Senate Approves Bill To Establish New Federal University In Iyin-Ekiti.

Senate Approves Bill To Establish New Federal University In Iyin-Ekiti.

A bill proposing the establishment of a Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences in Iyin-Ekiti Kingdom, Ekiti State, has been approved by the Senate.

The aim of the university, the lawmakers said, is to produce world-class technologists and human resources capable of sustainably managing the country’s economy.

The bill was unanimously ratified at the plenary on Thursday and has been referred to the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for further legislation and considerations.

The bill was sponsored by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele and received overwhelming support from senators across all political parties.

The bill was first initiated in the ninth National Assembly and was brought back for consideration at the Senate Chambers on October 17, 2023, with a specific focus on bridging knowledge gaps in technology and environmental sciences.

Bamidele elaborated on the importance of the bill during his discussion on Thursday, emphasizing that its enactment would foster the growth of exceptional technologists and the necessary human resources to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Additionally, the lawmaker clarified that the objective of the bill is to enhance accessibility to higher education, considering the significant number of qualified individuals who face annual challenges in securing admission to universities within the country.

“The objectives of the university are, first and foremost, to set up an ultra-modern institution that will develop world-class technologists as well as human resources that can sustainably manage our nation’s economy by providing technical and management expertise at the highest level.

“The university, when established, will further advance knowledge through research and nurture unique technological innovation, entrepreneurship and wealth management in its core area of interest.

“Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, the enactment of this bill will help in transforming the technological and educational fortune in producing the desired manpower and expertise that Nigeria is yearning for to exponentially speed up our economic growth and ensure sustainable development,” the senate leader submitted.

Among others, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jubrin; Chairman, of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmed Lawan; Chairman, of the Committee on Navy, Senator Gbenga Daniel; Chairman, of Senate Committee on the Environment, Senator Seriake Dickson; Chairman, Senate Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs, Senator Abdul Ningi and Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs, Senator Victor Umeh, threw their weight behind the establishment of the bill on Thursday.

Lawan, also former President of the Senate, said: “This bill was passed in the ninth National Assembly. I wholeheartedly support this bill. The bill is worthwhile because technology and environmental sciences are very important, indeed crucial, for every country worldwide, especially in the 21st century.

“If we want to develop like most countries are today, we have to move away from being extremely traditional. We cannot afford to continue with this basic thing. In most cases, outdated courses are taught in our schools or universities.

“This is the 21st century. And human beings, more appropriately, human resources, should be the source of developing our country. We have had petroleum from the 1950s to date. We are still grappling with poverty, unemployment and so on. Some countries have nothing, but human beings. Yet they have made tremendous progress. A good example is Singapore.

“Aside, most countries are now embracing knowledge-based economies. I believe the time is right. When we establish a new institution, it should be an institution that will provide education and enlightenment for the 21st century development agenda.”

Also, at the plenary on Thursday, Umeh corroborated Lawan’s position on the bill, pointing out that the university, when eventually established, would focus on technology and environmental sciences.

Umeh, elected on the platform of the Labour Party, said: “In this country, Mr. President, the time has come when we shall be establishing specialised universities to pursue certain areas and fields of knowledge.

“By focusing on the advancement of technology and environmental sciences, we are confining this university to these two important areas. When we produce graduates from this university, we will be thinking of graduates with excellent knowledge.”

Lawmaker Hon. Kolawole Davidson Akinlayo Congratulates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Resounding Victory.

Lawmaker Hon. Kolawole Davidson Akinlayo Congratulates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Resounding Victory.

Lawmaker Hon. Kolawole Davidson Akinlayo, who represents the constituents of Ekiti North Federal Constituency (II), has enthusiastically congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His message not only celebrates President Tinubu's electoral victory but also acknowledges his successful navigation of legal challenges from the Presidential Elections Petition Tribunal to the Appeal Court and ultimately to the Supreme Court.

Akinlayo, acting on behalf of his constituency and well-wishers, commends President Tinubu for his unwavering determination and the trust vested in him by the people. He considers this moment as significant for Nigeria and expresses hope that President Tinubu's leadership will renew the nation's optimism and address its most pressing concerns.

Akinlayo also extends his gratitude to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for their commendable conduct of the election and to the judiciary for ensuring fairness in the legal process. With Nigeria advancing under President Tinubu's guidance, Akinlayo underscores the importance of unity and progress.

Hon. Kolawole Davidson Akinlayo, Member of the House of Representatives for Ekiti North Federal Constituency (II)

Fayemi Congratulates President Bola Tinubu on Supreme Court Victory.

Fayemi Congratulates President Bola Tinubu on Supreme Court Victory.

Dr. Kayode Fayemi, former Governor of Ekiti State and Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), has congratulated His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu on his victory at the Supreme Court, stating that the affirmation at the apex court was a demonstration of the principles of fairness and justice.

Fayemi stated that the victory has further validated the win of President Tinubu at the polls, which was a testament to the faith Nigerians have in the APC and in the president’s ability to steer the ship of the state.

‘’In celebrating the President’s victory, we must also be mindful of the need to avoid triumphalism,’’ he said, while acknowledging the importance of running an inclusive government and urged President Tinubu to embrace the spirit of inclusivity by reaching out to his political competitors and fostering an atmosphere of unity

Fayemi argued that, in a democracy, the success of one political party should not necessarily be seen as a defeat for others but as an opportunity to work together for the greater good of the country. He therefore urged the appellants to embrace the President in the onerous task of governing Nigeria so as to avoid all distractions. “All hands must be on deck at this moment.” 

“As we move forward, it is essential that we prioritize the development, security, and prosperity of Nigeria above all else. I urge the President to use his victory as an opportunity to heal the divisions in our country and to build a more prosperous and inclusive Nigeria for all,’’ he said.

APC to Ekiti Appointees: Don't Weaponise Your Appointments.

APC to Ekiti Appointees: Don't Weaponise Your Appointments.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ekiti State has charged the new appointees of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, BAO, to see their appointments as a call to serve and not weapon of oppression. 

While congratulating the Chairman, Director-Generals, Technical Advisors and Senior Special Assistants newly appointed by the governor, the State Chairman of the party, Barrister Paul Omotosho said the period we are in the state does not call for ego flaunting from any appointee but for them to act as worthy ambassadors of both the government and party in their day-to-day interactions with the people, having been carefully selected as such. 

Omotosho who spoke through the State Publicity Secretary of the party, Segun Dipe, said since everyone trusted Gov. Oyebanji to have picked the right people for the right roles, they in turn should not allow their appointments to get into their heads. 

Urging the new appointees to borrow the live-and-let-live style of Governor Oyebanji, Omotosho said they should avoid conducts that would make the governor or the party regret their selection.

"Our party is of the view that appointments are not weapons but opportunities to serve." 

The party assured that all appointees were carefully selected from among the people, not from another state, country or planet. They are therefore not expected to exploit their privileged positions for the purpose of attacking a person or group, or for spreading discord.

"Since the governor has declared that he has no enemy, the appointees should avoid attracting enemies for his administration," the party said. 

"From what we have seen in Mr. Governor and heard the people say about him, BAO has embraced peace with everyone and does not flaunt his position. As his appointees, in your different callings, your characters must also be in sync with his and reflect his style of not weaponising his administration. He is a friend of all and enemy to none. This exactly is what we proudly expect from all the appointees without any two ways about."

The party thus believe that for all the appointees to excel, the first step they should take was to internalise the six pillars of BAO and make them their mantra and template. "We don't want to be defending any misdemeanor. Rather we want to be celebrating landmarks."

Signed:

Segun Dipe

State Publicity Secretary, APC

Ekiti State.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Declares Open, Three-Day Seminar On Security And Protocol.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Declares Open, Three-Day Seminar On Security And Protocol.

As women strive for more roles in governance, they must endeavor to match the expectations and images of the offices they seek by acquiring needed etiquette.

First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON stated this while declaring open a three-day seminar on protocol and security, organized by her office for wives of top government functionaries and female government officials in Abuja.

Understanding protocols, as well as having security awareness, the First Lady says, are important to executing the responsibilities of their various positions.

“This seminar has become essential as it is my heartfelt desire to see each one of us do better at our various duty posts. In today’s world, understanding and applying the principles of protocol, etiquette and security are essential for us to be able to carry out our duties with utmost competence. These elements play a crucial role in maintaining order, safety and harmony in our interactions, be it in diplomatic or social relations”.

“This is especially so, as we all have to take into cognizance of the expectations of Nigerians and their perceptions of us. As women, wives and mothers, we are nurturers and builders who must lay worthy examples for others and coming generations to emulate”.

Papers, including “The Nigerian Police, the Executives and the Law” delivered by the IGP, Kayode Egbetokun and “State Security and The Executives” presented by the Department of State Security highlighted the need for synergy among protocol and security details attached to VIPs, while emphasizing the need for VIPs to be more intentional about their conduct around personal staff and on the social media.

The seminar which had as participants wives of state governors, female legislators and other top female officials also had former First Ladies, Dame Patience Jonathan and Ajoke Murtala Muhammed in attendance.

The Seminar comes to an end on Saturday 28th of October, 2023.

Gbonyin LCDA Chairman Extends Congratulations to Hon. Lekan Ijidale on His New Appointment.

Gbonyin LCDA Chairman Extends Congratulations to Hon. Lekan Ijidale on His New Appointment.

The Executive Chairman of Gbonyin LCDA, Hon. Damilare Ajayi, has expressed his warmest congratulations to Hon. Lekan Ijidale on his appointment as the Director-General of  Ekiti State Local Content Office.

The confidence of the Ekiti State Governor, our leaders, members of the progressive family, and the good people of Aiyekire/Gbonyin LCDA underscores their recognition of Lekan Ijidale's leadership skills and exceptional humanitarian services in his previous roles. These roles include government positions, election campaign committee membership, and his role as secretary to the state appointments committee. It is evident that he will excel in this well-deserved new role.

Hon. Damilare extends his best wishes for Lekan's success in his new responsibilities and believes he will play a crucial role in implementing development-based policies that benefit the state.

Hon. Damilare also expresses deep respect and appreciation to APC State Chairman, Hon. Paul Omotosho, for his unwavering support to the progressive family, and for qualitative and quantitative representation  making members feel fulfilled and inspired. This is a momentous occasion where history is being made.

The Executive Chairman commends the Governor for these strategic and commendable appointments, recognizing the massive support received during the last general elections. These appointments signify the Governor's commitment to delivering true dividends of democracy to the citizens of Ekiti State.

Gov Oyebanji Approves N136millions Car Loans For Ekiti Civil Servants.

Gov Oyebanji Approves N136millions Car Loans For Ekiti Civil Servants.

The Ekiti State Government has approved the disbursement of another tranche of car loans to the tune of N136,260,000 for 368 civil servants

This was disclosed by Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development Akin Oyebode, who confirmed that Governor Biodun Oyebanji approved the injection of N200 million into the loan scheme.

Oyebode disclosed that the governor also approved the payment of N174,394,176.88 in outstanding deductions from salaries to cooperative societies and the Federal Mortgage Bank.

According to him, sums ranging from N80,000 to N1.5 million will be disbursed to the beneficiaries of the loan scheme, depending on their grade levels.

Highlighting the details of the disbursement of the loan, Oyebode said 22 benefiting officers on grade levels 2 to 6 would get N80,000 each, while 180 beneficiaries on grade levels 7 to 10 would receive N250,000 each.

He added that 150 workers on grade levels 12 to 14 would be given N500,000 each, 13 personnel on grade levels 15 to 17 would be awarded N750,000 each and three beneficiaries on consolidated salary would take home N1.5 million each.

The commissioners further recalled that the sum of N130.7 million was disbursed as car loans in December 2022.