Oyebanji restates call on FG to immortalize late Col Adekunle Fajuyi.

Oyebanji restates call on FG to immortalize late Col Adekunle Fajuyi.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji , again, on Sunday, called on the Federal Government to immortalize a former Military Governor of old Western Nigeria, the Late Lt Col . Adekunle Fajuyi, for his exceptional courageous and selfless act and for paying the supreme sacrifice for the unity of the country. 

Governor Oyebanji made the call at the Muson Centre, Lagos on Sunday evening during a Command Performance of FAJUYI FOR NIGERIA, a stage play re-enacting the heroic dead of the late Military Governor. 

The Governor who had earlier made the call during a similar performance of the play in Ado-Ekiti last month as part of activities marking his first year in office, said the heroic deed of the late Col Fajuyi is an enduring legacy of patriotism, heroism and sacrifice that should be celebrated by all Nigerians.

Governor Oyebanji said  a Federal Government’s  honour and recognition for the late hero  would serve as a symbol of unity to inspire the future generations, adding that Col  Fajuyi’s name deserves to be etched in the annals of Nigerian history.

The Governor said the the late Fajuyi, a native of Ado Ekiti, was best known for his act of selflessness during the Nigerian Counter-Coup of 1966 when he chose to protect the then Head of State, Major- General Aguiyi-Ironsi, at the cost of his own life.

He opined that the history of the late Fajuyi would continue to inspire and encourage Nigerians to do what is right always no matter the situation, to be  men and women of integrity, imbibe moral values of consistent commitment to their place of birth and exhibit the highest level of patriotism to the country. 

Oyebanji, however said the Government of Ekiti State would continue to celebrate the late hero and support the family, adding that the state government would rebuild his burial place at Fajuyi Park, Ado Ekiti and elevate it to the status of a national monument. 

He called on the Federal Government to immediately consider naming a national monument after Col Fajuyi to honour him perpetually and further preserve his memory. `

“This evening we have once again seen history, taught by history, educated by history, encouraged by history, warned by history, encouraged to do what is right always no matter what the situation, taught us to be men and women of integrity, have moral values of consistent commitment to our place of birth, the highest level of patriotism for our nation.

“Lt. Col.  Francis Adekule Fajuyi offered himself as a lamb our nation needed to preserve unity and oneness of this country. This is why I strongly feel that Nigeria has not celebrated this hero enough, this is why we also feel that the country has not shown appreciation that is commensurate to the level of Francis Adekunle Fajuyi’s sacrifice.

“On behalf of the people of Ekiti and the entire people of Nigeria Francis Adekunle Fajuyi died for and as your Governor I hereby demand that one, national monument should be immediately named after him to honour him perpetually and further preserve his memory. Two, a posthumous national award be conferred on him and his family should benefit some annual financial assistance from the Nigeria Army”. The Governor asserted.

A major highlight of the Command Performance witnessed by members of the Fajuyi and General Aguyi Ironsi family members was when the first sons of the slain military officers were invited to the stage for the proverbial handshake across the Niger. 

A pall of silence descended on capacity filled Agip Recital Hall, Muson Centre, venue of the performance the moment the two men shook hands and embraced each other. 

Also at the command performance were, Senate Majority Leader, Senator Sen Micheal Opeyemi Bamidele ; two former First Ladies of Ekiti State, Erelu Bisi Fayemi  and Erelu Angela Adebayo; former Minister of Health, Prince Julius Adelusi Adeluyi; Mr Gbenga Oyebode; Pastor Ituah Igodalo of the Trinity Church and Managing director of PremiumTrust Bank , Emmanuel Emeigienum. 

Some members of Ekiti State Executive Council were also in attendance at the stage play which was written and directed by their colleague, Prof Rasaki Ojo Bakare, Ekiti State Commissoner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy.

FG Committed To Implementation Of Peculiar Allowances Of Paramilitary Officers.

 FG Committed To Implementation Of Peculiar Allowances Of Paramilitary Officers.

Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said the government of Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to the implementation of the approved peculiar allowance, increase in rent subsidy for paramilitary officers and men  under the supervision of the Ministry of Interior.

The Minister made the declaration while on a magazine programme Brekete Family of Human Rights Radio recently in Abuja.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo, in discounting insinuation from some quarters; that  money meant for the implementation of the new allowances has been misappropriated.

The Minister added that peculiar allowance for the Paramilitary services was approved this year by the government which is going to be embedded in their salaries.

He added that; at that time the 2023 budget had gone, after approval from Salaries and Wages Commission, he said it would take effect after appropriation by the National Assembly in the next budget.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo, while making further clarification on the matter said that all these processes are necessary procedures, no body spent government funds outside budget, confirming that doing otherwise, is criminal act.

The Minister assured all the beneficiaries that they would get every kobo that has been approved for them, stating that nobody will misappropriate their new allowances, this he vow will never happen under his watch.

He also gave the hints that he is already working with Nigeria Salaries and Wages Commission to regularise the salaries of Paramilitary officers to be aper with the Police. According to the Minister, because of the risks these services takes while on operations.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo, also disclosed that his Ministry is working assiduously in creating a Paramilitary Pension Board (PPP), as the case with the Military and Police Pension Board, respectively.

He said these Services deserve it, stating that due to their operational hazards they encountered while on duties.The Minister said all these measures he was taken is for his men to be happy while on duty, he said that would heighten their spirits and patriotism to the nation, adding that: "to whom much is given, much would be expected".

He on behalf of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, thanked all security operatives for their service to Nigerians.

Sanwo-Olu, Oyebanji open Oyingbo Bridge.

 Sanwo-Olu, Oyebanji open Oyingbo Bridge.

Ekiti State governor Abiodun Oyebanji has described Lagos as appealing to other states because ‘everybody is interested in the Lagos miracle.’

He spoke when he joined Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to open the new Oyingbo Bridge.

The 717km long bridge is part of the five essential infrastructure rail level crossing of the Red Rail Line.

According to him, the projects speak for what is possible when there is a listening leader in charge.

He said: “Lagos has become a model for infrastructure leadership and Ekiti has a lot to learn from Lagos. Everybody is interested in the Lagos miracle, especially because Governor Sanwo-Olu is a mentor to many of us. I will not be tired of returning to commission more projects.

“I urge Lagosians to treasure this path so they can continue to benefit from it. They must guard jealously everything the progressive government has done because it is a testament to the continued progressive administration.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that the government is investing so much in transportation infrastructure to support commerce and ease movement, ‘especially considering the importance of Oyingbo as a major link between the mainland and the Island’.

He added: “With these overpass bridges, we are providing a permanent solution to the avoidable fatal accidents often recorded at railway crossings. The siting of these infrastructures in this area is strategic and intentional to achieve a seamless integrated intermodal transport system for the people.

“As the rehabilitation of the Third Mainland Bridge starts, this bridge will provide a lot of relief to motorists. I, therefore, appeal to our motorists to exercise patience and cooperate with traffic and law enforcement officers in order to minimize the inconvenience that will be experienced during the period of rehabilitation.”

Test running of the red rail line will be in Q1 2024.

President Tinubu Takes Investment Push, Diplomatic Expansion To Saudi, Arab Nations.

 President Tinubu Takes Investment Push, Diplomatic Expansion To Saudi, Arab Nations

.....Targets are more FDIs from Saudi Arabia, League of Arab nations – Ngelale.

.....Says counter-terrorism, agric, environment, infrastructure to be priority targets.

President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to take his administration’s aggressive push for attracting more foreign direct investments and infrastructure boost into Nigeria to Saudi Arabia, where he will attend two bilateral summits.

Briefing journalists at the State House on Sunday, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, said President Tinubu will be participating in two critical summits; the Saudi-African Summit and the Araba-African, both taking place in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia on November 10 and 11 respectively.

According to the President’s spokesman, the events are targeted at different areas of interests, but noted that the outings are going to be critical to how Nigeria takes advantage of the projected potentials of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), market.

He said the Saudi-African Summit’s target will be exploring issues around the economic ties between Africa and Saudi Arabia, including counter-terrorism, agriculture, environment and other areas of mutual concern.

For the second, being the Arab-African Summit, according to Ngelale, will be focusing on expanding infrastructure between both regions and will particularly be paying attention to the establishment of a new high-speed train network between the Arab League of Nations and the African Union countries.

“His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will be heading to Riyadh, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to attend two major summits. The first of which is the Saudi-Africa Summit, at which several areas of mutual concern will be addressed with respect to the economic ties between the regions with respect to the issues of counterterrorism, the environment, agriculture, and many other areas of mutual concern, where we feel much more can be done in terms of accelerating the level of trade and investment between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the African continent.

“Obviously, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is very keen on ensuring that the Federal Republic of Nigeria, within the context of the continent, is in a position to maximally leverage on opportunities that will be afforded by the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, where we will be having a single trade market of over one billion Africans, the expectation, according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, is that by the year 2050, our market here on the continent would have surpassed $29 trillion. We believe that action toward that begins now. 

“So the President is going to be very active and leading that effort from the forefront. That will be holding on November 10, followed by a very important summit. That is the Arab-African Summit holding on November 11, where His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu in his capacity, not just as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, but also as the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of Government, will be taking part in the summit, ensuring that he is at the forefront of advocating for really a deepening partnership of the two regions, that is the League of Arab Nations as well as the African Union, with respect to how we can integrate in terms of our infrastructure, how we can facilitate the establishment of a new high speed train network that would league that would tie Arab nations from the Middle East and Northern Africa, to the rest of the African continent”, he said.

Speaking specifically on what Nigeria stands to gain from the outings, Ngelale said projections are on bringing back tangible and stronger economic connections and increased commerce and trade relations, not just between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, but between the country and the entire Arab world.

“Certainly, His Excellency Mr. President is passionate about any areas in which we can really leverage on the massive population and market that not just Africa presents, but that Nigeria itself presents. We are expecting that the outcomes of this summit will lead to very tangible results with respect to increase in trade between not just the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, but all Arab nations, and especially the leading economies in Africa, of which Nigeria is now number one.

“So we believe there’s a lot to be gained from these two summits. Of course, as we are there, you can fully expect that you will be briefed on a routine basis with concrete details as to what the outcomes are from not just the Saudi African summit, but also the Arab-African Summit, but obviously with a particular emphasis on what the Federal Republic of Nigeria stands to gain under the leadership of His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The last point I want to make is that His Excellency, Mr. President, is going to be very aggressive, as always, in his promotion and pursuit of new foreign direct investment. It’s no secret what he’s been doing around the world since he assumed office that will continue in Riyadh.

“We will be meeting with investors across sectors, we will be pushing very proactively for new inflows of foreign exchange into the Nigerian economy, through investments in really growth-enabling and labour-intensive sectors of the economy.

“There should be more information on that once we get into Riyadh, but what I want to assure the Nigerian people today is that His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is going to do everything he can to reinvigorate the Nigerian economy, through the instrumentation of his leading participation in these two important summits”, he explained.

President Tinubu Directs Reform And Reactivation Of Presidential Project Delivery Tracker.

 President Tinubu Directs Reform And Reactivation Of Presidential Project Delivery Tracker.

President Bola Tinubu has directed the reactivation of the Presidential Delivery Tracker to empower Nigerians to track the implementation of projects across the country in real time.

Speaking at the closing session of the three-day Cabinet Retreat, on Friday in Abuja, the President said that his determination to ensure the active and direct participation of citizens in governance is unwavering, noting that all Nigerians must be given the opportunity to track and report on the implementation of projects across the country. President Tinubu said he has asked his Special Adviser on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, to immediately reactivate the tracking system in a way that maximally leverages on cutting-edge digital innovation to provide real time oversight capability for the benefit of all Nigerians. 

President Tinubu also redefined the priority areas of his administration as: 

1. Reform the economy to deliver sustained inclusive growth.

2. Strengthen national security for peace and prosperity.

3. Boost agriculture to achieve food security. 

4. Unlock energy and natural resources for sustainable development.

5. Enhance infrastructure and transportation as enablers of growth.

6. Focus on education, health, and social investment as essential pillars of development.

7. Accelerate diversification through industrialization, digitization, creative arts, manufacturing & innovation.

8. Improve governance for effective service delivery.

The President further implored all members of his cabinet to work very hard to meet the expectations of Nigerians.

"I want to reiterate that the Renewed Hope Agenda is about more than just economic growth. It is also about building a more just and equitable society for all Nigerians. It is about creating jobs, improving education and healthcare, and reducing poverty. It is about ensuring that all Nigerians have the opportunity to succeed.

"I know that we have a lot of work ahead of us, but I am confident we can achieve our goals. We have a strong team in place, and we are committed to working together to build a better future for Nigeria.

"Let me remind you that our people are not interested in excuses, political games, or procrastination. Neither am I. They are interested in tangible results. They seek solutions to the problems that have long plagued our great nation. The challenge before us demands that we must put aside personal ambitions and focus on adhering to the performance bond we have all signed up to on this day. These performance bonds represent a contract we must uphold," the President said.

The President also emphasized the importance of data in governance, saying: "Data is the lifeblood of effective governance. It enables us to understand the challenges we face so that we can design and implement effective solutions as well as monitor and evaluate our progress. Without data, we are flying blind."

The climax of the retreat was the signing of performance bonds by ministers and permanent secretaries alongside President Tinubu, who charged all implementing authorities to unfailingly demonstrate diligence, innovative thinking, commitment, and an unrelenting focus on results.

Suspend Personal Ambitions For Better Nigeria, President Tinubu Charges Ministers.

Suspend Personal Ambitions For Better Nigeria, President Tinubu Charges Ministers.

President Bola Tinubu has charged his Ministers and other presidential aides to set aside their individual aspirations and prioritise the administration’s target of delivering quality governance to Nigerians.

President Tinubu made the call on Friday while closing the 2023 Cabinet Retreat for ministers, special advisers and other top government functionaries at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The President urged the executives to concentrate on repositioning Nigeria’s economy, prioritise education and ensure quality healthcare delivery for Nigerians.

The Nigeria leader also obtained the pledge of the executives to work for Nigeria towards realising the common goals of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He also tasked the public office holders to work together to ensure Nigeria fully recovers from the challenges it currently facing.

He told the participants that they have the responsibility to change the narrative about the country, noting that if they have any problem about Nigeria, they should have a conversation about it.

The president stressed the need for the officials to bond together and ensure that the country recovers from “elephantiasis.”

He reminded them that none of them, including himself as the President, cannot make any excuses to Nigerians.

Hon. Oluwadamilare Ajayi Inducted As Public Administrators Fellow of Nigeria.

Hon. Oluwadamilare Ajayi Inducted As Public Administrators Fellow of Nigeria.

....Gbonyin LCDA Chairman Receives Prestigious Recognition for Outstanding Leadership.

The Executive Chairman of Gbonyin LCDA, Hon. Oluwadamilare Ajayi, has achieved a remarkable milestone by being inducted as a Fellow of the esteemed Chartered Institute of Local Government and Public Administration of Nigeria. The induction ceremony, an honor that underscores his exceptional contributions to public administration, took place on Friday, November 3, 2023, at the Assembly Hall of The Polytechnic Ibadan.

The ceremony was conducted by the Registrar of the Institute, Dr. Uche Okereke, who highlighted the significance of Hon. Damilare Ajayi's induction. Dr. Okereke described the decision to induct him as a Fellow as a recognition of his expertise and proficiency in managing public enterprises and his outstanding performance in public administration activities across Nigeria. "Hon. Ajayi has exhibited a high degree of exemplary leadership and is known not only as a seasoned politician but also as a person of great integrity, whose virtues are worthy of emulation," Dr. Okereke explained.

In a notable highlight of the event, Hon. Ajayi was inducted alongside his close friend, the Executive Chairman of Igbara-Odo/Ogotun LCDA, Hon. Ayodeji Abiodun Olaniyi. This achievement aligns Hon. Ajayi with other eminent Nigerians who have been previously inducted as Fellows of the Chartered Institute of Local Government and Public Administrators, including Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, former governor of Taraba State, Rev. Jolly Nyame, former Minister of Education, Prof. Tunde Adeniran, former governor of Niger State, Dr. Muazu Babangida, Senator Duro Faseyi, and Hon. Dupe Bakare, Executive Chairman of Irewolede. These individuals, like Hon. Ajayi, have demonstrated exceptional leadership and contributions to public administration in Nigeria.

Accompanying the Chairman during the induction were the Director of Administration of Gbonyin LCDA, Chief Anthony Ajila, and the Director of Finance, Mr. Omolade. The recognition of Hon. Oluwadamilare Ajayi as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Local Government and Public Administration of Nigeria is a testament to his dedication to public service and his commitment to fostering excellence in public administration.