Cavista Holding Partners with Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development for Unforgettable Minister's Visit in Easter.

Cavista Holding Partners with Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development for Unforgettable Minister's Visit in Easter.

Cavista Holding Limited, the parent company of Glocient Hospitality, which manages the Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort and Conference Centre, has formed a strategic collaboration with Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development. The partnership aims to promote the enriching tourism potentials of Ekiti State and ensure a memorable   tour of the State by the visiting Minister of Tourism, Mrs Lola Ade-John.

The Minister is billed to spend the Easter holiday between March 29 and April 1st savoring the uniqueness of tourism sites in Ekiti State 

Formalizing the partnership is a team from Cavista Holding Limited, led by its Director of Community Engagement, Mr. Dauda Lawal along with Chief Ayo Ademilua, Community Engagement Manager at Glocient Hospitality; and Dayo Olujekun, Deputy General Manager of Glocient Hospitality

The team met with top officials of the Bureau of Tourism Development, Ekiti State, led by the Director General, Amb. Wale Ojo-Lanre Esq., Adegboyega Morakinyo, Esq., Executive Secretary, and Mr. Peculiar Ekiran, at the Director-General's office, Governor's Office, Ado Ekiti on Tuesday. 

The meeting was in preparation for the visit of the Minister, Mrs. Lola Ade-John, who is due to be in the state for the inauguration of the Ecogenesis Incubator program, an initiative aimed at empowering host community of tourism sites in Ekiti state. She will also enjoy a luxurious stay at Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort and Conference Centre and partake in the Hike Ekiti Mountain Tourism Carnival, including an exhilarating hike to Abanijorin Rock at Iyin Ekiti.

Cavista Holdings Limited, a global technology solutions provider, is deeply committed to fostering partnerships that promote tourism and uplift local economies through its Holding Companies such as Gloclient and Agbeyewa. By collaborating with the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Cavista Holding aims to bolster the state's efforts in attracting domestic and international tourists to experience Ekiti's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort, managed by Cavista Holding's subsidiary Glocient, is renowned for its natural warm and cold springs, stunning landscapes, and exceptional hospitality. The resort offers visitors a harmonious blend of comfort, tranquillity, and unforgettable experiences.

The collaboration between Cavista Holding Limited and its subsidiary (Glocient) and the Bureau of Tourism Development, has been meticulously planned to provide a comprehensive experience for the Minister of Tourism and her team. The visit aims to showcase Ekiti State's abundant and rich natural resources, culinary delights, vibrant traditions, and warm hospitality.

During her stay at Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort, the Minister will immerse herself in the rejuvenating warm springs, savor local cuisine, and marvel at the surrounding natural beauty.

Furthermore, the Minister will embark on an invigorating hike to Abanijorin Rock in Iyin Ekiti, where she will admire breathtaking views, geological wonders, and the community's dedication to conservation and sustainability.

Cavista Holding, Glocient, and the Bureau of Tourism Development, Ekiti State, believe that this partnership will not only empower local communities but also stimulate economic growth, promote sustainable tourism, and elevate Ekiti State as a premier tourist destination.

The launch of the Minister's empowerment program, her stay at Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort, and the hike to Abanijorin Rock in Iyin Ekiti signify significant milestones in showcasing Ekiti State's tourism potential. The collaboration underscores the commitment of Cavista Holding, Glocient, and the Bureau of Tourism Development, Ekiti State, to highlight Ekiti's beauty and culture while driving tourism growth in the state.

Hon. Gbenga Oluwatuyi Presents Ramadan Gifts to Muslim Society Representatives.

Hon. Gbenga Oluwatuyi Presents Ramadan Gifts to Muslim Society Representatives.

In observance of the Ramadan festival, Hon. Gbenga Oluwatuyi, the Executive Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, demonstrated his commitment to fostering unity and support within the Muslim community by presenting gift items to representatives of the Muslim Society in the local government area. 

Presenting the food items at a prayer Programs organized on Tuesday by the muslims in his office at lgede -Ekiti, Hon Oluwatuyi said it is part of his administration Commitment to always celebrated with their Muslims brothers based on the cordial relationship, unwavering support and their prayers for his administration since lnception in office.

It stated further that the present situations called for prayers for the naton to survive the present economic hardship ravaging the Country.    

The Executive Chairman admonished Muslims not to relent in their efforts in seeking God faces for Nigerian leaders, in the Local, State and Federal levels for peace and stability to continue to reign in the Country.

He described this period of Ramadan as the time God use to answer prayers and for devotion of our time, money and services to Almighty Allah. 

The Council Boss advised them not to go back sinful ways as observed during the Month of Ramadan.

He then implored them to continue to live in peace with one another muslims, as we will give accountable of all our actions at the end, the statement said.  

Responding on behalf of the Muslims Society in the area, the Vice Chairman of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs Irepodun/ Ifelodun Local Government Chapter, Dr. Mufutau Olusola Bello expressed joy for the food items donated to them by Hon. Gbenga Oluwatuyi led administration in the Council Area.

Dr. Bello described the Chairman as a man of epitome of hard work, whose achievements within this had been impactful among the people of the area. He stated further that the items may not be enough to move round, but the love behind it was appreciated. 

The Vice Chairman of Irepodun/ Ifelodun Local Government supreme Council for Islamic Affairs also feel proud of the inclusiveness enjoyed as members of the Local Government Communities.

Prayers were offered for the Chairman, his EXCO, Councilors, other members  of staff of the Local Government, Ekiti State under the able Leader of Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji and also Federal Government led by, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the acting Chief Imam of Awo Ekiti, Alhaj Yakubu for Almighty Allah to intervene in the present predicament facing Nigerians and called for more prayers and dedicated to Allah, praying that Nigerian problems would soon be a thing of the past with two refineries would started operation.

In his own speech, the Secretary of Local Government, Alhaj (Dr) Sule Fatai Olatunji thanked God, the Chairman, Hon Gbenga Oluwatuyi, his Vice, Engr. Remi Alade, the Head of Local Government Administration, and other members of the Local Government EXCO and for their joint efforts in ensuring that the presentation of the gift became a reality.

The gift items distributed during the ceremony included essential food items such as gaari, milk, spaghetti, tomatoes sachets, and groundnut oil, among others, aimed at supporting families during the fasting period of Ramadan. Additionally, the chairman sponsored a 10-day radio Ramadan program, further extending his support to the Muslim community during this auspicious month.

The event had in attendance, the Executive Chairman of Irepodun Ifelodun Local Government, Hon Gbenga Oluwatuyi, his Vice, Engr Remi Alade, the Secretary, Alhaj (Dr) Sule Fatai Olatunji, the Head of Local Government Administration, Mrs Kofoworola Rotimi, Director of Administration, Prince Oladimeji Adegoke, Director of Finance, Mrs C.O Ogundele, Director of Audits, Mr Bukola Dada, Director of Information, Chief (Mrs) Adijat Bimbo Yusuf.

Others were: Brother Sulaimon Mufutau Adesoji, Alhaj Isiaka Awoso, Alfa Abulganyu Omoboriowo, Alhaj Yakub Rasheed, Alhaj Tijani Yisa, Dr.Mufutau Bello, Chief Ariyo Lasisi and Chief Yusuf Arowoye.

The event concluded with a spirit of unity and gratitude, reflecting the collaborative efforts between the local government and the Muslim community in fostering development and harmony within the region.

Our Govt Has Paid N1.2bn Gratuity to LG, Pry School Retirees- Oyebanji.

Our Govt Has Paid N1.2bn Gratuity to LG, Pry School Retirees- Oyebanji.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has disclosed that his administration, has within the last 15 months, defrayed an aggregate of N1.2 billion gratuity arrears to retired Local government workers and Primary school teachers in the state. 

In an emotion-laden tone, Oyebanji disclosed that he personally shared the pains of pensioners waiting for too long a time before being handed their gratuities, assuring that his administration will rectify such noticeable snag by fasttracking actions on payment.

Oyebanji gave the disclosure on Tuesday, while presenting gratuity cheques to retired Local Government workers and Primary School teachers, at an event held at Lady Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado Ekiti. 

Assuring the retirees that their welfare shall always be of premium priority to his government, Oyebanji stated that he will explore every available opportunity to shore up the revenue base of the state to be able to discharge its obligations to all citizens.

The Governor added that his government has firmly adhered to the principles of prudent financial management and strategic planning in its operations, while also contriving means to ensure optimal use of the not-so-robust economic stature to the benefit the large populace .

The Governor assured that with the geometric increase in the payment of monthly gratuity to LG and primary school retirees, from N50 million to N100 million monthly, retirees who are still waiting in the wing will soon be captured as beneficiaries.

"It is important to place on record that we have paid N1, 214,0000,000 as gratuities to 377 retired local government and primary school teachers since the beginning of this administration. Our target is to get everyone covered; and with God on our side, we will not rest on our oars until it is achieved. Rest should, indeed sweet after labour. 

"As regards the March to September 2018 arrears of your pensions, we are closing in on settling them. We have so far cleared three out of seven months. I am assuring you that the remaining four will soon be cleared".

Oyebanji added further that his government is improving the Infrastructure base of the state as well as instilling peace and security to make Ekiti captivating to investors for sustainable economic development in the areas of industrialization, employment generation and wealth creation.

The Governor urged the beneficiaries not to expend the gratuities on inanities that won't have positive impact on their lives, saying they should focus on those things that will add values to their welfare and wellbeing to compensate for the long period of waiting. 

Describing pensioners as strategic in the development focus of Oyebanji's government, the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Chief Folorunso Olabode, revealed that a staggering sum of N580 million was being paid as pension monthly, since the advent of this administration in 2022.

The Commissioner commended Governor Oyebode for firmly kept to to his promise and jacked up monthly gratuity payment to local government and primary school retirees from N50 million to a humongous sum of N100 million.

"This has shown that our governor is a promise keeper. He did promise last year that the monthly payment will be increased to a sum of N100m and this has taken effect from February 2024. So, those who have not be called, they should be hopeful that their turns will come soon".

In his submissionThe Chairman, Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Ekiti chapter, Mr. Joel Akinola, commended Oyebanji for clearing the salary arrears of State Civil Servants and pensioners, exuding confidence that this will be extended to the local government and primary school teachers. 

Akinola, who urged those yet to be paid not to despair, appealed to retirees to embrace the free health services specially designed for pensioners by the current administration, saying this is a way of elongating their life expectancy and put their health in proper shape.

"Our members have passed through the valley of the shadow of death. I have never seen any state where governor released cheques to pensioners every month for gratuity payment . This gives us a lot of hope. We specially thank the governor for his concern about us".

Tinubu approves dualisation of Ado-Ikare Road

Tinubu approves dualisation of Ado-Ikare Road.

The majority Leader of the 10th National Assembly, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele has revealed that the President Bola Tinubu has approved the dualistion of Ado-Ekiti-Ikare-Akoko road, a 31-kilometre highway that connects Ekiti State to Federal Capital Territory through Ondo, Edo and Kogi States.

The highway, after three decades of outright neglect was equally captured in the 2024 Appropriation Act purely enacted to implement strategic infrastructure projects that will create limitless opportunities for Nigerians across 36 states of the federation.

Senator Bamidele divulged this on Monday during a feedback session with one of the country’s foremost legal icons and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola.

It was recalled that the Ado-Ekiti-Ikare-Akoko, one of the 12 federal roads connecting Ekiti State to Kogi, Kwara, Ondo and Osun States, has suffered neglect even before democratic transition in 1999.

With Bamidele’s intervention, the President approved the dualisation of the road considering its strategic significance to Ekiti and other states directly and indirectly bordering it.

Other federal roads that connect Ekiti to Kogi, Kwara, Ondo and Osun are still deplorable and dilapidated, seriously begging for the attention of the federal and state governments.

Among others, the roads include Ifaki-Otun road, Ifaki-Ilasa-Omuo road, Ado-Ikere road, Ado-Iyin-Aramoko road, Aramoko-Efon-Ijebu Jesa road, Efon-Iwaraja and Otun-Erinmope-Odo Owa road.

Bamidele also revealed that the dualisation and its reconstruction would commence before the end of 2024.

Speaking on the reason of the dualisation, he said “It is due to the volume of traffic on this inter-state highway that connects Ekiti to Abuja through Ondo, Edo and Kogi States. It is a decision taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Aside, it is not only that the road was captured in the 2024 Appropriation Act. The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi has identified it to the management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Works as a priority federal road, whose reconstruction must take off this fiscal year.

“The federal government has already commenced the design of the road because what was decided was that the road should be dualised from Ejigbo in Ado Ekiti up till 31 kilometres to Ikare Akoko. We will continue from there as a single lane.

“The reason for dualisation is due to the volume of traffic on this corridor. When fully executed, the road will stand the test of time. This was a decision taken not just by the minister, but also by the president, who has tremendous respect for you.”

Girl Child Education topmost on Oyebanji’s priority list – Afuye.

Girl Child Education topmost on Oyebanji’s priority list – Afuye.

.…gets award of excellence from EKSU women academics.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye, has pledged the unflagging passion of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration to initiate timely and appropriate programmes and policies that will propel girl child education in the state.

Afuye disclosed that the government has made far-reaching positive impacts in the lives of girl child through many innovations, including Adolescent Girls’ Initiative for Learning and Education (AGILE) programme, where a staggering sum of N3 billion, had been expended to improve facilities in schools .

The Deputy Governor spoke on Monday, at the Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado Ekiti, during an annual public lecture organised by the National Association of Women Academics (NAWACS), EKSU chapter.

At the occasion, NAWACS conferred prestigious “Meritorious Award of Excellence” on the Deputy Governor for her dedication and exceptional contributions to the growth of women in the state.

The Ekiti State First Lady, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, was also garlanded with respectable award of excellence for playing complementary roles to promote gender equality.

Addressing the eggheads, Afuye, in a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, charged the women academics to hold the flag of education highly by contributing stupendously to learning and research to make EKSU a staunch and venerable citadel of learning.

Dropping the hint that education sector was held in high esteem in Oyebanji’s priority list, the Deputy Governor stated that the current government, had demonstrated immense desire for the growth of education with firm and holistic understanding that it remains the best weapon to fight poverty.

“This government is convinced that education is a potent weapon to create a leveler between the rich and poor. Governor Oyebanji, despite the financial difficulties, had expended about N3bn on massive renovation and provision of critical infrastructure in the schools.

“The Governor recently increased subventions to all tertiary institutions in the state. The affected institutions included: The Ekiti State University, Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan Ekiti and the School of Health Science and Technology, Ijero Ekiti.

“This is to hep the institutions overcome the challenges being encountered in meeting recurrent and capital expenditures. It is also to enable them stabilize their academic calendars, by stemming the tide of industrial strives and unwarranted students’ and staff’s protests”.

Speaking about women’s promotion and empowerment, Afuye, said Oyebanji had exhibited commitment in this regard by facilitating opportunities for women in elective and appointive positions to give them self esteem, honour and recognition.

“Myself, the Secretary to the State Government, many Commissioners, Special Advisers, Directors General and also the first Chief Judge of the Customary Court of Appeal, are women. In the Ekiti State House of Assembly, there are six female lawmakers representing various constituencies, including the Deputy Speaker.

“Let me also put on record that in the last local government election held in December, 2023, six women were elected as Chairmen, 16 as Vice Chairmen and 33 emerged as Councilors across various wards. These figures are unprecedented in the history of Ekiti State and Nigeria”.

Also, the Vice Chancellor, Ekiti State University, Prof Edward Olanipekun, represented by Prof. Ayan Adeleke, appreciated NAWACS members for their contributions to the growth of scholarship in EKSU, saying they have shown commitments that were making the institution competitive nationally and globally.

Harping on gender mainstreaming into the country’s public service space, the NAWACS President, Prof. Florence Osalusi, said it is high time the country fully embraced the 1995 Beijing Conference that proposed 35% affirmation for women in governance, saying this remains the remedial step against endemic gender inequality.

Osalusi saluted the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olanipekun for appointing many women academics into strategic positions ,with many promoted as Professors, Readers, Senior Lecturers and to other illustrious academic cadres.

Delivering her lecture on the theme: “The Academics in An Artificial Intelligence Age”,  a Professor of Industrial Chemistry at the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Dr. Olufunke Akintayo, clarified that “Robotic Science” was not invented to displace human effort, but to complement it and makes lives easier for the people.

28TH CONVOCATION: EKSU Set To Honour Prominent Nigerians, Produces Over 90 First Class.

28TH CONVOCATION: EKSU Set To Honour Prominent Nigerians, Produces Over 90 First Class.

He disclosed that the likes of renowned clergyman from RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, former governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, popular photographer; Prince Julius Adeluyi and Princess Folorunso Alakija will be conferred with Honorary Doctorate Degrees.

Prof. Olanipekun while highlighting the achievements during his tenure as the Vice Chancellor of the institution said, “It gladdens my heart to inform this august gathering that virtually all our programmes in the university are accredited by the National University Commission (NUC). The total number of academic programmes is 89, number with full accreditation status 70, number with interim accreditation status 08, number with denied accreditation status 01 and number yet to mature for accreditation 10.

As EKSU marks its 28th Convocation ceremony, the VC maintained that a total numbers of 91 students bagged First Class from the school and will be duly recognize during and that no fewer than ten thousand (10,000) graduates of the institution will be awarded various degrees ceremony during the ceremony.

His words: “The administration under my leadership has placed premium on the quality of our programmes vis-à-vis teaching, learning and research, Aside NUC accreditation, programmes such as MBBS, Nursing Science, engineering and law are accredited by their relevant professional bodies. I make bold to say that we have laid a solid foundation for these programmes to have an easy sail at future accreditations.

“As part of the efforts put in place by the current university administration to make our university a top-notch, a number of academic programmes at undergraduate and Postgraduate levels were recently approved by the NUC to commence with effect from the 2023/2024 academic session”.

Olanipekun also hinted that the number of First Degree graduands are 10,894, of which 91 made First-Class, 3,262 Second Class, 6,411 Lower Class, 747 Third Class and 4 Pass; while 155 students graduated from college of Postgraduate Studies.

Addressing the issue of insecurity around the university community, Olanipekun warned those who may have the intention of indulging in admission fraud, adding that no hidden place for any criminals or criminalities around the campus premises and on no account should applicants seek information about admission from anyone, all information are on the institution website, that admission is not for sale in EKSU and that the management will continue to do their best so that people won’t fall victim.

Oyebanji Approves Year 2022 And 2023 Promotions Of Civil Servants.

Oyebanji Approves Year 2022 And 2023 Promotions Of Civil Servants. 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr 'Biodun Oyebanji has approved the promotion exercises for year 2022 and 2023  across the state public service,comprising the core Civil Service, Teaching Service, Local Government Service,  SUBEB Teachers as well as other parastatals.

The Head of Service, Engr. Sunday Komolafe,  who disclosed this, said the approval covers January and July promotion for both years 2022 and 2023.

The statement enjoined eligible staff to do the needful by ensuring that their apper forms and other necessary prerequisite are up- to- date in order to guarantee a seamless exercise.

He hinted that among the numerous achievements of this administration in the public service sector are the termination of accumulated promotions arrears and up- to- date implementation of financial implications of such promotions.

While lauding the commitment of the present administration to improving the welfare of staff and socio- economic growth and development of the state, Komolafe charges all and sundry particularly the workforce to give more support to the present administration to deliver on the shared prosperity agenda.