Ekiti State Launches Public Secondary School Mass Transit Scheme to Ease Transportation Costs.

Ekiti State Launches Public Secondary School Mass Transit Scheme to Ease Transportation Costs.

In a move aimed at alleviating the financial burden on civil servants and parents of public secondary school students, Ekiti State Governor, His Excellency Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has given the green light for the implementation of the Public Secondary School Mass Transit Scheme. The best part? It comes at no cost to the students.

The announcement was made by the Permanent Secretary of the General Administration Department (GAD), Mr. James Owolabi, in a recent press release in Ado–Ekiti. Mr. Owolabi emphasized that this initiative was designed to counteract the rising transportation expenses brought about by the removal of petrol subsidies by the Federal Government.

The scheme is set to kick off on Monday, 18th September, and will benefit public secondary school students ranging from JSS1 to SSS3. It's a promise fulfilled by the Governor to ensure students benefit right from the start of the new academic year.

To maximize this opportunity, Mr. Owolabi urged all public secondary school students to wear their school uniforms when using the service. The scheme will operate during specific hours, from 6.30 am to 8.00 am and 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm daily, exclusively within the Ado Ekiti Metropolis.

For the convenience of students, two major routes have been established, ensuring that students from various parts of the city can access this beneficial program:

• Route 1: Starting from Atlas Motel, passing through Mobil, Ajilosun, Ijigbo, Old Garage Okesa, Fajuyi, Adebayo, Housing, Afao Road, Oke Ila, Old Garage, Okesa, and concluding at Fajuyi.
• Route 2: Commencing at Poly Road, the route includes Erifun, Ureje, Odo Ado, Mathew Street, Old Garage, Okesa, Fajuyi, Pavilion, NTA Road, Ilawe Road, Irona, Ijigbo, Old Garage, Okesa, and Fajuyi.

This initiative not only provides much-needed relief for parents and civil servants but also ensures that Ekiti State's students have a safe and efficient means of getting to school. It's a step forward in ensuring that education remains accessible and affordable for all in the state.

Femi Bamisaye, Director Press Office of the HOS. 15th September, 2023

President Bola Tinubu Taps Dr. Olayemi Michael Cardoso as New CBN Governor, Along with Four Deputy Governors.

President Bola Tinubu Taps Dr. Olayemi Michael Cardoso as New CBN Governor, Along with Four Deputy Governors.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the nomination of Dr. Olayemi Michael Cardoso to serve as the new Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), for a term of five (5) years at the first instance, pending his confirmation by the Nigerian Senate.

This directive is in conformity with Section 8 (1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007, which vests in the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the authority to appoint the Governor and Four (4) Deputy Governors for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), subject to confirmation by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Furthermore, President Bola Tinubu has approved the nomination of four new Deputy Governors of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), for a term of five (5) years at the first instance, pending their confirmation by the Nigerian Senate, as listed below:

(1) Mrs. Emem Nnana Usoro

(2) Mr. Muhammad Sani Abdullahi Dattijo

(3) Mr. Philip Ikeazor

(4) Dr. Bala M. Bello

In line with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope agenda, the President expects the above listed nominees to successfully implement critical reforms at the Central Bank of Nigeria, which will enhance the confidence of Nigerians and international partners in the restructuring of the Nigerian economy toward sustainable growth and prosperity for all.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

September 15, 2023

November 11 lmo guber polls: Ganduje, APC govs, deputy speaker storm Owerri for Uzodimma.

November 11 lmo guber polls: Ganduje, APC govs, deputy speaker storm Owerri for Uzodimma.

Ahead of the November 11 Imo state governorship election, the national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje on Saturday, September 15, storms Owerri, the Imo State capital to inaugurate the party’s national gubernatorial campaign council.

The party’s flag bearer, Governor Hope Uzordimma is seeking his second term mandate in the state governorship election.

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed the governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states for Saturday, November 11, 2023.

The 609-man council is to be led by the Cross River State governor, Senator Bassey Otu.

Ebonyi State governor, Francis Nwifuru; Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and Minister of State, Labour, Uche Nnaji and Minister of Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, are to serve as Co-Chairmen of the council.

Other members of the council include all members of the party’s administrative organ – the National Working Committee (NWC), Ekiti State governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, former Imo and Abia state governors, Senator Rochas Okorocha and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu

Also on the council are Minister of Women Affairs, Barr. Uju Kennedy, Senator Andy Uba, Senator Tayo Alasoadura and deputy national treasurer, Hon. Omorede Osifo-Marshal, Hon. Julie Okangbe, former Inspector General of Police Mike Okiro, Senator Joy Mordi, Senator Uche Ekwunife, General Azubuike Ihejirika, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, Hon. Paul Ikonne among others.

A release by the APC National Organising Secretary, Alhajj Sulaiman Muhammad Arugungu showed that the National Chairman will inaugurate the council by 11 a.m. at Landmark Event Centre, Owerri and a post-inauguration dinner for the National Chairman, members of the NWC and campaign council members will be treated to a dinner.

The inauguration will be rounded up on Sunday with a Church service at the Government House Chapel Owerri.

EKSG Bars Traditional Chief from Wearing Crown, Changing Title.

EKSG Bars Traditional Chief from Wearing Crown, Changing Title.

....As govt lifts suspension slammed on embattled Chief.

The Ekiti State Government , has barred a traditional title holder and Odofin of Afao quarters, Ikere Ekiti, in Ikere Local Government Area, Chief Rufus Olayinka from wearing a royal crown when the  area he superintends over has not been granted full autonomy.

The government said it was a flagrant violation of the Ekiti State Chief Law for Chief Olayinka to be adorning himself in royal regalia, when the autonomy being agitated for has not been granted by Governor Biodun Oyebanji's administration.

Meanwhile, reprieve has come for the embattled Chief, as the government lifted the suspension slammed on him by the Ogoga of Ikere, Oba Adejimi Adu and members of his council for alleged insubordination and disrespect to the paramount ruler.

Oba Adu, had written a petition to the state government, alleging that Odofin was disrespecting his stool and acting in a manner that denigrates his position as the prescribed authority in the town.

The monarch in the petition accused the embattled Chief of parading himself as Oloja Afao without being granted autonomy, which was against the Ekiti State Chief Law.

Presiding over the matter, on Friday, the Ekiti State  Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, contended that  it was an aberration  for Odofin to have worn a crown or change his title to Oloja Afao  when the government has not acceded to his request for a full autonomy. 

However, Mrs Afuye, in a statement by her Media Assistant, Victor Ogunje, described as null and void , the suspension of Odofin from Ogoga-in Council, saying the process was inchoate  since the letter to that effect was not made available to the state government.

"Our position is that, Odofin can't be wearing a crown when his quarters, which is under Ikere Ekiti, has not been granted full autonomy. Again, he can't change his title from Odofin to Oloja Afao, this is utterly wrong and disrespectful. It is like jumping the gun.

"Henceforth, he should stop wearing a crown or bear any other title than Odofin. But concerning his suspension, we have no evidence before us to show that he was suspended because we have no letter to that effect . So, this suspension can't hold".

The Deputy Governor also mandated Odofin to be attending any meeting convened by Oba Adu, even if it is once in a month, in spite of his health challenge. 

At the peace meeting, the Sapetu of Ikere Ekiti, Chief Olufemi Babatola, who represented the Ogoga, submitted that  the matter could have been resolved earlier than now, if Odofin and Afao community had acceded to the initial government  and security agencies' trouble- shooting interventions.

Ogoga said it was stunning that the suspended Odofin could make himself a monarch even without his knowledge and that of the state government.

Speaking on behalf of the estranged Chief, the spokespersons of Afao community, Hon. Tokunbo Omotayo and Pastor Rufus Akeredolu, said though the community was making agitations over autonomy, saying this would not coerce them to disrespect Ogoga, the paramount ruler of the kingdom .

They said the problem started when they started agitating for autonomy in Ikere Ekiti, adding that their mission was to fasttrack development in that section  Ikere Ekiti and not to divide the town or cause disaffection.

"In our agitations for autonomy, we made it clear that it will be under the paramount ruler of Ogoga of Ikere if granted. We wouldn't have said this if we didn't recognise Ogoga's supremacy. 

"We agree with all that the government had said and we will comply accordingly".

Afe Babalola’s daughter, Falana’s wife, Ajulo, 66 others make SAN’s list.

Afe Babalola’s daughter, Falana’s wife, Ajulo, 66 others make SAN’s list.

Chief Afe Babalola’s daughter Mrs. Folashade Alli, wife of rights’ activist Femi Falana, Funmi and Dr. Kayode Ajulo are among those shortlisted for the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) rank.

The lists of those recommended for consideration was released in Abuja yesterday by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC).

Others on the 69-man list include: Abiola Oyebanji; Bomo Agbebi; Daniel Uruakpa; Felix Offia; Lawrence Falade and Kingsley Obamogie.

The committee said: “The LPPC by this notice announced the shortlisting of Applicants who qualified after the advocates 1st and 2nd Filtration Stages, Academic pre-qualification and Academic 2nd filtration exercise

“Also, after the independent appeals hearing and chambers inspection, preparatory to the interview stage in the process for the conferment of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria on the successful Applicants for the year 2023.

“All qualified shortlisted applicants are graded under two-category systems by the LPPC, namely advocates and academic applicants respectively".

Credit: The Nation.

FEDPOFFA Alumni Association Hosts Mentorship Program To Sensitize Students.

FEDPOFFA Alumni Association Hosts Mentorship Program To Sensitize Students.

....To unveil a 3-Year strategic plan for the Polytechnic, alumni members.

In a bid to sensitize the graduating students of the Polytechnic, the Federal Polytechnic Offa Alumni Association has organized an impactful mentorship program to connect alumni with students; provide guidance, insight, and mentorship in various fields of study.

The mentorship program held on Thursday 14th of September 2023 brought together a diverse group of successful alumni who achieved significant milestones in their respective professions. These accomplished individuals volunteered their time and expertise to inspire and guide the next generation of leaders.

 The event highlighted the importance of mentorship in shaping the future careers of students and underscored the commitment of the association to facilitate the valuable learning experience.

The first lead presenter who is an alumnus of the Polytechnic from the University of Ilorin, Professor Rasheed Gbenga Jimoh while speaking on mentorship commended the management and leadership of the alumni association for organizing the impactful programme for the students.

He therefore tasked the students with determination and commitment as driving forces to success. He charged the students to always make use of opportunities rather than hunt for hasty wealth, adding that determination is the key to opportunity in life.

Another alumna, Mrs Olatomiwa Williams who is a country manager for Microsoft, Nigeria, and Ghana expressed her deep feelings as an alumna of the Federal Polytechnic Offa and noted that mentorship is relevant to career growth as it gives room for greatness in life. She therefore encouraged the students to be committed to the mentorship process as it will enable them to grow in their  career path

While the pioneer President of the Alumni Association, Dr. Ayo Adeyemi lauded the Management led by Engr. Dr. Kadiri for notable achievements since his assumption of office. Speaking on the program,  he said mentorship is about investment in life and urged the students to leverage on the opportunity to shape their life in the future.

Earlier, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Engr. Dr. Kadiri Kamoru in his opening remarks commended the Alumni Association led by Comrade Rahman Ayuba for implementing the mentorship program which is aimed at guiding the students toward their career path. The Rector also lauded the Board of Trustee Member chaired by Engr. Kola Lamidi for the continuous support and innovative initiatives that foster a strong bond between the institution and its esteemed alumni. 

According to him, "The impact of this mentorship program will increase passion and motivation exhibited by our students. The guidance they will receive from experienced alumni has not only enhanced their academic competency, but also nurtured their personal and professional growth. It is through mentorship programs like these that we see the determination and resilience of our students flourish."

While the National President of the Alumni Association, Comrade Rahman Ayuba expressed appreciation to the management led by Engr. Dr. Kadiri for creating an enabling environment and embracing the idea of the Alumni.

Addressing students, Comrade Ayuba noted that the graduates of the Federal Polytechnic Offa spread across the globe are making waves in their different fields of endeavor. He charged the students to remain focused, dedicated and committed as the Alumni mentorship program is designed to assist the students to actualise their dream. 

According to him, "Our goal is to design a gap between academia and industry by providing students with the necessary guidance and support they need to succeed. Through this mentorship program, we hope to inspire and empower students to reach their full potential. This program is designed to guide and mentor students after graduation. The Alumni Association is always ready  to assist you to become the best version of yourself."

Subsequently, the Alumni Association will be unveiling a 3-year strategic plan at its Annual General Meeting for the polytechnic and alumni members respectively.

63rd Independence Day: Akume heads anniversary committee.

63rd Independence Day: Akume heads anniversary committee.

A15-member Inter-ministerial committee  headed by Secretary to the Governnment of the Federation George Akume is to plan the nation’s 63rd Independence Day anniversary. 

The committee was inaugurated in Abuja yesterday. Activities  lined up for the event were also rolled out.

Members of the committee  are Mohammed Malagi, minister of Information and National Orientation;  Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo(Interior minister); Wale Edun (Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy); Yusuf  Tuggar(Foreign of Affairs minister); Nyesom Wike(Federal Capital Territory minister ); Nuhu Ribadu( National Security Adviser); Kayode Egbetokun (Inspector-General of Police); Yusuf  Bichi (Director-General, Department of State Services) and Commander, Guards Brigade Adebisi Onasanya

Others are the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Permanent Secretary, Special Services Office,  Permanent Secretary’, Ecological Project Office, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office.

Akume said that the  programmes which are subject to ratification would commence with a world press conference on September 25.

There would be  also be a “church service and presidential broadcast   on 1st October; Juma’at service on 29th September; symposium/public lecture  on 28th September;  and  Parade  on 2nd October, 2023.” 

Akume, who inaugurated the committee   explained that the anniversary would provide the nation an   opportunity to reflect on the contributions and sacrifices of  heroes and heroines who fought for its independence. 

The government, according to him, will also    showcase its achievements in dealing with the social and economic challenges  confronting the nation.