Governor Biodun Oyebanji Initiates Ado-Ekiti Ring Road Construction for Economic Growth and Development.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji Initiates Ado-Ekiti Ring Road Construction for Economic Growth and Development.                                                           By: Comr Olamide Akinwumi. 

In a significant move towards enhancing connectivity and fostering economic development, Governor Biodun Oyebanji has officially launched the construction of the Ado-Ekiti Ring Road at Iworoko Ekiti. The groundbreaking ceremony, which took place on Friday, November 24th, underscores Governor Oyebanji's unwavering dedication to the state's infrastructure overhaul, a pivotal element for economic expansion and industrialization—key focal points of the BAO administration.

The Ado-Ekiti Ring Road project is poised to play a pivotal role in various aspects, primarily addressing transportation challenges, unlocking the state's potential, and propelling economic activities. As the governor set the wheels in motion for this transformative initiative, it signifies a resolute commitment to providing a robust framework for sustainable growth and progress in Ekiti State.

Governor Oyebanji's visionary approach places infrastructure development at the forefront of his governance priorities, recognizing it as a critical catalyst for economic prosperity. The Ado-Ekiti Ring Road is anticipated to create an efficient transportation network, linking different parts of the state and facilitating seamless movement of goods and services. This strategic infrastructure investment aligns with the governor's broader vision to position Ekiti State as a hub for economic activities and industrial advancement.

The flag-off ceremony not only marks the commencement of a crucial infrastructure project but also exemplifies Governor Oyebanji's commitment to ushering in an era of comprehensive development. The focus on road construction is emblematic of the administration's resolve to improve accessibility, spur economic growth, and enhance the overall quality of life for the people of Ekiti State.

As the Ado-Ekiti Ring Road project takes shape, it stands as a testament to Governor Biodun Oyebanji's proactive governance style, emphasizing the indispensability of robust infrastructure for sustainable progress. The BAO administration's strategic decisions and unwavering focus on good governance continue to pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for Ekiti State.

The people of Ekiti State, witnessing this groundbreaking initiative, commend Governor Oyebanji for his visionary leadership, applauding his dedication to steering the state towards unprecedented heights of development. The Ado-Ekiti Ring Road project signifies not just the physical expansion of road networks but, more importantly, the symbolic path towards a future where economic vibrancy and progress are woven into the very fabric of Ekiti State.

Ondo Crisis: Tinubu Wades Into Gov. Akeredolu, D’gov. Aiyedatiwa’s Feud.

Ondo Crisis: Tinubu Wades Into Gov. Akeredolu, D’gov. Aiyedatiwa’s Feud.

President Bola Tinubu has waded into the feud between Ondo Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and Deputy Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

A source said President Tinubu has invited members of the Ondo Assembly to Abuja Friday.

Prominent elders and traditional rulers in the week appealed to President Tinubu to intervene in the political crisis to avert looming anarchy.

It was gathered the Ondo Assembly has be divided with 11 lawmakers now in support of Aiyedatiwa.

Sources said the 11 lawmakers were reached out to by some forces outside Ondo State.

A sitting of the lawmakers scheduled for Friday was said to have been pushed by the 11 lawmakers.

One of them, who pleaded anonymity, said the sitting was part of the plans hatched in Abuja with the 11 lawmakers to declare Governor Akeredolu incapacitated and declare Aiyedatiwa Governor.

Speaker Oladiji Olamide, who confirmed the meeting with President Tinubu, said the outcome of the meeting would determine the next line of action.

Oladiji said the scheduled Friday’s plenary was to declare Aiyedatiwa as Acting Governor and not to declare Akeredolu as incapacitated.

He said the meeting with President Tinubu would hold on Friday afternoon.

“Our sitting was to declare Aiyedatiwa as Acting Governor. The Governor is still alive,” he said.

(The Nation)

Audit Ordered for N8.9 Billion Monthly Salaries of FCTA Staff, Reveals Minister Wike.

Audit Ordered for N8.9 Billion Monthly Salaries of FCTA Staff, Reveals Minister Wike.

In a surprising revelation, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, expressed astonishment at the monthly salaries of FCT Administration staff, totaling a staggering N8.9 billion. Wike, undeterred by potential resistance, announced his decision to conduct a comprehensive audit to verify the accuracy of this figure.

During a live broadcast from his office on Friday, November 24, Minister Wike shed light on the magnitude of the salary disbursement, emphasizing the need for a thorough examination to ensure transparency and accountability in the FCT Administration.

Wike disclosed that the FCTA currently boasts a workforce of 38,000 staff members, adding further complexity to the salary disbursement scrutiny. The audit is expected to provide clarity on the structure and allocation of these substantial monthly payments.

Beyond the financial concerns, the minister addressed the pressing issue of insecurity within the territory. Wike assured the public that decisive measures would be taken without hesitation, demonstrating a commitment to addressing security challenges head-on.

In a notable development, Wike announced that President Bola Tinubu is slated to commission various projects within the FCT in the shortest possible time. This indicates a significant commitment to infrastructure and development initiatives in the capital territory.

As the audit process unfolds, stakeholders and the public await the outcome, anticipating a clearer understanding of the FCTA's financial landscape. Minister Wike's proactive stance on both fiscal oversight and security concerns signals a dedicated effort to enhance governance and ensure the well-being of the FCT and its residents.

Gombe pledges support for Tinubu’s food security agenda.

Gombe pledges support for Tinubu’s food security agenda.

Gombe state governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to bolstering President Bola Tinubu‘s Renewed Hope Agenda on Food Security and other federal government initiatives. 

The governor, who stated this while receiving in audience, the minister of water resources and sanitation, Muhammad Bello Goronyo at the Government House, assured of Gombe state’s synergy with the federal government towards achieving self-sufficiency in food production by leveraging available water and land resources.

Governor Inuwa said the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu is compatible with his administration’s development policies as encapsulated in the ten-year development plan of the state (Devagom).

He said: “The renewed hope Agenda which seeks to provide or restore the food security of this country, and improve on it, taking it to a higher level, is something that we really align with.”

He urged the federal government to do more in supporting the state to harness its water potential.

The governor added: “We have our own dam, the Balanga Dam which has been lying fallow for so long. We are not saying you fund it, but give us the technical support to identify very reputable partners who are into business to improve productivity and provide food security.”

He appreciated the support of the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation in curbing the aged-long water scarcity, especially in the state capital and its environs through the Gombe regional water expansion project and other collaborative projects that help in reducing the water supply problem to the barest level.

He noted: “At this very crucial moment, where we are almost 90% or so, nearing completion of the Gombe regional water expansion project, it is not an easy task; a 160km of pipe network, 3 mega booster stations, borehole-based mini water schemes, and many other facilities needed for lifting and pumping, I think with these, we are good to go.”

Speaking earlier, the minister said he and his entourage went around and saw some of the laudable projects being undertaken by the state government in particular, the Gombe regional water supply expansion project which is a joint project between his ministry and Gombe State Government.

The minister applauded the commitment of Governor Inuwa in partnering with his ministry in the execution of projects that have a direct bearing on the people.

He stated: “We are in partnership with the Gombe State Government in a number of projects; the PEWASH, SURWASH, Regional water supply expansion, and many more. In fact, Gombe is the only state in this country that keyed into all the projects we are executing in this country.”

The minister was in Gombe as part of his familiarization tour to various river basin development authorities across the country to ensure the maximizing potential of the river basins in promoting food security in the country.

He stated: “Incidentally, the Upper Benue River Basin happens to be one of the grade ‘A’ river basins in the country with enormous potential. If the potential is adequately utilised, we can cultivate enough food, create wealth, generate employment, reduce hunger, and provide adequate security; because hunger is the no. 1 factor that pushes people to insecurity.”

He, however, appealed to the governor to support the federal government’s target of boosting crop production by increasing available cultivable lands along the river basins.

Federal Government reels out new policies on road infrastructure.

 Federal Government reels out new policies on road infrastructure.

The minister of work, Dave Umahi, has reiterated the importance of the emphasis attached to quality delivery of construction works by the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

He said that the ‘business as usual’ syndrome in road construction is no longer tenable under the Renewed Hope administration.

Umahi added that the federal government under President Tinubu is committed to outstanding quality, value for money, innovation, responsiveness, fast deliveries, and technical expertise in road infrastructure development in the country.

He stressed that it has become expedient to disabuse the minds of the contractors handling government road projects from executing the jobs in contradiction of set standards.

In a statement by his chief press secretary, Uchenna Orji, while receiving a delegation of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), led by the President, Tasiu Gidari Wudil in his office on Thursday, November 23, Umahi reeled out the new policies to guide road infrastructure in the country.

The new policies include good stabilized and tested subgrade and sub-base course before pavement placement; expose subgrade, sub-base; and base course to 60 days of vehicular movement and continuous sheep-foot rolling before pavement placement.

Others are the introduction of reinforced concrete road pavement in most road carriageways and shoulders; continuous maintenance of all roads under construction throughout the life of the project under contract; effective design of road infrastructure anchored on a detailed report of environmental site conditions and geotechnical report; and community relations in terms of keeping roads motorable under the period of the contract.

The minister however emphasised that supervision was necessary in the actualization of quality delivery of road construction whether concrete pavement or asphalt, noting that each of the two models has its own attendant conditions.

While explaining that the rate of increase in the cost of materials for construction of the two models is alarming, the minister argued that the cost of materials for asphalt is in geometric progression while the cost of materials for concrete pavement is in arithmetic progression.

He also reiterated that prudence and value for money are the watchwords of the Ministry of Works under him, and this involves getting materials at the minimum purchase price and maximum efficiency and effectiveness of the product.

Earlier, the NSE President, Wudil was quoted as informing the Minister that the courtesy call aimed to seek areas of collaboration with one of their own while describing him as a round beg in a round hole, adding, “Since after your assumption of office, we have been monitoring your progress, and I must tell you we are not surprised, what you did as Governor in Ebonyi State is amazing.

“We visited you when you were the Governor of Ebonyi State and I am going to visit your governor now. I must go because it is like a pilgrimage… In fact Your Excellency, we are proud of you.”

Bolanle Owolabi Foundation Empowers Over 200 Widows in Ifaki Ekiti.

Bolanle Owolabi Foundation Empowers Over 200 Widows in Ifaki Ekiti.

In a heartwarming annual tradition that began in 2011, the Eyemuju Bolanle Owolabi Foundation, a non-governmental organization, has once again made a significant impact by empowering over 200 widows in Ifaki Ekiti.

The event, aimed at uplifting the standard of widows in the community and ensuring their well-being, saw Chief Tayo Okanlawon, Chairman of the foundation, commending the visionary behind the initiative, Chief Mrs. Bolanle Owolabi. Chief Owolabi, the head of Ekiti State women traditional chiefs, was lauded as a unique and outstanding woman with a deep passion for the welfare of widows.

Chief Okanlawon emphasized the challenges widows face after the loss of their husbands, highlighting the need for assistance. Mrs. Bolanle Owolabi has consistently demonstrated her commitment to alleviating these challenges by providing food, clothing, and medical care to widows.

In his remarks, Sir Alfred Taiwo Ogundana, President of Ifaki Development, described Chief Owolabi as a trailblazer in rendering assistance to widows, vulnerable individuals, orphans, and the aged. He urged governments at all levels and affluent Nigerians to establish various empowerment programs to support widows, especially during times of economic strain.

During the event, the Onifaki of Ifaki Ekiti, HRM Oba John Adegbenro Falore, praised Chief Mrs. Bolanle Owolabi for her unwavering commitment to the well-being of widows in Ifaki Ekiti. The monarch emphasized the special care and help widows require, urging other sons and daughters of Ifaki Ekiti to emulate Chief Owolabi's generosity.

In a media interaction, Chief Bolanle Owolabi shared that her deep concern for the challenging lives widows lead after their husbands' passing led her to establish the foundation in 2012. She instituted an annual event called Widows Day, dedicated to providing widows with essentials such as clothes, food, beverages, and medical attention. Chief Owolabi affirmed her ongoing commitment to supporting widows with the resources at her disposal.

This year's event went beyond material support, featuring medical experts delivering lectures on diabetes and hypertension. The Eyemuju Bolanle Owolabi Foundation continues to shine as a beacon of hope and assistance for widows in Ifaki Ekiti.

Governor Oyebanji commissions 3.6mw Ekiti IPP.

Governor Oyebanji commissions 3.6mw Ekiti IPP.                                                                                        ...…woos investors with uninterrupted power supply.

..….Ekiti is set for rapid industrialization, he says.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, on Thursday commissioned the  3.6 megawatt Ekiti Independent Power Project (IPP) in Ado Ekiti, in a move seen as a major step towards industrialisation of the state.

Performing the commissioning at the project site located on Bank Road, Ado Ekito, the state capital, Governor Oyebanji said the project would help alleviate power challenges faced by residents and business offices as well as boost economic activities and industrialisation process as well as enhance the overall quality of life of the people of the state.

The commissioning of the IPP, came barely a month after the Governor commissioned electricity projects in several communities in four local government areas of the state that have been without peoper supply for over 10 years.

Governor Oyebanji, who described the IPP project as a game changer, said the project is a testament to his administration’s commitment to self-sufficiency of energy aimed at bringing about rapid industrial development of the state through enhanced economic activities and employment opportunities that would lead to growth and development.

The Governor, who emphasized the importance of the project in meeting the growing energy demand of the state, while reducing dependence on the national grid, said his administration has put in place series of measures to put an end to the ugly situation of epileptic power supply in the state.

He explained that his government has rehabilitated and reconnected Gbonyin/ Aiyekire and Ekiti East 33KV line to the national grid, evacuated energy from the 30MVA transformer at the TCN facility at Omisanjana to the Industrial and Tourism zone of Erijiyan and Ikogosi, extension of electricity to the Agric. Processing Zone in Iyemero from Eruku in Kwara State as well as rehabilitation of 33KV network from Ilumoba to Ikole Ekiti as against the former connection to Omu-aran feeder, among other interventions in the power sector.

The Governor also said that his government has been able to increase the commercial hours of the state capital by changing the conventional streetlight lamps to solar lamps to improve economic activities in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, while efforts are being put in place to replicate same across the local government areas.

While appreciating the management of Fenchurch Power Limited for the timely delivery of the project, Oyebanji used the opportunity to call on investors in the power sector to come and invest in Ekiti, especially meter vendors who could take advantage of the electricity law which provides opportunity for independent meter vendors to supply to willing customers.

The Governor urged residents of the state to see all electrical facilities in their domains as their properties and to jealously guide and protect them from vandalization. He also assured that he will not rest until energy, which is the bedrock of industrialization, is in abundant supply to support the productive energy of the people.

“It is my great pleasure to be here today to commission the first ever Independent Power Project (IPP) in Ekiti State. Today’s event is another testimony to our unstoppable race to greatness as a people and a homage to determination to succeed in the face of daunting challenges”

“This project is a major pointer to the fact that we are on course. And we will not rest until energy, which is the bedrock of industrialization, is in abundant supply to support the productive energy of our people.

“I also wish to urge our people to see all electrical facilities in our communities as our properties and to jealously guide and protect them from vandalization. This way, the ongoing investment in the power sector will bring the desired shared prosperity result to our people. For us, we are irrevocably committed to the rapid industrial development of Ekiti for employment and growth”. The Governor asserted.

Governor Oyebanji also hinted that the project would provide reliable and dedicated electricity to key State Government facilities and infrastructure including but not limited to the state secretariat, Governor's office, Government House, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ekiti State University as well as provide uninterrupted Public Street Lighting to some major streets of Ado Ekiti.

The Governor, shortly after the commissioning undertook a guided tour of the Independent Power Plant alongside some of the dignitaries  including the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, members of the State Executive Council, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof Bolaji Aluko, members of the state House of Assembly, Secretary to the State Government, Dr Habibat Adubiaro, Head of Service, Engr. Sunday Komolafe, traditional rulers among others.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof Bolaji Aluko, said the project was an indication that Biodun Abayomi  Oyebanji administration fully recognize that electricity is a major game changer for industrialization and economic development in the state.

Prof Aluko explained that  Independent power project is the only utility scale generation facility in the state capable of boosting the state’s energy availability by at least two megawatt with a potential of increasing from five to 10megawatts.

In his remark, Chairman, Ekiti Independent Power Project, Mr. Olufemi Bakare said the commissioning of the IPP  is an indication that Ekiti State is a forward thinking and progressive in its effort towards power generation and distribution by taken the advantage of the recently passed electricity law.