Oyebanji Combating School Dropouts, Maternal Mortality, joblessness in Ekiti — Deputy Governor.

Oyebanji Combating School Dropouts, Maternal Mortality, joblessness in Ekiti — Deputy Governor.

......Says Human Capital Development dear to governor.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has disclosed that Governor Biodun Oyebanji, has shown enough commitments to combat cases of school dropouts, maternal mortality and joblessness in the state.

Mrs Afuye declared that the governor has adopted strategies of affordable healthcare, compulsory primary and secondary school education and massive employment in the civil service to reduce poor indices in those critical areas of the economy.

The Deputy Governor and Chairperson, Human Capital Development Committee, spoke on Monday, while receiving the southwest Regional consultant, Human Capital Development, Dr. Adeyeye Adeyanju in her office in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.

Mr Adeyanju, was led to the office of the Deputy Governor by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Human Capital Development, Hon. Gbenga Agbeyo.

The Deputy Governor, described Human Capital Development as one of the pillars of Oyebanji’s administration, saying the governor has been translating all his promises into actions to free the state from the bondage of underdevelopment.

Mrs Afuye, in a statement by her Media Assistant, Victor Ogunje, posited that the good index being recorded in the areas of health, education and youth productivity, vividly attested to the fact that Governor Oyebanji has been combating challenges affecting those thematic areas of growth and development.

“Ekiti has one of the lowest out- of- school children in Nigeria. In the area of Health, Ekiti is doing very well. Treatment for children below age five and pregnant women are free in all government hospitals.

“There is also a primary healthcare centre in every 177 wards in Ekiti. The centres were not just existing in structures, we have equipment and enough manpower to provide necessary healthcare needs of our people.

“But there is big concern for all of us, which is the way some health experts are leaving the country in droves. This is one area the government at all levels must tackle holistically. But I know that Ekiti has been reacting to that with prompt payment of salaries and allowances of doctors and other health workers”.

Responding, the Regional Consultant, Mr. Adeyanju, saluted Governor Oyebanji for being passionate about Human Capital Development and for making it as a pillar in the policy thrust of his administration.

The consultant bemoaned that health , education, and job creation indices are still poor in the country, lamenting how precious lives are still being lost due to poor access to robust healthcare delivery,

The consultant, said: “It is not that the government has not been doing anything. They had been building hospitals and schools, but to what extent were they able to connect these with the people?

“One fact must be stressed here, we must have a country or state where our children can go to school. Our school enrolments must go up, that is the only way the productive population can contribute to the growth of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“Government must put measures in place to show that no woman dies as a result of pregnancy or any child of school age not having access to school from the primary up to the university level.

“We are looking up to Ekiti State where no woman will die because of pregnancy, where children can live and fulfil their destinies and a state where population can be productive, that is what we are after with the new Human Capital Development policy”.

Governor Oyebanji Delivers on Promise: Provides Drinkable Water Across All LGAs and LCDAs.

Governor Oyebanji Delivers on Promise: Provides Drinkable Water Across All LGAs and LCDAs.

By: Comr Olamide Akinwumi J.

In a triumphant move that exemplifies his commitment to good governance, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has once again delivered on a significant campaign promise – ensuring access to water for all local government areas (LGAs) and local council development areas (LCDAs) across Ekiti State.

The announcement, made by Mrs Mary Oso-Omotoso, Director-General Community Communications, via social media, serves as a testament to Governor Oyebanji's dedication to improving the living standards of the people of Ekiti.

The comprehensive initiative encompasses every Local Government, leaving no community untouched by the positive impact of the Governor's commitment to providing essential amenities. Residents are encouraged to verify and confirm this transformation within their respective areas. The people of the state lauded the governor's latest accomplishments as he unveiled boreholes strategically set up in every LGA and LCDA within the state.

The video footage from Ayede Ekiti showcases not only the successful implementation of boreholes but also emphasizes the simultaneous efforts of the administration in providing both electricity and potable water across Ekiti State. This dual approach underscores Governor Oyebanji's multifaceted strategy to address critical infrastructure needs comprehensively.

 The video footage from Ayede Ekiti

Looking ahead, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji is positioned to become the "PROJECT KING" by the year 2024. With a steadfast commitment to shared prosperity, Ekiti State is poised to witness a surge in productive projects under his visionary leadership.

The commendable actions of Governor Oyebanji reflect not only his dedication to fulfilling campaign promises but also his unwavering commitment to keeping Ekiti working. As the state experiences the positive outcomes of these initiatives, the governor's legacy as a transformative leader continues to solidify.

In the spirit of Shared Prosperity, Governor Oyebanji Abayomi emerges as a beacon of hope for Ekiti Kete, enhancing the quality of life and infrastructure for the benefit of all residents. His proactive governance model sets a benchmark for effective leadership, ultimately contributing to the sustainable development of Ekiti State.

Minister Simon Lalong Resigns from FEC, Set to Assume Plateau South Senatorial Seat.

Minister Simon Lalong Resigns from FEC, Set to Assume Plateau South Senatorial Seat.                 By: Comr Olamide Akinwumi 

In a significant development, Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, has tendered his resignation from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's cabinet, paving the way for his assumption of the Plateau South Senatorial seat, which he emerged victorious in.

Lalong, the immediate past Governor of Plateau State, opted for the senatorial position after securing victory in the election. Senate President Godswill Akpabio is expected to conduct the swearing-in ceremony later this week, according to reliable sources.

Background:

The seasoned politician, who served as the Director-General of the Tinubu Campaign Organisation leading up to the February Presidential poll, initially faced electoral defeat, as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). However, the Court of Appeal overturned the result in his favor, granting him the victory.

Resignation and Preparation:

Following Wednesday's Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, Lalong, a lawyer and former two-term Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, formally tendered his resignation. This move is in preparation for his upcoming role at the Red Chamber of the National Assembly.

Presidential aide Imran Muhammad announced on Twitter, "President Tinubu has accepted Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong’s resignation from the cabinet. His valedictory will hold at the next FEC meeting."

Sylvanus Namang, the spokesman for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State, also confirmed Lalong's resignation from FEC.

Certificate of Return and Consultations:

Lalong had received his Certificate of Return last month, a result of the Court of Appeal's directive to INEC after nullifying the election of Air Vice Marshal Napoleon Bali of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who previously occupied the senatorial seat.

In a strategic move, party leaders engaged in consultations with Lalong last month to discuss his replacement in FEC. The seasoned politician, known for his loyalty to the party, recommended four names as potential replacements during the meeting.

Party Perspective:

APC leaders view the resolution of the Plateau South senatorial election litigation in Lalong's favor as a significant boost to the party's representation in the Senate. Acknowledging his experience as a two-term House of Assembly Speaker, the party anticipates that Lalong will unofficially hold the status of a ranking senator.

The decision to have Lalong assume the senatorial seat is also seen as a measure to avoid an inevitable supplementary senatorial election, which would be triggered by Lalong's resignation from the Senate.

As Simon Lalong transitions from the federal cabinet to the National Assembly, the political landscape in Plateau South undergoes a noteworthy transformation with potential implications for the region's representation in the Senate.

Insecurity: Interior Minister makes case for NHFSS Bill.

Insecurity: Interior Minister makes case for NHFSS Bill.

Minister for Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has pledged to join other well-meaning Nigerians including policy makers in the call for the Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS)

Bill to be signed into law.

He said once it is achieved, the service would be quickly be integrated into the federal security apparatus.

He said this when he hosted the management of NHFSS in Abuja.

The NHFSS team was led by the Commander General of the Service, Dr Joshua Osatimehin and comprised of Deputy Commanders General, Assistant Commanders General and other ranks.

While receiving the NHFSS top officials, the Minister commended the selfless efforts of the service towards curbing crimes and criminalities, especially acts perpetrated within the forests.

He said that Nigerians and the federal government are aware of the exploits of officers and men of the NHFSS who he said are complimenting the efforts of the Police, the Military and other relevant stakeholders.

Tunji-Ojo commended NHFSS, mainly because they are not yet on government’s payroll, yet, using their resources to compliment the work of security and other agencies to safeguard the nation and its resources.

He pledged to join other well-meaning Nigerians including policy makers and traditional rulers in the call for the NHFSS Bill to be signed into law, saying that once that is achieved, the Service would be quickly be integrated into the Federal Security apparatus.

Earlier, the Commander General of the NHFSS, Osatimehin, told the Minister that they were in his office to commend him on the positive turnaround of the activities of the Ministry since he assumed office as Minister.

Osatimehin particularly mentioned the revolution going on in the application and processing of passports for Nigerians which is now completed in a matter of days rather than months that was the case in the past, as well as the release of over 200,000 backlog of passports that were inherited by the Minister.

The NHFSS Commander General also used the opportunity of the visit to intimate the Minister of the activities of the Service, especially in the area of sharing intelligence with security organisations towards the fight against terrorism, kidnapping, cattle rustling and other criminal activities in the country.

He told the Minister that the NHFSS Bill has been passed by the two chambers of the National Assembly, waiting for the President’s assent and solicited the Minister’s intervention.

He stated that the signing of the Bill into law would embolden officers and men of the Service to discharge their duties with vigour in order to help actualise President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the area of security of lives and property of Nigerians and other nationals living in the country.

Reacting to the visit, the Deputy Commander General of NHFSS in charge of Technical Services, Amb. John Metchie, commended Dr. Osatimehin for his selfless efforts in seeing that the Service becomes a federal government agency.

Metchie,who is also the African Director, International Association of World Peace Advocates, IAWPA, stated this while reacting to questions from newsmen on the outcome of the visit of the Commander General to the Interior Minister.

He said Osatimehin, whom he described as a great leader, has committed so much of his personal resources and time for the wellbeing of officers and men of the Service and has continued to champion the mantra of best quality service to fatherland.

Metchie assured that the entire management, officers and men of the NHFSS are proud of the Commander General and are solidly behind him, in his quest to ensure that the Service becomes a federal government agency.

The Harvest of Good Deeds: A Divine Drama Unveiled.

The Harvest of Good Deeds: A Divine Drama Unveiled.                                                                        By: Comr Olamide Akinwumi James. 

Characters:

• Grace, a compassionate young woman

• Wisdom, an elderly wise figure

• Charity, a selfless friend

• Joy, an optimistic individual

• Faith, a believer in the power of good deeds

Act 1: Planting the Seeds of Good Deeds

Scene 1: Grace's Garden of Kindness

In the quaint town of Benevolence, Grace, known for her selfless nature, tirelessly plants seeds of kindness in the hearts of those around her. Her actions include helping the elderly, supporting the needy, and offering a comforting presence to the distressed.

Bible Verse: Galatians 6:9 (NIV) - "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Scene 2: Wisdom's Wise Counsel

Wisdom, the town's elderly sage, observes Grace's acts of kindness. He advises her that every good deed sown is like planting seeds in the garden of life, ensuring a bountiful harvest in due time.

Act 2: Nurturing and Watering the Seeds

Scene 1: Charity's Supportive Actions

Charity, a dear friend of Grace, joins her in tending to the garden of kindness. Together, they water the seeds of compassion with love and understanding. Charity emphasizes the importance of consistency in nurturing the seeds for a flourishing garden.

Bible Verse: Proverbs 11:25 (NIV) - "A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed."

Scene 2: Joy's Optimistic Outlook

As the garden begins to bloom, Joy, an optimistic soul, marvels at the beauty of the blossoming flowers. She expresses how the joy derived from doing good deeds extends beyond the doer to the entire community, creating a ripple effect of positivity.

Act 3: The Harvest of Abundance

Scene 1: Faith's Belief in Divine Reward

Faith, a devout believer, shares the biblical perspective on reaping the rewards of good deeds. She reminds the community that the harvest is not merely a result of their efforts but is divinely orchestrated for those who persist in doing good.

Bible Verse: Luke 6:38 (NIV) - "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Scene 2: The Bountiful Harvest:

As the community continues to sow seeds of kindness, the garden transforms into a landscape of abundance. The characters, each having played a role in this drama, stand together, witnessing the fruits of their collective good deeds.

In Conclusion:

"The Harvest of Good Deeds" unfolds as a divine drama, showcasing the profound impact of selfless actions on individuals and the community. In the garden of life, where seeds of kindness are sown, the promise of a bountiful harvest remains steadfast. As the characters join hands, they exemplify the beauty of a community flourishing in love, compassion, and the rewards of their collective goodness.

Comr. Olamide Akinwumi James is a Public Relations Specialist, Writer, Content Creator and Journalist. He can be reached through: Akinwumiolamide09@gmail.com, 09068215955.

Wike Cautions Politicians: "Don't Pull the Ladder You Used in Climbing".

Wike Cautions Politicians: "Don't Pull the Ladder You Used in Climbing".

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike

The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning to politicians amidst the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, emphasizing that the turmoil is not an ethnic conflict. Wike urged politicians not to undermine the structures that elevated them to their esteemed positions.

Speaking on Sunday during an address to traditional rulers from Ogba land who congratulated him on his 56th birthday, Wike underscored that his political team in the state would not permit any force to bring it down.

"No politician will fold his hands and allow to be dragged down. I and my team would accept peace, but we won't allow ourselves to be dragged down because when we go down, who will protect our people? Who will talk about our own interest?" Wike asserted.

The former Rivers State governor expressed his willingness to consider peace in resolving the political crisis, highlighting that the state's citizens did not vote based on ethnicity in the last gubernatorial election.

Wike emphasized the importance of adhering to rules and regulations in every social group, drawing parallels between traditional institutions and politics. He cautioned against violating established norms, stating, "Don't pull the ladder that you used in climbing. When you are coming down, the ladder may not be there. Also leave the ladder so that other people can also climb."

The political tension in Rivers State has recently been marked by conflicts between Wike and his political godson, Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The discord resulted in the bombing of the state House of Assembly complex, an attempted impeachment of Fubara, and the defection of 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.

President Tinubu Urges Nigerians to Exercise Fairness Amidst Economic Challenges.

President Tinubu Urges Nigerians to Exercise Fairness Amidst Economic Challenges.

In response to the prevailing economic challenges in Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has called on citizens not to exploit the situation for undue profit. The National Bureau of Statistics recently reported a 28.2% inflation rate, marking the highest since August 2005.

Acknowledging the impact of certain economic policies on the populace, Tinubu, in an interview on Sunday, expressed his awareness of the severity of the crisis. He emphasized the global nature of the challenge, citing the escalating costs of living, and assured Nigerians that proactive measures were being taken by his administration.

"As your president, I am deeply aware of the economic crisis’s severe impact on Nigerians, and we are part of a global challenge with the rising costs of living. To help our people, my administration is taking proactive steps. Moreover, we urge all Nigerians to be mindful of the current economic situation and avoid exploiting it for abnormal profits," Tinubu stated.

Addressing the Federal Government's conditional cash transfers to 15 million households, Tinubu expressed confidence in the effectiveness of the initiatives. He highlighted their significance in providing relief to the most vulnerable segments of the population, especially during the year's final quarter when the prices of basic items typically rise.

"I am steadfast in my belief in the efficacy of our cash transfer initiatives. These initiatives are a crucial part of our strategy to target and provide relief to the most vulnerable segments of our population, especially during the last three months of the year when the prices of basic items typically rise," he affirmed.

As the nation grapples with economic strains, President Tinubu's call for fairness aims to foster a collective responsibility to navigate these challenging times.