We Are Transforming Nigeria With The Support Of National Assembly ~ Says Tinubu.

We Are Transforming Nigeria With The Support Of National Assembly ~ Says Tinubu.

President Bola Tinubu says the efforts of his administration to transform Nigeria’s economy are yielding results with the support of the National Assembly led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas. 

Speaking at a colloquium to mark the 61st birthday of the Senate President, on Thursday in Abuja, President Tinubu said the challenges facing the country will be jointly assessed by the executive and legislature with a view to evolving implementable solutions for the good of Nigerians.

“Having Senate President Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Right Honourable Abbas, on my side is enough for me to succeed, and we will succeed," he said.

Extolling the leadership credentials of the Senate President, President Tinubu said the Chairman of the National Assembly has always shown commitment to national development, starting out as a commissioner in Akwa Ibom State, where he understudied Lagos; drew up a blueprint and implemented it as a two-term Executive Governor. 

“I believe in the person of Sen. Godswill Akpabio. He is truly in God’s will for his life. I was governor in Lagos State from 1999 to 2007, and he was a commissioner. 

“As a commissioner, he was extremely inquisitive about what was going on in Lagos. I didn’t know then that he wanted to be a governor. As governor, he transformed Akwa Ibom tremendously,’’ the President stated. 

President Tinubu recalled how some of the economic and social programmes initiated by Senator Akpabio, when he was governor, developed the state, noting that the drainage system Senator Akpabio constructed had saved many lives and livelihoods.

In his remarks, the Senate President commended President Tinubu for his visionary leadership, most recently demonstrated in the quality of decisions taken so far to ensure improved security and a revamped economy. 

“You are the first President who openly stepped out and said you believed that someone like me would make a difference as Senate President.

“It is not that the National Assembly is an appendage of the executive. President Tinubu is the first to get it right. Mr. President, there’s no country that you have been to that investors did not rush to meet with you,’’ Senator Akpabio said. 

The Senate President assured the President that the National Assembly would work with him to transform the country, adding that, “we did not come for a boxing bout. We came to transform Nigeria."

The Speaker of the House of Representatives thanked the President for articulating his economic vision clearly for the National Assembly, departing from what he described as "impulsive programmes.""

The keynote speaker, Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), appreciated the President for his courage and diligence in leading the nation on the path of growth and recovery with innovative ideas and for appointing competent hands to run the affairs of the country.

Oyebanji lifts 48 indigent citizens with N20m.

 Oyebanji lifts 48 indigent citizens with N20m.

In his drive to reduce poverty among indigenes of the state, Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has empowered another set of 48 indigent citizens of the state with cash and material support to the tune of N20 million. 

Disbursing the fund on behalf of the Governor on Wednesday at the Conference Hall of the Governor’s office, Ado-Ekiti, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, Governor’s Office, Mrs Sola Abe, said the intervention was in line with the fulfillment of Governor Oyebanji’s campaign promises of shared prosperity and reduction of poverty among the populace.

Mrs Abe who explained that the intervention ranged from payment of school fees, medical bills, expansion of businesses with necessary equipment among others, is a way of providing succour to vulnerable indigenes of the state who are in serious need of financial assistance to improve their livelihood.

She noted that Governor Oyebanji is passionate about helping the less privileged even before he became Governor, and hence, he had earmarked certain amount from his personal purse every month for this cause. 

This, according to her, is a way of reaching out and rendering a helping hand to the needy indigenes that are not employed but have some vocational skills.

The Governor’s aide charged all the beneficiaries to spend the money and utilize the equipment judiciously, adding that what they all requested for were given to them without any reduction.

She also stated that a monitoring team would visit them regularly to know how they are faring and see that they are using the money and the equipment for the purpose for which they were given.

Among the beneficiaries of the largesse were tailors, drycleaners, traders and hairdresser who were given full equipment to start or boost their businesses. 

On modalities for disbursement, Mrs Abe said, “We receive request from indigenes asking for assistance and it varies from tuition, medicals or expansion of businesses, so we do our investigation, market survey, verify claims and disburse. 

“We have 48 beneficiaries today and the mode of selecting them is that they write letter to the Governor and he charges them to our office, we then call the applicants, ask questions and confirm if they actually learn the trades. We also ask if they are already in the business or they want to start afresh before we eventually verify their claims.

“March next year will make it a year that we have started the programme, so, we will assess how the programme has fared in one year by going out to monitor activities of beneficiaries to be sure that its actually meeting the needs and plugging all holes in homes. The only criteria we ask for is that you must be from Ekiti. No political colouration.

“This is more of the Governor’s personal project, this is what he is doing himself to ensure he reach out to people in his own way. In fact, he has been doing this before he became Governor. And I think people now know about it, so the volume of requests that come to him has become enormous. he understands the impact this is having on the people, he understands the hardship going on with the people. This is own way of helping the people from his own personal purse.” She added. 

Some of the beneficiaries including Mr Abiodun Olatoye, Mrs Yemi Adefemi and Miss Odunayo Obafemi spoke glowingly about the love Governor Oyebanji has for the less-privileged in the state and prayed that God would continue to bless him.

Mr Abiodun Olatoye, a Barber said he just wrote for assistance from the Governor and was surprised to receive a call to come to Governor’s office to receive equipment he needed for his business and money to rent a shop.

He expressed appreciation to the Governor for making life easy for him as he did not have any helper who could assist him get a shop and purchase equipment for him.

Wike partners Somalian ambassador on development of FCT.

Wike partners Somalian ambassador on development of FCT.

The minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has assured the Somalian Ambassador to Nigeria that he is ready to approve land in Nigeria’s federal capital for their Chancery building.

Wike gave this assurance on Thursday, December 14, when the Somalian Ambassador to Nigeria, Jamal Mohamed Barrow visited him in his office in Abuja.

He assured the Ambassador that he would “Immediately call for the file so you can have your land and start building your Chancery.”

Wike said: “Nigeria and Somalia have many things in common, unfortunately, a sad one like the civil war, when a country is facing war and it retards development.

“Security is very key for us, where we are now is not where we want to be, and there is still room for improvement. We want our guests to be comfortable, don’t hesitate to come to us where you have observations.”

Speaking earlier, the Somalian Ambassador to Nigeria, Jamal Mohamed Barrow told Wike that he hoped that Nigeria and his country could interface as Nigeria can be an example, especially Abuja the capital city, and Mogadishu, the Somali capital.

He said: “We want to ask for assistance, there is a long history of relationship between Nigeria and Somalia. We want to see how Abuja is working and how you are doing it so we can in Mogadishu. We want to make Nigeria our second home.

“We’ve been in war, we’ve got our challenges, we operate a federal system, do we hope that Nigeria is the best model to copy? Since been have the same experiences, we can work together.”

He regretted that their land application was on the verge of being approved.

Barrow said: “Unfortunately election campaign and the minister became too busy, I want Nigeria to become our second home.”

Team Ekiti Records Success at National Para Games.

Team Ekiti Records Success at National Para Games.

In a remarkable display of resilience and skill, Team Ekiti has secured its place on the podium at the second edition of the National Para Games in Abuja. The contingent brought home a total of three medals, consisting of two silvers and one bronze, across powerlifting, javelin, and discus events.

The impressive performance began with powerlifter Adetolu Christiana, who claimed a silver medal in the 45kg class by lifting an impressive 90kg. Following suit, Ajayi David added to the medal tally with a silver in the F44 class of javelin, showcasing a powerful throw of 39m. David continued to shine, securing a bronze medal in discus with a throw covering 28m.

Expressing his delight, Team Ekiti's leader, Mr. Peter Ojo, commended the athletes for their hard work and preparation leading up to the competition. He extended gratitude to the state government and the sports ministry for their unwavering support.

The National Para Games, which spanned from last Friday to today, served as a platform to unearth new talents destined to represent Nigeria in international para sports. Senator John Enoh, the Minister of Sports Development, emphasized that the games also aimed to promote inclusion and empower individuals with disabilities in society.

Approximately 3000 athletes and officials from all 36 states of the Federation, along with the FCT, participated in this competitive and inclusive sporting event. The success of Team Ekiti adds another chapter to the state's growing achievements in para sports on the national stage.

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.