Ekiti Assembly Passed Supplementary Budget.

Ekiti Assembly Passed Supplementary Budget.

....continues with accounts of stewardship of councils.

The Ekiti State House of Assembly has passed into law the State 2023  Supplementary Appropriation Bill of over N134 billion, made up of N96 billion for recurrent expenditure and N38 billion for capital expenditure.

The Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Hon. Teju Okuyiga (Gbonyin/Aiyekire), at the plenary sitting of Tuesday 26th September, 2023, read the report of the Committee. The said Committee Report was thoroughly considered at the Committee of Supply after which the Speaker called on the Clerk of the House to do the Third Reading of the Bill.

After the Clerk performed the Third Reading, the Speaker announced that the Bill has now become Law. 

Following the motion moved by the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Tolu Ige (Ekiti Southwest II), the Council and Local Council Development Areas Chairpersons and relevant officials were admitted into the hallowed Chamber to present the Accounts of Stewardship of their Councils and LCDAs

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, after thorough consideration of the Accounts of Stewardship presented by the Chairpersons of Ijero Local Goverment, Ifeloju LCDA, Ido/Osi Local Government and Ikere West LCDA by the House, advised the Councils and LCDAs Chairpersons to always utilize the fund allocated to them for the benefits of their people and in line with the vision of the state government to improve the standard of living of Ekiti people.

The Speaker stated further that the exercise was not for witch hunting, therefore the House would not be blackmailed into abandoning its legislative duties based on unfounded opinions of the people. 

The Speaker also read a correspondence from the Office of the Governor seeking for the concurrence of the House to appoint members of some statutory commissions, namely;

1. Local Government Service Commission

2. House of Assembly Service Commission 

3. Audit Service Commission 

The Speaker thereafter called on the nominees to submit thirty (30) copies of their curriculum vitae to the Clerk of the House on or before Friday 29th September, 2023 in preparation for their screening by the House. The House adjourned to Thursday 28th September, 2023

Eid–el–Maulud: Imbibe the Virtues of Prophet Muhammad, President Tinubu Urges Muslims.

Eid–el–Maulud: Imbibe the Virtues of Prophet Muhammad, President Tinubu Urges Muslims.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Muslims in Nigeria and beyond on this year’s Eid-el-Maulud celebration, charging them to live by the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.

The President, in a statement on Tuesday, said beyond celebrating the day marking the birthday of the Holy Prophet, the period should be used for deep introspection and fervent prayers.

“Adherents should make deliberate efforts to adhere to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. There are great lessons of devotion, perseverance, tolerance, humility and selflessness that we can all learn from the life of the Prophet,” the President said.

President Tinubu urged religious leaders to use the period to pray for the country and to admonish their followers to take the appropriate lessons from Prophet Muhammad’s life in their commitment to the country.

“Nigeria has arrived at an important juncture. While the government is taking all necessary measures to make the country secure and economically viable, we need the full support of the citizenry in the form of patriotism, patience, and prayers. The light is certainly bright at the end of the tunnel,” the President affirmed.

President Tinubu also urged Muslims celebrating the Maulud festival to extend their hand of fellowship to the needy and vulnerable in the spirit of the season while praying for the country and her leaders at all levels.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media and Publicity)

September 26, 2023

President Tinubu Hails Scion of Awolowo Dynasty, Segun Awolowo at 60.

President Tinubu Hails Scion of Awolowo Dynasty, Segun Awolowo at 60.

President Bola Tinubu joins Nigerians and well-wishers globally in celebrating the President of the National Trade Promotion Organisations of the Economic Community of West African States, Mr. Segun Awolowo, as he turns 60 on September 27, 2023.

President Tinubu shares in the immense joy of this important milestone with the scion of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s family, while congratulating the former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) for sustaining the legacy of the family in public service.

The President recognizes the zeal, courage and wisdom that Mr. Segun Awolowo has brought into the positions of leadership he has previously held, with an admirable profile of working with every President of Nigeria since 1999, while leaving behind his trademark works of excellence at every stage.

As Mr. Awolowo clocks 60, President Tinubu appreciates the sacrifices of the legal practitioner, who accepted the call to serve the country at a young age, and continues to inspire younger generations to imbibe the virtues of excellence and patriotism in service.

The President prays for the well being of Mr. Segun Awolowo and his family, while wishing him many more years in good health and quality service delivery in his present and future endeavours.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

September 26, 2023

Gov. Oyebanji warns public servants against tarnishing Government’s image.

Gov. Oyebanji warns public servants against tarnishing Government’s image.

....says anyone found culpable won’t be spared.

Ekiti state governor Biodun Oyebanji has appealed to civil servants in the state to be just and fair in the discharge of their duties especially while implementing government policies.

Oyebanji, while reacting to the recent picture of Ekiti representatives at the Ongoing National Youth Athletes Games in Asaba, described the incident as embarrassing to the government and sons and daughters of the state both at home and in the diaspora.

Speaking at Ikere Ekiti, the governor said that twenty million naira was approved to the Sport Council for the games in Asaba.

He added that prior to the departure of the contingent, the Council presented him with sport kits as a sample for the competition, saying he was surprised to see the representatives dressed in such a manner during the opening ceremony.

Oyebanji noted that feedback about the welfare of the contingents from Asaba was not pleasant, describing the incident as unfortunate and demoralizing.

He expressed that the government would take decisive measures on the incidents and would not spare anyone found culpable.

The governor urged civil servants in the state to desist from fraudulent act aimed at tarnishing the image of government especially at the national event.

Earlier, the state government had recalled the general manager of the Ekiti State Sport Council, Mr. Adeyemi Adekunle, to come and explain what caused the incident.

Alleged Misconduct: Court Stops Impeachment of Ondo State Deputy Governor.

Alleged Misconduct: Court Stops Impeachment of Ondo State Deputy Governor.

A Federal High Court in Abuja, on Tuesday restrained the Ondo State House of Assembly from impeaching the Deputy Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, over alleged gross misconduct.

A Federal High Court in Abuja, on Tuesday restrained the Ondo State House of Assembly from impeaching the Deputy Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, over alleged gross misconduct.

Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling shortly after Aiyedatiwa’s counsel, Kayode Adewusi, moved the ex-parte motion to the effect.

The judge also restrained Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu from nominating a new deputy governor and forwarded the same to the lawmakers for approval pending the hearing and determination of the substantive matter.

Justice Nwite held that after listening to Adewusi, he was of the view that the interest of justice would be met by granting the application.

“Therefore, the application of the applicant succeeds,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the embattled deputy governor had, in a motion on notice marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1294/2023, sued the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police and the Department of State Services (DSS).

Others are Gov. Akeredoku, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Chief Judge of Ondo State and the House of Assembly as 1st to 6th respondents respectively.

In the application dated and filed by Mr Adelanke Akinrata on Sept. 21, Aiyedatiwa sought for four reliefs.

The judge further made an order of interim injunction restraining Akeredolu, his servants or privies from harassing, intimidating, embarrassing and preventing Aiyedatiwa in carrying out the functions of his office as deputy governor of Ondo State.

Justice Nwite, who granted all the reliefs, adjourned the matter until Oct. 9 for hearing.

NAN reports that Aiyedatiwa had, also in another suit marked: AK/348/2023 prayed the High Court in Akure to stop the state’s house of assembly from proceeding with the impeachment proceedings against him pending the hearing and determination of the suit filed in the court on Monday

INEC Announces Date For Ondo And Edo State's Governorship Elections.

INEC Announces Date For Ondo And Edo State's Governorship Elections.

Timetable And Schedule Of Activities For The Edo And Ondo State Governorship Elections.

The tenure of the Governors of Edo and Ondo States will end on 11th November 2024 and 23rd February 2025 respectively.

As provided in Section 178 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), election into the said offices shall hold not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the tenure of` the last holder of the office. The latest date for Election to the office of Governor, Edo State, is 12th October 2024 while that of Ondo State is 24th January 2025.

Similiarly, Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022 requires the Commission to publish Notice for the Election not later than 360 days before the date of the election.

In exercise of the powers conferred by the Constitution and the Electoral Act, the Commission issues the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the Edo and Ondo State Governorship elections as follows:

In Edo State:

The Governorship election will hold on Saturday 21st September 2024. 

Party primaries will hold from 1st - 24th February 2024 while the submission of the list of nominated candidates via the online portal will start at 9.00am on 4th March 2024 and close at 6.00pm on 24th March 2024. 

The final list of candidates will be published on 23rd April 2024 while campaign in public by political parties commences on 24th April 2024 and ends 24 hours prior to election day on 19th September 2024.

In Ondo State:

 The Governorship election will hold on Saturday 16th November 2024. 

Party primaries will hold from 6th - 27th April 2024 while the submission of the list of nominated candidates via the online portal will start at 9.00am on 29th April 2024 and close at 6.00pm on 20th May 2024. 

The final list of candidates will be published on 18th June 2024 while campaign in public by political parties commences on 19th June 2024 and ends 24 hours prior to election day on 14th November 2024.

DETAILED TIMETABLE:

The detailed Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the two elections have been uploaded to the Commission's website and social media platforms.

By this ample notice as required by both the Constitution and the Electoral Act, the Commission appeals to political parties and candidates to note the activities in the Timetable for strict compliance.

 

Sam Olumekun mni.

National Commissioner & Chairman, 

Information and Voter Education Committee

Tuesday 26th September 2023

Hon. Olubunmi Bello Spearheading a Renewed Hope CSDP for Poverty Eradication in Nigeria.

Hon. Olubunmi Bello Spearheading a Renewed Hope CSDP for Poverty Eradication in Nigeria.

By: Adl. 

In a remarkable stride towards realizing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's ambitious Renewed Hope Agenda, Dr. Betta Edu, the Honourable Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, has appointed Hon. Olubunmi Bello as the National Programme Manager of the Community and Social Development Project (CSDP). This strategic move is set to revitalize Nigeria's social safety net program and combat the multifaceted challenges of poverty and humanitarian crises in the country.

Hon. Olubunmi Bello, a seasoned professional with over 22 years of experience in project management and community engagement, is well-equipped to lead the charge. A graduate of Accounting from Obafemi Awolowo University, with extensive expertise and strategic acumen in community service delivery, is poised to be instrumental in steering the National CSDP mandate towards unprecedented success.

Bello's appointment is a testament to her unwavering commitment to delivering impactful outcomes, even in challenging environments. Her impressive tenure as the Special Assistant to former Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State on Public-Private Partnership from 2019 to 2022, during which she showcased her ability to lead, organize, and achieve results.

One of her standout attributes is her ability to navigate complex challenges with grace and efficacy. As the National Programme Manager of CSDP, she will oversee the Program's activities in all 36 states of Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Her strong track record of results and proven leadership skills will undoubtedly be invaluable in coordinating the program's efforts nationwide.

As one of the torchbearers for President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda under the Hon. Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, her role would extend far beyond traditional project management. Her responsibilities would encompass orchestrating a comprehensive approach to addressing the root causes of poverty and humanitarian crises. This mandate aligns with the broader vision of creating a prosperous and equitable Nigeria.

Under President Tinubu's directive, the CSDP is tasked with an expanded mandate to tackle the multifaceted challenges of poverty in Nigeria comprehensively at the grassroots. The program aims to provide support to those affected by humanitarian crises while actively working towards eradicating multi-dimensional poverty. In this new phase, the CSDP will be expected to serve as a lifeline for vulnerable communities, fostering sustainable infrastructural development and promoting self-reliance.

One of Hon Olubunmi Bello's core competencies lies in strategic alliance formation. This skill will be pivotal in forging partnerships and collaborations that amplify the impact of the CSDP, by collaborating with state agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international partners, worth the objective of harnessing the collective efforts to uplift communities and eradicate poverty.

The CSDP's reach extends to every corner of Nigeria, touching the lives of millions. Hon. Olubunmi Bello's journey is not just a professional milestone but a commitment to the well-being of the nation. Her mission to rejuvenate the CSDP and align it with President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda is a noble undertaking that holds the potential to transform countless lives.

Bello's dedication to women's empowerment and participation in governance is noteworthy. Her service as one of the Coordinators of the 2022 Women Campaign Council during the Ekiti State Governorship Election and as a member of the Tinubu Professional Women Campaign Council illustrates her commitment to fostering inclusive development and gender equality.

In Hon. Olubunmi Bello, the Hon Minister and indeed Nigeria, has found a dedicated and accomplished leader to guide the Community and Social Development Project towards a brighter future. Her extensive experience, unwavering commitment, and strategic vision position her as a driving force in the fight against poverty and the alleviation of human suffering. 

As the National Programme Manager of the CSDP, she embodies hope, progress, and the promise of a better Nigeria. Her journey is an inspiring testament to what can be achieved when passionate individuals take the helm of change and steer the nation toward a more prosperous future.

Adl is a Public Analyst and a Communication Specialist in Development Projects.