NANS Ekiti State JCC Commends Hon. Comr Sunday Asefon for Facilitating Leadership Assembly Across Institutions.

NANS Ekiti State JCC Commends Hon. Comr Sunday Asefon for Facilitating Leadership Assembly Across Institutions.

In a resounding show of appreciation, the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Ekiti State Joint Campus Committee (JCC), under the capable guidance of Comr Sikiru Aderibigbe, has applauded Hon. Comr Sunday Asefon, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagements, for his noteworthy gestures in facilitating a leadership assembly across all institutions in the state.

The commendation comes as a testament to the tireless efforts and grand gestures demonstrated by Hon. Comr Sunday Asefon, who serves not only as a capacity mentor but also as a father figure, activist, and charismatic leader to the student community.

In his appreciation speech, the JCC Chairman, Comr Sikiru Aderibigbe, expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating, "The benefits of your initiative are numerous and far-reaching. One benefit is the increased communication between students and the government. This will allow for more effective collaboration and problem-solving in the future."

He went on to emphasize the significance of Hon. Comr Sunday Asefon's willingness to connect with students and listen to their concerns, underscoring it as a testament to the commitment to the well-being of the student body. Aderibigbe praised the initiative for inspiring students to become more engaged and active in their communities, fostering a spirit of cooperation to bring about positive change.

The impact of these actions, according to the JCC Chairman, has left a lasting impression on the student body, and the entire student community is genuinely grateful for Hon. Comr Sunday Asefon's unwavering commitment and generosity.

In a collective expression of gratitude, the NANS Ekiti State JCC extended their best wishes for continued success in all of Hon. Comr Sunday Asefon's future endeavors. The leadership assembly facilitated by Asefon is recognized as a pivotal moment fostering unity, collaboration, and an enhanced channel of communication between the student community and the government, ensuring a more engaged and empowered student body in Ekiti State.

Joshua to face ex-UFC fighter Ngannou.

Joshua to face ex-UFC fighter Ngannou.

Anthony Joshua will fight former UFC star Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia, says promoter Eddie Hearn.

Ngannou lost to Tyson Fury on his professional boxing debut in October.

Joshua, 34, was set to face Deontay Wilder after beating Otto Wallin, but the American’s loss to Joseph Parker scuppered plans for their big showdown.

Hearn posted “it’s a done deal” on X on Friday, and added: “Anthony Joshua v Francis Ngannou collide on a huge night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.”

A March 9 date has been mentioned, but Hearn said a press conference would be held in London on 15 January with more details about the fight “dropping soon”.

Cameroon-born Ngannou, 37, was ranked the number 10 heavyweight by the WBC after he almost stunned WBC heavyweight champion Fury, losing on a controversial split decision in their Saudi Arabia contest.

Saudi organisers had already pencilled in a Joshua-Wilder bout for this year, but the 38-year-old Wilder’s defeat by New Zealander Parker on the same card as Briton Joshua’s win over Wallin meant a highly-anticipated mega-fight slipped away.

While no contract had been signed, the pair were expected to enter the ring post-fight and announce a deal to fight at some point in early 2024.

Meanwhile, Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will fight to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999 when they finally clash on 17 February in Saudi Arabia.

Briton Fury, 35, is the WBC champion, with Ukraine’s Usyk, 36, holding the WBA, WBO and IBF belts.

BBC

Kayode-Laguda gets APC ticket to fill Gbajabiamila’s rep seat.

Kayode-Laguda gets APC ticket to fill Gbajabiamila’s rep seat.

Financial expert and former public servant, Fuad Kayode-Laguda, has emerged as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the Surulere 1 Constituency House of Representatives by-election.

Kayode-Laguda emerged as the candidate by winning the party’s primary election held on Saturday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. 

The bye-election fixed for February 3, 2024, is meant to replace the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, who represented the constituency before President Bola Tinubu appointed him as his Chief of Staff.

Gbonyin LCDA Chairman, Hon Oluwadamilare Ajayi, Commends Gov. Oyebanji's Leadership; Pledges Ongoing Development in Second Term.

Gbonyin LCDA Chairman, Hon Oluwadamilare Ajayi, Commends Gov. Oyebanji's Leadership; Pledges Ongoing Development in Second Term.

In a resounding tribute to effective governance and unity, Hon. Oluwadamilare Ajayi, Chairman of Gbonyin Local Council Development Area (LCDA), has voiced his gratitude for Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, praising him for cultivating a conducive and enabling environment for the state's growth and development. The accolades were conveyed in a New Year speech released by Hon. Damilare Ajayi after his re-election for a second term.

Hon. Damilare Ajayi took a moment to commend Barrister Paul Omotoso, the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), recognizing him as a remarkable leader and unifier who has steadfastly held the party together, making it the most united and outstanding political entity in the state.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.

During his New Year speech, Hon. Ajayi underscored the efficient and effective efforts of Governor Biodun Oyebanji and his team, emphasizing their dedication to propelling the state to greater heights in all aspects and ramifications.

Chairman Gbonyin LCDA, Hon Oluwadamilare Ajayi.

Reflecting on his initial two years in office, Hon. Ajayi outlined a series of achievements, including the extension of electricity, rehabilitation of roads, perimeter fencing of the council Secretariat, construction of a block of five offices with basic facilities, rehabilitation of market stalls and the cultivation of arable crops like maize, cassava, and yam. Other accomplishments encompassed improvements in internally generated revenue, implementation of effective safety strategies for lives and properties and enhanced staff welfare 

Now embarking on another three-year term, Hon. Ajayi pledged to sustain his commitment to humanity and social development in Gbonyin LCDA. He assured residents of fulfilling all promises made during his campaign, envisioning an era of global changes and robust development in Gbonyin LCDA by the grace of God.

As he commences his second term, the Chairman urged the people of Gbonyin LCDA to support Governor Oyebanji's administration with prayers and align with the administration's six pillars. The prevailing message from Gbonyin LCDA signifies a dedication to ongoing progress and a promising future under the leadership of Hon. Damilare Ajayi.

Looking ahead, Hon. Ajayi promised larger development in the agriculture sector, education, social welfare, infrastructure, health, and other critical sectors during his second term. The community eagerly anticipates the positive impact of these promises in the coming years.

Makinde grants clemency, sentence reduction to 33 inmates in Oyo.

Makinde grants clemency, sentence reduction to 33 inmates in Oyo.

No fewer than 33 inmates from across the Nigerian Correctional Centres in Oyo state have been granted clemency in their serving terms.

Out of the figure, ten inmates were pardoned and released from custodial centres, while four individuals on death row have their terms commuted to life imprisonment.

Also, 15 inmates received reduced sentences while four others were granted conditional release under a signed clemency order by the governor on Thursday.

Commending the development, the state Controller of Corrections; Salami Olubamiji (CC) said Governor Makinde’s seasonal gesture provides forgiveness and hope to dozens of incarcerated individuals across the state.

 He said: “This effort will go a long way to boost the morale of all the inmates and encourage them to involve themselves in various vocational and academic training programs provided in the facilities to rebuild their lives.

“Among the main components of the governor’s signed release order: ten inmates were immediately freed from custody this holiday season.

“Four inmates on death row have their sentence commuted to life imprisonment.

“Fifteen individuals currently serving term, received reductions in their term of incarceration.

 “Four students progressing towards degrees at the National Open University in custodial centres approved for release upon graduation.”

He said the Nigerian Correctional custodial facilities in Oyo state house over 1,800 inmates in facilities located in Ogbomoso, Ibadan, and Oyo Town, adding that the facilities provide substantive rehabilitation and skills-building programs daily so that restored citizens can contribute to society.

 He added that officials of the Correctional Service are processing the required paperwork to begin discharging the approved inmates immediately.

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.