Retired Maj.-Gen. Olu Bajowa, on Monday, said that the victory of Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa in the governorship poll on Saturday carried with it enormous responsibilities to improve the lives of people in Ondo State.

Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) polled 366,781 votes to defeat his closest rival, former deputy governor, Mr Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who garnared 117, 845 votes.

In an interview with NAN in Igbotako, Okitipupa LGA, Bajowa, while congratulating Aiyedatiwa on his victory at the poll, urged him to make life more meaningful and abundant for the masses by fighting against hunge, poverty and unemployment.

He also urged the governor to provide adequate security, transform agricultural, health and education sectors, and prioritise regular power supply for the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

The former Federal Permanent Secretary also said that the overwhelming victory of Aiyedatiwa at the just concluded poll was a testament of his wide acceptance by the people of the state.

“I join all well-wishers to congratulate you on your well-deserved election as “God’s anointed” Executive Governor of Ondo State.

“The people have spoken, loud and clear because your outstanding and overwhelming performance with wide margin at the polls, is a testimony of your popular acceptance by the citizens of the Sunshine State.

“As the old proverb says: “Vox Populi, Vox Dei” (The voice of the people is the voice of the gods). Therefore, by God’s grace, you are the Executive Governor of the state for the next four years.

“Also importantly, reactivation of all the moribund industries, with serious attention to road infrastructure network development as well as the issues of the developments of our solid minerals, bitumen, oil, fisheries and the state deep seaport project,” Bajowa said.

The former army general and Jagunmolu of Ikaleland said that the governor could count on him and the entire Bajowa royal family for support, adding that he was loyal to his administration.

Bajowa also prayed for God’s divine protection, guidance and good health for Aiyedatiwa’s successful tenure to fulfil his electioneering promises.

Mr Stefano De Leo, the Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, says mixing Italian ingredients with Nigerian flour is good for baking his country’s pizza.

Leo said this at the ongoing inaugural event of Italian 9th International Week of Cuisine scheduled from Nov. 15 to Nov. 23 in Abuja.

According to him, the Italian cooking technique and ingredients can be used with Nigerian ingredients or ingredients found wherever Italian citizens resident in the world.

“The Italian cooking techniques and ingredients can also be used with ingredient from a far land and this can be sustainable by using local products of our host community instead of importing flour from Italy.

“So, by patronising Nigerian flour, it will add value to Nigerian flour market, also what we are saying is that we can make a lot of things without importing our products from our country.

“So, this will boost the local economy and attract interest to Nigerian food sectors, by invariably encouraging the local farmers in Nigeria,’’ he said.

Leo also said that the event was celebrated as Italian lifestyle which was also part of the country’s income generated sector.

“The embassy celebrates the Italian lifestyle because it’s part of our economy which includes pasta, pizza, tractors, seeds, technology and agriculture and whatever is linked to food is what makes Italy important for tourists.

“Tourists go to Italy to taste the pizza and wine which is part of our economy and that’s why we celebrate the Italian lifestyle all around the world in November.

“ To share with our host communities and friends on our kind of lifestyle by enjoying life with them. Also looking for partners who will want to buy our wine, invest in agribusiness and buy our technology.

“So, the main focus of this event is to entertain our guests and to partner and share business ideas of what Italy can do for our host community to promote business opportunities,’’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the pizzas showcased at the inaugural event were top Italian pizzas such as Neapolitan, Sicilian, Roman and Bagel pizzas among others.

Mr Joshua Ibitomi, the Area Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC),
Ibeju-Lekki, Epe Division, Lagos State, has warned truck drivers against speeding and reckless driving.

He gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibeju-Lekki on Tuesday.

The FRSC official, who blamed speeding on the ghastly vehicle accident that occurred at Aiyetoro market in Epe
which claimed several lives and left some injured, said that with careful driving, such accident could be avoided.

He added that “the accident was as a result of speeding, reckless driving and loading of truck beyond its capacity.

“All these are factors responsible for accident when drivers are not conscious of the driving rules.

“Vehicle can develop technical fault at any time, therefore, speed limit and caution need to be applied while driving.”

He said FRSC had been sensitising drivers on the need to install speed limit device and be road conscious while driving, in line with the mandate to instill decent use of road.

Ibitomi also advised passers-by and the public to be safety conscious while walking on roadsides to avoid falling victim of accidents.

He attributed major road crashes on roads to speed limit violation, urging drivers to respect the sanctity of human life by obeying traffic rules.

He added that the FRSC had evolved measures to ensure accident-free yuletide and new year festivities in 2024