Governor Oyebanji Launches Farmers/Herders Peace Committee in Ekiti State for Enhanced Harmony.

Governor Oyebanji Launches Farmers/Herders Peace Committee in Ekiti State for Enhanced Harmony.

In a significant development for Ekiti State, Governor Biodun Oyebanji inaugurated the Farmers/Herders Peace Committee on this bright Friday, September 22nd, 2023. This commendable initiative brings together not only farmers and herders but also a diverse array of community leaders, security agencies, government representatives, and other essential stakeholders.

Governor Oyebanji, in his address during the inauguration, reaffirmed the government's commitment to creating an environment that fosters the well-being of both farmers and herders. He emphasized the importance of seamless coordination within the state's agricultural programs. Through the establishment of this committee, the governor's vision is to promote peaceful coexistence among all stakeholders and achieve improved outcomes for the entire state.

This initiative marks a significant step towards ensuring harmony and cooperation between farmers and herders in Ekiti State, showcasing the government's dedication to resolving longstanding issues and enhancing the agricultural sector's performance.

Omuo-Oke Crisis: EKSG Warns Youths Against Violence, Urges Monarch to Champion Peace.

Omuo-Oke Crisis: EKSG Warns Youths Against Violence, Urges Monarch to Champion  Peace.

The Ekiti State Government, on Friday, warned the youths in Omuo Oke, Ekiti East Local Government Area of Ekiti State against actions that could trigger violence and  denigrate the traditional stool of their monarch, Oba Adebayo Valentine Otitoju.

The government warned the youths, who had protested against Oba Otitoju over some happenings in the town, not to allow themselves to be goaded into taking actions that could desecrate  Olomuo -Oke stool and infringe on the rights of  other chiefs perceived as  his core loyalists.

However, the state government  charged the monarch to as leader makes swift rapprochements to the aggrieved chiefs and youths, who were enraged over some actions taken by his traditional council and make peace with them in the interest of unity and development.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, gave the warning in Ado Ekiti on Friday, while mediating in the chieftaincy tussle that has caused disaffection between Olomuo -Oke and some stakeholders at Isanlu Quarters of the town.

The trouble- shooting  parley was convened following a petition written by Oba Otitoju, raising concerns over how youths have been  harrasing him and members of his council over their insistence that the occupant of Saaba traditional title remains the head of Isanlu quarters, and not Chief  Michael Akomoleyin, who holds the title of Ahinda . 

Presiding over the matter yesterday, Mrs  Afuye, urged the rampaging youths to think more of how to develop the town , rather than allowing themselves to be used as agents of destabilisation.

"It is wrong for the youths to have protested in a community over some happenings they didn't like and because of that start harassing the monarch and some chiefs or call them unprintable names. That was unacceptable.

"There was nothing wrong in them staging peaceful protest, but it has to be done with respect and civility. Peace and development are very key to Governor Biodun Oyebanji's administration and nobody will be allowed to tamper with the relative peace we are currently enjoying in our dear state".

Mrs Afuye appealed to all the chiefs and eminent personalities  in the community to cooperate with the monarch in the running of Omuo Oke's affairs, as they await the court's verdict on the supremacy battle between Saaba and Ahinda traditional title holders over the control of Isanlu quarters. 

She said inability to operate the major market in the town and pursue other development strides are effecting the community and robbing it of some of some economic and political  benefits. 

In the same way, the Deputy Governor tasked the monarch to fashion ways to smoothen all rough edges in the town through constructive engagements with the aggrieved youths and chiefs, saying he  should refrain from alleged indiscriminate arrest of any of his subjects.

"Now, the case is in court, pending the time the issue will be resolved , the government doesn't want to hear of any case of disruption or violent protest in Omuo- Oke. We don't want any loss of life and property, let us focus on peace and development".

Also addressing the stakeholders, the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Hon Ojo Atibioke, warned that the town may be plunged into endless crisis, if the contending forces don't place high premium on peace and find a common front to broker truce and work together.

Substantiating the fact that Saaba, who is the second in command remains the traditional head of Isanlu quarters, Oba Otitoju maintained that such arrangement had existed in the town for ages, thereby refuting the accusation that he was trying to rewrite and pervert history.

Meanwhile, the trio of  Chief Michael Akomoleyin, former Commissioner for Lands, Tayelolu Otitoju and an ex -member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon Samuel Ajibola, clarified that going by history and tradition, Ahinda and not Saaba is the head of that quarters under contention.

They also denied the accusation that it was Chief Akomoleyin and his backers from Isanlu that were instigating the youths against Oba Otitoju, describing themselves as committed Patriots, who have contributed to the development of the town.

Ekiti SSG, Adubiaro Flags-Off Payment of Stipends To APC Party Members.

Ekiti SSG, Adubiaro Flags-Off Payment of Stipends To APC Party Members.

....preaches love, peace and unity.

As part of her contribution towards the progress of All Progressives Congress(APC) in Ado-Ekiti local government, the Secretary to Ekiti State Government, Dr. Habibat Adubiaro has flagged-off payment of stipends to some selected party members across all the 13 wards in Ado-Ekiti. 

The SSG was in her political home, Ado APC ward eleven to flagg-off cash payment of token amount of money to some selected party members to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal. 

Mrs Adubiaro in her remark said the little gesture was to complement the efforts of the state Governor, His Excellency, Mr Biodun Oyebanji and Her Excellency, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji in priotizing the welfare of APC party members in Ekiti state. She stated further that her decision to begin the program from her ward is in line with the adage that says, "Charity begins at home" 

The Academian turned politician made it known that the programme would be extended to all other wards one after the other.

"The little gesture I am extending to our esteemed party members this evening is in support and to complement the efforts of our leader and governor, His Excellency, Mr Biodun Oyebanji and Her Excellency, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji who is a prominent leader in this ward in priotizing the welfare of party members.

"There is no other way to appreciate your selfless sacrifice towards the progress of our party than giving you the privilege to enjoy the dividend of democracy no matter how small. It is ripe for you all to eat the fruit of your labour. I am starting this programme today and it will go round all the wards in Ado-Ekiti by God's grace."

The SSG while appreciating party leaders and members for supporting the administration of Governor Oyebanji called for love, peace and unity among party members. She used the opportunity provided by the meeting to highlight what she has been able to do for party members since her appointment as SSG which included, payroll for selected party members across the 13 wards, securing employment in the civil service for members of her ward, securing over 100 slots from the recent Federal government(SEMA) empowerment programme for party members, Federal government conditional cash transfer among others. 

On the unruly behavior of the suspended ward Chairman, Mr Adegoke Oba, Dr. Adubiaro said she stood by the decision of the party to uphold decipline and establish full respect for those in position of authority. She called on the acting Chairman, Mr Femi Oguntoyinbo and other Excos members to restore sanity to the ward.  

"Let me use this opportunity to thank you for supporting the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji. Without your support, the little that has been achieved under this present administration would not have been made possible. 

"While thanking you for giving support to the Governor and his wife, it will also be good to let you know that since I have been given appointment, some party members have benefitted from me in terms of employment, empowerment payment of monthly stipend and others"

On the unruly behavior of the suspended ward Chairman, she said, "it is true that the ward Chairman misbehaved to me and I reported him to the party. The party has taken step to punish him in the proper way.  I abide with the decision of the party. Nobody is above the party. 

"I want to call on the acting Chairman and other Excos to restore sanity to this ward. I am ready to give them all the necessary support to make sure that things are done in the right way" she assured. 

Earlier, the Chairman of Ado West LCDA, Hon. Taiwo Adeyemi Alagba thanked the SSG for her contributions towards the progress of the ward and assured her of their readiness to restore sanity to ward 11 under the leadership of the acting Chairman.

"We want to assure you of our readiness to work with the acting chairman in restoring sanity to the ward"

In the same vein, the acting Chairman, Mr Femi Oguntoyinbo showed his profound appreciation to Her Excellency, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, the SSG, the Honourable Commissioner for trade and investment, Mrs Tayo Adeola and other concerned leaders for their contributions towards the progress of the ward and pledged to restore sanity to ward 11.

The ward meeting which was carnival-like witnessed the declaration of two councillorship aspirants, Mr Tolulope Daramola and Miss Omobolanle Osupalaye ahead of the party primary. Also more than 10 bags of rice and cash for transportation was shared among party members.

Oyebanji’s Wiping out Mediocrity from Ekiti Civil Service — Deputy Gov.

Oyebanji’s Wiping out Mediocrity from Ekiti Civil Service — Deputy Gov.

.….Commends establishment of Public Servant Journal.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has declared that Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration is initiating policies that are gradually exterminating mediocrity and ineptitude out of the civil service to make it stronger and more productive to serve as dependable engineroom of governance.

Mrs Afuye said this in Ado Ekiti, on Thursday, during the unveiling and launching of a Journal dubbed “The Public Servant”, initiated by the Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission.

Mrs Afuye, in a statement by her Media Aide, Victor Ogunje, said this accounted for why Governor Oyebanji initiated some far-reaching and positively impactful policies and programmes like prompt payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities to motivate the serving and retired public servants.

“Part of what this government is looking towards is to ensure that it leaves a civil service that can deliver as part of its enduring legacies. The governor believes in promoting meritocracy, rather than mediocrity in service and this reflected in the appointments this government has made in the service.

“Governor Oyebanji has the desire of making the civil service well motivated and make it a place where workers are computer-compliant, where all entitlements like salaries, pensions, gratuities and promotion are considered priorities of government, so that people can be motivated to work and deliver”.

The Deputy Governor applauded the brains behind the journal, chiefly conceived to propagate the policies and programmes of Governor Oyebanji’s administration and its development strides across all the sectors of the economy.

She said the unveiling of this journal further amplified the evidence substantiating Governor Oyebanji’s desire to making the civil service more responsive to the discharge of its onerous duties to the people of the State .

Mrs Afuye said: “I know and I am convinced that this journal will help in promoting and propagating the good exploits Governor Oyebanji is making in the areas of civil service restructuring, as vividly manifested in prompt payment of salaries, pensions, gratuities and other benefits due to workers and retirees.

“It will also reflect and promote other areas of interest like prompt and timely promotion of workers and payment of all associated benefits, encouragement of Inter-Cadre movement, provision of employment to the citizens , robust and smooth government-civil servants’ relations and other initiatives geared toward making Ekiti civil service a model in the comity of states.

“It is my humble belief that the journal will also play a pivotal role as a government’s megaphone to sensitise our citizens on the six pillars of government and how Governor Oyebanji has been walking the talk to touch each of the pillars to accelerate development and increase the standard of living of every Ekiti resident.”

The Head of Service, Engr Sunday Komolafe, represented by the Permanent Secretary in charge of General Administration, Mr. Shittu M.A, urged the LGSC to ensure the sustainability of the journal via cognate intellectual and professional contributions to the media outfit.

Also speaking, a legal Icon and father of the day, Chief Afe Babalola(SAN), promised to support the media outfit financially to bolster its sustainability.

Babalola, represented by the Chairman of Ido/Osi Local Government, Dr. Sola Ogunsina, urged the initiators to ensure that the journal thrives by being diligent and a bit professional in the handling of its editorials.

Expressing the rationale behind the conceptualisation of the journal, the Permanent Secretary, Ekiti State LGSC, who doubles as the Chairman/Publisher of the media outfit, Mr. Babatunde Jegede, said the journal will help in showcasing the good works the government is undertaking at the grassroots.

Jegede stated that the journal is loaded with logically organised articles and newstories centred around the government’s events prosecuted in line with the vision of Governor Oyebanji’s policy and how positively effective those achievements have been.

The Permanent Secretary lauded Governor Oyebanji for approving a whooping sum of N200 million for the recapitalization of the local government Loans’ Board, saying this would go a mileage in motivating the workers to deliver more in their duty posts.

Reeling out the contents of the journal’s maiden edition, Jegede said:

“The activities of the chairmen of the local government and LCDAs are given prominence being critical partners in the running of a local government system.

“Equally, the economic potentials and tourist attractions at the grassroots are equally given a critical focus, because we all owe it a duty to promote our state and the potentials therein to the outside world”.

Oyebanji restates commitment to prompt payment of retirement benefits.

Oyebanji restates commitment to prompt payment of retirement benefits.

 Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has reiterated the commitment of his administration to continue to improve the welfare of its workforce as well as the entire people of the State through prompt payment of retirement benefits to its retired workers.

The Governor stated this yesterday in Ado Ekiti during the payment of retirement benefits to the third batch of retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

  Governor Oyebanji, who was represented by the Head of Service, Engineer Sunday Komolafe, stated that the event was another evidence of the workability and reliability of the Contributory Pension Scheme as the best post –service retirement benefit payment system that offers employees a reliable financial safety net.

He stressed further that the Contributory Pension addressed the long-standing issue of inadequate funds for payment of retirement benefits to retirees under the Defined Benefits Scheme (DBS).

The Governor added that the Ekiti State Pension Reform provides that the Contributory Pension Scheme covers all employees appointed into the Ekiti Public service, including State-owned Tertiary institutions with effect from January 1, 2010, adding that such categories of employment should be participants of the pension scheme . 

He explained that the Ekiti Pension Reform Law, No3 of 2022 provides that participants should contribute a minimum of ten percent of monthly Basic salary, Rent, and Transport allowances while the employer would contribute eight percent. 

The Governor assured that the State Government would continue to make concerted efforts to ensure prompt payment of terminal benefits of its employees and called on all employers of labour that are yet to fully integrate its workforce into the Contributory Pension Scheme to do so without further delay. 

While calling of the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) to diligently perform their duties, the Governor enjoined beneficiaries to judiciously utilize their entitlement.  

“Today’s event is another indication of the workability and reliability of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) as the best post-service retirement benefits payment system. It offers employees a reliable financial safety net which addresses the long standing issue of inadequate funds for payment of retirement benefits to retirees under the Defined Benefits Scheme (DBS).

“By contributing a portion of their monthly income, employees gradually build a pension fund that grows over time, which ensures a stable income upon retirement. Thus, the Ekiti State Pension Reform Law, No.3 of 2022 provides that the rate of contribution to the scheme should be a minimum of ten percent (10%) of monthly basic salary, rent and transport allowance by the employer and 8percent of same by the employee”, the Governor added 

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary Ekiti State Pension Commission, Mrs Tola Faseluka said the scheme embodies the Ekiti State government’s commitment to providing a reliable and sustainable Penson system that reflect the dedication and hard work of Ekiti Public servants throughout their careers.

She stressed that government subscribed to the scheme in a bid to alleviate the suffering of the retirees and fight poverty among them which at the same time must be remitted seamlessly and on due dates to individual retirees Bank Accounts without any hassles.

In their goodwill messages, the chairmen of Nigeria Labour Congress , (NLC), Comrade Kolapo Olatunde, the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Sola Adigun, and the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) Comrade Joel Akiola commended the Ekiti State Government for the payment of over N1.5B gratuity of pensioners since the inception of this administration.

They submitted that government should also continue to give more attention to the payment of the DBS beneficiaries saying that more could still be done in alleviating the sufferings of Ekiti people.

One of the beneficiaries, Mr Niyi Olowolayemo, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues thanked Governor Oyebanji for prompt payment of the gratuity assuring that the beneficiaries would utilize the gratuity in a way that will promote the economic development of the state.

In Preparation for 2023 LG Polls: Engr. Toyin Ojo Pledges Support to Ekiti SIEC.

In Preparation for 2023 LG Polls: Engr. Toyin Ojo Pledges Support to Ekiti SIEC.

Hon. Toyin Ojo, Executive Chairman Ado Central LCDA.

In an encouraging development, the Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) has received a warm assurance of support and cooperation ahead of the forthcoming Local Government Election in the state. The promise of assistance was made during a recent meeting by Hon. (Engr) Toyin Ojo, Chairman of the Ado-Central Local Council Development Area, who hosted the Chairman of SIEC, Hon. Justice Cornelius Akintayo (rtd), at the Council's Multi-Purpose hall.

Chairman Ojo commended the Chairman of SIEC for taking the initiative to conduct a sensitization tour across LGAs/LCDAs. This tour aimed to inform relevant stakeholders about the Commission's commitment and preparedness to organize a free, fair, and credible election in the state.

Engr. Ojo highlighted his administration's consistent willingness to contribute significantly to the needs and well-being of the Commission's staff. He pointed to the recent construction and commissioning of a suitable office accommodation as evidence of this commitment.

Furthermore, Chairman Ojo pledged to consider the requests put forth by the Commission to ensure a successful December election. He assured the safety and security of personnel and properties before, during, and after the election.

One specific concern raised during the meeting was whether people in the newly created polling units within his council area would have the opportunity to vote in the upcoming elections. Chairman Ojo sought clarification on this matter.

In response, Hon. Justice Cornelius Akintayo (rtd), the Chairman of SIEC, expressed his appreciation for the genuine commitment and dedication of Engr. Toyin Ojo's administration to the welfare of the Commission's staff in the LCDA. He appealed for continued support from the Council's Chairman.

Justice Akintayo (rtd) explained that the familiarization tour of all council areas in the state was aimed at establishing a robust synergy between the Commission and stakeholders. This synergy is crucial to conducting an acceptable poll devoid of issues like vote buying, thuggery, and intimidation.

Furthermore, the Chairman of SIEC appealed to Engr. Toyin Ojo to provide adequate security for his staff during the election.

Addressing the question raised regarding eligible voters in the newly created polling units, the Chairman of EKSIEC assured Chairman Ojo that every eligible voter would have the opportunity to cast their vote during the polls. He encouraged him to forward any additional complaints to the Commission for further action.

This collaborative and supportive approach between local government authorities and the electoral commission bodes well for the upcoming local government elections in Ekiti State, fostering an environment of transparency and fairness in the electoral process.

"BAOress the Lover of Youth: Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji's Inspiring Commitment to Empowering Ekiti State's Youth"

"BAOress the Lover of Youth: Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji's Inspiring Commitment to Empowering Ekiti State's Youth".

By: Omo Imam Adekunle, Coordinator of the BAO Disciples.

In the heart of Ekiti State, a remarkable figure has emerged as a beacon of hope and empowerment for the youth. Her Excellency Dr. Mrs. Olayemi Oyebanji, affectionately known as "BAOress," stands as an epitome of leadership and dedication to the betterment of Ekiti State and its young population. In this article, we delve into the inspiring journey of Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, exploring her role as a lover of youth and an apostle of good governance.

Her Excellency Dr. Mrs Olayemi Oyebanji, Ekiti First Lady. 

A Scholar and Educator:

Prof Olayemi, a princess from Ado Ekiti, is an associate professor, a seasoned scholar with over 80 publications in the field of Institutional Administration, Higher Education, Quality Assurance in Education, Human Resource Development, and Leadership in Education. The Ekiti Governor's wife, a senior lecturer in the Department of Education Management at the University of Ibadan (UI), boasts over 85 publications in reputable journals to her credit and has produced six PhD graduates and several others at Master's and undergraduate levels.

Championing Education:

One of the cornerstones of Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji's advocacy is the promotion of education. She firmly believes that education is the key to unlocking the potential of Ekiti State's youth. Her "Education First" initiative has seen the implementation of various programs aimed at improving educational standards in the state. These programs include scholarship schemes, supporting school kids with writing materials such as bags, school sandals, notebooks, and initiatives to enhance the quality of teachers in Ekiti State. Earlier, the wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, had 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, the majority of whom were orphans under her Back to School Programme for Vulnerable Children.

Empowering Through Scholarships:

Her Excellency Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, the Ekiti State Governor's wife, encouraged Sunmonu Olaolorun Daniel, a recipient of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) National Scholarship, to work harder and justify the scholarship award. The advice was given during the scholarship presentation event at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The scholarship, awarded by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, entails a yearly sum of N1 million for four years and a laptop for each awardee, provided they maintain a CGPA of 3.0 and above.

Dedication to Education:

In a remarkable 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 a part-time basis to impart knowledge on students and give them academic mentorship.

Skills and Entrepreneurship:

Recognizing that education alone is not enough, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji has championed numerous skill acquisition programs. Her administration has equipped young people with valuable skills essential for self-reliance and job creation. These efforts have not only reduced unemployment rates but have also created a sense of empowerment among the youth.

Promoting Youth Entrepreneurship:

BAOress is a staunch advocate for youth entrepreneurship. She has initiated several programs to support budding entrepreneurs in Ekiti State, providing them with access to capital, mentorship, and business development opportunities. This has led to the emergence of a new generation of young, successful business owners, contributing significantly to the state's economic growth.

Healthcare and Well-being:

Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji is equally committed to the health and well-being of Ekiti State's youth. She has played a pivotal role in improving healthcare facilities, making quality healthcare services more accessible to the people. Her "Healthy Ekiti" initiative emphasizes preventive healthcare and wellness programs, ensuring that the youth are physically and mentally healthy.

Recognition and Impact:

Her Excellency's commitment to youth empowerment has not gone unnoticed beyond Ekiti State's borders. She has been recognized on regional and national levels for her tireless efforts in fostering positive change among the youth. Her dedication to good governance and youth development sets a remarkable example for leaders across Nigeria and beyond.

The AGILE Project:

In a remarkable testament to the gains of continuity and unwavering commitment to education, the Adolescent Girls’ Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project has thrived in Ekiti State. This World Bank-assisted intervention project, designed to enhance secondary education opportunities for girls in targeted areas, has achieved significant milestones under the leadership of Governor Olayemi Oyebanji and his wife, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, the First Lady of Ekiti State.

The AGILE project was initially facilitated by former First Lady, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, before her exit from office. It was subsequently nurtured and expanded by the current administration, spearheaded by Her Excellency, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, ensuring its sustainability and continuous growth.

One of the primary focuses of AGILE has been the improvement of infrastructure in public secondary schools across the state. In a massive undertaking, 203 public secondary schools have witnessed extensive renovation of old buildings, the construction of modern toilets, and the purchase of computers and school furniture, greatly enhancing the learning environment for students.

To further bolster access to technology-enabled education, a total of 910 laptops were procured and distributed to schools during the project's first phase, followed by an additional 1,690 laptops in the second phase. These laptops have empowered teachers and students alike, transforming the way education is imparted and received in Ekiti State.

The latest milestone in the AGILE project occurred today when the First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, personally presented cheques totaling an impressive sum of N916,464,672.04 to 10 selected secondary schools in the state. Each school received at least 90 million naira, earmarked for extensive renovations, with a focus on creating additional spaces to accommodate the anticipated increase in enrollment.

In Conclusion, In the persona of Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, Ekiti State has found a First Lady whose love for the youth is unwavering. Her multifaceted approach to empowerment through education, skill acquisition, entrepreneurship, and healthcare has not only transformed the lives of the youth but has also charted a path towards a brighter future for the entire state. As a beacon of hope, an advocate of good governance, and a true lover of youth, BAOress continues to inspire us all.

I remain my humble self;  Adewumi Sikiru Adekunle popular and political address as Omo Imam Adekunle 

Impenitent BAO Disciples 

Apostle of Good Governance