Oyebanji Reaffirms Commitment to Welfare of Public Servants, Retirees.

Oyebanji Reaffirms Commitment to Welfare of Public Servants, Retirees.

…as Ekiti Hosts 12th South West Quarterly Meeting of Retired Heads of Service, Permanent Secretaries.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of serving public servants and retirees, stressing that the contributions of the public service remain critical to effective governance and sustainable development.

Oyebanji reiterated the commitment while addressing the 12th Quarterly General Meeting of the Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries of the South-West Nigeria (ARHOSPS-SWN) held in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday. 

The meeting, hosted by the Ekiti State chapter of the association at its Secretariat and Relaxation Centre in Ado-Ekiti, brought together retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries from Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo States, alongside some serving Permanent Secretaries in Ekiti State Civil Service.

The Governor, who was represented at the meeting by the State Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi, said his administration remained committed to strengthening public institutions and improving the welfare of retirees, while recognising the wealth of experience and institutional knowledge acquired by retired senior public servants in the course of their years of service.

Oyebanji disclosed that ₦250 million is being set aside monthly to address gratuity arrears, while substantial payments had been made towards pension and gratuity obligations at both the state and local government levels.

He stated that Ekiti was among the first states to implement the N70,000 minimum wage, while the government had also approved and paid a ₦20,000 across-board increment for retirees. 

Beyond pensions and gratuities, Oyebanji highlighted his administration's wider programmes covering infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, education, youth development, job creation, tourism and industrialisation. 

The Governor said strengthening these sectors was part of the broader effort to create an environment in which both serving workers and retirees could benefit from improved public services and economic opportunities.

In her goodwill message, the State’s Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi appreciated the retired senior officers for their years of service, describing them as custodians of valuable knowledge, experience and institutional memory. 

Olomojobi, whose goodwill message was delivered by the Permanent Secretary in the Deputy Governor’s Office, Mr. Adeleke Adefolaju, urged them to continue mentoring serving officers and to document their experiences through memoirs, professional papers and biographies for the benefit of present and future generations.

The Southwest Regional President of the Association, Mr Demola Badejo, presented a report on his administration's first 365 days in office, x-raying a seven-point agenda covering media visibility, the O'DUA House Initiative, strategic partnerships, mobilisation and inclusion, relationship building, patronage and funding, as well as advocacy and engagement with government. 

Welcoming delegates to the meeting, the President of the Ekiti State Chapter of the Association, Mr Oluwole Ariyo, described Ekiti as a state to watch in the South-West, citing developments in tourism, infrastructure, education and healthcare. 

He attributed the state's progress to what he described as the Governor's accountability and prudent management of public resources.

Ariyo also commended the Governor for generously supporting the successful hosting of the regional meeting . He further appealed to the Governor, public-spirited individuals and other stakeholders to support the completion of the association's Secretariat project in Ado-Ekiti.

The meeting equally featured a keynote address titled “The Doctrine of Neutrality, Impartiality and Anonymity,” delivered on behalf of Elder S.O. Bankole by retired Permanent Secretary, Mr Kunle Olofin. 

The address stressed the importance of neutrality and impartiality in the public service and urged public officers to provide political leaders with objective and honest advice in the interest of good governance.

‎"I am particularly concerned about Creating Job Opportunities for youth" – Hon. Olarenwaju.

‎"I am particularly concerned about Creating Job Opportunities for youth" – Hon. Olarenwaju.

‎...Targets employment crisis in constituency.

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‎The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Ekiti North Federal Constituency II, Hon. Ibrahim Kunle Olarenwaju, has said creating job opportunities for youths will be among his priorities if elected, stressing the need for legislative representation that delivers tangible benefits to constituents.

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‎Hon. Olarenwaju stated this while delivering a keynote teaching titled “The Art of Effective Representation: From Constituency Needs to Legislative Action,”

‎during the training of members of the Ekiti Youth Parliament, where he drew from his experience as a former lawmaker to emphasise the importance of responsive and result-oriented representation.

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The former lawmaker said his previous experience had given him a strong understanding of legislative processes and the demands of effective representation, expressing his readiness to build on his past efforts if returned to the legislative house. 

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‎"I am particularly concerned about youth not getting employment opportunities in my constituency. I am very much concerned about the poverty ravaging my people. This will be my focus and i pray that God will enable me to bring the dividends of democracy to them", Hon. Olarenwaju said. 

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He said representation at the National Assembly should go beyond occupying a legislative seat or enjoying the prestige attached to public office, noting that lawmakers must translate the needs and aspirations of their constituents into concrete legislative actions and opportunities.

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‎The APC candidate identified lawmaking, oversight and representation as the three core constitutional responsibilities of the legislature. 

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‎He urged the Youth lawmakers to deploy motions, bills and oversight functions to address issues affecting their constituents, while maintaining regular engagement with the grassroots.

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‎Hon. Olarenwaju also advised young parliamentarians to be diplomatic in managing responsibilities within and outside their statutory functions and ensure that their constituents are carried along in policies and decisions that affect them. 

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‎He identified bureaucratic delays, resource constraints and competing interests as some of the challenges that could impede effective legislative performance.

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‎He reiterated that expanding employment opportunities for the teeming youth would receive particular attention under his proposed representation.

Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort Emerges Nigeria’s Best as Glocient Hospitality Takes Top Travel Honour.

Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort  Emerges Nigeria’s Best as Glocient Hospitality Takes Top Travel Honour.

Ikogosi warm springs resort in Ekiti State has emerged Best Resort in Nigeria, while its management company, Glocient Hospitality, has been named a Top Travel Company in Nigeria at the Top 100 Travel Icons in Nigeria Awards.

The twin recognition places Ekiti’s iconic tourism destination in the national spotlight and highlights the growing potential of the state’s tourism assets to attract visitors, conferences, wellness seekers and leisure travellers from across Nigeria and beyond.

Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, famous for the rare natural phenomenon where warm and cold springs meet, has in recent years expanded its offerings beyond its natural attraction under the management of Glocient Hospitality, the hospitality arm of Cavista Holdings.

The resort now combines the natural attraction with accommodation, wellness experiences, corporate retreats, conferences, events and outdoor leisure, broadening its appeal as a destination for both tourism and business activities.

The latest awards, according to Glocient Hospitality, recognise efforts to develop and manage destinations with strong natural and tourism potential while improving their capacity to compete in Nigeria’s increasingly competitive hospitality market.

Hospitality Manager at Glocient Hospitality, Francis Ogosi, FIH, said the recognition was a reflection of the commitment and hard work of the company’s team.

He said the awards demonstrated that Nigeria’s tourism assets could be transformed into internationally competitive destinations through effective management, investment and quality service.

 “These recognitions show that with the right management, investment and service, Nigeria’s tourism assets can become destinations that attract visitors from home and abroad,” Ogosi said.

"The honours would serve not only as a milestone but also as a motivation to further raise hospitality standards, stimulate domestic tourism and position Nigerian destinations more competitively within Africa and the global tourism market.

Ikogosi Resort Named Nigeria’s Best Resort.

Ikogosi Resort Named Nigeria’s Best Resort.

The Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort in Ekiti State has been recognised as the Best Resort in Nigeria at the Top 100 Travel Icons in Nigeria Awards.

The resort’s management company, Glocient Hospitality, also received recognition as one of the Top Travel Companies in Nigeria at the awards organised to celebrate outstanding contributions to the country’s tourism and hospitality industry.

The twin honours have further drawn attention to Ikogosi, one of Ekiti State’s major tourism destinations, and its growing potential to attract tourists, business travellers, wellness seekers and visitors from different parts of the country and beyond.

Located in Ikogosi-Ekiti, the resort is renowned for its unique natural attraction where warm and cold springs meet at a confluence.

Under the management of Glocient Hospitality, the hospitality arm of Cavista Holdings, the resort has expanded its facilities and services beyond the natural springs.

Its offerings now include accommodation, wellness activities, conferences, corporate retreats, social events and outdoor leisure, making it suitable for both tourism and business purposes.

According to Glocient Hospitality, the awards recognise organisations that have contributed to the development and effective management of tourism destinations with strong natural and commercial potential.

The company’s Hospitality Manager, Francis Ogosi, FIH, said the recognition was a result of the dedication and commitment of the team to improving the resort and raising service standards.

Ogosi said the awards also showed that Nigeria’s tourism destinations could compete favourably in the global market when properly managed and supported with investment and quality service.

He said, “These recognitions show that with the right management, investment and service, Nigeria’s tourism assets can become destinations that attract visitors from home and abroad.”

He added that the recognition would motivate the company to continue improving hospitality standards, promoting domestic tourism and positioning Nigerian destinations for greater visibility within Africa and the global tourism industry.

Agbeyewa Welcomes New NSCDC Ekiti State Commandant.

Agbeyewa Welcomes New NSCDC Ekiti State Commandant.

The Management of Agbeyewa Farms led by the Managing Director/ CEO, Mr Seyi Oska Aiyeleso today welcomed the new Ekiti State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Commandant Sotiyo Igbalawole Emmanuel during a courtesy visit to the NSCDC State Command office in Ado-Ekiti.

The visit was to formally welcome the new commandant since his assumption of office and also to strengthen the existing relationship between both organisations and foster greater collaboration in securing Agbeyewa’s operations.

Also on the Agbeyewa delegation was the Director of Community Engagement, Dauda Lawal; Head of Security, Benjamin Falemu; and Operations Manager, Quadri Awosanya.

The visit was to reaffirm Agbeyewa Farms’ commitment to maintaining strong partnerships with NSCDC operations in Ekiti State especially along the various communities of operations of Agbeyewa in Ikole local Government and as the farm continues to expand its agricultural operations across Ekiti State. 

The effective collaboration between Agbeyewa Farms and the NSCDC is essential to protecting people, and agricultural investments while fostering peaceful relationships with host communities.

Gov. Oyebanji Charges Ekiti Youth Parliament on Integrity, As Hon. Ibrahim Olarenwaju Trains 5th Assembly on Effective Representation.

Gov. Oyebanji Charges Ekiti Youth Parliament on Integrity, As Hon. Ibrahim Olarenwaju Trains 5th Assembly on Effective Representation.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has charged members of the state's Youth Parliament to cultivate strong leadership skills, uphold high ethical standards, and embrace selfless service in discharging their legislative duties. Represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Oyeniyi Adebayo, during a one-day capacity-building training for the 5th Assembly held at the Governor’s Office in Ado-Ekiti, the Governor emphasized that the parliament offers a vital platform for youths to gain governance experience and serve their constituents effectively. He noted that since October 2022, his administration has heavily invested in education, agriculture, sports, and youth development, including the establishment of a full-fledged Ministry of Youth Development, to ensure young people become self-reliant and productive citizens.

Delivering an insightful keynote teaching titled “The Art of Effective Representation: From Constituency Needs to Legislative Action,” Keynote Speaker and facilitator Hon. Ibrahim Kunle Olarenwaju drew from his national legislative experience to school the young lawmakers. He detailed the three core constitutional functions of the legislature, law-making, oversight, and representation, while cautioning them against common hurdles such as bureaucratic delays, resource constraints, and competing interests. Hon. Olarenwaju urged the participants to look beyond physical projects and master how to translate grassroots needs into tangible legislative outcomes through proper motions, bills, and continuous community engagement.

In his goodwill message, Technical Advisor on Youth Inclusion, Hon. Ayo Ojo, commended Governor Oyebanji for putting together such a remarkable program, noting that legislative processes and governance demand deep discipline, integrity, and intellectual maturity. He challenged the young parliamentarians to approach the training with utmost seriousness and ensure that the knowledge acquired translates into purposeful contributions on the floor of the House and positive impacts on the lives of Ekiti youths.

Adding his voice to the encouragement, Dr. John Moyo Ekundayo, Director-General/Special Adviser Office of Transformation and Service Delivery (OTSD), urged the parliamentarians to put their best foot forward as a very bright future awaits them. He advised them to listen attentively, take comprehensive notes, put lessons into daily practice, and embrace the continuous cycle of learning, unlearning, and relearning.

Setting a strong administrative tone for the assembly, the Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Adesola Gold Adedayo, officially welcomed stakeholders and participants to the conference hall. Highlighting the administration's steadfast commitment to youth empowerment, Hon. Adedayo underscored that the training was a strategic investment in democratic governance. He reminded the 5th Assembly members that their conduct must consistently reflect the core values of discipline, intellectual maturity, accountability, and respect.

The high-impact capacity-building event drew an array of distinguished personalities, key government functionaries, and stakeholders. Those who attended and added immense value to the program includes the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tertiary Institutions, Prof. Azeez Akeem; Director General Bureau of Community Communication, Hon. Mary Oso-Omotosho, Ministry of Youth officials; and members of the 5th Assembly of the Ekiti State Youth Parliament.

In concluding the robust engagement, stakeholders reiterated that the quality of leadership desired for Ekiti State tomorrow heavily depends on the character, discipline, and legislative capacity built among young leaders today. The program successfully closed with renewed commitments from both the state government and the youth parliamentarians to deepen the foundations of grassroots democracy, transparency, and people-oriented representation across all constituencies.

WAOH INTERVENTION: ANOTHER PLUS TO BAO’S EDUCATION IMPACT.

WAOH INTERVENTION: ANOTHER PLUS TO BAO’S EDUCATION IMPACT.

The recent intervention of Her Excellency, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, through the WAOH Renewal Back-to-School Scholarship Programme, is another remarkable plus to the impact of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s administration in the education sector.

Supporting 50 indigent pupils, including 19 transitioning from primary to secondary school, with financial assistance and essential educational and personal materials demonstrates a genuine commitment to ensuring that poverty does not become a barrier to education.

According to Arch. Tope Ogunleye, the intervention complements the broader education initiatives of the BAO administration, which include improving learning environments, teacher development, recruitment and retraining, and expanding access to quality education.

Education goes beyond classrooms and teachers. Children also need the basic necessities that enable them to learn with confidence and dignity. The support provided by Her Excellency therefore addresses an important aspect of the welfare of vulnerable pupils.

Arch. Tope Ogunleye commends Her Excellency for this compassionate intervention and believes it further strengthens the administration’s determination to give Ekiti children the opportunity to receive the best possible education.

When we invest in our children, we invest in the future of Ekiti State.

RST MEDIA TEAM