Chicago record: Tinubu betrayed me, I’ll fight till Supreme Court verdict, says Atiku.

Chicago record: Tinubu betrayed me, I’ll fight till Supreme Court verdict, says Atiku.

Adebayo Folorunsho-Francis and Abdulrahman Zakariyau.

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 poll, Atiku Abubakar, on Thursday, said he did not betray President Bola Tinubu, over the allegation of certificate forgery he levelled against him at the court.

Rather, he said the former Lagos State governor abandoned him as well as the Action Congress of Nigeria and supported Umaru Yar’Adua of the PDP in the 2007 presidential poll.

Atiku also recalled how he saved Tinubu by not allowing former President Olusegun Obasanjo to take over Lagos State in the 2007 general elections.

However, the All Progressives Congress has knocked Atiku following his Thursday attack on Tinubu, saying his ill-timed press conference was in gross contempt of the Supreme Court.

The National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Felix Morka, said the ruling party was not bothered by Atiku’s  claims, which it said lacked purpose and delivered nothing except “the pitiful regurgitation of lies, mindless distortions and deliberate falsehood on Atiku’s infantile obsession with the academic record of the president.’’

But Atiku, who was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the February elections, vowed not to give up on his quest to prove that Tinubu forged the Chicago State University certificate he submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission before the polls.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, the former VP also urged the presidential candidates of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, and New Nigeria Peoples Party, Rabiu Kwankwaso, to support his quest for justice.

He expressed concern that Nigeria’s reputation was at stake, adding that “We must uphold Nigeria’s election ground rule (constitution).”

The Thursday press conference marked the third time Atiku addressed journalists since INEC declared Tinubu of the APC the winner of the presidential election.

Those who attended the world press conference were former President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki; ex-Cross River State Governor, Liyel Imoke; former National Chairmen of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus; and Senator Iyorchia Ayu, among others.

In addition to filing an election petition appeal at the Supreme Court to challenge the judgment of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal which upheld Tinubu’s victory,  the PDP standard bearer had sought the academic records of the President from the Chicago State University to prove his allegation of forgery against the former Lagos State governor.

Magistrate Jeffrey Gilbert had on September 19 granted Atiku’s request for the release of Tinubu’s academic records but the President challenged the ruling, but his objection that the documents would not be relevant in Atiku’s appeal at the Supreme Court was overruled by federal judge Nancy Maldonado, who directed the CSU to release the president’s academic records.

Responding to questions from newsmen during the news conference, Atiku denied reports that his action was a betrayal of the ex-Lagos State governor, noting that Tinubu is indebted to him for preventing former President Olusegun Obasanjo from dethroning him as governor in 2007.

He revealed, “In 2007, we came together to form ACN (Action Congress of Nigeria) and in Lagos at the convention, I emerged and got the ticket. And after the convention, a few of our friends who are here met me and told me Bola wanted to be my running mate. So, I asked for their opinion on Muslim-Muslim ticket.

“All of them said they objected. So, I asked them why didn’t they tell him? So, that was the end of our political relationship; it broke away as he went ahead and supported Yar’adua. So where is the ground for him to say I betrayed him?’’

Speaking further, he added, “Those of you who are old enough will remember that in 2003 the PDP took over all the states in the South-West, with the exception of Lagos. I stood before Obasanjo and said no, you can’t take Lagos. And he left it. So, who is indebted to the other: Is it me or Tinubu? Tinubu is indebted to me.’’

The PDP presidential candidate, who lamented how former President Muhammadu Buhari allegedly dealt with some of his business entities, said he was not scared Tinubu would go after his business interest, adding “It has already been taken away from me since the Buhari administration. They took it and distributed it among themselves.”

Atiku fights on

Atiku who pledged to fight on, promised to sheath his sword after the Supreme Court must have passed judgment on the matter.

Justifying his demand for Tinubu’s CSU records, Atiku explained, “We undertook this journey at great cost and for important reasons. The ground rules for legitimate governance in our country need to be upheld, and the reputation of our country is at stake. That affects everyone, Nigerians everywhere.’’

He added, “I am a democrat by conviction and a citizen of a country that I love. The issues at stake in this case require us once more to re-dedicate ourselves to both the country and our constitution.

“I wish to pay tribute to the late human rights activist, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, who inspired us on this path of discovery. Now, he can truly rest in peace in the assurance that what he started about 23 years ago has come to fruition.

“Gani’s vindication today gives credence to the saying that no matter how fast a lie runs, the truth will someday overtake it. This quest is not for or about Atiku Abubakar. It is a quest for the enthronement of truth, morality, and accountability in our public affairs.’’

Calling for mass support for his crusade, the PDP candidate said, ‘’In line with this, therefore, I am calling on all well-meaning Nigerians, leaders of thought, our religious leaders, our traditional leaders, our community leaders, our political leaders, and in particular, (ex) Governor Peter Obi of the Labour Party and (ex) Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso of the NNPP and the leaders of every political party in Nigeria and, indeed, every single person who loves this country, as I do, and who wishes nothing but the best for the country, as I do, to join me in this campaign to enshrine probity, accountability and the basic principles of justice, morality and uprightness in our country and our government.”

Atiku’s lawyer, Kalu Kalu alleged that the CSU confirmed that Tinubu forged the certificate he presented to INEC.

“Also, the qualifying certificates from Southwest College to Chicago bear a female indicating that the document does not belong to Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The CSU admission has a claim that Bola Ahmed Tinubu attended government college, Lagos, and graduated in 1970 when indeed, the school was established in 1974. We were told by the CSU Registrar that the A in CSU stands for Adekunle, but the A in the certificate submitted by Bola Tinubu to INEC has the NYSC certificate as Adekunle,’’ he further claimed.

Kalu declared that the Supreme Court had held that they could permit a party to adduce fresh evidence as long as certain conditions were met, adding that “from what transpired in the proceedings in US courts, that condition is going to be met. So as we speak, our law is very clear that a party at fault cannot be allowed to enjoy the fruit of his illegality.”

Meanwhile, Atiku has reportedly filed fresh evidence obtained from the Chicago State University, United States to strengthen his appeal in the Supreme Court against Tinubu.

A credible source, who is close to the former Vice President, exclusively disclosed that Atiku submitted fresh evidence.

Responding to a question from our correspondent on the matter, the source said “ Yes, we have submitted fresh evidence to the Supreme Court before the deadline.”

APC kicks

But Morka dismissed Atiku’s charges against the President as a display of desperation and an attempt to whip up public sentiments and put the Supreme Court under pressure.

He said, “For several weeks now, Nigerians and the world have watched with incredulity Alhaji Abubakar’s display of utter desperation in his failed bid to become the President of Nigeria.

‘’Earlier today (Thursday), he put his desperation in overdrive during his press conference where he addressed some of the issues in his appeal at the Supreme Court and bandying unproven charges against the President of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a calculated attempt to shamelessly whip up public sentiments and inordinately pressure the Supreme Court.

“We believe Atiku should have known better than to demonstrate gross contempt of the highest court by making public comments on a matter that he has submitted to the court for adjudication.

‘’The major take-away from his Yar’Adua Centre show, especially at question time, was that Atiku harbours deep animosity towards Tinubu whom he believes was responsible for his electoral woes in 2007, 2015, 2019 and this year.’’

Describing Atiku’s action as unbecoming of a statesman of his stature, the APC spokesman accused the PDP standard bearer of using his fight for Tinubu’s academic records as an instrument of mischief and blackmail.

He stated, “In desperation, unbecoming of a statesman who once occupied the second highest office in the land, the PDP candidate in the last election has thrown every decency, decorum, dignity and national respectability out of the window on his purposeless judicial voyage of discovery to the United States in search of a magic wand for taking power against the will of the Nigerian electorate loudly expressed in last February’s presidential election.

“It should now be clear to all Nigerians that despite Atiku’s lies before the Illinois Court that he wanted to use the discoveries in pursuit of his appeal at the Supreme Court, he has rather chosen to use the same as an instrument of mischief and blackmail in clear contempt of the highest court of the land.

‘’We want to urge him to graciously accept his defeat and quietly lick his political wound with some dignity. Nigerians rejected him at the polls, and he cannot get by subterfuge what he failed to get through the ballot box.”

A former Director of Publicity and Media for the dissolved Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, Bayo Onanuga, also slammed the PDP candidate over his ‘’obsession with Tinubu’s emergence as president of the country.’’

Tinubu associates

While admonishing the former VP to deal with his desperation to become president, the veteran journalist also described his media conference as an affront and a plot to whip up sentiments against the Supreme Court.

He said, “The guy (Atiku) is just desperate. You went on a fishing expedition. What did you bring back? They are obsessed with their own version of reality, which is contrary to the fact presented to them.

“Chicago State University already told these people that this man indeed attended our school and that he is a male, not a female. He even took an entrance exam into the school from a college. It is the same man, yet these people (PDP) are still doubting his certificate.

“The fact is obvious. Did this man attend CSU? Yes, he did. They’re just bringing up irrelevant issues. Imagine Atiku talking about the president dragging down the reputation of Nigeria. Who is more guilty of dragging the country into the mud if not this same Atiku Abubakar?

‘’Look, in the United States, Atiku’s corruption status has become legendary.  The last time the US Congress published what they call ‘Case Report of Corruption’, Atiku featured among four or five African leaders there who were said to have siphoned money from Nigeria to America, which of course were seized from him.

‘’He was stealing from here to abroad. Tell me, who has dragged Nigeria more into the mud than this guy, who is merely obsessed because he desperately wants to be president and was beaten by a first timer? Yet, he cannot just stomach the defeat.’’

Speaking further, Onanuga queried the rationale behind Atiku’s press conference which he described as a contempt of court, stressing that he should have waited for the apex court to determine his election petition appeal.

He added, ‘’Again, you said you have filed a case at the Supreme Court, what is the purpose of this press conference? Are you planning to pile pressure on the court, pre-empt the judgment or whip up sentiments against the apex court?

‘’That press conference was totally unnecessary because you have already filed a case in court. So why not wait for the Supreme Court to deliver its own judgment? Why must you come public again with what you have already filed?

‘’This is a contempt of the highest court in the land. He and his lawyers should know better. The Supreme Court should hold them in contempt for speaking to what they are presenting before it.  It is so unnecessary.”

LP reacts

Meanwhile, the leadership of the Labour Party has admonished Atiku to leave out its presidential candidate, Obi, out of his feud with the President.

The party’s response was a reaction to an earlier call by the PDP candidate on Obi and Kwankwaso, to join his crusade in exposing the alleged dirty secrets of the president.

In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of LP, Obiora Ifoh, on Thursday, the party disclosed that its candidate shouldn’t be distracted as he is presently focused on reclaiming his ‘stolen mandate’ from the apex court.

The statement read, “The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi is presently in the Supreme Court seeking to reclaim his stolen mandate and he is focused on that.

“He has been in the vanguard of ensuring a just nation where justice must be the watchword, and he will not stop until Nigeria achieves the leadership it truly deserves. Obi has pontificated severally on the need for leaders to be good role models and to live a life worthy of emulation.

“This he has done by publicly putting his credentials in the open for verification. Nigeria will get better when men of integrity and honour drive the affairs of the nation. We therefore welcome every other interest willing to join us in our pursuit of a nation where justice shall reign.”

Credit: The Punch Newspaper.

World Teachers’ day: Oyebanji splashes over N35 Million on best teachers in Ekiti.

World Teachers’ day: Oyebanji splashes over N35 Million on best teachers in Ekiti.

..…Says over N2 billion expended on school renovation, upgrade.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji on Thursday doled out  over N35 million to teachers and administrators for their impressive performances in uplifting education in the state.

Presenting the Cheques at the well-attended event held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado Ekiti Governor Oyebanji congratulated the teachers for their strong commitment to duty, patriotism, resilience and hard work in promoting education in the state.

The Governor also said his administration has committed over 2Billion Naira to massive renovation and upgrade of schools throughout the sixteen local government areas of the state to make learning environment more conducive and interesting for both teachers and learners.

Governor Oyebanji, who said his administration recognized the roles of teachers and their sacrifices despite obvious inadequacies, explained that it was the reason his government has focused attention on meeting some of the basic needs of the teachers which included payment of outstanding salaries, promotion areas, leave bonuses, car loan, among others.

Speaking on the theme for this year’s World Teachers Day, “The teachers we need for the education we want: the global imperative to reverse the teachers’ shortage”,  Governor Oyebanji said the challenge of shortage of teachers is a global phenomenon that needs concerted efforts to address which is why his administration has undertaken two consecutive recruitment exercise since he assumed office.

He explained that his administration had cumulatively recruited 1500 teachers into the primary schools segment and 500 teachers in the secondary school segment with an assurance that his government would continue to employ more teachers to fill vacancies occasioned by retirement and change of career.

While commending the teachers for their dedication and steadfastness to duty, the Governor charged them to continue to do their best to ensure the students are well educated in all domains of education. He also urged the teachers to continue to improve their profession by taking the advantage of modern technology devices in modernizing their teaching skills in order to make learning more robust, all-round and relevant for today.

The highpoint of the ceremony attended by teachers from the 16 local government and the LCDAs was the presentation of cheques of N5million each to the best teachers in both Primary and secondary schools categories. The  beneficiaries were Osaranmaye Yetunde of St. Marks Nursery & Primary School, Ilupeju Ekiti for the Primary category and Owoseeni Tolulope of Harding Memorial College, Ado Ekiti for the Secondary Category.

Other awards include twenty-six consolation prizes of N100,000 each cutting across both Primary and secondary schools while the first runners-up got N1.5million each and the second runners-up got N1 million each.

Also, N2million went to each of the two best administrators from primary and secondary schools categories in the state. They are Ogunruku Blessing Adebimpe of SUBEB Nursery & Primary School, Oye Ekiti and Oso Ebenezer Oluwarotimi of Christ School, Ado Ekiti.

“As you are now well familiar with our Six Pillars of Administration, youth development and human capital development are the number one and two respectively in the six pillars. For us, the most urgent need today and the nearest future is the empowerment of our youths through quality education, skill acquisition and innovation. To achieve these pillars, you are at the central of the process. 

“It is for this reason that we have focused attention on meeting some of your basic welfare needs including the payment of outstanding salaries, promotion arrears, leave bonus, car loans among others. We recognize your dedication to duty and contribution to the development of our state and we will continue to give you necessary incentives to make you to do more.

“Our administration has undertaken two consecutive recruitment exercises since I assumed office. As at today, we have cumulatively recruited 1500 teachers into the primary school segment and 500 teachers into the secondary schools, bringing the total number of newly recruited teachers to 2000.” The Governor stated.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Education, Dr Olabimpe Aderiye who was represented by the Permanent  Secretary in the ministry, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi applauded the Governor on the respect and motivations he accorded teachers, adding that various achievements of the Governor in educational sector has shown that he is really a teacher-friendly Governor.

In their separate goodwill messages, the SUBEB Chairman, Prof Femi Akinwumi who was represented by the Permanent Secretary Mr. Afolabi Adebiyi, NUT National President who was represented by the former South West vice president, Comrade Kayode Akosile, Ekiti NUT President, Comrade Dauda Olaitan, ASUSS Chairman, Comrade Sola Adigun, all commended the Governor for all his giant strides in education sector which has taken the state to an enviable position. 

They all commended the Governor for prompt payment of salaries, running grants, transformation of technical colleges, and renovation of schools buildings among others. They assured the Governor that teachers in the state would be more committed and dedicated to the overall interest of the state.

Also at the event were the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; his Oyo State counterpart, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; members of the House of Assembly; members of the State Executive Council, Secretary to the State Government, Dr Habibat Adubiaro among others.

Ekiti Approves Appointment Of New OBANLA Of Ipao Ekiti.

Ekiti Approves Appointment Of New OBANLA Of Ipao Ekiti.

...60-Year-Old Agric Facility For Renovation.

The Ekiti State government has approved the appointment of Prince Williams Oluseyi Ehinmodupin as the new Obanla of Ipao Ekiti in Ikole Local Government Area of the State.

Prince Williams Oluseyi Ehinmodupin the new Obanla of Ipao Ekiti.

The State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun who made this known in Ado Ekiti, said that the approval was part of the decisions of the State Executive Council on Wednesday.

Rt. Hon. Olatunbosun said the appointment was made after clearance from the Ministry of Justice, adding that it was consistent with the provisions of the Chiefs Law Cap C5 Law of Ekiti State (2012).

Olatunbosun added that the appointment has been authorized to be published as a legal notice in the state gazette.

The Commissioner said the Council also approved the renovation of the Agricultural Farm buildings (Phase I) at Erinfun, along Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti/Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) road which function as office of the Livestock Investigation Centre (LIC) in the State and accommodation for trainees.

Olatunbosun noted that the facility was constructed over 60 years ago by the colonial administration adding that the structures had become very dilapidated due to long usage without repairs and proper maintenance while the staff quarters have become inadequate and need to be remodeled towards resuscitating the vision of the founders and essence of establishing the facility.

He said that Government’s approval to renovate the facility was premised on its potential contribution to the achievement of the developmental agenda of the Biodun Oyebanji administration including Youth Development and Job Creation; Human Capital Development; Agriculture and Rural Development as well as Infrastructure and Industrialization. 

According to him, Phase I of the project is expected to be completed in six weeks, comprised of renovation/remodeling of 5-block trainees accommodation while the Phase II will take care of the renovation/remodeling of the farm officers’ accommodation, stores, training classes and offices. 

He assured that the State Government would continue to implement policies and execute people-oriented projects that will engender the vision of keeping the State working towards shared prosperity.

Ekiti State Teacher Earns Coveted Title of Overall Best in Nigeria 2023.

Ekiti State Teacher Earns Coveted Title of Overall Best in Nigeria 2023.

By: Comr. Olamide Akinwumi J. 

In a momentous achievement, Ekiti State has proudly claimed the title of the "Overall Best Teacher in Nigeria for 2023." This outstanding recognition was awarded to Mrs. Adeyemi Omolade Elizabeth, a dedicated educator whose commitment to excellence in teaching has shone brightly on the national stage.

The Federal Ministry of Education bestowed this prestigious honor upon Mrs. Adeyemi Omolade Elizabeth, highlighting her remarkable contributions to education in Nigeria. Her dedication to nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning has not only transformed the lives of her students but has also set a shining example for educators nationwide.

In addition to this remarkable individual recognition, the Federal Ministry of Education also unveiled the top-performing public secondary schools in the country:

Imade College Owo, Ondo State.

St. Louis Grammar School lkere, Ekiti State.

Government College lbadan, Oyo State.

Government Secondary School Afikpo, Ebonyi State.

These institutions have consistently demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence and have made significant contributions to the Nigerian educational landscape.

The accolades received by Mrs. Adeyemi Omolade Elizabeth and the recognition of outstanding public secondary schools serve as a testament to the dedication, hard work, and passion for education that continue to thrive in Nigeria. It is a moment of pride for Ekiti State and the entire nation, as we celebrate these educational milestones and look forward to a brighter future for our students.

As we applaud Mrs. Adeyemi Omolade Elizabeth and these exemplary schools, we are reminded of the transformative power of education in shaping the destiny of our nation. Congratulations to all the awardees, and may their dedication continue to inspire educators and students alike across Nigeria.

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

Gbonyin LCDA Transforms Under Hon. Oluwadamilare Ajayi's Leadership.

Gbonyin LCDA Transforms Under Hon. Oluwadamilare Ajayi's Leadership.

By: Omotayo Peter.

In a remarkable show of leadership and development, Hon. Oluwadamilare Ajayi, the Executive Chairman of Gbonyin Local Council Development Area, proudly announced the positive transformation that his administration has brought to the council area over the past 21 months. Speaking during a personality program titled "Le se kuku" on Fresh FM Ado Ekiti, Hon. Ajayi emphasized that Gbonyin LCDA has now become a model for others to follow.

In business development, Hon. Ajayi said Marketplaces across Gbonyin has received much-needed facelifts.

"Notable achievements include the renovation of 20 units of market stalls in Ijan Ekiti, the construction of 10 units of open market stalls in Iluomoba Ekiti, and the refurbishment of 20 units of market stalls in Aisegba Ekiti. Noted that these improvements not only enhance the comfort of traders but also contribute to increased Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)". He expressed. 

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

He added that 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.

In the realm of human capital development, Hon. Ajayi's said 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 agricultural growth, Hon. Ajayi said his administration 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.

Callers during the program lauded the giant strides of the council boss in the areas of infrastructure, women empowerment, agriculture, and security.

Looking ahead, Chairman Hon. Oluwadamilare Ajayi, who is contesting for another term, promises to consolidate on his impact and continue the journey of development for Gbonyin LCDA.

In his words, Hon. Ajayi expressed his vision, "We are committed to creating a better future for Gbonyin LCDA, and together, we will achieve even greater heights."

World Teachers' Day: Teachers Are The Bedrock Upon Which Our Communities Are Built~Jimi Odimayo.

World Teachers' Day: Teachers Are The Bedrock Upon Which Our Communities Are Built~Jimi Odimayo. 

The Member of the House of Representatives representing the people of Okitipupa/Irele federal constituency, Hon. Okunjimi Odimayo has expressed his heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for the dedicated and tireless efforts of Nigerian teachers especially teachers in Okitipupa/Irele federal constituency who play an indispensable role in shaping our society and the future of our children.

Emphasizing this year's theme, "The Teachers We Need For The Education We Want: The Global Imperative To Reverse The Teacher Shortage", 

Odimayo praises teachers for their adaptability, innovation, and dedication to education while urging the government to hire more teachers to enhance educational quality.

The legislator emphasizes that teachers aren't just knowledge providers; they serve as mentors, role models, and the foundation of our communities adding that their influence extends beyond academics, shaping values and nurturing creativity. 

As a lawmaker, Hon. Odimayo urges the government to invest in professional development, technology access, and fair compensation for educators stressing that education is fundamental to progress and must be strengthened.

He promises to continue supporting teachers' crucial work, contributing to a brighter future for children and the nation. 

Additionally, the Chairman House Committee on National Population Commission calls on the Federal Government to improve teachers' welfare.

Lastly, Odimayo calls on communities, educational institutions, and policymakers to celebrate and support teachers not only on this special day but throughout the year and into the future, recognizing their invaluable contributions.

Victor Adedeji, 

Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Member of the House of Representatives, 

Representing Irele/Okitipupa Federal Constituency. 

October 5, 2023.

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.