Oyebanji approves N331million for LG Chairmen to buy, distribute food items.

Oyebanji approves N331million for LG Chairmen to buy, distribute food items.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has directed Chairmen of Local Government councils and Local Council Development Areas in the state to mobilize and distribute food items to citizens in their respective council areas to cushion the effect of the current economic situation in the country.

The distribution of the food items, according to the Governor, would complement the various palliative measures put in place by the state government in the short term, adding that the councils should invest in agriculture as a way of forestalling future food crisis.

Governor Oyebanji who gave the directive during a meeting with the local government chairmen and officials of the Ministry of Local Government Affairs in Ado- Ekiti on Wednesday, has also approved the release of the sum of N331,000,000 (three hundred and thirty- one million naira) for the purchase of rice, stressing that 25 bags of rice should be given to each ward in all the local councils.

The Governor, however cautioned that the food distribution should not be done on partisan basis, but given out to the people through recognised community development associations.

The Governor also implored the chairmen to focus more on policies and programmes that will reduce the current social and economic tensions in the people. 

While assuring the people that his government would continue to prioritize the welfare and wellbeing of residents of the state, Governor Oyebanji said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to improving the socio-economic condition of the country. He therefore urged the people to remain optimistic that the policies of the Federal government would achieve the aim of improving the country’s economy and fostering national development.

Governor Oyebanji said his government would, next week, roll out more economic relief programs aimed at cushioning the effect of the economic situation on the people. 

Oyebanji Entrusts James Folorunsho with Leadership of State Procurement Bureau.

Oyebanji Entrusts James Folorunsho with Leadership of State Procurement Bureau.

By Olamide Akinwumi J. 

In a bid to bolster governance within Ekiti State, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has appointed Mr. James Folorunsho as the new Special Adviser and Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement.

The swearing-in ceremony, conducted on Thursday, February 22nd at the governor’s office in Ado Ekiti, witnessed Governor Oyebanji commending Mr. Folorunsho for his extensive administrative expertise and urging him to discharge his new responsibilities with utmost efficiency.

Governor Oyebanji underscored the significance of qualities such as diligence, commitment, faithfulness, and hard work among all government officials in Ekiti State, emphasizing their obligation to serve the people diligently.

Expressing appreciation for the appointment, Mr. James Folorunsho, the newly appointed Special Adviser and Director General, vowed to exert relentless efforts towards the progress of Ekiti State.

Governor Oyebanji's decision reflects a dedication to fortifying governance frameworks and optimizing operational efficiency within Ekiti State, laying the groundwork for potential enhancements in public procurement procedures.

Oyebanji Approves Tourism Master Plan for State Development.

Oyebanji Approves Tourism Master Plan for State Development.

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has approved the development of the state tourism development plan, as part of efforts to harness and enhance the tourism potential of the state, for economic growth and prosperity.

The initiative is aimed at positioning Ekiti as the most sought-after tourist destination in the country, according to a statement.

Oyebanji has, therefore, entrusted the task of developing the comprehensive plan to Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, which is charged with designing a sustainable and strategic roadmap that will promote the abundant natural beauty, cultural heritage and historical significance of the state.

Expressing his optimism for the success of the project, he assured the Director-General, Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Wale Ojo-Lanre, of support, to ensure the timely and efficient execution of the tourism development master plan.

Edo Primaries: Fayemi commends Tinubu, Ganduje; slams Oshiomhole's interference.

Edo Primaries: Fayemi commends Tinubu, Ganduje; slams Oshiomhole's interference.

Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the immediate past Governor of Ekiti State and ex-Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), has commended the Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje-led National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the decision to cancel and reschedule the controversial gubernatorial primaries in Edo State. 

He noted that this decision had restored the confidence of members of the Edo State chapter of the Party in a fair, impartial, and transparent exercise and showed that the APC is interested in producing a popular candidate.

Fayemi also applauded the President and Leader of the Party, HE Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for not interfering and allowing due process on the issue of the APC gubernatorial primaries in Edo State.

“I wish to thank the President for allowing the Party to function independently on this sensitive issue and thus assure our teeming members in Edo State that the process for the gubernatorial primaries will be free, fair, and transparent,’’ he said. 

Fayemi, however, strongly condemned the questionable role of Senator Adams Oshiomhole, a former governor of the state and National Chairman of the APC, in the truncation of the initial exercise.  

He recalled that Oshiomhole had also played a disruptive role in the last gubernatorial election in Edo State, which ultimately made the APC lose the state to the opposition.

 “Ideally, as a leader, he should have ensured a level playing field for all the aspirants but he was trying to impose a candidate in a manner that's not free and fair, ‘’ he said.

Fayemi added: ‘’Earlier, Oshiomhole had attempted to eliminate some aspirants from contesting in the primaries and failed. This is reminiscent of his high-handedness as National Chairman when he manipulatively schemed Governor Godwin Obaseki out of the electoral process. That action led to the unfortunate loss of Edo State by the APC.

"It would appear the ground was being prepared by Oshiomhole yet again for the APC to lose the coming election in Edo state because of his unconscionable behaviour. However, the party has demonstrated independence and impartiality in cancelling and reordering the primaries. 

‘’We hope the fresh primaries will now take place in an atmosphere deemed free and fair by all, for the sake of our great party.

‘’Oshiomhole may decide to support any of the aspirants if he chooses not to be neutral but the process must be open, free, and transparent, following the laid down rules. My interest is the APC and the party must put its best foot forward in the forthcoming elections.’’

Fed Govt to revisit sachet alcoholic beverages ban, says Health Minister.

Fed Govt to revisit sachet alcoholic beverages ban, says Health Minister.

The Federal Government has said it intends to review the ban on alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and PET bottles that are smaller than 200 mls.

This followed a peaceful protest staged at the premises of the Federal Ministry of Health yesterday in Abuja by members of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Senior Staff Association (FOBTOB).

The protesters presented their grievances to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, citing the hardship the ban has caused to their livelihoods.

At the end of January, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) implemented a ban on alcoholic beverages in sachets and PET bottles smaller than 20ml, citing the adverse socioeconomic impact of such packaging on the nation’s future.

NAFDAC also said the inexpensive and readily available alcoholic beverages in sachets and PET bottles contributes to the emergence of a generation of addicted children, as the attractive packaging makes it easy for them to indulge in excessive consumption.

A statement yesterday in Abuja by the ministry’s Director of Information, Patricia Deworitshe, to the National President of the Food, Beverage and Tobacco Senior Staff Association, Jomoh Oyibo, expressed the association’s dissatisfaction with the ban imposed on the manufacturing, sales, and consumption of alcoholic beverages in sachets and PET bottles.

Oyibo complained that following the ban, NAFDAC had sealed over 25 companies producing such alcoholic drinks, saying it was meant to curb alcoholic abuse.

The union leader said the government’s action had affected entrepreneurs, dependents, and the workforce negatively.

According to him, considering the present economic situation in the country, the timing for the ban is not right.

Oyibo urged the ministry to intervene in the matter to remedy the current predicament the association was undergoing.

Addressing the protesters, Pate said the ministry would endeavour to address their grievances.

Appealing to the aggrieved group, the minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Kachallom Daju, promised to look into their complaints and find a better option, going forward.

“What I am saying now is that we have heard your grievances. This is a listening government. We are going to discuss with partners, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and other members on the way forward,” he said.

Senate urges govt to stop planned removal of electricity subsidy, tariff hike.

Senate urges govt to stop planned removal of electricity subsidy, tariff hike.

The Senate has advised the Federal Government against removing electricity subsidy or allowing a hike in tariffs. The resolution followed the consideration and approval of a motion, ‘Planned increase in electricity tariff and arbitrary billing of unmetered customers by Distribution Companies (DisCos)’. The motion was sponsored by Senator Aminu Iya Abbas (Adamawa Central).

The government last week said it was now ‘very difficult to sustain subsidy on electricity’.

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, said Nigeria must begin to move towards a cost-effective tariff model. According to him, the country was currently owes electricity generating companies N1.3 trillion and gas companies $1.3 billion.

Abbas, in his lead debate, said the ‘Senate notes with great dismay, plans to increase electricity tariff by the relevant statutory authority in gross disregard of increased economic challenges with attendant widespread poverty and high cost of living.

“The Senate may note that the Minister of Power was reported saying ‘the nation must begin to move towards a cost-effective tariff model, as the country is currently indebted to the tune of N1.3 trillion to generating companies (GenCos) and $1.3 billion owed gas companies.

“According to him, of the over N2 trillion needed for subsidy, only N450 billion was budgeted this year. The same electricity businesses are collecting money from customers for services not rendered. When they have not added anything to the equipment they inherited from PHCN. Communities buy transformers to replace damaged ones in addition to overburden bills and arbitrary estimates for unmetered customers.

“We note that the issue of arbitrary energy charges on unmetered customers has become worrisome given the February 2024 report of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) on the non-compliance with energy billing caps by DisCos and the N10.5 billion penalty imposed on distribution companies that over-bill unmetered customers.

“In 2018, then Minister of Power, Works and Housing, directed the NERC to issue a regulation that facilitates signing of meter agreement between the ministry, Ziglaks company and other meter asset providers, to address the metering gaps in the power supply industry…”

Tinubu appoints Nandap as Comptroller-General of Immigration.

Tinubu appoints Nandap as Comptroller-General of Immigration.

President Bola Tinubu has appointed DCG Kemi Nanna Nandap as the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

According to a statement issued on Wednesday, February 21, by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, Nandap’s appointment will take effect from March 1, 2024.

The new Comptroller-General of Immigration will be taking over from Mrs. Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju, whose time in the service will be coming to an end on February 29, 2024.

The statement said: “President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of DCG Kemi Nanna Nandap to serve as the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), effective from March 1, 2024.

“DCG Nandap takes over from Mrs. Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju, whose term in office expires on February 29, 2024.

“Before her appointment as Comptroller-General, Nandap was the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of the Migration Directorate of the Service.

“The President anticipates that the new Comptroller-General will deepen the ongoing reforms in the service and create a robust mechanism for efficient and dedicated service delivery to Nigerians, as well as strengthen the nation’s security through proactive and effective border security and migration management.”