Ekiti Bloody Robbery: Oyebanji Visits Victims, Says Justice is Sure for Deceaseds.

 Ekiti Bloody Robbery: Oyebanji Visits Victims, Says Justice is Sure for Deceaseds.               ........Police recover three vehicles, bikes used for operation.                                                                     ........Monarch suspects internal collusion.

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has promised to coalesce efforts with the security agencies to apprehend perpetrators and syndicates of Wednesday's bloody Ikere Ekiti bank robbery, saying the bloods of those gunned down during the operation are crying for justice.

Oyebanji , who described the incident as horrendous and heart-rending, insisted that his government and security outfits shall competently contrive ways to checkmate robbery and senseless killings of citizens by gun- wielding bandits.

Oyebanji said this, on Thursday, in Ikere Ekiti, during a visit to the victims and the scene of the incident for on the spot assessment of the level of damage caused during the attack.

The governor, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, was accompanied with the Special Adviser on Internal Security, Brig Gen Ebenezer Ogundana, Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, Mr. Dare Ogundare and State Commander, Amotekun Corps, Brig Gen. Olu Adewa (rtd). 

The delegation also visited the palace of Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado to sympathise with him over the deaths recorded and displayed incurable readiness to ward off criminals from that axis of Ekiti. 

Addressing the monarchs, Oyebanji said:"I use this medium to register our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives during the bank robbery incident. In fact , the incident was so saddening and heart-rending.

"Let me restate again that the government of Ekiti State won't tolerate senseless killings of innocent Nigerians who are performing their lawful duties under any guise in Ekiti State. Security of lives and property is so dear and utmost to this government. 

"We are also reiterating the commitment of Biodun Oyebanji's administration to tackle cases of robbery, kidnapping and banditry in Ekiti. We want to say that we place high value on the lives of all Ekiti residents irrespective of enthinicity, religious sentiments and political affiliations.

"We appeal to the Ekiti State Police command to beef up security around financial institutions, shopping malls and market areas that could be taken as targets by evil doers during this festive period. We appreciate your past efforts, but we want you to raise the bar of security and do more".

In his submission, the Police Commissioner, Mr. Dare Ogundare, disclosed that his men and officers, had recovered three vehicles and motorbikes used by the evil doers for the bloody operation.

"As I am talking to you, my people are combing the surrounding bushes for possible apprehension of these criminals. We learnt some of them escaped into the bush. So, our people should be calm and await the outcome of our investigations".

Expressing grief over the casualties recorded, the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adu Alagbado, said immediately the matter occured, he had alerted the security agencies, including the military, but revealed the havoc had been wreaked before their arrival .

"I was saddened by this event. About 17 boys were arrested a month ago by local vigilante with assorted riffles and local guns and we handed them over to the police for action. We have been doing our best to help the police. 

"But there is a trend that these criminals always escaped through Ikere- Ise-Ijan road anytime they struck here. I want the police to use this to catch some of these guys. They are enemies within.

"I have my suspicion that there was an internal connivance. I don't want Ikere Ekiti to be made the headquarters of yahoo boys and criminals. We have prayed over this incident and I know that the criminals will be caught".

Afe Babalola is a Blessing to Humanity: Celebrating a Decade of Impact.

Afe Babalola is a Blessing to Humanity: Celebrating a Decade of Impact.                               By Wale Fapohunda

Ado Ekiti was agog with dignitaries from various walks of life who gathered to celebrate the Afe Babalola Beneficiaries Worldwide Day. The event, hosted at the Ewi's palace, witnessed a notable representation of individuals who came together to honor the living legend, Aare Afe Babalola.

The Chief host, Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, conveyed his gratitude to Aare Afe Babalola for establishing the world-class University ABUAD in the town, which stands as the second-largest employer of labor in Ekiti after the state government. Although unavoidably absent, Oba Adejugbe was aptly represented by High Chief Ogunmodimu, the Odole of Ado.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Faboro, expressed his appreciation for the honor done to Aare Afe Babalola while he is still alive. He highlighted the positive impact of Afe Babalola's contributions to the state, praying for the emergence of more individuals like him as a blessing to humanity.

The representative of Afe Babalola at the event, ABUAD Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof., conveyed Baba Afe's happiness at the consistent celebration of the event for the past ten years. He urged people to embrace the spirit of giving and helping others, echoing Afe Babalola's principles.

The initiating coordinator of Afe Babalola Beneficiaries Worldwide, Chief Ogunniyi Morakinyo (Kayegbo), marked the 10th edition of the celebration, acknowledging the journey's significance and the positive results achieved. He thanked Oba Dr. Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, the Grand Patron, and highlighted the global recognition of December 12 as the Afe Babalola Beneficiaries Day since 2013.

The event also witnessed the unveiling of the proposed prototype of Afe Babalola Park to be sited in Ado-Ekiti. Afe Babalola Honors Awards and Certificates of Participation were presented to outstanding individuals, including High Chief Ejigbo, High Chief Alareerin, and High Chief Odofin (THE AGBA ADOS'), among others.

As the celebration concluded, Chief Morakinyo announced plans for the AFE BABALOLA PARK inside Ado Ekiti, a permanent venue for celebrating Afe Babalola, emphasizing the continued focus on emulating the philanthropic ideals of the living legend.

Perpetrators Of Ikere Robbery Attack Would Be Brought To Book, Oyebanji Vows.

Perpetrators Of Ikere Robbery Attack Would Be Brought To Book, Oyebanji Vows.

The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has directed security agencies in the state to fish out the perpetrators of Wednesday’s bank robbery in Ikere- Ekiti and bring them to book.

The Governor who described the armed robbery incidence, which claimed three lives, as senseless and disheartening, said no stoned would be left unturned in the bid to bring the perpetrators to book.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, Governor Oyebanji, condoled with families of victims of the robbery, the Ogoga-in-Council and the people of Ikere Ekiti.

He also directed government hospitals in the state to take proper care of those that got injured during the robbery attack. 

Stressing the importance of local vigilance in security, the Governor urged citizens who have information that can help security agencies in their investigations to make such known to relevant authorities.

“The perpetrators of this heinous crime will not go unpunished. Our security agencies will go after them and ensure they face the guilt wrath of the law. 

“Our condolences to the families of victims of the robbery attack and the Ikere people.” The Governor said. 

The Governor urged the people of the state to remain calm and vigilant as they go about their daily activities, adding that government is committed to their security and safety and would not spare any efforts at ridding the state of criminal elements.

Ikere Bank Robbery: Police Recover Vehicles and Motorcycle, Vow Perpetrators Will Face Full Wrath of the Law.

Ikere Bank Robbery: Police Recover Vehicles and Motorcycle, Vow Perpetrators Will Face Full Wrath of the Law.

The Ekiti State Police Command has successfully recovered three vehicles and two motorcycles used by the armed robbers who invaded Ikere, resulting in three casualties during a bank robbery. The command, led by Commissioner of Police OGUNDARE DARE, is actively pursuing the fleeing suspects who abandoned the vehicles after a heated chase by the police.

Commissioner Dare visited the robbery scene in Ikere-Ekiti for an on-the-spot assessment, expressing displeasure over the incident. He directed the Ikere Area Commander and all tactical teams within the command to ensure the swift arrest of the perpetrators.

In a statement, the Commissioner commiserated with the affected families and wished those undergoing treatment a quick recovery. He called for calm and urged everyone to continue their lawful activities, emphasizing that the command would relentlessly pursue the criminals.

The command's tactical squads and deployed military personnel engaged the hoodlums, who abandoned their vehicles and motorcycles used in the operation, escaping into the bush. The recovered vehicles and motorcycles have been brought to the station.

The Commissioner urged anyone with information about the identities or whereabouts of the armed hoodlums to contact the provided phone numbers. The police are determined to ensure the perpetrators face the full wrath of the law.

Contact Numbers for Information:

08062335577

07031620186

08033470524

07032152150

09064050086

DSP ABUTU SUNDAY

Police Public Relations Officer

For: Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command

Ondo State Acting Governor, Hon. Lucky Ayedatiwa, Assumes Office, Delivers State Broadcast.

Ondo State Acting Governor, Hon. Lucky Ayedatiwa, Assumes Office, Delivers State Broadcast. 

The Acting Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Ayedatiwa, recently delivered a state broadcast upon assuming office due to the transmission of power by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON. Below is the full text of his address:

My good people of Ondo State,

I address you today with a humble heart and a mixed feeling. The events which have culminated in today’s address is a watershed in the annals of our experience as a people. It is not a moment of celebration, but rather a moment of sober reflection. A moment for us to really appreciate the collective burden of moving our State forward. The events of the past months have indeed challenged our love for our state and indeed democracy which we all profess.

Throughout the whirlwind and the storm, we held fast to our firm believe that we owe it a duty to ourselves, the people and posterity not to allow the suspense and confusion go on without end because of its dire implications for our development and progress in Ondo State. At no time in our history has unity among our people been so vital as it is at the present time. Unity of purpose, unity of effort and unity of spirit which are all essential to accomplish the task before us. It is necessary for us to acknowledge with pride, the profound legacies and the place of our leader and father of the State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, the Governor of Ondo State. We acknowledge the sterling leadership and character he has provided for the state. Mr. Governor is a transformational and courageous leader who has turned around the fortunes of the State in the last six an-a-half years. His records of performance are monumental and here with us.

In all facets of our development, be it governance, security, health, education, economy, infrastructure, industrialisation and others, his footprints are foundational and will serve the state in greater heights in the future. Above all and as you all know our Governor has been a strong, effectual and respected voice in matters of national development, doing the Sunshine State proud at all fora. The State will forever be grateful to Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, CON for driving our development so well. We are really proud of him.

At this juncture, permit me to say that only God Almighty has explanations for what happened in the last few months. When nature sets in to hinder human performance, it is always a painful thing. We must acknowledge that the key to the well-being of a man is in the hands of God. It is not for us as humans to question God but to pray for His mercies upon our lives. It is in this regard that we admit with all sense of responsibility that the intrigues that ensued due to Mr Governor’s health challenges were indeed avoidable distractions. We ought to have done better so as to keep giving Ondo State the seamless and solid governance which Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, had established in the State in the last six-and-a-half years.

As a government, we must appreciate the sovereignty of the people that voted us into office and we regret in no unmistakable terms the toll which this whole episode had inflicted on the psyche of the People and the development of the State. Despite all these, my dear people, I come to you today, to urge you all not to relent, as you have always done, in your prayers for the quick restoration of good health and strenght to our leader, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON.

Also of paramount importance is the expectation of our people that we continue to deliver on the mandate given to Mr. Governor and my humble self . We must return quickly to the path of accelerated progress that has eluded the State in the last few months. We must excuse unnecessary distractions. We can no longer be separated in interest or divided in purpose. We must stand together until the end. We must come back stronger and more determined to advance the welfare and security of our people, being the primary object of government as encapsulated in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended. Let us build a shared future from a divided past. We owe no less to the good people of the Sunshine State.

Bearing in mind that the very huge responsibility of governance, i must emphasise that the task is indeed not one that one individual can accomplish alone. It is a gigantic task that requires inclusive engagement, focus and collective actions from both the government and the governed. We, therefore, implore you all across the State, young and old, to contribute your utmost commitment, cooperation and support towards advancing the State in our development trajectory.

May I on this note express our deep appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the Senate President His Excellency Godwin Akpabio, the National Chairman of our Party APC, His Excellency Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and other top national officials of the Party for providing succour to Ondo State at our critical time of cloud and need. I extend our profound gratitude to the good people of our dear State, the speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly, members of the state Executive Council, our Senators and members of the House of Representatives, members of the Ondo state the House of Assembly, the State Chairman, working committee members and leaders of our great party, the APC. We also owe a debt of gratitude to our traditional rulers, religious leaders and especially our elder Statesmen in the state led by our father, Papa Reuben Fasoranti. May I also express our profound gratitude to the civil servants of Ondo State, Civil Society Organisations, the Media and the youths for their patriotism and for being part of the peace process to guarantee continued sustenance of the pride of place of the Sunshine State in the comity of States.

I cannot but specially appreciate the third arm of Government, the Judiciary through the honourable chief Judge, for its courage, commitment and dedication to protect democracy and the constitution of the nation. It is on record that we all sailed through the unnecessary and avoidable weather together. We won together. We are all one large family. We are one great people with one focus : to make our state greater than it is today.

At a personal level, I am confident that our democracy would be further enriched with the hard lessons learnt from this episode. For us in government, this whole experience should open a new place in our hearts; a place where we must appreciate that the trust vested in us as a part of the small privileged percentage of people, must be used for the best welfare of the larger percentage of the people. We must rise far above the intrigues and instability of the past and roll up our sleeves in service of the people. We are nothing but trustees of the people with whom we share a common humanity. We must and we will exercise with utmost discretion the privileges conferred on us by the great people of Ondo State.

Finally and bearing in mind the foregoing, I therefore wish to assure you all that it is with a deep sense of humility and a heart of absolute commitment to the good of our Sunshine State that I accept the onerous assignment, during this temporary absence of Mr. Governor, to serve you as the Acting Governor of Ondo State. 

Yesterday is already behind us. This is the time to carry aloft, with love and affection for one another, the laudable vision and mission of the. Governor for the State. I appeal to every member of the Government of Ondo state for your genuine support, cooperation and dedication. We need a renewed unity to berth the significant and accelerated development clearly envisioned and vigorously pursued by Mr. Governor. My good people of Ondo state, what happened in the past was a temporary delay in our democratic journey. As a government we have recovered.

In conclusion i wish to end this address by urging you all to continue to pray for the mighty healing of God to embrace and hasten the recovery of our leader, the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON to enable him return to office, hale and hearty. 

May God bless Ondo State

May He bless our dear Governor and have mercy upon us all.

Thank you.

Gov Zulum presents N340.5 billion budget for 2024.

Gov Zulum presents N340.5 billion budget for 2024.

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has presented a N340.5 billion budget for 2024 to the state’s House of Assembly.

The budget comprises N198.2 billion capital expenditure and N142.3 billion recurrent. 

Zulum said the proposal would be financed from recurrent revenue of N206.8 billion made up of federal allocation and internally generated revenue.

His words: “The budget will also be financed by capital receipts of N128.8 billion, comprising of aids and grants as well as capital development funds.

“The projection of the 2024 budget is predicated on the Federal Government’s fiscal forecast for the 2024-2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework.

“The internally-generated revenue forecast was adopted with some indications to reflect on the current realities within our purview.’’ 

The governor lauded the state Legislative for its sustained support and urged the members to fast-track the passage of the budget.

A breakdown of the budget showed that the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development has the lion’s share of N53.8 billion followed by Health with N51.1 billion.

Ministry of Works got N45.4 billion, while Education got N39.4 billion. 

Sanwo-Olu presents N2.23tn budget for 2024.

Sanwo-Olu presents N2.23tn budget for 2024.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday presented an N2.23 trillion appropriation bill to the House of Assembly for the 2024 fiscal year.

The ‘Budget of Renewal’ is made up of recurrent expenditure of N1.02 trillion (45 per cent) and capital expenditure of N1.224 trillion (55 per cent). The state envisages N1.847,951 trillion in revenue for the year,

Economic Affairs takes a chunk of the budget proposal with N535 billion while Education comes second with N199 billion.

The provision of “very important infrastructure viz Fourth Mainland Bridge, Food and Logistics Hub, Lagos/Epe International Airport” falls within “Economic Affairs.”

A further breakdown of the proposed budget shows that Health will take N156 billion; Environment, N94 billion, Public Order and Safety, N84 billion and Social Protection, N50 billion.

Sanwo-Olu noted that the 2024 appropriation bill will further cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal and other economic hardships on the people.

He said: “Mr Speaker, I am indeed privileged to present to you today the Y2024 Budget proposal, tagged ‘The Budget of Renewal’. The process of putting this together has been very carefully guided by our THEMES Governing agenda, which has been with us since the start of the administration, and which we have recently expanded to THEMES+, the ‘+’ embodying our renewed focus on social inclusion, gender equality and youth development; our goal that in Lagos State, no one should or will be left behind.

“We have gone through some very difficult times, but while the pain is temporary, the dividends of the necessary investments we are making will be here to stay. We are working closely with the Federal Government to ramp up relief measures to help the people alleviate the pains of the subsidy removal and the impact of high inflation. 

“We are especially concerned about transportation and food costs, and in 2024, we will be keying into the targeted food security initiatives of the Federal Government. For transportation, we are fully on board with the Federal Government’s CNG-powered buses initiative, which will deliver sizable numbers of these buses to each state for public transportation. 

“The development of any megacity like ours is the responsibility of both the public and private sectors. To this end, we will continue to explore public-private-partnership strategies in the provision of infrastructure, social services, and the conversion of challenges to opportunities within the context of scarce resources.”

The governor noted that the 2023 budget of N1.7 trillion, as of Q3 ending September 30, had achieved a N1.032 trillion implementation, representing 78 per cent of the prorated estimate of N1.326 trillion.

Speaker of the Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, said the budget must address the daunting economic challenges, and must be tailored towards improving the lives of residents.

Obasa, in his remarks after the governor’s presentation, said the government should begin to look at better ways to alleviate poverty beyond giving out packaged foodstuff.

The speaker also called for the employment of more people for the effective implementation of government policies, as well as effective youth engagement through sports and related activities.

He said: “It is important for us to apply the right indices towards ensuring a performing and functioning budget that would lift our people out of poverty and reposition the state towards infrastructural growth and renewal. Palliatives should move from just giving people ‘garri’, rice, beans or even money. We should have a direction that is focused, impactful and deeply backed up by effective policy implementations.

“Medicines should be provided at all public hospitals at subsidised rates, and focus should be on the downward review of treatment costs..”