Ekiti holds strategic meeting on transformation agenda.

Ekiti holds strategic meeting on transformation agenda.

The Office of Transformation and Service Delivery (OTSD), Ekiti State has held a strategic meeting on the transformation agenda of Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

The meeting was held on Thursday last week in the Office of the Special Adviser/Director General of the team.

The team comprised the Special Adviser/Director General, Dr. John Moyo Ekundayo; Technical Advisor, Mr. Adebiyi Fasoyin; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Monitoring and Evaluation (OTSD), Mr. Adetunji Aribasoye; Special Assistant on Service Delivery to the Ekiti State Governor (OTSD), Mr. Toba Fatunla, Director of Administration and Supplies (DAS), Mr. Akeem Olusola Salami; and Director of Finance and Account (DFA), Mr. Adekunle Omoniyi.

A statement released by the OTSD’s media team explained that the’’ team strategically put in place by Governor Oyebanji, set the stage for a transformative year ahead in line with Mr. Governor’s vision for the year 2024: *Growth, Prosperity and Transformation.’’

‘’The team members’ unwavering commitment, passion, and expertise is set to elevate the quality of service delivery in Ekiti State in support of His Excellency’s mantra of shared prosperity.’’

Lagos Assembly passes N2.267tr budget for 2024.

Lagos Assembly passes N2.267tr budget for 2024.

The Lagos State House of Assembly on Friday passed the N2.267 trillion budget for 2024 presented by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu last year.

The budget, comprising 58 per cent capital expenditure and 42 per cent recurrent expenditure, was approved after a unanimous voice vote by the lawmakers.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, on December 13, 2023, presented the 2024 budget proposal of N2.246 trillion to the House, saying the state anticipates internally generated revenue of N1.251 trillion and federal government allocations of N596.629 billion.

Before its passage, the Chairman of the joint committee on Budget and Finance, Sa’ad Olumoh, presented a report of the committee, which recommended that the Public Works Corporation, the Water Corporation, and the state-owned tertiary institutions be placed in first-line charge to enable them to perform optimally.

Obasa, during the presentation, said the government should ensure a functional budget.

“It is highly important for us to apply the right indices towards ensuring a performing and functioning budget that would lift our people out of poverty and reposition the state towards infrastructural growth and renewal.

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“Palliatives should move from just giving people garri, rice, beans, or even money. We should have a direction that is focused, impactful, and deeply backed up by effective policy implementations.

“For instance, in the name of palliative care, let there be a provision of drugs at all public hospitals at subsidised rates. At the same time, the focus should be on a downward review of treatment costs in these hospitals,” the Speaker said during the budget presentation,” he noted.

During plenary yesterday, Obasa said: “A bill for a law to authorise the issuance and appropriation of N952,430,566,998 from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for Recurrent Expenditure and N1,315,545,553,871 from Development Fund for Capital Expenditure, thereby totaling a budget size of N2,267,976,120,869 for the year ending 31st December, 2024, be passed into law.”

Obasa also hailed the lawmakers for their dedication and cooperation in ensuring a quick passage of the Appropriation Bill, and directed the Clerk of the House, Olalekan Onafeko, to forward a copy of the approved budget to Governor Sanwo-Olu for assent.

Tinubu To Security Chiefs: You Are Making Good Progress, But There Must Be Conclusive Victory.

Tinubu To Security Chiefs: You Are Making Good Progress, But There Must Be Conclusive Victory. 

President Bola Tinubu has asked the nation's security chiefs to ensure that there is conclusive victory against the myriad of security threats assailing the country.

Addressing security chiefs and heads of intelligence agencies at a Presidential Security Briefing at the State House, in Abuja, on Friday, President Tinubu said while good progress is being made with the elimination of some security threats across multiple theatres, success will ultimately be defined by a final conclusion to the multi-dimensional menace.

"We have too many investments that we need to make now in soft and physical infrastructure, in social security, in MSME empowerment, and other growth enablers. We are pursuing a $1 trillion economy in the next few years, and our efforts will be undermined if we do not finally wrap up our progressive onslaught against enemies of progress. Be encouraged. The confidence of our people in your capacity is rising, and they are appreciative of the sacrifices of our men and women.

"The success you are recording is undeniable. Nigerians are seeing it, but the avoidable errors, as witnessed recently in Kaduna, are unacceptable and cannot be repeated. I am pleased that coordination between all agencies has dramatically improved over recent months, but there is no room for celebrations until we can end this; until we can bring our troops back to their own localities, and until we can free up resources for our critical economic expansion programme," the President firmly stated.

The President emphasized that the armed forces must deliver on his objective to ensure the nation achieves a sustainable production of two million barrels of crude oil per day, including condensates, within the first quarter of 2024.

"I do not play with my intelligence reports. I have multiple lines of sight. The Navy and sister branches must step up their game to achieve our aims for the benefit of all Nigerians. All malign actors will be aggressively uprooted from our midst. Those working against the national agenda from within and without will meet justice. Your task is clear. We will sustain our momentum. Failure is not an option under my leadership," the President warned.

The President also commended the Commander of the Presidential Air fleet (PAF), the Commander of the Brigade of Guards (BoG), and his Chief Personal Security Officer (CPSO) for their dedication and commitment in the discharge of their assignments, which has earned them a promotion.

 

Speaking at the decoration of the PAF Commander, Air Commodore Olayinka Olusola Oyesola, with his new rank of Air Vice Marshal in the Nigerian Air Force; Commander, BoG, Adebisi Olusegun Onasanya, who is promoted from Colonel to the rank of Brigadier-General; and the Police CPSO, Usman Musa Shugaba, who is now a Deputy Commissioner of Police after being promoted from his prior rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police, President Tinubu said he was very impressed by the officers’ “loyalty and dedication to duty”.

 

“Nigeria calls all to serve. We are the servants of the country, not the masters as you have seen. Your stewardship as leaders in your various categories is reflected in the assignments and responsibilities you have undertaken. I hope that Nigeria will continue to recognize your service to motherland,” the President concluded.

The newly promoted officers were decorated by the President who was assisted by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar; the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja; and the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, respectively, in the presence of the spouses of the elevated officers. 

The event was witnessed by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; the Service Chiefs; Heads of Intelligence Agencies, as well as presidential aides.

Speaking on behalf of the officers, AVM Olayinka thanked the President for the promotion of the officers and for the privilege to be of service to the nation. He assured the Commander-in-Chief of their continued loyalty and commitment to duty.

Late Gov. Akeredolu's Remains Arrive in Nigeria.

Late Gov. Akeredolu's Remains Arrive in Nigeria.

.....Receives Solemn Reception with Presence of Dignitaries.

The body of the late former Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, has arrived Nigeria.

The plane conveying the body arrived at about 3:39 p.m on Friday, January 5, 2024.

The late Governor's remains were brought into the country from Germany, where he passed away.

The body was received by his wife, Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, his children, and siblings led by Prof. Wole Akeredolu, the immediate younger brother.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbi Talabi; and representative of Osun State Governor, Senator Demola Adeleke also joined in receiving the body. 

Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Engr. Ade Adetimehin; a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Gboyega Adefarati, and some members of the Ondo State Executive Council, led by the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu, were also present at the airport to receive the body of the former Governor.

Family members, followers, friends, and associates could not control their emotions as the body of the late Governor was being lowered from the plane.

Late Governor Akeredolu passed away in Germany on December 26, 2023.

His remains have been deposited at the morgue until the final burial. 

Details of the burial arrangements will be announced by the family at a later date.

Oyebanji Implores Newly Inaugurated Local Government Chairmen to Prioritize Local Content for Sustainable Development.

Oyebanji Implores Newly Inaugurated Local Government Chairmen to Prioritize Local Content for Sustainable Development. 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, urged the 38 newly inaugurated Local Government Chairmen and their Vice to prioritize local content in their project executions. 

The call was made during the inauguration ceremony of Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Area Chairmen today.

Governor Oyebanji who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye, emphasized that while direct labour might be necessary in specific situations, it should be the exception rather than the norm. 

He highlighted the administration's commitment to equitable distribution of socioeconomic opportunities, advocating for engaging local contractors with a proven track record and providing training for local workers.

The Governor underscored the importance of government-business partnerships to foster economic growth, emphasizing that prioritizing local content not only creates jobs but also stimulates the local economy, leading to sustainable development and improved living standards for the people of Ekiti state.

Oyebanji expressed satisfaction that the government's commitment to local content in project execution demonstrates dedication to empowering local communities and building a prosperous future for all residents. 

The event was attended by dignitaries, including the Governor's wife, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, Members of the House of Representatives, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, members of the state executive council, the state House of Assembly, traditional rulers, the Director-General of the Bureau of Local Content, Hon. Lekan Ijidale, and chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC), among others.

Bill to establish 47 new universities scales second reading.

Bill to establish 47 new universities scales second reading.

A bill proposing the establishment of 47 new universities has successfully passed the second reading. This will make the number of federal-owned universities in Nigeria hit 99 in the coming months.

Concurrently, around 56 bills, aiming to establish Federal Medical Centres in various regions of the country, have also advanced through the second reading.

As of now, Nigeria has 52 federal universities, and certain states within the federation host more than one of these institutions.

The House is also considering various bills to establish about 32 Federal Colleges of Education, 11 Federal Colleges of Agriculture and five Federal Polytechnics in addition to the already existing institutions.

In addition to the 52 federal universities, there are 22 federal medical centres, 27 federal colleges of education and 40 polytechnics in Nigeria.

Some of the bills were either passed during the 9th Assembly but lacked the necessary concurrence at the Senate to proceed or were not signed by the President.

When established, some of the institutions will include Universities of Science and Technology, Agriculture, Aviation, Medicals, and Engineering, among others.

Findings revealed that the House is also considering various bills to establish Colleges of Vocational and Skill Acquisition, Cancer Research and Entrepreneurship.

A study of the House order paper listing the institutions and other bills under consideration revealed that Lagos State, for example, has requested the establishment of three new Federal Medical Centres in addition to the already existing one.

Recall that Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, in his address to House members on December 30, 2023, highlighted that the Green Chamber received and deliberated on 962 bills, 500 motions, and 153 petitions within a span of six months.

Five S’West States Amotekun Corps Hold Walk For Akeredolu.

Five S’West States Amotekun Corps Hold Walk For Akeredolu.

Operatives of the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun, from Ekiti, Oyo, Osun, Ogun, and Ondo states organized a walk on Thursday in Akure to pay tribute to the late Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu.

Akeredolu’s successor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, joined Amotekun corps during the walk from the Cathedral area of Akure to the Governor’s Office.

The Global News had previously reported that Akeredolu passed away on December 27, 2023, following an extended struggle with prostate cancer. He was 67 years old.

In his capacity as the Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, Akeredolu played a pivotal role in rallying his counterparts from the six South-West states to establish Amotekun, a regional security outfit. This initiative was a response to the increasing insecurity, specifically addressing attacks on farmers and kidnappings perpetrated by criminal elements.

Despite initial opposition from the Federal Government, spearheaded by then Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), Akeredolu, who was also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), guided his fellow South-West governors in successfully establishing Amotekun.

During the walk on Thursday, Aiyedatiwa said South-West governors would continue to work together to ensure the continuity of Amotekun.

He said, “I can assure you that Amotekun will be sustained because of its role in society; because the security of lives and property of the people of the South-West zone is very important to us; we will use whatever is in our possession to support and sustain it.”

He commended the Amotekun corps and commanders for honouring Akeredolu, “whose passage was a monumental loss to the state and Amotekun as a whole.”

Responding on behalf of his colleagues, the commander of the Ondo Amotekun, Adetunji Adeleye, said Akeredolu would continue to be remembered for his legacy.

Adeleye, who is the Chairman of the South West Amotekun Commanders, appreciated the officers and men of the corps for their unrelenting efforts.

“We have met all the governors and all of them have shown their solidarity with the people of Ondo State.

“All the corps commanders travelled all the way from their various states today; that’s the essence of the 5km walk we embarked on today.

“The good work he (Akeredolu) did, mainly in the security system in South-West, is worth mentioning.

“We all knew what the security situation was before the creation of Amotekun; that’s about three years ago, and we are a living testimony to the fact that security in the South-West has greatly improved.

“We are resolute to continue the good work that he (Akeredolu) started. That’s our own contribution to immortalising him as our great leader.

“Akeredolu was resolute and sincere at making sure that Amotekun corps became a reality,” he said.

Also, the Corps Commander from Oyo, retired Col. Olayinka Olayanju, pledged that the corps would continue to operate.