Ekiti Government Cautious Residents Against Acts That May Cause Fire Outbreak.

Ekiti Government Cautious Residents Against Acts That May Cause Fire Outbreak.

As the year draws to a close with the attendant dry season, the Ekiti State Government has cautioned residents against acts that may lead to outbreak of fire.

The State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun in a statement made available to newsmen in Ado Ekiti, stressed the need for caution especially in the dry season.

Olatunbosun noted that fire outbreaks constitute one of the most rampant calamities during this period of the year as a result of the harmattan which is associated with extremely dry and dusty wind that makes it easy for fire to spread at the slightest ignition.

He noted that a lot of the disasters could have been averted if actions inimical to fire incidents are avoided, adding that activities like indiscriminate bush-burning, careless handling of lighted cigarettes and allied substances, mishandling of explosives, fire-crackers and knockout bangers as well as random storage of inflammable substances such as petroleum products are sure catalysts for fire disasters.

Stressing that the welfare of the people remained top priority of the State Government, Olatunbosun noted that the commitment of Government to the of residents lead to the impressive Nigeria Security Trackers’ (NST) tag as the safest State in Nigeria (2022).

He highlighted Governor Biodun Oyebanji administration’s intervention within one year in office to include repairs of operational pick-up vehicles and firefighting engines at Omuo and Ikole Ekiti, refurbishment of six firefighting vehicles across the State and approval for the renovation of the Ekiti State Fire Service Headquarters in Ado Ekiti.

The Commissioner however described the safety of lives and property as a collective responsibility, adding that residents must be ready to promptly report any untoward action to relevant security agencies for the safety of all.

EKITI LG POLLS: EKSIEC Distributes Election Materials Ahead Of Saturday's Local Government Elections.

EKITI LG POLLS: EKSIEC Distributes Election Materials Ahead Of Saturday's Local Government Elections.

About 48 hours to Saturday's Local Government & Local Council Development Areas Election in Ekiti State, election materials have been distributed by the election umpire - Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission (EKSIEC).

The distribution which took place in Ado Ekiti at the premises of EKSIEC was witnessed by the leadership of the political parties participating in the election, election observers and security agents.

Speaking at the occasion, EKSIEC Chairman, Justice Cornelius Akintayo said the materials included both sensitive and non-sensitive and were being despatched early   to ensure timely arrival at all nooks and crannies of the state.

He explained that the materials have been customised in the names of each of the 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and the 22 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) of the state.

One of the leaders of the political parties who witnessed the distribution, IPAC PRO, Chief Eponlolaye Olufemi, commended the exercise and urged EKSIEC not to renege on its promise of a level playing field to all parties on election day.

Eponlolaye who doubles as the Chairman of African Democratic Congress (ADC) noted that his party would pull a surprise at the election.

The EKSIEC Chairman thereafter conducted the stakeholders round the election materials for them to see that they have not been tampered with.

Justice Akintayo also welcomed a contingent of Mobile Police Squad that arrived at the commission's premises as part of the security agents to maintain law and order during Saturday's election.

Meanwhile, the sensitive and non-sensitive materials have started to move to the various Council and LCDA headquarters via commercial vehicles and each of the vehicles went with armed police escort.

Ekiti State Launches Ambitious SURWASH Program for Water Supply and Sanitation.

Ekiti State Launches Ambitious SURWASH Program for Water Supply and Sanitation.

In a significant stride towards enhancing water supply and sanitation services, the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Program has kicked off its physical operations in nine Local Government Areas (LGAs) across Ekiti State.

This World Bank-assisted initiative is set to transform the lives of communities by constructing 31 boreholes, rehabilitating 21 others, and establishing Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities in nine schools and three Primary Health Care Centers.

The primary objective of SURWASH is to elevate water supply, sanitation, and hygiene services in the state. The ambitious program aims to provide approximately 672,830 people with unhindered access to water supply, declare 55 communities Open Defecation Free (ODF), and offer improved functional sanitation and handwashing facilities to 30,884 households, 221 schools, and healthcare facilities by the program’s conclusion in 2027.

The nine beneficiary Local Government Areas include Ado, Irepodun Ifelodun, Ikole, Ijero, Moba, Ilejemeje, Oye, Ekiti West, and Gbonyin (Ayekire).

Among the initial sites that have witnessed the commencement of operations are Ipole-Iloro Basic Health Center, Itapa Basic Health Center, and Ogunwusi/Jemiriye High School in Igede.

These developments mark a crucial step forward in realizing the SURWASH program’s overarching goals and ushering in a new era of improved water supply, sanitation, and hygiene for the people of Ekiti State.

Olagbaju elected chairperson of Conference of Nigeria Female Parliamentarians.

Olagbaju elected chairperson of Conference of Nigeria Female Parliamentarians.

Right Honourable Bolaji Olagbaju from Ekiti State has been elected as the Chairperson of Conference of Nigeria Female Parliamentarians (CONFEPA).

Olagbaju, who is the Deputy Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, was overwhelmingly elected at the conference of the Nigerian Female  Parliamentarians held in Abuja on Tuesday, November 28, 2023.

Olagbaju, who doubles as the lawmaker representing Ado Ekiti Constituency II in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, was a Senior Special Assistant to the Ekiti State Government before she ran for and was elected as a member of the Ekiti State Parliament.

Olagbaju will take over from former Speaker House of Assembly Edo State. Rt. Hon. Elizabeth Ativie and she will serve a four-year tenure as the chairperson of CONFEPA. 

She has promised to make her tenure impactful, saying some of her immediate goals would be to seek for more inclusion of women in Governance in Nigeria and a framework to reactivate the 35 per cent affirmative action in the Nigerian polity. 

The new CONFEPA chairperson also said during her tenure, the female lawmakers would devise legitimate means through which they would fight for the abrogation of laws that infringe on women and girl-child citizens’ rights in Nigeria.

Fayemi Takes the Stage at UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai.

Fayemi Takes the Stage at UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai.

In a significant development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the immediate past Governor of Ekiti State and current President of the Forum of Regions of Africa (FORAF), is set to share insights at the UN Climate Change Conference, COP 28, scheduled to be held in Dubai from November 30th to December 12th, 2023.

As the President of FORAF, a regional platform dedicated to enhancing governance and fostering sustainable development in Africa's towns and cities, Fayemi's inclusion as a speaker emphasizes the critical role of sub-national governments in climate change initiatives. His speaking engagement, titled "The Role of Sub-National Governments in Operationalization of Loss and Damage Fund," is slated for December 2nd and is part of a side event organized by the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa).

The Loss and Damage Fund, a mechanism established at COP 27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, aims to offer financial assistance to developing countries facing heightened vulnerability to climate change impacts. Expected to commence operations in 2024, the fund is poised to play a pivotal role in alleviating the challenges posed by climate change.

Fayemi plans to underscore the significance of sub-national governments in facilitating the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund. He will advocate for their crucial role in identifying and assessing the needs of vulnerable communities, ensuring the efficient and effective utilization of the allocated funds.

Participation in COP 28 not only positions Fayemi as a notable representative but also provides FORAF with a unique opportunity to elevate the prominence of sub-national governments in the global climate change discourse. This engagement also serves as a platform to showcase FORAF's commitment to driving sustainable development in African towns and cities.

The forthcoming conference stands as a critical juncture for leaders to collaboratively address climate change challenges and pave the way for a resilient and sustainable future.

Ekiti State Government Initiates Free Distribution of CAC Documents to Support Nano, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.

Ekiti State Government Initiates Free Distribution of CAC Documents to Support Nano, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.

The Ekiti State Governor, H.E Biodun Oyebanji has graciously approved the distribution of free CAC certificates to NMSMEs and Business owners who enrolled in the free CAC registration 2022 during the JKF administration. 

This is following the announcement of the partnership between SMEDAN and Sterling bank to provide access to finance through single digit soft loan for NMSMEs between 250,000 to 2 million naira. 

The distribution of the free CAC certificates is to enable Ekiti NMSMEs and Business owners benefit from the SMEDAN & Sterling bank soft loan to which CAC registration is a compulsory requirement.

The distribution of the CAC documents would commence after the flag-off ceremony which is slated to take place at ⬇️

Venue: Conference hall, Governor’s office, Ado Ekiti

Date: Monday, 4th of December, 2023

Time: 12noon

N.B

Collection of CAC certificates would commence right after the flag-off program at the Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investment, Adeyeye Ibidunmoye Building, State Secretariat, Ado Ekiti from 8am to 4pm daily.

Signed

Hon. Omotayo Adeola (Mrs.)

Honorable Commissioner

Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investment

Federal Government and U.S. Initiate Talks on Funding Mining Projects in Nigeria.

Federal Government and U.S. Initiate Talks on Funding Mining Projects in Nigeria.

The Federal Government and the United States have started talks on the funding of mining projects in the country.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake and United States Assistant Secretary for Energy and Natural Resources Geoffrey Pratt have agreed to set up a team of officials of both countries to explore financing for mining firms and infrastructures.

This agreement was held on the sidelines of the mines and money conference holding in London.

Special Adviser to the Minister, Kehinde Bamigbetan made this known in a press statement.

Pratt said his visit to Alake followed an earlier meeting with President Bola Tinubu who sought the support of the US for the country’s economic revival.

He said the US would like to be Nigeria’s partner of choice in developing the solid minerals sector and was interested in the reforms announced by the Minister in his address at the plenary of the conference.

Noting that the United States has various institutions and laws which encourage direct foreign investment, Pratt said he would notify the agencies to collaborate with their Nigerian counterparts to work out the framework.

“Responding, Dr. Alake said the gesture was music to his ears as the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has launched a seven point agenda as its roadmap to reposition the sector.

“He highlighted the establishment of the new Solid Minerals Development Company, a new security architecture to ensure safety of mine operations and data generation on a massive scale to derisk the sector.

“He said the credit facility and foreign direct investment promised by the United States would be in the mutual interest of both countries because energy minerals such as lithium are critical to the global crusade for clean energy and necessary for the manufacture of electric cars.

“Also speaking at the meeting, the executive secretary of the Nigerian Solid Minerals Fund, Hajiya Fatima Shinkafi commended the US for investment in mining infrastructures in the central Africa urging a similar partnership with the Fund.”