Contractors promise Aiyedatiwa timely completion of projects.

Contractors promise Aiyedatiwa timely completion of projects.

The Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has expressed his commitment to complete all ongoing projects across the state as he ordered the contractors handling road projects to return to sites and continue the work.

The governor also approved the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of 60km roads across the state within the next three months.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Ebenezer Adeniyan on Saturday.

According to the statement, some of the affected roads are Oda -Ijoka dualisation in Akure, Owo dualisation, Arigidi-Ogbagi Akoko, and OAUSTECH internal roads, among others.

It noted that projects to receive urgent attention as directed by the governor are the completion of Owo township dualization,  Oba Osupa – Oluwatuyi – Ijoka road (Akure) dualisation, completion of Oda dual carriage (Akure), completion of Akure flyover (Onyearugbulem-Shagari-Irese road), construction of 15.89km selected roads in Ondo township among others.

The statement read, “Governor Aiyedatiwa, who had promised that all ongoing infrastructural projects in the state would be completed, directed the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to mobilise contractors back to the site to speed up work on the projects for early completion.

“The governor expressed the determination of his administration to hit the ground running with the implementation of policies and programmes of government as scheduled to budget, assuring timely payment for jobs done by contractors

The statement added that the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Allen Idowu, had relayed the directive of the governor to the concerned contractors.

“The Permanent Secretary said the contractors had expressed their willingness to speed up their projects to meet up with the deadline set by the governor, adding that the officials of the ministry had also been mobilised to play their parts,” the statement read.

Hon Ogunsanya Inspires Ifelodun Muslim Chiefs to Foster Humanitarian Development and Islamic Promotion.

Hon Ogunsanya Inspires Ifelodun Muslim Chiefs to Foster Humanitarian Development and Islamic Promotion.                                                       By Olamide Akinwumi J. 

The Executive Chairman of Ifedara LCDA, Hon Ogunsanya Lawrence, graced the awards and installation of chief ceremony at the Central Mosque, Igbemo-Ekiti. The event, held on Saturday, January 13th, 2024, celebrated the induction of new chiefs within the Ifelodun Muslim community in Ifedara LCDA, Irepodun/Ifelodun LGA, Ekiti.

In his address, Chairman Hon Ogunsanya inspired the newly inaugurated chiefs to utilize their positions for the betterment of humanity and uphold the principles of Almighty Allah. He emphasized the importance of remaining true to the doctrines of Islam and serving diligently.

"Contribute meaningfully to the development of humanity, lead your followers in line with Muslim principles and standards. Don't be biased; remember that Allah is omnipresent and always guides our deeds," he explained.

Hon Ogunsanya also called upon the Muslim community to include prayers for the present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, and his own administration. He highlighted the significant contributions of religious leaders to community development, underlining his administration's commitment to involving all religious leaders.

In addressing internal revenue generation, the Chairman advised the Muslim community and the entire Ifedara LCDA to consistently pay their taxes, enabling the government to execute effective and tangible projects.

Touching on environmental hygiene, he urged the Muslim community to keep their environment clean and tidy, emphasizing the importance of observing environmental sanitation exercises.

Dignitaries present at the event included the Chief of Staff to the chairman, his Personal Assistant, traditional leaders, chiefs, and various religious leaders. The ceremony marked a harmonious convergence of community leaders dedicated to fostering positive development and unity.

The installation ceremony underscored a commitment to religious principles, community progress, and collaborative efforts for a better future.

Minister assures contractors of adequate funding for Abuja-Kano highway.

Minister assures contractors of adequate funding for Abuja-Kano highway.

The Minister of Finance and Co-Ordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has assured contractors of adequate funding for the Abuja-Kano highway.

The minister gave the assurance in a statement signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Stephen Kilebe, on Saturday.

The Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road forms a critical part of Nigeria’s highway which runs from north to south, enabling the movement of people and products across the country, thereby, uniting Nigerians and the economy.

To address the poor condition and deterioration of this major road, the Federal Government contracted the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the 375.9km of the dual carriageway to Julius Berger: from the Federal Capital Territory Abuja through Kaduna, excluding the Kaduna bypass, to Zaria and further north to Kano.

However, Edun noted that the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano dual carriageway is a viable project, adding that he does not doubt the completion of the project on time by the contractors.

The statement read, “The Minister of Finance and Co-Ordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and his Federal Ministry of Works counterpart, Senator David Umahi, have embarked on the inspection of the Abuja – Kaduna – Zaria – Kano Dual Carriage Way.

“In his remarks, the minister said they were at the inspection of the project today under the mandate of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to examine and hear from the contractors and see their commitment, encourage and support them to the early completion of this all-important project and to urge them to do more.”

Edun reiterated that infrastructure was a critical priority of the Tinubu-led administration “in order to get food prices down, ease transportation of agricultural produce, movement of people freely across the country, and stabilise the economy.”

The minister assured the contractors of the availability of funds for the early completion of the road project.

He said, “We have come, we have seen the level of commitment of the contractors to the completion of the project as soon as possible.”

The minister, who commended the level of progress made on the project, said the ongoing attempt was to improve domestic resources mobilisation available to highly viable projects such as this.

Earlier, Umahi disclosed that Tinubu had directed that they “must ensure that work is completed on this project in 24 months.”

He added that “the two ministers are sorting out the payment modalities and ensuring milestone completion of the project. 

Umahi also thanked him for making critical decisions about the completion of the projects.

The Programme Manager of Julius Berger, the contractor handling the project, Mr. Benjamin Butt, disclosed that the company was using a construction methodology known as recycling technology in the rehabilitation of the roads.

Tinubu sets up panel to audit social investment programmes.

Tinubu sets up panel to audit social investment programmes.

President Bola Tinubu on Saturday approved the establishment of a Special Presidential Panel saddled with the responsibility of undertaking a comprehensive review and reform of the social investment programmes suspended last month.

The panel will be led by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun.

The SPP comes 24 hours after Tinubu suspended all administered Social Investment Programmes by the National Social Investment Programme Agency which also includes the school-feeding programme.

A statement signed on Friday by the Director of Information, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, said the suspension was in view of the “ongoing investigation of alleged malfeasance in the management of the agency and its programmes.”

Sequel to the six-week suspension of the four programmes, Tinubu tasked the Edun-led panel to “immediately undertake a comprehensive review and audit of existing financial frameworks and policy guidelines of the social investment programmes.”

This is is according to a statement signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, titled ‘President Tinubu establishes special presidential panel on social investment programmes.’

Ngelale said the goal is to implement “a total re-engineering of the financial architecture of the programmes with detailed modification to procedures guiding the programmes’ implementation moving forward.”

The SPP, which is comprised of ministers representing strategic sectors and will ensure a multi-disciplinary approach to the reform effort, is made up of the coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance as Chairman, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate as Member.

Other members are the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammad Idris; Minister of Communicatons, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijjani; and the Minister of State for Youth, Ayodele Olawande.

Tinubu anticipates that the anel will “validate the confidence reposed in it by winning back all lost public confidence in these vital programmes over the years by ushering in a new era of operation based on open and accountable governance frameworks.”

He said these frameworks will prove “impervious to abuse and incompetence for the exclusive benefit of disadvantaged households across our nation.”

Oyebanji Names Local Government Secretaries; Inauguration Set for January 15, 2024.

Oyebanji Names Local Government Secretaries; Inauguration Set for January 15, 2024.

By Olamide Akinwumi J. 

In a move aimed at strengthening local governance, the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has announced the appointment of secretaries for the 16 local government councils and 22 local council development areas in the state. This decision comes on the heels of the recent inauguration of chairmen and vice-chairmen for these councils, demonstrating the administration's commitment to efficient grassroots leadership.

The Governor's directive includes the inauguration of the newly appointed secretaries on Monday, January 15, 2024, in their respective councils. This swift action underscores the administration's dedication to ensuring a fully functional and effective local government system.

Congratulating the newly appointed secretaries, Governor Oyebanji encouraged them to view their roles as opportunities to contribute significantly to grassroots development. He emphasized the importance of their positions in advancing the administration's shared prosperity agenda and fostering development across all towns and communities in the state.

The Biodun Oyebanji administration remains resolute in its commitment to the comprehensive development of Ekiti State. The local government administration is seen as a vital vehicle to drive progress at the grassroots level, aligning with the shared prosperity agenda of the administration.

The Special Adviser, Media to the Governor, Yinka Oyebode, confirmed the appointments and inauguration date, signifying the government's proactive approach to fulfilling its promises and delivering on its development objectives.

This development marks another stride in Governor Oyebanji's proactive and people-centric governance style, as Ekiti State continues on its path towards sustained growth and prosperity.

I won't be Distracted by 2026 Schemings, says Oyebanji.

 I won't be Distracted by 2026 Schemings, says Oyebanji.                                                                       .......Says his actions, policies align with divine guidance.                                                                          ...…work 'll Begin on 1.2km Flyover Soon.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has said he would not get distracted by underhand political schemings ahead of the 2026 governorship race in the state, describing the idea of second term as the least of his worries for now. 

The Governor also said work on the 1.2 kilometres flyover to be constructed between Okeyinmi and Ijigbo roundabouts in Ado Ekiti, would commence early in the year, to help decongest the business district and give the state capital Ekiti a facelift.

Oyebanji stated these on Saturday, at the grand finale of the 2024 Week of Prayer, organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in conjunction with the Ekiti State Government, held at Jibowu Hall, Government House, in Ado Ekiti. 

At the intercessional programme, prayers were offered for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the success of his economic policies and programmes as well as for security and progress for the country. The Biodun Oyebanji administration was also rededicated to God for guidance and leading. 

Addressing the congregation at the event which was a follow up to the maiden edition held on January 14, 2023, Governor Oyebanji said news had been filtering in that some politicians had started holding nocturnal meetings ahead of the 2026 governorship election, saying he won't allow this to derail his focus in the interest of Ekiti citizens.

"They said some people have started holding meetings, I am not bothered by this. For now, 2026 is the least of my worries. What I am really bothered about is leading Ekiti to prosperity, and allowing God to guide us. 

"I have made a covenant that there won't be tolerance for corruption, dishonesty, and disobedience to orders, so, I won't allow second term ambition to distract me. Human beings can play politics, but God is the master politician. He knows how to take care of everything". 

In his testimony, Oyebanji relayed to the congregation that prayer and faith in God have made governance an easy task for him and not brilliance, exposure and any other factor. 

"When I became the Governor, which I never believed in my wildest imagination, I was asked to state what I wanted to go and do. I said God told me go and feed my people. That was why the first year, I dedicated it to the welfare of my people. We were paying salary, pension, and gratuity .

"As we were doing all these, some people said what is going to be my legacy, they advised that I should go and do infrastruture. but I insisted that if I feed the people first, infrastructure will come. Because I was obeying God, money for infrastructure was being provided.

“ Let me tell you that work will commence in the coming weeks on the fly over we planned to construct in Ado Ekiti to ease traffic in the business district around Ejigbo. This is just one of many other projects that will be undertaken. 

"In the last one year, God has done in Ekiti what only Him can do. People are asking where is he getting the money? 

“Some said I didn't have the right connections. But, God, in His infinite mercy, has sent me on a mission and when God says I should move, I do that and we have been able to meet the expectations of the people. 

"God just thrust me forward knowing that I wasn't the most brilliant , the most connected and I didn't have anything called political structures .The only thing I will continue to do is to exalt God in this position. There wasn't any time I got worried that I am the Governor because I know He sent me on this mission". 

Particularly, Oyebanji appealed to the politicians and political office holders to always exhibit sacrificial spirit, saying they should perceive leadership as service to God and humanity. 

In his short Bible exhortation , the CAN Chairman in Ekiti, Reverend Emmanuel Aribasoye, charged Nigerians to always embrace justice and fair-play and run away from attitudes that can corrupt the system, for the nation to enjoy peace, unity and prosperity.

Quoting copiously from Luke 15: 20-22 and Hosea 6: 1, to espouse his spiritual views on the topic : "The Benefit of Returning to the Lord God", Aribasoye warned that no nation without proper restitution with God can enjoy adequate prosperity.

"In 2024, whatever we call sin, let us run away from it. Don't make sin attractive by trying to give it any colouration. For God to forget our sins and deliver us, let us have faith, embrace justice and have attitudinal change. With these, I know that God will heal our land, because Nigeria needs healing.  

"Our desires is that we live in peace, unity and enjoy economic prosperity. When we run to God with open and clean hearts and strong faith, he will surely do them for us. The promise of God for us is that we prosper this year, but he is calling us to return to him and we must do that without delay". 

Delivering the second sermon at the event, the National Leader of Intercessor for Nigeria , Pastor Stephen Olumuyiwa, urged the Governor to work hard and redirect the state to the path of righteousness, honesty, integrity, unity, peace and prosperity in 2024, for Ekiti to savour more infrastructural facelift.

"Under Oyebanji, there should be no tolerance for corruption, dishonesty, disorder and injustice. There shouldn't be disobedience to order. This country has good laws, but the problem is implementation. We don't implement laws, even in the house of God. But this shouldn't happen in Ekiti, because the Governor has entered into covenant to lead with the fear of God".

Present at the event were Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, Head of Service, Engr. Sunday Akomolafe, Commissioners, Special Advisers, Chairman, Council of Ekiti State Traditional Rulers, Oba Ilori Faboro, royal fathers, priests, civil servants, among others.

Oyebanji Pays Courtesy Visit to Elder Statesman Chief Deji Fasuan.

Oyebanji Pays Courtesy Visit to Elder Statesman Chief Deji Fasuan.

By Olamide Akinwumi J. 

In a gesture of respect and acknowledgment of historical contributions, Governor Biodun Oyebanji visited the revered elder statesman, Chief Deji Fasuan, at his residence in Ado Ekiti on Friday, January 12, 2024. Chief Fasuan, a pivotal figure in Ekiti's history, notably chaired the Committee on the creation of Ekiti State, a significant milestone that led to the state's establishment on October 1, 1996. During this transformative period, His Excellency BAO, then a young lecturer, served as the Secretary of the committee.

The meeting between Governor Oyebanji and Chief Fasuan delved into the shared history and commitment to Ekiti's development. Whenever these two influential figures convene, the agenda consistently places Ekiti's progress at the forefront of their discussions.

The encounter underscored the enduring partnership between the seasoned statesman, Baba Fasuan, and the current Governor, highlighting a mutual dedication to the ongoing progress and growth of Ekiti State. The collaboration between the experienced leader and the current administration signifies a bridge between the historical foundations laid by Chief Deji Fasuan and the contemporary initiatives spearheaded by Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

The rendezvous not only symbolizes a mark of respect from Governor Oyebanji to an elder statesman but also serves as a testament to the interconnectedness of Ekiti's past, present, and future. The shared commitment exhibited during the visit reinforces the importance of collaboration and unity in propelling the state towards sustained development and prosperity.