Minimum Wage: Aiyedatiwa announces N73k

The Governor of Ondo State, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has announced the implementation of N73, 000 minimum wage for workers, stressing his administration’s commitment to the welfare of the people of the State. The Governor made the announcement during the flag off of the Ondo central senatorial district leg of the gubernatorial campaign of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo City on Saturday ahead of the November 16 election in the State. According to the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Aiyedatiwa said despite the fact that the federal government approved N70, 000 as the new minimum wage, Ondo will go a step further by paying N73, 000 to its workers. Governor Aiyedatiwa addressed the large crowd of supporters, urging them to convert their backing into votes for the APC to ensure the continuity of developmental initiatives across the state. He stated, “On November 16, I urge everyone gathered here and those who are not present to convert your support into votes for the APC to ensure the continuation of our significant progress in the state.“ Based on reports and my personal observations, I am confident that you all want this administration to continue beyond 2024. I see the love and appreciation from you, and I do not take it for granted. The best way to demonstrate this love is to vote for continuity, which will bring even more dividends of democracy.” The Governor highlighted the achievements of his administration over the past 10 months, stating, “During my time in office, we have initiated several important projects, including those started by the late governor. In agriculture, we’ve taken significant strides, boosting food production across the state. We’ve also approved over a billion naira for land clearing and launched various rural road construction projects to facilitate our farmers’ activities and improve productivity in rural areas.” The governor reaffirmed his dedication to enhancing security, the health sector, education, and youth empowerment. He noted that his administration’s efforts have made doctors more willing to stay in the state instead of leaving for opportunities elsewhere, a trend known as the “Japa” syndrome. To address this, he mentioned that his administration has increased doctors’ salaries and allowances. Engr. Ade Adetimehin, the State APC Chairman, also addressed the crowd, urging them to vote for the party to maintain its power. He emphasized Governor Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to infrastructural development across the state and reminded party members of the importance of safeguarding their voter cards, which are essential for ensuring the party’s continued leadership. Hon. Abiola Makinde, the House of Representatives member for Ondo East/West federal constituency, who is the campaign’s Director-General, praised Governor Aiyedatiwa as a proven and reliable leader who emerged through a transparent primary process. He encouraged supporters to return to their local communities and mobilize voters for the Governor, stressing the need for a strong turnout in the coming election. In her remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Lola Fagbemi, highlighted Governor Aiyedatiwa’s significant accomplishments, including timely salary payments, road construction and rehabilitation and funding for WAEC fees for public schools. Former APC governorship aspirant, Chief Olusola Oke, called on party members to return to their respective units to secure votes for Governor Aiyedatiwa, adding that grassroots mobilization is crucial for the party’s success and urging every member to be fully committed to achieving victory on November 16. Hon. Kolade Akinjo, a former House of Representatives member for Ilaje Ese-Odo Federal Constituency and former PDP gubernatorial aspirant, hinged his decision to join APC on Governor Aiyedatiwa’s leadership style and development strides. The senatorial district campaign continues on Monday at Ikare Akoko for Ondo North Senatorial District.

Ondo Election: Hoodlums raid Aiyedatiwa’s campaign office

In what observers have derisively referred to as a dress rehearsal, hoodlums have burgled the campaign office of the Ondo State governor’s campaign organization on Wednesday, with several items stolen. This was revealed in a statement issued and signed by the Information Director of LACO-FSIC, Kayode Fasua, who noted that the incident was discovered on Wednesday when staff resumed work. Fasua indicated that the manner in which the office was burgled suggested that the invasion was politically motivated. The leadership of the organization condemned the attack, stating, “There was a method to the burglary. The invaders not only stole some belongings but also destroyed electrical sockets, tore down Governor Aiyedatiwa’s billboards and posters, and smashed furniture items.” Fasua added that while the invaders took two rechargeable fans, the extensive destruction of memes and electrical gadgets clearly exposed them as political burglars, likely from the opposition camp. “With what took place overnight, it is now evident that at least one of the opposition parties in the state is prone to violence and criminal activity, despite the olive branch extended to all by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who is tirelessly working to improve the standard of living for the masses. “The methodical burglars and their paymasters were apparently shocked by the large crowds at the two meetings held in quick succession at the newly acquired LACO-FSIC campaign headquarters in Akure. They succumbed to the devil’s influence, destroying multi-million Naira properties and stealing valuable items,” Fasua lamented. He recalled that at the inaugural meeting of LACO-FSIC leaders in Akure, the Convener of the Campaign Organization, Dr. Oladipupo Okeyomi, aka Carry Go, and its Director-General, Mr. Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, led other State and Local Government Directors in outlining plans for a mass, community-based campaign to ensure total victory for Governor Aiyedatiwa on November 16. “The opposition likely sponsored moles to spy on our meetings, and realizing the futility of stopping what has become a moving train, they, in a state of panic over their looming failure, resorted to the indignity of political burglary, as was carried out overnight,” the LACO-FSIC spokesman criticized.