I Won't Tolerate Financial Indiscipline, Ineptitude in Councils - Oyebanji.

I Won't Tolerate Financial Indiscipline, Ineptitude in Councils - Oyebanji.

......Commissions projects in Efon LG.

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has advised the Local Government Chairmen elected in the recent poll to be fully prepared for good governance , saying he won't won't tolerate financial recklessness and ineptitude that could derail development in the councils. 

Oyebanji posited that the incoming administration across the 16 statutory councils and Local Council Development Areas, must be ready to surpass the tempo of radical development being fostered by the current occupants of the seats.

Disclosing that the government would resist any act of sabotage, Oyebanji  stated that councils in Ekiti are now executing  projects in education, health, human capital development and agriculture sectors, leveraging on financial independence being enjoyed. 

Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, said these in Efon, headquarters of Efon Local Government Area, on Monday, while commissioning some projects initiated and completed by the Chairman of the Council, Engr Olabode Adetunji.

Projects commissioned include: 1.2km Ita Iyana-Itamesi road, 245 metres length Irayo road , ALGON comprehensive health centre, New Legislative Building, and solar-powered streetlights. 

Addressing the community, Oyebanji, saluted the council leadership for delivering democracy dividends to the people, by replicating projects encapsulated under the  six -point policy thrust of Oyebanji's government in the local government.

"Let me assure you that the incoming council bosses that will soon assume their respective  offices in all our council areas will be made to sustain the tempo of development already ushered in by the present occupants of the seats. 

"This government won't allow any laxity that can derail the focus to make our local governments more functional in Ekiti. I congratulate those who were elected in the just concluded election for their victories. God will help them to succeed".

He stated further that his belief that the councils, being the closest tier of government to the masses and rural dwellers must be made functional through  financial autonomy remains unshaken. 

Oyebanji was emphatic that  his administration, had again demonstrated enormous respect for independence of the legislative and judicial arms, for democracy to flourish and for the smooth running of government.

"Recently, Governor Oyebanji commissioned the newly built Customary Court of Appeal in Ado Ekiti to show respect to the judiciary as an independent arm of government, the same mutual respect was being extended to the legislative arm".

Espousing the tremendous relevance and significance of the projects, Oyebanji, commended the council boss for being focused and selfless to deliver the best to the people, disclosing that he has etched his name in the hearts of the residents of the area.

"I am of the humble opinion that the 1.2 kilometres Ita Iyana- Itamesi road and the 245 metres length Irayo road project, will contribute to smooth transportation and ease of doing business in this local government.

"Road project is one of the cardinal areas where Governor Biodun Oyebanji is making huge exploits to make lives more rewarding and easier for the masses. This will also stem the tide of insecurity because criminals often hide under deplorable  road to unleash terror on the people.

"Let me also appreciate your efforts in the area of human capital development and social services, with the construction of a befitting health centre that will reduce child and maternal mortality as well as contribute substantially to increase in the life expectancy of our people. Health they say is wealth. 

"I know that new legislative building that will be commissioned today will foster  strong and mutual relationship between the executive and legislature in this council for more delivery of democracy gains to our people'. 

The Chairman of the Council, Engr Olabode Adetunji, commended Governor Oyebanji for allowing the councils unfettered access to their funds, saying this has gone a mileage in helping his colleagues to deliver on their campaign promises. 

The LG boss said the Comprehensive Health Centre would expand accessibility to quality healthcare and curtail untimely deaths through prompt  treatments of diseases like diabetes, hypertension, malaria and other killer illnesses.

Besides the projects commissioned, Adetunji revealed that his administration, had distributed 10,000 of gmelina and  palm seedlings to farmers, employed 30 educated citizens, graded 24.2km farm and township  roads , and sank boreholes to supply potable water .

The Council boss stated that his administration, has constructed concrete roads and retaining walls in some strategic areas to tame the recurrent cases of ecological crisis being confronted by the the hilly town.

Adopt Constitutional Solution, As Omoluabi Group Beg Tinubu to Sanitize Ondo State Now.

Adopt Constitutional Solution, As Omoluabi Group Beg Tinubu to Sanitize Ondo State Now.

The recent happenings in Ondo State is fast becoming an eyesore and a complete show of constitutional manipulation and total lack of respect for the good people of Ondo State.The original owners of Ondo State who are indigenes are on a daily basis being short changed and deceived by the political actors whom themselves have chosen through the ballot to provide leadership through good governance. 

Today the scenario is synonymous to things falling apart as described by the late writer and literary giant, Chinua Achebe. The centre definitely can no longer hold as there are now clear evidences of multiple cracks on the walls of the Alagbaka house, which is the seat of Ondo Sate Government under the watch of a Governor and his embattled Deputy Governor. You cannot beat or suppress the truth. How hard you may try, the truth will definitely prevail. 

The bitter experience in this whole issue is that the indigenous people of Ondo state are at the receiving end. Their patience have been taken for granted, their humility have been taken for foolishness, their perseverance and tolerance in the face of this cold war between the political gladiators who are suppose to be the people ' s servants is fast making the people complete loosers. 

There are several questions that need to be asked and requires to be answered by those our people voted for under the APC Akeredolu - Led Government. We cannot continue to pretend that all is well in Ondo State for the past two to three months now. There are serious administrative gaps and the arrow head is unheard and unseen. Can a plane continue to fly in the sky without a pilot? Simply No, it will definitely crash land. For how long shall we continue to watch this constitutional aberrations being committed in a state that parades so much civilized, learned and brilliant men and women as her indigenes? 

Few days ago, it is the case of signature forgery, cases of disrespect to constituted authority among state excos, war of words between the state executive and the legislative arm despite the earlier intervention of Mr. President. It is clear and glaring that governance in Ondo State have been hijacked by selfish individuals who wants to milk the state treasury dry before this administration expires. 

Ondo State Chapter of the Omoluabi Team Alliance Socio- cultural and Political Group have watch with interest the case of the recent happenings in Ondo State and feel the need to express absolute dissatisfactions as concerned citizens. It is in our ideology to speak truth to government at all times and speak up for equity, fairness and justice. We don't want trouble in any of the southwest states including political turmoils and brouhaha. So in circumstances like this it is in the interest of the people that we must speak.

Truth be told, the case of Ondo State requires constitutional solution since the two actors concerned swore to the Constitution. The integrity of the constitution must be preserved. The House of Assembly under the Speaker has erred in their constitutional responsibilities. Knowing the truth and shying away from it is a crime against the state anf crime against democracy. Relevant sections of the constitution has addressed this serious issue and need to be followed religiously. The only answer that is require to avert invoking the relevant section of the constitution is for the people to be addressed Mr. Governor, submit self for medical investigation, medical experts give their recommendations and make known their reports to the Ondo State House of Assembly. Where there is need to further allow Mr.. Governor rest then, the Deputy Governor who is on a joint ticket with Mr. Governor should be immediately sworn in as Acting Governor.

Omoluabi Group join voices with well meaning citizens of the sunshine state and friends of the state who have their thinking caps on and are pro- constitution and pro-people that the needful must be done to further strengthen democracy.

 President Tinubu and elders in the state should adopt the Gowon Doctrine of Necessity approach which was adopted in the case of Late Musa Yar' Adua and Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan scenario in averting administrative lacuna that may have caused the country a national embarrassment.

We can no longer continue to pamper and window-dress this constitutional aberration in Ondo State.

 Omoluabi Team Alliance (aka Egbe Omoluabi) is a Socio-cultural and Political Group with presence across the six southwest states including Kogi and Kwara States 

 E- Signed:

 Egbe Omoluabi

 Ondo State Chapter

 Email: omoluabi_teamalliance2022@yahoo.com

Popular Yoruba poet, Olanrewaju Adepoju, dies at 83.

Popular Yoruba poet, Olanrewaju Adepoju, dies at 83.

A Yoruba poet, writer, artiste and religious leader, Alhaji Olanrewaju Adepoju, is dead.

Adepoju died on Sunday at his Idi Orogbo off Ring Ring Road, Ibadan, Oyo State residence around 7 pm. He was aged 83.

His son, Adejare Adepoju, broke the news in a brief announcement on Sunday, saying “Baba has gone to rest. Inna lilahi Wa innaa ilaehi Roojiuuna. My Dad, Olanrewaju Adepoju, Rest in Peace”

He later posted another message on Facebook saying, “In memory of my beloved father, Alhaji Chief Olanrewaju Adepoju(Ewi Exponent), a passionate human rights activist, accomplished author, and gifted poet.

“His life’s work was dedicated to making our country a more just and compassionate place. As we grieve, let’s carry forward his torch of advocacy for a brighter future. Rest in power, Dad.:

Also confirming his death, the family wrote, “With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our dear Father, Chief Mas’ud Olanrewaju Adepoju. From Allah we come and unto Him we shall all return.”

They announced that Adepoju will be buried according to Islamic rites on Monday by 11 am.

“Final prayers will be held for Baba tomorrow Monday, by 11 in the morning, at UMB Central Mosque, Old Ife Road, Gate Ibadan.

“May Almighty Allah grant our father the highest elevation in Paradise, Jannatu Firdaus!” the family said

Hajj: Saudi Arabia increases Nigeria’s tour operators to 40.

Hajj: Saudi Arabia increases Nigeria’s tour operators to 40.

The Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has increased the 2024 Hajj slots of Tour Operators from 10 to 40.

This development came following the Federal Government’s demand for an increase in the 2024 Hajj tour operators.

In September, Saudi Arabia announced that only 5% of each Hajj-participating country’s Licensed Tour Operators would be permitted to conduct the 2024 Hajj exercise.

This means that Nigeria will only have 10 slots.

However, the federal government unrelentingly engaged the Saudi Ministry over its course of promoting indigenous entrepreneurs as a tool in sustaining the country’s socioeconomic development.

Responding to the request, the Saudi Ministry in charge of Hajj and Umrah reverted the decision in Nigeria’s favour.

Consequently, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, in a press statement released on Sunday night, in Abuja by its assistant director of public affairs, Fatima Usara, disclosed the development.

Usara revealed the criteria for screening the earlier announced 110 qualified tour operators.

The criteria used in selecting the initial 110 tour operators included capacity of operation; years of experience; historical antecedents, and clean bill of operation.

The commission noted that the top 40 scoring by a seven-man team of experts were adjudged to qualify and were consequently approved after the evaluation of each operator’s ability, experience, and quality of services.

The Commission urged the remaining 70 that have qualified (from the 110 earlier approved) to consider aligning with the qualified 40 in the discharge of this religious obligation.

It assured that, as a stakeholder, it was desirous of ensuring that this partnership was entrenched even before the issuance of letters of approval.

In the principle of inclusivity, the Commission announced that it will soon hold a meeting with the overall 110 qualified operators to explore avenues of synergy to ensure all parties are carried along amicably.

FG allocates N23bn for airports, aerodrome repairs.

FG allocates N23bn for airports, aerodrome repairs.

The Federal Government has planned to spend the sum of N23,085,000,000 on the rehabilitation of airports, aerodromes and air navigational equipment in the 2024 fiscal year.

From this allocation, exactly N20.9bn was budgeted for the rehabilitation of airports and aerodromes, while 2.1bn was budgeted for the rehabilitation of air navigational equipment.

The figure, which is part of the FG’s executive proposal in the 2024 Appropriation Bill, also earmarked over N63.3bn for the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

While the ministry is to get N39.8bn, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency is to get N131bn; the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria would get N5.5bn while the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau would receive the sum of N4.8bn.

Other details of the allocation revealed that the aviation ministry and its agencies would be spending over N1.3bn on refreshments and meals, welfare packages, and sporting activities, among other listed items.

As an ongoing project, the ministry plans to spend N2bn on the development of Aerospace University in Abuja, and N1bn on the expansion of wing D and E fingers of Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos.

The sum of N60m has also been set aside for the ongoing Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement, and Multilateral Air Service Agreement, for Namibia, France, Netherlands, Switzerland, Portugal, United Kingdom, Russia, Senegal Israel, Pakistan, Iran, South Africa, Eritrea, Namibia, Venezuela, among others.

Budget: Federal Government To Spend N837bn On 2,254 Roads, Bridges.

Budget: Federal Government To Spend N837bn On 2,254 Roads, Bridges.

The Federal Government is planning to rehabilitate and construct 1,925 roads and highways across the country in the 2024 budget proposal, according to findings by The PUNCH.

The government also allocated N548.56b for roads construction in 2024, with the East-West and Benin-Akure roads getting N2bn and N3.75bn respectively.

This is however separate from the N288.44bn allocated for the modernisation of 329 roads and bridges in the 2023 supplementary budget.

If road projects in the supplementary budget are added to those in the 2024 budget proposal, it means the government is expected to spend N837bn on 2,254 roads and bridges in the 2023 and 2024 fiscal years.

The road projects to be executed under the Ministry of Works also indicated the provision of N1.05bn for the removal of overgrown vegetation on some federal roads.

An analysis of the 2024 budget christened, “Budget of Renewed Hope”, showed that the ministry allocated N3.19bn for the purchase of 50 motor vehicles.

Some of the road projects to be constructed include the rehabilitation of Kabba- Ayere- Isua- Ipele road in Kogi and Ondo states at the cost of N2.14bn, as well as the construction of Ikot Ekpene border Aba-Owerri dual road at the cost of N1bn. Also, the dualisation of Lagos- Otta road will gulp N1bn while N8.2bn was provisioned for the counterpart funding of the Lafia bypass and 9th mile Enugu- Makurdi road.

The Kano-Maiduguri Road Section IV, Potiskum-Damaturu Road got an allocation of N2.1bn, while the dualisation of Aba-Ikot Ekpene road in Abia/ Akwa Ibom states was allocated N1.41bn; the construction of Ikot Ekpene border-Aba – Owerri dualisation got the sum of N1.01bn, while the rehabilitation of Odukpani junction -Akpet central section -Ikom-Ogoja road in Cross River State got N1.1bn.

The budget also made provisions for the construction of culverts and drainage in flood-prone areas on federal roads in the South-East zone at the cost of N3.03bn; N10.7bn for the counterpart funding for the expansion of the Abuja-Keffi carriageway while the rehabilitation of three sections of the Lokoja-Abuja road got N6bn, dualisation of Suleja-Minna road phase II in Niger State got N500m.

A similar provision of N3.031bn was made for culverts and drains at flood-prone areas of the federal road network in the North West zone, while the rehabilitation of Shagamu road in Lagos State will gulp N1.3bn. The rehabilitation of the access road to Apapa/Tin can Island Port/NNPC depot got a budgetary allocation of N143.5m.

In the South-South zone, provision was also made for culvert drainage and flood-prone areas on the federal road network in four locations in Rivers State for the sum of N2.6bn, the rehabilitation of Odukpani-Itu-Ikot Ekpene road, section I Odukpani- Itu Bridge head both in Cross River State, received an allocation of N1.5bn.

For the dualisation of Ibadan/Ife-Ilesha road in Oyo State, a sum of N2.2bn was allocated, while N104m was set aside for the rehabilitation, construction and expansion of Lagos-Shagamu-Ibadan dual carriageway section I, Lagos State.

The ministry also proposed to spend N15bn on emergency contingency funds, N145m for gaming and sports equipment, while local travel and transport was allocated N33 million.

In the budget, the Federal Road Maintenance Agency also got N66.702bn for the repair and maintenance of federal roads and bridges in the country while an appropriation of N1bn was given for the construction of the agency’s corporate headquarters.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Works has instructed contractors who are being owed to approach the ministry with all relevant documents between December 12 and December 22, 2023.

The ministry through a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the minister, Uchenna Orji, on Sunday, said the current administration inherited huge debts arising from unpaid certificates of road projects to the tune of N1.5tn, a reduction of N10tn from the N11.16tn announced by the former Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola, while defending the 2023 budget.

Umahi revealed that to tackle the debt inherited from the past administration on ongoing road projects nationwide, he had set up six committees to review all debts of unpaid road projects.

The minister said that the committees would also review the approved and unapproved variation of prices and all augmentations that were approved or were yet to be approved and make recommendations to the ministry.

The statement read in part, “The minister notes the huge debts arising from unpaid certificates inherited from the past administration, which runs up to N1.5tn up till date and the expected contract reviews arising from inflation and has, therefore, set up six committees of one committee per geopolitical zone to review all debts of unpaid certified certificates generated before May 29th, 2023, and from May 29th 2023 to date.

“The committees will also review the approved and unapproved variation of prices and all augmentations that were approved or are yet to be approved and make recommendations to the ministry’s management.”

Omoyele Sowore Declares Mass Street Protests in Ondo State.

Omoyele Sowore Declares Mass Street Protests in Ondo State.

.....Challenges Governor Akeredolu to Resume or Resign.

Renowned human rights activist and former Presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has initiated plans for mass street protests scheduled to commence on Saturday, 16th December 2023, in Ondo State.

The focal point of these planned protests is to exert pressure on the State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, urging him to either end his prolonged medical vacation and resume his gubernatorial duties or submit his resignation as the Governor of Ondo State.

The announcement was made through Sowore's various social media platforms, where he stated, "There will be a Townhall Meeting & a beginning of Street Protests In Akure and across Ondo state on Saturday December 16th, 2023!

"All persons of conscience are invited! #GovAkeredoluMustResign #RevolutionNow."

The declaration underscores Sowore's commitment to civic engagement and his advocacy for responsible governance. The call for mass protests aims to draw attention to the prolonged absence of Governor Akeredolu and seeks a resolution to the governance vacuum created by his extended medical leave.

Concerned citizens, activists, and supporters of the #RevolutionNow movement are invited to participate in the Townhall Meeting and subsequent street protests in Akure and various locations across Ondo State. The mobilization is anticipated to amplify the demand for accountability and clarity regarding the state's leadership.

As the scheduled date approaches, the public watches attentively to witness the unfolding events, anticipating how the government and the public will respond to this call for civic action.

The hashtag #GovAkeredoluMustResign becomes a rallying cry as Sowore initiates another chapter in his persistent efforts to advocate for transparent and responsible governance in Nigeria.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.