Oyebanji Won't Starve you of Good Welfare Package, Deputy Gov Assures Workers.

Oyebanji Won't Starve you of Good Welfare Package, Deputy Gov Assures Workers.

The Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has assured the the civil servants that they would get the best of deal and treatment under Governor Biodun Oyebanji-led administration, in terms of respect and welfare package .

Mrs Afuye posited that the beginning of payment of the N15,000 wage award from December, 2023 by the government, underscored that the governor was desirous of acceding to the requests that would add value to the lives of the workers.

The Deputy Governor, said this, on Wednesday, during a get -together party she organsed for the staff of her office, at the Government House, in Ado Ekiti. 

Applauding the political class and civil servants for being progressive in thinking and actions, Mrs Afuye, said these vividly reflected in the enigmatic level of cooperation among all the staff of the office, thereby helping the government to fulfil its dream to the populace.

Mrs Afuye called for more robust relationships and loyalty in 2024 for the government, saying doing so would further spur the current government to discharge its duties smoothly and seamlessly.

Basking in euphoria of joy over the exponential increase in the level of peace and progress being savoured by residents of the state, the Deputy Governor added that it could have been a herculean task for Oyebanji's government to excel, if not for the cooperation of the civil servants, who are the engineroom of development.

She said: "I want to commend you for being cooperative and supportive. In fact, I am really impressed by the quantum of support we have been getting from the civil and this accounted for why Governor Oyebanji didn't joke with your welfare.

"I want to assure you that this government won't toy or joke with you. We are going to make you happy and progressive because we have a governor who is a humanist. 

"You have been cooperating with us, but we need more of it in the coming year. And in whatever way we must have wronged you, we beg for forgiveness. We are not perfect, Kindly pardon us".

Also addressing the staff, the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr. Abayomi Opeyemi, described the office as very strategic in the fulfilment of all the electioneering promises of the Oyebanji-led administration. 

Opeyemi commended the workforce for being dispassionate and hardworking in the discharge of their duties, particularly supporting the Deputy Governor in to actualise the onerous tasks attached to her office to benefit the state .

"What we owe the government as workers is our commitment and loyalty. We are considered very important in government being the executors of all the government's policies and programmes. We have to be zealous in our duties to the state as patriotic citizens. 

"I want to appreciate the Deputy Governor for her humility. In fact, she has been a great co-pilot to Governor Oyebanji in making sure that they take Ekiti to a higher pedestal.

"Let me pledge the loyalty of all the staff to your office. We are going to be more diligent and be more committed in the coming year. The past one year has been so rewarding in working with a personality like. We won't let you down", he promised. 

Besides the Deputy Governor and the Permanent Secretary in her office, also present at the colorful and interactive occasion were: the Lawmaker representing Emure State Constituency, Hon. Maryam Ogunlade and the Chairman-elect, Ikere West Local Council Development Area, Hon. Hon Rufus Olorunfemi.

The roll call also included: the Permanent Secretary, Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Jide Borode, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr. Victor Adeniyi, Political heads, Directors, among others.

Ize-Iyamu joins race in APC.

Ize-Iyamu joins race in APC.

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the September 19, 2020 election in Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has said the state needs new, competent and purposeful leadership in 2024, in order to cultivate the right collaboration, formulate appropriate policies and create the necessary framework that are not only people- oriented, but also doable, amid limited resources. 

He also declared that Edo needed a government that would be led by one from among Edo residents, not a Lagos-based politician, apparently referring to Governor Godwin Obaseki’s anointed aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Asue Ighodalo, thereby making Ize-Iyamu to present himself for the September 21, 2024 governorship race.

Ize-Iyamu, an indigene of Benin Kingdom in Edo South Senatorial District, who is also the governorship candidate of PDP in 2016 in Edo State, but was defeated by Obaseki, then of APC, before defecting to PDP on June 19, 2020, spoke yesterday in Benin while declaring to succeed Obaseki on November 12, 2024.

He said Edo residents ”cannot continue this way, if they are to safeguard the future of their children and generations yet unborn.”

Ize-Iyamu, a senior pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), said: “We need to steer Edo State from the direction of parlousness, insincere governance and rudderlessness. For over seven years, Edo people have had to endure governance by propaganda and falsehood, and the use of government institutions for the purpose of personal vendetta and the oppression of her citizens. 

“Edo State government has denied the people the best practice approach to continuous growth, because it lacks a comprehensive, realisable and sustainable plan that encompasses the improvement of infrastructure, health, education, human resource development, job creation, industrialisation, agriculture, security and the refinement of municipal services such as the provision of potable water and electricity. 

“Despite the receipt of colossal revenue, Edo State remains terribly underdeveloped and with the government enmeshed in brazen corruption and larceny. A classic example of this government’s ineptitude is the perennial flooding that has ravaged most parts of Edo, as a result of scant road maintenance and a deliberate decision to abandon the Benin storm water project, started by the administration of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.”

Recruit forest guards to tackle bandits, Northern youths tell Tinubu.

Recruit forest guards to tackle bandits, Northern youths tell Tinubu.

The Northern Christian Youth Professionals on Wednesday renewed its agitation for the recruitment of forest guards, saying it is a viable option to checkmate random attacks on villages if President Bola Tinubu is serious about solving the insecurity challenges in the North.

The appeal comes hours after Vice President Kashim Shettima paid a visit to Jos, the Plateau State capital, to commiserate with the people following the recent invasion of several communities in Barkin Ladi and Bokkos Local Government Areas by gunmen on Christmas Eve.

The VP was received by the state’s governor, Caleb Mutfwang; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; and other security chiefs.

PUNCH reports that more than 150 persons were killed by the marauders, while a thousand other villagers were displaced in the wake of the attack.

Reacting via a statement issued in Abuja titled ‘Seasonal Attacks Can Be Curtailed: President Tinubu Should Fulfill Campaign Promise of Rehabilitating Forest Guard’, Chairman of the Northern Christian Group, Isaac Abrak, expressed concern about the trend of such random attacks, especially during the festive season.

According to him, Tinubu should immediately consider working in collaboration with some state governors in the region to set up and empower forest guards to protect locals and provide intelligence that could complement the efforts of the military in the fight against insecurity

The PUNCH reported that Abrak made a similar appeal to the president three months ago to fulfil his campaign promise of rehabilitating the guards.

He said, “The Northern Christian Youth Professionals vehemently condemn the barbaric attacks and heart-wrenching killings that unfolded on Christmas Eve, claiming the lives of 115 innocent individuals in the communities of Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, and Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

“The relentless wave of violence against our communities, particularly during festive seasons, is deplorable and unacceptable in every conceivable sense. We mourn with the families affected by this tragedy and extend our deepest sympathies to the people of Plateau State. It is disheartening that the wanton attacks and killings of innocent people have persisted for far too long in Nigeria. Such acts of violence must not be tolerated any further, and we call on the Nigerian government and relevant authorities to take decisive measures to ensure the safety and security of our citizens.

“In light of these recent atrocities, the Northern Christian Youth Professionals urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to fulfill his campaign promise of rehabilitating the Forest Ranger/Forest Guards.

“This initiative, aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda, is a critical step towards bolstering the efforts of the Nigerian military, police, and other security agencies in safeguarding lives and properties.

“We have long advocated for the recruitment of individuals, particularly youths residing in communities at the fringes of forests that have become hotbeds for terrorist activities. These communities have been targeted for many years, and it is imperative that we empower the youths to take an active role in securing their own environments.”

Continuing, Abrak stressed that it was evident terrorist groups in Nigeria are beginning to exploit festive seasons such as Christmas, Sallah, and Independence Days to perpetrate their heinous acts.

Credit: Punch Newspaper 

Death of a Valiant: Governor Akeredolu Rotimi Odunayo Remains A Man To Be Remembered As Omoluabi Condole with Ondo State.

Death of a Valiant: Governor Akeredolu Rotimi Odunayo Remains A Man To Be Remembered As Omoluabi Condole with Ondo State.

Omoluabi Team Alliance Socio- cultural and Political Group use this medium to console and condole with the people of Ondo State on the demise of a valiant man, an out spoken Governor, the chairman of southwest Governors forum, chairman of southern Governor's forum and the Governor of Ondo State. The State today mourns a man whose love for progressive politics is undoubted. 

We hope that this lacuna will be filled and that the good people of Ondo State will find a place in their hearts to bear the irreparable loss. We also console with the Akeredolu family and the people of Owo town in Ondo State to please take heart and sustain the good legacies of the Late sage.

Adieu

 Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN)

E- Signed:

Alex Akinfolarin

National Secretary

Omoluabi Group, Southwest

27/12/2023

President Tinubu Affirms Commitment to Economic Revitalization and Inclusive Prosperity for Nigeria

President Tinubu Affirms Commitment to Economic Revitalization and Inclusive Prosperity for Nigeria.

President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration's unwavering commitment to revitalizing Nigeria's economy and fostering opportunities for meaningful youth engagement. The President emphasized this during a town-hall meeting held at the State House in Marina, Lagos State, on Wednesday. The gathering included traditional rulers, chairpersons of Local Governments, Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), and other political-office holders in the state.

President Tinubu affirmed that his administration is dedicated to creating an inclusive, labour-intensive economy where businesses can flourish, providing viable opportunities for young people. He underlined the importance of ongoing efforts to transform the nation's economic landscape and urged citizens to be patient and supportive of the ongoing reforms.

"Nigeria, under my Renewed Hope Administration, is undergoing a process of financial re-engineering. We are determined to deliver a safe and prosperous Nigeria," stated President Tinubu during the town-hall meeting.

The President acknowledged the challenges faced by the country but expressed confidence in the potential for positive change through strategic reforms. He highlighted the need for patience and cooperation from citizens as the government works toward creating an environment conducive to economic growth and sustainability.

The town-hall meeting served as a platform for open dialogue between the President and various stakeholders, including traditional leaders and local government officials. President Tinubu assured them that their inputs and concerns would be taken into account in the formulation and execution of policies aimed at achieving the common goal of a prosperous Nigeria.

The commitment to financial re-engineering and economic transformation aligns with President Tinubu's vision for the nation's future. As the government progresses with these reforms, the President urged citizens to join hands in building a better and more prosperous Nigeria for all. The town-hall meeting symbolized the President's dedication to engaging with key stakeholders in shaping the trajectory of the nation's economic revitalization.

Local Contractors to Get Priority in Ekiti State Development Projects.

Local Contractors to Get Priority in Ekiti State Development Projects.

.....As Oyebanji Directs Ijidale to swing into action.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has mandated incoming Chairmen of Local Government and Local Council Development Areas (LCDA) to henceforth prioritize local contractors for projects within their domains.

The Governor who gave the directive during the End of the year stakeholders' engagement held at the Osuntokun Pavilion Government House Ground Ado Ekiti, emphasized the need to domesticate Local content development law currently existing at the state level.

The Governor who hammered on the need for economic growth towards achieving shared prosperity agenda

acknowledged the outgoing Chairmen's accomplishments over the past three years, particularly in the final phase of their tenure.

Emphasizing the government's commitment to transparency in managing Local Government funds, the Governor highlighted significant strides in rural development across communities.

 However, he berated the utilization of direct labor in project construction, citing it as counterproductive to local content development laws and efforts.

Governor Oyebanji pledged to furnish the Chairmen with a list of state contractors for their project allocations, in order to ensure compliance with local content regulations. 

He directed the Director General of Local Content Development, Mr. Lekan Ijidale, to enforce strict adherence to these laws in contract awards, aiming to empower local businesses and ventures within the state.

Acting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa Sworn In as Substantive Governor of Ondo State.

Acting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa Sworn In as Substantive Governor of Ondo State.

By Olamide Akinwumi J. 

In a solemn ceremony, the acting governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has been officially sworn in as the substantive governor of the state. The swearing-in ceremony, conducted by the Chief Judge of Ondo State, comes in the wake of the tragic demise of late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, who passed away in Germany on Wednesday, December 27.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa wasted no time in addressing the people of Ondo State following his formal assumption of office. In his first speech as the substantive governor, Aiyedatiwa expressed the heavy heart with which he took over the governance of the state after the untimely death of Akeredolu.

“It is a devastating thing for us to lose our dear governor. This is a monumental loss. It is a great loss to me as an individual,” the new governor stated, reflecting the somber mood that enveloped the state during this unexpected transition.

Aiyedatiwa acknowledged the gravity of the responsibilities that now rest on his shoulders and assured the people of Ondo State of his commitment to upholding the legacy and vision of the late governor. He pledged to continue the developmental strides initiated by Akeredolu and promised to lead with dedication and integrity.

The new governor also extended his condolences to the family of the late governor and reassured them that their patriarch's legacy would be preserved. He called for unity and support from all citizens as the state navigates through this challenging period.

The swearing-in ceremony and subsequent address by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa marked the beginning of a new chapter in the leadership of Ondo State. The people now look to their new leader to guide them through this transition and continue the progress that has defined the state in recent times.