My Government Initiates Policies to Reduce Elders' Stress, Sufferings, Says Oyebanji.

My Government Initiates Policies to Reduce Elders' Stress, Sufferings, Says Oyebanji.

The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, on Saturday, assured elderly citizens in the state that his government will continue to accord them the deserved respect and initiate programmes that will transform their lives and make their old age more comfortable.

Oyebanji disclosed that the payment of gratuities and pension, introduction of emergency programmes in all medical facilities and reintroduction of social security scheme for the elderly, were conceptualised to reduce the elders' stress, sufferings and neglect in governance. 

Oyebanji said this in Ado Ekiti, on Saturday, during an engagement with Older Persons held  at the Adetiloye hall as part of the activities marking the first year anniversary of his administration.

At the event, attended by the First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji,  a Gynecologist, Dr. Bolade Ojo, took the elders through a health tips and ways they can prevent and  overcome some of the health challenges associated with old age.

Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, said his plan  and focus upon assumption of office, was to create a state, whereby all the strata of the society , regardless of age, religion, ethnicity and political leanings will enjoy the dividends of democracy under him.

The Governor  saluted the elders for deploying their youthful vitality of the past  to serve the state and fought for its creation, saying his government will continually treat them with respect.

"What I want is a State where everyone regardless of age, gender, religion, or ethnicity will live happily and thrive. We made payment of pensions our priority and also defrayed some outstanding gratuities of retirees at the State and Local Government levels. On health care, the government established  Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs) across all the LGAs to improve response to health emergencies. 

"We also expanded the Ulera Wa Health Insurance Intervention from five LGAs to 10. Also, as part of the rural development plan, 43.4km of farm roads have been constructed across some LGAs. I assure you that this government will continue to do its best to ensure the welfare of our senior citizens.

"I am immensely grateful to Ekiti elders for your support, guidance, and prayers. Especially, I thank the Ekiti Council of Elders for their commitment and contributions to Ekiti development".

Speaking further, Oyebanji added that he was  aware of the National Senior Citizens Act and the establishment of a dedicated centre by the Federal Government to ensure that the rights of older persons are mainstreamed in all programmes and activities. 

"As the State accords due attention to our senior citizens, I urge families to also take care of their aged parents and relations.  An elderly person at home is like a living golden treasure. We are to take care of our aged effectively while alive, it is then that celebrating them when they are no more will be meaningful".

Describing the elders as strong pillar of support to the current administration, the Ekiti State First Lady, Dr Oyebanji, sought continued support for his husband, saying the elders won't regret such action. 

"What the Governor needs most are your prayers, because the elders carry a grace and whatever they say shall come to fruition. This government is for you and we will not let you down" .

In his response, the Chairman of the Ekiti Council of Elders, Prof. Joseph Oluwasanmi, said the sudden removal of fuel subsidy really had a toll on the elders, which he said makes it imperative for government to design policies that would cushion the effect on this category of the Nigerian population. 

Oluwasanmi, a Professor of Medicine and Surgery, saluted Oyebanji for his scintillating  achievements in one year in office, particularly for being committed to factor all the citizens into his policies. 

"We will continue to support and pray for the success of your administration. We have seen how you have been working hard to make Ekiti great. We are proud of your modest achievements". 

In his lecture, the Provost, College of Education, Bamidele Olumilua University of Science and Technology(BOUESTI), Prof. Adekunle Adegun, who spoke on ”Older Persons in Contemporary Times", advised the elders to pay utmost attention to their wellbeing.

Prof Adegun, who described old age as very challenging, appealed to the elders to think less about material acquisition and refrain from acts that can stress them financially and economically, thereby worsening their health situations .

Ekiti Council Boss Hails Emergence Of Ekiti As Overall Best in Accountability, Transparency Index.

Ekiti Council Boss Hails Emergence Of Ekiti As Overall Best in Accountability, Transparency Index.

By: Sunday Olatunji. 

The Executive chairman of Ado -Central Local Council Development Area, Ado Ekiti, Engr.Toyin Ojo, has hailed the emergence of Ekiti State as first in terms of compliance with  transparency and accountability in the management of public funds and implementation of public policies in the 36 states of the federation.

The Chairman described the ranking as a reflection of a  commitment of Governor Biodun Oyebanji to good governance since he assumed office .

This is contained in a  statement issued on Saturday by the Director of Information and Civil Orientations of the LCDA, Mr Sunday Olatunji, saying the ranking of Ekiti as  first among the states of the federation spoke volumes of administration that places high premium on giving its citizens unrestricted  access to vital information regarding governance, public finance, budget and government audited accounts.

The council boss lauded the Governor for doing the State proud among the comity of states by passing the integrity test of governance .

The Center for Fiscal Transparent and Integrity Watch Index yesterday released its 2023 index annual assessment of 36 states of the federation, taking into account the six key areas in assigning the scores which included open budget, accessibility, public procurement, human resources, anti- corruption and citizens engagement.

According to the report, it was revealed that Ekiti, Kaduna and Ondo states occupy the foremost positions as the three most compliant states with Ekiti State securing the highest score at 61.32% earning it the top rank. At the lower end of the complaint spectrum are Ogun, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom states respectively .

Engineer Ojo, said  it was not surprising that Ekiti State emerged first among states of the federation considering  all the parameters deployed by the Center (TII) to arrive at the ranking.

"any Ekiti people, especially the keen watchers of various developmental strides  and programmes being witnessed in the state would concur that the State Governor, Mr. Biodun Abayomi has been steadily keeping faith with his campaign promises of running open, transparent and all inclusive government".

The statement reads in part "I want to rejoice with Mr. Governor for attaining this lofty feat .The ranking of Ekiti State as overall best in Nigeria after critical and thorough assessment of all the states of the federation in terms of compliance with the Transparency and Integrity Index variables, further lends credence to the reason Governor Biodun Abayomi's  administration has decided not to tamper with funds meant for the local governments in the state .And that's why critical projects of development are seen every where in Ekiti today .

The council chairman therefore called on the people of the State to continue to render necessary supports to the Governor for him to be able to continue  projecting the image of the state positively through implementation of  the people- oriented programmes and policies .

Retaining Top Position On Fiscal Transparency And Integrity Watch List Index Well Deserved – Ekiti Information Commissioner.

Retaining Top Position On Fiscal Transparency And Integrity Watch List Index Well Deserved – Ekiti Information Commissioner.

Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun has described a new report by the Center for Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch (CeFTIW) that placed Ekiti State top of its Index Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch list as well deserved and a prove of continuity of vision and performance.  

The new index which was released this month by the Center for Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch in collaboration with the MacArthur Foundation had placed Ekiti, Kaduna, Ondo, Lagos and Gombe states top of its Index Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch list and Bauchi, Adamawa, Benue, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom states are bottom.

According to the report, public institutions are assessed on variables including Website integrity; Fiscal Transparency; Open procurement; Anti-corruption; Citizens Engagement/Responsiveness and Human Resources and Inclusion in all 36 states of the federation.

The Index, the first of its kind in Africa, is research on public institutions’ compliance with principles of transparency, integrity, and open governance, drawn from national and international principles. The Index seeks to promote citizens’ access to information and participation in governance by encouraging government institutions to proactively disclose information on governance.

The international principles were drawn from United Nations Convention against Corruption, Financial Action Task Force, African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption, UK Anti-corruption Summit 2016 and Open Government Partnership. The local principles are drawn from the Bureau of Public Procurement Act, Federal Character Principles, The Freedom of Information Act, 2011; The Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007; Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 and Executive Order No. 001, 2017.

Recalling that Ekiti was 2nd (2021), 1st (2022) and has now retained its 1st position in 2023, Olatunbosun noted that “it is very rare to retain such a position, especially in a transition period, unless there’s strong commitment from the new Government to entrench existing reforms”. 

Describing the State workforce as dependable and efficient, the Commissioner commended the consistent level of performance which led to the feat.

“We acknowledge the staff of various MDAs who have worked over time to make this happen: Ministry of Budget, Planning & Performance Management; Ministry of Finance; Bureau of Public Procurement; Bureau of ICT; Offices of the Accountant and Auditors General. Without the civil servants in these MDAs, such a consistent level of performance won’t have been possible”, he said.

Assuring that Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration will not relent efforts at ensuring good governance while rapidly developing the State and improving the lot of the people, Olatunbosun urged all stakeholders, particularly public servants, to continually support efforts of Government at “keeping the State working towards shared prosperity”.

” The challenge of being at the top is staying there and that’s what we must continue to achieve over the life of this administration”, he stressed.

Ekiti, Lagos, Kaduna, Gombe Rank Top Of Transparency, Integrity Index, Adamawa, Bauchi Bottom.

Ekiti, Lagos, Kaduna, Gombe Rank Top Of Transparency, Integrity Index, Adamawa, Bauchi Bottom.

A New report by the Center for Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch (CeFTIW) has placed Ekiti, Kaduna, Ondo, Lagos and Gombe states top of its Index Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch list and Bauchi, Adamawa, Benue, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom states are bottom.

The index was released this month by the Center for Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch in collaboration with the MacArthur Foundation.

According to the report, the index looked at six key areas in assigning the scores: Accessibility, Open Budget, Public Procurement, Human Resources, Anti-Corruption, and Citizens Engagement.

The index is also an annual assessment that examined the level of transparency and accountability operational in the management of public funds and implementation of public policies in all 36 states of the federation.

This year, Gombe State ranks 5th among the 36 states of the federation and 2nd among the 19 states of northern Nigeria with respect to transparency variables.

Commenting on the development, the Director-General of Research & Documentation, Associate Professor Muazu Shehu emphasized the transformation in Gombe’s accessibility to crucial information.

He said prior to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s assumption of office in 2019, Gombe lacked a functioning website, which led to a deficit in accountability with citizens having no means to access vital data regarding governance, public finance, budgets, government audited accounts, and public procurement. This lack of online engagement channels hindered citizens from effectively holding the government accountable.

However, in a resolute commitment to establishing transparency and accountability, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya took the initiative to create a new official website for Gombe State. This website was meticulously designed with a strong focus on transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement. It incorporates features such as public procurement, budgeting, and government audited accounts, enabling citizens to access critical information about the state government.

Moreover, the platform provides avenues for citizens to interact with the government online, thereby empowering them to hold the government accountable. The website has evolved into a tool for promoting transparency and accountability in Gombe State.

See full list below:

No Nigerian deserves to live in poverty — Senate spokesman.

No Nigerian deserves to live in poverty — Senate spokesman.

The senate spokesperson for the ninth National Assembly, Yemi Adaramodu, has said that no Nigerian deserves to live in poverty, adding that the senate is desirous of stamping it out in the country.

Adaramodu said this while speaking on the Arise TV show about the senate retreat billed to be held in Akwa-Ibom State tagged “Fiscal Policy” on Friday.

He maintained that the figure of Nigerians living below the poverty level should not matter, but the way of taking them out of the realities should.

“It is not the figure or data from anybody, including the World Bank and Statistics agencies, that matters but the willingness to take Nigerians out of poverty. The figure disparity does not matter.

“I don’t believe that any Nigerian deserves to be poverty-stricken. No Nigerian is expected to go to bed without about two decent meals daily. No Nigerian youth is supposed to have a job, just as no Nigerian parent is expected not to sponsor their children to school.

“We all know that there is poverty in the land, and the Senate is ready to enunciate policies that will ensure that Nigerians are brought out of economic,” he added.

Speaking on the Sport Utility Vehicle worth N160 million approved for the 109 senators when the country is battling economic crisis, Adaramodu said it is just synonymous with when the people said senators had bought Funiture, which is untrue.

He corroborated that every four years, which is a term of a legislature, every senator is entitled to a working tool, which the vehicles (SUVs) are part of.

The senator representing Ekiti South Senatorial District also stressed that the budget earmarked for this purpose is primarily for oversight functions.

“The vehicle is always boarded after. If you don’t want it, you could leave it,” he added.

The Punch Newspaper 

PDP youths threaten to sue Akeredolu for not resuming office.

PDP youths threaten to sue Akeredolu for not resuming office.

The PDP youth leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ondo State have condemned the continued stay of the state governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, outside the state.

Governor Akeredolu last month returned to the country after a medical vacation in Germany, and has since been staying at his personal residence in Ibadan Oyo State capital.  A situation that has been generating reactions from different quarters in the state.

The PDP youths had earlier issued a 3-day  ultimatum to the governor to return to the state. The ultimatum expired on Thursday.

Speaking at the state secretariat of the party in Akure on Friday, the convener of the PDP youth wing, Mr. Oluyi Tayo said the group would take legal action against the governor if the latter refused to return to the state.

He said, “It is crucial that the House of Assembly, in the interest of our state and its citizens, upholds these constitutional provisions to ensure the continued and effective functioning of our government, and if the House of Assembly failed in this regard, we won’t hesitate to explore other legitimate Constitutional means to press our demands

“We have written a letter to the state House of Assembly and as we speak, our people are there to deliver the letter and we expect them, (lawmakers) to receive the letter. The copy of the received copy will be avail to journalists soonest.

“We are ready as a main opposition party to take the governor to court, or even the Speaker if they failed to invoke Section 189(4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on him (governor).

“It is also in our legal rights to take to the streets if they fail to address this because our demands are very simple. We can’t have a governor who is yet to address the citizens since he returned from his medical vacation.

If truly the governor is fit, he should come out to address the good people of Ondo state, that should not be something that is much for him to do.”

However, the youth leaders of the All Progressives Congress in the South-West zone condemned the call made by the Peoples Democratic Party.

The South-West Youth Leader of the APC, Mr Lawal Kolade, who spoke on behalf of other youth leaders in the zone in Akure, described the PDP as a confused and dying party in the state.

He said, ” There is no doubt that Akeredolu is well-loved by the people of Ondo State considering their massive electoral support and prayers during his trying time. But it is very illogical for the state chapter of the PDP to be calling for his resignation or impeachment by the state House of Assembly.

” This shows that the PDP is confused and dying due to the defeats they have suffered in various elections in the state as a result of the popularity of Governor Akeredolu in the state.

“The decision of Governor Akeredolu to seek rest and adjust their normal work schedule to allow him to fully recover is a testament to his human nature, reminding us that even leaders are not exempted from the trials of flesh and blood. We are optimistic that he will soon make a complete recovery and physically join us.”

Tinubu confirms Adeniyi’s appointment as Customs’ CG.

Tinubu confirms Adeniyi’s appointment as Customs’ CG.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the confirmation of Adewale Adeniyi as substantive Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service.

 A statement issued by the Director of Information in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Willie Bassey, said Adeniyi’s appointment takes effect from October 19, 2023.

 President Tinubu appointed the new Comptroller-General of Customs on June 19, 2023, in acting capacity to replace his predecessor, Colonel Hameed Ali (rtd).

 “His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved the confirmation of the appointment of Adewale Adeniyi (MFR) as the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service.

 “The appointment takes effect from 19th October, 2023 and his tenure is in accordance with the extant provisions of the Public Service Rules (PSR).

 “The President tasks him to bring his wealth of experience to bear on his new assignment”, the statement said.