Fayose loyalists meet, declare support for Oyebanji.

Fayose loyalists meet, declare support for Oyebanji.

The loyalists of former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose in Irepodun /Ifelodun Local Government have held a meeting ahead of the forthcoming Congress of the People's Democratic Party.

The meeting was held in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

Speaking on the essence of the meeting, the Chairman of Osoko Political Assembly, Dr. Austin Ibikunle, said the essence of the meeting was to re-pledge their loyalty to the former governor.

He said the collaboration of Fayose with the present administration in Ekiti is yielding positive results in the area of development of the state.

He described Governor 'Biodun  Oyebanji as a man who has displayed a high capacity in human management to ensure dividends of democracy get to the doorstep of every citizen of the state.

He noted that the duty of the opposition party is not to wage war against the ruling party but to come up with constructive criticism, adding that the present administration is doing well and deserves no criticism from the opposition party.

Dr. Ibikunle advised those criticizing Gov. Oyebanji for having a mutual and cordial relationship with Fayose and other relevant stakeholders in Ekiti to read more and learn how to play the roles of opposition.

He said Oyebanji is the first governor in Ekiti to associate with all former governors of the state, saying this quality stands him out.

Also speaking, the Special Assistant to Governor Oyebanji on Intra-Party, Otunba Omolade Bolarinwa noted that all supporters of Fayose are supporters of Governor Oyebanji.

Bolarinwa, who was the former Vice  Chairman of Ado-Ekiti Local Government, described Fayose as a leader who cares for his followers.

Pledging his loyalty, Mr.  Festus Akinyede said he is on the side of Fayose because of his ability to grow his followers, saying the former governor has been his leader for a very long time.

He commended him for using his clout and connection to get appointments for his followers from Oyebanji's administration.

Akinyede also commended Gov. Oyebanji for recognizing Fayose as one of his leaders and giving appointments to his loyalists, adding that the governor would reap bountifully from the seeds of love and unity he is sowing in the state. 

The loyalists who are members of the People's Democratic Party promised to always follow Fayose's instructions in all elections.

Local Content Law: Ekiti Gov't Begins Clamp Down On Erring Contractors.

Local Content Law: Ekiti Gov't Begins Clamp Down On Erring Contractors. 

....No going back on policy, DG insists.

Ekiti State government on Thursday read the riot act to contractors handling various road projects in the state, directing them to comply with the local content laws of the State.

Speaking with journalists in Ado-Ekiti while monitoring the compliance of the law, the Director General, Bureau of Local Content in Ekiti State, Olalekan Ijidale said the law stipulates that 40% of Ekiti indigene are expected to be employed by the contractors.

He disclosed that the contractors are expected to employ artisans both skilled and unskilled from Ekiti State in the execution of the projects that are being funded through tax payers monies.

He revealed that the Bureau will soon begin enforcement for the compliance of the law and review the working conditions of these companies that make it difficult for Ekiti indigenes to gain employment.

He said: “We are out to enforce local content law as being amended and to ensure that the compliance rate is improved. We have met with the contractors about two or three meetings to explain to them and synergise together on how Ekiti can be partners in the execution of projects in the state.

“We have a law now in Ekiti State that was accented by the governor and passed by the House of Assembly. The law stated that local content project execution should be minimum of 40% and we want to see at what rate our people comply.

"If government are pushing out contracts worth several billions by monies being paid by tax payers, the contractors should also do their bid by including our artisans both skilled and unskilled in the execution of those projects.

“We discovered that these companies bring in a lot of people from other states even in Cotonou to execute projects in the state and Nigeria and we see a lot of people in that locality still struggling to get a job. This is what we want to reduce and ensure that our artisans are partnered. We want to ensure that our skilled and professionals are patronised.

“That is why our governor insist that our people both skilled and unskilled are patronised and we do this by enforcement because people are not ready to comply.

We have started orientation and collaboration with professional bodies. We are trying to orientate our people towards the execution of their skills. Some of these companies, their conditions are not favourable. We need to mediate between the two.”

The monitoring exercise was carried out at Step Development Ltd at Okesha, Immobilare Construction Ltd handling the Ado-Iworoko road and Lead Gate Construction Ltd handling the Ilawe-Erinjiyan and Ilawe-Igede roads in the State.

According to the Manager of Lead Gate Construction Ltd, Adejubi Adeolu, the company has a workforce of 30 skilled and unskilled staff while 8 skilled workers are indigenes and all the unskilled are indigenes. He revealed that all their materials are sourced locally

Ekiti Govt Directs Kingmakers to Ratify Prince Alabi as Nominee for Olosi Stool.

Ekiti Govt Directs Kingmakers to Ratify Prince Alabi as Nominee for Olosi Stool.

In a bid to fasttrack the installation of a new traditional ruler in Osi Ekiti, Ido/Osi Local Government Area, the Ekiti State Government, has directed the kingmakers to ratify the selection of Prince Stephen Babatunde Alabi as the valid nominee for Olosi stool.

The government said Prince Alabi’s ratification became expedient, having been validly nominated by Arubiojo Ruling House of Osi Ekiti for the exalted seat as the sole candidate, with name forwarded to the kingmakers in line with tradition.

The directive was handed down, on Thursday, in Ado Ekiti, by the Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, after a meeting with stakeholders, including the kingmakers and representatives of Arubiojo Ruling House.

The stool became vacant, following the demise of Oba Oladiran Agunbiade on the 5th of August, 2021, following which the Arubiojo Ruling House was contacted by government to fill the vacant stool.

Addressing the stakeholders after the parley held at her office, Mrs Afuye, in a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, gave the kingmakers up to Monday, May 6, 2024 to write an appointment letter to the nominee and forward same to government for approval.

The Deputy Governor was displeased with the way the kingmakers were allegedly manipulating and dilly-dallying on the process, saying this might erode the confidence the people had in their personalities.

Particularly, she berated the process leading to the forwarding of the name of one Prince Femi Adewumi as the validly selected nominee to the local government for approval, even when he was neither voted for nor nominated by the ruling house.

According to her : “The ruling house had done the due diligence by nominating someone. If they want only one nominee, nobody should force them to add more, since the process was transparent from the beginning.

“Our governor, Biodun Oyebanji places high premium respect for traditional institution and traditional rulers are benefiting from this government because of the partnership between them and the government . We don’t want your town to lag behind.

“We appeal to other aspirants to join hands with the stakeholders in moving the town forward. They should cooperate with the nominee in the task of building a new Osi Ekiti that will benefit all and Sundry”.

In his submission, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Sunday Bamise, said four judgements, had been delivered on the Olosi selection matter and the state government won in all the cases instituted.

Bamise clarified that the kingmakers have no relevance in nomination of candidate according to the law, saying the only valid nomination was the one done on the 21st November, 2021, which favoured Prince Alabi.

“What we expect the kingmakers to do in the eyes of the law is to validate the nomination of Prince Babatunde Alabi and issue him a letter of appointment to begin the process. But if they fail to continue, then the government will revert to the second option, which I may not disclose here”, he said.

The Odofin of Osi Ekiti and head of the kingmakers, Chief Olaiya Faturoti and other colleagues consented to the government’s position, promising that they would comply accordingly.

The Counsel to the nominee, Chief Tony Adeniyi(SAN), applauded the government for standing on the truth and point of law on the matter, saying this will ensure expeditious installation of a new monarch in the town.

According to Prince Adebayo Alabi, the head of the Arubiojo dynasty, Prince Alabi polled a total of 26 votes to defeat other contestants in a traditional shadow poll conducted by the ruling house and monitored by local government officials.

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.