NIPR clears Adeyemi-Adejolu and 28 others for 2023 Governing Council Election.

NIPR clears Adeyemi-Adejolu and 28 others for 2023 Governing Council Election.

In Pic: Prince Sunday Adeyemi-Adejolu, an accomplished strategic communicator.

Amid growing anticipation for the 2023 Elective Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Prince Sunday Adeyemi-Adejolu, a respected Fellow of the institute and an accomplished strategic communicator, has successfully cleared the screening process conducted by the NIPR Electoral Committee. His accomplishment qualifies him to run for a position on the Institute's Governing Council during the forthcoming event.

Prince Adeyemi-Adejolu, the immediate past Chairman of the Ekiti State Chapter of NIPR was cleared by the NIPR Electoral Committee headed by Chief Casca Ogosu, along with 28 other aspirants, who are vying for a seat out of the 17-man electable membership of the Governing Council during the National Conference and AGM holding in Abuja on Thursday, 24th August, 2023.

According to the NIPR Act, the new Governing Council members will after the election form an Electoral College to elect the President and Vice President, who are to also double as Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Governing Council for a tenure of two years.

Among the other 28 cleared for this year’s Governing Council election are two members of the outgoing Council, Mrs. Nkechi Ali-Balogun, former Lagos Chapter Chairman, and Dr. Ike Neliaku of FCT Chapter who are vying for the coveted NIPR Presidency seat after they must have been elected respectively as a member of the Governing Council.

The 29 cleared aspirants for the NIPR 17-electable membership of the Governing Council are spread across 21-State Chapters of the Federation and FCT, while the candidature of Prince AdeyemiAdejolu for the Governing Council is said to be the first time the Ekiti State Chapter of NIPR is sponsoring a candidate at that level.

When accosted, on why he wants to become a member of the NIPR Governing Council, Prince Adeyemi-Adejolu, a professional Fellow of the Institute and the Pioneer Director of Public Relations at The Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti, disclosed to News men that his aspiration was informed by his passion to give back out of the benefits of his rich professional experience garnered for about 30years of practice and the need to revamp the Institute's from the current low perception by the populace.

According to the Public Relations' guru, there’s also the observed huge gap of relationship to be mended and bridged at several levels of the NIPR space and operational scope, between;

(i) PR practitioners and Leadership of the Institute,

(2)  an efficient National Secretariat and organized chapter relationship.

(3)  the need for mentorship of upcoming PR practitioners for Professionalism and Excellence.

(4)  creating value addition for the holders of the NIPR Certificate and Diploma as well as membership of the Institute

Apart from, Prince S. Adeyemi-Adejolu, Nkechi Ali-Balogun and Dr. Ike Neliaku, all Fellows of the Institute, others also cleared after the recent screening by the NIPR Electoral Committee are, Messrs Tope Adaramola, Afolabi Olajuwon, Akin Agbejule, Aliyu Umar Aliyu, Aniagwu Charles Ehiedu, Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, Bashir Adamu Chedi, Dr Adewale Oyekanmi.

The list of cleared NIPR contestants also include, Dr. Ngozi Ulogu, Dr. Saudat S. Abdulbaqi, Dr. Sule Yau Sule, Dr. Ishola K. Lamidi, Hogan Eyo-Okon, Ini E. Essien, Kabir Ali Kobi, Thelma C. Okoh, Olubunmi Badejo, Yakubu Gomos, Sajoh Ahmed Ibhim, Samuel T. Oseloka, Paulinus Nsirim, Ford Obiozumba, Princely K. Ngunu as well as Professors Emmanuel Dandaura, Late Omenugha and Sarah B. Lwahas.

Ekiti Council Helmsman, Ojo Counts Achievements, Ascribes Success To Ekiti Gov's Support.

Ekiti Council Helmsman, Ojo Counts Achievements, Ascribes Success To Ekiti Gov's Support.

.....residents laud his giant strides.

In Pic: Hon. (Engr.) Toyin Ojo, The Executive Chairman of Ado Central Local Council Development Area.

The Executive Chairman of Ado Central Local Council Development Area, Ado Ekiti, Hon. (Engr.) Toyin Ojo, has reeled out the scorecards of his administration's remarkable achievements in the office in the last 20 months.

Construction of LCDA Chairman Office with state of art furniture Done By  Hon. (Engr.) Toyin Ojo.

On Tuesday, August 22, 2023, while featuring on the radio personality program "Lesekuku" on Voice (89.9) FM, Ado-Ekiti  ,the council chairman gave  account of his administration's accomplishments since his assumption of office almost two years ago.

Ereguru Borehole Project Done by Hon. (Engr.) Toyin Ojo.

Ojo commended Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Abayomi, for the  unwavering support his government received from him  in terms of  prompt release of funds to execute people-oriented projects and programs at the grassroot levels. He described governor as a man with genuine intention and purpose to transform Ekiti state .

Construction of LCDA Hall with Provision of Modern Chairs Done By Hon. Engr. Toyin Ojo.

The council chief  listed some of the strides recorded in the last 20 months in office  to include: construction of a permanent befitting secretariat; rehabilitation and reconstruction of Oke-Oniyo Health Centre; construction of befitting NSCDC and SIEC's office buildings; procurement and installation of solar street lights; construction of a modern multi-purpose hall within the secretariat; sinking of motorized boreholes; and construction of lock-up shops, among others.

Roofing and Renovation of Basic Health Center Oke Oniyo Done By Hon. Engr. Toyin Ojo.

The council boss noted  that he always takes into consideration the specific interests or needs of his people  before embarking on any project. 

Construction of Befitting NSCDC Office Done By Hon. Engr. Toyin Ojo. 

Speaking on the priority of his government in  few weeks time, Ojo said  arrangements have been concluded to commence reconstruction and  grading of roads in Oke-Oniyo, Abajin ,  rearing of domestic animals on the newly purchased plots of land, sinking of more  boreholes across four wards, construction of lines drainages and many others.

Consruction of drainages within the LCDA Done By Hon. Engr. Toyin Ojo. 

On what to do to ameliorate the hardship and suffering people are passing through, especially the elderly and the less priviledged ones, as a result of subsidy removal, the council chair said raw foods and other intervention packages would  soon be distributed to them irrespective of their political parties. He pointed out that his government through the office of chairperson, has been taking care of elderly ones via  social security programme called "owo arugbo" even  before the issue of subsidy palava .

In Pic: Beneficiaries of his social security programme called "owo arugbo".

Ojo affirmed his administration's commitment and readiness to pursue policies and programs that would continue to boost the living standard of his people.

Provision of Conference chairs and table inside the LCDA Conference Room.

Callers on the radio program lauded the chairman for the various life-changing and revenue - generating  projects he executed  and urged him to give priority attention to rehabilitation and construction of more  roads, youth employment, and the provision of portable water, among others.

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.