EKSG begins a crackdown on unauthorized building structures.

EKSG begins a crackdown on unauthorized building structures.

....Seals two gas plants, eatery in Ado Ekiti. 

....Sets to commence ‘operation show your building plan’.

Ekiti State Government has cautioned residents of the State against erecting buildings and other structures indiscriminately and without necessary government approval. 

The State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hon. Karounwi Oladapo, gave the warning on Tuesday as officials of the Ministry sealed some buildings and structures in Ado- Ekiti that were erected in contravention of the extant rules on safety and structural integrity.

Some of the structures that were sealed by officials of the ministry include gas plants of two popular filling stations- AA Rano in Adebayo area and NNPC along Iworoko road as well as a two- storey building housing a popular eatery in Adebayo area.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after the exercise, Hon Oladapo said that government would no longer take it lightly with anyone who carry out construction without building permit. He added that owners and developers of such buildings would face the wrath of the law for ignoring government directives. 

Karounwi who berated owners of illegal structures who are in the habit of molesting officials of government, said  such owners would henceforth be made to face the full weight of the law. 

The Commissioner called on all owners of properties with no government approval to urgently carry out necessary regularization, stressing that the ministry had concluded  plans to meet defaulters with stringent measures.

He added that government would soon launch “operation show your building plan” and embark on awareness campaign in all the local government areas, where officials of the ministry would meet the stakeholders and those buildings without plan were to be regularized in accordance with the law.

Hon. Karounwi explained further that any building that would be erected in the state must first get the approval of government. He said the exercise  was not about an individual, but to ensure safety and security of the people. He added that government would not wait for any calamity to befall the state before taking necessary actions. 

On flooding, the Commissioner reiterated the commitment of Governor Biodun Oyebanji administration to ensure that residents were no longer allowed to build structures that would disturb free flow of water leading to avoidable cases of flooding.

“If you look around, you will see we have a lot of planning problems in Ekiti State, particularly, Ado-Ekiti. People just put up building and structures indiscriminately without any recourse and regard to the building code and urban and regional planning law of 2011. 

We want to send the right signal to Ekiti people that never again would anybody, no matter how highly placed, put anything on the ground without seeking to obtain the development plan, without having an approved building plan. Anybody who does that becomes a criminal because you do that in contravention of the law, and the ministry will not hesitate to take such individual to court.

“What we did today was just a starting point and the ministry is not going to relent, some properties were sealed up today and the ministry had contacted the owners several times for them to do the needful. The truth about it is that even before you embark on any development, the ministry must approve of it, but on this instants, they refused to seek the approval of government and the government was not aware of the type of structure they want to put on ground and whether it is compatible with the existing land uses or where they want to build is in consonance with the building code of the state or in line with urban and regional planning law.”

Ekiti Assembly Passes State Electricity Power Sector Bill, One Other.

Ekiti Assembly Passes State Electricity Power Sector Bill, One Other.

The Ekiti State House of Assembly on Wednesday passed two bills on Electricity Power Sector Bill, 2023, and the Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2023 into law to further improve the development and economy of the state.

The House passed the bills after subjecting them to the Committee of the whole and voice notes conducted by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye.

The first bill, Ekiti State Electricity Power Sector Bill, 2023 passed sequel to the report of the Committee on Infrastructure and Public Utilities, read by its Chairman, Hon. Femi Akindele seeks to provide for the establishment of state electricity generation, transmission, and distribution in the urban, semi-urban and rural communities.

The bill will also provide for the provision of electricity through the Ekiti State Electricity Board and Ekiti State Power Company, as well as create an enabling environment for private investment in electricity generation and distribution in the state.

The other bill passed is the Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2023, the first private sponsored bill passed in the Seventh Assembly, initiated by Hon. Femi Fatunla, member representing Ikole I.

Also at the plenary, a bill for a Law to repeal the Ekiti State Environmental protection Agency Law 2009 and to re_enact the Ekiti State Environmental protection and Watershed Management Agency Law 2023 and other Matters connected therewith was debated and committed to committee on Environment for further Legislative scrutiny.

Meanwhile, members of Ekiti State House of Assembly have commiserated with the family of Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad over his untimely death.

Hon. Babatunde oke, representing Ikere Constituency I, brought to the notice of the House under the Matters of Public urgent importance that the House should call on relevance security agencies to carry out proper investigation in order to avoid future occurrence.

The Speaker Rt. Hon Adeoye Aribasoye in his contribution, described the death of the young rising star as an unfortunate incident, therefore called on security agencies to unravel the mystery behind his death, so as to bring to book all the perpetrators involved in his death.

President Tinubu Sets to Announce New Minimum Wage Workers.

President Tinubu Sets to Announce New Minimum Wage Workers.

In an eagerly awaited development, President Bola Tinubu is set to unveil a new minimum wage for Nigerian workers next week. The announcement follows a recent meeting between the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the federal government, where the issue of fuel subsidy removal was discussed.

The TUC had issued a two-week ultimatum to the government to address its demands or face potential industrial action. During the meeting, Comrade Festus Osifo, President of the TUC, revealed that the Minister of Labour, Simon Lalong, had met with President Tinubu and the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun.

According to Osifo, Lalong informed the union that wage-related matters had been reviewed, and President Tinubu was preparing to make an official announcement. Osifo stated, "The minister of labour told us that he had an audience with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the minister of finance and had reviewed the issue of wage award. But the president asked them to fine-tune the issues before he makes the announcement."

Despite requests for an additional two weeks, the TUC insisted on a swift resolution. Osifo explained, "We said no; we don’t have an extra two weeks to give. After more discussions, he said the president would make a proper announcement next week."

In addition to the wage announcement, the TUC has engaged with the federal government on the distribution of palliatives to states. They plan to monitor the distribution to ensure it is implemented effectively. Furthermore, the union raised concerns about taxation and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

As anticipation builds, Nigerian workers eagerly await President Tinubu's announcement, which could bring positive changes to their livelihoods in the near future.

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.