No rift between Dickson and me – Diri.

No rift between Dickson and me – Diri.

Bayelsa state governor, Douye Diri, has commended the exemplary character of his predecessor, Senator Seriake Dickson, saying the former governor does not act like a political godfather.

Diri also said their relationship remains cordial and unbroken.

The Bayelsa governor stated this at Toru-Orua, Senator Dickson’s hometown in the Sagbama local government area of the state during his usual Christmas visit.

He said since leaving office in 2020, the former governor had supported him and had not been overbearing.

Diri’s chief press secretary, Daniel Alabrah, quoted the governor as saying that the unity between him and the immediate past governor, who now represents Bayelsa West in the Senate, had contributed greatly to the peace and development of the state.

He recalled their long-standing relationship from their days in the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and as commissioners during the Goodluck Jonathan administration in the state and expressed the optimism that the bond would remain strong.

Diri again expressed gratitude to Dickson for his role in his emergence as his successor and also for his support in the November 11 governorship election in the state.

The governor equally stressed the need for unity among leaders and the people of the state while assuring the people that his second tenure would be dedicated to moving Bayelsa to greater heights.

He said: “Today is another day for merriment. You all remember in our first year, we had some challenges. So it was difficult for us to do anything meaningful that year. But from 2021, we instituted this visit and it has continued.

“There can be nothing more refreshing than the fact that we are alive and together today. We all know the history of successors and predecessors in Nigeria but the story in Bayelsa is different.

“From the bottom of my heart, I say thank you for tolerating me and for accepting me. This is the time people want to play godfatherism but you are not doing that. We have worked together and shared a lot in common and I am sure this should be an example.

“In politics, if you do not tolerate and accept people, you will not move forward. Today we are happy because we all worked together as one. We went into the election united.

“Let me again seize this opportunity to thank the people of Bayelsa. You have done well to keep the peace in our state. To all those we might have offended, please forgive us.”

In his remarks, Senator Dickson lauded Governor Diri for sustaining the visit since it was initiated three years ago, describing it as refreshing.

Dickson said the visit typifies brotherliness, love and peace and called on the people to imbibe a similar spirit of togetherness to move the state forward.

While congratulating Diri on his electoral victory, Dickson commended him for his achievements in office and expressed confidence that he will do more during his second tenure.

He said: “In spite of your tight schedule, you always find time to visit. This is the third time and we appreciate it. With the consent of the leaders here, on January 3, 2024, subject to your consent, we will visit you in Sampou.

“This visit is the first after your re-election. Although we had visited to congratulate you, it is still my duty to congratulate you and your able deputy on your resounding victory.

“Our state has made progress due to maturity and brotherliness and it is our hope that the state will continue to be stable.”

Akeredolu: Makinde declares three days mourning, orders flag to fly at half-mast.

Akeredolu: Makinde declares three days mourning, orders flag to fly at half-mast.

Oyo State governor and vice chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, ‘Seyi Makinde, has declared three days of state mourning for the deceased Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum and Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

This was contained in a statement by the special adviser media to Oyo State Governor, Sulaimon Olanrewaju.

The governor, who gave this directive on Thursday, equally ordered that all flags at public offices in the state be flown at half-mast for three days.

 

The statement reads in part, “Oyo State governor and vice chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, ‘Seyi Makinde, has declared three days of state mourning for the deceased Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum and Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

 

“The governor, who gave this directive on Thursday, equally ordered that all flags at public offices in the state be flown at half-mast for three days.”

 

“Governor Makinde had, on Wednesday evening, alongside the chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Governor Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman, visited the Ibadan home of the late Ondo State governor.”

Akeredolu died on Wednesday at the age of 67 after battling prostate cancer.

After Akeredolu’s return from Germany, he stayed at his residence in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

It would be recalled that Governor Makinde had visited the late governor’s family in Ibadan on Wednesday.

Abia Gov signs N567.2BN 2024 budget into law.

Abia Gov signs N567.2BN 2024 budget into law.

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has signed the 2024 Appropriation Bill of N567.2 billion, recently passed by the State House of Assembly into law.

While signing the bill on Thursday, Otti said the 2024 Budget would move Abia from its current level of underdevelopment to development.

“I want to say that this is a budget that would take Abia State out of underdevelopment to development. The journey of a thousand miles starts with one step. This is the first step, once we get things right, and we know we will get them right, the next few years will be Uhuru for all our people, those living here and those who come from here and our friends,” the Governor declared.

He noted that the budget ratio of 84% for capital expenditure and 16% for recurrent was not a mistake but a deliberate plan to accelerate the growth of Abia’s economy within a short space of time.

“That we devoted 84% of the budget to capital expenditure is not an error. If you go through the details of the budget, you will find out that every kobo we intend to borrow will go into infrastructure or be mapped out to infrastructure. Our discussions are on and we believe that as we require the funding, we will get them,” he affirmed.

The Governor maintained that every money borrowed to finance the budget would be channeled to capital expenditure, adding that the budget is expected to excite foreign and local investment, spur large-scale and medium businesses, secure the State and prepare Abia for the next level of development.

Otti commended the Speaker and members of the State House of Assembly for a great job done, which led to the expeditious passage of the bill.

Earlier, the Speaker of the House, Rt Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, who affirmed that 84% of the budget is for capital expenditure while 16% is for recurrent expenditure, said that the budget would touch the lives of Abia people positively.

According to him, the aim of passing the budget before the 31st of December 2023 is to ensure that the 2024 Budget becomes operational from the 1st of January 2024.

Also speaking, the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Austin Nmeregini assured that the 2024 Budget would make a difference in Abia and pledged that the House will carry out its oversight functions towards its implementation.

On his part, the Chairman, House Committee on Budget and Planning, Hon. Mathias Umeh said that they worked tirelessly to ensure the speedy passage of the bill, adding that they would continue to monitor the budget through oversight to ensure full implementation.

The 2024 Budget signing ceremony was witnessed by Members of the State House of Assembly, Commissioners, Special Advisers, and the Accountant General of the State, among others.

Akeredolu's Demise: ARG Condoles Tinubu, Akeredolu's Family.

Akeredolu's Demise: ARG Condoles Tinubu, Akeredolu's Family.

....Says ARG Deeply saddened by Akeredolu's sudden passing.

The Ekiti state chapter of the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), a Socio - Cultural and Political Organisation, has commiserated with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the good people of Ondo State over the tragic demise of the state Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu.

Describing the death as shocking and unfortunate, the group's Publicity Secretary in Ekiti, Hon. Prince (Amb) Michael Ogungbemi (fcpa), in a statement, on Thursday, expressed grief on behalf of the ARG over the highly traumatising incident.

He said the ARG in the southwest Nigeria, considered Akeredolu's death as a tragic loss, saying it has left the members deeply saddened, and prayed to God to grant the family, friends and the people of Ondo State the wherewithal to bear the irreparable loss.

The group's Publicity Secretary, who rendered the condolences stated that the late Governor played a crucial role in the development and progress of Ondo State and the Southwest Nigeria by some of his policies and programmes' strides. 

He said: "His leadership, dedication, and commitment to public service have left an indelible mark on the state and its residents. His visionary initiatives and tireless efforts will be remembered as part of his remarkable legacies.

"We acknowledge the immense contributions the late Governor made towards the betterment of Ondo State, from implementing progressive policies and programmes to improving infrastructure and enhancing education and healthcare services. 

"His unwavering commitment to the welfare of his people will truly be missed, his determination to ensuring that the South West Security Network codenamed 'Amotekun' is a testament to his dogged determination.

"During this period of mourning, it is important for us to stand together as a people and united in our support for one another. 

"We urge the people of Ondo State to remember the late Governor's vision and continue his work towards progress and development. Let us honour his memory by upholding the values he stood for and working towards a brighter future for Ondo State.

"Once again, we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and the people of Ondo State. May they find strength and solace during this challenging period, and may the soul of the late Governor rest in eternal peace", the ARG spokesman said.

Captain Sunday Adebomi Joins Hon. Akinluyi in Commissioning State-of-the-Art Basic Health Centre in Ise Ekiti.

Captain Sunday Adebomi Joins Hon. Akinluyi in Commissioning State-of-the-Art Basic Health Centre in Ise Ekiti.

In a momentous event today, retired Captain Sunday Adebomi stood alongside the outgoing chairman of Ise Orun Local Government, Hon. Akinluyi Ayodele, to officially unveil the highly anticipated Basic Health Centre in Ise Ekiti.

The commissioning ceremony, held on the 28th of December, 2023, witnessed the presence of community members, political leaders, and health officials. Captain Sunday Adebomi, a respected former Governorship aspirant and prominent APC stalwart in Ekiti State, expressed his admiration for the outgoing chairman's unwavering commitment to community development, particularly in the critical field of healthcare.

In an interview with reporters in Ise-Ekiti, Captain Sunday Adebomi commended Hon. Akinluyi Ayodele for his exemplary leadership and dedication to enhancing healthcare services in the local government. Adebomi emphasized the pivotal role that a robust health sector plays in the overall well-being of a community.

The newly commissioned Basic Health Centre is poised to be a transformative asset for Ise Ekiti, offering essential medical services to the residents. This development aligns with the broader vision of improving healthcare infrastructure and accessibility in the region. Captain Sunday Adebomi, recognizing the significance of investing in the health sector, praised the outgoing chairman for his foresight in prioritizing the welfare of the community.

Hon. Akinluyi Ayodele, as the outgoing chairman, expressed his gratitude for the efforts that led to the realization of the Basic Health Centre. He highlighted the importance of accessible healthcare and affirmed his commitment to sustaining and expanding such initiatives in the future.

Hon Ayodele Akinluyi giving his speech during the project commissioning.

The commissioning signifies a milestone in the progress and development of healthcare services in Ise Ekiti. As the Basic Health Centre opens its doors, it symbolizes not just a physical structure but a testament to the dedication of leaders working towards the betterment of their community.

©️SEA MEDIA TEAM

We’ve demonstrated commitment to Ekiti course, Says Oyebanji at community engagement.

We’ve demonstrated commitment to Ekiti course, Says Oyebanji at community engagement. 

..... As Gov discusses gains of land use charges with stakeholders.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has said that his administration in the last one year had demonstrated commitment to Ekiti development by successfully implementing various infrastructure projects and human capital development aimed at improving the standard of living of the people and actualising the shared prosperity agenda of his administration.

Governor Oyebanji, who disclosed this during the End of the Year Community Stakeholders Engagement in Ado Ekiti on Thursday, said his administration has demonstrated ability and commitment to workers and pensioners welfare as well as human capital development within resources available to the state.

A major highlight of the community engagement was a presentation by the Internal Revenue Service Chairman, Mr Olatona on modernity for the collection and utilization of the Land Use Charges being reintroduced by the government and billed to commence in January next year. 

Other highlights of the event was a presentation by the Director General, Bureau of Community Communications, Mrs Mary Oso Omotoso on the remarkable development in the local councils as well as testimonials from beneficiaries of the Governor’s empowerment programmes. 

Governor Oyebanji said the Land Use Charges would boost the states IGR and would enable government do more in terms of tangible development.  

Reassuring the people of his administration’s commitment and dedication to sustainable development, the Governor said the engagement was his own way of intimating the people who employed him with the progress made in government so far, get feedback from the people as well as reassure them if his commitment to transparency and accountability. 

He reiterated that his government would prioritize the completion of ongoing projects . He also announced plans to modernize and extend development to all the Local Government Headquarters in the state to ensure equal access to development opportunities, provide balanced growth, boost economic activities and create better future for the communities.

Emphasizing the need for equitable development and reduction of regional disparities within the state, the Governor said government will soon come out with strategies for the development of the Local Government Headquarters through the Office of Capital and Urban Development Agency. 

Governor Oyebanji, however said that since coming on board as Governor of Ekiti State, he has been very transparent with the local government funds . This, according to him has contributed immensely to the huge achievements recorded by the local government and LCDA Chairmen across the state.

While thanking the outgoing Local Government and LCDA Chairmen for raising the bar of government at the grass-roots level, the Governor said he would have to sit down with the in-coming Chairmen to fashion out ways to bring development to people in the grassroots.

He said his government would mandate the incoming Chairmen to henceforth prioritize local contractors for projects within their domains to further improve economic growth in the grassroots towards achieving his administration’s shared prosperity agenda.

Governor Oyebanji restated the resolve of his administration to fully implement the local content development law recently passed by Ekiti State House of Assembly. 

“In the last one year, we have shown Ekiti people that this government you elected is your government, in the last one year I can stand here and boldly say that we have demonstrated commitment to Ekiti course, we have also demonstrated capacity and ability to stay focused.

" If you look at our achievements in about one year and few months we took over government, either in respect to workers welfare, commitment to pensioners, it is built on one fact, we believe strongly that the people are the most important ingredient of development, if we develop the people and the workforce are happy anything we want to do as government will be very easy for us to do.

“The Local Government Chairmen here can attest to the fact that in the last one year, we have been transparent in the management of local government fund and I can also tell you that there is no Chairman that has not done well. They all tried within the resources available to each of them and am extremely grateful to them.” He added. 

Earlier in her welcome address, the Director General, Community Communications, Mrs. Mary Oso-Omotoso said the engagement meeting was in fulfillment of the Governor’s campaign promises to truly run the government of the people, by the people and for the people.

Omotoso explained that as part of efforts to ensure smooth engagement with the people at the grassroots, 177 persons were selected from each ward across the state to be focal person for their localities.

She maintained that Ekiti Communities in the last one year had witnessed unprecedented initiatives and transformative interventions which has made an enduring impact on the life of Ekiti people and has brought the dividends of democracy especially to the people at the grassroots.

Also at the event were the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Speaker, state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, Secretary to the State Government, Dr Habibat Adubiaro, Head of Service, Engr Sunday Komolafe, members of the state executive council, traditional rulers, market women, representatives of landlord associations, ethnic associations and people living with disabilities, among others.

Oyebanji signs N159.5 billion Ekiti Fiscal Estimates into law.

Oyebanji signs N159.5 billion Ekiti Fiscal Estimates into law.

.....Restates commitment to total implementation of budget.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji on Wednesday signed into law the 2024 appropriation Bill with an assurance that his administration is fully prepared to implement the budget for the realization of his administration’s shared prosperity agenda.

The 2024 Appropriation, Christened “Budget of Sustainable Growth and Development” was presented to the Governor by the speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Adeoye Aribasoye and other principal officers at the Exco Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Ado Ekiti.

The 2024 Budget estimate is One Hundred and Fifty-Nine Billion, Five Hundred and Seventy-two Million, Four Hundred and Eighty-One Thousand Nine Hundred and Fifteen Naira, and Fifty-one Kobo(N159,572,481,915.51), out of which fifty-six percent (56%) is appropriated for Recurrent Expenditure and forty four percent (44%) for Capital Expenditure.

Speaking while signing the budget, Governor Oyebanji reiterated his administration’s determination to ensure that the budget is fully implemented to drive sustainable growth and improve the standard of living for the people of Ekiti State.

He said the budget is expected to stimulate economic activities, create job opportunities, and enhance the overall socio-economic landscape of the State as well as assist his government to deliver on its campaign promises and fulfill its obligation to the people.

 

While thanking the Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly for their thorough review of the budget and preparation of the final budget, the Governor said the Assembly has proven to be a reliable partner in the development agenda of the state.

" I am so impressed with the quality of debate and scrutiny put in place by the members of the house of assembly.

“Mr. Speaker, I have listened to you on the need to be committed to implementing this budget, in partnership with the House of Assembly through your oversight, we will ensure that we implement this budget to the letter because the only way we can actually incentivize our people and deliver on our promise is to implement the budget. " The Governor declared.

Earlier in his remarks, the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye said after the House had painstakingly deliberated and scrutinized the budget, it realized that the budget aligns with the priorities of the people. 

Aribasoye said the House was very impressed with the presentation of the budget that was well structured to meet the yeaning’s and aspiration of Ekiti people.

He maintained that the House of Assembly would continue to collaborate with the Executive arm of government for the overall interest and development of the State.

The budget signing was also witnessed by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Monisade Afuye), members of the state House of Assembly, and the state executive council.