Advocates for Christian Involvement in Politics: Oyebanji's Call to Action.

Advocates for Christian Involvement in Politics: Oyebanji's Call to Action.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has advocated for greater involvement of Christians in partisan politics, as a way of deepening democracy and development in the country. 

Governor Oyebanji, who stated this on Tuesday in his office, in Ado Ekiti, when he received the General Overseer, of Foursquare Gospel Church, Rev'd Sam Aboyeji and his wife, Rev (Mrs) Olabisi Aboyeji, said more inclusive political landscape would lead to policies that better reflect the values and concerns for the people.

The Governor said a good number of Christians who can add value to the system would rather stay out of politics, because of their belief that politics is a dirty game, meant for a certain group of people. Sadly, he said those who avoid politics are not immuned against the effect of bad policies. 

Rather than see politics as a dirty game, Oyebanji said Christians should consider it as a viable opportunity to contribute to nation building, make positive impact on the society and promote the values aligned with God. 

He opined that more Christians participation in politics would also provide moral leadership in politics, promoting honesty, integrity and ethical behavior among elected officials and be a voice for right decision-making and accountability in Governance.

While urging ministers of God and churches in general to play a pivotal role in inspiring and educating their congregation about the importance of civic participation, the Governor admonished the General Overseer not to relent in praying for more development in Ekiti State and the country in general. 

“Most Christians don’t want to come near politics, but the Bible says when the righteous is in authority, the people rejoice. And to get to authority in Nigeria you have to be involved in politics and so when the bible says the righteous must be in authority, there must be a path to get to it and the only path we have now is through political office or appointment. So, we should continue to pray and encourage Christians to participate in politics”. The Governor stated. 

Earlier, the General Overseer of Foursqare Gospel Church, Reverend Sam Aboyeji, who appreciated the Governor for receiving him and his team, despite his busy schedules, commended the Governor’s leadership style, saying he is representing God very well in Governance.

Rev Aboyeji explained that the visit was to intimate the Governor about the activities of the Church in Ekiti, especially the newly planted church and skills acquisition centre. 

The General Overseer said an important aspect of his visit was to to pray and pronounce God’s blessings on the state, adding that God’s hands is upon the state as evident in the level of peace and development being enjoyed. 

Also present at the meeting were Commissioner for Budget, Mr Niyi Adebayo; Commissioner for Information, Rt Hon Taiwo Olatunbosun; and Special Adviser Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode.

Gbonyin LCDA Residents Rally Behind Hon. Damilare Ajayi for Second Term as Chairman.

Gbonyin LCDA Residents Rally Behind Hon. Damilare Ajayi for Second Term as Chairman.

.....Unprecedented Development and Commitment to Progress Highlight Ajayi's Candidacy.

In what can only be described as a resounding call for continuity, residents of Gbonyin Local Council Development Area (LCDA) are throwing their unwavering support behind the incumbent Executive Chairman, Hon. Damilare Ajayi, as he seeks re-election for a second term. The groundswell of support can be attributed to the remarkable strides and transformation witnessed under his leadership, firmly establishing him as a beacon of modern-day politics in the region.

During his tenure, Hon. Damilare Ajayi has overseen a slew of impactful initiatives and infrastructure projects that have left an indelible mark on the LCDA. From the heart of the community to its economic lifeblood, every facet of Gbonyin has seen significant improvements.

One of the standout achievements of Hon. Ajayi's administration is the construction of a block of five administrative offices, along with other facilities, which have become central to the efficient functioning of the LCDA. Furthermore, an abandoned building that had languished for years was renovated and transformed into the Executive Chairman's office, breathing new life into it.

Marketplaces across Gbonyin have also received a much-needed facelift under his leadership. Notably, 20 units of market stalls in Ijan Ekiti were renovated, 10 units of open market stalls in Iluomoba Ekiti were constructed, and 20 units of market stalls in Aisegba Ekiti were refurbished. These improvements not only enhance the comfort of traders but also contribute to increased Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

In a commendable move to bolster security, Hon. Ajayi's administration provided motorcycles for security personnel in Gbonyin LCDA, ensuring better mobility for law enforcement agencies. Township roads have not been left out, as grading and rehabilitation efforts have touched several communities, including Ijan Ekiti, Iluomoba Ekiti, and Aisegba Ekiti.

Additionally, the council's secretariat has undergone a major transformation with the perimeter fencing of the entire premises, enhancing security and tidiness. Regular security meetings and provision of funds for logistics demonstrate the chairman's unwavering commitment to the safety of the LCDA's residents.

However, perhaps one of the most noteworthy aspects of Hon. Ajayi's leadership is his dedication to human capital development. His administration has invested significantly in staff training and retraining through seminars and workshops, ensuring that the LCDA's workforce remains competent and capable.

In the agricultural sector, Hon. Ajayi has tapped into the region's agricultural potential, cultivating large hectares of land for cash crops such as yam, maize, and cassava, thereby contributing to food security and economic growth.

In summary, the achievements and impact of Hon. Damilare Ajayi's administration in Gbonyin LCDA are undeniable. He has demonstrated visionary leadership, a commitment to progress, and a knack for turning challenges into opportunities. As residents unite behind his candidacy for a second term, the message is clear: Hon. Damilare Ajayi is the catalyst for Gbonyin's continued greatness, and his re-election is essential to sustaining the positive transformation of the LCDA.

Ekiti First Lady Identifies Football As Avenue To Empower Girl Child.

Ekiti First Lady Identifies Football As Avenue To Empower Girl Child.

.....Commended for support to Ekiti Queens FC.

....Invited to Women Football League General Assembly.

Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has urged parents to encourage their female children to participate in sporting activities especially football to make name and money for themselves and their families.

Dr. Oyebanji said sports development is very central to the Ekiti development agenda of her husband, Governor Biodun Oyebanji and has been recognized as a big business that can be tapped into to take the state's economy to greater heights and generate more employment opportunities.

The First Lady made the remarks on Wednesday when she hosted members of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Board led by the Chairman, Ms. Nkechi Obi, who were on a visit to the state to commend her support for female football especially Ekiti Queens Football Club.

Ms. Obi, who doubles as a board member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), also led other executive members to the state to intimate football stakeholders on the agenda of the NWFL Board for the development of female football in Ekiti and others states in Nigeria.

Ms. Obi also used the forum to officially invite Ekiti First Lady to the NWFL Annual General Assembly (AGA) holding on 5th October, 2023 as a special guest of honour in recognition of her contribution to female football in the state.

Dr. Oyebanji who was represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Peju Babafemi, said she was impressed by the Women Football Right Strategy which was unveiled by the NWFL boss noting that Ekiti was ready to key into the blueprint to give a lift to female football in the state.

According to her, the Oyebanji Administration places much premium on human capital development noting that the state government was ready to join hands with the NWFL in ensuring that the vision as contained in the Strategy is actualized to the benefit of all stakeholders.

The First Lady also commended the Ekiti State House of Assembly for the speedy passage of the bill for the establishment of the Ekiti State Sports Commission to ensure that sports gets adequate attention its deserves and also serves as a springboard for empowerment and to be driven as business and not as a leisure only.

She said: "Sports development is central in Ekiti development agenda and for us in Ekiti, sports is a very big business. I also want to appeal to parents to encourage our female children to participate in sports especially football.

"Football is a good avenue to empower girls and so parents must support their girl child in ensuring that they are not discouraged at that. We know that traditionally football is a male dominated sport but things are changing and eyes are opening."

The First Lady restated her readiness to always give maximum support to Ekiti Queens Football Club and make it a recognized brand in sports and an instrument to empower Ekiti girls economically and socially.

She urged players, coaches, administrators and other officials of the Club to always work together as a team to realize the state government's ambition of making it a number one female football club in the country.

Earlier in her remarks, NWFL Chairman, Ms. Obi said the Board came to Ekiti to share its vision and agenda for development of female football league because of the recognition of the roles of the First Lady and other stakeholders in female football.

She equally noted that since majority of football clubs in Nigeria are owned by state governments, they are in the state to acquaint them with the right steps to take to broaden the scope of female football league as it concerns stakeholders like players, coaches referees, administrators, among others.

Ms. Obi unveiled the initiatives to include capacity development, more media presence for female clubs on digital media, sponsorship packages, mentoring and twinning with clubs in Spain, Italy, Germany, among others and discovery of more talents for national teams.

The NWFL chair disclosed that the league has been redesigned from next season into a 16-team Premier League, 20-team Championship and State Leagues for players between age 14 and 19 while a coaching development programme is coming up in February.

She added: "For all these to happen, we need the support of all of you stakeholders and we want to tap into the generosity of the First Lady for Ekiti to benefit from all these programmes we have outlined."

The event was attended by Chairman, Ekiti State Football Association, Chief Olu Oloworemo; former Chairman, Ekiti State Sports Council, Hon. Ade Adetola; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth Development, Mr. Bamidele Arowosola; Chairman, Ekiti Assembly Committee on Sports, Hon. Idowu Odebunmi; former General Manager, Ekiti State Sports Council, Chief Deji Samo; serving and retired referees, sports administrators, players and officials of Ekiti Queens.

Comrade Ojo Bright Accused of Selling Out Principles in Ondo State Deputy Governor's Impeachment Saga.

Comrade Ojo Bright Accused of Selling Out Principles in Ondo State Deputy Governor's Impeachment Saga.

In an astonishing twist of events, Comrade Ojo Bright, a guy among union comrades, has found himself embroiled in controversy surrounding the impeachment saga of the Deputy Governor of Ondo State. Bright's involvement took an unexpected turn when he spearheaded a protest against a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja, which had ordered a halt to the impeachment proceedings.

The court's decision to suspend the Deputy Governor's impeachment sent shockwaves through the political landscape of Ondo State. However, Comrade Ojo Bright's actions raised eyebrows and triggered a fierce debate within the union and the public at large.

What added a layer of complexity to this situation was the fact that Bright rallied a small group of individuals, who were allegedly unrelated to the youth of Ondo State or the union comrades, to join him in the protest. His fellow comrades opted not to participate in this demonstration, signaling a clear divergence in principles and objectives within the union.

This divergence has fueled speculation that Bright might have been influenced or compromised by external forces, often referred to as "cabals," who have a vested interest in removing the Deputy Governor from office. The suspicion of external interference has further deepened the rift within the union.

The actions of Comrade Ojo Bright have ignited a fiery debate among union members and the general public. Some perceive his actions as a betrayal of the core principles of unionism, which traditionally stand for justice and the protection of democratic institutions. Others, however, believe that there may be concealed motives behind Bright's decision to protest against the court's ruling.

As the controversy continues to simmer, many are anxiously awaiting a response from Comrade Ojo Bright. It is hoped that his explanation will shed light on his motivations and address the concerns raised by his comrades and the public. Clarity on this matter could help heal the growing rift within the union and provide a path forward for resolving the Deputy Governor's impeachment saga.

In the midst of this turmoil, it is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize peace and unity in Ondo State. The state has already witnessed its fair share of political turbulence, and further division could have detrimental consequences for its citizens. It is advisable for union comrades and other stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and find common ground to navigate through this challenging period in the state's political landscape. In doing so, they can ensure that the interests of the people of Ondo State are protected and that justice prevails.

Written By Bayo Akintunde A Public Analyst.

(Ifon, Ondo state)

Ekiti State Government Appoints New Tutor-General.

Ekiti State Government Appoints New Tutor-General.

The Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has approved the appointment of Mr Victor Oludiran Amele as the new Tutor-General (TG) in The Ekiti State Teaching Service Commission.

The appointment of Mr. Amele as Tutor-General in charge of the Ekiti

Central Education District was sequel to the retirement of Mr. Martins Temitayo Ilori who bowed out of service after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60 years of age and his 34 meritorious years in service as well.

Until his appointment, Mr. Amele was the Principal of Doherty Memorial Grammar School, Ijero Ekiti and President of the Ekiti State Branch of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS).

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of TESCOM, Mr Michael Omolayo enjoined the new appointee to justify the confidence repose in him, by putting in his best in the new assignment.

Mr Omolayo charged the new Tutor-General to key into the Educational Reform Development Agenda and Values Orientation of the

present administration.

The PS emphasized that the elevation was in line with the principle of merit based appointment enshrined in the Civil Service Transformation Strategy, previous achievements,  performance in the qualifying, examination and interview as well as recognition of seniority in service.

He congratulated Mr Martins Temilayo Ilori the recently retired Tutor-General for his meritorious service and wished him success and the best in his future endevours.

In his remarks, the new Tutor-General, Mr. Amele expressed gratitude to the State Governor for giving him the opportunity to serve the State in the new capacity and pledged to do his best to achieve the

desired goals.

He noted that the new appointment will enable him to further contribute to actualizing Human Capital Development which is one of the six point developmental agenda of the present administration.

Adejoke Ajayi,

Chief Information Officer,

TESCOM

We’ll Provide Enabling Environment for Business to Thrive– Shettima.

We’ll Provide Enabling Environment for Business to Thrive– Shettima.

•••Charges MTN to fastrack digital mobile money, education.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has declared President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s determination to provide the enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the country. 

Accordingly, he tasked local and foreign investors to make Nigeria their investment hub.

The Vice President who made the pledge when he hosted the management of First Surat Group, as well as top management of MTN Nigeria at the presidential villa in Abuja, charged MTN Nigeria to facilitate and spearhead digital mobile money and digital education.

VP Shettima noted that the Tinubu administration is willing to partner with various stakeholders in the quest to help boost the nation’s productivity base and generate rapid employment. 

Commending the professionalism and devotion of Surat Group, which runs Nizamiye hospital, Nizamiye Foundation, as well as its educational institutions, VP Shettima noted that by extension, the Group, with its 2,500 staff, caters for over 100,000 extended families and dependents. 

He stated: “Agriculture remains key to the Nigerian economy. You may wish to consider divesting from the health and education sectors where you have distinguished yourself and delve into agric business where we have huge investment potential.

“I assure you that my principal is creating the right environment for businesses to thrive. Property rights will be enforced and no one will be deprived of their rights. We need foreign direct investment right now more than ever before. Reach out to us and we will support you to succeed,” the VP promised. 

For MTN Nigeria, the Vice President assured the telecoms giant of Federal Government’s commitment to removing all obstacles militating against businesses.

VP Shettima said gone are the days of double taxation and unnecessary bottlenecks, adding that President Tinubu’s policy on the ease of doing business would be carried to the later. 

Promising that Nigeria’s economy would pick up massively in less than 15 months, he charged the telecommunication giant to consider fastracking digital mobile money, as well as digital education in Nigeria. 

“I have never seen anyone committed to revamping Nigeria’s economy like President Tinubu. Yes, we may be facing challenges but believe me, in no distant time the country will be better off for it”, the VP promised. 

Earlier, Chairman of First Surat Group, Dr Ali Maina, thanked the Vice President, just as he said aside from the company’s vast interest and strategic partnerships, its corporate social responsibility has seen it investing millions of naira on the lives and welfare of Nigerians. 

On his part, Chairman of MTN Nigeria, Ernest Ndukwe, and Chief Executive Officer, Karl Olutokun Toriola, said the telecoms firm remains committed to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

They promised that in no distant time, MTN Nigeria will birth the much needed 5D network in Nigeria.

Stanley Nkwocha

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications

(Office of the Vice President)

26th September, 2023

Shared Prosperity for Ekiti Kete: Reflecting on the National Youth Festival in Asaba, Delta State.

Shared Prosperity for Ekiti Kete: Reflecting on the National Youth Festival in Asaba, Delta State.

Achieving growth and progress as a State or people demands hard work, consistency, and the ability to face criticism head-on. To ascend to greater heights, we must first be acutely aware of our vision, our collective objectives, the current state of affairs, and, most importantly, our own identity.

Ekiti Kete is a State known for its remarkable character traits – embodying the spirit of Omoluabi, possessing knowledge, and relentlessly striving for success without compromising our values. Yet, recent events at the National Youth Festival in Asaba, Delta State, have cast a shadow on our reputation. The comments and perceptions of the people  have left us disheartened.

The government's support and sponsorship of Ekiti participants in the festival were commendable. However,  the General Manager of the sports council has been recalled, with the event which has led to negative stereotypes being associated with our State. This unfortunate turn of events is not new to Ekiti, as we have faced criticism in the past for our choices and perceived limitations.

Amid these challenges, there is a glimmer of hope. Our young representatives in various sports have shone brightly on the national stage, participating in almost 35 sports alongside over 4,500 athletes from across the nation. Their outstanding performances not only reflect positively on Ekiti but also emphasize the untapped potential within our State.

As we grapple with being labeled and our state's reputation questioned, we must remember the vision of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, which emphasizes shared prosperity for all. In the words of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, "Great achievements take time; there is no overnight success." We, as a state, must become intentional ambassadors of Ekiti, taking pride in ourselves and upholding the values of Omoluabi. Governor Oyebanji cannot singlehandedly shape our future; we must actively participate in this endeavour.

Chief Awolowo's words remind us of the importance of respecting others' viewpoints and cooperating for the greater good. By continually striving for excellence in our respective fields, we can contribute to Ekiti's greatness.

Let us stand together to continually restore Ekiti's reputation and embrace the spirit of shared prosperity. God bless Ekiti State as we work towards a brighter future with honour, pride, and commitment to our values.

Adaraniwon Oluwatosin

SA New Media to Governor Biodun Oyebanji