Food crisis: States in anxious wait for FG’s grain allocations.

Food crisis: States in anxious wait for FG’s grain allocations.

The 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are eagerly awaiting the delivery of the 102,000 metric tons of grains pledged last week by President Bola Tinubu for the purpose of ameliorating the current high food prices.

The ministry will, in the first instance, release about 42,000 metric tons of maize, millet, garri, and other commodities in its strategic reserve for distribution to the states.

A senior official of the ministry told The Nation on the phone yesterday that the matter was being treated with “utmost urgency” with a view to easing the suffering of the generality of Nigerians.

But the sharing formula of the items was not available last night.

 “We are very sure that the release of 42,000mt of grains from the National Strategic Grain Reserve as well as release of 60,000mt of rice by the Rice Miller’s Association at a subsidised rate will be immediate,” the official said.

He added: “The minister has given his word that we cannot waste time on the distribution, but he is in the best position to tell us when it will commence.

 “This is in response to the nation’s growing food crisis and the rising cost of commodities, and it has to be immediate.”

The Director, National Strategic Grain Reserve, Engr. Sule Haruna, who was also contacted, said there were enough grains in reserve to be released as directed by the President.

He said: “We are ready. Once we are given approval, we will commence and it will be done in a transparent way.”

Information and National Orientation Minister, Mohammed Idris, said the President’s directive was part of the government’s short-term measure to address the high cost of food.

Idris warned that the government would sanction hoarders of food items, noting that emergencies require emergency measures to ensure the availability of food to Nigerians.

 He also said the government would embark on importation to plug any shortfall that might be experienced after the release of the food items.

On February 6, the presidential committee on emergency food intervention met at the Presidential Villa in Abuja over the rising cost of living in the country.

Ekiti Commissioners, Special Advisers face first performance review March.

Ekiti Commissioners, Special Advisers face first performance review March.

Commissioners, Special Advisers, and other political appointees serving in the cabinet of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji will face their first performance assessment in March, 2024.

The Ekiti State government will begin the first assessment of the performance of all the Commissioners, Special Advisers, and other key appointees serving in the cabinet of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in March.

Special Adviser, Office of Transformation Dr. John Moyo Ekundayo disclosed this at a one-day pre-assessment briefing of cabinet members as well as accounting officers held at the popular Lady Jibowu, Government House, Ado-Ekiti.

Ekundayo said the briefing was aimed at exposing the cabinet members and top echelon of the state’s civil service to the performance assessment metrics upon which they would be evaluated.

He said the assessment would be conducted every six months based on their job descriptions to ensure effective and efficient service delivery.

He said that such appraisal had become necessary for the effective and efficient delivery of the six strategic actionable pillars of the Governor Biodun Oyebanji-led administration’s targets to improve the livelihoods of Ekiti people.

According to him, the periodic evaluation will ascertain the status of implementation of the administration’s shared prosperity agenda through the six thematic priority areas of focus, identify bottlenecks, and proffer immediate solutions.

He said “I am in alignment with Governor Oyebanji that in the best interest of the people of Ekiti state, the Public Service should continuously showcase results and achievements instead of efforts and intentions, hence the need to evaluate the performance of the participants in this meeting.

We are convinced that for our transformation agenda to gain traction, there must be a forensic assessment and in-depth appraisal of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that the assessment exercise seeks to explore, moreso that the present administration is now more determined to turn around the fortune of the people of our dear Ekiti State.  

Giving the reports of monitoring exercises to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Oyebanji on Monitoring and Evaluation, Adetunji Aribasoye bemoaned the low compliance to the Transformation Tidbits.

Aribasoye who canvassed for the systemic recording of correspondences including memos and emails, charged the Heads of MDAs to adjust their modus operandi in conformity with Governor Oyebanji’s administration’s shared prosperity agenda.

Oyebanji tasks universities on producing solution providers.

Oyebanji tasks universities on producing solution providers.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has called on universities in the country to prioritize research efforts aimed at tackling critical challenges confronting this nation as well as producing graduates who are solution providers. 

Governor Oyebanji, made the call on Saturday at the 8th convocation ceremony of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, stressing the need for institutions to produce graduates equipped with the skills and mindset to tackle the pressing problems of the country head-on.

Governor Oyebanji, at the event which was attended by Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, and other eminent personalities, justified the importance of nurturing a generation of problem solvers poised to drive sustainable development. He urged universities to revamp their curricula to emphasize critical thinking, creativity, and entrepreneurship that could provide solution to the problems of this country.

Emphasizing the urgent need for homegrown solution to Nigeria’s divers’ challenges, Oyebanji stressed the importance of equipping students with practical skills and a real-world experience through hands-on learning and industry partnership. 

While commending the University for their numerous achievement in about eight years of establishment, the Governor said “I have watched with keen interest the phenomenal growth of this university from 5,041 students to 51,000 in less than eight years as well as the quality of scholarship in the institution. 

He congratulated the graduands and charged them to take the advantage of the training and learning they have acquired to contribute their quota to the society. 

The Governor assured that his government will continue to collaborate with the institution for greater development and growth of the school. 

“As a government, we will continue to collaborate with this institution but I plead with you sir, university must put a lot of emphasis on research, we must produces solution providers, people that will help to solve the problem of this country” the Governor asserted  

The highpoint of the event was the conferment of honourary degree of the university on three eminent personalities which include Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele; Senator Solomon Adeola, and Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu. 

While Senator Opeyemi Bamidele was conferred with the degree of Doctor of Public laws, Senator Solomon Adeola was conferred with Doctor of Accounting and Rt Hon Yusul Adamu, Doctor of Political science.

Speaking on behalf of the honourees, the Senate majority leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele said they valued the honour conferred on them by the university and expressed their profound appreciation for the recognition bestowed upon them

He said the honorary degree conferred on them serves as testament to their dedication, achievement, and commitment to excellence in their respective fields.

Fayemi Mourns Tragic Passing of Herbert Wigwe and Others in Helicopter Crash.

Fayemi Mourns Tragic Passing of Herbert Wigwe and Others in Helicopter Crash.

Dr Kayode Fayemi, the immediate past Governor of Ekiti State and Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, NGF has mourned the passing of Herbert Wigwe, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc. 

Wigwe, his wife and son, as well as the family’s friend Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the former Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group) were reported to have died in a helicopter crash in the US on Friday.

Fayemi said the death of Wigwe and others were shocking and a great loss to the country, describing the late banker as a visionary leader in Nigeria’s financial sector, whose leadership transformed Access Bank into one of the largest and most respected financial institutions on the continent. 

Beyond his business acumen, Fayemi said, Wigwe was a kind and compassionate individual who touched the lives of countless people through his philanthropy and generosity. 

Excerpts from the statement: 

‘’It is with sadness and a heavy heart that I learned of the untimely passing of Herbert Wigwe, his wife, their son, and friend Abimbola Ogunbanjo in a tragic helicopter accident.

‘’I wish to extend my deepest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the victims during this extremely difficult time.

‘’Wigwe was a business leader who helped transform Access Bank into one of the largest and most respected financial institutions in Africa. As Group CEO, he led the bank with vision and purpose, contributing to the growth of Nigeria's banking sector and the expansion of economic opportunities across the continent.

‘’He also founded Wigwe University because of his passion and commitment to providing quality education opportunities for young people.

“In Abimbola, Nigeria also lost another captain of industry and a successful entrepreneur who empowered people and communities.

‘’The passing of Wigwe's wife and son are losses that leave gaping holes in the lives of those closest to them. May their lives serve as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with our loved ones.

‘’Though words cannot adequately express our sorrow regarding this immense loss, I hope the families and dear friends of the deceased can find comfort in the fond memories they leave behind. 

‘’May their souls rest in perfect peace."

Irepodun/Ifelodun Council Of Obas And Local Govt EXCO Meets Oganyan Of Iworoko Ruling House To Address Kingship Lineage Issues.

Irepodun/Ifelodun Council Of Obas And Local Govt EXCO Meets Oganyan Of Iworoko Ruling House To Address Kingship Lineage Issues.

By Bimbo Yusuf. 

Following the directive of Ekiti State Executive Council   for Irepodun/ Ifelodun Local Government Council of Traditional Obas to look into whether or not Ojukaja Ayeni and Oguntuyi Farinde family stocks are among of the Oganyan Royal Ruling House of Iworoko - Ekiti. 

The Irepodun/ Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State Council of Traditional Obas and the Executive of Irepodun/ Ifelodun Local Government had met with all the stakeholders representatives of all the concerns families from Iworoko Ekiti at the Obas Chambers in the Local government Secretariat in Igede-Ekiti on Thursday 8th February. 

The meeting was led by the Chairman of the Council of Traditional Obas for the local government,Oba Boluwade Adebiyi and the Alare of Are Ekiti who welcomed the people to the meeting and commended the people for maintaining peace since the demised of their Traditional Rulers, Oba Olufemi Aladejana,  the Alaworoko of Iworoko Ekiti since 5 years ago.

At the meeting, the Secretary of the Council of Obas for the local government, Mr. Ilesanmi Morakinyo read the Reports on the resolution of contention issues stalling the selection of Alaworoko of Iworoko Ekiti as directed by Ekiti State Executive Council at the instances of the then former late Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi in recognised Chieftaincy declaration of Alaworoko of Iworoko Ekiti which became vacant since 2019.

After reading of Reports, Oba Adebiyi, the Chairman of the Council of Obas in Irepodun/ Ifelodun Local Government noted that the reports can not be absorbed holistically because some of the people who partake in the processes of the compiled documents were late among them was Alhaji Yakubu Sanni.

In his own contribution, the Eleyio of Eyio - Ekiti, Oba Adeola Fajuyigbe suggested that since the late Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi of blessed memory was the one who gave an authority for the setting up of the committee for the resolution of the issues that some of the resolution will be adopted, while additional points from stakeholders will be added and attached to the existing ones.

At the meeting,  why asking if there are other papers to be added, Prince Dayo Aladejana  presented a paper to back-up his points. while Alhaja Aminat Abiola (Née )Aladejana, the Oldest Woman in the Royal Dynasty confirmed that Ojukaja Ayeni and Oguntuyi Farinde are parts of Oganyan Royal Ruling House of Iworoko Ekiti. 

Also contributing Pa Ologuntoye Michael, Prince Femi Akinola Farinde, Prince Bola Ayeni, Alhaji Taye Salami, the Chief Imam of Iworoko and Prince Dayo Aladejana of Ogunkinle Stocks, who were  also at the meeting also confirmed that Oguntuyi Farinde as members of Oganyan Ruling House of Iworoko Ekiti. 

Oba Adebiyi thanked the people for their support and cooperation that made the meeting a  successful one and charged them to continue to live in peace among themselves as all papers submitted will be scrutinized so as to make a useful recommendation to the Ekiti State Executive Council for ratifications.

Also addressing the stakeholders at the instance of all the Traditional Rulers in the Council Area, the Executive Chairman of Irepodun/ Ifelodun Local Government, Hon Gbenga Oluwatuyi expressed satisfaction on the conduct of the meeting as he described the people of Iworoko Ekiti as progressive and peace loving people. 

Hon Oluwatuyi further assured them of his administration's unwavering cooperation and support so as ensure that the issue is handled without bias and with the fear of God. 

He thanked all the Obas, the chiefs and other stakeholders for their commitment in ensuring that peace reign in the area.

The Chairman urged the people to continue to give theirs unflinching support and cooperation to his administration and that of administration of His Excellency Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji in the State.

He announced that works had started with the 5Kilometres Alphat laying in Irepodun/ Ifelodun Local Government, Araromi and Ifedara LCDAs and renovations of Schools and health facilities are also going on respectively. 

The Council Boss therefore called on the people of the Local Government Area to perform their civic responsibility to the government through prompt payment of taxes and other levies so that the present administration would be able to meet up its yearns and aspirations for them.

Speaking earlier on security, he commended the State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for his efforts in strengthen the security network in all the nooks and crannies of the State coming with his visit to Chief of Defence Staffs  which now deployed Army Forces to Ekiti to stabilize peace.

The Council Boss, therefore charged the traditional rulers to fish out any stranger whose identity is  unknown by giving the security agencies in the area first hand information so as to rid the State out of crimes of various kinds.

The Chairman, Hon Gbenga Oluwatuyi was accompanied by the Secretary of the Local Government, Alhaji Sule Fatai Olatunji, Mrs Kofoworola Rotimi and Chief Mrs Bimbo Yusuf, the Director of Information and Civil Orientation.

Others traditional rulers present at the meeting included Oba Boluwade Adebiyi, the Chairman of the Obas Council and the Alare of Are; Oba Adeola Adeniyi Ajakaye, the Oluyin of Iyin; Oba James Adelusi Aladesuru, the Onigede of Igede-Ekiti; Oba Adewumi Daramola, the Onigbemo of Igbemo Ekiti; Oba Abdul-Lasisi Aladejuyigbe, the Alawo of Awo Ekiti; Oba Adebanji Adetunji, the Elesure of Esure; Oba J.A Ademiluwa, the Alafao of Afao Ekiti; Oba Omobire Oluwadamilare, Olomu of Olomu Ekiti; and Oba Joshua Osalusi, the Olorun of Orun Ekiti.

High Chief Johnson Folorunso Bada, Odofin Iba of Iworoko, High Chief Johnson Kayode Bolofindo, the Edemo of Iworoko, High Chief Kasali Adeleye, Odofin Ijafin, High Chief Bakare, Asa Oke Ede, Chief Abiodun Adekunle, Ologunsaba, Ilodo, Iworoko-EKITI, among others, were also in attendance.

Ondo NMA worries over shortage of resident doctors.

Ondo NMA worries over shortage of resident doctors.

The Ondo State Chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association has called on the state government to address the issue of shortage of resident doctors in state-owned hospitals .

The association said many of the doctors in the state had left for foreign countries for greener pasture, while some who were still in Nigeria had left the state for another state.

This was contained in a communique issued at the end of meeting of the association.

The state Chairman of the NMA, Dr Omosehin Adeyemi-Osowe, made the communique available on Friday.

According to the communique, the state had only 22 resident doctors out of 150 in the previous years as a result of the purported exodus of the doctors.

The communique read in part, “There is dire shortage of health personnel in the state. Doctors have refused to take up employment with Ondo state government.

“It was also observed that numerous doctors within the Ondo State Civil Service left for greener pastures locally (neighbouring states such as Osun, Lagos , Ekiti, Kwara, Delta) and internationally, African Countries: Sierra Leone, Gambia, South Africa, etc and outside the continent: United States of America , Canada, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Germany etc).

“As at the time of writing this communiqué, there are only 22 resident doctors at UNIMEDTHC compared to the previous figure of 150 resident doctors."

Sacked Kaduna Speaker regains position after re-election.

Sacked Kaduna Speaker regains position after re-election.

Following his electoral victory at Saturday’s bye-election in the state, the sacked Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Yusuf Liman, has been re-elected the Speaker of the state assembly.

At Saturday’s re-run election, Liman, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress candidate, scored 18,068 votes to defeat Solomon Katuka of the Peoples Democratic Party, who polled 17,404 votes.

The Independent National Electoral Commission in Kaduna went ahead on Wednesday to present Certificates of Return to the former Speaker and those who emerged winners of Saturday’s re-run polls and by-election in the state.

Other lawmakers who received their Certificates of Return were Haruna Barnabas (APC, Chawai State Constituency), Jesse Tanko (APC, Chikun State Constituency), and Nura Likoro (PDP, Kudan State Constituency).

Shortly after the swearing-in, the former Speaker was nominated and unanimously elected as the new speaker of the state House of Assembly.

The election took place during a plenary session where Liman, alongside three other members who triumphed in the recent Saturday by-election were sworn-in.

Liman while addressing his colleagues, appreciated them for the trust and support accorded by the lawmakers.

The new Speaker also pledged to collaborate with the executive arm of government for the growth and development of democracy and the state.

“Let us reaffirm our dedication to democracy, justice, and progress. Let us remember the power bestowed upon us by the people of Kaduna comes with a profound responsibility to uphold their interests and aspirations at all times,” he said.

Liman, who served as the speaker and represented Makera constituency in the state assembly, returned to his previous position in the house after his election was nullified by the appeal court in Abuja in November 2023.

The court’s decision led to a mandated rerun in five polling units within the Makera constituency.