MIMIKO ADVOCATES MORE FUNDING FOR MASS LITERACY EDUCATION; AS HE GETS NOMINATION FOR LIERACY AWARD

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Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko has called for adequate investment in mass literacy programme as a panacea for peace, development and stability of the country.



The Governor stated this on Tuesday in his office during a courtesy call on him by the management team of the National Commission for Mass Literacy Adult and Non-Formal Education.



Dr Mimiko, who opined that if Nigeria must continue to enjoy peace and stability, governments at all levels must invest in education.



He however gave kudos to President Goodluck Jonathan for according priority to almajiris’ education in the northern part of the country.



He described mass literacy and skill acquisition as major instruments of development in any nation, noting that his administration has keyed into such philosophy to transform the socio-economic landscape of the state.



He added that government has continued to carry the people along in the conception and implementation of programmes, stressing that the creation of a substantive ministry of adult technical and vocational education was a deliberate attempt to focus on the sector for the development of the state.



His words “I want to say that mass literacy is a cornerstone for us to achieve inclusive development in this country. We are only deceiving ourselves if we fail to democratize access to education. Our philosophical and ideological practice in this state is to develop our skill acquisition centres and make them functional. We are happy today that our investment has been yielding results. The same thing is applicable to our mass literacy programme”.



In his speech, the executive secretary of the Commission, Alhaji Yusuf Paiko, represented by Alhaji Musa Gusau said that the commission’s report for the year 2010 indicated that 56 millions adults out of 160 million projected population in the country are illiterates, adding that the year 2012 report showed that 10.1 million children were out of school mostly from the northern part of the country.



Alhaji Paiko noted that the commission is making frantic effort to eradicate all the associated challenges of illiteracy through the launch of mass literacy campaign, commending the Ondo state government for its determination to face the challenges of illiteracy and life-skills through the creation of the substantive ministry.



He also lauded the government in the areas of appointment of area mass literacy officers and increase in the monthly allowances of facilitators from N5,000 to N10,000, which according to him is above the benchmark of N7,500.



However, Alhaji Paiko disclosed that the management of the commission has nominated Governor Mimiko for an award of excellence for his brilliant performance and great achievement in mass literacy delivery in the country.





Dele Awogbami,

Press Officer

MIMIKO LAUNCHES URBAN RENEWAL STRATEGIES *INAUGURATES LAND RECORDS BEREAU

 

  Ondo State governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko has said that his administration’s urban renewal programme has brought unprecedented transformation to the State within the last 36 months.
According to him, the state government will ensure that every urban community is touched to make life better for the city dwellers.


Dr Mimiko made the assertion on Tuesday while speaking at the launch of the State Urban Renewal Strategies and commissioning of the state land records bureau in Akure the state capital.



The Governor cited the various initiatives in the state, including mega schools, modern markets, automart, mechanic village and beautification projects as parts of the urban renewal programmes to make the state capital and major towns attractive for investors.



He submitted that the land bureau would facilitate easy processing of certificate of occupancy thereby creating wealth for property owners.



He said, “We must adopt a pragmatic approach in dealing with the urban development issues in the state. Having set up the institutional and policy frameworks we have now put in place series of strategies and methologies to achieve the policy objectives.


“This administration committed itself to deep-seated principles of good governance and promised to work for the people. In our Urban Renewal Programme, we have not departed from these principles which among others include equity, fairness, justice, collective fulfilment and peaceful co-habitation.


The governor enumerated the gains of the programme to include asphaltic urban roads, properly co-coordinated drainage system, inter-city Motor Park , massive electrification, street lighting and beautification of the urban environment, the Akure Auto Mart, the ultra modern Mechanic Village , water supply, sanitation and solid waste management.


“Neighbourhood markets have been built at critical nodes of the towns with a view to minimizing inter-urban mobility, providing decent environment to stabilize trade and small businesses. With these renewed markets, we have been able to galvanize the energies of our people and deepened their entrepreneurial capacity through the micro-credit scheme.


“We have started to mobilize and engage the various professional trade groups and artisans towards more productive ventures. Credit facilities are being granted to trade unions and associations to enable them improve in their businesses.


“As part of our drive to improve the economy of the state, we have invested in the computerization and streamlining of land records in the state through the deployment of secure online service for land title from the point of application to issuance of statutory documents of ownership.


In her address at the occasion, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ms Amma Pepple, represented by the Deputy Director, Urban and Regional development, Mr. Rufus Obadare described the strategies as a worthwhile initiative which will go a long way in sanitizing living in our urban areas.
She praised the synergy between the Ministry and the Urban Renewal Programme and recommended it to other states in the federation for emulation.

In his remarks, the director project office of the United Nations Human Settlement Programme, Mr Allioune Bidiane said the physical infrastructural development in the state is all indications of qualitative leadership style of Dr Mimiko.


He solicited the support of the people for the sustainability of the various programmes of development in the state.



Also, the former chairman of the land reform committee, Prof. Akin Mabogunje said the land records bureau of the state government would add values to the lives of the people, stressing that the Mimiko government has given a sense of direction to the people with a view to appreciating their property.



Dele Awogbami,

Press Officer.

ENGAGE SKILLED MIDWIVES FOR YOUR MATERNITY HOMES-MIMIKO CHARGES CHURCHES

Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko has urged churches running maternity homes to engage the services of skilled midwives so as to consolidate the State government’s efforts at curbing maternal death.



Dr Mimiko, who stated this yesterday while addressing the state 2nd annual ministers’ conference in Akure, noted that his administration through its Abiye safe motherhood initiative has reduced drastically maternal death adding that law that mandated all health institutions to report maternal death has also been operational in the state.



Speaking on the theme of the conference, “Transformational Leadership”, the Governor opined that for any leader to be transformational, he or she must exhibit acts of doggedness and integrity and must also remain focused in order to achieve the set goals.



He said that all the programmes of his administration, including the mother and child hospital, the mega school initiative, free shuttle buses, modern markets, alto malt and modern motor park were all conceived and targeted towards changing the lives of common man in the state.



The Governor noted that 12,000 safe deliveries have been taken at the mother and child hospital in Akure free of charge, saying that 20% of the beneficiaries are from the neighbouring states.



His words “I’m very sure of one thing that for you to be a transformational leader, you don’t need to be a governor or president. In whatever position we find ourselves, we have to be focused, vigilant and stubborn. For instance, when we started our mega schools, some people went about saying all sorts of things but we remained focused and vigilant. We never allowed anything to distract us”.



“When we began to build markets, they were also murmuring, we built the 21st century alto malt, the 21st century motor park first of its kind  in Africa, today our people can see and appreciate what we are doing. They keep thanking God for all these programmes I want to tell you also that when the process of transformation is going on, we have to be vigilant” Mimiko said.



How ever, he commended ministers of God in the state for their fervent prayers and called for more prayers so as to sustain the prevailing peace in the state.



In his lecture titled “Importance of Voting as Panacea for Transformational Leadership in Nigeria ”, the guest lecturer, Rev Ndu Akuchie appealed to genuine Christians to take active part in politics in order to bring transformation to governance and rescue the nation from her numerous challenges.



According to him, democracy is meant to affect the lives of the common man positively and any government that failed to address this should not be reckoned with.



As the gubernatorial election draws nearer in the State, Rev, Akuchie appealed to the people to be vigilant and come out enmasse to elect their leader.



Dele Awogbami,

Press Officer.

FG WARNS AGAINST ILLEGAL SALES OF TEXTBOOKS

The Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike on Monday warned head teachers of schools against illegal sales or hoarding of textbooks meant for distribution to schools.
Chief Wike, who gave the warning in Akure during the flag off of the South West zonal distribution of instructional materials for basic education institutions in Nigeria said anyone caught in such act would face the wrath of the law.


He said “On no account must these textbooks find their ways to markets and bookstores. I implore the security agencies to arrest any person selling these books or hoarding them in strange places”.
 He added “Parents whose children are without these textbooks should not hesitate to demand them from the head of schools and upon refusal, contact UBEC for appropriate action.


The minister, who said 14 million textbooks on essential subjects including English, Mathematics and sciences have been procured of which 2. 3 million and 672, 600 library materials distributed to the zone.
He praised Ondo State governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko for his administration’s incomparable strides in repositioning the basic education sector especially with the Mega schools in the state.


According to him, with such sophisticated schools, the state will soon become a leading state in the delivery of basic education.
Governor Mimiko, while flagging off the scheme declared that the state government has been procuring and distributing, on regular basis, textbooks written in line with the new 9-year basic curriculum to primary and secondary schools in the state.


He said the curriculum has been reviewed to accommodate more subjects with in-depth knowledge of theory and practical.
Dr Mimiko described the provision of instructional materials as a basic necessity for effective teaching and learning in schools.


According to him, “Instructional materials are the indispensable granules of the required ingredients for success in any educational institution. Indeed, it is an integral part of a systematic and robust intervention package in the education sector.
He noted that the provision of quality education must be on the front burner of the re-engineering process in order to achieve rapid socio-economic and political transformation of our society.


This, the governor explained, necessitated the state government’s massive investment in the restoration and expansion of existing schools’ structures to provide child-friendly environment for effective teaching and learning.
“The outcome of our efforts rubs off positively on the performance of our pupils and students as Miss Falokun Tolulope, who is a product of our public school from St. Louis Secondary School , Ondo, came out in flying colours during the last WASC examination.
“There is also now a spiraling increase in the enrolment of pupils and students in our public schools with the construction of Mega Schools and the attendant 21st Century instructional facilities.  



In his speech, the executive secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr Modibbo Mohammed said the effort was a complementary role of the federal government in the provision of quality education to the pupils and enjoined stakeholders to ensure full utilization of the books and materials.



Also, the state commissioner for education, Mr Remi Olatubura said the state government has been proactive in addressing the various challenges affecting the growth of education in the state.



Dele Awogbami,

Press Officer.

AGAGU'S IN-LAW,OTHERS DEFECT TO LP IN ONDO AS MIMIKO COMMISSIONS N30m PROJECTS

AGAGU’S IN-LAW,OTHERS DEFECT TO LP IN ONDO,AS MIMIKO COMMISSIONS N30m PROJECTS

The ancient town of Ilutitun in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State was agog on Monday as a former chairman of the council and in-law to the immediate past Governor of the State, Dr Olusegun Agagu. Elder Olusegun Ayerin, with his supporters dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling Labour Party. 


The State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, his deputy, Alhaji Alli Olanusi, the State chairman of Labour Party, Chief Olu Ogidan among other leaders of the party attended the ceremony, which took place at Ilutitun.


Other defectors included the immediate past lawmaker from the council in the State  Assembly, Hon Niyi Adebusoye, (PDP), PDP women leader, Mrs Christiana Jimoh, Mr John Adeyeye, Mr Idowu Faleye and the Urhobo community in the area.


Governor Mimiko, who was in the town to commission town hall and boreholes constructed by his administration through its community development programme, said governance was about impacting on the lives of the people.


The Governor stressed that his administration has added values to the lives of the people of the state in all facets of lives, adding that over 350 communities in the state have benefited from people-oriented projects.


Dr Mimiko appreciated the people of the town for trooping out en-masse to receive him and for appreciating his administration’s efforts at completing the project following their inability to do so for the past 11 years.


He noted that the door of Labour Party was still open for progressive-minded people to join his government in the total transformation of the State.


The State chairman of Labour Party, Chief Olu Ogida, who received the defectors into the fold, congratulated them on the bold step taken to be partners in progress.


In their speeches, Elder Segun Ayerin and others attributed the various developments being witnessed in the last three years in the state for their decisions to join Governor Mimiko in the task of moving the state forward.


While describing the Governor as a man with caring heart, they vowed to work hard for his victory in the October 20 poll for him to continue in office.



Dele Awogbami,
Press Officer.

ODSG BUILDS 32 MEGA PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN TWO YEARS

The Federal Government will next week launch a National Free Textbooks and Resource Materials Scheme for the South West in Akure.


The Minister of State for Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike announced this today at the commissioning of the first Ondo State government-owned Caring Heart Mega School at Okejebu in Akure.
According to the minister, the choice of the state capital for the launch was due to the world-class and unparalleled achievements of the state governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko’s administration in the education sector in the past three years.

‘As Minister of State for Education, I have not seen such a 21st Century-compliant primary school like this one in the entire country. This is the first of its kind in Nigeria . It is simply a world-class achievement”, Wike declared.

Also, the Executive Secretary of the National Universal Basic Education Commission, Alhaji Modibbo Mohammed urged other states in the federation to adopt the Mega School system as another way of strengthening the Universal Basic Education Scheme.

Speaking while commissioning the school, Mimiko said the state government has lifted primary education from its dysfunctional state to higher level in the past two years with the construction of 32 world-class Mega primary schools.

According to him, “Four of the schools which are located across the 18 local government areas of the state are now ready for commissioning, 27 others are at the various stages of completion while more of such schools are on the way.

He said, “Construction work will soon commence in some designated centres among which are Ijare, Olebu and Igbobini as soon as the award process is concluded.
“State public schools, particularly of the primary education variety, face certain irrelevance, if not total extinction via dwindling pupils’ enrolment in the face of serious competition with private schools despite their commercial fees.

“The resultant effect of this inherently discriminatory system is that qualitative, but free primary and secondary education in the state became only a mental construct and catchy political sloganeering because in practice, only the rich could afford it.

The governor explained that the state educational policy provides the opportunity for the lumping of two or more existing primary schools together to make one Mega School instead of having schools inadequate to build an educationally-sound critical mass.
"The Mega Schools are the state government’s way of providing the best of education obtainable in private schools in the state’s public schools system and to serve as models below which future public or private schools cannot fall”, Mimiko said.

Dele Awogbami,
Press Officer.
25th June 2012.

URBAN RENEWAL: MIMIKO BEGINS CONSTRUCTION OF LOCK UP SHOPS AND OPEN STALLS IN ONDO TOWN

As part of its efforts at improving the lives of the people through urban renewal projects, Ondo state government has commenced the construction of one hundred and seventy lock up shops and open stalls in Ondo town.

The lock up shops and stalls which are to be located opposite the State Specialist Hospital in Ondo is expected to be completed in the next two months in order to improve the lives of the people in the area.


Supervising the project, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Direct Labour - Team 5, Mr. Victor Ogunya explained that the initiative was geared by Governor Olusegun Mimiko on the need to rehabilitate and augment the standard of traders and boost their income, particularly those operating opposite the State Specialist Hospital in Ondo.

Ogunya revealed that the initiative was borne out of the need to provide a convenient, secure and serene working environment for traders in Ondo town, stating that those that vacated the location for the construction to take place are the primary beneficiaries before other users will be given consideration.

It could be recalled that Ondo State government is presently constructing a Caring Heart Neighbourhood Modern Market at Moferere in Ondo. The neighbourhood market which is at its finishing stage is expected to alleviate the suffering of traders and ensure they benefit from the caring heart initiative of the government.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor stressed that the state government will continue to improve the lives of the people through the provision of adequate infrastructural needs, adding that the Corner Lock up Shops and Open Stalls will be

equipped with adequate facilities like parking space, toilets, restaurants, administrative offices, among others.

He therefore appealed to the people to further aid the government so as to achieve more giant goals, noting that urban renewal projects have been identified as one of the key factors in fostering development and better economy.

Corroborating his view, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Direct Labour - Team V, Engr. Jimi Akintade said the lock up shops will be built to a befitting standard, thereby making it worthy of emulation by other states.


Ayokunle Ikusemiju,
Press Officer
Physical Planning & Urban Development

JOURNALISTS LAUD MIMIKO'S URBAN RENEWAL INITIATIVE

 A consortium of media workers have lauded Ondo State government for initiating, implementing and explicitly maintaining, managing series of urban renewal projects in the state.


The journalists who are from the Tribune, This Day, Guardian and Sun Newspapers gave the commendation during a facility tour to few of the urban renewal projects like the mechanic Village, Ultra Modern Motor Park and Ilula Recreational Park in Akure, which were the innovations of the present administration.


Addressing the newsmen, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Arc. Igbekele Daodu said the Mechanic Village was borne out of the need to concentrate Automobile Dealers who are scattered over the capital city, Akure, particularly those along Isinkan – Army Barracks area.


He maintained that the Mechanic Village located along Ondo road is a pilot project, as the government is prepared to replicate the project across the state in order to promote decency, professionalism and income among the technicians, stressing that eighty bush bars are available at the mechanic village, while a bush bar will make a team of technicians comprising; Motor Mechanic, Motorcycle Mechanic, Rewire and Battery Charger, Vulcaniser, Painter, Welder, Panel Beater, Plant and Generator mechanic.


Daodu explained that various infrastructural facilities like electricity supply, solar powered bole hole, perimeter fencing, car wash, spare part shops, workshops, administrative blocks, restaurants, toilet facilities, testing road and others have been put in place to provide secured, serene and safe environment for the technicians, adding that each bush bar has the capacity to attend to four vehicles at a time, thereby creating a more functional urban city.


The Commissioner said a management committee comprising members of NATA, civil servants and professionals has been put in place to manage the Mechanic Village after commissioning, while the government has employed the services of Direct Labour to ensure a minimal cost of about N150 million, instead of costing N350 million if it had been contracted.


He explained that the technicians are to pay estimated sum of N40 per day instead of the estimated N500 they pay per day in places they are presently occupying. He further disclosed that the N40 is to cater for the self regulatory maintenance system to manage the facilities provided in the mechanic village.


Corroborating his view, the Ondo State Chairman of the Nigerian Automobile Technician Association (NATA) appreciated the government, revealing that members of the association are eager to utilize the place. He added that this is the first of its kind in Nigeria and assured that members will brilliantly maintain the facilities and will be neatly kitted during working operations.


At the Ultra Modern Motor Park, the Commissioner revealed that the government has carried out a form of re – orientation for members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers and he therefore called on other states to emulate the gesture of the present administration.


Daodu explained that the Governor in his caring heart initiative has vowed to put an end to the harsh and uncomfortable environment attributed to motor parks in Nigeria, stating that the establishment of the Modern Motor Park has since put an end to the menace.


Answering questions from newsmen, the Chairman of the NURTW, Akure branch, Mr. Ayodele Abulefi disclosed that the idea of the Governor has put an end to hooliganism, alcoholism and other nefarious activities that are capable of luring members into deviant act.


Displaying his seat tag, a passenger, Mr. Kanu Ogbonor who hailed from Abia State displayed amazement at the nature of the motor park in Ondo State; he appreciated the government and appealed to other states to emulate the gesture.


In a related development, a thick bush which was turned to a Recreational Park by the Mimiko’s administration has been described as a relaxation centre for athletes, civil servants among others after a tedious day job.


The Commissioner revealed that the Park is free of charge, while those who visit are expected to pay for the services they received. He appealed to the public to continue register as members of different sporting clubs at the Park in order to engage themselves.



Ayokunle Ikusemiju,
Press Officer
Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development

MIMIKO LAUDS LAWMAKER ON EMPOWERMENT

Barely two days after the lawmaker representing Ondo central senatorial district in the upper chamber of the National Assembly, Dr Ayo Akinyelure donated items worth millions of naira to the people of the constituency, another lawmaker, Mrs Kemi Adesanya from Akure south state constituency 1 yesterday inaugurated a skill acquisition centre for her constituency.


The State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko commissioned the centre, named Kemi Adesanya Skill Acquisition and Empowerment Centre which has facilities for computer training, hairdressing and barbing among others.


Dr Mimiko, who expressed joy that majority of the current lawmakers in the country have continued to justify the confidence of the people in the nation’s democracy, assured of greater future for the country.


He attributed the various transformations in the critical sectors of the state economy to the synergy between the legislature and executive arms of government in the State, stressing that such a synergy would continue to be sustained for the development of the State.


His words “For us, this is marvellous. It is not the size of the building but the basic concept of the legislator to put this together. She actually put this together to teach our people how to fish, especially at the time when politics has been given different names. What she has done has justified the image of Nigerian politics. For a legislator to think about this is commendable”


He added “We must thank the members of the State House of Assembly for their support at all times. It is the synergy between members of the Assembly and the executive council that can transform the state. The people must be mindful of what they say. I want to assure you that whatever anybody says it is his business. We shall continue to do our best for this State”.


In her speech, Hon. Kemi Adesanya appreciated the support she received from her colleagues and assured that centre would provide opportunities for youth in the constituency to learn one skill or the other for their future development.
 
 
 
Dele Awogbami
Press Officer.
13-6-12.

FORMULATE POLICIES THAT AID SPEEDY DEVELOPMENT-MIMIKO CHARGES PUBLIC SERVANTS.

Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko yesterday tasked those in the top hierarchy in the public service to formulate policy options that will assist the nation to overcome her developmental challenges.

Dr  Mimiko, who stated this while declaring open the 36th meeting of the National Council on Establishment holding in Akure the state capital, maintained that for any nation to achieve desired result, there must be virile and dependable public service.

According to him, if any nation must overcome poverty, there should be a synergy between the political class and the public service, which he described as the engine room of societal development.

The Governor, who stressed the importance of reinvention of public service, lauded the critical roles being played by public servants and called for their training and retraining with a view to achieving the goals and purpose of good government at all levels.

His words “A stable and reliable workforce, especially in public service has been the most appropriate platform for the implementation of government programmes. I believe that the success of public programmes rests on the quality and structure of public service. The conducive atmosphere in our sunshine state will enable you to do an in-depth review of the establishment matters before you come up with good recommendation for the progress and development of public service in Nigeria ”.

The Governor used the forum to explain some of his administration’s packages to enhance quality service delivery to include, 50% of basic salary to workers as end of the year bonus, regular training and retraining of workers, renovation and equipment of offices, reduction in the interest rate of car loans and payment of N22, 000 minimum wage for workers among others.

In his keynote address, the head of the civil service of the federation, Alhaji Isa Bello Sali, noted that the aim of the meeting is to reposition and reform the service and constantly review the basic operating rules guiding it in order for it to take its pride of place in the process of transforming Nigeria

He added that during the meeting, various strategies would be implemented to transform public service and make it deliver prompt and quality service to the people.

Earlier in his welcome speech, the head of service of Ondo State , Mr Ajose Kudehinbu, noted that the present administration in the State has brought genuine innovation into the system, thereby impacting on the lives of the public servants.



Dele Awogbami,
Press Officer.
24-5-12

MIMIKO AND HIS YOUNG BAKERS

    Beaming with great enthusiasm about the new found passion, Ayodeji, a young soon to be entrepreneur rattled in the air for anyone to hear how he would make a future a fortune out of the bread making business he is into. He, like many other unemployed Nigerians have stayed endlessly waiting for a miracle of a white collar job but decided to key into the entrepreneurial attachment training programme put in place by the Ondo State government through the Ministry of Employment and productivity.
   
      Just like any other nations of the world, unemployment has been a great problem that one tends to wonder how a great menace of this type will be tackled. The governor Mimilko led administration in its giant stride has decided to partner with the Artisans to create jobs for the teeming unemployed youths in the state.

     Recently, the apprenticeship attachment training programme was flagged off in Akure in different trades and vocations primarily to help the young people put their energy in something productive. The attachment training programme in bakery is the first of its kind in the history of the unemployed youths and the artisans in the state.

     The programme is scheduled to run for six months. During this period, the young bakers are to be trained in the intricacies of the baking jobs in order for the young them to be self reliant. According to the Chairman of Ondo State Bakers Association, Alhaji Musibau Iyiola, believes that all the 100 trainees under the scheme would so much interested in the trade that they would make it a lifelong full time job.

      Amodeni Adedayo, a graduate of civil Engineering of Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife believes that it is a great privilege to be chosen to participate in the training programme. He has been working tirelessly everyday to get the best out of the programme. In a chat with him, he mentioned that he used to work in Port Harcourt but after the expiration of the contract job, he did not have any choice but to return to Ondo State to look for opportunity. The only opportunity that seems to be available to him was the bakery trade and more so, there is no bakery in the whole of his town which he presently still resides in. he sees it as an opportunity to be the first person to come up with a bakery in iju-itaogbolu.  Having looked for a job endlessly, he believes that to curb the menace of unemployment, the youth of today must move into skill acquisition. Amodeni said beside the setting them up in the next six months what attracted him most to the programme is the fact that the government is not just training them alone, they are being paid a token of #10,000 per month to cater for their feeding and transport expenses  before they become  master of the trade. Ademola  reiterated that the present administration is showing them how to fish rather than give them fish to eat. He sees himself as a potential baker who will serve his community for many years and come and a provider of jobs.

       Ige Awe Isaac, a primary six school, leaver who was a part time driver got to know about the programme through a friend who had listened to the advertisement on the radio. Although the friend doubted the authenticity of the advert because he believed government don’t do things for free. He decided to take a leap of faith by coming to the Ministry of Employment of Productivity where he obtained the form free of charge. Two weeks later, he was called for and here he is today, learning to be a baker. Isaac said he thanked his star for doubting his friend because today he is better for it. In just one month, he has learned so much that he could not have done that sitting that at home. He implored all young people wasting away at home to key into the skill acquisition programme to make Ondo State and Nigeria a better place.

      Oyetayo Oyebola, a young mother of six months, and a graduate of business Administration who recently moved down to Ondo state as a result of   her marriage to a man that lives in the state.    decided to key into the program because she was bored  of doing nothing at home as a result of unemployment having left her job in Lagos State. She comes to the bakery everyday to tap out of the training programme. Despite the young age of the baby, she is not deterred; she said she is in the training to win because she can own her own bakery one day. She said by the grace of God, she would try and set up on her own in the nearest future. She announced that nobody forced her to key into the programme she decided to do it on her own. When asked if she would be able to cope as a result of her gender, she reiterated that anything worth doing at all is worth doing well and what a man can do, a woman can do it best.

       Ayodeji Ajayi, a graduate of Accounting of University of Ado Ekiti in Ekiti State said he has been a cement trader all his life. He could not continue with trade because he uses the money for his personal upkeep and he realized that business cannot thrive in such a situation. It was an answered prayer when he got to know about the training. He said it has been his dream and ambition to own a bakery. He commended the effort of the Ondo State Governor for trying to make the young people self-reliant. Ayodeji said he grew up in Akure, in his 30 years of residence, he has never seen a government that is closer to the people as the present administration. He urged the Governor not to relent its effort at making life simple and affordable for the people. He appealed to the young people outside who are roaming about searching for elusive white collar jobs to enroll for a programme like this to save them time.

       These are just few out of the 100 young able bodied young men and women that the Governor Mimiko’s Administration has given direction and hope to their lives. These young and talented people are looking forward to a life more productive and worthwhile. This apprenticeship attachment training programme has put a ray of hope into their future which used to be devoid of such before they decided to be part of the programme. They are now looking forward to the day they will graduate from the programme and be set up on their own.

       In the advanced nations of the world, the artisan are indeed the movers and the shakers of the economy, they determine how many jobs will be created and how many will be lost. The present Administration recognizes this fact and has decided to train the artisans to be master of their trade. Through the Ministry of Employment and Productivity, in a way to encourage the Artisans is planning to train the artisans on their on trade so they could compete with the other artisans in and out of the country. According to Governor Mimiko, he believes that the best product must come from Ondo State, in terms of goods and services; it has to be the state of the art.

       Questions have been raised on what is going to be the lots of the trainers after the training programme, according to some people that has been how some government have been training and dumping the trainees without any notable plans to set them up.

       The Ondo state government in partnership with National Economic Reconstruction Fund (NERFUND) is doling out 1 billion naira loan to artisans and entrepreneurs in the state to held in jacking up there entrepreneurial development. These young trainees are not going to be left out, they will  be clustered into groups to be able to access this loan to enable them start up their business and also create jobs for the unemployed youths.  The attraction in this training programme is not just to provide job for one person but for 2-3 other people added to themselves.

      In the real sense, empowering a person in bakery is like empowering 10 people at a time. It can be translated to mean that, in a bakery, a driver, two mixers, 2 pan cleaners, a flour grinder, two flour cutters, a marketer and a gateman would be needed to get a bakery going. Getting these young entrepreneurs productive would not only put food on their table alone but on the table of 10-15 other people at a time.

      The Ministry of Employment and Productivity is not just stopping in Bakery, the ministry is bringing people in confectionaries and event management, Almanco and roofing business, POP and paving stone.

     The fact is this avenue for employment generation could be as big as the people who are taking the bull by the horn by going into it. Unemployment will remain a problem, the only difference after many year is how the youths have helped themselves by creating jobs for themselves and for other people. This empowerment has come to stay because it will forever touch the lives of people.



Bisi Lawani
Ministry of Employment and Productivity 

ENGAGE YOUTH IN PRODUCTIVE VENTURE--MIMIKO

   
             If Nigeria is to overcome her numerous challenges, the youths must be well engaged in productive ventures that will bring about peace and development to the country.

           This was the submission of the Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko on Tuesday during the commissioning of Bradama International Skill Work Centre at Agadagba-Obon in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of the State.

             According to the Governor, governments at all levels, including well-being individuals should leverage on the opportunities abound in the country to make sure that the youth are gainfully engaged to curb all forms of vices in the society, especially as the nation is confronted with security challenges.

            Dr Mimiko lauded the proprietor of the centre, Chief Bibopere Ajube, an ex-militant for the vision, which he described as unique and particularly commended the bold step taken by Late President Umar Musa Yar’Adua to grant amnesty to militants in the Niger-Delta Region of the country.

          Also, Governor Mimiko appreciated the efforts of Chief Ajube in ensuring security in the coastal part of the State and promised to collaborate with the centre in entrepreneurial development training of youth in the State.

          He however assured the people of the area that his administration would construct a Mega School and hospital in the town to add values to the lives of the people.

          He said “We must commend the vision of late president Umar Yar’Adua for this amnesty programme. What we are seeing today is a clear demonstration of the vision of Chief Ajube to make impact on the lives of his people and we must commend him for this. I want to assure you that we will partner with this centre to make sure that its goal is achieved. This is about engaging our youth in productive venture and we must support it”. 

          In his speech, President Goodluck Jonatharn, who was represented by his special adviser on Niger-Delta and chairman Presidential Amnesty Office, Hon Kingsley Kuku, commended the efforts of ex-militants towards ensuring peace and development in the Niger-Delta area.

        He explained that with the supports and cooperation of the Niger-Deltans there has been appreciable increase in oil production in the area.



Dele Awogbami,
Press Officer.
23-5-12

WE ARE PRUDENT IN MANAGING THE STATE FINANCE,THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING ME---MIMIKO

      Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko said his administration has been prudent in the management of the funds accrued to the State.
   
       The Governor disclosed this on Thursday during the 45th birthday get together of his wife, Olukemi, held at the Banquet Hall of Government House in Akure.
   
       Dr Mimiko, who explained that throughout his period as public office holders both at the federal and state levels, transparency and accountability have been his watchword, added that he had never in any form short-changed governments.
    

      He noted that his tenure as governor of the State has continued to be appreciated by the people of the State because the government has added values to their lives, stressing that no amount of intimidation would deter him from meeting the yearnings and aspiration of the people.
   
       His words “I have never looked after wealth in my life, I have never attempted to short-change the state. In all my public offices, I have been diligent and I have given services to the best of my ability. Even at the critical juncture, God is always there for us. Forget about what anybody says, we shall continue to give values to the resources of this state”.
      
       While describing his wife as loving and caring, Dr Mimiko appreciated her courage and support for his political career and for sustaining the growth of the family.
   
      “When she is cheerful, no matter the situation, everything will be solved.  I always feel that I can conquer the world. She is a woman that is not after material things. Even when I was in private practice and everybody expected more and more money to come in and we discovered everything was going through the window, you know for political engagement, she never complained. If she had done that, it would have truncated my political career”. Said Mimiko.
   
         In his exhortation, Rev. Tunde Adesida charged the people to always appreciate God on daily basis and also to be mindful of the way they spend their lives.
   
         The cleric however commended Mrs Mimiko for her concern to the less privileged in the society, particularly women and children.

URBAN RENEWAL: MIMIKO’S CATALYST FOR TRANSFORMATION

         In Ondo State, before the Mimiko’s administration came on board, it appears that no physical planning institution and actionable economic policies were put in place. What this administration met on ground were urban sprawl, street trading, blighted urban infrastructure, deteriorating urban environment, high rate of unemployment, decline in the people’s standard of living, child and maternal mortality and the rural communities across the state were qualitatively and quantitatively depopulated, thereby not economically viable.

          Also, the features of urban centres across the state were blighted and unaesthetic, overcrowded and congested.  Apart from these built up areas, there are unwholesome environmentally, degrading circumstances in urban centre, some notorious environmental spots, urban violence, poor sanitation, narrow roads, clumsy traffic situation, chaotic vehicular and traffic movements along some notorious spots and uncultured parking habits which causes visual intrusion in most parts of urban centres.

            Similarly, there were growths of shanties, street trading, shops overlay, display of make shifts kiosks and wears along major streets. The urban centres exhibited improper urban land use and uncoordinated urban development.  Ecological issue is another environmental problem facing urban centres in the state as people built close to river courses and on flood plain, rocky outcrops, slopes and at other difficult and dangerous landscape.  Incidental open spaces and buffer zones were misused and mismanaged.  The core areas of urban centres then lacked equilibrium as well as scenic and aesthetic values.

       With these entire situations on ground, the Mimiko’s administration in its CARING HEART initiative put up an urgent action oriented efforts aimed at adopting appropriate and workable planning strategies that will facilitate and combat these socio-economic problems.


     The Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development in Ondo State was therefore put in place by the Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko in 2009 as a tool to tackle physical planning and urban management problems in the state. It has Architect Igbekele Daodu as the Commissioner to champion the course for spatial re-organisation towards achieving quality urban form, structure and sustainable environment.
This is because urban renewal needs a viable personality to cushion the putting up of new live into badly developed and dysfunctional urban centres by providing those facilities that are lacking to make the city more functional, habitable, healthy and aesthetic. This urban renewal is all about achieving environmental sustainability and improving the lives of the people living in slums.


          A positive and pragmatic friendly action in the form of urban upgrading was adopted by this administration through the Ondo State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development to restore efficiency, functionality and aesthetics in the blighted areas of urban centres across the state in the form of corrective and remedial actions.
Urban renewal of this administration focuses on the provision of those elements beyond the ability of the poor majority of families living in blighted neighbourhood.  Therefore, Mimiko’s  administration focuses on the provision of the missing urban facilities and rehabilitates the existing ones without mass demolition of structure, while owners of buildings demolished were adequately compensated before demolition commenced. This physical planning and urban renewal initiative becomes a process to improve the quality of life of the residents in the urban and rural areas.


        Governor Mimiko’s mega vision is to stimulate urban economy through various urban renewal programmes in order to solve many social, economic and environmental problems.  His administration has been able to develop and harness the economy of the various towns and their inhabitants through the various urban and rural transformational projects of values, including the Quick Win projects. These projects include;Market Infrastructure Development: Before this administration, there were no organized city markets in its modern sense. The traders carry out their daily trading activities on the streets, both in the sun and rain. The government has constructed over twenty markets to provide decent and comfortable business environment, while others are still under construction. It also constructing and rehabilitating market stalls, channelizing streams and rehabilitating abutting roads to markets.


                  Development of markets infrastructure and other adjoining infrastructure such as roads and channelization of streams are transformational projects of values that makes these markets functional and sustainable, not forgetting that it enhances the aesthetics of the entire neighbourhood for the users.  For example, traders and other auxiliary service providers are now operating in a conducive and more comfortable environment.  They enjoy complimentarily and external economies due to agglomeration of traders having access to common poll of service infrastructure and larger population.  Other advantages include fostering social relationship among traders and other service providers operating in the neighbourhood.  The buyers too have choice of goods and services due to the concentration of various goods.  Agglomeration of economies of market has positive economic influence on the value of real properties and rents within the neighbourhood.


                  Urban Restructuring (Relocation of Informal Activities) is another germane urban renewal project being executed by this administration. At inception, this administration became worried due to the unaesthetic nature of urban centres, particularly the state capital, Akure, as a result of indiscriminate location of informal land use activities.  This give rise to land use conflicts which eventually results to slum in some areas.  These informal land uses include mechanic workshops, street traders, auto-mart, motor parks, plank markets, building material traders etc.  The government again provides a serene, secure and sociable environment to solve problems of land use conflicts in urban centres so as to achieve urban aesthetics.  This makes provision of facilities such as electricity, water, security, etc economical and efficient.  Clustering of artisans leads to lower cost of services and higher profit.  Agglomeration of artisans makes transfer of skill and knowledge among artisans easier and improves productivity.  Land use intensity due to agglomeration of economies increases the surrounding land values.


                 Mimiko’s administration in developing urban and rural Infrastructure constructed roads, modern Motor Park, public car parks along Oba Adesida-Oyemekun road to Airport road, central car park behind Akure Central Mosque with the capacity of 284 cars, etc.  The historic neglect of infrastructural development which poses a steep barrier to attaining socio-economic transformation and poverty alleviation was tackled by this Mimiko’s administration through the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development that has been responsible for the provision of urban infrastructural facilities in urban centres. 

                  Similarly,the Ministry of Community Development attended to the provision of infrastructure and services to the rural communities across the state.  This is to bridge the existing wide gap in infrastructural provision between the rural areas and urban centres and to bring dividend of democracy to the grassroots or rural communities.
As part of efforts to empower the common man in the state, most of the urban renewal projects apart from roads are being handled by the Direct Labour Agency.  They engage artisans and professionals to work on the projects directly and thereby improving their sources of income and standard of living.  They purchase their materials directly from the local markets and thus improving the trader’s standard of living.  Also, through urban renewal programme, the living conditions of the affected areas are improved.


                  In conclusion, Mimiko has been able to use urban renewal to enhance property values, rejuvenate and restore functionality, efficiency and aesthetics to the affected neighbourhood and thereby improving human lives and dignity to humanity.

Ayokunle Ikusemiju,
Press officer,
Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development

ODSG TO PARTNER WITH NGOS AND CSOS

As part of its effort to bridge the gap between the people and the government in Ondo State, a 3-Day Summit has been organized for Non Governmental Organizations (NGOS) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOS) in Akure.

               

The Summit titled “Marching Forward Sustainable Development In Ondo State –  A Call To All Stakeholders” was organized by the office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Development and NGO matters in order to familiarize participants with the policies and programmes of the government.

               

Declaring the Summit open the Ondo State Government, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko reiterated his determination in developing the State and promoting its ideals, stressing that within 3 years of his administration he has impacted positively in the lives of the people of the State.

               

The Governor said Civil Society Organizations and Non-Govermental Organizations must create a synergy to bring development to the people by embarking on life-inspiring programmes. He therefore, urged participants to discuss extensively and come out with innovations and developmental programs that can move the State forward.

               

Mimiko also pledged total support for Civil Society Organization and Non-Governmental OrganizationS in achieving their goals, stating that the State government will soon commence a capacity building initiative and training for Civil Society Organization and NGOS in the State.

                 

He then promised that the State Government will critically consider the recommendations and decisions of the Summit, which will in turn have a long term benefit on the populace.

               

In his view, the Guest Spedear, Mr. Kevin Gager of the National Team Leader State Accountanbility and Voice Initiative (SAVI) in Nigeria explained that the civil society organizations were better organized during the military era, as they were voice of opposition in checking the excesses of the military government.

               

Gager, however lamented the present politicizing of CSO stressing that  civil society organizations must be focused and strive to contribute meaningfully to the government policies and programmes, as well as checkmating them in the most constructive ways. The speaker decried lack of continuity in Government programmes, adding that change in such programmes impedes societal development.

               

Gager also recommended the proper utilization of the abundant resources available in the nation to annex its donor agencies quit their roles and support in government programmes, the nation’s economy will remain vibrant.

               

He therefore called on government at all levels to manage its resources judiciously. Addressing the participants,Mrs. Bolanle Olafunmilye who is the Special Assistant to the Government on Community Development and NGO matters said the objectives of the Summit is to show case the activities of the government to the public, especialy the developmental partnership and donor agencies both locally and Internationally. Ola Funmiloye said the gap between the people and the government can be bridged when the NGOS, & CSOS and donor agencies are ready to collaborate with the government in promoting good ideas.

She also reiterated the determination of the State Government to develop the State, saying with the 3is Initiative in place, over 350 Communities have benefited from dIVdends of democracy.

               

Present at the Summit are, Former Vice Chancellor of FUTA Prof. Albert Ilemobade, Commissioners, Traditional Chief and Top Government Functionaries

Sola Omoboyowa

Information Officer

Ondo State Ministry Of Information

MIMIKO DEVELOPS ODSG MANSPOWER

                                           

                                            


        In order to improve and strengthen its workforce for quality service delivery, Ondo State Government has organized a five-day seminar for newly appointed Permanent Secretaries and Tutors-General at the Lagos Business School, Lagos state.

    Declaring open the seminar, Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, said the seminar was part of a deliberately planned and sustained manpower development programmes instituted to support good governance.

      Speaking through the Secretary to Ondo State Government, Dr. Rotimi Adelola, Dr. Mimiko, explained that the positive impact of the school on productivity of previous participants from Ondo State, gave birth to ‘COMSERVE’ an acronym for commitment to Excellence Service.

     According to him, ‘COMSERVE’ had captured the expectation of his government in the re-orientation, repositioning and effectiveness of the State Civil Service.

      Dr. Mimiko, who said government would continue to give priority to the training of its workforce, disclosed that more than 90% of Civil Servants had attended relevant trainings since 2009, just as this had enabled government to have a pool of intellectually and emotionally mobile workforce that could compete globally.

    The Governor, expressed appreciation to the Lagos Business School for its support at all times, urging participants to take full advantage of the seminar.
Earlier, the Head of Service, Ondo State, Mr. Ajose Kudehinbu, informed that the participants were the third batch of top civil servants that would be visiting the Lagos Business School.

     He said that the training would stand as a starting point for the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries and Tutors-General, adding that it was a step in a right direction.
Speaking on behalf of other participants, Mr. Dare Aragbaye, thanked the Government of Ondo State for organizing the programme.

     He assured of their dedication to duties at all times in order to justify the confidence reposed in them.  Papers on Social-Economic Environment:  Ondo State in Nigeria, the challenge of Leading in the Public Sector, among others were delivered.


Ayoade Akande

15 May 2012