Governor Abiodun breaks silence on Daniel’s DATKEM Demolition.

Governor Abiodun breaks silence on Daniel’s DATKEM Demolition.

The Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun says the partial demolition of a five-storey building is not politically motivated as insinuated in many quarters.

The property is believed to be that of Olufunke Daniel, the wife of a former governor of the state, Otunba Gbenga Daniel.

While she had traded words with Abiodun, the governor during an inspection of the reconstruction of the 8km Mowe/Ofada Road in the Obafemi/Owode Local Government Area of the state on Monday said the demolition became imperative as it contravened the laws.

“The owners of DATKEM in their minds must have felt they were above the law because they were actually recalcitrant. It smirks of impunity if the Ministry of Physical Planning sends you a contravention order, sends you a seal order and you continue with the construction in violation of the safety of all of us in Ogun State,” he said.

“They sent you a demolition order, but you still did not respond. You begin to sneak into the building at night. You begin to work there. You begin to attempt to grease palms so that they can overlook your contraventions. But, of course, the day of reckoning would always come.”

Governor Abiodun commended officials of the Ministry of Physical Planning for standing their ground despite immense pressure.

According to him, the state government has been demolishing illegal properties with no noise about it. Governor Abiodun wondered why issues have arisen over the recent demolition, saying the state laws must be followed to the latter irrespective of social status.

He warned owners of structures without authorised documents from the state government agencies that his government won’t tolerate illegality.

FG won’t introduce new taxes — Presidential Committee.

FG won’t introduce new taxes — Presidential Committee.

Chairman of the presidential committee on fiscal policy and tax reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, said no government agency has been stopped from collecting revenue, noting his team’s been mandated to harmonise tax collection.

Oyedele, a former fiscal policy partner and Africa tax leader at PriceWaterhouseCoopers, PwC, also said the federal government did not intend to introduce new taxes.

The fiscal policy expert spoke on Sunday, in a post on X, addressing some frequently asked questions, FAQs, about the committee.

However, Oyedele said many of the agencies would rather focus on their primary functions, hence, the committee planned to harmonise revenue collection.

He said: “No agency has been stopped from collecting revenue as many of them are empowered to do so by law.

”However, many of the agencies would rather focus on their primary functions, hence we intend to harmonise the fragmented revenue collection functions into one agency for each government.

“This is the case in many countries, including the leading tax regimes in Africa. This reform will help improve efficiency and enable the agencies to focus on their primary mandates for the overall benefit of the economy.”

He clarified that while the committee did not intend to introduce new taxes, it also didn’t want to impose higher tax rates.

“Rather, our mandate is to reduce the number of taxes and levies while harmonising revenue collection to reduce the burden on the people and businesses.

“The objective is to avoid taxing investment, capital, production or poverty. We plan to review and re-enact the major tax laws in a holistic manner thereby limiting the necessity for frequent changes through annual finance acts,” he said.

On how the committee planned to achieve a tax-to-gross domestic product ratio of 18 per cent in three years, Oyedele said the average tax-to-GDP ratio for Africa, excluding Nigeria, was about 18 per cent.

“This is the basis for the target of 18 per cent and the estimated tax gap of N20 trillion. There is a huge opportunity to generate revenue by leveraging technology and tax intelligence to close the gap.”

Medical Workers Hail Oyebanji’s Gesture Of Better Welfare Package.

Medical Workers Hail Oyebanji’s Gesture Of Better Welfare Package.

The Medical And Health Workers Union Of Nigeria, Ekiti State Chapter (MHWUN) has lauded Governor Oyebanji for his resilience in making the welfare of health workers a priority which is aimed at encouraging them to improve on their services.

In an appreciation letter made available to newsmen , the Secretary of the union, Comrade Ilebaye Titus in Ado Ekiti expressed gratitude to Governor Oyebanji on behalf of the association for paying their numerous allowances which had hitherto generated a lot of controversies between  government and health workers unions.  

Ilebaye said the union would not relent in propagating the uncommon willingness of Governor Oyebanji in implementing all benefits for health workers in the state

The MHWUN described the Governor as God ordained for the people of the state as he keeps fulfilling the promises he made to workers in the state .

Ilebaye explained that the benefits ranges from implementation of 90% CONHESS and 100% allowance for health workers at the local government, Payment of one year leave bonus for state and local government and implementation of consequential adjustment for workers on Grade Level 14 and above for state and local government workers respectively. 

Others include implementation of financial benefits of 2020 & 2021 promotions for State, Local Governments and constituting a committee on implementation of salary parity for clinical staff of the Hospital Management Board (HMB). 

He prayed  that the Almighty God would continue to bestow divine wisdom and strength on the Governor to move the state to greater heights.

Ekiti First Lady Lifts 400 Indigent Pupil's With Schoolbag, Other Materials.

Ekiti First Lady Lifts 400 Indigent Pupil's With Schoolbag, Other Materials.

......Says pet project, WAOH, to address needs of orphans and widows.

Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, on Monday showered gifts of school materials on about 400 indigent pupils from the 16 local government areas restating her commitment to ameliorating the suffering of vulnerable people in the state.

Dr. Oyebanji distributed brand new schoolbags containing water bottles, mathematical sets, food warmers, six 60 Leaves exercise books and transport allowance to each of the beneficiaries of the exercise majority of whom were orphans under her Back to School Programme for Vulnerable Children.

The Governor's wife explained that the Education Empowerment Programme which was part of her Widows and Orphans Hope (WAOH) Project was also to relieve the guardians and caregivers of the pupils the burden to be shouldered as schools resume throughout the state next Monday.

She explained that the gifts given to the kids was an opportunity to make an impact in their lives, give them a sense of belonging, support their education to motivate them to do well in their studies and ensure that their smooth resumption back to school was not hampered by lack of needed materials.

According to her, lending a helping hand to the beneficiaries who are pupils of primary and junior secondary schools was intended to support them to become great in life and help them realize their ambitions in the future.

The Ekiti First Lady, who assured that the support for the indigent kids would be a continuous exercise to incorporate more beneficiaries, also revealed her intention to launch an Interface With Adolescents very soon to cater to their needs.

Dr. Oyebanji who disclosed that WAOH Project would be formally unveiled in October revealed that over 30,000 widows have so far been registered under the scheme to support them and give them succour socially and economically.

She emphasized that the Back to School Programme for the Vulnerable Children was not government sponsored but was bankrolled by her friends and partners urging privileged individuals, corporate bodies and interest groups to support her pet project, WAOH, with funds to enable her assist the poorest of the poor.

Dr. Oyebanji said: "This is not a political jamboree, this is not a government sponsored programme. It is with the support of my office, friends and some well-meaning individuals. This is an opportunity for people and organizations to support our project so that we can make more impact on the lives of the vulnerable persons among us.

"Every week, I dropped N200,000 in WAOH's office to be shared to the needy widows but God has put us here to have impact on their lives. We have to give them love, we have to give them hope and we have to give them platform to assist them and give support to those who have been left on the fringes of the society."

The Ekiti First Lady disclosed that orphans in tertiary institutions and other matured orphans who are not in schools would be accommodated when WAOH comes on stream in October for assistance to assist them in their studies and vocations.

Dr. Oyebanji revealed that over 30,000 widows in the state had registered for various forms of assistance through her WAOH Project noting that the screening conducted for the intending beneficiaries had helped to identify their needs and how to meet them.

Speaking earlier, the Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye, lauded the First Lady for taking a personal interest in offering hope for the needy especially the widows and orphans noting that with the gesture she (Dr Oyebanji) is sowing great seeds of impact into their lives.

The Deputy Governor said the Back to School Programme of the First Lady would boost the pupils' interest in education and give them a sense of pride among their colleagues as the new school session is about to take off in the state.

She also commended Dr. Oyebanji for coming up with the WAOH initiative which she noted would alleviate the suffering encountered by widows and give them hope and joy in their time of need and give them a platform for economic empowerment.

Some of the pupils who could not hide their joy for the shower of gifts said the gesture of the First Lady was a great and unexpected assistance and a relief that came at the right time as they were preparing for resumption.

One of them, Toluwani Ajayi, said she never expected the largesse but was surprised when she was told that she had been selected to benefit from the school empowerment scheme.

"I came all the way from Ikole and I was excited to come here when I was told that the First Lady would give us new schoolbags but I was surprised that the bags contained mathematical sets, coolers, water bottles and exercise books.

"My prayer is that God will continue to bless our mummy, the First Lady for remembering us. I am excited that I am resuming school next week with a new schoolbag. I will show it to my friends when we return to school."

A guardian, Mrs. Bosede Olanrewaju, who accompanied one of the beneficiaries to the programme said the First Lady's largesse should be emulated by her colleagues, political office holders and other privileged citizens to assist the poor and give them solace.

She said: "This is what other first ladies, political office holders and people who have the means should be doing from time to time. The gifts are special because we never expected them and they came when they are needed. 

"We pray that Mrs Oyebanji will continue to find the favour of God together with her entire family. As they bring joy to the less privileged, they will find joy and their prayers will always be answered."

The programme was attended by the Deputy Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bolaji Olagbaju,; wife of the Speaker, Mrs. Adenike Aribasoye; the Head of Service, Engr. Sunday Komolafe represented by his wife, Mrs. Komolafe; state lawmakers, members of the state executive council, local government chairmen, top civil servants, labour leaders and other stakeholders in education.

Minister of Interior, Hon. Oluwabunmi Tunji-Ojo, Joins Forces with Attorney-General to Tackle Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing.

Minister of Interior, Hon. Oluwabunmi Tunji-Ojo, Joins Forces with Attorney-General to Tackle Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing.                                                          By: Olamide Akinwumi J. 

In a pivotal development earlier today, Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, converged with Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, for an Inter-Ministerial Committee meeting dedicated to addressing anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism. The meeting, held at the esteemed Ministry of Justice, gathered the heads of various key agencies to deliberate on critical issues and strategize for the future.

With an array of prominent figures from government agencies in attendance, the discussion encompassed a wide range of topics and concerns, all aimed at reinforcing the nation's stance against money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, known for his commitment to national development, emphasized the paramount importance of collaboration with key stakeholders to realize President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's #RenewedHope Agenda. He stated that these collaborative efforts are integral to steering Nigeria towards a brighter and more secure future.

This Inter-Ministerial Committee meeting serves as a testament to the government's unwavering dedication to combating financial crimes and terrorism, reinforcing the commitment to the safety and prosperity of the nation. The discussions held during this meeting are expected to lead to concrete actions that will further strengthen Nigeria's efforts in these critical areas.

Southwest Speakers Convene in Lagos to Foster Regional Progress.

Southwest Speakers Convene in Lagos to Foster Regional Progress.

Speakers of state Legislatures in the Southwestern part of Nigeria on Monday gathered at the Lagos State House of Assembly for discussions aimed at the progress of the zone.

The gathering comes few days to the Abuja meeting of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria where a national chairman is billed to emerge.

State Speakers at the meeting hosted by Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, include Rt. Hon. Taiwo Oluomo of Ogun, Adebo Ogundoyin of Oyo, Adeoye Aribasoye of Ekiti, Adewale Egbedun of Osun and Olamide Oladiji of Ondo.

The Speakers held a closed-door session after which Dr. Obasa told journalists that different issues relating to the growth and progress of Southwest were discussed.

“We looked at the progress of the legislature in the Southwest. Let me remind you that during the last Assembly, we all adopted a single Business Rules and Standing Order, which we have reviewed at this meeting.

“We also discussed the coming election of the Conference of Speakers. We deliberated on that because we have to be there with one voice. We have two Speakers, Ogun and Oyo, running for the position. So we have to harmonise our position before we go for the election.

“We also discussed the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) as it relates to the economic progress and development of Southwest. I am happy to tell you we made tremendous progress in our discussion and we have concluded that we will meet again to continue our deliberation. But in all, we have discussed in the interest of the Southwest,” Dr. Obasa said.

Confirming discussions at the meeting, Rt. Hon. Aribasoye, said: “We met to discuss the Southwest, the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, the coming election, the security of our zone, and the need for cross-fertilisation of ideas among the legislatures in the Southwest.”

Earlier, while being received at the legislative chamber of the Lagos Assembly, the Speakers told the State lawmakers that their visit had opened their eyes to further directions they needed to take for the progress of their individual states.

They commended the Lagos lawmakers for standing firm in their support for democracy, true governance and the leadership of Speaker Obasa noting that their activities have helped to sustain a virile legislative arm in the State.

“What we have seen at the Lagos State House of Assembly will guide us going foward, Rt. Hon. Aribasoye said while describing Lagos as a true ‘Centre of Excellence’ and thanking Dr. Obasa for being a worthy leader to Southwest Speakers.

Rt. Hon. Oladiji, who said it was his first time visiting the Lagos Assembly, described what he had seen as a true reflection of why the State continues to make legislative progress under Speaker Obasa.

Stressing that the Southwest remains the leading democratic light in Nigeria, Rt. Hon. Egbedun added: “I want to use this opportunity to tell you that Speaker Obasa is our leader.”

On his part, Rt. Hon. Oluomo commended the Lagos lawmakers for standing with Obasa, who he described as making history for being the longest serving Speaker in Nigeria.

Further addressing the Lagos lawmakers, Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin thanked Dr. Obasa for always helping the Southwest Speakers with his knowledge and experience.

In his response, Dr. Obasa described his colleagues at the Lagos Assembly as dedicated, loyal to positive causes and passionate for the progress of the legislature and the State.

NANS Ekiti JCC Applauds First Lady for Championing Youth Education.

NANS Ekiti JCC Applauds First Lady for Championing Youth Education.

In a heartwarming show of appreciation, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Ekiti Joint Campus Committee (JCC) has showered commendations upon the First Lady of Ekiti State, Dr. Olayemi Abiodun-Oyebanji, for her outstanding efforts in launching the Educational Empowerment and Back to School program. Under the leadership of Comrade Aderibigbe Sikiru, NANS Ekiti JCC has hailed this initiative as a beacon of hope for the youth of Ekiti.

The program, spearheaded by the First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Abiodun-Oyebanji,  aims to provide a brighter future for Ekiti's promising young minds. NANS Ekiti JCC expressed unwavering confidence in the First Lady's ability to continue leading the charge towards unparalleled success in the state's education sector.

While celebrating these significant strides, NANS Ekiti JCC remains vigilant of the ongoing challenges faced by the student community. They have called upon His Excellency, the Governor of Ekiti State, to intensify efforts in pursuit of academic excellence and improved student welfare. The student body firmly believes in the Governor's capacity to overcome these challenges and enhance the quality of education in Ekiti.

In conclusion, the NANS Ekiti JCC reaffirms its dedication to championing the rights and welfare of students. They pledge to collaborate closely with the state government to foster an educational environment that nurtures the leaders of today and tomorrow.

In Pic: Comrade Aderibigbe Sikiru, NANS Ekiti JCC Chairman. 

This remarkable initiative by the First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Abiodun-Oyebanji nd the commitment of NANS Ekiti JCC exemplify the power of collaboration and determination in uplifting education for the betterment of Ekiti's youth and the entire state.