Ekiti Deputy Gov Pledges Freedom, Constructive Engagements for Ekiti Media Practitioners.

Ekiti Deputy Gov Pledges Freedom, Constructive Engagements for Ekiti Media Practitioners. 

....Gets multiple awards as best female politician of the year.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has promised the commitment of  Governor  Biodun Oyebanji to prepare a propitious atmosphere for press freedom and establishment of a culture of  constructive engagements with media practitioners in the state. 

Mrs Afuye, who described Oyebanji as a democrat and consummate politician cum administrator, said the government will rather partner journalists to fasttrack development, than taking actions that could  muzzle or gag them from performing their statutory duties.

The Deputy Governor made the promise in Ado Ekiti, on Wednesday, while receiving a 'Rainbow Hall of Fame Awards' from the management of 'Rainbow Magazine', a Lagos Based Magazine, as an outstanding visionary female politician of the year and Rainbow Woman of the Year. 

Mrs Afuye, according to a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, was also inducted by Rainbow Magazine management into Rainbow 'Hall of Fame', a prestigious annual honour, that had  been bestowed on illustrious Nigerians like: Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), a Juju Maestro, King Sunny Ade, a business guru, Jackie Adunni Kassim, among others. 

Dedicating the Award to Governor Oyebanji and her admirers all over the state, the Deputy Governor, described media profession as strategic to national development, calling on those at the helms of affairs to give them the required cooperation and space to operate.

Speaking about the significance of the honour, Mrs Afuye stated that the award would further imbue her with patriotic spirit to rededicate herself to serve humanity and pursue the  development of Ekiti and Nigeria in all facets. 

She appreciated the management of the media outfit for counting her worthy of being honoured among other priceless female politicians that dotted Nigeria political space.

Rationalizing  the fact that the Deputy Governor was deserved of the award, the Rainbow Magazine Publisher/Founder, Hall of Fame Award, Mr. Niyi Johnson Omogbenigun, disclosed that Mrs Afuye grassroots' connection and commitment to gender equality have resonated across the nation.

Omogbenigun, who revealed that the award commenced 10 years ago, praised the Deputy Governor for her solid backing and loyalty to the governor to accelerate the pace of development across all the facets of the economy, thereby earning Ekiti more respect and reputation.

The Publisher saluted Mrs Afuye's ingenuity and intelligence in the handling of land and chieftaincy issues as well as disaster management prowess, thereby restoring peace in the communities and bolstered the confidence reposed in Oyebanji's  leadership. 

Present at the brief award presentation ceremony were: The Deputy Chief of Staff to the Deputy Governor, Mr. Victor Adeniyi, Personal Assistant/Special Assistant on Special Duties, Prince Akinboye Adegboye, Directors in the office, among others.

"Nigeria will deepen bilateral, cultural, and economic ties with Brazil through legislation," says Akpabio's aide.

"Nigeria will deepen bilateral, cultural, and economic ties with Brazil through legislation," says Akpabio's aide.

By George Ozalla 

The President of the Senate, His Excellency Senator Godswill Akpabio is not unmindful of the robust bilateral, cultural, and economic relationships that exist between Nigeria and Brazil, his Senior Legislative Aide on Stakeholders' Engagement and Mobilization, Femi Odere has said.

Odere said this when he paid a courtesy visit to Joao Marcelo Queiroz Soares, Minister-Counsellor to Nigeria at the Embassy of Brazil in Abuja on Tuesday, April 2, 2024.

The Senior Legislative Aide said the relationship between the two countries is extremely important that the Senate President is desirous that it not only stays that way but he's also looking for ways to deepen it through legislation. "My objective is therefore to interface with you on how these ties should be strengthened, your Excellency."

Odere said looking for ways to strengthen these ties between the two countries is of urgent importance against the backdrop that history has just presented to the world two presidents who are progressives of the highest hue in the person of Bola Tinubu and Lula da Silva. "President Lula is unapologetically Afro-centric. He's particularly Nigeria-centric. And we need to build on this momentum," Odere said.

However, the Senior Legislative Aide to the Senate President said he also came to seek the intervention of the ambassador in addressing several complaints of visa processing/issuance that some intending Nigerians encounter regularly.

He said it would be very remiss of him not to bring to the attention of the ambassador that Nigerian government functionaries are complaining about what they described as "long and unusual delays" in getting visas to attend programs in Brazil. "Sir, you can assist in removing this visa issuance friction," Odere admonished. 

In his response Ambassador Soares thanked Odere for the visit, re-echoing his friendly, long-standing bilateral, cultural, and economic ties with Nigeria as a true statement.

Amb. Soares stated that the main commonality between Nigeria and Brazil is that both Presidents Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva were recently elected and are just settling down to turn things around for their citizens. He expressed hope that Nigeria and Brazil will partner to promote a lot of mutually beneficial agro-allied business initiatives with the right economic policy framework which will no doubt boost employment opportunities.

The ambassador said although visa processes, procedures, and issuance do not fall directly under the purview of his office as his consulate has direct procedural channels in the home country, he admonished Akpabio's aide not to read any ulterior motive for the present visa issuance friction but rather to see it as a purely bureaucratic bottleneck that will fizzle out in due time. "In some cases, a high influx of applications, with fewer personnel to handle them, improper documentation on the part of applicants, requirements deficits, and other sundry issues may cause such delays," Amb. Soares counseled.

He stated that the embassy's operations in Nigeria will soon be expanded as well as increase its manpower.

He assured that notwithstanding the obvious handicap as regards intervening or influencing visa issuance, his office will still assist in properly linking up the Brazilian Consulate in Lagos for further engagement in reviewing some complaints based on merit.

Oyebanji harps on agribusiness as solution to economic problem.

Oyebanji harps on agribusiness as solution to economic problem.

....Flags off 4-day training/empowerment for Ekiti youth in agribusiness.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has called on the youth to shift their focus to agricultural practice to achieve self-reliance in food production and bolster economic development, noting that agriculture remains a viable solution to the country’s economic challenges. 

Governor Oyebanji, who made the call in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday at the flag office of a four-day training and empowerment programme for Ekiti youth in agribusiness, identified the programme as a sustainable alternative to the continuous provision of palliative to citizens.

The Governor, who revealed that the programme, which is a Public Private Partnership initiative with YSJ Limited, was meticulously crafted to address youth unemployment through agribusiness, adding that the programme is in alignment with his campaign promise to create access and pathway to opportunities for the youths to prosper.

Highlighting the urgency of addressing hunger and adhering to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s instruction for the Governors to grow the country out of hunger, Governor Oyebanji portrayed agriculture as a profitable but gradual endeavor and urged the youths to exercise patience and diligently apply the skills they will acquire during the four- day training programme.

He maintained that agriculture has the potential to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and reduce poverty across the state.

While assuring the trainings of his administration’s maximum support in ensuring they succeed, the Governor revealed that his administration has established forest rangers to safeguard farmers and their crops.

"What I promised you when I was campaigning was that I will create access to opportunities for you, and we have created access, we have brought opportunities.

“We campaigned on the mantra of shared prosperity and continuity and we can only prosper if we are productive because productivity is the only pathway to prosperity and any nation that is not productive cannot prosper, and you can only be productive through what we are doing and those of you that have stepped out , you can be rest assured that you have a partner in me”. The Governor said.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, appreciated the Governor for his love for the youth and his determination to make the state an agriculture hub in the country. He said the empowerment programe was designed to tap into the abundant agricultural potentials of the state to make the younger ones prosper.

According to the Commissioner, involving the youth in agribusiness would aide food security in the state. He charged the participants to engage earnestly in the training session and make use of the programme to improve their livelihoods.

Present at the event were the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Adeoye Aribasoye, top government functionaries and traditional rulers.

EKSG Purchases 30 Vehicles from Local Motor Dealers to Tackle Insecurity.

EKSG Purchases 30 Vehicles from Local Motor Dealers to Tackle Insecurity.

......We will patronise local contractors, but won't take shoddy jobs, says Oyebanji.

.....Warns Amotekun operatives against rivaling formal security networks.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, on Tuesday took delivery of 30 Toyota Tacoma Pick up Vans supplied by motor dealers based in the state to strengthen the operations of the Western Nigeria Security Network codenamed "Amotekun Corps" and checkmate unscrupulous elements trying to make the state unsafe.

Oyebanji said the fact that the vehicles were supplied by members of Association of Motor Dealers of Nigeria(AMDON), Ekiti State chapter, further attested to how committed his administration is to fully comply with the State Local Contents Law enacted to strategically shore up patronage for local contractors and businesses. 

Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, while taking delivery of the vehicles in Ado Ekiti, promised to put security measures in full throttle to tackle those who are trying to cause investment flight in Ekiti by stoking the fire of insecurity. 

The Governor, who revealed that the vehicles will be deployed to strengthen the Amotekun Corps in the bid to curb kidnapping, banditry and other criminal elements, frowned at the recent killing of two prominent traditional rulers and abduction of pupils and teachers by suspected gunmen in the state. 

Oyebanji boasted that his government is well mobilized to wage a serious battle against those who wanted to thwart the peace and calmness being enjoyed in the state, describing security as a sinequanon to radical development of any subnational. 

"Part of our efforts to combat insecurity is the purchase of these vehicles which will be deployed for the use of the Amotekun Corps. Other working tools will still be provided for the corps as well as provision of logistics for the formal security agencies.

"I enjoin our people to assist our law enforcement agencies with useful information that can lead to the arrest of criminals or stemming their activities. 

"You are assured that such information will be treated with utmost confidentiality. In the alternative, such information can be passed through traditional rulers and community leaders who will treat them with despatch. 

"Expectedly, the Amotekun Corps who will use these vehicles are urged to redouble their efforts at ensuring security of lives and property. You shouldn't see yourselves as rivals to formal security agencies, instead, complement them for maintenance of law and order in our dear state".

Oyebanji promised that his administration will continually encourage local contractors and businessmen to thrive and develop, saying: "this is not the first or second time that Ekiti motor dealers have been patronised. Jobs that can be properly handled by local contractors won't be contracted out to outsiders.

"Our local contractors and businessmen should, therefore, take this opportunity offered by the state government . Nevertheless, as much as we are ready to patronise you, the government won't take shoddy or poorly executed jobs".

Applauding the governor for developing the state's human resources, AMDON National President, Prince Ajibola Adedoyin and Chairman, Ekiti chapter, Alhaji Ibrahim Bankole, described Oyebanji as a promise keeper, for complying with the Local Contents Bill he assented to upon assumption of office to ensure increased patronage for local businessmen. 

They promised to partner the government to make the relationship symbiotic and mutually beneficial, by ensuring that every contract awarded to members is done in compliance with specification to sustain the spirit being demonstrated by the governor. 

The businessmen appealed to Governor Oyebanji to donate a parcel of land to AMDON, for the construction of modern Automat to boost motor dealing business in Ekiti.

They said: "This is the first Governor that will be attending to our needs and patronising us this way. Governor Oyebanji has given our members the deserved recognition. We are assuring him, all the vehicles we are going to supply will be of good qualities".

EKSG to collaborate with FG on tourism development.

EKSG to collaborate with FG on tourism development. 

…..As Tourism Minister, hikers storm Ekiti for mountain hiking.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has expressed the readiness of his government to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Tourism to harness and develop untapped tourism potentials of the state and make the state a leading tourism destination in the country.

Governor Oyebanji revealed this on Monday during the 6th edition of Hike Ekiti Mountain safari which took place at Abanijorin Mountain and cave, in Iyin- Ekiti.

In attendance at the event were the Minister of Tourism, Mrs. Lola Ade-John, Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Speaker Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Adeoye Aribasoye; Director General of NIHOTOUR, Alhaji Nura Kangiwa, among others. 

The Governor said a properly harnessed tourism industry has the capacity to reshape the economy and improve the revenue base of the state, stressing that the state would leverage on tourism to attract investment, create jobs, boost the local economy and drive the shared prosperity agenda of his administration.

While expressing his gratitude to the Minister for the visit and her commitment to tourism development in the country, the Governor said her commitment speaks to the quality of people working with President Bola Ahmed Timubu to actualize the renewed hope agenda of the President.

Governor Oyebanji revealed that he has charged the state Bureau of Tourism Development to come up with the state’s tourism development master-plan in alignment with the Federal Ministry of Tourism vision to create an enabling environment for the people to prosper.

“I'm so excited that finally, we are giving life to this programme. It started six years ago and I know and am convinced that if we are going to drive our shared prosperity agenda in Ekiti state, tourism is a critical factor in ensuring that we provide job, create wealth and also emplaced a healthy and productive society.

“As a government, we have charged the bureau of tourism development to create a desirable tourism masterplan for the state, because that is what is going to drive our intervention in the tourism sector and we will further collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Tourism by ensuring that we align our own plan with their own so that together we can create an enabling environment for our people to prosper”. The Governor asserted.

Earlier in her remarks, the Minister of Tourism, Mrs. Lola Ade-John, who said the purpose of her visit was to encourage and promote the eco-tourism sector of the state, lauded Governor Oyebanji’s commitment to tourism development, especially the creation of a Bureau of tourism. 

She maintained that Governor Oyebanji’s determination to prioritize tourism aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s led federal government’s resolve to boost the nation’s economy through tourism development.

The Minister, who maintained that collaboration among government entities, tourism agencies, business and communities global is crucial for promoting sustainable tourism in the state, assured the Governor that her ministry would continue to support the state government to explore and tap into various beautiful tourist sites in the state in order to preserve the natural heritage for future generations.

She urged the participants to use the opportunity to contribute to the development of tourism in the state as she acknowledged that the future of Ekiti tourism looks promising . 

" Collaboration among government entities, tourism agencies, business and communities global is crucial for promoting sustainable tourism in Ekiti state and beyond and as affirmed by the Governor, he is very passionate about tourism and he intends on making tourism in the state as enviable and as an example to other state in Nigeria ". The Minister said.

Meanwhile, the Governor in company of the Minister and her team had earlier visited the palace of the Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti, Oba Adeniyi Ajakaye where they were informed about the various natural endowments in the community as well as the history behind the mountain "Okuta Aba ni Jorin" and solicited government's support in preserving the cultural heritage.

Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and Conference Center Hosts Minister of Tourism Lola Ade-John to An Unforgettable Easter Experience.

Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and Conference Center Hosts Minister of Tourism Lola Ade-John to An Unforgettable Easter Experience.

Minister of Tourism Lola Ade-John embarked on an official visit to Ekiti State, Nigeria, where she had the pleasure of exploring the renowned Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and Conference Center. Upon her arrival, she was enveloped by the resort's warm hospitality and impeccable service, setting the tone for an unforgettable experience.

Led by the resort’s General Manager, Lanre Balogun, Mrs. Ade-John indulged in a myriad of experiences that showcased the resort's seamless blend of luxury and nature. From taking a leisurely stroll through its beautiful rooms, manicured gardens, and fully upgraded conference center, she also visited the unique and mysterious natural warm springs, which is the only spring in the world where cold and warm water flow together without mixing! 

She marveled at the breathtaking vistas and appreciated the meticulous attention to detail evident in every aspect of the resort. In her words - “I am very pleased at the beautiful transformation that has taken place in Ikogosi Warm Springs and Resort Center. Driving into Ikogosi, I was so impressed with the foliage. The bush itself is charming!”

The minister also praised the resort's commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, which provides the much-needed harmony between man and nature. She expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the resort's management, Glocient Hospitality Limited, for providing such an exceptional experience and extended her gratitude to Governor Oyebanji for his support in fostering an environment conducive to the resort's success.

During her stay, the Minister launched the second phase of her pet project – The EcoGenesis Incubator Series. This is a sustainable tourism entrepreneurship programme that targets residents of tourist host communities, including women, youths, and small cottage services that form parts of the destination's experiences for visitors.

The key highlight of this initiative is the training of tour operators and tour guides in Ekiti State, conducted in partnership with the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism, NIHOTOUR and the Ekiti State Bureau for Tourism Development.

As Minister Ade-John bid farewell to Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, she carried with her not only cherished memories but also a newfound appreciation for the beauty and tranquility of Nigeria's natural landscape. Her visit served as a testament to the resort's unwavering dedication to providing guests with unparalleled experiences, ensuring that every visitor departs with lasting memories and a desire to return.

Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Ekiti State in Nigeria, Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and Conference Center was voted the Best Holiday Resort in Nigeria in 2023 and stands as a beacon of luxury and tranquility. 

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and the soothing sounds of nature, the resort offers a sanctuary for travelers seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Managed by Glocient Hospitality, Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort boasts an array of world-class amenities and services tailored to pamper guests and elevate their experience to unparalleled heights. From opulent accommodations to exquisite dining options and state-of-the-art conference facilities, every aspect of the resort is meticulously designed to cater to the discerning tastes of its visitors.

Local Council Boss, Hon Oluwatuyi Criticizes Afuye's Political Antics.

Local Council Boss, Hon Oluwatuyi Criticizes Afuye's Political Antics.

In a scathing letter addressed to Mr. Afuye, the Executive Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area, Honorable Oluwatuyi Gbenga, expressed his surprise at the recent attention-seeking behavior exhibited by Afuye. The letter, penned in response to Afuye's public statements, criticized his actions and questioned his credibility as a political figure.

The chairman highlighted his skepticism towards Afuye from the outset, particularly noting the absence of political appointments despite his purported praise for BAO. Describing Afuye as a "paperweight politician," Hon Oluwatuyi accused him of attempting to garner relevance through hollow press releases on social media, rather than substantive contributions to governance.

The letter characterized Afuye as a "political butterfly," emphasizing his lack of substantial influence despite his self-perceived importance. The chairman referenced Afuye's selection as the deputy governorship candidate for the Action Democratic Party (ADP) by Mrs. Halle, the party's gubernatorial candidate, as a misguided attempt to elevate his political stature.

Contrary to Afuye's aspirations, the chairman asserted that BAO remains committed to effective governance and is undeterred by distractions from political opportunists like Afuye. Gbenga commended BAO's efforts to improve governance in the state and expressed confidence in his continued leadership.

Looking ahead to the 2026 elections, the chairman warned against the emergence of "notice-me politicians" like Afuye, whom he accused of seeking personal gain rather than genuine public service. He cautioned against falling prey to the manipulative tactics of such individuals and urged voters to prioritize candidates with a demonstrated commitment to the welfare of the state.

The letter concluded with a reaffirmation of support for BAO's administration and a call for unity among stakeholders to advance the state's development agenda.