Vehicles for members not private property, says Reps spokesman.

Vehicles for members not private property, says Reps spokesman.

The spokesman of the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, has said the new Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV) to be distributed to members would not be personal property of the lawmakers.

Rotimi stated this following reports indicating that the lawmakers were supposedly being gifted vehicles worth allegedly over N100 million each.

He said for the duration of the 10th assembly, the vehicles shall remain the property of the National Assembly.

Rotimi, who made this known in a statement on Sunday evening, however did not say anything about the cost of the vehicles.

He said the vehicles are work tools, and not status symbols

The statement reads: “Honourable Members are diligent and patriotic elected representatives and not entitled. The anticipated allocation of vehicles will contribute to improved representation, constituency outreach and oversight functions.

“The House of Representatives is monitoring a trending topic across multiple traditional and online media, concerning the allocation of vehicles to honourable members, and because this issue has understandably generated significant public interest, we believe Nigerians deserve feedback from their elected representatives.

“While many versions of this story carry varying exaggerations, we can confirm that the National Assembly bureaucracy is in the phased process of procuring and distributing operational vehicles to honourable members over the coming weeks and months.

“This development is in accordance with extant procurement laws and has been the practice in previous assemblies. It is also not peculiar to the Legislature, as unelected government officials in the Executive arm of government from Director level and above, in most cases, have official vehicles attached to their offices.

“It is important to make a few clarifications. The vehicles to be allocated to the offices of honourable members are utility operational vehicles tied to their oversight functions in the discharge of their duties in the standing committees. They are not personal vehicles gifted to honourable members.

“For the duration of the 10th assembly (2023 – 2027), the vehicles shall remain the property of the National Assembly. At the expiration of the tenure of the 10th Assembly in 2027, should the extant assets deboarding policy of government still be in place, honourable members may have the option of making payment for the outstanding value of the vehicles to government coffers before they can become theirs, otherwise it remains the property of the National Assembly.

“The public is invited to note that as part of the 10th Assembly’s objective to ensure our integrity and independence, honourable members of the Green Chamber have resolved to maintain a respectable distance from the Executive arm of government, especially in issues relating to logistical aspects of oversight functions, including reaching difficult terrains in the country.

“No matter how remote the location is, as long as there are Nigerian citizens living there, they deserve highly mobile representatives who can see first-hand what they are going through, and ensure government interventions, programmes, and policies are carried out effectively. This can only be possible with functional and reliable off-road vehicles.

“Also, the House would like to inform the public that we remain committed to reducing the cost of governance in line with present realities. Those willing to research further would find a significant body of work with evidence that the percentage of the component of the Legislature’s budget as part of our national budget has been on a downward trend over the past decade, despite inflation and the expanding role and relevance of honourable members in the lives of citizens. It currently stands at 0.5% of the Federal budget.

“Accordingly, as all stakeholders continue to advance the conversation about reducing the cost of governance, we encourage looking in the right direction, and not cause disaffection for honourable members who want to discharge their duties effectively and above board, without being susceptible to inducement when the enablement to function is impaired.”

Credit: The Nation Newspaper.

Hon. Wale Alade-Oba Extends Heartfelt Congratulations to Governor Biodun Oyebanji Abayomi on His One-Year Anniversary in Office.

Hon. Wale Alade-Oba Extends Heartfelt Congratulations to Governor Biodun Oyebanji Abayomi on His One-Year Anniversary in Office.

 In a touching display of admiration and unwavering support, Honorable Wale Alade-Oba, a respected businessman and a stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Ifelodun/Irepodun Local Government Area (LGA), has conveyed his sincere congratulations to Governor Biodun Oyebanji Abayomi. This gesture coincides with the celebration of the distinguished Governor's remarkable one-year anniversary in office.

Hon. Wale Alade-Oba, also a member of BAO Anchor organization and the chairman of Ekiti in Diaspora for BAO Abuja chapter, recognized the exceptional intellectual prowess of Governor Biodun Oyebanji Abayomi. He praised the Governor's unwavering commitment to the betterment of Ekiti State, citing his dedication to good governance, infrastructural development, and the well-being of Ekiti's residents.

In this heartfelt message of congratulations, Hon. Alade-Oba underscores the significance of Governor Abayomi's first year in office, emphasizing the substantial progress made and the unwavering dedication displayed. Governor Abayomi's vision for Ekiti State, encompassing critical infrastructural development, social welfare programs, and the holistic well-being of the state's citizens, has served as a guiding light for Ekiti's journey toward progress and prosperity.

During his message, Hon. Wale Alade-Oba eloquently underscores the importance of strong leadership and unity within the APC. He takes this opportunity to commend Governor Abayomi for his role in promoting party cohesion and his unwavering commitment to upholding the core values and principles of the APC.

Furthermore, Hon. Alade-Oba extends his appreciation for the Governor's palliative measures, which were implemented to support the state's workforce in response to the fuel subsidy removal. He describes these actions as unprecedented and lauds the Governor for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of the state's employees.

In addition, Alade-Oba underscores Governor Abayomi's symbolic act of handing Ekiti over to God during his inauguration one year ago. This gesture is viewed as instrumental in ushering in a sense of peace and illumination in the state, both in the physical realm and on a spiritual plane.

Looking forward, Alade-Oba expresses his eagerness to collaborate closely with Governor Abayomi to achieve the shared goals and objectives of the APC within Ekiti State. He acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead and underscores the collective effort required to bring about meaningful and lasting positive change for the state.

Wale Alade-Oba's message of congratulations not only pays tribute to Governor Biodun Oyebanji Abayomi's first year in office but also serves as a testament to the unity and shared purpose within the APC. It underscores the party's commitment to effective leadership, development, and dedicated service to the people of Ekiti State.

As Governor Abayomi embarks on his second year in office, the support and encouragement from esteemed party members like Hon. Wale Alade-Oba reaffirm the shared vision of progress, prosperity, and good governance for Ekiti State under the capable leadership of the APC.

Unity and Support Shine as Hon Wale Alade-Oba Extends Birthday Greetings to Hon. Gbenga Oluwatuyi, APC's Flag Bearer for Ifelodun/Irepodun LGA Chairmanship Election.

Unity and Support Shine as Hon Wale Alade-Oba Extends Birthday Greetings to Hon. Gbenga Oluwatuyi, APC's Flag Bearer for Ifelodun/Irepodun LGA Chairmanship Election.

 In a heartwarming display of camaraderie and goodwill, Honorable Wale Alade-Oba, a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ifelodun/Irepodun Local Government Area (LGA), has extended his warmest regards to Hon. Gbenga Oluwatuyi, the chosen flag bearer for the upcoming Chairmanship election in Ekiti state, specifically for the Ifelodun/Irepodun LGA Chairmanship election.

Hon. Wale Alade-Oba, also a member of BAO Anchor organization and the chairman of Ekiti in Diaspora for BAO Abuja chapter, emphasized the exceptional intellectual prowess of Hon. Gbenga Oluwatuyi. He conveyed his heartfelt wishes for a life filled with longevity and prosperity, recognizing the importance of Hon. Oluwatuyi's role as a valuable and youthful leader poised to make a significant impact.

Addressing recent unfounded rumors of internal discord within the party and alleged dissatisfaction with the primary election results, Hon. Wale Alade-Oba categorically refuted these claims and reaffirmed his unwavering support for Hon. Gbenga Oluwatuyi. Drawing a poignant analogy, he emphasized that the unity within the party is akin to the saying, "A cooking pot for a lizard is a cooking pot for a chameleon," highlighting that the success of one ultimately benefits all.

Furthermore, Hon. Wale Alade-Oba stressed the absence of any contention between himself and Hon. Gbenga Oluwatuyi, underscoring his unwavering commitment to the party's unity and success. He made it clear, saying, "I have congratulated him and advised him to be magnanimous in victory. I am ready to render any support for my brother and friend of over 40 years."

He attributed his commitment to discipline, harmony, and consensus-building to his upbringing in a nurturing household. "I am always for peace, and I am available to render any support for my brother, Hon. Gbenga Oluwatuyi Chenco, to become the chairman of our local government area, in which, with God, all things will be possible. Victory is ours in Jesus' name," he affirmed.

In addition to extending warm wishes and expressing his steadfast support, Hon. Wale Alade-Oba took the opportunity to address those who engage in the spread of falsehoods and rumors, urging them to desist from such acts and instead pray for the unity of the party leaders in Igede.

As the Ifelodun/Irepodun LGA Chairmanship election approaches, this public display of support and unity within the APC stands as a testament to the party's resilience and unwavering collective determination.

Cushioning The Effect Of Subsidy Through BIOGAS Renewable Energy.

Cushioning The Effect Of Subsidy Through BIOGAS Renewable Energy.

A Biogas renewable energy expert Yemi Olubusoye has called on government at all levels to explore natural free methane gas to cushion the effects of subsidy on masses.

A BIOGAS renewable energy expert Yemi Olubusoye of YAGFIELD BIOTECH ENGINEERING LTD has call on government at all levels to explore natural free gas produced from bio-degradable waste; animal waste, agricultural waste, food waste and human waste as a way to cushion the effect of subsidy. Biogas is trying fast to take over the dominant role in Nigeria energy supply mix because of incessant increase in pump price of PMS, electricity tariff, hike inbtransportation fares, increase in prices of LPG cooking gas, food items and high cost of living have placed a huge demand on alternative source of energy for cooking, electricity and cheaper transportation through conversion of fossil fuel vehicles to CNG Gas, one liter of PMS fuel will last for 1hour: 30 minutes in a 2kva generating-set but one cubic meter (1m³) of CNG GAS connected to a generating-set will last for 6 hours to lower the cost of living on the masses, biogas energy can be constructed for household, cottage industries, hostels, schools, hotels, poultry and pig farm etc. when installed its free natural gas depending on the number of hours each users can afford.

While growing up we use kerosene stove but at a point kerosene became expensive and scarce and there was a switch to LPG gas, more cleaner energy and eco-friendly, today every home is using LPG gas for cooking, even rural dwellers who use firewood now have small gas cylinders to augment their cooking. One thing is certain, the use of cheaper Gas for cooking, power generating set and vehicles will take over Nigeria space in the next two years, people will gradually switch to more affordable, accessible, cleaner and eco-friendly energy. 

There are two types of gas; Propane (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) LPG and Methane which is Biogas. Propane LPG is refined from crude oil, highly flammable hydrocarbon gas while Biogas is a gaseous renewable energy source produced from raw materials such as animal waste, food waste, human waste and agricultural waste (Elephant grass). Biogas is produced by anaerobic bacterial decomposition of waste and digestion with anaerobic organisms or methanogens in an enclosed objects. Methane is a colorless & odourless gas unlike propane gas.

Looking at the future prospects of biogas, technical constraints and making biogas technology installation affordable, penetration into the rural communities and poor urban households have been suggested to cushion the effect of subsidy. One effective way to reduce cost of living; cooking, electricity & power vehicles to reduce carbon footprint of a business or home environment, utilization of food waste to save more money is for Nigerians to embrace BIOGAS because once installed with periodic feeding system you begin to enjoy free natural gas, diverting food scraps and other organic materials from landfills, methane and carbon dioxide can be captured and used efficiently. 

It's high time Nigerians begin to explore the abundance of natural free methane gas in their homes, business premises, restaurants, fast food, religion centres, schools and cottage industries, hospitals, hostels, public toilet, cattle farms, pig farms, poultry farms, homes, estates apartments etc. and to eliminate hazardous environmental impacts of fossil fuels CO2 emissions. Its advantages are enormous, It is a low-cost method to produce energy, making it economically friendly, reduces overhead cost of fueling the generator and payment of electricity bill, reduces soil, water and air pollution, produces organic manure as a byproduct to grow crops and utilization of waste. Instead of letting the wastes rot in landfills.

 

ENERGY FROM WASTE, POWER FROM NATURE.

Written By Yemi Olubusoye

08058134771 (Biogas Engineer and Installer)

Kidnapping: CAC bars members from travelling in branded buses.

Kidnapping: CAC bars members from travelling in branded buses.

The leadership of the Christ Apostolic Church Nigeria has called on members of the church across districts to avoid travelling in their branded vehicles.

The church’s General Secretary, Pastor E. Mapur, made the call in a circular issued to all CAC regional district supervisors and pastors on Friday.

The circular further directed each church assembly to engage the services of armed mobile police officers if they wished to travel in their branded vehicles.

It read, “The rate at which kidnapping incidents of church members, especially in branded vehicles/buses of the church, has become a source of concern to the church authority. The most recent is the incident of the Christ Apostolic Church Oke-Igan choir, whose members were abducted in Ondo State.

“I am directed to mandate every assembly in Christ Apostolic Church that henceforth any Assembly/District/Zone/DCC that wishes to travel in their branded buses/vehicles must ensure that the services of armed mobile police officers are engaged.

“The church cannot afford to see its members experiencing such a traumatic situation again. We urge all ministers in CAC to take this instruction with every seriousness. May the Lord continually protect all members of the church and indeed Nigerians.”

This directive came after about 25 choristers of the church were kidnapped by gunmen on September 29 at Ifon, at Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State.

While the police rescued eight of those abducted within a few hours, the remaining members regained their freedom on Friday, October 6, after their families paid a sum of N50m ransom to the abductors.

Don't Lose Hope in Nigeria, Oyebanji Tells Ekiti Youth.

Don't Lose Hope in Nigeria, Oyebanji Tells Ekiti Youth.

..…As Governor kickstarts first anniversary celebration with a youth forum.

The Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has charged Ekiti youth not to despair despite the multifaceted challenges confronting the nation and making the future looks bleak to the youth category. 

The Governor specifically advised the youth to be hopeful for a better future and refrain from  being despondent  due to the current socio-economic situations, exuding confidence that Nigeria is destined to be great and requires the sacrifices of all patriotic citizens for it to assume that status.

Oyebanji said this in Ado Ekiti, on Saturday, during a programme tagged "Youth, let's Us Talk With BAO", a political acronym for Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, as part of the activities marking the First anniversary of the current administration.

The venue of the event, Adetiloye Hall, located within  the precinct of the Ekiti State Trade Fair complex, was filled to the brim with members of various respectable  youth and students' groups drawn across the 16 local government areas of the state.

While answering some of the questions posed to him, Oyebanji advised the youth not to wait for instant solutions to all their problems, urging them to key into available opportunities created by government in sports, arts and culture and other sectors of the economy and stop scouting for shut cuts to success.

The Governor said he agreed to the fact that youth are supposed to be partners in governance, but added that  they should make enough sacrifices to develop Ekiti the way he and other Ekiti leaders exhibited while scrambling for the state creation under Gen Sanni Abacha-led Military government.  

Oyebanji said: "Despite that this country is  passing through some tough challenges at present, some people  are still making it big in legitimate businesses.

"So, don't lose hope in this country. Nigeria is destined to be great and it shall be greater. Let us work harder and hope for the best". 

Speaking about his dedication to make Ekiti youth relevant in governance and otvher ventures, Oyebanji said: "I  didn't create the Ministry of Youth Development by accident. I also adopted the Ekiti Youth Agenda document. We are going to look at this document together to know how to make your lives better". 

On how keen he was to put youth in strategic positions in government, Oyebanji said: "But let me tell you that access to power and leadership requires discipline and you being  circumspect. All the leaders need successors that can outmatch and surpass  them. They will want to test you and once you fail leadership test, then you can't be entrusted with power and leadership.

"As youths, learn how to discipline yourselves. Don't be selfish. Try and have good and sound morality. Try and step out of your comfort zones and go through self denials. But are you ready to go through the furnace? If you can't do these, you can't be in position of leadership. 

"I know the capacity of our youths, if I partner you, it is going to be a win-win situation. This government will continue to accord you respect, because you have shown great understanding. I know you have expectations. This government owes you a great deal, we will partner you to ensure we navigate this path together".

"I come to this office to deny myself of many benefits, so that we can have a good society that can benefit all of us. That is the kind of spirit  and mindset you must develop".

Speaking further, Oyebanji said his  government will soon roll roll out well structured marketing strategy to control astronomic increase in prices of goods and commodities and making lives difficult for the commoners. 

The Governor  said the Ekiti State Electricity Bill will be signed into law in a matter of days to ensure that state extends electricity to area that are short supplied, particularly the government institutions like the Ekiti State University will benefit from such gesture.

He said his government will liaise with the Governing Councils of the Ekiti State University and Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere Ekiti, for possible reduction in the tuition fees payable in the citadels of learning. 

Oyebanji promised to sign the Local Contents Bill into Law to prevent capital flight and mandates contractors to tap into potentials available in Ekiti, rather than going to other states to hire labour.

On job creation for the jobless teeming youth population, the governor expressed  readiness to provide security and good road facility for investors, so that employment can alsobe generated from the private sector to reinforce what the government is offering.

In his submission at the parley, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Gold Adesola Adedayo, revealed that the youth constitutes between 65-70% of the total population of the state, saying this accounted for why Governor Oyebanji treats their issues with utmost priority.

Reeling out specific areas where Oyebanji has made remarkable impacts, Adedayo said: "The launching of the Innovation Grant Facility (IGF) stands as a testament to our commitment to enhancing innovation and creativity among our youth. 

"This initiative has empowered the young minds of our state with advanced digital skills and entrepreneurship opportunities. As the Governor aptly puts it, "Innovation is the fuel of progress, and our youths are its drivers. The IGF is the gateway to a future brimming with possibilities."

The interactive parley was attended by the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Habibat Adubiaro, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Mrs Olabimpe Aderiye, Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mr. Jimlas Fasae, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Peju Babafemi, Special Advisers, Youth groups, among others.

State of the State: Ondo State in a fix, Correcting Constitutional Aberrations. Omoluabi Group Speaks on way forward.

State of the State: Ondo State in a fix, Correcting Constitutional Aberrations. Omoluabi Group Speaks on way forward.

Omoluabi socio- cultural and political group Ondo State chapter is not unaware of the hullabaloo that occupies the political space of the state with respect to agitations from the political actors in the state. We are aware that there is a lacuna in the governance of the state caused by the state of health of Mr. Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu which  has been a serious issue for debate in the public space. No one wish to be sick but what can man do when health fails by virtue of natural phenomenon. Absolutely nothing. One major truth is that as humans the body system can be ill and needs medical attention peradventure. So you can't blame Mr. Governor for his ailment or ill-health 

There are rumours in the public space in the last one to two months that the Chief Executive Officer of the State is in town and has since taken cover in his Ibadan home. We are aware that cabinet members and other government officials have met with him including the embattled Deputy Governor which further affirms that Mr. Governor is back in the country but prefers to operate from Ibadan in Oyo State. Yes, no doubt the Governor may deem it fit base on medical advise that he need to rest a short while before fully resuming back into his Alagbaka office in Akure, Ondo State.  We as a group will maintain a balanced view in this matter and will never be partial in our discus as this is a big issue that is germaine to the development of our state. 

We anticipated that after a brief rest it becomes imperative and constitutionally right to see Mr. Governor resume back into his office so as to provide directions in the governance and day to day administration of the state. Not operating from Alagbaka in Akure is already at this time and moment is a  constitutional aberration already. In such a crucial moment when the governor still deem it fit to further rest the Deputy Governor who is on a joint ticket with Mr. Governor should be made to continue in acting capacity to avoid major or minor lacuna which is already becoming too obvious.

Omoluabi Group observe that the state is operating like a ship without a captain, an aircraft without a pilot. Or can the pilot of an aircraft operate from the ground when the plane to be flown is already at a height in the air filled with passengers on board? That exactly is the situation with the sunshine state at the moment.We must correct this constitutional error before the constitution fights back which may possibly plunge the state into political anarchy.

The group however advise all political gladiators from Aketi and Aiyedatiwa camps which is now obvious to be the situation we now find ourselves among political leaders in the state at the moment to drop selfish intentions that is grossly anti development to the state. There is no good any anarchy can offer the state especially for a house that was once united. Let allies of these political actors stay away from creating further feud among the Governor and his Deputy. Ondo state is bigger than any personal interest and should be allowed to chart the path of progressive politics like we had abinitio.

In the overall  interest of the welfare of all citizens and residents of Ondo State, Omoluabi Group appeal for peace and advise that government becomes proactive in all facets. Our roads are now bad, insecurity now returned, palliatives not distributed, palliative buses not available to convey workers and school children to schools, dilapidated government- owned structures and many more are now the cases happening in our dear state. The truth is that Ondo state people misses the presence of Mr.Governor who is well known to be a proactive leader and a voice that speaks loudest for the State at all times and the entire southwest region.  

We hereby advise that all stakeholders in the state across all political divide, traditional rulers, religious leaders and all well meaning sons and daughters find a common ground under the leadership of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the Leader General of Afenifere Group to resolve this issue amicably.

The sun must continue to shine always, Ondo State chapter of Omoluabi Group passionately wish the state well under the Aketi- led State Government that is incumbent.

 E- Signed:

 Omoluabi Aluko Taiyelolu Ife.

 Ondo State Coordinator.

 15/10/2023.