Oyebanji Appoints Supervisors, Advisers for 16 LGAs in Ekiti State

Oyebanji Appoints Supervisors, Advisers for 16 LGAs in Ekiti State.                                                       By Olamide Akinwumi 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has approved the appointment of supervisors and advisers for the 16 local government councils in the state.

This is contained in a statement by Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor, Ekiti State, Mr. Yinka Oyebode.

According to him, the appointment is in a bid to further strengthen local government administration in the state for enhanced service delivery. 

The appointments take effect from May 2, 2024.

See the full list below:

NERC Cedes Electricity Oversight Authorities to Ekiti Bureau to Boost State's Power Supply Industry.

NERC Cedes Electricity Oversight Authorities to Ekiti Bureau to Boost State's Power Supply Industry.

To guarantee effective power supply in Ekiti State, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), has ceded its regulatory oversight of the electricity market in the state to the Ekiti State Electricity Regulatory Bureau (EERB). 

NERC said that while it exercises regulatory oversight of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) as the major regulatory agent, however in accordance with powers conferred by the Electricity Act 2023, its current ceding was is part of the legal requirement to decentralise the operations of Gencos and DisCos in Nigeria, as well as even the single Transco.

The new arrangement has been announced so far for Ekiti and Enugu and Ondo States, which have existing Electricity regulatory Bureau established through laws enacted by their respective Houses of Assembly, and who have met other constitutional provisions.

Under this lofty power distribution decentralisation policy, the electricity tariffs that will be payable in Ekiti shall be subject to ratification by EERB and all relating protective policy for customers shall be the responsibility of the Ekiti State Government.

The NERC revealed that the decentralisation policy was achieved when presidential assent was granted to the amendment of relevant portions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN) on 17 March, 2023.

With this power concessioning move, which shall be effective from May 1, 2024, the EERB will now regulate electricity market in the state, while also working in synergy with NERC being the statutory national body to oversee power distribution across the nation.

The directive, contained in a statement dated April 22,2024, signed by the NERC Chairman, Sanusi Garba and Commissioner in charge of Legal, Licencing and Compliance, Dafe Akpeneye, said all transfers between the Benin Electricity Distribution Companies(BEDC) , Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) and EERB envisaged by this order shall be completed by 22 October, 2024.

To ensure that the new innovation succeeds as envisaged, the Commission directed BEDC and IBEDC to immediately incorporate subsidiary Companies along state lines under the Companies and Allied Matters Act for the assumption of responsibilities for intrastate supply and distribution of electricity in the State.

The Commission added further that each Disco "shall complete the incorporation of the Company within 60 days from the effective date of this order and, shall apply for and obtain a licence for the intrastate supply and distribution of electricity from EERB.

"BEDC shall identify the actual geographic boundaries of Ekiti State and carve out its network in Ekiti State as a standalone network with the installation of boundary meters at all border points where the network crosses from Ekiti

State into another state.

"Shall create an Asset Register of all its power infrastructure located within Ekiti State; evaluate and apportion contractual obligations and liabilities, attributable to BEDC’s operations of its subsidiary in Ekiti State; identify all the applicable trading points for energy offtake for the operations of BEDC SubCo in Ekiti State

"Shall confirm the number of employees that are required to provide service to Ekiti State as a standalone public utility; and transfer the identified assets for operations in Ekiti State, contractual obligations, liabilities and employees to BEDC SubCo".

The Commission clarified that all cross-border transactions involving the national grid shall be subject to the approval of the NERC in accordance with the CFRN and EA.

According to the statement, "The amendment granted legislative autonomy to federating states in the Federal Republic of Nigeria by empowering the sub-national governments to legislate on the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity within

each respective state.

"Paragraph 14(b) Part II of the Second Schedule to the 1999 CFRN, which provides that “a House of Assembly may make laws for the State with respect to generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity to areas not covered by a national grid system within that State".

Oyebanji inaugurates Ekiti Polytechnic Governing Council.

Oyebanji inaugurates Ekiti Polytechnic Governing Council.

.…Calls for self-sustainability, efficient personnel management.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has inaugurated the Governing Council of Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan-Ekiti, calling for the development of a sound culture and practice that guarantee self-sustainability, self-sufficiency and efficient personnel management in the running of the institution.

Inaugurating the 5-member Governing Council at the Exco Chamber of the Governor’s office, Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, Governor Oyebanji noted that members of the council were constituted based on their competence, adding that such appointments are devoid of any political considerations. He expressed confidence that the institution and government would benefit from the wealth of experience of members based on their track records and pedigree in their various areas of endevours. 

While stressing that education remained the strongest weapon to fight poverty and under-development world over, the Governor charged the council members to shy away from the temptation to overload the Polytechnic with personnel cost which may reduce the developmental strides of the institution. He added that requirements for recruitment must be based mainly on need, capacity, competitiveness, excellence, merit and innovation which can drive the development of the institution. 

The Governor called for synergy and cultivation of harmonious relationship between members of the council and management of the institution to ensure operational effectiveness and realize the vision for which the institution was founded.

He said in the drive to reposition the Polytechnic for effectiveness and efficiency, his administration had increased the monthly subvention to the institution from N45million to N95million monthly, which laid credence to the importance his administration attached to higher education in the state.

He also urged the council members to accept the reality that the task of running a higher institution must not be solely rested on government, hence, the Polytechnic must look inward in the drive to generate resources that would cater for the basic needs of the institution.

“I want to particularly express my profound appreciation to Professor Emmanuel Adebayo Fasakin and other members for accepting to serve in the Polytechnic Council, despite the inconveniences. I deeply appreciate your patriotic commitment to the overall development of our dear State at all times.

“I will like to make this clarification, there are some boards that you cannot politicize, it took a while to constitute the board of this polytechnic, because of the critical nature and vision of the founding fathers of this institution and I told myself I will not constitute the council until I get fit and proper persons. And I thank God we have gotten to that stage. 

“This goes for the College of Health Sciences, Ijero Ekiti too. I will not succumb to unnecessary pressure to constitute its Governing Council until I get people that have the capacity and the ability to run efficiently the institution. Once I get the right people to agree to serve, we will constitute. These are not agencies that you just put politicians In charge, I don’t want us to make the mistake of the past.

“We must however accept the reality that the task of running a 21st century school cannot be solely rested on government’s subvention. The Council must therefore look at other sources through which the school can meet its basic needs. The Governor stated.”, the Governor added. 

Responding on behalf of other council members, Chairman of Council, Prof. Adedayo Fashakin expressed appreciation to the Governor for giving them an opportunity to serve and use their wealth of experience to develop and reposition the institution.

Other members of the council include Mr John Kehinde Omodara, Mr Kayode Bamigboye, Dr Olushina Ajayi and Prof. Simisola Olayinka.

In attendance at the brief ceremony were the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Secretary to the State Government, Dr Habibat Adubiaro; Head of Service, Engr. Sunday Komolafe; members of the State Executive Council, Onisan of Isan Ekiti, Oba Ayodele Adejuwon and the Rector of Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan Ekiti, Dr Bayode Adesodun, among others.

Ekiti First Lady Records First Harvest Of Vegetables From Her Govt House Garden.

Ekiti First Lady Records First Harvest Of Vegetables From Her Govt House Garden.

....Owner of best garden in Ekiti to get handsome reward.

Barely one month after planting vegetables in her garden in the Government House to encourage domestic production of edible items, Ekiti State First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has harvested the first set of vegetables she cultivated herself.

Dr. Oyebanji used the opportunity of the harvest to call on Ekiti women to embrace the agricultural practice of cultivating a vegetable garden at their different homes to cushion the effect of economic hardship.

Speaking while harvesting her vegetables, the Governor's wife urged women in the state to emulate her example by planting simple food items within the vicinity of their homes to complement their husbands and help reduce their costs in the market.

Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji expressed her gratitude for the rapid germination of the vegetables noting that she has laid an example for other women in Ekiti to emulate.

"I am overwhelmed to see my garden I planted about one month ago growing so fast and rapidly, I'm sure this would serve as example for other Ekiti women to emulate. Let us plant vegetables, okro, pepper and other petty crops we need as women so that we can give our husbands and children fresh food," she said.

Dr. Oyebanji noted that the idea of "One Home One Garden" was an initiative of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who has mandated all state first ladies in Nigeria to begin the initiative in their respective states.

"The primary aim of the initiative was to reduce hunger in our state and this initiative didn't exempt our men too. When we have food and vegetables in abundance, the prices of these commodities will naturally be reduced in the market," Dr. Oyebanji echoed.

Dr. Oyebanji assured Ekiti women in particular that vegetable seedlings would be made available for interested women who might want to have gardens at their different homes.

She said Nigeria first lady has promised to reward the best vegetable garden cultivated in Nigeria and same thing will be domesticated in Ekiti after the assessment of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in Ekiti State, saying this will encourage women in no small measure.

The First Lady, who was accompanied by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, Commissioner for Budget, Economic Planning and Performance Management, Mr. Oyeniyi Adebayo and other top government functionaries, appreciated the ministry and the team that has supported her in achieving the growth of her organic vegetable and promised to harvest other farm produce in the garden in no distant time.

Oyebanji Hails Alebiosu's Appointment As Acting MD/CEO First Bank.

Oyebanji Hails Alebiosu's Appointment As Acting MD/CEO First Bank. 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has congratulated Mr Olusegun Alebiosu on his elevation as the Acting Managing Director/ CEO of First Bank plc by the bank’s board.

Alebiosu who was until the appointment, the Executive Director, Chief Risk Officer and Executive Compliance Officer of the Bank takes over from Dr Adesola Adeduntan.

Governor Oyebanji, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, congratulated Mr Alebiosu, describing the new position as a befitting cap to his illustrious career and meritorious service to the financial institution.

The Governor described the Omuo-Ekiti born Banker as a thoroughbred professional who rose to the peak of his career through hard work and commitment to excellence and innovation.

Governor Oyebanji said he is convinced that the new Acting Managing Director possesses the track record, experience and expertise to successfully drive the Bank’s development agenda.

In wishing Alebiosu a successful tenure, Governor Oyebanji prayed that God would grant him wisdom and speed needed to take the bank to a new level of greatness.

“ I convey the best wishes of the Government and good people of Ekiti State to one of our stars, Mr Olusegun Alebiosu on his appointment as the Acting managing Director of First Bank plc. This, no doubt, is a recognition of his capacity and competence. We wish him a successful tenure that would be characterised by irreversible progress for the Bank.”, the Governor added.

‘Stop your blackmail’ — Omo Imam reply pdp candidate, Mrs. Ogun Funmilayo Theresa.

‘Stop your blackmail’ — Omo Imam reply pdp candidate, Mrs. Ogun Funmilayo Theresa.

The councilor Representing  Igede ward B, in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local government area of Ekiti State has called on the Former Commissioner for Works in Ekiti State, Mrs. Ogun Funmilayo Theresa and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to stop the “blackmail” of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) over the approval of project work in the state.

Omo Imam called on opposition parties to form a coalition against the ruling party, saying the All Progressives Congress (APC) is turning Nigeria into “a dictatorship of one party”.

However, the allegations by Mrs. Ogun and the PDP have been condemned by members of the ruling party.

In a statement, he described the claims as “wild and libellous” and borne out of PDP’s desperation to “hang their woes on Gov. Oyebanji who is to transform the state to modern state among his neighbourhood State”.

“While Mrs. Funmilayo and PDP are now crying wolf over the project ongoing in the state by our own Mr. Continuity BAO, nothing like opposition in the state because and if we see our counterpart from Lagos State,we can see that the continuity has transform the state to beautiful place.

“We once again implore Funmilayo and PDP to stop their campaign of calumny and blackmail against Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji BAO over the ongoing project in the state capital.

“Gov. Oyebanji is a democrat to the core. We make bold to say that as our governor, he has not left any work undone, he as touch every corner and crannies,” Omo Imam said.

“Governor Oyebanji's record as a democrat par excellence and a strong advocate which it has been globally acknowledged.

“His record of service as governor, which witnessed giant strides in various facets of the state, was responsible for the dominance of his political structure in Ekiti and not by any undemocratic conduct, as Ogun Funmilayo Theresa wants the public to believe.

APC Integrity Caucus Offers Insightful Assessment of Ekiti State Political Landscape: Critique of Funmi Ogun's Remarks and Commendation for Oyebanji's Administration.

APC Integrity Caucus Offers Insightful Assessment of Ekiti State Political Landscape: Critique of Funmi Ogun's Remarks and Commendation for Oyebanji's Administration.

Ekiti State, Nigeria – The APC Integrity Caucus, a group dedicated to fostering transparency, accountability, and good governance within the political landscape of Ekiti State, presents a comprehensive assessment of recent developments and statements made by key political figures.

In a recent interview with Punch Newspaper, Funmi Ogun, the current PDP scribe, made statements that have caught the attention of the public and political observers. As a group committed to upholding integrity and transparency, we offer critical insights into these remarks and commendations for the current administration led by Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.

Our analysis highlights the following key points:

1. Attention-Seeking Behavior: We note with concern the attention-seeking behavior exhibited by Funmi Ogun in her recent remarks. This behavior, characterized by criticisms aimed at her political benefactor and attempts to garner headlines, raises questions about her motives and credibility within the political sphere.

2. Flyover Construction Critique: We draw attention to the irony in Ogun's critique of the current administration's approach to flyover construction. During her tenure as Commissioner for Works under Fayose's government, Ekiti State faced significant financial challenges, including salary arrears despite federal bailout funds.

3. Commendation for Prudent Governance: We commend the Oyebanji administration for its prudent financial management, transparency, and accountability. The availability of information on public fund utilization through the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) reflects a commitment to transparency and good governance.

4. Positive Initiatives: The Oyebanji government's initiatives, such as regular pension payments, addressing backlogs, and implementing poverty alleviation programs, within a short timeframe, are laudable and contribute to improving the welfare of Ekiti residents.

5. Infrastructure Development: We recognize the ongoing infrastructure development projects, particularly road construction projects across Ekiti State, as vital in enhancing transportation infrastructure, facilitating economic activities, and enhancing the overall quality of life for residents.

6. Political Realignment Speculations: We acknowledge speculations regarding Funmi Ogun's potential political realignment, with suggestions of a possible move to align with APC and support Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji's second term bid, amidst forecasts of challenges facing PDP in 2026.

The APC Integrity Caucus remains committed to providing insightful analysis and fostering transparency and good governance within Ekiti State's political landscape.

Babafemi Oye

Secretary, APC Integrity Caucus.