Ekiti Cultural Troupe Takes Center Stage with Netherlands Tour.

Ekiti Cultural Troupe Takes Center Stage with Netherlands Tour.

The Ekiti State Performing Arts Company has embarked on a performance tour of the Netherlands from Wednesday, September 27th, 2023, to October 8th, 2023, following their remarkable victory at a world championship held in India just seven months ago.

The troupe's outstanding success in India not only demonstrated their exceptional talent and dedication to their craft but also showcased the rich cultural heritage of Ekiti State on the international stage.

This Netherlands performance tour presents an excellent opportunity for Ekiti's performing arts to dazzle audiences on the global stage. The troupe will have a 2-hour command performance on October 1st for the Nigerian community at The Hague in commemoration of Nigerian Independence Day, on October 4th, The Troupe will perform at Wassenaar for the Diplomatic Corp to commemorate National Day, and on October 5th, the Troupe will also perform in Amsterdam at the Nollywood Festival 2023.

The troupe will return to Ekiti on October 8th, 2023, to continue preparations for a command performance of "FAJUYI, a stage play scheduled for October 14th, 2023.

The Ekiti State Performing Arts Company is poised to captivate international audiences with their artistry, creativity, and passion, as well as to use these talents to attract international investors to Ekiti State's Creative and tourism sectors.

Under the leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, the Ekiti State Government has continued to provide platforms and opportunities for Ekiti's talented individuals to shine. These initiatives play a pivotal role in fostering the growth and development of Ekiti State, as well as its cultural richness and diversity.

The public is encouraged to continue supporting and celebrating the incredibly talented performers from Ekiti State. Their journey to the Netherlands is a source of pride and inspiration for us all.

Unwavering Support for Hon. Wale Alade-Oba: Transforming Irepodun/Ifelodun LGA for a Better Tomorrow.

Unwavering Support for Hon. Wale Alade-Oba: Transforming Irepodun/Ifelodun LGA for a Better Tomorrow.

In a resounding declaration of support, the people of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area (LGA) stand firmly with Hon. Wale Alade-Oba for the position of Chairman. With Hon. Wale Alade-Oba at the helm, Irepodun/Ifelodun LGA is poised for a new era of development that will encompass all sectors of our community.

Hon. Wale Alade-Oba is a proven leader, tested in the crucible of service. His track record demonstrates reliability, dependability, and trustworthiness - qualities that our community needs in a leader. He has consistently delivered on his promises and has a vision for our LGA that ensures progress and prosperity for all.

Join us in supporting Hon. Wale Alade-Oba, the choice of the people, as he aims to lead Irepodun/Ifelodun LGA to greater heights. Together, we will witness a transformation that leaves no sector untouched, making our LGA a beacon of progress and hope.

Hon. Wale Alade-Oba Lokan!

FG Declares Monday, October 2 Public Holiday.

FG Declares Monday, October 2 Public Holiday.

The Federal Government has designated Monday, October 2, 2023, as a public holiday to celebrate Nigeria's 63rd independence anniversary.

The declaration was made on behalf of the federal government by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, as announced by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Oluwatoyin Akinlade.

The government acknowledges the various socio-economic and security challenges faced by Nigeria, which are not unique but part of global issues.

Despite these challenges, the government is committed to addressing them with all available resources.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasized the importance of unity and collective effort in realizing Nigeria's potential and greatness on the global stage.

He also highlighted Nigeria's position as a leading black nation in the world and expressed hope in the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

EKSIEC Calls for Collaborative Efforts with Stakeholders to Guarantee Credible LG Election.

EKSIEC Calls for Collaborative Efforts with Stakeholders to Guarantee Credible LG Election.

Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission ) EKSIEC) said it has concluded arrangements to conduct elections into the 16 local governments and 22 Local Council Development Areas (LCDA’s) in the State, with assurance on credible and transparent exercise.

The Chairman of the commission, Hon. Justice Corneleous Akintayo (rtd) disclosed this at a press conference on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti. the state capital.

The interaction was organised to highlight the activities that would come up during the electionJustice Akintayo flanked by other members of the commission also noted that election of 177 counsellors would be conducted .

He explained that “Ward Congresses to elect chairmanship and counsellorship candidates by political parties would come up on Saturday 7th of October 2023.

“Collection and submission of nomination forms by various political parties participating in the election would be hold on 12th to 18th of October 2023.

“Submission of list of qualified and unqualified candidates to political parties and replacement of candidates by political parties would also come up on 6th to 10th of November.”

The EKSIEC chair while soliciting supports of the media and other relevant stakeholders in the State for the success of the exercise, stated that” publication by electoral officers of person nominated by political parties and issuance of notice of polls will come on 20th of November 2023.

“While notice of withdrawal of nomination of candidates by political parties and closing of electioneering campaign by political parties will end by 24th of November and 29th of November respectively..

Akintayo stressed on the readiness of the commission under his leadership “to conduct free and credible election”, added that the commission has concluded “plans to embark on aggressive awareness and mobilisation of voters on the needs to participate in the election and vote for the candidates of their choices.

“All registered political parties in the country would be fully mobilized and participated in the exercise”, he stated.

Ekiti Govt. Urges Parents To Report Demand For School Fees.

Ekiti Govt. Urges Parents To Report Demand For School Fees.

…says Education is Free and Compulsory up to SS3.

Ekiti State Government has called on parents and guardians of students in public schools in the State to immediately report any principal, teacher or any staff demanding for payments under any guise to the State Ministry of Education.

The State Commissioner for Education, Dr. (Mrs.) Bimpe Aderiye who made the call in Ado Ekiti, stressed that the State Government is still operating free and compulsory education for children up to SS3, adding that nobody is permitted to collect anything from the students under any pretense.

Dr. Aderiye said that principals and teachers in all public secondary schools have been repeatedly warned against charging or collecting any payment from students, noting that unfortunately, purportedly affected parents had not been forthcoming with the call to report any request for illegal levy or fees.

Reiterating the commitment of the Biodun Oyebanji administration to the welfare of the people, Aderiye explained that the free education policy was introduced to provide easy access to education by all school-age children and ensure that they get well prepared for adulthood.

Aderiye assured that the administration remained committed to the provision of conducive teaching and learning environment in schools in the State, stressing that Government ensures prompt payment of running grants to public primary and secondary school teachers while the WAEC examination fees are also fully paid amongst other interventions.

She therefore appealed to parents and guardians not to allow themselves to be defrauded by promptly reporting any untoward demand to appropriate authority.

EKSG Suspends Chief Medical Director Of State Specialist Hospital, Ikere For Gross Misconduct.

EKSG Suspends Chief Medical Director Of State Specialist Hospital, Ikere For Gross Misconduct.

The Ekiti State Government has suspended the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of State Specialist Hospital Ikere-Ekiti, Dr Olaolu Olubiyi for gross misconduct .

An official statement from the State Ministry of Health and Human Services and made available to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti said Olubiyi was suspended by the State Hospitals Management Board following ” the seriousness of a case of gross misconduct reported against him which established the fact that he violated Ekiti Public Service Rules 030301(ii) and 030402(x)

The statement said the Suspended CMD has been prohibited from carrying out his official duties pending further investigation in line with the provisions of the State Public Service Rules

It further directed him to hand over his duties as CMD of the State State Specialist Hospital, Ikere to Dr Akinsipe Catherine Iyabo with immediate effect .

While stressing the commitment of Government to rewarding excellent performance, dilligence and dedication to duties ,it however said Government would not look away when Government officials do not abide by the Code of Conduct for Public Officers

Two Professionals who are of Nigerian descent as special advisers, by the United States President, Joe Biden.

Two Professionals who are of Nigerian descent as special advisers, by the United States President, Joe Biden.

Both Osagie Imasogie and Chineye Ogwumike were part of the 12 members of the President’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement in the United States.

The appointment was contained in a statement released by the State House on Wednesday.

The members include Silvester Scott Beaman who will chair the council, Mimi E. Alemayehou, Rosalind Brewer, Viola Davis, Helene D. Gayle, Patrick Hubert Gaspard, C.D. Glin, Osagie Imasogie, Almaz Negash, Chinenye Joy Ogwumike, Ham K. Serunjogi, and Kevin Young.

The members of the council will serve for the 2023-2025 term.

According to the statement, the establishment of the council was aimed at enhancing dialogue between United States officials and the African Diaspora.

“The Council’s members include individuals who have distinguished themselves in government, sports, creative industries, business, academia, social work, and faith-based activities.

“They will provide invaluable guidance to reinforce cultural, social, political, and economic ties between the U.S. and Africa, and promote trade, investment, and educational exchanges between the United States and Africa,” the statement read in part.

Below are the profiles of both Imasogie and Ogwumike:

Osagie Imasogie is Chairman of the Investment Bank and SEC/FINRA registered Broker-Dealer, Quoin Capital and Quoin Advisors. In addition, Osagie is a co-founder of PIPV Capital, a private equity firm that is focused on the life sciences vertical and has invested over $1 billion into that industry.

Prior to co-founding PIPV Capital, he established GlaxoSmithKline Ventures and was its founding Vice President. Osagie has held senior commercial and R&D positions within pharmaceutical companies such as GSK, SmithKline Beecham, and DuPont Merck.

He has also been a Price Waterhouse Corporate Finance Partner as well as a practicing attorney with leading U.S. law firm, Schnader, Harrison, Segal & Lewis.

Osagie is a serial entrepreneur and investor who serves on the board of a number of financial institutions such as FS-KKR Capital Corp and Haverford Trust, institutions that cumulatively manage over $28 billion.

He is an adviser to Brown Advisory, a firm that manages in excess of $140 billion. Osagie is the Vice-Chair of the Executive Committee of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and a member of the Executive Committee and Chair of the Nominating & Governance Committee of the Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center.

In addition, Osagie is a Trustee of the University of Pennsylvania, a member of the Executive Committee of the University, and is also the Chairman of the Board of the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, where he is an Adjunct Professor of Intellectual Property. Osagie holds LLM degrees from the London School of Economics and the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, and is a member of the New York State Bar in addition to being admitted to practice in other jurisdictions.

Chinenye “Chiney” Ogwumike is a 2-Time WNBA All-Star for the Los Angeles Sparks and a full-time, multi-platform ESPN host and NBA analyst.

Chiney stars on ESPN daily on ESPN’s NBA Today and NBA Countdown, and also stars on the court as a forward for the Sparks. Chiney is a proud first generation Nigerian-American, born in Cypress, Texas. The 1st overall pick in the 2014 WNBA Draft, she graduated from Stanford University with an International Relations degree under the mentorship of Dr. Condoleezza Rice.

Chiney led Stanford to three Final Fours while distinguishing herself in academics, earning multiple honors for her academic success, including being named the 2014 Capital One Academic All-American of the Year and the Pac-12 Women’s Basketball Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

Chiney Ogwumike was the 2014 WNBA Rookie of the Year and is a 2-Time WNBA All-Star (2014, 2018).

She served as the vice president of the WNBA Players Association (WNBPA) from 2018 to 2022, instrumentally helping negotiate the groundbreaking 2020 collective bargaining agreement.

In August 2020, Chiney became the first Black woman to host a national, daily sports-talk radio show. The 2021 Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree also holds the title of Executive Producer, producing an ESPN Films documentary “144” on the 2020 WNBA season.

In 2018, Chiney became a full-time multi-platform ESPN NBA Analyst, becoming one of the youngest national sports studio analysts and one of the only full-time professional athletes to currently hold a regular national sports media position.

She has made numerous trips to Nigeria, Rwanda, Kenya, and South Africa with NBA Africa and other nonprofits to help launch youth empowerment and education initiatives, using basketball as a tool for development.