Ado Ekiti Modern Bus Terminal: Revitalizing Transport Infrastructure and Catalyzing Economic Growth In Ekiti.

Ado Ekiti Modern Bus Terminal: Revitalizing Transport Infrastructure and Catalyzing Economic Growth In Ekiti. 

By: Adl.

The inauguration of the Ado Ekiti Modern Bus Terminal today, in 2023, represents a significant milestone in Ekiti State's transport infrastructure development. This state-of-the-art terminal is poised to play a pivotal role in bolstering transportation efficiency, thereby fostering economic growth and connectivity, not only within Ekiti State but also within the broader Nigerian transport system.

The establishment of this Bus Terminal by former Governor Kayode Fayemi's administration will undoubtedly have a salient economic impact on Ekiti's economy. It will effectively optimize the movement of goods and people, subsequently reducing transportation costs and bolstering overall economic efficiency. This development is paramount for economic growth, facilitating the seamless flow of goods and services, and consequently improving market accessibility for businesses and individuals.

Furthermore, the Bus Terminal will act as a catalyst for revenue generation within Ekiti State. By offering a modern, well-maintained facility, it will attract private transport operators, stimulating increased economic activity. These operators contribute significantly to the state's revenue through fees, taxes, and licensing fees. Additionally, the terminal's strategic location near commercial hubs will substantially boost trade and commerce, further augmenting the state's fiscal income.

One of the most conspicuous outcomes of the Bus Terminal project is the generation of employment opportunities. The facility will directly create jobs through staff recruitment for terminal operations and maintenance and other allied commercial activities. Moreover, it will also indirectly stimulate job creation within the broader transport sector, encompassing roles such as drivers, conductors, mechanics, and other auxiliaries. This multifaceted approach effectively mitigates unemployment rates and bolsters the overall socio-economic well-being of the populace.

To ensure the long-term sustainability and efficiency of the Bus Terminal, it is imperative to adhere to modern management practices. Implementing streamlined ticketing systems, maintaining stringent security protocols, and prioritizing exceptional customer service are pivotal aspects. 

Regular maintenance and infrastructural upgrades are equally essential to maintain the facility's optimal condition. Moreover, fostering public-private partnerships can further enhance its sustainability, with the private sector injecting expertise and capital into its operations.

To this extent, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji merits commendation for creating an enabling environment that has facilitated the seamless continuation of the Bus Terminal project and a few other ones. His unwavering commitment to infrastructure development and the continuity of key initiatives such as the ongoing Cargo International Airport which is scheduled for operations towards the end of the year, has been instrumental in realizing the manifold benefits of this vital transport hub in jumpstarting the Ekiti State economy.

With the commissioning of the Bus Terminal, the residents of Ekiti State can eagerly anticipate an array of economic benefits. Improved transportation will effectively bridge the gap between rural and urban areas, thus fostering widespread economic growth. Reduced traffic congestion within Ado Ekiti will notably enhance the residents' quality of life. 

The commercial activities generated by the terminal will create an array of job opportunities, serving to mitigate unemployment rates. Overall, this development will elevate the state's reputation as a progressive and business-friendly destination.

To this extent, it is at this point important for the BAO's administration to partner with more private investors to enhance the state transport infrastructure, particularly by revisiting the siting of trailer parks in some strategic locations across the state. 

Adl is a Public Analyst and Social Media Influencer. He is also a Senior Advocate of the Pen (SAP). He wrote from Ado Ekiti.

PRESIDENT TINUBU WELCOMES TRIBUNAL VERDICT AND CALLS FOR COLLECTIVE EFFORTS TO BUILD THE NATION.

PRESIDENT TINUBU WELCOMES TRIBUNAL VERDICT AND CALLS FOR COLLECTIVE EFFORTS TO BUILD THE NATION.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday, has assured Nigerians of his renewed and energized focus on delivering his vision of a unified, peaceful and prosperous nation, following the judgment by the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja.

President Tinubu welcomes the judgment of the Tribubal with an intense sense of solemn responsibility and preparedness to serve all Nigerians, irrespective of all diverse political persuasions, faiths, and tribal identities.

The President recognizes the diligence, undaunted thoroughness, and professionalism of the five-member bench, led by Justice Haruna Tsammani in interpreting the law.

The President affirms that his commitment to the rule of law, and the unhindered discharge of duties by the Tribunal, as witnessed in the panel's exclusive respect for the merits of the petitions brought forward, further reflects the continuing maturation of Nigeria’s legal system, and the advancement of Africa's largest democracy at a time when our democratic system of government is under test in other parts of the continent.

The President believes the Presidential Candidates and Political Parties that have lawfully exercised their rights by participating in the 2023 general elections and the judicial process, which followed, have affirmed Nigeria’s democratic credentials.

The President urges his valiant challengers to inspire their supporters in the trust that the spirit of patriotism will now and forever be elevated above partisan considerations, manifesting into support for our Government to improve the livelihood of all Nigerians.

 

Once more, President Tinubu thanks Nigerians for the mandate given to him to serve our country while promising to meet and exceed their expectations, by the grace of God Almighty, and through very diligent hard work with the team that has been put in place for that sole purpose.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale 

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

September 6, 2023

President Tinubu Encourages Indian Investors: Seize the Opportunity as Nigeria Attracts $14 Billion in New Investments at Nigeria-India Economic Roundtable.

President Tinubu Encourages Indian Investors: Seize the Opportunity as Nigeria Attracts $14 Billion in New Investments at Nigeria-India Economic Roundtable.                By: Olamide Akinwumi.

President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, during the Nigeria-India Presidential Roundtable and Conference, celebrated the remarkable commitment of Indian investors who pledged nearly $14 billion in new investments. The President's message to these investors was clear: "Do not procrastinate; Nigeria offers the best returns on investment today."

Among the significant investment announcements was Indorama Petrochemical Limited's commitment to invest $8 billion in expanding its fertilizer production and petrochemical facility in Eleme, Rivers State. Jindal Steel and Power Limited also pledged $3 billion for investments in Nigeria, a result of discussions with President Tinubu during the G-20 Summit in New Delhi.

Mr. Jitender Sachdeva, Founder of SkipperSeil Limited, announced a $1.6 billion investment in establishing twenty 100MW power generation plants across Northern Nigeria, aiming to add 2,000MW of new power capacity in the next four years.

Additionally, a $1 billion agreement was approved to enhance the Defense Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) to achieve 40% self-sufficiency in local manufacturing and defense equipment production by 2027, through a partnership with India's Military-Industrial Complex.

Bharti Enterprises, a prominent Indian corporation with diverse interests, expressed its commitment to invest an additional $700 million in Nigeria, with immediate implementation plans.

President Tinubu emphasized that these agreements must lead to real industries and job creation in Nigeria, highlighting his administration's dedication to improving the macroeconomic and investment climate. He assured investors that Nigeria is open for business and that he and his team are ready to address any challenges.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, praised the investments and explained President Tinubu's eight-point strategy, focusing on growth, job creation, poverty reduction, and more, all underpinned by the rule of law and anti-corruption efforts.

Ministers from both countries signed agreements for digital transformation, education technology, and infrastructure development. Chandrajit Banerjee, Director-General of the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), committed to sending a high-level delegation to Nigeria, solidifying the cooperation between the two nations.

The event was attended by prominent figures, including Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, along with industry leaders from India and Nigeria. Following the roundtable, President Tinubu met individually with top investors to ensure their success in Nigeria.

President Tinubu's leadership and efforts to attract capital to Nigeria have received strong support from Indian investors, reflecting renewed hope for a diversified and prosperous Nigerian economy.

NPFL Postpones Kick-Off; New Start Date to Be Announced Shortly.

NPFL Postpones Kick-Off; New Start Date to Be Announced Shortly.

The Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL has postponed already scheduled kick-off for this weekend as no new date has been given.

It is the third time the kick-off date has been shelved since the original date of 26 August. The 8 September kick-off is shelved as a press statement indicated the need to have the Nigeria premier Football League members focus on the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) which will hold in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

There has hardly been any season in the past 20 years that the Nigerian league kicked off on a first announced date.

According to a press statement, Davidson Owumi, the Chief Operating Officer explained that the League body yielded to representations from various stakeholders in reaching the decision.

“We have everything set for the kickoff in Ibadan on Saturday but following representations from multiple stakeholders and more cogent is the complex logistics involved in having our Chairman and Clubs leadership travel from Ibadan to Uyo”, Owumi told NPFL Media Wednesday morning.

He said the postponement has been communicated to the clubs so they can stand down travel plans already made.

“Note therefore that there will be no flag-off game this Saturday, September 9 as originally planned”, the letter to the clubs read. He said a new kickoff date will be communicated in a few days.

Tribunal nullifies Amobi Ogah of the Labour Party Election in Abia. – Declares APC Nkeiruka Onyejeocha winner.

Tribunal nullifies Amobi Ogah of the Labour Party Election in Abia. – Declares APC Nkeiruka Onyejeocha winner.

The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Umuahia the Abia State Capital has nullified the election of Hon Amobi Ogah of the Labour Party,representing Isiukwuato Umunneochi Federal Constituency on grounds of non compliance to the electoral Act.

Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had in February 28th declared the Labour Party Candidate , Amobi Ogah as the winner of the Isiukwuato Umunneochi Federal Constituency election with a a total of 11,769 votes against current Minister of State for Labour and Employment Hon Nkeiruka Onyejiocha Chidubem who the commission said scored a total of 8,752 votes.

Dissatisfied with the result, Hon Nkeiruka Onyejeocha filed a petition before the National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, seeking the nullification of Hon Amobi Ogah’s Election in seven reliefs contained in her Petition

Delivering Judgement in the Petition tagged EPT/AB/HR/8/2023 on Wednesday in Umuahia, the three member Panel 1 of the National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal said the candidate of the Labour Party and Member Representing Isiukwuato Umunneochi Federal Constituency Hon Amobi Ogah did not comply with the provisions of the electoral Act.

“How a candidate is Sponsored by a political party is both Pre and post election, there is no evidence of given 21days notice to INEC by the respondent before conducting their primary election”

“No date of Primaries was placed before us, no evidence of Primaries and the 3rd respondent has always said it’s an internal affairs of the Party”

“We have tabulated and found out that the results computed by the petition is correct and the results computed by the 1st respondent is dis-countenanced ”

Hon Amobi Ogah who had argued that the acceptance of the Ministerial appointment of Hon Nkeiruka Onyejeocha was Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was a sign that she has abandoned her petition .

However the Tribunal in her ruling dismissed the submission of the Lawmaker.

“We are of the view that section 66 is not applicable to this scenario because the petitioner is not a Lawmaker of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the scenario prohibited by law is a person being a member of two arms of government” the court ruled.

Governor Oyebanji Set to Commission Ado-Ekiti Ultra Modern Bus Terminal.

Governor Oyebanji Set to Commission Ado-Ekiti Ultra Modern Bus Terminal.

In an exciting development for Ado-Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji is gearing up to officially open the much-anticipated Ado-Ekiti Ultra Modern Bus Terminal. The commissioning ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, September 7, 2023, and it promises to be a momentous occasion.

According to a statement by Mr. Yinka Oyebode, the Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor, the event will take place at the impressive new bus terminal Complex, located on Ijoka road, and it's set to commence at 4 pm.

Adding to the significance of this occasion, the immediate past Governor of the state, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, will serve as the Special Guest of Honour. Dr. Fayemi will have the honor of cutting the ribbon, officially marking the opening of this state-of-the-art complex.

This remarkable project, the Ado-Ekiti Ultra Modern Bus Terminal, initially initiated during Dr. Fayemi's administration in 2021, stands as one of the legacy projects for the region. What's truly commendable is that Governor Biodun Oyebanji has taken the baton, ensuring its successful completion and immediate readiness for public use following the commissioning.

This bus terminal project is a vital component of the urban renewal efforts in the region and is closely aligned with the Infrastructure and Industrialization pillar of the Oyebanji administration's development agenda.

This event follows closely on the heels of the recent commissioning of the Traditional Rulers council chamber, underscoring the BAO administration's unwavering commitment to finishing all unfinished projects from the JKF 2.0 administration, adhering to the continuity mantra.

Stay tuned for the grand opening of the Ado-Ekiti Ultra Modern Bus Terminal, a significant step forward in the region's development and a testament to the dedication of the government to serve its people.

Kogi Central: Tribunal Nullifies APC’s Victory, Declares Natasha Winner.

Kogi Central: Tribunal Nullifies APC’s Victory, Declares Natasha Winner.

The Kogi State Election Petition Tribunal on Wednesday nullified the victory of Sen. Abubakar Ohere as the winner of the Kogi Central senatorial election.

The court further declared Natasha Akpoti-Uduagan as the actual winner of the February senatorial election

The Tribunal Chairman, Justice K. A. Orjiako, who read the unanimous judgement of the three-man panel, said Ohere results were inflated in nine polling units of Ajaokuta Local Government Area (LGA) while that of Natasha was intentionally reduced in the areas by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as well as three other polling units result that was deliberately not entered for Natasha in the same LGA.

The court after making the proper correction, declared Natasha of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner of the poll having polled 54,074 against Ohere