Gov Oyebanji Urges Ekiti Residents Towards Optimism in 2024.

Gov Oyebanji Urges Ekiti Residents Towards Optimism in 2024.

By Olamide Akinwumi J. 

Governor Biodun Oyebanji, joined by his wife, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, Deputy Governor Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, and other eminent figures, spearheaded the 2024 Inter-faith thanksgiving service at the Obafemi Awolowo Civic Centre in Ado-Ekiti today.

This customary thanksgiving, observed on the first working day of the year, serves as a moment to express gratitude to God and consecrate the upcoming year. During the event, Governor Oyebanji urged Ekiti State residents to embrace optimism for a more promising 2024, emphasizing the importance of hope and positivity.

In a recent statewide broadcast, Governor Oyebanji expressed optimism about substantial improvements in Ekiti State throughout the year, anticipating "massive improvement in security, infrastructure, and government services than we have ever seen." He committed to consolidating on the gains made in his administration's first year, expanding development initiatives for the benefit of the Ekiti people.

The sermon, delivered by the state Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Emmanuel Aribasoye, commended Oyebanji for his grassroots connection. He urged political leaders to be accessible, accountable, and connected to the people they lead.

Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere Bello, President of the League of Imams and Alfas in Southwest, Edo, and Delta States, described Governor Oyebanji as an "Omoluabi," highlighting his divine installation to serve the people.

The service, attended by Deputy Governor Chief Monisade Afuye, Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, other Assembly members, Secretary to the State Government Dr. Habibat Adubiaro, traditional rulers, religious leaders, labour leaders, and civil servants, marked a collective call for optimism, accountability, and connection in the year 2024.

Let's Put Politics Of Bitterness Aside For Ekiti To Develop, Says Oyebanji.

Let's Put Politics Of Bitterness Aside For Ekiti To Develop, Says Oyebanji.

....Urges Prayers for Tinubu, Says Things 'll Change For Better Under President.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has promised to reach out to all citizens irrespective of their political and ideological leanings for the State to develop and its people to enjoy better standard of living.

Oyebanji emphasized that he would not allow politics of bitterness to retard the growth of the state noting that there must be an end to politicking for governance and development to flourish.

The Governor made the remarks on Tuesday at the New Year Interfaith Thanksgiving Service held at the Obafemi Awolowo International Civic Centre, Ado Ekiti, the state capital.

He appealed to members of his party, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to lay all speculations as regards who contests for the position of Governor in 2026 to rest, noting that the task at hand is for the State to be put on sound footing of development.

Oyebanji stressed that he would continue to reach out to prominent Ekiti citizens like Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), Ekiti National Assembly caucus led by the Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, and all former Governors of the state to ensure that the State gets the best at all times.

He said he could not understand what some members of APC complained about his regular visits to the leaders, whose counsels, support and contacts are crucial to the developement of the state. 

The Governor said he is guided by the advice of his immediate predecessor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, that he should not inherit his (Fayemi's) or anybody’s enemies but to extend hands of cooperation and fellowship to everybody in order to move the ship of the state to a glorious harbour.

Oyebanji also urged the people of the state to continue to pray for President Bola Tinubu expressing optimism that things will change for better in Nigeria in 2024 as his economic policies translate into positive and tangible gains for the county.

While noting that things may be tough for now, Oyebanji pointed out that the people of Ekiti State and other Nigerians must continue to retain their trust in President Tinubu and should not lose hope in Nigeria being restored to economic prosperity.

The Governor appreciated labour leaders in Ekiti for their understanding and cooperation assuring that 2024 would be a better year for workers and that every sector in the State would be touched for the betterment of all.

Speaking on why he has been bringing everybody on board in the task of moving Ekiti forward, Oyebanji said the Ekiti project belongs to all since he cannot do it alone and would need the support of all and sundry for the State to reach its full potentials.

Oyebanji particularly praised current members of the National Assembly from the state whom he said have been very supportive since he came to office advising APC faithful to de-emphasize on possible governorship aspirants within and outside the party ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

He said: "We have put politics aside and let's forget who becomes the Governor next and leave that one to God. We have a duty to file behind our National Assembly members; the kind of position MOB (Bamidele) is today, Ekiti has never been there before and we will continue to work together for the progress of our State.

"Some of our party members are not happy that I am visiting our leaders. if I don't visit them, who do I got to? 

"Anybody that can help this government to do good for you and I, that person that will help us whether he is in Party A, Party B or Party C, let me look for them. 

"Those who are not on our party today, they can be in our party tomorrow. There must be an end to politics when governance starts; that explains why you see me do all these because I am going to do more this new year. Ekiti indigenes are in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja, I must look for them."

The Governor also promised to do an assessment of his cabinet members in the next six months to evaluate their performance warning that those who fall short of expectations might leave the cabinet.

The inter- faith thanksgiving service featured prayed, sermons and song ministrations in Islamic and Christian ways. 

In his sermon, the state Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Emmanuel Aribasoye, commended Oyebanji for being connected with the people at the grassroots urging those holding government positions to do same.

He also advised political leaders to always be available, accessible,accountable avoid distractions and always be connected to the people they lead because they hold the positions in trust for them. 

The President of the League of Imams and Alfas in Southwest, Edo and Delta States, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere Bello, described Oyebanji as an Omoluabi (a well brought up person) noting that it was God that installed him as Governor to do good for the people.

The service was attended by the Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye; wife of the Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji; Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye and other Assembly members; Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Habibat Adubiaro and other members of the cabinet; Head of Service, Engr. Sunday Komolafe; traditional rulers, religious leaders, labour leaders and civil servants.

South Korean opposition leader stabbed in neck By Impostor Supporter.

South Korean opposition leader stabbed in neck By Impostor Supporter.

South Korean opposition party leader Lee Jae-myung was stabbed in the neck with a knife on Tuesday by a man who pushed through a crowd pretending to be his supporter, police said.

Lee was surrounded by journalists and supporters at a construction site in the southern port city of Busan when a man lunged and struck him in the neck, South Korean television channels showed.

He was bleeding but conscious as he was rushed to a local university hospital, the Yonhap news agency reported, before being flown to the capital Seoul for surgery, according to an official from his party.

The assailant, a man in his 60s, “used an 18-centimetre knife — its blade is 13 centimetres long — which he purchased online”, Busan police officer Son Je-han said at a press briefing.

Police were seen wrestling the suspect, who displayed a pro-Lee slogan, to the ground. The man was arrested at the scene. His motive is “being investigated”, Son said.

The 59-year-old Lee was “walking to his car while talking to reporters when the attacker asked for his autograph”, a witness told local broadcaster YTN.

He was seen collapsing to the ground as people rushed to aid him after the attack.

One man was seen pressing a handkerchief on Lee’s neck before emergency responders carried him to an ambulance.

“This is an act of terror against Lee and a serious threat to democracy that should never occur under any circumstances,” Kwon Chil-seung, an MP from Lee’s Democratic Party, told reporters outside the hospital in Busan.

Lee was later flown to the capital, where Kwon said he would undergo surgery at the Seoul National University Hospital.

Yonhap earlier reported, citing fire department officials, that Lee suffered a one-centimetre laceration in the attack.

It cited a hospital official as saying it was “fortunate that the damaged area is the jugular vein” and not the carotid artery.

– Presidential contender –

Lee lost in 2022 to conservative Yoon Suk Yeol in the tightest presidential race in South Korea’s history.

Yoon expressed “deep concern over the safety of Lee Jae-myung upon hearing of the attack”, his spokeswoman Kim Soo-kyung said.

“Yoon emphasised our society should never tolerate this kind of act of violence under any circumstances.”

A former child factory worker who suffered an industrial accident as a teenage school drop-out, Lee rose to political stardom partly by playing up his rags-to-riches tale.

He is widely expected to run for president again in 2027, and recent polls have indicated that he remains a strong contender.

But Lee’s bid for the top office has been overshadowed by a string of scandals.

He avoided arrest in September when a court dismissed a request from the prosecution for him to be taken into custody pending trial on various corruption charges.

Lee still faces trial on charges of bribery in connection with a firm that is suspected of illicitly transferring $8 million to North Korea.

He is also accused of breaching his duties, allegedly resulting in a loss of 20 billion won ($15 million) for a company owned by Seongnam city during his term as its mayor.

Lee has denied all allegations against him.

In August last year, he launched a hunger strike against what he called the Yoon government’s “incompetent and violent” policies.

He was hospitalised because of fasting-related ailments after not eating for 19 days.

(AFP)

Automation of passport application kickstarts January 8 - Tunji-Ojo.

Automation of passport application kickstarts January 8 - Tunji-Ojo.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Monday, confirmed that the passport application automation process will begin operation on January 8, 2024.

The minister made this disclosure in December that the Federal Government was working to ensure a full automation system of passport application in the country.

At the time, the minister said the automated application system was “99% done,” adding that the process would include uploading passport photos and supporting documents.

Meanwhile, Ojo while inspecting facilities of the Nigeria Immigration Service in Abuja, alongside the Comptroller General of the Service, Wura-Ola Adepoju, on Monday, confirmed that Nigerians will be able to apply and complete their passport application process online without human contact.

The minister said that the ministry has commenced the training process that will lead to the live launching of the automation.

He said, “We are good to go live. We are starting the training and on January 8, the solution will be live and direct for Nigerians to have a good feel, a sweet experience based on the Renewed Hope of Mr President.

“We have been able to reduce human contact in passport acquisition to the minimum.”

He added that the initiative will improve the security architecture of the country, prompting a quick detection of fake passport applications and reducing bottlenecks.

We will recruit more health workers, pay outstanding entitlements -- Gov Aiyedatiwa.

We will recruit more health workers, pay outstanding entitlements -- Gov Aiyedatiwa.

The Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has vowed to employ more health workers in the State as well as pay all outstanding salaries and arrears which he inherited from previous administration(s). 

The governor who made this statement at the first annual prayer meeting organised by civil servants of the State thanked them for their supports so far, while promising that workers’ welfare shall continue to be the priority of his government. 

According to Aiyedatiwa, “We will forge ahead with the approval already given for the recruitment of health workers as a way of strengthening the health sector while filling of vacancies will be done on regular basis as need arises.”

Commenting on the upcoming election, the Governor urged the civil servants to face their duties diligently and not allow themselves to be used by politicians for cheap political gains. He also counselled politicians to play the game by its rules, stating that election is not a do-or-die affair.

“This is an election year; let everyone know that the peace of the State is not negotiable and election is not a do or die affair,” the governor said. 

On his part, the Head of Service, Pastor Kayode Ogundele, commended the governor for his unflinching support for public servants in the State at all times. He further hinted that the payment of salaries in percentages has become a thing of the past.

Present at the occasion were heads of security agencies in the State, religious leaders, members of the State Executive Council and other top government functionaries, who prayed for peace, progress and stability to reign in the State.

FG to spend N100bn on school feeding in 2024.

FG to spend N100bn on school feeding in 2024.

President Bola Tinubu on Monday disclosed that the 2024 budget includes N100 billion allocation for the school feeding programmes.

He made this statement during the signing of the 2024 appropriation bill into law in the State House in Abuja.

Tinubu stated that the provision will serve as a stimulant to encourage attendance in schools and reduce the problem of out-of-school children.

“One of the priority areas of the bill we just passed is the N100 billion provision for the feeding of school children. I believe that is a stimulant that will encourage school enrolment and also address malnutrition among school children.

“I will be meeting with local government at sub-national levels so that we can collaborate and jointly implement an all-inclusive programme,” the President said.

The President also confirmed that the budget, christened “Renewed Hope” is anchored on reducing the recurrent expenditure, but increasing capital expenditure.

Earlier in December, Tinubu ordered the reintroduction of the school feeding programme and mandated its transfer from the Humanitarian Ministry to the Education Ministry.

The programme, previously halted under former President Muhammadu Buhari, will now fall under the Education Ministry’s purview, aiming to not only provide nutritious meals to pupils but also encourage attendance and enhance learning.

Name change: Stop asking women to travel to Abuja, minister tells NIS.

Name change: Stop asking women to travel to Abuja, minister tells NIS.

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has faulted officers of the Nigerian Immigration Service for asking people, especially married women to come to the headquarters in Abuja to effect a change of name on their passport.

Speaking at a recent dinner with members of the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu ABAT Media Centre and some social media influencers in Abuja, Tunji-Ojo described the act as “inhumane.”

He said women are not subjected to such inhuman practices on account of marriage anywhere in the world.

“There is one stupid thing I have seen and it is that a woman gets married, changes her name, and then she has to come to Abuja all the way from say Kaura Namoda or Enugu just to come and effect a change of name in her passport. It is absurd.

“I can’t just figure it that you want to change just your name and you have to be in Abuja. I have asked the immigration people, is it that immigration people in Abuja have more than one head than those in the states?” he asked.

He declared that the passport issue remains the least of his worries, adding that as of March, the new passport reforms he is putting in place would ensure contactless biometrics enrolment to allow Nigerians to do their enrolments from their comfort zones.

He, however, noted that he wants more secure borders for the country.

“With the new reforms, you don’t need to travel to Abuja to change your data. Everything will be online.

“From March, once you have ever enrolled for your passport and you are coming to renew, please don’t come to my office, stay in your house and do it. We have contactless biometrics and this can be done in five minutes. We don’t need to keep taking your biometrics every five years. Who does that in the world?

“This is what #RenewedHope is about. It is about positively disrupting the process. By the grace of God, the issue of passports is the least of our worries,” the minister stated.

Meanwhile, he urged Nigerians to keep faith with the Tinubu administration, noting that the president has led the country aright.

He added that as a minister, he would continue to give his all to Nigeria and Nigerians.

“Any day I think I don’t have the zeal again, I will do what honest men do and go because Nigeria as a country does not deserve 99.9 per cent. It deserves 100 percent from us. That is what public service demands.”

It was reported that the minister directed the heads of various agencies to expedite the process for Nigerian passports, noting that the days of lengthy queues for passport acquisition should come to an end.

He also stressed the importance of harnessing technological advancements to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of processes within the immigration and correctional services.