Gratitude in Action: Ifedara LCDA Chairman-elect, Hon Ogunsanya Lawrence, Honours Ekiti Dignitaries and Gains Insights on Promise Fulfillment.

Gratitude in Action: Ifedara LCDA Chairman-elect, Hon Ogunsanya Lawrence, Honours Ekiti Dignitaries and Gains Insights on Promise Fulfillment.                                                                   By: Comr Olamide Akinwumi J. 

In a series of thankful gestures, Hon. Ogunsanya Lawrence Sunday, Chairman-elect of Ifedara LCDA, embarked on a gratitude-filled day, expressing appreciation to key figures in Ekiti State.

First on his list was a thank-you visit to Rt Hon Hakeem Jamiu, Member of EKHA representing Irepodun/Ifelodun Constituency II. During the visit, Hon. Lawrence conveyed his gratitude for the unwavering support received during the local government elections.

Continuing his expressions of gratitude, the Chairman-elect visited Rt Honorable Kanronwi Oladapo, Ekiti State Commissioner for Town Planning. The Commissioner was acknowledged for his role in community planning and development, with Hon. Lawrence emphasizing his commitment to collaborate for the progress of Ifedara LCDA.

On the same day, Hon. Ogunsanya Lawrence extended his appreciation to the State Chairman of APC, Barr. Paul Omotosho. The Ifedara LCDA Chairman-elect expressed gratitude for the party's support, highlighting the crucial role played by APC in his electoral success.

Notably, Hon. Lawrence didn't reserve his gratitude solely for political figures but also extended it to the Ekiti State Commissioner of Information, Rt. Hon. Chief Olatunbosun Taiwo Franklin. The visit to Chief Olatunbosun's office was marked by expressions of thanks for the role of information dissemination in governance.

During these encounters, the dignitaries offered words of advice and encouragement to Hon. Ogunsanya Lawrence. They emphasized the importance of fulfilling campaign promises, upholding transparency, and ensuring accountability in his administration. The collective sentiment conveyed was one of belief in Hon. Lawrence's capabilities to lead Ifedara LCDA to new heights of development.

As the Chairman-elect wrapped up his day filled with gratitude, the echoes of well-wishes and assurances of support reverberated, creating an optimistic outlook for Ifedara LCDA under his leadership. The people of Ifedara LCDA eagerly anticipate the positive impact of their newly elected leader, Hon. Ogunsanya Lawrence.

Earlier, Hon. Ogunsanya Lawrence extended gratitude appreciation to Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji and commended his developmental projects across Ekiti State. He also praised the governor for supporting the less privileged, handicap, and elderly citizens of the state. Likewise, he praised the overwhelming contribution towards good governance and uplifting the education sector in the state.

Oyebanji to Inject N1bn into Ekiti Cooperative Societies.

Oyebanji to Inject N1bn into Ekiti Cooperative Societies.                                                               ......Warns against loan default.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has pledged to inject a staggering sum one billion naira to strengthen cooperative societies in the state for better operations and radical  economic prosperity. 

Governor Oyebanji disclosed the readiness of his Government to release a sum of N500 million, while same amount  will be sourced from an interested financial institution in order to raise the benchmark to a billion naira thereby  fortifying the operations of cooperative societies.

In Pic: His Excellency,  Governor Biodun Oyebanji At The Occasion. 

As a way of making lives better for civil servants, Oyebanji said  that his government will soon reach a robust conclusion with the leaders of Organised Labour on the implementation of a new  Living Wage for all State  Civil Servants in the state .

The Governor stated these on Tuesday, at a ceremony marking the  2023 Cooperatives' Day, held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.

Addressing various cooperative societies, whose members were adorned in colourful Aso, Oyebanji promised to involve the cooperators in the running of all government's economic activities to promote investments in Ekiti.

In Pic: Gov Biodun Oyebanji Receiving warming welcome from civil servants. 

At the occasion, Oyebanji assured the civil servants of regular payment of salary deductions to strengthen and ensure a hitch-free running of all cooperative societies in the civil service. 

"You sent me a job with your votes in 2022, and part of the job is to make lives better for you. Cooperative societies are good and strategic  for economic prosperity. In advanced nations like India and China, they are the ones that are helping the government, trade and economy to move forward.

"We will do what we are expected to do to make your societies functional. But before we can do it, there are things we must do. When I head-hunted the Commissioner for industry, Trade and Investment from Dublin, I told her to help our cooperative societies, traders and artisans to develop. 

"We have reached out to financial institutions for partnership, but they locked their doors against us because our people were indebted to them. Because of this, many have not been able to access loans in banks.

"By January, we will look for N500 million to inject into our cooperate societies. We will add another N500m sourced from the bank to make it N1 billion and this will happen by end of January, when I will distribute cheques to you. Get me correctly, it is bank that will add that N500m, we will look for that bank. 

"But I want to beg of you, let us do the first tranch very zealously by ensuring that we refund the money. Many of us wouldn't have gone to school if not for cooperative. It happened to my parents, they funded my education up to the university level through cooperative money.  

"So, this government will do everything possible to promote you and make you succeed in your businesses and other ventures".

Oyebanji advised Ekiti citizens to patronise those cooperative societies that are under regulation, and with safe investment, warnng the citizens against joining financial groups that impose outrageous interests on loans acquired.

In Pic: Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji Addressing the Cooperative Societies. 

The Governor said he had instructed the Head of Service, Engr. Sunday Akomolafe  to enlist the name of a cooperative  society in the Ministry to coordinate the activities of these societies .

"Let me tell you the civil servants around that your right to a living wage will not be denied you. What distinguished me from others is that, I don't join the multitude. Let me work with the labour unions to arrive at a conclusion on a new wage that will be affordable to all of us . I don't want to rush into conclusion on this issue. I know you deserve a better deal from this government. Just be patient with me, we will get back to you soon".

In her submission at the event, the Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Mrs Omotayo Adeola, said Government  will continue to involve the cooperaiative societies in all economic and trade activities or state government.

"Look at  countries like China and Indian, they have good cooperative societies. They always received good attentions from government. You are the engine of growth, the engine of development. Every fund made available by government will go round to all cooperative members. So, let us join hands to build a virile economy for our state and for the good of all".

Rights group commends Ekiti voters for peaceful LG poll, identify grey areas.

Rights group commends Ekiti voters for peaceful LG poll, identify grey areas.              ..….asks FG to assist SIECs with BVAS devices.    ..….Says Ekiti needs more polling units.

The people and government of Ekiti State have been commended for a peaceful Local Government election in the South West State. The election of 38 Chairmen and 177 councilors was held on Saturday.  

The Nigerian Human Rights Community, NIHRCO which monitored the election in 177 wards said the exercise has once again demonstrated the quality of leadership in the State. NIHRCO which is a coalition of 135 civil society and community based groups spread across the country was established in 2003.

It said the election was peaceful, devoid of violence and rigging while the outcome represents the freewill of the voters. 

In Pic: Gov Biodun Oyebanji Abayomi performing his political rights.

The coalition in a statement signed by its officials asked State Governments that are yet to conduct Local Government elections to do so, stressing that local government administration is essential to democracy and development. 

Citizens exercising their political rights captured in group photographs. 

The NIHRCO said a comprehensive report on the election is being put together which will be distributed across democratic institutions at home and abroad on lessons learnt and the challenges.

‘The Local Government election was not perfect, but it represented a remarkable achievement in building sustainable democratic culture in Nigeria’ the group said in a statement signed by its Programme Officers, Mr Taiwo Adeleye and Fredrick Ojinika. The group called on the National Assembly to create special intervention funds to assist State Electoral Commission to meet democratic obligations in line with the fiscal support given by the Federal Government to the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC).

The group commended the Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission, EKSIEC for early arrival of materials and effective administration of the entire process that had almost zero hitches. ‘The Ekiti Local Government election is a confirmation that states can run their own affairs even better in many respect than the central government’. NHRC said there was no single case of violence. The security was excellent. The materials arrived on time while the voters were orderly and cultured. It said that there was no intimidation of voters while financial inducement was not witnessed by any of our observers.

The coalition however said the turnout was above national average but not in line with global expectations. It said monitors observed that the opposition parties were non-challant towards the election adding that those interviewed argued that the leading opposition parties did not show keen interest in the election build up neither did they campaign during the run up to the Saturday election indicating that the opposition in the state has been weakened compared with the situation in the past. It also said that Ekiti needs more polling units given the growing population and the increasing number of new settlements observed during the election which were not hitherto covered either by INEC or SEIC.

The coalition said monitoring local government elections is as important as observing National elections adding that there is always the need for a third party opinion so that the content of the elections and its impact on the future of democracy in Nigeria will be better appreciated.

‘At this time that Nigeria faces internal threats to democracy and growing concerns about of public trust, it is important to deepen democracy and strengthen governance at the grassroots. This is exactly what has happened in Ekiti State’ NIHRCO said urging other state governments that have not conducted local government elections to do so The rights groups however pointed out certain challenges that it said should be urgently addressed in future local government elections.

"The National Assembly and the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC needs to work with the State Independent Electoral Commission, SEIC to ensure that Bimodal Voters Accreditation System, (BVAS) are deployed in local elections adding that National elections are as important as Local Government elections

The group said using BVAS for National Elections is good but that the same technology should be used in Local Government elections which may require special funds for SIECs to enable the institution develop the technology that will broaden popular participation, ensure real time transmission of results taking local government elections into a higher level 

NIHRCO said the election had its own strength, opportunities and shortcomings that should be addressed to deepen democracy and people's representation at the grassroots.

"We commend what appears to be the high moral ground of the Governor of the State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji who earlier embarked on a non-violence campaign across the state, using the extensive media space ahead of the Local Government election." The coalition said deliberate policy of non-violence by state actors is essential for sustainable development.

The group said Nigerian should be encouraged to show interest in Local Government elections adding that if Nigeria gets it right at the local government level, it will be easier to conduct credible elections at the National level.

Gov Oyebanji's Impact: 24-Hour Electricity Coming to Oba Adejugbe Hospital, EKSUTH, and Specialist Hospital Ikole.

Gov Oyebanji's Impact: 24-Hour Electricity Coming to Oba Adejugbe Hospital, EKSUTH, and Specialist Hospital Ikole.

In a remarkable stride towards improving infrastructure and uplifting the lives of citizens, Governor Oyebanji's administration in Ekiti State is making waves with its commitment to reliable power supply. The governor's proactive approach to fulfilling campaign promises is evident, and recent developments highlight the significant progress being made.

The transformation is especially notable in the enhancement of electricity across various communities in Ekiti. Governor Oyebanji's efforts have led to a substantial improvement in power supply to towns and communities such as Ekiti East, Ijan, Iluomooba, Aisegba, Ikogosi, Erijiyan, parts of Ado Ekiti, Imesi, and more. The commissioning of the Independent Power Plant stands as a testament to this commitment, ensuring a consistent power supply to key government institutions like EKSU.

Presently, the installation of 50KVA solar inverters has commenced in Oba Adejugbe Hospital, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, and State Specialist Hospital Ikole Ekiti. This development is poised to bring 24-hour electricity to these health facilities, significantly impacting continuous service delivery.

The initiative is part of projects assisted by the World Bank and Rural Electrification Agency (REA), initially slowed by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic but reinvigorated and reactivated through Governor Oyebanji's proactive intervention in December 2022.

Each solar inverter in the hospitals comes equipped with an 80KVA generator to address any power deficiencies, ensuring uninterrupted service in these critical health facilities.

As these projects near completion, Ekiti State is on the verge of a new era in power supply, promising improved healthcare services for the benefit of all residents.

Nigerian Youth Congress Ekiti State Chapter Congratulates Members on Local Government Election Victory.

Nigerian Youth Congress Ekiti State Chapter Congratulates Members on Local Government Election Victory.                                                           By: Comr Olamide Akinwumi 

In a triumphant announcement, the Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC) Ekiti State Chapter congratulated three of its members for emerging victorious in the recently concluded local government elections in the State.

In Pic: Hon Adekunle Sikiru Omo-Imam Councillor Elect Igede Ward B.

Abolarin Oluwafemi, known as ABFEM, secured the position of Councillor-elect in Ijero Local Government, while Adekunle Sikiru Omo-Imam, the NYC State Media 2, emerged as the Councillor in Igede Ward B. Additionally, Amb Olumide Damilola, who served as the Oye Local Government Coordinator, clinched the councillorship position in Itapa/Osin Ward, Ifeloju LCDA.

In Pic: Hon Abolarin Oluwafemi councillors-elect in Ijero LG.

Aare Adedara Temitope Moses, the chairman of the movement, expressed his delight, describing the three councillors-elect as dedicated, hardworking, reliable, and trustworthy individuals. He believes they are poised to make significant contributions to the development of their respective constituencies.

In Pic: Amb Olumide Damilola Councillor-elect Itapa /Osin Ward, Ifeloju LCDA.

Addressing the press in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, Aare Temitope Moses advised the councillors-elect to align with the state government's agenda and work towards uplifting Ekiti State. He emphasized the importance of fulfilling campaign promises made to their constituents and assured them of the continuous support and guidance from the Nigerian Youth Congress.

In Pic: The NYC chairman Ekiti state Aare Adedara Temitope Moses

"We charge you all to represent your constituencies to the best of your ability and pass through the office, not the office to pass through," Aare Temitope Moses stated. He further urged them to leverage the knowledge gained under his leadership and assured them of the NYC's readiness to provide quality advice and support when needed.

The Nigerian Youth Congress looks forward to witnessing the positive impact these elected representatives will bring to their communities as they embark on this new phase of public service.

Ekiti State Champion Girl, Flourish Ajibola, Safely Arrives in Kampala for Global Event.

Ekiti State Champion Girl, Flourish Ajibola, Safely Arrives in Kampala for Global Event.

By: Comr Olamide Akinwumi. 

In a momentous development, the Ekiti State Champion Girl, proudly representing Nigeria and graciously sponsored by Ekiti State Governor, H.E Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has landed safely in Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. This marks the commencement of preparations for the upcoming global event, where Flourish Ajibola is set to showcase her exceptional skills and talents.

Flourish Ajibola, accompanied by her dedicated teacher, expresses deep gratitude for the opportunity to partake in this prestigious international competition.

The journey to Kampala is a realization of dreams, thanks to the unwavering support and sponsorship provided by Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.

Miss Flourish Ajibola and her school Proprietor, Elder Oluwafemi, had earlier commended the state government’s efforts in the education system during a courtesy visitation hosted by Gov Oyebanji, where Governor Oyebanji assured support for Champions National Spelling Bee, Flourish Ajibola.

Governor Oyebanji's commitment to nurturing talent and empowering the youth is exemplified through initiatives like sponsoring Flourish Ajibola, enabling her to represent Nigeria on the global stage. The governor's support extends beyond just financial backing; it is a testament to the belief in the potential and capabilities of the young talents within Ekiti State.

As Flourish Ajibola embarks on this exciting journey, she carries not only the hopes of Ekiti State but also the pride of the entire nation. The upcoming event in Kampala provides a platform for her to showcase her skills, compete with the best, and make her mark on the global stage.

The people of Ekiti State express their heartfelt gratitude to Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for his visionary leadership and unwavering support for youth development and talent promotion. Flourish Ajibola's participation in this global event is a testament to the governor's commitment to fostering excellence and creating opportunities for the youth to thrive.

As Flourish Ajibola begins her preparations in Kampala, the entire nation wishes her the very best. May she shine brightly and make Ekiti State and Nigeria proud on the global stage.

FRC denies permitting NSCDC to use independent audit firms.

FRC denies permitting NSCDC to use independent audit firms.

The Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) yesterday denied that it insisted the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have its annual financial and audited reports prepared by independent accounting and audit firms.

FRC Chairman Victor Muruako said this when he appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Finance on the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and was responding to reports that the NSCDC claimed it had such liberty.

The agency chairman was queried about the situation at the NSCDC since government agencies usually have workers posted to them from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (AcGF) and that of the Auditor General of the Federation (AuGF).

Committee member, Oluwole Oke, had questioned the rationale behind FRC’s insistence on financial statements prepared by independent accounting and audit firms, considering the cost of hiring such professional services, when there were competent in-house workers to do the job.

But Muruako said there was no such condition operational at the commission.

The RFC chairman said the agency would accept financial and audit statements from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), if they were prepared by relevant in-house workers, as contained in the Act setting up the commission.

He said: “As chairman of the FRC, I’m not aware of the commission insisting on independent accounting and audit firms preparing the financial statements of MDAs before they could be acted upon by the commission.

“The FRC does not operate outside the Act setting it up, which is specific about the preparation of financial documents and reports.”

Committee Chairman James Faleke advised the NSCDC to review its licensing and yearly renewal fees upwards for Private Guard Companies (PGCs) to increase its revenue generation capacity, as revenue was needed to implement the 2024 budget.

NSCDC’s Deputy Commandant-General Nwinyi Nwokuche said there were about 1,300 PGCs registered in the country with 400 of them in Lagos alone.

Faleke called for a full register of PGCs operating in the country, their full addresses, amounts paid as licence and renewal fees over the years, to give the committee proper insights into their operations.