No Vacancy in Ekiti Govt House Till 2030, APC Insists.

No Vacancy in Ekiti Govt House Till 2030, APC Insists.                                                                     .....Lauds Ekiti Deputy Gov for uncommon loyalty to Oyebanji.

The Ekiti State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress(APC), has declared that Governor Biodun Oyebanji and his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye would control the levers of power in the state till 2030.

The party's State Working Committee, through its Chairman, Paul Omotoso, said there is no vacancy in the Ekiti State Government House, despite that they are not oblivious of the agitations by the Ekiti South Senatorial District that they also have inalienable right to the position.

Omotoso made the declaration, on Thursday, during the visit of the Deputy Governor to the State Secretariat of the party in Ajilosun Area of Ado Ekiti metropolis to rejoice with members of the SWC on the occasion of Christmas and New Year's festivities.

In his commendations to the Deputy Governor, whom he described as a loyal lieutenant to Oyebanji, Omotoso posited that he was nudged to make the declaration owing to the electrifying popularity and high performance index of the current occupant of the seat.

Rationalising his position further, the APC Chairman said: "We know that our people from the South Senatorial District are also entitled to the seat, but they should wait for their time. There is time for everything under the sun. 

"As of now, We have a Governor in Biodun Oyebanji and Deputy in Monisade Afuye who are so capable and competent, so there is nothing the South wanted that the Deputy Governor cannot offer them. 

"Let the members of the party go and spread this gospel across the local governments that there is no vacancy in the government House for the next seven years. After the eight years of the Governor and the Deputy Governor, then the South can have it. Our people must be patient". 

The party's stalwart, who described the Deputy Governor as part and parcel of the SWC, being the immediate past APC State Women Leader, exuded pride about the performance of Oyebanji's administration.

In an uncommon fashion, Omotoso lauded the Deputy Governor for her unflagging loyalty to the governor and the APC, saying this has helped in stabilising the party and brings dividends of democracy to the populace.

The APC Chairman said the present government has been able to achieve tremendous milestones in terms of democracy dividends owing to robust relationship between the Governor and his deputy. 

 Omotoso added: "We are particularly happy with the way you have been defending and promoting this party, particularly members of the APC SWC. We all know what is happening in town regarding the acceptability of this government. 

"As the opposition parties and the public are saying the governor is good and doing well, they are also saying he is lucky to have a good and humble Deputy. This had added to Mr Governor's popularity in town.  

"If not for this, we would have been settling crisis everyday instead of consolidating on the gains of democracy to the people. So, we thank our amiable and humble deputy for giving the best of cooperation to our Governor. We are really proud of you.

"To us, we have the believe that the sky is your starting point. We have not made a mistake for making you the Deputy Governor of our dear state". 

Addressing the SWC members, led by its State Chairman, the Deputy Governor, saluted the party for being supportive to the governor, particularly for picking Governor Oyebanji at the primary election. 

The Deputy, who donated cash gift to the party SWC members, promised to continually fraternise with the party's top echelon through generous donations and playing of advisory roles to strengthen APC for future political endeavours. 

Mrs Afuye also praised the immediate past Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi for working assiduously to ensure their victory at the poll, saying his principal and herself would forever be grateful to the former Minister.

"In Nigeria's political trends, we have experienced in some states when the party will go to the south, while the government will go to the west. But in Ekiti State, both the party and government are going the same direction. 

"If not for the fact that you picked us, who are we? We are just small fries in the party, but you elevated us. We are not going to take this for granted".

President Tinubu Salutes Excellence of Nigerian Women.

President Tinubu Salutes Excellence of Nigerian Women.

....As He Hosts Super Falcons Star Asisat Oshoala. 

President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, hosted Asisat Oshoala, Super Falcons striker and 2023 CAF Women's Player of the Year, in Lagos, on Thursday.

President Tinubu and the First Lady had congratulated the Barcelona Femeni star on winning the best African female footballer of the year for the sixth time.

The President and the First Lady commended Oshoala for distinguishing herself in the sport, applauding her significant contributions to women's football on the continent.

"Nigerian women will always have a pride of place in the world. What our ladies have achieved in football, our women are achieving in all fields of endeavour around the world—rising to the top and demonstrating the best of the Nigerian character of excellence, tenacity, ingenuity, and resilience," the President said.

Cognizant of the feats of star sprinter, Tobi Amusan, and the presence of multiple Nigerian women on the Forbes' '2023 World's 100 Most Powerful Women,' List, including media mogul, Ms. Mo Abudu, and Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the President and the First Lady assured Oshoala of the nation's continued support for her and other Nigerian women striving for excellence in their chosen paths.

Speaking to journalists after the warm reception, Oshoala said: ''I want to appreciate the President and the First Lady for giving me the opportunity to present the award to them. During the last World Cup, we had a couple of issues, and they intervened and have been very supportive to the girls, even after the competition.''

Gov. Aiyedatiwa Pays Condolence Visit to Akeredolu’s Family.

Gov. Aiyedatiwa Pays Condolence Visit to Akeredolu’s Family.

....Vows Enduring Remembrance of his Impacts.

The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, led members of the State Executive Council on a poignant condolence visit to the residence of the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed heartfelt sentiments, emphasizing that the impacts and legacies of the former Ondo State Governor will forever be etched in the annals of the State and the nation.

In a somber gathering, Governor Aiyedatiwa paid tribute to his late principal, describing him as a sincere, courageous, selfless, and patriotic leader who tirelessly fought for the welfare of his people, championed development, and left an indelible mark on countless lives. The Governor's emotional recounting reflected the depth of the bond shared with the departed leader.

Aiyedatiwa, visibly moved, also acknowledged Akeredolu's role as a caring and compassionate husband, father, and grandfather. He considered it a rare privilege to have served under the tutelage of the late Governor, underscoring the profound impact Akeredolu had on his political journey and personal development.

The Governor reiterated that Akeredolu's passing is a significant loss not only to Ondo State but to the entire Southwest region and Nigeria as a whole. He emphasized that Akeredolu's commitment to a peaceful, fair, and just society is a legacy that will endure.

Highlighting the enduring impact of Akeredolu's leadership, Aiyedatiwa noted the late Governor's contributions to the socio-economic and infrastructural development of Ondo State, his pivotal role in the growth of the Anglican Church, and his reforms in the legal profession in Nigeria.

Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed confidence that Akeredolu, having completed his earthly mission, leaves behind a legacy that will be sustained by his admirable children. In a response on behalf of the Akeredolu Family, Pastor Kola Akeredolu thanked the delegation led by Governor Aiyedatiwa for the thoughtful visit.

The condolence visit concluded with prayers offered for the Akeredolu Family, and Governor Aiyedatiwa led others in signing the condolence register, a symbolic gesture of solidarity and remembrance for a leader whose impacts will echo through time.

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.