Heartlight Insight

A NOBLE HONOUR WELL DESERVED, ABENA CONGRATULATES SEYI TINUBU ON INSTALLATION AS ÒKANLÒMỌ OF YORUBALAND

The NDDC Executive Director of Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde (Abena) has warmly congratulated Barrister Seyi Tinubu on his installation as the Òkanlòmọ of Yorubaland, describing the conferment as a distinguished honour and a recognition of service, character, and commitment to societal advancement.

Abegunde noted that the prestigious traditional title, bestowed by His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, the Alaafin of Oyo, reflects the confidence and esteem reposed in Barr. Tinubu by the revered Yoruba traditional institution.

He described the ceremony held at the Alaafin’s Palace in Oyo Town as a powerful celebration of culture, heritage, and the enduring values of the Yoruba people.

According to Abegunde, the title of Òkanlòmọ carries profound responsibility, symbolising courage, loyalty, and a call to service.

He expressed confidence that Barr. Seyi tinubu possesses the vision and leadership qualities required to uphold the dignity of the title and contribute meaningfully to unity and progress across Yorubaland and Nigeria.

Abegunde further acknowledged Barr. Tinubu’s consistent engagement with youths and social development initiatives, noting that such efforts align with the essence of the honour conferred upon him.

He wished the new Òkanlòmọ of Yorubaland wisdom, strength, and continued success, expressing optimism that the honour will inspire greater dedication to cultural preservation, community development, and service to humanity.

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“The message is very clear. The South-West has stood by the North despite all odds; now it’s time for us to pay back, and we will do so.

“President Tinubu fulfilled his promise to former President Buhari. He campaigned in 2019, and God, in His infinite mercy, gave the late president victory.

“Some of us know that without President Tinubu’s plans, financial and other support, the North’s dream of ruling through Buhari might not have been realised.

“The dream of President Buhari to become president in 2015 was fully architected, designed and financed by Tinubu.

“Therefore, we in Northern Nigeria have no option but to follow and fully support him the first time and the second time, by God’s grace.

“We have started seeing what he is doing, and we pray for his success and a better Nigeria during his reign.

“With this chieftaincy title, we are sons of this place, and we will do our best to promote the cultural values of this institution wherever we find ourselves.

“Let me use this opportunity to assure Yorubaland that this is your ambassador.

“I will personally ensure that the North-West, North-Central, North-East and South-West unite and cement this relationship.

“We should not think otherwise about what we have today,” he added.

President Tinubu Cautions Nigerians Against Drinking Alcohol During This Christmas Celebration

TOUR: GOV AIYEDATIWA ENLISTS SUPPORT OF ILAJE RESIDENTS FOR STATE, FG MEGA PROJECTS

• Deep Sea Port Licence Revalidated

• Petrochemical Plant, Modular Refinery Sited at Sunshine FTZ

• Coastal Highway, Nursing College, Tourism Corridor Underway

Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Sunday enumerated a string of major projects being executed by his administration in Ilaje Local Government Area, describing the coastal council as a uniquely blessed part of Nigeria with vast resources and opportunities.

Speaking during a Thank-You Tour at Ilaje, where he received a rousing welcome, the Governor announced that the operating licence for the Ondo Deep Sea Port had just been revalidated, describing the development as a major economic milestone for the state.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, who described Ilaje as a unique local government, added that the deep sea port was only one of several transformative projects lined up for the area.

He disclosed that a fertiliser and petrochemical plant was also in the works, noting that the state government had already signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the project’s promoters.

The Governor further revealed plans for a 500,000-barrel-per-day modular refinery, expressing confidence that the projects would significantly boost the local economy.

According to him, the deep sea port, the petrochemical plant and the modular refinery would all be located along same axis within the Sunshine Free Trade Zone in Ilaje Kingdom.

Governor Aiyedatiwa also announced that the contract for the development of the Araromi seaside corridor for tourism had been signed with a company tasked with executing the project, adding that the initiative was part of broader efforts to unlock the tourism potential of the coastal area.

“All of these projects I have mentioned, aside from other projects, have been started in Ilaje Local Government,” the Governor said, adding that more projects would be awarded in the coming year, including the Agerige–Zion Pepe road.

He urged residents to tour the area to witness ongoing developments, citing road construction along the corridor and the concrete walkway being built along the riverine areas.

Governor Aiyedatiwa also spoke on federal projects impacting the area, particularly the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He said the construction of the Ondo State portion of the highway, linking the state with Ogun, had already commenced.

According to him, work had begun from Ebute–Pare down to Ogun State, noting that the highway would link Ondo State through Ilaje to Lagos, Nigeria’s largest market.

He said that upon completion, travel time from the area to Lagos would be reduced to about 35 minutes.

On education and health infrastructure, the Governor announced that he had approved the establishment of a College of Nursing Sciences at Kofawe.

He said construction would commence next year at the permanent site, adding that the approval had been granted by the State Executive Council.

He disclosed that land had already been acquired in Ilaje Local Government for the project, assuring residents that more initiatives were on the way.

The Governor thanked residents and supporters who contributed to the success of his administration, urging the people to take greater interest in government activities.

He encouraged residents to raise concerns in areas they felt had not been adequately addressed, promising that the government would listen and intervene where necessary.

As the festive season approached, Governor Aiyedatiwa extended Christmas greetings to the people, wishing them a joyful celebration.

Earlier in his address, Ilaje Local Government Chairman of APC, Hon. Raphael Adegboye, appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa, stating that the developmental process in the state was worthy of commendation.

In attendance were the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; APC chieftain, Chief Olusola Oke; Members representing Ilaje Constituencies 1 and 2 in the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abayomi Akinruntan and Hon. Olawunmi Fayemi-Obayelu; Director General, OSRC Media Group, Mr Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson; Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka; Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Mr Segun Omoyofunmi; Commisoner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Seun Osamaye; Local Government Chairman, Hon. Maurice Oripenaye; Special Adviser to the Governor on Legislative and Party Affairs; Hon. Kolawole Babatunde, Chairman of OSOPADEC, Prince Biyi Poroye,
as well as other political stalwarts.

Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
December 21, 2025.

HON. IFEDAYO ABEGUNDE (ABENA): SPREADING YULETIDE CHEER THROUGH GRASSROOTS ENGAGEMENTS ,

***All party members, religious leaders, SWAGGA and traditional leaders to share 800bags of rice, 7cows, palliative in cash across Ondo State.

As the year winds down, the Yuletide season offers a moment not only for celebration but for reflection on leadership, compassion, and shared responsibility. Christmas outreach across towns and villages in Ondo State and beyond is rooted in this spirit. Through the distribution of food items, cash support, and goodwill gestures, the aim is to ease economic pressures and reaffirm that leadership must touch lives directly, especially at the grassroots.

For many local government, festive periods highlight existing social and economic challenges. Reaching out during this time is a practical response to real needs, reinforcing trust and strengthening the bond between leaders and the people. It sends a clear message that governance is not distant, but present and responsive.

Beyond immediate relief, this outreach provides an opportunity for engagement and listening. As the Executive Director NNDC visiting communities allows for direct interaction, a deeper understanding of local concerns, and insights that are essential for people-oriented policies and sustainable development. Leadership thrives when it is informed by the lived realities of the people.

The Yuletide also symbolizes unity, love, and hope, values that transcend religion, culture, and politics. By extending support across communities without discrimination, we reaffirm our shared humanity and collective destiny.

Ultimately, leadership is measured by impact. As Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde (Abena), commitment remains steadfast: to reach the people where they are, stand with them in times of need, and continue working toward a more inclusive, compassionate, and prosperous Ondo State and nation at large.

AIYEDATIWA’S ECONOMIC BLUEPRINT, A MODEL OF PURPOSEFUL GOVERNANCE IN ONDO STATE~ ABEGUNDE COMMENDS GOVERNOR’S TRANSFORMATIVE POLICY DIRECTION

In a strong vote of confidence in the ongoing transformation of Ondo State, The NDDC Executive Director of Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde (Abena), has applauded Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for steering the state onto a historic path of economic expansion and sustainable industrial growth.

His commendation aligns with the recent remarks of the pioneer National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande, who noted that the governor’s policy direction reflects clarity, measurable intent, and long-term developmental vision.

According to EDCS NDDC , Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration has demonstrated an uncommon understanding of what modern governance requires, shifting from routine civil service dependent structures to a thriving, production-driven economy capable of competing globally.

He emphasises that this deliberate diversification agenda is not only strategic but necessary for a state blessed with abundant natural resources and a young, industrious population.

Abegunde highlights that the governor’s policies are already repositioning Ondo State as an emerging hub for investment, with renewed confidence from both local and foreign economic players.

"The administration’s focus on industrialization, agricultural expansion, infrastructure renewal, and private-sector partnership signals a visionary leadership model rooted in sustainability, measurable outcomes, and inclusive progress", he stated.

The former lawmaker and SSG noted that Chief Akande’s affirmation is a significant testament to the credibility of Governor Aiyedatiwa’s governance style, one built on competence, transparency, and the courage to make tough but beneficial decisions.

He therefore urges the people of Ondo State to continue supporting Governor Aiyedatiwa as he consolidates the foundation for a modern, productive, and economically competitive state.