Oyebanji orders security agencies to fish out killers of two Ekiti monarchs.

Oyebanji orders security agencies to fish out killers of two Ekiti monarchs.

.…condemns attack.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has condemned Monday’s dastardly attack in Oke-Ako area in Ikole Local Government, which led to the gruesome killing of two traditional rulers; and ordered security agencies in the state to fish out the killers. 

The two traditional rulers- the Onimojo of Imojo Ekiti, Oba Olatunde Samuel Olusola and the Elesun of Esun Ekiti, Oba David Babatunde Ogunsola were killed in an ambush by armed men while returning from a meeting. The third traditional ruler, the Alara of Ara –Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Fatoba escaped the attack.

Governor Oyebanji, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, said security agents have been despatched to the area to fish out the perpetrators of the heinous crime.

The Governor, who had just presided over the state security council meeting in Ado-Ekiti, barely an hour before the incidence occurred, said no stone will be left unturned in the bid to bring the perpetrators to justice.

He expressed the condolences of the Government and people of Ekiti State to the people of Imojo Ekiti and Esun Ekiti over the sad incidence.

The Governor also urged the people of the two towns to remain calm and refrain from taking the laws into their own hands. Government, he said, would ensure that justice is served.    

Governor Oyebanji charged security agencies in the state to remain vigilant and resolute in the efforts to stamp out crime and criminality from the state.

Restating the commitment of his government to security of lives and properties of citizens in the state, the Governor said his administration would continue to deploy technology for crime detection and prevention, as well as provide necessary support for security agencies in the state.

I’m Worried by Deplorable State of Federal Roads in Ekiti, Says Oyebanji.

I’m Worried by Deplorable State of Federal Roads in Ekiti, Says Oyebanji.

....Says N500m spent on workers' ‘wage award’ monthly.

....Ekiti airport to be fully operational by July.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has said that the deplorable condition of some federal roads in the state is a source of concern to him, expressing hope that the reconstruction of the roads would be realized in the 2024 Federal Government budget having received assurances of Federal Lawmakers. 

Oyebanji clarified that the state could not invest heavily on the federal roads because of the Federal Government’s no- refund- to states policy, promised to provide alternative roads that would give the commuters respite while traveling across Ekiti.

The Governor also declared that the state’s airport would become fully operational by July, and would aide transportation and economic development of the state. 

Governor Oyebanji disclosed these on Sunday, during his inaugural appearance in the monthly programme 'Meet Your Governor' aired across all radio and television stations in the state. He added that his government has leveraged substantially on the support of eminent stakeholders to attract alternative development windows to the state.

As a way of bailing the citizens out of quaqmire of bad federal roads, the Governor stated that the state government, has commenced the Ado Ekiti Ring Road Construction to give commuters thorough fare in and out of Ekiti. He also allayed the fears of land owners over compensation for damaged crops. He said adequate compensation would be paid to affected individuals and families . 

"I am indeed worried by the deplorable state of our federal roads. Our people must get this right, we can't construct these roads because there will be no refunds. But I have sat with our Federal Lawmakers and they have included some of these roads in the 2024 Budget. I have seen evidence that this has been done.

"Within the next few months, our people will start seeing changes. I have got the assurances of the leader of Ekiti caucus and Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele that efforts are being made to call attention to these roads. 

On the N15,000 wage award approval for workers, which critics branded as paltry in view of the parlous economic situation, Oyebanji said it was just a temporary measure to buffer the effect of economic crunch on workers pending the final decision on minimum wage. 

He said the N15,000 wage award has led to an additional N500m monthly expense for the government. 

"Let me thank the workers for their understanding . But that amount was what the state can afford for now because we have to service other citizens who are not civil servants. But as small as the amount is, it costs the state a sum of N500m monthly. Let me also clarify this, it will only run for six months and anytime the new minimum wage is announced, Ekiti will be ready to follow suit.

"I am sitting on this seat by the grace of God and support of all Ekiti citizens. I want the people to remember as a governor that walks the talk. A governor that does whatever he promises. A governor who fears God and obeys his command". 

Oyebanji stated that though the removal of fuel subsidy had brought an exponential increase in the level of funds accruing to the state, but pointed out that this couldn't solely and adequately fund the quantum of projects being prosecuted by his government. 

Speaking further on the quantum of projects his government is currently undertaking simultaneously in spite of paucity of funds, Oyebanji stated that he has delivered this much because he was running an austerity government strongly allergic to corruption and plundering of public funds . 

"The little money we have , I make judicious use of it to get value for our money apart from the fact that I am a highly spiritual person. We adopt the culture of financial engineering, no room for wastage. I pray to God always to provide more that can serve us. I am denying myself of so many perks. I am not here for enjoyment, but to serve the people and serve them well".

Contrary to the position being canvassed by some critics, Oyebanji justified the large number of political appointees in his government, saying he undertook the action for him to get his politics right and ensure that every critical aspect of governance is manned by competent people.

In the area of education, Oyebanji said prominent individuals like a Legal Icon, Chief Wole Olanipekun(SAN) and a business mogul, Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, were appointed as Chancellors of the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education , Science and Technology and Ekiti State University to turn the citadels of learning to world class institutions.

Oyebanji, who saluted former Governor Kayode Fayemi for deeming it fit to construct an International Cargo Airport in Ekiti, assured the people that the facility will be fully operational by July, 2024, saying the high level of technicalities involved in certification by relevant authorities have delayed the usage.

The airport is going to be a game changer in the running of our business and economy because it is the terminus for the Ekiti State Ring Road Phase One. What makes me happy is that, the corridor through which the Phase one is located will be developed. Besides this, we are also thinking of setting up a new Ado Ekiti town along that axis that can be properly developed".

In the area of taxation and raising of Internally Generated Revenue, the Governor appealed to the citizens to embrace the Land Use Charge being introduced, promising to democratize the process and make it affordable to all payers, rather than being outrageous and extortionate. 

As part of the ways to ensure cleanliness in town, the governor disclosed that his government is partnering with Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA) and the synergy he said had started eliciting dividends with donation of Waste Bins worth millions of naira to Ekiti.

Oyebanji praised the elite, traditional rulers, political class, religious leaders, traders, drivers, students and other strata of Ekiti for having trust in his leadership and for supporting his government in carrying out his transformation programme for radical development of Ekiti.

Ekiti govt followed due process in award of contracts – Comm for Information, Olatunbosun.

Ekiti govt followed due process in award of contracts – Comm for Information, Olatunbosun. 

The Commissioner for Information in Ekiti State, Rt Hon Taiwo Olatunbosun,has dismissed insinuations in some quarters that contracts awarded by the state government, including road contracts, were shrouded in secrecy.

He also emphasised that the processes of award of all the contracts were in accordance with the provisions of the procurement laws of the state.

The Commissioner made the clarification at a roundtable media parley with the Correspondents’ chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti state council, where he noted that all the projects were properly advertised before they were contracted out.

” I stand before you here without any fear of contradiction and with all honesty that government has been following the provision of the laws of procurement detailing the processes.

“Before any contract for project is awarded, it will be advertised.

There is no road that we have contracted out in this state under the leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji that has not been properly advertised.

“There are administrative procedures and nobody can circumvent any of them.

” I have details of every contract of roads in this state, figures are very clear, and we have contacts of the contractors.

“We have been following due process, it is non-negotiable.”

Speaking on the interlink roads, he said, “We are working seriously on them but you know, government is a serious business too, and it requires planning.

“The Omisanjana /Shepard/Ajebandele road, the Agric Olope/ Odo Ado roads are both link roads that government initiated their reconstruction and this administration is very strategic in ensuring free flow of traffic for socio-economic development.

“We cannot forget the proposed flyover from Ajilosun to Okeiyinmi that is expected to ease traffic on the ever busy road along the Ijigbo roundabout through the new Bus terminal and the market area to first bank.

“The Ring Road is also strategically designed to allow drivers who have no business in the city center to bypass Ado metropolis without compounding the traffic congestion.

“The Igede/ Ilawe gives access to drivers from Ilorin axis of the north to pass through Ekiti without adding to the traffic congestion in the State capital by going through Ilawe to Igbara Odo out of the State to Akure side or Lagos.

“Government will continue to do this within the limit of available resources.”

Olatunbosun also clarified that the partnership with Lagos state on the local manufacturing of Dino Bins for waste management was to allow

transfer of skill and technology to the people, create job opportunities for them, and make Ekiti clean.

“People accused us that we brought in strangers from Lagos state to produce Dino Bins for us. No! What we are doing is transfer of skill and technology in line with global best practices and we must remember that we have Local content law of the government which is to prevent capital flight and help our local artisans develop.

“These people have the expertise and our own people are tapping into that at the work site where they are fabricating the bins so that they can learn from experience.

“They are currently in training and they are identified. The reasons they are there are to turn them to experts in making the Dino bins, making the bins more available and cheaper to acquire and providing job opportunities.

“It is, however, very important for people to take responsibility and desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuse. It makes it difficult, if not impossible to keep the State clean if the residents refuse to adhere to basic principles of environment sanitation.

But, there has been an improvement; government is doing everything to ensure that we sanitize the State capital and nooks and crannies of the state.

“Government recently approved the procurement of three 4×2 hook-arm garbage trucks and 20 Dino bins that will be put in strategic places to stop arbitrary and indiscriminate dumping of refuse on the roads and medians.”

On the issue of water, the Commissioner said government has made a lot of progress in this regard.

“Government has made a lot of progress in the area of provision of potable water. Remember that the SURWASH programme is still ongoing with Ekiti being the only State in the South West region of the country benefiting in the World Bank assisted programme.

“We have also improved electricity supply to the State with the reconnection of some areas to the National grid after over a decade in darkness. The improvement in supply of electricity has in turn assisted in pumping water to the communities thus enhancing water supply.

“We have started pumping water in some places and already commenced process of changing the very old asbestos pipes towards improving water distribution network to the people.”

Sharing his thoughts on the area of tourism in the state, Olatunbosun expressed that the sector has witnessed tremendous change.

“The tourism table and business have changed, investors are coming to Ekiti State. The face of Ikogosi-Ekiti has changed, it is boosting the economy of the people and the state ”

Commenting on the recently inaugurated Independent Power Project (IPP) in the state by the Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, Olatunbosun said “it is to provide electricity for government establishments and some private concerns, for efficient services.

“It is a PPP, 3.6Mwatt, which will serve some government institutions, such as

Ekiti State University (EKSU), government offices, Ekiti State Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) etc.”

Multinationals leaving Nigeria not genuine investors – Uzodinma.

Multinationals leaving Nigeria not genuine investors – Uzodinma.

Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, said Shell, Mobil, Chevron and TotalEnergies are not genuine investors in the Nigerian oil sector.

Uzodimma stated this while appearing on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.

The governor, during the programme alleged that some people he called cabal were trying to sabotage the efforts of President Bola Tinubu aimed at sanitising the nation’s economy.

When he was asked to state if the cabals were also responsible for the relocation of investors from Nigeria, Uzodimma replied that those leaving Nigeria were not real investors.

According to him, Shell and other oil giants have no regard for environmental laws in Nigeria, asking why they leave the onshore oil business for offshore.

Uzodinma said, “Let’s take the oil and gas industry for instance, is there anywhere in the world you go, and you see any filling station, you want to refill your car and you don’t see Shell, Mobil, Chevron, Total? How many of them are operating filling stations in Nigeria? Why are we isolated, and you call them real investors? Why have they taken to offshore operation, abandoning onshore operation if they are genuine?

“You go to Houston, landing Houston Airport, you see oil locations, you see vegetables planted all over there, habitable for human existence.

“Fly to Warri, as you are landing Warri Airport, look at oil locations. Look at the sea, all the fishes, nothing existent, no fish there. The environment is degraded to criminal level.

“Are they what you call investors, people who have no regard for our environmental laws? Are those investors? People who are into double standard; applying different applications in other countries, applying degrading application in Nigeria. Is that what you call investors? Please if we don’t take our destiny in our hands, we will be doomed for it.”

According to the governor, those leaving Nigeria are not investors but those who are benefiting from the cabal system.

He alleged that the investors were “leaving because they can no longer benefit from foreign exchange disparity. They can no longer benefit from crude oil theft. They can no longer benefit from petroleum subsidy, pretending to be importing fuel when they were not importing anything

“Again, it is a blessing in disguise because the more they leave, the more opportunities the indigenous companies would have to participate. There is no rocket science . No foreign investor, who is comfortable in his country that wants to leave his country and come here.

“And at the same time, the good investors who are Nigerians, who have been denied opportunities to practise and invest, they now have opportunities to do so.

“I think the earlier the artificial and fake investors leave, the better for Nigeria”.

Shell Plc recently “reached an agreement to sell its Nigerian onshore subsidiary, The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited.”

The SPDC is to be sold to Renaissance, a consortium of five companies comprising four exploration and production companies based in Nigeria and an international energy group for $2.4 billion. 

The PUNCH reported in December that no fewer than five multinationals left Nigeria in the last 10 months. 

Credit: PUNCH Newspaper. 

FG mobilising MDAs to reduce inflation, stabilise naira— Minister.

FG mobilising MDAs to reduce inflation, stabilise naira— Minister.

The Federal Government on Sunday said it is mobilising its Ministries, Departments and Agencies to “bring down inflation, stabilise the foreign exchange rates and create an enabling environment for business and investment.”

This is as it said, Nigeria’s economy is receiving investment inflows worth $14bn from Indian businesses that pledged to invest in the country at the G20 Summit held last September.

While describing the recent killings in Plateau State as “regrettable,” it vowed that its perpetrators must face justice.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed these in a statement he signed on Sunday, titled ‘Amidst challenges, Nigeria will forge ahead.’

Idris noted, “Regarding the economy, all relevant Ministries and Agencies of the Federal Government are working in a coordinated fashion to bring down inflation, stabilise foreign exchange rates, and create a truly enabling environment for business and investment.

“The Nigeria that President Tinubu seeks to build is one where no one is left behind. Impactful interventions are being rolled out, including a Students’ Loan Scheme, a Presidential Initiative to deploy lower-cost CNG mass transit buses to provide alternatives to petrol and diesel, and various low-interest loan schemes for businesses.”

Idris said the CNG interventions will reduce the cost of transportation by more than 50 percent, urging Nigerians to take advantage of these opportunities as they emerge, as they have been designed for the benefit of all.

On security, the FG acknowledged the recent spate of kidnapping and killings across the Federal Capital Territory and other parts of the country, including the massacre in Plateau.

At least 30 people were killed in renewed violence in the North Central State on January 24. Despite a 24-hour curfew imposed on Tuesday in Mangu local government area, The PUNCH understands that places of worship, schools and homes have been torched in more attacks.

But the FG said, “The resurgent crisis in Plateau State is indeed highly regrettable, and we assure that all perpetrators of violence there, and everywhere else in the country, are being brought to book. Justice will be done, and peace will be restored in all affected communities.”

It commended the gallantry of security and intelligence agencies, which it said, “are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that we are safe in our homes and on the highways and that criminals have no breathing space.”

On Foreign Direct Investment, the Information Minister said, “The Indian businesses that pledged $14bn in new investment in Nigeria on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in India in September 2023 have since started making good on those pledges.”

On September 6, 2023, President Bola Tinubu commended Indian investors for significant investment pledges amounting to nearly $14bn committed during the Nigeria-India Presidential Roundtable and Conference on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit in New Delhi, India.

“We are ready to give you the best returns for investment possible; there’s nowhere else like our country. Nigeria offers the best returns for investment today, so invest now,” Tinubu told Indian business leaders from the pharmaceutical, power, petrochemical, and agricultural sectors.

He said, “Among these new investments, Indorama Petrochemical Limited has pledged a new investment of $8bn in the expansion of its fertiliser production and petrochemical facility in Eleme, Rivers State.”

Although Mohammed did not specify which entities were already making good on their promises, The PUNCH reported that Jindal Steel and Power Limited, one of India’s largest private steel producers, is among companies that pledged to invest $3bn in Nigeria following discussions with Tinubu.

As an offshoot of the discussions, the founding President of SkipperSeil Limited, Mr. Jitender Sachdeva, announced that he is investing $1.6bn to establish 20 100MW power generation plants across several states in Northern Nigeria, amounting to 2,000MW of new power within the next four years.

Another Indian firm, Bharti Enterprises, a major first-generation corporation in India with interests in telecom, space communications, digital solutions, insurance, processed foods, real estate and hospitality, had also committed to investing an additional $700m in Nigeria, with work set to begin immediately.

The FG said while it is not “downplaying the reality of the challenging season” that the nation is experiencing, it argued that “that is only part of the story.”

Therefore, it cautioned citizens against receiving and propagating misinformation from those it called divisive elements.

It said, “Even as we tackle our challenges with urgency and dedication, it is also necessary to remind all Nigerians of the need to resist all forces and narratives of misinformation and division.

“For example, it is not true that the relocation to Lagos of the Headquarters of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and of certain departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria, are political moves aimed at marginalising a section of the country.

“These allegations are unfounded. Instead, these are pragmatic administrative steps to improve operational efficiency and reduce operating costs.”

Idris urged “all Nigerians to be especially mindful of all persons and groups at home and abroad, who specialise in making false and inciting claims on radio, TV and social media, as well as in peddling altered videos and images for viral dissemination.”

The minister called on citizens to “stand together as one, against these forces that constantly seek to test and break the bonds that hold us.”

Credit: Punch Newspaper. 

FG knocks contractor on East-West Road after N33bn payment.

FG knocks contractor on East-West Road after N33bn payment.

The Federal Government has ordered the immediate suspension of reconstruction work at the Eleme-Onne section of the East-West Road in Rivers State.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this while speaking to newsmen in Port Harcourt on Sunday.

Umahi said the order became imperative following the use of sub-standard materials by the contractor handling the project.

The minister also expressed sadness over the slow pace of work even after the government had made an advance payment of N33bn to ensure that no sharp practices would be tolerated.

Umahi explained that the work had to stop pending when some irregularities concerning the project would be resolved, saying with the pace of work by the contractors the work could not be completed even if given five years.

According to him, “The project must benefit the people; the rainy season is coming in two months and the people will be subjected to suffering.

“You have our N33bn. Do you know what the interest rate is every month on the bill? The President had to order me in September to come here and ordered the payment because some Rivers State people went to see the President and we paid you N33bn, since that time till now.

“I saw that the sand they are using is not river sharp. What we paid for is river sharp sand.

“I’m not satisfied. The idea is that when you place the lumps, the lump is good. But when you place the river’s sharp sand there are some voids between the lumps. And so the sand will go and fill it and it becomes a compact monolithic pavement structure. When I saw that sand I wasn’t happy.

“And I took that sand and put it on my palm and poured water and I was squizzing it, and at the end of the day, there was nothing left. That confirmed that it is very clear. So I directed that the company should be written and they should ensure that they remove the sand.

 “I was very shocked that instead of removing the sand they had continued with the sand. The contractor is carrying out the job but at a snail’s speed. If we allow him even another five years he will not finish. So we are not going to allow him.”

The minister, however, said he had scheduled a meeting with the contractor to look at the anomalies after which the errors would be X-rayed and a new timeline would be given to ensure the project was completed.

Guinea edge 10-man Equatorial Guinea to 16th Round.

Guinea edge 10-man Equatorial Guinea to 16th Round.

Mohamed Bayo headed a 98th -minute winner as Guinea reached the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations with victory over 10-man Equatorial Guinea, who had earlier missed a penalty.

Equatorial Guinea midfielder Federico Bikoro was dismissed 10 minutes after the break for catching Bayo in the ribs with his studs.

The National Thunder were awarded a spot-kick midway through the second half after Sekou Sylla caught Iban Salvador, but captain Emilio Nsue hit the base of the right-hand upright.

And, with the game set to head to extra time, striker Bayo stooped to guide Ibrahim Diakite’s cross from the right flank just inside the near post in the final minute of added time.

Guinea had barely made their one-man advantage count in the final 35 minutes, although goalkeeper Jesus Owono was forced to tip a header from striker Serhou Guirassy over the bar in the closing stages.

Yet Bayo’s dramatic late goal broke the resistance of the Equatoguineans and sent Syli National into the last eight for the first time since 2015, as Guinea triumphed for the first time in seven appearances in the knock-out stages at the finals.

Equatorial Guinea had been the surprise package from the group stage, winning Group A ahead of Nigeria and hosts Cote d’Ivoire as Nsue netted five goals to top the scoring charts.

The first half saw scant action in the final third, with Bayo sending an effort into the side-netting early on and Guinea team-mate Morgan Guilavogli firing over from long range.

Nsue blasted a volley over the bar from 12 yards two minutes after the restart, but the complexion of the game changed when Bikoro was shown a straight red after following through with a clearance in midfield and catching Bayo with some force.

Equatorial Guinea were handed a glorious chance to take the lead when the Video Assistant Referee intervened to send Omar Artan to his screen on the touchline, and the referee decided Sylla had caught Iban Salvador on the back of the leg after the midfielder had controlled a pass and awarded a penalty.

But veteran striker Nsue, who plays in the third tier in Spain, could not add to his tally at the finals despite sending Guinea keeper Ibrahim Kone the wrong way.

Aside from substitute Guirassy’s header, a tame effort from right-back Diakite was all Guinea could muster before the board for eight minutes of added time went up and Bayo won it at the death.

Equatorial Guinea had reached at least the quarter-finals on their previous three appearances at AFCON, but Juan Micha’s side could not repeat that achievement as 34-year-old Nsue was left to rue his costly miss while Guinea celebrated at the final whistle.

The West Africans, managed by one-time Arsenal striker Kaba Diawara, had finished behind holders Senegal and Cameroon but progressed to the knock-out stages as one of four best-ranked third-placed sides. Referee Omar Artan reached straight for his red card to send off Federico Bikoro, but awarded Equatorial Guinea a penalty following a VAR check.