Ekiti State Executive Council Congratulates Governor Oyebanji on One-Year Anniversary.

Ekiti State Executive Council Congratulates Governor Oyebanji on One-Year Anniversary.

By: Comr Olamide Akinwumi J.

Members of the Ekiti State Executive Council, a distinguished group including H.E Chief Mrs Monisade Afuye, Dr. Habitat Adubiaro, Engr. Sunday Akomolafe, Barr. Dayo Apata SAN, Hon Akin Oyebode, Hon Kayode Fasae, Mr Seun Fakuade, Mrs Peju Babafemi, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade, Mrs Omotayo Adeola, Hon Adesola Gold Adebayo, Prof Patrick O. Tedela, Chief Mrs Tosin Aluko Ajisafe, Prof Rasaki Bakare, Hon. Adesola Adebayo, Chief Folorunso Olabode, Mr Ojeniyi Adebayo, Prof Mobolaji Aluko, Otunba Dolamu Adeniyi, Rt Hon Taiwo Olatunbosun, Hon Olaiya O Atibioke, Dr Makanjuola Kareem, Rt Hon Karounwi Oladipo, Dr Mrs Olabimpe Aderiye, Dr Oyebanji Filani, Mr Yinka Oyebode, Mrs Adetoun Agboola, Dr. M. Akeem Azeez, Hon Yemisi Ayokunle, Hon Olufemi Ajayi, Mr O'Seun Odewale, Chief Jide Awe, Barr. Niyi Idowu, Hon Oluwafemi Awe, Mrs Oluremi Ajayi-Babinton, Hon Gbenga Agbeyo, Hon Olatunji Akinyele, Hon Tade Aluko, Dr Moyo Ekundayo, Chief Mrs Kemisola Olaleye, Hon Gboyega Oloniyo, Hon Odunayo Ayeni, Arc. Temitope Ogunleye, and Dr. Raphael A. Olowookere, have joined together to extend their heartfelt felicitation to His Excellency, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji Abayomi, the Executive Governor of Ekiti State, on his one-year anniversary in office as the leader of the state.

In a joint statement signed by all the esteemed members of the Ekiti State Executive Council, they praised Governor Oyebanji for his exemplary leadership over the past year. They expressed their unwavering support and conveyed their hopes for continued success in realizing the state's strategic development agenda, comprising six crucial pillars.

In their statement, they recognized the foundation laid by Governor Oyebanji in his first year, setting Ekiti State on a path toward shared prosperity.

The Ekiti State Executive Council warmly congratulated Governor Biodun Oyebanji and wished him continued strength and guidance from the Almighty in his ongoing efforts to transform and uplift Ekiti State.

The statement was jointly issued by a roster of prominent council members, reflecting their shared appreciation for Governor Oyebanji's commitment to the state's progress and development.

Public-Private Partnerships needed to achieve development goals – FG.

Public-Private Partnerships needed to achieve development goals – FG.

The Federal Government has admitted that working together with the private sector will help it achieve its development goals, particularly because the government’s resources are decreasing.

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, made the admission during the 30th Annual Lift Above Poverty Organization (LAPO) Development Forum in Abuja.

The Minister said it had become necessary to sustain the partnership with the private sector to advance the development agenda in the light of diminishing government revenue.

Senator Bagudu, represented by Dr. Sampson Ebimaro, the Director of International Cooperation, explained that Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) play a vital role in addressing areas not covered by the government, including healthcare, the environment, the economy, public policy, and support for vulnerable citizens.

He stressed that “the government’s policy objectives are crucial for both state and non-state actors, and NGOs should work in alignment with the national development plan, ensuring inclusivity and non-discrimination in addressing the diverse needs of society.”

The Minister acknowledged the significant challenges faced by the government including a revenue deficit, slow economic growth, rapid population growth, increasing unemployment, and high inflation.

He urged non-governmental organizations ‘to play a role in helping the government address these issues and cover areas where the government’s resources and capacity fall short”.

Dr. James-Wisdom Abhulimen, the Head of Programme and Corporate Communications at LAPO, emphasized the importance of non-state actors, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), in complementing government efforts to promote national and economic development because the government cannot shoulder this responsibility alone.

Killing of 100 in Abuja false, exaggerated, says Wike.

Killing of 100 in Abuja false, exaggerated, says Wike.

Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike has described recent report that 100 people were killed in one of the FCT area councils in Abuja as false and exaggerated.

The Minister disclosed this during his recent live broadcast with selected reporters, monitored by The Nation in his office.

He said: “We had our security council meeting where the Area Council chairman where they are members of the FCT security Council.

“Let me say something here. The security situation is not peculiar to FCT. Before now you are aware that some many states are aware that there are security challenges and they have complained about kidnappings and banditry, infact, i still don’t know where we have this report where over 100 people have been killed. That is not a tenable report.

“When you say 100 people, who are these 100 people that were killed? Some people exaggerate. I’m not saying that one or two persons were killed. To say that 100 people were killed, that is not possible. We must have to publish the information with facts and figures. As I came on board and as you know one of the priorities of Tinubu’s administration is security, protection of lives and property.

“No government can be serious if you cannot protect lives and property. And that is why for us we have to key in and reduce the level of insecurity in FCT”.

Fear has continued to grip many residents over the activities of criminals who disguise as commercial vehicle operators to attack and rob unsuspecting victims.

There have been reported cases of ‘one-chance’ robbery and kidnapping in Abuja for weeks.

A joint task force on cross-border crimes was set up last week to tackle the security menace called ‘one-chance’ robbery, with the involvement of all security operatives in the FCT.

The taskforce was constituted after a security meeting chaired by Wike.

The Minister blamed the rising crime in the capital city on illegal motor parks and uncompleted buildings used as dens by criminals.

“In most cases we don’t even let the public to know what has been done. I can tell you the security agencies have done quite a lot. If not, by now, the FCT would have been a different thing.

“One of the areas we identified is that the FCT is at the centre – we have Niger State, we have Kogi State, we have Nasarawa State, we have Kaduna State. And if you check these four states, these four states are states that (experience) from time to time, banditry, kidnapping.

“And we discovered that most of the areas that they (criminals) stay are shanties and uncompleted buildings and that is why we say we cannot allow these uncompleted buildings where criminals have made their place of abode. Bring down all these uncompleted buildings which have turned to shanties and they will have nowhere to hide.”

Wike added: “Just last week, we set up a task force on those states that we have borders with and one-chance. Joint security task force including the SSS, the police, the army, the navy, and they have identified the way they will operate.

“To tell you that we are concerned that is why we have to set up this joint task force for the one-chance and the border control.

“Again, you see a lot of illegal motor parks. When we come up with a policy that we can’t allow these illegal motor parks, people will come up to say the economy is hard, things are tough but nobody wants to look at it from the security implication.

“We are also planning to shut down some of these illegal motor parks.”

Southeast PDP adopts Udeh-Okoye as consensus National Secretary candidate.

Southeast PDP adopts Udeh-Okoye as consensus National Secretary candidate.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Southeast zone has unanimously nominated the former PDP National Youth Leader, Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye as the new party National Secretary.

The party also drummed support for its governorship candidate ahead of the November 11 election in Imo State, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, in the election.

The decisions were taken at the Southeast zonal executive meeting in Enugu at the weekend.

Briefing newsmen shortly after the closed-door meeting, the party’s National Vice Chairman, Southeast zone, Chief Ali Odefa, noted the decision to support Anyanwu was collective, adding that the party would do its best to ensure its victory at the polls.

“The position of the National Secretary will be a kind of distraction to his electioneering campaign and victory at the polls.

“Therefore, the South-East Zone, having met and brainstormed, we have come up with a nomination from Enugu State in the person of Rt. Hon. S.K Udeh-Okoye to replace Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party.

“We shall send our resolutions in writing to the National Working Committee of our great party for ratification on behalf of the National Executive Committee as provided by our party constitution,” he added.

Enugu Governor Peter Mbah, who doubles as the leader of the party in the region, urged party members to remain steadfast and committed, saying the zonal leadership would re-strategise to bring the party back on its feet.

He assured that with commitment and unity of purpose, the party would emerge successful at the Imo governorship polls.

MTEF: Federal government projects three years economic growth.

MTEF: Federal government projects three years economic growth.

The federal government plans to rebuild the economy over the next three years based on critical data just released in Abuja.

These include oil benchmark, oil production, exchange rate and inflation rate.

Government, according to the Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF/FSP) 2024 to 2026, has set the oil benchmark price for the three years running from 2024 to 2026 at $73.96; $73.76; and $69.90 respectively.

These estimates indicate the assumed average price per barrel of oil that will be used to calculate revenue projections for the Nigerian economy.

The key parameters that will drive the medium-term revenue and expenditure framework for Nigeria are: Oil benchmark: 2024- $73.96; 2025- $73.76; 2026- $69.90. Oil Production (Mbps): 1.78; 1.80; 1.81. Exchange rate N/$: 700/$; 665.61/$; 669.79/$. Inflation: 21.40%; 20.30%; 18.60

Other parameters are: Non-oil GDP: Non-Oil GDP (N’bn): N223,989.2; N249,188.0; N278,251.7. Oil GDP (N’bn): in 2024-N12,316.0; 2025- N13,225.7; 2026-N14,272.0. Nominal GDP (N’bn): N236,305.2; N262,413.7; N292,523.7. GDP Growth Rate (%): 3.76; 4.22; 4.78. Imports: 32,453.5; 33,401.3; 34,515.4 and Nominal Consumption (N’bn): N163,227.8; N189,992.8; N218,594.2

The projected exchange rates for the Nigerian Naira (N) against the U.S. Dollar ($) are 700 Naira to 1 Dollar in 2024, 665.61 Naira to 1 Dollar in 2025, and 669.79 Naira to 1 Dollar in 2026. These rates reflect the assumed values used for currency conversion in economic calculations.

The figures provided represent key parameters for Nigeria’s medium-term revenue and expenditure framework. The oil benchmark reflects the expected price of oil in the years 2024, 2025, and 2026, which increases slightly in 2025 before decreasing in 2026. Oil production is expected to increase slightly over the three-year period.

The exchange rate is expected to fluctuate, decreasing significantly in 2025 before increasing slightly in 2026 while inflation is expected to decrease over the three-year period.

Non-oil GDP is expected to increase steadily, while oil GDP is expected to increase slightly. Nominal GDP which represent the estimated total value of goods and services consumed in the Nigerian economy is expected to increase steadily, with a growth rate of around 4% each year.

 Imports, which are the estimated total value of goods and services imported into Nigeria, are expected to increase over the three-year period, while nominal consumption which represents the estimated total value of goods and services consumed in the Nigerian economy is projected  to increase steadily.

These figures indicate that Nigeria’s economy is expected to maintain steady growth over the next few years, with some fluctuations in key parameters such as the exchange rate and oil benchmark. However, there may be continued challenges with inflation and a heavy reliance on oil as a primary source of revenue.

According to the document from the Budget Office of the Federation BoF “the assumptions underlying the 2024-2026 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework indicate that economic growth rate over the next three years would be higher than the modest rates recorded since the end of the recession in 2020.

“Accordingly, economic growth is projected to increase to 3.76%, 4.22% and 4.78% in 2024, 2025 and 2026, respectively, mainly due to strong political will to take tough decisions and implement necessary reforms.”

The document adds that “most of the growth in real GDP during the period will be driven by the anticipated increase in domestic oil refining capacity, telecommunications, crop production, slight growth in investment and employment, with the bulk of projected growth coming from the non-oil sector.

It notes that “the Renewed Hope Agenda (RHA) of the Tinubu administration has significantly higher growth targets than the National Development Plan (NDP) 2021-25. The NDP is therefore undergoing a review to align its growth aspirations with the RHA.”

 Consumption in nominal terms is projected to increase to N163.23 trillion in 2024 and N218.59 trillion in 2026 substantially owning to expected increase in wages and cash transfers to households to mitigate the negative impact on their real income of petrol subsidy removal.

Import of goods is projected to increase to N32.45 trillion in 2024 and to N34.51 billion in 2026 on account of the effects of depreciation of the domestic currency and imported inflation.

Imports, the document says, “will remain high over the medium term due to the weak import substitution capacity occasioned by inefficient domestic production relative to more efficient foreign producers. The real economy is experiencing sustained inflationary pressures, worsened by high energy costs, and a depreciating Naira.”

The government warns that given the persistent inflation, “economic growth during the medium term will continue to be adversely impacted because of the effort to keep monetary policy tight to help prevent higher inflation from becoming entrenched.

“Inflationary pressure is projected to continue at 21.4% in 2024. A slight reduction in inflation pressure is anticipated from 2025 and 2026 due to the lag effect of tight monetary policy on demand for goods and services, expected lower deficit financing and reduction in supply-side constraints occasioned by a drastic reduction in domestic insecurity, improved infrastructure, and generally better operating environment for businesses.”

The projected fiscal outcomes in the medium term show improved revenue inflows into the federation account, attributable to the removal of petrol subsidy, exchange rate liberalization and increased collection of non-oil taxes.

The net amount accruable to the Federation Account is projected at N24.54 trillion. This is 106.9% higher than the 2023 projection.

 N20.70 trillion is projected to flow into the Main Pool, while N3.66 trillion and N174.24 billion are projected to accrue to the VAT Pool and EMTL, respectively, in 2024.

Total oil revenues will be N13.82 trillion, about 56.3% of total Federation Account receipts and 66.8% of Main Pool receipts. Other components of the Federation Account revenues include Corporate Tax of N3.04 trillion, Customs Revenue of N2.65 trillion, Special Levies of N511.88 billion, NLNG Dividend of N667.95 billion, and revenues from Solid Minerals of N9.39 billion.

In 2024, the share of the Federal Government from the Main Federation Account Pool is expected to be N10.90 trillion, while the States and Local governments are projected to get N5.53 trillion and N4.26 trillion, respectively.

The revenue shares from the VAT Pool and EMTL are projected to be N549.46 billion and N26.14 billion, respectively, for the Federal Government, N1.83 trillion and N87.12 billion for the states, and N1.28 trillion and N60.98 billion for the local governments, respectively.

The 2024 FGN Revenue is projected at N16.96 trillion (N5.91 trillion or 54% more than the 2023 Budget). Of the aggregate revenue available to fund the 2024 Budget, N6.95 trillion or 41% is projected to come from oil-related sources. The balance of N10.01 trillion is to be earned from non-oil sources.

The FGN share of non-oil tax is projected at N3.52 trillion compared to N2.43 trillion in 2023, while its share of Minerals and Mining revenues is N4.56 billion in 2024 from N3.64 billion in 2023. The projection for Independent Revenue has been moderated to N1.91 trillion, down from N3.17 trillion, while the projection for Grants and Donor funded projects is N639.92 billion.

More dividends from the Bank of Industry, Development Bank of Nigeria, Galaxy Backbone, and Bank of Agriculture are recognised in the 2024 projections, bringing the projection to N316.68 billion compared to N81.79 billion in 2023. The projected sum of other revenues, including FGN’s share of Oil Price Royalty, Education Tax, Electronic Money Transfer Levy, and Drawdowns from Special Accounts, is N736.04 billion.

The FGN’s 2024 aggregate expenditure is estimated at N26.01 trillion. This includes the provision of N2.73 trillion for GOEs’ expenditures and grants/donor-funded projects amounting to N639.92 billion. This is higher than the corresponding 2023 FGN aggregate expenditure estimate of N22.65 trillion (which includes the N819.54 billion supplementary provision) by 14.8% (or about N3.36 trillion).

The 2024 expenditure estimate includes statutory transfers of N1.30 trillion and non-debt recurrent expenditure of N10.26 trillion (including N200 billion for the recurrent component of the Special Intervention Programme).

The provisions of N8.25 trillion and N243 billion have been made for Debt Service and Sinking Fund to retire maturing bonds issued to local contractors/creditors, respectively, in the 2024 budgeted expenditure. A total of N6.78 trillion (inclusive of N1.02 trillion for GOEs) is provided for personnel and pension costs, an increase of N904.49 billion or 15% over the 2023 provision. This is 40% of the projected aggregate revenues for 2024.

The provision for Statutory transfer includes N114.80 billion (representing 1% of the consolidated revenue fund) earmarked for the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) and N117.67 billion for the North-East Development Commission (NEDC). In addition, N137.21 billion has been set aside in the service-wide votes for GAVI/Routine Immunization.

The aggregate amount available for capital expenditures in the 2024 budget is N6.87 trillion. This represents 26% of total expenditure and is about 5% less than the 2023 provision of N7.27 trillion. The 2024 provision comprises N2.31 trillion for MDAs, N855.70 billion for capital supplementation, N908.09 billion for capital component of statutory transfers, N7 billion for Family Home Fund, N820.91 billion capital budget of GOEs, N639.92 billion for donor/grant funded expenditures and N941.19 billion funded by project-tied multilateral/bilateral loans.

Other provisions, including TETFUND capital and transfer to the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), amount to N392.13 billion.

“The Independent revenue of the Federal Government was estimated, taking into consideration recent efforts aimed at addressing revenue leakages, excessive spending and weak accountability of Government-Owned Enterprises (GOEs).

 “The estimation of Operating Surpluses (the main component of FGN Independent Revenues) is based on strict and effective implementation of the various measures introduced to ensure that GOEs operate in a more fiscally responsible manner.

 “Additional measures and tighter performance management framework will be introduced to ensure greater fiscal discipline among the GOEs and substantially improve remittances in the short to medium term.

“Accordingly, independent revenue collections are expected to be considerably higher than projections. Expected improvements in returns on government owned investments/assets from the restructuring of Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) have not been factored into these projections.”

The assumptions underlying the non-oil revenue forecasts for the period 2024-2026 are based on the declining revenue from crude oil. Government has continued to implement various reform measures to further widen the revenue base, modernise and further improve tax administration, and enhance non-oil revenue collections.

“The medium-term non-oil revenue forecasts are based on sustenance and acceleration of these reform efforts by the new Administration in order to enhance the contribution of non-oil revenue sources to funding the FGN budget.

“The medium-term non-oil revenue estimates were premised on anticipated growth in the different tax bases, the effective tax rate, and the projected tax collection efficiency. Tax rates are assumed to remain largely the same during the period.

Customs Collections: Import Duties, Excise, Fees and Special Levies Import duty projections are based on the cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value of imports, applicable tariffs, and a projected efficiency factor. The growth of the nominal tax base is assumed to be driven by tax elasticity in the medium term. Other considerations include the foreign exchange rate, effective implementation of extant tax laws, the implementation of the Common External Tariff (CET) 2022-2026, and renewed focus on the implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

The CIT projections are based on estimated nominal GDP, Companies’ Profitability Ratio, and further improvement in collection efficiency. The Gross Operating Profits of firms for which CIT forecast was derived is assumed to average N9.3 trillion for 2024, 10.6 trillion for 2025 and 11.2 trillion for 2026, after adjusting for firms in the informal sector. Estimates were derived taking into consideration significant growth of domestic economic activities as well as the effective implementation of the National Development Plan 2021-2025. Other important assumptions include significant improvement in the Nigerian business and investment environment and successful broadening of the tax net. More importantly, the historical growth in the volume of online transactions is expected to be sustained.

The VAT was projected using estimated aggregate nominal consumption, taking into account vatable items and collection efficiency. Consumption expenditure on which VAT is charged is assumed to increase from an average of N35 trillion in 2024, to N40 trillion in 2025 and N45 trillion in 2026, after adjusting for exemptions, zero rated items and companies whose turnover fall below the N25 million threshold. Like the CIT, more VAT payers are expected to be brought into the tax net with the effective implementation of the provisions of the various Finance Acts.

The VAT projections over the medium-term are based on holding the rate at 7.5%. Raising the VAT rate however remains a policy option for government to keep in view over the medium term.

In the medium term, Government will intensify efforts aimed at improving VAT coverage and collection efficiency. Wider coverage and improved collection efficiency will be achieved through nationwide VAT registration and monitoring, and deployment of ICT (auto-collect) platforms in more sectors of the economy. In addition, the technology solution for deduction and remittance of VAT and WHT from State government contract payments is to be deployed in all the 36 states.

The Electronic Money Transfer levy will continue to be implemented in the medium-term. Compliance with the approved Regulations governing the administration of the levy will be enforced to significantly improve collections over the medium term. Estimates were based on the projected volume of eligible online transfer transactions of 2.7 trillion in 2024, 3.1 trillion in 2025 and 3.8 trillion in 2026.

Public debt profile as at June 2023 stood  at N 87.38 trillion ($113.42 billion). This figure includes both domestic (incl. Securitized CBN Ways and Means advances) and external debt. The debt composition is skewed more towards domestic debt of N54.13 trillion ($70.26 billion), while external debt amounted to N33.25 trillion ($43.16 billion).

However,  government is worried that “the sustainability of public debt remains a significant concern, as high debt servicing costs and limited fiscal space constrain the government’s ability to invest in critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.”

INEC to parties: Stop malicious rumour mongering.

INEC to parties: Stop malicious rumour mongering.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has appealed to political parties in the country to desist from engaging in malicious rumour mongering capable of affecting the electoral process negatively.

Reacting to a statement credited to ID Ijele, the Director of New Media for the Kogi State governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekunmi, said reconfiguration of the BVAS machines for the governorship election was being handled professionally.

The statement reads “the attention of the Commission has been drawn to a statement signed by ID Ijele, Director of New Media of the SDP Governorship campaign team in Kogi State.

“The statement alleged that three staff of INEC are right now maliciously reconfiguring the BVAS machines in the Government House, Lokoja, with the intention of manipulating the forthcoming governorship election in a part of the state in favour of a candidate.

“The story is untrue. The three persons mentioned are not associated with the configuration of the BVAS machines and not even in Kogi State at the moment.

“Mr. Nicholas Ocholi is on his duty post in our Ondo State office in Akure. Ibrahim Egbunu is attending to a very close family member hospitalised in Abuja. Mohammed Adara retired last year and is no longer a staff of the Commission.

“The configuration of BVAS is done simultaneously and exclusively in our offices in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states professionally and strictly handled by teams deployed from the national HQ, Abuja.

“The public is advised to disregard the story as fake news. At the same time, the Commission appeals to political parties to desist from engaging in malicious rumour mongering of this nature.”

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 .