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Akeredolu, Adebutu, Awofisayo flags off Ondo Red Gold Project

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In a quest to foster healthy partnership with private sectors on investment in Agric business, the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, on Thursday the 10th of June flagged off construction of Nigeria’s first privately owned Gas Inland LPG Terminal and Oil Palm Mills in Ore Industrial Park situated in Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.

Akeredolu said the projects which are Public-Private Initiatives, are in furtherance of the commitment of his administration towards transforming the state to the economic and industrial hub of Nigeria.

The Projects, the 2,000 Megatonnes Alles Charis LPG Inland Terminal and the Red Gold Oil Palm Mills, were flagged off in commemoration of his 100 days in office as a second term Governor.

The LPG Inland Terminal and Red Gold Project is a Public-Private Partnership between the Ondo State Government and Private Investments. The Alles Charis LPG, aimed to deploy quantity 8 inland storage within the next 5 years, is the first Privately Owned and biggest LPG Inland Terminal in Nigeria while the Red Gold Project is a partnership between the Ondo State Government and the National Oil Palm Producing Association of Nigeria (NPPAN) with the objective of focusing on a large scale Palm Oil Cultivation and Production.

Speaking at the event, Akeredolu assured people of the State that his administration will continue to intensify conscious efforts to ensure the growth of existing industries in the State as well as creating an enabling environment to attract new investors.

He explained that upon the inception of his Government in the year 2017, the state could not boast of having any industry; however his government has now attracted numerous industries into the State.

According to him, “when we took over, the Ore Industrial Park was just a forest, however, within the space of 5 years, we have brought Linyi Hub which has 5 industries and three new ones to be added.”

 

Another key player in Nigeria’s oil palm industry, Mr Dapo Awofisayo, Group Executive Director of CPL Group, the proprietor of Ore Irele Oil palm co. Ltd, who was also present at the groundbreaking launch of the Red Gold project averred that; the project shows the seriousness of the Akeredolu administration towards his redeemed agenda in creating an atmosphere for private investment in the state. Ondo currently has the largest small holder farmers of oil palm in the country and this Red Gold Project has brought in big investors.

Awofisayo further added that; “So far, we gathered that over 60,000 hectares is to be unlocked for the project and this will create half a million jobs for Ondo residents. JB farms is now functional in Ondo, Sudit as well, these are also big investors like us. It’s a testament to how serious this administration is about the Oil palm sector and how easy it is to do business in the state. Governor Akeredolu has also made the state attractive. The Red Gold Project will further boost the oil palm sector as a whole and also increase the entire level of oil palm acreage and palm oil production in the country. It will ultimately reduce the supply gap in the industry and steer Nigeria in the right direction to redeeming its lost glory as the number one producer of palm oil in the world taking over from Malaysia.”

 

In conclusion, Governor Akeredolu also added that; the Ore Industrial Park will create over 120,000 job opportunities in the State. He also expressed high optimism that the LPG plant will catapult Ondo State as the nation’s LPG distribution nerve center. “Red Gold Project, has a comparative advantage in Palm Oil Cultivation over other states and nations across the world. Our government will ensure that we fully develop the facility that will bring in millions for the State with increase in IGR and other revenues. For both local and foreign investors, Ondo state is ready to provide the much-needed incentives for every business to thrive. Lagos which serves as the commercial headquarters of Nigeria is already congested for business. Investors should consider Ondo as a new home for business excellence.”

 

Present at the event were the Secretary to the State Government, Princes Oladuni Odu, Special Adviser on Union Matters and Special Duties, Mr. Dare Aragbaiye, Commissioner for Information, Mr. Donald Ojogo, Managing Director of Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA), Mr. Boye Oyewumi and the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Agribusiness, Pastor Akin Olotu,MD JB farm LTD;  Ajibola Adebutu, High Chief, Engineer Abiodun Adejo, Chairman Abbis Farms, Mr Ade Ayoola, Chairman Bambi Farms Ltd among others.

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Kindness Defeats Witchcraft: Apostle Suleman’s Cross-Over Lecture at ‘Mercy Night’

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Evil is very much alive and well in this world. We are reminded of this fact as we see it play out almost often. Although evil occurs and serves as a stark reminder of the cruelty that exists within humankind, showing kindness can easily defeat evil acts, which is witchcraft, lectures popular servant of God and General Overseer of the Omega Fire Ministries (OFM) worldwide, Apostle Johnson Suleman.

 

At the ministry’s Cross-Over service on Tuesday 31st of December, 2024 tagged ‘Mercy Night’, the Restoration Apostle, ably present with his wife, Reverend Lizzy Suleman, warned us to “never avenge ourselves”. To the contrary, Apostle Suleman cautions; “do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good”.

 

Usually, the natural response of man when he is hurt is to hurt back. But, Suleman says “God tells us something different”, quoting Romans 12:19–21: “Vengeance is mine, I will repay. If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

 

According to the servant of God, not only should you refuse to take revenge, but you should intentionally do good to those who you would consider your enemies. Showing them love and kindness would so confuse and frustrate your enemy that the result would be them turning to God.

“If you want to see witchcraft being rubbished in your life, engage In kindness. To recover means to regaining possession. To recover means a comeback, the return of control. To recover means to improve and to become better. To recover is renewal,” Suleman teaches, suggesting that hate must not define us.

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Agbado Youths Celebrate Historic Succession, Rally Support for Prince Akintoye as King

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Agbado Community in Ogun State erupted in jubilation on December 27, 2024, as the youths led the town in a grand end-of-year celebration to honor the historic succession of the late patriarch, High Chief Anthony Kayode Akinrinade, by his son, Prince Akintoye Olusola Akinrinade.

The event marked a significant milestone in Agbado’s journey toward justice and stability following a prolonged Obaship crisis that stifled the community’s development for over three decades. The crisis, marked by legal battles and defiance of court orders with suit number CA/IB/75/2020, was recently resolved by the steadfast judgment of the Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division. The court ruled in favor of Prince Akintoye Olusola as the rightful successor, allowing him to continue the legal fight to restore order and dignity to Agbado.

 

For 35 years, Agbado thrived as a hub of agricultural trade and economic prosperity, with 147 villages under its jurisdiction. However, internal strife caused by selfish ambitions led to stagnation and disunity. The High Court delivered a landmark judgment five years ago, but resistance by a self-proclaimed monarch delayed the community’s progress.

On the 30th of October, 2024, the Court of Appeal officially recognized Prince Akintoye Olusola Akinrinade as the ‘Stand-In’ Plaintiff, a move that has rekindled hope for the community. This recognition also symbolizes a continuation of the legacy of the late High Chief Anthony Akinrinade, whose leadership was revered by all.

The festive event, organized by the Agbado Youth Forum, drew dignitaries, elders, chiefs, and community leaders. Baale Patoko, a key figure in the community, expressed optimism about the succession, stating, “The whole of Agbado strongly believes that by 2025, Prince Akintoye will be crowned king, bringing renewed peace and progress to our land.”

Pa Theophilus Amodu, a respected elder, praised Prince Akintoye’s exemplary character, noting, “He has taken after his father in good deeds and enjoys the trust and respect of the people.”

Mr. Amodu, President of the Agbado Youth Forum, echoed this sentiment, affirming the unwavering support of the youth for Prince Akintoye’s emergence as king. “His leadership will undoubtedly usher in peace, harmony, and development in Agbado,” he said.

The event concluded with renewed hope and determination among the people of Agbado, who are confident that Prince Akintoye’s ascension to the throne will mark the beginning of a new era for the community.

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Ex banker, Femi Olushakin, others arraigned for alleged armed robbery

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A former banker turned businessman, Olufemi Olalekan Olushakin alongside two others on Thursday were arraigned before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ibadan, Oyo State for alleged robbery.

Olushakin —now at large— and the two suspects — Ayomide Akanbi and David Adewale— were alleged to have conspired to commit felony to-wit armed robbery and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 6 (B) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Act Cap RII Vol. 14 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004.

In the case with Charge number: MI/1672C (Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Vs. Ayomide Akanbi, M, 32 and David Adewole, M, 47): “Count 1: That you (1) Ayomide Akanbi ‘M’ (2) David Adewole ‘M’ and one Olusakin Olufemi Olalekan ‘M’ now at large on 13th December, 2024 at about 5:00pm at Global Signature Hotel, New Gbagi Road, Ibadan in the Ibadan Magisterial District did conspire together to commit felony to-wit Armed Robbery and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 6 (B) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Act Cap R II Vol. 14 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004.

“Count 11: That you (1) Ayomide Akanbi ‘M’ (2) David Adewole ‘M’ and one Olusakin Olufemi Olalekan ‘M’ now at large on the same date, time and place in the above Magisterial District while armed yourselves with guns and some other dangerous weapons did attack one Akinola Dare ‘M’ and also dispossessed him of cash sum of Two Million, One Hundred and Forty Thousand Naira (N2,140,000.00) only, property of Global Signature Hotel Limited and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 1 (2) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Act Cap R II Vol. 14 laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004.”

The Police Prosecutor, Inspector Kefas Usman told court that Olushakin —a former branch manager with a second generation bank and now Chairman of LAC Autos & Spare Ltd.— alongside Akanbi, Adewale and others on the night of Friday, December 13, allegedly forcefully gained entrance into Global Signature Hotel in Ibadan by disarming the security men at the gate.

Usman stated that the suspects made forceful and unlawful entry into the hotel, went straight to the control room, destroyed the CCTV memory and cut off the CCTV machine.

“After vandalizing it, they went to the POS machine, took the machines of the company, went to the manager of the hotel, one Dare Akinola, at gunpoint took him to the cash registry to collect all the sales of the week including room sales, lodgment, bar & hall payment totalling over N2,140,000 (Two million, One hundred and forty thousand Naira).

“They went to all the rooms, rounded up all the customers, and forcefully asked them to transfer money into Olushakin’s personal account during the robbery.

“At gunpoint, they gathered everybody to the reception, laid them down at gunpoint and in fear of their lives, the customers made cash transfers to Olushakin’s accounts, they vandalized some other things, took the lodgment book, computers, and other equipment.”

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Giwa Babalola, ordered that the suspects should be remanded at the Agodi Correctional Center in Ibadan.

She adjourned the case till January 29, 2025 for further mention.

However, with Olushakin’s absence during the arraignment, the Oyo State Police Command has launched a manhunt for him with a bounty of N5 million placed on him to the public for anybody with useful information leading to arrest.

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