Oyebanji inaugurates Board for state’s investment company, agency.

Oyebanji inaugurates Board for state’s investment company, agency.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji on Monday inaugurated Board for Fountain Holding Limited and Ekiti Development and Investment Promotion Agency with a charge to revitalized and reposition the agencies to become major players in Nigeria investment ecosystem.

Speaking while performing the inauguration on Monday at the Exco Chamber of the Governor"s Office, Ado Ekiti, the Governor tasked the new board members on initiatives that would transform the agencies into robust contributors to the state’s economic growth.

He said his administration’s goal is to establish the state as a competitive force in the country by attracting both public and private enterprises.

Governor oyebanji, who explained that his dream is to see the Fountain Holdings become a major player in the country’s investment ecosystem, said the board should diversify the current portfolio of companies under its managements to explore new vista of greener investment pasture across sectors.

Stressing  that the agencies are critical to his administration’s job and wealth creation mandate, the Governor maintained that more opportunities the state seek could only come from increased business operation that would further assist his administration to be able to meet the overall development plans of the state.

Oyebanji therefore charged the new chairmen and board members  “to do everything possible to ensure Fountain Holdings becomes a fat cow from which the state can milk profitably through taxable income for the prosperity of our dear state”.

He said his expectation is to see Agencies expand their current portfolio and use it as weapon of socioeconomic empowerment in line with the local content agenda of his administration. 

The Governor added that the agencies should invest and promote businesses that can solve housing, capital, credit access, technological, infrastructural, and knowledge needs of Ekiti people.

“My ultimate dream is to see the Holdings become a major player, not only in the Ekiti business arena, but in the Nigeria’s investment ecosystem. There are enormous opportunities for the Holdings to delve into, to diversify the current portfolio of companies under its managements, and to explore new vista of greener investment pastures across sectors.

“I therefore want to charge the new Chairman, Mr. Jide Ogundare and the entire team to do everything possible to ensure Fountain Holdings become a fat cow from which the State can milk profitable and taxable income for the prosperity of our State.

“The Holdings should also key into our job creation vision, which is a major way of engendering inclusive growth and development. " The Governor stated.

Responding on behalf of the board members, the Chairman, Fountain Holdings Limited, Mr. Jide Ogundare, who expressed his gratitude to the Governor for the trust placed in them, assured the Governor that the new board members will implement strategic measures that would attract both local and foreign investment to Ekiti State.

He pledged that the boards will work diligently to promote investment opportunities and improve investment climate in the state through efficient service delivery in alignment with the vision of the Oyebanji led-administration.

Aiyedatiwa Meets APC Stakeholders, Preaches Unity Ahead Of Governorship Election.

Aiyedatiwa Meets APC Stakeholders, Preaches Unity Ahead Of Governorship Election.

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Monday held an interactive session with stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from across the 18 local government areas of the State, urging them to embrace peace and unity ahead of the coming governorship election in the State.

It was the first of such meeting since the Governor was inaugurated and he used the opportunity to thank the party leaders for their support, stressing the need for all contending forces within the party to come together to move the party and the State forward.

The Governor said: “It is important for me to tell you that as leaders of our party, we must put behind us the events of the last few months and come together as one big family for the progress of the APC and the development of our dear State. 

“To me, what happened in the past was just politics. It was not a fight; it was not a battle; it was mere politics and I can say that I did not take any offence from that. The most important thing for us is to remain as one big family. There should be no division in our party.

“There is the need to make our party stronger and that necessitated the idea of this enlarged stakeholders meeting to bring everybody on board. Our party leaders and members are critical stakeholders that we cannot afford to neglect.

“There have been complaints from many of our party officers at local levels of not being carried along in the scheme of things. That must now be a thing of the past. All our party officers from ward to local government to State levels will be given the recognition they deserve.” 

The Governor said he will liaise with the leadership of the party to ensure the smooth running of the party structure, regular stakeholders’ engagement and the operations of the Leaders’ Caucus and the Governor’s Advisory Council. 

Speaking on the forthcoming governorship election in the State, the Governor urged the party leaders to ensure peaceful conduct of aspirants and their followers, adding that there must be a rancorous-free primary election and peaceful governorship election in the State.

The Governor, who paid glowing tributes to former Governor, Late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, promised that the state government will work with the family to give him a befitting state burial and to immortalize his name and legacies.

The Governor thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for showing keen interest in the peace and development of Ondo State, adding that the president is happy with the current tranquility being enjoyed in the State.

Speaking earlier, the State Chairman of the APC, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, who commended the Governor for the timely engagement of party stakeholders, stressed that party leaders must put the past behind to foster unity ahead of the coming governorship election.

Those present at the meeting included members of the State House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, members of the State Executive Council, led by the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladuni Odu, former Deputy Governors, Alhaji Ali Olanusi and Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo, former State Chairman of the party, Ambassador Sola Iji, former SSG, Hon. Sunday Abegunde, member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Biola Makinde, Chief Segun Ojo, Chief Jamiu Ekungba, Mrs. Jumoke Anifowoshe, among many others.

Be patient with Tinubu’s administration, CAN appeals to Nigerians.

Be patient with Tinubu’s administration, CAN appeals to Nigerians.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has appealed to Nigerians to be more patient with the administration of President Bola Tinubu as he works to solve the myriad of challenges facing the nation.

CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, stated this after his first visit to the State House, Abuja to congratulate President Tinubu and pledge support to the success of the administration.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting with the President, Okoh observed that the President, since assuming office, has shown himself to be sensitive to the situations facing Nigerians and has since been taking steps to find solutions to the challenges.

He noted that Nigerians, including the Christian community, have been noticing the President’s efforts to set the country back on the right path, adding that the current challenges were as a result of many years build, which he said will take some time to sort out.

“Sincerely, what we found out is that the President is sensitive to all these challenges that we have. He’s aware, and we see him making very positive steps, even from the beginning of his administration by the way, he has made appointments so far. ⁣

“He has come with a great sense of inclusiveness. And Nigerians have a sense of belonging as Nigerians and in this government and I tell you that his pronouncements so far and his body language have increased the confidence of Nigerians in Nigeria and we believe that, given the chance, he will do a lot more and we are praying that the Lord will strengthen his hand, to be able to do more and turn around the fortunes of this country.⁣

“We know that there are a lot of challenges, but what we tell our people is that this is just the beginning of this administration and Nigeria is big and what we face now started not just today. It started many years back, and it will take a while to turn around these things. 

“But the important thing is that there is an intentional step that the President has taken, and is taken to reverse the trend of events, especially in the area of governance, we see it very clearly and we see the effort is making towards securing this nation. 

“So we ask the Nigerians who are watching and those people who seem to have lost hope, to not lose hope, but to have patience and persevere, though it is night, we know that a new dawn is just in the horizon,” he said.

Tinubu explains reasons for cabinet size.

Tinubu explains reasons for cabinet size.

President Bola Tinubu has explained reasons for the size of his cabinet, saying mounting too many ministries on one person in the name of saving costs will only lead to non-performance and inefficiency. 

Tinubu spoke when he received a delegation of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) led by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, at the State House Abuja.

The President, who was telling the visitors of his approach to governance, also tasked the clerics to give Nigerians the right messages, noting that without sermons on understanding, perseverance and hope to their congregations, they will not be helping the nation.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu also said his administration will not relent in addressing corruption and other vices because it is a sacred duty to ensure that the country is set right for the prosperity of all Nigerians.

While emphasising the role of faith leaders in fostering unity and peace in the country, he called on Christian leaders to support the administration’s ongoing fight against corruption by encouraging Nigerians to have a change of mindset on money-related matters.

“We have no other country but Nigeria. If you do not preach the sermon of understanding, tolerance, perseverance, and hope for Nigerians, you are doing damage to the country, and nobody will help us repair it.  

“Let us dialogue because public condemnation of a nation is not what makes any citizen a good one. We must admonish Nigerians to have a change of mindset and not to make money our god or master. I believe we will get to the Promised Land, and Nigeria will flourish.

“We are here to listen, and if you observe any inadequacies in my government, let us know. I am here today because of your prayers and the will of God Almighty. What I have challenged myself to do each day is to be fair to all Nigerians. 

“I have had a number of criticisms, including the rationale behind the size of my cabinet. If you want efficient, mobile, and resourceful people, we have to give people a load they can carry. If you combine too many ministries because you want to save money, you will have a future of non-performance and no results.

“Nigeria needs to turn the corner to grow, and we must give people challenges they can manage, and that is what we are doing,” the President stated.

Archbishop Okoh urged President Tinubu not to relent in his efforts to provide good governance by ensuring security, inclusivity and peaceful co-existence.

“You have extended a hand of fellowship to us, and we embrace you and your family with the love of Christ and promise to partner with you in nation-building, for the task is quite daunting. You will not stumble, and you will not fall. 

“We believe that you have the sagacity to give leadership in battling our challenges and in turning around the fortunes of our nation, Nigeria, within a short time. You have shown that you are a listening leader, and we appreciate this.

“CAN has maintained an active presence at all levels from the national to the grassroots, and we have remained non-partisan. You will always find our association as a ready and willing partner in nation-building,” Okoh said.

Akeredolu goes home February 23.

Akeredolu goes home February 23.

Former Ondo Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu will be interred on February 23 at Owo in Owo Local Government Area.

This was contained in a statement to announce late Akeredolu’s funeral ceremony by his eldest son, Oluwarotimi O. Akeredolu, Jnr.

The statement said the funeral ceremony would commence on Thursday, February 15 with a winning soul crusade at MKO Abiola Democracy Park while Jumat Service would hold on Friday, February 16 at the Akure Central. Mosque.

It said the funeral service would move to Ibadan on February 17 for Loyola Day of Tributes at Loyola College Hall and the OAU Night of Tributes.

Other activities to hold in Ibadan include the NBA Tribute Session, Service of Songs/ Night of Tribute, Commendation Service and to be ended with a private viewing at Akeredolu’s residence.

The event would move to Owo on February 21 for the Ajabue (Traditional Rites) and a Special Court Session at the Ondo State High Court, Akure to be followed by Lying in State and Commendation Service at the Akure Township Stadium

It said Evening of Tributes would hold at the St Andrews Church, Owo as well as Service of Songs.

A Candlelight Procession & World Gyration by the Kegites Club while Funeral Service would hold at St Andrews Church, Owo.

The statement said interment of the former Governor would hold after the burial service at the burial site, Owo.

FG inaugurates WACOT Rice out-grower scheme.

FG inaugurates WACOT Rice out-grower scheme.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, on Monday launched WACOT Rice Limited’s 2024 dry season farming inputs distribution to out-grower farmers in Argungu, Kebbi State.

A statement said the out-grower programme seeks to increase the quality of smallholder farmer livelihoods via access to required agri-input financing, capacity-building in yield enhancement techniques, and good agronomic practices.

At the launch, Kyari inspected WACOT Rice’s state-of-the-art 250,000-ton mill, set to be inaugurated later this year. Expressing his satisfaction with the initiative, he emphasised its potential to significantly boost farmers’ productivity and income.

Commending WACOT Rice and its parent company, Tropical General Investments Group, Kyari highlighted their commitment to empowering farmers across various value chains nationwide.

He specifically noted TGI’s substantial investments in agriculture and other sectors, affirmed the alignment of the efforts with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope eight-point agenda

He said, “I am impressed with what I have seen. This project is heading in the right direction, utilising the farm produce from local farmers for raw materials.

“The government stands ready to support initiatives like WACOT Rice, recognising their potential to create jobs and improve livelihoods. As part of our strategic focus, we are actively considering creating farmland for WACOT Rice, further enhancing our agricultural capabilities.”

The Chairman of WACOT Rice and Vice Chairman (Africa) of TGI Group, Farouk Gumel, emphasised WACOT Rice’s unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s food security.

He highlighted the inclusivity of the out-grower programme, supporting farmers of all demographics with certified seeds, agrochemicals, and training sessions to enhance productivity and income.

Gumel expressed enthusiasm for hosting special guests at the project site, acknowledging that the general understanding of their initiatives might be limited.

He stated, “Whenever we have special guests visit us here, we get very excited. The feedback we receive encourages us to intensify our efforts in production.

“The community here is peaceful, inclusive, and accepting, and what we’ve achieved is not just a result of hard work but also the love shown by the host community.

“This encouragement is what propelled us to undertake some of the initiatives we have implemented. If more investors in Nigeria extend their reach into the rural economy and replicate similar projects, our country could gain an unparalleled competitive advantage.”

Borno to reopen grazing routes over farmer-herder clashes.

Borno to reopen grazing routes over farmer-herder clashes.

The Borno State Government has constituted a 10-man committee to investigate the causes of conflicts between farmers and herders across the state with a view to addressing them.

The committee will, among others, “re-establish the defunct cattle routes and identify grazing reserves which have not been adequately utilised.”

Governor Babagana Zulum announced the constitution of the committee at the Nigeria-Cameroon border town of Gamboru town on Monday.

He said the constitution of the committee was one of the necessary measures the state government was taking to prevent farmer-herder clashes across the state.

Zulum said the committee would be chaired by his Special Adviser, Tijjani Guzamala, with representatives from the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, all emirate councils, Miyetti Allah, Alhaya Association and the Governor’s Office as members.

The governor was at Gamboru to distribute food items and N221.7m to over 67,454 families in the Lake Chad Basin Local Government Area of Gamboru-Ngala.

“Let me use this opportunity to announce a committee that will look into the farmers and herders conflicts in all 27 local government areas of Borno State,” said Zulum.

“The committee, among other issues, will re-establish the defunct cattle routes and identify grazing reserves which have not been adequately utilised,” he explained.

He assured that the committee’s recommendations would guide the government in addressing the root causes that lead to conflicts between farmers and herders across the state.

Zulum also brokered a truce between Fulani herders and farmers in Gamboru after weeks of tension and uncertainty that was already ripe for the eruption of violence.

While commending all parties for reaching a consensus during the meeting, Zulum urged people to shun all acts that could lead to violence.

“Borno is a state with agrarian communities. We have Fulanis, we have Shuwas, and we have Kanuris who are nomads as well. We have the same culture and the same tradition. Therefore, I urge all the people of Borno to be law-abiding and to ensure they live in peace with one another,” Zulum said.

The meeting was attended by representatives of Fulani herders and the farming community, as well as the senator representing Borno Central, Barrister Kaka Shehu Lawan, a House of Representative member, Bukar Talba, and traditional and community leaders in the LGA.