Ekiti Government To Give Notorious Atikankan Slum A Face-lift.

Ekiti Government To Give Notorious Atikankan Slum A Face-lift.

Ekiti State Government has commenced process of acquiring an expanse of swampy fetid shanty slum around the notorious Atikankan area of Ado Ekiti, the State capital as part of efforts at giving the Central Business District a facelift and addressing the inherent challenges bedeviling the area.

The State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Rt. Hon. Oladapo Karounwi and his counterpart in charge of Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun made this known during a stakeholders’ engagement and advocacy tour. 

They described the area as currently constituted as unfit for human habitation.

Karounwi said that the high-crime rate area is a source of concern for the State Government, adding that the new development would address the issues of safety of lives and property, congestion and environmental pollution in the area as well as improve the aesthetic value of the district and the State capital in general.

The Commissioner noted that previous administrations had acquired the said land verbally but did not follow-up, adding that formal acquisition was not carried out.

He said that the present administration had however held several stakeholders’ engagements, identified historic and cultural sites that are to be preserved, met with the Ewi-in-Council and the owners’ of the properties in the area, adding that approval had been obtained in principle for government to clean up the slum, upgrade the land so that the area could be used to boost business activities of the people.

He added that Government officials would soon commence marking of the affected structures for proper enumeration and valuation to ensure appropriate compensation to the owners before starting demolition.

He said “We will not move to site without completing the payment of adequate compensation to the land owners. This Government is a sensitive one, a government of the people that cares about the happiness and welfare of our people. We will ensure that their compensations are paid and everybody is happy before we begin demolition”.

“Environment and Social impact assessment would also be conducted in line with global best practices to guarantee achieving the desired result”. 

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun said that the proposed demolition of the slum and upgrade of the area would boost socio-economic activities, Internally Generated Revenue of the State, and environmental health in the area.

Olatunbosun however appealed to the concerned to cooperate with the state government as the project which is being embarked upon by the state government is for the benefit of all and sundry.

Ekiti to host 64th National Council on Health Meeting.

Ekiti to host 64th National Council on Health Meeting.

......health Minister leads over 800 participants to Ado-Ekiti.

All is now set for the hosting of the 64th National Council on Health scheduled to be hosted by Ekiti state from 13th -17th November, in Ado Ekiti as no fewer than 800 are expected at the five – day event.

The Minister of Health and Minister of State for Health will lead all state commissioners for Health, permanent secretaries, heads of institutions, international development agencies, drug manufacturing companies, researchers and health workers to the NCH which will take place at the AB Event Centre, Ado Ekiti.

The NHC, which is the highest national policy making and advisory body in the health sector will deliberate on programmes and policies around the health sector and come up with new policies and programmed in the bid to advance health care in the country.

Briefing journalists in his office in Ado-Ekiti, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Oyebanji Filani said the theme of the 64th council session will be “Building a Resilient and Inclusive Healthcare System for Healthy Nigeria”, adding that the Council will serve as a platform for collaboration and decision-making among stakeholders in the health Sector, bringing together key players from the federal and state levels of government.

Dr Oyebanjj added that the council will discuss and address critical health issues, review progress and decision that influence the direction of healthcare in the country which will also represent a significant milestone in Nigeria shared commitment to advancing healthcare and improving the wellbeing of communities, as well as foster the development of healthcare professionals and the improvement of healthcare infrastructure across the country.

He revealed that the council meeting will provide a veritable platform to exchange ideas, share expertise, and chart a course for a healthier and more equitable future as the meeting will also help stimulate local economy through tourism, increased revenue to business concerns and engendering meaningful cooperation and collaboration amongst participants.

While expressing appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for providing necessary logistics regarding security, accommodation, transportation among others to ensure a seamless and smooth National Council in the state, Filani also highlighted the achievements of this administration in the health sector to include free treatment of over 90,000 vulnerable people under Ulerawa Health Insurance programme in the last three months as well as renovation of most of the health facilities from Primary to tertiary health facilities with state of the art medical equipment.

He used the opportunity to call on all Ekiti residents to remain the good and hospitable hosts they are known for and let the guests enjoy the traditional Ekiti hospitality during the 5-day summit.

President Tinubu To Saudi Investors: Your Investments Are Safe In Nigeria.

President Tinubu To Saudi Investors: Your Investments Are Safe In Nigeria.

 

President Bola Tinubu has assured potential investors that their investments are safe in Nigeria.

 

Speaking at the Saudi-Africa Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Friday, President Tinubu said Nigeria is ready for business while assuring investors of some of the world's highest returns on investment.

 

The President said Nigeria is desirous of enhancing collaboration with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on combating terrorist organizations such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other violent extremist groups which have been terrorizing the Lake Chad and Sahel regions.

 

"Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have always enjoyed a special relationship at both the bilateral and multilateral levels. Within the past six decades, our bilateral cooperation, which was initially hajj-centric, has witnessed diversification to cover a number of areas of common interest. It is delightful to note the presence in this great Kingdom of a large number of our compatriots and professionals, including highly-skilled medical practitioners and professional football players.

 

 "As members of several international organizations including the UN, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, the International Energy Forum, the G77, the Islamic Development Bank, the Digital Cooperation Organization among others, our two nations have effectively used these and other platforms to enhance close interaction and coordination. I am confident that our joint positive disposition within these platforms will continue to be demonstrated as we seek to advance our mutual interests. 

 

"Nigeria, like the Kingdom, is diversifying her economy away from oil dependence to promote sustainable development. My administration has undertaken bold economic reforms by removing wasteful subsidies on petroleum and the merging of our foreign exchange market, among other incentives aimed at improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria.

 

"I also wish to assure all potential Saudi investors of the safety of their investments based on the sanctity of the rule of law and good returns on their investments in the largest economy in Africa. In this regard, the benefit attached to the early inauguration of the Nigeria-Saudi Business Council can not be over-emphasized," the President said.

 

President Tinubu thanked the Kingdom for the various humanitarian interventions in Nigeria through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre.

 

Speaking on climate change and how it affects Africa, President Tinubu said climate change has led to an expedited rate of desertification and incessant flooding in Nigeria and many other countries of Africa.

 

He commended the efforts of the Kingdom for its various initiatives to fight the effects of climate change, adding that Nigeria is also working on a number of initiatives to fight the effects of climate change and energy poverty. 

 

"Recently, we launched a data-driven Energy Transition Plan which sets forth a clear carbon reduction policy and targets net-zero emissions by the year 2060 while also setting out our plans for industrialization using new energy systems and universal access to modern energy services.

 

"Mr. Chairman, let me also take this opportunity to reiterate Nigeria’s full support for the Kingdom’s bids to host the 2030 World Expo in Riyadh and the 2034 FIFA Senior Men’sWorld Cup, the latter of which is now all but guaranteed to succeed," the President said.

 

On the situation in the Middle East, particularly in Palestine, the President reiterated Nigeria's call for an immediate ceasefire and the pursuit of a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

SCIY President Asoju Oba Akin Afuye Commends Community Collaboration in Overcoming Power Challenges.

SCIY President Asoju Oba Akin Afuye Commends Community Collaboration in Overcoming Power Challenges.

In a show of gratitude and acknowledgement, Asoju Oba Akin Afuye, the President of the Supreme Council of Ikere Youths  (SCIY), extends his thanks to the community for their patience and understanding during the recent challenges of erratic power supply in the city.

Afuye notes the substantial efforts and resources contributed beyond initial commitments, highlighting the positive outcomes seen in the improvement of power supply as of today. He emphasizes that continued enhancements are expected in the future.

The President extends appreciation to community leaders, recognizing their efforts and collaborations in addressing the power supply challenges. He expresses the hope that their dedication will be rewarded abundantly by God.

Efforts are actively underway to resolve power challenges in Oke Ikere, with the belief that it will soon become a thing of the past.

While acknowledging progress, Afuye calls for collaboration to address remaining challenges. He underscores the need for residents to make electricity payments directly to designated BEDC offices, avoiding payments to disconnected staff. Afuye stresses that such payments do not reflect on bills, impacting the community's access to electricity.

Residents are urged to collect receipts for all payments made to BEDC as evidence. Afuye encourages reporting any BEDC staff engaging in unauthorized collections to dedicated lines: 08033546732 & 08030608243.

Acknowledging ongoing difficulties, Afuye calls for unity in resolving challenges, emphasizing the monitoring of BEDC activities in the community.

Highlighting the importance of community support, Afuye appeals for collaboration with the youth council and expresses gratitude to fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters for their prayers and support.

In conclusion, Asoju Oba Akin Afuye extends blessings to Ikere-Ekiti, seeking continued divine guidance and support for the community.

Ekiti Assembly Congratulates Speaker, Aribasoye On His Birthday.

Ekiti Assembly Congratulates Speaker, Aribasoye On His Birthday.

The Ekiti State House of Assembly extends its warmest congratulations to our hardworking leader, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Stephen Aribasoye, the Speaker of the 7th Assembly, on the occasion of his birthday.

Mr Speaker! You are truly a Godsend and the 7th Assembly is lucky to have someone with your focus and drive as our head. Your direction and leadership are truly second to none.

Today, the Assembly takes the opportunity to celebrate the remarkable accomplishment and unwavering dedication demonstrated by our esteemed and dynamic leader.

You have displayed exemplary leadership skills and a deep commitment to serving the people of Ekiti State. We thank you for keeping everything running so smoothly, and for leading the 7th Assembly with with such care and grace.

Ever since you came to be in your position of leadership things have improved tenfold in the Ekiti State House of Assembly; you have certainly earned your place on history. 

The Assembly recognizes and commend your exceptional qualities of intergrity, diligence and commitment to duties which have earned you the respect and admiration of party leaders, friends, your constituents, and colleagues.

May the new chapter in your life be marked by even greater accomplishments and abundance of blessings.

The entire members and bureaucracy of Ekiti State House of Assembly wish you many more years of spreading your wisdom, which

benefits each and every one of

us for the greater good.

Signed

Hon. Babatunde Oke

Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs.

Gov Oyebanji Extends IPP Facility To EKSU.

 Gov Oyebanji Extends IPP Facility To EKSU

The Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has approved the extension of the Independent Power Plant (IPP) project to cover the premises of the Ekiti State University (EKSU) along Iworoko road in Ado Ekiti.

The State Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Professor Bolaji Aluko who made this known in Ado Ekiti, said that the connection would be executed very quickly.

According to him, the University is considered to be a major learning center and an important location in the State with a lot of students and erudite staff which necessitated the decision.

Professor Aluko also said that the State government has facilitated a one gigabyte per second free internet hub at the Oja Oba area in Ado Ekiti for the next one year.

The Commissioner explained that the free internet services is not limited to people buying and selling in the area, adding that the facility is available for all interested users in the area.

Aluko noted that with the provision of the free internet facility that would soon be extended to the newly constructed bus terminal and other parts of the State capital, the State capital would be able to boast of good roads, street lights and free internet services.  

He said that Governor Oyebanji in addition approved the construction of 33kv transmission line from the 132/33kv substation at Omisanjana in Ado Ekiti through Iluomoba to Ijesha Isu and Ikole.

Aluko said that the move is part of efforts to ensure stable supply of electricity in the State.

Bills For Establishment Of Tertiary Institutions In Ekiti State Scaled First Reading.

Bills For Establishment Of Tertiary Institutions In Ekiti State Scaled First Reading.

The Green Chamber marked a significant mileage as the Bill for the establishment of the Federal College of Agriculture in Otun Ekiti and College of Nursing and Midwifery in Ikosu Ekiti, sponsored by Honorable Akinlayo Kolawole, passed its first reading. 

Representing Ekiti North Federal Constituency (II) of Ekiti State, Honorable Akinlayo's groundbreaking initiative addresses the absence of higher education institution(s) in Ekiti North Federal Constituency (II).

This legislative effort not only seeks to bridge the educational gap but also aims at catalyzing local development and offering opportunities for communities within Moba Local Government. The proposal underscores a commitment to nurturing the potential of the younger generation and fostering regional growth.

During the bill's introduction, Honorable Akinlayo emphasized the urgent need for federal presence in education within the constituency. Highlighting the deficiency in primary healthcare personnel, he articulated the necessity for training and retraining of staff to ensure quality healthcare provision. 

The lawmaker passionately appealed to his colleagues for swift passage of the bill, envisioning the establishment of these institutions as a cornerstone for democratic dividends and community well-being.