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The African Development Bank (AfDB) has solidified its position as a key player in Africa’s development with a series of groundbreaking initiatives. During its 2024 Annual Meetings in Nairobi, the bank secured a historic $318 billion capital base, empowering it to expand investments across infrastructure, green energy, and agriculture. AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina highlighted the significance of this boost, stating, “This is a major step towards equipping Africa to meet its challenges with bold, sustainable solutions”​.

One of the bank’s flagship programs is the $10 billion Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa, aimed at driving renewable energy and reducing carbon footprints. Additionally, AfDB’s Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) has unlocked $2 billion in funding to empower 30,000 women-owned businesses. These projects underscore the bank’s commitment to inclusive growth, gender equity, and environmental sustainability​.

In partnership with Absa Group, AfDB has also launched a transformative $150 million financial package, targeting youth and women entrepreneurs, small businesses, and housing solutions. This initiative not only strengthens domestic capital markets but also ensures affordable financing for underserved groups, signaling a shift toward equitable economic empowerment​.

With bold strategies and record investments, the AfDB is spearheading a new narrative for Africa. Its initiatives are designed to ensure the continent is not just a participant but a leader in global economic and environmental reform, building a brighter future for millions​.

In a statement signed by the coordinator of the Ondo State Youth Network, Comr. Ezekiel Afe Adegboyega, the coordinator on behalf of the foremost youth group in Ondo State felicitated with Governor Orimisan Lucky Aiyedatiwa on his election victory stating that the outcome of the election is a testament to the confidence the people of the state have in his leadership.

Comr. Afe urged the Governor to deploy the privileges attached to his office as the Governor of the state to priorities that focus on infrastructure and human capital development.

The statement reads; “I extend my heartfelt congratulations on your victory in the recent election. Your success is a testament to the trust and confidence the people have placed in your leadership and vision for Ondo State.”

“As you prepare to take on this great responsibility, I urge you to see this mandate as a call to service—a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those you will lead. The hopes and aspirations of the people rest on your shoulders, and they look to you to bring development, unity, and progress to our community.”

” May you lead with wisdom, integrity, and dedication. Stay committed to the promises you have made, and work tirelessly to uplift the lives of the people who have entrusted you with this immense responsibility. Your actions will set a legacy that generations will remember.”

Congratulations once again, and may your tenure be marked by success and lasting impact.

Sincerely,
Afe Ezekiel Adegboyega
Coordinator, Ondo State Youth Network.

Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa of Ondo State will today, November 20, 2024, receive his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The ceremony is scheduled to take place at INEC’s headquarters in Abuja, solidifying Ayedatiwa’s mandate following his victory in the November 16 gubernatorial election. The event will see the attendance of top INEC officials, political leaders, and supporters from across the country.

Ayedatiwa, who ran under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), emerged victorious in the polls with a commanding lead, winning in all 18 local government areas of the state. His success is being hailed as a reflection of the people’s trust in his administration’s achievements and continuity. With over 366,000 votes, Ayedatiwa defeated his closest rival, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Agboola Ajayi, who garnered around 117,000 votes​.

Today’s presentation of the Certificate of Return by INEC serves as an official endorsement of the election’s outcome and reinforces Ayedatiwa’s position as the governor-elect. The ceremony also highlights the APC’s strengthened grip on Ondo politics, as party leaders urge unity among members to maintain dominance in the state​.

Ayedatiwa has expressed gratitude to the people of Ondo State and pledged to build on the achievements of his first term. He assured citizens of his continued focus on infrastructure development, youth empowerment, and economic growth, signalling a new phase of governance for the state.

Hon. Akindele Adeniyi has extended his heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency, Governor Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa, on his resounding victory in the recent gubernatorial election held in the state last Saturday. Describing the triumph as well-deserved, Hon. Adeniyi emphasized that the governor’s exemplary leadership over the past ten months has earned him the trust and admiration of the people.

Reflecting on Governor Ayedatiwa’s tenure, Hon. Adeniyi noted the governor’s unwavering commitment to the growth and development of the state. He highlighted key achievements that have positioned the administration as a beacon of hope and progress. These strides, according to Hon. Adeniyi, serve as a testament to the governor’s ability to address pressing challenges and deliver impactful governance.

The election results, Hon. Adeniyi remarked, are a clear indication of the people’s confidence in Governor Ayedatiwa’s leadership. He lauded the citizens of the state for their active participation in the democratic process, describing their support as pivotal to sustaining the state’s development trajectory.

In conclusion, Hon. Adeniyi expressed optimism for the future, urging the governor to continue his laudable efforts in uniting and transforming the state. He reiterated his full support for the administration’s vision, assuring the governor of his commitment to collaborating in efforts to achieve lasting progress for all.

E-sign:
Honourable Akindele Adeniyi,
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Ondo State.

The Federal Government has unveiled an ambitious plan to restore 1 million hectares of degraded land in northern Nigeria by 2028. This initiative targets combating desertification, enhancing agricultural productivity, and bolstering food security. The project is a significant step towards mitigating climate change impacts and promoting sustainable development​.

In the political sphere, the recently concluded Ondo governorship election saw Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa emerge victorious. The election has drawn mixed reactions, with the opposition describing it as poorly managed, raising questions about the credibility of the electoral process. Supporters, however, view the victory as an endorsement of the ruling party’s policies​.

Meanwhile, economic hardships persist as cash scarcity deepens in states like Anambra and Taraba. This situation has led to growing frustrations among residents and businesses, highlighting the need for urgent monetary policy adjustments to alleviate the strain on citizens​.

These developments underscore Nigeria’s challenges and opportunities as the nation seeks to balance governance, environmental sustainability, and economic recovery.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been declared the winner of the 2024 Ondo State gubernatorial election, held on November 16, 2024. The APC candidate secured a total of 366,781 votes, defeating his closest rival, Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 117,845 votes. The Zenith Labour Party (LP) candidate came third with 2,692 votes, while other parties received fewer votes collectively​.

Aiyedatiwa’s victory came after winning in 18 out of the 18 local government areas in the state. His campaign focused on infrastructure development and continuity, leveraging his incumbency to secure a broad voter base. Despite a relatively peaceful electoral process, allegations of vote-buying and isolated violence were reported in some areas​.

INEC’s deployment of BVAS technology was praised for improving transparency, though voter turnout was lower than expected, attributed to apathy and economic challenges faced by residents. Over two million people were registered to vote, but actual participation fell short of projections​.

Agboola Ajayi of the PDP congratulated voters but expressed concerns over reported irregularities. The PDP has indicated its intention to analyze the results further before deciding on any legal action. Meanwhile, smaller parties, though participating actively, had minimal impact on the outcome​.

Governor Aiyedatiwa’s win underscores the APC’s continuing dominance in Ondo politics. He has pledged to prioritize key developmental projects and work toward unity in the state following the divisive election​.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has submitted a landmark bill to the National Assembly proposing the adoption of a regional system of government in Nigeria. The bill, titled “Constitutional Amendment for Regional Governance,” seeks to restructure the nation into six geopolitical regions, granting them greater autonomy to manage their resources and address local challenges effectively.

In his submission, President Tinubu emphasized that the bill aims to address long-standing calls for decentralization and enhance efficiency in governance. He stated, “This proposal is a step toward fostering unity while respecting the unique aspirations of our diverse population.” The president noted that the bill was the result of extensive consultations with stakeholders across the country.

If passed, the proposed system will empower regions to control key areas such as education, health, infrastructure, and resource management, while the federal government will retain authority over defence, foreign policy, and monetary matters. Analysts have highlighted that this move could accelerate regional development and reduce tensions related to resource allocation.

The bill has sparked nationwide debate, with proponents applauding it as a bold step towards true federalism and critics expressing concerns over the potential for regional inequalities. Legislative deliberations are expected to commence immediately, as Nigerians eagerly await the outcome of this historic proposal.

President Tinubu urged lawmakers and citizens to approach the bill with open minds, stressing its importance in ensuring a more prosperous and united Nigeria.

The Ondo State Governorship election is underway, with the incumbent governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, emerging as a leading contender. The race is closely monitored, with 17 political parties fielding candidates for the poll, including prominent challengers like AGBOOLA Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The election marks a critical moment for the state as over 1.7 million registered voters determine their next leader​.

In a bid to ensure peaceful and credible elections, the National Peace Committee, chaired by former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, facilitated the signing of a peace accord among candidates. This move underscores a collective commitment to a violence-free process, with all parties pledging to respect the outcome of a free and fair election​.

INEC has deployed over 36,000 personnel across the state’s 3,933 polling units to ensure the safety of voters and election materials. This extensive security arrangement highlights the Commission’s determination to uphold transparency and credibility in the electoral process​.

Governor Aiyedatiwa has called for unity among stakeholders, urging supporters to adhere to election laws and avoid any form of violence. His leadership during the campaign and insistence on peaceful conduct have been pivotal in setting the tone for the process​.

The Ondo election is expected to serve as a benchmark for future off-cycle elections in Nigeria, with both INEC and security agencies emphasizing the need for civility and adherence to the rule of law during and after the polls​.

As Ondo State gears up for its governorship election, allegations of vote-buying and inducements by political parties have intensified. Reports indicate that cash, food items, and agricultural products like fertilizers and maize are being distributed in various communities to sway voter allegiance. Observers have identified this practice in areas such as Akure South, Ifedore, and Owo Local Government Areas.

Vote-buying strategies reportedly include offering N5,000 to N20,000 per voter, depending on the popularity of candidates in specific regions. Parties have also resorted to transferring funds electronically after verifying votes, likely to avoid detection by authorities. Security agencies, including the EFCC, are monitoring these activities​.

Election monitoring organizations like Yiaga Africa have expressed concerns over these developments, describing them as threats to electoral integrity. They have called for heightened vigilance from security agencies to prevent manipulation and ensure peaceful voting processes​.

Additionally, last-minute alliances between smaller parties and major contenders like the APC and PDP have been reported, with some candidates stepping down in favour of bigger parties in exchange for financial deals. This reflects a politically charged atmosphere as parties seek every advantage.

With the election slated for this Saturday, stakeholders are urging voters and officials to uphold the democratic process while resisting any form of inducement that could undermine the credibility of the outcome.

The University of Ibadan celebrated a major milestone during its 76th Convocation Ceremony by awarding degrees to 6,664 students, with 418 graduating with First Class honours. The convocation, held on November 13, 2024, showcased achievements from 15 faculties, including Arts, Medicine, Law, and Technology. These First Class graduates stood out for their remarkable academic performances and resilience in overcoming challenges​.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kayode Adebowale commended the graduates for their hard work, urging them to use their skills to address societal needs. He emphasized the importance of adaptability and lifelong learning as key to their future success. The ceremony highlighted UI’s commitment to academic excellence despite national economic and policy constraints​.

Keynote speaker Kehinde O. Ogunwumiju, SAN, inspired graduates to embrace gratitude and leverage their education for global impact. The event celebrated not only academic accomplishments but also UI’s legacy as a leading institution nurturing leaders equipped to tackle global complexities​.

This year’s convocation reaffirmed the university’s position as a premier institution producing highly skilled and competitive graduates ready to make a difference globally​.