VP Shettima Inaugurates Intergovernmental Carbon Market Activation Plan Committee.

VP Shettima Inaugurates Intergovernmental Carbon Market Activation Plan Committee.

....As FG moves to tap from $2.5 billion market.

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday inaugurated the Intergovernmental Committee on Carbon Market Activation Plan in the bid to create a blueprint to drive an efficient sustainable carbon market ecosystem.

This is in fulfillment of the promise made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reduce Nigeria's carbon footprint as well as plans by the Federal Government, in collaboration and support of the Africa Carbon Market Initiative (ACMI), to tap from the carbon market which has an estimated value of $2.5 billion.

The inauguration of the committee chaired by the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Mr Zacch Adedeji, followed the creation of the Intergovernmental Committee on Carbon Markets by the President at the COP28 in December 2023.

Inaugurating the committee at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, VP Shettima said the move is a justification of the Tinubu administration's focus on natural gas as a transition fuel.

The Vice President noted that the Intergovernmental Committee on carbon market stands as a testament to the Federal Government's dedication to developing a national carbon market strategy.

Shettima stated that the initiative would attract crucial investments, catalyst emission reduction and foster sustainable development in alignment with President Tinubu's promise to the nation.

He stated: "However, the intervention we seek can't be achieved unless the best minds of this nation come together to oversee our transition, and I have no doubt that we are on the right track, especially with the calibre of the technocrats that are in this room.

"We gather today as part of the broader initiative to position Nigeria and, by extension, Africa in green growth manufacturing and Industrialisation. This underscores our commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

"This justifies our focus on natural gas as a transition fuel alone site investment in renewable energy sources. Our mission is to meet the needs of the present while safeguarding the future.

"The sincerity of our commitment to coordinating carbon-related market plans and initiatives has never been in doubt. The Intergovernmental Committee on carbon market stands as a testament to our dedication to developing a national carbon market strategy."

The Vice President noted that the implementation of the carbon market mechanism represents a radical shift, stressing that each and every member of the committee must consider the initiative as a call for collaboration, innovation and collective action.

"Today, as we embark on the mission to translate innovative ideas from conference papers into tangible actions, we must recognise that our collaboration with the African carbon market initiative not only exemplifies our commitment to environmental stewardship but promises to reposition Nigeria as an investment-friendly destination for a high integrity carbon market.

"What we are making here is history that will expand our participation in the voluntary and compulsory carbon market. We are all aware that the carbon market offers a remarkable opportunity to unlock billions for the climate finances of Nigeria and Africa at large," the VP added.

Earlier, in his remark, the Co-chairman of the committee, Mr Zacch Adedeji, said the initiative holds immense promise for Nigeria's sustainable future.

He commended the Vice President for his unwavering support and commitment to driving Nigeria's carbon market agenda forward.

He assured that the committee would work hand-in-hand with the African carbon market initiative to harness Nigeria's vast carbon potential which exceeds $2 billion.

Also, Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change, Dr Salisu Dahiru, said the committee had swung into action since December 2023 when it was established by President Tinubu on the sidelines of COP28 in Dubai.

Dahiru explained that the issue of carbon market and trading is axiomatic to any country's mitigation as well as adaptation efforts in terms of what it needs to do to contribute to global efforts for managing climate change.

Financial Inclusion: Ekiti to Engage 1000 Youths for Agency Banking Programme.

Financial Inclusion: Ekiti to Engage 1000 Youths for Agency Banking Programme.

Hon. Kayode Fasae, the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, has announced the launch of a guided Agency Banking Programme in Ekiti State aimed at empowering unemployed youths and expanding financial services accessibility.

The state government's initiative comes in response to the increasing withdrawal of banks from various areas in Ekiti, leaving residents with limited access to banking facilities due to security concerns arising from frequent bank robberies.

In preparation for the programme, the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment has divided the state into 132 units to facilitate its implementation. The initiative aims to establish agency banking services in all 177 wards across the state, leveraging partnerships with banks such as Wema, Stanbic IBTC, and First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

During an inter-ministerial meeting with relevant government agencies, Commissioner Fasae outlined plans to engage over 1,000 youths as commission agents and 200 as sole agents to facilitate the programme's success and promote job creation.

Agency banking, as described by Hon. Fasae, involves the use of authorised agents to deliver financial services to customers residing in remote areas without access to traditional banking facilities.

Prospective beneficiaries are required to form cluster groups before participating in the programme, ensuring effective coordination and community engagement.

Additionally, the government plans to collect data on unemployed youths, market women, artisans, motorcycle riders, persons with disabilities, and other citizens aged 18 to 50. Each participant will receive a unique means of identification, enabling easy communication regarding job opportunities and empowerment initiatives.

The Agency Banking Programme represents a proactive step towards enhancing financial inclusion and economic empowerment in Ekiti State, reaffirming the government's commitment to addressing socio-economic challenges and fostering inclusive growth.

Through collaborative efforts between government agencies, financial institutions, and local communities, the programme aims to create sustainable opportunities for youth employment and economic development, ultimately contributing to the prosperity of the state and its residents.

Fayemi Pays Condolence Visit to Oyebanji Over APC State Chairman's Death.

Fayemi Pays Condolence Visit to Oyebanji Over APC State Chairman's Death.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, on Thursday, received the Immediate Past Governor of the state, His Excellency Dr. Kayode Fayemi. The Ex-Governor Fayemi came on a condolence visit to His Excellency Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji in his office over the death of the APC state chairman, Barrister Paul Omotosho. The two leaders spent some quality time discussing socio-political, economic, and infrastructure developments within the state.

During the meeting, Governor Oyebanji expressed his gratitude to Dr. Fayemi for his solidarity and support during this challenging time. He acknowledged the significance of such visits in fostering unity and collaboration among leaders, especially in times of loss and grief.

Dr. Fayemi, on his part, conveyed his heartfelt condolences to Governor Oyebanji and the entire APC family in Ekiti State. He emphasized the importance of unity and solidarity within the party, particularly during moments of adversity. The former governor commended Governor Oyebanji for his leadership and commitment to the progress and development of Ekiti State.

The discussion between the two leaders also touched on various aspects of governance, including socio-economic development, infrastructure projects, and political engagement. They exchanged ideas on how to further enhance the state's progress and address the challenges facing the people of Ekiti.

It was evident from their interaction that Ekiti is blessed to have former governors who continue to support the incumbent's vision and development efforts. Governor Oyebanji's respectful and inclusive approach to governance has earned him admiration and respect from his predecessors and critical stakeholders in the Ekiti Project.

Under Governor Biodun Oyebanji's leadership, Ekiti has become a reference point for continuity of good governance, policy consistency, inclusive governance, stakeholder engagement, and politics without bitterness. The collaboration and mutual respect demonstrated between Governor Oyebanji and former Governor Fayemi highlight the unity and solidarity within the APC family and the commitment to the overall development of Ekiti State.

Oyebanji Postpones public events over APC chairman’s demise.

Oyebanji Postpones public events over APC chairman’s demise.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has directed that all government events and ceremonies slated for this week be postponed as a mark of respect for the late chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Barrister Paul Omotosho, who passed on Tuesday night. 

Consequently, the flag off ceremony for the Okeyinmi Fly over bridge in Ado Ekiti, earlier scheduled for Friday has been postponed. 

Also, the celebration of this year’s International Women’s Day, (being organised by the office of the First Lady and the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development) initially scheduled for Friday at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion has been shifted to another date. 

New dates for the postponed events would be communicated in due course. 

Barrister Omotosho, the late APC chairman was born in April 4, 1964. He had at different times, served as Commissioner for Housing and Environment; Commissioner for Special Duties and Commissioner for Local Government Affairs in the state.

Ekiti Govt Hails Shake Up in NEMA, Says it 'II Improve Disaster Management.

Ekiti Govt Hails Shake Up in NEMA, Says it 'II Improve Disaster Management.

....Lauds Tinubu for restructuring FG's agency.

Following the decentralisation of the statutory operations of the  National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) by the Federal Government, the Ekiti State Government, has described the major shake up as a dexterous and timely way of   boosting  emergency management mechanism across Nigeria.

The state government added that  federal government's establishment of Zonal Directorates across the six geopolitical zones of the country, was one policy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that will make NEMA more effective in the discharge of its onerous tasks.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, said these on Thursday, while receiving the ZONAL Director of NEMA, Southwest, Mr. Stephen Adewale, in her office in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital.

The Deputy Governor, in a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, commended President Tinubu for that apt and timely restructuring, saying this would help in expeditious  handling of  issues of disasters bothering the states.

Mrs Afuye pledged unalloyed support of her principal, Governor Biodun Oyebanji to NEMA, assuring that the federal agency and its State counterpart; Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency will  collaborate to handle issues of disasters holistically and in more professional fashion.

Commending the federal government for lending supports to victims of disasters in the past, the Deputy Governor, called on the agency to quickly release the pending relief materials due to the state to expand the scope of  benefit to more citizens.  

"Let me on behalf of the Ekiti State Government thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for carrying out this restructuring. It will ease the rigour we used to face in dealing with disaster matters. 

"Now that we have Zonal Directors in Ibadan and Head of Operations, Ekiti/Ondo in Akure, we can easily run to them while experiencing delay in the handling  of administration of disaster matters relating to Ekiti.

"Ekiti is still having 2023 outstanding  relief materials with NEMA that are yet to be released, with this restructuring, we are hoping that they will be released timely, while also looking up to the ones that we will request for in the future".

In his submission, the NEMA 's Southwest Zonal Director, Mr. Adewale, said the restructuring was undertaken  in such a fashion that each geopolitical enclave of the country now has a Zonal Director to oversee its affairs .

Adewale revealed  that it was intended to engender quicker decision making process in the handling of disaster  issues, for better delivery to Nigerians.

"We are on a courtesy visit and to tell you that major restructuring had taken place in NEMA. Each zone now has a Director to be in charge in all the six zones. This is for the purpose of quick decision making in disaster management process.

"We want to simplify the process by bringing administration closer to the states, instead of reporting to the Director  General's office in Abuja. We know dealing with Abuja directly might be cumbersome. 

 

"Disaster management is a job that requires  collaboration. NEMA can't do it alone, we need the support of the state governments and  security agencies", he stated.

Adebomi Mourns the Passing of Ekiti APC Chairman Barrister Omotosho.

Adebomi Mourns the Passing of Ekiti APC Chairman Barrister Omotosho.

In a solemn expression of condolences, retired Captain Sunday Adebomi, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has extended sympathies to Governor Biodun Oyebanji, members of the APC in Ekiti State, and the family of the late Barrister Paul Omotosho, the Ekiti State APC Chairman, following his sudden demise.

In a statement released from his media office, Adebomi conveyed his shock at the unexpected passing of Barrister Omotosho, whom he hailed as an embodiment of humility and a reservoir of talent.

Barrister Omotosho's illustrious career saw him serve Ekiti State with distinction, holding various key positions including Special Adviser on Legal matters, Special Adviser Political, Commissioner for Environment, Commissioner for Local Government, and State Party Secretary, before ascending to the position of State Party Chairman. Notably, he achieved the remarkable feat of back-to-back succession as the Ekiti State APC Chairman, leaving an indelible mark on the party's history.

Known for his adept conflict resolution skills, Barrister Omotosho was hailed as a bridge builder and unifier within the party and the broader community. Adebomi commended his commitment to fostering unity and progress in Ekiti State.

"I extend my heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the people of Imesi Ekiti, the APC in Ekiti State, and at the national level, as well as the government of Ekiti State," remarked Adebomi. "I pray for the repose of his soul and may God grant us the strength to accept what we cannot change. Goodnight, Barrister Paul Omotosho."

While expressing sympathies to Barrister Omotosho's family, Captain Adebomi urged them to find solace in his impactful contributions to the state and the enduring legacy he leaves behind.

May the soul of the departed find eternal rest, and may his loved ones find the strength to bear this irreparable loss.

Oyebanji, top government functionaries visit late Ekiti APC Chairman’s family.

Oyebanji, top government functionaries visit late Ekiti APC Chairman’s family.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, on Wednesday led some top government functionaries on a condolence visit to the family of the late Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Ekiti state chapter, Barister Paul Omotosho at the Imesi Ekiti country home of the late politician. 

Governor Oyebanji arrived the family residence around 3.00pm in company of the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Speaker of the state Assembly, Rt Hon Adeoye Aribasoye; Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Oyebanji Filani; Commissioner for Information, Chief Taiwo Olatunbosun and Special Adviser on Political and Inter Party Matters, Chief Jide Awe; among others. 

They were received by the widows, children, relatives and political associates of the late politician. 

Governor Oyebanji who described the late party chairman as an epitome of loyalty said the APC had lost a major asset, who was the main stabilizer of the party. 

He said the legacies of the late Chairman would forever remain a model in redefining political ideology in the country.

The Governor described the late Omotosho as a very straight forward man, who never compromised truth and honesty throughout his political dealing.

He extolled various roles played by the deceased in achieving continuity in the governance of the state, saying that his demise has left a great vacuum within the APC in the state and the nation as a whole.

While assuring the family of the state government’s support in giving the deceased a befitting burial, Governor Oyebanji said government will immortalize the deceased in recognition of his great service to the state and humanity.

“it is a great loss to our party, to the Government and to the people of Ekiti State. The departed Chairman was an encyclopedia of loyalty. He was the first chairman in the history of the state to superintend over a back to back transition programe.

“He was a dependable brother, a confidante, a straight forward man. As a party, we will sit down and take a position on what we are going to do but as Government also, we will immortalize him” the Governor asserted. 

Meanwhile, the Governor had earlier visited the palace of the Onimesi of Imesi Ekiti, Oba Olatunji Olatunde to commiserate with the monarch, his chiefs and the people of the town over the death of Omotosho who was a frontline leader of the town.