Ekiti approves N352.3m car, housing loans for civil servants.

Ekiti approves N352.3m car, housing loans for civil servants.

Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji 

The Head of Service of Ekiti State, Sunday Komolafe, on Monday, said that the state government released N352.3m as car and housing loans to civil servants and teachers in the state in 2023.

Komolafe, who said that 3,021 civil servants and teachers benefitted from the car and housing loans, said that the state government also appointed no fewer than 3,199 persons into different categories in schools and MDAs to mitigate inadequate manpower.

The HoS, who spoke at a press conference in Ado Ekiti as part of activities for the 2023 Civil Service Week, lauded the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji for having “demonstrated its commitment to the welfare of the civil servants in the state through various giant strides”.

He said, “The civil service plays a pivotal role in the interpretation and execution of government policies. That is why it is generally believed that the success or otherwise of any government is measured by the quality of the civil service.

“I, therefore, enjoin all civil servants to be more committed to their responsibilities for the actualisation of the shared prosperity agenda of the present administration in the state,” the HoS said.

Komolafe praised Oyebanji for a deliberate and conscious effort to further strengthen the civil service for better productivity “through the transparent and merit-based competitive appointment of 15 new permanent secretaries, statistician-general, secretary of the Audit Service Commission and auditor-general of the Local Government.

“The Governor Oyebanji-led administration has also demonstrated its unwavering commitment to building the 21st-century civil service by leveraging on the ICT as it is presently working on gradual digitalisation of government business in order to emplace better probity and efficient service delivery.”

Giving a breakdown of the car and housing loans to civil servants and teachers, Komolafe said, “420 civil servants have benefited from car loan amounting to N130.7m; 1,634 civil servants have enjoyed housing loan amounting to N221.335m; 337 teachers have benefited from car loan amounting to N140,000:00; and 630 teachers have benefited from housing loan amounting to N117,000:00.”

He added that the state government had also recapitalisation the Local Government Loans Board for the benefit of the local government workers in the state.

EKSG to turn renowned carver, Olowe’s house into world class museum.

EKSG to turn renowned carver, Olowe’s house into world class museum.

… As Oyebanji storms Ise with historians, curators and tourism experst.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has announced plans by his administration to build a world class museum in Ise -Ekiti in his effort to preserve the legacies of internationally renowned carver, popularly called Olowe of Ise Ekiti.

Governor Oyebanji made this known on Monday during his visit to the ancient residence of the late sculptor in company of a former Political Adviser to the President, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, some members of his cabinet art curators and reserchers, said his government would collaborate with the Ise Ekiti community and other stakeholders in turning the residence of the late carver into an internationally recognized centre of attraction.

Olowe, whose works littered several museums in United States of America and countries in Europe, died in the 1934.

The Governor expressed his displeasure at the way the works of the master carver are highly rated in great museums around the world with little or no impression of such works in his home state.

He promised to work with relevant agencies and institutions to ensure the repatriation of those works, most of which were carted away illegally.

Governor Oyebanji, who addressed journalists at the ancient home in Ise-Ekiti, in the presence of the Arinjale of Ise Ekiti, Oba Ayodele Ajayi, said after completing the museum, efforts would be made to showcase Olowe’s works there and turn Ise Ekiti into a tourism destination.

The Governor explained that Olowe's carvings were testament to the rich cultural heritage and artistic excellence of the state and Nigeria, stressing the importance of ensuring that his contributions to nation building were properly acknowledged and celebrated.

The Governor said he is hopeful that efforts in those direction would help inspire a new generation of artists and artisans to draw upon Olowe's incredible talent and passion for their own creative endeavours that would give them a sustained livelihood.

Olowe of Ise, who died in 1934 was a renowned carver whose work has captivated the hearts and minds of people around the world as he was a masterful artist who created exquisite carvings for kings and palaces, leaving a lasting impression on those who were fortunate enough to witness his talent.

 Oyebanji said “It is truly a shame that despite Olowe's incredible skill, he is not as widely recognized in his home country as he is abroad. Many of his most magnificent works reside in other countries, with very few, if any, available in his own town of Ise, or his home state of Ekiti.

“Today, as we embark on the rehabilitation of Olowe of Ise, we have the opportunity to not only preserve and celebrate his legacy, but also to bring greater awareness to his work within Nigeria. Olowe's carvings are a testament to the rich cultural heritage and artistic excellence of our nation, and it is only right that we ensure his contributions are properly acknowledged and celebrated.

“Through this rehabilitation, we can create a space that not only showcases Olowe's carvings, but also serves as a hub for artistic exchange and appreciation. It is our hope that by doing so, we can inspire a new generation of artists and artisans to draw upon Olowe's incredible talent and passion for their own creative endeavours.

“To achieve this end we shall do something about this house where he lived all his life; build a respectable museum here and make efforts to bring back home all his work taken away from here. All those pretty works of this super talented man must return home and adorn the proposed museum so that the world can find its way here to adore them and know that Olowe belongs to Ise, belongs to Ekiti and to Nigeria and Africa.”

Also speaking, Senator Babafemi Ojudu stated that the works of the late Olowe were well known in Europe and America.

While promising to collaborate with government to build a state of the art museum in Ise Ekiti, Senator Ojudu said he would do all within his power to ensure that all those works of art were brought back to the shore of Nigeria and especially, Ise Ekiti.

The Arinjale of Ise Ekiti, Oba Ayodele Ajayi used the opportunity to commend Governor Oyebanji for his efforts at repositioning the state and reconnect with Olowe of Ise whose works have gone all over the world.

The traditional ruler promised to cooperate with government by setting up a powerful committee that would work in line with government initiatives and policies towards achieving the building of a museum that would help attract investors to the community and boost its local economy.

EKSG Directs Boundary C’ttee to Resolve Efon/Ipole Land Dispute.

EKSG Directs Boundary C’ttee to Resolve Efon/Ipole Land Dispute.

In a bid to forestall restiveness and unwarranted bloodshed, the Ekiti State government , has directed the Land Dispute and Boundary Committee to mediate in the raging crisis between Efon and Ipole Iloro land dispute.

The committee, comprising Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr Abayomi Opeyemi, the Surveyor General of Ekiti State, Mr. Adebayo Faleto, Secretary, Ekiti State Boundary Commission, Mr. Olalekan Olajide and other experts, are to visit the disputed land to ascertain the veracity of the true ownership of Iwaji community.

The directive followed a petition written by the Alaaye of Efon, Oba Emmanuel Aladejare, accusing Ipole of laying claim to Iwaji, a community located between the two towns, despite that the area was under the jurisdiction of Efon Local Government.

In the petition, Oba Aladejare, alleged that the the people of Ipole were deploying thugs to harass Iwaji residents over a portion of lands in the community, urging the government to stop such unwholesome conduct.

Presiding over the matter, the Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, said the government of Biodun Oyebanji places high premium value on the lives of the people and won’t allow any dispute to fester and claim the souls of innocent citizens.

Afuye, according to a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, stated that the government will be unbiased and dispassionate in handling the agelong dispute, bordering on the ownership of Iwaji community.

“What we are here for is peace and this Governor Biodun Oyebanji is desirous of offering the residents of this state. We want to appeal to our people to eschew violence and allow the committee on Land Dispute Resolution to visit the area and ascertain your claims”.

Speaking on the disputed land, the Alaaye of Efon, Oba Aladejare, said the Intelligence Report of 1934 showed that Efon shared boundary with Aramoko, Ijero, and Ogotun Ekiti, and not Ipole.

The monarch emphasized that Alaaye was a consenting authority over Ipole community up to 1984 before the town became an autonomous community.

The First Class traditional ruler contended that the state government used Omisanjana Stream as a demarcation between Iwaji and Ipole, saying the land belongs to his community contrary to the claim of Olupole, Oba Oladele Babatola.

“Available records were there that attested to the fact that Efon Local Government had been collecting rates, building market, mini town hall, providing boreholes and extended electricity to Iwaji . They used to vote and exercised census exercises through Efon Local Government.

“When Efon was created, the federal government gazetted and listed Iwaji as part of the settlements under Efon. Again, Iwaji Chiefs are taking their stipends from Efon Council area and not Ekiti West where Ipole Iloro belongs.

“Where then is the claim of their ownership of that community?”.

Countering Alaaye’s position, the Olupole, Oba Babatola, said Apetu traditional title, who is the head of Iwaji community, was a kingmaker under him based on the Ekiti State Chieftaincy Declarations of 1957, 58, 59, and 81 respectively.

Oba Babatola added that Apetu was part of those who selected his predecessor when he was to be installed a king, accusing Efon of only trying to arrogate the land to itself through subterfuge.

“We don’t have boundary with Efon Alaaye, we only sharesd boundary with Ahun- Ekiti, a community under Efon Alaaye. We have never fought with Efon over land issue, though we are good neighbours if they check history properly.

“Our ownership of Iwaji stands undisputable. Available documents testified to this fact. However, we will be happy if the government can intervene to prevent a situation whereby a town will claim ownership of a community from its true owner”.

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.