Ekiti Government commences second phase of palliatives distribution.

Ekiti Government commences second phase of palliatives distribution. 

....As Oyebanji rallies support for Tinubu.

The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, on Friday, flagged off distribution of the second phase of palliatives to Ekiti masses, barely two weeks after it commenced transfer of N5,000 monthly to indigent citizens in the state. 

The Governor pointed out that his respect for the citizens is borne out of the  fact that he recognises  the citizens as his boss.

Oyebanji also rallied support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the removal of the fuel subsidy, clarifying that the policy was not intended to punish the citizens , but to fortify the economy for a greater and prosperous  future. 

Oyebanji spoke in Ado Ekiti, while flagging off the distribution of the second tranch of the  palliatives to the indigenes to cushion the effects of subsidy removal on them.

Addressing the beneficiaries at the  Osuntokun pavilion, Government House ground, Oyebanji said one year has gone in the life of his administration, promising that the remaining years will be better in terms of greater economic prosperity, infrastructural development and improved standards of living of the populace. 

"But if our government is doing something you don't like, kindly tell us, we are not infallible. Tell the political appointees or elected people in your constituencies, they will tell us, so that we can correct ourselves. You are the one who voted for me, you are the boss and not me". 

The Governor declared that the consumables, comprising rice and maize, to be distributed in the second phase, were provided by the Federal and state governments to mitigate the effects of subsidy removal. 

Oyebanji said: "I have told you that I will always  lead you with truth. Our President,  Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu sent some palliatives to you and we bought some to be able to go round. It is a partnership between the federal and state governments.

"These palliatives are for the poorest of the poor and whoever can take three square meal daily without stress should please resist the temptation of taking from these palliatives. It is for those who can't afford that".

Reeling out programmes he had initiated to make lives easier for the populace after subsidy removal, the Governor said: :"The state government is now running a free transport system to support our teachers and civil servants. 

"We have also begun the distribution of N5,000 stipend to some poor masses, they will receive this for three months, just to reduce the current pressure. All these are just palliatives pending the time we will take concrete measures to address the current situation". 

Oyebanji, who described the subsidy removal as a good and beneficial policy, added: "President Bola Ahmed Tinubu asked us to tell you that subsidy removal is to make our future better, not to punish us. It could have been better if the past administrations had removed the subsidy.

"So, I plead with you, continue to pray for President Tinubu and my government. Let me tell you that Ekiti is the first state to distribute the second batch and we will continue to reach out to you as we get these in batches from the federal government".

The Governor added that apart from palliative distribution to the poor, those running poultry businesses will receive trucks  of maize to make them thrive and contribute to economic development. 

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Chairman of the Pallaitive Distribution Commiitee, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade, said the state had earlier received 3,000 bags of rice from the Federal Government and had distributed them to the citizens in the first batch.

He said this action shows the power of sensitivity, empathy  and sympathy of the Governor Oyebanji's government, which indicated that his administration can show compassion to the citizens to mitigate the current effect of economy on them.

"Compassion should be a guiding principle to all Nigerian citizens, especially at this point. It is also part of our lives in Ekiti to show empathy to humanity. We call on individuals and private organisations to join the government to make lives meaningful for our people. We will ensure that every household gets their own share of these largesse".

Ekiti Road Projects Will Transform Economy, Security, Transportation, Says Oyebanji.

Ekiti Road Projects Will Transform Economy, Security, Transportation, Says Oyebanji.

....All projects must meet BAO's standard, Governor insists.

The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, on Friday said all the road projects being executed by his administration were strategically undertaken to transform the economy, ease transportation and ensure security of lives and property across the state. 

The Governor also threatened to reject any road project executed without complying to set standard and specifications to guarantee durability and ensure value for money.

Oyebanji spoke in Ikere Ekiti, on Friday, while flagging off the reconstruction of Ikere-Igbara-Odo road, as part of the activities marking the First anniversary of his administration. 

The Governor said rehabilitation of the road would ease transportation of abundant agricultural products from that axis to the main market in Ado Ekiti, Ikere and outside the state that would bolster the economic viability of farmers and increase the state's Gross Domestic Product(GDP).

Assuring that the project will be done to standard, Oyebanji revealed that all the projects awarded to contractors must comply with BAO's standard to guarantee durability and quality.

"I can assure you that this project, like any other ones, will be given 100 percent supervision. I am also giving the community 100 percent supervisory control on this job. Please do proper monitoring and report to us any suspicious move, “ the Governor said 

“On the concern for quality our people are raising, I assure you that all our roads will be of BAO's standard. I can't do a shoddy job for any town in Ekiti because when I finish my tenure, I am going nowhere. I will stay in Ekiti. 

"Apart from the Ministry of Works monitoring this project, I also have a Project Monitoring Unit in the Governor’s office that will monitor it. We are not just doing projects, we are being strategic about it. We are trying to create a gateway that can make you get anywhere without passing through Ado Ekiti. 

"I know the Federal Government will do the Ikere-Akure road, but we have to provide alternative pending the time the road will be completed and that is what this road will stand for.

"We are building these roads to connect our communities to create a pathway for economic development, improved security and ease transportation for commuters. I assure you that the resources allocated will be prudently utilised to ensure that it is done to specifications to give value to the money spent on it".

Lending credence to what the Governor said, the Commissioner for Works, Mr. Sola Adebayo, added that the road has been a source of concern to the state as it affects the movement of the people, particularly the students of the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology(BOUESTI), while also posing as security threat to commuters. 

Adebayo said the massive provision of infrastructure, is part of the ways to unlock opportunities in Ekiti,, saying: "This is a symbol of the fact that Governor Oyebanji has the welfare of the people at heart. It shows we are committed to giving quality projects to our people. We know the challenge this construction will pose to you, we seek your understanding and patience for smooth completion of the project".

Some prominent Ikere community leaders, Chief Francis Aladejebi and Hon Gbenga Omole, praised the governor for not neglecting Ikere people in project siting and execution, saying the road doesn't just connect Ikere to Igbara Odo, but will be a good alternative route to Akure and Lagos due to the deplorable state of Ikere-Akure road.

Pointing out the importance of the road, the BOUESTI's Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victor Adeoluwa, commended the governor, saying the reconstruction would combat cases of kidnapping in the area, of which his students had fallen victims at different times.

Eulogizing the governor for being people-centric, the Ogoga of Ikere, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado, said he saw the passion that Governor Oyebanji was in a hurry to develop the state with the quantum of projects being churned out to benefit the populace.

Oba Adu appealed to the Governor to apply the best technology to construct the road, so that it can last the test of time, regretting that most roads don't last due to shoddy jobs. We know that you are in a hurry to make Ekiti great, God will help you to succeed.

Building Collapse: EKSG Will Deal With Defiant Developers — Deputy Governor.

Building Collapse: EKSG Will Deal With Defiant Developers — Deputy Governor.

.....Committee recommends demolition of collapsed Event Centre.

Determined to checkmate occasional cases of building collapse that was posing danger to human lives, the Ekiti State Government, has indicated interest to henceforth deal with developers contravening extant rules and regulations in the state.

The state government, said such action became expedient to safeguard the lives of the people and curtail  actions of developers, who often circumvent the rules mandating them to get proper approvals and building to specifications while handling pubic structures.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, handed down the threat on Friday in Ado Ekiti, while receiving the report of the six-man committee on set up to probe the collapse of F & G Event Centre at Ijero Ekiti recently. 

Th building located along Ijero-Ido road, had on September 3, 2023 , suddenly collapsed on over 300 occupants during a burial reception holding  in the hall, leading to scores being injured in the ensuing melee.

Receiving  the report, on Friday, Mrs Afuye, said  the government will consider the committee's recommendations to curtail unprofessional conducts of some developers.

She appreciated the committee on behalf of Governor Biodun Oyebanji  for doing a thorough job, saying the governor is favourably disposed to taking any action that will ensure safety of the citizens and curtail professional misconducts among developers.

"Let me appreciate you for doing a thorough job. Safety of our people is very dear to Governor Oyebanji. We thank God that no life was lost during the incident. But we must guard against reoccurrence of such incident.

"I want to assure you that all the recommendations shall be looked into and the necessary actions shall be taken on this matter".

As contained in the report submitted by the Chairman of the Committee and Permanent Secretary,Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr. Abayomi Opeyemi, the body called for outright demolition of the Event Centre for non-compliance with building rules and  regulations.

Opeyemi also tasked the Standard Organisation of Organisation (SON) to mandate producers of cement and other building materials to comply with the best production practices to solidify building structures and halt  collapse.

Reeling out their findings leading to the collapse of the building, Opeyemi said: "The concrete used was of poor quality. The professionals were not on ground and there was  no regular site visisitation by government body. 

"We also found that the project has no approved drawing. The design was not properly done while the reinforcement was used unprofessionally".

Opeyemi revealed that developers handling any public building like schools, hotels, event centres, religious buildings, industrial buildings, shopping malls and town/family  halls must get all the requisite approvals from government. 

He said part of the recommendations included the establishment of a Planning Permit and Building Control Agency, warning of professionals against misconduct, rehabilitation and equipping of all fire fighting services across the local governments.

Other committee members  are: Permanent Secretary, Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr. Olajide Borode, Chairman, Ijero Local Government, Hon. Adeola Adeyemi, and Director Physical Planning, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development,Mr Femi Bamisaye.

Others are:  Deputy Director, Public Building, Bureau of Special projects, Mr. Sunday Ariyo and Director of Administration and Supply, SEMA, Mr. Ayodeji Oguntuyi.

Ekiti First Lady Unveils Pet Project, WAOH.

Ekiti First Lady Unveils Pet Project, WAOH.

....Empowers 350 Widows, 25 Orphans.

....Oyebanji Urges Privileged Nigerians To Adopt Widows, Orphans.

Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, on Thursday officially unveiled her pet project, Widows and Orphans Hope Project  (WAOH Project) giving out material and financial empowerment to 350 widows.

At an impressive and well-attended ceremony held at the Abiodun Adetiloye Hall of the State Trade Fair Complex in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti First Lady also gave financial support of N100,000 each to 25 students who are orphans under the WAOH Project.

The students majority of whom were drawn from federal and state-owned tertiary institutions in Ekiti State received the funds to assist them in reducing the burden of paying their school fees, examination fees and purchasing instructional materials.

The benefiting widows received materials like deep freezers, grinding machines, sewing machines, hair dryers, garri processing machines, washing machines, photocopying machines, computer sets, gas burners and cylinders which were based on what they requested for in the forms they had earlier filled.

Some of the beneficiaries received raw food for retail sale while the aged ones among them received N20,000 each and bags of assorted food items. All the beneficiaries who received material empowerment also received N10,000 to transport the materials back to their various destinations.

Operators of medicine stores among them were empowered with N100,000 each which had been paid to a prominent pharmacy in the state where they will receive the drugs worth the money to stock their shops.

The ceremony was attended by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (who addressed the gathering virtually in his capacity as chairman of the event), former Ekiti First Lady, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; Deputy Governor, Mrs  Monisade Afuye; Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; House of Representatives member for Ekiti South Federal Constituency 2, Hon. Femi Bamisile; Managing Director of Premium Trust Bank, Mr. Emmanuel Emefienim; state All Progressives Congress (APC Chairman, Barrister Paul Omotoso; state Assembly members and State Executive Council members.

The State Council of Traditional Rulers were represented at the event by the Chairman, the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Ilori Faboro while monarchs' wives were also present.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji who spoke at the event urged privileged Nigerians to imbibe the culture of adopting widows and orphans for economic and educational empowerment to give them succour and make them fulfilled in life.

Mr. Oyebanji said the WAOH Project was an initiative conceived by his wife to continue the good work of her immediate predecessor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, who was on hand to distribute the education empowerment to the orphaned beneficiaries.

The Governor who assured that the over 30,000 widows already registered under the scheme would be touched one way or the other throughout the life of his administration also promised that the exercise would be a continuous one.

He also expressed the readiness of his administration to organize business development seminars for widows through the state Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.

While stressing the importance of adopting orphans and widows for support by the privileged in the society, the Governor expressed his readiness to adopt a little child described as "a double orphan" who was one of the beneficiaries of the Back to School Initiative of his wife held last month.

Earlier, the First Lady, Dr. Oyebanji, said she conceived the idea of WAOH to reach out to widows and orphans whom she described as the most vulnerable in the society to give them hope and support to complement the Shared Prosperity vision of her husband.

Dr. Oyebanji disclosed that due diligence was done before the beneficiaries were picked as they were visited in their localities and further screened at the WAOH office located in her office so that their needs could be properly identified.

She said no amount should be considered too small or big to spend to assist the widows and orphans noting that her passion for them made her to source for donors clarifying that WAOH is not a government-supported scheme.

The First Lady said all the beneficiaries would be monitored to ensure that the materials and the monies received are put to proper use. She noted that mechanisms have been put in place for effective monitoring.

She said further: "Today, we stand here with the purpose of uplifting widows and orphans, assisting them in attaining self-sufficiency, diminishing poverty, fostering gender equality, and fortifying the socio-economic fabric of the communities they call home.

"The designated categories of widows and orphans for empowerment include three distinct groups: active widows, the active widows are the ones between the ages of 25 to 50 years, semi-active widows are between the ages of 51 to 69 years and the inactive widows (aged) are the ones between the ages of 70 years and above, Today, a total of 350 widows are set for empowerment.

"The next category of  beneficiaries comprises 25 orphans that are currently pursuing higher degree in various institutions of higher learning in the country, majority of who were drawn from Ekiti State institutions of higher learning, making a total of 375 beneficiaries altogether in today’s programme."

"Our plan is to be able to carry out this empowerment programme like two to three times within a year, subject to availability of fund.This will enable us reach out to a larger number of widows and orphans and make appreciable impact in their lives."

Former First Lady, Erelu Fayemi, who was the mother of the day, said she was very proud of her successor, Dr. Oyebanji, noting that she fully identified with the WAOH project and would continue to give her support.

Erelu Fayemi said: "I am so proud of her and you will agree with me that over the past one year, she has done a fantastic job. Governor Oyebanji, I am also proud of you. You are doing a fantastic job for Ekiti people." 

Erelu Fayemi said there are laws in the state that protect widows and orphans adding that WAOH is a step in addressing the root causes of poverty in the lives of widows and orphans.

The President of Ekiti State Widows’ Association, Mrs Omoyeni Fatunase, who also gave a goodwill message at the event, lauded Dr Oyebanji for the initiative, adding that the association was happy that the widows were given the needed support to feed themselves and take care of the children . 

“What happened today gave us joy because the First Lady gave these beneficiaries the needed support for them to feed themselves and take care of their children and dependants. We thank the Wife of the Governor for putting smiles on the faces of widows and orphans in Ekiti.”, she added.

FIFA President wants greater investment in women’s football.

FIFA President wants greater investment in women’s football.

The president of the world’s football governing body Gianni Infantino has appealed for significant investment in women’s football which he described as the future of the game. 

Gianni Infantino was speaking at the start of the Asian Football Confederation congress. 

Since taking over the leadership of FIFA, Gianni Infantino has masterminded significant reforms aimed at projecting Women’s football to unprecedented heights. The football supremo has repeatedly called for more attention and investment to women’s football as part of blueprint geared towards revolutionizing the game. 

“We are discussing the 2027 Women’s World Cup. My appeal is to invest in women’s football, it is the future. I want every country in the world to have a women’s league, a women’s national team,” Infantino stressed. 

Women make up 50% of the world’s population. We must develop women’s football, opening more doors and opportunities. We have all the elements to organize competitions and invest in development.

“We must make sure we give every talent the chance to show off, so as to see world championships and, perhaps, world champions coming from Asia”  

The FIFA head also stressed on plans to further unite the world through football as well as initiatives underway to improve on the grooming of young talents globally via the Talent Scheme and FIFA Forward Funds. 

He continued: “We like to say that football is becoming truly global and it is and we have a responsibility in this respect. You have a responsibility in this respect. You play an important role in this unity of the world.

“For the FIFA Forward Programme, for the Talent Development Scheme we have been multiplying by seven the funds which are available to all compared to 2016 before I became FIFA President.

“We have been able to make available these funds for you to invest in girls’ football in boys’ football to invest in the future, in the zones and in the growth of our game.” 

With the Israelo-Palestinian war raging, Gianni Infantino expressed his sympathy to the populations affected by this war.

“Unfortunately we live in a divided and aggressive world. I want to send my deep condolences to the families and friends who are losing their lives in Palestine and Israel.” 

“My solidarity is with the people across the region who are suffering and paying an unspeakable price. My thoughts and prayers are with all the mothers who have lost their children and all those who suffer.” 

“Violence and hatred do not achieve anything. My appeal is for those who are involved and who have the power to stop all this, to find a solution that can make us live in peace and together,” he concluded.

Joshua, Fury to earn £100m in Battle of Britain clash.

Joshua, Fury to earn £100m in Battle of Britain clash.

Eddie Hearn has said that Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury could make over £100million each if they are to have a Battle of Britain clash next year.

Fury and Joshua had been locked in talks over a Battle of Britain bout last year but discussions broke down after the Gypsy King grew impatient.

Fury decided to move on and secure a bout with former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, while AJ fought against Robert Helenius.

However, Hearn is adamant a fight between the pair will happen after Fury fights Oleksandr Usyk and AJ takes on Deontay Wilder.

If Fury and AJ win those bouts, Hearn said they will be in line to make over £100m for a Battle of Britain bout next year.

Hearn told The Overlap’s Stick To Football podcast with Sky Bet: “They will make over £100m each. If Fury beats Usyk and AJ beats Wilder, they’ll make over £100m each. That’s when it starts to become easy because, well, come on lads.”

When asked whether he thinks the bout between AJ and Fury will actually get over the line, Hearn said: “I think they will fight and I think it will be the biggest fight of all-time. But, you just never know with Fury. Fury could hang him up.

“I don’t think Fury is over the moon to fight Usyk. He just knows it’s a really tough fight. I think Fury wins and I think Fury thinks he wins but he knows how good Usyk is.

“But, they came up with the money and if they come up with the money he will fight. He thinks he can take AJ too. But, he might take the money from the Usyk fight and go missing.”

Fury and Joshua had been locked in talks over a Battle of Britain bout last year but discussions broke down after the Gypsy King grew impatient waiting for AJ to sign the contract.

Negotiations over the highly-anticipated bout had been ongoing for months before both parties declared the fight – which was scheduled to take place on December 3, 2022 – was officially off the cards.

The Gypsy King said he was furious at AJ for ‘wasting his time’ and stated he would never fight the 32-year-old in the future as a result. However, Fury made a shock U-turn just a couple of months later and returned to the negotiating table.

He took to social media to tell his fans that Queensbury had sent AJ a draft contract. His caption read: “A few days ago I sent a draft contract to Anthony Joshua for a fight in September.

Credit: The Nation Newspaper.

FIFA President wants greater investment in women’s football.

FIFA President wants greater investment in women’s football.

The president of the world’s football governing body Gianni Infantino has appealed for significant investment in women’s football which he described as the future of the game. 

Gianni Infantino was speaking at the start of the Asian Football Confederation congress. 

Since taking over the leadership of FIFA, Gianni Infantino has masterminded significant reforms aimed at projecting Women’s football to unprecedented heights. The football supremo has repeatedly called for more attention and investment to women’s football as part of blueprint geared towards revolutionizing the game. 

“We are discussing the 2027 Women’s World Cup. My appeal is to invest in women’s football, it is the future. I want every country in the world to have a women’s league, a women’s national team,” Infantino stressed. 

Women make up 50% of the world’s population. We must develop women’s football, opening more doors and opportunities. We have all the elements to organize competitions and invest in development.

“We must make sure we give every talent the chance to show off, so as to see world championships and, perhaps, world champions coming from Asia”  

The FIFA head also stressed on plans to further unite the world through football as well as initiatives underway to improve on the grooming of young talents globally via the Talent Scheme and FIFA Forward Funds. 

He continued: “We like to say that football is becoming truly global and it is and we have a responsibility in this respect. You have a responsibility in this respect. You play an important role in this unity of the world.

“For the FIFA Forward Programme, for the Talent Development Scheme we have been multiplying by seven the funds which are available to all compared to 2016 before I became FIFA President.

“We have been able to make available these funds for you to invest in girls’ football in boys’ football to invest in the future, in the zones and in the growth of our game.” 

With the Israelo-Palestinian war raging, Gianni Infantino expressed his sympathy to the populations affected by this war.

“Unfortunately we live in a divided and aggressive world. I want to send my deep condolences to the families and friends who are losing their lives in Palestine and Israel.” 

“My solidarity is with the people across the region who are suffering and paying an unspeakable price. My thoughts and prayers are with all the mothers who have lost their children and all those who suffer.” 

“Violence and hatred do not achieve anything. My appeal is for those who are involved and who have the power to stop all this, to find a solution that can make us live in peace and together,” he concluded.