Setting the Record Straight: A Rebuttal to Sahara Reporters' Baseless Attack on Gov. Biodun Oyebanji (BAO).

Setting the Record Straight: A Rebuttal to Sahara Reporters' Baseless Attack on Gov. Biodun Oyebanji (BAO).

By Omo Imam Adekunle

Recently, Sahara Reporters published a scathing article attacking the character and administration of Gov. Biodun Oyebanji (BAO). As a concerned citizen and avid follower of good governance, I am compelled to respond to this malicious assault on the Governor's reputation. The article in question is a blatant attempt to tarnish the image of Gov. Oyebanji and undermine his laudable efforts in transforming our dear state. It is replete with inaccuracies, misinformation, and blatant lies, and it is evident that the authors are driven by a sinister agenda to discredit the Governor and his administration.

I urge the public to disregard this baseless attack and instead focus on the tangible achievements of the Oyebanji administration. Gov. Oyebanji has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the welfare of our people, and his accomplishments in various sectors are a testament to his visionary leadership. From infrastructure development to education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, the Governor has made significant strides in improving the lives of our citizens. His administration's efforts have led to the creation of jobs, the attraction of investors, and the enhancement of our state's reputation as a hub for business and tourism. It is imperative that we focus on these achievements and not allow the distractions of mischief-makers to obscure our vision.

Let us not be swayed by the desperate attempts of Sahara Reporters and their ilk to distract us from the progress we have made. Rather, let us continue to support and pray for our Governor as he works tirelessly to build a better future for our state. We must recognize that the development of our state is a collective responsibility, and we must all play our part in promoting the truth and combating falsehood. Truth shall prevail, and the good people of our state will not be deceived by this vicious propaganda. We will continue to stand with Gov. Oyebanji and his administration as they work towards a brighter future for our state.

Ekiti Group Chides Saharareporters Over Sponsored Stories Against Oyebanji.

Ekiti Group Chides Saharareporters Over Sponsored Stories Against Oyebanji.

A group of eminent citizens of Ekiti State origin, under the auspices of Ekiti Patriotic Front (EPF), has upbraided an online publication, Saharareporters over what it described as unsubstantiated reports against the Governor of the state, Mr Biodun Oyebanji . 

The group said the last two reports on the Governor and government of the state were nothing, but a calculated attempt to distract the Governor and scuttle governance in the state. 

The EPF National President, Dr. Timothy Adewale, gave the condemnation, in a statement on Monday, expressing the group's resentment to Sahara Reporters’ unwarranted criticism of the oversea trip of the Governor. 

The university teacher stated that every Ekiti man, regardless of political affiliations and religious leanings, are contented with Governor Oyebanji's superlative policy direction and delivery , which he earned through spartan self- discipline, receptive politics, and display of honesty in the handling of all financial matters.

 He maintained that the Ekiti citizens are happy with the leadership styles of the Governor, especially the inclusion policy which has brought everybody together to participate in the developmental efforts. 

Dr. Adewale said the Governor has been making frantic efforts at wooing both local and foreign investors to the state, adding that the current overseas trip of the governor is in line with the administration’s effort at forging partnerships with investors and development partners to further growth and development rin the state. 

“We condemn every attempt to discredit the Governor over the US trip, which was embarked on officially. We take exemption to Sahara Reporters’ spurious allegations against the governor and. The Governor has the right to travel and conduct business on behalf of the people of the state , following laid down procedures", he stated.  

Dr Adewale branded the sudden and pathetic twist in the operations of Saharareporters as not only odious and disappointing, but was against decency and professional ethics guiding journalism, lamenting that the medium has become a willing tool to highest bidders to harass perceived enemy.

In his firm opinion, the academic added that no government could claim absolutism or island of knowledge in its operations under 21st century economy, which he said substantially justified why Governor Oyebanji traveled abroad to woo investors to Ekiti to further raise the bar of governance and upscale infrastructural facelift and boost the economy.

The Group's leader found it preposterous and demeaning, that Saharareporters that couldn't decipher the exact location of the Governor in his first ill-intentioned write-up that cunningly branded Governor Oyebanji as a "runaway" governor, could be making wild accusation that a staggering sum of $500,000 was expended on same foreign trip. 

Scoffing at the media outfit, Dr. Adewale said it sounded unfathomable that a media outfit of Saharareporters standing could be criticizing a governor for embarking on a working visit abroad to woo investors and market the state's areas of comparative advantage now that the entire global community is deemed to be at a point.

"We find this highly ridiculous. We wouldn't have joined the fray in defence of Mr Governor if financial infractions had been committed in government and were being unearthed or queried by the media outfit.

"Going by the contents of the two publications by Saharareporters, We realized that nothing was amiss with Governor Oyebanji embarking on a foreign trip to woo investors to Ekiti two years after assuming office. 

"Some governors have embarked on such trip thrice within a spate of three months, and nothing happens. Why is Ekiti different in the scheme of things? This was a calculated attempt to trigger unrest as witnessed in the past. 

"As a group of intellectuals, who are discerning and could read between the lines, we perceived this as a desperate attempt to cripple governance in Ekiti. Most pathetically, the Saharareporters that ought to be a mirror of the society, had been corraled into this unwarranted enmity against a performing governor". 

He added further, "All Ekiti indigenes, home and abroad, relished Governor Oyebanji's strong and inseparable fraternities with former Governors Kayode Fayemi, Ayodele Fayose, Niyi Adebayo and Segun Oni. This is in spirit of inclusivity. The government of Ekiti is for all and not an exclusive right of the ruling party. Whatever goes wrong in government affects every facet and stratum of the society, so everybody must be involved. 

"Besides entrenching peace-building culture, We are also dazzled by Governor Oyebanji's people- oriented policies and programmes which have helped in developing the state. We believe all hands must be on deck to support the administration to remain focused. 

"The sooner the Saharareporters and other fifth columnists retreat from this wild goose chase, the better because the people of the state are solidly behind this government” the group added.

Cast Your Votes for Oyetola as Best Minister, Says Akol.

Cast Your Votes for Oyetola as Best Minister, Says Akol.

Dr. Siji Olamiju has called on the public to cast their votes for His Excellency Alhaji Isiaka Gboyega Oyetola as a "super minister" in the ongoing performance rating of federal ministers in Nigeria. In a statement made available to pressmen in Osogbo, Dr. Olamiju, who served in Oyetola's cabinet as the Special Adviser on Public Health, lauded the minister's outstanding performance.

"Alhaji Isiaka Gboyega Oyetola has performed excellently within his short tenure as the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy," said Dr. Olamiju. He emphasized that Oyetola has significantly contributed to Nigeria's economy and expressed his full confidence in the minister's capabilities.

In Pic: Alhaji Isiaka Gboyega Oyetola, Minister of Blue and Marine Economy.

To support Alhaji Isiaka Gboyega Oyetola in the ongoing vote for the best minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, cast your vote at the following link: https://thestreetjournal.org/tsj-super-minister-of-the-month-v1/

Dr. Olamiju urged the people of Osun and Nigerians at large to participate in the ongoing online voting and support Oyetola. He highlighted that recognizing Oyetola's efforts through voting would motivate the minister to continue his exemplary work for the nation and the people of Osun.

In Pic: Dr. Siji Olamiju.

"By casting your votes for Oyetola, you encourage our amiable minister to replicate his good work for the nation and the good people of Osun, whom he represents," Dr. Olamiju concluded.

You can read more about Nigeria's "Super Minister of the Month" on TheStreetJournal by clicking here.

https://thestreetjournal.org/tsj-super-minister-of-the-month-v1/

Don't Give Up On Nigeria's Situation, Ekiti First Lady Charges Christian Women.

Don't Give Up On Nigeria's Situation, Ekiti First Lady Charges Christian Women.

...Urges Diligence in Children Upbringing.

Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has charged Christian women not to lose hope in Nigeria but always pray for the country to reclaim its lost glory and fulfill its potentials for the benefit of its citizens.

Dr. Oyebanji said although the country is presently passing through a difficult situation, a season of refreshing is on the horizon in which things will take a good shape and Nigerians will enjoy relief.

The Ekiti State First Lady gave the words of hope on Sunday while making her speech as the special guest of honour at the Annual Women Anniversary and Thanksgiving of the Good Women Association (Tabitha Sisters), Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Rejoice Arena, Ado Ekiti, the state capital.

Dr. Oyebanji noted that the prevailing economic hardship is a global phenomenon but assured that with prayers of women and other Nigerians, the tough times will fade away to usher in times of relief and refreshing.

She also used to forum to call for prayers for her husband, Governor Biodun Oyebanji to finish well and strong in his avowed commitment to make Ekiti an place of economic prosperity, investment destination and an enviable state in the comity of states in Nigeria.

Dr. Oyebanji said praying for the prosperity of Ekiti under the administration of her husband will translate to huge benefits for all inhabitants of the state and the investors who are willing to do business in the Land of Honour.

Dwelling on the theme of the thanksgiving, "A Vessel of Noble Use," Dr. Oyebanji identified the womenfolk as very important stakeholders in positively shaping the destiny of their states and nation citing examples of great women in the Bible who made exploits and positively affected their generation.

The First Lady urged her audience to always strive to be women of honour and women that stand for God wherever they find themselves as all eyes are on them to distinguish themselves at critical period in their families and the society at large.

While noting that getting married and having children are not enough, Dr. Oyebanji said much work needs to be done by women to ensure that their children succeed in life and turn out well in whatever they choose to do in life in various fields of human endeavour.

Dr. Oyebanji said women as mothers must be ready to pray for their children for them to fulfill their God-given destiny, positively contribute to humanity and be a blessing to their generation.

She equally charged women to be watchful on their children and discourage them from being wrongly influenced by some negative things they view on social media which she noted is one of the negative effects of information technology on the younger generation.

Dr. Oyebanji who further stressed that women occupy strategic positions in taking good care of their husbands and children also charged them to always take good care of themselves especially in the area of health and wellness.

According to her, women should eat good things including fruits and vegetables and also go for medical checkup from time to time. She added that women should also endeavour to look good and maintain personal hygiene for them to enjoy longevity and reap the fruits of their labour.

Earlier in her sermon, Dr. Onisola Duyilemi charged women on being a good vessel of noble use for God and also make impact in their generation.

Dr. Duyilemi encouraged women to emulate the examples of Ruth, Naomi and Mary in the Bible who remained very good examples to virtuous women. 

She emphasized on the godly characteristics of a virtuous woman which included integrity, sincerity, uprightness among others stressing that women must have a repentant heart and allowed correction in order to have a smooth relationship with their mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law.

The event also featured special prayer for families, peace and progress of Ekiti State and Nigeria.

Akol Applauds Tinubu, Akande, Oyetola, Others; Welcomes New APC Members.

Akol Applauds Tinubu, Akande, Oyetola, Others; Welcomes New APC Members. 

Dr. Siji Olamiju, popularly known as Akol, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, Otunba Omisore, Senator Bashiru Ajibola (SRJ), and Sooko Tajudeen Lawal for their roles in appointing deserving party members to the Federal Boards of Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria.

In his statement, Dr. Olamiju emphasized that these appointments are expected to bolster the necessary momentum to reclaim Osun State from its current leadership by 2026. He believes that the inclusion of dedicated party members in these federal positions will enhance the party's strategic advantage.

Furthermore, Dr. Olamiju extended a warm welcome to Prince Babayemi and Chief Oyedokun, along with their numerous supporters, as they join the ranks of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He highlighted the significance of their addition to the party, noting that their experience and support will be invaluable in the upcoming political battles.

Concluding his remarks, Dr. Olamiju expressed his optimism for the future success of the APC, particularly in the 2026 elections. He prayed for the party's continued strength and victory in its endeavors.

We Won’t Succumb To Cheap Blackmail, Ekiti Govt Responds To Sahara Reporters’ Hogwash.

We Won’t Succumb To Cheap Blackmail, Ekiti Govt Responds To Sahara Reporters’ Hogwash.

The attention of the Government of Ekiti State has, again, been drawn to another misleading and fictitious report by Sahara Reporters on the Governor of the State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, who is currently on a working visit to the United States of America.

The highly fallacious report is coming barely 72 hours after the State Government, through a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Yinka Oyebode, debunked Sahara Reporters’ mischievous claims about the Governor’s trip and gave fresh clarifications on the Governor’s itinerary in the course of the working visit to the US.

Apparently propelled by ulterior motives, and ashamed of owning up to its unprofessional reportage, Sahara Reporters within the space of 72 hours came up with another hurriedly baked story, which, at best, was filled with “sound and fury signifying nothing”. Or how else does one explain the unfounded claims by Sahara Reporters that the trip gulped $500,000 and that 20 people were on the Governor’s entourage.

The fictitious figures, we dare say, exist only in the wild imagination of Sahara Reporters and its sponsors.

The Government of Ekiti State is not unaware of Sahara Reporters’ satanic alliance with some elements in the society who are out to distract the Governor and the Government. It is, however, shameful that Sahara Reporters would allow itself to be used for such a ridiculous assignment, which is dead on arrival.

At the appropriate time those using Sahara Reporters as a tool for cheap blackmail would be named and shamed in line with our culture in the Land of Honour.

It is important to place on record that His Excellency Biodun Oyebanji remains focused on all- round development of Ekiti State through effective implementation of his six -pillar development agenda. He remains committed to the administration’s shared prosperity agenda and a thousand and one lies and sponsored stories by Sahara Reporters and its traducers cannot distract him.

As a responsible Government, we also consider it appropriate to re-state here that Governor Oyebanji followed due protocols in embarking on the trip, which was well publicised. He has not exceeded the time allocated for the trip. He has not derailed from the purpose of the trip and he would be back in the country this week at the completion of the outlined tasks.

We urge well meaning citizens of the state and Nigerians in general to disregard the dubious publication which is bereft of substance. 

Ekiti NYC to Distribute Pads, Educate Girls on Menstrual Hygiene.

 Ekiti NYC to Distribute Pads, Educate Girls on Menstrual Hygiene.                                                       By Olamide Akinwumi

In observance of World Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28, 2024, the youths of the Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC) in Ekiti State are set to make a significant impact by distributing sanitary pads and educating secondary school girls on menstrual hygiene. This initiative will take place at Mary Immaculate, Old Garage, Ado-Ekiti.

The program aims to address menstrual health challenges faced by young girls, particularly those who lack access to proper menstrual products and education. By providing free sanitary pads and conducting educational sessions, the NYC seeks to empower these girls and promote better menstrual hygiene practices.

Speaking with journalists, Aare Adedara Temitope Moses, the chairman of the Nigerian Youth Congress, disclosed that the union has many beneficial programs and projects for youths and students in the state, in support of the current government. He emphasized that the government cannot do it alone and that the union works tremendously to improve the standard of living for citizens and occupants of the state.

The program, under the department of Lady's Wings and led by Comr. Mercy Olowookere, Deputy Chairman of the Nigerian Youth Congress Ekiti State chapter, will feature a series of wonderful activities.

According to the Director of Programs of the NYC Ekiti State chapter, Comr. Adeigba, the initiative will be organized in all 16 local government areas of the state.

To support this noble cause, the NYC has launched the "Pad a Girl Up Initiatives," inviting the public to donate and help provide pads for the girls. Each donation of ₦500 will supply one girl with necessary sanitary products. Contributions can be made to Sterling Bank account number 0081354239 under the name NYC Ekiti State.

Additionally, 13 secondary schools have been carefully selected, with 10 students from each school set to attend the "Pad a Girl Up" program. The event will feature highly recognized guest speakers who will address various aspects of menstrual health and hygiene, further enriching the educational experience for the attendees.

The event underscores the importance of menstrual health management as a critical component of overall health and well-being for young girls. It also highlights the ongoing efforts to break the stigma and misinformation surrounding menstruation.