Ekiti NLC Women Group Excited Over Bus Donation From Oyebanji.

Ekiti NLC Women Group Excited Over Bus Donation From Oyebanji.

The women Committee of Nigeria Labour Congress , Ekiti State Council has expressed gratitude to Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for donating a branding new Toyota bus to the group .

In a letter of appreciation made available to newsmen in Ado Ekiti, the Chairperson of the group, Comrade David Roseline explained that Governor Oyebanji had demonstrated the true meaning of a leader who is always after the welfare of Ekiti citizens and this has left  many  speechless.  

Comrade Roseline who lauded Oyebanji's gesture for his toughtfulness and kindness towards Women in Nigeria Labour Congress described the governor as an astute administrator and welfarist .

Roseline further expressed that Oyebanji's support for the advancement of women would continue to earn him more respect and honour among other Governors across the federation.

She noted that the women became extremely ecstatic when the bus was handed over to them, adding that the governor's gesture would go a long way to ameliorate their mobility challenges.

The Chairperson assured  the Governor of the group’s total  support for  his administration’s shared prosperity agenda for the State.

Oyebanji Won't Treat You Like Second Class Citizens, Deputy Gov Assures Ekiti Regents.

Oyebanji Won't Treat You Like Second Class Citizens, Deputy Gov Assures Ekiti Regents.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has assured the Regents superintending over some communities where there are vacancies in their traditional stools of Governor Biodun Oyebanji's readiness to prioritise their welfare and accord them respect as custodians of culture.

The Deputy Governor maintained  that the  governor won't treat them like second class citizens or starve them of their statutory entitlements, describing the positions they occupy as strategic to peace and development of the state.  

Mrs Afuye gave the assurance, on Wednesday, while playing host to Regents of some communities, who visited her office in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital.

At the meeting, the traditional rulers, who came under the auspices of Body of Regents, Ekiti State, called for the restoration of their suspended salaries, while also pleading with government to ensure upward review of their allowances to be able to withstand the current economic realities.

The Deputy Governor, in a statement by her Media Aide, Victor Ogunje, ascribed the stability and peace being enjoyed in the state to the strong and unwavering synergy between the government and traditional rulers.

She saluted the Regents  for their sense of patriotism, sacrifices and cooperation with Governor Oyebanji's government to stabilise the state and make it an epicentre of development.

Reeling out the areas where Governor Oyebanji has demonstrated respect for the institution, Mrs Afuye, stated that the newly constructed Traditional Rulers' Chamber, non-interfering with selection and installation of Obas and stringent implementation of the Regency Law, were part of the policies that have buoyed royalty in the scheme of things.

Mrs Afuye added that those who were facing challenges among them were chiefly those who have spent beyond six months prescribed for Regents by the Ekiti State Regency Law.

The Deputy Governor said  such issue will be reviewed through the House of Assembly, since the Regents were not responsible for the extension of their stay on the thrones they occupy.

She advised the Regents to propagate the policies of government in their domains, so that their subjects can understand what the Governor has in stock to shore up the development index of Ekiti in all facets.

"Governor Oyebanji is  aware of all the challenges you are facing in your domains, particularly those who have stayed beyond the time stipulated  in the Regency Law, but this shouldn't be blamed on you because you are not the Kingmakers. 

"We are quite aware that some of you are facing those challenges because we have some cases pending in courts that are stalling the installation of substantive monarchs and you have to occupy the vacuum pending the time a new set of monarchs will be installed.

"So, I believe you must be treated like Kings, because you are performing their roles. I will communicate your requests  to the governor. When you exceed the six months prescribed by law, the government ought to be paying you because staying on that thrones beyond that time was not your making".

Speaking on behalf of the group, the Body's President and Regent of Araromi Ekiti, Ijero Local Government area of the state , Princess Funmilayo Adesua,  itemised their demands  to include the reinstatement of their terminated salaries and upward review of allowances to be able to meet the current economic situation.

She regretted that  some  regents in Ekiti have not been paid any salary for over a year, despite their sacrifices to ensure peace and development in their domains, saying most pathetic was that this was happening under this current  hard-biting  economic situation.

She said the situation needed to be addressed to put a soothing balm on their sufferings caused by neglect  on the thrones of their forebears. 

The Regent assured  the government that none of them will maintain a sit-tight posture or stall the installation of  substantive monarch in her town, describing such tendency as a fertile avenue for crisis and instability.

Wike Reels Out Plans For Satallite Towns In Abuja.

Wike Reels Out Plans For Satallite Towns In Abuja.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, said that the FCT Administration would give due attention to the development of satellite towns.

Wike stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at the inauguration of Mandate Secretaries for the FCT Administration.

He said that the prosperity and well-being of the residents extend beyond the city centre, stressing the need to ensure that all areas of the FCT experience progress and development.

The Mandate Secretaries inaugurated are Mr Bitrus Garki, Secretary of the Area Council Services Secretariat; Mr Lawan Geidam, Secretary, the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat; and Mr Danlami Ihayyo, Secretary of the Education Secretariat.

Others are Adedolapo Fasawe, Secretary of Health and Environment Services Secretariat, Mr Salman Dako, Secretary of Legal Services Secretariat; Mr Chinedum Elechi, Secretary of Economic Planning, Revenue Generation and Public Private Partnership.

Mr Uboku Nyah was also inaugurated as Secretary of the Transportation Secretariat.

Wike stressed the need for them to address issues affecting the delivery of services in FCT Administration, particularly the procurement process.

He said, “Transparency, efficiency, and accountability must become the cornerstones of our administration.

“As mandated secretaries, your role in this journey of transformation is pivotal. You are not only advisors but also leaders and implementers of our policies.

“You have a duty to translate our vision into tangible actions that will shape the future of the FCT.

“Our President has entrusted us with the monumental task of rebuilding and developing the FCT into a world-class city.

“To achieve this, we must address several key areas that are essential for the progress of our city and the well-being of our residents.

He added that part of the mission includes the enhancement of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), through innovative ways to raise the needed funds to support the development agenda.

Shettima to represent Tinubu at G77+China leaders' summit in Cuba.

Shettima to represent Tinubu at G77+China leaders' summit in Cuba.

Vice President Kashim Shettima will be representing President Bola Tinubu at the G77+China Leaders' Summit which will be held in Havana, Cuba from 15 to 17 September.

This was revealed in a statement on the president's official X handle on Wednesday, September 13.

Part of the statement reads: "He will be joining other world leaders, including the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres at the Summit to deliberate on development issues facing members mostly from the global south. The Summit will equally explore proactive ways of addressing challenges facing the development of the member states leveraging science, technology and innovation to enhance socio-economic growth.

"Also, Vice President Shettima will on the sidelines of the summit hold bilateral meetings with other world leaders to promote Nigeria’s trade and investment relations in line with the economic development diplomacy of the Tinubu administration.

"The Havana Summit is being hosted by the President of the Republic of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel in his capacity as Chairman of the G77 and China, under the theme: “Current Development Challenges: The Role of Science, Technology and Innovation.”

OAU Announces Adjustments to Student Fees for 2023 Academic Session.

OAU Announces Adjustments to Student Fees for 2023 Academic Session.

The authorities of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, have made significant adjustments to the fees structure for students attending the institution in the upcoming 2023 academic session.

In a press release issued by the University's Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, the revised fee schedule outlines the changes that students across various faculties can expect.

For students enrolled in the Faculties of Arts, Law, and Humanities, 'freshers' will now pay a fee of #151,200, while returning students within these faculties will be required to pay #89,200.

In the Faculties of Technology and Science, new students will have a fee of #163,200, with returning students in the same faculties paying #101,200.

Students admitted to the Faculties in the College of Health Sciences and the Faculty of Pharmacy will experience adjusted fees as well. New students in these faculties will pay #190,200, while returning students will pay #128,200.

The decision to adjust the fee structure was reached during an emergency meeting of the University Senate held on Tuesday, September 12, 2023.

The university's management has expressed its best wishes for students, hoping for their resounding success in their academic pursuits.

It's important to note that the fee adjustments apply for the upcoming academic session and are subject to change in subsequent sessions.

NLC threatens indefinite strike, gives one week ultimatum.

NLC threatens indefinite strike, gives one week ultimatum.

The organised labour on Tuesday threatened to begin an indefinite strike should the Federal Government fail to meet its demands at the end of a 21-day ultimatum which will expire in approximately one week’s time.

The workers union said the proposed strike was necessary following the failure of the Federal Government to provide palliatives to assuage the Nigerians hardships as a result of the fuel subsidy removal.

The Nigeria Labour Congress said the industrial action which may commence any day from next week would lead to an indefinite shutdown of commercial and economic activities across the country.

Speaking on Tuesday, the National Assistant General Secretary of the NLC, Mr Christopher Onyeka, said the FG was wrong to share a bag of rice to a dozen citizens while reportedly giving N100m palliative to each member of the National Assembly.

The union had on September 1 handed down a 21-day ultimatum to the FG over the delay in sharing of palliatives, saying it might be compelled to declare an indefinite labour action if its demands were not met.

“If the government fails to provide the appropriate responses to our demands, we encourage you to maintain your steadfast resolve. The same passion and determination that fuelled this warning strike will be crucial if we find ourselves compelled to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike,’’ the labour body said in a letter to the FG.

To demonstrate its seriousness, the NLC mobilised workers for a two-day warning strike on September 5 and 6, partially grounding social and economic activities in several states with banks, ministries, agencies and departments closed to the public in some states.

The NLC leadership had said the action was in preparation for a total shutdown which would start at the expiration of the ultimatum next week.

Among other demands, the NLC and the Trade Union Congress were asking for wage awards, implementation of palliatives, tax exemptions and allowances to the public sector workers and a review of the minimum wage.

Though the FG made a commitment to restructure the framework for engagement with organised Labour on palliatives, the eight-week timeframe set for the conclusion of the process expired in August with no action whatsoever.

The committees were given eight weeks to conclude their assignment and hasten the implementation of the framework in cushioning the effect of petrol subsidy removal on Nigerians but weeks after the timeframe expired, the sub-committees had yet to meet or actualise their mandates.

President Bola Tinubu had since June 19 set up the Presidential Steering Committee and various sub-committees to discuss the framework to be adopted on the palliatives.

The sub-committees had been created to implement FG’s palliative package in areas such as Cash Transfers, Social Investment Programme, Cost of Governance, Energy, and Mass Transit and Housing.

This was a fall-out of the President’s closed-door session with the leadership of the NLC and the TUC during a nationwide protest by the organised labour.

Credit: The Punch

Oyebanji's Wife Offers To Teach ABUAD Student's.

Oyebanji's Wife Offers To Teach ABUAD Student's.

..…Afe Babalola: Ekiti First Lady's Gesture Has Increased My Respect For Her.

In a rather unprecedented gesture, the wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has offered to serve as a lecturer at the Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD) on part-time basis to impart knowledge on students and give them academic mentorship.

Dr. Oyebanji who paid a courtesy visit to ABUAD promised to partner the university in terms of providing community service to the institution when needed as a gesture to give back to the university being an academic herself.

Speaking while being received by ABUAD Founder/Chancellor, Aare Babalola; Vice Chancellor, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde and other members of the management team, Dr. Oyebanji said her gesture would enable her contribute her own quota to the development of one of the fastest growing universities in Africa.

The Ekiti Governor's wife who is a senior lecturer in the Department of Education Management at the University of Ibadan (UI) has over 85 publications in  reputable journals to her credit and she had produced six PhD graduates and several others at Master's and undergraduate levels.

Apparently impressed with the gesture of Ekiti First Lady who is awaiting her Associate Professorship at UI, the authorities of ABUAD immediately approved her kind gesture noting that the gesture will go a long way to motivate the students to learn. 

The First Lady also used the opportunity to canvass support for her pet project, Widows and Orphans Hope (WAOH) Project which would be officially unveiled in October during the first anniversary of her husband, Governor Biodun Oyebanji in office.

Dr. Oyebanji said she recognized Aare Babalola as a father, a philanthropist and an important stakeholder in Ekiti State whose support would be needed and appreciated for the WAOH Project hence the need for the visit.

She stated: "It's a new programme where we have registered over thirty thousand active and non-active widows and orphans. The WAOH project will afford us the opportunity to touch the lives of the vulnerable people in the state.

"We have just had our Back to School Programme where we gave schoolbags and other educational materials to indigent pupils, majority of who are orphans."

ABUAD Founder, Aare Babalola in response to the First Lady's request for support for WAOH Project, made an instant but substantive personal donation to the project; promising that the university would donate more in due course.

Aare Babalola said she has always respected Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji as the wife of the governor, but she now earns his respect the more for her level of achievements in academia through her contributions to knowledge in her field of Educational Management which is being  acknowledged locally and globally by the impact she makes through her numerous research publications. 

The ABUAD Founder said: "You are not that type of First Lady that will be moving about, junketing for ceremonial activities. I have known many governors' wives who only attend ceremonies, but you are truly a First Lady.

"You are the first First Lady in Nigeria that I know that will be teaching in a university (while in office). Do you know the effect it will have? Do you know the impact you will be making? This will surely have an impact on students looking at the First Lady teaching them. It will motivate them to learn."

Speaking on WAOH Project, Aare Babalola said: "You have started a pet project, I have always been interested in philanthropic activities. I am going to contribute to the pet project now personally and the university will add to it.

"Don't think you must have billions of Naira before you can help others. No matter how little, just help people and God has a way of replenishing it. Your giving out means a lot." 

The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Peju Babafemi, who accompanied the First Lady during the visit, also informed Aare Babalola of the celebration of the International Day of Older Persons being celebrated across the globe every October, the honourable commissioner used the opportunity to invite the elder statesman to  grace the program the programme.