Business
ONDOCCIMA Pleads to Akeredolu to reverse takeover of Forest Reserve by Private Company
The Ondo State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ONDOCCIMA) has called on the state government to immediately look into the forceful takeover of a government forest reserve by a private company and reverse whatever agreement it has with the said private company.
The chamber, rising from a meeting, held in Akure, the state capital, lamented the condition of the more than 10,000 farmers displaced by the forceful takeover of the forest.
According to a statement signed by the public relations officer of the chamber, Adeboro Onibalusi, the takeover of the forest has plunged the farmers, families and several thousands of other dependants into further misery following the worsening inflation rate in the state.
“The forceful and crude evictions of the farmers by fully armed soldiers who were supported by men of the Amotekun corps and the wanton destruction of cash crops worth millions of naira is condemnable,” the statement reads.
The statement read further, ” There is an urgent need for the government to take a look at the economic state of our dear state. The latest National Bureau of Statistics data on inflation across the country, which was released last Saturday. listed Ondo State among the three states with highest inflation rate in the country.
“This is very sad and challenging to our people. The poor farmers and civil servants have been further pushed into a life of misery by the inflation.”
“Findings have shown that the main reason for this killer inflation in Ondo State is as a result of capital flight encouraged by government policies and actions. For example, if you look closely you’ll find out that most, if not all the government jobs, particularly constructions going on across the state are executed by people from outside the state.
“These are majorly people who are not resident in the state. What happens is that whatever money that they make from Ondo State are taken back to where they come from. They only ccme into the State to make money and such money is not spent here, Rather they go back to spend the money where they live. This is one of the major reasons for the parlous state of the economy in Ondo State and we want to plead with the governor to kindly take immediate action to revert the troubling situation.”
On the much-anticipated removal of the susbsidy on petroleum, ONDOCIMMA said its members are in total support of the plan, describing it as long over due. It, however, urged government to be transparent and to make good use of the money that would be realised from the removal.
“Our position on the anticipated subsidy removal is that it is a welcome development and long overdue. But government should be transparent and make judicious use of the money realized after the subsidy must have been removed. Also, palliatives and incentives should be made available to citizens and business.organisations.”.
Nigerian born Serumu Igberadja has made his history as he assumed office as President of the International Vocational Education and Training Association (IVETA) USA. Igberadja who was also the former Vice President of IVETA East and West Africa, and the CEO of Think TVET Global Consult and Edu Tour Global Limited assumed office January 1st 2025.
With his assumption as the president of IVETA he becomes the first from West Africa to assumed such position.
The Delta State born is also the Director of International Relations and Business Development at Whitecloud TVET Solutions Ltd.
Igberadja who has Bachelor of Science (Ed) and M.Sc in Technical Education and Industrial Technology respectively is a youth leader and a community development advocate who has special interest in good governance, non-violence, community development, quality education, vocational skills development, sustainable livelihood, and economic development.
Igberadja is also an Alumnus of the Prestigious International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) of the United States Department of State Bureau for Educational and Cultural Affairs.
He has an interest in contributing his expertise to the growth and development of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) for sustainable development across the globe. He is a member of the UNESCO UNEVOC Forum and Skillman International Forum (SIF) Italy. As well, an Assistant Journalist in the Lucubrate Magazine and the Coordinator for the Lucubrate Project Nigeria.
Serumu Igberadja has facilitated several workshops, conferences, and partnerships to promote and advance TVET for sustainable livelihood and development. Notable partnerships with Lucubrate NKB Norway and University of Nigeria Nsukka(UNN), IVETA and National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), IVETA and UNN UNEVOC Centre, IVETA and Ese Odo Local Government Council, and Linkages with TVET Equipment Manufacturers in Europe, Asia, and America such as Delorenzo Italy, Labtech International, Tesca India, Lucas-Nülle Germany, Lexsolar Germany, and Edibon Spain.
He has featured as Keynote Speaker in several TVET and Youth Development Workshops and Conferences, his recent outing was his participation as Moderator for ‘Socio Professional Integration in TVET’ at the 2022 WorldSkills Africa Conference held at Swakopmund Namibia organised by the Namibia Training Authority, Keynote Speaker at the 2022 IVETA Las Vegas Conference, the US Africa Institute side event of the 2023 US Africa Leaders’ Summit Washington DC, Official Observer at Worldskills Lyon.
He is expected to rule over the affairs of IVETA for the next 12 months.
During his inaugural speech he promised to enhance global TVET systems by promoting collaboration, sharing best practices, and addressing diverse needs to create impactful, sustainable outcomes. While he also highlighted his strategic priorities for IVETA in the next one year, such as Global Partnerships: Strengthening collaborations with governments, institutions, industries, and global organizations like UNESCO, ILO, and World Bank to drive TVET advancements worldwide, Quality Improvement: Enhancing TVET programs to prepare graduates for the global workforce, focusing on teacher training, student outcomes, and institutional excellence.
- Advocacy and Awareness: Promoting positive perceptions of TVET through targeted campaigns, workshops, and community engagement across all regions.
- Resource Mobilization: Securing grants and funding to support initiatives that benefit diverse member regions.
- Governance and Representation: Ensuring balanced regional representation, strong governance, and efficient resource management to align with IVETA’s mission.
IVETA is a network of vocational educators. Its network includes vocational skills training organisations, business and industrial firms, and individuals and groups interested or involved in vocational education and training worldwide.
It is dedicated to the advancement and improvement of high-quality vocational education and training throughout the world.
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