Analyzing the Ekiti Farmer-Herder Peace Initiative: A Blueprint for Food Security and Harmony.

Analyzing the Ekiti Farmer-Herder Peace Initiative: A Blueprint for Food Security and Harmony.

By: Adl.

In a significant stride towards lasting peace and food security, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji of Ekiti State inaugurated the Farmers-Herders Peace Committee on a sunny Friday afternoon. The committee, composed of a diverse array of stakeholders including farmers, herders, security agents, community leaders, and government officials, is poised to transform the landscape of Ekiti State and ensure a harmonious coexistence between herders and farmers.

Ekiti State, known for its fertile lands and lush green pastures, has long been a crucible where tensions between farmers and herders have flared, threatening the state's agricultural and economic stability. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Governor Oyebanji embarked on a visionary mission to bridge the divide and cultivate a peaceful environment for all.

The Farmers-Herders Peace Committee represents a beacon of hope in these turbulent times. Its mandate is clear: to foster an atmosphere of peace and cooperation that will empower both farmers and herders to thrive side by side. The initiative aligns seamlessly with the agricultural and rural development agenda of the BAO administration, aimed at fortifying food security for all residents of Ekiti State.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Governor Oyebanji delivered a stirring speech during the inauguration ceremony, emphasizing the paramount importance of unity among all stakeholders. He noted that "Ekiti State's potential for agricultural prosperity is boundless, but it can only be realized if we join hands and plow the fields of cooperation together."

The committee comprises dedicated individuals who have rolled up their sleeves to take on the noble task at hand. Farmers, the backbone of Ekiti's agriculture, bring to the table a deep understanding of the land, its seasons, and its potential. Herders, too, have invaluable knowledge of the state's terrain, essential for the peaceful cohabitation of their livestock with the farming community.

To ensure the safety and security of all parties involved, the committee is bolstered by the presence of vigilant security agents who will work tirelessly to maintain peace and enforce the law. Community leaders, chosen for their ability to mediate and build bridges, will play a pivotal role in resolving disputes and fostering trust.

Government officials, committed to facilitating this transformative initiative, provide the necessary resources and support to ensure its success. Their dedication is an embodiment of Governor Oyebanji's commitment to the welfare and progress of the state's citizens.

The Farmers-Herders Peace Committee is not a mere symbolic gesture; it is a call to action. Through dialogue, education, and the implementation of fair and sustainable practices, this committee aspires to reshape the relationship between farmers and herders in Ekiti State. The vision is to create an environment where both groups can coexist peacefully, maximizing the agricultural potential of the state while enhancing food security for all residents.

The road ahead is not without challenges. The scars of past conflicts run deep, and mistrust can be difficult to overcome. However, as the committee members extend their hands in friendship and solidarity, they are forging a path toward a brighter future.

Already, early signs of progress are emerging. Farmers and herders are engaging in open dialogue, sharing knowledge, and jointly exploring innovative farming practices that benefit all. Communities once torn by strife are beginning to heal, and a renewed sense of hope is taking root.

As the committee embarks on its journey to ensure a peaceful and conducive working atmosphere for all, Governor Oyebanji and his administration remain steadfast in their commitment to facilitating the growth of Ekiti State's agricultural sector. With food security at the forefront, they are laying the groundwork for a prosperous and harmonious future.

In a world where division and discord often dominate the headlines, Ekiti State's Farmers-Herders Peace Committee stands as a testament to the power of unity, collaboration, and forward-thinking leadership. It is a shining example of how a dedicated group of individuals, representing diverse interests, can come together for the greater good of their community and the promise of a brighter, more secure future for all.

I am Adl, a public analyst, and social media champion.

MC Oluomo gifts MohBad’s son, parents N5m.

MC Oluomo gifts MohBad’s son, parents N5m.

The Chairman of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Lagos State Council, Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya (aka MC Oluomo), has donated N5 million to the family of the late Afrobeats artiste, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as MohBad.

The Nation confirmed from one of his aides, Jimoh Buhari, when the screenshot of the debit alerts surfaced on social media.

The alerts showed a transfer of N3 million for Mohbad’s son, Liam Eyinimofeoluwa Aloba; N1 million for the deceased father, Joseph Oluwabamiwo Aloba and another N1 million for mother of the deceased, Abosede Adeola Olumiyi.

Buhari said it was one of Akinsanya’s ways of reaching out to the people at their period of need, wondering how the “silent gesture” got to the social media.

Akinsanya, who recently returned to the NURTW from the Lagos State Parks and Garages (LASPG), Buhari said, didn’t want to make noise about the donation.

He said the NURTW Lagos boss was pained about the death of the musician.

“No one prays to loss a young lad who is doing well for himself and trying to uplift his family.

“The late Mohbad had struggled to get to where he was. Death took him at a point where he was about enjoying years of his hard labour. It is painful but we can’t query God,” he said.

Buhari added that the Lagos State transport chief sympathised with Aloba’s immediate family, close associates, friends and the musical industry.

FG increases salaries of tertiary institutions’ workers by 25 percent.

FG increases salaries of tertiary institutions’ workers by 25 percent.

The Federal Government has increased the salaries for academic and non-academic staff of its tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics and colleges of education by 25 per cent.

It confirmed the approval of the new percentage increment in salaries through the National Salaries, Wages and Income Commission (NSWIC).

A letter obtained by The Nation signed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chairman of the NSWIC, Ekpo Nta to the Minister of Education on September 14, 2023, with the title: ‘RE: Implementation of the 35% and 23.5% salary increment for staff of tertiary institutions,’ reads: “I refer to your letter No. FME/IS/UNI/ASUU/CII/IIIT2/90 dated 8th September 2023 in respect of the above-subject. Find attached the circulars pertaining to the four salary structures in the Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education for your information (attached).

“The 23.5 per cent earlier reflected in our letter SWC/S/04/S.149/I/59 of 28 July 2022 and stated in paragraph 2 of your letter, has been increased to 25 per cent which accounted for the increased cost implications.

“This Commission is really pleased with the success your informal discussions have achieved. We shall endeavour to support all your efforts aimed at repositioning the education sector. Please accept the assurances of my warm regards.”

Another letter from the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation (OAuGF) dated September 21, 2023 also confirmed the increment.

The letter which was signed on behalf of the Director of Human Resource of the OAuGF, Ajanaku F.O reads: “I am directed to inform you that the Presidential Committee on Salaries at it’s 13th meeting having taken into consideration the different stages of collective bargaining in various sectors and specifically engagements between the Federal Ministry of Education and Tertiary Institutions-based Unions and consequently the Federal Government’s approval, is hereby conveyed as revised for the following:

“Consolidated Polytechnics and Colleges of Education Salary Structure for Academic Staff of Federal Polytechnics and Colleges of Education with effect from 1st January, 2023.

“Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure II for non-Academic Staff of Federal Universities, with effect from 1st January, 2023.

“Consolidated Tertiary Education Institutions Salary Structure for non–Academic Staff of Federal Polytechnics and Colleges of Education, with effect from 1st January, 2023.

“Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure II (CONUASS II) for Academic Staff of Federal University with effect from 1st January, 2023.”

Credit: The Nation Newspapers 

Tinubu woos Nigerians in U.S. to invest back home.

Tinubu woos Nigerians in U.S. to invest back home.

Nigerians resident in the United States (U.S.) got an   invitation Wednesday night from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu – they should bring their resources to invest in the Nigerian economy. The President told a gathering of compatriots at a Town Hall meeting in New York that their fatherland had become home for business opportunities.

The meeting was organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) on the sidelines of the ongoing 78th  session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Tinubu also urged Nigerians eking out their living in the U.S. to rise above setbacks and adopt a new mindset that would enable them succeed in all of their endeavours.

He said: “I want to give you a measure that will resonate with you. I was once a Diasporan. What you have been through, I have been through it. Change of mindset is necessary. Take it this night that Nigeria is home for business opportunities.

“Also, anywhere you stay, there is always going to be an opportunity in it and in everything you do, there is always going to be an opportunity, if you know how to search and put your mind to it.”

The President said he was pleased with Nigerians’ exemplary conduct and how they had continued to do well in their country of residence.

He said: “You are lucky to be among those who are celebrated for good manners and behaviour and are operating in an acceptable manner.

“I’m very proud of you; I have also been a beneficiary of inspiration, determination, commitment and perseverance and that is all you need to pull through.

“But, we need you back home, Nigeria has arrived; forget the frustration of the previous years’ leaderships.”

Tinubu, who spoke on plans for out-of-school children, the healthcare programme and the need to eradicate poverty, said Nigeria was a blessed country.

The president said: “Sincerely, we don’t have any reason to be poor. We are just poor in some leadership areas. That is what I harped on during my campaign. It was a very gruesome campaign but I won the election. If I didn’t throw myself into it with strong determination and resolve, I wouldn’t have won. 

“There were so many hurdles on my way that would have stopped me. I refused to be stopped. Many of you here that are contesting elections can do the same.”

He also urged them to embrace one another, stressing that there should not be sentiments and discrimination among them.

“You ought to embrace one another. No labeling, you should remove ethnic identity that tend to differentiate us. We are one single family, living in the same house, but living in different rooms.”

Setting the tone for the meeting, NiDCOM chairperson, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, introduced some Nigerians excelling in their chosen fields in the U.S. to the president.

Some of the speakers expressed their delight in the leadership courage of the president and to continue to support him in his efforts to reform Nigeria.

Oye Owolewa, who is the first Nigerian-American elected into the U.S. Congress, said 25 per cent of business owners in the U.S. were black but 1.7 per cent got federal contracts.

Owolewa, who represents Washington DC, said they have been supporting people to take advantage of such opportunities for their economic empowerment.

“Those are the opportunities to make investors biggest in New York. In my office, we do not just talk, we teach our people how to get contracts, we teach our people how to get grants,” he said.

A Nigerian-American, Olufunmilola Obe, an Inspector working in the New York Police Department (NYPD), briefed the president on her efforts to make Africa, especially Nigeria, proud in her office.

Obe was the coordinator of an African Law Enforcement Organisation, an association within the NYPD, as Vice President and the first African-ever to be promoted to the rank of an Inspector in the history of NYPD.

Zuriel Oduwole, an American education advocate and film maker, famous for her works on the advocacy for the education of girls in Africa, said notwithstanding her work – involvement in peace mediation, including that of 2015, peace mediation between Guyana and Venezuela, and in 2018, invited by President Abdel Fattah El Sisi of Egypt to help get peace there as well, she remains proudly Nigerian.

Those who accompanied the President are: Ministers Yusuf Tuggar (Foreign Affairs); Adegboyega Oyetola (Marine and Blue Economy); Nigeria Permanent Representative to the UN, Tijjani Muhammad-Bande; Nigeria’s Ambassador to the U.S.,Mrs  Uzoma Emenike and her husband, Ikechi Emenike; Consul-General of Nigeria in New York, Lot Egopija and Consul-General in Atlanta, Amina Samaila.

Others were: Governors Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom); Uba Sani (Kaduna) and AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq (Kwara).

Prominent Nigerians, who participated include: Healthcare Logistics Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Oje Russel; community activist/NIDO President (New York chapter) Bobby Diggi Olisa;  NIDO President (New Jersey) Dr. Adeola Popoola; a youthful Artificial Intelligence (AI) guru/CHIPLAB CEO Ola Fadiran; renowned Physician and President of Nigerian American Public Affairs Committee (NAPAC), Dr. Nelson Aluya and a New York-based medical doctor, Dr. Bola Omotosho.

Credit: The Nation Newspaper

Cardoso, deputies assume duty as CBN confirms Emefiele’s resignation.

Cardoso, deputies assume duty as CBN confirms Emefiele’s resignation.

Dr. Olayemi Michael Cardoso has officially taken on the role of Acting Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

His appointment came after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu nominated him for the position. However, his role as Acting Governor is pending confirmation by the Senate.

This change in leadership at the CBN followed the resignation of Mr. Godwin Emefiele from the position of Governor.

A statement from the CBN signed by the Director, Corporate Communications, Dr Isa AbdulMumin noted that, the Deputy-Governors-Designate have also assumed their roles in acting capacities following the resignations of Mr. Folashodun Shonubi, Mrs. Aishah Ahmad, Mr. Edward Lametek Adamu, and Dr. Kingsley Obiora as Deputy Governors of the CBN.

 The statement reads, “Dr. Olayemi Michael Cardoso, recently nominated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has on Friday, September 22, 2023, formally assumed duty, in an acting capacity, as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, pending his confirmation by the Senate. This follows the resignation of Mr Godwin Emefiele as Governor of the CBN.

“Similarly, the Deputy-Governors-Designate have also assumed duty, in acting capacities, sequel to the formal resignation of Mr. Folashodun Shonubi, Mrs. Aishah Ahmad, Mr. Edward Adamu, and Dr. Kingsley Obiora as Deputy Governors of the CBN.”

Dr. Cardoso and his colleagues took their oaths of office at a brief ceremony held at the CBN’s Head Office in Abuja.

They are now responsible for administering monetary and financial sector policies on behalf of the Federal Government.

Dr. Cardoso brings significant experience to this role, having served as an Economic and Development Policy Advisor, Financial Sector Leader, former Chairman of Citi Nigeria, and Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget in Lagos.

He holds degrees from Aston University in the United Kingdom and the Harvard Kennedy School in the United States.

Their appointments to their respective positions at the CBN were made on September 15, 2023, subject to confirmation by the Senate.

Credit: The Nation 

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.