Akeredolu; Governor Ayedatiwa Declares Three-Day Mourning Period.

Akeredolu; Governor Ayedatiwa Declares Three-Day Mourning Period.

Ondo State is enveloped in a somber atmosphere as Governor Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa officially declared a three-day mourning period to honor the passing of his predecessor, the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu. The former Governor, aged 65, breathed his last in the early hours of Wednesday, December 27, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of service and dedication to the people of Ondo.

In a heartfelt statement released by Chief Press Secretary Mr Ebenezer Adeniyan, Governor Ayedatiwa expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a distinguished leader. The mourning period, beginning on Thursday, December 28, and extending until Saturday, December 30, 2023, will be marked by fasting and prayer sessions as a tribute to the late Governor.

As a visible symbol of mourning, the Governor has instructed that all national flags in the state be flown at half-mast for the next seven days. This gesture reflects the collective grief and respect for the departed leader.

During this period of mourning, the Governor has also taken the step of suspending all state government ceremonies, emphasizing a unified focus on mourning and remembrance.

Condolence registers have been opened at strategic locations, including the Governor's Office, Government House in Akure, and State Liaison Offices in Lagos and Abuja. These registers serve as avenues for citizens to express their condolences and share their memories of the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu.

The late Governor Akeredolu's contributions to the development and progress of Ondo State are widely acknowledged, and his passing leaves a significant void in the political landscape. Governor Ayedatiwa urged citizens to join in the mourning process, paying their respects to a leader who dedicated his life to public service.

As the people of Ondo State come together to mourn and reflect, they stand united in honoring the memory of a statesman whose impact will endure in the hearts and minds of those he served. May the soul of the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu rest in perfect peace. Amen.

Lagos still working with Tinubu’s 20-year blueprint-- Sanwo-Olu.

Lagos still working with Tinubu’s 20-year blueprint-- Sanwo-Olu.

The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, praised President Bola Tinubu for creating “the origin of modern Lagos,” adding that to date, the state is still running on the developmental ‘blueprint’ that Tinubu designed about 20 years ago.

Sanwo-Olu, who made the declaration when he played host to the President at the Lagos House, Marina, on Wednesday, also thanked Tinubu for accepting to represent Lagos at the federal level.

“We want to thank you for your leadership. We want to thank you for the origin of modern Lagos that you created and started for us. But more importantly, we want to thank you that you accepted to go (and) represent Lagos at the federal level.

“I want to thank you because indeed you have continued to do this state proud as an indigene, as a son of the state.”

While appreciating the President for providing leadership for the State Executive Council, the governor stressed that his administration was building on the legacy established by Tinubu.

He said, “Let me thank you on behalf of the 43 members of the State Executive Council for shaping us, for working with us, for directing us, and for always ensuring that that legacy, that blueprint that you worked on, that I was privileged to have worked on with you over 20 years ago, that is still a living document that we’re working with. It’s still a life document that will continue to ventilate and speak to and realise the yearnings of Lagosians.

“Just to mention, early this month, one of your setups at that time, LAMATA, was 20 years old on the 5th of December. This was a creation of yours 20 years ago.

“LAMATA has moved beyond just being a Lagos story. It has moved beyond an African story. LAMATA is a worldwide story. LAMATA is now referenced as one of the foremost transportation, and urban transportation infrastructures in the world.”

“I want to thank you for your leadership because we still have the working document that you have bequeathed to us,” he added.

In his response, Tinubu thanked the governor and his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, “for holding the fort strongly and committing yourself to the value that you cherish together.”

He added, “Lagos was not easy for many of you, but you went through it and today, Lagos State is the most viable state in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Gov Oyebanji Signs 2024 Budget into Law, Vows Full Implementation for Sustainable Growth.

Gov Oyebanji Signs 2024 Budget into Law, Vows Full Implementation for Sustainable Growth.

By Olamide Akinwumi J. 

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, took a significant step towards the state's future development by signing into law the 2024 Budget at the EXCO Chamber, Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti. The ceremony followed the recent passage of the Appropriation bill by the state House of Assembly.

The budget, with an estimate of N159,572,482,915.61 Billion Naira, has been aptly named the "Budget of Sustainable Growth and Development." Governor Oyebanji, in his commitment to the economic prosperity of the state, promised to ensure the full implementation of the budget to the letter.

The 2024 budget adopts Zero-Based Budgeting (ZBB) principles, comprising N71,994,898,233.20 for capital expenditure and N87,577,583,682.41 for recurrent expenditure, maintaining a ratio of 55:45 of recurrent to capital expenditure. Governor Oyebanji emphasized that the budget's formulation was a result of extensive consultations with the people of Ekiti.

At the signing ceremony, attended by key dignitaries including the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Speaker of the House, Rt Hon Adeoye Aribasoye, members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, and the state executive council, Governor Oyebanji highlighted the importance of the budget in driving sustainable growth and development in Ekiti State.

The governor expressed gratitude to the legislative and executive arms of government for their collaboration in ensuring the timely passage of the budget. He assured the people of Ekiti that the budget would be diligently executed to achieve the set objectives, addressing the needs and aspirations of the citizens.

The "Budget of Sustainable Growth and Development" reflects the administration's strategic vision for advancing key sectors and addressing the challenges faced by the people. As Ekiti State looks forward to the implementation of this budget in the coming fiscal year, Governor Oyebanji's commitment underscores the administration's dedication to fostering a prosperous and thriving state.

Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki Fulfills Pledge.

Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki Fulfills Pledge.

.....Pays 13th Month Salaries and Pensions.

By Olamide Akinwumi J. 

In a commendable display of commitment to the welfare of government workers and pensioners, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has fulfilled his promise by disbursing the 13th-month salaries and pensions. The announcement was made by the state Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, in a statement issued on Wednesday.

According to the commissioner, the 13th-month salaries and pensions were credited to the accounts of government workers and pensioners in the early hours of Wednesday, December 27, 2023, aligning with the governor's earlier commitment.

Governor Obaseki's decision to pay the 13th-month salary on Workers Day is a testament to his administration's unwavering dedication to the well-being of workers and pensioners in Edo State. The governor's gesture is particularly significant as it reflects a proactive approach to alleviating the financial challenges faced by citizens, especially in light of the recent removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government.

“The payment of the 13th-month salaries and pensions will help in ameliorating the hardship caused by the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government," noted Commissioner Nehikhare.

The prompt fulfillment of this commitment underscores Governor Obaseki's leadership style, characterized by a focus on addressing the needs of the people and prioritizing their welfare. The move is expected to bring relief to government workers and pensioners, providing financial support during the festive season.

As Edo State workers and pensioners celebrate the receipt of their 13th-month salaries and pensions, Governor Obaseki's administration continues to demonstrate its dedication to fostering a conducive working environment and ensuring the well-being of the state's workforce.

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