Ekiti Police arrest two for stealing diesel from government generating plant.

Ekiti Police arrest two for stealing diesel from government generating plant.

Operatives of the Ekiti State Police Command on Tuesday arrested two suspects involved in stealing of diesel from the generating plants used in powering street lights in Ado Ekiti, the state capital.

Briefing journalists on the arrest, in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Sunday Abutu, said the two suspects, Joseph Danjuma and Bankola Idowu, were arrested by men of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) along NTA Road, while trying to get away with a 25 litre gallon containing diesel suspected to have been stolen from the generating set.

The Police Spokesperson said the suspects confessed during interrogation that they committed the crime, adding that they would be arraigned in due course. 

According to him, the suspects also confessed that they have been selling the stolen diesel to unsuspecting residents of Ado-Ekiti, for some time. 

DSP Abutu therefore called on residents of the state to always be security conscious, and endeavor to report any untoward incident around them to security operatives so as to take necessary actions.

Nigerian Health Workers Honour Oyebanji With 'Most Labour Friendly Governor Award.

Nigerian Health Workers Honour Oyebanji With 'Most Labour Friendly Governor Award 

..…Governor Reiterates Commitment to Workers' Welfare. 

The Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) has honoured Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji with the Most Labour Friendly Governor Award for giant strides he had so far made in bettering the Workers' standard of living 

The award was bestowed on Governor Oyebanji at the 8th Quadriennial National Delegates' Conference of NUAHP in Abuja where he was the Special Guest of Honour and Award Recipient.

The Governor was invited to grace the Opening Ceremony of the Conference  with the theme: "Alarming Brain Drain in Nigeria's Health Sector: Need for Emergency Rescue."

The NUAHP said the award was "in recognition of Governor Oyebanji's good industrial relations policy and appointment of members of the union into his cabinet in Ekiti State."

The Governor who was represented by the Commissioner, Ministry of Health and Human Services, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, promised not to relent in his commitment to the welfare of health professionals and workers in general in the state.

Expressing his delight at being recognized for the award ,Governor Oyebanji said the honour would spur him to give priority to the health needs of the people of Ekiti State in the areas of ensuring better facilities at health institutions and boosting the morale of workers.

Governor Oyebanji noted that his passion has always been to make life meaningful for the Ekiti citizenry noting that he would always do his best to realize the objective within the available resources of the state.

He further reiterated his commitment to the welfare of workers generally across the state especially in ensuring prompt payment of salaries, offsetting the arrears of benefits, capacity building, among others.

The Conference was attended by over 600 union members from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

Membership of the delegates was drawn from the following professions at the primary, secondary and tertiary health institutions in the country: Pharmacy, Medical Laboratory Science, Physiotherapy, Health Information Management, Radiography, Dietetics, Dental Technology Occupation Therapy, Nutrition, Social Work, Speech Therapy, Dental Therapy, Optometry, Clinical Psychology, Prosthetics/Orthotics, Medical Physic, Audiology, EEG and EGC  specialists, among others.

Oyebanji Thanks President Tinubu Over Alake, Olanrewaju's Appointments.

Oyebanji Thanks President Tinubu Over Alake, Olanrewaju's Appointments.

....described the duo as experienced, capable and hardworking ready to promote the nation developments. 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the appointments of two illustrious citizens of the state- Mr Dele Alake as Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communication and Strategy and Hon Ibrahim Olanrewaju, as Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives).

Governor Oyebanji who described the duo of Alake and Olanrewaju as “very experienced, hardworking and capable”, said he was happy the President found them worthy of such significant positions in his government.

The Governor, in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Yinka Oyebode, said he is optimistic that the former lawmaker would excel in his new role as the President’s Liaison Officer in the National Assembly, giving his antecedence as a decent and pragmatic politician and lawmaker, who served as Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture and Production Services as well as member of the Defence, Judiciary, Environment and Justice committees in the 9th House of Representatives under the Speakership of Rt. Hon Femi Gbajabiamila.

While congratulating Hon Olarewaju Kunle Ibrahim  on the new appointment, which he described as a notable recognition of his steadfastness, political maturity and high level integrity, Governor Oyebanji urged him to deploy his energy, contact, tact and political sagacity in building an excellent working relationship between the National Assembly and the Presidency, a development he said is crucial to the country’s political stability.

Similarly, Governor Oyebanji said Alake’s wealth of experience as a Veteran journalist, prolific writer, media manager, pro- democracy activist and political communication strategist would add a great value to the administration’s commitment to run a people-oriented government, where effective communication with the citizenry is very key.    

He described the Ikoro-Ekiti born Alake as a highly decorated journalist and communication strategist who has continued to demonstrate great capacity for communication strategies and perception management since his role as a  Communication Adviser to the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola in the nineties; his eight years stint as Commissioner for Information and Strategy during the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration in Lagos State and his recent role as Communication Adviser during the presidential campaigns, with outstanding performance.

 “This is a call to serve and I trust the duo of Alake and Olanrewaju’s capacities to make huge success of the new assignments the way they have done in previous assignments given to them. 

“On behalf of the Government and good people of Ekiti State, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to the President for this great honour and recognition accorded our brothers- Mr Dele Alake and Hon Kunle Ibrahim Olarewaju . 

“Hearty congratulations to them on the new appointments. We wish them success as they deploy their energy, contacts, wealth of experience and political sagacity in repositioning their respective offices for excellent service delivery in the overall interest of the country”, the Governor said.

Local Government Autonomy Bill Will Give Room For Grassroots Development~ Public Analyst.

Local Government Autonomy Bill Will Give Room For Grassroots Development~ Public Analyst. 

....Urge President Bola Tinubu To Implement Local Government Autonomy Bill.

By; Omo Imam Adekunle

I would like to begin by congratulating you once again as our President of The Greatest, Most Populated, Youthful, Innovative and Industrious Black Nation on earth. It is my sincere belief that your tenure will herald a new era of development and progress for our great nation.

As a patriotic citizen, my role does not end at the poll. My roles extend to supporting our elected leaders and providing my socio-economic advisory services to elected leaders at all levels of public leadership. Most importantly, as the attention of every Nigerians is now on you as our president. For someone like me who is your ardent supporter who not only voted for you but crossed miles and build relationships with others to mobilize, orientate and ignite our immediate communities to also vote for you. Mr. President, while others saw your weakness in their own view, I am among millions of Nigerians who saw your strength and message of hope even before the primary election.

Thus, I am proud to call you my President, and in general contexts; MR. PRESIDENT.

Mr. President, I write to you today to appeal to your sense of justice and fairness in implementing the Local Government Autonomy Bill that has been pending for many years. We believe that the implementation of this bill is crucial for the development of our local communities and the nation at large.

As you are aware, the Local Government Autonomy Bill seeks to grant local governments financial and administrative independence from state governments. This would enable them to function effectively and efficiently, and to provide essential services to their constituents.

The local governments are the closest tier of government to the people, and they are responsible for providing basic services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. However, due to their dependence on state governments for funding and other resources, they have been unable to fulfill their responsibilities effectively.

The current system, where state governments control the allocation of funds and resources to local governments, has led to the underdevelopment of many communities. The implementation of local government autonomy is crucial for the development of Nigeria. With autonomy, local governments will be able to determine their priorities and allocate resources accordingly. This will lead to the development of infrastructure, provision of basic amenities, and improved social services in local communities.

Furthermore, local government autonomy will promote transparency and accountability in the management of public funds. Currently, state governments are known to divert funds meant for local governments, leading to the underdevelopment of these communities. With autonomy, local governments will be able to manage their funds and be held accountable for their actions.

Mr. President, I must acknowledged that the 9th National Assembly has done great work in respect to this subject matter, the leadership of both chambers has put together the legislative framework for implementation of local government autonomy. With another step forward, the national assembly has held a joint session comprises of speakers of all states house of assembly to pass this bill down to their state Governor. But, while some Governors has welcomed this people-oriented bill with an open hand, others have withheld their support for it. I do not want to assume their rationale behind their action.

Hopefully, I am confident in you as a pragmatic leader, development experts with track record of grassroot development through effective local government and local council administration. Mr, President, I urge you to give urgent attention to this matter and ensure that the Local Government Autonomy Bill is implemented as soon as possible. This will empower local governments to function independently and efficiently, and to provide better services to the people.

Sir, in addition to the presence of the speaker of the 9th assembly with you as your chief of staff and with the commitment of the 10th assembly leadership and her honorable members and distinguished senators willing to put hands on deck alongside with the recently elected state governors with you on your mission to renew the hope of every Nigerians, it is time to renew our hope of Local Government Autonomy. 

Mr. President, I urge you to give urgent attention to this matter and ensure that the Local Government Autonomy Bill is implemented as soon as possible.

Mr. President, collectively as Nigerians who have no other place to call home, we trust that you will give due consideration to this plea and take the necessary steps to ensure the full implementation of the Local Government Autonomy Bill. We believe that this will be a significant step towards the development of our nation and the improvement of the living standards of our people.

Yours citizens sincerely. 

Adewumi sikiru adekunle Popularly and politically addressed as Omo Imam Adekunle  

Impenitent BAO Disciples 

Apostle of Good Governance.

Oyebanji, a rare type of leader, says Sen Ojudu.

Oyebanji, a rare type of leader, says Sen Ojudu.

.…Urges support for BAO administration.

A former Senator representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Senator Babafemi Ojudu on Monday described the leadership quality of Ekiti state Governor Biodun Oyebanji as a rare type in the annals of the state, stressing that the Governor’s style of seeking advice from all leaders irrespective of political leaning is unprecedented.

Senator Ojudu, the erstwhile Special Adviser to former President Mohammadu Buhari on Political Matters, who was on a courtesy visit to the Governor also commended Governor Oyebanji for his excellent performance since assuming office. 

He said the policies of the Oyebanji administration have really impacted Ekiti people positively.

Briefing journalists after he had a closed door meeting with the Governor, Senator Ojudu said the feedback from all the critical stakeholders in the state was a cheering one, adding that the Governor’s ability to creatively gather resources for aggressive developmental programmes was highly commendable.

“Everything that has come out here since he became Governor has been positive, I have been around for five days and people have been coming to my house, APC, PDP and a few Labour people also came and then is like we have a one-party state. 

“It just appears that he’s serving the people and he’s serving them well.

“One day I learnt he was in Ikere meeting with the physically challenged people and promising them all the facilities that would make life better for them, these are positive signals and again reaching out to leaders, those who supported him and those who did not, leaders of opposition parties, all of that for me is the essence of leadership.

“I have met with some Kings since I came back and the kind of things I had them say is cheering, both the elite, the poor, the holy people, everybody seems to be happy and the fact that he has been able to be creative enough to find resources to do some of the things that have brought them active also for me is a plus for his excellency.” The former Senator said. 

While speaking on how he intends to contribute to the success of the Oyebanji led-administration, Senator Ojudu said “I will be coming here once in a while to be giving the Governor the people’s feedback from both within and outside the state on what the people are saying and since am not looking for an appointment, I believe his doors will be open for me and also reach out to other Ekiti people outside Nigeria who can add value to all of us here so that we can have a better place for all of us.” He added.

The Lawmaker urged the Governor to continue with his good work, saying his aspiration and goal to make life better for the people of the state has been achieved by the Oyebanji led-administration.

In his remarks, Governor Oyebanji, who said he was excited to have the former lawmaker in his office expressed appreciation to all leaders in the state for their collaborative efforts at repositioning the state for improved welfare and shared prosperity and thanked them for reposing so much confidence and trust in his government. He promised not to take their support for granted.

The Governor added, “I’ve been blessed with the support of nearly all the leaders in Ekiti State and I’m not taking that support for granted. And I’m grateful to God for the benefit of having them to guide me.”

Ekiti Speaker Seeks Collaboration With Lawyer's To Promote Security, Welfare Of Citizens.

Ekiti Speaker Seeks Collaboration With Lawyer's To Promote Security, Welfare Of Citizens.

...Urged legal practitioners to uphold rule of law to promote the common goals of people.

The Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, has urged lawyers to collaborate with the legislature to find lasting solution to security challenges in the country.

Rt. Hon. Aribasoye who made the remarks on Monday while declaring open the Annual Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikere Branch described lawyers as important partners with the legislature in the quest for safety and security of the citizenry.

The Speaker who declared the Ikere NBA Law Week open said the theme of the event, "Security and People's Welfare in Nigeria's Democratic Experience: Leveraging the Legal Practice as a Catalyst" was very apt and timely said lawyers are well positioned to proffer innovative strategies to address the security challenges already identified.

He also called on the legal practitioners to uphold rule of law and promote the common goals of people as they have unique role to play in advocating for justice and welfare of society.

Rt. Hon. Aribasoye said: "Our state, Ekiti, like many other states in Nigeria, is facing significant challenges on the areas of security and welfare and I am happy to see legal practitioners coming together to explore ways to leverage their expertise towards finding lasting solutions to these challenges.

"The legal profession has always been a key partner in the quest for justice, equity and the rule of law in our society. Lawyers have a unique role to play in advocating for the rights and interests of the people, upholding the law and promoting the common goal in the face of current challenges facing our nation.

"It is even more important that we work together to find innovative ways to address these challenges. This is why I am calling on lawyers who have a lot to do particularly with us in the House of Assembly.

"You all know that to re-engineer our society, good laws have to be in place and we need lawyers to collaborate with is to find innovative ways to address the challenges we have all identified.

"How do we confront these challenges? There is need for us to collaborate and I am confident that this Law Week will provide a platform for legal practitioners to share experiences, discuss the best practices and explore innovative solutions to the issues of security and people's welfare in Nigeria."

In her keynote Address, the president, Customary Court of Appeal, Ekiti State, Hon. Justice Monisola Abodunde, charged legal practitioners to be catalyst by using law as a tool for development in the society.

She solicited for the cooperation of House under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Aribasoye in impacting people's life through effective legislations and initiating the process of reviewing old laws for the benefit of people.

Earlier, the Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Ikere Ekiti Branch, Dr. Michael Afolayan stressed the need for the lawyers to complement Government's effort by unleashing their skills and potentials in resolving issues of injustice in the society.

Ekiti Airport Saga: Ekiti Farmers Takes Protest To Governor's Office Demands Compensation.

Ekiti Airport Saga: Ekiti Farmers Takes Protest To Governor's Office Demands Compensation.

.....Says Ex Governor Fayemi Lied, accuses AVM Ojuawo and Awotiku of shortchanging them.

Farmers whose lands were affected by the ongoing Ekiti Airport Project on Monday staged a protest at the Governors office Premises in Ado Ekiti the state capital. The farmers drawn across all the towns and villages of  Igbemo, Orun, Afao, ijan, Igbogun, Bolorunduro, Iwajo, Aso and Ago Aduloju comprising of Ado, Irepodun/Ifelodun and Gbonyin local governments respectively.  

The aged farmers  thronged the Governor's office to  appeal to Governor Abayomi Oyebanji to please come to their aid and pay the compensation promised them by the government.

The protesters  converged  around 9:00.am with placards with words  " Fayemi Lied to Us, Oyebanji Please Save Our lives, The Airport Project Took Our livelihood " amongst others to drive home their requests.

Speaking to Newsmen, Speaking on behalf of the aggrieved farmers, High Chief Awe Ojo, the Edemo of Igbemo land  frowned at the insensitivity of ex governor Kayode Fayemi whom he accused of shortchanging majority of the farmers affected by the project.

" Fayemi during the inauguration even confirmed that Majority of us have not been paid our entitlements, very few of us received the money promised after the meeting and since then the rest of us have been totally neglected. Fayemi promised to pay remaining money but unfortunately we don't know what happened to it before he left office"

Chief Edemo also maintained that the affected farmers are more in numbers than those that came out today but majority who are old and aged cannot make the tiring journey to Ado Ekiti.

" We are also here on behalf of those old men and women who could not join us today due to their failing health. It is not until they die that they should receive what is rightfully theirs, we know Governor Abayomi Oyebanji to be a man with a kind heart and a listening and that is why we are here today to appeal to him to please

 come to our aid."

Other members of the affected communities also expressed their hope that the Governor will surely attend to their demands.

They accused AVM Ojuawo and Awotiku of shortchanging them in the process and stalled all their efforts to see the governor. The Edemo who spoke in Yoruba lamented that some people acted fraudulently while serving as intermediaries between the government and the farmers.

" Ojuawo and Awotiku were not sincere in their dealings with us, they inserted some unknown names and certified them to collect some money we want the general public to know that we don't know such persons none of us answers PO, AZ or ZT in our midst. It was a fraudulent act perpetrated by the those who served as intermediaries between us and the government" the Edemo concluded.

Addressing the protesters, the Chief executive secretary for Land and Housing Mr.Adedayo Olajide appeased the farmers while assuring them that the Governor Mr. Oyebanji is aware of their predicament and ready to attend to their needs. He also assured the farmers of the state government readiness to ensure the entitlement is paid as soon as possible.

Reacting to the allegations of the farmers that some unknown persons with names like AZ, PO, ZT were fraudulently involved during the first payment has been discovered and removed and as such nobody collected for such authorized names.

It will be recalled that the farmers had in the past months protested at the site of the Airport while the then Governor of Ekiti state John Kayode Fayemi promised to look into the case of those that are yet to be paid their entitlements.

The Farmers visibly in tears passionately appealed to the state government to urgently attend to their demands as some of those affected have started dying.