Kidnapping: Wike pledges positive news within days.

Kidnapping: Wike pledges positive news within days.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says residents of the territory will get positive news within days with regards to efforts being made to tackle insecurity in the FCT.

“I can assure you that in a matter of days, you will be hearing positive stories,” Wike told a townhall meeting in Kwali on Tuesday.

“We are ready to support our security agencies with whatever they need to ensure that our people can sleep with their two eyes closed.

“We are going to provide the councils with motorcycles to support the vigilante groups so that they can get information and assist our security agencies,” he added.

The minister directed chairmen of the six areas councils in the territory to strengthen and motivate local vigilante groups as part of measures to reinforce community policing.

Wike also asked the councils to procure more motorcycles for the vigilante groups, to enable them navigate difficult terrains while supporting security agencies.

He said that the FCT Administration would soon conclude the procurement processes for more operational vehicles to support security agencies in the discharge of their responsibilities.

“For me, whatever that is going to bring development or improve security, the government has no hesitation in doing it,” he said, adding that residents should support the security agencies with actionable information to address any security threat.

“We need information from you because without information, the security agencies would have little or nothing to do; if you give them information on time, they will make sure that bad things don’t happen,” Wike said.

On infrastructure, the minister promised to construct two roads in each of the six area councils, in addition to the ones being constructed.

The minister said that henceforth the FCT annual budget would rely on inputs from the people.

“Every year, before submitting any budget proposal to the National Assembly, I will meet with traditional rulers and the people to get their inputs.

“This is by way of getting them to recommend people-oriented projects that can be incorporated into the budget; we will not abandon you. We will make sure we develop the area councils.

“Before the end of the tenure of President Tinubu, you will see a lot of infrastructure going on in the area councils.”

Earlier, Kwali Area Council Chairman, Mr Danladi Chiya, appealed for the establishment of a police divisional office and military base in some parts of the area council.

Chiya also complained of bad roads, which according to him, have contributed to the rising insecurity in the area.

“The roads are not motorable, come to our aid to help put the roads in good shape. That will help reduce the incidences of kidnapping.

“We also require further military presence. We need more police stations especially in Gwako which has become a haven for these bad elements.

“We also need motorcycles for the vigilante groups. I have given them some, but we need more,” he said. (NAN) 

Oyebanji Receives NAFEST 2023 Honours Award for Outstanding Contributions to Arts and Culture.

Oyebanji Receives NAFEST 2023 Honours Award for Outstanding Contributions to Arts and Culture.

By Olamide Akinwumi J. 

In recognition of his exceptional contributions to the promotion of Arts and Culture, Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State was honored with the prestigious NAFEST 2023 Honours Award by the National Council for Arts and Culture. The accolade was bestowed on Governor Oyebanji for his instrumental role in ensuring Ekiti hosted the most successful National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) in history in 2021 during his tenure as the Secretary to the State Government. Additionally, he was lauded for ensuring Ekiti's active participation in the 2022 edition held in Lagos, despite being relatively new in office as Governor at the time.

The NAFEST Honours Award, considered the highest recognition by the Council, was formally presented to Governor Oyebanji by the state Commissioner for Arts and Culture, Prof. Rasaki Ojo-Bakare. The ceremony took place at the Governor’s Office in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, January 23rd, 2024.

Arts, Culture, and Tourism stand as significant pillars in the BAO administration's Six-Pillar Development Agenda, emphasizing the administration's commitment to the holistic development and promotion of the state's cultural heritage. Governor Oyebanji expressed gratitude for the prestigious recognition and reiterated the administration's dedication to further advancing arts and culture initiatives for the prosperity of Ekiti State.

Gov Oyebanji Explores Collaborative Ventures with NIPC.

Gov Oyebanji Explores Collaborative Ventures with NIPC.

By Olamide Akinwumi J. 

Governor Biodun Oyebanji engaged in a strategic meeting on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, with the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Aisha Rimi, and her team.

The meeting, held at the conference room of the Governor’s office in Ado-Ekiti, focused on delineating areas of collaboration between the state government and NIPC, an organization dedicated to promoting investments in the country.

Significantly, Governor Oyebanji took a prominent role in leading the discussions during all strategy sessions between the NIPC and the State Government team. The meeting underscored the commitment of Ekiti State to fostering economic growth through strategic partnerships, tapping into the expertise of NIPC to attract and facilitate investments within the region.

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.