Hon Ogunsanya Engages Retired Military Veterans in Solemn Armistice Remembrance Jumat Service.

Hon Ogunsanya Engages Retired Military Veterans in Solemn Armistice Remembrance Jumat Service.

By Olamide Akinwumi J.

In a poignant observance of the Armistice 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Hon Ogunsanya Lawrence Sunday, the Executive Chairman of Ifedara LCDA, participated in the Jumat service organized at the Central Mosque in Igbemo-Ekiti. The solemn occasion was dedicated to honoring retired military men who have served the nation with dedication and sacrifice.

During the Jumat service, Hon Ogunsanya addressed the gathering of retired military veterans, urging them to lend their support to both his administration and the overarching government of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. The Chairman emphasized the importance of collaboration, recognizing the valuable contributions that the fallen Soldiers and Heroes have made in Nigeria.

He expressed, "Our fallen Soldiers and Heroes have made the ultimate sacrifice. They have laid down their lives so that we may enjoy the freedom they fought to secure for us. Let us keep them in our thoughts and prayers, not just on Memorial day, but every day," explaining the profound gratitude owed to the nation's defenders.

Expressing his commitment to inclusive governance, Hon Ogunsanya Lawrence promised to keep the retired military veterans informed and involved in the activities of his administration. This pledge signifies a dedication to ensuring that the experiences and insights of these esteemed individuals contribute to the decision-making processes within the LCDA.

The commitment to community support, inclusive governance, and broader development aligns with Hon Ogunsanya Lawrence's vision for a united and progressive Ifedara LCDA. The Armistice Remembrance Jumat Service provided a platform for the Chairman to underscore the importance of unity and collaboration in the pursuit of shared goals.

The preacher urged the good People of Ifedara LCDA, Ekiti, and Nigeria at large to pray for the soldiers every day, especially those who had paid the supreme sacrifice by giving their lives in defense of society. He emphasized that the soldiers' responsibilities to the nation stemmed from the tasks that Allah, in His infinite mercy and wisdom, has given to all mankind.

In attendance at the Jumat service were Vice Chairman of Ifedara LCDA, Hon Sola Olowojebutu, as well as key officials, including the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLA), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Finance (DF), and the Head of Department (HoD) of the community. This collective presence emphasized the LCDA's commitment to honoring and engaging with the retired military veterans.

As the last notes of the Jumat service for the fallen military servicemen echoed through the mosque, Hon Ogunsanya Lawrence and his entourage departed with a shared commitment to unity, progress, and a continued partnership with the retired military community in Ifedara LCDA.

Tinubu Suspends National Social Investment Programme.

Tinubu Suspends National Social Investment Programme.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has suspended all administered programmes by the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA).

This is further to the ongoing investigation of alleged malfeasance in the management of the agency and its programmes.

All four (4) Programmes administered by NSIPA, viz; N- Power Programme, Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme and Home Grown School Feeding Programme (the "Programs") have been suspended for a period of six (6) weeks in the first instance.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has also raised significant concerns regarding operational lapses and improprieties surrounding payments to the Programs' beneficiaries.

He has therefore constituted a ministerial panel to conduct a thorough review of the Agency's operations with a view to recommending necessary reforms of the NSIPA.

During the period of this suspension, all NSIPA-related activities, including but not limited to all distributions, events, payments, collaborations and registrations are now frozen.

The President wishes to assure the stakeholders and all Nigerians that his administration remains committed to a swift and unbiased process that will ensure that, going forward, social intervention programmes will work exactly as intended, to the benefit of the most vulnerable Nigerians.

EKSG reiterates commitment to local content.

EKSG reiterates commitment to local content.

Ekiti State government has restated its avowed commitment to ensuring that local artisans and businesses are patronised to encourage them and make them partakers in the shared prosperity agenda of Governor Oyebanji. 

The Director General of Bureau of Local content, Hon. Olalekan Ijidale, who stated this in Ado Ekiti on Friday during a working visit to office of Ring Road Project Contractor of Craneburg Construction said he would try as much as possible to implement Governor Oyebanji's mandate to enhance local content utilization in ongoing projects in the state.

The Director General, who was accompanied by leaders of Artisans groups in the state, stressed the importance of incorporating a substantial percentage of local artisans in handling various projects especially Construction works in the state adding that it is the only way indigenes of the state could benefit from government largesse and make their impact felt in the state. 

Ijidale however emphasized that only artisans, local contractors, suppliers, and other professions registered with the Bureau of Local Content office will be eligible for local employment opportunities either directly with government or government contractors. 

He also hinted that government has mandated all Local Government and LCDA Chairmen to utilize local contractors for state development projects which further signified 

 commitment to bolstering local content involvement in developmental initiatives.

In his submission, Project Contractor of Craneburg Construction, Mr Dani Manssour expressed the willingness of his firm to engage as many Ekiti indigenes as possible, assuring that those who agree to the company's working terms will be absorbed as staff and accorded entitlements in line with the company's regulations.

Oyebode charges Ekiti Journalists on Developmental Journalism.

Oyebode charges Ekiti Journalists on Developmental Journalism.

…..Unveils Oyebanji’s ambitious Projects for Ekiti in 2024.

The administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji has reaffirmed its commitment to continue to involve various stakeholders, including the citizens , unions, civil society organizations, community leaders, and critical sectors in the governance of the state.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Mr. Yinka Oyebode made the declaration during a meeting with the leadership of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti State council. 

Expressing gratitude to the union for its crucial role in disseminating information about government programs and policies, Oyebode seized the opportunity to announce the administration's plans for 2024, noting that government was committed to executing projects with a direct impact on citizens, citing examples from the administration’s performance in the last fifteen months.

He said the administration is set to achieve double of what it achieved last year in the areas  of infrastructure upgrade, socio economic development,  general welfare, wellbeing and safety of the people, having successfully laid a solid foundation for its shared prosperity agenda. 

Highlighting the importance of journalism as the fourth estate of the realm, the Special Adviser urged journalists in Ekiti State to embrace developmental journalism. He called for a collective effort to maintain the integrity of the profession and urged the new NUJ executives to passionately defend the rights of their members. 

Oyebode assured the union of the government's continuous support, urging journalists not to relent in their fundamental roles of educating and enlightening the citizens as well as offering constructive criticism. 

Responding, the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi, lauded the various initiatives and ongoing support for the union and its members from the government. 

He acknowledged the Special Adviser's significant contributions to the media industry, emphasizing his role in building, mentoring, and creating opportunities for journalists and young media professionals, hence the union’s decision to name a legacy project after Mr. Oyebode.

Commending Governor Oyebanji's efforts in ensuring the welfare of journalists, Babatuyi pledged that the union will continue projecting the activities and policies of the government while maintaining a vigilant stance to keep the administration accountable. 

The NUJ chairman assured that the union would play its part in contributing to the overall development and success of Ekiti State.

Oyebanji Appoints Dr. Tunji Olowolafe as EKSU Chancellor, Effective Immediately.

Oyebanji Appoints Dr. Tunji Olowolafe as EKSU Chancellor, Effective Immediately.                        By Olamide Akinwumi J. 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has exercised his authority as the Governor of the state and Visitor to the University by appointing Dr. Tunji Olowolafe as the Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti.

Dr. Olowolafe, a prominent business figure hailing from Are-Ekiti, brings a wealth of experience to the position. Initially a medical doctor, he transitioned into the business realm, gaining decades of professional expertise and establishing an excellent reputation.

As the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Deux Project Limited, a civil engineering, construction, consultancy, and maintenance company co-founded in 1988, Dr. Olowolafe has been at the forefront of diverse business ventures. His leadership extends to Generic Product Limited, founded in 1996, and he serves as the Chairman and Managing Director of Deux Investment Limited.

A graduate of Medicine and Surgery from the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Dr. Olowolafe briefly practiced medicine before venturing into business. His contributions to the community also include serving as a member of the Ekiti State Covid-19 Resource Mobilization Committee.

The appointment of Dr. Tunji Olowolafe as the Chancellor of Ekiti State University is effective immediately, marking a significant development in the university's leadership.

In light of the announcement, Yinka Oyebode, the Special Adviser, Media to the Governor, Ekiti State, released the statement on January 12, 2024, outlining the Governor's decision and highlighting Dr. Olowolafe's credentials and achievements. The appointment reflects Governor Oyebanji's commitment to bringing experienced and accomplished individuals to key positions within the state.

EKSG to partner Finland on tech-driven innovation.

EKSG to partner Finland on tech-driven innovation.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has expressed the readiness of his administration to partner with the Government of Finland to bring cutting-edge technology and expertise to it's Ekiti Knowledge Zone which is aimed at  propelling the state into the forefront of technology -driven development in the country.

Governor Oyebanji, who made this known during a working visit to the Finish Ambassador to Nigeria, Leena Pylvanainen, in Abuja on Thursday, said his government is embracing cutting edge technologies for sustainable development in the state.

While explaining that the Ekiti Knowledge Zone has capacity to lift Ekiti people out of poverty, the Governor said the collaboration would harness Finland’s renowned prowess in science, innovation, technology, and provide the with a transformative impetus for economic growth and social development.

Governor Oyebanji said Finland, which is renowned for her robust tech- ecosystem and innovation-friendly policies, would also contribute significantly to Ekiti’s aspiration to become a hub for technology-driven solutions in Nigeria.

He added that the partnership envisions knowledge exchange, skill development, and joint initiatives that will propel Ekiti State into the forefront of technological advancement in Nigeria and African Continent.

“We have an ecosystem that is called Ekiti Knowledge Zone and its an innovation hub that is going to leverage on services and I discover that services contribute more than 70 percent  to Finland GDP, so we have a lot to learn from Finland and a lot to do together. 

“My visit  is to tell you that we are a partnership with Finland. We are looking for partnership with friendly countries and agencies that will see what we have and collaborate with us so that we can lead our people out of poverty, reduce insecurity, create wealth and employment for the people, “ the Governor asserted. 

In her own remarks, the Ambassador of Finland to Nigeria, Leena Pylvanainen, commended the Governor’s commitment to fostering international cooperation for the development of Ekiti State and emphasized Finland’s interest in engaging with the state for mutual benefits.

Acknowledging the state’s potential for growth and the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving sustainable development goal, the Ambassador said that the collaboration marked significant step towards strengthening diplomatic ties and creating opportunities for mutual development.

The Commissiiner for Innovation, Science and Digital Economy, Mr Seun Fakuade and  Permanent Secretary, Abuja Liaison  Office, Mr Babatunde Olaoye, were among government officials that accompanied Governor Oyebanji on the visit.

Oyebanji seeks FG’s support for dry/wet season farming, mechanization, livestock production.

Oyebanji seeks FG’s support for dry/wet season farming, mechanization, livestock production.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has indicated the readiness of the state to participate in Federal Government’s wet/dry season farming intervention scheme, designed to enhance food security and boost agricultural productivity.

The Governor also solicited more collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for mechanization and tractorization farming, livestorck production to enhance mechanized farming, achieve food sufficiency, create wealth, and reduce dependency on imported goods in the state.

Governor Oyebanji disclosed these during a working visit to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in Abuja on Thursday, where he met with the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari and the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food security, Senator Aliyu Adbullah. 

Governor Oyebanji said his government is determined to maximize agricultural potentials in order to bring his people out of poverty and put them on the path of economic prosperity.

He explained that the meeting was in line with his administration’s commitment to modernizing agriculture and promoting self-sufficiency in food production, adding that his administration has developed strategies aimed at positioning the state as a viable investment destination for agro-investor.

The Governor highlighted his intervention in agriculture sector since assuming office to include, changing the orientation of farmer to agric business, providing support in respect to land clearing and preparation, distribution of improved seedlings, connecting farmer with grants and loan with lesser interest, cutting off middle men so that they can prosper doing the business, leveraging on livestock, crops production to create wealth, among others.

Emphasizing on the critical roles the collaboration would further play in sustaining livelihoods and ensuring a steady food supply for the growing population of the state, Governor Oyebanji expressed confidence that concerted effort in supporting both dry and wet season farming would lead to increased crop yielding and a more resilient agricultural sector capable of withstanding varying climate conditions.

Soliciting support in the areas of mechanization and tractorization, Oyebanji further explained that adoption of modern farming equipment and technology would increase efficiency and productivity.

He maintained that mechanized farming will not only expedite production processes but also attract more youths to the agriculture sector, addressing the issue of aging farmers and fostering a sustainable future for agriculture. 

“My visit here today is to explore areas of collaboration with the Ministry in the following areas. We want to be part of your agro pocket scheme, the dry and wet season farming. We also want to see if it’s possible for you to assist us with mechanization and tractorization because in Ekiti what we have done is to subsidize tractor hiring to our farmers, if you want to hire tractor, government will pay 50percent of the money and we are also looking at the possibility of live stocks supports”.

“I have been in office for a year and two months and during that time we have tried our best to provide support for our famers, the first thing we do is to change the orientation of farmers, by letting them know that Agric is a business and science that its not the normal hoes and cutlass farming, we are providing support in respect to land clearing and preparation, we have gotten improved seedlings for them, we are connecting them to grants and loans that doesn’t have too much interest and we have also tried to cutoff middle men so that they can prosper doing this business and we are providing infrastructure” the Governor said

Eelier in his welcome address, the Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari thaked the Governor for the visit and commended him for the unprecedented achievement recorded by his administration in agricultural sector in just about one year in office.

Senator Abubakar maintained that the visit signified the strong collaboration and partnership between the State and the Federal Government in the collective efforts to ensure food security and agriculture development in Nigeria.

While assuring the Governor of the readiness of his Ministry to partner with Ekiti State Government, the Minister expressed confidence that through continue collaboration and dedication, the country would overcome the current challenges and achieve a prosperous agriculture sector in Nigeria