Akeredolu was Patriotic, Selfless as Leader, Say Oyebanji, Aiyedatiwa, Others.

Akeredolu was Patriotic, Selfless as Leader, Say Oyebanji, Aiyedatiwa, Others.

Dignitaries across Nigeria, including the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, yesterday converged on Akure, the capital of Ondo State to give honour and respect to the former Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, with a unanimous verdict that he was a patriotic Nigerian, who served the masses zealously and sacrificially.

The governors gave the resounding verdict, at a lying- in -state and commendation service held in Akeredolu's honour at Akure township Stadium, Ondo State Capital, as part of the activities lined up for the funeral of the late Governor.

The venue of the event was filled to the brim, as admirers and political associates as well as top government functionaries, had thronged the main bowl of the stadium to give last respect to the departed hero.

Akeredolu, one of the leaders and serving governor on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, died on December 26, 2023, during a protracted battle with cancer.

At the solemn event, Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, in his tribute, said Akeredolu would be sorely missed for his bravery and dedication to duty, saying his passion and zeal for development, had earned him respect and honour among the masses.

Besides Oyebanji, other governors at the event were: Governors of Kwara State, Abdulrazak Abdurahman, Bayelsa State, Duoye Diri, Deputy Governor of Sokoto State.

Speaking about the deceased's virtues, Oyebanji stated that his former colleague was steadfast in delivery of democracy dividends to the people as a governor and stood strong as a defender of the people against external aggression when the situation was tough and hard. 

Oyebanji said the citizens of Ondo State will never forget Akeredolu's superlative services to them in his seven years of reign as a governor.

Beyond Ondo State, the Ekiti State Governor added that the entire Southwest Region will continually respect and venerate him even in death over his historic role in the consummation of Amotekun Corps when insecurity was becoming a serious albatross on their neck. 

Oyebanji said: "The government of Ekiti State specifically sympathise with Her Excellency and widow of our late leader, Mrs Betty Akeredolu, the children and family of this loving father. We knew how you feel losing a precious, caring and loving father. We understand your pains and we stand by you at this trying time.

"May God grant him eternal rest".

In his tribute to his former principal, Governor Aiyedatiwa, said Akeredolu made great impact in the lives of Ondo people, describing him as a strong Awoist, who believed in vision and mission that governance should be about the populace and not for self aggrandizement.

Aiyedatiwa added that the people would remember with nostalgic feelings, how his late boss intervened to liberate Ondo State from killings and kidnapping against all odds, saying history would continue to be kind to him.  

"We will never forget how he used the power of governance to industrialise, educate, lay solid infrastructural foundation and contributed to human capital development. We will remember his role as someone who defended the vulnerable and protect human rights. 

"Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, was a general, who sacrificed personal comfort to ensure good governance in Ondo State. He was a war general, who fought for human rights. We thank him for giving some of us opportunities to serve. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace".

Gombe approves N5.2bn for payment of gratuities.

Gombe approves N5.2bn for payment of gratuities.

Gombe State Executive Council on Wednesday approved about N5.2bn for payment of retirees in state and local government workers.

Announcing this during a media conference at the end of its 36th meeting, the Commissioner for Information Mijinyawa Tilde, said no fewer than nine memos were presented before the council presided by Governor Muhammadu Yahaya.

Tilde noted that this was the fifth time the present administration in the state is settling inherited outstanding gratuities to retirees.

“The nine memos were approved and ratified by the State Executive Council,” he added.

Explaining further, Commissioner for Finance, Muhammad Magaji, said N2.291bn would be used to offset the gratuity of the state’s civil service workers.

“This is the fifth time since this current administration took office that the government is clearing backlog this time N2.291 billion is earmarked for the payment of gratuity to deserving and other entitlements of the state’s 2018 retirees, Magaji added.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Local Government and Community Development Abdulkadir Waziri, said SEC approved memo presented by the ministry for the payment of retired local government workers in the state.

He added, “For payment of gratuities to retirees of local government service of all the 11 Local Government Councils. The local government contributory fund has already earmarked over N3 billion for the payment of retirees. Local Governments are going to pay the backlog up to 2022; some will pay at least two years each this has gone a long way in realising the efforts of His Excellency to reduce the burden of retirees and to better the lives of citizens.”

Commenting on other approvals given by the Finance Ministry, Magaji disclosed that there was an approval of N332m for the payment of compensation to property owners at Bauchi and Dukku motor parks in Gombe metropolis, adding “The governor had constituted a task force/committee to assess properties in those locations, after which they submitted their report and a compensation committee was asked to do a review that was today submitted to the council and N332 million was approved for the payment of the compensation. This is to provide for the relocation of the motor parks to the Mega Motorpark that has been completed by this administration.”

Last year, the Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, said that the state received N2bn out of the N5bn subsidy removal palliative set by the Federal Government.

Yahaya disclosed this at the grand finale of the distribution of palliatives at the Gombe Emir’s palace ground

Akeredolu’ll be remembered for strengthening judiciary – Aiyedatiwa.

Akeredolu’ll be remembered for strengthening judiciary  – Aiyedatiwa.

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has eulogised the late former governor of the state, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, saying the late Akeredolu would be remembered for his efforts in strengthening the judicial system in the state.

Aiyedatiwa said his former boss did well in using the rule of law to fight against crimes and criminalities while in office.

The governor stated this while speaking at the special court session held in honour of the late governor at the state High Court headquarters, Akure, the state capital on Wednesday.

Aiyedatiwa who became the governor of the state shortly after the death of Akeredolu in December 2023, said the late governor would also be remembered for signing into law some bills that enhanced the security system of the state, particularly, the bill to establish the state security network agency also known as Amotekun.

He said, “We remember with pride today his (Akeredolu) sense of urgency and intervention and unusual dedication to the cause of access to justice.

“His support for the Multidoor Court System, improved delivery of the Alternate Dispute Resolution system and welfare for judges and judicial officers, are well documented.

“Shall we forget his drive for necessary and expeditious law-making? For records, he sponsored the Executive Bill for a law to establish the Ondo State Security Agency and Amotekun Corps, to assist in maintaining law and order in the state. His government also sponsored a bill for a law to provide for the establishment of Ondo State Security Trust Fund.

“Others include but are not limited to a bill for a law to provide for the establishment of an independent office of the Auditor-General which provides for the audit of public Accounts. There was also the bill for a law to establish the Ondo State Agency against violence against women.

“Others include but are not limited to a bill for a law to establish the State Public Complaints, Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Commission as well as a bill for a law to regulate rearing and grazing of livestock and to provide for the establishment of ranches.”

Oyebanji to LG bosses: monthly security council meetings now mandatory.

Oyebanji to LG bosses: monthly security council meetings now mandatory.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has mandated Chairmen of Local Government and Local Council Development areas in the state to start holding security council meetings as part of efforts to tackle insecurity headlong in their various areas. 

Governor Oyebanji who gave the directive on Wednesday during a security meeting with all council chairmen and heads of security agencies in the state. 

The Governor who said he had reports that previous set of council chairmen did not pay attention to the statutory security council meetings, said going forward the meetings must hold at least once monthly , adding that all critical stakeholders in the security architecture in their respective council areas must be in attendance. 

Governor Oyebanji said any council chairman that fails to hold the security meeting would forfeit the security vote for the month. This is to show the importance the administration attach to security at the local level, which is always in focus at the local government security council meetings. 

The security meeting, according to the Governor, should also include representatives of the state government, adding that reports of the meetings should be submitted regularly to his office for effective scrutiny and necessary action.

The Governor charged the council chairmen to work with relevant security agencies and the traditional institution in ensuring security of lives and properties of the people in their areas. 

Stressing that it is cheaper to maintain peace than to arrest crisis, Governor Oyebanji urged the chairmen to be strategic in managing security fund accrued  to the councils, while maintaining cordial relationships with relevant stakeholders, restating  the commitment of the government to make more provision for security vote. 

He said all efforts must be made to ensure that no part of the state experience any security breach, like it happened recently. 

“As you are all aware, our  administration is based on consultation and we are not unmindful of what has happened in the state in the last few weeks and the efforts that government is taking to ensure that we don’t have a repeat of that very unfortunate development.

“I have decided to call this meeting so that we can share with you our own strategies and ask for inputs from you to finally agree on how to craft an enduring and sustainable solute to this. So, I am going to allow us to share intelligence as it concerns our local governments.

“I will brief you on what we have discovered, then you give us a feedback from your respective local governments, this will help the security chiefs to develop strategies that all of us will agree on and how we are going to implement.

“One thing that we have discovered is lack of collaboration among local government chairmen that shared boundaries on security. If there are three or four local governments that share boundaries, there is need for you to jointly meet and share intelligence among yourselves and allocate responsibilities. 

Once you do that, you will not be duplicating your efforts.

“We also discovered that in most local governments, they don’t hold Security Council meeting, they collect the money, they share among themselves, I have met with the Obas, they told me that most of the past local government chairmen don’t invite them to Security Council meetings. Going forward, we have decided that we will look at the security votes and see where we can scale up for you because of the challenges. 

“Security council meeting monthly is now a must and this is going to be the procedure, every statutory member that should be in that meeting including the chairmen of Council of traditional rulers or their representatives, all security chiefs in the local government and now, a representative of the state government will be there and the resolution will be signed by everybody and sent to my office. Any local government that does not send a report as appropriate will have its security vote withheld. So, the condition to access security vote will be contingent on regular hosting of Security Council meeting.” He said.

The Governor used the opportunity to stress the need for effective information gathering and dissemination as well as intelligence and strategies sharing for effective tackling of insecurity.

He hinted that his administration would soon liaise with the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) to generate and introduce a strategic security toll free line where information could easily got to the security agencies for prompt action.

The Governor also urged the council chairmen, especially those who share border, to cooperate among themselves by sharing intelligence and possibly have joint patrol.

He also urged them to ensure that information that could assist the security apparatus in their respective local government areas are promptly released to the security agencies for prompt action adding that most of the criminals, their agents and accomplices live in the communities providing food and other materials for the bandits.

“I have told the Special Adviser on Security to give us a toll free line that people can send information to on any intelligence you have gathered in your local government, but make sure the information is genuine.

Also at the meeting were the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman in the state, Barr. Paul Omotoso, Commissioner for Local Government, Chief Olabode, Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (rtd.), Special Adviser to the Governor on Political and Inter-party Affairs, Chief Jide Awe and all heads of security agencies in the state.

Ekiti attracts $40million investment in organic fertilizer project.

Ekiti attracts $40million investment in organic fertilizer project.

.….As Oyebanji opens discussion with Turkish firm.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has said that his administration would continue to woo investors to the state in the bid to position the state as major industrial and investment hub of the country.

Governor Oyebanji disclosed this in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday during a meeting with officials of Istanbul, Turkey- based Alliance Group on plans to establish a $40 million organic fertilizer factory in the state. 

The Governor who described the project as capable of boosting employment, food production and agribusiness in the state, said his administration would continue to collaborate with institutions, development agencies and private sector players. 

The Governor affirmed the key role agriculture plays in the lives of the people, stressing that the only way out of the present economic doldrums in the country  is to increase and improve productivity.

“We came on board of the mantra of shared prosperity and continuity and agriculture is so key for us as a people, we have challenges in the country today because of lack of productivity because if a people must prosper, they have to produce. Productivity is key to prosperity and government cannot be in the forefront of that, the only thing government can do is to look for serious private investors and partner with them to ensure productivity.”

Speaking further, Governor Oyebanji said the state had put measures in place for ease of doing business and to safeguard investments in the state,  adding that his administration would continue to strengthen and sustain partnerships on projects that are relevant to the development objectives of government.

“Your concept of establishing an organic fertilizer factory in Ekiti state is a welcome development to us as a government, and to drive our investment portfolio, we have Investment Promotion Agency (IPA) headed by a professional and this is aimed at improving ease of doing business in the state. On this, we have structures, we have institutions, we have laws that safeguard investments in this state. We will also ensure that all obstacles towards doing business is removed.

“We just played host to a team from American Embassy led by the Deputy Ambassador and Consul-General with an investor, they’ve gone to our agric. processing zone, they want to invest in cassava. And we’ve been receiving serious investors in the state, I took your word when you said there is a need to accelerate, so, we are also ready to play along by providing all you will need to make the project succeed.” He stated.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Prof. Sidi Oso said the organization was identifying regions in Africa, particularly Nigeria, looking for states with economic prospects and potential for development in the area of investment, adding that the organization had concluded plans to set up an organic fertilizer factory in the state.

While stressing that Ekiti has the necessary raw materials in the areas of water bodies and lakes to boost massive production of fertilizer, Prof. Oso commended the Governor for having a team of great professionals, investment conscious as she hope to have more partnerships with the state beyond the fertilizer production project.

She stressed that the project would bring in about $40million aimed at unlocking the employment and investment opportunities in the state coming in as agriculture-water based fertilizer project which would go beyond production to the level of marketing the product nationally and internationally. 

Also at the meeting were the Director-General of Ekiti Development and Investment Promotion Agency (EKDIPA), Mrs Lolade Olutola and other government officials.

Ekiti NSCDC Parades Twelve Suspects In Connection With Various Crimes.

Ekiti NSCDC Parades Twelve Suspects In Connection With Various Crimes.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ekiti State, Ado Ekiti, on Wednesday, 21st February, paraded twelve individuals suspected of involvement in various criminal activities within the state. The parade took place at the Command's headquarters along Ikere/Ado road, Ekiti State.

Parading the suspects, Commandant Agboola Adisa Sunday explained that the suspects were apprehended in locations around Ado -Ekiti metropolis for crimes ranging from armed robbery, illicit drug usage and peddling, house breaking, stealing, conspiracy and cyber related crimes.

Commandant Agboola expressed his readiness to cooperate with other security agencies in the state to flush out criminal elements in the state by using overt and covert means to solve security questions so that Ekiti can be at peace with unflinching supports from general public.

The suspects were Adesoji Victor 19 years who was arrested at a foiled robbery scene along Oke Ila axis of Ado Ekiti where suspected three person armed with a locally made pistol attempted to rob a supermarket belonging to Mrs Adepoju Victoria.

The Command Counter Terrorism Unit rose up and mobilized to the scene of the attacked which led to the arrest of the suspect while others escaped. The CTU operatives neutralized the suspects and recovered one locally made barrel cut to pistol size, a registered motor cycle and other dangerous weapons.

Others are Samuel Micheal 25 years, Adebayo Lateef 29 years, Opeyemi Adelusi 24 years, Daramola Ariyo 26 years and Wasiu Ariyo 29 years were arrested along Omisanjana axis of Ado Ekiti. They were in possession of illicit drugs, suspected cannabis sativa in large quantity, phones and cyber crimes materials. They have been terrorising that area with reports from landlords of the area to the Unit, showing that they are of questionable characters. Other suspected illicit drugs were also recovered from them.

Ayodele Ayomide 20 years and Oladapo Agbe were arrested along Oke Ila in Ado Ekiti after they had successfully broke into a church and stole a heavy duty generator belonging to the church. The CTU acted on a top off received from a good Samaritan and traced the suspect to where he was attempting to sell the stolen generator to one Oladapo Agbe at a ridiculous price .Lastly, Osalusi Ayo 28 years and one other at large were alleged to have stolen air conditioner along Ajebandele area of Ado Ekiti. 

The Counter Terrorism Unit of the Command also issued out warnings to all criminal elements in the state to leave the state as the state will be so hot for them in the coming weeks. All hands are on deck to smoke out criminal elements from all the nooks and crannies of Ekiti State with the support of all other similar agencies in the state as security is a business of all.

Oyebanji hails PUNCH solid journalistic excellence at 50.

Oyebanji hails PUNCH solid journalistic excellence at 50.

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has hailed Nigeria’s foremost print and digital media group, PUNCH Nigeria Limited, on what he described as the company’s “solid journalistic excellence” as it marks its 50th anniversary.

PUNCH, the publisher of the nation’s leading newspaper titles, The PUNCH, Saturday PUNCH, Sunday PUNCH, and PUNCH Online, clocked 50 on March 18, 2023.

However, its Board of Directors moved the 50th anniversary celebration to this year because the anniversary month fell within an election month and year.

Hailing the company’s resolve to journalistic excellence, the Ekiti governor, in a goodwill message he personally signed and addressed to the Managing Director/Editor-In-Chief of Punch Nigeria Limited, Mr Adeyeye Joseph, said it was satisfying that Nigerians still looked to the company for reliable information despite the media space saturation.

The governor, in the message dated February 19, 2024, urged the PUNCH’s management to “ensure the outfit continues to be a trailblazer in print journalism”.

He also commended the company’s founding Chairman, the late Chief Olu Aboderin, for “his impetuous vision for a newspaper with the finest editorial independence and unparalleled professionalism,” setting a standard for media practice in the country.

The governor said, “Let me congratulate the board, management, and staff of PUNCH newspapers on the historic attainment of 50 years of solid journalistic excellence since it began in 1974.

“Special tribute to the founding proprietor of this great media organisation, the late Chief Olu Aboderin, whose impetuous vision for a newspaper with the finest editorial independence and unparalleled professionalism remains the standard for media practice in Nigeria. It is also noteworthy that this golden jubilee of this newspaper coincides with the 40th anniversary of his transition to eternal glory. May his soul continue to rest in peace.

“PUNCH is one of the longest-living post-colonial media organisation in Nigeria that is well reputed for the best of media values. Due to its commitment to unblemished journalism that is characterised by impartiality, balance, truth, editorial discipline, and impeccable integrity,

“PUNCH has survived the vicissitude of the ever-changing media ecosystem and remains on top in Nigeria as the best in many parameters of newspapering evaluation, including daily sales, advert revenue, graphics, picture quality and commitment to the ideals of excellent journalism.

“I, therefore, want to heartily felicitate the management and staff, past and present, for sustaining the legacy of integrity with which the founders established the outfit. As a model not only for Nigeria but Africa, every effort must be made to ensure the outfit continues to be a trailblazer in print journalism. It is heartwarming to note that despite the saturation of the media space with the proliferation of online newspapers, many still look to media establishments like The PUNCH for reliable information.

“On behalf of the government and people of Ekiti State, kindly accept my warm congratulations on your golden jubilee celebration.”

The weeklong activities lined up for PUNCH 50th anniversary begin on February 24 with a novelty match between Team PUNCH and the Nigeria Media XI, a team made up of journalists from other newspaper houses in the country.

The novelty match will take place at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena (formerly Onikan Stadium), Onikan, Lagos Island.

According to a statement by the company’s General Manager, Corporate Services, Mrs Olufolakemi Gbemuotor, the 50th anniversary will be marked with the 40th anniversary of the passing of the founding Chairman, the late Chief James Olubunmi Aboderin, who died on February 28, 1984, at the age of 50.

Beginning on Wednesday, February 28, PUNCH will hold a three-day photo exhibition at the Alliance Francaise de Lagos/Mike Adenuga Centre, Osborne Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, to afford its readers and other Nigerians opportunities to view the best photographs from its extensive pictorial archive of the biggest news events in the nation’s history.

The high point of the anniversary is a distinguished public lecture to be held on Thursday, February 29 at the Civic Centre, Ozumba Mbadiwe Road, Victoria Island, Lagos. The lecture, to be delivered by the Nobel laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, will be graced by leaders from the public and private sectors.

The weeklong activities will continue on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos, where PUNCH will host a black-tie dinner to acknowledge the contributions of its stakeholders to the success of our organisation.

The Chairman of the company’s Board of Directors, Mrs Angela Emuwa, described the anniversary and her father’s 40th remembrance as an opportunity to celebrate twin milestones.

Emuwa said, “For over five decades, PUNCH has made a tremendous impact in Nigeria. At a time when we are equally remembering the passing of our founding chairman, it is fitting to look back at those landmark events that have shaped the course of history in our national polity and appreciate those who have stood by us not only in good times but when it was uncomfortable for them to do so.”

The Managing Director/Editor-In-Chief of PUNCH Nigeria Limited, Joseph, described PUNCH as a national treasure that had stood with Nigeria through thick and thin. According to him, the newspaper’s anniversary will be for all Nigerians who believe in the values that PUNCH has consistently espoused over five decades.

“PUNCH has outgrown its humble beginnings to emerge as a national institution. The celebration of our 50th anniversary is not just an opportunity to wine and dine but a chance to celebrate our excellent heritage and fierce editorial independence,” Joseph said.

The anniversary’s grand finale is a staff party on March 9 at which current and former staff will be feted for their contributions to PUNCH’s successes.

A special commemorative anniversary publication to mark the golden jubilee anniversary of the newspaper will also be distributed at some of the events.