EKSU Inaugural Lecture: Professor Urges CBN to Support Fish Farmers with Interest-Free Loans.

EKSU Inaugural Lecture: Professor Urges CBN to Support Fish Farmers with Interest-Free Loans.

In a compelling address during Ekiti State University's 79th inaugural lecture, Professor Ronald Omotayo Fagbuaro, a distinguished expert in Fish Breeding and Genetics, called upon the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to provide interest-free loan facilities to Nigeria's fish farmers. The primary objective of this call is to invigorate the nation's economy and mitigate food shortages.

Professor Fagbuaro, a prominent figure in the university's Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, expounded on the pivotal role of loans as a catalyst for increased fish production, consequently fostering economic growth and addressing the issue of food scarcity in the country.

Drawing attention to the perilous usage of chemicals and medications by fish farmers, which pose health risks to consumers, the professor advocated for the enactment of legislation to prosecute those who employ human growth hormones in fish breeding.

He asserted, "Central Bank of Nigeria has to extend loan facility to Fish Farmers at little or no interest rate. Likewise, government at various levels should initiate more programmes targeted at empowering fish farmers and other farmers to reduce the problem of food shortage. There should be a law against breeding fish with human growth hormone."

Highlighting the health hazards associated with the use of antibiotics and medications meant for human consumption in fish farming, Professor Fagbuaro underscored the potential consequences: "The use of human growth hormone poses a great danger to fish consumers. When antibiotics and some other medications intended for human use are used in breeding fish, the major long-term effect is that these chemicals or drugs will be stored in tissues of those involved fish. When consumed by humans, they end up ingesting different doses of residues of the chemicals from the flesh of the fish, which can eventually lead to tumours and cancers."

Addressing the pressing issue of insecurity and its impact on fish farmers, the professor implored the government at all levels to take decisive action to address security threats and the escalating costs of food and other essential commodities.

"Nigerian farmers and the population in general are grappling with an unprecedented wave of diverse but interconnected security crises, including kidnapping, banditry, and extremist insurgencies. This has compelled fish farmers and others to withdraw from agricultural activities and has resulted in exorbitant prices for fish, feeds, and food items," he lamented.

Regarding transportation, Professor Fagbuaro urged the federal government to enhance the state of road infrastructure, thereby reducing transportation costs and losses during transit. Additionally, he emphasized the necessity of connecting fish farmers with off-takers who can purchase their produce at reasonable prices.

Conclusively, the professor called upon the Nigerian government to intensify collaboration with institutions such as the National Institute for Freshwater Fisheries Research and the Nigerian Institute of Marine Research and Oceanography. Such partnerships would facilitate advancements in fishing techniques and fish management, ultimately enhancing the quality of brood stock species.

In response to these insights, it remains to be seen how the Central Bank of Nigeria and the government will act to support the nation's fish farming industry and address the multifaceted challenges it faces.

President Tinubu Calls for Global Action at 78th UN General Assembly: Urges Universal Sanctions Against Arms and Mineral Smuggling in Africa.

President Tinubu Calls for Global Action at 78th UN General Assembly: Urges Universal Sanctions Against Arms and Mineral Smuggling in Africa.

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday in New York City, addressed world leaders at the 78th United Nations General Assembly, during which he made a firm and compelling declaration that the time is now for UN member states to show, with their actions, that they mean what they say concerning the crackdown on terror financing, economic sabotage, and illicit mineral & arms smuggling in the developing world.

"The fourth important aspect of global trust and solidarity is to secure the continent’s mineral rich areas from pilfering and conflict. Many such areas have become catacombs of misery and exploitation. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has suffered this for decades, despite the strong UN presence there. The world economy owes the DRC much, but gives her very little.

"Foreign entities that are abetted by local criminals, who aspire to be petty warlords, have drafted thousands of our people into servitude to illegally mine gold and other resources. Billions of dollars meant to improve the nation now fuel countless violent enterprises. If left unchecked, they will threaten peace and place national security at grave risk. Given the extent of this injustice and the high stakes involved, many Africans are asking whether this phenomenon is by accident or by design. Member nations must reply by working with us to deter their firms and nationals from this 21st century pillage of the continent’s riches. To keep faith with the tenets of this world body and the theme of this year’s Assembly, the poverty of nations must end. The pillage of one nation’s resources by the overreach of firms and people of stronger nations must now end," the President declared.

President Tinubu further noted that his aggressive economic development diplomatic push for new investment has been demonstrably effective in presenting Nigeria as business-ready, but the ease of doing business, according to the President, might not be the major encumbrance to large scale investment.

"The question is not whether Nigeria is open for business. The question is how much of the world is truly open to doing business with Nigeria and Africa in an equal, mutually beneficial manner. Direct investment in critical industries, opening their ports to a wider range and larger quantity of quality African exports, and meaningful debt relief are important aspects of the cooperation we desire," the President affirmed.

The President equally noted that the global fight against the effects of climate change can not be based on a "one size fits all" approach and that nations must be cooperated with in the design and implementation of their own strategies, which are tailored to their respective socio-economic strengths and weaknesses.

"African nations will fight climate change, but we must do so on our own terms. To achieve the needed popular consensus, this campaign must accord with our overall economic efforts. In Nigeria, we shall build political consensus by highlighting remedial actions which also promote the broader economic good.

"Projects such as 'The Great Green Wall' to stop desert encroachment; halting the destruction of our forests through the mass production and distribution of gas burning stoves; and the provision of employment through local water management and irrigation projects are examples of efforts that equally advance both economic and climate change objectives simultaneously. Continental efforts regarding climate change will register important victories, only if established economies were more forthcoming with public and private sector investment for Africa’s preferred projects and initiatives," the President cautioned.

President Bola Tinubu concluded by reminding the world what Africa truly represents in the global village.

"Walk with us as true friends and partners. Africa is not a problem to be avoided, nor is it to be pitied. Africa is nothing less than the key to the world’s future."

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

September 19, 2023

Ekiti State Govt Pledges Support For Census.

Ekiti State Govt Pledges Support For Census.

Ekiti State Government has pledged to support the National Population Commission (NPC) towards ensuring a genuine and reliable census in the State.

The State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun made the promise while receiving the Commissioner representing Ekiti at the NPC, Mr. Deji Ajayi on an advocacy visit to his office in Ado Ekiti.

Rt. Hon. Olatunbosun said that the state government recognizes that successful conduct of the population census would provide data that can be used to plan, estimate or even forecast towards achieving rapid development, adding that data generated from the Population and Housing census would also be useful for business forecasting.  

Reiterating the commitment of Governor Biodun Oyebanji administration to the welfare of the people, Olatunbosun stated that public interest remained top priority for the State Government adding that data generated from the Census exercise would help improve policy making.

He said that State Government would therefore give total support for exercise and urged residents to cooperate with the census official towards ensuring the success of the exercise.

Earlier the Commissioner representing Ekiti at the NPC, Mr. Deji Ajayi had solicited the support of the State government particularly in creating awareness to the people for the exercise.

Mr. Ajayi recalled that the census which was scheduled for March, this year, was postponed by the Former President, Mohammadu Buhari shortly before the 2023 general election to allow the new President take appropriate decisions on the implementation.

Ajayi noted that the population commission had carried out Area enumeration, geofence and demarcation to establish boundaries or limits separating the areas, States, amongst others adding that problems identified had been referred to the boundary Commission for resolution.

He highlighted advantages of the population exercise to include boosting security architecture, capture data on youth, provide adequate statistics on unused areas amongst others which significantly aids planning and rapid development.

He therefore solicited the support of the State government and all other stakeholders in the State towards achieving a successful conduct of the census.

EKSG seals deal with WEMABOD on Informal Sector, Real estate development.

EKSG seals deal with WEMABOD on Informal Sector, Real estate development .

EKiti State Government has sealed a deal with WEMABOD Limited, a subsidiary of Odua Investment Company, on some areas of collaboration between the State and the organization.

Ekiti State Governor , Mr Biodun Oyebanji, who received the management and board of WEMABOD at the State Liaison Office in Ikeja, Lagos on Tuesday signed an agreement with the company on three key areas- development of the informal sector of the state, real estate investment and housing scheme.

The Governor said at the meeting that he was excited WEMABOD’s management was ready to change the narratives in terms of benefits accruable to the state on its investment in the company. He also commended the management of the company for taking steps at addressing various demands made by his adminstration.

Governor Oyebanji said he was bent on activating all economic potentials and development prospects of the state with focus on completing ongoing projects and kick-starting new ones in a bid to build a more viable economy for the state and provide the people access to opportunities irrespective of their social status.

“We are a government running on continuity of good governance and shared prosperity agenda, so we are looking at platforms and areas where we can collaborate to grow our economy and grow the balance sheet of WEMABOD. I am really satisfied and excited about our discussions”, the Governor said.

“One thing that I love about this whole thing is the frankness and the platform it offers for both entities to understand and discuss areas of concerns. I am grateful to the management of WEMABOD and I am excited as I see a clear light at the end of the tunnel” he added.

WEMABOD Board Chairman, Mr Emmanuel Efuntayo who commended the Ekiti State Government for creating critical ministries which are important to fastracking investment and economic activities, expressed the readiness of the company to support the Government’s innovative programmes and work out modalities for implementing the agreement immediately.

Also, the Managing Director of the Company, Mr Oluyemi Ejidiran who lauded Governor Oyebanji’s effort at making life better for the people, said they were already working on how to bring the state into the limelight in the real estate business.

The meeting was attended by EKiti State Commissioner for Investment, Trade and Industry, Mrs Omotayo Adeola as well as the executive directors of the company.

WEMABOD is a subsidiary of the Odua Investment Company, which is jointly owned by the six southwestern states.

Interior Minister Tunji-Ojo Applauds Nomination of Ayodele Olawande as Minister of State for Youth.

Interior Minister Tunji-Ojo Applauds Nomination of Ayodele Olawande as Minister of State for Youth.

The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has extended his warm congratulations to Ayodele Olawande on his nomination as the Minister of State for Youth by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR).

This commendation was conveyed through a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Babatunde Alao, on a bright Sunday morning.

In the statement, Minister Tunji-Ojo emphasized that Ayodele Olawande's nomination is a testament to President Tinubu's remarkable talent-spotting skills and his unwavering commitment to harnessing the potential within the youth demographic.

"The RenewedHope agenda is one that we are confident will flourish, given your ability not only to recognize talents but also to create an environment where merit can truly thrive," he added.

With this nomination, Ayodele Olawande is poised to make significant contributions to youth development and empowerment in Nigeria under the visionary leadership of President Tinubu.

Gov Akeredolu Receives APC National Chair, Expresses Confidence In His Leadership.

Gov Akeredolu Receives APC National Chair, Expresses Confidence In His Leadership.

....We Can’t Forget The Good Governance You’ve Been Providing In Ondo, Nigeria- Ganduje.

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, has expressed confidence in the capacity of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, to move the party towards growth and unity.

Governor Akeredolu stated that Ganduje's extensive experience garnered from serving two terms as Kano State Governor, has equipped him adequately to steer  the party towards significant progress and development.

The Governor spoke on Tuesday while hosting a high-powered delegation led by the National Chairman of the APC, Ganduje. 

The delegation include: National Secretary, Sen. Surajudeen Ajibola Bashiru; National Vice Chairman Southwest, Hon. Isaac Kekemeke; Deputy National Secretary, Sir Festus Fuanter; Deputy National Financial Secretary, Hon. Hamma Ali Kumo; and former deputy Governors, Chief Moses Adeyemo and Rauf Olaniyan, among others.

"I thank God for the gift of life for all of us. I personally want to express my gratitude that I'm alive and well. We are back by the grace of God," the Governor said.

The Governor further expressed his appreciation for the chairman's directive for state party structures to maintain appropriate offices. "You will know that we have a befitting office when you visit Akure. After the Abuja office, it's the Ondo office that we can be proud of.

"I want to thank you all for coming. I know that the Lord has answered my prayers, but I need more. My Chairman, I know you are capable, and you can count on my support anytime. The party has survived, and it must continue to take full control of the country's affairs," Akeredolu declared.

Earlier, the National Chairman noted that the Governor is extremely important to the party and the country. 

Ganduje, while acknowledging the party's consistent prayers for the Governor, emphasised that they could not forget about the good governance he has been offering Ondo and the country. 

"We are here solely to see you after your prolonged absence from the country. You hold extreme importance to us in the APC and the country. We prayed intensively for your health.

“We can not forget the good governance you have been providing for Ondo state and Nigeria at large. When one of us faces health challenges, we feel it too. We have come with our Bishop to offer prayers for your health", Ganduje said.

Dr. Ganduje informed the Governor that the party's National Working Committee underwent a reformation during his absence.

"In your absence, the National Working Committee was reformed. The National Chairman and the National Secretary of the party both resigned. Prior to this, there were gaps due to resignations or deaths. 

“The Chairman's departure left a significant void, and the NEC felt the need to fill the crucial positions. By the grace of God, I am the new Chairman of the party, and Bashiru is the new Secretary. The National Working Committee is now fully operational," Ganduje explained.

Richard Olatunde 

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor. 

September 19, 2023.

Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission Prepares to Unveil 'The Public Servant' Journal.

Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission Prepares to Unveil 'The Public Servant' Journal.

By: Omotayo Peter.

In a bid to bolster effective governance and shed light on grassroots accomplishments, the Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission is all set to launch its first-ever service journal, aptly named "The Public Servant." This publication is geared towards capturing the vital role of the third tier of government while enhancing its capacity for efficient service delivery.

"The Public Servant" journal will serve as a comprehensive showcase of the achievements in various council areas, unlocking the untapped potential residing within them.

In Pic: Mr Emmanuel Jegede Permanent Secretary Local Government Service Commission.

The official presentation and launch of this groundbreaking publication are scheduled to take place on Thursday, 21st September 2023, at the prestigious NULGE Multipurpose Hall, situated along Old Iyin Road, Ado-Ekiti, commencing at 10:00 AM sharp.

Gracing the occasion as the "Father of the Day" is the distinguished Aare Afe Babalola OFR, CON, SAN, the Bamofin of Yoruba land, and the visionary founder of Afe Babalola University (ABUAD). The event will be further distinguished with the presence of Her Excellency, Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Okinlua Monisade Afuye, who has been accorded the prestigious title of Special Guest of Honor.

Chairing the day's proceedings is none other than Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN, lending his remarkable expertise to the occasion. An illustrious lineup of top government officials, leaders of tertiary institutions, and captains of the media industry is anticipated to grace this remarkable event, underscoring its significance in the realm of public service.

The launch of "The Public Servant" promises to be a momentous occasion, bringing together luminaries from diverse fields to celebrate and promote the critical role of local government in the development and progress of Ekiti State.