Investing In Women Key To Achieving Progress, Says First Lady As Ekiti Celebrates Celebrates International Women's Day.

Investing In Women Key To Achieving Progress, Says First Lady As Ekiti Celebrates Celebrates International Women's Day.

Speaking while being conducted round to observe the products exhibited by women from the 16 local government areas and 22 local council development areas, Dr. Oyebanji stressed the need for all people of the state and women especially to take agriculture more seriously.

While admiring some farm produce exhibited by women at the Day, the First Lady advocated the need to go back to the farm in order to ensure food security in the state and keep hunger at bay.

She emphasized that if Ekiti citizens goes back to farm, everybody will feed his family and feed himself and hunger will be banished from the state.

Dr. Oyebanji used the opportunity of the occasion to canvass the implementation of "Every Home a Garden" initiative of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to boost agriculture, produce more food and ensure food security in the country.

She further stated that the "Every Home a Garden" initiative, spearheaded by Senator Tinubu, empowers women to mitigate economic downturns through sustainable food production.

The Governor's wife also suggested that Adire Ekiti fabrics would be worn as commemorative dresses by delegates as each local government and local council development areas have their designs of the fabrics in the International Women's Day Celebration for 2025.

Addressing the gathering later in her prepared speech, Dr. Oyebanji said this year's International Women's Day "marks a celebration of resilience, creativity, and resourcefulness of our women and girls in Ekiti State."

She said: "We are grateful for Governor Oyebanji's approval to distribute food commodities, addressing immediate needs while championing long-term economic empowerment. 

"This aligns with our ongoing efforts to mitigate global economic challenges through various empowerment programs. Today serves as a reminder of the urgent need to accelerate gender equality in all aspects of life.

"Investing in women accelerates progress. Governor Oyebanji's shared prosperity vision prioritizes lifting women from economic challenges. His administration creates an enabling environment for women to thrive, fulfilling our shared commitment to gender equality."

Speaking in her welcome address, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Peju Babafemi, said the theme for this year's celebration speaks to the human capital development pillar of the Oyebanji Administration which provides enabling space for women and girls to thrive.

The Director General Office of Civic Orientation and Citizenship, Mrs. Olawumi Famuyiwa, said women need to work harder on their children and curb the get rich quick syndrome and inculcate in the the values of integrity, hard work, honesty and industry.

The celebration which was supposed to have been held last week's Friday was postponed by one week to pay respect to the late All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman in the state, Mr. Paul Omotoso, who died last week.

The theme for this year's celebration was "Count Her In: Accelerating Gender Equality through Economic Empowerment" underscores our commitment to inclusivity and progress.

The celebration also featured exhibition of products from the council areas and distribution of food commodities.

Tinubu To APC Leaders: Old Subsidy Beneficiaries May Resist Us But Nigeria Will Overcome Them With Good Governance And Commitment To Our People.

Tinubu To APC Leaders: Old Subsidy Beneficiaries May Resist Us But Nigeria Will Overcome Them With Good Governance And Commitment To Our People. 

President Bola Tinubu says his administration is deploying resources to critical sectors and areas with significant impact on the welfare of Nigerians, emphasizing that the nation's treasury is sacrosanct and must not be abused.

Speaking at a meeting with the Forum of State Chairmen of the All Progressives' Congress (APC) at the State House in Abuja on Friday, the President assured Nigerians that his government is working around the clock to improve their living conditions, and asked leaders at the grassroots level to encourage citizens to get their National Identification Number (NIN) for planning, structuring interventions and to achieve their full integration into various relief programmes.

“The programme of our government will be truly progressive; student loans, a national consumer credit system, and social welfare for the unemployed, as well as graduates. Every Nigerian will find a place of belonging in our country. In the eye of even the biggest hurricane, we will find that place of tranquility and prosperous harmony for the benefit of all. Nigerians will all partake on this national journey to prosperity,’’ the President said.

Emphasizing the central role of agriculture in expanding and accelerating Nigeria's economic growth, President Tinubu told the state party chairmen, led by the National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, that his government had already drawn up a blueprint for large-scale livestock farming, which will be activated soon.

“We are bringing mechanized farming to the fore. Yesterday's crisis will become today's opportunity. Fertilizers are being supplied to farmers as we speak. Agriculture and economic diversification provide the answers to our problems. We will not continue to import food. We know how to turn lack into abundance, and the world will watch us do it again,’’ the President said. 

President Tinubu emphasized that the repositioning of the economy is a top national priority as he urged party members not to wait for an appointment before bringing good governance and exemplary civic engagement to the doors of Nigerians. 

“As we are fighting corruption, smugglers, and old subsidy beneficiaries, they most certainly will fight back. All those who falsified records and became losers with the subsidy (on petroleum products) removal, they will fight back. 

“But we will defend our people. The treasury belongs to the people, and that sacred trust must not be abused.

“I urge the state chairmen that regardless of party affiliation, let us help citizens by mobilizing them for NIN registration. Not just PVCs. Some are poor Nigerians who have not experienced formal education and have no understanding of what NIN is and how it will benefit their lives. We must teach them. We must care for them.

“Without NIN, we can not embark on social security interventions for the vulnerable. We will be making faulty moves without accurate data and iron-clad, digital intervention structures. I have established a committee of governors, and it is headed by the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima. It is working on what must be done to further lift our people.

“We need to give hope, and we are giving it to the country and our citizens. We are working hard, day and night, even though some agents of destabilization are present in the polity. Nigerians, with our focused support, shall defeat them," the President affirmed. 

APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje said the party is nearly set to establish the Progressive Institute of Policy and Development for the benefit of its members and the broader Nigerian public. This was followed by the Forum of APC State Chairmen congratulating the President on his victory at the polls, tribunal, and Supreme Court while assuring him of their continued support as his administration implements its economic programmes. 

President Tinubu’s support responsible for infrastructure upgrade in Ekiti, says Oyebanji.

President Tinubu’s support responsible for infrastructure upgrade in Ekiti, says Oyebanji.

….As Governor concludes three -day project inspection.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has cited the unwavering support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu - led Federal Government for his ability to sustain the massive infrastructure upgrade going on in different parts of the state.

Governor Oyebanji, Who disclosed this Thursday evening in Ado-Ekiti at the conclusion of his three - day inspection of road projects across the state, said the surge in infrastructure development across the state was as a result of additional money the state is receiving from the Federal Government under President Tinubu’s current economic policy.

Oyebanji said his government has been able to take care of all basic responsibilities to citizens and workers as well as take care of its obligations to contractors leading to a remarkable number of projects at different level of completion across the state. This, he said, was made possible because of the additional funding.

No fewer than 25 ongoing road projects were inspected during the three days of project monitoring. They include: the Okeyinmi fly over bridge; Ado-Ekiti Ring Road; Igede- Ilawe Road; Erijinyan-Ilawe Road; Ikogosi-Igbara Road; Ikere-Igbara-Odo Road; Ado-Akure Road; Ikere-Ise-Emure Road; Ikere-Ado Road, Ikere –Ilawe road; GRA road dualisation and GRA 3rd Extension road.

Others are Omisanjana-Alasia-Deeper Life –Atlas road; Agric Olope- Moferere Road; Ado-iworoko-Ifaki roda; Hospital Management Board road; Jimoh Aliu Road; Isinbode-Ara-Ikole Road; Ikole Township road; Itapa-Ijelu-Omu road; Ijero township road; Ayegunle-Ijurin-Iloro/Ipoti-Ilukuno road.  

 

Governor Oyebanji, in a brief encounter with residents during the inspection, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his continuous support to the state. “For all these projects, we should thank God, and we should thank the President who is supporting us in Ekiti. If you will remember, when he came here to campaign, he told Ekiti people that I am his son and he will help me. The President stands by me and he’s helping me, I can’t lie.

“All the money we are spending on these projects is as a result of the additional money we got from the federal government which was made possible by the President, who took the bull by the horn, effected some economic changes that resulted in more money for the state. If not, where would we have gotten the money to do all these projects?”, he retorted.

The Governor who called on the people to show understanding for the President’s programmes and policies, said President Tinubu was fully prepared for the task of taking Nigeria to the promised land, adding however, that the current hardship could be described as necessary pangs that usually precede child delivery.

“The president is courageous and he is on top of the situation. He needs our prayers and support and I am sure we shall all smile at the end of the day because the policies are well intentioned.” He added.

Speaking on his observation on quality of work done on the roads, Governor Oyebanji said he was satisfied with the pace and quality of work done by the contractors, adding that most of them are working towards the set deadlines.

The Governor said he is particularly happy to note that that people in different communities have taken ownership of the projects in their communities, a development he said is in line with the administration’s development agenda.

 

He said the inspection was to ensure that the contractors adhere strictly to the terms of their contracts so that the people can have value for their money, adding that the huge volume of projects being undertaken simultaneously would not in any way affect government’s unwavering commitment to regular payment of salaries of workers, pensions and other obligations.

“I am satisfied with the quality of work. I have not seen any contractor that has not done well, so am really happy with level of work done with the commitment and with the communal ownership of the projects by the people.”

Fayemi mourns Late Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun.

Fayemi mourns Late Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun.

.....hails monarch for commitment to welfare of his people.

Dr Kayode Fayemi, former governor of Ekiti State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), has expressed his condolences on the death of HRM Oba Lekan Balogun, the Olubadan of Ibadanland. 

In a statement released by his media office in Abuja, Dr Fayemi stated that the news of the late monarch's death was shocking and must have caused untold grief for his people. 

Fayemi stated, "I received the news of the death of Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, the Olubadan of Ibadanland with sadness. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the immediate family, friends, the Olubadan in Council, the Oyo State Government, and the entire Ibadan community on the death of this great leader and custodian of his people’s heritage

"Kabiyesi was an exemplary leader whose reign was marked by wisdom, grace, and devotion to his people, and his contributions to the development of Ibadan and Oyo State in general cannot be overstated."

The former Governor of Ekiti State described Oba Balogun's death as the end of a great and true leader whose dedication to his people's well-being and progress was unparalleled.

Fayemi also noted, "As we mourn his passing, let us also celebrate his legacy of leadership and public service, as well as the profound impact he had on the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

"On behalf of my wife, Bisi, and the rest of our family, I extend my condolences to the people of Ibadan, as well as the government and people of Oyo State, on this tragic loss. May the good Lord grant the departed monarch eternal rest and give his family the strength to bear the irreplaceable loss.

Ifaki Progressive Union (IPU) Sets Guidelines for National Elections.

Ifaki Progressive Union (IPU) Sets Guidelines for National Elections.

The Olufaki of Ifaki Kingdom in Isokan Local Government Development Area of Ekiti State, Oba (Dr.) John Adegbenro Falore and Ifaki Progressive Union Union (IPU) had set up an Electoral Committee consisting of 8 members to conduct elections into the national offices of IPU for the next four years dispensation. The members of the Electoral Committee includes:

1. Mr. Tayo Agbelese - Chairman

2. Prof. (Sir) Biodun Ojo - Member / Recorder of minutes 

3. Mr. Niyi Adeoya - Member

4. Mr. Jide Familoye - Member

5. Otunba Kehinde Oguntoyinbo - Member

6. Mrs. Funmi Alake-Apata - Member

7. Chief (Mrs.) Adijat Bimbo Yusuf - Member

8. High Chief Tunji Olaiya, Olokun of Ifaki - Member

In preparation for the elections of the National Officers of the Ifaki Progressive Union (IPU), the Electoral Committee at its inauguration meeting, discussed guidelines and conditions for the eligibility of contestants prior to obtaining the expression of interest form for any of the declared offices. 

The Electoral Committee Chairman, Chief Tayo Agbelese intimated members with the reasons for setting up the committee; to establish guidelines for the upcoming IPU National Elections taking place on March 30, 2024.

Chief Agbelese enumerated the criteria for the guidelines on the elections. Members of the committee discussed these criteria, and they were approved as follows:  

(a) Age must be a criteria for contestants in the election. For National President and Deputy National President, they must be 50 years and above at the time of contesting for the election.

(b)The National Secretary and Deputy National Secretary must be 45 years and above at the time of contesting for the election 

(c) While for the other positions , except for the Ifaki Youth Council, they must be 40 years and above.

All the contestants must be gainfully employed and or must have source or means of livelihood. Contestants must show evidence of participation in IPU activities either at the local or national level in the past 5 years in order to establish cognate experience.

Also a contestant must be endorsed by the Local or National IPU Chapter Chairman and or must be endorsed by a notable personality from Ifaki-Ekiti in the areas where there is no recognised IPU local or National Chapter.

While a contestant must have paid 2023 and 2024 Development level in order to be allowed to contest, voters must have paid either 2023 or 2024 Development levies in order to be allowed to vote in the IPU National elections.

Candidates for the elections must have picked up, completed and submitted the expression of interest forms before March 23, 2024.

To contest for the National President and the Vice President, the candidate must pick up the nomination form at a cost of Ten thousand Naira (N10,000.00) only. While to contest for the position of National Secretary and Assistant National Secretary, candidate must pick up the form at the cost of five thousand Naira (N5,000.00) only. For any other positions at the National level, such as Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Organizing Secretary, Publicity Secretary, Welfare Officer, Auditor, candidate must pay three thousand Naira (N3,000.00) only.

The committee further agreed that all elective positions are opened to all Ifaki-Ekiti indigenes, living in Nigeria and in the Diaspora. The nomination form will be available electronically and in hard copies at designated places such as Olufaki Palace for those living in Ekiti and environs, while in Lagos at Mr. Jide Familoye’s place, and in Abuja at Otunba Kehinde Oguntoyinbo’s place. The Election Debate will be on March 25, 2024. Deadline for the submission of forms is March 23, 2024 and the first screening is a week before the March 30, 2024 elections. The Account Number to pay Ifaki Development levy will be announced. All Electoral Committee members are advised to pay up their annual dues to show Leadership by examples.

The Electoral Committee of IPU for the year 2024 IPU National election further agreed unanimously for the election of three (3) Diaspora Coordinators, including: IPU USA Diaspora Coordinator, IPU Canada Diaspora Coordinator, and IPU UK/Europe Diaspora Coordinator.

Chief Agbelese thanked members for a job well done and for coming up with various suggestions, opinions and agreements to ensure a clean, and fair elections for the National IPU Exco. He encouraged members to continue to contribute their quotas toward ensuring a better Ifaki.

Chief Agbelese promised on behalf of the Electoral Committee not to let the Olufaki of Ifaki, Oba (Dr.) John Adegbenro Falore and Ifaki sons and daughters both at home and abroad down in installing a vibrant New IPU EXCO for the next four years.

Commenting on the progress recorded so far by the Electoral Committee, the Olufaki of Ifaki, Oba (Dr) Adegbenro Falore thanked all sons and daughters of Ifaki for their overwhelming support for his administration ever since he ascended the throne of his Forefathers. Oba Falore also commended the Electoral Committee members for providing leadership on the Elections process with fair guidelines and conditions for the eligibilities of candidates for all positions. These efforts are in good directions to make Ifaki and its environs a better place for all. He then charged all sons and daughters of Ifaki-Ekiti both home and abroad to show more commitment to the development of Ifaki so that Ifaki-Ekiti can regain its lost glory.

Oyebanji Wraps Up Extensive Three-Day Roads Project Inspection in Ado, Prioritizing State's Infrastructure Development.

Oyebanji Wraps Up Extensive Three-Day Roads Project Inspection in Ado, Prioritizing State's Infrastructure Development.

By Olamide Akinwumi

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, wrapped up a comprehensive three-day project inspection exercise on Thursday by visiting various ongoing road projects across Ado-Ekiti, the state capital. Among the projects inspected were the GRA extension dislocation, GRA 3rd extension road, Omisanjana-Alasia-Deeper Life-Atlas Road, Agric Olope-Moferere Road, Okeyinmi Flyover Bridge, Ado-Ekiti Ring Road, Ado-Iworoko-Ifaki Road, Hospital Management Board Road, and Jimoh Aliu Road.

Expressing his satisfaction, Governor Oyebanji commended the pace and quality of work carried out by the contractors, indicating that the projects are on track for timely completion. 

Residents of the various communities visited expressed their gratitude to the Governor for his commitment to development, noting the transformative impact of the ongoing projects on every part of the state.

During the tour, Governor Oyebanji took the opportunity to engage with residents, soliciting their feedback and addressing any concerns they may have regarding the projects and other areas of interest. 

This interactive approach reaffirmed the Governor's commitment to ensuring that the needs and aspirations of the people are adequately addressed in the development agenda of the state.

Prior to the Ado-Ekiti tour, the Governor had earlier inspected a series of road projects across different locations in the state, including Igede-Ilawe Road, Erinjinyan-Ilawe Road, Ikogosi-Igbara Odo Road, Ikere-Igbara Odo Road, Ikere-Akure Road (Ondo State Border), Ikere-Ise-Emure Road, Isinbode/Ara/Ikole Road, Itapa/Omu/Ijelu Road, and Ayegunle/Ijurin/Iloro/Ipoti/Ilukuno Road.

Again, Mr. Governor lead by example by appearing in another colorful adire T-shirt produced in Adire Ekiti Hub, Ado Ekiti.

The comprehensive inspection exercise underscores Governor Oyebanji's commitment to infrastructure development and his proactive approach to addressing the critical needs of the state. As the projects progress, they are expected to significantly enhance connectivity, facilitate socio-economic development, and improve the overall quality of life for residents across Ekiti State.

Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun joins Ancestors At 81.

Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun joins Ancestors At 81.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, is dead.

He was aged 81.

Oba Balogun spent two years on the throne of his forefathers, having been presented the Staff of Office by the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on March 11, 2022.

Confirming his death in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, on Thursday, Makinde said Oba Balogun died Thursday evening at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.

The governor described the late monarch as a towering figure akin to an Iroko tree.

He wrote, “With total submission to the will of God, I announce the passing unto glory of our father, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

“A mighty Iroko has fallen; Oba Balogun has joined the ancestors.

“In Kabiyesi, Ibadanland had a cosmopolitan and well-experienced Olubadan, who made indelible marks on the sands of history and achieved greatly within a short while.

“On behalf of the government and good people of the state, I condole with the immediate family of the Oba Balogun, the Olubadan-in-Council, the state Traditional Council and the people of Ibadanland. It is my prayer that God grants repose to the soul of our late monarch.”

“The passing of Oba Dr. Balogun marks the end of an era for Ibadanland, leaving behind a profound void in its rich history and heritage,” he added.

The late Olubadan was born on October 18, 1942.

The Olubadan ascended his forefathers’ throne two years ago after the passage of the late Oba Saliu Adetunji.

On Monday, the late monarch thanked God for the grace and privilege to clock two years on the throne, just as he thanked members of his advisory council for their unflinching support so far.

Balogun, in a statement by his Personal Assistant on Media, Oladele Ogunsola, in Ibadan, the state capital, said the second anniversary, which coincided with the commencement of this year’s Ramadan fast, was also used as an opportunity by the monarch to ask for prayers for the country by the Islamic faithful and expression of love for one another to make the period stress-free for the adherents.

The monarch said his clocking two years on the throne was a special grace by his creator that he could not take for granted.