OYEBANJI HAILS AXXESS BOSS, OLAJIDE’S APPOINTMENT AS CCA BOARD CHAIRMAN.

OYEBANJI HAILS AXXESS BOSS, OLAJIDE’S APPOINTMENT AS CCA BOARD CHAIRMAN.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has hailed the election of Ekiti State -born healthcare technologist and investor, Mr John Olajide as chairman of the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA).

The Governor, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, described Olajide’s  election as an acknowledgement of his innovative contributions to various fields of human endeavours which have positively impacted the lives of millions of people across the globe.

Governor Oyebanji described Olajide as a worthy Ekiti son who has done the State proud by demonstrating competence, diligence, hardwork, courage , integrity and excellence for which Ekiti people are known, in everything he does.

The Governor added that Olajide had positioned himself as a leading light in innovation across the globe, having made great impact by empowering healthcare organizations with state-of-the-art software solutions during the COVID-19 era which posed major health threat to the world. This, according to the Governor, is in addition to other breakthroughs he had recorded in other fields. 

While commending Olajide for his exploits at the international level, Oyebanji said it is worth noting that the new CCA Chairman is also blazing the trail in his home country with multi- million dollar investments in agribusiness, hospitality and technology, thereby creating thousands of job opportunities. 

“I am not surprised at Olajide’s elevation as Chairman of the Board of Corporate Council on Africa (CCA). He is a man of vision, who places much premium on excellence and innovation. I have no doubt that he has all it takes to lead the Corporate Council on Africa to another era of prosperity and technological breakthroughs that would serve mankind”.

“On behalf of the Government and good people of Ekiti State, I congratulate Mr Olajide on this new appointment and wish him success as he continues to shine and inspire more Nigerian and Ekiti youths to achieve more”, Oyebanji said.

Labour Party National Chairman Lamidi Apapa Speaks Out Following Court Verdict on Abure's Faction.

Labour Party National Chairman Lamidi Apapa Speaks Out Following Court Verdict on Abure's Faction.

In a recent press conference held in Abuja on Thursday, August 24, Lamidi Apapa, the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), addressed the ongoing crisis within the party following a court verdict that favored his faction. The court of appeal had ruled against the Julius Abure-led faction and ordered the recognition of governorship candidates produced by Apapa's faction for the upcoming November 11 governorship elections in Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo states.

Apapa began by reminding attendees of the prior developments in the case. He highlighted that on April 5, the FCT High Court had restrained Abure and his associates from representing themselves as national officers of the party. Consequently, the party designated Apapa, the Deputy National Chairman, as the acting national chairman in accordance with its constitution.

Citing this progression, Apapa explained, "Following these events, the party under my leadership communicated with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reschedule the primary election date set by Abure from April 15 to April 16." Despite the restraining order, Abure proceeded to hold primaries for the states of Imo, Kogi, and Bayelsa on those specified dates.

Apapa continued, "In response to my conducted primary, a candidate who participated in Abure's primary contested my candidate's legitimacy, asserting that Abure's candidates were the true representatives." This disagreement led to a legal battle, culminating in a ruling by the Federal High Court in Owerri Division. The court declared Apapa's primaries to be valid, noting that Abure had conducted his primaries while under a restraining order.

As a result of this legal victory, Apapa firmly conveyed his stance during the press conference. "Only candidates endorsed by me will be allowed to participate in the governorship elections scheduled for November 11 in Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo," he affirmed.

The press conference shed light on the ongoing internal dispute within the Labour Party, underscoring the complexities of selecting candidates for the upcoming elections. With the court's verdict in favor of Apapa's faction, the LP's focus now shifts to the preparation and consolidation of their candidates' campaigns as the election date approaches.

Ekiti First Lady Partners With Foundation On Waste-To-Wealth Initiative.

Ekiti First Lady Partners With Foundation On Waste-To-Wealth Initiative.

Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has said she would partner with Tokunbo Ajila-Jakande Foundation on its Waste-to-Wealth Initiative and other efforts to ensure a cleaner and safer environment.

Dr. Oyebanji gave the commitment when she received the Founder of the Foundation, Mrs. Tokunbo Ajila-Jakande, who led members of her team to the Office of the First Lady in Ado Ekiti, the state capital.

The First Lady also took delivery of a giant waste collector donated to her office by the Foundation appreciating the donation as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts.

She was also presented with some products like schoolbags, laptop bags and other materials that were produced from sachet water nylons during the visit which she described as laudable.

Dr. Oyebanji who particularly picked interest in turning waste products like sachet water nylons and plastic bottles into useful products like schoolbags.

Ekiti Council Chair, Ojo Commissions SIEC, NSCDC's Office Building.

Ekiti Council Chair, Ojo Commissions SIEC, NSCDC's Office Building.  

....as he charges the officers to justify the purpose for constructing the office building through their improved working performances. 

In Pic: (Engr.) Hon. 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 inaugurated a newly constructed office building project running  into millions of naira to provide conducive office accommodations for officials of the State Independent Electoral Commission  (SIEC) and the Nigeria Security & Civil Defence Corps(NSCDC) Ado Central LCDA's Area office and  security  post respectively.

Ojo, while making  his remarks at the  event  on Thursday, August 24, 2023, appreciated the God Almighty for being faithful to him in all fronts to go this far in delivering dividends of democracy to the people since  he assumed office almost two- year ago .He thanked Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Abayomi for the prompt release of money meant for local goverments and giving the  council chairmen  free hands to operate without any undue interference in their affairs. Ojo said his adminstration  embarked  on construction of office  building for NSCDC as part of his avow commitment to secure  the lives and property of his people . 

"As a  chief security officer in my council area, it remains my constitutional responsibility to ensure the safety of lives and property of my people. And one of the very best ways to guarantee safety of my people is to provide condusive office accommodation for the security personnel to boost their morale "

Speaking on the office accommodation built for the SIEC, Ojo said the gesture would enable the officials of the Commission in his council area to secure their electorial materials and settle down properly to carry out their statutory responsibility of conducting reliable, free, fair and acceptable elections. 

In Pic: The Newly Constructed Building for officials of the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) and the Nigeria Security & Civil Defence Corps(NSCDC) at Oke - Oniyo, Ado - Ekiti.

The council chief executive officer disclosed that his government happened  to be the first in the history of Ekiti State Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas to have built a befitting  office accommodation fraught with necessary facilities for the SIEC. " I can proudly say it any where in the state, I remain the first council chairman to have initiated, completed and  commissioned a beffiting office accommodation for the State Electoral Body in Ekiti State since the emergence of what is constitutionally recognised as SIEC today "Ojo declared .

He further reiterated his administration"s commitment and readiness to always prioritise the needs and welfare of his people. The chairman appealed to the Ekiti State Commandant of NSCDC to deplore more    security personnel to complement the efforts of existing officers .

 Commenting on the  efforts of the council helmsman at the event, Ekiti State Chairman  of SIEC, Hon. Justice  Cornelius Akintayo (rtd) commended the chairman for deeming it appropriate to build a beffiting office for his staff. Akintayo said his officers in some local governments and newly created LCDAs didn't have offices where to convienently carry out their  duties. " Let me expressly say this, you happen to the first local government chairman to have built permanent office accommodation for the Commission in the local government area in the state. Our officers in some local goverments don't even have accommodations  to perform their functions effectively. I want to use this forum to call on the other council chairmen copy this lofty idea from you "

The SIEC chairman solicited for the support and cooperation of the council boss in term of logistics during the forthcoming local government elections calling on the relevant  stakeholders to partner  with the Commission with a view to conduct credible, reliable, free and fair elections .

In his  remarks, the Ekiti State Commandant of NSCDC, represented by Assistance Commandant, Mr. Maha lauded the chairman for creating enabling  working environment for their officers and promised to strengthen the security of the area." With this noble gesture of yours in  providing office accommodation for our officers, you have really  motivated us into action and I promise you we will provide adequate security in your council area. 

On his part , the Ado- Ekiti APC party chairman, Hon. Michael Akinleye eulogized the council chairman's exceptional performance in office. He described Engr. Toyin Ojo as a proud ambassador of the party saying all the projects he  embarked upon since assumption of office have seriously enhanced  the fortunes  of the APC as party. Akinleye assured SIEC of APC's cooperation and support by presenting credible candidates during forthcoming local government  elections .

The multi-millions naira office building project is built closely to the secretariat in Oke - Oniyo, Ado - Ekiti. It has all the necessary facilities for the convienent of the users.

The event has in attendance; Ekiti State SIEC chairman, Hon. Justice Cornelius Akintayo (rtd), representative of State Commandant of NSCDC, Mr. Maha, wife of Ado Central chairman, Mrs Mary Matta Toyin Ojo among others.

Hon. Bakare Kicks Off Distribution of Palliatives In Irewolede LCDA,Commends Federal Govt's Initiative.

Hon. Bakare Kicks Off Distribution of Palliatives In Irewolede LCDA,Commends Federal Govt's Initiative.

The Executive Chairperson of Irewolede Local Council Development Area (LCDA),Hon. (Mrs) Dupe Bakare has commended President Bola Tinubu's palliative Initiative to cushion the effects of the removal of petrol subsidy.

Hon. Bakare gave the commendation on Wednesday,while monitoring the distribution of 30 bags of rice, received from the state government to the three Wards in the LCDA.

The federal government had last week Thursday approved 5billion naira for each of the 36 states of the federation, including the FCT for procurement of food items and fertilizer as part of efforts to alleviate the sufferings occasioned by the removal of petrol subsidy.

Hon. Bakare said her government had put measures in place to make sure that the palliatives reaches the targeted beneficiaries, particularly the poor and less privileged across the LCDA without hitches.

She commended Ekiti state government under the leadership of governor Biodun Oyebanji for releasing the palliatives on time,said this further affirmed the leadership qualities of the Governor.

The Council Boss warned the Committees put in place for the distribution of the palliatives in each communities against politicisation and discrimination, said the items are meant for all vulnerables, irrespective of political affiliations.

Giant strides of Mr. Emmanuel Jegede at Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission.

Giant strides of Mr. Emmanuel Jegede at Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission.

By: Omotayo Peter.

In Pic: Mr. Emmanuel Babatunde Jegede, Permanent Secretary of Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission.

The Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission has been experiencing a period of unprecedented growth and development, spearheaded by the capable leadership of Mr. Emmanuel Jegede, Permanent Secretary of the Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission. His visionary approach has ushered in a series of transformative initiatives that have elevated the commission to new heights since he came on board over a year ago.

In Pic: The Man of Action, Mr. Emmanuel Babatunde Jegede, Permanent Secretary of Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission.

One of the most significant achievements of this effective and efficient manager of man and resource is the enactment of the groundbreaking "Ekiti State Local Government Administration Law, 2023." This revolutionary legislation, passed by the Ekiti State House of Assembly and subsequently signed by His Excellency Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, Governor of Ekiti State in June 2023, has paved the way for the creation of three new vital departments within the Local Government Service. These departments included Information and Civic  Orientation, Legal Services, and Central Internal  Audit/Internal Audit, position the local government system to better service  delivery.

Under the leadership of Mr. Jegede, a dutiful and resourceful officer,  a series of critical improvements have been implemented, ensuring the smooth functioning of the commission. Previously grounded official vehicles, belonging to various departments, have been skillfully repaired and are now operational, contributing to efficient operations. Notably, the departments equipped with refurbished vehicles include Training and Manpower Development, Appointment and Posting, General Administration, Establishment and Management Services, and Special Duties.

In a remarkable show of commitment  and dedication to effective governance, on June 20th, 2023, the commission, under Mr. Jegede's guidance, facilitated the purchase  of Thirty-Eight (38) official vehicles. These vehicles were distributed to the Heads of Local Government Administration across Ekiti State, empowering them to carry out their responsibilities with heightened efficiency and productivity, particularly when catering to the needs of the grassroots communities.

Furthermore, the commission, under Mr. Jegede's leadership, embarked on an essential process of identifying and recommending senior officers for key appointments, including Executive Secretaries and Heads of Local Government Administration. This strategic move has injected fresh talent and expertise into the commission's leadership structure, enhancing its capacity to drive impactful change.

In another demonstration of commitment to growth, a total of four hundred and forty-four (444) personnel were appointed into various positions within the Local Government Service. This infusion of new talent showcases Mr. Jegede's dedication to enhancing the human resource capacity of the commission.

Recognizing the importance of continuous learning and integration, this unique  and outstanding personality initiated an Induction Orientation Programme tailored for new intakes in the Local Government Service. This program equipped newcomers with the knowledge and skills required to excel in their roles, fostering a culture of excellence and professional growth.

The commission's infrastructure was not left untouched, as Mr. Jegede authorized the procurement of three laptop computers and two desktop computers. Additionally, a new HP 2055 printer, a 6.5KVA petrol generator, and modern photocopy machines were acquired, further optimizing the commission's daily operations.

Under the leadership of Mr. Jegede, the commission's commitment to staff welfare has witnessed significant enhancements, contributing to a motivated and engaged workforce.

In recognition of outstanding contributions, the commission presented an award to the most exceptional staff member, underscoring the value placed on hard work and dedication.

Structural improvements were also undertaken, with the repair and re-roofing of the BPR & S and Procurement Department, demonstrating the commission's commitment to maintaining a conducive work environment.

In Pic: Mr. Emmanuel Babatunde Jegede, Permanent Secretary of Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission.

In summation, Mr. Emmanuel Jegede's tenure as the Permanent Secretary of the Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission has been marked by visionary leadership and transformative initiatives. His unwavering dedication to progress and development has positioned the commission as a formidable force in service delivery and governance, positively impacting the lives of Ekiti State residents at the grassroots  and beyond.

Elevating Ekiti State through the Symphony of Creativity: Unleashing the Potential of the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy.

Elevating Ekiti State through the Symphony of Creativity: Unleashing the Potential of the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy.

By: Adl

In a world driven by innovation and creativity, Ekiti State's visionary move to fuse the realms of arts, culture, and the creative economy under one roof holds the promise of reshaping its destiny. 

A creative economy is an economic system that emphasizes the generation of value from creative and cultural industries, such as art, design, media, entertainment, and technology. It encourages innovation, intellectual property creation, and the exchange of ideas, fostering economic growth and job opportunities.

The Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, a brainchild of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji's administration, signifies a strategic leap into the creative future. It's not just a merger of departments; it's an embodiment of opportunity, a canvas on which the colors of culture will blend harmoniously with the strokes of economic prosperity.

Under Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji's administration in Ekiti State, implementing a creative economy could have several impacts. It could lead to the development of local artistic talents like the Imesi Ekiti cultural troupes, the establishment of creative clusters, and the growth of cultural tourism. This, in turn, could boost the state's revenue through increased tourism and cultural events.

In this new paradigm, the creative economy is the pulsating heart that will infuse vitality into Ekiti's creative landscape. The creative economy, often referred to as the "orange economy," encapsulates the fusion of artistry and commerce, where the vibrant hues of creative assets catalyze economic growth. 

In the thinking of the Ekiti State Governor, a creative economy is a combination of arts and cultural expeditions that can stimulate entrepreneurship, attract investments, and provide a platform for collaboration among other ministries. One that will enhance the state's image and identity in Nigeria and globally, thus improving its soft power and attractiveness for business and investment.

By venturing beyond the conventional, Ekiti State paves the way for innovation-led development,

tapping into a sector that currently boasts a staggering worth of $985 billion and shows no signs of waning. Remarkably, the G20 insights foretell a future where the creative economy could command a 10% share of the global GDP by 2030, with Deloitte's crystal ball predicting a staggering 40% growth in creative sectors.

The strategic renaming of the old Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Tourism, and the subsequent integration of the Creative Economy Department, echos the administration's acumen for forward-thinking. Ekiti State is poised to transform into a beacon of creative brilliance, harnessing the potential of its indigenous talents to thrust the state onto the global stage. 

By untethering the Tourism unit and replacing it with the Creative Economy Department, the BAO's administration unveils its blueprint to leverage the creative industry's power as a vehicle for rebranding, revenue escalation, and enticing Foreign Direct Investment.

In the context of Ekiti State, the state could derive great benefits such as increased employment opportunities in creative sectors, a rise in tourism revenue due to cultural events and attractions, and a more vibrant and diversified economy. 

However, success would depend on proper planning, infrastructure development, and policies that foster creativity, innovation, and collaboration among artists, businesses, and the government.

At the heart of this transformation stands Professor Ojo Bakare, a luminary in the realm of Choreography and Performing Arts. His appointment as the Honorable Commissioner of the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy speaks volumes about the administration's dedication to fostering excellence. With Professor Bakare at the helm, the state's creative ecosystem gains a maestro who not only understands the nuances of artistic expression but possesses the strategic finesse to channel its energy toward economic rejuvenation.

The narrative of Estera Concepts, a local creative arts company championing the preservation of Ogotun Ekiti's ancient mat-weaving crafts, mirrors the essence of this revitalization. By nurturing such indigenous endeavors and fortifying the nexus between culture and commerce, Ekiti State can unearth sustainable growth. This mission transcends mere economic gains; it's a homage to heritage and a testament to the power of creativity as a catalyst for progress.

Within this expansive canopy of the creative economy lies numerous branches: advertising, architecture, arts and crafts, design, fashion, film, music, performing arts, publishing, research and development, software, computer games, electronic publishing, and TV/radio. This harmonious convergence bridges the gap between tradition and technology, weaving a tapestry where age-old crafts coexist with cutting-edge innovations.

Ekiti State's pursuit of creative excellence hinges on strategic partnerships and the allure of Foreign Direct Investment. The path forward is illuminated by the state's rich cultural tapestry, boasting gems like Nollywood, a vibrant music scene, and culturally rich events. By nurturing these already thriving sectors, the Ministry of Creative Economy cultivates the low-hanging fruits that will bear the sweetest economic harvests for Ekiti State.

In this symbiotic relationship, the Ministry of Creative Economy is envisioned not as a financial burden on the state but as a self-sustaining entity. By orchestrating an interplay of creativity, commerce, and culture, this ministry seeks to contribute directly to the state's coffers. It's a refreshing departure from the norm, where creativity isn't just an expenditure; it's an investment.

Ekiti State's journey into the realms of arts, culture, and the creative economy is therefore nothing short of a symphony. The chords of tradition harmonize with the notes of innovation, and under Professor Bakare's guidance, the crescendo of economic prosperity seems inevitable. 

This convergence isn't just a ministry; it's a movement—a melody that echoes the vision of Governor Oyebanji and resonates with the aspirations of an entire state. As Ekiti State embarks on this transformative odyssey, the world watches eagerly, ready to witness the masterpiece that emerges from the union of creativity and commerce. 

Adl is a Public Commentator and Social Media Influencer.