Chief Olugbenga Fajana: A Celebrated Philanthropist, Business Leader Marks Another Year of Remarkable Contributions.

Chief Olugbenga Fajana: A Celebrated Philanthropist, Business Leader Marks Another Year of Remarkable Contributions.

OWA-AKINLA, Odo Ado, Ado Ekiti

Chairman of Sofaj Group of Companies Philanthropist, Socialite, Illustrious Son of Ado Ekiti Proudly Hailing from Owa Akinla Odo Ado

Basorun Olugbenga Fajana is a distinguished figure whose life's journey has been marked by remarkable achievements, unwavering dedication to philanthropy, and an unbreakable bond with the community of Ado Ekiti. As he celebrates another year of life, we take a moment to honor his legacy and extend our heartfelt birthday wishes.

At the helm of the Sofaj Group of Companies, Basorun Fajana has steered a conglomerate known for its excellence and innovation. Through his visionary leadership, the group has grown and diversified, contributing significantly to the economic development of the region. Under his guidance, the company has become synonymous with quality, integrity, and progress.

Basorun Fajana's philanthropic endeavors have touched countless lives. His unwavering commitment to giving back to society has manifested in numerous charitable initiatives that benefiting the vulnerable. His generosity knows no bounds, and his philanthropy serves as a shining example for all.

Beyond the boardroom and the realm of philanthropy, Basorun Fajana is a true socialite with a purpose. His presence at social gatherings is not just about revelry but also an opportunity to foster unity and strengthen community bonds. He has an innate ability to bring people together and create an atmosphere of joy and camaraderie.

Basorun Olugbenga Fajana's roots run deep in Ado Ekiti. He is not just a resident but a true custodian of the traditions and heritage of this illustrious town. His love for Ado Ekiti is evident in his tireless efforts to uplift the community and ensure its prosperity.

At the core of Basorun Fajana's being is his genuine love for people. His compassion and empathy are palpable, making him a beloved figure in his community and beyond. He is a friend, mentor, and supporter to countless individuals, always ready to lend a helping hand.

On this special day, we extend our warmest and most heartfelt birthday wishes to Basorun Olugbenga Fajana. May your life continue to be filled with success, good health, and the fulfillment of all your aspirations. Your contributions to society, your dedication to philanthropy, and your love for people inspire us all. Here's to many more years of making a positive impact and celebrating the remarkable legacy of a true Ado Ekiti icon.

Happy Birthday, Basorun Olugbenga Fajana!

Trading During Environmental Sanitation is Illegal, Ekiti Govt Warns.

Trading During Environmental Sanitation is Illegal, Ekiti Govt Warns.

The Ekiti State Government, has warned communities in the state against holding their traditional markets during the monthly environmental  sanitation, describing such conduct as a lawless act. 

The government stressed that the Ekiti State Environmental Sanitation Law prohibited holding of market, ceremony and movement of human and vehicles between 7--10am during the monthly , saying any counter action is illegal and punishable under the law.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, gave the warning,on Saturday, while monitoring compliance with the environmental sanitation exercise in Ekiti West and Efon Local Government Areas of the state.

Places visited include Efon, Iwaji, Ikogosi, Ipole, Erinjiyan, Aramoko, Erio, and Ita Ure, where the Deputy Governor and the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Habitat Adubiaro, who was on the entourage, had stopped to sensitize the residents on the significance of the exercise.

Mrs Afuye, in a statement by her Media Assistant, Victor Ogunje, appealed to the Local Government Chairmen to partner the traditional rulers for massive awareness across the towns before the last Saturday of the month when the programme always holds.

She bemoaned the lacklustre  posture being exhibited by some residents to the exercise, saying the unwholesome conduct  was intended to jeopardise government's policy in making Ekiti  disease-free.

Mrs Afuye, however, threatened that whoever defies the exercise should henceforth be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.

The Deputy Governor insisted that   Governor Biodun Oyebanji's administration won't allow anyone, or group to frustrate government's efforts at making Ekiti of being adjudged one of the cleanest states in the country.

"Towns can't be holding their traditional markets and even individuals during the three hours the exercise is to last on environment sanitation day. This is an unlawful. 

"It was regrettable that some individuals opened their shops and trading during the exercise. Some towns were  holding their markets instead of waiting till after 10am. All these are jeopardising the government's efforts and we won't tolerate it".

Mrs Afuye directed the local government chairmen and environmental officers to carry out widespread  sensitisation campaign few days before the exercise for the populace to ascertain the importance government attached to it.

"With what I have seen today, if we are to carry out arrest, all the police stations in Ekiti West and Efon Local Government won't be able to contain the culprits. We are not going to allow this I don't care attitude of our people to continue.

"This exercise is for their own benefit. It is not right and proper to allow a breakout of contagious diseases in our dear state, or allow snakes and other dangerous reptiles to be biting and killing our people just because they are not doing  the right thing".

However, Mrs Afuye, lauded the residents of Aramoko Ekiti, for complying substantially  with thoe restriction and for also keeping their environment clean.

The Chairman Ekiti West Local Government, Hon.  Olusesan Kokere, who received the entourage at Aramoko Ekiti, said the council places premium priority on environmental cleanliness to avert the spread of infectious diseases. 

Hon Kokere assured that the Council will rectify all noticeable lapses in other towns in the local government in the subsequent editions.

APC intervenes in Ondo impeachment sagaAkeredolu and Ayedatiwa.

APC intervenes in Ondo impeachment saga

Akeredolu and Ayedatiwa.

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is intervening in the ongoing political imbroglio in Ondo State over the move by the State House of Assembly to impeach Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa over alleged gross misconduct.

The National Chairman of the party, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje on Friday in Abuja announced the setting up of a 9-man committee to mediate in the ongoing political face-off in the State.

The committee is headed by the immediate past governor of Kastina State, Bello Masari.

 The intervention is coming on the heels of an order by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja restraining the Ondo State House of Assembly from impeaching Aiyedatiwa.

The court also restrained Governor Rotimi Akeredolu from nominating a new deputy governor and forwarding the same to the lawmakers for approval, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive matter.

A statement by issued by Ganduje’s Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu in Abuja on Friday said the committee is to step into the matter immediately.

The statement read in part: “The National Secretariat of the Party is concerned about the unfortunate political situation in Ondo State, which if not quickly averted, may lead to further disaffection among the party.

“Therefore, to avert the misunderstanding, and after critical observation of the situation, the National Secretariat has decided to wade in, to foster a better understanding that may likely lead to an amicable resolution.

“In light of the above, the National Chairman of the Party,  Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, CON, has set up a 9-man Committee under the able leadership of the erstwhile Governor of Katsina State, His Excellency, Rt Hon Aminu Bello Masari, CFR, to not only intervene but also see to the peaceful reconciliation of all parties involved.

“The National Secretariat urges all parties to remain calm and extend all the necessary cooperation and support to the Masari-led Committee.”

Meanwhile, an Ondo State High Court sitting in Akure has granted leave to the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to serve all processes filed in the suit on the State House of Assembly, Speaker of the Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, and the Clerk, Benjamin Jaiyeola.

Justice O. Akintan-Osadebay ordered that all processes filed in the suit be served on the defendants by posting on the front side wall/fence or entrance gate or any conspicuous area of the Assembly Complex.

He also directed the processes to be pasted on the notice board of the High Court of Justice, Akure.

The order of Justice Osadebey followed an application by Aiyedatiwa seeking an order for leave of the Court to serve the Assembly by substituted means by posting the court processes on the wall/fence of the Assembly Complex.

Credit: The Nation Newspaper.

Over 3M MSMEs to Benefit as Nigeria Launches FG/ALAT Skillnovation.

Over 3M MSMEs to Benefit as Nigeria Launches FG/ALAT Skillnovation.

•••No going back on creating inclusive economy, VP Shettima declares.

In a bid to support information technology revolution that would, in turn, extend the reach of economic and social interactions as well as enhance productivity growth in Nigeria, the Federal Government and ALAT have launched Skillnovation Programme.

The initiative will provide over three million Nigerians with essential digital skills required to succeed in the global economy. 

Speaking during the launch of the programme at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday, September 29, 2023, the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, described the Skillnovation as a “transformative initiative” that “ushers in a new era of digital empowerment for” Nigerians.

He said, “We are compelled to tread this path by the direction in which the world has headed, a world of disruptive technologies redefined by the fourth Industrial Revolution. 

“This initiative is a response to the evolution of the modern business environment, an acknowledgment that digital skills have become the cornerstone of economic ease and expansion.” 

The Vice President hinted that the gathering is one of the many to come and an occasion to reassure the nation that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fully committed to supporting small businesses across Nigeria. 

The Skillnovation Programme will establish 15 state-of-the-art ICT centres, strategically placed across Nigeria, to provide individuals and businesses alike with access to cutting-edge digital training, resources, and support. 

The first phase of the programme will focus on the states of Katsina, Anambra, Borno, Lagos, Oyo, and Kano, while the second phase will include Delta, Kaduna, Ogun, Bauchi, Kwara, and Ekiti States. 

Giving an insight into how the country would benefit from the programme, Vice President said, “Nigeria, with its expanding MSME sector of close to 40 million, has the potential to lead business innovation beyond Africa. The Skillnovation Programme, therefore, aims to unlock this immense potential. The initiative is designed to provide the necessary tools and skills for our MSMEs to thrive and compete on the global stage.

“As you have witnessed, ladies and gentlemen, the Skillnovation Programme is not a mere promise; it is a resounding commitment to the Nigerian people,” the Vice President added. “It’s in pursuit of this administration’s resolve to empower our youth and MSMEs and to create a more inclusive and prosperous Nigeria. Today, we are translating that commitment into action, and we intend to be your allies in your race to take over the world through your enhanced skills.” 

VP Shetimma also assured that nobody will be left out of the Skillnovation Programme, regardless of age, gender, or disability. 

“There will be no disadvantaged demographic in accessing this opportunity. Our youth, women, and persons with disabilities have found friends and allies and will be favored in our proposed single-digit loan schemes for our valued MSMEs, for which talks are already ongoing with the Bank of Industry and other critical stakeholders and partners,” he stated.

The Skillnovation Programme is a significant step towards achieving the Federal Government’s vision of a digitally empowered and economically prosperous Nigeria. By providing MSMEs with the essential digital skills and support they need to succeed, the programme will help to create jobs, boost economic growth, and improve the lives of millions of Nigerians. 

Earlier in his welcome address, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Mr Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, emphasised the significance of partnership, noting that government alone cannot address the challenges confronting Nigerians. 

On his part, Managing Director of Wema Bank, Mr Moruf Oseni, commended the passion of the President and Vice President for empowering young Nigerians, even as he announced the establishment of skills training centres across 17 states, beginning with Lagos and Borno. 

He said the programme will directly impact 2 million youths and 1 million small businesses across the benefitting States. 

The MD expressed optimism that the scheme will be impactful, particularly empowering young Nigerians and preparing them for the challenges of the future. 

In his goodwill message, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Mr Bosun Tijjani, said President Tinubu administration’s will leverage the enthusiasm of youths in the technology space to launch Nigeria as a global power in sector. 

He called on other private sectors to collaborate more with government to actualize the objectives of job creation. 

On his part Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State pledged the state government’s support for the success of the programme. 

Also present at the event were the Ministers of Agriculture, Sen. Abubakar Kyari; Labour and Employment, Hon. Simon Lalong; Deputy Governors of Borno, Umar Kadafur; Kaduna, Hadiza Balarabe; Anambra, Onyeka Ibezim; Jigawa, Aminu Usman, and Heads of government agencies.

Behold Old Things Have Passed Away, With BAO All Things Have Become New.

Behold Old Things Have Passed Away.

...With BAO All Things Have Become New.

.....All Eyes On Team Ekiti Ahead of Youth Games Grand Finale.

At the commencement of the 2023 National Youth Games staged in Asaba , Delta State, Ekiti State became a national discuss.

Though not for the best reason anyone would be proud of but the spirit of Ekitism would refused to be dampened.

The incident of Saturday September 23 did not only get at the citizens , friends and loved ones at home and abroad but it got to the Number 1 citizen , Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO)

Swiftly enough, the governor swung into action and within hours, the kits adorned by Team Ekiti became the cynosure of all eyes on the internet, though many of the online critics, bloggers and pressmen did not herald the new look Team Ekiti as they did when the kits were horrible.

Some of us will not forget in a hurry what happened at Edo 2021 National Sports Festival when a major Sports stakeholder (name kept) was called out by Team Ekiti due to non-payment of allowances and alleged mismanagement of Sports Festival funds, alas nothing happened except the harassment he faced in the media and in the hands of some bold athletes which forced him to travel down to Edo for prompt payment of the allowances to the athletes when their sweat had almost dried up(contrary to what the Bible preaches)

Back to the present moment, as all the States that participated in the 2023 National Youth Games are set for the usual ceremonial match past to draw the curtains on the fiesta, all eyes will be on Team Ekiti and those who shouted to the high heavens will need to hire louder microphones to do same when they catch a glimpse of Ekiti young lads and lasses.

Surprisingly, as the events end today, many of the best dressed teams at the beginning of the week long fiesta are going back home without a single medal and many worked their hearts out to win a couple of medals which fell short of what Ekiti won.

Certainly an average Ekiti sports enthusiast including the sports loving governor would have loved to see Team Ekiti sweep more medals but their performance which placed the State at the middle of the medals table with 2 gold, 2 silver and 3 bronze medals deserved commendation as they outclassed bigger, older and richer States.

This ought to call for celebration among the media practitioners whose write ups and knocks actually went a long way at straightening some rough edges.

When the match past takes place,Team Ekiti would hopefully recieve more accolades and cheers rather then jeers from the crowd and spectators across the world.

Big thanks to the pro-active governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji and the lawmakers headed by Mr Adeoye Aribasoye for their swift response at the most crucial time to correct the negative impression about THE LAND OF HONOUR being peddled around by those with little knowledge about us and what we stand for.

As it stands, it is eagerly expected that the governor would surprise the Sports World with the kind of packages that await the resilient Team Ekiti both medal winners and entire participants.

With this, Ekiti would have thought other States some moral lessons that " Getting wealthy ahead of me  does not mean you will be wealthier than I could be" and "the masquerade that dances first will eventually become a spectator in the end"  

Thank you Ekiti Kete for standing by Team Ekiti despite being young with little experience.

Thank you Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for your proven passion for Sports

Abeg am I public servant or a politician 😄

The truth is that am just driven by my passion for Sports and "wetin I love"

Like that popular guy named ASHAKE sings "Wetin you love , no be wetin I love but wetin I love , I go put all my heart oooo" 🎶🎵

Thank you all.

Qozeem Oladapo 

Chairman, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Ekiti State

FG will reconstruct collapsed Enugu Bridge, says Umahi.

FG will reconstruct collapsed Enugu Bridge, says Umahi.

Dave Umahi, the minister of works, has said that the federal government is committed to reconstructing the recently collapsed overhead bridge in Gariki along the Enugu/Port-Harcourt Expressway, Enugu state. 

The collapse occurred on Thursday, September 28.

Umahi stated this when he inspected the bridge with Enugu state governor, Peter Mbah.

A segment of the bridge collapsed just a few days ago, resulting in a road blockage.

Umahi, who received the information on the bridge, visited the scene on 48hrs after it collapsed.

He was accompanied by Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi of Ebonyi Central Zone, Directors of the Federal Ministry of Works, contractors, and other officials of the ministry.

The minister said an integrity test would be conducted on the axis of the bridge that didn’t collapse to know if it can serve as an alternative route on the expressway following the collapse of the bridge.

He assured that President Bola Tinubu would intervene on the bridge as soon as possible.

Tinubu supports concrete roads, says Umahi

Tribunal affirms Umahi as Ebonyi South Senator

We inherited over 2,600 road projects worth N14tn, says Umahi

Mbah while speaking with journalists after inspection of the bridge said: “I want to thank the minister of Works for his prompt response. This for me underscores the president’s commitment.

“When he took an oath of office, he committed to lead with compassion, he also committed to run an all-inclusive government and this is what we are seeing today.

“We have reached out to the federal government immediately after this happened. This is a major gateway road. So, I cried to the federal government and said look, we need to do something expeditiously.

“And here we are today. Within 48 hours, the Minister of Works is right here with us to carry out an inspection and we are here proffering solutions as to how we can at least get one section of the bridge to continue to accommodate our people.

“So, there is going to be an integrity test as the Minister has said on the section of the bridge that has not broken and once that the integrity test shows that we should be using that section of the bridge, we will be using that section.

“But they will spare no time in starting work on the aspect that collapsed. The Minister is here, he has contractors with him. They want to swing into action immediately. So, we are truly pleased with the action taken so far by the Minister and indeed the President.”

Credit: The Nation Newspaper.

EKSG Restoring Light to Communities to Activate SMSEs — Oyebanji.

EKSG Restoring  Light to Communities to Activate SMSEs — Oyebanji.

.....Advocates genuine, functional LG system.

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has restated that  the reconnection of some communities back to national grid being aggressively pursued by his administration , was intended to improve power supply for geometric growth of the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMSEs).

The governor also advocated for a genuine and functional local government system in the country, as a panacea to alarming poverty and crime rates.

Oyebanji spoke in Omuo Ekiti, headquarters of Ekiti East Local Government Area, on Friday, while commissioning projects built by the Chairman of the Council, Hon. Samuel Ojo. 

Some of the projects include: renovation of  Comprehensive Health Centres at  Iworo and Ilisa quarters , a Customary Court at Ilisa quarters, Health centre at Iludofin,  and renovation of the town's Modern Market.

Others include a solar-powered borehole for the  staff of Ekiti East Local Government, construction of Omi Aweda bridge, and distribution of palliatives like rice, cooking gas cylinder, cooking  stoves, knapsack spraying machine, cash gifts to the elderly, among others.  

Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, described a fecund and efficient council administration, as a weapon to create wealth, ensure equitable distribution of public utilities and veritable platform to activate economic activities for better income earnings. 

Addressing the residents, who experienced power outage for 15 unbroken years and now on the verge of being reconnected  through the state government, Oyebanji said the power restoration will lift many out of poverty.

"We are happy that Mr Governor has fulfilled this promise because it will help to propel the growth of Small businesses , boost their incomes, increase their productivity and lift them out of poverty when it takes off soon. That is the vision behind the rural power policy of this government .

"I am quite convinced that the restoration of power will help in activating business activities in Ekiti East Local government. Those small businesses that have become moribund  or comatose will be energised back to life to liberate the people from wanton poverty and joblessness.

Commenting on the rural projects executed by the Chairman, Oyebanji averred that they were well thought-out and  people-centric, saying they will make  tremendous positive impacts in the lives of the citizens.

"I am elated for the landmark achievements and contributions being made by our Local Governments  and  Local Council Development Areas under the leadership of Governor Oyebanji.The development of local economy is a good ingredient to combat poverty and reduce the incidences of criminalities as well as rural-urban drift in our society".

"The ultra modern Community Health Centre  will contribute to the fight against maternal mortality, child mortality and help in increasing the life expectancy of our people. It is a fact that nearness to a functional health centre, is a potent weapon  to improve the welfare of the masses and help in prevention of untimely death.

"The Ultra Modern Market and other projects initiated by the management of this council will help in boosting local economy, brings increased contributions to the Growth Domestic Product(GDP) and create a platform for  the marketing of all our agricultural products".

The council boss, Hon. Ojo, applauded Governor Oyebanji for taking step to restore electricity to the community after over a decade of darkness, assuring that with that lofty action, economic activities will begin to boom and soar in the area.

Ojo stated that the encouragement he has been getting from the state was the driving force for him, particularly the provision of adequate funds for all the councils to execute projects in line with the six-point policy thrust of Oyebanji's government.  

The Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Mr. Folorunso Olabode, said the development of the third tier of government is dear to the current administration and that nothing will be spared to bring democracy dividends to the people's doorsteps.