Shun Rivalry, Bad Politics, Oyebanji Warns Elected LG Officials.

Shun Rivalry, Bad Politics, Oyebanji Warns Elected LG Officials.

....Promises strong Infrastructures, anti-poverty policies in councils.

The Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, on Monday, warned the newly elected Local Government Councilors against perceiving their Chairmen as rivals, saying this could dim the chances of effecting positive changes and development at the third tier of government.

To avert internal squabbles that could stoke intra-party crisis and derail governance, Oyebanji urged the elected officials to work harmoniously with the executive to effectively implement the policies of government geared towards cascading development to the council areas for the benefit of the grassroots' population. 

Oyebanji said these in Ikere Ekiti, while flagging off a one-day capacity training powered by a House of Representatives member, Hon. Adeniyi Ojuawo for the newly elected councilors in Ise/Orun, Ikere and Ekiti Southwest Local Government Areas of the State .

The governor, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, congratulated the councilors on their victories in the recent local government election, appealing that they should discharge their legislative duties with utmost honesty, passion, dedication, loyalty and diligence.

Oyebanji advised that they perceive the opportunity as a veritable window to make tremendous positive impacts in the lives of the electorate, and not an avenue for corrupt enrichment and playing of divisive politics.

"In displaying this loyalty, you must shun any act that could ignite crisis in your councils. Don't perceive your Chairmen as rivals, rather, cooperate with them in discharge of your legislative and other oversight functions to help Governor Oyebanji cascades development down to the grassroots to liberate our people from poverty, neglect and exclusion. 

"Governor Oyebanji has even set a pace about how an ideal Executive/Legislature relationship should be, with his unbreakable affinity with the members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly. Kindly take a cue from this.

"You all know the priority Governor Oyebanji places on the development of our local government system and getting it right in our local politics. This, he had demonstrated by the quantum of projects he initiated at that cadre by allowing high leverage of financial independence for our councils under his impressive and superlative leadership. 

"Be rest assured that this loyalty to our people Governor Oyebanji has been exhibiting will continue for the task of making Ekiti progressive across boards to be attainable under this current government".

He added that the capacity building workshop was primarily conceptualised by the sponsor for you to be imbued with knowledge f legislation, saying similar training was organised for the Local Government Chairmen shortly after they were inaugurated into offices.

"Going by the 1999 Constitution as amended, the Councilors are empowered to represent their wards, spearhead community's political leadership, developing council policy and for Planning and regulation for smooth operation of the Local Government System to engender good governance. 

"I appeal to you to work assiduously to ensure you don't dash the hope and confidence reposed in you by the electorate who massively voted for you at the poll. I want you to discharge your statutory duties with dedication, honesty, passion and loyalty to the Constitution of the Federal Republic Of Nigeria".

To prevent misappropriation of funds and other forms of corrupt tendencies, Oyebanji promised not to poke-nose into how the councils deploy their funds, but said he would emplace mechanisms to monitor compliance with financial regulations for the benefit of rural dwellers.

In his submission, the sponsor and lawmaker representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1, Hon. Ojuawo, revealed that the programme, done in partnership with a Non-governmental organisation: Grassroots Leadership Development Initiative, is to broaden the mental horizons of the councilors. 

Ojuawo urged the councilors to display high sense of industry and sacrifices in their services to the state, warning that the consequences will be dire, if they disappoint their immediate communities.

Tinubu Hails The Super Eagles.

Tinubu Hails The Super Eagles.

....Says Team Demonstrated The Great Resilience And Talent Of The Nigerian People. 

President Bola Tinubu salutes the Super Eagles of Nigeria for their tenacious performance in the final of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d'Ivoire. 

President Tinubu commends the team, the coach, the crew, and the entire management team for their hard work, assiduity, and sacrifice to come this far in the tournament, acknowledging the hurdles they consistently surpassed with steadily improving performance as they pulled through to the finals.

The President urges Nigerians to be of good cheer, emphasizing that we won a great victory in the hearts of Africa and the world by our grit, rigour, and determination in the field of play.

"Let this passing event not dispirit us, but bring us together to work harder. We are a great nation bound as one by the green-white-green banner of resilience, joy, hope, duty, and untiring love. To those cherished Nigerian youths expressing their gifts in communities, drawing lines in the sand as they play football in their humble rectangles of play, you can be our heroes tomorrow, do not relent in your pursuit. My administration is here to make dreams come true," the President says. 

Governor Oyebanji's Social Investment Initiatives Benefit Thousands in Ekiti State

Governor Oyebanji's Social Investment Initiatives Benefit Thousands in Ekiti State.       By Comr Olamide Akinwumi 

In a bid to uplift the lives of citizens and foster socio-economic development, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji of Ekiti State has implemented a series of impactful social investment programs. These initiatives have reached thousands of beneficiaries across various sectors, demonstrating the governor's commitment to serving the people.

Among the notable achievements are the disbursement of N200 million to 3,500 beneficiaries through the Ekiti State Cash Transfer Unit (SCTU), providing crucial financial support to vulnerable households. Additionally, 1,326 individuals have been enrolled in the Labour Intensive Public Work (LIPW) program, receiving monthly stipends of N12,500 to enhance their livelihoods.

In response to natural disasters, Governor Oyebanji's administration distributed relief materials worth N24 million to victims of rainstorm disasters in Oke-Ako and Ijesa-Isu Ekiti. Furthermore, N50 million worth of relief materials were provided through the Federal Government's Special National Economic Livelihood Emergency Intervention (SNELEI) Programme, offering much-needed assistance to affected communities.

The governor's commitment to social welfare extends to institutions under the Ministry, where regular payments of monthly subvention and feeding allowances are ensured. Notably, training programs for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) responders have been conducted, equipping social workers, traditional rulers, medical practitioners, and the judiciary with skills for effective case management and treatment referrals.

Governor Oyebanji's dedication to infrastructure development is evident in the completion of the renovation of the Ekiti State Civic Centre, with the ground floor handed over to anchor tenants, Jara/Shoprite. Additionally, the approval of N28 million for Ire Clay Products Limited recapitalization underscores the government's support for local industries and economic growth.

As Governor Oyebanji celebrates his recent birthday, his inclusive approach to governance is highlighted through initiatives such as celebrating with Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), showcasing his commitment to ensuring that all segments of society are included in the state's progress. Ekiti State continues to benefit from his leadership as the people's governor, fostering mutual relationships and driving positive change across the region.

Northern elders to discuss economic, security agenda with Fed Govt.

Northern elders to discuss economic, security agenda with Fed Govt.

Northern elite under the aegis of Arewa New Agenda (ANA) are set to engage the Federal Government with a set of proposals on how to stem insecurity and poverty, especially in the North and the country in general.

According to the elders, the proposals, if considered and implemented, would pave the way for lasting prosperity for the entire country.

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Yayale Ahmed, revealed this at the opening of the “Follow-on Conference on Tackling Poverty in Northern Nigeria” in Abuja at the weekend.

ANA Convener, Ahmad MoAllahyidi, presented the proposals to the elders that included former governors- Isa Yuguda and Sani Yerima-; Jonathan Zwingina, Babangida Ngoruje, former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Danladi Kifasi; Fatima Adams and Chairman, National Hajj Commission, Jalal Arabi.

Ahmed said: “As elders, we agreed and submitted to the service of Nigeria and to the upliftment of the northern part of Nigeria, not because we are broken but it’s because we are realists.

“We want to change our style and strategies in dealing with the issues and problems of northern Nigeria.

“Our responsibility is not to just say the Government is not working, government must work through our contributions, the government must be responsible through our being responsible, the government must be committed through our commitment.

“We are a patriotic group of Nigerians, the outcomes of these efforts will be communicated to the people that are in power for improvement of the generality of the people.”

ANA also emphasised the need for the Federal Government to actively support the North in leveraging the Nigerian Start-Up for Businesses Act of 2022. This, it said, would enable companies in the region to conduct research, provide training, and develop globally impactful products.

The proposals, according to ANA Convener Ahmad MoAllahyidi, are Pathway to Prosperity Approach, Farming and Agriculture as well as the establishment of Integrated Enterprising Productivity Inclusion Platforms in each of the 19 Northern states.

The Pathway to Prosperity Approach involves matching vulnerable households and communities with the necessary skills to participate in the local economy actively. It will in the first instance support 100,000 vulnerable households per state to increase production and productivity within 15 months.

On Farming and Agriculture, ANA proposes the expansion of arable land in the country to 65 percent within four years.

ANA also plans to see 10 million jobs created for youth and other demographics through the Integrated Enterprising Productivity Inclusion Platforms.

MoAllahyidi said: “The model has the potential to generate over N50 trillion cumulative per capital income annually, while insurgency, banditry and other social vices will be reduced drastically.

“It will also boost our foreign reserve earnings and stabilize our economy

“Training of youths on renewable energy systems (solar, wind and biomass) as a component of livelihoods enhancement and a response to climate change.

“Passing on the gift is a social intervention concept and the anticipated result from the scheme is to service up to 1,000 households per state for the 19 States.

“Another proposal is the tissue culture for propagation of seedlings which is a simplified neglected intervention. This is a concept that builds an average of two million seedlings a year using micro-propagation.” 

ANA also appealed to the Federal Government to reconsider some policy measures, such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) sanctions on Niger Republic, particularly the closure of borders.

It noted that the reconsideration was necessary due to the negative implications for the economy of the states in the North.

Babalola seeks urgent solution to inflation, naira devaluation.

Babalola seeks urgent solution to inflation, naira devaluation.

In Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State capital yesterday, elder statesman and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Afe Babalola admonished President Bola Tinubu to adopt solution-driven interventions for the economic and security challenges facing Nigerians.

Elder statesman Babalola listed inflation, naira depreciation and kidnapping as issues that have put Nigerians in pain.

Babalola, at the sixth induction of 161 Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) medical doctors, said the surge in inflation and the “worthless” value of the naira had further imposed hardship on Nigerians and eroded the production capacities of small and medium-scale enterprises.

The ABUAD founder added that the economic pressure propels some frustrated Nigerians into criminal activities, including kidnapping.

Describing the recent killing of some monarchs by kidnappers as “an unusual development,” the elder statesman said, “something has to be urgently done about the issue of kidnapping.”

Babalola also stressed the urgent need for the Federal Government to boost local food production and for the migration of Nigerians, otherwise known as Japa syndrome, to be checked.   

He specifically enjoined the inducted medical doctors to shun the urge to ply their trade abroad.

His words: “The Japa syndrome is a development in the country. This syndrome has to stop and the only way to stop it is to increase the salaries and wages of workers, which in my case I did by increasing the salary of my workers by 35 percent.

“Many farmers have left their farmland now because of kidnappers, something has to be urgently done about the issue of kidnapping. Farmers have to be encouraged to go back to their farms.

“It is saddening that monarchs are killed, it is an unusual development. what is behind all these is that we have no money, our money has no value and our currency is as worthless as toilet paper. Something has to be done about the naira and productivity. “I have seen people, especially, in the North agitating because the naira is getting worse, food prices are high, no employment, and those who get it are not paid. Something has to be done about it.”

Sanwo-Olu to launch Trader Money.

Sanwo-Olu to launch Trader Money.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will on Wednesday launch the N50, 000 cash transfer to 15,000 beneficiaries under the Lagos Market TraderMoney initiative.

Commissioner for Agriculture Ms. Abisola Olusanya said this at the weekend during a one-day sensitisation for traders at the Lagos Fresh Food Agro-Hub in Idi-Oro, Mushin.

Over 500 market men and women from Ikeja and Oshodi Local Government Areas attended the sensitisation on market hygiene, food safety, cleanliness, storage, marketing and transportation.

She said: “We are dealing with two local governments. Last week, we had over 500 of them here from Mushin. The idea is as we have the hub, and it becomes operational, we must sensitise and train traders to understand that this is the new direction for a 21st century Lagos of our dreams.

“It is for them to understand that this is how it should be; they need to unlearn and relearn trading and the act of selling, merchandising, hygiene and more. It is also an avenue for government to also have a one-to-one, personalised interaction with the traders to be able to address their needs, local government by local government and community by community.

“We know the informal sector makes up 60 per cent of our population, and so this is a wonderful avenue for the government to ensure inclusivity for everybody, especially for them.

“That is why we are here today talking to our traders on hygiene, food safety, preservation storage, marketing, transportation. We are also discussing welfare packages that the government has for them.

“By Wednesday, which is Valentine’s Day, Mr. Governor will be showing love to our traders in Lagos. He promised them N50, 000 each for 15,000 beneficiaries.”

On how to address food insecurity in the country, Ms. Olusanya called for partnership among food producing states.

The commissioner said partnership remained the only sure way to address the growing menace.

AFCON 2023: House Of Representatives Hails Nigeria Super Eagles.

AFCON 2023: House Of Representatives Hails Nigeria Super Eagles.

- “Nigeria has been more united by their sterling performance at the tournament” - Speaker Abbas

The House of Representatives congratulates the National Male Football Team; Super Eagles for clinching the Silver Prize at the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 for a fifth time.

The House celebrates the entire players and Coaching Crew for their spirited efforts; as well as the Team Captain, William Troost Ekong for emerging ‘Man of the Competition’ hosted by Cote’d Ivoire.

Being a country with a vibrant youth population, we are confident that this achievement; nonetheless, would inspire not just the multitude of sports talents across the country, but our countrymen and women in other spheres of influence to do more for their fatherland.

As contained in a statement by Musa Krishi, Media Adviser to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen PhD, also hails the team for uniting Nigerians across religious, ethnic and political lines.

Noting that the country has been more united by their sterling performance at the tournament, he commends the Super Eagles for giving a good account of themselves during the tournament.

“The Super Eagles, based on their performance at the tournament, deserved victory but narrowly lost the AFCON trophy. Nevertheless, they have proven that Nigeria remains the giant of Africa in sport and other endeavours. During the tournament, Nigerians showed that we are one great nation. Nigerians are proud of you,” the Speaker told the Super Eagles at end of the game.

Speaker Abbas adds that the House under his leadership will continue to support programmes and policies that promote sports and youth development.