Ado North LCDA Chairman, Hon. Yomi Oso, Outlines Vision and Achievements for Development.

Ado North LCDA Chairman, Hon. Yomi Oso, Outlines Vision and Achievements for Development.

In Pic: Hon. Yomi Oso, Chairman Ado North LCDA.

The Chairman, Ado North LCDA, Hon. Yomi Oso, had assured the citizens of the area that his administration will lay a solid foundation for the development of the Council area through prudent management of financial and human resources, running an open administration and adopting the bottom - top approach to governance.

The Chairman spoke during a Radio personality programme, gave a vivid description of the composition of the LCDA, saying it is one of the largest in the State as it spans, Okeyinmi- Okeila- Afao  Ekiti border; Christ School-Dallimore- Adebayo-Opoogbooro-EKSU; and Olorunsogo- Olorunda- Ikingbinsin axis, hence, the necessity for its affairs to be properly and efficiently managed.

The Council's helmsman seized the opportunity to intimate the public about the efforts being made by his administration on constructing a befitting Secretariat for the Council by acquiring thirty (30) plots of land, along Afao Road, constructing the fence, and acquiring the Certificate of Occupancy to guarantee ownership, intimating the people further that the Secretariat construction has reached an advanced stage.

In order to boost the Council's IGR, improve the economic status and add  to the aesthetics of Ado Ekiti metropolis, Hon. Yomi Oso, revealed the efforts being made by his administration, through Public Private Partnership, towards rebuilding the old Mojere market, to an ultra -modern shopping complex featuring shops, modern toilets and expansive parking space. The Chairman, reiterated that the Certificate of Occupancy of the market had been acquired in consonance with his promise to secure all assets and property of the LCDA to avoid such resources from falling into private hands.

Hon. Yomi Oso commended  the Ekiti State Governor, HE, Biodun Oyebanji, for his laudable efforts in dredging the canals and desilting the drainages in Ado Ekiti metropolis to forestall flooding which often leads to loss of lives and property. He spoke in details about the ecological work done by his administration at the Dallimore - Olobe - Okeila - Adebayo axis which has now made the notorious poor road passable and the people a sigh of relief from erosion pledging  to replicate similar work in some other areas of the LCDA.

Some residents of the area, James Olayinka (Afao Rd), Olufemi Hassan (Ileri Community) and Iyanda Mary (Dallimore), all poured encomiums on tlHon. Oso for implementing people oriented programmes, they however, advised him to intensify efforts on grading of roads, drainages construction and poverty alleviation programmes. Hon Oso replied by appreciating the people for their unflinching support for the State and Local Governments with a bold assurance that his administration will intensify efforts on bringing the dividends of democracy to the doorsteps of the people.

Sandwich Programme, Not Inferior To Regular Programme -EKSU VC.

Sandwich Programme, Not Inferior To  Regular Programme -EKSU VC. 

In Pic: Professor Edward Olanipekun, The Vice Chancellor, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti.

The Vice Chancellor, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Professor Edward Olanipekun has described Sandwich Programme as a mode of learning to acquire university degrees and not in any way inferior to the regular degree programme of the university.

The Vice Chancellor made the clarification at the matriculation ceremony held for the newly admitted students into the Sandwich Degree Programme of Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti for the 2023 Contact Session.

At the ceremony,

Professor Olanipekun gave a comparative analysis of  Part time/Sandwich and Regular Programmes and asserted that, the admission requirements and conditions for the award of degrees to graduates of the different programmes are the same.

He charged the matriculants to be proud of their studentship of Ekiti State University which is ranked  as the 14th best out of over 250 universities in Nigeria and the 3rd best among State Universities. 

The Vice Chancellor used the occasion to reiterate the university authority's determination to sustain its zero tolerance for anti-social behaviour as well as acts that are tantamount to breach of rules and regulations, since appropriate sanctions are always placed on anyone who flouts the matriculation oath. He, therefore, advised the fresh students to avail themselves of the University students' Hand Book in order to be more acquainted with the university regulations.

The Registrar of the University, Mr Ife Oluwole  had earlier led the students in taking the matriculation oath.

The ceremony was attended by the Principal Officers of the University, Director, Directorate of Continuing Education Programme, Deans of Faculties among many others.

President Tinubu Mourns Victims Of Boat Accidents In Niger, Adamawa States.

President Tinubu Mourns Victims Of Boat Accidents In Niger, Adamawa States.

President Bola Tinubu extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims who lost their lives in the recent boat mishaps in Mokwa Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State and Gurin village, in Fufore LGA of Adamawa State, which tragically claimed many lives, including several children.  

While expressing solidarity with the governments and people of Niger and Adamawa States as they swiftly mobilized emergency response teams and volunteers to provide immediate assistance to those affected by the incidents, the President wishes a most speedy recovery to those who were injured.

Furthermore, President Tinubu demands a thorough and comprehensive investigation into the recurring tragedy of fatal boat incidents across the nation. 

The President directs various government agencies, including law enforcement, maritime safety and transportation safety authorities to collaborate closely in identifying the root causes of these unfortunate and preventable disasters.

President Tinubu underscores his commitment to holding government agencies accountable for any regulatory or safety lapses and further instructs a comprehensive review of safety measures and a strict enforcement of existing laws on boating activities in the country.

The President assures the affected families and communities of government’s continued support and his commitment to the prevention of such tragic incidents from occurring in the future.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

September 12, 2023

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.