Governor Oyebanji Again Urges New Council Leaders to Prioritize Local Content.

Governor Oyebanji Again Urges New Council Leaders to Prioritize Local Content.

.....Commends D.G. Bureau of Local Content, Ijidale on performance.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has again stressed the need for the newly sworn-in Local Government/LCDA Chairmen to demonstrate commitment to bolstering the state economy through patronage of local contractors and artisans.

Governor Oyebanji stated this during the flag-off ceremony for the three days retreat organized for the new LG/LCDA chairmen held at Adetiloye Hall in Ado-Ekiti.

The Governor, who commended D.G. Bureau of Local Content, Hon. Olalekan Ijidale, on the work done so far, directed all LGA/LCDA Chairmen to meet with the D.G. for an inventory of local contractors in their respective domains to engage them, stating that this is how Ekiti people could prosper. 

"Direct labour is very attractive because it gives rooms for sharp practices. Meanwhile, the local artisans are there, they have nothing to do and we continue telling them that they cant work, that they don't know what they are doing. When we don't allow them to practise and make mistakes how will they improve"?

He insisted that LGA/LCDA Chairmen should shun direct labour as it is a means of siphoning funds from their LG/LCDA. 

Mr Oyebanji further warned that whoever is caught engaging in the fraudulent practices would face the wrath of the law.

The Governor implored the newly sworn-in LGA/LCDA council bosses to help the state economy and its people by using local content to boost the economy.

Oyebanji inaugurates Trustees for ‘Olowe of Ise’ Arts Foundation, Museum.

Oyebanji inaugurates Trustees for ‘Olowe of Ise’ Arts Foundation, Museum.

….Yemisi Shyllon, ‘Nike Arts Gallery’, Ojudu, Odunlade, others on board.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has inaugurated a 13-member Board of Trustees of Olowe of Ise Arts Foundation to serve as the guiding force in the state’s bid to showcase her artistic heritage and position the state eminently on the global stage.

The foundation would also drive the state’s initiative for a modern museum where the works of the world renowned carver, the late Olowe of Ise, would be housed to promote tourism.

Prominent names on the board include Engr Yemisi Shyllon, proprietor of Shyllon Museum, the biggest private museum in Africa; Chief (Mrs) Nike Okundaye of Nike Arts Gallery; Renowned Artist and Curator, Prince Tunde Odunlade; Ms Abiola Adelana; Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi and Senator Babafemi Ojudu who is chairman of the BOT.

Others are, former Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Emeritus Prof Lawrence Kolawole; State Commissioner for Finance, Mr Akintunde Oyebode; Director General, Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Wale Ojo-Lanre; Mr Ologbon Olowe, Dr Mike Adeoye and Architect Olayinka.

The works of the late Olowe of Ise who died in 1934 dot several major museums in America and European countries.

Governor Oyebanji while inaugurating the 13-member Board of Trustees at the EXCO Chamber, Governor’s Office, Ado Ekiti, said the establishment of the Olowe Arts Foundation was not just an act of preservation of cultural heritage, but a steadfast commitment to safeguarding the heritage, celebrating artistic contribution and presenting an enduring legacy for future generations.

Recall that the Governor had last December announced plans by his administration to build a world class museum in Ise Ekiti, in his effort to preserve the legacies of the international renowned carver, popularly called Olowe of Ise Ekiti and to house his works which dot major museums in America and European countries.   

The Governor maintained that the Olowe of Ise Museum under the stewardship of the foundation would serve as a testament to the remarkable craftsmanship artistry and cultural significant of the world renowned carver and a true custodian of Yoruba artistic excellent and honouring the unparalleled legacy of Nigerian and the world most distinguished artist, Olowe of Ise.

Governor Oyebanji explained that Olowe’s carving were testament to the rich cultural heritage and artistic excellence of the state and the Country, hence the importance of ensuring his contribution to nation building were properly acknowledge and celebrated.

Expressing his confidence in the competence, dedication and unwavering commitment of the Trustees, the Governor said their foresight and passion for cultural heritage will stared the foundation towards sustaining success and global recognition

He said : “The Olowe of Ise Museum under the stewardship of the foundation is poised to serve as a testament to the remarkable craftsmanship of history and cultural significance of the world renowned carver, a true custodian of Yoruba artistic excellence. Olowe of Ise mastered pieces reflect the depth of our cultural heritage, the finesse of Yoruba art and the ingenuity of our ancestors”

“The establishment of the museum is not simply an act of preservation, it is a steadfast commitment to safeguarding our heritage, celebrating artistic contributions and presenting a legacy of future generations. With the inauguration of the board of trustees, we are laying a foundation for this noble endeavour and calling upon you to serve as the guiding force in upholding the mission and vision of the Olowe of Ise Art Foundation”.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Director General, Bureau of Tourism Development, Ambassador Wale Ojo Lanre said the inauguration of the BOT shows the commitment of the Biodun Oyebanji administration to honouring the remarkable legacy of Olowe of Ise, who was an outstanding sculptor whose artistic brilliance has left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of the world.

He maintained that the significance of the event extends beyond the realm of arts and culture but also play a pivotal role in the advancement of the state as it brings economic growth, foster cross-cultural exchanges, and enhance the overall well-being of the community.

 

Responding on behalf of members of the trustees, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Senator Babafemi Ojudu said the BOT would work assiduously to ensure that Olowe’s Museum is successful and become a conduit of cultural exchange with global communities.

 

While thanking the Governor for giving them the opportunity to serve the good people of Ekiti State, Senator Ojudu said members of the board would embrace roles with dedication and sense of responsibility by fostering an environment of collaboration, innovation and diversity to ensure that the museum becomes a center of artistic dialogue and cultural enrichment   

 

The Arinjale of Ise –Ekiti, HRM Oba Ayodele Ajayi said the event was a dream come true, adding that he never believed that the realisation of the dream of a museum and recognition for the renowned carver would come so soon. He expressed the appreciation of the people of Ise-Ekiti to the Governor for the decision to cite the museum in the town.

At the event were, Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye, Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adeoye Aribasoye, members of the State House of Assembly, members of the state executive council, the Arinjale of Ise Ekiti, HRM Oba Ayodele Ajayi and chiefs and representatives of Ewi-in-Council.

Irepodun/Ifelodun LG Chairman, Hon Oluwatuyi Honors Armed Forces Remembrance Day with Wreath-Laying Ceremony.

Irepodun/Ifelodun LG Chairman, Hon Oluwatuyi Honors Armed Forces Remembrance Day with Wreath-Laying Ceremony.

In a solemn ceremony, Hon. Gbenga Oluwatuyi, the Executive Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, led dignitaries to lay wreaths at the Cenotaph of an unknown Soldier at the Council Secretariat in Igede-Ekiti. The event, commemorating the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, showcased the administration's commitment to honoring departed compatriots and living veterans.

Expressing his congratulations to the living veterans, Hon. Oluwatuyi reiterated his administration's dedication to addressing their needs through meaningful engagement. He called on citizens to join hands with the government to support the families left behind by the courageous men who paid the ultimate price in defending the nation's territorial integrity.

The annual event, held on January 15th, demonstrated the administration's commitment to expressing gratitude to ex-military personnel who bravely served the nation. The ceremony began with the inspection of guards of honor by the Executive Chairman, followed by a parade by members of the Nigerian Legion. The wreath-laying was conducted by Hon. Oluwatuyi, Major Jide Ologunde (ret’d) of the Nigerian Legion, Alhaj Sanusi Ibrahim (District Police Officer), Mr. Agbedamiro (Nigeria Civil Defense Divisional Officer), and His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Boluwaji Adebiyi, Alare of Are-Ekiti.

In his address, Hon. Oluwatuyi urged the Nigerian Armed Forces to address the prevailing security challenges, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to combat insecurity and social vices plaguing the nation.

Major Jide Ologunde (rtr’d), Chairman of the Nigeria Legion in Irepodun/Ifelodun, expressed gratitude for the honor bestowed upon them and advocated for increased welfare packages for living veterans and the families of the departed.

Earlier in the day, Hon. Oluwatuyi swore in Dr. Sule Fatai Olatunji as the newly appointed Secretary to the Local Government. Dr. Sule, in his response, thanked the Executive Governor of Ekiti state and the people of Irepodun/Ifelodun for the opportunity to serve, pledging diligence in the discharge of his duties.

Prominent figures present at the occasion included Vice Chairman Engr. Remi Alade, Hon. Adunbi Joshua Ayodele (Leader of the Legislative Arm), Retired Chief Justice Justice Ayodeji Daramola, Mrs. Kofoworola Rotimi (Head of the Local Government Administration), and other political office holders and management staff.

Lawmaker defends second Ekiti flyover.

Lawmaker defends second Ekiti flyover.

The Chairman, Ekiti State House of Assembly Committee on Innovation, Science and Digital Economy, Idowu Odebunmi, has said Governor Biodun Oyebanji administration’s road infrastructure policy is being strategically prosecuted to transform the economy, create employment and boost the internally generated revenue of the state.

Odebunmi, the lawmaker representing Oye Constituency II, hailed the proposed construction of a 1.2km flyover between Okeyinmi and Ijigbo Roundabouts in Ado Ekiti metropolis.

“This project is not a misplaced priority. It will decongest the capital city’s business district of traffic logjam and add aesthetic value,” he said.

The lawmaker, who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Youths and Sports, hailed the pace of ongoing work on the Ado-Iworoko-Ifaki dual carriageway and the return to the site of the contractor handling Itapa-Omu-Ijelu Road, saying the two projects would bring an upswing to the local economy when completed.

He said these in a statement on Wednesday titled: “Oyebanji’s road projects boosting Ekiti’s economy, employment, IGR.”

Commenting on the flyover project, which would be the second in the state capital, Odebunmi described it as a step in the right direction.

“That area represents the Ado Ekiti business district. We have the Erekesan market, banks and several business centres located along that axis, which often resulted in regular traffic hold-ups.

“With this effort, this crisis will be resolved. That portion remains the most congested in Ado Ekiti and plans must be intensified ahead for its decongestion. We must plan ahead in resolving our problem, not that we will wait for the problem to arise before rushing to solve it,” he said.

Lagos begins construction of Ijake road February.

Lagos begins construction of Ijake road February. 

The Lagos State Government says it will commence the construction of Ijake Road in the Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area of the state in February.

The Special Adviser to the state governor on Rural Development, Nurudeen Agbaje, said the move was part of the efforts of the state government to improve road networks in rural communities, according to a statement on Wednesday.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting and the flag-off ceremony of the construction of the 400 metres Ijake Road, Agbaje assured that “the project is expected to be completed in six months,” adding that “construction would commence in February.”

He noted that the project “is part of the efforts of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to fulfil the T.HE.M.E.S. Plus agenda of his administration, which is to make Lagos State a 21st-century economy, thereby reducing rural-urban migration and extending the dividends of democracy to the grassroots communities across the state.”

The Special Adviser urged members of the community to collaborate with the contractor to ensure the safety of the workers, advising them to also “take ownership of the project upon completion by protecting and guarding it judiciously.”

He noted further that the contractor had promised to engage youths in the community who are qualified and willing to work, either as skilled or unskilled workforce.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mrs Kikelomo Bolarinwa, earlier in her welcome address, commended Sanwo-Olu for “his continuous effort in ensuring that the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus agenda is felt in the length and breadth of Lagos State, especially in the rural communities.”

EKSG To Hold Retreat For LG Chairmen And Other Top LG Functionaries.

EKSG To Hold Retreat For LG Chairmen And Other Top LG Functionaries.

Ekiti State Ministry of Local Government Affairs is to hold a 3-day retreat for theChairmen/Chairperson of the 16 Local Government (LG) and 22 Local Council Development Areas (LCDA) in the State.

The State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs (LGA), Chief Folorunso Olabode who made this known in Ado-Ekiti said that the 3-day retreat is organized for the LG and LCDA Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, Secretaries, LG lnspectors, Head of Local Government Administration and other relevant stakeholders.

Olabode explained that the agenda of the retreat would focus on "Alignment of State and Local Government plans for enhanced coordination, value for money, and effective service delivery in Governance in Ekiti State" with the sole aim of ensuring excellence in service delivery, stressing that the Retreat would be a review on the management and running of local government administration generally. 

The retreat would hold at Abiodun Adetiloye Hall, Trade Fair Complex, lyin Road, Ado-Ekiti from Thursday 18th to Saturday 20th 2024 by 9am daily.

The Local Government Commissioner enjoined all the participants to attend punctually and make the maximum opportunity provided by various resource person at the Retreat.

Ondo APC chieftain seeks review of reward system.

Ondo APC chieftain seeks review of reward system.

Chieftain of All Progressives Congress, (APC) in Ondo State, Morayo Lebi, has called for a review of the party’s reward system for loyal party members in the state.

 Lebi said Ondo APC failed to reward some members who sacrificed their resources to establish APC in the state.

 He spoke in Akure after he was honoured with “Ondo State outstanding sponsor of Progressive Party of the decade.”

 Lebi said it was worrisome that those who joined the party in less than three months were given tickets to contest for election.

 “Our resources are meant to develop our people and how do we develop them, it is by ensuring what they can live with. For so long, there is no reward. Our reward system is bad.

 “When we started this party in Ondo and I took it to the southern part of the state, people thought I didn’t know what I was doing because that time, it was the conservatives that were ruling in Ondo State.

 “We have former Governor Olusegun Agagu and we believed in him because he contributed his to the development of Ondo State. So, because of him, everybody trooped to PDP.

 “When I brought the idea of the progressives, people were questioning my sanity. I brought the party because I had a vision and the vision I had brought us all to where we are today…’’

“I was a member of the defunct NADECO. I was arrested and locked up with baba Opadokun. We fought the war to ensure democracy thrive very well and I have been a very strong financial member over the years.

 “But the truth is this, for so long after this, what has been my reward ? Maybe generally there is reward because the progressives are now in government. But for some of us that have been loyal and active but we got no reward.

 “It is only in this our progressive family that somebody who joined the party in March 2022, and he became the senatorial candidate of the party in May 2022.

 “Just in two months while I that brought the whole thing together, they took the ticket from me and gave to someone who joined the party two months earlier. Same thing happened in the house of Representatives, even without primary elections.

 “I had gone to consult with party leaders and they assured me it was the candidate based on my efforts towards the development of the party. I relied on it. But they changed along the way. They gave the ticket to someone who joined in two months.”

 Publisher of Golden Rule Magazine, Pastor Taiwo Gbamila said the award was a testament and proof of Lebi’s philanthropic gestures to humanity.

 “The award is in recognition of his outstanding contributions in bringing progressive party to lime light in Ondo State, particularly in Ondo South.

 “Moreover, to motivate the awardee (Morayo Lebi) to continue to make progress in his contribution to human capital development and progressive ideas. And also to appreciate him for his positive impact in progressive race.”