Oyebanji Mourns Former CGS Diya

Oyebanji Mourns Former CGS Diya

The Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed condolences on the death of former Chief of General Staff (CGS), Lt.-Gen. Oladipo Diya (retd), who passed on sunday, aged 78 years. 

The Governor in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, said Gen. Diya's death has robbed Nigeria of one of its finest military officers who fought gallantly for the unity of the country.

Governor Oyebanji noted that the deceased used the most productive part of his life to serve his fatherland with uncommon commitment and made a success of all the command positions and political offices he held in his lifetime.

The Ekiti helmsman noted that Gen. Diya excelled as Military Governor of Ogun State, General Officer Command 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of General Staff under the late former Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha.

Governor Oyebanji hailed the deceased for leaving good legacies in Ogun State during his tenure and for his contribution to peace and stability of Nigeria at a difficult period as the number two citizen in the Abacha regime.

He noted that Gen. Diya was also an intellectual in the military as a renowned author and a lawyer who contributed immensely to knowledge with his wealth of experience.

The Governor prayed God to grant the family of the deceased the fortitude to bear the loss urging them to be consoled by worthy legacies he left behind and for being on the positive side of history.

He also commiserated with the government and the people of Ogun State on the loss of an illustrious son praying God to grant him an eternal rest.

Governor Oyebanji, Akeredolu ex-Gov Mimiko, Oni celebrate Retired Bishop Ipinmoye At 80.

Governor Oyebanji, Akeredolu ex-Gov Mimiko, Oni celebrate Retired Bishop Ipinmoye At 80.

.….as former governors pray for Oyebanji.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, on Saturday eulogised Ekiti born retired Bishop of Akure Anglican Dioceses, Rt. Rev’d Michael Ipinmoye at his 80th birthday thanksgiving in Ado-Ekiti, describing him as a special gift to his generation.

The Governor spoke just as Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), former Governor Rahman Mimiko of Ondo State, ex-Governor Segun Oni and Minister of State for Transportation, Prince Ademola Adegoroye, hailed the celebrant at the well-attended service.

Governor Oyebanji who described the retired Bishop as a very proud Ekiti man who proudly carries Ekiti identity everywhere, appreciated him for his years of meritorious service to God and to humanity.

Speaking during the thanksgiving service which held at the Emmanuel Cathedral Church, Ado Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji described the octogenarian as a builder of men, a model and a man of God to the core.

While congratulating the bishop, the Governor prayed to God to grant him long life and prosperity and that he will live as long in good health to reap the fruit of his labour of love.

“Daddy, I bless God for your life, to be 80 in Nigeria is not by accident, it can only be God. In a Country where life expectancy is between 45 and 55years and you are 80 and strong, we give God all the glory”

“I thank you for your service to mankind and service to God, I thank you for being a very proud Ekiti man and I thank you that you never change your Ekiti identity anywhere you are, thank you so much”.

“Well, there is nothing to say other than to congratulate you and as you journey in life my prayer is that you live as long as you want. The Governor prayed.

Governor Oyebanji who also acknowledged the presence of former Governor of Ekiti State, Engr. Oni, said beyond partisan politics, the former Governor remains is brother to him.

In his own goodwill message, Engr Segun Oni congratulated the celebrant for witnessing his 80th birthday in great health. 

He also appreciated Governor Oyebanji, whom he also described as a brother. In apparent reference to his case against the election of Governor Oyebanji, Engr Oni said political contest is a normal thing in democracy just as seeking the intervention of the judiciary in determining knotty issues.  He prayed for God’s continue support to enable the Governor achieve a successful tenure.

Former Governor Mimiko, in his brief remarks, said he was not surprised at the developmental strides of the Governor Oyebanji administration. He said he had known the Governor as a young man and was convinced he had the right training, preparation and capacity to excel as Governor of Ekiti State. 

“My prayer is that you will become the best Governor ever in the history of our country. Governor Oyebanji and I have been together for a long time and I know he will well groomed and has the capacity to excel as chief executive of the state. I am not surprised he hit the ground running and the result is quite evident”, Mimiko said.

In his sermon,,  titled response to God’s faithfulness,  a retired Bishop from Osun State, Revd James Afolabi, described the celebrant as a simple but firm man of God, and enjoined him to continue to live his life for God as it's the only was he can respond  to God's faithfulness at all times.

Also present at the event were representative of Ondo State Governor, Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Engineer Rasaq Obe; many traditional rulers from Ondo and Ekiti states among other dignitaries.

NYC Oye Local Government Chapter Celebrates An Icon, ID-ALUTA.

NYC Oye Local Government Chapter Celebrates An Icon, ID-ALUTA.

.....urged him to utilise his skills and experience towards the development of the constituency. 

Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC), Oye Local Government Chapter has felicitate with Honorable elect of Oye Constituency II, Comr. Odebunmi Idowu ID-ALUTA on his landmark victory.

This was disclosed to the media in a Press Release from the office of the movement Public Relations Officer, Comr. Akadri Segun.

"We celebrate and felicitate with an astute personality, Honourable Odebunmi Idowu, ID-ALUTA, on his victory in the recent election as member Ekiti State House Of Assembly, Oye Constituency 2.

"We are convinced his victory was a resultant effect of the sacred social values and beliefs he holds in the society and we'll propell our utmost support to his reign in the House of Assembly. 

"Please let your abiding love continue, and even crave for greater supports to the National Youth Congress, Oye LG Chapter  as we'll be anticipating to enjoy colossal advocacy and interventions for the Youth Body

"Congratulations sir  we're trusting you for an inclusive run with the youths of Oye Local Government."

E-Signed:

COMRADE OLUMIDE DAMILOLA

_COORDINATOR_

COMRADE AKADRI SEGUN ALABA

_PRO_

Omoluabi Team Alliance Congratulates President- Elect, Babjide Sanwo-Olu and Other Southwest Governors over Election Victory; Speak for a United Southwest

Omoluabi Team Alliance Congratulates President- Elect, Babjide Sanwo-Olu, Other Southwest Governors over Election Victory; Speak for a United Southwest.

It is with pleasure and great joy that distinguished members of Omoluabi Team Alliance socio- cultural group send this open congratulatory message to the President - Elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dapo Abiodun, Seyi Makinde, Adeleke Ademola, Biodun Oyebanji and Akeredolu all governors of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo state  for the election victory that was achieved in their various states. The 2023 general election was a huge success as INEC displayed so much capacity and competence to have conducted a general election that was free, fair and credible enough on the schedule date without any form of postponement. Yes, there could be minor hitches during the election as no perfect condition or situation is guaranteed all over the world.  On this basis we must also appreciate the electorates across the nooks and crannies of the country who have conducted themselves in a manner so expected of loyal and committed country men and women. Thanks to our men and women from the southwest who also came out to defend their ancestral territory and heritage against hijack from mere sojourners through the ballot. We have truly defined it that Lagos is a state in the southwest and belongs to the yorubas.

Eko o ni baje ooo.

The group however use this medium to congratulate the southwest governors for allowing the southwest agenda prevailed against all odds and other circumstances.

 Today we are happy that for the first time the southwest spoke with a voice and saw the mission to take our position in a country where our own forefathers and founding fathers from the old western region and nationalists played a part to nuture. 

Thanks to some notable Yoruba elders who never reneged in giving their supports in the struggle for the political emancipation of the southwest at this time. Most especially, the National Leader of the Afenifere Group, Chief Pa Reuben Fasoranti, a highly respected elderstateman, an epitome of integrity, sincerity and a faithful disciple of the Awolowo school of thought alongside  other prominent members of the oldest Pan Yoruba  socio-cultural Group in the history of Yoruba land. Also of note is the effort of our traditional rulers across the entire southwest for standing by the President - Elect. Worthy of mention are faithful political leaders like Chief Segun Osoba, Chief Bisi Akande, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Chairman of the southwest Governors Forum  and other political leaders who played a role that was strategic enough to usher in the celebrated victory for democracy. History will forever be kind to you all.

Now that our missions have been accomplished as a people, it becomes expedient to set a common agenda to restore the lost glory of the yoruba people. Omoluabi socio- cultural group call for unity, peace and a perfect understanding among our people with an appeal to our traditional rulers and spiritual fathers to continually offer more prayers and appease to the gods of our land for his divine blessings and prosperity for the Yoruba people.

No doubt our dreams have come true and our prayers answered. We must all come back home and go back to the drawing board to set our plans as a region. All southwest Governors must be united irrespective of party affiliations and see the development of  the southwest states as a priority that is above self interest. We also appeal to other leaders who hold grudges against the person of the President - Elect to surrender their  shield and allow love reign supreme as charity begins from home. It is our prayer that God Almighty grant Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Southwest Governors wisdom to provide good leadership across board. Nigeria is about to witness an unprecedented turn-around in all spheres.

Congratulations to all Yorubas home and abroad 

E- Signed

Acting National Secretary

Omoluabi Team Alliance Socio- cultural and Political Group.

Afe Babalola Tasks Newly Elected Ekiti NASS Members On Infrastructure Development.

Afe Babalola tasks newly elected Ekiti NASS members on infrastructure development.

.…As Governor Oyebanji reiterates commitment to Ekiti development.

Legal luminary and respected elder statesman, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) has charged newly elected Senators and Members, House of Representatives from Ekiti state to use their new status to attract development to the state, using necessary connections and lobbying processes.

Aare Babalola, who gave the charged in Ado Ekiti on Sunday when the state Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji led the three Senators -elect and six House of Representatives members- elect to the Founder of Afe Babalola University, called on all influential Ekiti indigenes at home and in the diaspora to start paying their taxes and development levies to the state in the drive to ensure aggressive development.

The legal icon, who is reputed as the highest tax payer in Ekiti State, appealed to all Ekiti people irrespective of political affiliation, to join hands with the incumbent Governor Oyebanji to drive aggressive development of the state. adding that he was convinced Ekiti would progress rapidly under Oyebanji whom he described as a progressive leader. 

Aare Babalola used the opportunity to call on Local Government administrators to embark on aggressive food production by investing massively in agricultural implements and inputs to make the state the food basket of the nation.

He highlighted his development strides in the state to include law, education, health, youth development, industry, agriculture and lots more, adding that ABUAD Multi-Systems Hospital is at the verge of taking healthcare delivery close to the people by establishing ABUAD Health Centres in remote areas of the state to help the people with critical health challenges who may not be able to visit the main hospital.

Chief Babalola who hailed the exemplary leadership of Governor Oyebanji, said the Ekiti Governor had started effecting some positive changes in the state, urging him to ensure their sustainability. 

“Whatever you want to achieve in life starts from leadership at all levels, the fact that we are able to bring you together here shows a new leadership order and that Governor Oyebanji is an exemplary leader and he will continue to be successful.” Aare Babalola noted.

In his remarks, Governor Oyebanji, Who reiterated his commitment to Ekiti development, noted that Aare Afe Babalola was more passionate about Ekiti project. The Governor said he led the newly elected lawmakers to the nonagenarian in order to share his vision for Ekiti as well as give them assignments on Ekiti project.

He added that his government would partner ABUAD by sharing its vision of industrialization saying if the institution could achieve this remarkable feat in the thirteen years of its existence then sharing vision with it would be a plus for the state.

“As Secretary of Ekiti creation, I have an idea of Baba’s vision for Ekiti state and I know that as we are today we can only realize that vision when we partner together. I was telling them about your gesture towards the Airport, they did not believe it, that the Airport would have been completed if we allow you to do what you wanted to do.

“I brought them here today to listen to you and to also thank you for what you are doing to humanity and to Ekiti state. If it were in the olden days, you would have been made a god but in your lifetime sir, we will continue to reverence you and make you proud.

Speaking on behalf of the Legislators, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele and Senator-elect Cyril Fasuyi reiterated their commitments to Ekiti project and promised to work closely with Governor Oyebanji to attract more development to the state.

The Legislators, who extolled the virtue of Aare Afe Babalola as having so much to tap from his wealth of experience called on him to help in investing more towards the development of the state.

Other Legislators elect at the meeting included Senator-elect Yemi Adaramodu and the House of Representatives members-elect were Niyi Ojuawo, Femi Bamisile, Abiodun Omoleye, Akinlayo Kolawole, Sola Fatoba and Akintunde Rotimi.

Also at the meeting were the wife of the ABUAD founder, Chief (Mrs) Modupe Babalola and some senior officials of the University.

BREAKING: Former NANS National PRO, Odebunmi Wins Assembly Seat In Ekiti.

BREAKING: Former NANS National PRO, Odebunmi Wins Assembly Seat In Ekiti.

THE candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Hon. Odebunmi Idowu ID Aluta has emerged winner of Oye constituency II of Ekiti state House of Assembly member-elect.

Declaring the results, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Returning Officer for Oye constituency said: Odebunmi Idowu of APC having polled 6,689 votes to defeat his other challengers, from PDP and SDP, who scored 717, and 908 votes respectively.

The keenly contested election saw the Erstwhile NANS national PRO  win with a wide margin, saw him emerge as the winner of the Assembly to represent Oye constituency II.

The Lawmaker-elect was the ex-Chief of staff to the former NANS revolutionary President, Asefon Sunday Adedayo.

Gov. Oyebanji Urges Ekiti Residents To Accept Old Naira Notes.

Gov. Oyebanji Urges Ekiti Residents To Accept Old Naira Notes.

...its becomes unlawful for any business owner or service provider to reject the old notes~ Gov. Oyebanji.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has appealed to residents of the state to continue to accept the old and new naira notes as means of transactions in line with the ruling of the Supreme Court which extended the validity date of the old naira notes till December 23, 2023.

The Supreme Court had, in its March 3rd ruling, extended the validity date for the old naira notes in a case instituted by some states within the federation including Ekiti State.

Governor Oyebanji who noted complaints by residents that many business concerns in the state refused to accept the old naira notes as means of transaction, said it becomes unlawful for any business owner or service provider to reject the old notes.

The Governor, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, and made available to journalists in Ado-Ekiti on Saturday, urged Ekiti people to accept the old naira notes till the December deadline and stay clear of actions that could create hardship for one another.

The Governor appealed to the market women, artisans, transporters, filling stations, supermarket owners, school proprietors and service providers to remain law abiding and accept the old naira notes. He also urged the commercial banks and CBN to make the old and new currencies available in their branches and at their automated teller machines (ATM) points in order to ease the stress residents go through to get money for their daily and commercial needs.

“This is an appeal to all residents of Ekiti State to abide by the ruling of the Supreme Court which provides a reprieve for the people by extending the validity date of the old naira notes till December 31st.

“The State Government had joined other states to seek the intervention of  the Supreme Court in reversing the new naira policy which the states averred had inflicted excruciating pain and hardship on the people in addition to crippling economic activities.

“As honourable people, what is expected of us is to abide by the ruling of the apex court and continue to accept the old naira notes as means of transactions and not to inflict further hardship on one another by rejecting it.

“This is a special appeal to all the banks to make the naira notes available in all their branches and pay points and to all traders, business owners, service providers, okada riders, drivers, filling stations, gas plants, supermarkets, schools, hospitals, POS operators, to start accepting the old notes forthwith. To do otherwise would amount to defying the ruling of the highest court in the country and thwarting government efforts at reducing the hardship of the people.

“Our Government will continue to explore avenues to make life more meaningful for our people, as we continue to build a more prosperous state. 

“In same vein, Government will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute business owners found rejecting the old naira notes”, the statement added.