Gunmen Kill Ogun Governor’s Office Finance Director, Cart Away Money.

Gunmen Kill Ogun Governor’s Office Finance Director, Cart Away Money.

In a tragic incident, Mr. Taiwo Oyekanmi, the Director of Finance and Accounts attached to the Ogun State Governor’s office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, was killed by suspected gunmen. The assailants targeted Oyekanmi on the NNPC bridge along Oke-Mosan road, Abeokuta, while he was returning from a bank in the Abeokuta Central Business District.

According to sources, Oyekanmi had gone to make withdrawals ahead of the November 30 budget presentation by Governor Dapo Abiodun. He was ambushed, shot, and rushed to the State Hospital, Ijaye, Abeokuta, where doctors pronounced him dead.

The incident has cast a pall of mourning over the Secretariat, as two top civil servants anonymously conveyed their grief.

Confirming the incident, Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abiodun Alamutu, stated that the police were actively pursuing the perpetrators. He provided details of the attack and the subsequent escape of the assailants in a vehicle.

Governor Dapo Abiodun expressed his condolences to Oyekanmi’s family, describing the incident as a rude shock. He called for prayers for the family and directed security agencies to swiftly apprehend the criminals responsible for the heinous act.

“I have directed all security agencies in the State to smoke the criminals out instantly and make them face the full wrath of the law,” Governor Abiodun declared.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, led a government delegation to Oyekanmi’s house to commiserate with his family.

The police are actively investigating the incident, and efforts are underway to obtain CCTV footage from the bank to aid in identifying the assailants.

"I pray for the repose of his soul and for God’s protection over the family he left behind. Obviously, he is going to be sorely missed by his colleagues and the government he meritoriously served till death," Governor Abiodun expressed in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Lekan Adeniran.

Ekiti Obas Pledge Support To Gov Oyebanji’s Tourism Agenda.

Ekiti Obas Pledge Support To Gov Oyebanji’s Tourism Agenda.

The Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers has pledged their full support and commitment to collaborate with Governor Biodun Oyebanji on the development of tourism within the state.

The Obas made this commitment in Ado Ekiti yesterday when they welcomed Amb Wale Ojo-Lanre, Director-General of the Bureau of Tourism Development, Ekiti State, into their hallowed chamber.

Amb Ojo-Lanre said that he was in the Oba’s Chamber to spread the tourism gospel of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who believes that industry is not only an economic activity but a powerful weapon to develop, empower, employ, and generate revenue.

He pointed out the importance of tourism in enhancing socio-economic development and attracting investments into the state.

Amb Ojo-Lanre pointed out the significant role that the industry plays in generating employment opportunities and fostering cultural preservation within local communities.

He said that for Ekiti State to successfully implement her tourism vision “We need the full support and collaboration with you, the representatives of Olodumare and the divine custodians of our heritage, protectors of value and promoters of our culture which are the tourism menu which the Bureau is set up to promote and showcase to the world for economic buoyancy ‘

Amb Ojo-Lanre, highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Ekiti State, viewing it as a valuable asset that can contribute to the growth of the tourism industry.

He emphasized the need for collective efforts and collaboration between the government, traditional institutions, tourism stakeholders, and the local communities to achieve sustainable development in the tourism sector.

The Chairman of Ekiti State Traditional Council, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro, the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti commended Governor Oyebanji for developing an all-inclusive tourism policy that recognises the immense position of traditional rulers in tourism development.

He commended Amb Ojo-Lanre for his proactive approach and strides in promoting and showcasing the state’s cultural heritage, historical sites, and natural attractions.

The Obas expressed their enthusiasm in collaborating with Governor Oyebanji to further enhance the tourism potential of Ekiti State, and pledged their continued support, promising to actively participate in tourism-related activities, events, and initiatives initiated by the state government.

Mr Tunde Dada, a tourism consultant in Ekiti State, said that this collaborative effort between the government, traditional rulers, and the tourism development agency marks a significant milestone in the journey towards positioning Ekiti State as a top-notch tourist destination.

“It showcases the shared vision and determination to unlock the tremendous potential of Ekiti State’s tourism sector, creating a positive impact on the economy and the lives of the people.”

Ekiti Govt. To Employ Cluster Farming Approach For Improved Productivity And Access To Markets.

Ekiti Govt. To Employ Cluster Farming Approach For Improved Productivity And Access To Markets. 

Ekiti State Government has outlined plans to implement cluster farming amongst cooperatives and communities during the planting season as part of efforts to improve productivity and create access to markets in 2024.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Ebenezer Boluwade who made this known in Ado Ekiti, said that the scheme tagged operation Community-Commodity-Cooperative (CCC) is a potential game changer that can significantly improve the efficiency of smallholder farmers.

Hon. Boluwade said that cluster farming would enhance food security within the state and significantly allow smallholders to pool their resources together which would lead to increase in productivity. 

According to him, cluster farming would also engender proper coordination and collaborations that would make marketing products less stressful, adding that it would similarly reduce transaction costs as well as lower information asymmetries and improve bargaining power.  

 

Stressing that cluster farming would boost efficiency of smallholder farmers and shape their productivity; Boluwade said that implementing cluster farming would help propel smallholder farmers into commercialization as high yield commodities would be planted on the clusters and subsequently linked to off takers.

Boluwade said that under the scheme, communities or cooperatives that have unencumbered land would send an Expression of interest for cluster based land clearing operations to be done by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

He stressed that the land slated for farming by any community or association must however be free of any encumbrance with a letter of no objection from the traditional rulers in the area.

 

Other conditions spelt out by the Commissioner include crops of commercial advantage must be identified to be planted, land with water bodies will be preferred and a minimum of contiguous (sharing a common border) 10ha of land.

He called on all interested cooperatives and communities to take advantage of the opportunity provided by the State Government by applying through the State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security or any of the Extension Officers in all the Local Government Areas of the State to be part of the programme.

Adeleke approves N15,000 for civil servants as monthly subsidy palliative.

Adeleke approves N15,000 for civil servants as monthly subsidy palliative.

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has approved a monthly allowance of N15,000 to be paid to all civil servants in the state as a palliative for fuel subsidy removal.

The governor has also approved a monthly relief of N10,000 for pensioners to alleviate the hardships resulting from the removal of the fuel subsidy.

The circular containing Governor Adeleke’s approval was issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Capacity Building, dated November 28th, 2023, and bears the reference number BHR&CB/08/LIR/23 and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Sunday Fadele.

The circular addressed to all the MDAs titled, “Implementation of Palliatives for Active Workers and Pensioners in Osun State” stated that sequel to negotiation meetings with labour movement in the state, Adeleke approved the sum of money.

According to the circular, “Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, has graciously approved the monthly payment of N15,000.00 to each active worker and N10,000.00 to each pensioner in Osun State as palliatives to assuage the pains being experienced as a result of removal of petroleum subsidy by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“The payment, as approved, is to commence from the month of December 2023 for a period of six (6) months.

“While acknowledging and appreciating the understanding of Osun State workers and pensioners for their show of understanding regarding the efforts of the State Government in the last one year to improve tremendously on their welfare, being the first on the 5-Point Action Plan, the present administration will continue to ensure that its commitment to the welfare of workers is met at all times.”

The circular added that the gesture of government is expected to spur workers in the State to be more diligent and committed to their duties.

Federal Government pledges to improve NYSC camps nationwide.

Federal Government pledges to improve NYSC camps nationwide.

The federal government has pledged to improve the conditions of the orientation camps operated by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) nationwide.

Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, gave the assurance during an unscheduled visit to the NYSC orientation camp in Yikpata, Kwara State on Tuesday, November 28.

In a statement by the Head of Press and Public Relations, FMYD, Maryam Umar Yusuf, on Wednesday, November 29, in Abuja, Olawande bemoaned the deplorable condition of some NYSC camps nationwide, pledging to engage with all relevant authorities to transform the Kwara State orientation camp and others nationwide.

He apologised to corps members over the deplorable condition of their camps, describing it as an unacceptable situation that must be looked into by all relevant stakeholders

The minister thanked the corps members for their resilience, pledging that the President Bola Tinubu administration would not fail them.

The statement reads: “If I can be a Minister, you all can become whatever you wish to be, and the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will continue to encourage young people, and putting youth in charge of youth affairs is just one of such encouragements.

“Where do you go from here? How do you live decent lives as a graduate? These are some of the questions the Tinubu administration will answer for the youth. We’ll not fail you.”

The State Coordinator of NYSC in Kwara State, Onifade Olaoluwa expressed his happiness over the minister’s visit, describing it as a morale booster.

He said: “We are happy with the visit of the Hon. Minister of State for Youth Development and equally excited with the prospects of his pledge to rejig the NYSC and improve its operations, especially as it concerns the camp facilities.”

JAMB releases dates for 2024 UTME.

 JAMB releases dates for 2024 UTME.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced dates for the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The board said sales for forms for the examination will start on January, 15 and end on February 26.

In a statement by JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor (PAC), Fabian Benjamin, the board said the main UTME will be held from 19th to 29th April 2024.

The statement reads: “Based on the series of recommendations emanating from a two-day Information Technology (IT) and Management Retreat held between 26th and 28th, November 2023, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has fixed 15th January to 26th February 2024, for the sale of its Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) application document.

“Meanwhile, 7th March 2024, has been slated for the 2024 MOCK-UTME, while the main UTME will hold from 19th to 29th April 2024.

“Candidates are expected to print their examination slips as of 10th April 2024. Candidates are enjoined to take note of these dates and other advisories issued by the Board in relation to the administration of the examination. They are also to visit the Board’s website @www.jamb gov. ng for any other information.”

Old, New Naira Notes To Co-exist Till Further Notice – Supreme Court Rules.

Old, New Naira Notes To Co-exist Till Further Notice – Supreme Court Rules.

The Supreme Court has ruled that both the old and new naira notes will co-exist as legal tender in the country until further notice.

It's recalled that the Supreme Court’s extension of the deadline for the use of both currency notes till December 31, 2023.

However, in a ruling by a seven-man panel led by Justice Inyang Okoro, on Wednesday, the court said both the old and new banknotes should remain in circulation, pending when the federal government, after due consultation with relevant stakeholders, takes a decision on the matter.

The court made the order after hearing an application that was moved on behalf of the federal government by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).

The Supreme Court maintained that evidence before it established that a purported notice on the monetary policy was through “mere press remarks” by governor of the CBN, Godwin Emefiele.

It held that such remarks did not qualify as “reasonable notice” to the states as envisaged under section 20(3) of the CBN Act.

Besides, the court invalidated the directive President Buhari gave in the broadcast he made on February 16, which allowed only the old N200 note to remain a legal tender until April 10.

While accusing President Buhari of disobeying the interim order it made on February 8 which directed that the old banknotes should remain in use till the determination of the case before it, the Supreme Court stressed that the President, by going ahead to ban the old banknotes, acted in a way that was inimical to democratic governance.

According to the court, having acted in disobedience to its order, the federal government lost its right to be granted an audience before it.

Following the end of the last administration, the President Bola Tinubu-led government re-applied to the Supreme Court for an indefinite extension of its December 31 deadline.