Ekiti First Lady, Oyebanji Seeks Improved Attention On Basic Education.

Ekiti First Lady, Oyebanji Seeks Improved Attention On Basic Education.

Education remains the brain behind development and socio-economic growth in all sectors of economy, therefore, it should be given special attention it deserves.

Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji stated this at Ido-Ekiti while delivering lecture at a summit organised by State Universal Basic Education Board to train Education secretaries and head teachers.

Dr Oyebanji, who explained that Basic Education was the pillar upon which other levels of education rested, called on Education Secretaries piloting the affairs of basic schools to be well equipped for the task of ensuring effective delivery of quality learning and teaching processes.

She encouraged  Education secretaries to engage in peer review on regular basis.

In her word, "I want  to appeal to you to put in place effective mechanism for regular feedback to SUBEB from the Local Government Education Authorities" through report writing and periodic meeting with the Board.

The first lady also suggested the need for the education Secretaries to ensure at least 80% skill in ICT literacy to boost the confidence and Morales of their teachers.

Dr Olayemi however solicited an improved funding of Local Government Education Authorities to enhance their functionalities.

Earlier, the Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board, Professor Femi Akinwumi charged Executive Secretaries not to deviate from the purpose for which they were appointed by being committed to effective monitoring of schools.

EKSG Donates Relief Materials to 112 Rainstorm Victims.

EKSG Donates Relief Materials to 112 Rainstorm Victims.

In a bid to rescue some citizens from the pangs of homelessness, the Ekiti State Government, has donated relief materials to 112 victims of rainstorm in two communities in the state.

The government expressed sympathy and  grieve over the pains experienced by the victims, whose building  rooftops were blown off at Oke- Ako and Ijesa- Isu Ekiti, Ikole Local Government Area of the state, on March 3, 2023 during a stormy rainfall.

Materials distributed included: roofing planks, roofing nails of varying sizes, corrugated sheets, and consumables like rice, garri, spaghetti, among others.

The Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, who presented the materials, on Thursday, in Ado Ekiti, said the government of Governor Biodun Oyebanji will continue to give succour to victims of any disaster to avert suffering of undue emotional and economic crises.

Mrs Afuye, represented by her Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Victor Adeniyi, said the government felt pained by the displacement and harrowing conditions  the victims were subjected to, urging them to continue to keep faith with the current goverment of being capable of improving their wellbeing. 

Giving the breakdown of the beneficiaries, the Deputy Governor, said an aggregate of 82 were drawn from Oke- Ako and 30 from  Ijesa -Isu respectively. 

The Deputy Governor said; "Natural disaster that happened on March 3, 2023 was very painful and sad. It was sad having over 112 buildings blown off and destroyed, with hundreds rendered homeless in two communities. The experience was painful to this government.

"As a government that is determined to uplift the wellbeing of our people, we acted swiftly and collated the victims' names. We couldn't have allowed our people to go into distress; that is why we accord  this with priority. 

"Let us try and maintain peace and be calm even when situation like this happens. We  appreciate the governor for acting swiftly to palliate the sufferings of the people that were caught in the web of this rainstorm. 

"Disaster like this is something that is preventable by planting trees around our buildings to break any destructive wind from having its way. Let us also try and look after our buildings by repairing areas suspected to be weak before the commencement of raining season.

"I charge you to use these materials  judiciously for the purpose they were meant for. The government of Ekiti State is ready to support any citizen who has any genuine challenge to put smiles on the faces of those who elected us".

The Chairman of Ajoni Local Council Development Area, Hon. Michael Ogungbemi, applauded the government for showing concern about the plights of the victims, with quick presentation of relief materials to rebuild their damaged property.

Ogungbemi described the gesture as signposting that Governor Biodun Oyebanji's administration is masses-oriented and demonstrating enormous  respect for the sanctity of lives . 

Also commending the government for its intervention, the Regent of Oke -Ako community, Her Royal Highness Tinuade Adebayo, pledged the loyalty and support of her people to the current administration.

She added; "We are assuring our Governor that the people of Oke- Ako will continue to work for this government and  will continue to do our utmost best to maintain peace in our domain to stabilise our government".

One of the  beneficiaries, Mr Osanipinni Olaniyan, commended the government for its benevolence, saying ; "I know that with these items , we will be able to rebuild our damaged buildings and return home safely without fear".

As Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti Clocks 97: Omoluabi Socio- cultural and Political Group Celebrates A Special Man.

As Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti Clocks 97: Omoluabi Socio- cultural and Political Group Celebrates A Special Man.

Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the National Leader of Afenifere Group is today a man who should be made to wear a cloth of many colours. He is a special man, a rare breed, a gem, a passionate Nigerian, a  knowledgeable nonagenarian whose wisdom is directly proportional to the age he celebrates today. On this note it is with deep gratitude to God Almighty that distinguished members of Omoluabi Team Alliance Socio- cultural and Political Group celebrate the life of a man whose name speaks integrity undiluted. 

Baba is undisputably a core member and presently the oldest foundation member of the Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo's school of political thought, ideology, philosophy and principles that cannot be discarded from the annals of history. You are an asset to your generation and ours during and after your active days in public service as a man who believes in the task of state and nation building. 

As you are being celebrated nationwide today, we join other admirers of a father, a progressive, an educationist, a political leader of all seasons and a special man who has given his all to serve humanity with great impact on the Yoruba nation as a whole.

Happy 97th birthday to an Omoluabi without blemish.

Many more balloons to burst as you shall witness the beginning of a renewed hope for Nigeria and the southwest  we all look forward to usher-in  soonest.

 E- signed;

 Omoluabi Jayeola, Afolabi

 National Convener

 Omoluabi Alex Akinfolarin

 National Secretary

 Comr. Akinwumi Olamide J.

 Media and Publicity Secretary

Payment of Salary Arrears: NMA Hails Oyebanji, Knocks Ikpeazu, Hope, Ortom.

Payment of Salary Arrears: NMA Hails Oyebanji, Knocks Ikpeazu, Hope, Ortom.

The National Secretariat of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA has commended the governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji for the payment of salary arrears and other benefits of its  members and health workers in the state.

The medical body gave the commendation in a communique issued at the

end of its  63rd Annual General Conference and Delegates’ Meeting (AGC/DM) held in Jalingo,the Taraba State capital Signed by the NMA Dr Uche Rowland Ojinmah the body expressed concern over the alleged layback attitude of some states, particularly,  governments  of Abia, Imo and Benue States.

It noted that Oyebanji and the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu have shown serious commitment  to members” welfare by improving  the welfare of Doctors in their respective States.

The NMA specifically admonished members to redouble  their efforts for effective healthcare delivery to the people of the  State.

While calling on members in Ekiti to show appreciation to Oyebanji, the NMA also expressed  its support for the agitation for better deal in some states, stressing  that the  on-going industrial action in Abia State by the doctors is justified .

“The AGC/DM directed the NMA State Branches of Ekiti and Ondo to reciprocate the good gesture of their governments by redoubling their effort at effective healthcare delivery to the good people of Ekiti and Ondo states.

“The AGC/DM reiterated the fact that the on-going industrial action in Abia State by the doctors is justified and further implored the Governments of Abia, Imo and Benue States, to hasten the process of clearing the unpaid salaries of doctors and other health workers in these States.

“The AGC/DM received report that the Governments of Ondo and Ekiti States have Improved the welfare and also paid salary arrears for doctors and other Health workers In both States.” the  Communique read in part.

Conversely, the AGC/DM expressed great displeasure and disappointment at the failure of the outgoing Abia State Government to pay the salaries of doctors and other health workers working at Hospital Management Board for sixteen (16) months and Abia State University Teaching Hospital for twenty-six (26) months despite all efforts.

“The AGC/DM considered the action of Abia State Government as unacceptable The AGC/DM also received a report that Benue State Government owes her doctors eight months’ salary arrears; and the fact that there is no progress in clearing the backlog of salary arrears of doctors and other health workers in Imo State.”

Oyebanji, Senators-Elect Align With APC Zoning Decision, Declares Support For Akpabio's Senate Presidency.

Oyebanji, Senators-Elect Align With APC Zoning Decision, Declares Support For Akpabio's Senate Presidency.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji says Ekiti is committed to a united and formidable 10th National Assembly as well the decision of the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on zoning of Senate President position to the South-South. 

The Governor made the declaration in Abuja while hosting Senator Godswill Akpabio alongside some Senators-elect.

 

The meeting also had in attendance elected Senators from Ekiti, Opeyemi Bamidele, Yemi Adaramodu and Cyril Fasuyi.

Speaking with Newsmen, Governor Oyebanji said the decision of the National Working Committee of the APC on leadership of the 10th National Assembly remains sacrosanct.

Governor Oyebanji who described Senator Akpabio as the right man for the seat, said all the Senators-elect and Leaders of the party from Ekiti have pitched their tents to ensure his emergence as the next Senate President. 

According to him, "in Ekiti State we are committed to a united National Assembly and we are also committed to the decision of the National Working Committee of the APC with respect to the zoning and you  can attest to the fact that all the Senators are here with me just to have dinner with Akpabio. 

"We are supporting his aspiration as directed by the national body of the party. We are in this together, we are not only supporting, we will identify with him publicly and that is what I have done".

The Governor stated further "all Ekiti Senators and the leaders, all the former Governors we are in the same boat. We respect the sanctity of the party and we appeal to all contenders to also follow the advice of the National Working Committee. It is only when we are united that we can ensure a progressive development of the country. 

"Senator Akpabio has been called to serve and he needs all support and we shall give him that", Governor Oyebanji added. 

Also speaking, Senator Akpabio expressed strong belief that the decision of the the party’s NWC and support of members of the Senate would aid his quest for the leadership seat, adding that his experience as a former Commissioner, Governor, Minister and Lawmaker also speaks volume.

 "I had the opportunity of being a Lawyer for the past 36 years, I have also had the opportunity to serve in the executive, as a Commissioner and I also had the opportunity to serve as a Governor for eight years. I have been in the Senate before and I was even a leader in the Senate and the opportunity to serve as a Minister of the Federal Republic, and today I am a Senator-elect and a prospective Senate President by the grace of Almighty God and the decision of the National Working of our Party".

He promised to give full backing to the incoming President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to put an end to the myriads of problems militating against the growth of the country.

 *Akpabio said "I'm very prepared and I am determined to support the incoming President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu to succeed. It is going to be a good moment for Nigeria despite the difficult terrain in terms of the economy and all that. We are going to do our best to bring out good policies that will enable Nigerians to have food on their tables and also create job opportunities to reduce banditry and insecurity in the country. We will unite the country, we are determined to do that", he said.

Oyebanji's commitment towards development of Ekiti State: Performance Index of Ekiti State Budget 2023.

Oyebanji's commitment towards development of Ekiti State: Performance Index of Ekiti State Budget 2023.

Still on the Ekiti State Budget Performance for Q1; it’s interesting to see that N16m was realized from Cocoa Grading Fees, representing 33.8% of the budgeted N47.5m. On the expenditure side, N374.3m was spent on payment of students’ WAEC and NECO— 63.7% of the budgeted N588m. Also, N1.7bn was paid in pension, representing a 29.9% performance of the budgeted N6bn.

Looking at specific lines from the Capital Expenditure, the construction of the airport has N2bn, which is a 50% performance of the budgeted N4bn.

Rehabilitation of hospital/health centers has taken N135m, which is a 50.2% performance of the budgeted N270m. The rehabilitation of public schools has also taken N181m, which is 10% performance of the budgeted N1.7bn.

Rehabilitation of roads has N1bn already, representing a 22.7% performance of the budgeted N4.7bn. Additionally, N1.5bn intervention funds for special projects, representing 36% of the budgeted N4.2bn.

One thing that’s never in doubt is Governor Biodun Oyebanji's commitment to transparency, with his dedication to the development of Ekiti State.

The Budget Performance Report for the first quarter of 2023 has been published by @ekitistategov. In terms of revenue performance, N16.9bn was generated from FAAC & VAT share, which represents 26.3% of the projected N64.5bn.

Additionally, N5.07bn was realized from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), representing 32.1% performance of the projected N15.8bn. For the Capital Development Fund (CDF) Receipts, N3.03bn was realized, translating to 55.1% of the projected N5.5bn.

Regarding recurrent expenditure, N6.6bn was spent on Personnel Costs, which is 21.8% of the budgeted N30.3bn. Also, N16.4bn has gone to Other Recurrent Costs, which represents 33.4% of the estimated N49.1bn.

On Capital Expenditure Performance, N5.6bn has been spent, representing 15.7% of the budgeted N34bn. Overall, the revenue performance was 34%, while expenditure stood at 25.3%.

It’s important to note that both revenue and expenditure performances meet the 25% threshold for Q1. 

I also learned from the Budget Ministry that the Ekiti State government was recently commended by the NGF for “budget realism.”

“I’ve released all Local Government money - Oyebanji."

“I’ve released all Local Government money - Oyebanji."

..…Commends auditors for quality service, accountability.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji on Thursday said his administration has released all monies accruable to the 16 local government councils from the Federation Account since assuming office about seven months ago.

Governor Oyebanji stated this on while receiving the Auditor-General for Local Government, Dr (Mrs) Iyadunni Oke noted that local government administrators no longer have reason not to develop their areas.

He added that his administration had given necessary approval for people-oriented projects expected to be carried out by the local government councils which would also be monitored regularly by a team from his office in order to ensure compliance.

The Governor said, “I decided to invite the ALGON chairman here so that he will listen to my own view on this matter, since we came to office and now, we have released all the monies meant for local governments to them and I know that all the local governments have been given approval for one project or the other. 

“just two weeks ago, we set up a monitoring team from my office to go and inspect the status of all these projects. I also hope with respect to both the capital expenditure and the recurrent, the audit department are also doing their job because local government is so critical to service delivery, they are the nearest to the people.”

Oyebanji commended the crop of quality Auditors being paraded at both state and local government levels for their commitment and dexterity at delivering quality service which had led to efficient management of the state’s resources and exposure of shady deals.

He stressed the need for top civil servants to mentor younger ones that would effectively take their position when they eventually bow out of service and ensure continuity of quality service delivery in all sectors.

“I will like to place on record that accountability is very key to service delivery, the six pillars are just aspirations and if care is not taken they will remain in that realm, if the structure to implement are not accountable because the currency is money, the lubricant is money but the vehicles are individuals that will spend this money must be accountable. 

And that is why your office is so critical to the delivery and implementation of the six pillars development agenda. 

“I must say this openly that the quality of Auditors we have at the state and the local government levels are top notch. I can vouch for their integrity.”

Earlier, the State Auditor-General for local government, Dr Iyadunni Oke, who thanked Governor Oyebanji for appointing her to that exalted position, promised to carry out the responsibility of that position to bring improvement to the state’s accounts as well as ensure continued commitment of rank and file members of her office.

To drive her vision for effective auditing in the state, the Auditor-General, who is also the first female to occupy the position noted that actualization of the six pillar of this administration would require a virile and effective auditing that would be hinged on monitoring of both financial and personnel budget of all local government and LCDA’s, ensure that due process was followed in all the activities of the state and ensure that there is value for money in all programmes, and policies of government.

She also stressed the importance effective auditing on all government undertaking, occasional investigation into the special programmes of government for the attention of the Governor and training and retraining of all Auditors in the state to ensure success of all government policies.