Gov. Oyebanji Mourns Seriki.

Gov. Oyebanji Mourns Seriki.

...described his death as unfortunate and painful.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has expressed condolences on the death of Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Demola Seriki who passed on Thursday, describing it as unfortunate and painful.

The Governor, in a statement in Ado- Ekiti on Thursday, described the news of Seriki’s death as shocking, worrisome and unfortunate; noting that the deceased did not show any sign of illness during their last meeting.

Oyebanji who described Seriki as a big brother and mentor, said the death of the Lagos politician was a personal loss to him. 

He described the late Ambassador as a highly refined politician, seasoned administrator, patriotic leader who saw politics and public service as avenue to serve and contribute to nation building.

The Governor said it is painful that Seriki who had been extremely committed to the presidential aspiration of the APC National Leader and Presidential flagbearer, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, did not wait to witness the realization of the collective dream.

“Ambassador Seriki was known for his dedication to a worthy cause. He was a loyal party man and a patriotic Nigerian- always ready to serve. The news of his death is quite shocking, disheartening and painful. Losing such a committed and visionary public servant is a huge loss, not only to his family, friends and political associates, but to the country at large.

“My condolences and that of the government and people of Ekiti State to the Federal Government, the government and people of Lagos State as well as members of the immediate and extended families of the late politician. We pray God to grant his soul eternal rest and give the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss, Oyebanji said."

Yinka Oyebode

Special Adviser, Media

EKSG Will Address Teachers' Sufferings, Prioritise Their Welfare.

EKSG Will Address Teachers' Sufferings, Prioritise Their Welfare.

The Ekiti State Government, has reiterated the commitment of Governor Biodun Oyebanji to the welfare of teachers, assuring that their wellbeing would be given an utmost  priority by his goverment.

The Deputy Governor,  Chief (Mrs) Monisade Christianah Afuye stated this in Ado Ekiti, on Wednesday, at a ceremony commemorating the occasion of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary School 2022 Gala Night.

Mrs Afuye, represented by the Permanent Secretary Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr. Abayomi Opeyemi, applauded teachers across Primary and Secondary levels for their display of discipline and passing knowledge across to students to build the nation's future.

The Deputy Governor stated that education remains the bedrock of the development of any society, describing it as the veritable weapon to instil  discipline and impact knowledge.

Mrs Afuye added that the Government of Ekiti would  pay their salaries, bonuses and gratuities  as and when due, adding that their welfare would not be taken with levity.

Chief Afuye who presented awards to some retirees of the union, however, appreciated the leadership of ASUSS for the gift  presented to her on the occasion of the dinner night.

In his welcome address, the State Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools, Comrade Sola Adigun, expressed his pleasure to welcome the presence of the audience for attending the August occasion stating that it was the second of its kind.

Adigun expressed that the instance of the previous year's celebration was ceased to celebrate the heroes and heroins who with their lives took risks to save the union when it mattered most, He added that  the comrades that were omitted in the last year celebration are part of those being celebrated in this year edition.

Comrade Adigun stated that the Pinnacle of teaching career in Ekiti State is the enviable position of Tutor-General, and also celebrate ASUSS member that are present occupiers of the positions, adding that the event is set in place to create an atmosphere for leisure and relaxation where members would forget work and family stress and take away normal aluta mood.

The  union leader, said it was a night to appreciate government, friends, fans, leaders and members of the union that have formed a formidable team that is taking teaching and education to its zenith in Nigeria, particularly, Ekiti State.

The ASUSS Chairman stressed that the  alarming rate at which teachers were dying is worrisome and that the leadership of the great union has thought it wise to introduce health insurance scheme for their members as there is always need of adequate daily meals.

Ekiti Speaker Canvasses More Effective Prosecution of Sex Offenders.

Ekiti Speaker Canvasses More Effective Prosecution of Sex Offenders.

....Says 'Rape Epidemic' Must Stop in Ekiti.

The Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olubunmi Adelugba, had enlisted the support of traditional rulers, security agencies, judiciary, media and other stakeholders to reduce Gender-Based Violence in the state.

Speaking on Monday at a Special Plenary Session held by the Assembly on Prevention of Gender-Based Violence, the Speaker insisted that the epidemic of rape and other forms of sexual offences must in Ekiti State.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media to the Speaker, Odunayo Ogunmola, the special plenary session was attended and chaired by the First Lady of Ekiti State, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji as part of activities marking the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Rt. Hon. Adelugba said she was alarmed and concerned that despite a robust legislative and policy intervention on the state, Gender-Based Violence, sexual and domestic violence appear to continue unabated in communities across the state.

She called for more vigorous and effective prosecution of sex offenders and other violators of Gender-Based Violence to end the culture of impunity and foster a culture of justice for the victims and deterrent for the offenders and potential offenders.

The Speaker emphasized that Gender-Based Violence represents a crime against individuals, the society and humanity saying it is a battle that must be won to make Ekiti safe for women, girl children and other vulnerable citizens of the state so that their rights will not be violated.

Rt. Hon. Adelugba noted that the Assembly is made up of representatives of the people of the state from all the twenty six (26) constituencies noting that the parley has made honourable members to take the message home to their constituents on the existence of laws and penalties against Gender-Based Violence.

She said: "I want to state at this juncture that more still needs to be done in the effective prosecution of sex offenders in Ekiti State and the task is a collaborative one among individuals, filed, communities, civil society organizations and stakeholders in the criminal justice system.

"I want to remind all and sundry that Gender-Based Violence represents a crime against individuals, the society and humanity. We must all join hands together to stop it; we must all rise and work together to fight and end rape epidemic in Ekiti State.

"Our collective response to the scourge of Gender-Based Violence must be proactive and efficient to end the culture of impunity and foster a culture of justice and deterrence. 

"I want to enlist the support of our traditional rulers, community leaders, the media, civil society organizations and other stakeholders for more public enlightenment and awareness on Gender-Based Violence laws in the grassroots to win this battle. This is a battle that is surmountable; with our collective resolve and determination, it is achievable."

The Speaker disclosed that the Assembly has enacted laws like Gender Based Violence (Prohibition) Law 2019, Sexual Violence Against Children (Compulsory Treatment and Care) Law 2020 and Child Rights Law 2012, among others as legislations aimed at fighting the scourge to a standstill.

The immediate past Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Olawale Fapohunda, SAN presented an overview on Gender Based Violence in the state and what the state government had been doing to curb the incidence.

Fapohunda said the incidence of rape had assumed an alarming dimension which prompted the implementation of Name and Shame policy against sex offenders and opening of Sexual Offenders Register.

The Senior Advocate pointed out that gender based violence and rape offenders include the learned and the unlearned, highly placed individuals, lowly individuals, clergymen, lecturers, teachers, civil servants, among others.

He explained that gender based violence happen in all the local government areas of the state which called for a concerted effort to tackle the incidence.

The event was attended by stakeholders from Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Women Affairs, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, the Judiciary, the Nigerian Bar Association and Civil Society Organizations.

NYSC Corps members sensitise market sellers on market hygiene.

NYSC Corps members sensitise market sellers on market hygiene.

By: Olamide Akinwumi James 

Some members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State has embarked on sensitisation of market sellers on the need to adopt hygienic practices and keep the market environment clean.

The corps members under the Community Development Service Group (Medical and Health CDS) on Thursday 8th December, stormed the Nkwo-Okija market at Okija Ihiala to sensitize the market people's. 

The President of the CDS, Etim Richard Friday, said the sensitisation programme was organised to create awareness, educate and enlighten the market men and women on cleanliness, and adopt a healthy market lifestyle for the health benefit of consumers.

“Cleanliness is next to godliness. Perishable and non-perishable products are sold here which has made it imperative to understand the essence of cleanliness. What we consume and the effect of these foods in our body system are determined by how they are handled before consumption, he explained”.

Oyebanji Moves To Offset Outstanding Gratuities.

Oyebanji Moves To Offset Outstanding Gratuities.

Ekiti State Government has set up a committee to liaise with the State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners with a view to defray the gratuities owed the retirees.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji announced the decision while receiving members of the Administrative Committee of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners in Ado Ekiti.

Governor Oyebanji noted that government was passionate about the wellbeing of retired civil servants stressing that the team would work out modalities to offset the gratuities beginning with the implementation as from next year’s January..

Earlier,.the State Chairman, Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Mr Joel Akinola and National Vice Chairman of NUP, Elder Ayo Kumapayi acknowledged the Governor’s strive to prioritize welfare of pensioners with a reference release of their August, September and October check up dues.

They called on government to ensure orderliness in the payment of gratuities to members both in the local and state.

Àtúnkọ́ Unity Cup: Making Sports Viable for All.

Àtúnkọ́ Unity Cup: Making Sports Viable for All.

Over the weekend, I was on field to watch the quarter finals of the Àtúnkọ́ Unity Cup - ohh, such great joy seeing all these talents play ~ Hon. Henrich.

Today, I am honestly proud of what the Henrich Initiative/ Henrich FC team and I have been able to do with sports development at the community level.

I must confess that even though I do not engage professionally in any major sporting activity – I have a genuine love for every form of athleticism.

For those who do not know – I run a club – known as Henrich FC based in Ikere. 

Currently, I sponsor the Atunko Unity Cup taking place across the three Local Government Areas (Ikere, Ise, Ekiti South West) that make up Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1.

The competition is the latest in the series of competitions that I have promoted in the last four years.

(PS: IG users - Please head to Facebook or LinkedIn for the rest of this article) 

Four years ago when I started sponsoring football competitions and advanced to starting a club – it was defined by the following factors;

i)                    A need to improve harmony in the community

ii)                   Reduce unemployment

iii)                 Harness and develop individual talents

iv)                 Reduce crime rates

 

In two years, we have built a team that recognises, nurtures and supports football talents. In our own little way we have taken no less than 20 persons from the unemployment pool and helped them incentivise their skills.

We have also exposed no less than 10 coaches and 3 football administrators to world class coaching trainings and facilitated the training of one for an advanced coaching training.

I do not say these things to count them as achievements but to highlight the relevance of an otherwise undermined sector as 'Sports' in Nigeria.

Although, we cannot fully assess the impact of sports on Nigeria’s economy – it is noteworthy that sports, computed as part of the entertainment and recreation sector, still contributes its widow’s mite to the GDP.

For me – a core part of my legislative interests is to find ways to improve investments in sports.

As a lawmaker, I intend to help formulate and drive the implementation of a sports policy that mandates sporting activities in primary, secondary, and tertiary educational institutions as well as promoting local sports development.

The bill/policy document will also mandate tertiary institutions to give scholarships and other concessions on the basis of sporting achievements.

This would provide support for such talents to pursue their educational goals and also continue their sports career so they can become future Tobi Amusans. 

I understand that finance is a major impediment to the growth of sports in the country, hence, as part of oversight, I will be hoping to take a cursory look at the various sports associations and see ways we can attract more government and private funding to support these national sporting bodies.

I'll pause my thoughts here and hope that everyone grasp the ideas expressed here.

We are heading to the Green Chambers with a plan - and we can make it work together. 

Join the Àtúnkọ́ Movement Now.

Hon. Henrich Akomolafe

House of Representatives, 

Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1, 

PDP Candidate, 2023.

Gov.Oyebanji Hails Supreme Court Ruling On His Candidacy.

Gov.Oyebanji Hails Supreme Court Ruling On His Candidacy.

…..urges supporters to be magnanimous in victory 

.....Tells Petitioner, Kayode Ojo to join hands with his govt.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has hailed the judgement of the Supreme Court, affirming him as the validly elected candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the June 18, governorship election in the state.

The Supreme Court had on Monday dismissed the case instituted by one of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirants, Kayode Ojo, challenging the validity of Oyebanji’s emergence as candidate of the party.

Oyebanji in a reaction to the ruling of the apex court, described it as a welcome development and a triumph of truth and justice.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, Governor Oyebanji, who described the ruling of the apex court as a landmark judgement, said the Supreme Court had put a final seal of validity on the primary election of the APC that produced him as the party’s candidate for the June 18 governorship election. 

"Again, the judiciary has lived up to expectation as the bastion of democracy and rule of law. The ruling has put to rest all controversies surrounding the January 27th, APC primaries." Oyebanji said.

While lauding the judiciary for living up to its reputation as the last hope of the common man, Oyebanji said he was happy the court upheld the decision of over a hundred thousand APC members that voted for him across the 16 local governments as the party’s candidate during the primaries on January 27.

The Governor however urged his supporters to be magnanimous in victory, stressing that the case is a family affairs, which should not warrant any name calling or bad blood among members of the party.

He also called on Engr Kayode Ojo and a few others who might have issues with the outcome of the January 27 primaries of the party to sheath their swords and re- direct their energy towards working with his administration to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

“I congratulate the judiciary for living up to expectation as the last hope of the common man. I also appreciate my brother, Engr Kayode Ojo for approaching the court for the determination of the matter, instead of resorting to self -help.

“Now that the Supreme Court has ruled and affirmed my candidacy, I urge my brother, Engr Ojo and all others who might have issues with the outcome of the January 27 primaries of our party to join hands with us in the task of building a more prosperous Ekiti State, he added."

He also congratulated the national and state leadership of the APC for the victory. “It is victory for democracy, it is victory for our people. We thank God Almighty from whom all blessings flow. We thank the Judiciary for living up to expectation. We thank entire Ekiti kete for their demonstrated love and support.

“To all APC members, our next assignment is to work and mobilise massively for the victory of our Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and our party in the coming presidential election. I urge you all to go out and demonstrate your love and support for our Asiwaju, Oyebanji added."