Ekiti receives deployment of military personnel to strengthen security.

Ekiti receives deployment of military personnel to strengthen security.

As part of efforts to strengthen security across the nooks and crannies of Ekiti State, the first deployment of Army personnel, by the Nigerian Army headquarters, arrived Ado- Ekiti, the state capital on  Thursday. 

The military personnel arrived Ado- Ekiti around 9’ o clock  in the morning and converged on Fajuyi Pavillion, where they had a parade before departing to different locations for the commencement of their operations. 

The troop was received by Brig General Ebenezer Ogundana (rtd), Special Adviser on security matters to Governor Biodun Oyebanji. He said the  deployment of military personnel followed series of deliberations between the Governor and Service Chiefs in Abuja, prompted by recent violent incidents in the state, including the gruesome killing of two monarchs and the abduction of some school children and their teachers. 

Gen. Ogundana, who emphasized the state's firm stance against criminal tendencies and the determination of the state government to ensure that the forests being used as hideout for criminal activities were combed and free the state of all criminal infiltrators, added that the state would leave no stone unturned in the bid to preserve lives and properties of citizens.

While urging residents to maintain calm and carry on with their daily activities without fear but, he urged them to promptly report any suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies. 

Justifying Governor Oyebanji’s multifaceted approach to combating criminality, Gen Ogundana said  government would continue to safeguard the lives and properties of Ekiti State citizens by all possible means, even while working hard to bring all perpetrators of the heinous crimes to book. 

Welcoming the soldiers to the State, Hen Ogundana assured  them of the state government's comprehensive preparation to support their mission and make their stay in the state worthwhile.

Briefing Journalists shortly after their parade, the Commander of the troop, Brig. Gen, John Lar, said the men and officers were on special mission to comb the various hideouts of criminals and bandits in their various hiding places in the forests.

Brig. Gen. Lar affirmed that the activities of the military in the state would commence immediately as he sought cooperation of residents during the military exercise in the state to enable them achieve the desired success.

He commended the Chief of Army staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja,  for deploying additional troops to support and strengthen military activities in the state, adding that they were set to expose hideouts of all bandits and criminals in the state.

While stressing that the military would work all days and nights to clear the forests of infiltrators, Brig. Gen. Lar, disclosed that the military personnel would be swiftly deployed to their designated positions, emphasizing on heightened border surveillance to dismantle criminal networks operating within the forests.

Oyebanji Approves Release Of N200M As Car/Housing Loan For Primary School Teachers.

Oyebanji Approves Release Of N200M As Car/Housing Loan For Primary School Teachers.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has approved the release of the sum N200 million for car and housing loan to primary school teachers in the state.

This is in fulfilment of the Governor’s pledge to ensure that teachers in public primary schools in the state start enjoying some benefits being enjoyed by their counterparts teaching in secondary schools.

The first tranche of N50 million has been remitted into the pool for the month of January, in line with the Governor’s directive.

The car and housing loans are revolving in nature. The pool of fund is usually replenished as beneficiaries fulfil their monthly repayment obligations.   

Governor Oyebanji had, in a meeting with Education Secretaries last month, promised to review the policy that had hitherto discriminated against primary school teachers in the disbursement of car and housing loans. This is with a view to making available funds to take care of car and housing loans to primary school teachers in the state as part of his administration’s plan to motivate them for excellent service delivery.

The new loan regime for primary school teachers is in line with human capital development policy of the administration. It also speaks to the Governor’s avowed commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of workers in the state, as well as ensuring that workers get all that they are entitled to in line with the shared prosperity agenda.

Hon Gbenga Oluwatuyi Collaborates with Peace Corps to Enhance Security in Irepodun/Ifelodun LG.

Hon Gbenga Oluwatuyi Collaborates with Peace Corps to Enhance Security in Irepodun/Ifelodun LG.

To bolster security measures in the Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area, Hon Gbenga Oluwatuyi, the Executive Chairman, convened a meeting with the Peace Corps on the 6th Tuesday of February. The gathering took place at the local government headquarters in Igede-Ekiti.

The meeting aimed to foster collaboration between the local government authority and the Peace Corps in addressing security challenges within the community. Executive Chairman Gbenga Oluwatuyi emphasized the importance of proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of residents in the area.

During the discussions, strategies were deliberated upon to strengthen security operations, including patrols, community engagement initiatives, and intelligence gathering efforts. The Executive Chairman reiterated his commitment to working closely with the Peace Corps to maintain peace and order in the local government area.

The Peace Corps representatives expressed their readiness to support the efforts of the local government authority in enhancing security. They highlighted the importance of synergy between security agencies and community stakeholders in combating crime and maintaining law and order.

The collaboration between Executive Chairman Gbenga Oluwatuyi and the Peace Corps signifies a proactive approach to addressing security concerns in Irepodun/Ifelodun LG. By leveraging the expertise and resources of both parties, the aim is to create a safer and more secure environment for all residents.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from both sides to work together towards achieving the shared goal of enhancing security and promoting peace in the local government area. The collaborative efforts underscore the importance of collective action in addressing security challenges and fostering community resilience.

Hon. Gbenga Oluwatuyi Engages Vigilante Group in Meeting for Enhanced Security Measures.

Hon. Gbenga Oluwatuyi Engages Vigilante Group in Meeting for Enhanced Security Measures.

Honorable Gbenga Oluwatuyi, the Executive Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area, convened a crucial meeting on the 6th Tuesday of February with the local vigilante group. The gathering aimed to discuss and implement enhanced security measures within the local government area.

The meeting, chaired by Hon. Gbenga Oluwatuyi, underscored the importance of collaboration between local authorities and community-based security organizations in ensuring the safety and well-being of residents. Addressing the vigilante group members, the Executive Chairman expressed his commitment to fostering a safer environment and combating crime effectively.

During the deliberations, various strategies were explored to bolster the capacity and effectiveness of the vigilante group in addressing security challenges within the locality. Hon. Gbenga Oluwatuyi emphasized the need for proactive measures and intelligence-sharing mechanisms to prevent and respond to security threats promptly.

The Executive Chairman commended the vigilante group for their dedication and selfless service in safeguarding the community. He assured them of the local government's support and cooperation in providing necessary resources and training to enhance their capabilities.

In addition to discussing security matters, the meeting served as a platform for open dialogue and feedback exchange between the local government leadership and the vigilante group. Issues pertaining to community policing, crime prevention initiatives, and community engagement were thoroughly discussed, with a focus on fostering stronger ties between the vigilante group and local residents.

The engagement with the vigilante group reflects Hon. Gbenga Oluwatuyi's proactive approach to addressing security concerns and promoting community-based solutions. By actively involving grassroots organizations in the decision-making process, the local government aims to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among community members towards maintaining law and order.

As the meeting concluded, Hon. Gbenga Oluwatuyi reiterated his commitment to working hand-in-hand with the vigilante group and other stakeholders to ensure a safe and secure environment for all residents of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area. The collaborative efforts between the local government and the vigilante group are poised to yield positive outcomes in enhancing security and promoting peace and tranquility within the community.

Kidnapping: Rescued Ekiti school pupils in stable medical condition – Commissioner.

Kidnapping: Rescued Ekiti school pupils in stable medical condition – Commissioner.

Ekiti state Commissioner for Health, Dr Oyebanji Filani has disclosed that the rescued school pupils of the Apostolic Faith Nursery and Primary School, Emure currently undergoing medical observation at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti are all in stable medical condition.

Dr Filani who briefed Journalists at the premises of the hospital shortly after visiting the pupils and their teachers on Wednesday,  noted that the pupils would soon be discharged after the outcome of the clinical psychotherapy result they went through. 

He added that the result would determine the next phase of their treatment.

Dr Filani was joined on the visit by the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof Kayode Olabanji and top officials of the Hospital.

“We will certainly discharge them at the appropriate time. They underwent clinical psychotherapy yesterday, but we have to wait for the result to determine the next phase. But, we expect that they will be discharged sometimes this week,” asserted.

Also, speaking to Journalists, the CMD, Prof Kayode Olabanji confirmed that the pupils have received all necessary medical attention because the needed specialists expected to attend to them were available. 

He stated further that all of them were quite stable, stressing that none of them developed any complication.

It is recalled that the children and their teachers were brought to the hospital for medical attention, on the directive of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, immediately after they regained freedom from their kidnappers Sunday morning.

Fubara, Rivers APC clash over N144bn allocation spending.

Fubara, Rivers APC clash over N144bn allocation spending.

The leadership of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State, on Tuesday, challenged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to account for the N144.2bn federal allocation received by the state in the last five months, claiming that there was nothing on the ground to show for the funds.

But defending the governor, the Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, accused the APC of playing politics.

The Chairman of the state APC Caretaker Committee, Chief Tony Okocha, during a visit to the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, questioned Fubara’s management of the state’s resources.

Okocha said, “As a party in opposition in the state, we have received data of the sum received by the Rivers State Government from the Federal Allocation from June 22, 2023 to November 2023.

“The Rt Hon. Speaker, it is our finding that a whooping sum of N144,291,667,791.1 has been received from the federal allocation under the governor. This amount is outside the Internally Generated Revenue of the state, which is put conservatively at N10bn every month.

“We regret that this humongous amount has not translated to action in any way in terms of development in the state. What we see are heavily funded street processions and media-sponsored rallies in support of unnecessary political imbroglios.

“Fifth columnist and crisis entrepreneurs feed fat from our commonwealth. As a party, we shall not hesitate to punish any member of our party who is in the cohort in this gross financial malfeasance of our dear Rivers State.”

The APC leader urged the Assembly Speaker to keep a close watch on the governor, saying “And if you do nothing you are equally complicit.”

Responding, the Assembly Speaker, Amaewhule, said the legislature would continue to make laws that would benefit the people while it would amend those harmful to the people.

He stated, “Rest assured that the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly will not do anything outside the law. Whatever we do today is for the interest of the state so that when we are out, others coming after us will feel the impact of the service and legislation we offered to the Rivers people.”

But in a swift reaction, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Johnson, insisted that the Fubara administration had been prudent and accountable.

He said, “When we come to the accountability forum, the Rivers people will see what we have done and, of course, they know that we are on course.

“Even though it is too early to assess this government, I’m sure we have since hit the ground running.

“He (Okocha) forgot that we have given about N150bn legacy project for the Ring Road, which surpasses the N144bn he is talking about. We have paid 77 per cent of it.

“We are doing 20, 000 hectres of land for housing units.

“So you don’t just raise issues or mention figures without a proper understanding as to how government works. That’s why I said it’s his own imagination.

“We have promoted civil servants who had not been promoted for over eight years. All those funds, if you calculated from June to November, it speaks volumes about what has entered. Our wage bill is N2.6bn just from the promotion of teachers alone.

“So, he needs to go back to the drawing board and ask what and what has not been done and what has been done.”

Tinubu directs special committee to end food crisis.

Tinubu directs special committee to end food crisis.

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Special Presidential Committee on Emergency Food Intervention to immediately step into the worsening food security crisis in the country and stem the tide.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who disclosed this to journalists at the State House, Abuja, on Tuesday after the Committee’s meeting, also gave assurances that there is no food shortage in the country.

He also informed government had discovered an alleged sabotage in food prýicing by some elements whom he said were hiding behind Naira’s depreciation in the foreign exchange market to escalate pricing.

The committee’s meeting held on the heels of protests in some parts of the country over recent high cost of food items, which has worsened general cost of living for most families nationwide.

However, in response to the rising public agitation over the situation, the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, convened the special committee’s meeting Tuesday evening, at the behest of President Tinubu.

Disclosing some of the action plans of the committee to journalists, Idris said government would be releasing food items from the National Food Reserves to boost food availability, just as it will be working with major millers and commodity traders on easing food prices.

“We just rounded off a meeting. It is a special presidential committee to address the issue of food shortage or lack of enough food on the table of most Nigerians.

“What I will tell Nigerians is that the President has directed that government needs to step in to stem this tide. Government will not fold its arms and see the way Nigerians are suffering in terms of the availability of these food items.

“Now, some of these will involve unlocking the foods that are available in most of the storage facilities (National Food Reserve) around the country. You know that the Federal Minister of Agriculture has some food reserve. That is going to be made available to Nigerians. ⁣

“The government is also talking to major millers and major commodity traders, to also see what is available in their stores. To open it up, so that government will provide some intervention, discuss with them, provide some intervention to make this food available to Nigerians.⁣

“What the government is noticing is that actually there is still food in this country. Some people are taking advantage of the situation, especially because of the high cost, the depreciation in the value of our currency that has led to the cost of these food items also going up.⁣

“So all these issues were discussed, the Governor of Central Bank was here, the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister for the Economy is in that meeting and of course, the Chief of Staff and the National Security Adviser, because it also has some national security implications.

“So all these have been discussed and like I said, this conversation or discussion is going to to continue. ⁣

He also assured that the government would continue working and taking steps to mend the current situation until it is finally sorted. ⁣

“This is just the beginning of that meeting. It is going to continue tomorrow and day after tomorrow. The government is very concerned about what Nigerians are going through, especially what has happened in Minna yesterday, and therefore government is taking some action to ensure that Nigerians have some relief in terms of the availability of food on the table.⁣

“Of course, this meeting is not by itself exhaustive. It’s just like I said, the beginning. It is going to continue tomorrow and the day after. ⁣

“So I want to plead with you to understand with the government. By the time these meetings are concluded, we’ll be able to issue a definite statement on what the position of government is in this regard. But all I can say is that discussions are ongoing, and very soon a solution is in sight for Nigerians.⁣”

Asked if there were any immediate actions to follow the meeting, he said: “Some of them are dependent on the follow-up meeting on all this hardship. The government is stepping in a big way to ensure that Nigerians have succour going forward”.