Kidnapping: Monarch Praises Oyebanji for Showing Love to Slain Driver's Family, Freed School Children.

Kidnapping: Monarch Praises Oyebanji for Showing Love to Slain Driver's Family, Freed School Children.

....No rest until perpetrators are nabbed, punished- Deputy Gov.

A First Class Traditional Ruler in Ekiti State and Elemure of Emure Ekiti, Oba Emmanuel Adebayo, has commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for being diligent in securing the release of pupils and teachers of The Apostolic Faith Nursery and Primary School, abducted by gunmen in his kingdom last week Monday.

The Monarch praised Oyebanji for instantly deploying an ambulance and six medical personnel to administer medical treatments for the victims immediately they were freed and for sending a delegation to sympathise with the family of the slain driver, Mr. Taiwo Olugbaye, who was murdered in the kidnappers 'den. 

Meanwhile, the Government delegation led by the Deputy Governor, Chief ( Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has visited Olugbaye's family, the driver of The Apostolic Faith Nursery and Primary School, Emure Ekiti, who was killed in the kidnappers' den, with an assurance that the state government would not relent until those abducting and killing innocent citizens are arrested and punished.

The monarch spoke in his palace at Emure Ekiti, on Sunday, while receiving a government's delegation, led by the Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, who came on a sympathy visit to the town in respect of Olugbaye's painful death. 

Also on the government's delegation, who had earlier visited the family of the slain driver, was the Chairman of Emure Local Government , Hon Adedayo Tosin Adedigbo.

Olugbaye, who was abducted with six other school children and teachers of the private institution last Monday, was killed while being held hostage by the kidnappers. 

Addressing the delegation, Oba Adebayo, described the driver's death as highly excruciating, but expressed delight that eight out of the nine victims were rescued alive.

Specifically, the monarch praised Governor Oyebanji for caring for the victims and for being resolute in his promise to rid the state of criminals, describing these as product of the Governor’s exemplary leadership and love for the citizens.

"Immediately these children and teachers were released, Governor Oyebanji deployed an ambulance and six medical personnel here to take care of the pupils and their teachers. This showed that he was so caring and lovely. The fact that he sent his Deputy here to sympathise with us shows that he is a caring governor. 

"I am not also unaware of the various steps he had taken to make sure that criminals are not given any breathing space in Ekiti. In fact, all these are commendable efforts. We are really pleased with what Governor Oyebanji is doing and we want to assure that my town will support whatever measure he puts in place to make Ekiti safe.

"Though, we lost Mr. Olugbaye to these criminals, but we thank God that eight others, including the pupils and teachers were brought back alive".

Addressing the monarch and his chiefs , the Deputy Governor disclosed that the Governor has held strategic interfaced with security chiefs, where various strategies to further secure Ekiti were mapped out. 

Mrs Afuye said strategic security actions are now in full throttle to comb all the forests across the state and smoke out criminal elements. 

Expressing the condolences of the state government to the victim's family, Mea Afuye said the only honour the state can do the dead is to devise ways of arresting the killers, the task he assured the government will accomplish with vigour and determination.

The Deputy Governor promised the support of the state government for the deceased's family, saying they won't be neglected at this harrowing phase of their lives.

"We are here on behalf of Mr Governor to sympathise with you. We know what it means to lose a loved one. We feel your pains and anguish, but we are not resting and sleeping. We will fight hard until those kidnappers and killers making Ekiti looks unsafe are dealt with.

"We have taken all the necessary steps. We have met with the Security Chiefs and traditional rulers. We have taken strategic decisions that will stop all these senseless killings.

"As a government, we are really pained by this gruesome killing. But what is left now is how to help the family. We are going to support you. Governor Oyebanji will surely look for the right way to lessen your burden".

Speaking on behalf of the deceased's family, Mr Fatai Oseni, appreciated the Governor for the visit, appealing to the government to offer permanent jobs to some of the deceased's children in order to to sustain the widow.

Oyebanji visits rescued Ekiti School pupils, teachers in hospital.

Oyebanji visits rescued  Ekiti School pupils, teachers in hospital.                                                 “We shall get the assailants and deal with them”. he assures. 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji on Sunday visited the rescued pupils and teachers of Apostolic Faith Nursery and Primary School, Emure -Ekiti, at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado- Ekiti, where they were receiving treatment. 

The students and their teachers were brought to the hospital from Emure Ekiti by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Oyebanji Filani and some ministry officials, following the Governor’s directive shortly after their release. 

Governor Oyebanji who arrived the hospital a few hours later, had brief interaction with each of the students and their teachers at the Accident and Emergency Ward of the hospital. 

The Governor was received by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Filani; Chief Medical Director of the Hospital, Prof Kayode Olabanji: and a member of the House of Assembly representing Emure Constituency, Alhaja Mariam Ogunlade and some government officials. 

While congratulating the students and their teachers for regaining freedom from the abductors, the Governor assured  that the perpetrators of the crime would be fished out and punished accordingly. 

He urged  the medical team at the hospital not to be in a hurry to discharge the students, stressing the need for them to be properly managed, given the trauma they went through. 

Speaking with journalists shortly after the visit, the Governor praised the resilience of the children and expressed gratitude to God for their safe return.

He expressed gratitude to  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his intervention in the matter. He also thanked  heads of security agencies in the country for their swift response to the development. 

He assured the people of the state that his administration will not rest on its oars in ensuring that criminal elements are flushed out of the state.

The Governor said he remained committed to the security of lives and property of citizens of the state and would continue to collaborate with relevant security agencies and the traditional institution in the war against criminals. 

“ We thank God for their safe return. I am excited and I give glory to God. I also thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his swift response and for giving specific directives. His intervention made the difference and I am thankful to him on behalf of Ekiti people. I am also thankful to the security chiefs for their support. They all put resources together and mobilized men and materials to ensure we rescue the children. All I can say is that we shall go after the criminals and we shall get them”.  He added. 

Expressing his condolences  over the death of the bus driver of the abducted pupils, Mr Taiwo Olugbaye who was reportedly killed by the kidnappers, the Governor said government will not leave any stone unturned in the bid to apprehend  the criminals as well as those involved in the killing of our two traditional rulers.

“It is very sad. My condolences to the family. I have directed the Deputy Governor to pay a visit to the family and to the Elemure to commiserate with them. But what I can assure Ekiti people is that we will go after the criminals.”

The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Filani who also confirmed that the the pupils and their teachers were in stable condition, said they were being attended to by a multidisciplinary team of medical personnel.

Oyebanji expresses condolences on the death of kidnapped school bus driver.

Oyebanji expresses condolences on the death of kidnapped school bus driver.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has expressed condolences on the death of the bus driver of the abducted pupils of Apostolic Faith Nursery and Primary school, Emure Ekiti, Mr Olugbaye Taiwo. 

It was reported that Mr Olugbaye was killed by the kidnappers while in their custody. 

The school pupils and their teachers were released on Sunday morning and are receiving medical treatment at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti. 

Governor Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Olayinka Oyebode, expressed his condolences to the family of the late driver, assuring that the perpetrators of the hineous crime would be apprehended and brought to book. 

He said security agencies in the state have been put on red alert, adding that government would not relent in the efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.

Oyebanji Felicitates Ex-Gov Adebayo On 66th Birthday.

Oyebanji Felicitates Ex-Gov Adebayo On 66th Birthday.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has congratulated the first elected Governor of the State, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, on his 66th birthday. 

Otunba Adebayo who is also the immediate past Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, clocks 66 years old on Sunday. February 4th.

Governor Oyebanji in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, felicitated Otunba Adebayo for witnessing his 66th birthday in sound health, happiness and fulfillment.

He hailed Otunba Adebayo for being one of the pillars of the Fourth Republic and for laying a solid foundation for the socio-political and economic development of Ekiti State.

Governor Oyebanji described Otunba Adebayo as a father, a teacher, a mentor and role model who has been famously declared as an Omoluabi that is worthy of emulation by contemporary and future leaders.

The Ekiti State helmsman noted that history would always be kind to Otunba Adebayo on how he successfully navigated the ship of the state with very minimal resources accruing to the state during his governorship but still recorded notable achievements.

He further described Otunba Adebayo as the father of progressives politics in Ekiti State and a man who has enjoyed God's immense grace having produced two successors from the same ideological leaning.

Governor Oyebanji further hailed Otunba Adebayo's contribution to national development as a former All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy National Chairman (South) and former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment.

He also extolled Otunba Adebayo's legacies in the corporate world and contribution to the investment profile of his home state and the Southwest geopolitical zone.

Governor Oyebanji prayed God to grant Otunba Adebayo long life, sound health and outstanding success in his future endeavours and quest for a greater Ekiti and a more prosperous Nigeria.

“On behalf of my family, the Government and good people of Ekiti State, I congratulate our leader on this birthday celebration and wish him many happy returns of the day in good health and excellent spirit. May Honour continue to trail every step you take” the statement added.

Governor Oyebanji's Swift Action Ensures Safe Release of Kidnapped Pupils and Teachers.

Governor Oyebanji's Swift Action Ensures Safe Release of Kidnapped Pupils and Teachers.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

In a commendable display of leadership, Governor Biodun Oyebanji's relentless efforts resulted in the safe release of the kidnapped pupils and teachers from Apostolic Faith Nursery and Primary School, Emure-Ekiti. The children, who were brought to the Elemure palace around 4 am on Sunday, February 4th, were unharmed, marking a significant achievement in the Governor's commitment to security.

Governor Oyebanji took bold steps to ensure the swift return of the students, earning commendations for his proactive approach. The Governor expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for specific directives that expedited the search and rescue mission. He also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of security agencies and appreciated the support from Ekitikete at home and abroad during the challenging security situation.

In a heartfelt address, Governor Oyebanji congratulated the children and their families and directed the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Oyebanji Filani, to facilitate the children's medical treatment and post-trauma therapy at the state Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti.

This success follows Governor Oyebanji's recent engagements with top military officials, seeking additional personnel deployment and the establishment of a Forward Operating Base to eradicate criminal hideouts. The Governor's dedication to security is evident in various initiatives, including the renovation of the Ekiti State fire service HQ, acquisition and distribution of security equipment, and increased security votes for local government council chairmen.

Despite the security challenges faced by the nation, Ekiti State remains among the top five peaceful states, with Governor Oyebanji's strategic measures contributing to the state's safety. As the Governor continues to advocate for enhanced security architecture, Ekiti residents can trust in his commitment to ensuring their safety and well-being.

Oyebanji thanks President Tinubu, security agencies as kidnapped school children regains freedom.

Oyebanji thanks President Tinubu, security agencies as kidnapped school children regains freedom.

The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, wishes to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Security agencies and Ekitikete for their support which led to the timely release of the kidnapped pupils of Apostolic Faith Nursery and Primary school, Emure Ekiti. 

The children and their teachers were released in the wee hours on Sunday, February 4th, and brought to the Elemure palace around 4am. 

However, the driver of the school bus was reported killed in the custody of the kidnappers. 

The Governor while congratulating the children and their families, expresses his profound appreciation to President Tinubu for giving specific directives that put the search and rescue mission on top gear. He also thanks the security agencies for their collaborative efforts during the search for the students, just as he extends appreciation to Ekitikete home and abroad for their support during the security situation experienced last week. 

Noting the traumatic experience of the children in the kidnappers’ den, Governor Oyebanji has directed the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Oyebanji Filani to take the children to the state Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti for proper medical treatment and post trauma therapy. 

The Governor, who kept vigil with Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele till 3.00am to ensure the release of the children, acknowledges the solidarity shown by his colleagues governors, former governors of the state as well as religious leaders and traditional rulers. 

He also thanks members of the Ekiti State Caucus in the National Assembly and members of the state House of Assembly for their support. “And more importantly, we thank God for everything” the Governor said. 

Governor Oyebanji also restates the determination of his administration to stamp out crime and criminality from the state by making the environment unbearable for criminals operating under whatever guise.

Similarly, the Governor says killers of the two Ekiti obas would be fished out and made to face the maximum weight of the law. 

He urges the people of the state to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement in their communities to the authorities.

Senegal’s President Sall postpones presidential election.

Senegal’s President Sall postpones presidential election.

President Macky Sall on Saturday postponed Senegal’s planned Feb. 25 presidential election, announcing in a televised address to the nation that he had cancelled the relevant electoral law due to electoral disputes he warned could fuel unrest.

With little more than three weeks to go before the vote, the unprecedented step of delaying the poll, to an unspecified date, pitches Senegal into uncharted constitutional waters that some opposition and civil society groups warn could destabilise the country.

Sall’s decision follows the constitutional council’s January decision to exclude some prominent contenders from the electoral list, which has fuelled discontent about the election process.

“These troubled conditions could seriously undermine the credibility of the ballot by sowing the seeds of pre- and post-electoral disputes,” Sall said in his address.

He did not set a new date for the vote, but said there would be a national dialogue to ensure the election would be free, fair and transparent.

He said the postponement would not affect his decision not to run for a third term – an issue that has helped fuel recurrent and sometimes deadly protests in what is normally one of West Africa’s most stable democracies.

The capital Dakar appeared calm after Sall’s announcement with no immediate sign of people taking to the streets in protest.

REUTERS