* Seeks compulsion of Yoruba, History studies in pry, secondary schools in Ondo
By John Odunayo
The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has called on Ondo State Government to take over the defuct Heritage Bank.
The Ondo State Chapter of Afenifere urged the state government to urgently liaise with the Federal Government for necessary things to be done to acquire the defunct Heritage Bank.
The chapter also lent its support to the efforts being made towards the creation of State Police.
It also canvassed the adoption, in the state, of Yoruba Language and History as compulsory subjects to be taught at the primary and secondary schools.
Recall that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) recently revoked the banking licence of Heritage Bank Plc, citing the bank’s failure to improve its financial performance, which it said was a threat to the bank’s financial stability.
But, the Ondo State chapter of the group in a communique issued after the general meeting held at the country home of its National Leader, Pa Reuben Fasonranti, in Akure, the state capital, asked the state government to liaise with the Federal Government to take necessary action towards the acquisition and resuscitation of the bank.
In the communique of the state chapter, read by the State Publicity Secretary, Eric Oluwole, Afenifere said apart from Heritage Bank, the Ondo State Government must, as a matter of urgency, revive all the economic legacies floated by the Adekunle Ajasin administration.
The legacies, Afenifere stated, include Ifon Ceramic Industry, Okitipupa Oil Mill, Owena Hotel, Oluwa Glass Industry, and Akunnu Cattle Ranch, among others.
It stated, “Ondo State Chapter of Afenifere held a meeting today and resolved as follows: the Ondo State Government should liaise with the Federal Government to revive all the economic legacies floated by the Adekunle Ajasin administration. The state should take necessary action towards the acquisition of Heritage Bank.
“The legacies include the licence of the Heritage Bank and we advise the Ondo State Government to reverse it to its original founding fathers that is the Ondo State Government. Other industries include the Ifon Ceramic Industry, Okitipupa Oil Mill, Owena Hotel, and Akunnu Cattle Ranch among others.
“Afenifere commended the state government for not relenting in its effort on the security, especially the Amotekun outfit floated during the term of the former Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
“Afenifere also urged the state government to continue the funding of Amotekun and other security agencies in the state.
“The Afenifere supports all efforts being made towards the creation of State Police.”
“Afenifere advises the government to adopt as part of its education policies, the Yoruba language and history as compulsory subjects to be taught at the primary and secondary schools”.
