Tension Rises in Ekiti PDP as Factional Divide Deepens.

Tension Rises in Ekiti PDP as Factional Divide Deepens.

By Icon Ayomide Adeshola

04/04/2024 

In a dramatic turn of events, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti state finds itself embroiled in internal strife as disquiet ripples through its rank. The rift, centering around the exclusion of prominent figures from key party committees, has sparked outrage among supporters of former governor Ayo Fayose, former deputy governor and 2018 Governorship candidate Professor Kolapo Olusola Eleka, as well as aspirant Funso Ayeni, escalating tension within the party.

At the heart of the discord lies the composition of reconciliation and finance committees, which notably omitted names affiliated with Fayose's faction, Eleka's loyalists, and Ayeni's supporters. This move, viewed by many as a betrayal of the former governor's leadership and a sidelining of other prominent figures, has intensified existing divisions within the party.

Adding fuel to the fire, the exclusion of Funsho Ayeni from the finance committee has raised eyebrows, particularly given his stature as a potential financier for the party. Ayeni's absence from the committee, widely perceived as a calculated snub, has further exacerbated tension and deepened mistrust among party members.

Moreover, the sidelining of Eleka's loyalists from the committee lists has added another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation. As loyalists of various factions express frustration over the apparent marginalization within the party, the specter of internal conflict looms large over the Ekiti PDP.

In response to these developments, loyalists aligned with Fayose, Eleka, and Ayeni have issued stern warnings, threatening to boycott party activities and vowing to disrupt the status quo from within. As tension continue to mount, the inclusion of loyalists to Distinguished Senator Biodun Olujimi, representing Ekiti South, remains uncertain, further clouding the party's future prospects and raising questions about its ability to unite ahead of crucial political engagements.

Ekiti targets zero percent out-of-school children, Says Gov Oyebanji at EKSU convocation.

Ekiti targets zero percent out-of-school children, Says Gov Oyebanji at EKSU convocation. 

…..As Chancellor announces N1billion agribusiness innovation fund for students, graduands. 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has restated the commitment of his administration to ensuring that every child in the state has access to quality and compulsory education, noting that education remains a weapon in ensuring social, political, and economic growth of any society.

 

Governor Oyebanji made this known on Wednesday at the 28th convocation ceremony of the Ekiti state university, Ado Ekiti just as the newly inducted Chancellor of the University, Dr Tunji Olowolafe, announced a one billion naira agribusiness empowerment fund for products of the institution as a way to boost agriculture and food security. 

Governor Oyebanji who attended the EKSU convocation as the first alumnus of the school to become Governor of the state and Visitor to the University, said his government remains committed to ensuring that educational institutions in the state were capable of competing with their peers globally.

 

Governor Oyebanji said his administration has demonstrated commitment to development of education sector from primary to tertiary institutions which include renovation of more than 200 secondary schools, distribution of laptops to students across the state, disbursement bursary and scholarship to students of Ekiti origin in tertiary institutions of learning including Law School, increment of subvention to all state owned tertiary institutions, among others.

Recalling that Ekiti was recently ranked as the highest in school enrollment in the country, the Governor assured that his government would continue to ensure the state has zero percent out-of-school children across the country. 

While appreciating the University’s governing council and management for being a partner in progress, the Governor called for more conscious, creative, ingenious and concerted development of strategies for generating additional funds so as to reduce dependence on government subventions.

Governor Oyebanji also urged the University management to justify the increase in their subvention by showing greater commitment to work, avoid incessant strike actions, and allow for smooth running of the academic calendar so that students were not unduly delayed. 

While congratulating the graduands, Oyebanji charged them to always remember to give back to their alma-mata.

“We are gathered here today to celebrate scholarship, success, and the result of hard work. As we all know, education remains a weapon in ensuring social, political, and economic growth in any society. This is why we will continue to support the education sector. We are committed to ensuring our educational institutions are of the highest standards that can compete globally.

“A demonstration of this commitment can be seen in our various interventions in the sector from primary to tertiary institutions. It is, therefore, a thing of pride to note that Ekiti is ranked one of the highest in school enrollment in Nigeria and one of the states with the least out-of-school children with 2.5%. We are working hard to ensure we have 0% out-of-school children in our state.

“Just a few months ago, we increased the subventions to all Ekiti State - owned tertiary institutions, including the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital significantly. As much as the government is ready to continue to play its part in the funding of tertiary education of the state, the university must find ways and means of supplementing whatever the government is able to give. There must be conscious, creative, ingenious, and concerted development of strategies for generating additional funds so as to reduce dependence on government subventions”. The Governor stated. 

Earlier, in his address, the newly inaugurated Chancellor of the University, Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, who appreciated the Governor for the opportunity to serve, pledged his unflinching commitment to the growth and development of the institution.

Dr. Olowolafe,  a trained medical doctor turned businessman announced a one billion naira innovation fund to empower agro-technology  companies founded by the latest graduands and current students of the institution.

This is in addition to  the establishment of an endowment agenda to offer support and subsidies for up to 30 academic staff members so as to facilitate their participation in international conferences, training sessions, and research activities as well as creation of a platform for 100 of the brightest students from EKSU to engage in resourceful and sustainable work for skills acquisition and development.

Dr Olowolafe  noted that it has become imperative for graduates and undergraduates in Nigeria to get actively involved in activities geared towards supporting food security , innovation and strategic entrepreneurship in the current circumstance. 

He suggested that students take land lease arrangements for agricultural purposes adding that special awards could also be given to outstanding agriculture entrepreneurs in addition to academic honours. 

“Mr. Vice Chancellor sir, as we give awards to best academic students, we can also give awards to best agro entrepreneurs on campus. Some can do grains while others do vegetables. Some can do poultry whilst others can do fisheries. Some can even do logistics whilst others do apps." 

He stated. 

He urged the graduands and undergraduates to endeavour to take a needs assessment of their environments to see resources that could be tapped into emphasising that youths need to think wider than their narrow fields of study. 

Dignitaries at the ceremony include the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adeoye Aribasoye; Commissioner for Finance, Mr Akin Oyebode; Secretary to the State Government, Dr( Mrs) Habibat Adubiaro; traditional rulers among others.

Federal Ministry of Education Charts New Course with "Renewed Hope Education Roadmap".

Federal Ministry of Education Charts New Course with "Renewed Hope Education Roadmap".

In a historic event on April 2nd, 2024, the Federal Ministry of Education orchestrated a groundbreaking citizen and stakeholders’ engagement at the Abuja Continental Hotel, marking a pivotal moment under President Tinubu's administration. Led by the Honorable Minister, Professor Tahir Mamman, OON, SAN, supported by Minister of State, Hon. Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, and Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Esther Didi Walson-Jack, the event aimed to showcase the Ministry's progress, delineate deliverables, and scrutinize the Nigerian Education Sector Roadmap.

The Honorable Minister, shedding his Agbada to present a seamless PowerPoint presentation, assumed his role as the "Lecturer-General" of the Federation. He articulated the strides taken, their impact, and emphasized the paramountcy of ideas over financial constraints. Professor Tahir Mamman asserted that with the right ideas and clear implementation strategies, financial limitations should never impede service delivery but rather spur innovative financial management practices.

Another novel idea the Minister expounded was the concept of infusion or integration of skills into the entire education system to address the learning crisis. Many people are used to the concept “skills acquisition” as a means of promoting the inclusion of some level of skill sets in some categories of young people mostly school dropouts or unemployed youth. For Professor Tahir Mamman that is not the way to go. The best way to ensure that skill sets are an integral part of learning is to infuse skills into the entire learning process such that a child at the basic and secondary school level grows up believing that beyond literacy and numeracy, skills are required in order to live a fulfilled life. The net effect of that is that if for instance a child goes to the University to become a professional, with a mindset that recognizes skill set as important, such a child will still consider his professional skills as part of the overall outlook to providing professional excellence. There are three areas the Minister emphasized in his presentation.

The Minister highlighted three core objectives during the stakeholder engagement. Firstly, he emphasized the urgent need to build a reliable and authentic database for the education sector to facilitate effective planning. He lamented the absence of comprehensive student data across all levels of education, citing India's example of accurate population data from basic to tertiary education. He pledged to replicate this in Nigeria in the coming months. Secondly, the Minister outlined plans to integrate skills development and acquisition into the education curriculum, marking a significant departure from the current perception of skill training as a last resort. By infusing skill acquisition into the learning culture, it becomes an intrinsic part of education rather than an optional pursuit. Lastly, the Minister expressed a strong commitment to significantly reducing the number of out-of-school children. Since assuming office, he has prioritized tackling this issue, demonstrating an unwavering dedication to addressing the out-of-school children crisis.

Under the current leadership and in keeping with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, The Federal Ministry of Education had developed eight (8) Focus Areas. These are: Equitable Access to education by every citizen, Quality Education and Learning Outcomes in order to enhance value, Skills and Entrepreneurship Education as an integral part of the learning process, Research and Innovation Education for knowledge upgrade, Infrastructure Planning so as to ensure effective carrying capacity, Education Financing and Resourcing in order to have resource back up, System strengthening to ensure effective institutional functioning and Policy Recommendations for the entire education sector. These are indeed revolutionary ideas that will definitely create positive impact nationwide.

Under the Education roadmap of the Renewed Hope Agenda as enunciated by Professor Tahir Mamman and his team, the role of the Private sector has been well understood and appreciated. The Hon. Minister of Education informed the gathering of stakeholders that at the basic and secondary level of Education especially at Urban and semi-urban centres, there are more private schools than public schools. To this end it was imperative to sensitize the private sector on partnership in all aspects of the sector including funding of key aspects such as research and provision of infrastructure

The establishment of a National Education Repository and Data Bank, tasked with collecting, collating, and warehousing all education records dating back to 1932, has been given top priority. Recognizing the indispensable role of development partners in national progress, the Federal Ministry of Education, under Professor Tahir Mamman's leadership, has actively engaged with these partners on practical and impactful projects in Nigeria. The Ministry's focus is on ensuring that Nigeria identifies its needs and intervention areas through thorough situation analysis and gap identification, essential steps for effective development planning and implementation.

The Federal Scholarship scheme underwent enhancements to ensure greater transparency and inclusivity. Each aspect of the scheme now operates on an open and transparent basis, aimed at boosting confidence among both grant providers and beneficiaries. Under bilateral agreements with foreign countries, 345 beneficiaries have departed Nigeria for destinations in Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe. Additionally, 2,889 students studying education have received bursary awards, while 51 students have benefited from Commonwealth Scholarship Awards, and 2,122 others have been recipients of Nigerian scholarship awards. An innovative Teacher Internship Award program has been introduced to provide mentorship to young individuals in the teaching profession, accompanied by a token grant to incentivize participation. To date, 724 beneficiaries have availed themselves of these awards.

Professor Tahir Mamman and his team's transparent and inclusive handling of scholarship awards instills confidence in the proposed student loan scheme, mitigating fears of abuse due to Nigerian factors like opaqueness and favouritism. Digitization plays a crucial role in ensuring openness and transparency across operations. The Federal Ministry of Education has scanned and digitized all departmental records, facilitating easy access to electronic documents. Additionally, processes such as certificate accreditation have been automated, allowing for authentication and accreditation through the website www.ess.education.gov.ng. The Ministry has also automated the collation and compilation of admissions into Federal Unity Colleges. Furthermore, 35,000 teachers nationwide have received training in ICT usage in classrooms, alongside the provision of ICT equipment to produce digital content for all 36 States and FCT.

In a bold intervention effort, the Ministry has addressed key areas such as non-formal education, including Almajiri and Tsangaya education, and initiatives to provide a second chance for girls who missed their initial schooling opportunities. Grants have been allocated to 312 Integrated Qur’anic and Tsangaya Education (IQTE) Centers across 24 States and the FCT. These grants support the construction of 419 classrooms, 66 recitation halls, 25 recitation shades, 140 offices, 27 hostels, and 225 VIP toilets. This concerted effort has significantly reduced the number of out-of-school children nationwide.

Within a short span of time, the Ministry has undertaken significant initiatives to address the issue of out-of-school children. A total of 2,000,000 out-of-school children, primarily Almajiris, have been enrolled in basic schools along with participation in an Arabic literacy program with vocational training. This proactive approach aims to transform neglected children into highly skilled professionals and artisans in the future. Additionally, the Ministry has renovated 73 classrooms, drilled 46 boreholes, and supplied essential amenities such as 55 double bunk beds, 559 lockers, and 1,100 mats. Furthermore, 6,585 pieces of furniture for both pupils and teachers have been provided, benefiting 62,161 learners. In a concerted effort to promote girl-child education and skill acquisition, 28 Second Chance Schools, known as Girl-Child Community Centers, have been constructed. These initiatives reflect the Ministry's commitment to ensuring access to education and fostering skill development among marginalized populations.

The Ministry has taken significant steps to promote Nigerian values and preserve the country's heritage through education. To achieve this, academic manuscripts have been converted into 80 textbooks, encouraging the use of Nigerian content in educational materials. Additionally, the Ministry recognized the importance of diverse knowledge and acquired 3,118,701 assorted books and 376,262 E-resources relevant to modern learning across various fields. A National Virtual Library has been established, accessible at www.virtual.nln.gov.ng, to provide widespread access to educational resources. Furthermore, the Ministry facilitated the implementation of the State-of-the-Art National Repository of Nigeria, available at https://nigeriareposit.nln.gov.ng/, to preserve the nation's heritage. This preservation effort extends to documenting unexploited Nigerian heritage in languages such as Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, and Pidgin. The Ministry has also established 40 book clubs in secondary schools to promote reading culture. Additionally, vacation skills acquisition training has been provided to 420 participants in various fields, including ICT, shoemaking, leatherwork, and catering. These initiatives serve a dual purpose: equipping beneficiaries with valuable skill sets and studying the process to facilitate widespread implementation in the future.

During the citizens' engagement program, the Honorable Minister emphasized its purpose: to ensure public validation of decisions aimed at improving Nigeria's education sector. He also highlighted the objective of interrogating deliverables to reform the sector, providing quality education accessible to all. The ultimate goal is to cultivate a highly skilled and educated workforce equipped with entrepreneurial skills. This initiative aims to break the cycle of poverty and ensure sustainable economic growth and global competitiveness.

Ahmad Sajoh, Executive Director/CEO of FutureNow Initiative, and a prominent civil society leader, actively participated in the Citizens Engagement held at the Ladi Kwalli Hall, Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja FCT.

Klemweb, AAUA Host Groundbreaking Tech Transition Symposium to Empower Cybersecurity Experts.

Klemweb, AAUA Host Groundbreaking Tech Transition Symposium to Empower Cybersecurity Experts.

By Olamide Akinwumi.

In a bid to revolutionize cybersecurity education and career development, Klemweb, in collaboration with Adekunle Ajasin University's Department of Criminology and Security Studies, recently concluded a groundbreaking Tech Transition Symposium. 

The symposium held on Wednesday, March 20th, 2024, marked a significant milestone in the realm of cybersecurity education and career development, with over four hundred and thirty (430) students and youths in attendance.

At the heart of the symposium was Klemweb's unwavering commitment to empowering the next generation of cybersecurity experts. Mr. Adetoye Abiodun, the visionary Founder and CEO of Klemweb, spearheaded the initiative by awarding scholarships to 10 outstanding students in the department. These scholarships were strategically tailored to support students pursuing courses in Cybersecurity & Ethical Hacking, emphasizing the crucial importance of ethical practices in digital security.

The symposium delved deep into the theme of "Tech Transitions in the University,” shedding light on the myriad of opportunities and challenges within the cybersecurity landscape. Mr. Adetoye Abiodun delivered an insightful keynote address on exploring opportunities in Cybersecurity & Ethical Hacking. His profound expertise and unwavering passion for the subject resonated deeply with attendees, inspiring them to delve deeper into this critical field.

The symposium was graced by esteemed guests, including the Dean faculty of Social Science, Prof. Yemi Ogunbadewa, the Head of Department for Criminology and Security Studies, Dr. Olakunle Michael Folami and a distinguished Professor from the Psychology Department, Prof. O.A Ojedokun. Their esteemed presence underscored the collaborative efforts between academia and industry in shaping the future of cybersecurity education and practice.

Throughout the event, attendees engaged in captivating panel discussions, interactive workshops, and networking sessions aimed at fostering innovation and collaboration. Participants seized the opportunity to exchange ideas, share best practices, and explore potential partnerships to tackle emerging cybersecurity challenges head-on.

As the symposium drew to a close, the collective vision became abundantly clear – to forge a secure digital future through education, innovation, and ethical practices. Klemweb reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to supporting educational institutions, nurturing talent, and driving positive change in the cybersecurity ecosystem.

The CEO of Klemweb, Mr. Adetoye Abiodun, speaking with journalists, urged the government both at the Federal and state level to invest and divert into Technology to solve the country's problems. He emphasized that in the era of technology, governments need to leverage technology to provide solutions, boost economic growth, and advance the nation's progress.

The ten scholarship beneficiaries from Klemweb are: Kayode Stephen Tope, Nureni Kazeem John, Olusori Oluwatomiwa, Omogbemi Ojo Oluwamayowa, Praise Akinwale Oluwaferanmi, Adesanmi Adelayo, Akinduro Deborah Temitope, Ekundayo Leah, Fateropa Adesewa Blessing, and Ademola Olamilekan Temitope Oluwafemi Damilare.

The Tech Transition Symposium served as a powerful testament to the transformative power of collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Klemweb extends an open invitation to all stakeholders – students, educators, industry professionals, and policymakers – to join hands in safeguarding tomorrow's digital landscape.

In recognition of his innovative empowerment and trailblazing excellence in bridging the Global Tech Gap, Mr. Adetoye Abiodun, CEO of Klemweb, was honored with an award during the symposium.

Stay tuned for further updates and initiatives from Klemweb as the organization continues to champion cybersecurity education and empower the cybersecurity leaders of tomorrow.

For more information, visit https://klemweb.com/.

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.