Oyebanji pledges cash gifts for Ekiti athletes.

Oyebanji pledges cash gifts for Ekiti athletes.

.…as Governor hosts special reception for team upon return from Asaba.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji on Wednesday announced cash gifts for the state’s athletes that participated in the just concluded National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State, even as he disclosed  government’s plan to upgrade their training facilities. 

Governor Oyebanji at the well attended state reception for the athletes at the Governor’s Office in Ado- Ekiti also disclosed that Government is already investigating circumstances that led to the poor kitting of the state contingent at opening ceremony of the Games and would ensure that erring officials do not go unpunished.

The reception was attended by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Secretary to the State Government, Dr (Mrs) Habibat Adubiaro, Head of Service, Engr Sunday Kokolafe as well as members of the state executive council and officials of the state’s sports council. 

Governor Oyebanji who lauded the young athletes for their “impressive performances” , apologized to them and all Ekiti indigenes home and abroad for the embarrassment and inappropriate behavior of the officials of the Sports Council during the competition, adding that there would be dire consequences for officials that caused the harrowing experience for the athletes. 

He, however praised the athletes for defying all odds to win medals for the State, assuring them of government’s support to attain greater heights in their respective areas of specialization. 

While expressing displeasure at the unfair treatment meted on the athletes, Oyebanji restated that government provided the Sports Council with funds for the successful outing of the contingents at the tournament. 

Governor Oyebanji, who pledged cash gifts to each of the athletes, called on relevant stakeholders to join government in making sports a lucrative business, as government cannot do it alone.  

Oyebanji also assured that government would continue to pay more attention to sports development adding that he would sign the bill establishing the State Sports Commission within the next two weeks with a view to promoting all-round sport development in the state.

He added that efforts are in top gear to set up indoor games centers in the state next year.

The Governor said the Oluyemi Kayode stadium in Ado Ekiti as well as other stadia in Ikere, Ijero and Ikole would soon be given facelift, saying his administration would leave no stone unturned in the quest to maximize the potentials of young talents in sports and other areas. 

"Let me start on the note of apology to you for the indiscretion and the inappropriate behavior of the officials of the sports council, as a government, we tried our best to provide for you, but the officials for reasons best known to them decided to act inappropriately. 

“As a government, I accept responsibility for this not  because I support those that decided to act in a way and manners that has brought embarrassment to you and to all Ekiti indigenes all over the world but as the Governor of Ekiti state, I apologize to all Ekiti indigenes  for the embarrassment caused by sports council officials to all of us and I hope you accept my apology but I can assure you that justice will be served.

"My take away from what happened is that it has strengthened our resolve to pay more attention to sports development, you will realize that in one of our campaign promises, I said we will take sports away from the ministry, we did that because we realized that people are pushing sports development to the background. 

“So, we took sports management away from the ministry, we have sent the bill to the House of Assembly  to put in place the Ekiti State Sports Commission, the House has passed the bill and within the next two weeks we are going to sign the bill into law.", the Governor added.

The elated young athletes responded intermittently to the Governor with loud applauses and songs. 

Speaking on behalf of the team,  Aisha Ololade said they are happy at the Governor’s prompt intervention during the games as well as hosting them upon their return to the State. She said they are all fully motivated to do more for the state in future tournaments.

Report On NUC Accreditation Visit To Venite University, Iloro Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.

Report On NUC Accreditation Visit To Venite University, Iloro Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.

On Wednesday, October 4, the National Universities Commission (NUC) accreditation team, under the leadership of Mr. John Abbah, the representative of the Executive Secretary of NUC, visited Venite University Iloro Ekiti, Ekiti State. The purpose of the visit was to evaluate the university's preparedness for the smooth commencement of academic activities.

The pioneer Vice Chancellor of Venite University, Prof. Rev. Father James Olaogun, who welcomed the accreditation team and outlined the core values of the institution to include honesty, creativity, and innovation, demonstrated the university's emphasis on holistic education and character development.

The Pro Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the school Prof. Olabisi Aina, also extended a warm welcome to the accreditation team. She expressed gratitude to the NUC for its ongoing efforts to ensure quality education in Nigerian universities. Prof. Aina emphasized the university's commitment to providing quality education and producing well-trained graduates capable of meeting the challenges of the time.

Responding, the NUC team expressed their appreciation for the warm reception received from the school management. This positive acknowledgment reflects the university's commitment to a collaborative and constructive assessment process.

*Assessment Process:*

Following the initial introductions, the accreditation team was taken on a tour of the three colleges within the university.

1. College of Applied Health Sciences 

2. College of Sciences and Computing Studies 

3. College of Social and Management Sciences

The purpose of this tour was to verify and assess the facilities in place, ensuring they meet the necessary standards for the commencement of academic activities.

In addition to the infrastructure assessment, the team examined the profiles of lecturers to ensure they meet the required standards. This step is crucial in maintaining academic excellence and ensuring that the faculty members possess the necessary qualifications and expertise.

After the verification, the team met with provosts of the colleges for necessary attention and discussion.

The team commended the scenic environment of the University which provides an optimal atmosphere for effective learning.

*Anticipation of Results:*

The outcome of the accreditation team's assessment will play a pivotal role in determining the readiness of Venite University for the commencement of academic activities. The report generated from this exercise will serve as the foundation for the university's adherence to quality standards set by the NUC.

Overall, the visit demonstrated a collaborative effort between the university and the NUC to uphold and enhance the quality of education in Nigeria. As the results are awaited, anticipation grows regarding the positive impact this accreditation will have on the educational landscape of Venite University.

Constitution, not public opinion shapes court’s decisions, says CJN Ariwoola.

Constitution, not public opinion shapes court’s decisions, says CJN Ariwoola.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has said public opinion, no matter how forceful, lacks the capacity to shape the decision of a court in relation to any case.

The CJN stated that the court is always guided by the law, particularly the Constitution, in its adjudication of cases.

He said: “Several vitriolic attacks are regularly heaped on the Judiciary; it is, however, crystal clear that public opinion, no matter how serious or weighty it might be, cannot override or supersede the Constitution of the country, which we apply in deciding each case.”

Justice Ariwoola spoke in Abuja on Wednesday, October 4, while administering the oath of office on 23 new judges of the Federal High Court.

The CJN reminded the new judges that their appointment, though a new chapter in their existence, will now completely expose them, like everyone in public office, to daily public scrutiny.

He urged them to be committed to their oath of office and always be driven by the spirit of fairness and justice.

The CJN stated: “The entire letters and words of the oath you have just taken, must reside in a prime place of your heart and be generously applied in your adjudications.

“This is a bond that you should engrave in your heart and be well guided by it while adjudicating in all matters that come before you.

“You must be impartial, fair to all, and apply justice in all your undertakings. The times that we are in, are quite perilous, so we need judicial officers who are calculative, honest, objective, and dispassionate in all ramifications.

“Thus, your appointments to the bench at this crucial period of our national history are not by accident but by divine ordination.

“Like it is often said, a clear conscience fears no accusation. He who comes to equity, as we all say, must come with clean hands. So, your Lordships must severe ties with anything that will smear your hands and bring you into disrepute in the course of your new assignment,” he said.

The CJN warned them against unethical conduct, adding that the National Judicial Council (NJC) will not hesitate to wield the big stick when necessary.

He further stated: “Like I always say, even though judicial officers are not spirits or superhuman beings, so many impossible things are yet expected from them by society.

“I heartily rejoice with you on this very important and sensitive appointment, but at the same time, I sincerely sympathize with you for the landmines that are already lying on your paths in the course of your adjudication, especially if your conscience is at variance with your conduct.

“The bench is neither for the indolent, the greedy nor those with dubious character, who can easily fall for a plate of porridge offered by desperate litigants.

“You must, at all times, rise above temptations and trials that might obstruct or even halt your rise to the pinnacle of your career. We are all humans, no doubt, but you display the humanism in you by doing those extraordinary things that people would ordinarily conclude that you cannot do.

“That is what separates those with integrity and passion for success from those with low pedigree and dysfunctional moral compass.  

“Appointment to the bench is not an appointment to wealth, vainglory, dishonest disposition or ostentatious lifestyle through corrupt acquaintances.

“The searchlight of the National Judicial Council beams brightly on all judicial officers across the country.”

Credit:The Nation Newspaper.

FG to gather precise data on minerals, says Alake.

FG to gather precise data on minerals, says Alake.

The minister of solid minerals development, Dele Alake said the federal government is committed to gathering precise data on minerals in the country.

He said President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s agenda is to transform the solid minerals sector into the country’s highest source of revenue.

Alake said this on Wednesday, October 4, in Abuja when the President and Chief Executive Officer of Africa Finance Corporation, Samaila Zubairu visited his office.

The head, press and public relations of the ministry, Alaba Balogun, who made this known in a press statement stated: “Solid Minerals Minister Dr.Oladele Alake has commended Africa Finance Corporation for supporting the Tinubu Administration in its agenda to transform the solid minerals sector into the country’s highest source of revenue.

“Alake made this known during the business visit of the President and Chief Executive Officer,  Africa Finance Corporation, Mr Samaila Zubairu to his office in Abuja.

“Speaking on the administration’s commitment to gather precise data on minerals, Alake stated that every efforts being made through policies initiatives and programmes to make Nigeria a destination for Solid Minerals will be futile if the nation didn’t improve on data gathering.

”We will invest heavily in data generation, concise and precise data generation that will empower and enable investors make informed decisions’.

”The ministry is committed to developing the necessary data needed to advance the $700 billion value under the ground under the big data strategy.

He added: “Dr Alake asserted that the present administration decided to shift attention from fossil fuel and its attendant climatic challenges to solid minerals as viable alternative.

”President Bola Ahmed Tinubu decided to create the ministry, empower it, and develop policies to make it advantageous to Nigerians.”

He also stated: “While acknowledging the robust partnership between the Africa Finance Corporation and Solid Minerals Development Fund aimed at identifying and supporting development-stage mining projects in Nigeria, the Minister said, the visit of the CEO of Africa Finance Corporation signposts how critical the mining sector is to Nigeria’s economic growth and prosperity.

“Dr Alake assured Mr. Samaila Zubairu that the Ministry will cooperate and collaborate with the Africa Finance Corporation to make the organizations roadmap actionable in tandem with the transformation agenda launched recently by the Ministry to increase revenue accruable to the government amongst others.

“Speaking earlier, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Africa Finance Corporation, Mr Samaila Zubairu stated that the quantum and value of Nigeria’s solid minerals has made it imperative to develop a framework of collaborating with the Ministry for the growth of the sector.

“Furthermore, he advocated the formulation of a framework that will support local investors by development banks, to de-risk investment in the mining sector with positive implications on increasing tax earnings for the country.

“The AFC boss pledged the corporation’s support for the Big Data project, value-added processing centres, reduction of insecurity, and support for indigenous mining companies.

“He disclosed that the AFC’s support for Segilola enabled it to prove that an indigenous company could succeed in the mining sector.”

Credit: The Nation Newspaper

Ekiti Assembly Confirms Oyebanji's Nominees For LGSC, HASC, ASC.

Ekiti Assembly Confirms Oyebanji's Nominees For LGSC, HASC, ASC.

The Ekiti State House of Assembly has confirmed Governor Biodun Oyebanji's nominees for the positions of chairmen and commissioners on the boards of three commissions of the state government.

The commissions are the Local Government Service Commission, the House of Assembly Service Commission and the Audit Service Commission.

The Assembly at a plenary on Wednesday presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, confirmed all the nominees after they had been found suitable at the Committee of the Whole.

In confirming the nominees of each of the commissions one after the other, the Speaker sought the concurrence of his fellow lawmakers through voice vote which were all affirmed with no objection to any of the nominations.

Rt. Hon. Aribasoye explained that the lawmakers considered the report of screening exercise asking his colleagues whether the report reflected what was resolved at the Committee of the Whole.

The Assembly members confirmed that the report was in consonance with what was resolved at the Committee of the Whole before the Speaker proceeded to lead them in the confirmation exercise.

Consequent upon their confirmation, the Speaker directed the Clerk of the Assembly, Mr. Tola Esan, to prepare the report of the screening and confirmation exercise for transmission to the executive in readiness for the swearing-in of the confirmed nominees.

Chief Samuel Abejide was confirmed as the Chairman for the Local Government Service Commission. Other members confirmed for the Local Government Service Commission included Mr. Wole Olujobi, Hon. Cecilia Dada, Hon. Febisola Adewale, Comrade Segun Onaade, Prince Suyi Aladesanmi and Mr. Olawole Adedipe.

Hon. Kayode Fasakin, was confirmed for the chairmanship of the House of Assembly Service Commission while other House of Assembly Commission members confirmed included Hon. David Taiwo, Hon. Olaniyi Olajide, Hon. Rotimi Ajidara, Mrs. Fola Richie-Adewusi, Mr. Bidemi Ipinlaye and Rev. Akintunde Famoyegun.

Mr. Adebayo Adeojo was confirmed as Chairman of the Audit Commission. Other board members  confirmed included Dr. Mufutau Bello, Mr. Alfred Fasakin, Mr. Jonathan Oluwasanmi and Hon. Ekundayo Akinleye. 

The nominees had earlier appeared before the lawmakers on Tuesday when they underwent screening along with their credentials with some of them asked questions to ascertain their suitability.

Interior Minister Unveils Bold Reforms to Expedite Passport Issuance: Two-Week Wait Time Targeted.

Interior Minister Unveils Bold Reforms to Expedite Passport Issuance: Two-Week Wait Time Targeted.

By: Comr. Olamide Akinwumi James. 

In a recent press briefing, the Honourable Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, unveiled a series of groundbreaking initiatives aimed at enhancing the passport application process in Nigeria. These initiatives not only seek to reduce the cost of travel for passport applicants but also aim to minimize the risks associated with the current system.

The minister began the briefing by declaring that "No Nigerian should have to wait more than two weeks to collect his/her passport," highlighting the government's commitment to expedited services.

Recognizing the crucial role of the media in society, Hon. Tunji-Ojo stressed, "Without the media in any nation, what you will have is anarchy." Emphasizing the importance of media advocacy, he urged the press to support the government's efforts in streamlining passport application procedures.

One of the key achievements highlighted during the briefing was the dedication of Immigration Officers who implemented three shifts to meet the rising demand for passports. Additionally, the Ministry increased the number of machines used in passport production to accelerate the process further.

Addressing issues of corruption, the minister cautioned against offering bribes to any officer, stating, "Don't give a bribe to any officer. Any officer demanding for tips should be reported, and we will take it up."

A game-changing announcement came when Hon. Tunji-Ojo revealed that by December of this year, passport applicants would no longer need to visit passport offices for document submission. Instead, they will be able to upload their passport photographs and supporting documents online, adhering to specific specifications. This innovation is expected to save applicants valuable time, as the only in-person requirement will be biometrics, a process that will take less than five minutes.

In terms of production statistics, the minister reported that a total of 204,332 passports have been produced to date. Out of these, 91,981 have already been collected, while 102,351 are yet to be claimed.

In conclusion, the Honourable Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, expressed the government's commitment to creating a seamless and efficient passport application experience for Nigerians. "The Nigerian experience is here. We want it to be seamless and sweet. We are coming with new innovations. Nigerians don't have to 'waste' a whole day to capture for their international passports," he assured.

These initiatives are set to revolutionize the passport application process in Nigeria, ensuring that it becomes more accessible, cost-effective, and convenient for all citizens.

Comr. Olamide Akinwumi James is a Public Relations Specialist, Writer, Content Creator and Journalist. He can be reached through: Akinwumiolamide09@gmail.com, 09068215955.

Ekiti State Governor Celebrates State Contingent's Triumph at National Youth Games.

Ekiti State Governor Celebrates State Contingent's Triumph at National Youth Games.

By: Comr. Olamide Akinwumi James. 

 In a heartwarming reception held at the Governor's Office in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, lauded the remarkable achievements of the state's contingent at the National Youth Games, which took place in Asaba, Delta State. The event, attended by prominent government officials, including Deputy Governor Mrs. Monisade Afuye, saw the Governor expressing his pride in the young athletes' resilience and dedication.

Despite encountering challenges during the opening day, Governor Oyebanji commended the state's athletes for their unwavering determination and perseverance. He assured them of cash rewards to acknowledge their exceptional performances and underscored the importance of their contributions to Ekiti State's sporting legacy.

The Ekiti State contingent, buoyed by the warm reception and the Governor's words of encouragement, expressed their gratitude. They vowed to continue striving for excellence and bringing home medals to further elevate the state's reputation in sports.

The National Youth Games provided an ideal platform for these young athletes to showcase their talents and dedication, and they certainly did not disappoint. Their success not only brings honor to Ekiti State but also inspires future generations of athletes to reach for the stars.

Ekiti State stands united in celebrating the achievements of its youth, and Governor Oyebanji's support reaffirms the state's commitment to nurturing and promoting sporting talent. The future looks bright for Ekiti State's athletes as they continue to make their mark on the national stage.

Comrade Olamide Akinwumi James is a Public Relations Specialist, Writer, Content Creator and Journalist, born and raised in Ise-Ekiti, Ise/Orun Local Government Area of Ekiti State. He can be reached through: Akinwumiolamide09@gmail.com, 09068215955