Ekiti: Not yet time for politics, Gov Oyebanji is doing well, he deserves support from all of us~ Lere Olayinka.

Ekiti: Not yet time for politics, Gov Oyebanji is doing well, he deserves support from all of us~ Lere Olayinka.

A chieftain of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State, Lere Olayinka, has said that the State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, needs all the concentration he desired to remain on the path of good governance that he has started.

Olayinka, who was the PDP House of Representatives candidate for Ekiti Central Federal Constituency 2 in the last general elections, said gone were the days of politics of bitterness that held Ekiti State down for a long period, adding that "As for me, Governor Oyebanji is doing well and I won't be blinded by politics not to acknowledge that."

Speaking during a meeting with some PDP leaders in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday, he said those who abandoned the party during the last year governorship election and this year's general elections cannot be the ones to take the front stage and act as spokespersons of the party.

The former PDP Reps candidate said there was no pretending as to the fact that Governor Oyebanji has brought his personality trait of 'Omoluabi' to bear on governance in the State, adding that "Ekiti has gotten to such a level that after election, whoever is the governor must be supported by all in the interest of the State.

"If you pass through Ita Awure - Aramoko - Igede road, this time last year and now, you will see the clear difference and this can't be hidden even if you don't like the face of the governor. Personally, I remember how many times I had issues with my vehicle's tyres on that road.

"Also, I seen the governor even visiting those who contested the guber election with him, including those who even challenged his election up to the Supreme Court.

"He is running government across political party lines and for that, there is peace in the State. That's what Ekiti needs at this time."

Calling on genuine members of the PDP in the State to remain steadfast and hopeful of a better tomorrow, Olayinka said, "Some of us lost elections that we were poised to win. Some of as members of the party contributed to the loss. But I as a person have moved on and that's what I expect all of us to do, hoping that PDP will rise again."

Governor Oyebanji Congratulates Muslims At Eid-El-Kabir.

Governor Oyebanji Congratulates Muslims At Eid-El-Kabir.

.....urged faithful Muslim to emulate the faithfulness, and sacrifice exhibited by Prophet Ibrahim.

.....enjoined them to pray for the peace, progress and development of Ekiti State under his watch.

His Excellency, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. Executive Governor of Ekiti State. 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of this year's Eid-el-Kabir festival. 

Governor Oyebanji rejoiced with the Muslim faithful for another opportunity to witness the celebration of an important festival in the Islamic Calendar.

The Governor in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, described Eid-el-Kabir as a time to appreciate the Almighty Allah for his mercies and benevolence. 

He noted that the lessons of sacrifice and total submission to the will of the Almighty Allah should continue to resonate in the lives of the faithful and guide them in their relationship with the Creator and fellow human beings. 

The Governor said the defining moment in the story of Eid-el-Kabir was the obedience of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ishmael in deference to the wish of the Almighty Allah who was testing his faith.

He noted that Prophet Ibrahim's obedience was rewarded by God who provided a ram that was offered in place of Ishmael which was the essence of Eid-el-Kabir.

Governor Oyebanji urged the Muslim faithful to emulate the faithfulness, sacrifice, piety and patience which was exhibited by Prophet Ibrahim as well as the humility and submission to the will of Allah by his son, Ishmael.

He enjoined them to pray for the peace, progress, prosperity and development of Ekiti State under his watch, describing Muslims as important stakeholders in his administration.

Similarly, the Governor also urged them to pray for Nigeria to overcome her challenges and for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to succeed in the task of repositioning the country for the benefit of Nigerians.

He commended Muslim leaders and clerics in the state for their support and prayers for his administration which he noted have contributed to the successes so far recorded by the government. He also thanked religious leaders in the state for the harmonious relationship that exist among adherents of the major religions. 

“I congratulate the Muslim Ummah for witnessing this year’s Eid -el - Kabir festival. Let us remember our neighbors, our brothers and sisters, especially the less privileged and show love to them. 

“We should also pray for our state and country for peace and prosperity. Above all, let us continue to live in peace and harmony. Eid Mubarak, the Governor added."

Ijero Local Govt. Boss Presents N2.9 Billion 2023 Budget To Legislative Arm.

Ijero Local Govt. Boss Presents N2.9 Billion 2023 Budget To Legislative Arm.

........ Commends Gov. Oyebanji For Providing Enabling Environment For LG To Thrive.

By: Daniel Abe

The Executive Chairman of Ijero local government area of Ekiti State, Hon. Adeola Adeyemo has presented to the legislative arm  2.9bn proposed budget, which he tagged "Budget of reality".

The budget presentation which was a joint one, also consist of 2023 fiscal expenditures of the three Local Council Development Areas(LCDAs) under Ijero local government, which are,Irewolede, Irede and Eso-obe LCDAs.

Speaking at the event,Hon. Adeyemo said the budget aligned with the desires of all stakeholders in the local government, including the LCDAs and is in tandem with the six point agenda of the state government,led by governor Biodun Oyebanji.

According to the Council Boss,the budget will be financed by funds from the federation account, Value Added Tax(VAT),Excess Crude, Development Partners and Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

The Chairman while dwelling on the budget performance of the 2022,reeled out the landmark achievements recorded so far by his administration, while also promising to leverage all of these projects in order to take the council to a greater and enviable heights.

"This year 2023 shall witness progress in the provision of essential services and basic needs that will make life more comfortable for our people of Ijero local government and the three (3) Local Counci Development Areas".

According to Adeyemo, the total expected income for Ijero local government was two Billion,Nine Hundred and Eighty Eight Million,Six Hundred and Twenty Five Thousand Naira (2,988,625,000.00),that of Irede LCDA was put at Six Hundred and Thirteen Million, Six Hundred and Sixty Six Thousand,Three Hundred and Thirty Three Naira(613,666,330.00). Irewolede LCDA was put at  Four Hundred and Sixty Million,Three Hundred and Thirty Five Thousand Naira only(460,335.00),while that of Eso-obe was put at Eighty Five Million (85,000,000.00).

Adeyemo also highlighted that a substantial amount of money have been earmarked by his administration and the three LCDAs for the construction of blocks of classrooms, rehabilitation of primary schools, Bursary/Schorlarship to indigenous students in various institutions ,mass literacy campaign and purchase of sports equipments.

On capital projects, Adeyemo said a sum of Seven Hundred and Fourty Million,Five Hundred and Fourty Five Thousand Naira (740,545,000.00k) was earmarked for capital expenditures in Ijero local government, while that of Irede LCDA was to gulp a sum of Three Hundred and Twenty Seven Million,Six Hundred and Sixty Thousand,Three Hundred and Thirty Three Naira (327,666,33300). Irewolede LCDA is Three Hundred and Eighty Three Million, Seven Hundred and Eighty Thousand Naira (383,780,000.00) and Eso-obe was put at Fifty Five Million Naira(55,000,000.00)

The Chairman expressed appreciation to governor Biodun Oyebanji For providing enabling environment for local government system to thrive in Ekiti State.

He also thanked his Predecessor,Dr. Kayode Fayemi for creating the Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), which gave Ijero local government the opportunity of having additional three (3) local councils.

He then presented a budget of 2.9bn to the Councillors for their perusals,consideration and approval.

Also speaking,the Executive Chairman of Irede LCDA, Hon. Gbenga Abobade, thanked the traditional rulers, community leaders and the entire people of the council areas for their unflinching support and cooperation towards the administraion of APC led government at the Federal, State and local levels. He assured that the 2023 budget will bring unprecedented development to all the communities in the council areas.

In his response,the Leader of Ijero Legislative Arm, Rt. Hon. Idowu Osunyomi, appreciated the Chairmen and everyone present for their support and cooperation,he then promised on behalf of others that the budget would be given accelerated passage.

Present at the event were the Chairman, Irede LCDA,Hon. Gbenga Abobade,Chairperson, Irewolede LCDA Hon (Mrs) Dupe Bakare,ably represented by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Samson Kolawole, Chairman, Eso-obe LCDA, Hon. Tosin Oluwole, Vice Chairman, Ijero local government, Hon. Oladeji Adetunji,Vice Chairman, Irede LCDA, Hon. Alfred Fabunmi, Secretary, Ijero local government, Hon. Dare Aniyikaye, Secretary, Irede LCDA, Hon. Yinka Adumati,all the Councillors from the twelve Wards, Supervisors, and Special Advisers.

Also in attendance were His Royal Majesty, Oba Emmanuel Adedara,Alara of Ara-Ekiti, party chieftains, senior management staff of the council areas and a host of others.

Ekiti Speaker Unveils Oyebanji’s Commissioner Nominees.

Ekiti Speaker Unveils Oyebanji’s Commissioner Nominees.

…Screening Commences on Monday.

The Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, on Tuesday unveiled the list of nominees for the position of commissioners forwarded by Governor Biodun Oyebanji for screening and confirmation.

Speaking at the plenary of the House, the first to be held since the Seventh Assembly was inaugurated on June 6, the Speaker disclosed that the screening would commence on Monday, July 3 when the nominees' are expected to begin appearing before the legislators.

Reading the communication from the Governor dated June 26, Rt. Hon. Aribasoye directed the Clerk of the Assembly to communicate each of the nominees to furnish the House thirty (30) copies of their Curriculum Vitaes (CVs) not later than Friday, June 30 in readiness for the screening which kicks off on Monday, July 3.

Rt. Hon. Aribasoye disclosed that the screening of commissioners-designate would be held on senatorial district basis with nominees from Ekiti North to be screened first while nominees from Ekiti South would follow while the last set to be screened are nominees from Ekiti Central.

The Speaker who announced the intention of the legislators to do a thorough job also disclosed that not more than three nominees would be grilled each day until the list is exhausted.

From the list read by the Speaker, Ado, Efon, Irepodun/Ifelodun, Ido/Osi and Ayekire Local Government Areas have two commissioner nominees each while nine other council areas have one each.

The nominees whose names were read out from the list by the Speaker are Mrs. Tosin and Mrs Tayo Adeola (Ado), Rt. Hon. Karonwi Oladapo and Mrs. Peju Babafemi (Efon), Prof. Ojo Bakare (Ekiti West), Hon. Ojo Atibioke (Ijero) and Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun and Mr. Adebayo Ajisola (Irepodun/Ifelodun).

Others are Mr. Adebayo Adesola and Dr. Kareem Akande (Moba), Chief Folorunso Olabode (Ilejemeje), Dr. Kofoworola Aderiye and Mr. Oyeniyi Adebayo (Ido/Osi) and Mr. Seun Fakuade (Oye).

The rest are Prof. Patrick Tedela (Ekiti Southwest), Mr. Kehinde Ajobiewe (Ekiti East), Mr. Olufemi Awe and Prof. Bolaji Aluko (Ayekire), Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade (Emure), Mr. Kayode Fasae (Ise/Orun) and Otunba Dolamu Adeniyi (Ikere).

The Speaker also explained that the approval of ten (10) Special Advisers would be would be done alongside that of the commissioners.

The Governor said the forwarding of the list signified his intention to expand the State Executive Council with the appointment of Commissioners to assist in service delivery to the people of Ekiti State.

It will be recalled that the Ikole local government area already have two serving commissioners: Dr. Oyebanji Filani (Health and Human Services) and Mr. Akintunde Oyebode (Finance and Economic Development) while Oye local government area is already represented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Dayo Apata, SAN.

The trio were sworn in alongside nine other Special Advisers shortly after Governor Oyebanji assumed office on October 16 last year.

The Speaker also announced the constitution of three three key committees pending the constitution of other standing committees of the House.

The committees constituted include Rules and Business which has the House Majority Leader, Hon. Tolu Ige as the Chairman and Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Yomi Ayorinde as Vice Chairman. Other members of the Committee are Hon. Iyabo Fakunle-Okieimen, Hon. Ademola Ojo, Hon. Femi Akindele while the Assembly Clerk, Mr. Tola Esan would serve as the Secretary.

The House Committee on Media and Public Affairs has Hon. Babatunde Oke as Chairman and Hon. Lateef Akanle as Vice Chairman. Other members are Hon. Idowu Odebunmi, Hon. Bosede Olowookere, Hon. Femi Akindele

An Ad Hoc Committee on Legislative Agenda that would liaise with the State Executive Council to come up with Executive-Legislative Agenda was also constituted. The Committee is expected to prepare legislative agenda for the Seventh Assembly in concurrence with the executive arm of government.

It is chaired by Hon. Ayodeji Adegbite. Other members are Hon. Abimbola Solanke, Hon. Babatunde Oke, Hon. Omotayo Babatunde and Hon. Idowu Odebunmi. Mr. Bankole Ogunmosunle would serve as Secretary.

Also at the sitting, the Ekiti State Electric Power Sector Bill passed the First Reading while the Ekiti State Sports Commission Bill passed through the First and Second Readings.

After an exhaustive deliberation, Speaker Aribasoye committed the Ekiti State Sports Commission Bill 2023 to the Committee on Youths and Sports to be constituted very soon which is expected to report back to the House.

The motion for the adjournment of the sitting of the House to Monday, July 3 was moved by the Majority Leader, Hon. Tolu Ige and was seconded by Hon. Adeteju Okuyiga.

Ekiti Gov. Wife To unveil State Female Team's Jersey Wednesday.

Ekiti Gov. Wife To unveil State Female Team's Jersey Wednesday.

All roads lead to the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday when the amiable wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji will be officially unveiling the jersey of the state Female Football team. Ekiti Queens.

The event which will begin at about 4pm will be an avenue for the governor's wife to reiterate the commitment of the BAO administration to youth development through sport.

She will also take the official kickoff of a friendly match between Ekiti Queens and Salem City Queens from Oye Ekiti which is one of the activities to brighten the jersey unveling.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Barrister Bamidele Arowosola says the jersey unveling is a sign of a new beginning for the female football team which has enjoyed remarkable attention and support from the governor wife since the assumption of office of governor Biodun Oyebanji.

On a bid to encourage female participation on sports, the governor had graciously purchased a slot for Ekiti Queens in the country's Women Football League Championship and also increased the club's monthly subvention. 

The Permanent Secretary urged  football stakeholders and lovers of the round leather game to come cheer the girls and show solidarity for the sports loving wife of the governor.

Secretary of Ekiti Queens football club, James Ayodele informed Newsmen that some major stakeholders have been invited from within and beyond the state including Deputy Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly,Mrs Bolaji Egbeyemi, former Permanent Secretary Ministry of Youth & Sport, Mrs Tola Faseluka, Ekiti State Football Association Chairman, chief Olu Oloworemo, former Sports Council Board Member, Hon Jumoke Arogundade as well as Okemesi-Ekiti born female football administrator based in Kwara state, Mrs Abimbola Olaoye (CEO of Olabims Queens Football Academy of ilorin) who is also the Kwara State coordinator of Miss Football Nigeria.

Ekiti Queens will hopefully compete with 10 other teams in the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Championship between July 8 and 14.

Ekiti Queens and other female teams are expected to arrive on Friday July 7.

Ekiti Speaker Urges Youths To Shun Drugs Abuse.

Ekiti Speaker Urges Youths To Shun Drugs Abuse.

....Rallies support for Oyebanji to achieve shared prosperity.

The Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, has called on the youths in the state to refrain from drug abuse for them to realize their potentials and contribute meaningfully to societal development.

Rt. Hon. Aribasoye also charged all stakeholders in the state to join hands together and battle the menace of drug abuse to a standstill in order to have a saner society.

The Speaker made the remarks on Monday while receiving leaders and members of the state chapter of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) who staged "Ekiti Youth Peace Walk" to the Assembly Complex as part of activities to mark this year's International Day Against Drug Abuse.

Rt. Hon. Aribasoye also used the opportunity of the interface to canvass support of the youths of the state for the Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, to enable him achieve his Shared Prosperity Agenda for the entire people of the state.

He specifically commended the youths for praising the giant strides of the Oyebanji Administration through the various banners and placards they carried during their procession and also appreciating the efforts of the Governor in their remarks.

The Speaker who was joined by other lawmakers in the Assembly to receive the NYCN team also advised the youths to be part of governance by sponsoring private bills for consideration by the state legislature in critical areas that affect them especially in policy formulation and decision making.

He said the Assembly would like the youth body to do the spadework on a Roadmap to Youth Development in Ekiti State which would incorporate vital areas that concerns the youth like political ascendancy, job creation, economic empowerment, among others.

The Speaker also disclosed the readiness of the Seventh Assembly to come up with a law that would prohibit smoking in public places noting that "public smoking does not only affect the smokers but also affects non-smokers."

Speaking on the effects of drug abuse on the youths, Rt. Hon. Aribasoye regretted that abuse of hard drugs has had a negative effect on the youths urging all concerned individuals, authorities, institutions and bodies to come together and halt the trend in the interest of the youths and their future.

He said: "Today, as you have observed, is the International Day Against Drug Abuse. One of the things that have destroyed the future of the youths is drug abuse and all of us must be ambassadors, all of us must be champions to campaign against drug abuse.

"Anywhere we find ourselves, we must campaign against drug abuse. We just have to do it for us to have a saner society, we must campaign against drug abuse, it is very, very important.

"Drug abuse has affected many lives and destroyed destinies. God has give our youths talents to positively affect their generation and we must not allow drug abuse to hinder them from realizing their potentials. 

"Very soon, we are coming up with a law against public smoking. Public smoking does not only affect the smokers but those who don't smoke who must be protected from the effects of public smoking."

The Speaker further charged the youths to come together as a united force calling all tendencies in the youth movement to come under one umbrella in the interest of the youths of the state.

He promised that when the standing committees of the Assembly are put in place, the Youth Committee would work hand-in-hand with NYCN to protect the interest of the youths and assist them to get the best in the scheme of things in the state.

Speaking earlier, the state NYCN Chairman, Mr. Oluwasegun Famuyibo, pledged the support of the body and entire youths of the state for the Oyebanji Administration which he described as "youth-friendly."

Mr. Famuyibo commended Governor Oyebanji for creating Ministry of Youths and Job Creation which he described as bold step to give the young generation better welfare and tackle youth unemployment in the state.

He also hailed the Oyebanji Administration for various infrastructure projects that are going on in the state especially road construction and rehabilitation, empowerment of the less privileged, improvement of grassroots economy, among others.

Mr. Famuyibo craved the support of the House of Assembly for the implementation of Ekiti Youth Policy which has its centrepiece how youths can benefit from various MDAs, provision of jobs, entrepreneurship development, empowerment, among other benefits.

The state NYCN chief said the youths of the state are against hard drugs and would continue to mount strident advocacy against the menace in collaboration with relevant agencies of government and other stakeholders.

He also presented the action plan of the NYCN to the Speaker for further scrutiny and implementation.

The procession to the Assembly Complex was joined by NYCN leadership and delegates from other states in the Southwest.

Oyebanji urges Ekiti youths to embrace agribusiness.

Oyebanji urges Ekiti youths to embrace agribusiness.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has said that his government would put all machinery in motion to encourage youths in the state to engage in agricultural business to help boost the state economy and the food security agenda of his administration.

The Governor, who stated this on Friday while on a working tour of some agricultural projects in Ado- Ekiti, said he was impressed with the resolve of some youths to embrace agriculture full time, stressing that one day, they too would become employers of labour.

The project visited by the Governor include: The Livestock Development Centre, which provides platform for the Ekiti Broiler Production Scheme; A-Bamsil Industrial Factory , a palm kernel processing plant; and JMK Rice Mill, said government alone cannot fund agriculture, hence, the need for improved public, private partnership to reposition the economy of the state.

He said his administration would build platforms and institutions aimed at collaborating with private sector players to open up space for Ekiti people to apply their expertise in the drive to ensure everyone lives wel. The Governor, who addressed some of the youth participating in the broilers Scheme,  promised to remove all forms of constraints in doing business in the state.

The Governor who said that Agriculture plays very significant roles in the economy stated  that agriculture has the capacity to employ thousands of youths, make them enjoy vibrant and profitable means of livelihood and enhance the economy of the state.

According to him, “Part of our plan is to encourage our young ones to go back to farm. The Broiler scheme for our youths is a pilot scheme and I’m so impressed that our young ones are now showing interest in agriculture and it speaks to one of our agenda on agriculture, job creation and youth development. And by God’s grace, once this one is stabilized, we intend to expand it, the beauty of this project is the fact that government will hand-hold them through the whole process of production.

“There is also a guaranteed market to off-take from this. Once they master what they are doing, they will be given a pen of their own that will belong to them, from which they too can employ labour and make money and it speaks to our shared prosperity agenda.

“We have to accept the fact that government alone cannot do everything and for wealth to go round and for jobs to be created, there must be platforms and institutions collaborating with private sector to open the space for many people to do a lot. What we are doing today is just one of the interventions in the agricultural sector, we are going to do this in other sectors to ensure that we get platforms and institutions and policies that will allow everybody to plying their trade in Ekiti State to do well and we will remove all the inhibitions towards doing business in Ekiti State.

“So, it is a policy that we have now agreed on. We have spent the last six months to understudy and understand the problem in that sector because, we want to intervene from an informed perspective, and we are not doing trial by error.”, the governor added.

Conducting the Governor round the JMK Rice Mill, the General Manager, Mr Lanre Solaja expressed his appreciation to the Governor for the visit. He said  when fully operational, the mill has the capacity to produce 160 metric tons of rice per day.

The Managing Director of A-Bamsil industry, Mr Idowu Owoyomi, who said the factory is capable of refining 250 metric tons of palm kernel, highlighted some of the products the factory is capable of processing to include cooking oil, cosmetics, oil for perfumes, soap among others.