Gov. Adeleke Signs Bill for Adoption of New State Logo, Signals Era of Rebirth.

Gov. Adeleke Signs Bill for Adoption of New State Logo, Signals Era of Rebirth. 

The Osun State Governor, Mr Ademola Adeleke, has assented to a bill adopting a new logo for the state, describing the new symbol as a signal of new rebirth for Osun.

A statement by the spokesperson to the governor, Olawale Rasheed, obtained in Osogbo on Wednesday, said the ceremony where the bill was signed was witnessed by the Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun.

Giving details of a the new logo, Rasheed explained that “The Circle- The circle replacing the shield symbolised perfection and wholeness. Y – Though not depicted through the placement of the water, earth, and mountains, in the circle. It represents the three Senatorial districts in Osun State united as one hence the lack of delineation between all three elements.

“Osun River: is represented, connected to a Waterfall; Osun state being “State of the Living Spring”, the River situated on the upper part of the Y supplies water to the fertile Brown Agricultural soil of the land on the left. It also wets the Mountains on the right of the Y. The Waterfall also supplies water that nourishes the Leaves and the Cocoa seeds, which also house the fish. In essence, this represents the source of life and nourishment in Osun State.

“Brown Agricultural Soil- This represents fertility and is a source of food. It is located on the left side of the Y.

“Mountains- Osun State is renowned for its hills and mountains, hence the distinct representation. It is located on the right side of the Y. Mountains in various contexts representing tourism, hospitality, and spirituality. It is a symbol of drawing strength.

“Ori Olokun- The Ori Olokun stands for the common origin of the Yoruba race and is a great symbol of Osun State especially for Royalty.

“The rays of light (Imole in Yoruba)- This represents one of the state symbols as it is depicted in the State Anthem. It symbolizes clarity, enlightenment, hope, and guidance, often representing knowledge, truth, and understanding. Its placement at the top clearly represents its importance in the state as its rays touch every element/symbol of the state thereby bringing light (progress, success, and clarity) to it. 1991- the year the state was established.

“NATURAL RESOURCES: Cocoa leaves / Fruits/Tree / Cocoa Beans- at the base of the coat of arms symbolizes agriculture and the natural resources of the land from food crops to logging to cash crops. Leaves – (in the form of a garland)- These are universally used at the installation of Obas and Chiefs in Yoruba land including Osun State to signify longevity and triumph. Gold – this is one of the precious stones found in Osun State and it is available in commercial.

Speaking after assenting to the bill, the statement quoted Adeleke as saying, “I am elated to sign this new Logo into law as a signal of rebirth of our dear State. The new logo is significant because it rhymes and meaningfully represents our historic anthem, our values, and our tradition.

“The new logo is also an educational resource material for our younger generation as it contains symbols of our landmarks, strengths, resources, and history. The logo is also a tool to market the state at home and abroad.

“It is my honour and privilege to introduce the new logo as the symbol of our state. This announcement will herald a new life of prosperity, abundance, and sustainability for our people and admirers.”

Osun State House of Assembly had in July 2023 repealed the State Anthem, Crest, and Flag Law 2012.

Zulum approves N1.3bn scholarship for 997 nursing, midwifery students.

Zulum approves N1.3bn scholarship for 997 nursing, midwifery students.

....Disburses N201m bursary allowance to 2,010 students.

...Zulum’s intervention largest in Nigeria, says Nursing Council.

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has approved N1.3 billion scholarship for 997 nursing and midwifery students who are indigenes of the state.

The scholarship programme received about 1,080 nominations, 40 from each of the 27 local government areas of the state. However, after an entrance examination, 997 passed and qualified to benefit from the scholarship.

The governor launched the scholarship programme on Wednesday at the College of Nursing and Midwifery, Maiduguri.

Zulum noted that with the scholarship, the beneficiaries would, on graduation, bridge the workforce demands in the state's healthcare service delivery due to the increasing population growth.

He said: "The government has allocated a total of ₦1,305,189,000 for scholarships, with a breakdown of ₦124,149,000 earmarked for tuition fees.

"The remaining ₦1,181,040,000 will be disbursed as a monthly stipend of ₦30,000 to each beneficiary throughout their studies."

Governor Zulum further stated that his administration was constructing two colleges of nursing, one in the northern part of the state and the other one in the southern part.

The governor assured that the two colleges would be completed and opened for academic activities this year.

Highlighting the government's efforts, the Commissioner for Education, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe, disclosed that from May 29, 2019 to date, Zulum's administration had approved over N6 billion for scholarship with N2.7 billion of that amount approved from May 29, 2023 to date.

Meanwhile, Governor Zulum has awarded N201 million bursary allowance to 2,010 students of the Maiduguri College of Nursing who had not benefited from the scholarship.

The governor directed that each of the 2,010 nursing and midwifery students be credited with the bursary allowance of N100,000.

Zulum also commissioned a lecture theatre complex and a 3,000 people-capacity multipurpose hall for the College of Nursing and Midwifery, Maiduguri.

The governor also announced automatic employment for the 997 beneficiaries and other nursing students who had excelled academically, on completion of their studies.

The Nursing Council of Nigeria (NCN) has commended Borno State Governor.Babagana Umara Zulum for his commitment to improving nursing practice in Borno, noting that the scholarship awarded by the governor on Wednesday was the first of its kind and so far the largest in Nigeria.

The Registrar of the Council, Dr Farouk Umar Abubakar, who was represented by the Director of Standard and Accreditation, Alhassan Ndagi, gave the commendation while delivering a goodwill message at the flag-off of the N1.3 billion scholarship for nursing and midwifery students in Maiduguri.

The register applauded the performance of the nursing students from Borno, stating that every year at the national examinations, students from Borno score more than 90 percent.

EKSG to Fortify Emergency Management Centre to Tackle Crime, Promote Investment — Deputy Gov.

EKSG to Fortify Emergency Management Centre to Tackle Crime, Promote Investment — Deputy Gov.

In a bid to safeguard the lives and property of the residents, by putting machinery in motion to abate incidences of robbery and other associated crimes, the Ekiti State Government, has promised to provide all the required accessories that will make the National Emergency Management Centre more functional and effective.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, gave the pledge, on Wednesday, during a visit to the Centre in Ado Ekiti, to appraise the level of its viability in line with Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s poise to tighten noose on perpetrators of crime in the state.

Mrs Afuye, in a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, expressed the government’s position to strengthen the Safety Control Centre, which was a partnership between the State and the federal government, via its agency, Nigerian Communication Commission(NCC).

The Deputy Governor urged the operators of the Centre to ensure that they are alive to their responsibilities to prevent crime in the state or give the required security agencies the deserved clues to respond and arrest those threatening the peace of the land.

“I want you to be committed to this course, because Governor Oyebanji is desirous of making Ekiti safe for all of us to attract investors and protect the ones that are already flourishing in our land. Peace is very strategic to investment drive.

“As you know that you are providing a covert operation, let your secret be secret. I want to assure you that the State government will make this place functional. If there are technical issues, let us know, we are ready to help you to overcome them for the safety of all of us.

“Your duty is to offer operations that won’t make us to be in danger, so all the Close Circuit Television(CCTV) Cameras you have in town must be made active to be able to transmit messages and indicate where there are cases of robbery for the security agencies to act promptly to either prevent or arrest the perpetrators”, she said.

Mrs Afuye appealed to the security agencies, commercial banks and private organisations and businesses domiciled in Ekiti to subscribe to the Centre and partner it to foster a strong and waterforced collaboration to tackle crime.

In his submission, the General Manager, Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Oludare Asaolu, revealed that the Centre has a 112 Toll Free Line the residents can dial to send messages to the centre during emergency situation, urging the the citizens to key into the concept to make it effective.

Asaolu added that the initiative was a build up to Governor Oyebanji’s visit to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency a couple of moths ago, as part of his efforts to coopt other sister agencies for effective emergency management operations in the state.

“Governor Oyebanji had even given approval for the reconnection of all CCTV Cameras in town to this Centre, so that there could be effective monitoring of situations. This will be done soon and I know that this will add to the functionality and efficiency of this Centre”.

Applauding the government for collaborating with the Centre since 2020, the Safety Centre Manager, Mr. Idowu Semiu Olawale, stated that the Centre performs 24 hours operations daily and had helped in stemming the tides of criminalities in the state since inception.

Idowu appealed to the government to impress it on the private organisations operating in Ekiti like banks, eateries, shopping malls and other institutions to key into the vision by making subscriptions that will strengthen collaborations among all stakeholders.

“We have our staff who are working 24 hours in the Control Room and receiving signals from the public. The recent robbery cases in some sections of Ekiti, this centre played critical roles by giving clues to the police to act promptly to avert terrible situations from happening.

“But we have not been able to receive signals from CCTV Cameras in town due some technical hitches that will require money to get resolved. But I learnt the government was making moves to do this, so that we can improve substantially in our operations”.

𝐄𝐊𝐒𝐆 𝐁𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐒 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐄𝐌𝐏𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐌 𝐅𝐎𝐑 5,000 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐒.

𝐄𝐊𝐒𝐆 𝐁𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐒 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐄𝐌𝐏𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐌 𝐅𝐎𝐑 5,000 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐒.

Ekiti State Government has commenced training and empowerment programme for not less than 5,000 female youths to become Small and Medium Scale Entrepreneurs as part of efforts of the Oyebanji Administration to boost the economic base of the State.

The State Commissioner for Trade, Investment, Industry and Co-operatives, Mrs Tayo Adeola made this known in Ado Ekiti, at the official flag-off of a 3-day training programme on Business Management and Financial Literacy for Ekiti Female Youths.

Mrs. Adeola explained that the programme which was designed to encourage female youths to be active in business, was facilitated by the State Government in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), the Enterprise Development Centre and Pan-Atlantic University.

Reiterating the resolve of the present administration to collaborate with interested individuals and corporate organisations, Adeola said that the workshop was just the first phase of the programme, stressing that the Oyebanji administration would continue to support initiatives that are capable of lifting youths in the state out of unemployment and poverty.

She recalled that the administration recently facilitated a sum of N1.5billion to support Small and Midsize Enterprises (SMEs) with N1 Billion as low-interest working capital for cooperatives and another N500million loan programme with Access Bank for medium and small-scale businesses.

Assuring that male youths are not left out of Government's empowerment programmes, adding that efforts were in top gear to capture them on Government's data base as well as initiate programmes targeted at male youths very soon. 

The Commissioner urged beneficiaries of the programme to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the State government to boost their their economic base by actively participating in the programme and consequently using the knowledge and skills acquired during the training for the promotion of their businesses.

She said they would be exposed to trainings in website design and branding adding that participants would be granted free Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration at the end of the exercise.

Responding on behalf of other participants, Mrs Deborah Odere expressed gratitude to the State Government for its laudable and people oriented programmes.

She promised on behalf of other beneficiaries to properly utilize the knowledge and skills imparted in them for quality service delivery and economic sustainability.

Ekiti Executive Council Makes Fresh Approvals, Initiates Amendment of State Procurement Law.

Ekiti Executive Council Makes Fresh Approvals, Initiates Amendment of State Procurement Law.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

The State Executive Council, during its meeting held on Tuesday, April 16th, 2024, reached a significant decision to approve amendments to the State Procurement law. This move signals a proactive approach by the government to enhance procurement processes and ensure transparency and efficiency in governance. The fresh approvals and amendments underscore the commitment of the state government to upholding best practices and fostering a conducive environment for sustainable development.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE THIRD MEETING (2024) OF THE EKITI STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY, 16TH APRIL, 2024.

1. EKITI STATE GOVERNMENT APPROVES PAYMENT OF N300MILLION COMPENSATION FOR THE PROPOSED ATIKANKAN/IGBEYIN URBAN RENEWAL PROJECT:

The Ekiti State Executive Council has approved the payment of 300Million Naira as complete compensation on the proposed Urban Renewal project at Atikankan/Igbeyin area of Ado Ekiti.

The approval is to cover 130 claimants for permanent structures and 21 for temporary constructions.

The development was done in line with the urban renewal vision to transform Ado-Ekiti to a more economic viable State Capital.

The affected Atikankan area of Ado-Ekiti, behind Akodi-Sasere area falls within the Central Business District (CBD) of Ado-Ekiti, which had degenerated into a complex Urban Shanty Slum that is presently associated with serious urban; physical, social and environmental problems that require total clearance as the urban renewal resolution option for the area.

The State Government had earlier set up a committee under the Chairmanship of the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akin Oyebode on the valuation and compensation to be paid to the claimants following a reconnaissance survey of the area conducted by the Office of the Surveyor General and Bureau of Land Services.

The compensation would be paid directly to the claimants by the Ministry of Physical planning and Urban Development.

2. EKITI STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL APPROVES N88.35MILLION FOR DREDGING IN ADO, IKERE, EKITI S/WEST LGAS:

Ekiti State Executive Council also approved a sum of N88,351,351.35 to continue dredging exercise in Ado, Ikere and Ekiti South-West Local Government Areas to forestall incidence of flood and its attendant risk to lives and property.

The State Government had proactively commenced dredging of major river courses in Ado Ekiti in January, 2023 even before the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) issued flood alerts flagging the State capital as a high risk zone, prone to flooding in 2023 raining season.

The dredging project actually helped to immensely reduce the impact of flooding predicted by NIMET in the State but unfortunately, the funds released for the project became inadequate due to hyper-inflation, astronomical increase in prizes of diesel, petrol, Swamp Buggy spare parts, haulage/movement of swamp Buggy from one location to another and maintenance cost.

The aforementioned changes coupled with devaluation of Naira and sharp increase in the exchange rate of Dollar to Naira, distorted major variables & assumptions upon which the approval of Mr. Governor was granted.

The project to be implemented through direct labour is to be completed within three months.

3. EXCO APPROVES N264.3M COMPLETION OF AGRIC OLOPE, RENOVATION OF OJA OBA MARKETS:

Ekiti State Government similarly approved the sum of N264,317,561.24 for the additional works on the completion of Agric Olope and renovation of Oja Oba markets.

The move is a demonstration of the commitment of the Biodun Oyebanji’s administration to enhance commercial activities at the markets and in alignment with the Six-Pillar Agenda of the present Administration.

Governor Oyebanji had earlier constituted a taskforce to ensure timely completion of the Agric Olope/Shasha and renovation Oja Oba. The Task-Force, after various monitoring and progress reports, indicated that there were some outstanding and additional works to be done at both Agric Olope and Oja Oba for the successful delivery of its mandate.

The scope of work for the Agric Olope market was extended to cover construction of car parks, construction of culverts at the back of the market’s fence and construction of four hundred and eighty four (484) spaces for Street Traders.

While the scope of work for Oja Oba covers renovation of some civil works, provision of Fire Marshal’s Office, procurement of firefighting equipment and provision/installation of solar energy as alternative source of power.

The project would be executed through direct Labour.

4. EXCO APPROVES AMENDMENT AND PRESENTATION OF PROCUREMENT LAW TO STATE ASSEMBLY:

Ekiti State Government also approved recommendation for amendment of the State Procurement Law on the application of Direct Labour Method and the transmission of the said approval to the State House of Assembly for ratification and due amendment of the law.

After a holistic review of the Direct Labour method of procurement, the State Executive Council approved that in all cases where the Direct Labour method is used, magnitude and scope of the project shall be such that the MDA can manage efficiently while values were upwardly reviewed from N1Million to N20Million for goods and services and increased from N10Million to N200Million for Works.

Exco added that when values of project to be executed using Direct Labour method exceeds the recommended value, procurement must be reasonably justified and certified by the Bureau of Public Procurement for consideration and approval of the State Tenders Board.

A four-man committee under the Chairmanship of the State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akintunde Oyebode had earlier been constituted by Governor Biodun Oyebanji following concerns raised by the State Executive Council on the use of the Direct labour method of procurement.

The Committee was to:

i. evaluate the position of the State’s Procurement Law (SPL) with respect to the application of direct labour method;

ii. review the situation report and current practice of MDAs using direct labour method and the effects on project implementation and management;

iii. review the threshold for different categories of projects in line with current economic realities; and

iv. come up with recommendations on the bearable level of risk allowed by the State

Exco stressed that under no condition shall the procuring entity implement Direct Labour by hiring external labour or use of a contractor. However in exceptional cases, a direct Labour Project may involve the hiring of casual labour provided the estimated cost of the casual labour is less than 5% of cost of project.

5. THE STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL CONSTITUTED A FIVE-MAN COMMITTEE ON PROJECT MONITORING IN THE STATE:

The State Executive Council similarly approved the constitution of a five-man committee to monitor execution of Government’s projects in the State.

The Committee is made up of the State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akintunde Oyebode as Chairman.

Other members are the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, the Special Adviser, Office of Transformation and Service Delivery, Dr. Moyo Ekundayo, Special Adviser, Independent Project Monitoring Unit, Mr. Femi Ajayi and Special Adviser/DG, Bureau of Public Procurement, Mr. Babasola Folorunso.

The Committee was directed to monitor and report to Council on Government’s projects in the State.

 

Signed:

Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun,

Hon. Commissioner for Information.

EKSG Empowers 74 New Support Staff with Special Needs Training.

EKSG Empowers 74 New Support Staff with Special Needs Training.

In a bid to enhance inclusivity and support for children with special needs, Ekiti State Government has launched a two- day comprehensive fundamental ethics and proficiency training and workshop for 74 support staff that were recently recruited. 

Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji's deep concern for children with special abilities has spurred significant investments in the sector, part of which is the training programme organised by the office of the Special Adviser, Special Education and Social Inclusion. 

Gathered at the School for the Blind in Ikere Ekiti, the newly recruited staff drawn  from the state's three government special schools embarked on the intensive two-day seminar to equip them for their new roles.

The State Commissioner for Education, Dr Olabimpe Aderiye, lauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji's multifaceted initiatives aimed at supporting children with special needs. She urged the new recruits to reciprocate the government's commitment by delivering high-quality service, emphasizing the importance of punctuality, dedication, and innovation in their duties.

Mrs. Adetoun Agboola, the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, in her remarks at the event, reiterated Governor Oyebanji's dedication to inclusivity in governance. She assured the recruits of a rigorous selection process based on merit and proximity to each special school, minimizing logistical challenges and ensuring seamless learning experiences for the children.

Highlighting ongoing projects such as school renovations and vehicle refurbishments to enhance mobility, Mrs. Agboola emphasized the significance of the support staff's role in the state's inclusive agenda.

Dignitaries at the event including Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, and Dr. Azeez, Special Adviser on Tertiary Education, encouraged the recruits to uphold the government's commitment through diligence and productivity.

The Special Adviser, Special Edication and Social Inclusion, Mrs Agboola led the invited guests including Commissioner for Capacity Development, Prof Patrick Tedela; on an onsite assessment of the school's AGILE  project after the flag off of the training programme, even as she emphasized government's proactive approach to educational infrastructure in the state.

Ekiti First Lady Tasks Stakeholders On Talents Development In Creative Industry.

Ekiti First Lady Tasks Stakeholders On Talents Development In Creative Industry. 

Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has called on stakeholders to prioritize the development of the state by continuing to support and nurture local talents, in view of its invaluable roles in shaping the people's cultural identity.

The First Lady made the call as a the special guest at the Sunday-Sunday Variety Show organized by the Ekiti State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy held at the Obafemi Awolowo Civic and Convention Centre, Ado Ekiti.

Dr. Oyebanji noted that the contributions of the weekly Variety Show to the socio-economic growth of the state could not be underestimated thereby showcasing and promoting the vibrant talents available in the state.

The Governor's wife however commended the organizers for their dedication to promoting cultural heritage and providing a platform for artists to showcase their talents. 

She added that the captivating performances in comedy, dance, music, and arts exhibitions, had reminded the the people of the immense creativity and ingenuity in the creative sub-sector which is being used by the Biodun Oyebanji Administration as a job creation platform.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Prof. Rasaki Ojo-Bakare, said the show would encourage those working in the state to stay during weekends for relaxation rather than travelling out of the state for leisure and entertainment.

Prof. Ojo-Bakare who noted that a lot of working population in the state most especially in banking sector have been complaining about boring environment during weekends however said the show would make the state more lively and relaxing.

According to the Commissioner, the show will also reduce capital flight to other states for those who usually spend their weekends at the neighboring states, harvest new talents and mentor them to pinnacle of their career.

The event was attended by top government officials, political office holders, civil servants, students, youths and other interested members of the public.