Governor Aiyedatiwa assumed leadership following the untimely passing of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, who succumbed to a prolonged illness on December 27, 2023, at a German hospital.

The funeral rites for Akeredolu are scheduled to take place from February 15 to February 25 in Ibadan, Akure, and Owo, as per the arrangements made by his family.

This means that a total of N1.31tn was borrowed within a period of about seven years by the states.

The nine states are Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Edo, Abia, Ondo, Imo, Bayelsa and Lagos.

The oil-producing states received the sum of N6.4tn in federal allocation and 13 per cent derivation fund.

The Federal Government disbursed a total of N1.98tn as a share of the 13 per cent derivation fund to oil-producing states, the Minister of Finance, Budget, and National budget, Zainab Ahmed, disclosed on Thursday, at the sixth edition of the PMB Administration Scorecard.

She stated that the amount was paid in seven years despite some of the funds preceding the current administration.

She said, “One of the key functions of the Ministry of Finance Budget and National Planning is in support of states. The President understands very clearly that this economy wouldn’t have been growing consecutively or wouldn’t have been able to pull ourselves out of recession twice.

“We wouldn’t have been able to grow consistently without enabling the states to grow because it is a federation.

“Mr. President has been very uniquely generous in his support to states. I can say no president has provided the level of support provided to the states of the Federation.

“He understands that the federating units need to work together as one to achieve the targets that he has set for the country. So, everybody goes to support sub-national governments.

“In seven years, we have disbursed N1.98 trillion in funds to oil-producing states.”

The 13 per cent derivation fund has been a controversial issue after comments by Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, alleging that the oil-producing states had refused to disclose their own shares paid by the Federal Government from 1999 to all the Niger Delta States.

Ahmed further said that the government had supported states of the federation N5.03tn and an additional $3.4bn since 2015.

She said, “With respect to sub-national governments, the ministry goes over and above its statutory role to provide financial support to States:

“A total of N5.03tn plus an additional $3.4bn has been released to states by the Federal Government over the life of this administration.

“Each of these payments has distinct repayment terms with some given as grants and others as loans with favourable repayment terms, including a long amortisation period.

“The support covers the 13 per cent Derivation refund to oil-producing states, refunds for construction of federal roads, ecological support, support from the Development of Natural Resources Fund, Paris Club refunds, support from the Stabilisation Fund, COVID intervention amongst others.”

Reeling out the details, Ahmed said N445bn was given as salary bailout to states except Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Jigawa, Lagos and Yobe in September 2015, while N340bn was disbursed to states except Lagos and Osun as excess crude loan. Also, N610bn was allocated to all states, except Lagos, as a budget support facility.

Other support included: $2.67tn as an outright Paris Club refund; N750m disbursed in 2021 as an SFTAS reward; and N600bn paid as withdrawal from payment of subsidy in April 2022.

Speaking further, the minister revealed that the non-oil sector had continued to maintain high-level performance in terms of revenue generated, adding that it was currently the mainstay of the nation’s economy.

She said that the sector contributed N1.71trn out of the total revenue of N4.19trn, an outturn of 100.7 per cent compared to the budget projection.

“Today, I call your attention to the very high performance of the non-oil sector of our economy. As of September 2022, the Federal Government’s share of oil revenues to fund the budget was N535.5bn representing 32.6 per cent performance), while non-oil tax revenues totalled N1.71tn an outturn of 100.7 per cent compared to the budget projection.

“The non-oil revenue share of funding the Federal Government has improved. We have been able to move from contributing 35 per cent to the federal budget to contributing 73 per cent to the financing of the federal budget.”

The mass burial is scheduled to take place at the church’s new cemetery at Emure Road, Owo.

According to the church, no fewer than 40 people died in the attack while many others sustained injuries.

The Diocese’s Director of Social Communication, Rev. Fr. Augustine Ikwu, confirmed the date of the mass burial on Monday.

“The mass burial would take place at the new cemetery of the church on Friday in Owo,” he said.

He maintained that the number of the deceased still remained 40.

It was gathered that the injured victims are still receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre and the St. Louis Catholic Hospital both in Owo and some other private hospitals in the state.

However, no one has been arrested in connection with the attack.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has declared a three-day mourning for the victims of the attack.

The governor, in a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omostoso, on Monday, directed that all flags should fly at half-mast as part of decision to mourn the victims at the Southern Governors’ meeting.

Sanwo-Olu also urged Lagos residents and visitors to remain law-abiding and vigilant as the government is doing everything to ensure that peace continues to prevail in the state.

He said, “Flags are flying at half-mast in Lagos following Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive. The action is for three days to mourn the victims of the St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, terrorist attack.

“The decision to mourn the victims came at a Southwest Governors’ June 10 virtual meeting, which reviewed the security situation in the region. The communique issued after the meeting was signed by Governors Rotimi Akeredolu, Ondo; Kayode Fayemi, Ekiti; Gboyega Oyetola, Osun; Dapo Abiodun, Ogun; Seyi Makinde, Oyo and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos.

“The governors condemned in very strong terms the horrendous crime perpetrated by terrorists against the people and residents of Owo, Ondo State and, by extension, the peace-loving people of the South-West.”

The development followed the concurrence of the Senate to the House of Representatives Bill which was earlier passed at the Green Chamber.

The institution will now be known as Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo after the Senate passed the bill for third reading.

The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan said the bill has repealed the Act that established Adeyemi College of Education and re-enacted a new one for the establishment of the Adeyemi Federal College of Education.

The Bill for the upgrade of the foremost college of Education was passed in the Eight National Assembly but President Muhammadu Buhari declined assent to it.

According to him, the proposed Port Ondo will go a long way to decongest the Apapa Port in Lagos State.

The Governor stated this while speaking at the South-West Export Enlightenment and Engagement Forum in Akure.

The theme of the event was “Maximizing Export Potentials In The South-West Region For Economic Growth”.

While explaining that goods are moved through the Sunshine State to the Southeast, Southsouth, Northwest and Northcentral, Akeredolu noted that Ondo State is strategically positioned.

Akeredolu stressed that investors have already shown interest in developing the Port, saying the state has the deepest draught in West Africa.

“Everything going to southeast or South-South and the North must pass through Ondo state. All these activities will make us advise the federal government on the importance of Port Ondo.

“Apapa will be decongested. We can boast of the deepest draught in west Africa. We are ready and we have done our work and people have shown interest. It is a pity we have to go through a lot of protocols including the port declaration,” the Governor said.

Akeredolu said the Akure airport which was originally designed as a cargo airport should be given due attention so that it can serve its purpose.

“The airport in Akure is so busy now but it is not serving the purpose for which it was established. The Akure airport was established as a cargo airport.

” We have said it should have a refrigerated area where people can refrigerate their goods before exporting them,” he said.

Fasunle, 20-year-old, Department of Political Science was reported to have taken a poisonous chemical which resulted in her death on Wednesday night.

According to a source from the university community, the deceased took the poison in her room and started gasping for breath.

She was later rushed to the school’s health centre but was later referred to the Federal Medical Center, Owo where she gave up the ghost early Thursday.

The Head of Media and Protocols of institution, Victor Akinpelumi, who disclosed this expressed sadness on the incident, noting that the reasons for her action remained unknown.

He, however, said her action had nothing to do with a failed relationship.

Akinpelumi said, “It is true that she committed suicide. We have not been officially briefed but the only details we have is that she took sniper and she was later rushed to the state health center and from there she was referred to the Federal Medical Centre in Owo.

“The bad incident happened on Wednesday and we have not carried out our findings to ascertain if she committed suicide over relationship issues but from what we gathered she had no boyfriend.

Akeredolu was sworn in alongside his deputy, Mr Lucky Ayedatiwa.

The ceremony was performed by the state Chief Judge, Justice Olanrewaju Akeredolu

The ceremony took place at the International Culture and Events Centre, Akure, the state capital.

The announcement was made Tuesday night in a statement signed by APC spokesman, Yekini Nabena and titled, “Governor Babajide Sanwoolu Heads 104-Member APC National Campaign Council for Ondo State Governorship Election.”

It read in part, “The Chairman of the Caretaker/Extra-Ordinary National Convention Planning Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Governor Mai Mala Buni has approved the appointment of the Governor of Lagos State, H.E. Babajide Sanwoolu to chair the Party’s high-level National Campaign Council for the Ondo State Governorship Election.

“The Governor of Plateau State, H.E. Simon Lalong will serve as Deputy Chairman and Comrade Mustapha Salihu as Secretary of the 104-member APC National Campaign Council.

“The campaign council will be inaugurated on Saturday 15th August, 2020 at the APC National Secretariat by 2pm.”

Full list below:

1. Governor Babajide Sanwoolu – Chairman

2. H.E Simon Lalong – Deputy Chairman

3. Rt. (Hon.) Femi Gbajabiamila – Member

4. Senator Ovie Omo-Agege – Member

5. Governor Gbenga Isiaka Oyetola – Member

6. Governor Dapo Abiodun – Member

7. Governor Kayode Fayemi – Member

8. Governor Abubakar Badaru – Member

9. Governor Mallam Nasir El-rufai – Member

10. Governor, Babagana Zulum – Member

11. Senator George Akume – Member

12. Senator Aliyu Wammako – Member

13. H.E Abdulazeez Yari – Member

14. H.E Muhammed Bindow Jibrilla – Member

15. Rt. (Hon.) Yakubu Dogara – Member

16. H.E M. A Abubakar – Member

17. H.E Rotimi Amaechi – Member

18. Senator Ibikunle Amosun – Member

19. Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola – Member

20. Babatunde Raji Fashola – Member

21. H.E Otunba Niyi Adebayo – Member

22. Chief Timipre Sylva – Member

23. H.E Rochas Okorocha – Member

24. Senator Ajayi Boroffice – Member

25. Mrs. Stella Okotete – Member

26. Barr. Ismail Ahmed – Member

27. Chief Ayiri Emami – Member

28. Dr. Mahmud Halilu (Modi) – Member

29. Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq – Member

30. Hon. Aliyu Ugbane – Member

31. Mrs. Kemi Nelson – Member

32. Chief Omotayo Alasoadura – Member

33. Speaker, Bauchi State House of Assembly – Member

34. Chief Ekechi Emenike – Member

35. Hon. Emeka Nwajuba – Member

36. Senator Osita Izunaso – Member

37. Chief Victor Giadom – Member

38. Garba Maigudu – Member

39. Chief Enyi C. Enyi – Member

40. Hon. Khadija Bukar Abba Ibrahim – Member

41. Senator Sani Abubakar Danladi – Member

42. Senator Andy Uba – Member

43. Senator Olorunminbe Mamora – Member

44. Hassan Kafayos – Member

45. Hon. Gololo – Member

46. Hon. Mailantariki – Member

47. Hon. Abdullahi Bello (USD) – Member

48. Hon. Dakuku Peterside – Member

49. Osita Okechwuku – Member

50. Sen. Ifeanyi Ararume – Member

51. Chief Akin Ricketts – Member

52. Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat – Member

53. Senator Jibrin Wowo – Member

54. Alh. Yakubu Saidi – Member

55. Alh. Ubale Hashim – Member

56. Hon. Muhammed Bello Nasarawa – Member

57. Hon. Umar Konto – Member

58. Sen. Abubakar Gieri – Member

59. Sen. Jonathan Zwingina – Member

60. Rt. (Hon.) Nse Ntuen – Member

61. Patrick Akaiso – Member

62. Hon. Bashir Malami Wurno – Member

63. Hon. Muhammed Sani Ibrahim – Member

64. Hon. Farouq Adamu Aliyu – Member

65. Amb. OlusolaIji – Member

66. Hon. Shina Peller – Member

67. Chief Olusola Oke – Member

68. Chief Uche Ogah – Member

69. Hon. Prince Akinremi Alaide – Member

70. Comrade Tony Nwoye – Member

71. Otuekong Nathaniel Uyio – Member

72. Precious Sunday Effiong – Member

73. Prince Ekerendu Esitikot – Member

74. D. O Olusegun – Member

75. Ayo Oyelowo – Member

76. Musa Haro Daura – Member

77. Dr. Usain Kangiwa – Member

78. Engr. (Hon.) Abdullahi Muslim – Member

79. Engr. Sale Danyaro – Member

80. Barr. Bodunde Opeyemi Adam – Member

81. Hon. Motunrayo Akintomide – Member

82. Hon. Gbenleke Olawore – Member

83. Dr. Ahmadu Attai – Member

84. Rt. (Hon.) Emah Bassey – Member

85. Hon. (Prince) Emmanuel Inwang – Member

86. Hon. (Arc.) Akpovoka Efeni Julius – Member

87. Hon. Pam Ishaya Rondong – Member

88. Pastor Bankole Oluwajana – Member

89. Hon. Nelson Alapa – Member

90. Abubakar Sadiq – Member

91. Chief Rita Begho – Member

92. Hon. Hadi Ametuo – Member

93. Barr. Alex Onwudiamu – Member

94. Chief Cosmas Ighoraye – Member

95. Barr. Raymond Guana – Member

96. Hon. Doris Uboh – Member

97. Chief Paulinus Akpeki – Member

98. Chief Claudius Enegesi – Member

99. Mrs. Julie Okah-Donli – Member

100. Chief Dekivie Ikiogha – Member

101. Dr. Hinks Dumbo – Member

102. Hon. Israel Sunny-Goli – Member

103. Patrick Okomiso – Member

104. Comrade Mustapha Salihu – Secretary

The commission’s spokesperson, Festus Okoye said the list and credentials of the 17 candidates would be uploaded on its website and published in its state office in Akure on Friday, July 31.

Members of the public who have reasonable grounds to believe that any information given in the affidavit or any of the documents submitted by any of the candidates is false to have been asked to seek redress in court.

Okoye said “Seventeen out of the 18 registered political parties gave the commission the requisite statutory notice of their intention to conduct primaries and they conducted primaries for the purpose of nominating candidates for the governorship election. By section 31 (5) & (6) of the Electoral Act, a person who has reasonable grounds to believe that any information given in the affidavit or any of the documents submitted by any of the candidates is false may file a suit in court seeking a declaration that such information is false. If the Court determines that the information is false, the Court shall issue an Order disqualifying the candidate from contesting the election.”

The states which received the donations are Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo and Osun.

The Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who took to his Twitter page to appreciate NNPC and IPPG, disclosed that he received the donations on behalf of the other state.

He tweeted:“Today, on behalf of the South West States, I took delivery of six ambulances, respiratory masks, PPEs and other safety equipment donated by the @NNPCgroup and Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG) to support our efforts to combat #COVID19 in the states.

“On behalf of the other SW Governors of Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo and Osun state, I also commend the donors for this gesture as we again restate our commitment to work with all partners and the Federal Government to end this scourge as quickly as possible in our country.”