Oyebanji Celebrates Birthday with Generous Donations: Gifts N4 Million and Food Items to Special Schools.

Oyebanji Celebrates Birthday with Generous Donations: Gifts N4 Million and Food Items to Special Schools.

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji on Thursday made a personal donation of the sum N4 million to the three special schools in the state and a rehabilitation to mark his 56th birthday.

The Governor also donated 40 bags of rice, 40 bags of beans, 40 cartons of vegetable oil, 40 cartons of noodles, 40 cartons of spaghetti, 200 tubers of yams to the special schools, in fulfillment of his promise to mark his birthday with donations to the students of the special schools. 

The donations were made on his behalf by his wife, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, at a brief event held at the Osuntokun Pavilion, Government House, Ado Ekiti.

The four benefiting special institutions are School for the Blind, Ikere Ekiti, School for the Deaf, Ikoro Ekiti, School for the Physically Challenged, Ido Ekiti and the State Rehabilitation Home, Ado Ekiti with each of them getting N1million from the Governor.

Members of the State Executive Council also donated the sum of N500,000 to the benefiting schools. Many of the Governor’s friends and associates have also sent donations to the schools. 

Speaking shortly before making the donation on behalf of her husband, Dr. Oyebanji said the Governor was identifying with the special schools in order to put smiles of the faces of the students and add value to their lives.

The First Lady said her husband does not believe in elaborate and lavish celebration and had instituted the policy of celebrating his birthday at special schools and donating cash and materials to them to remember the less privileged.

She said: "You will recall that the Governor during his birthday last year celebrated at the special schools and directed exco members, his friends and well wishers that want to celebrate with him to donate to the special schools.

"Our exco members have gone to those schools, I have also gone to the schools to celebrate. I want to urge the authorities of the schools to be prudent with what they are getting. People have been donating to these schools and there is need for proper accountability of the donations received."

The First Lady who was joined by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Habibat Adubiaro and other members of the State Executive Council shared the joy of the day with the students of the special schools by singing and dancing with them.

The appreciative students prayed for long life, good health and success in administering the state for Governor Oyebanji.

Speaking earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, noted that Oyebanji is changing the mindset of lavish celebrations of milestones to somber celebration with the less privileged. 

Oyebode added that in remembering the less privileged, the Governor has laid examples for privileged individuals to reach out to the special schools, noting that donations received would change the face of the schools and make life easier for the special students.

He said: "Instead of spending huge amount of money on organizing his birthday party or on gifts , the Governor said such money should be converted to donation to the special schools to improve the welfare of the students."

Ekiti Govt Exalts Ex-Rep for Donating Residential Buildings to Homeless, Widows.

Ekiti Govt Exalts Ex-Rep for Donating Residential Buildings to Homeless, Widows.

.....Urges citizens to key into govt's anti-poverty policies.

The Ekiti State Government, has commended a former member of the National Assembly, Hon. Wumi Ogunlola, for building and donating modern residential buildings to widows, homeless and physically challenged in her constituency.

The government asserted that the donation of three detached bungalows, comprising nine room and parlour self -contained apartments to the less privileged by the ex-Lawmaker, confirmed Ogunlola's generosity and support for the government of Biodun Oyebanji. 

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, gave the commendation, on Friday, in Ijero Ekiti, headquarters of Ijero Local Government, at the official launching and handing over of the facilities to the beneficiaries.

Ogunlola, a former member of the House of Representatives between 2019 and 2023, represented Ekiti Central Federal Constituency II, comprising Ijero, Efon and Ekiti West Local Governments.  

In a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, Mrs Afuye stated that since inception, Governor Oyebanji, had indicated interest to partner private organisations and good- spirited individuals to mitigate the sufferings of the hapless citizens. 

Describing the gesture as a masterstroke in the private initiative to rid Ekiti of poverty, she lauded the female politician for keying into the anti-poverty policies of the current administration.

Of particular reference, the deputy governor, said the gesture will bolster well coordinated efforts by the office of the First Lady, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji to banish poverty out of Ekiti through diligently prosecuted Widows and Orphans Hope Project (WAOH) initiative. 

She appealed to the citizens to guard against frittering any empowerment opportunity being provided for them by government , political office holders and private individuals .

Mrs Afuye said: "These apartments meant to be given out free to the less privileged in the society, marks another milestone in the efforts being made by government in collaboration with the private individuals and organisations to make lives better for our citizens. 

 

"Since 2019, Hon. Ogunlola, being a good and worthy representative of the people, had empowered over 300 women who are petty traders with N20,000 each. She had also trained and equippped 50 youths in ICT capacity building. 

"Her other numerous empowerment programmes include: Distribution of cars ( over 30), Tricycles, motorcycles ( over 200), sewing machines and many others. 

"Let me on behalf of the state government appreciate Hon. Ogunlola for her generosity. This she had been demonstrating since her foray into politics and we are not in any way surprised by her good deeds and benevolent actions. 

"I appeal to the beneficiaries to reciprocate this good gesture by making good use of these facilities. May God help you". 

The donor, Hon. Wumi Ogunlola, in her response, praised Governor Oyebanji for prioritising the people's welfare far and above personal aggrandizement, describing the governor as a true lover and admirer of the poor masses. 

Exposing the rationale behind the gesture, Ogunlola, said it has always been her desire to help the needy overcome economic, educational, health and social problems since she veered into politics.

Ogunlola promised continued coalition of efforts and actions with the government to fight poverty, pledging to replicate the same project in Ekiti West and Efon Local Governments.

"We have been having governors in Ekiti, but Oyebanji is different. He is close to the people and that is the greatest hallmark of leadership. 

"These buildings will be given to nine persons. And whoever gets it will use it for life. The only agreement is that the occupants must maintain the structures and there will be agreement towards that . 

"Again, such person is at liberty to leave anytime and it will be allotted to another person".

Oyebanji canvasses Executive-Legislative Synergy to Surmount Nation's challenges.

Oyebanji canvasses Executive-Legislative Synergy to Surmount Nation's challenges.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has said that the economic challenges confronting the nation are not insurmountable provided there is a synergy between the executive and the legislative arms of government.

The Governor stated this during the End of Year thanksgiving programme organised by the Office of the Senate Leader in Abuja on Thursday. 

Oyebanji who admitted the existence of a myriad of challenges said the leadership of the National Assembly must be focused and continue to provide necessary support for President Bola Tinubu in making life better for Nigerians.

He commended the National Assembly for assisting the President in  restoring stability to the polity; demonstrating commitment to the development of the country.

While commending the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele for his consistent dedication to serving the public, the Governor described the senator as a committed leader who exudes the Omoluabi virtues for which  Ekiti people are known. 

Oyebanji, who thanked the senate leader for his support for the Government of Ekiti State, said Senator Bamidele has consistently demonstrated a genuine concern for the well-being of Nigerians and Ekiti State in particular.

 “You have demonstrated your commitment to the development of this country and I thank you for the stability you have brought into the polity, I thank distinguished Senators for your support for Mr. President. Be rest assured that history will be kind to you. You are working under a very tough condition but I know at the fullest of time you will reap the dividends of what you are doing”.

“I just plead with you to stay on course, to support Mr. President, to support the country, we are almost at the end of the tunnel”. The Governor asserted.

In his own remarks, the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, congratulated the Governor on his 56th Birthday and appreciated him for the uncommon leadership he has provided for the state.

Senator Opeyemi described the Governor as special breed and exceptional leader who always prioritized the well being of his people over and above his personal comfort which is why he has chosen not to celebrate his birthday with pomp and pageantry but instead chose the less privileged in the state, particularly, people living with disabilities.

I won’t be distracted despite challenges, says Fubara.

I won’t be distracted despite challenges, says Fubara.

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara yesterday said that he would not permit any distraction from the huge task of defending the interests of the people, despite the prevailing challenges.

The governor spoke at Ngo, headquarters of Andoni Local Government Area, shortly after he inspected the Andoni section of the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo Unity road project.

Fubara recalled that during the electioneering campaigns, the Andoni section of the road was in horrible condition, adding that months after the decision was taken to re-award the contract, the road was being fixed.

He said: “I have to say that the contractor has done a very good job. Although, we observed that about one kilometres of road that will lead to the council secretariat was somehow not captured in the scope and I think it will be proper that we do that alongside. 

“So, we will continue to do our best, not minding the challenges we are facing. The most important thing is that we have taken our oath to defend our people and protect their interest, and we are not going back on that.”

Fubara said he was determined to complete the road project that had lingered for over 20 years as part of his commitment to bequeath an enduring legacy that would serve the needs of the people for years.

He said: “What I keep saying to everyone is, what are we bequeathing to our people? Their interest is the most important thing and governance is about the protection of lives and property. 

“These include providing quality services and one of those things is like this road. Posterity has just blessed me with this project. It is something that they couldn’t achieve for over twenty years but within the space of six months, and I have been able to sort it out. It is a credit and a big one to our administration.”

A youth leader, Mr Dick Nkakeek, who appealed to the governor to construct Andoni internal roads, including that of Oyorokoto town.

Fubara, who urged the residents to exercise patience, assured that his administration will consider the internal roads in Andoni once the Andoni section of the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo Unity road had been completed.

Meets Sade Adu first Nigerian ever to win a Grammy award.

Meets Sade Adu first Nigerian ever to win a Grammy award.

By Comr Olamide Akinwumi J. 

 Folasade Helen Adu, CBE a Nigerian-born British singer, songwriter, and composer was born on January 16th 1959 in Ibadan, Nigeria to a professor father Adebisi and a British nurse Anne Hayes. Her father is the first graduate of statistics in Nigeria. She spent her early years in Nigeria having contacts with her hometown, Ikere-Ekiti where her grandfather was one of the most influential men.

After her parents separated when she was four, her mother, Hayes moved to Essex, England with Sade and her brother Banji. After her secondary school education, she moved to London to study fashion design at Saint Martin’s School of Art.

In between her time in school, she took up modelling jobs. Later on, she joined a band, Pride and became a backup singer. An enthusiast, she came into songwriting partnership with the group’s guitarist, Stuart Matthewman and they performed at gigs. One song that caught the attention of recording companies was “Smooth Operator.”

In 1983, Adu and Matthewman left Pride to start a band, Sade. They were joined by the keyboardist Andrew Hale, bassist Paul Denman and drummer Paul Cook. Adu became so popular so that at her first show in Heaven’s nightclub, over 1000 people did not get access to the club. That same year, she performed at the US and by October, Epic Records signed her and in 1984 signed her band.

After the group’s signing, Adu dropped an album, “Diamond Life”. The album became the best-selling debut by a female vocalist and one of the best-selling albums of all-time with an international sale of over six million copies as well as stayed at number one on music top charts.

The following year, they released “Promise”. The album stayed on the Billboard 200, got multiple platinum certifications in the US and Europe and earned the group a Grammy Award for Best New Artist.

In 1988, the group released “Stronger Than Pride” and in 1992, “Love Deluxe.” She went on hiatus after the birth of her child.

In 1986, she landed a role in a film “Absolute Beginners” and in 2000, released “Lovers Rock”. “Lover’s Rock” was unlike her jazz style. It took on a pop sound and won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album.

In 2002, she was awarded the Officer of the Order of the British Empire(OBE). In 2010, the group released “Soldier of Love” and it got the Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.

In 2018, she did the soundtrack “Flower of the Universe” for Disney’s 2018 film A Wrinkle in Time.

Sade was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2002 for services to music, and stated her award was "a great gesture to me and all black women in England". She was promoted to Commander of the same Order (CBE) in the 2017 Birthday Honours, also for services to music. In 1986, she became the first Nigerian-born artist to win a Grammy Award when she was named Best New Artist. In 2023, Sade was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Her marriage to the Spanish film director Carlos Scola Pliego in 1989; her child's birth in 1996, and her move from urban London to rural Gloucestershire, where she now lives with her partner, have consumed much of her time and attention.

She is also the most successful Solo Artiste in British history to have over 50 million sales with 110 music albums.

House summon ex-minister Sirika over Air Nigeria project.

House summon ex-minister Sirika over Air Nigeria project.

The House of Representatives yesterday mandated its Committee on Aviation to summon a former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika for a briefing on the status of the Air Nigeria project.

He is to brief the committee on the project – from the point he handed it over and provide insights into a wide range of controversies and allegations surrounding the project.

The House also invited Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo to brief the committee on the national carrier project.

Also invited are the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), to brief the committee on the Air Nigeria project and its certifications, as applied to the national carrier.

The House also invited the eight local airlines and their associations to enable the Green Chamber have a full overview of the project.

The committee is also to carry out a forensic audit of the process of Air Nigeria and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

The House urged the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the ministries of Budget, National Planning and Finance to furnish it with requisite data and financial resources on the project.

These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion, titled: Need to Investigate the National Air Carrier Project, moved by Tarkighir Dickson.

The House recalled that in 2016, Sirika proposed an aviation roadmap with a national carrier as the signature project to deliver it to Nigerians by the end of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

It said the former minister approached Ethiopian Airlines a few days before the handover to provide an aircraft that could be made available to Nigerians as an aircraft belonging to

Air Nigeria while the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had issued an Air Transport Licence to Air Nigeria as the name for the proposed national carrier.

The House said it was aware that the last administration spent billions of naira, ostensibly to acquire a new national carrier but the status of the project remained unclear, regardless of the billions of taxpayers’ funds utilised on the project.

Senate confirms 11 S’Court justices, urges more funding.

Senate confirms 11 S’Court justices, urges more funding.

The Senate, on Thursday, okayed 11 Justices shortlisted for appointment to the Supreme Court.

The confirmation of the 11 Justices came a day after the Senate received a letter from President Bola Tinubu, requesting the screening and confirmation of the Justices.

It was reported that the Senate, on Wednesday, referred the nominees to its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for vetting.

At the Thursday plenary, the committee submitted its report, which was considered and adopted by the Senate.

With the confirmation of the 11 Justices, the Supreme Court will now have the full complement of 21 Justices prescribed by the Constitution.

The confirmed Justices include Justice Haruna Tsammani (North-East); Justice Moore Adumein (South-South), Justice Jummai Sankey (North-Central), Justice Chidiebere Uwa (South-East) and Justice Chioma Nwosu-Iheme (South-East).

Others are Justice Obande Ogbuinya (South-East), Justice Stephen Adah(North-Central), Justice Habeeb Abiru (South-West), Justice Jamilu Tukur (North-West), Justice Abubakar Umar (North-West) and Justice Mohammed Idris (North-Central).

The chairman of the committee, Senator Tahir Monguno, while presenting his panel report, said the nominees possessed the requisite qualifications and experience to sit on the Supreme Court bench, adding that there were no petitions against them.

He, therefore, recommended their confirmation.

Senators, who spoke before the confirmation, had expressed concern over the delay in the appointment of justices for the Supreme Court bench.

Senator Seriake Dickson canvassed that in the event of subsequent vacancies, a provision for their immediate replacement should be made.

He said, “Anytime these vacancies occur, they should be filled immediately. I want to draw that to the attention of the President. There shouldn’t be delay so that we don’t become a laughing stock.”

The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, said it was important to immediately screen and appoint Justices whenever there was a vacancy on the apex court bench.

Senator Orji Kalu stressed that the funds allocated to the Supreme Court in the 2024 budget be reviewed upwards to ensure its effectiveness.

He said, “The Senate should look at the budget of the Judiciary because even the state courts are in a mess. How can they give good justice? This is not the way it was before; we were doing better.”