GGIANTIANT STRIDES

AKEREDOLU JOURNEY TO REDEMPTION

Abridged Version(First Steps and Giant Strides) 1 2 3 4 5 Abridged/Revised Version (First Steps and Giant Strides) GIANT STRIDES JOURNEY TO REDEMPTION

Governor Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu(Aketi), SAN NGUHER ZAKI

6 7 contents

INTRODUCTION 10 FOREWORD 12 JOB CREATION THROUGH AGRICULTURE, 14 ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INDUSTRIALISATION. MASSIVE INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT 66 AND MAINTENANACE. PROMOTION OF FUNCTIONAL EDUCATION 98 AND TECHNOLOGICAL GROWTH. PROVISION OF ACCESSIBLE AND QUALITATIVE 128 HEALTH CARE AND SOCIAL SERVICE DELIVERY. RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND 160 COMMUNITY EXTENSION SERVICES. SECURITY, LAW AND ORDER. 176 ARABINRIN IN ACTION . 202 ALLIANCES AND ENGAGEMENTS. 244

8 9 This book therefore enacts itself as speak with a certain force, clarity and an institutional memory which stores power which provide answers to the and unveils – in a rhythmic, cyclical questions: When is leadership? What Introduction and unending motion, Akeredolu’s should leadership do, now? And when he being of courage and This volume is an edited collection of experience ranging from anxiety, moral tapestry in . is the nowness of now? No air, no character at the epicentre of the vivid pictures selected from frustration, disappointments, poverty, Why a book written in pictures? It is pretence and no colour. of heroism is the defining tonnes of photographic captures gloom and statism all of which for ease of reference and colour to The intrinsic value of the evidences characteristic of true and representations of the various bedevilled the society. the mind. The chapters you will view and exhibits tendered in this book leadership. In a society where activities, moods and interventionist follow the progress report in each shows the transition of a beleaguered Tlove for and faith in leadership is lost, efforts of the Ondo State Government Immediately after his victory was of the areas of intervention with society from the harrowing experience where broken promises, futile mission under Arakunrin Oluwarotimi announced in 2016, I was made limited annotations, in order to retain only comparable to that of a man and blurred vision define public Akeredolu SAN. The three years the Secretary/Chief Executive of a the truthfulness of the photographic chained to the chariot driven by a attitude, the courage of restoration of Akeredolu in the saddle of the specially contrived experts group, Akeredolu’s three (3) years captured pictures. Besides, it helps to capture mad man, to that of a resuscitated must be total and definitive. Sunshine State presented in this the Strategic Development and Policy in this compendium is an evidence of in details, Akeredolu’s total fulfilment athlete with restored strength for the Leadership is everything. It consists book offers itself as an open canvas Implementation Committee (SDPIC) a thorough adherence and compliance of his vow at inauguration, that the home stretch. of knowledge, character, courage, for interrogating leadership. More consisting of two hundred and seventy- to promises made. Beyond, it directive principle of his government The book tasks us never to lose the sacrifice and vision. It is sometimes significantly, it registers, in resounding seven (277) distinguished Nigerians, represents victories which only the “shall be the security and welfare of courage that makes us human, it tasks christened as the vehicle of ideas bounds, the thrusts of the pulsating largely Ondo State indigenes both daring can bring. The five (5) point the people”. us to service, greater service. So it is and at other times, as emblem of source from whence came the force at home and in diaspora, personally agenda of Government: and so it will continue to be. This is civilisation and transformation. and power of the change being invited and convoked by the then • Job Creation through One hidden curriculum of candid an assurance that the good people of experienced. Governor - elect Oluwarotimi O. Agriculture, Entrepreneurship photography is to gain access into Ondo State can take for granted with The trouble with our country, as As a key participant in the etching Akeredolu, SAN. Our task was to and Industrialisation. the contours and innermost recesses this selfless servant. most often correctly diagnosed, is of the core values upon which investigate the conditions of Ondo • Massive Infrastructural of the mind of its object. And in this the dislocation between electoral this administration is erected, I State, identify clear needs and evolve Development and Maintenance. case, it strikes Governor Akeredolu KUNLE ADEBAYO promises and delivered experience. am honoured to be in position to a wholesome document containing • Promotion of Functional out as a man of himself, angry with Senior Special Assistant (Research and In many cases, the radical opposition bear true witness that a one to clear agenda, workable strategies Education and Technological status quo and impatient with endless Documentation) between the two embarrasses the one correspondence exists today as well as expected deliveries, in a Growth. politics and mediocrity. He appears public to a level of incredulity and between promises made and promises calendarised form, so that Government • Provision of Accessible and truly conscious and convinced of the cruelty such that may make the Hausa delivered. And the promises made becomes focus driven, predictable and Qualitative Health Care and verdict of history. The seriousness of man say “Haba!”. Such leadership are not the fictional and sensational accountable to its promises. The end Social Service Delivery and the pictures puts it on record that failure debases our humanity and fantasies of politics and politicians product was a book of roadmap for • Rural Development and Akeredolu has demonstrated candour enforces a regime of anger, diffidence - the Nigerian politician! They are Government which was christened Community Extension Services beyond the siren, aura and pageantry “Blueprint to Progress”. and gloom. products of distillation of the myriad are ambitious and all encompassing. of office. His carriage and tracks

10 11 indeed a statesman with a nationalist Ondo state will soon become the hub SAN in pictures and photographs is Foreword verve, inside and outside. His path at of industrial activity of and a perhaps the biggest platform for saying every station on this plane is noble, pride to the entire Yoruba race. so much about the extraordinary t is indeed a great pleasure to a lesson in commitment and partisan deeds of a true patriot. write a preface to a special service for public good. He is a slave Worthy of commendation, perhaps We are proud of Oluwarotimi publication marking the Third to conscience, honesty and loyalty. more importantly, is the pivotal role Odunayo Akeredolu. Year Anniversary of the played by Aketi in ensuring that I Government of Arakunrin I testify that his continuous desire Operation Amotekun, the South West His Imperial Majesty Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, and passion to drive the land and the Joint Security Outfit aimed at tackling Oonirisa Oba Babatunde Adeyeye SAN. people towards greatness is evident in insecurity challenges, remain in spite Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II Obviously, there is no better time the results of his worthwhile meetings of the odds facing its existence. Ooni of Ile-. than now to appraise the giant and partnerhips with international As the Chief Security Officer of his (Co-Chairman of the National Council strides made so far in terms of development agencies, working out State, the Governor has emphatically of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, NCTRN) total transformation of a State strategic engagements which are all demonstrated his commitment to popularly known for its rich natural yielding tremendous results in the area ensuring citizens can go to bed with resources, vast human potentials and of job opportunities for young people, their two eyes closed. inexhaustible opportunities, all of industrialisation, agro economy, public Presenting the giant strides of which are struggling for realisation. utilities, healthcare services and rural Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, development, among others. It was indeed very pleasing to hear Not once or twice have I had the Aketi speak in 2017 during his opportunity to visit Ondo State and inauguration, about his focus on observe first hand the life changing He is indeed a statesman with a Job creation, Agriculture, Education, When viewed against the enormous competence, clear vision and pedigree, developments taking place there. Health, Infrastructure, Youth challenges in our country today, to steer the ship of leadership, so that nationalist verve, inside and outside. development, workers welfare and tributary commentaries about Aketi Nigeria may attain its full potentials I have seen physically that schools other critical areas of human needs. becomes even more compelling. and occupy its rightful position on the in the State are clearly wearing new His path at every station on this plane is Without doubt and with clear From insecurity, fluctuating economy, world stage. looks and that massive infrastructural evidence before our very eyes today, corruption, political instability and development is going on all over the noble and a lesson in commitment and Akeredolu’s three (3) years are giant several other banes of our nation, I have found Governor Oluwarotimi State. I have no doubt in my mind that strides of one of the most successful it is obvious that we need to look Akeredolu, SAN, a highly focused with the spate of development going public administrators from the inwards and generate patriots with and trust worthy gentleman. He is on in the southern part of the State, partisan service for public good. esteemed house of .

12 13 1 Job Creation through Agriculture, Entrepreneurship and Industrialization.

Distribution of 45,000 improved varieties of cocoa seedlings and 25,000 cashew seedlings to farmers. August 31,2018

14 15 griculture and Industrialisation old Cocoa trees with long gestation guide against encroachments. thousand (120,000) employment would be employed from the host has been a strong focus period. This has led to the expansion Today in Ondo State, the Akeredolu- opportunities thereby mitigating the communities. Also, a Bitumen Research point for the Arakunrin of farm settlements, improvement •Payment of counterpart funds for all led administration has shown disturbing rate of unemployment in and Development Centre has been Oluwarotimi Akeredolu- in farmers’ yield and re-positioning externally funded agricultural projects competence and delivered on its the society. It provides all required established at the Federal University of led administration. This can be of Ondo as the number one Cocoa or programmes that will benefit the promises by not only encouraging infrastructure for sustainable Technology in and its affiliate is seen through the multiple agricultural producing State in Nigeria. people such as Fadama III Additional agricultural development but also functionality which includes, roads, to be at University of investment/intervention programs and Financing Project where N175 million embarking on massive industrialization. power, potable water, security etc. Science and Technology(OAUSTECH) the numerous industries springing •A N200 billion facility to farmers of was paid in 2017 and N93 million in Okitipupa. forth in the State. five (5) major cash crops at a single 2018. Governor Akeredolu visited Linyi His unwavering commitment to digit interest rate. The cash crops are; • Introduction of Igbaotun Poultry City in China and agreements were Bitumen exploration in the State Furthermore, the Ondo Deep Sea Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Cocoa, Cashew, Oil Palm, Shea butter Scheme. signed and sealed in the areas of has led to arrangements to kickstart Port (Port Ondo) development is has demonstrated to be a visionary and Sesame seeds. The decision to Paper Mill establishment, Bitumen the exploration of Bitumen in Ondo expected to open up the economy of leader and a great strategist who is support the farmers was arrived at •Establishment of a two thousand exploitation, Cement factory, Dairy State by an indigenous Company, the State and create job opportunities poised at moving Ondo State forward the Bankers’ Committee Meeting of (2,000) hectares Cocoa Plantation at Industry, to Ethanol Industry South West Bitumen(SWB) which for up to twenty thousand people through his interest in agriculture and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Ijugbere, . and the establishment of Ondo-Linyi has secured a twenty-five (25)-year (20,000) people in the coastal area. industrialisation for both human capital The CBN facility had been restricted Industrial Park. renewable operational mining license So far, some key milestones, including development and the development of to rice farmers for so long, excluding •Establishment of Sunshine Rice Mill across a land mass of about fourteen the preparation of port feasibility the State. This can be seen in various Cocoa and Oil palm farmers. Governor factory at Igbara-oke. These agreements are now realities thousand eight hundred (14,800) study, preliminary, geotechnical and programs like: Akeredolu, whose State is a leading as massive work is ongoing at the hectares in the southern part of the topographic survey for the deep sea producer of Cocoa, took the battle •Raising of one million, two hundred Cassava - Ethanol plant, Paper Mill State. The SWB is set to commence port has been successfully acheived. •Youth-on-the-Ridges empowerment for the inclusion of Cocoa and Oil thousand broilers (1,200,000) broilers industry, High Density Fibre (HDF) modular exploitation of bitumen in the The feasibility study and conceptual in Agro business, schools-on-the- palm sector to the highest level of under the State’s Igba-Otun Broiler and Medium Density Fibre (MDF) State targeting an output of 50,000 master plan for the new port has Ridges for secondary schools students. the National Economic Council (NEC) Out-Growers’ Scheme. factory which begun full operations. tonnes monthly, having taken delivery also been approved by the Nigerian where he made a breakthrough for His administration has also partnered of needed equipment and paid the Ports Authority (NPA). The project •The distribution of forty-five the farmers. •Gmelina Afforestation project. the Chinese firm Win-Win Textile agreed compensation to the families of has moved to the next stage which thousand (45,000) improved varieties Company to establish a textile factory land owners whose landed properties is the development of the Outline of hybrid Cocoa and Cashew seedlings •Registration of farmers in •Empowerment of poultry farmers at the Industrial Park in Ore which has were within the landmass acquired for Business Case (OBC) and Final and thousands of Oil Palm, Coconut Government reserves and farm in partnership with the Federal also commenced operations. The Ore the project. An operational base for Business Case (FBC). and Kola nut seedlings to farmers. This settlements across the State to ensure Government under the National Egg Industrial park is designed to create the company is under construction improved Cocoa species is to replace wholesome agricultural practices and Production (NEGPRO) scheme an estimated one hundred and twenty and once completed, several persons

16 17 On tour the Cocoa Plantation Project Site at Ijugbere, Owo. August 19, 2018.

18 19 Top: Governor Akeredolu flags-off the planting of Gmelina Aboree on 10,000 hec- tares of land at the afforestation project site Local Government Area. May 23, 2017. Right: Inspecting the growth of Gmelina Aboree trees planted a year before, under the Ondo State Government/Wewood Limited Afforestation Project. September 28, 2018. 20 21 Planting a Cocoa seedling to flag off the 2019 Agricultural Season in Ondo State at Mariwo Farm Settlement in Local Government Area. June 18, 2019. Left: Distributing Cassava cuttings to some farmers. Over a thousand farmers were given Cocoa seedlings, Maize seeds, Rice paddy and Cassava cuttings at the opening of the event. June 18, 2019.

22 23 Governor Akeredolu distributes trac- Part of the facility at the Asiwaju tors to farmers to flag off 2020 agricul- Bola Tinubu Skills Acquisition Centre, ture season. March 14, 2020. Ile-Oluji. 24 25 Top: Flag-off and pres- entation of a Cheque of 564 million naira to 135 benefitting farmers of the National Egg Production (NEGPRO) Scheme with the Minister of Agricul- ture Chief Audu Ogbeh. At the launch of the Youth-on-the-Ridges Scheme at Federal College of Agriculture, Akure. March 15, 2018. January 12, 2018.

Bottom: Presentation of 215 million naira cheques and farm inputs to farmers in the State as part of the Fadama III Additional Financing 26 Project. August 9, 2017. 27 At the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Signing Ceremony by Stakeholders in the Cassava Value Chain, witnessed by the Meeting with the Executive Director of Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) Mr. Olusegun Awolowo at the NEPC’s Governors of Cassava Producing States. November 21, 2019. headquarters, Export House, where they discussed the importance of Ondo State to the Zero Oil Plan and the non-oil export potentials of Nigeria. February 7, 2020.

28 29 Delivering an address at Develop Ondo - A Development Partners’ Summit aimed at attracting stakeholders in the private sector for the realisation of economic growth and development objectives of the State. November 21, 2018. Right: Meeting with the founder of Africa’s Young Entrepreneurs (AYE), Mr. Summy Smart Francis and his team at the Governor’s office. July 29. 2019. Bottom right: At the Africa’s Young Entrepreneurs (AYE) Summit held in Akure for young entrepreneurs. December 14, 2019.

30 31 Meeting with the Minister of Primary Industries of Malaysia, H. E Mdm. Teresa Kok on Ondo State Agribusiness and Value Chain Development. April 15, 2019. Left: Meeting at the Malaysia Agriculture and Research Development Institute(MARDI), Malaysia. April 17, 2019.

32 33 Left: Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing with the Office of His Highness Sheikh Dalmook Al Maktoum, a member of the Dubai’s ruling family in developing Ondo State Deep Sea Port and widening its investment horizon. April 11. 2019. Right: Taking a tour of Dubai Maritime City. April 11, 2019. 34 35 To p : With the Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Abubakar Bawa Bwari and CEO of the Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agen- cy (ONDIPA) Mr. Boye Oyewumi, showcasing the natural resources in Ondo State at the 9th Annual Investment Meeting (AIM), Dubai. April 10, 2019.

Bottom: Presentation of progress report on Bitumen exploration by the South West Bitumen (SWB) management team. June 14, 2019.

Right: Taking delivery of equiment 36 for the exploitation of Bitumen. July 37 25, 2020. Meeting with a conglomerate of Chinese Investors to establish Meeting with delegates of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Ocean Infrastructure Management another multi-sector Industrial Hub in the State. June 17, 2019 (OIM), Franchise and Business Solutions Limited (FBS) and Amiable Consultancy and Logistics Services Limited at the preparatory stage of the Outline Business Case(OBC) for the implementation of the Ondo Deep Sea Port Project. November 14, 2019.

38 39 Meeting with the Mayor of Linyi City, Mr. Zhang Shuping and delegates during an investment tour to China. June 8, 2018. Left: MoU signing between Ondo State Government and Linyi Government of Shandong Province, China, on the establishment of Ondo-Linyi Industrial Park, Ondo State. June 10, 2018.

40 41 Our intention is to turn our dear state into a hub of socio- economic activities, we are determined to stimulate the economic space for the benefit of our people.

- Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN

Addressing the press on-site the We-Wood Cassava to Ethanol Factory under construction, Ondo/Linyi Industrial Park, Ore. March 19, 2019.

42 43 Workers on-site at the We-Wood Cassava to Ethanol Factory, Ondo/Linyi Industrial Park, Ore. March 17, 2019.

44 45 President Mohammadu Buhari commissions the Ondo-Linyi Industrial Hub to mark the third year anniversary of the Akeredolu Administration. February 25, 2020.

46 47 Cassava to Ethanol Factory, Ondo/Linyi Industrial Park, Ore. December 20, 2019.

48 49 Vehicle assembling plant, Ondo/Linyi Industrial Park, Ore. May 23, 2020.

50 51 Workers at the Win-win Textile Factory, Ondo/Linyi Industrial Park, Ore. December 20, 2019.

52 53 Aerial view of Win-Win Textile Factory, Ondo/Linyi Industrial Park. December 20, 2019.

54 55 Thread Spining at Win-win Textile Factory. Ondo/Linyi Industrial Park, Ore. December 20, 2019. Packing threads produced at the Win-win Textile Factory, Ondo/Linyi Industrial Park, Ore. December 20, 2019.

56 57 Medium Density Fibre Wood Factory, Ondo/Linyi Industrial Park, Ore. December 20, 2019.

58 59 Layers of wood at the Ondo/Linyi Industrial Park, Ore. December 20, 2019.

60 61 Paper Mill Factory. Ondo/Linyi Industrial Park, Ore. December 20, 2019.

62 63 Aerial view Ondo/Linyi Industrial Park. December 20, 2019.

64 65 2 Massive Infrastructructural Development and Maintenance

Inspecting the Ore Flyover Bridge under construction. August 9, 2019.

66 67 ne of the basis of measuring development of the State a priority. Owo. •Dualization of CBN to Bishop’s •Rehabilitation of State Specialist Improvement Scheme with the the performance of •Dualization of Township Road, Court road, Akure. Hospital roads, Akure. complete restoration of electricity democratic leaders and Akeredolu’s magic touch on roads Phase 2. •Rehabilitation of Selected roads in •Construction of Iwalewa Road, to one thousand four hundred their approach to good rehabilitation and construction does •Rehabilitation of failed portions on Ondo Town. Akure. and twenty (1,420) houses in democratic governance is not discriminate against Federal, Owo-Ikare Road. •Asphalt Overlay of selected roads •Construction of Abusoro Road, L.G.A and parts of Ese-Odo LGA. the infrastructural development State or Local Government roads. •Dualization of Once hilly Oke in Akure. Akure. • Completion of Ugbonla Mini-Grid of their States. Due to demand for This is the case of the Owo-Ikare Alabojuto Road, Ikare Phase 1. •Construction/Rehabilitation of •Constuction of internal and Power Project to serve Ugbonla infrastructural development, it has road and several other roads spread •19.5km pilot scheme RAAMP some Ijapo Housing Estate Roads. access roads within the Ondo State town with uninterrupted power. become the main medium of serving across the three (3) senatorial Project Molege Ute-Road •Construction of terminal building University of Science and Technology • Commencement of the the general good of the people. districts of the Sunshine State. •Construction of selected roads in access road/parking lot at Akure (OSUSTECH), Okitipupa. construction of sixteen megawatt . Airport. •Construction of Sabomi Road, Ese- (16MW) combined cycle gas- All over the world, roads make a Within three (3) years of being •Construction of Oshinle, Iwalewa- •Construction of Orita Obele road Odo. fired Independent power plant crucial contribution to economic in office, the Akeredolu-led Alafiatayo, Iwalewa-oshinle, Iwalewa- •Rehabilitation of Ore Township •Construction of Okitipupa/ at the Ondo State University of development and growth which in administration has contructed and Hospital Road and Abusoro Road roads. Igbokoda/ Phase One Bypass Science and Technology as part of turn brings important social benefits rehabilitated 401.05 kilometres of Ijoka Phase 1. •Rehabilitation\ Construction of Ile- road. the littoral power sector initiative to the people. Since development roads, some of which include: •Construction of Alagbaka SIB– oluji township Roads. •Construction of box culvert, of the Akeredolu Administration is all about the people, road Appeal Court Road, Akure. •Rehabilitation of Ifon township channels, drains at Ore. for communities. These and many construction is one of the vital parts •Construction of Flyover Interchange •Construction of Iyere/Ugbe Road Roads. more. of growth and development in any Bridge across the ever busy / Owo. •Rehabilitation of Oke Afa Road In the Power Sector of Ondo State, given State. expressway. •Rehabilitation of Igbara Oke Isharun Supare . especially the Southern Senatorial •Dualization of Oda Township Road, and Isharun Township Road •Rehabilitation of Lennon Jubilee- District where there have been In about three (3) years in office, the Akure. •Rehabilitation of Igbara Oke, Ibuji Solaco road- Ugbe Road. perennial power outages, the Ondo Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu- •Dualization of Emure Junction – Road. •Rehabilitation of failed portion State Government has made some led administration in Ondo State AUD school Owo. •Construction of Oke-Ogba along Iwaro-Oka-Isua Road. interventions which include: has recorded unprecedented •Dualization of Ministry of Works Community Road. •Installation of street light along • Deployment of stand-alone solar success in road constructions and Ijebu-Iyere Junction , Owo. •Construction of Gaga Community Owo Dualized Road. power solutions in thirty three rehabilitations. •Construction of dual carriage way Township Roads. •Application of Enzyme-Solution (33) communities of the Zone. Like no other administration before from Oba Adesida (A-division) Oba •Reconstruction of Bolorunduro to Technology for Road Construction. Presently, the Aboto, Ebute-Ipare it, Akeredolu’s administration has Osupa Hospital road Oluwatuyi to Fagbo Road), Ondo. •Construction of the Oke-Oka and Igbobini have been powered. kept to its promise to make both the Ijoka. •Construction of alternative road in Road. • Commencement of Phase 1 people’s welfare and infrastructural •Construction of Iyere/ Road and out of Idanre to Ijoka, Akure. •Construction of GRA roads Owo. of the Ondo State Electricity

68 69 In three and a half years, 401 kilometres of roads have been constructed and

rehabilitated.

Projects Inspection. June 1, 2019.

70 71 Flag-off of the construction of Ore fly-over bridge across Benin-Lagos express road, Ore by President and other dignitaries. February 20, 2018. Right: Ore fly-over Bridge under construction.

72 73 Dualization of Oke Alabojuto road, Ikare Phase 1. The once hilly area was a death trap which had taken several lives through auto-crashes. Left: January 16, 2018. Top; December 18, 2019.

74 75 Construction of Gaga road, Akure. Top: January 18, 2020. Left: February 1, 2019.

76 77 Governor Akeredolu inspects the terrible condition of Akure/Ado road as plans are underway with his counterpart, Governor Kayode Fayemi and African Development Bank (AfDB) to dualise the road. July 4, 2019. Right: 8.5km Ipele Road. June 22, 2019.

78 79 Inpecting the Oba, Ikun, Afo and Idoani Roads, where heavy rain pour had eroded. The roads Reconstruction of the collapsed Oba-Ikun Akoko bridge. November 2, 2018. were reconstructed immediately to stand the test of time. September 15, 2018.

80 81 Dualization of Emure Junction – AUD School Owo. April 26, 2019.

82 83 Oba Osupa High Court road, Akure. January 18, 2020. Left: Inspecting the construction of Okitipupa-Igbokoda bye-pass road. June 12, 2019.

84 85 Commissioning of the Energizing Homes Electrification Project in Aboto town, Ilaje. September 11, 2018. Left: Commissioning of 60MVA Transformer at the 132/33kv transmission substation, Okuta Elerinla, Akure. August 20, 2018.

86 87 A look at the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report indicates that, Ondo State which was the twenty second (22nd) in the accruement of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in 2017 overtook the other States of the Federation in 2018. The State became number one in growth rate with 126% increase and grew its IGR by more than double from N10.93 billion to N24.79 billion making her the ninth (9th)-highest revenue-generating State of the Federation in 2018 and seventh (7th)-highest in 2019.

Line chart showing the trend of Ondo State’s average monthly IGR between 2012 and 2019. Source: NBS

88 89 The new office complex for the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS), training, meeting, conference halls and banks. February 7, 2020.

90 91 The Plant in operation at the OFL-Marble and Granite Limited, Afo. February 22, 2018. Left: With the Minister of Mines and Steel, Dr, Kayode Fayemi at the Flag-off of OFL-Marble and Granite Limited, Afo. February 22, 2018.

92 93 Governor Akeredolu saved the State four hundred and sixty three million naira (N463,000,000) by reconditioning thirty(30) broken down and unserviceable vehicles in all ministries, extra- ministerial departments and agencies, instead of buying new ones. The Government spent sixty five million naira (N65,000,000) only on the Toyota vehicles. In his address at the commissioning of the vehicles, he said his decision to refurbish all Government vehicles was taken due to paucity of funds and cost effectiveness, considering the outrageous cost of procuring brand new vehicles. To p : Inspecting the pool of broken down vehicles. October 12, 2018. Bottom: Refurbished Toyota Vehicles. August 2, 2019.

94 95 At the launch of Sunshine Travels mass transit buses, Oyemekun road, Akure. August 10, 2019. Donates a new bus to Sunshine Stars Football Club. April 4, 2019. At the commissioning of VIO Computerised Vehicle Inspection Center. May 24, 2019.

96 97 3 Promotion of Functional Education and Technological growth.

Pupils of St. James Anglican Primary School in one of their newly renovated classrooms. March 15, 2019.

98 99 he Governor Arakunrin State have been renovated and and technologically driven. Digital Village projects are programs Facebook Incorporation and Digivate Oluwarotimi Akeredolu- reconstructed, while another set up across the State to train over 360, tagged “Boost Your Business”. led administration three hundred and fourteen (314) Asides this, the Akeredolu’s ninety (90) youths monthly with a view has demonstrated projects for the renovation of other administration revived the already to drastically reducing unemployment The Oluwarotimi Akeredolu T commendable efforts primary schools are underway. comatose Olusegun Agagu in the State. The ICT Resource-based Administration demonstrated its towards improving Not resting on these feats, the Ondo University of Science and Technology centres are furnished with state- eagerness to invest in technology the Educational and Technological State Government paid N3.7 billion (OAUSTECH) in Okitipupa. of-the-art facilities and equipment. with the launch of Tech Hubs in all sectors in Ondo State. as counterpart funding for Universal The University has now been the three (3) senatorial districts of Basic Education Commission upgraded with new infrastructure Another outstanding leap in the State. The goal is to revolutionise Since his inauguration as Governor (UBEC), an amount matched by and other Government touches strenghening ICT skills is the the State through technology and to of the Sunshine State, he has the Federal Government to revamp which has made it possible for the collaboration between the Office make Ondo State the technology stayed true to his promise of the primary education sector. institution to start growing even in of Innovation and Partnerships hub of South-West Nigeria. making basic education attractive, terms of expansion of campuses. (ION), Ondo State and Deutsche As part of his administration’s goal affordable and accessible for The administration rolled out Gesellschaft fur Internationale to prioritize the lives and properties the good people of Ondo State, promotion letters to one thousand In the area of technological Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), in organizing of the people of Ondo State, thereby closing the gap between eight hundred (1,800) primary development, the Akeredolu-led career path programs for the the Akeredolu’s Government has the rich and the poor in terms of school teachers in the State, administration has consistently unemployed youths in different commissioned a new Computerised qualitative learning at the basic level. they were promoted after a demonstrated its commitment to entreprises across the State. Vehicle Inspection Center. The centre conscientious screening exercise driving growth and development is a more reliable and dependable Across the eighteen (18) Local carried out by the State Universal in the State by initiating schemes Also, the Office of Innovation and scientific based center using the best Government Areas of the State, there Basic Education Board, (SUBEB). and programs targeted at training Partnerships (ION) successfully scientific and technical analysis for the has been a midas touch in the area youths in the areas of Information trained three hundred (300) issuance of Road Worthy Certificates of renovation and reconstruction Furthermore, the present and Communication Technology. Micro, Small and Medium Scale for vehicles on the State roads. It has of public primary schools under administration within its first year Ondo State has become the first Enterprises(MSMEs) on Strategies the capacity to inspect one hundred the the Ondo State Universal had an Education Summit for and only State in Nigeria to establish to effectively use the available social and twenty vehicles a day and provide Basic Education Board (SUBEB). critical stakeholders in the State five (5) Digital Village projects within media platforms to project their goods jobs for thirty six (36) engineers. About eight hundred (800) to reposition the education sector, a year, ranking high in digital literacy and services to the world. This was public primary schools in Ondo to make it qualitative, functional programs across the country. The done in a Partnership Program with

100 101 About 800 Public Primary Schools have been reconstructed and equipped with modern day facilities, ICT centers, playground equipment and perimeter fences.

Kids playing after school hours on their new playground at St. Stephens Anglican Primary School, Ijomu. March 15, 2019.

102 103 St. Michael Anglican Primary School Ipe Akoko. December 17, 2019.

104 105 The state of most of the schools then (left) and now(right); St. Brendan RCM Primary School, Akure. December 12, 2019.

106 107 The state of most of the schools then (top) and now(right); St. James Anglican Primary School, Akure. March 15, 2019.

108 109 The state of most of the schools then (left) and now(right); Adeola Primary School Oke- Ogun. December 16, 2019.

110 111 Newly renovated State Libarary, Akure. Newly constructed Library at the December 12, 2019. Olusegun Agagu Science and Technology (OASTECH) Okitipupa. August 13, 2020.

112 113 Inspecting the ICT laboratory at St. James Primary School Oda with Senator Tayo Alasoadura and Ondo SUBEB Chairman, Princess Oladunni Odu during the commissioning of the Universal Basic Board UBEC/SUBEB projects in Ondo State. March 21, 2019. Left: Newly built administrative building and radio station at the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic(RUGIPO)Owo. October 3, 2020.

114 115 Governor Akeredolu lays brick as he flags-off some developmental projects at Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH). February 20, 2018. Right: The three landmark projects built and commissioned by the Akeredolu Administration. Senate Building, Library Complex and Administrative Complex and Auditorium. August 13, 2020.

116 117 At the presentation of the Electronic Tax Clearance Certificate (e-TCC) by the Chairman, Ondo State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Tolu Adegbie to the Governor as an already registered tax payer who had paid up-to-date the Land Use Charge on his landed property. Janauary 30, 2020. Right: At the launching of the Automated Land Use Charge Payment System in order to eradicate double taxation and other emcumbrances associated with land use charge and its payment process. August 14, 2018.

118 119 MOU signing with the International Business Machines (IBM) and its Digital-Nation African Initiative to provide Ondo Top: MOU Signing State youth with digital between Ondo State literacy skills to enable Government, the them innovate, design, Federal University develop and launch their of Technology own digital solutions. July Akure and ICT 19, 2019 Tech-Up Company Bottom: Conversation to develope an with the GIZ team after ICT Enterprise a successful deliberation Programme named on possible collaboration “ Akure Tech Hub”. efforts between the Ondo June 6, 2017. State Office of Innovation and Partnerships and GIZ Bottom: Recepients Jobs, for a reintegration of technological program focused on awards at the bridging the skill gap for Commissioning of youths in the State to the Akure Tech Hub. ensure increased access to July 2, 2018. job opportunities. May 20, 120 2019. 121 . Commissioning of Campus Wide Water Supply and Reticulation at the Federal University of Technology, Akure. May 24, 2017.

Left: Speaking at the Impact Your World Leadership Initiative held at Federal University of Technology Akure. July 20, 2017

122 123 Governor Akeredolu gives awards to outstanding Ondo State Students and Sportsmen. February 19, 2018.

124 125 Welcomed by the Pupils of New Church Grammar School Owo as he arrived for the school’s 55th Anniversary and to commission some projects. July 1, 2017

126 127 4 Provision of Accessible and Qualitative Health Care and Social Service Delivery.

Governor Akeredolu administers polio vaccine to flag-off the National Immunisation Plus Days (NIPDs). July 19, 2019.

128 129 o Governor Oluwarotimi thousand (800,000) children globally equally fixed. to the health needs of the people services gave birth to the move to Memorandum of Understanding Akeredolu, SAN, the every year. The 2018 edition of across the State. approve five (5) additional Mother (MoU) with a Germany - based health provision of good the war against measles, according Governor Akeredolu has also and Child Hospitals for the three (3) institution, Medicus International to healthcare service delivery to observers of governmental unveiled the State’s Contributory A further quest to place Ondo State senatorial districts of the State. This build a $1.1Billion Sunshine Medical is a basic right of every activities in Ondo State, achieved Health Scheme as part of the plans in the global healthy community has is besides the introduction of free City In Akure, the State capital. These Nigerian citizen and since a reverberating success, as about aimed at giving quality healthcare yielded fruitful results following the healthcare service for expectant and many more. the inception of his administration, seven hundred thousand (700,000) delivery system. Aware that the Governor’s move to secure a $6 mothers and children from age zero The has introduced pragmatic policies children between the ages of nine provision of accessible and qualitative million (about N2.1billion) worth to five (0-5) years. and initiatives with the purpose of (9) months and five (5) years were healthcare and social service would of new medical equipment from Other interventions include; building a strong healthcare system immunised against the disease. not be complete without qualified MedShare, a -based aimed at promoting the general personnel to drive the novel non-profit organisation in Atlanta. He •The Akeredolu-led administration wellbeing of the people of Ondo The outbreak of Lassa fever which idea, the Governor mandated the ordered the twenty (20) container met zero accreditation at the State. is scattered across many states in State Ministry of Health to recruit loads of the new medical equipment University of Medical Science, the country was addressed with more medical workers. Till date, from MedShare to strengthen the Ondo. Today, the administration has Amidst approbation by the people immediate resistance in Ondo State. the Akeredolu administration has State’s healthcare sector. A few facilitated the accreditation of fifteen of Ondo State, Governor Akeredolu Governor Akeredolu initiated an recruited two hundred and twenty months after the partnership with (15) Courses at the University. had in 2017 flagged off the Polio interface with all Local Government nine (229) medical personnel to MedShare, Ondo State secured National Immunisation exercise at Chairmen and traditional rulers various Health Institutions across up to fifty (50) container loads of • The Akeredolu-led administration the State Specialist Hospital, Akure. where matters that bother on the the State. equipment to equip her hospitals signed into Law, the Bill establishing He vowed that his administration solution of the disease were finalized. and health centres with new state- the University of Medical Science would ensure that polio is kicked The Akeredolu administration has of-art medical facilities including two Teaching Hospital. out of the State. Consequently, the The State Specialist Hospitals in procured and distributed Multi- hundred and fifty (250) sophisticated Governor directed that machinery Akure and also got a huge million naira medical equipment to electric beds, stretchers, intensive •Ceded the School of Nursing and be put in place to ensure that all dose of Akeredolu’s intervention as Primary Health facilities in the State. care unit beds and monitors, delivery Midwifery to Ondo State University eligible children were reached by he upgraded the two available (2) This has been done twice within beds, surgical instruments, incubators of Medical Sciences, Ondo, thereby vaccinators for the immunisation health facilities to teaching hospitals. two and half years. He described and infusion pumps, among others. upgrading it into a degree awarding exercise. In addition, to make the environment the equipment as necessary in The attempt to ensure that no part institution. He also waged a war against Measles, of the Specialist Hospital, Akure, order to improve the diagnostic and of the Sunshine State is shortchanged the deadly infectious disease that more conducive and friendly, all the therapeutic capacity of the primary in accessing the robust healthcare •The Governor has also signed a kills no fewer than eight hundred bad roads within the hospital were health care facilities and respond

130 131 Flag-off of the distribution of the first batch of the twenty (20) container trucks of ultramodern and state-of-the-art biomedical equipment to health facilities in the State. June 24, 2019.

132 133 Flag-off of the distribution of medical equipment to three hundred (300) primary healthcare facilities across the eighteen (18) Local Government Areas of the State. March 29, 2019.

134 135 Commissioning the newly-built Critical Care Unit (CCU) building at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital Newly-built Critical Care Unit (CCU) building at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital Complex (UNIMEDTHC), Complex (UNIMEDTHC), Akure. December 3, 2019. Akure. December 3, 2019.

136 137 Our goal is to ensure that all health centers in the State are equipped with world class equipment and with the launch of our Contributory Health Scheme, “ILERA LORO’’, we will be removing the barriers to access quality health care statewide.

- Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN

Commissioning of the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission Office at the State Secretariat, Alagbaka. June 24, 2019.

138 139 Presentation of the Abiyamo Maternal and Child Health Insurance Scheme(AMCHIS) Agreement between Ondo State Contributory Health Commission (ODCHC) and General Hospital Igbokoda. June 24, 2019. Left: Some officials of State Information Technology Agency(SITA) to be positioned at strategic locations in the seven (7) designated locations in the Mother and Child-friendly hospitals to issue Residency Card to preganant women free of charge. June 24, 2019.

140 141 Signing the Contributory Health Insurance bill Addressing the press on the issue of Lassa Fever and the Social Protection bill into Law. during the outbreak of the virus. February, 3 2017. February 6, 2018.

142 143 At the official launch of the model one hundred (100) bed Mother and Child Centre, Ifon. The construction of the hospital is a special programme under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in partnership with the Governor Akeredolu-led Administration. October 3, 2020.

144 145 Meeting with traditional rulers in Owo and the NCDC Response team as part of the efforts to checkmate the scourge of Lassa Meeting with members of the Ondo State Task Force on Polio Eradication and Routine Immunization. At the meeting, fever in the State. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that sixteen (16) casualties were recorded in Owo and Ose Local Governor Akeredolu disclosed that the State had been placed in the first position in routine immunization coverage in Government Areas of the State at the time. January 22, 2020. Nigeria as a result of the renewed commitment to the struggle of polio eradication by his administration. January 28, 2020.

146 147 In a meeting with the Secretary-General of Thai Food and Drug Administration(FDA), Dr. Tares Krassanairawiwong with the Chairman of At the research laboratory in Naresuan University, Phitsanulok during his visit to Thailand for Medicinal Canabis Extract Programme and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Col. Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah rtd. during their visit to Thailand for a program on Alternative Development. May 13, 2019. Medicinal Canabis Extract Programme and Alternative Development. May 13, 2019.

148 149 While in Thailand for the Medicinal Canabis Extract Programme and Alternative Development, he visited Mae Fah Luang District to study the Doi Tung Development Project (DTDP) which is a model of Thailand’s evolving strategy in solving the problem of illicit drug cultivation through poverty alleviation and national development. A project that has been recognised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) as one of the world’s best examples of Alternative Development. May 14, 2019.

150 151 Flagging-off the Accelerated Birth Registration. “Olori Connection” an initiative conceptualised by the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu to help actualise the goals of Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent, Health and Nutrition (RM- NCAH+ N) initiated by the wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari - February 21, 2018

152 153 Left: Addressing some per- sons with disabilties during the 2017 International Day of Special Persons. November 30, 2017. Top: Giving audience to members of the Nigerian Association of the Blind, Ondo State Chapter while on their annual Endurance Trek to the Governor’s Office. He also announced free medical services for the physically, mentally and visually impaired persons in the State. October 15, 2019. Bottom: Applauds a school pupil and teacher during the 2019 Children’s Day Parade. May 27, 2019.

154 155 Presenting a cheque to Mrs Mary Oguntibeju, a widow of an Oil and Gas revenue agent Engineer Oyedele Oguntibeju who worked with a consortium on tax revenue engaged by the Ondo State Government, but died before the receipt of revenue generated from the assignment and consultancy fees payment. This is in line with Governor Akeredolu’s assurance that no legitimate claims on contractual agreement with his administration would either be denied or delayed, he also used the occasion to announce an automatic employment to the daughter of the deceased who is a university graduate. From left: Chairman, Ondo State Board of Internal Revenue, Mr. Tolu Adegbie, Global Revenue Consultant to Ondo State Government, Mr. Akinyele Oladeji (Managing Consultant, CSDC Consulting). March 28, 2019.

156 157 Top: Inspecting a flood situation in Akure, as immediate action was being taken to alleviate the situation. June 30, 2019.

Bottom: Launching of Integrated Waste Management Project in Ondo State under the Concession Agreement between Ondo State Government and ZL Global Alliance (ZLGA). February 21, 2018.

Right: Mounts a tractor at the launch of dredging, clearing of waterways and combating flood. July 9, 2019.

158 159 5 Rural Development and Community Extension Services.

Commissioning the Kamomi-Aketi Accelerated Water Scheme with the Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu and Mrs Yetunde Adeyanju (Commissioner for Wa- ter Resources, Public Sanitation and Hygiene). December 11, 2018.

160 161 he Akeredolu-led released by the Ondo State Rural new method of road construction in places where they reside. The human resource development Study. administration since Water Supply and Sanitation discovered in South Africa and the first set of beneficiaries of the within the State. •Payment of five hundred million assumption of office Agency (RUWASSA), over two United States to replace the asphalt project, were from nineteen (19) (N500,000,000.00) into the Project has been working thousand (2000) boreholes have method that could be washed away communities across the State. A Ondo State in line with the focus Account as Counterpart and Project assiduously to been constructed in fifteen(15) during rainy seasons. The method total of over One Hundred and of the administration of Governor Preparation Funds by the State improve the living Local Government Areas through adopts the application of a soil Sixty Seven Million Naira (N167,000 Akeredolu to open up and develop Government. standard of the this project. solution enzyme - the Engineering 000) was presented in cheques the rural areas applied for a World peopleT in the rural areas. Based Stabilizer (EBS) solution to by the Governor to the benefiting Bank support project under the •Completion of the Construction Furthermore, this project has keep the top surface solidity intact communities under the Community Rural Access Mobility Programme of 5.35km Molege-Igboroko-Ute/ Ondo State over the years had gained recognition from the for about ten (10) years, this would and Social Development Project (RAMP). Owo Road. suffered from inadequate supply Federal Government and plans are cost 40% less than asphalt overlay Additional Financing anchored by of potable water that led many underway to adopt the strategy and Ondo State is the first State in the OSCSDA. The Rural Access and Agricultural •Completion of the evaluation of individuals into seeking alternatives for the ongoing Partnership for Nigeria to use it on her roads. In addition, top officials of Marketing Project (RAAMP) is submitted Expression of Interest for from unhygienic water sources. Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation the Directorate of Rural and a Federal Government initiative preliminary design of 500KM rural Having noticed the short supply of and Hygiene (PEWASH) policy of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Community Development recently being financed by the World Bank roads. water and its negative outcomes in boreholes rehabilitation across the Akeredolu, SAN, has continued to embarked on a statewide tour to and the Agence Française de the State, Governor Oluwarotimi federation. show uncommon commitment to his have first-hand information about Développement (AFD) in thirteen •Design of 62.5km of selected rural Akeredolu SAN, drew the attention pact with the people to ensure the abandoned projects initiated by (13) States including Ondo State. roads across the three (3) senatorial of the Federal Government to The Akeredolu-led administration transformation of the rural areas of the defunct Ministry of Community RAAMP is set to improve rural district in the State. extend its water policy to the State, has also gotten the African the State through the Directorate of and Co-operative Services under access and agricultural marketing as the major urban water supply Development Bank (AfDB) board Rural and Community Development the previous administrations with a while enhancing sustainability of the All is now set for the commencement could no longer provide enough approval for $222 million loan for and the two (2) World Bank-assisted view to completing them for use of Rural and State road network. of major construction work in all water for the teeming population. Ondo State Water Sector Reform Agencies under the Directorate; the the benefitting communities. In Ondo State, the project has the selected rural roads across the and Sanitation Project, one of the Ondo State Community and Social identified and prioritized rural State within the first quarter of year To ensure water security in the state, first ever AfDB funded infra projects Development Agency (OSCSDA) Governor Akeredolu also presented roads connecting communities of 2020. the Akeredolu-led administration to get board approval in record and the Rural Access and Agricultural loan of five hundred and fifty small holder farmers to the closest introduced “KAMOMI AKETI”, time. Marketing Project (RAAMP). million naira (N550,000,000.00) to markets (agro-logistics hubs). a water project initiative that is owners of Mini and Small Medium In the last three (3) years of the designed to solve the need of As part of his election promises to Under the OSCSDA, the Akeredolu- Enterprises(MSMEs) under the Akeredolu-led administration, the potable water supply across the construct rural roads that would led administration kicked-off its self- APALARA Micro-Credit Scheme Ondo State RAAMP has been able eighteen (18) Local Government enable farmers get their farm help projects aimed at increasing which serves to accentuate the to achieve the following: Areas in the State. produce to the market with ease, and enhancing the people’s access unwavering commitment of the •Completion of Rural Access Road According to the statistics report the Government adopted the to socio-economic development Akeredolu-led Government to and Agro-logistics Prioritization

162 163 Over 2000 boreholes have been rehabilitated in 15 Local Government Areas under the

Kamomi-Aketi Water Scheme.

164 165 KAMOMI-AKETI Urban Water Supply Kiosk, Oshinle. January 28, 2020. Left: KAMOMI-AKETI Accelerated Water Scheme, Ayede- Ogbese. March 16, 2019. 166 167 Hand-washing to mark the Global Hand Washing Day in Ondo State. One of the newly contructed modern toilets. December 12, 2019. Inspecting newly constructed toilet facilites at St. James Primary School Oda. October 15, 2019. March 21, 2019.

168 169 Official presentation of cheques worth 167 million naira to the first set of benefiting communities under the Community and Social Development Project (CSDP) additional financing. May 2, 2017.

170 171 Presentation of five hundred and fifty million naira (N550,000,000) cheque as loan to farmers, co-operative societies, artisans, market men, women and children across the State at the launch of APALARA - a micro-credit scheme aimed at poverty reduction and Addressing the people during a Project Inspection Tour. Ondo Town. February 20, 2019. wealth creation. November 26, 2018.

172 173 Meeting with the new Country Director of World Bank, Mr. Shubham Chaudhari at the World Bank Office to update him on the ongoing World Bank projects in Ondo State and request for inclusion in the new projects. November 7, 2019. Left: Delegates of the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Ondo State Government on tour at Owena Dam for the possiblity of reviving operations. June 13, 2019.

174 175 6 Security, Law and Order.

Governor Akeredolu rides in one of the security vehicles donated by Ondo State Government at the official launch of Operation Àmọ̀tẹ́kùn Initiative, a Western Nigeria Security Network conceived by the South West Governors to combat crime in the region. January 9, 2020.

176 177 he issue of security Security Summit as part of his efforts Forwarding Operation Base (FOB) in Ondo State (both to tackle the security challenges in of the Nigerian Navy in Igbokoda, on land and water), the State and create a conducive Ilaje Local Government Area of the has been an all- environment for investors and State. important task for people of the State. the Akeredolu-led Several other laudable measures These are some of the efforts of administration. have been taken since then to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu- TheT Governor, who is also the include: led administration in ensuring the chairman of the South-West safety of lives and properties of the Governor’s Forum showed his •An end to the worrisome activities good people of Ondo State. passion and total commitment of militants in the riverine areas of to the security of lives and Ondo, Ogun and Lagos states was properties of his people when made possible by the intervention of he led his colleague-Governors Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s in the south-west to establish the administration. Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed “Àmọ̀tẹ́kùn” which is •The release of the kidnapped meant to compliment the work of Six (6) students of Model College the Police in the State. Igbonla, secured by Governor Akeredolu’s voice in Governor Akeredolu, also ended making the security outfit a reality the reign of militancy in the state. and operational put him in the fore front of the struggle which •Apart from regular security meeting the people have identified as a with all heads of Security Agencies liberation from fears of insecurity in in the State, Governor Akeredolu the south-west region. donated many operational vehicles He procured not less than a hundred to these Agencies to aid the fight of and twenty (120) motorcycles and crimes and criminality. twenty (20) trucks for the take-off of operation Àmọ̀tẹ́kùn. •To further solve the security challenges in the riverine areas of Delivering an address at the 2019 When he first came into office in Ondo State, Governor Akeredolu Stakeholders’ Security Summit. June 25, 2017, the Governor organised a donated speed boats to the 2019.

178 179 Inspects the guard of honour at the passing Security Vehicles donated by Governor out ceremony of the Àmọ̀tẹ́kùn Corps Akeredolu for Operation Àmọ̀tẹ́kùn. January Officers. August 11, 2020. 9,2020.

180 181 Let me reiterate and assure everyone that Àmọ̀tẹ́kùn is an initiative of all the Governors in the geo-political space, conceived to complement the efforts of the regular security agencies in the region.

- Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN

Delivering his speech at the launch of Operation Àmọ̀tẹ́kùn Delivering his speech at the passing out ceremony of the Iniiative. January 9, 2020. Àmọ̀tẹ́kùn Corps Officers. August 11, 2020.

182 183 Meeting with the Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, the Attorney-General of the Federation, , the Inspector General of Police, Muhammed Adamu and other South West Governors where an unanimous resolution was made over the controversy surrounding the Àmọ̀tẹ́kùn Initiative. The meeting was at the instance of the Governors who had asked to see President Muhammadu Buhari who was away at the time. It was agreed that the structure of the initiative should align with the Community Policing Strategy of the Federal Government. January 23, 2020. 184 185 Gun boat Navy Security provided for some investors, consultants and delegates of the National Ports Authority who were on a feasibity tour in Araromi, Ilaje Local Government Area for Ondo Deep Sea Port development. November 13, 2019 Right: Commissioning of Surveilance boats at the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base. March 14, 2018.

186 187 Donating security vehicles to Security Agencies in Ondo State. February 4, 2019.

188 189 Our effort to collect arms from militants was borne out of a genuine concern to make the areas peaceful for investment and sustainable development.

- Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN

Inspecting the arms submitted by ex-millitants and armed youths from Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas of the State at the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base Igbokoda. January 17, 2018.

190 191 Meeting with Traditional Rulers from Okitipupa over Oil Palm dispute. January 21, 2019. Addressing the press on Oba-Akoko election crisis, where he declared a curfew on the community, he imposed a total proscription of all human and vehicular movement that lasted over a week until the suspects were apprehended by the security agents. March 10, 2019.

192 193 Governor Akeredolu and the Deputy Govenor, Hon. Agboola Ajayi handing over to Lagos State Government the students of Igbonla College Boys who were kidnapped for two months from their hostel in Epe, Lagos and later rescued in Ondo State. July 28, 2017.

Addressing the people of Araromi Obu on their communal clash with Ago Alaye over a land dispute where he ordered a twenty four (24) hour curfew as part of the measures to prevent the escalation of the violence. July 18, 2019.

194 195 At a special service held at St. An- glican Cathedral, Akure to declare open the 2017/2018 Legal Year of the Ondo State Judici- ary. October 9, 2017.

Right: Opening of the 2017/2018 Legal Year of the Ondo State Judici- ary. October 9, 2017.

196 197 Laying of Wreath by Governor Akeredolu in honour of the fallen heroes on Armed Forces Remembrance Day. January 15, 2018 Left: Inspects the Guards of Honour at the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, Igbokoda. January 17, 2018.

198 199 Doffs his hat after laying wreath at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day. January 15, 2020. Left: Armed Forces Remembrance Day Parade in honour of the fallen heroes. January 15, 2019.

200 201 7 Arabinrin in Action

202 203 he wife of Ondo of a new era of change for emancipation through yearly which has in the last three (3) who are ready to take over the to raise future champions from State Governor, Ondo State women and youths, summits organized by FOWOSO years trained over one thousand world and change the narratives Ondo State. Arabinrin Betty Mrs. Akeredolu has been able for women. Between 4th and five hundred (1,500) young of women in years to come. Anyanwu-Akeredolu to tour the eighteen (18) Local 5th December, 2019, a 2-day secondary school girls in ICT and As a breast cancer survivor of since her assumption Government Areas of the State, Summit was organized for Ondo Solar Energy. At the BEMORE Asides reaching out to women twenty three (23) years, Mrs. into office as the First training and empowering women State women with the theme: training camp, the girls undergo and youths, Mrs. Akeredolu also Akeredolu felt the need to LadyT of Ondo State has taken with skills such as shoe-making, “Prioritising Women’s Health trainings on how to build and initiated ‘Solayo’ for pregnant galvanize support for breast steps to complement the efforts fashion designing, makeup, tying and Well being in Nigeria” to install solar panels, operate women; an initiative that provides cancer survivors by birthing the of the Arakunrin Oluwarotimi of headgear (gele), bead making, educate and expose women computer systems, code and lifesaving kits for Maternal and Breast Cancer Association of Akeredolu-led administration and catering craft, as well as to the significance of taking build Apps among others and at Child health in Ondo State. The Nigeria (BRECAN) as it is a known with her numerous initiatives providing them with start up kits their health seriously as well as the end of the training, the girls Solayo kits according to Mrs. fact that the early detection of geared toward improving the so as to enable them start earning sensitize them about measures are given laptops to help them Akeredolu was borne out of love the disease is key to surviving the lives of the people. ‘Arabinrin’ immediately. Women were also that could be utilised to forestall keep up the pace of learning and by the present administration in scourge. as she is fondly called, has given empowerment materials occurrences inimical to their also encourage them to take up the State towards maternal and Every year, BRECAN organizes created a niche for herself as such as sewing machines, hair safety and wellness. courses in the Science and bridge child healthcare. The kit is a bag a number of programmes to the voice for the voiceless, the dryers, grinding machines among The impact of this programme gender gaps in ICT. The girls are of essential supplies that a woman create awareness about breast hope for the helpless and as a others. is not just in terms of skill also equipped with skills in soap requires at childbirth to ensure cancer and encourage women to pillar that strengthens the future empowerment, women are taught making, bead making, catering, she has a clean, safe and hygenic do self breast examination. The of womenfolk in attaining and In the last three (3) years, the how to take good care of their makeover among other skills. delivery and it is distributed in organization over the years have defining their roles in decisions FOWOSO initiative has touched health and that of their children, all Government Hospitals for been at the forefront of campaigns that ultimately affects them. the lives of thousands of women. they are also mobilized towards For Mrs. Akeredolu, BEMORE pregnant women across the for Government to implement The list of those who have increased political participation, Bootcamp has become a eighteen (18) Local Government health policies that would make With the launch of the Foundation turned their fortunes around to stand against any oppressive grooming ground for talents and Areas of the State. it possible for breast cancer for Wives Of Ondo State Officials through FOWOSO’s initiative and discriminatory behaviour. a University of life filled with patients to access treatment. and Female Political Appointees keeps growing yearly as Mrs. endless opportunities as she Another giant stride of Arabinrin Today, BRECAN has branches in (FOWOSO), on 7th December, Akeredolu continues to restate Mrs. Akeredolu also founded the expresses hope that BEMORE Akeredolu is the annual Summer seven (7) States of the federation. 2017 which marked the beginning her commitment to women BEMORE Summer Bootcamp girls are a breed of techy girls Tennis Clinic she conceptualized Mrs. Akeredolu initiated crowd

204 205 continued from page 203

funding in September, 2017 to raise fund for the care of breast cancer patients. In Ondo State, many indigent women with breast cancer have benefited from the funds and each year, the number of beneficiaries increase.

It was in recognition of all her numerous contributions that Mrs. Akeredolu became a recipient of Tribune’s Platinum award for being in the forefront of the empowerment of women, children and for her untiring pursuit of humanity’s wellbeing, a pointer to the fact that the award was well deserved and on merit.

As Mrs. Akeredolu unbundles her plans for 2020, one thing is sure - the welfare and development of women and youths will take the centre stage as her focus has always been how to ensure that women find their place in all spheres of their endeavours.

Routine Immunization/Polio Eradication exercise at the Ondo State Mother and Child Hospital, Akure. 206 November 26, 2018. 207 Top: BRECAN Jog-for-Life Exercise, . October 5, 2019. Left: BRECAN Jog-for-Life Exercise, Akure. October 19, 2019.

208 209 In the last three years, over

girls have been 1500trained in skills ranging from Solar Energy Generation, ICT, among others.

210 211 I don’t just want to bridge the gender gap; I want these girls to be a part of the solution to our societal problem. Here is the connection. The Solar Girls will fix the panels in their schools and the ICT girls will operate the computers. In a few years time, we should have a Digital Academy here in Akure- a virtual classroom. That is how to use skills to solve societal problems. - Arabinrin Betty-Anyanwu Akeredolu

Arabinrin Akeredolu at the Solar4Girls Naija Summer Training for young girls in Solar Renewable Energy. September 11, 2017.

212 213 BEMORE Summer Booth Camp. August 23, 2019.

214 215 BEMORE Summer Booth Camp. August 22, 2018.

216 217 Yoga session with the girls at the 2018 Summer Boothcamp for Girls. August 19, 2018.

218 219 To p : The First lady and her BEMORE girls training at a self defense Taekwondo 2018 Summer Tennis Clinic. August 23, 2018. class. January 29, 2020. Bottom: BEMORE girls demonstrating Taekwondo Skills at Jog-for-Life event organised by BRECAN Lagos Chapter. 220 November 2, 2019. 221 This is reflection of the aim of FOWOSO: raising future female champions who would stand tall to contribute meaningfully in the society and at home; raising the generation of women who would break the jinx of female marginalization, relegation and be part of policy makers in Nigeria.

- Arabinrin Betty-Anyanwu Akeredolu

222 223 Sheer joy as women receive their grinding machines at the FOWOSO Participants of the free skill acquisition training in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Governement Area display their certificates at the end Empowerment Outreach of their training. July 23, 2017. Programme. November 14, 2018.

224 225 Presenting laptops, sewing machines, grinders, hair dryers and other items to some youths and women at the FOWOSO Empowerment Outreach. June 21, 2018.

226 227 Women at the FOWOSO Empowerment Outreach for Skills Acquisition learning wig making, bead making, head gear tying, shoe making in their respective Local Government Areas.

228 229 Presenting some publications to the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Her Excellency Pauline K. Tallen, OFR, KSG at the 19th Regular National Council on Women Affairs and Social Development, Akure, Ondo State. October 30, 2019.

Presenting some publications to the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Her Excellency Pauline K. Tallen, OFR, KSG at the 19th Regular National Council on Women Affairs and Social Development, Akure, Ondo State. October 30, 2019. Left: At the 2nd Foundation for Wives of Ondo State Officials (FOWOSO) Summit. December 4, 2019.

230 231 At the Unveiling of First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC) event in Lagos State alongside other Governors’ Spouses Summit at the Nigeria Govenors Forum Induction for new and First Ladies. October 27, 2019. returning Governors, State House, . May 1, 2019.

232 233 The Breast Cancer Asscociation of Nigeria (BRECAN) Jog-For-Life event to mark the World Cancer Day lead by the First Lady and founder of the organisation, Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu. October 21,2017 234 235 At the 7th Distinguished Guest Lecture of the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo where she delivered a lecture titled: “A Stitch in Time Saves Lives: Breast Cancer in Nigeria and Presenting SOLAYO kits to indigent pregnant women across the eighteen (18) Local Actionable Steps”. October 24, 2019. Government Areas of the State, SOLAYO is an initiative of provision of lifesaving solution for Maternal and Child Health in Ondo State. May 2, 2019.

236 237 Welcoming the first baby of the year at the State Mother and Child Hospital, Akure. January 1, 2020. Top: Presenting a cheque to the winner of the 1st Ondo State Crawler’s Race Competiton at FOWOSO Summit. December 5, 2019. Bottom: 1st Ondo State Crawler’s Race Competiton. December 5, 2019.

238 239 Tribune’s Platinum Award presented to her by African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC in 2019 INPA Merit Award of Excellence. , ImoState. September 20, 2019. 2019 NAWOJ Grand Amazonian Award of Excellence, Abuja. November 12, 2019. recognition of her outstanding contributions to national development. Lagos. December 10, 2019.

240 241 At the launch of APALARA Micro-credit Scheme. November 26, 2018.

242 243 8 Alliances and Engagements

Returning to the podium after a short break at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Convention Abuja. June 24, 2018.

244 245 President Muhammadu Buhari presents an APC flag to Governor Akeredolu as the flag-bearer for Ondo State gubernatorial election. September 4, 2020.

246 247 President Buhari arrives Paris with Governor Akeredolu and other delagates ahead of the One Planet Summit in France. December 11, 2017.

248 249 Hand-shake with Mr. President at the award ceremony organised by the Progressive Governors’ Forum in honour of President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in Akure for the 2019 Presidential Campaign. President Mohammadu Buhari. May 10, 2019. February 5, 2019

250 251 President Buhari and Governor Akeredolu at the commisioning of the Ondo-Linyi With the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo during one of his visits to the State. Industrial Park, Ore. February 25, 2020. January 10, 2019.

252 253 High five with the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN as he arrives Akure for a meeting. September 12, 2017.

254 255 Aketi for PMB, Owo Presidential Campaign. Governor Akeredolu arrives with the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo at the residence of Pa J.A Fajoyomi for a family chat during February 13, 2019. his Next Level Engagements tour in Akure. January 18, 2019.

256 257 With other Governors and dignitaries at the flag-off of the Ekiti State Gubernatorial campaign of APC Candidate, Dr. Kayode Fayemi. June 19, 2018.

President Mohammadu Buhari, Governor Kayode Fayemi gestures at him during the commissioning of projects in . May 25, 2019.

258 259 “Legendary Salute” to Former Nigerian Miltary Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon during a courtesy to With Former Nigerian Head of State, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo at a social function. October 28, 2017 With Former Military Head of State, General Abdusalami Abubakar at the 15th Convocation the Governors Office, April 19, 2017 of Igbenidion University. November 25, 2017.

260 261 A warm embrace with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at Akure Airport. November 22, 2017. Right: Playing host to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu at the Ondo State Lodge, Abuja. November 7, 2019.

262 263 Governor Akeredolu co-chairs with Jigawa State Governor, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar for the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2018 National Convention. April 25, 2018. Left: Congratulating Hon. Adams Oshiomole as he emerges as the new National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress(APC) at the Party’s National Convention. June 24, 2018.

264 265 Showing support to Governor Adegboyega Oyetola(left) and his running-mate Barrister Benedict Alabi A show of support to Governor Kayode Fayemi who was the APC candidate for Ekiti State Gubernatorial elections and Showing support to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu(left) and his runnung-mate Dr. Obafemi Hamzat(right) (right) who were the APC flagbearers for gubernatorial elections and eventually won at the eventually won at the polls. June 19, 2018. who were the APC candidates for Lagos State gubernatorial elections and eventually won at the polls. polls. September 6, 2018. February 9, 2019.

266 267 (L-R) Governor Mohammed Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa State, Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of and Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of State at Kebbi State lodge, Abuja for Governor’s Forum Meeting. February 7, 2020. Right: With Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State at the 2019 Ogun State Drum Festival. April 27, 2019.

268 269 Conferment of Honorary Doctorate Degree of Law on Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State at the 7th Playing host to Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai of State as a Guest Lecturer at the 4th Distinguished Guest Convocation and Award Ceremony of Acheivers University Owo. April 14, 2018. Lecture Series of the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo where he spoke on “ Transforming Nigeria’s Educational System: Looking Back and Looking Forward”. April 30, 2018.

270 271 All the six (6) South West Governors at the 2019 South West Security Summit in . (L-R): Governor Oluwarotimi All the six (6) South West Governors at the 2017 South West Governors’ Forum in Ogun State. (L-R): Governor Ayo Fayose Akeredolu of Ondo State, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Governor of Ekiti State, Governor Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State, Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, Governor Oluwarotimi Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State and Govenor Oluwaseyi Makinde of Oyo State. Akeredolu of Ondo State, Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State and Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State. June 25, 2019. July 24, 2017.

272 273 NGF Meeting with Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State presiding as the Chairman. October 30, 2018 NGF Meeting with Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State presiding as the Chairman. January 22, 2020.

274 275 Having a chat with Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State ahead of the South-West Security Summit, Ibadan, Oyo State. 276 June 25, 2019. 277 Press address with the All Progressives Congress Leaders, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, Chief Olusegun Osoba, Chief Pius Akinyelure and others during their visit to Ondo State for a meeting with aggrieved party members. July 9, 2019. Right: Welcomes Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande and other APC National leaders to Akure for a meeting with the pan-Yoruba socio political group - Afenifere leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti. Also with them is the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Agboola Ajayi(first right) and APC Ondo State Party Chairman, Hon. Ade Adetimihin(first left). November 22, 2019.

278 279 Governor Akeredolu receives the Senate President, Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan and other officers of the Senate at the Government House, Receiving a delegation from the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, led by the Honorable Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Tayo Alagbaka, Akure. November 15, 2019. Alasoadura at the Governor’s office. January 17, 2020.

280 281 Ondo State lawmakers at the House of Representatives pay a courtesy visit to Mr. Governor at the Signing the year 2020 Appropiation Bill to law. A total of one hundred and seventy seven billion, nine hundred and forty Ondo State Lodge, Abuja. October 30, 2019. four million (N177,944,000,000) was budgeted for the new fiscal year. December 31, 2019.

282 283 Top: Governor Akeredolu and his wife Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu casts their votes for the Presidential and National Assembly election in Ijebu Owo, Owo Local Government Area, Ondo Swearing-in of Commissioners State. 9:42am. February 23, and Special Advisers. 2019. August 30, 2017. Bottom: Getting accredited for the House of Assembly polls. March 9, 2019.

284 285 Celebrating Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, former APC National Chairman on his 80th birthday. August 17, 2019. Coordinating the presentation of Chief Bisi Akande’s book. November 19, 2019.

286 287 Inauguration ceremony of the Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas, the Olugbo of Ugbo, HRM Oba (Dr.) Fredrick Enitolorunda Obateru Akinruntan, Okoro Ajija1, CON and other members of the council. November 26, 2019.

Left: With the Ondo State Council of traditional rulers. June 25, 2020.

288 289 Top: Governor Akeredolu unveils new Public Service Reform Initiative tagged: ‘The Ondo Service Improvement Programme’ (ODSIP) for the Public Service in the State. December 11, 2019. Right: Addressing Civil Servants in the State. March 4, 2019.

290 291 Playing host to Chief Akin Olujinmi SAN at the Governor’s office. November 12, 2019. With the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olanrewaju Akeredolu at the Swearing-in ceremony of Judges in Ondo State. May 20, 2019.

292 293 Governor Akeredolu and wife decorated as the grand patron and patroness at the grand finale of the 2019 Annual Law Week Celebration of the Nigerian Bar Association, Owo Branch. July 19, 2019. Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual Conference, Akure. May 7, 2019.

294 295 Conferment of Honorary Doctorate degree Award of Science on Engr. Akin Odumakinde on the 29th/30th convocation of the Federal University of Technology, Akure. November 30, 2018.

To p : With Chief Michael Top: Conferment of Ade-Ojo, the founder of Honorary Doctorate Elizade Nigeria Limited Degree award of Business and Elizade University Administration on Dr. at the schools’ first Segun Olugboyegun Convocation Ceremony, by Adekunle Ajasin Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State. University, Akungba. April 28, 2017. December 6, 2019.

Bottom: Honoring Dr. Bottom: Conferment of with Honorary Doctorate the heroes award at the degree Award of first convocation of the Science on Engr. Akin Ondo State University Odumakinde on the of Medical Science 29th/30th convocation (UNIMED). December of the Federal University 13, 2019. of Technology, Akure. 296 November 30, 2018. 297 Commissioning a branch of Providus Bank PLC in Akure with the bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Walter Akpani. Commissioning a branch of Access Bank PLC in Owo with the bank’s Executive Director Mr. Victor Etuokwu. May 31, 2019. January 22, 2020.

298 299 At a Live interactive session and broadcast programme aired on the Government-owned Ondo State Radiovision Corporation(OSRC) in Akure. June 9, 2019.

300 301 Sheer joy with jubilation and thanksgiving as the people of Ondo State welcome Mr. Governor back to the State on his return from a sick leave.

302 November 8, 2019. 303 Commissioning of the Government House Chapel (Chapel of Grace). The building which was conceived by Governor Akeredolu’s predecessor in office, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko was redesigned and built by the present administration. December 18, 2019.

304 305 Condolence visit to the Afenifere Leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti on the loss of his daughter. July 13, 2019. Condolence visit to the former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko and his family on the loss of his mother. December 16, 2019.

306 307 Observing Iftar prayers with Muslim faithfuls at the end of their annual fast. June 3, 2019. Prayers with Clergy men in the Governors office on the first working day of 2020. January 2, 2020.

308 309 Our journey to redemption will not be without stress and undulating curves, sometimes we may trip and slip but we will focus on the journey. We will never stop and in the end we will reach our goal.

- Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN

Walks to his car as he closes for the day 9:00pm - the earliest on some days. March 17, 2017.

310 311 We listened to the voices of our people in the course of our campaigns to all the nooks and crannies of the State, we heard them loud and clear through their votes..., We shall continue to ensure that there is equitable distribution of the dividends of democracy across the land.

- Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN

Governor Akeredolu returns to the State after a sick leave. November 8, 2019.

312 313 Nguher Zaki is the Official Photographer to the Governor Published by of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, The Co-Creative Arts and Multimedia SAN. She has served in this capacity for almost four (4) years ©Copyright Nguher Zaki documenting his work, political activities and personal life. She occupies the Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor A merged abridged version of First Steps and Giants Strides. on Photography. 278 Photographs

Privileged to have worked with many organisations, Nguher A catalogue record of this book is available from the National Library of Nigeria. has also documented in the areas of advocacy, agriculture, Also available in ebook on: www.aketi.org health and community development amongst others. She www.nguher.com was previously a Photography Consultant for the USAID/ SACE and USAID/MARKETS II Projects, her work has been ISBN featured and published on BBC Africa, (GIZ) AKZENTE 978-978-979-469-0 Magazine, LagosPhoto and other reputable platforms, she has Curated by also participated in numerous photography programmes and Nguher Zaki exhibitions both locally and internationally. Babajide Akeredolu Photographs and Captions Nguher believes that Nigeria and Africa as a whole has a pool Nguher Zaki of creative talents and everyone has a role to play in telling Self-portrait the African story. She has made it her mission to inspire and Other Photography Credits Bayo Omoboriowo (Pg. 246, 247) change the African narrative, to share the genuine African Tolani Alli (184) spirit to the world using photography and creativity as her Ayo Ogunro (28, 250, 258) medium of expression. Blessed Michael (20-23, 26, 78, 79, 82, 83, 87, 96, 115, 133, 136-141, 146, 147, 195, 269, 272, 289, 290, 298, 299) Gbenga Asade (49, 50, 54, 60, 65, 73, 75, 77, 90, 105, 113, 117) Born in Benue State, she holds a Bachelor of Science Degree Gbenga Fasakin (Photographs in chapter 7 except 243) in Chemistry from Benue State University, Nigeria. Nguher took to photography after her national youth service Text Richard Olatunde year and never looked back. She has become one of the Nguher Zaki notable documentary photographers in Nigeria documenting what will become relevant history in the political terrain of Copy Editing Peace Odili the nation. Oluwatomisin Runsewe

Her first published book is First Steps, the first volume of the Design and Layout Akeredolu - Journey to Redemption series, a chronicle of the Nguher Zaki Governor’s First Year in Office. Other Contributions Lulu Fawehinmi Oluwatobi Fademi Naomi Olabode www.nguher.com Adebusayo Olagbegi @itsnguher All rights reserved. No Part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted or stored in a retrieval system in any form or by any means, without the @nguher_zaki permission in writing from the copyright holder. The publishers will be glad to make good in future editions any errors or omissions brought to their attention. #thecocreative

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