I Won't Dash Your Hope on New Minimum Wage, Oyebanji Assures Ekiti Worker.

I Won't Dash Your Hope on New Minimum Wage, Oyebanji Assures Ekiti Worker.

...Says payment of wage award continues.

......Sympathises with workers over fuel scarcity, warns hoarders.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has assured workers in the state that his government won't dash their hope on the impending new minimum wage, saying he will act appropriately when the ongoing discussion is finalized at the federal level.

Dousing workers’ skepticism over government’s sincerity, Oyebanji said his government won't stop the N15,000 Wage Award being paid to workers to cushion the effect of the inflation, pending the time the new minimum wage will become effective. 

Oyebanji gave the assurance on Wednesday, while addressing workers, at a rally marking the 2024 edition of the May Day celebration held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado- Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.

Energizing the workers' hope despite the astronomic increase in prices of commodities, Governor Oyebanji said his government, had implemented wage increase and consequential adjustment for workers on grade 13 and above, while also paying deductions to cooperatives in order to alleviate their sufferings.

The Governor, who was accompanied by his wife, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji; and Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; at the event, said about 20,000 job seekers, have been employed into formal  and informal sectors of the economy, with succour being provided in form of conditional cash grants and other palliatives to mitigate the effects of the ongoing economic crises on workers and other citizens. 

Clarifying the government's position on the touting New Minimum Wage, Oyebanji said: "I don't want you to believe or go by the sensational story carried by newspapers today. I need to make clarifications because I don't want to play politics with your welfare. No agreement has been made so far.

"The national is taking  position on the New Minimum Wage, but it has not been finalized and the outcome of the agreement will be communicated to your leadership here. 

"We have got to a point that we have seen ourselves as  partners in progress. Whatever that is your welfare is a priority to me. You don't need to lobby me on anything that has to do with your welfare. 

"But pending the time an agreement will be reached and final position will be taken, we will continue with the payment of the wage award and other welfare in form of palliatives to workers. I know that I made some promises when I assumed office, I will not renege on them".

Speaking about the spiraling fuel scarcity, the Governor sympathised with the workers, assuring that the government would work relentlessly  to attract more supplies of  Premium Motor Spirit to the state in order to cushion  the current harrowing experience being felt by citizens. 

He appealed to petrol marketers to act as humanists at this trying time and stop hoarding the product as well as indiscriminate hike in prices in the interest of the general populace. 

"Let me sympathise with you on the hardship you are experiencing on fuel scarcity. But we are working hard to get the pains lessened. It is safe that  the products are scarce . We will leave no stone unturned to ensure that we get regular and increased supplies to Ekiti . We are really sorry about this".

Oyebanji warned those traders who are unleashing sufferings on the people by extorting them through astronomic increase in prices of commodities, urging them to see things from broader spectrum, rather than from narrow prism of profit making. 

In their submissions, the State Chairmen of the Trade Union Congress(TUC), Com. Sola Adigun and his colleagues in the Nigerian Labour Congress(NLC), Com Kolapo Olatunde, who spoke along the same line, were full of praises for the governor, for exhibiting enormous respect for workers and providing propitious grounds for them to operate. 

For being friendly and receptive to approve some of their demands, the labour leaders, commended Oyebanji for increasing subventions to all tertiary institutions, effecting deductions to cooperatives, and for paying workers' salaries as and when due.

In the same fashion, the labour chiefs saluted the Governor for magnanimously  extending palliatives to workers  to buffer the effect of the ongoing economic crisis on members, saying this has helped in making lives more comfortable and rewarding for members.

However, to cushion the  hardships being confronted by members on account of spiraling inflation in the system, the  Union leaders, demanded speedy replication of the new Minimum Wage in Ekiti, as soon as the  legislative procedure is completed and secure presidential assent at the federal level.

In a rare show of appreciation, the labour leaders applauded the state government for absorbing their sacked members in the Ekiti State House of Assembly Service Commission, saying this further accentuated that the governor was incurably  worker-friendly.

"We are also happy that the governor approved N10,000 Wage Award for our pensions and N15,000 for the civil servants. But we still want to ask as Oliver Twist, we are asking that the Minimum Wage should be replicated as soon as the bill is assented to by the President.

"We are also calling for the recapitalisation of our housing and car loans to workers. It has not been recapitalised for 20 years. The maximum car loan now is N750,000, but this can't buy a motorcycle, help us increase it", they said. 

Many of the workers had defied the early morning downpour in the state capital to make it to the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, venue of the rally.

Make Impact In Grassroots, Ekiti First Lady Charges Council Chairman's Wives.

Make Impact In Grassroots, Ekiti First Lady Charges Council Chairman's Wives.

Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has urged the wives of the chairmen of local government areas and local council development areas to make impact by coming up with ideas and programmes that will better the lives of people living in the grassroots.

Dr. Oyebanji who gave the charge when she received the spouses of local government bosses in the state who were on a courtesy visit to her said they should take initiatives to assist the less privileged people in their council areas and support their husbands in the exercise of their mandate.

Addressing her guests who came under the aegis of the Forum of Spouses of Chairmen of Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas of Ekiti State, Dr. Oyebanji said apart from their personal initiatives, they should also replicate various initiatives of her office in their areas to alleviate the suffering of women, children and the vulnerable segment of the population.

She identified some of the programmes of her office that can be replicated at the council level to include Widows and Orphans Hope (WAOH) Project, Back-to-School Programme for indigent pupils, execution of the Gender Based Violence (GBV) Management and Prevention Programme and establishment of Food Bank to tackle hunger in the grassroots.

The Ekiti First Lady suggested that the LG chairmen's wives can identify active and non-active widows in their areas for financial support, medical intervention, and other forms of assistance on ward-to-ward basis to complement what is being done at the state level for such individuals.

Dr. Oyebanji further motivated the council chairmen's wives to be active in the enforcement of the GBV Law and the defence, support and seeking justice for victims while her office would come in areas where support is needed.

She particularly commended the council bosses' spouses for coming out in beautiful Adire fabrics produced from the Adire Ekiti Hub noting that their gesture would go a long way in encouraging the youths of the state who honed their skills at the centre.

The First Lady disclosed that the state council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) ordered for 180 pieces of Adire fabrics for its members for the celebration of the annual May Day to be celebrated on Wednesday.

Dr. Oyebanji also added that the state wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has placed an order for 5,000 pieces of Adire commemorative wears to celebrate this year's World Teacher's Day scheduled for October.

The Governor's wife noted that she had entered into discussion with the state chapter of the Association Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) to nominate and sponsor youths from their areas for Adire training as a means of empowering them and take them off the labour market.

She also reminded the council chairmen's wives that they are the Coordinators of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) of the First Lady of Nigeria, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu and her own WAOH Project in their respective council areas.

Dr. Oyebanji also tasked them to emulate her example by cultivating a garden in their council areas in fulfilment of the directive of the wife of the President to ensure food sufficiency and to tackle high cost of food items in the country.

Speaking earlier, the Chairperson of the Spouses of Chairmen of LGAs and LCDAs in the state, Mrs. Olubunmi Ayoola, hailed Dr. Oyebanji for the great impact of her programmes and initiatives saying members of the group would always partner with her to positively touch the lives of the people.

Mrs. Ayoola, a lawyer, said the progress of Ekiti is very dear to their hearts of the Chairmen's spouses and would always work to support their husbands to make life easier for the people at the grassroots.

She explained that the body fully supports and identifies with the WAOH Project and the Adire Ekiti initiative which explained why they were decked in Adire attires which attracted commendation from their host.

The state All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Leader, Mrs. Caroline Egunlusi; Commissioner of Women Affairs, Mrs. Peju Babafemi and Special Adviser on Gender Empowerment and Mobilization, Mrs. Kemi Olaleye urged for more support for the Oyebanji Administration for the state to witness more development.

Renowned Leader Honorable Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo Celebrates Birthday, Inspires Generations with Legacy of Compassionate Leadership.

Renowned Leader Honorable Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo Celebrates Birthday, Inspires Generations with Legacy of Compassionate Leadership.

By Apostle Iwalefun Sunday

Today, communities across the nation join together in celebrating the birthday of a distinguished leader and public servant, Honorable Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, affectionately known as BTO. As we honor this special occasion, we reflect on the profound impact he has made on both the political landscape and the lives of countless individuals.

From his earliest days in public service, Honorable Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has been a shining example of integrity, vision, and unwavering dedication to serving others. As a mentor and benefactor, he has selflessly guided and inspired countless individuals, instilling in them a sense of purpose and commitment to excellence.

Today, we not only recognize his significant contributions to society but also celebrate the countless lives he has touched through his acts of kindness and compassionate leadership. His altruism serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, motivating us all to strive for greatness and make a positive impact in our communities.

As Minister of Interior, Honorable Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has demonstrated exemplary leadership, leveraging his wealth of experience to navigate challenges and enact meaningful change. His inclusive and collaborative approach has brought people together, fostering unity and progress across the nation.

A hallmark of his leadership is his unwavering commitment to helping those in need. Through his generosity and compassion, he has positively impacted the lives of countless individuals, leaving a lasting legacy of kindness and empathy.

As we celebrate this milestone birthday, let us look to the future with optimism, inspired by Honorable Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo's leadership, integrity, and compassion. May this day serve as a reminder of the importance of these values in shaping a brighter tomorrow for all.

Happy Birthday, Honorable Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo! May you continue to age with grace, achieving new milestones, and spreading joy wherever you go. Your legacy will endure for generations to come, inspiring future leaders to follow in your footsteps and make a positive difference in the world.

Oyebanji advocates solution-driven researches to enhance living standard.

Oyebanji advocates solution-driven researches to enhance living standard.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has advocated for a solution- driven researches that are targeted at solving contemporary development challenges, particularly the living standard of Nigerians.

Governor Oyebanji, who stated this at the first African-Asia Inter- Continental Universities' Conference, held at the Afe Babalola University in Ado Ekiti noted that Ekiti is well known for leading in producing scholars  across discipline in the country, urging African intellectuals to understudy their Asian counterparts on the strategies that helped Asians shift from techno-economy dependent nation to prosperous techno-economic competitive nation.

Acknowledging that many Asian countries have recorded success in critical areas of human development, the Governor stressed the need for African scholars and policy makers to imitate Asians in their area of successes and identify possible areas of adaptation that would bring improvements to the country.  

He said there is a need to learn technology transfer tricks from Asians as this would bring about socio-economic development, alleviate poverty, and make citizens economically productive.

The Governor added that there is also need to carry out researches on the critical success factors in the implementation of millennium development goals across different jurisdictions. He urged African scholars to begin a longitudinal study of the current sustainable development goals that can help policy makers to take informed decisions on policy direction.  

While commending the Afe Babalola University for hosting the first African-Asian inter-continental universities conference and for bringing the best of the world’s academics and researchers to Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji said the University is, no doubt, living to its aspiration of being a world-class university with local and global relevance.

He pledged the support of his government for credible researches efforts that would enhance the standard of living of the people and solve contemporary development challenges. 

“There is no doubt that many Asian countries have recorded progress in the critical areas of human development indices and that African scholars and policy makers should learn from their successes and identify area of possible adaptation, for the good of our people. We need to learn technology transfer tricks from the Asians, especially China.

“I therefore want to challenge African intellectuals to understudy their Asian counterparts on the strategies that shifted Asian tigers from being techno-economic dependent nations to prosperous and techno-economic competitive nations that they have become.

“As a state that is well known to lead in the production of academic scholars across disciplines, our government will be willing to support credible research efforts that can enhance the standard of living of our people. We will be very delighted to benefit from research outcomes that can be adapted to solve our contemporary development challenges”. the Governor stated.

In his remarks,  the Founder of the Afe Babalola University, Are Afe Babalola, who acknowledged China as leading in production industry, urged African leaders to leverage China’s expertise and resources particularly industry and science to drive growth and development across various sectors.

The foremost educationist expressed the readiness of his university to further collaborate with China and continued promotion of international scholarship that transcends immediate contiguities.

Present at the conference were Nigerian scholars, researchers from different fields  and their Asian counterparts.

Ekiti Youth Leader Express Heartfelt Gratitude to Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

Ekiti Youth Leader Express Heartfelt Gratitude to Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

The youth of Ekiti State have come together to express their sincere appreciation to Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his visionary leadership and commitment to developing the state's infrastructure.

As aptly stated by Hon. Adewumi Sikiru Adekunle, popularly known as Omo Imam Adekunle, Honourable Councillor representing Igede Ward B, "For any economy to develop, distribution and consumption must increase. However, this cannot be achieved without good road networks, even if population growth continues."

We, the youth of Ekiti, are thrilled to witness the transformative impact of Governor Oyebanji's initiatives on our communities and economy. His dedication to building a prosperous Ekiti State is evident in the numerous infrastructure projects underway.

Thank you, Governor Oyebanji, for your unwavering commitment to our future. We are grateful for your leadership and look forward to continued progress under your administration.

SIGNED;

Hon. Adewumi Sikiru Adekunle (Omo Imam Adekunle)

Honourable Councillor, Igede Ward B.

Oyebanji seeks China’s partnership in critical sectors.

Oyebanji seeks China’s partnership in critical sectors.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has sought the collaboration of the Government of People’s Republic of China in the areas of investment, agriculture, mining, power, tourism, education and innovation. 

This, according to the Governor, is with the aim of leveraging China’s expertise and resources to drive growth across various sectors and ensure all round development of the state.

Governor Oyebanji stated this on Sunday while receiving the Chinese Consul General, Ms. Yan Yuquing and her team at the Government House, Ado- Ekiti. He maintained that his administration remains committed to partnership and business engagement with global investors in developing the critical sectors of the state’s economy in line with the shared prosperity agenda of the administration. 

Expressing optimism about potential collaboration with China, the Governor said the collaboration is expected to focus on key areas which include agriculture, investment, mining, power sector, education, science and innovation among others.

The Governor, who noted that the state shares the same vision of developing her citizens as does China, said he is eager to see more Chinese companies  and investment in Ekiti in a bid to create an eco-system of peace, create employment and make life worthwhile for the people of the state.

“We are looking for credible partners and countries to collaborate with. In Ekiti State, there are opportunities in agriculture both green and brown field investment, there is opportunity in mining, there is opportunities in the power sector; electricity generation. We have a law now that allows us to generate and distribute electricity, only three states in the country have that status and Ekiti is one of them. There is opportunity in tourism, in culture because Ekiti is highly endowed. 

“We are also looking forward to collaborating in areas of education and innovation. One of our flagship projects is the Ekiti Knowledge Zone, which is our own answer to creating wealth for our people. I would be looking forward to signing MOU with some of your companies so that we can take it up from there. In fairness we share the same vision with you to develop our people, to create an eco system of peace, to create employment for our people, to make life worthwhile to Ekiti people”. The Governor said.

Earlier in her remarks, the Consul General, Yan Yuquing commended the Governor for his efforts at ensuring that every sector of the state’s economic is developed. She said China and Nigeria have a lot in common and expressed further collaboration with the state.

While assuring the Governor of the cooperation of the People’s Republic of China, Ms Yuquing said she is eager to see further collaboration with the State beyond construction, stressing that agriculture, education, trade and business development, and innovation are some of the areas China is ready to collaborate with the state. 

Also at the meeting were, Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Tayo Adeola; Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof. Bolaji Aluko; Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Boluwade Ebenezer; Commissioner for Education Dr. Olabimpe Aderiye; Commissioner for innovation, Science and Digital Economy, Mr. Seun Fakunade. 

Others were Special Adviser Media, Mr. Yinka Oyebode; Director General , Bureau of Toursim Development, Amb Wale Ojo Lanre; Senior Special Assistant, intergovernmental and Comsular Matters, Damola Ajibade.

Empowering Ekiti Youth: Handy Innovations, Ekiti State NYC Join Forces for Free Skills Acquisition Program.

Empowering Ekiti Youth: Handy Innovations, Ekiti State NYC Join Forces for Free Skills Acquisition Program.

In a significant stride towards youth empowerment and skill development, Handy Innovations Vocational Institute, in collaboration with the Ekiti State Chapter of the Nigeria Youth Congress (NYC), has successfully concluded a six-month free skills acquisition program. The initiative, aimed at equipping the youth of Ekiti State with practical skills for self-reliance and employment, culminated in a heartwarming certificate accreditation ceremony held on Saturday, April 27th.

Over the past six months, the first batch of students had the privilege to delve into various vocational fields, including fashion design, hair styling, ICT, makeup artistry, gele tying, as well as shoe and bag making. The atmosphere during the certificate accreditation ceremony was filled with jubilation and a sense of accomplishment as the graduands reflected on their transformative journey of learning and growth.

Aare Adedara Temitope Moses, Chairman of the Nigeria Youth Congress Ekiti Chapter, lauded the visionary efforts of Handy Innovations Vocational Institute in spearheading such an impactful initiative. In a statement to journalists in Ado, Aare Adedara emphasized the vital role of vocational skills acquisition programs in nurturing the talents and potentials of young people, thereby fostering self-reliance and reducing unemployment rates.

The institute's commitment to youth empowerment doesn't stop here. Plans are underway to enroll a new batch of students for another training session, commencing from Saturday, April 27th. Aare Adedara Temitope Moses encouraged the youth of Ekiti State to seize this golden opportunity and embark on a journey towards self-reliance and gainful employment.

For those interested in registering for the upcoming training session, Handy Innovations Institute has provided convenient avenues for enrollment. Interested individuals can visit the institute's office located at Kayode Akinyemi Close, Off Egbewa Road 3, Ado-Ekiti, to pick up a registration form. Additionally, registration can be completed online via the provided link https://tinyurl.com/3ajjs342. For inquiries and further details, prospective participants can reach out to the institute at 07087843187 / 09164582259.

The success of the free skills acquisition program underscores the transformative impact of collaborative efforts between private institutions and government bodies in addressing youth unemployment and fostering socio-economic development. As Ekiti State continues on the path of progress and innovation, initiatives like this serve as beacons of hope and opportunity for its vibrant youth population.