Unprecedented Unity: Former Governor Segun Oni Joins Governor Biodun Oyebanji at Government House Chapel.

Unprecedented Unity: Former Governor Segun Oni Joins Governor Biodun Oyebanji at Government House Chapel.                                        By Comr Olamide Akinwumi

In a remarkable display of sportsmanship and dedication to state development, Former Governor Segun Oni and Governor Biodun Oyebanji recently joined forces for Sunday Worship at the Government House Chapel in Ado Ekiti, fostering a profound sense of oneness.

Following the gubernatorial elections that elevated Governor Biodun Oyebanji to lead Ekiti State, an inspiring gesture unfolded as the Governor sought collaboration from Engr Segun Oni, the election runner-up. This collaborative effort aims to elevate the state to new heights, transcending political differences.

Governor Oyebanji's commitment to inclusive governance shone through in his courtesy visits to various leaders, including Mr. Bisi Kolawole, amidst his busy schedule. This inclusive approach has transformed Ekiti State into a model of unity, successfully avoiding the political crises witnessed in some other regions.

Ekiti State stands as a beacon of peace and accommodative harmony, where diverse tribes coexist peacefully. The collaborative spirit among leaders has significantly contributed to the state's development, creating an atmosphere devoid of political turmoil.

Governor Oyebanji's leadership is characterized by respect and goodwill towards leaders of various political affiliations. His attendance at diverse occasions, regardless of party differences, reflects a commitment to fostering unity and solidarity among the people of Ekiti State.

The Governor's recent presence in Ikere-Ekiti to support Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN exemplifies his dedication to acknowledging and appreciating selfless service. Olanipekun's efforts in supporting widows, the elderly, youth, and students through scholarships and empowerment garnered the Governor's commendation.

Acknowledging the exemplary leadership of Governor Oyebanji, his commitment extends to engaging with past Governors in the state, including Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Mr. Peter Ayodele Fayose, and Mr. Niyi Adebayo. Notably, his interactions with legal luminaries like Aare Afe Babalola SAN and Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN underscore a commitment to inclusivity and collaboration.

In conclusion, the unity and collaborative efforts witnessed in Ekiti State under Governor Oyebanji's leadership not only transcend political boundaries but also serve as a testament to the potential for progress when leaders prioritize inclusivity and mutual respect.

EKSU Welcomes New Courses as NUC Grants Approval.

EKSU Welcomes New Courses as NUC Grants Approval.                                                                       By: Comr Olamide Akinwumi 

In a significant development, Ekiti State University (EKSU) has received the green light from the National University Commission (NUC) to introduce new courses at the Main Campus, starting from the 2023/2024 academic session.

The approved courses are as follows:

●BMLS - Medical Laboratory Science

●B.Sc. Medical Biochemistry

●B.Sc. Food Science and Nutrition

●B.Sc. Peace and Conflict Resolution

●B.Ed. Health Education

●B.Sc. Mass Communication

●B.Sc. Social Work

●B.Sc. Intelligence and Security Studies

●B.Sc. International Relations

●B.Sc. Public Administration

This development marks a significant expansion of the academic offerings at EKSU, providing students with diverse opportunities in fields ranging from health and communication to social sciences and administration.

The university administration expressed its gratitude to the NUC for the approval and reiterated its commitment to delivering quality education across various disciplines. The Vice-Chancellor, faculty members, and students eagerly anticipate the commencement of these new courses, anticipating a positive impact on the academic landscape.

The introduction of these programs aligns with EKSU's vision to continually evolve and meet the dynamic educational needs of students, preparing them for various professional roles in society.

Chief Wole Olanipekun Commends Governor Biodun Oyebanji's Supportive Leadership.

Chief Wole Olanipekun Commends Governor Biodun Oyebanji's Supportive Leadership.           By: Comr Olamide Akinwumi. 

In a heartwarming acknowledgment, Chief Wole Olanipekun extended his appreciation to Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for his dignified and supportive presence at the Annual Scholarships event. The esteemed Chief recounted a conversation with the Governor, highlighting his humility, respect, and amiable qualities.

Addressing the gathering in Ikere-Ekiti on Saturday, Chief Olanipekun emphasized the need for unwavering support for Governor Oyebanji, describing him as a true Omoluabi—respected, modest, and charismatic. The Chief urged all Ekiti people, regardless of political affiliations, to rally behind the Governor, expressing confidence in his ability to lead the state to greater heights.

Breaking down the impact of the 2023 Annual Scholarships, Chief Olanipekun revealed that 250 students, spanning secondary schools to university and law school levels, were beneficiaries of the Wole Olanipekun Scholarship Scheme (WOSS). Additionally, the Annual Empowerment Grants under the Wole Olanipekun Foundation (WOF) saw 100 youths receiving N50,000 each for entrepreneurship, while 100 aged and widows received N30,000 each. Furthermore, 600 individuals received palliatives.

Highlighting the core objective of the empowerment initiative, Chief Olanipekun emphasized its role in helping youths realize their potential, providing hope for the aged, and promoting a good quality of life through grants.

The event, graced by the presence of Governor Biodun Oyebanji and other dignitaries, showcased the commitment of Chief Wole Olanipekun to community development and empowerment.

Ekiti Govt Tasks Monarchs on Citizens' Compliance With Environmental Sanitation Law.

Ekiti Govt Tasks Monarchs on Citizens' Compliance With Environmental Sanitation Law.

The Ekiti State Government, has appealed to the Traditional Rulers to join the government to enforce full compliance of citizens with the monthly Environmental Sanitation exercise .

The state government emphasized that monarchs' efforts are relevant in the implementation of the Environment Law and other policies that were strategically formulated to promote good health and wellness of the citizens.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, said this, on Saturday, at the Palace of Arajaka of Igbara- Odo Ekiti, Oba Edward Jayeola, while monitoring the monthly environmental sanitation in Ekiti Southwest Local Government Area.

Mrs Afuye, according to a statement by her Media Assistant, Victor Ogunje, specifically frowned at the large turnout of traders at the Oja Oba Market in Igbara- Odo Ekiti around 8.30am, when the environmental sanitation was fully ongoing.

The Deputy Governor, said such conduct was a flagrant violation of the Ekiti State Environmental Sanitation Law that mandates all citizens to observe cleanliness every last Saturday of the month between 8am and 10am, except there is a waiver from the government.

Mrs Afuye appealed to all monarchs in the state to join the local governments in sensitising the residents on the expediency of monthly programme geared towards preventing breakout of contagious diseases in the state. 

Addressing the monarch, Mrs Afuye, said: "Kabiyesi, what I have seen in the market here in Igbara Odo today was wrong and the government of Governor Biodun Oyebanji frowns at such conduct. 

"How can people be selling in the market during environment sanitation exercise in such a large number? Health is wealth and our people must learn how to place high priority on their health and this starts with maintenance of environmental cleainess and hygiene.

"This programme is to make sure that our citizens don't spend money that is meant to develop themselves on opportunistic diseases. If you clean your environment, you are doing yourself a great deal of favour.

"I want to appeal that this kind of scenario shouldn't repeat itself next month. Our people must be carefully and rightly guided on how to comply with laws. We have nothing to lose if we stay at home between 7-10am to clean our surroundings".

Responding, Oba Jayeola applauded Governor Oyebanji's government for its love for the citizens of the state, assuring that such conduct won't repeat itself in the next episode of the exercise.

"Let me assure your Excellency that this will not repeat itself next month because this programme is for our own benefit. 

During the Deputy Governor's visit to Ilawe, the headquarters of the council,Mrs Afuye commended the residents for fully complying with the exercise and for maintaining environmental cleanliness.

She lauded the efforts of the Council Chairman, Hon. Richard Apolola for his mobilisation strides leading to the good conduct exhibited by the residents, urging the residents to sustain such ethical standard in the subsequent editions. 

Hon Apolola assured the government that the high compliance noticed in Ilawe Ekiti will be replicated in other towns in the council during the next editions.

Federal Government Vows to Halt Influx of Illegal Aliens.

Federal Government Vows to Halt Influx of Illegal Aliens.                                                          .   .....Minister of Interior Promises Stringent Measures for Enhanced Border Security.

The Federal Government has pledged to implement measures aimed at curbing the movement of illegal immigrants into the country as part of its commitment to enhancing national security.

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, affirmed this resolve during a meeting with the Director of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Dasuki Arabi. The Minister emphasized the need to end the era where aliens could easily enter the country using fake travel documents.

According to a statement released by Afonja Ajibola, the Director of Press at the Ministry, Tunji-Ojo stated, "A situation where illegal aliens easily find their ways into the country, often with fake travel documents, has to be stopped. Nigeria cannot be secured if its borders are not secured."

The Minister highlighted the crucial role of securing Nigeria's borders in ensuring overall national security. He expressed the readiness of the Ministry to collaborate actively with the Bureau of Public Service Reforms in finding effective solutions to the nation's security challenges, particularly in securing the borders.

"I am ready to actively collaborate with the Bureau of Public Service Reforms to find solutions to our security challenges," Tunji-Ojo affirmed.

This development underscores the government's commitment to safeguarding the nation's borders and preventing the entry of illegal immigrants who may pose threats to national security. 

Vice President Shettima Urges Citizens to Work Towards Unity.

 Vice President Shettima Urges Citizens to Work Towards Unity.                                                       .....37th Annual Akesan Day Highlights Nigeria's Rich Cultural Heritage.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, speaking at the 37th annual Akesan Day held at the Christ Apostolic Grammar School in Iperu Remo, Ogun State, encouraged citizens to strive for unity despite the country's multicultural diversity.

During the festival, Shettima emphasized the significance of Ogun State as a symbol of enduring cultural heritage and values that promote unity and development. He expressed gratitude for the reminder of the roles of sociology and economics in cultural celebrations for nation-building.

"Our diversity is a source of strength and not division. It is a testimony to our adaptability as a people," Shettima stated. He urged people to learn from the spirit of cooperation and determination demonstrated by the people of Iperu Remo. The Vice President called for collective efforts towards a brighter future and the overall greatness of Nigeria.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, also present at the event, acknowledged the support and cooperation his government had received. He pledged to reciprocate by pursuing projects and policies aimed at enhancing the well-being of the people.

The Akesan Day celebration served as a platform to reinforce the unity of Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and determination in achieving progress and greatness at various levels – from community to community, culture to culture, state to state, and region to region.

Students’ loan initiative ‘ll make Nigerian studentscompete with world best – Gbajabiamila.

Students’ loan initiative ‘ll make Nigerian studentscompete with world best – Gbajabiamila

The Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila has said that efforts are underway to ensure the Students’ Loan Scheme take-off in January 2024.

This, he said, would ensure that Nigerian students access the loans “to fund their educational aspirations.”

Gbajabiamila spoke during the Convocation Lecture of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH).

While delivering the lecture titled, “Empowering Nigerian Youths in the Present Day Economy” at the 35th convocation ceremony, the former House of Representatives Speaker stated that to make the process seamless, “applicants will apply online, be verified online, and be credited based on the verifiable documents and credentials they have submitted.”

He said: “The application system for the student loan programme is being designed so that there is no interface between the loan administrators and the beneficiaries. Applicants will apply online, be verified online, and be credited based on the verifiable documents and credentials they have submitted. Nobody will need to know anybody to qualify for these loans, so that access to this financing will be genuinely egalitarian.

“The student loan system answers part of the question of how to fund a quality public tertiary education but doesn’t answer all of it. Any serious conversation about the future of tertiary education in Nigeria must include thoroughly considering the ways and means of addressing the funding needs of public tertiary institutions beyond government subvention. In this regard, we cannot for much longer avoid the simple truth that tertiary education costs money, and the best institutions worldwide succeed, amongst other things, because they can generate significant sums through fees, investments, and other means.

“The simple truth is that for our institutions to compete favourably, we need more resources than are currently available to address the dangerous decline in the quality of scholarship and academic output and the graduates we produce from many of our institutions.”

He stated that in a perfect world, access to education would be a fundamental benefit afforded to every individual from basic through tertiary.

“And our learning centers will be majestic citadels of research and innovation, open to all who seek knowledge, regardless of means. But this is not a perfect world. In this real world, education is a commodity, and a quality education even more so. “Therefore, the central public policy challenge is the conflict between the competing objectives of access and quality. How do we fund a quality tertiary education without imposing costs that make access to quality education impossible for most people?

 “We require a programme of aggressive and sustained investment in education. Not only in the physical infrastructure of classrooms and lecture halls but in technology hardware and software to facilitate information exchange and innovation.

“In this new world we have found ourselves in, nothing has changed as drastically as the nature of work and how we measure productivity. Today, many skills that guarantee employment and a healthy income for previous generations have been made redundant by technological advances.

The Rector of the College, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, said the institution focused on youth empowerment through its various programmes.

“Furthermore, to show how committed we are to the empowering of our youths, the management established the Industry Advisory Committee to enhance her dynamic role of producing technical manpower for the Economic and Social development of Nigeria,” he said.

According to him, when it comes to manpower development, technological advancement, and youth empowerment, the college has been at the forefront.