Oyebanji lauds architects’ role in Ekiti development.

Oyebanji lauds architects’ role in Ekiti development.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has commended the significant contribution of architects to the state’s development, stressing that the surge in the developmental projects across the state is made possible through the expertise of Ekiti architects, who are key partners in progress.

Governor Oyebanji gave the commendation in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday while receiving the leadership of the Nigeria Institute of Architects (NIA), led by its President, Arc Mobolaji Adeniyi and the Architect Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) led by its President, Arc Dipo Ajayi; who were in the state for their annual extra ordinary general assembly meeting.

The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr (Mrs) Habibat Adubiaro Highlighted the role of Architects in transforming the physical landscape and enhancing infrastructure status of the state. He said the architectural community has been instrumental in various developmental projects in the state, spanning urban planning, construction of public buildings, which collectively elevate the state’s economic and social status.

The Governor added that these projects have not only improved the quality of life for the citizens but also attracted investment through tourism to the state. 

Speaking further, the Governor disclosed  that efforts are ongoing to enhance Ado Ekiti’s urban landscape with the aim tog positioning it as a model city with sustainable and aesthetically pleasing infrastructure.

The Governor maintained that his administration remains committed to sustainable development, which recognizes the invaluable contributions of every professional as part of Ekiti journey towards the shared prosperity agenda of his administration.

He stated, "In any society yearning for development like we are in Ekiti State, the Architects play leading roles in projects that initiate and beautify the development in the society.

“Ekiti State, under my watch is witnessing rapid developmental projects in all sectors of the economy and it is in the light of this that we appreciate Ekiti sons and daughters in the field of architecture for spearheading the hosting of NIA and ARCON where we hope to tap from the wealth of their experience”.

Earlier in his remark, the President of the Architect Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) Arc. Dipo Ajayi, who commended the Governor on his giant strides in infrastructural development, said the council, with other relevant bodies were in Ekiti to brainstorm and partner with Ekiti State government to explore ways to enhance the state’s internally generated revenue through infrastructural development.

Addressing the prevalent issues of unqualified practitioners in the field, the President assured that the institute would also devise strategies to combat the problem.

In his own remark, the Ekiti State Chairman of NIA, Mr Wale Ajayi, lauded Governor Oyebanji’s policy of supporting local contrators and artisans, emphasizing that such would help architects maintain quality control and continuation of this policy.

Also at the meeting were the Head of Service, Engr. Sunday Komolafe, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Rt. Hon karounwi Oladapo; Special Adviser on Special Projects, Arch. Temitope Ogunley; Special Adviser Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, Surveyor- General, of the State, Executive members of the Nigerian Institute of Architects and Architects Registration Council of Nigeria.

Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, BAOress: A Champion of Youth Development.

Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, BAOress: A Champion of Youth Development.

By Omo Imam Adekunle.

Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, fondly referred to as BAOress, is a shining example of a leader who has dedicated her life to empowering the youth. As the wife of the Governor of Ekiti State, she has used her platform to drive positive change and inspire a generation of young people to reach their full potential.

With a heart full of love and compassion, BAOress has tirelessly worked to provide opportunities for youth development, education, and empowerment. Her passion for the well-being and success of young people is evident in everything she does, from supporting education initiatives to promoting entrepreneurship and skills development.

BAOress believes that the youth are the future of our nation, and she has made it her mission to equip them with the tools they need to succeed. Her leadership and dedication have inspired countless young people to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact in their communities.

As a lover of youth, BAOress has:

- Supported education initiatives, providing scholarships and resources for students

- Empowered young entrepreneurs through mentorship and funding opportunities

- Promoted skills development and vocational training programs

- Advocated for youth inclusion in governance and decision-making processes

Her impact on the lives of young people in Ekiti State and beyond is immeasurable. She is a true champion of youth development, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

We celebrate Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, BAOress, for her selfless dedication to empowering the youth. May her love and compassion continue to inspire us all to make a positive difference in the world.

Hon. Ojuawo Calls for Thorough Investigation into Damilola Iyanda's Death.

Hon. Ojuawo Calls for Thorough Investigation into Damilola Iyanda's Death.

The Honourable member representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1, Hon. (AVM Rtd) Ojuawo Rufus Adeniyi, has called for a thorough investigation into the tragic death of Master Damilola Iyanda, who was killed by a trigger-happy policeman in Ogbomosho.

Damilola Iyanda, a serving corps member from Ogotun Ekiti, was assigned to Ibadan, the state capital. He had traveled to Ogbomosho town in Oyo State to celebrate his younger brother, Oluwafemi Iyanda's graduation from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho.

Hon. Ojuawo moved a motion on the floor of the house for an urgent need to thoroughly investigate the gruesome killing of Damilola Iyanda by policemen whose primary assignment is to protect lives and property. He described the killing as "highly condemnable and unprofessional" and emphasized that it is "worrisome to lose a promising young man who was meant to contribute to national development at his prime to a reckless officer."

Hon. Ojuawo urged the house to request the Inspector General of Police to conduct a thorough investigation and pay adequate compensation to the bereaved family. He also canvassed for proper training of police personnel in handling firearms to avoid wanton killing of innocent Nigerians.

The motion was seconded and adopted by the house, and the Inspector General of Police was called upon to take immediate action to investigate the matter and prevent future occurrences.

EKSG, Cavista Holdings Sign multi-billion naira MOU to boost cassava farming.

EKSG, Cavista Holdings Sign multi-billion naira MOU to boost cassava farming.

Ekiti State Government yesterday took a significant step towards agricultural transformation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a leading Nigerian investment company - Cavista Holdings (owners of Agbeyewa Farms Limited) to establish a state-of-the-art cassava farm spanning 100,000 hectares within the State.

The MOU which is worth billions of naira was signed by Governor Oyebanji and the Chairman of Cavista Holdings, Niyi John Olajide on the sidelines of the 2024 US-Africa Business Summit currently ongoing in Dallas, USA.

Present at the signing ceremony were the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Adeoye Aribasoye; Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade; Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs Tayo Adeola; Commissioner for Finance, Mr Akin Oyebode; and Commissioner for Budget, Planning and Performance Management, Mr Niyi Adebayo.

On the Cavista Team were the company’s Managing Director, Mr. Dele Odufuye, Chief Financial Officer, Mr Niran Olajide, Dr. Niyi Arije (Legal Director) Mr. Cyril Akika (Member of the Board of Directors) and senior management staff of the company.

Also present were Chief Dele Kelvin Oye, President of the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), who is also the Vice Chairman, Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (EKDIPA); Chairman, Odu’a Investment Company, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru as well as other key stakeholders from the public and private sectors.

Speaking during the event, Governor Oyebanji articulated the government's vision for agricultural advancement, emphasizing the importance of strategic partnerships in driving progress. He underscored Ekiti State's commitment to creating an enabling environment for investment and urged other investors to explore the vast opportunities available in the state, particularly in sectors such as tourism, mining, and the burgeoning Ekiti Knowledge Zone and Special Agriculture Processing Zone.

The Governor described the MOU as a testament of his administration’s commitment to the continuity of programmes of the immediate past administration of Dr Kayode Fayemi as enunciated in the State’s 30- year development plan. “This also speaks to alignment of vision. John ( Olajide) wants to create jobs. We want our people to prosper by creating opportunities for them. So, we found a good partner in John and the CAVISTA group.” He said. 

Governor Oyebanji expressed gratitude to Cavista for its unwavering commitment to Ekiti State, which has led to several success stories in the Tourism and the Agriculture sectors, bringing about jobs opportunities and income to the state.

“The private sector is very critical to developing our economy, and as a government we must ensure that the process of doing business is easy, seamless and top-notch. I am very proud that Cavista has continued to demonstrate confidence in our state, and all their investments are now success stories. So I look forward to the successful implementation of this MOU to the benefit of Ekiti State and Nigeria”.

 

Echoing the Governor’s remarks, Chairman of Cavista Holdings, Niyi John Olajide stated that the company had no regrets investing in Ekiti, adding that its commitment is driven by his desire to create thousands of jobs for the people of the state.

“The success of our investment in Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and our previous agricultural investment in the state, is what encouraged us to embark on this new cassava revolution initiative, to be driven by our subsidiary - Agbeyewa Farms. We are very proud of our partnership with the state and driven by my personal goal to create thousands of jobs in the state, we look forward to another successful partnership with the Ekiti State government under the distinguished leadership of Governor Abiodun Oyebanji”. He said.

This collaboration between the Ekiti State Government and Cavista Holdings marks a significant milestone in the journey towards agricultural transformation and economic empowerment in the region. The partnership is poised to catalyze growth, drive innovation, and position Ekiti State as a beacon of agricultural excellence in Nigeria and beyond.

Fayemi mourns passing of Chief Gbagi, extols his contribution to education.

Fayemi mourns passing of Chief Gbagi, extols his contribution to education.

Dr Kayode Fayemi, former Governor of Ekiti State and ex-Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) has expressed heartfelt condolences on the untimely death of Chief Kenneth Gbagi, politician and former Minister of State for Education under President Goodluck Jonathan. 

In a statement released by his media office, Fayemi described the passing of the 62-year-old Gbagi as profoundly sad and shocking, stating that the nation has lost a dedicated public servant and patriot.

He stated that Chief Gbagi was a dear friend who as the Minister of State for Education played a pivotal role in the establishment of new federal universities.

According to Fayemi, "Gbagi's contributions to the education sector in Nigeria are immense and enduring. As Minister of State for Education, he played a key role in the establishment of six new federal universities across the country, including the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, a feat that significantly expanded access to quality tertiary education for our teeming youth."

Fayemi praised Gbagi as a dedicated businessman, public servant, and politician who was influential in the politics of Delta State and who leveraged that influence to improve the lives of his people.

He noted that his passing leaves an immense void but that his exemplary life will continue to inspire many.

‘’I extend my deepest sympathies to the Gbagi family, his friends and associates, the people and the government of Delta State in this trying time. We have lost a great patriot, but his legacy will continue to inspire us all. May his soul rest in the bosom of the lord," Fayemi added.

Now is time to invest in Nigeria, Gov Oyebanji urges investors at US- Africa Business Summit.

Now is time to invest in Nigeria, Gov Oyebanji urges investors at US- Africa Business Summit.

….tells investors to take advantage of President Tinubu’s economic reforms.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji yesterday in Dallas , USA told foreign investors to take advantage of the current economic reforms in Nigeria to invest in the country. 

“This is the right time for any investor to invest in Nigeria”, Oyebanji declared at a panel session, one of the major events at the 2024 US- Africa Business Summit organised the Corporate Council on Africa ( CCA), citing the current reforms of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration and the synergy between the Federal Government and the state governments. 

In attendance at the session were heads of national government and sub- national governments; investors; policy makers and development agencies drawn from different parts of the world, including the Chairman of the Board of Corporate Council on Africa, Mr John Olajide. 

Governor Oyebanji, in his presentation also cited a few successful collaboration between Ekiti State Government and some international investors, including Cavista Holdings and Promasidor to make a case for more direct investment in the state, stressing that the right time to invest in the state is now. 

According to Oyebanji “Now we have a reform-minded government that is visionary and we have 36 state governors (I am one of them) and these are people that have keyed in to the vision of the President Tinubu’s administration. 

“And like I have said, the economies of sub-nationals are so critical to the Nigerian economy itself. So, for any investor that wants credible return on their investment, this is the time to invest in Nigeria because the market is readily available, the people are ready, we have a government that is reform-minded, transparent, and trusted by the people. 

“Nigerians believe in this government because we have a President that has done it right and all the governors have keyed into his vision as well. So, the time to invest in Nigeria is now.” He added. 

 

Wooing Investors to Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji said the State Government is strong on regulatory framework which are designed to protect investors and investments in the state. 

“What we are doing is to ensure that we have a stable and predictable regulatory framework and there must be trust because I believe that for any business to thrive, trust is key. You must have a leader that is visionary, trust-worthy, and transparent. All these, we have in Ekiti State and that is why I am here today so that we can have more investors like Cavista who are relevant to what we are doing in the State.

“So, the sub-nationals are critical to developing the Nigerian economy, but for them to attract credible investors there must be clear regulatory framework. The ease of doing business has to be top notch, security must be guaranteed, put in place the building blocks that will allow businesses to grow and thrive. Things must also be done in the way and manner that will give them confidence to bring their capital to invest.

 

“The Cavista story is one of our success stories and I am proud of it. Cavista Holdings came to Ekiti State as a company we were not aware of but they showed interest in one of our moribund assets that has been there for many years and nobody wants to touch it. Cavista came to discuss with us but through the help of NIPC, they told us to set up an Investment Promotion Agency so we have an IPA that shields investors away from government bureaucracies. 

“So, they do things the private sector way and we also set up a very strong regulatory system. We have a predictable policy because we realized that when you look for development, investors look for returns on their investments. So we have all our businesses plan being driven by the Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (EKDIPA) and the Director-General has access to me directly so that when there are issues, I can give the executive backing. 

“So we started with the facility at Ikogosi Warm Spring and Resort that we are so proud of, and they told us what is expected of us as a government and because of the recent reforms of the Federal Government, which ceded resources to sub-nationals who are able to build critical infrastructure to support investments. Now the Resort is a success story, and because of that, we have now migrated from Tourism to the Agriculture.

 

“In Nigeria, there is a central government and there are 36 state governments with governors as heads of states; The Nigerian economy is the aggregate economy of sub-nationals and so if the sub-nationals do well, the country will do well as whole. The Federal Government realizing this put in place structures to assist subnational in areas of business development and attracting private investors into their space. 

“As a governor of a state you have responsibilities within the state but there are some critical areas that are better left in the hands of private investors. So through the Nigerian Investment and Promotion Council ( NIPC), the Federal Government collaborates with states and tell us what we need to do to make the state investment-friendly because capitals (finances) will move to a place where they are welcome. 

“So, there are healthy competitions amongst the 36 states to get very responsible and credible private sector players into our states.”

Divine Intervention Impact Foundation Launches Operation Feed an Orphan.

Divine Intervention Impact Foundation Launches Operation Feed an Orphan.

Divine Intervention Impact Foundation has introduced "Operation Feed an Orphan," a program aimed at addressing child hunger in our community. The inaugural event is set for May 27th at Ketu Adie-Owe Community School at 10 am.

The program, "Feed an Orphan with N1000," aims to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children. The foundation invites individuals and organizations to support this cause through sponsorship and donations.

Partnership with the foundation offers sponsors a chance to fulfill their moral duty while impacting the lives of vulnerable children. Donations can be made to the provided account details: Account No: 

1214037497

Bank Name: Zenith Bank

Account Name: Divine Intervention Impact Foundation.

With the launch approaching, Divine Intervention Impact Foundation is committed to creating a brighter future for all. For more information and sponsorship details, visit http//:diifoundation.org/donation.