” It laments.
It would also be recalled that the Governor of Ondo state has been at the forefront of agitations to curtail the excessiveness of killer bandits masquerading as Fulani herdsmen in Ondo state and the nation at large.
Declaring its supports, the body speaks:
“As Ondo state media practitioners operating from the FCT with the interests of our state at heart, we have therefore seen the need to rally round and declare our unflinching support for the Governor at this trying period of insecurity across the country, which Ondo state has suffered most in the southern part of the country.
As the chief security officer of the state, to protect lives and property of the citizens, four years on, though, there were challenges emanating from kidnapping and farmers/herders clashes but they were never insurmountable by Governor Oluwarotime Akeredolu’s administration.
Worried by the spate of insecurity, governor Akeredolu’s administration championed the establishment of the South West security network code named operation Amotekun to get rid of Kidnapping and other crimes in the southwest states.
OSPEMA, in its investigative efforts, understands that the corps operation is yielding positive results since its establishment after the killing of Mrs Funke Olakunrin, courtesy of the drastic steps of Governor Akeredolu in addressing kidnapping and other crimes. This action, unarguably, triggered similar corp operation in other parts of this country.
Deepening the fight against kidnapping, Governor Akeredolu recently gave a quit notice to all illegal herders in Ondo state forest reserves, asking to register with the government for proper identification or vacate the state.
Many Nigerians, including the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and elderstateman, Chief Olu Falae applauded governor Akeredolu for the quit notice given to all illegal herders in Ondo state forest reserves and berated those trying to change the narrative from the good intention of the governor to curb kidnapping and farmers herders clashes to suit their own selfish purpose(s)
Despite series of attacks hauled at him from other parts of the country, Arakunrin Akeredolu is not perturbed in his determination to rid his state off criminal elements.
In fact, that singular action led some governors in some parts of the country to end up reasoning on the need to abolish open grazing in the country.
Recall that, Tee Leo Ikoro, the police PRO and his counterpart with the Nigeria Security and Civil defence Corps NSCDC, Olufemi Omole, once noted how the present administration has supported the commands with necessary logistics and operational vehicles to stamp out criminality.
The latest events following the Asaba Resolution has also put the governor is the news lately.
We consider this briefing as timely, and the right time to come out of our shells as an investigative body to declare our support for our governor in the area of insecurity as citizens of the state. OSMEPA declares.
OSMEPA therefore reiterated its unflinching backing and vow to stay strongly behind its governor, particularly as some of the positions of Akeredolu continue to rattles certain gladiators who want the nomadic statuesque of animal pasturing unchanged.
“We want to state categorically here, and we remains resolute in our position supporting the current roles our governor, Arakunrin Akeredolu is playing against wanton killings and kidnap of citizens of Ondo state by herdsmen or their surrogates.
We commend Akeredolu for not sleeping with his two eyes closed at the switchboard and allow stranger herdsmen to take over the state.
We therefore call on the government of Ondo state, and the people of the state to rally round Arakunrin Akeredolu in order to sustain the current synergy being enjoyed among the security operatives in the state.
While we commend Governor Akeredolu’s strides in fighting insecurity and Provision of social protection since his assumption of office in February 24th, 2017, we are calling on all stakeholders in the country to embrace the decision of the Southern governors on the Asaba declaration, particularly on banning of the primitive open grazing style of animal grazing in the country.” OSPEMA appealed.
Rugby School Nigeria, the newest international school of the esteemed Rugby School Group, is set to open in September 2025 in Eko Atlantic City, Lagos.
To celebrate this significant milestone, an exclusive launch event was held at the British Deputy High Commissioner’s residence in Lagos, attracting over 100 distinguished guests and key stakeholders from the education, government, business sectors, and diplomatic communities.
At the official launch event on March 19, 2025, the British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr Jonny Baxter highlighted the significance of Rugby School Nigeria stating:
“Rugby School Nigeria exemplifies one of the best of UK-Nigeria collaborations, bringing another world-class British education institution to the heart of Lagos. Situated in the dynamic Eko Atlantic City, a symbol of Nigeria’s ambition and innovation, this school is poised to further shape future leaders in a rapidly evolving global landscape.”
Rugby School Nigeria will initially open its doors for Sixth Form students (ages 16-18) in September 2025, with boarding facilities set to be available from September 2026. The Senior School (ages 11-16) will launch in September 2026, offering a broad and engaging curriculum that prepares students for IGCSEs and future academic success.
Founding Principal of Rugby School Nigeria, Dr Adam England expressed his enthusiasm:
“Rugby School Nigeria will offer an exceptional education that nurtures both intellectual growth and character development guided by the Rugby School ‘Whole Person, Whole Point’ philosophy. Students will benefit from a comprehensive A-Level programme, preparing them for top universities worldwide, alongside the Rugby 360 programme, which fosters leadership, community engagement, and personal development.
Our state-of-the-art facilities will include science labs, creative arts spaces, and world-class sporting facilities.”
Founded in 1567, Rugby School is one of the world’s most prestigious UK boarding schools, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and character development. With established sister schools in Thailand, Japan, and now Nigeria, Rugby School continues to expand its global impact, offering transformative educational experiences to students worldwide.
Dr England added, “We are excited by the substantial interest we have already received, with numerous parents’ meetings taking place daily at our offices.”
Senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District, Olajide Ipinsagba Emmanuel has scored himself high in terms of constituency projects deliveries to his constituents.
Speaking in an exclusive interview in his office with journalists, he said “he facilitated Agricultural Training Programs for youths and existing farmers, equipping them with modern techniques to enhance productivity, distributed fertilizers to farmers to address critical agricultural challenges, ensuring increased output and improved local food security.
“Constructed and fully equipped a modern health centre in Akunnu-Akoko, ensuring access to quality healthcare for the community, distributed health equipments and materials to the State Specialist Hospital, Ikare-Akoko, thereby strengthening healthcare infrastructure and improving health outcomes.”
“Trained and Empowered Women and Youth in Confectioneries. He organised training in cake baking and other confectioneries, followed by the disbursement of start-up grants to empower beneficiaries to establish their businesses. Training of women on soap making with start-up funds.
In the same vein, he organized ICT training programs for youths, distributed HP Core i7 laptops, and provided start-up grants to promote innovation and employment in the tech sector.
“Trained youths in tailoring, provided sewing machines, and disbursed start-up grants to enhance self-reliance and job creation. Constructed a 1.5-kilometer road in Oka-Akoko, improving connectivity, facilitating economic activities, and easing transportation for farmers and traders. Spearheaded the construction of the Ikare Modern Civic Center, which serves as a hub for cultural, social, and civic engagements. Facilitated the construction of 28 lock-up shops in Oka -Akoko, providing a conducive environment for entrepreneurs and boosting local commerce.
Dist. Sen. Olajide who is passionate about education, distributed free JAMB forms to students across the Senatorial District, enabling many young people to pursue higher education without financial barriers.
Also, he sponsored a bill for the establishment of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) University in Ikare-Akoko. A public hearing was successfully held on December 28, 2024, reflecting progress toward establishing this vital institution for skill development and education. Lighting up towns and villages with Solar Panels including Adekunle Ajasin University.”
These achievements underscore his commitment to fostering development in agriculture, education, health, and infrastructure. As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Procurement, he also prioritizes accountability and efficiency in national projects, which directly impacts the equitable allocation of resources to Ondo North Senatorial District and Ondo State at large.
Moreso, he empowered Small Businesses through skill acquisition programmes and provision of lock-up shops, he has laid the groundwork for entrepreneurship to flourish within the district. Strengthening Youth Engagement, by bridging the gap between education, technology, and employment. He is equipping youths with the tools necessary to thrive in the modern economy.”
Edo State Government has lashed at the factional chapter of the caretaker committee of the Peoples Democratic Party and the appointed publicity secretary, Chris Nehikhare, for rushing to the press without first understanding the subject at hand.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua in Benin and made available to journalists said, Nehikhare’s latest press release was another embarrassing display of ignorance, completely missing the point Governor Monday Okpebholo raised.
The Governor was referring to the $10 million that Godwin Obaseki budgeted for The Observer Newspaper shortly before the 2024 governorship elections in Edo State, not the refurbished equipment bought from ‘Ogbete Market’ in Enugu State.
Obaseki, a portfolio scam artist, who presided over the looting of Edo’s commonwealth, hurriedly siphoned $10 million, using The Observer Newspaper as a conduit, barely a few days to the governorship election in Edo State in late 2024.
Nehikhare’s desperate attempt to twist the conversation is not just misleading but exposes the habitual dishonesty of the PDP.
On the issue of the so-called “sophisticated machines,” Nehikhare conveniently ignores the real concern—these overused and inefficient machines now require billions of naira to function properly. Obaseki may have procured them at a roadside market, but he left behind a financial burden that the present administration must now clean up.
More troubling is Nehikhare’s confused outrage about the sacking of Observer staff. How does he expect those no longer employed to be available at the premises? His logic is as flawed as the policies of the administration he blindly defends.
Instead of this laughable attempt at deflection, Nehikhare should explain why, in his final days, Obaseki found it necessary to allocate a staggering $10 million to a State-owned newspaper that is practically invisible on newspaper stands across the State and country—at a time when critical sectors like education and healthcare remained underfunded.
If Nehikhare wishes to debate the facts, he should do so with accuracy, not fiction. But then again, fiction seems to be the PDP’s favourite tool.
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