Ajobiewe Holds Meeting with Officials In Transportation Ministry.

Ajobiewe Holds Meeting with Officials In Transportation Ministry.

By Wande Akin Wande

 The Hon. Commissioner for Transportation in Ekiti State, Hon. Pst. K. K Ajobiewe, conducted a significant meeting with key officials in the Ministry of Transportation. Present at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Isaac Abulola, Executive Secretary of Ekiti State Traffic Management Agency (EKTSMA), Mr. Tai Akomolafe, Director of Admin & Supplies in the Ministry of Transportation, Mr Adebayo and Director of Finance & Accounts, Mrs. Lawal Monisola.

The purpose of the meeting, held at the Commissioner's office in Ado Ekiti today, was to strategize on the smooth functioning of the newly established Transportation Ministry. The officials discussed ways to ensure that it operates efficiently, without hindrance or obstacles. Additionally, the focus was on enhancing the State's revenue to support the ongoing developmental Projects initiated by Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.

The meeting highlighted the importance of effective transportation management in facilitating economic growth and development. By optimizing transport systems, Ekiti State aims to attract investments, improve trade, and provide seamless mobility for its citizens. The officials exchanged ideas and proposed measures to achieve these objectives successfully.

Ekiti Assembly passes Sports Commission Bill 2023 into law, as Hon Odebunmi Idowu led the first bill in the 7th Assembly.

Ekiti Assembly passes Sports Commission Bill 2023 into law, as Hon Odebunmi Idowu led the first bill in the 7th Assembly.

Earlier today, the Hon representing Oye Constituency 2, in Ekiti House of Assembly, Hon Odebunmi Idowu Sunday (ID ALUTA) has performed his legislative duties again which resulted to the passage of Sports Commission Bill into law.

Hon Odebunmi, who also doubles as the Chairman Committee on Youths and Sports, hitted the ground running by standing in the gap for the people of his constituency, notably among other law makers in the house, he was appointed as the Chairman to lead the Youths and Sports affairs in the business of legislature.

As promised during his campaigns, dividends of democracy and effective representation is now playing out as Hon Odebunmi is proving to be 'talk-and-do', in less than three months in office.

No doubt, the people of Oye Constituency 2 and Ekiti State in general are in for a good time with Hon Odebunmi, this is just the beginning as this is the first bill that was passed in the 7th Assembly, a great achievement this is indeed.

President Tinubu Inaugurates 45 Ministers Cleared By The Senate.

President Tinubu Inaugurates 45 Ministers Cleared By The Senate.

President Bola Tinubu took a significant step towards strengthening Nigeria's governance today by inaugurating a group of 45 ministers who were recently cleared by the Senate. The inauguration ceremony, held at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja, was marked with optimism and a call for renewed dedication to the nation.

The President, in his address, urged the newly inaugurated ministers to rise to the occasion and fulfill the expectations of the Nigerian people. He acknowledged the challenges that lay ahead, describing them as "daunting," but expressed the government's firm resolve to bring about a Renewed Hope for the nation.

The Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Aguri Ngelale, played a crucial role in the ceremony by reading the citations of the ministers. This was followed by the ministers taking their oaths of office, which were administered by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola.

The Senate had previously confirmed 45 ministers-designate out of the 48 nominees submitted by President Tinubu. The swearing-in ceremony was conducted in accordance with the ministers' respective states of origin, reflecting the nation's diversity and unity.

The inauguration came on the heels of President Tinubu's announcement of ministerial portfolios just a week ago, a move that demonstrated careful consideration and strategic planning.

The list of ministers and their portfolios includes:

1. Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani

2. Minister of State, Environment and Ecological Management, Ishak Salaco

3. Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun

4. Minister of Interior, Bunmi Tunji

5. Minister of Power, Adedayo Adelabu,

6. Minister of State, Health and Social Welfare, Tunji Alausa

7. Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake

8. Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John

9. Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola

10. Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Anite

11. Minister of Innovation Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji

12. Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Nkiruka Onyejeocha

13. Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy

14. Minister of Works, David Umahi

15. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo

16. Minister of Youth, Abubakar Momoh

17. Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu

18. Minister of State (Gas), Petroleum Resources, Ekperikpe Ekpo

19. Minister of State (Oil), Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri

20. Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh

21. Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike

22. Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa

23. Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru

24. Minister of State Defence, Bello Matawalle

25. Minister of State Education, Yusuf T. Sunumu

26. Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed M. Dangiwa

27. Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development, Abdullah T. Gwarzo

28. Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu

29. Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory, Mairiga Mahmud

30. Minister of State, Water Resources and Sanitation, Bello M. Goronyo

31. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyar

32. Minister of Education, Tahir Maman

33. Minister of Transportation, Sa’Idu A. Alkali

34. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf M. Tuggar

35. Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate

36. Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Geidam

37. Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu A. Audu

38. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammed Idris

39. Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi

40. Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon B. Lalong

41. Minister of State, Police Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim

42. Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Govermental Affairs, Zephaniah Jisalo

43. Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev

44. Minister of State, Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi

45. Minister of Environment and Ecological Management, (Kaduna)

Don't Put Undue Pressure on Cabinet Members, Oyebanji Begs Citizens.

Don't Put Undue Pressure on Cabinet Members, Oyebanji Begs Citizens.

...Says Over a hundred project executed between April and July.

....Lifts 2,600 citizens with N213m govt's social investment.

...IPP project ready for commissioning next month.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, on Monday appealed to Ekiti people not to put undue pressure and demands on the newly appointed commissioners and Special Advisers, stressing that such could prevent them from coming to their constituencies regularly as true representatives of the people .

Oyebanji also declared that his government had expended a sum of N213 million to lift 2,600 indigent citizens from poverty under social investment component of his administration within the last 100 days. 

He also said that over a hundred project spread across the state were executed between April and July, stressing that the state Independent Power Project (IPP) is due for commissioning next month. 

The Governor revealed these in Omuo Ekiti, headquarters of Ekiti East Local government Area, while giving account of stewardship at a stakeholders' engagement programme marking his 300 days in office. 

Addressing the crowd at the well- attended programme held at MIMS Civic Centre, Iludofin, Omuo Ekiti, Oyebanji stated that his government is currently building two model schools in Ikole and Ikere Ekiti to complement the four magnificent structures earlier constructed in Ado Ekiti by the administration of Dr Kayode Fayemi. 

Dispelling the fear being nursed by some concerned citizens that the new appointees could slow down his pace performance with their politicking, the Governor said the new appointees are coming with additional values to the government, adding that rather than slow down the pace of work, the public should expect greater level of performance. 

“The new commissioners are coming from different background and diverse level of expertise. We are still going to do much more than what we have done . If we can do all these in eight months without full cabinet, we should be able to do times two of these in four years. 

"My cabinet members must hear this, our people said I am doing well because my Commissioners, who are politicians have not been brought on board. But I want to say that they don't have any other choice than to do well. But don't put unnecessary pressure on them. We should know that political appointment is a position of responsibility. 

"When pressure is put on them, they will be dodging and would not want to come home. But these cabinet members are ready and willing and they have the fire power and experiences to do well. I have implicit confidence in them that they can only join us and deliver for our people. 

"We must know that we contested the last election and won with APC as a vehicle and our members need to be very careful to remain in government. They must not take our people for granted or misbehave to them".

In the area of security, Oyebanji rued the reported cases of kidnappings around Imesi-Ode-Omuo axis, saying the Amotekun Corps had been restructured to rise to the occasion of ensuring peace and security across all the towns in Ekiti. He urged traditional rulers to collaborate with the Amotekun Corps and other security agencies in the state to rid the state of criminal elements. 

Oyebanji who thanked former Governor Kayode Fayemi for laying a very good foundation upon which his administration is building on, assured that he would strive hard to surpass the achievements of the Fayemi administration, adding that that would be the only way he can vindicate him(Fayemi) that he had made the right choice in backing him. 

Giving an explicit breakdown of the fund expended on social security, Oyebanji said his government spent a humongous sum of N96 million on 600 persons under Ekiti State Livelihood Grant component, and N117 million benefited from the Ekiti State Cash Transfer Unit to salvage the poorest of the poor from excruciating poverty. 

He said he has released a cummulative sum of N800 million to tertiary institutions as subvention arrears, while he paid N400 million to defray outstanding obligations to State Universal Basic Education Board contractors. 

"Aside the 2,600 that benefited from our cash transfer grants, we have registered 1,326 beneficiaries into the Labour Intensive Public Works, with N12,500 monthly stipend. We also distributed N24m to victims of disasters in Oke Ako and Ijesa Isu Ekiti. 

"We have distributed N50m worth of relief materials to beneficiaries through the Federal Government Special National Economic Livelihood Emergency Intervention Programme. These are intended to make lives easy for our people".

In a bid to expand the scope of food production for Ekiti to ascend food security status, the governor revealed that his government has rehabilitated 43.4 kilometre of roads in six local governments besides distributing subsidised farm inputs to 2,279 to farmers.

"My government has supported 1,566 farmers with both production assets and small scale processing equipment likewise providing 25% subsidy tractorisation to farmers".

In the area of infrastructure and industrialisation, known as the backbones and pivots of any economy , Oyebanji said his government would be strategic in reconstructing and rehabilitating roads, assuring that only roads with high proclivities to drive his prosperity agenda will be accorded attentions.

He posited that the 3.5MW Independent Power Plant project is at completion stage and would supply power to government offices and hospitals and tertiary institutions in Ado Ekiti and suburb, adding that this would rectify the epileptic power supply being experienced in some sections of the state . 

"We are reconnecting Ikogosi , Erijiyan and Ikogosi Resort Centre back to the national grid to enhance the state tourism corridor. We need a sum of one billion naira to reconnect Ayekire , Ekiti East Local governments and their LCDAs after 10 years of darkness as well as Agriculture Processing Zone at Ikole back to the national grid.

To control incidences of flooding and wreckage of buildings and other valuable property, Oyebanji said his government had dredged waterways at Oreremope community, Ureje-olaoluwa, Basiri-Olorunda, Omisanjana and other susceptible areas in the state. 

Dignitaries at the event include: Ekiti State First Lady, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; Head of Service, Engr Sunday Akomolafe, Commissioners, traditional rulers, farmers, driver unions, market men and women, students, among others.

300 Days In Office: Governor Oyebanji Highlights Achievements.

300 Days In Office: Governor Oyebanji Highlights Achievements.

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

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, had several good news to share with the people of the state as he rendered account of stewardship of the giant strides made by his administration in the last 100 days.

At a Special Stakeholders’ Engagement to commemorate the 300 days of his administration in office held in Omuo Ekiti on Monday, Oyebanji assured the people of the state of his commitment to purposeful leadership and execution of policies that will better their lives.

The Governor took time to brief the people of more achievements his administration recorded within the time it celebrated 200 days in office on May 12 till now across the six pillars which include Human Capital Development, Infrastructure and Industrialization, Governance, Agriculture and Rural Development, Youth Development and Job Creation and Arts, Culture and Tourism.

The Governor said he is working round the clock to ensure that all segments of the population benefit from the Shared Prosperity vision of his administration emphasizing that “Ekiti should not be a poster of poverty.”

He stressed that prosperity can be shared among the people of the state by ensuring their equitable access to the Ekiti commonwealth, live decent lives and contribute meaningfully to the local economy.

Delivering his address which were intermittently interjected with eulogies and praises from the segments of the audience, Oyebanji revealed that his administration has defrayed all arrears of salaries of civil servants and local government workers met on ground.

According to him, the sum of N6.5 billion was paid as salary to civil servants and teachers between April and July while N2.3 billion was paid as pension to retirees of the state civil service and one month pension arrears was paid to local government pensioners within the same period.

Within the period, the Governor stated that N800 million one month subvention was released to tertiary institutions; N400 million paid to offset outstanding obligations to contractors of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB); N117 million to 1,950 beneficiaries under the Social Transfer Component of Ekiti State Cash Transfer Unit and N24 million relief materials distributed to victims of rainstorm disaster in Oke Ako and Ijesa Isu.

He explained that his administration has paid counterpart funds to the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to pave way for renovation works in public schools which he said would commence next week.

The Governor said the intervention of his administration has succeeded in controlling flooding in critical areas in Ado and Ikere which has brought relief to the people adding that attention would now be focused on other local government areas based on action plans to be worked out with the councils.

Oyebanji disclosed that the 3.5 Megawatts Independent Power Project (IPP) commenced under the immediate past administration led by Dr. Kayode Fayemi has been completed and would be commissioned in September to ensure uninterrupted power supply in government offices, ministries and will be extended to the state university.

He noted that bursary and scholarship to Ekiti students from undergraduate to postgraduate levels for 2023/2024 has been paid while bursary was also paid to 167 Ekiti indigenes studying at the Nigerian Law School

The Governor told his audience that the Ado Ekiti City Bus Terminal which was also started under the Fayemi Administration has been completed noting that proper arrangements would be made with transport unions in the state to put the facility to efficient use before it is inaugurated.

In health sector, the Governor explained that 17 Emergency Operation Centres have been established in all the local government areas while 177 Primary Health Centres have been renovated with N1million each released to them to purchase drugs and other materials needed.

He said his administration has spent over N1 billion to reconnect communities in Ayekire and Ekiti East Local governments back to the National Grid adding that the Agricultural Processing Zone is also being connected to aid operations of processing factories located there and to attract more investors.

The Governor who equally gave account on ongoing road projects which are at various stages of completion but were slowed down by rain said the roads were being constructed to contribute to the economy of the state and businesses of residents and investors.

Oyebanji equally reported that N24.5 million was disbursed as Conditional Credit/Matching Grants; N28.8 million as Operational Supporting Grants and N13.1 million as Conditional Grants to Support IT-Enhancement under the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

He also revealed that over 100 projects have been completed and delivered in the local governments and local council development areas for the benefits of the people in the grassroots within the last three months.

Dwelling on issues on security, the Governor said he is not happy with security situation in Ekiti South senatorial district noting that the state security outfit, Amotekun, would be further empowered to scale up its operations and work in tandem with other security agencies to rid the communities of crime in the state.

The Governor said it was fulfilling for him to have posted remarkable achievements within the period without a full cabinet noting that the feat has imposed a challenge on the newly appointed Commissioners to work selflessly for the people of the state while also urging the populace not to put much pressure on them.

Oyebanji maintained that judging by the abundant human resources, Ekiti has no reason to be poor revealing that a special funding scheme would soon be rolled out for market women, artisans and owners of small businesses for the wealth of the state to be shared for the good of the people.

 “We campaigned on the mantra of continuity and shared prosperity and if we have people who have these characteristics of being truthful, honest, hardworking and have integrity, should they be poor?

“We should not be a poster of poverty; prosperity can be shared among the people. We may not be equal but whatever we work we do, we must be able to build houses, train our children and live decent lives." He explained. 

While explaining that he sees himself as the employee of Ekiti people because their votes brought him into office, Oyebanji promised to continue to give account to the people and would never renege on the promise.

Representatives of people living with disabilities, market women, religious leaders, youths and other interest groups commended the Governor on the achievements recorded so far and also used the forum to table their demands.

The town hall meeting was attended by the Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye; First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji; Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye and fellow lawmakers; state All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman, Barrister Paul Omotoso; members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers, labour leaders and other interest groups.

Hon. (Mrs.) Dupe Bakare, Applauds Leadership of Governor Oyebanji; Showcases Remarkable Achievements in Irewolede LCDA.

Hon. (Mrs.) Dupe Bakare, Applauds Leadership of Governor Oyebanji; Showcases Remarkable Achievements in Irewolede LCDA.

In a recent radio interview on Radio Nigeria Progress FM's tagged "Reclaim Naija" program, the Executive Chairperson of Irewolede Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Ekiti State, Hon. (Mrs) Dupe Bakare, has lauded the exceptional leadership of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, attributing the numerous achievements of her administration over the past two years to his visionary guidance.

Hon. (Mrs) Dupe Bakare, Irewolede Local Council Development Area Chairman. 

Highlighting her administration's accomplishments since taking office in January 2022, Mrs. Bakare emphasized their commitment to accountability, which she considers a cornerstone of servant leadership. She proudly shared that her team had worked diligently to create an enabling environment for LCDA workers by renovating and refurbishing the council secretariat, even extending electricity to the premises.

In Pic: Extension of electricity to ijurin Ekiti.

During the interview, the Council Boss underscored her administration's dedication to grassroots development, a vision she attributed to Governor Oyebanji's unwavering commitment. She expressed her conviction that his focus on community-level progress was unparalleled.

In Pic: Renovated police post at Ayegunle Ekiti Constructed By Hon. Mrs Dupe Bakare 

In a heartening display of civic dedication, Hon. Bakare disclosed that all six communities comprising the LCDA have reaped the benefits of various developmental projects under her tenure. Notable accomplishments include the renovation of 15 lock-up shops at Oja-Oba market in Iloro-Ekiti, the expansion of electricity infrastructure in emerging areas like Ijurin-Ekiti, and the construction of 10 open market stalls at Temidire-Ekiti—an unprecedented feat in the town. Additionally, her administration renovated a police post in Ayegunle-Ekiti and carried out road grading activities in Iroko and Oke-oro.

In Pic: The 2 blocks of 15 lock up shops at Oja-Oba market, Iloro-Ekiti Build By Hon. Mrs. Bakare. 

The Council Chairperson took security matters seriously, fostering a strong relationship with traditional rulers and conducting regular local security council meetings. To enhance the security apparatus, her administration procured four motorcycles and vehicle tires, bolstering the area's security surveillance and contributing to its relatively peaceful atmosphere.

In Pic: Hon. Bakare During Presentation of motorcycles to security men. 

Looking ahead, Hon. Bakare reiterated her administration's commitment to providing more dividends of democracy for the people. She assured residents of Iroko-Ekiti that plans were underway to rejuvenate the town's market and install new drainage systems in both Iroko and Oke-Oro Ekiti. She encouraged potential investors to tap into the region's peaceful environment and abundant natural resources for meaningful economic growth.

In Pic: The Open market stalls at Temidire-Ekiti Constructed By Hon. Mrs. Dupe Bakare.

Extending her appreciation, the Chairperson acknowledged the support of Governor Oyebanji and his wife since the inception of their administration. She also thanked traditional rulers, career officers, and all stakeholders for their unwavering support and cooperation. Hon. Bakare's gratitude extended to the callers on the radio program, including LCDA Secretary Hon. Isaac Komolafe, community members Mr. Kunle Adewale, Oke Mathew, Ayeni, and Eleyinmi Kolawole. These callers affirmed the various achievements shared by Hon. Bakare and lauded her honesty and hard work. They collectively voiced prayers for her continued wisdom and strength in her pursuit of elevating the council to greater heights.

The program underscored the positive strides made by the Irewolede LCDA under Hon. Dupe Bakare's dynamic leadership, a testament to the power of effective governance and community-focused initiatives.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji's 300 Days in Office: Special Stakeholders Engagement Encourages Public Participation.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji's 300 Days in Office: Special Stakeholders Engagement Encourages Public Participation.

In a commitment to fulfill his electoral promise of maintaining constant and continuous engagement with the people, Ondo State Governor, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has invites all stakeholders to a Special Stakeholders Engagement event. The occasion, a Special Stakeholders Engagement event, is a significant part of the series of planned activities commemorating Governor Oyebanji's 300 days in office.

The event aims to create a unique platform for direct interaction between the Governor and the people, fostering purposeful dialogues that encourage the exchange of ideas. This engagement seeks to ensure that the government remains in tune with the needs and aspirations of its citizens, thereby facilitating effective governance and positive societal progress.

In a bid to involve the widest possible audience, participants are strongly encouraged to tune in to the live broadcast of this engagement. The event is scheduled to take place tomorrow, on Monday, August 21st, at 10 AM. The collective presence of citizens is not only valued but also holds immense significance, symbolizing the joint endeavor to enact positive change and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the local community.

This milestone event marks Governor Biodun Oyebanji's dedication to the principles of open governance, fostering a transparent and participatory administration that strives for the betterment of all.