Your sacrifices under Tinubu won’t be wasted, Shettima assures Nigerians.

Your sacrifices under Tinubu won’t be wasted, Shettima assures Nigerians.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said the Nigeria of everyone’s dream is realisable through active collaboration with the Bola Tinubu administration as it works to fulfill its campaign promises.

Shettima spoke at the 63rd Independence Day anniversary public lecture, with the theme: Actualising the Vision of Renewed Hope for Socioeconomic Development through Effective Leadership, yesterday in Abuja.

Top government officials at the event included the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila and Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), Dr. Folashade Esan.

The ministers were: Mohammed Idris (Information), Prof. Joseph Utsev (Water Resources and Sanitation), Nyesom Wike (Federal capital Territory), Alhaji Atiku Bagudu (Budget and Economic Planning), Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar (Foreign Affairs), Mr. Dele Alake (Solid Minerals Development), Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam (Police Affairs), Mr. Shuaibu Audu (Steel Development), and Sa’idu Alkali (Transportation).

The Vice President, who noted that in the last 63 years of the nation’s existence, the driving force of the people had been the realisation that achieving the collective dream and surmounting challenges required sacrifices from all citizens, especially the leadership.

“The future of a great nation is not determined by the occurrence of their socioeconomic challenge. The future of every nation rests on the intention, sincerity and innovative ideas of its leaders and their commitment to implementing them.

“This is why President Bola Tinubu’s Eight-Point Agenda remains an oasis in a scorching sun. We cannot renew the hope of the nation unless we deliver on our promise to drive food security and eradicate poverty.

“We cannot foster economic growth and nurture job creation unless we facilitate access to capital, enhance national security and optimise the business environment for our enterprises.

“We are going to uphold the rule of law and fight corruption to design the Nigeria of our dream. We can’t achieve any of these unless each citizen remains a strategic partner in pursuit of our ultimate national interests.

“At 63, we recognise that what has sustained us and propelled us forward is our collective belief that overcoming the challenges we have inherited necessitates sacrifices, especially from us, the leaders,” Shettima said.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Ajume, explained that the theme of the anniversary lecture was intended to shed more light on critical areas of Nigeria’s socioeconomic potentials that could be explored and developed through policies and programmes enunciated by the Tinubu-led administration.

Also, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas said Nigeria’s fight against corruption will continue to be a mirage until government gives the workers a living wage.

Abbas said this at the 63rd Independence Day anniversary public lecture in Abuja.

The Speaker, who represented the Legislative arm of government at the occasion, noted that with piling bills to settle and the earning being inadequate to meet the needs, Nigerian workers might find it difficult to resist corrupt practices.

“One thing I must also have to emphasise concerning all their contributions is an area that previous administrations have not taken serious and that is the issue of living wage and the fight on corruption.”

“The discussants have spoken, may be slightly on one issue. That issue is the issue of coming up with a living wage. It’s the foundation of a corruption-free society.

“If a worker is paid well; if he is paid enough to afford his basic needs; it will help to eliminate corruption in a significant way. This is because he doesn’t need to steal to be able to feed his family. He doesn’t need to steal to be able to pay his rent. He doesn’t have to steal to take his children to school.

“Today, in the Nigerian project, this is what is completely absent, particularly when we look at the socioeconomic realities of today. With the hyper-inflation, the level of our wage, I don’t see how any Nigerian can work in a transparent and an effective manner,” he said.

Credit: The Nation Newspaper.

Fed Govt’s donation of 14,633 coconut seedlings excites association.

Fed Govt’s donation of 14,633 coconut seedlings excites association.

National Coconut Producers, Processors & Marketers Association of Nigeria (NACOPPMAN) has hailed Federal Government’s donation of 14,633 coconut seedlings to farmers in five states.

National President, Dr. Nma Okoroji, said the seedlings would mitigate effect of flooding on members’ farms in coconut communities.

Okoroji, represented by Mesi Doheto, National Vice-President, Southwest, said: “This contribution will make impact  in coconut producing communities in Lagos, Edo, Anambra, Kogi and Akwa Ibom states.

 “Coconut farming plays a crucial role in our economy, providing livelihoods for families and contributing to well-being of our region.

 “This donation will help in sustaining and expanding our plantations, and contribute to NACOPPMAN project towards ensuring coconut sufficiency in Nigeria with cultivation of 10,000 hectares.”

 The association congratulated Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, on his appointment, noting it recognised importance of collaboration between government and organisations, and commitment of the ministry to growth of the coconut industry.

Don't Oppress, Alienate Vulnerable Citizens, Ekiti Deputy Gov Warns Nigerians.

Don't Oppress, Alienate  Vulnerable Citizens, Ekiti Deputy Gov Warns Nigerians.

.....Donates to special schools, orphanage to mark 65th birthday.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, on Thursday, donated to state owned special schools and orphanage to mark her 65th birthday, urging Nigerian leaders and wealthy individuals to  make positive impacts in the lives of the vulnerable groups to build a society that is stable and egalitarian.

Rather than oppressing and alienating  the vulnerables , Mrs Afuye, warned Nigerians to deploy their resources to palliate the sufferings of the poor masses, describing this as the remedial step against inequality and way to bridge the gap between the rich and poor.

Mrs Afuye, in a statement by her Media Aide, Victor Ogunje, said this in Ikere ,Ikoro and Ido Ekiti, while making donations to the less privileged to mark her  birthday.

 

Places visited include: Government Special School for the Blind, Ikere Ekiti, Erelu Angela Adebayo Children's Home, Iyin Ekiti, Government Special School for the Dumb, Ikoro Ekiti and the Government Special School, Ido Ekiti.

Materials donated are: Bags of rice, bags of beans, confectionaries, children's  wears, bedspread, cash gifts, other food items, among others.

Addressing her hosts in all the places visited, the Deputy Governor, stressed that adding value to the lives of the underprivileged should be the priority of those in strategic and influential positions, either in the public or private sectors .

Mrs Afuye said her principal, Governor Biodun Oyebanji demonstrated such gesture when he instructed all his admirers to always donate to the less privileged to mark his birthdays as a governor, instead of presenting multimillion naira gifts or expending huge sums on adverts in the media.

She stated that Governor Oyebanji's humility and passion for the less privileged spurred her  to make the donations to give the children a strong sense of belonging and to demonstrate that they are not second class citizens .

The Deputy Governor assured the children that the governor will continue to accord them respect and place high premium on their welfare.

 "The fact that you are physically challenged doesn't mean you can't be governors or deputy governors in future. You could see that Governor Oyebanji has been prioritising your welfare and this will continue because we don't consider you as second class citizens.

"As part of the policy of this government, certain percentage has been allotted to those living with disabilities in appointment and employment opportunities. The governor has been implementing this stringently without bias or laxity.

"There is also equal opportunities law and the Gender Based Violence Law to protect you against any form of discrimination and oppression. My principal will never joke or lenient with the application of these laws designed to protect you against discriminations. 

"Let me say this clear and loud, as long as Governor Oyebanji remains the governor, nobody will be allowed to abridge your rights or treat you shabbily".

Speaking further, Mrs Afuye posited that giving to the less privileged like poor widows, physically challenged and orphans always give her joy, instead of throwing big party that would only be attended by high and mighty in the society. 

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Education, Mrs Adetoun Agboola, who accompanied Mrs Afuye to the  venues, saluted the generosity of the Deputy Governor, saying it will a long way in motivating the students to dream big ahead of the future.

Mrs Agboola appealed to the children to dream big and be rest assured that their lives can still blossom in spite of their challenges, saying things are fast looking up for those in this category on account of the love and passion Governor Oyebanji has to better their lives. 

"If you look around the world, several physically challenged people are now holding strong positions in government and private organisations. Things are fast changing, so I want you to dream big and have that assurance that your future will be rewarding and bright".

The Principal of the special schools, Ikere Ekiti , Mrs Kikelomo Okeya and her counterpart in Ikoro Ekiti Special School for the Dumb, Mrs Olayide Adu, appreciated the Deputy Governor for her humility and for fraternising with the students despite their challenges. 

They said such humble disposition would propel the students to aim higher and bury the impression that they are neither recognised not relevant in the society.

A Bright New Beginning: Hon. Oluwadamilare Ajayi Laud Oyebanji Ends Long Power Outage in Gbonyin Local Government Area.

A Bright New Beginning: Hon. Oluwadamilare Ajayi Laud Oyebanji Ends Long Power Outage in Gbonyin Local Government Area.

In a remarkable turn of events, Gbonyin Local Government Area is celebrating the return of electricity after enduring over a decade of darkness. The Local Government Chairman, Hon. Oluwadamilare B. Ajayi, expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the state government for restoring power to all the towns and cities in the LCDA, including Aiyekire LG. He lauded Governor Oyebanji's commitment to his promises, dubbing him a "people's governor" and a keeper of commitments.

The Chairman emphasized the positive impact of this restoration on both the local economy and the security of the residents. He firmly believes that this step will breathe new life into economic activities that had languished during the prolonged power outage.

Governor Oyebanji, on September 27th, 2023, made a historic move by bringing electricity back to the entire Gbonyin council area, which had been in darkness since 2010. This action was taken to stimulate economic growth in the area.

Hon. Ajayi, in a personal statement to journalists, commended Governor Oyebanji for his people-centric approach to governance, contrasting empty promises made by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company(BEDC) regarding electricity restoration. He noted that this reconnection has rekindled the people's hope in the Oyebanji-led government.

The Chairman pointed out that the renewed power supply would boost economic activity, reviving businesses that had been dormant for years, and contributing to Ekiti's overall economic growth.

He expressed the collective gratitude of Gbonyin Local Government Area and the extended community to Governor Biodun Oyebanji for this significant achievement, which restored hope after years of despair.

The Chairman also highlighted the broader implications of the electricity restoration, particularly in addressing security concerns. Criminal activities, such as kidnappings and killings, had thrived in the darkness, but with the return of electricity, it is expected that security agencies will be better equipped to tackle these issues.

He firmly believes that Governor Oyebanji's action has ushered in a new era of safety and prosperity for the people. The Chairman concluded by expressing his conviction that the entire community will rally behind Governor Oyebamiji with unwavering support and loyalty.

Additionally, Hon. Ajayi praised the electricity authority's plan to meter all houses in the local government to prevent issues related to accumulated billing. This move towards a pay-as-you-use system is expected to provide better control, moderation, and regulation of electricity consumption.

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.