Governor Oyebanji Appoints Senior Special Assistants, Technical Advisors, Special Assistants.

Governor Oyebanji Appoints Senior Special Assistants, Technical Advisors, Special Assistants.

In fulfilment of his promise to make more political appointments after the conclusion of the local government election, Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has approved the appointment of Senior Special Assistants (SSAs), Technical Advisors (TAs) and Special Assistants (SAs), to man specific offices in the government.

According to a statement signed by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, the new appointment is the first of the two batches to be rolled out. The appointments take effect from January 1, 2024.

While congratulating the new appointees, Governor Oyebanji urged them to see their appointments as opportunity to serve the people of the state and contribute to the administration’s development agenda.

The list are as follows:

SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANTS

SN NAME DESIGNATION

1. Funmi Adeyemo SSA, Social Development

2. Kayode Alakinyede SSA, Documentation

3. Lawal Moshood Adegoke SSA, Grassroots Communications (North)

4. Dele Owoju Coordinator, Non-State Actors/ Commander, Peace Corp

5. Niyi Adedipe Coordinator, Grazing Management Programme

6. Wale Adakeja SSA, Political Affairs

7. Ige Oladipupo SSA, Intra-Party Relations

8. Bunmi Talabi SSA, Special Projects

9. Akinwumi Mojeed Olaoluwa SSA, Special Interest Groups (I)

10. Mr. Francis Akinlabi SSA, Special Outreach

11. Busuyi Ayorinde SSA, Political Surveillance

12. Barr. Taju Akingbolu SSA, Legal Matters

13. Hon. Andrew Femi Ojo SSA, Rural Development

14. Mrs Fausilat Oseni Adesina SSA, Grassroots Mobilisation

15. Mosunmola Tunji Saliu SSA, Women Empowerment (Central)

16. Barr. Tunji Lawal SSA, Civil Society Matters

17. Dr. Jimlas Ogunsakin SSA, Public Health

18. Lanre Fasuan SSA Project Monitoring (Central)

19. Boluwade Kehinde SSA Project Monitoring (South)

20. Demola Obanise SSA, Environment and Waste Management

21. Babawale Daramola SSA, Logistics

22. Dauda Lawal SSA, Community Development & Internal Relations

23. Deji Adesokan SSA, Traffic Management

24. Mr. Kayode Fatomiluyi SSA, Labour Matters

25. Oluyede Fatai SSA, Teachers Affairs (State)

26. Mr Sulaiman Muhyindeen Olu  

SSA, Public Enlightenment (North)

27. Olatoye Kanmi SSA, Electronic Media

28. Afolabi Olurotimi SSA, Local Government Affairs

29. Tunji Amodi SSA, Investment & Commerce

30. Otunba Tayo Olatunbosun SSA, Local Business Development

31. Usikaye Olayemi SSA, Mobilization (North)

32. Mr. Fatai Sulaiman SSA, Social Inclusion

33. Isaac Idowu Joseph Ajayi SSA, Special Duties (II)

34. Alhaja Sherifat Ogunsakin SSA, Faith-Based Organisations I

35.   Mrs Arojo Taiwo Adebimpe SSA, Akure Liaison Office

36. Mrs. Funmilola Adedire SSA, Special Interest Groups (II)

37. Dr. Eunice Apeke Fasanmi SSA, Advocacy & Public Affairs

38. Anifowose Sunday SSA, Teachers (Federal)

39.   Obanise Gbenga SSA, Disability Affairs

40. Hon. Fajuyi Ige SSA, Community Engagement and Enlightenment I

41. Mr. Segun Asubiojo SSA, Farmsteads Coordination

42. Ademola Adeusi SSA, Public Enlightenment (Central)

43. Mr. Abdulateef Jamiu Adebowale SSA, Public Advocacy

44. Chief Adeniyi Adekunle SSA, Agric. (NALDA)

45. Hon. Dada Abiodun John SSA, Governor’s Office

46. Adeyeye Mobolaji Johnson SSA, Physical Planning

47. Reuben Awoyemi SSA, Community Matters (North)

48. Kolawole Genge SSA, Governor’s Office

49. Orewole Rotimi SSA, Governor’s Office

50. Mrs. Kikelowo Ajayi SSA, Governor’s Office

51. Opeyemi Agbede SSA, Consumers’ Protection

52. Nnamdi Chuckwu Igwe SSA, Igbo

53. Mr. Fola Afolalu SSA, Urban Development

54. Mrs. Busayo Tolulope Adeusi SSA, Community Relations (South)

55. Olarewaju Femi SSA, Project Monitoring (North)

56. Chief Layokun Abiodun Sunday SSA, Traditional Chiefs Affairs

57. Chief Niyi Idowu SSA, Public Affairs

58. Mrs. Malomo Agbajeola Toyin SSA, Special Interest Groups (III)

59. Mrs Yusuf Habibat Fayokemi SSA, Information Management

60. Princess Adejoke Adetoyinbo Ojo SSA, Community Matters

61. Mrs. Bola Salami SSA, Economic Development

62. Dotun Adegbulugbe SSA, Digital Communications

63. Odoko Tokunbo Tola SSA, Women Advocacy, North

64. Mr. Dayo Famoyegun SSA, Cooperatives’ Development

65. Mr. Biodun Borisade SSA, New Media

66. Hon. Akinloye Akinyemi SSA, Mobilization (South)

67. Oyeyemi Adeola Oluwatobi SSA, Values Orientation

68. Fakunle Olasupo Lucas SSA, Public Affairs (II)

69. Omosilade Sunday SSA, Special Duties (I)

70. Rt. Hon. Dele Olugbemi SSA, Non-State Security

71. Barr. Tosin Ogundele SSA,  Citizens Rights

72. Mr. Tunji Ogunlola SSA, Regional Development

73. Hon. Tope Olanipekun SSA, Strategy

74. Tunji Aribasoye SSA, Monitoring & Evaluation (OTSD)

75. Tayo Babarinde SSA, Finance

76. Dr. Ayolo Bakare Abdul SSA, Public Advocacy

77. Rev. Felix  Atoki SSA, Vocational Education

78. Prince Tunde Aladegbami SSA, Special Duties (III)

79. Miss Mary Adetiba SSA, Students Affairs

TECHNICAL ADVISORS

SN NAME DESIGNATION

1 Engr. Kayode Ilesanmi TA, Agric& Food Security

2 Arc. Temitope Oni-Jimoh TA, Public Buildings & Infrastructure

3 Hon Rotimi Faleye TA, Employment

4 Omotoso Victor TA, Wealth Creation

5 Hon Muyiwa Olukosi TA, Policy Evaluation

6 Mr. Olu-Aluko TA, Strategic Engagements

7 Ade Fasoyin TA, Change Management (OTSD)

8 Chief Biodun Akin-Fasae TA, Servicom

9 Mr. Ayo Ojo TA, Youth Inclusion

10. Mrs Folu Ogunlayi TA, Business Development

SPECIAL ASSISTANTS

SN NAME DESIGNATION

1. Toba Fatunla SA, Service Delivery

2. Oba Matthew SA, Digital Media (I)

3. Felix Olafimihan Olorunsola SA, Mobilisation (I)

4. Adeboboye Ajayi SA, Mobilisation (II)

5. Kunle Arokodare SA, Food Security

6. Babatunde Rotimi SA, Mobilisation (III)

7. Eniola Olabode Samuel SA, Party Matters

8. Omojola Mokunfayo Oladele SA, Internal Security

9. Mrs. Olusola Ogundare SA, Community Affairs (North)

10. Mr. Tunde Adesanya SA, Sports Development

11. Miss Obayemi Dolapo SA, Mobilization (IV)

12. Obanise Gbenga SA, People With Disabilities

13. Ojo Oluwatosin Ayodele SA Public Enlightenment (I)

14. Toyin Tuase SA, Governor’s Office

15. Ale Funmilayo SA, Community Relations

16. Arimi Yau Owoeye SA, Faith Based Organisation (Muslim)

17. Ogunleye Adenike Lydia SA, Women Relations

18. Rasheedat Shittu SA, Values Orientation

19. Akinlade Ojo SA, Civic Orientation

20. Temitope Adegbite Hammed SA, Community Relations

21. Kasali Femi SA, New Media (I)

22. Abiodun Gbenga Israel SA, Private Sector

23. Fadipe Ebenezer SA, Artisans

24. Sulaiman Nasiru SA, Ethnic Relations (Ebira)

25. Funso Lateef SA, Grassroots Communications

26. Mrs. Mary Faje SA, Community Matters (South)

27. Yewande Aribasoye SA, New Media (II)

28. Bimpe Fajuyi SA, Strategic Communications

29. Mrs. Funke Owolabi SA, Women Advocacy (Central)

30. Ayodele Timothy SA, Service Matters

31. Abiodun Femi Macbeny SA, Capacity Development

32. Mrs. Nike Ajisafe SA, Community Matters (Central)

33. Mr. Sanya Ogundele SA, Governor’s Office

34. Ayodele Alofe SA, Domestic Affairs (II)

35. Dada Ibijowo SA, Governor’s Office

36. Chief Ayodele Ayeni SA, Establishment Matters

37. Jinadu Yinusa Olalekan SA, Governor’s Office

38. Mrs. Bose Balogun SA, Governor’s Office

39. Okocha Olumide Fidelis SA, Internal Affairs

40. Samuel Oyewole Gbenga SA, Special Outreach

41. Joseph Okafor SA, Igbo (North)

42. Sunday Obi SA, Igbo (Central)

43. Nnamdi Inwuchukwu SA, Igbo (South)

44. Seun Ibitoye SA, Strategy

45. Ademiloye Moses SA, Inter-Agency Coordination

46. Eniola Olabode Samuel SA, SEMA

47. Mrs Yemisi Afolabi SA, Women Development

48. Ms Bisi Coker SA, Social Inclusion

49. Mrs Nike Ajisafe Popoola SA, Women Advocacy

50. Mr Demola Ayoola SA, Rural Development

51. Mr. Sanya Ogundele SA, Domestic (I)

52. Mr. Gbenga Ogundare SA, Public Transsportation

53. Mr. Sunday Oyerinde SA, Local Govt Affairs

54. Mr. Arowolo Olubayo SA, FADAMA

55. Mr. Femi Andero SA, Town Unions & Association

56. Husseini Kehinde Asobobola SA, Industrial Development

57. Hon. Odunayo Aribamikan SA, Mobilisation (V)

58. Mr. Fatai Jamiu SA, Environment  (Flood Mgt)

59. Mr. Adeniyi Oluwafemi SA, Water Resources

60. Hon.  Ewo Francis Odeyemi SA, Community Mobilization

61. Bolarinwa Omolade Ayoola SA, Political Matters (Inter-Party)

62. Hon. Ropo Kolawole SA, SEMA

63. Toyin Oluwasola SA, Legal Matters

64. Dele Afolabi SA, Business Development

65. Deac. Ojo Ogunsesin SA, Faith Based Organisation (I)

66. Bukky Kumuyi SA, Mobilization (VI)

67. Umude Onome Grace SA, Photography

68. Oyetunji Bukola Alaba SA, Domestic (III)

69. Sola Durodola SA, Non-State Security

70. Ayomide George Femi-Ojo SA, Special Duties

71. Adedara Temitope Adejugbe SA, Domestic (IV)

72. Olu-Ajayi Maxwell Olusegun SA, Youth Development

73. Gabriel Adesoji SA, New Media

Akeredolu returns to Germany, Aiyedatiwa steps in.

Akeredolu returns to Germany, Aiyedatiwa steps in.

The Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, would be embarking on another medical vacation in the European country of Germany.

This came barely four months after the governor returned to the country and stayed in his private residence in Ibadan Oyo State.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, on Tuesday, the governor would return to the European country as a follow-up to his medical treatment.

Olatunde said the governor would be going back on Wednesday, adding that he(Akeredolu) had written a letter to the state House of Assembly in that regard and the deputy governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa would assume office as the acting governor.

The statement read, “During his medical leave, Governor Akeredolu will prioritise his health and ensure a full recovery before resuming his official duties.

“A formal letter regarding the medical leave and a notice formally transferring power in line with the Nigerian Constitution will be transmitted to the House of Assembly.

“In the absence of Governor Akeredolu, the Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, will assume the responsibilities of the Governor in an acting capacity.

“Governor Akeredolu expresses his gratitude for the unwavering support and affection of the people of Ondo State. He assures them that his administration remains committed to the path of progress and prosperity for the people.

“As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a widely respected Nigerian, Governor Akeredolu has consistently delegated power to his deputy during his annual vacations. This practice was observed on April 1, 2021, April 1, 2022, April 3, 2023, and July 10, 2023, when he embarked on previous vacations.”

2024 Budget: Senate panel frowns at N1bn capital allocation for information ministry.

2024 Budget: Senate panel frowns at N1bn capital allocation for information ministry.

The Senate Committee on Information, on Tuesday, December 12, frowned at the N1 billion proposed for the Ministry of Information and National Orientation as capital allocation in the 2024 budget.

The chairman of the Senate Committee on Information, Senator Kenneth Eze (APC-Ebonyi Central) made the assertion when the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris Malagi, appeared before the committee to defend the ministry’s 2024 budget.

Earlier, Idris had in his presentation before the committee informed the senators that the National values and attitudes re-orientation campaign under the aegis of the National Values Charter (NVC), would be launched in early 2024.

He said: “The ministry desires to have a big national conversation around our values and attitudes re-orientation so that Nigeria will at least rediscover itself and reclaim some of those values that have been eroded over the years so that we can have a better country for all of us.

“We also desire the launch of the National and International branding campaign for Nigeria to highlight and showcase Nigeria’s immense natural and cultural resources.

“We are also going to convene and coordinate regular press briefings and media engagements for cabinet members and other senior government officials to avail Nigerians of what various ministries and agencies are doing so that Nigerians will be carried along on what the projects and programmes of government are.

“We also intend to invest resources in modernising the Federal Government information and communication management and regulatory system across the agencies, for example, NAN, NTA, FRCN, etc.”

He however added that the N1 billion earmarked for the Ministry as capital expenditure in 2024 would not be sufficient for implementation of the programmes.  

Apparently impressed by the vision and programmes of the Minister, the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Kenneth Eze said the capital provisions in the 2024 budget were nothing to write home about for implementing such laudable visions.

Eze said: “This is not a budget that can be visible if we are telling our story as a country. There is no way we can go far. You have a great initiative on how you are going to transform the country in the area of information, I wonder how you are going to do that with this so little fund.

“Information is a very sensitive ministry that should be taken seriously, and funded, and if we are talking about Renewed Hope Agenda, what we want as a country, Information should be at the forefront, it should be the image maker to sensitise the people, there is a widening gap between the government and information has to bridge this gap.

“I looked around in the budget, I didn’t see Nigeria Press Council, and APCON, and other agencies. Is the government telling us that the agencies are being scrapped or that they can function without personnel? Who will pay their salary and just a few months ago, the DG and Executive Secretary were appointed. Hon Minister, this is a serious matter for the committee to look into and we shall surely do that.”

Shettima unveils blueprint for transportation sector.

Shettima unveils blueprint for transportation sector.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday in Abuja unveiled a bold vision for reforming Nigeria’s transportation sector.

Shettima, represented by Special Adviser, General-Duties, to the President, Office of the Vice-President, Aliyu Modibbo, unveiled the blueprint at the 5th National Summit of Chartered Institute of Transport Administration (CIOTA).

He said that the Federal Government was committed to addressing the transportation challenges Nigerians were grappling with following the removal of subsidy on petroleum products.

Shettima canvassed for a collaborative revolution with the institute as the driving force for the blueprint.

The vice-president acknowledged the crucial role the institute plays as the “lifeblood” and “artery” of the nation’s economic and social progress.

He stressed the need for a robust and efficient transportation system that would connect every part of the country and drive socio-economic prosperity.

Shettima said, “I must appeal to you to remain the architects of a robust and efficient transport system and to partake in managing the connection of every part of our nation, for that is the pathway to knitting together the fabric of our socio-economic prosperity.”

The vice-president said that the institute’s objectives align perfectly with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

He said that none of the government’s eight presidential priorities, from food security to job creation, could be achieved without a functional transportation system.

Shettima added,” Mr President’s critical points of focus require an efficiently functional transportation system to achieve our mandate.

” We will find it useful to have suggestions from the institute: well-thought-out policy enunciation, transportation infrastructure designs, and effective operational management strategies in all modes of transportation.”

He urged the institute to provide valuable expertise in the form of policy recommendations, transportation infrastructure designs, and effective operational management strategies across all modes of transportation.

The vice-president recognized the technical and managerial skills of the members of the institute.

Shettima expressed confidence in their ability to build a sector that drives employment, manufacturing and production within the industry.

He acknowledged the various concerns raised by the institute, including road construction materials, local airline viability, rapid rail development, pipeline security and waterway navigability.

The vice-president assured the institute of an open door to the government for collaborative problem-solving.

” We are offering you an open door to the government where we can work together to understand your fears and needs as we redeem the cross-cutting issues of energy pricing, green energy, and funding strategies for various aspects of the transportation project.

” We will also provide workable modalities for public-private partnerships, safety and security, technology adoption and adaptation,l,” Shettima added.

He further emphasised the importance of training and attitudinal development for transportation operation personnel, particularly in the road sector.

Shettima highlighted the need for closer collaboration with transport worker unions and associations to improve the traveling and business experiences of Nigerians.

He said, ” The reality of our post-subsidy removal adjustment, in which you have played quite a critical role to stabilize the nation, isn’t lost to us.

” This is why we trust your aspirations as we develop more solutions while we keep our doors open for innovative thinking, well-researched, and workable recommendations to tackle emerging governance challenges in your industry.”

The vice-president urged the institute to increase its visibility and make its professional voice heard more frequently.

He described the institute as a strong partner of the government in tackling emerging governance challenges.

(NAN)

FG, World Bank to collaborate on mining.

FG, World Bank to collaborate on mining.

The federal government, through the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, is exploring collaboration with the World Bank in the mining sector.

The collaboration is to unlock financing and technical support for the development of the sector.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake during a courtesy visit by the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Shubham Chaudhuri expressed satisfaction with the renewed focus on the development of the nation’s mineral resources by the Tinubu administration.

He stated that with the preponderance of economically viable minerals in Nigeria, the country has the potential to make the sector a major contributor to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The special assistant on media to the minister, Segun Tomori made this known in a press statement.

He said: “Mr. Chaudhuri reiterated the readiness of the Bank to partner with the Ministry to unlock financing for specific intervention areas requiring funding, emphasising, however, that that the terms and conditions of the Bank to ensure effective implementation of projects and transparency in utilising funds is mandatory. He also added that the bank is not restricted to providing financing alone, asserting it can offer technical assistance to improve mining operations in the country.

“In his response, the Minister hailed the World Bank team for the visit, commending the institution for spearheading developmental efforts in diverse sectors of the economy over the years.

“The World Bank has been able to redirect focus on developmental issues and projects in countries, especially Nigeria. Just recently, we had the support of the World Bank on palliatives being rolled out after fuel subsidy removal. We had appreciable support from the World Bank. I thank you for your involvement in the min diver project, which, unfortunately, is coming to a close. We look forward to strengthening collaboration, which will culminate in the needed funding for critical areas in the mining sector, alongside the requisite technical support, as earlier hinted.”

He also stated: “Throwing light on his vision for the mining sector, the Minister revealed that the first major priority is investment in exploration to generate the requisite geo-data that will guide investors in making informed decisions about investing in the sector. He also revealed that efforts are ongoing to establish efficient governance structures and secure the mining environment.

“Alake further assured that the federal government is committed to providing an enabling environment to safeguard mining operations whilst ensuring maximum beneficiation to host communities and accruable revenue to the government through royalties and taxes.

“On the World Bank delegation were the Country Director for Nigeria, Shubham Chaudhuri, and World Bank program leader, equitable growth, finance innovation, Bertina Kamphuis.”

Nigeria Takes Global Lead: President Tinubu Envisions Africa as the World's First Green Manufacturing Hub in CNN Exclusive.

Nigeria Takes Global Lead: President Tinubu Envisions Africa as the World's First Green Manufacturing Hub in CNN Exclusive.

President Bola Tinubu says African countries, including Nigeria, need partnerships for a new green economy, emphasizing the efforts against climate change will only be successful through a cooperative approach.

Writing in an OP-ED article for CNN, the President said the security threats, the dislocation of people, the environmental atrophy and other collateral impacts of climate change were at the forefront of his mind during his participation at the COP28 World Climate Action Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

He said Nigeria has battled back against major obstacles, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, short-term challenges from economic reforms, and the ongoing unification of foreign exchange rates, but that the nation remains steadfast in its resolve to reconstruct a better, cleaner economy despite these challenges.

"To uphold our legally binding commitment to a cleaner world, Nigeria launched the Nigerian Carbon Market Initiative at COP28 by joining the African Carbon Market Initiative," he said.

Reiterating his stance on the inequity in the economic status quo, the President wrote that developing nations, despite contributing minimally to the problem, endure most of its impacts.

He said African countries simply can not go at it alone, adding: "There must be a fair and cooperative approach. For too long, too many developed nations have hesitated to do what they should."

Highlighting Nigeria’s efforts and commitment to its pledges, President Tinubu said: "Nigeria has taken significant steps and acted decisively in enacting the Climate Change Act and committing to net-zero emissions between 2050 and 2070.

"Africa’s most populous nation has successfully mobilized tens of thousands of youths nationwide to plant 250,000 trees annually to honor a pledge to plant 25 million trees by 2030 as we build our great green wall to fight back against encroaching desert across the northern region of our nation."

The President said Nigeria is aggressively pursuing the exploitation of the nation’s abundant wind and solar resources but added that transitioning from fossil fuels, which are Nigeria’s economic mainstay, will not be easy.

"While in Berlin last month at the G20 Summit, I announced Nigeria’s commitment to develop blue and green hydrogen capacity for international export. In conversations with Middle Eastern oil producers, I also solidified this commitment.

"We now seek to mobilize private capital with support from initiatives like the Climate Finance Leadership Initiative and the new US and EU global infrastructure programs," he said.

He also said the European Union’s Global Gateway program and the U.S. Government's Build Back Better World initiative are potential resources Nigeria is seeking to explore in its efforts to transition to cleaner energy.

"We are also looking to diversify our economy by engaging in friendly competition with Russia in the supply of energy to European markets. We can do it with natural gas and through green energy. This is why we are investing massively in both.

"Batteries for hire could help Nigerians ditch their generators. But the time for watching and waiting is over. Developed nations must honor commitments in the form of significant contributions to the Loss and Damage Fund and the $100 billion annual climate financing pledge. 

"It is time to seize the moment," the President concluded.

Don't Disappoint Ekiti Citizens, Deputy Gov Charges Chairmen-Councilors-elect.

Don't Disappoint Ekiti Citizens, Deputy Gov Charges Chairmen-Councilors-elect.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has charged the newly elected Chairmen and Councilors to use their performances to prove that the local government system is central to the development of any nation. 

Mrs Afuye lamented that the lacklustre performances of some council bosses, had created the widespread impression that the third tier of government doesn't serve any purpose, urging them to bring a paradigm shift and change such a warped perspective.

Mrs Afuye said these on Tuesday, while receiving the chairmen and councilors-elect from Ikere Ekiti, who paid a visit to her office in Ado Ekiti, after collecting their Certificates of Return from the State Independent Electoral Commission. 

Mrs Afuye, in a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, insisted that the best pride the elected All Progressives Congress members can do Governor Biodun Oyebanji, herself and the party, is to deliver democracy gains to the populace. 

She emphasized the need for the incoming elected officials to prioritise good governance by revving the pedal of development immediately they are sworn in to convince the skeptics that the system can turn around the fortunes of any nation if run properly. 

"Please, go there and prove to Ikere residents that your own time will be different. All eyes are on you. I beg you, don't disgrace us. Don't put Governor Oyebanji and myself to shame before Ikere people . 

"I want you to convince and disabuse the minds of those having the impression that the local government system is useless with good performances".

Harping on the need for unity in the party, Mrs Afuye said: "Don't take anyone as enemies, everybody should be your friends. Some chairmen were considered for a second term, but this will depend on your performances and loyalty to the government and our people. 

"Work and perform beyond their expectations, so that our people can have trust in the local government system. Ekiti continuity begins with Governor Oyebanji and it won't end with him. We must all work together and deliver democracy gains to our people". 

Addressing the visitors, the Special Adviser on Legal Matters to the governor, Barr. Bayo Idowu and the Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Victor Adeniyi, said local governements have become veritable vehicles of development in the state with the advent of Governor Oyebanji. 

They pleaded with the Chairman to consider the organisation of seminars for councilors to boost their intellectual capacities and to always defer to the leaders while taking critical decisions to unify the party.

"Local government is not a useless creation, it is for development. The local governments are not rubber-stamp. If you can do well at that level, the pressure on the governor will reduce". 

The spokesman of the group and Chairman-elect, Ikere Local Government, Squadron Olu Adamolekun, promised not to betray the confidence reposed in them.

"We are not going to betray our leaders and all Ikere citizens. We will do our best to deliver to the people of Ikere and increase their belief in the local government system".