Gov Oyebanji Engages World Bank Country Director, Shubham Chaudhuri for State's Economic Growth.

Gov Oyebanji Engages World Bank Country Director, Shubham Chaudhuri for State's Economic Growth.

By Olamide Akinwumi.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State embarked on a significant discussion on Friday, February 16th, with the Country Director of the World Bank, Shubham Chaudhuri, and his team at the Bank’s office in Abuja. The meeting, which saw the presence of the Commissioner for Finance, Akintunde Oyebode, focused on various aspects of the state’s partnership with the global financial institution, alongside updates on ongoing World Bank-assisted projects in Ekiti.

During the deliberations, Governor Oyebanji underscored his administration's unwavering commitment to fostering economic growth and development within the state. The meeting served as a platform to explore opportunities for collaboration and to strategize on maximizing the benefits of existing partnerships between Ekiti State and the World Bank.

Discussions ranged from the progress of ongoing projects to the identification of potential areas for further intervention and support, all geared towards advancing the socio-economic landscape of Ekiti. Governor Oyebanji reiterated his administration's determination to leave no stone unturned in its pursuit of sustainable development for the people of Ekiti.

The engagement highlighted the importance of effective collaboration between government entities and international development partners in driving progress and achieving developmental milestones. It showcased Governor Oyebanji’s proactive approach to governance and his dedication to advancing the welfare of the citizens of Ekiti State.

As the state continues its journey towards development, such engagements with key stakeholders like the World Bank remain crucial in ensuring that Ekiti realizes its full potential and thrives in various sectors. Governor Oyebanji’s leadership exemplifies a proactive and strategic approach towards achieving economic prosperity and sustainable development for Ekiti State.

The meeting with the World Bank Country Director reaffirms the commitment of the Ekiti State Government to leveraging partnerships and resources for the collective benefit and upliftment of the state and its people.

Ekiti Commences Repair Of Roads, Filling Of Potholes.

Ekiti Commences Repair Of Roads, Filling Of Potholes.

Ekiti State Government has commenced the filling of potholes and general road repairs in Ado Ekiti, the state capital as part of efforts at ensuring that all roads in the State are motorable and potholes-free before the raining season.

The State Commissioner for Information, Rt Hon Taiwo Olatunbosun who made this known in Ado Ekiti, said that the rehabilitation works are sequel to the directive of Governor Biodun Oyebanji that all roads in poor condition be rehabilitated before the raining season.

Rt. Hon. Olatunbosun reiterated the commitment of the present administration in the State to a free-flow of traffic that would engender easy transportation of goods and services, particularly agriculture products, stressing that it is better to take advantage of the dry harmattan season to fix the roads as it would be almost impossible and definitely more expensive to do same during the raining season.

Olatunbosun highlighted the selected township roads currently undergoing repairs in the State capital to include Mathew – St Paul Anglican road, Mugbagba – St Paul Anglican road, Basiri – Nova Junction Adebayo road (opposite chicken Republic), Olukayode Stadium – Okuta Gbokutaleri road, Okebola – Access bank road via Little by Little plaza and Atikankan – Isato road.

Other roads being attended to are Oke Ila – Housing Corporation/Afao road, Oja Oba – Post Office road, Ijigbo Roundabout – Ilawe road, Mobil Rounabout –Ekute junction, Adebayo – AB Hotel – Housing Corporation junction road, Ajibade Lane – Orita Blessing road, Oladele Street in Awedele area, Oke bola – Union Baptist road, Oke Ila – Afao road extension as well as St Paul Anglican – Ado Grammar School road, NTA – New Iyin road and Adebayo road – Opposite Teaching Hospital.

The Commissioner urged road users to exercise patience and obey traffic rules and diversions, stressing that the development is in their best interest as the resultant good road would make up for the slight inconveniences that may arise as a result of the construction work

NYC Chair Ekiti State Chapter, Adedara Temitope Urges Government to take deliberate action to Address Nation's Hunger Crisis.

NYC Chair Ekiti State Chapter, Adedara Temitope Urges Government to take deliberate action to Address Nation's Hunger Crisis.

In a passionate plea to the Nigerian government, the Chairman of the Nigerian Youth Congress, Ekiti State Chapter, Aare Adedara Temitope Moses, has called on the government to take proactive measures to alleviate the prevailing hunger crisis gripping the masses.

In a message addressed to all Nigerians, Aare Adedara Temitope Moses highlighted the dire state of affairs, emphasizing the alarming prevalence of hunger across the nation. He underscored the adverse impact of the recent fuel subsidy removal, which has exacerbated the cost of living for citizens nationwide.

"The situation of things today in the country, Nigeria, is alarming as hunger is on the face of the land, and the effect of the fuel subsidy removal has necessitated a high cost of living for everyone in the nation," remarked Chairman Adedara.

Expressing concern over the potential consequences of unchecked hardship, he emphasized the urgent need for tangible solutions to avert unrest and social upheaval. "This calls for urgent and hands-on solutions, for it is about time, that the people started to express their grievances in the most unpalatable way," he cautioned.

The Chairman urged the government and stakeholders to prioritize efforts aimed at eradicating hunger and poverty to forestall potential unrest. "I urge our government and concerned people to put an end to hunger and poverty on the faces of all and sundry in the Nation to avoid unwarranted and avoidable troubles," he urged, citing the adage, "a hungry man is an angry man."

Drawing attention to the plight of the youth, the Chairman stressed the importance of addressing their needs, noting that they represent the pulse of the nation. "Salaries, in the name of minimum wage, are no longer enough to meet basic needs," he lamented, calling for urgent intervention to safeguard the interests of the youth and the nation as a whole.

In conclusion, Aare Adedara Temitope Moses reiterated his commitment to youth development and urged for swift action from the government to address the pressing challenges facing the nation.

The message from the Chairman underscores the urgency of the situation and serves as a clarion call for concerted efforts to tackle the hunger crisis and safeguard the well-being of all Nigerians.

God bless NIGERIA.

Ekiti First Lady Gives Palliative Materials To Market Women.

Ekiti First Lady Gives Palliative Materials To Market Women. 

....Says Hard Time Will Soon Be Over.

Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, on Thursday reached out to market women with palliative materials to cushion the effects of the economic challenges facing them and their families.

Dr. Oyebanji stormed the Irona Market, a popular neighbourhood market in the state capital with food items and cash support which she gave out to not less than 120 traders to identify with them.

The Governor's wife urged the traders not to relent in prayers for the administration of her husband, Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the Federal Government led by President Bola Tinubu assuring that hard times will soon be over in the state and the country.

Dr. Oyebanji who took time to visit the beneficiaries in their stalls and shops and personally handed out the largesse said the administration of her husband identifies with every segment of the population and would be ready to ease their pains.

A total number of 60 indigent petty traders selling items like vegetables, okra, locust beans, ponmo (cow skin) received cash support of N15,000 each while another 60 aged beneficiaries received food packs containing rice, beans, garri, salt and additional cash support of N5,000 to purchase soup ingredients.

Many other traders whose names were not captured in the prepared list of beneficiaries also received various forms of cash support from the first lady to ensure that the largesse spread wider in the market.

Dr. Oyebanji described the Irona Market as the neighborhood market in the quarter where she was born, recalling with nostalgia that her mother used to send her to the market to purchase items for the family use.

She appreciated the traders for their support for her husband in the last governorship election which brought him to power urging them to always pray for and stand by the government to succeed in the task of making Ekiti better.

According to her, the people of Ekiti State have already seen the impact made by Governor Oyebanji since he came to power in October 2022 noting that more of such support would be needed for greater turnaround in the state.

Speaking on the prevailing economic situation, Dr. Oyebanji stressed that "these hard times will soon past," urging the people to keep hope alive as efforts are being made to provide solution and bring them succor.

She said: "We know that things are difficult presently, but let's be patient. This hard time will not last. This difficult period will soon fizzle out.

The governor's wife promised to look into the traders' demands for the construction of a new borehole.

Earlier in her remarks, the Iyaloja (market leader) of Irona Market, Chief Felicia Abiola, hailed the first lady for visiting the traders and reaching out to them noting that her gesture is unprecedented.

Mrs. Abiola said the major problem faced in the market is water scarcity, noting that provision of water facility would go a long way to ease their pain. 

The Odoloro of Ado Ekiti, Chief Michael Omotoyinbo, urged the first lady and her husband to continue their good works, noting that the impact is being felt in all parts of the state.

Dr. Oyebanji was accompanied to the market by the Deputy Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bolaji Olagbaju; wife of the Speaker, Mrs. Adenike Aribasoye; Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Peju Babafemi; Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mrs. Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe and other officials.

Report Rates Ekiti High in Investment Promotion, Human Capital Devt, Job Creation, Others.

Report Rates Ekiti High in Investment Promotion, Human Capital Devt, Job Creation, Others.

....Ranks third in Nigeria, first in Southwest.

....Predicts future economic boom for Ekiti.

A prestigious Business Management Consulting Firm, Philips Consulting Limited (Pcl), has scored Ekiti State Government high in investment promotion, human capital development and prudent financial management, describing these as factors that are catalysing the state's economic transformation.

The consulting firm, established in 1992 and headquartered in Nigeria, said Ekiti has done exceedingly well in the areas of job creation, inclusive governance and  laying of solid  propitious business environment, with high  propensity for speedy attainment of economic recovery for its citizens.

The ratings were contained in the firm's State Performance Index report released for all the 36 states of the federation for the 2023 fiscal year.

As contained in the report, Ekiti stands out as the 3rd overall best-performing state and the top performer in the Southwest region, largely attributed to its  strengths in provision quality basic education, healthcare, robust public institutions, preservation of social and cultural values, and healthy Capital Expenditure to budget ratio.

Despite its limited resources, the report stated that Ekiti demonstrated exceptional efficiency in deploying these resources for socioeconomic development, which vividly reflected in the state's rank of 8th regarding socioeconomic development performance.

In the report released by the consulting firm, Pcl remarked that the positive economic outlook for Ekiti State is underpinned by several promising factors, which also encompasses stability in governance  and political alignment with the Federal Government.

Other standpoints catalogued  by the respectable body that are setting Ekiti on a faster pace of economic  rebirth include promotion of inclusive governance, investment in Human Capital Development, job creation, and prudent resource utilisation.

The report rated the state highly in promotion of  liberal democracy that accommodates all shades of opinions  and declared that the personality of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, largely perceived to be a rabid believer of participatory governance, is also adding value to governance and political participation.

The report posited that though the state has history of political unpredictability, but still maintains relative stability and occasional alignment with the federal government, which tend to reduce election-related violence, attract federal presence and enabling a smoother succession planning process.

The report averred further that  Ekiti State had distinguished itself from many other states in Nigeria by effectively engaging with its residents and indigenous population, which it said helped in fostering a  sense of satisfaction among the state's inhabitants.

 

The report expressed the fact that Oyebanji's Economic Team , comprising individuals with proven integrity  and strong business orientation, will bridge the noticeable  economic knowledge gap in the system for expeditious attainment of the deserved height in economic development.

 

The report said: "Ekiti State is strongly committed to investing in health and education. This investment serves as a catalyst for the security of lives and properties while driving development across various sectors of the economy.

"Job creation is critical to socioeconomic development. Ekiti State has shown a commitment to managing the risk of unemployment effectively, as indicated by a high score in this regard. This commitment to job creation positively impacts the lives of residents and their dependants, fostering social and economic well-being.

 

"Ekiti State's ability to make the most of its limited resources stems from the necessity to innovate and manage resources effectively. This culture of innovation ensures that the state is managed efficiently, even with relatively fewer endowments than other states.

"Ekiti State is characterised by electoral outcomes that closely reflect the wishes and aspirations of its populace. This democratic environment compels the

government to work diligently, addressing the concerns of its citizens. It encourages politicians to offer constructive criticism and gain public support for electoral victories.

"Governor Biodun Oyebanji's profile highlights a history of service to humanity. While he may need more in-depth economic and wealth creation knowledge, forming a solid economic team can compensate for this limitation, thereby spearheading the state's economic transformation.

"The road ahead for Ekiti State is undoubtedly promising. With a combination of efficient resource utilisation, a solid commitment to human capital development, and a liberal democratic environment, Ekiti is well-positioned to continue its trajectory of growth and development", it stated.

However, the report urged the state to identify and eliminate impediments to conducting business within its borders, implement tax reforms and create an enabling environment for businesses and investments for enhanced internally generated revenue (IGR).

For the actualisation of the expected economic and business status, the report  advised the government to focus on human capital development, enhance citizen engagement, explore opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing with states that have excelled in similar socioeconomic conditions.

Meanwhile, the state is already responding to the business constraints identified with the approval of the Business Enabling Reform Action Plan and inauguration of the Board of Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (EKDIPA).

Repentant terrorists swore by Quran, can’t return to killings – Borno.

Repentant terrorists swore by Quran, can’t return to killings – Borno

The Borno State government said, on Wednesday, that the 160,000 repentant  Boko Haram insurgents can’t return to killings because they swore to an oath with the Quran.

The state’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Zuwaira Gambo, whose ministry oversees the affairs of the ex-combatants and rescued captives, added that of the 160,000 repentant insurgents, 70,000 had been resettled and reintegrated into their communities.

Gambo stressed that having sworn by the Quran the ex-terrorists would never return to the bush to rejoin Boko Haram.

She spoke at the public presentation of survivors, victims and deradicalised women of Boko Haram by the UKAID-assisted Maiduguri-based non-governmental organisation, Allamin Foundation.

The commissioner allayed the growing public fears that the resurgence of terror in the North-East was being caused by the repentant terrorists reneging on their repentance and trooping back to the bush to pick up arms against the Nigerian state.

She said, “It is completely untrue that the repentant Boko Haram fighters are reneging on their repentance and returning to the bush to continue fighting.

“Out of the over 160,000 who repented, we have already reintegrated over 70,000 in their home communities, and I can assure you that no one will be missing should we decide to gather all of them for anyone to confirm. We operate a transparent process of their repentance.”

The commissioner said she was sure the repentant insurgent would not return to the trenches, having taken an oath with the Quran.

“We subject each of them to proper oath taking with the Holy Quran that he or she will never return to the bush to fight; and he or she swears with the Holy Quran in the presence of a committee comprising traditional rulers, religious leaders and government officials.

“No repentant Boko Haram dare renege on the oath because he or she knows what it means to swear with the Holy Quran and renege; and he or she knows that he or she dare not return to the bush because he or she knows that death awaits him on arrival; their commanders in the bush will kill him because they would not trust him.”

Gambo said about 75 per cent of the repentant insurgents were originally farmers, who were captured and forced into insurgency.

“They were not real fighters,” she said.

She, however, said the state government would study the entire charters of demand and do everything it could about them.

The charter comprises the demands of the survivors and victims from the government, security agencies, NGOs, the media, traditional and religious leaders, community members and other stakeholders for proper rehabilitation to a prosperous life.

Lagos begins N750m ‘Trader Money’ payment

Lagos begins N750m ‘Trader Money’ payment.

The Lagos State Government, on Wednesday, flagged off the Lagos Market Trader Money Initiative to give N50,000 cash to each of 15, 000 traders in the state to boost their businesses.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, while unveiling the programme at LTV8, Agidingbi, Ikeja, said the beneficiaries were selected through a methodical process.

The governor said 200 of the beneficiaries were selected from markets in each of the 57 local government areas and local council development areas.

He said 50 beneficiaries were selected by the Iyaloja/Babaloja General in each LGA/LCDA making a total of 14,250 traders.

“750 beneficiaries were identified from markets within the barracks and military formations across the state in collaboration with their respective Iyaloja/Babaloja. This brings the total number of beneficiaries to 15,000.

“To ensure fairness in the selection process while demonstrating the spirit of Lagos as being home to all, the beneficiaries were drawn from across all the geopolitical zones of the nation with 11,039 from the South-West, 914 from the South-East, 868 from the South-South, 1,710 from North-Central, 373 from the North-West and 107 from the North-East,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He added that 74 per cent of the beneficiaries were women while the remaining 26 per cent were men.

He said 33.7 per cent of them are below 40 years while 66.3 per cent are above 40 years.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Abisola Olusanya, explained that: “This initiative is part of the government’s efforts towards ensuring sustainable livelihoods and wealth creation for traders across the state.”