I graduated from Ekiti Varsity, Dumped My 'Law Degree' For My Passion 'Bodyguarding' -Kelvin Power, Kizz Daniel’s Bodyguard.

I graduated from Ekiti Varsity, Dumped My 'Law Degree' For My Passion 'Bodyguarding' -Kelvin Power, Kizz Daniel’s Bodyguard 

Kelvin Power: My real name is Atobiloye Kelvin Kayode; I am from Ondo town and Ekiti State. I am sharing both places because my father is from Ekiti, and I was born in Ondo town; I had my education, formative years and most of my life in Ondo town. And I can speak Ondo dialects fluently that one might think it is the home of my parents.

PT: Speaking of formative years, while growing up, what were your childhood aspirations?

Kelvin Power: Growing up, I have always wanted to be a pride to my family. Whenever they do anything inter-house sports, I would always want to make sure that I would play a role that would identify me differently and bring pride to my parents. That has always been my goal.

And I wanted to just quickly make sure I fed my mother because my mother suffered a lot to raise us. That motivated me to study law, but when I calculated the time I would spend studying law and becoming wealthy and well-established, I realised that for someone of my background, it would take a very long time, and I wanted my mother to be alive and enjoy the fruits of her labour.

So I abandoned law and went into bodybuilding, and for that, I thank God. And honestly, that was the peak of it; I followed my passion, and it brought me good people and good fortune that changed my life. All the good people I have met were always from the gym.

“I didn’t go to law school, but I studied and graduated with a law degree from the University of Ado Ekiti now Ekiti State University Ado Ekiti.” -Atobiloye Kelvin Kayode (Kelvin Power), Excerpt From Exclusive Interview With Premium Times.

“Growing up, I have always wanted to be a pride to my family. Whenever they do anything inter-house sports, I would always want to make sure that I would play a role that would identify me differently and bring pride to my parents. That has always been my goal. And I wanted to just quickly make sure I fed my mother because my mother suffered a lot to raise us. That motivated me to study law, but when I calculated the time I would spend studying law and becoming wealthy and well-established, I realised that for someone of my background, it would take a very long time, and I wanted my mother to be alive and enjoy the fruits of her labour. So I abandoned law and went into bodybuilding, and for that, I thank God. And honestly, that was the peak of it; I followed my passion, and it brought me good people and good fortune that changed my life. All the good people I have met were always from the gym.

Niger Delta Will Witness Monumental Development Under Tinubu - VP Shettima.

 Niger Delta Will Witness Monumental Development Under Tinubu - VP Shettima.

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's commitment towards the overall development of the Niger Delta as well as other parts of the country. 

Senator Shettima who represented President Tinubu at the grand finale of the All Progressive Congress (APC) gubernatorial rally in Bayelsa State ahead of Saturday's election noted that Bayelsa State, like every other state in Nigeria, remained dear to the visions and developmental focus of the Tinubu administration. 

The Vice President revealed that a wholistic plan for the development of the Niger Delta and all parts of Nigeria in terms of infrastructure, technological advancements, education and harnessing of the bountiful resources has not only been mapped out but is being gradually laid out. 

"My Principal, our President is a man filled with vision, willpower and total commitment to the Nigerian project. He is unwavering and in a rush to ensure the speedy development of the Niger Delta and all other parts of the country. 

"What we owe him is our support and loyalty for him to succeed. This is the more reason why all Bayelsans must come out on Saturday and rally round our party and candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva, who is your own and known for his tenacity for excellence. It is high time the people of Bayelsa State joined the government at the  centre. The opportunity is here and the time is now," VP Shettima stated. 

Also speaking at the event, National Chairman of the APC, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, described Sylva as a refined technocrat and politician who is committed to transforming and redefining the political, economic and developmental landscape of Bayelsa State. 

On his part, the Bayelsa APC candidate, Chief Sylva, said given his track record of excellence and commitment to service, his blueprint is meticulously tailored towards total revamping of the fortunes of Bayelsa State. 

Sylva, who pledged transparent utilization of resources of the state, said when elected, each and every part of the state will witness a transformation never imagined before, just as indigene and community participation in governance would be optimally held. 

The Vice President was earlier received on arrival in the state by Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, and some members of the Bayelsa State Executive  Council. 

In company of Chief Sylva, he later proceeded to pay homage to  Chairman of Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers' Council and Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom in Yenagoa local government area, King Bubaraye Dakolo. 

The Vice President was accompanied by the APC National  Chairman; APC National Secretary, Senator Jibola Bashiru; Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni; Governor of Gombe State, Alh Muhammad  Inuwa Yahaya,; APC Deputy National Chairman, Alh. Bukar Dalori; Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali, and former Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, among others. 

President Tinubu: Accurate Population Data Essential For Tailored, Innovative, And Permanent Solutions To Nation's Challenges.

President Tinubu: Accurate Population Data Essential For Tailored, Innovative, And Permanent Solutions To Nation's Challenges. 

President Bola Tinubu says accurate information on the size, characteristics, and distribution of the nation's population is imperative both for planning and for the effective delivery of public services to Nigerians.

Speaking at the launch of the Digital Civil Registration and Vital Statistics System, and the National Geospatial Data Repository at the State House, on Wednesday, President Tinubu said Nigeria's population remains the greatest asset the nation wields in the broader mission to become one of the largest economies in the world.

He said the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) system is the basic building block of an identity ecosystem, adding that, "it will help to improve service delivery to all Nigerians and shall ultimately become a vital source of identity data across federal agencies such as NIMC, NIS, Road Safety, INEC, Police, EFCC and other security outfits.

"The system will also improve the ability of our federal agencies to generate vital statistics on important population events and migration, further enabling the government to design well-tailored, effective and efficient policies that are capable of meeting the specific needs of the Nigerian people. 

"It is my hope that the current drive to re-position this vital registration system will provide the basis for the 100% attainment of our Year 2030 SDG targets in respect of real-time identity management and population data. 

"Our population remains the greatest asset of the nation in the development process. Collecting accurate and reliable information on the size, distribution, composition, and characteristics of the population is an essential governance activity that is also consistent with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration. The Commission will therefore be supported in the conduct of the next census," the President affirmed.

Commending the National Population Commission (NPC) for the initiative, President Tinubu asked the commission to deploy its cutting edge technology, especially the geo-spatial data that has been collected through the Enumeration Area Demarcation in implementing the eCRVS. 

"Coming at a time when the Commission has made substantial progress in its quest to deliver the first digital population and housing census, it is my hope that the result of the census will provide the nation with much-needed data for development planning and the enthronement of good governance. 

"It is, therefore, my great pleasure to launch the VITAL REG system and the National Geo-Spatial Data Repository to the greater glory of God, our unity, and the collective prosperity of our great country. 

"I am also pleased to inaugurate the National Coordination Committee of CRVS under the Chairmanship of the National Population Commission, which is composed of stakeholders across relevant federal ministries and agencies," the President said. 

President Tinubu further implored members of the Committee to demonstrate maximum commitment and hard work in ensuring a huge success of the new electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (eCRVS) system for the progress, peace and development of the country.

President Tinubu Signs N2.1 Trillion Supplementary 2023 Budget.

President Tinubu Signs N2.1 Trillion Supplementary 2023 Budget.

President Bola Tinubu signed the N2.176 trillion Supplementary Appropriation Act on Wednesday in Abuja to strengthen Nigeria's security architecture and address Nigeria's critical infrastructure deficit, amongst other considerations.

The President signed the Supplementary Appropriation Act, 2023, in his office at the State House in the presence of Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume; Majority Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele; the Chairmen of the Appropriation Committees in the Senate, Sen. Olamilekan Adeola, and the House of Representatives, Hon. Abubakar Bichi, as well as the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Zacch Adedeji.  

Providing a breakdown of the supplementary budget, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, said the newly approved expenditure for defence and security consists of about thirty percent, while thirty-five percent is dedicated to the provision of critical infrastructure to be allocated to the Federal Ministries of Works, the Federal Capital Territory, and Housing & Urban Development. 

The Minister further explained that thirty-two percent of the supplementary budget was allocated to the new Wage Award for treasury-paid federal workers to cushion the effect of the removal of fuel subsidy, in addition to cash transfers to vulnerable persons, and support to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), amongst other considerations. 

President Tinubu commended the National Assembly for its expeditious consideration and approval, assuring Nigerians that the executive arm of government would ensure the judicious use of the budgeted resources.  

Hon Akinlayo Presents Bills To Establish Tertiary Institutions, Moved Motion For Proper Funding Of PCC.

Hon Akinlayo Presents Bills To Establish Tertiary Institutions, Moved Motion For Proper Funding Of PCC.

In a momentous display of commitment to the welfare of his constituency and good governance, Honorable Kolawole Davidson Akinlayo, representing the Ekiti North Federal Constituency (II), has presented a series of pivotal motions and bills in the National Assembly.

First on the agenda was a motion that carries immense significance in the realm of public governance. In this motion, Honorable Akinlayo called upon the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to give top priority to the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) and allocate the necessary financial resources. The primary aim of this allocation is to empower the PCC, ensuring it functions effectively and efficiently.

By advocating for proper funding of the PCC, Akinlayo underscores his unwavering commitment to ensuring that the government remains highly responsive to the concerns and complaints of the public. This initiative further accentuates the principles of transparency and accountability that are vital for effective governance.

However, Akinlayo's legislative journey did not stop there. He introduced a groundbreaking bill that has the potential to reshape the educational landscape in Ekiti State. This transformative bill seeks to establish two new tertiary institutions - the Federal College of Agriculture in Otun Ekiti and the College of Nursing and Midwifery in Ikosu Ekiti. These towns are located within the Moba Local Government of Ekiti State.

What makes this legislative endeavor especially noteworthy is that Ekiti North Federal Constituency (II) is currently the sole constituency in Ekiti State that lacks a higher education institution. Honorable Akinlayo's proposal to create these two tertiary institutions is aimed at filling this educational void.

This legislative move extends beyond merely providing access to higher education. It is a comprehensive approach to fostering local development, creating new opportunities for the surrounding communities, and enhancing the prospects for the younger generation in the region. Honorable Akinlayo's vision is a commendable step towards promoting education and igniting regional growth.

The residents of Ekiti North Federal Constituency (II) are not only set to benefit from an empowered Public Complaints Commission but are also on the brink of witnessing the establishment of much-needed institutions that will undoubtedly shape the future of education and economic development in the region.

In conclusion, Honorable Kolawole Davidson Akinlayo's recent legislative actions exemplify a dedication to the well-being of his constituency and the principles of transparency and accountability in governance. His initiatives promise to usher in a new era of progress and development for the people of Ekiti North Federal Constituency (II).

FG Readiness To Lift 100,000 people from poverty through Subsidize Adire production scheme~ Says Betta Edu.

FG Readiness To Lift 100,000 people from poverty through Subsidize Adire production scheme~ Says Betta Edu.            

It was excitement for the market men and women in Itoku and Asero Markets in Abeokuta, the Ogun State Capital, as the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation,Dr Betta Edu announced the readiness of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to support locally produced Adire for local and international Market. She also took time to sensitize the market women on the market monies program and other social safety net programs from the ministry.

The Minister said federal Government will invest largely in creating jobs through the local fabrics production chain as one of the many ways to reduce poverty and improve export, that will further boost the economy and revenue for market men and women.

Edu assured the market women of the government intentions to ensure the fabric became known around the world. While reducing to barest minimum the presence of the imported imposter Adire!

According to the Minister, government programmes under her supervision will ensure the utilization of the opportunities in Adire Markets to lift millions of vulnerable Nigerians out of poverty.

“First, you must be able to push local production to meet the demand. Local production must be enhanced at all costs to meet the demand. When local products saturate the market at a rate subsided and supported by the government, it will automatically eliminate whatever fluntuate coming into the market.

“We don’t want to be selling fake Adire, made in other countries, and brought into Nigeria. What we want are the local ones made by our people to create jobs, it will build micro and macro economy and it will help Nigeria to be more of a manufacturing economy rather than an import dependent country.

“These are the things that are affecting the exchange rates and other economic indexes in Nigeria. Government will provide that subsidy for the people, so we take the fuel subsidy off the fuel, we will provide it for the Adire makers so that they can provide local Adire that will be used in country and exported out of the country.

“I was so happy yesterday when the governor and his commissioners said they are going to create hubs in Abuja where the original Adire would be sold. This is taking Abeokuta, Ogun State, to the world, and these hubs can be created even at embassies in other countries around the world where we can export Adire.

“This is the original one, not the fake which is imitated and brought in. For us, if we support the local manufacturers, subsidize this for them, bring more people into this production to meet the demand, it will automatically eliminate the ones that come into the country.

Speaking further, the minister said she and her team interacting with the state government have identified about five interventions that will really touch lives in Ogun State, covering about 100,000 persons in Ogun State. Part of what we identified yesterday was the ADIRE production, which is really very as typical to Ogun people; it is kind of their identity and what they are known to do very well.

“Adire has both the local equipment production and modern production. We’ve been to production sites and clusters and also in the market to pick up some of the fabrics and interact with the market people and Iyalojas. All are here with us. We try to find out the cost of the final product and what it sells for in the market.

“This cloth I am handling is N15,200, we have some the N25,000, N75,000 in the shops. We have come here to see how it is being made locally,from the dying stage, the drying, and all of these stages that finally get to beautiful fabrics that we sell and export, ” She explained. The government will create new adire clusters through our schemes targeted at poverty eradication.

Oyebanji Pledges More Ruthless Actions Against kidnappers, Bandits in Ekiti.

Oyebanji Pledges More Ruthless Actions Against kidnappers, Bandits in Ekiti.                                    .....Instals Obanla of Ipao.

The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, has promised more ferocious  wars against kidnappers and bandits perpetrating criminalities in the state to bolster investment and ensure security of lives and property, particularly along Ipao-oke Ako-Irele axis that has become a flashpoint for such horrendous acts.

Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, promised this in Ipao Ekiti, Ikole Local Government Area of the state, on Wednesday, while presenting the Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment to Obanla of Ipao, Oba Williams Oluseyi Ehinmodupin.

The Kingmakers on the  July 6, 2023, declared Prince Ehunmodupin of Adesogan Ruling House, as the Oba-elect, in compliance with the provisions of section II of the Ekiti State Chiefs Law, 2012, and was subsequently approved by the Ekiti State Executive Council on  October 4, 2023.

The stool became vacant sequel to the death of Oba Joseph Aina, who joined his ancestors on 21st June, 2016.

Addressing the community that has been under the siege of kidnapping and banditry in recent time, Oyebanji assured the communities in the axis and across Ekiti that his government would continue to be ruthless in the wars against criminals in the state.

"Let me appreciate all of you for the support you gave my government to overcome insecurity here during the interregnum, when there was vacancy in your traditional stool and now that you have got a new Oba, I promise to sustain the tempo to make you and other Ekiti citizens secured wherever you are".

Oyebanji urged other contestants and all the indigenes of Ipao Ekiti to support the new monarch to fasttrack development and as well coalesce actions with government to halt incidences of kidnapping and killings in the area.

He commended the royal fathers across the State for their contributions to maintenance of peace and stability in their domains, saying this has helped in checking unwarranted insurrection and upheavals that could derail developmental focus of the government.

The governor tasked the new monarch to pursue peace, unity and stability of the town, by mending fences with his co-contestants and build strong relationships with elite to bring development to the community.

"It is important to emphasize here today that the government of Governor Oyebanji holds our traditional rulers in high regards because they are not only the custodians of our customs, culture and tradition, they play pivotal roles in the stability of our towns , states and the country at large. 

"This is the cogent reason why Governor Oyebanji, has always been cautioning the towns where there are vacanccies in their traditional stools to guard against any action, either by way of litigation or disagreement that could stall the installation of a substantive Oba.

"Kabiyesi, as the custodian of culture and tradition, you are now the symbol of the people and your achievements will depend largely on how supportive your subjects are, so you must be on the same page with them". 

In his submission, the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Hon. Ojo Atibioke, said the selection process was keenly monitored by the then Bureau of Chieftaincy Affairs that metamorphosed into a full fledged Ministry to ensure peace and harmony, describing the process as bereft of manipulation.

Atibioke added that soothsayers has earlier predicted that the process would be rancorous, commending the kingmakers and Warrant Chiefs for displaying high sense of maturity and patriotism to the town and Ekiti in general.

"What the kingmakers have done had brought respect and honour to Ipao. People had earlier thought there would be crisis, but you succeeded in making the impossible possible. This administration will continue to accord our royal fathers the deserved respect and honour and also pursue its developmental projects to benefit our citizens".

In his acceptance speech, Oba Ehinmodupin, applauded Governor Oyebanji for his radical spirit and unflagging commitment to pursue his transformative agenda to uplift Ekiti in all facets, especially his resolve to end cases of insecurity in Ipao-Oke Ako-Irele axis. 

The monarch assured his subjects that he would redouble efforts to transform the town and make it an epicentre of development to heal the wounds created by obaship tussle among the indigenes.

The traditional ruler applauded Oyebanji for the appointment of Chief Alaba Bejide as the Chairman, Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission, saying this confirmed that the governor considers all the towns relevant in his development focus. 

"Of paramount concern to me is the maintenance of of peace and fostering of unity in this community. I promise to work assiduously to ensure the prosperity and wellbeing of our people so as to reduce the level of poverty and suffering to the bearest minimal.

"As God fearing leader, I will be just and fair in all my leadership. This reign is going to be collective one because a tree cannot make a forest, therefore I cannot do it alone. In the light of this, I call on all of you to join hands with me in this noble course. 

"We must come together, forget about the ugly past , sink our differences and face the promising bright future ahead of us".