Obaseki Approves Promotion for Workers in Edo State.

Obaseki Approves Promotion for Workers in Edo State.

In a commendable move, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has granted approval for the promotion of eligible civil and public servants for July 1, 2023, and January 1, 2024.

The directive, conveyed in a circular signed by Mrs Bamaiyi Osedebamen Rebecca on behalf of the Head of Service, urges all ministries, parastatals, and government agencies to swiftly conclude the promotion exercise.

"I am directed to refer to the above subject and to inform you that the Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has graciously approved the promotion of officers eligible for promotion for July 1, 2023, and January 1, 2024," the statement reads.

The circular further emphasizes the importance of strict compliance by accounting officers and emphasizes that all agencies and parastatals under them adhere to the approved promotion guidelines.

This decision reflects the commitment of the Edo State Government to the welfare and professional growth of its workforce, providing a positive impact on the morale and productivity of civil and public servants.

Ekiti First Lady Seeks Partnership With Female Doctors To Assist Aged People And Children.

Ekiti First Lady Seeks Partnership With Female Doctors To Assist Aged People And Children.

Wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji has canvassed a partnership with female medical practitioners for routine medical assistance to aged women and children in the state.

Dr. Oyebanji made the call on Monday when she was decorated as the Matron of the Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Ekiti State Chapter in her office in Ado Ekiti, the state capital.

The First Lady who appreciated the association for the honour bestowed on her appreciated the female doctors for the support her office had enjoyed since she assumed the position.

Dr. Oyebanji urged members of the association to always be on ground during special programmes organized by her office to conduct free medical assistance to aged people and children.

The Ekiti Governor's wife specifically requested Ekiti MWAN members to be on ground on Thursday as she flags off the distribution of financial assistance and food items to 250 aged persons under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) of the First Lady of Nigeria, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu.

Dr. Oyebanji disclosed that Ekiti MWAN would be given a stand at the event to conduct medical checkup for the aged beneficiaries and also screen them for ailments like glaucoma and blood sugar.

The First Lady further requested the presence of the female doctors' body during the Children Christmas Party she would host on Wednesday at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion to attend to any unforseen emergency.

She said: "I want to appreciate you for your collaboration with my office in the last one year. We need to work together to better the lots of our people. I want to thank you for your role during the last unveiling of Widows and Orphans Hope (WAOH) Project.

"I will need you to give assistance to our women, I will need you for our advocacy programmes. In fact, I will need you on Thursday when we unveil distribution of cash support and food items to 250 elderly citizens under the Renewed Hope Initiative of the wife of the President."

Dr. Oyebanji assured that she would be ready to give her moral and financial support for the association because of the noble roles it plays in the state and in the lives of the people.

Speaking earlier, the President of MWAN, Ekiti Chapter, Dr. Esther Akinsooto, said Dr. Oyebanji was chosen for the honour by virtue of her position as the state's First Lady explaining that the nation's First Lady is the Matron at national level.

Dr. Akinsooto said the Governor's wife has set the pace in the state with her passion for giving help to the less privileged, adding that the association believes that she still has much to offer.

The Ekiti MWAN boss said Dr. Oyebanji's decoration as the Matron drew the curtains on the association's Annual General Meeting (AGM).

INEC to conduct re-run, bye-elections February 2024.

INEC to conduct re-run, bye-elections February 2024.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has said it will conduct reruns and bye-elections across the country in February 2024 to fill existing vacancies in the state and federal legislatures.

The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, stated this at a meeting with leaders of political parties in Abuja on Monday ahead of the elections.

Re-run elections only involve the parties and candidates that participated in the general election, unless a party wishes to replace a deceased candidate. However, bye-elections are fresh elections.

Yakubu noted that at the end of litigation, the courts ordered the commission to conduct rerun elections in 34 federal and state constituencies, made up of one in the Senate, 11 federal constituencies, and 22 state constituencies.

He stated that both elections would be held on the same day, adding that political parties must conduct fresh primaries within the limited period provided by law.

He said, “The purpose of this meeting is to brief party leaders on the Commission’s preparation for the forthcoming elections to be held early in the new year. The elections are in two categories.

“First, as the Election Petition Appeal Tribunals set up in the aftermath of the 2023 General Election gradually wind up their proceedings, the Commission is required to conduct re-run elections in some constituencies by court order.

“Secondly, the Commission is also required to conduct bye-elections to fill vacancies arising from the death or resignation of members of the National and State Houses of Assembly. The Commission intends to combine and conduct the two categories of elections on the same day, the details of which will be discussed at this meeting.

“Consequently, political parties must conduct fresh primaries within the limited period of time provided by law.”

The INEC Chairman further stated, “So far, the Election Petition Appeal Tribunals have ordered the Commission to conduct re-run elections in 34 constituencies made up of one Senatorial District, 11 Federal Constituencies, and 22 State Assembly constituencies.

“However, the 34 constituencies constitute 2.8% of the 1,191 petitions filed by litigants. Significantly, out of the 34 re-run elections, it is only in three cases that the Commission was ordered to conduct elections in the entire constituencies. In the other 31 constituencies, elections are to be held in a few polling units.

“I want to assure you that at the end of all the litigations, including the Governorship elections pending on appeal at the Supreme Court, the Commission will present a comprehensive analysis of the petitions, including cases where the Commission was ordered to issue Certificates of Return to other candidates and the reasons for the decisions by the Courts as part of the lessons learned from the 2023 General Election for the consequential reforms to improve the conduct of future elections.

“The Commission is looking at the first week of February 2024 i.e. in just a little over one month to conduct both the re-run and bye-elections.”

Abia residents deserve good governance — Otti.

Abia residents deserve good governance — Otti 

The Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has said the people of Abia deserve all the dividends they are getting in terms of infrastructural development and prompt payment of salaries and pensions.

He added that by providing the benefits of good governance for the citizenry, he was not doing the people any special favour but simply carrying out the responsibilities of government.

The governor spoke on Sunday during a thanksgiving service organised by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkiruka Onyejeocha, at Peace Event Centre, Amuda, Isuochi, Umunneochi LGA, Abia State.

He said, “When we are building roads, it is not a favour, we want to create access so that people can go about their businesses freely because we want to make life better for the people”.

The governor thanked the Umunneochi community, including the Church, for the support they have continued to give to his administration. He urged the Church not to relent but to continue to pray for the administration, saying that Abia State would be better this time around.

He congratulated Onyejeocha for her wisdom and for giving thanks to God for all that she had accomplished in life.

“I want to thank the Minister for remembering to say, ‘Thank You to God’. Like the Bishop said, it’s very easy to run away with your blessing, without acknowledging from where it came. Because you have acknowledged God and you have celebrated God in this way, the celebration will never end in your house,” he prayed.

Also speaking, the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, congratulated Abia residents on the new lease of life they are enjoying under the capable leadership of Governor Otti.

Uzodimma, who described Governor Otti as “one of the finest and brightest governors in the South East”, said the people of Abia are in for a great deal.

He said, “I want to use this medium to congratulate the people of Abia State for the new lease of life that we are witnessing in the government of Dr. Alex Otti.”

Uzodimma also thanked God for the good things He had done for Hon. Onyejeocha, saying that, though not reelected to the National Assembly where she had served, she was appointed a Minister, describing it as a testimony to her hard work and commitment.

He disclosed that the governors of the southeast are determined to work together to alleviate the sufferings of the people, while calling on the political class, irrespective of their political lines, to join hands with governments at all levels to achieve that.

“I therefore call on the politicians in Abia State, indeed in the South East to join hands together, build a new region for our people, to create an economy for our people, to create a life for our people, to develop our zone for the interest of all of us,” he implored.

Also speaking, the celebrant, Hon. Onyejeocha, said that the thanksgiving service was to prove a point about who God is and His position in her life.

She narrated her life experiences and how God had been her foundation and help over the years. She said that the era of relegating God to the background in Abia was over, as God is taking over the State now. She thanked Governor Otti and all who came to identify with her.

In his sermon titled, “The Power of Thanksgiving,” the Bishop of Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Nsuka/Ehamufu, Enugu State, Dr. John Eze, stressed the need for thanksgiving unto the Lord. He said that thanksgiving provokes the power of God into action, triggers the multiplication of God’s blessings, guarantees the preservation of testimonies, and makes people know that God blesses people.

The event attracted many dignitaries, including the wife of the Governor of Abia State, Mrs. Priscilla Otti; Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN; National Chairman of APC and former governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje; some members of the National Assembly, some members of the Abia State House of Assembly, some members of the Labour Party, clergymen, traditional rulers, among others.

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”.