EKITI ASSEMBLY SCREENS 68-YEAR-OLD PENSIONER AS COMMISSIONER-NOMINEE.

EKITI ASSEMBLY SCREENS 68-YEAR-OLD PENSIONER AS COMMISSIONER-NOMINEE.

....Speaker urges nominees to connect with people in grassroots.

The screening of commissioner-nominees continued at the Ekiti State House of Assembly on Tuesday with the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye admonishing them to connect well with the people in the grassroots when confirmed for the position.

A 68-year-old pensioner, Dr. Kareem Akande, was among the three nominees screened by the Assembly at Tuesday's plenary where the legislators asked various questions on their suitability for the office they have been nominated for by Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

Dr. Akande who holds a PhD in Islamic Studies retired as a Chief Lecturer at the College of Education where he occupied positions of Head of Department and Dean and later served as part-time lecturer at Ekiti State University.

Other nominees screened for the day were a three-time Commissioner and two-time Special Adviser, Chief Folorunso Olabode and a former Senior Legislative Aide in the National Assembly and aviation professional, Mr. Adesola Gold Adedayo.

Both Dr. Akande and Mr. Adedayo are from Moba Local Government while Chief Olabode is from Ilejemeje Local Government. The plenary of Tuesday drew the curtain on the screening of nominees from Ekiti North Senatorial District which commenced on Monday.

If confirmed, Chief Olabode promised to bring his experience to bear to assist the Oyebanji Administration realize its six pillars agenda and consolidate on the gains achieved during the two tenures of former Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi in which he was privileged to serve.

Mr. Adedayo, who also described himself as a farmer described the Ekiti Airport as a catalyst for generation of jobs through agribusiness, commerce, tourism and connection of the state to the outside world and influx of investors to its economy.

Dr. Akande said the experience he had acquired as an academic would come in handy in whatever ministry he is posted to if confirmed by the Assembly noting that his nomination is an opportunity to make impact in politics and governance.

Speaking as Dr. Akande was about concluding his response to questions from the legislators, the Speaker said what attracted his attention was the fact that the nominee was born in 1955 which shows that he is 68 years old.

Rt. Hon. Aribasoye said he had wanted to offer the nominee a chair to sit down while responding to questions but had to change his mind to allow the nominee to prove that he is physically fit to respond to questions while he was standing before the legislators.

The Speaker who was impressed with Dr. Akande's performance and for demonstrating physical fitness despite his advanced age urged the nominee to transform to a politician having been an academic all his life.

While emphasizing that the position the retiree was nominated for is a political one, the Speaker urged him to identify with leaders of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in his ward and local government for proper orientation and internalization ahead of his confirmation.

The Speaker counselled the nominee to work together with key party figures, present and past political office holders in the ward, local government and federal constituency levels to ensure that the dividends of democracy reach the people in the grassroots when eventually confirmed as Commissioner.

Based on the experience Chief Olabode had garnered in the two administrations led by former Governor Fayemi, the Speaker urged him to always impress it on the prospective cabinet members to know that they are accountable to the people of the state when they become commissioners.

Rt. Hon. Aribasoye said: "Members or the executive must know that they are accountable to the people of the state through this House. I want you to remind them that there is need for them to render their reports to the House when called upon to do so.

"It is incumbent on them to honour the summons of this House and we will never be frivolous, we will never be frivolous at all. We want to warn commissioners and those holding positions to be accountable to the people of this state.

"Even Mr. Governor comes here to present the State of the State Address to render his account of stewardship. This Seventh Assembly will want to see the account of stewardship of every ministry having appropriated funds for them before another appropriation. This is a constitutional provisions and in line with the Standing Order of the House."

The screening of commissioner-nominees from the Ekiti Central Senatorial District continues on Wednesday.

Matured Minds rejoice with MOB on his Emergence as Senate Majority Leader.

Matured Minds rejoice with MOB on his Emergence as Senate Majority Leader.

The entire members and dignitaries in the most famous socio-political political group in Ekiti, Matured Minds community media join numerous supporters across the globe to congratulate Distinguished  Senator ( Dr. )  Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, CON on his well deserved nomination as the 10th Senate Majority Leader today 4th July, 2023.

The resounding victory is as a result of your perseverance, resilience, doggedness, human development, and sacrifices towards the progress of the party.

We have been privileged to experience your leadership acumen at different stages in the Nigerian parliament.We have no doubt whatsoever about your character, capability and capacity to lead the Senate and this country to an enviable hight.

On this joyful note, We join your massive supporters throughout Nigeria to pray for good health and success in all you embark on there so that all your good wishes for Nigeria would come to pass.

Once again, congratulations sir!

Comrade Oba Mathew

Secretary Matured Minds community media.

I Will Work Towards Upgrading Youths and Sports Development in Ekiti State ~ Hon. Odebunmi.

I Will Work Towards Upgrading Youths and Sports Development in Ekiti State ~ Hon. Odebunmi.

By: Olamide Akinwumi.

The Chairman, Ekiti State House of Assembly Committee on youth and sports, Hon. Idowu Odebunmi, representing Oye Constituency II has reiterated his commitment towards youths and sports development in the state.

Hon. Odebunmi stated this when received Newsmen on Monday morning, promised to engage private individuals and the government towards upgrading of sports development in the state.

Just lately, the Ekiti State House Of Assembly has appointed the Honorable members into different committees so they could be saddled with the responsibilities that is within the space of that committee and to ensure smooth running of the Government.

Among the several commitees which are about 30, the Honorable representing Oye Ekiti II, Hon. Idowu Odebunmi popularly called I.D Aluta was privileged to be a member of 5 of the commitees, also as a Vice-Chairman to another one and as Chairman to the commission of Youths and Sports which sums to 7 Committees.

Below are the commitees and his Positions:

1. Committee on Youth and Sports (Chairman)

2. Finance and Appropriation Committee (Vice-Chairman)

3. Ethics and Privileges Committee (Member)

4. Committee on Media And Public Affairs (Member)

5. Committee on Information and Value Orientation 

6. Committee on Local Government And Chieftaincy Affairs (Member) and

7. Ad-HOC Committee on Legislative Agenda (Member).

Tinubu Assures Investors of Policy Consistency, Restates Nigeria's Readiness For Business.

Tinubu Assures Investors of Policy Consistency, Restates Nigeria's Readiness For Business.

....Shell Director Hails Tinubu's Strong Start, Positive Reforms.

President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured the business community of his government's commitment to policy consistency and better business climate to attract investment.

The President spoke Monday while receiving the delegation of the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) led by the Global Upstream Director, Ms Zoe Yujnovic at the State House, Abuja.

President Tinubu welcomed the SPDC's offer for more investments in the Nigerian oil and gas sector, adding that such investments are needed now more than ever, to enable Government meet its obligations.

The President recalled that attracting fresh investment was "a promise I made personally to Nigerians. Whatever it takes, I will fulfill that promise to Nigerians."

President Tinubu reiterated that Nigeria is ready for business, assuring the Shell management and other investors of his administration's willingness to maintain an open-door policy and address their concerns.

"We are open for business. We are serious. I give you the assurance of consistency in policy," he said.

The President also assured that his government was removing all forms of bottlenecks in order to ensure Nigeria becomes an attractive investment destination.

Addressing the President earlier, Ms Yujnock applauded what she described as "incredibly strong start" of the Tinubu presidency and expressed optimism that the "bold" steps taken by the government would renew Nigeria's pride of place as an investment destination. 

Yujnock said SPDC was willing to ramp up investment in the country especially in the areas of gas and deep-water assets by pumping in billions of dollars.

She said Nigeria remains a strategic investment country for the company in view of the long history between the two entities and the prospects held by the county's oil and gas sector.

Dele Alake

Special Adviser

Special Duties, Communication and Strategy

July 3, 2023.

Celebrating A Political Gladiator At 60: Omoluabi Team Alliance Ondo State Chapter Sends Birthday Wishes To Barr. D.I Kekemeke.

Celebrating A Political Gladiator At 60: Omoluabi Team Alliance Ondo State Chapter Sends Birthday Wishes To Barr. D.I Kekemeke.

For many residents of Ondo State, the man Barrister D.I. Kekemeke needs no introduction. He is a man with special attributes that stands him out among colleagues. A legal icon, a public administrator and  politician who has made his marks and impacts in the political history of Ondo State. Today he clocks 60 which is a milestone worthy of celebration. It becomes expedient to join family, friends and political associates to celebrate another year added to the life  of a very important and resourceful citizen of Ondo state of this calibre and status.  

Happy birthday, long life and prosperity we wish you. May the good spirit of Omoluabi never depart from you.

Best wishes from Omoluabi Team Allinace Socio- cultural and Political Group.Ondo State Chapter.

 E-Signed:

 Omolaubi Engr. Aluko Taiye

 Ondo State Chapter Coordinator.

Meet the Longest Reigning King in Yoruba land.

Meet the Longest Reigning King in Yoruba land.

......As Oba James Adelusi Aladesuru II (JP) The ONIGEDE of Igede-Ekiti Celebrates 64years Coronation Anniversary on the throne (1959-2023). 

Kabiyesi, His Royal Majesty, Oba James Adelusi Aladesuru II (JP) Petu Bi Owuro, the paramount ruler of the ancient town of Igede-Ekiti kingdom and its environs ascended the throne of his progenitors on the 26th of June, 1959 at a tender age of 26.

Oba J.A. Aladesuru II (JP) was born in 1933 and Crowned as 27th Onigede of Igede Ekiti on 26th June, 1959. He is a descendant of the OKIRIBITI ADEYIBAKA dynasty. He succeeded Oba Olubusi Apata from Onaowuro family who reigned between 1950-1957.

Oba Agunsoyebiosupa Aladesuru (I) who was the king between (1890-1941) and his wife, Olori Johanah Ogunkolade Aladesuru who was the Eleventh wife were the parents of the king and his two siblings namely: Late Princess (Dns) Olufunmilayo Fatunla (Nee Aladesuru) and Prince John Aladebusuyi Aladesuru.

Oba J.A. Aladesuru attended Baptist Central School, Igede Ekiti. He was trained as a photographer at ISEYIN between 1955 and 1956. He worked as a clerk in Upper Region Agricultural Farm ILORA near Iseyin, Oyo State between August and November 1956.

He thought in PINNOCK memorial Baptist Primary School [PMPS] Via ILORA between 1957 and August 1958. He was transferred to First Baptist Primary School Ilora via Oyo as a teacher and later transferred back to Pinnock Memorial Primary School in January 1959.

History has it that at the turn of making Late Oba Agunsoyebiosupa Aladesuru 1 Onigede of Igede, the father of the present strong and handsome Oba, the king, the choice was made without any election, it was a matter of bringing him home from IWOROKO EKITI where he was residing. 

Same thing happened to his son. While Oba J.A ALADESURU was at Ilora he did visit his friend, High Chief J. A. Olowere, the Osolo Of Igede at Ibadan. Chief Osolo during his visit to Igede was cut in the web of the struggle to have his friend installed as the King.

When Chief Osolo met his friend later, he seized the opportunity to brief the Prince now the KING on the idea being muted back at home. However, the Prince i.e Oba J.A Aladesuru's reaction was as spontaneous as it was negative. He Rebuffed the offer in its totality. 

Highly disenchanted with the development, the Prince drafted a strongly-worded letter that he intended to send to his people at home. But God tempered his annoyance with some elements of rationality as he decided to have his letter perused by his friend before being dispatched. To his eternal credit, Chief Olowere counseled his friend against sending the letter and the latter complied.

Mr J. A. Olofin (Balogun of Igede) who was then a councillor in Ado District Council as well as a member of Ekiti Divisional Council went ahead to convene an inclusive conference of all Igede people on the issue of Onigede chieftaincy in early 1959. It was held at the house of High Chief Aro Famoroti. In attendance were the High Chiefs (Agbailu) and eminent Igede indigenes. The conference main theme was "Onigede Selection and Rule of Law"

At the end of the conference, a position paper endorsed by all stakeholders was prepared and forwarded to the Western Regional Government in Ibadan for necessary approval. Apart from Mr Olofin, other known indigenes of Igede who played notable roles included Chief Mrs J. A. Fatunla, Mr E. O. D. Adedipe and Mr S. A. Fajemilehin and Chief J. O. Osuntokun, the then Minister of Local Government in the Western Region also made a valuable input. 

Government approval of Prince James Adelusi Aladesuru as the Onigede-elect finally came very early in 1959.

On the receipt of the official letter of approval from the government, the Enumo met and fixed the crowing ceremony of the Onigede for 26th June, 1959. But the greatest task remained getting the Prince to accept the offer. The clarion call to bring the Prince home got intensified in all quarters. Indeed, it became the dominant issue in public discourse in the town and in any gathering of sons and daughters of Igede outside the town.

At a point in time, one of the Princes who had earlier been sensitized by Chief Ogundana decided to bell the cart. His name was Prince Simeon Aladesuru. Because of the sensitivity of the mission to be accomplished, i.e bringing home his brother, he had to prepare very well. In this wise, his sense of history, versatility and experience all combined, put him in good stead to accomplish the task. Thus, with the letter of appointment of his junior brother as Onigede carefully tusked inside his traveling bag, Prince Simeon headed for Ilora.

On Monday, 8th June 1959, he arrived at his destination. Coincidentally, he saw his brother a distance away going out with a view to executing an assignment given earlier to him by his church. The naming ceremony of a newly born baby to a co-church member was to take place and he had been assigned to lead the solemn ceremony.

On sighting his visitor, the Prince's eyes were enveloped with darkness and uncertainty. He was thoroughly confused. Though he had not been told, but he already knew the likely reason for the visit of the least-expected august visitor. All the same, the message was finally delivered to him and despite the initial mixed feelings with which the young Prince received the message, he finally bowed to the verdict of fate. 

He summoned courage and went ahead to perform the initial planned naming ceremony of a co-church member.

Very early the next day, Tuesday, June 9, 1959, the two Princes set out for Igede en route Ibadan. But throughout the period that the journey lasted, it was a gory tale of emotional pains for the would-be Onigede. For once, he felt quite nostalgic for Ilora and the good times he had had in the community and on the other hand, he looked at the challenges posed by the task ahead with trepidation.

But the situation in Igede was at variance with his expectations when he and his half brother arrived the town later on the day. As a matter of fact, his anxieties fizzled away when they got home as they were welcomed ceremoniously by the people of the town.

Immediately Kabiyesi was crowned, he became a rallying point of Local Government administration and took effective control of his chiefs and the entire people of Igede. The age groups were coordinated and strengthened, while Elegbes and the war veterans of Igede were encouraged to hold their meeting regularly. Kabiyesi elevated some deserving chiefs to Enumo status to ease his administration.

The 64 eventful years reign of Kabiyesi has no doubt brought remarkable and visible progress, development and lofty achievements and attitude to various segments, including but not limited to development in Education, Health care delivery, Sanitation, Politics, Social-cultural life, road network, commercial and infrastructure. These have advanced tremendously in the last 64 years of his reign.

ORIKI

Omo alaye han maye iun

Omo monmu Ipa re o ka

agbonrin alele i sun la lele l'Ara isa

agbonrin alele i pete otata oniyan l'eru

Omo apasa li e meji, o mu mejeji i somo lore

omo eye gbaun, aba gbaun i soju mia mia

o gba han la tan, oni i tu pin ran

omo a mo sisu ko m'ori ti de

omo o se run jabala jo igun

onigede nu kan li lugbo agbe, s'ekeji Adimula

omo oloke ko m'oke gigun

omo owa omo ekan

Omo Alaye gbede boli layin

CONGRATULATIONS KABIYESI

#Onigede

#LongestReigningMonarch

#InYorubaLand, Nigeria and West Africa.

Ekiti Obas Greet Muslims, Seek Prayers for a Stronger and Prosperous Nigeria.

Ekiti Obas Greet Muslims, Seek Prayers for a Stronger and Prosperous Nigeria.

The Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers has felicitated Muslims on the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, urging them to direct their prayers and sacrifices towards a stronger and prosperous Nigeria. 

This message was contained in a statement congratulating Muslims Ummah and signed by the Chairman of the Council, Oba Gabriel Ayodele Adejuwon, CFR and made available to journalists, in Ado Ekiti, on Tuesday.

Oba Adejuwon Ayodele CFR who doubles as the Onisan of the Isan kingdom, showered encomiums on Muslims for playing stabilizing roles in the country through their prayers and philanthropic gestures.

The monarch urged them to celebrate Sallah with a specific focus and mindset that Nigeria needs prayers to surmount the current excruciating economic spates pummeling the country and creating an atmosphere of despondency among the citizens.

Oba Adejuwon urged Muslim Ummah to continually demonstrate the ethos of loyalty, sacrifice, love, togetherness, and holiness, as reflected in the life of Prophet Ibraheem, who was considered the symbol of Eid-el-Kabir celebration. 

"On behalf of the Council, I congratulate the Muslims in Ekiti and Nigeria for this year's Sallah. I charge them to celebrate with decency, moderation, and as well live for others, as exhibited by Prophet Ibraheem.

"It is clear to everyone that our country is currently challenged economically. This spiritual time offered veritable opportunities for Nigerians, especially  Muslim adherents to pray for the land for spiritual intervention and economic prosperity." 

"Sallah is not celebrated for nothing, it represents a very pivotal space in the life of any Muslim. The teachings and lessons of holiness, contentment, loyalty, piety, and mutual respect, and trust must be allowed to take root in Nigeria.

"We believe that there is no problem that cannot be solved through a collective will. Nigerians must learn how to coalesce their prayers to bring Nigeria out of her current economic challenges, and all of us have critical roles to play in actualizing this onerous task".