Oyebanji presents Deji Fasuan brand new SUV.

Oyebanji presents Deji Fasuan brand new SUV.

….Our Govt 'll continue to celebrate hardworking, patriotic citizens, he says.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has restated his pledge to continue to recognize and celebrate any citizen who displays unparalleled passion for the growth and development of the state.

Governor Oyebanji described loyalty, dedication, hardwork and sacrifice, as potent ingredients of nation building, stressing that whoever exhibits such traits towards making Ekiti great currently or in the past shall be honoured and rewarded.

The Governor stated these on Wednesday, while presenting a brand new Toyota Prado (SUV) to Chairman of the Committee for the Creation of Ekiti State, Chief Deji Fasuan, at his residence in Ado Ekiti.

The car gift is in furtherance of previous recognition given to Chief Fasuan by the immediate past administration of Dr Kayode Fayemi, which in 2021 named a newly built secondary school in his honour in addition to bestowing on him the state’s “Oni Uyi” honour. 

Governor Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, described Chief Fasuan as a leader who worked assiduously with other committed Ekiti leaders for the creation of the State in 1996, under the military junta headed by Gen Sanni Abacha.

Explaining the rationale for the honour, Oyebanji added that Fasuan's astuteness as a seasoned administrator who rose to the pinnacle of his career as a Permanent Secretary, his strong academic prowess, and knack for scholarship as a writer, had attracted honour and respect to Ekiti. 

"Today's occasion was specifically conceived as a way of rewarding excellence, hardwork, honesty, dedication, sacrifice and loyalty, which Chief Deji Fasuan had demonstrated at different times to our dear state.

"We could all remember how Chief Fasuan and other Ekiti leaders worked tirelessly for the creation of Ekiti State, which came into reality on October 1, 1996. He served meritoriously as the Chairman for the Committee for the Creation of Ekiti State. 

"Apart from this, he had done Ekiti proud as a retired civil servant , journalist, academic, writer and publisher. Baba, we salute your industry and sense of loyalty to Ekiti State. We are really proud of you.

"What we are doing today is a testimonial to the fact that the current government is committed to rewarding any excellence and sacrifice displayed by our citizens towards making Ekiti grow and develop",

In his response, Chief Fasuan, who commended the gesture, appealed to every Ekiti citizen to continually back Governor Oyebanji in his quests to make Ekiti the cynosure of all eyes politically and economically.

Particularly, the elderstatesman commended Oyebanji's commitment to the values of hardwork and loyalty to Ekiti, which he said the Governor had demonstrated during the scramble for the state's creation, where Oyebanji, then a young University lecturer, served as secretary to the committee. 

Justifying the creation of Ekiti out of the Old Ondo State , Fasuan denounced the widespread view that it was a conspiracy against the sister state- Ondo, saying the battle was taken up upon realising that Ekiti had what it takes to stand and operate independently . 

"Coming to my personal house to make this donation is very symbolic, because this is where the first meeting was held for the creation of our dear state. We had many daunting competitors in the Western Region then, but Ekiti had two things which others don't have- total integrity and total commitment.  

"That was why six of us were competing for one state in the Western Region, but Ekiti got it. integrity and total commitment, and not money landed us here. We thank God that we got it. 

"Everybody knew the role played by Governor Biodun Oyebanji in that epic battle . He was the Secretary when I needed a Secretary most. No regret whatsoever for spearheading that battle. I wish that you young ones will be able to achieve greatness for this state with total integrity and commitment", the nonegenarian said.

Ekiti commences work on 1,000 km rural roads to enhance agric development.

Ekiti commences work on 1,000 km rural roads to enhance agric development.

.…tender bid for first 65.10km of backlog/ rehabilitation intervention published.

 

Ekiti State Government has commenced work on its proposed 1,000 kilometre rural road project across the state, with the advertisement of bid for the first  of 65.10 kilometers of backlog/ rehabilitation intervention, covering several communities and farmsteads.

The road project is being carried out under the World Bank-assisted Rural Access and Agriculture Marketing Project (RAAMP) with counterpart funding from the state government. 

Under the project, a total 1,000 kilometres of rural roads would be fixed to enhance easy transportation of farm produce to the markets.

The rural road construction is in line with Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s plan to ensure that rural roads receive similar attention as roads in the urban areas in order to enhance infrastructure upgrade in the rural areas and promote agricultural development and food security by linking farms to markets through good roads.

According to the advertised bid for the first 65.10 kilometres backlog/ rehabilitation, the roads for constructions are: Enu Odi-Itenu –Igirigiri Road (8.41km); Omisanjana-Ben Folarin- Oke Aso Road (5.70km); Ara-Oye Road (8.77km); Afolu-Odofin Road (1.95km); Ise-Imola Road (5.30km); Owode Anaye Road (2.8km).

Others are Erinmope-Irare-Ikosun Road (6.68km); Iye-Isapa- Olopomeji- Ikun Road (5.10km); Ara-Ekameta Schol Road (2.05km); Igbole/Osin- Iropora Road (4.60km); Ilupeju-Igbo Egan Road (3.1km); FMS- Oke Ako Road (3.40km); and Ikosi-Aba Osun- Aba Oriokuta- Ikogosi Road (7.19km).

Other interventions coming up before the middle of the year include 128 kilometres spot improvement intervention and the design of another 100 kilometre backlog/rehabilitation with another 40 kilometre upgrade intervention.

Governor Oyebanji who hails the commencement of the project as timely, urges communities and farmsteads that are not covered under the first phase of the project to exercise patience as they would be covered in subsequent phases in line with the agriculture and rural development agenda of his administration.

Ekiti Cargo Airport: Governor Oyebanji's Remarkable Continuity Efforts.

Ekiti Cargo Airport: Governor Oyebanji's Remarkable Continuity Efforts.

By Olamide Akinwumi

In what can only be described as a testament to effective governance and visionary leadership, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji of Ekiti State is setting new standards with the development of the Ekiti Cargo Airport, building on the foundation laid by his predecessor, former Governor Kayode Fayemi.

The cargo airport, initially conceived during Governor Fayemi's tenure to enhance the state's agriculture, investment, and economy, is now witnessing unprecedented progress under Governor Oyebanji's stewardship.

On Tuesday, the 27th of February, the Office of Community Communications team, led by the Director General Mrs. Mary Omotosho, made a visitation to the airport. The developments observed were nothing short of jaw-dropping. The ongoing construction work is exceeding expectations and positioning Ekiti State for remarkable growth and development.

Among the notable developments at the airport are the construction of essential facilities such as the control tower, emergency operations office, fire service station, car parks, weather station, and power house equipped with a brand new 500KVA generator, among others.

One of the most impressive aspects of the airport is the runway, which, although not yet completed, spans an impressive 3.3 kilometers in length. This length surpasses the standard size for commercial runways, positioning the Ekiti Cargo Airport as a hub for large passenger aircraft and potential investors.

Despite the magnitude of the project, Governor Oyebanji's commitment to its timely completion is evident through the continuous presence of workers on-site, including Sundays. Once completed, the airport is poised to transform Ekiti State into a prime destination for investors and foster notable development across various sectors.

Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji's dedication to advancing the Ekiti Cargo Airport project will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy, and history will indeed be kind to him for his remarkable contributions to the development of Ekiti State.

Tinubu Re-Tooling Nigeria, However on a Slow and Steady Pace: Omoluabi Group Appeal to Nigerians for More Patience.

Tinubu Re-Tooling Nigeria, However on a Slow and Steady Pace: Omoluabi Group Appeal to Nigerians for More Patience.

The atmosphere in Nigeria is highly over pressured. It is no longer at ease as the people are bittered with the high rising cost of living that has caused serious economic hardship. This is absolutely contrary to expectations of Nigerians who accepted to vote for the renewed hope agenda that was the slogan for the ruling APC party and Mr. President during the 2023 presidential election 

Today, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fully in-charge while the people have their hopes high and expectant of the benefits of democracy under a civilized, experiences, highly exposed and a finance expert who is adjudged to have seen it all. Omoluabi Group will not deny playing a part in the emergence of PBAT and the dired interest we showed in the making of the unprecented history of canvassing for a man whom we believed and still believe in his capacity, competence and leadership prowress. 

However slow it may look, we still hold on to our convictions that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is on a mission to re- tool and re- jig the decades of economic wreck that have faced this country in ages or years past. Bola Ahmed Tinubu' s policies are of a medium to long term benefits which will be advantageous at the long run. 

The immediate benefits have become the worries of Nigerians. Devoid of ethnic bigotry and discrimination, every nigerians now expects that a better Nigeria should be at sight as we collectively pay the price for a Nigeria where the poor should be allowed to breathe. The many expectations  of Nigerians from the President  are not too big a yearning to demand from the man seen to be emblem of hope. 

Omoluabi Group appeal to Nigerians to exercise more patience to give the present Federal Government under the watch of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu more times to deliver the dividends of democracy as promised. He is at least less than a year in office and still have two more years timeline to showcase his competence and proper understanding of government runnings. As a group, we shall not shy away from speaking hard truth to government at all levels. We passionately appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to expedite actions in improving on the socio- economic development and advancement of the nation. Most importantly is the general well-being of nigerians which include promulgating policies that will help nigerians get a better life worthy of living. Some of the immediate expectations of nigerians include, price control for all commodities in the market through compulsory regulations at government  own prices, reduced pump price of petrol by speeding up the completion and take off of  refurbished refineries, empowering small and medium scale enterprises, restructuring the entire nigerian system which requires to be re-tooled and re-engineered. 

Granting Local Government autonomy is also a step in the right direction which will further bring government closer to the people. Governors in the 36 states of the federation should be made to allow local government administrators to function effectively like the state government. These and many more are the numerous expectations of Nigerians from Mr. President.

Omoluabi group cautions that Mr. President should develop listening ears and put on the right thinking cap that is required to reposition the country in all spheres. 

Nigerians are in high hope and deserve to get a better treatment for their votes.

Time and tide waits for no man as the clock ticks by the day.

Think Omoluabi !

Act Omoluabi !!

E- Signed:

Alex Akinfolarin

National Secretary

27/2/2024

Local Contractors Get Preference in Ekiti Government Contracts.

Local Contractors Get Preference in Ekiti Government Contracts.

....as Ijidale urges the contractors to register and get verified.

Local contractors in Ekiti will always receive the larger percentage of contracts awarded by the state government, with a call for them to comply with registration modalities to secure the contracts as soon as possible.

The Director General of the Bureau of Local Contents in Ekiti State, Mr. Olalekan Ijidale, made this statement during an interface with some contractors held at the conference hall of the governor's office in Ado Ekiti. He also explained that the labor force for the execution of contractual projects in Ekiti would be sourced from the state.

Mr. Ijidale emphasized the importance of patronizing Ekiti people for project execution and outlined modalities for securing contracts, highlighting the benefits of the initiative to grow the state economy and empower its human resources.

He stated that the government would identify and verify local contractors to keep adequate records of all contract execution activities in the state. Mr. Ijidale urged both indigenous and non-indigenous contractors to complete their registration before March 28, 2024, to allow the government to finalize its verification processes.

Before being awarded a contract, contractors must approach the office of local content for verification of their address, personality, business authenticity, bill of quantities, and measurement quantities. The Bureau of Local Contents will ensure that contracts are awarded in line with the provisions of the law of local contents, prioritizing the promotion of local content principles and effective work by contractors.

Mr. Ijidale extended the initiative to non-indigenous individuals in Ekiti who have been living in the state and regularly paying taxes, charging the contractors to engage the services of local labor force and suppliers.

He emphasized that any society aspiring to attain socio-economic, security, agricultural, health, and infrastructural prosperity must adequately engage local workers. Mr. Ijidale mentioned that people from outside Ekiti could be given more contracts only when it is certain that no qualified contractor in the state could handle such a project or the required materials are not available in the state.

The state Commissioner for Information, Chief Taiwo Olatunbosun, explained that involving local contractors aims to prevent capital flight and reduce poverty levels in the state. He emphasized that patronizing local workers is a way of building and promoting expertise in human resources, urging the contractors to deliver quality jobs and shun sharp practices.

Similarly, the Special Adviser to the governor, Office of Transformation and Service Delivery, Dr. John Ekundayo, advised the contractors to avoid shoddy jobs for personal gains, as the government plans to implement a policy to rate contractors in the state based on quality and effective service delivery. Dr. Ekundayo urged experienced contractors to hire and teach younger and less experienced individuals to develop and improve their expertise for better services.

During the forum, some stakeholders highlighted challenges encountered, especially with temporary laborers engaged for services, stating that most laborers were not ready to work for the money being paid to them.

Contractors at the forum, including Mr. Olaniyi Afolabi, Olatayo Oluwadare, and Timothy Akosile, lauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji for engaging the services of local contractors, believing it would go a long way in developing businesses and progressing the Ekiti state economy. They suggested new programs be implemented to sensitize laborers and assure local contractors that laborers would abide by the terms and conditions of their employment.

FEC approves N1tn for 700km coastal highway.

FEC approves N1tn for 700km coastal highway.

The Federal Executive Council on Monday approved a contract of N1.067tn for the construction of the first phase of the coastal highway.

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, stated this after the Council met at the State House, Abuja, for the eighth time since President Bola Tinubu assumed office.

The 47.47km dual carriageway has five lanes on each side and a train track in the middle. Umahi explained that it forms part of the 700km road spanning nine states, with two spurs leading up north, noting that the facility will be constructed with concrete.

“Today, we had the approval of FEC for the construction of 700km of coastal routes running from Lagos through the nine coastal routes or states up to cross river, meaning that it goes to Lagos, the Lekki Deep Seaport, Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom.

“But we also have two spurs that leads to the north, from the ongoing Badagry-Sokoto route and the one that leads to the Trans-Sahara route that goes from Ogoja down to Cameroon. Now, it is a dual carriage way and each carriage way has five lanes and a provision for a train infrastructure that will be at the middle,” said Umahi.

He explaind that although the council had earlier approved the project to be procured under EPC+F (Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Financing), the contractor, High Tech Construction African limited, suffered setbacks while sourcing for finances.

“So, the Ministry went back to Mr. President to ask for two things: We asked ‘can we fast track this?’

“Since this project was going to be procured in two phases and multiple sections, can we get the federal government to fund the phase one, which is what is 47.47km running from Ahmadu Bello in Lagos down to Lekki Deep Seaport? Mr. President graciously approved,” he revealed.

The former Ebonyi state governor said, “Today, we have procured the first section, which is 47.47km, under 10 lanes and FEC graciously approved the contract for N1.067tn with no objection. FEC also approved that the second section be procured, to be funded by federal government, which is about 57km and that runs from Lekki Deep Seaport to the boundary between Ogun and that section two of phase one.

“Then the third section is to start from the end of the road, which is Calabar and so that’s about 50 kilometers, and it’s procured under section three of phase one, and is running from Calabar and going towards Akwa Ibom and towards Port Harcourt.

 FEC unfolds three-year economic revival plan, Tinubu warns ministers

“Then the other sections and other places will still be under EPC+F in favor of High Tech Construction Africa Limited. But let me also announce that the road is going to be constructed with concrete and they are masters in that.”

He also announced the approval of variations on the contract sum of projects which began since 2006 but can no longer be continued to the disparity in prices of building materials.

“The prices of construction materials, like in 2006 we should be expecting asphalt to cost about N2000 per meter square, and today’s cost is between N27,000 and N30,000 per meter square.

“The same thing goes with diesel; the same thing goes with cement. And so, some of these projects are stuck.

“One of such that lifted today was the dualisation of Kano-Maiduguri road, section four, Damaturu-Maiduguri, it was awarded in 2006. And it has stopped because the contracts can no longer carry it. But today is been argumented from N39bn,” he explained.

The maintenance of Pankshin-Gindiri Road in Pankshin in Plateau state which was awarded in 2017 got as boost as its contract sum was reviewed from N10bn to N20bn.

Umahi also mentioned the Mayo-Belewa-Jega-Kanya-Tungur road in Adamawa state which was awarded in 2018 and has been argumented from N21bn to N43bn in line with the realities of the construction market prices.

“And then the last one is a road that is going from Yakasai-Badume-Damagum-Makin Zali in Kano state. This was awarded in January 2021 and it’s been documented from N12bn to N17bn,” he concluded.

The minister said “over 1,000 roads are going to undergo this kind of process to keep them alive,” adding that “most of them are inherited projects from past administrations.”

NECO releases 2023 results, says malpractices reduced by 25.4%

NECO releases 2023 results, says malpractices reduced by 25.4%.

The National Examination Council, on Monday, released the results of the Senior School Certificate Examinations conducted between November 20 and December 20, 2023.

The exam body, which announced the release of the results in Niger State, said a total of 74,950 candidates took the exam out of which 50,066, representing 67.35 per cent, got five credits, including in Mathematics and English Language.

It also revealed that 8,518 candidates were booked for malpractices, noting, however, that the figure was lesser than the 11,419 recorded in 2022.

Giving the summary of the results, NECO Registrar, Dantani Wushishi, said, “73, 124 candidates sat for the English language out of which 55, 272 representing 75.59 per cent got credit and above while out of 73,119 candidates that sat for Mathematics 67.814, representing 92. 75 per cent, secured credit and above.

“Also, 62,530, representing 84.11 per cent, got five credits irrespective of Mathematics and English Language.

“The number of candidates that got booked for various forms of malpractice is 8,518 as against 11,419 in 2022. This shows a decline in malpractice cases by 25.4 per cent.

“Two supervisors, one from Oyo and another from Lagos State were blacklisted for poor supervision, inability to control the candidates, and for aiding and abetting.

“One centre in Borno State was blacklisted for aiding and abetting by sharing WhatsApp messages with candidates.”

Wushishi thanked everyone who contributed to the successful conduct of the examination and release of the results.

He also announced the launch of a three-posting Automated Annual Posting Calendar.