Oyebanji, Sahara Reporters and the Needless Debate.

Oyebanji, Sahara Reporters and the Needless Debate.                                                                             By Aina Johnson Adedayo.

      

Must we always heat up the polity? Must we create controversy where there is none? Is Citizen Journalism about rummor and fake news? These and many questions have been troubling me and other members of Ekiti Rebirth Group (ERG) in the last 72 hours since Sahara Reporters, an oniline portal, has started making unnecessary issues out of the recent trip made to the United States by our state Governor, Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji.

 

Ours is an apolitical non-governmental group but concerned about Ekiti development. Over the years, we have played advisory roles to individuals and organisations willing to impact our people. At our meeting yesterday, for the first time, our people were consentient in decision -everybody agreed and condemned the campaign of calumny against Governor Oyebanji by Sahara Reporters and their sponsors. Of course, we subscribe to the school of thought that sees criticism as an essential ingredient for effective governance. But there must be a basis for criticism before it can achieve its objective. Any criticism that is based on sentiment, fake news and ulterior motive is nothing but propaganda.

On this note, the recent hammering on the governor by the news portal is considered by our group as nothing but a deliberate move to drag the name of the respected man in the mud. For Christ’s sake, the news about his trip to the US was given a global treatment. Before he embarked on the trip, Oyebanji’s media aide, Olayinka Oyebode, issued a statement, announcing that the Governor would be travelling to the US to attend the 2024 US-Africa Business Summit in Dallas. On arrival in the US and all through the summit, Nigerians were being fed on both traditional and various digital news platforms with the governor’s activities. After participating in a global event, where he successfully projected our country Nigeria, and Ekiti in particular, he began another round of networking exercises to engage potential partners on Ekiti development. This was also well amplified by his media department.  

 

Sadly, Sahara Reporters suddenly turned itself into a tool in the hands of a few disgruntled individuals who wanted the governor and by extension the Ekiti project to fail and release a news story that the Governor’s whereabouts was unknown. Even after the state government issued a statement to debunk the misleading story and went further to give further details on the governor’s itinerary in the US, the purveyors of the fake news fired another ridiculous shot that the US trip cost Ekiti State $500,000. This is nothing but blackmail and fallacy. 

 

 

To us in our group, we decided to come out and identify with Oyebanji now because we have followed his track record and activities in office in the last one and have years and have concluded that he’s not a frivolous leader.

For instance, after almost two years of being in the saddle of governance in Ekiti State, this is perhaps the governor’s first major trip abroad. It would be recalled that after the 2022 gubernatorial election in Ekiti when everybody was expecting BAO, as he’s popularly called, to travel but he didn’t go anywhere.

 

The recent trip to the United States of America, where he participated in the 2024 US- Africa Business Summit, among other engagements, is, among other benefits to consolidate on the partnership between Ekiti State and CAVISTA Holdings, a strong stakeholder in the summit that has consistently invested in Ekiti in the last two years.

 

Therefore, the trip to America was not to chase shadow but to consolidate on the existing relationship between the global company and Ekiti State. Of course, the summit, which was organised by the Corporate Council on Africa, provided an ample opportunity for Governor Oyebanji to further push the narrative about Ekiti development to the global audience. In attendance were global business leaders, heads of national and sub- national governments, policy makers, investors and institutions. 

To the management of Sahara Reporters and their promoters, Ekiti people are too sophisticated to be bamboozled by this concocted story. We have, over the years, clamoured for a leader of our own -a governor that understands where the shoes are pitching us and we see him in BAO. On this note, we will resist any plan to de-market him and our state.

 

Adedayo is the Director of Publicity of ERG.

Urban Renewal: Oyebanji Distributes N300m Compensation to Property Owners.

Urban Renewal: Oyebanji Distributes N300m Compensation to Property Owners.

….Pledges to rid Ado Ekiti of urban slums.

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Monday, disbursed a whopping sum of N300 million to those whose property were acquired for the driving of the Urban Renewal Policy of the current administration.

The beneficiaries were those whose buildings would be demolished at Atikankan area of Ado Ekiti metropolis, a popular slum within the capital city, for the construction of the proposed Ultra Modern Central Business District and Modern Park in the renowned shanty area.

Interestingly, this gesture came barely three weeks Millions of Naira, were paid as compensation to those whose buildings and crops were demolished for the construction of 1.2 kilometres range flyover between Okeyinmi, Ijigbo and Ajilosun area of Ado Ekiti metropolis and Ekiti State Ring Road Phase 1.

Distributing the cheques at an event held at the Pavilion, Fajuyi area of Ado Ekiti, Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, pledged that his government won’t subject property owners to undue bottleneck before having their compensation paid.

Oyebanji stated that though the property were acquired as part of the determined strides to rid Ekiti of slums and shanties, as represented by Atikankan area, but, this he said, won’t deter him from offering compensation to original owners of landed property in the axis.

The governor said Atikankan has been a notorious hideout for criminals perpetrating evils and represented a dirty and shanty view constituting threat to the people because of high proclivity for the breakout of communicable diseases.

Oyebanji stressed that one of the cardinal objectives of his administration, is transformation of urban slums into a befitting central hubs that will boost economic opportunities in the state, which he said spurred the acquisition of Atikankan/ Igbehin area .

“The proposed project will be one of the major trading hubs in the state where government, private individuals, business and corporate organisations can buy and sell goods and services in a decent and more coordinated manner. The projects will have impact and improve the living standards of the people as it is capable of generating employments for the youths.

“let me reiterate that none of the developmental projects where structures , crops and property are affected will be demolished without payment of full compensation to the beneficiaries of such property. My administration is committed to prompt payment of compensation, no matter how small it might be, so that the little amount paid will not be consumed by inflation rate.

“Although, the amount might be meagre compared with the cost of erecting new structures, but I want you to bear with us as this is part of the collective sacrifices we have to make to enjoy the prosperity of industrial and infrastructural development of our dear state”.

Speaking earlier, the Head of Service, Engr. Sunday Komolafe, described the proposed Central Business District and Park legacy projects as facilities that would add aesthetic values to Ado Ekiti and upscale the state’s economic prosperity.

Komolafe added that the government shared the pains of those who lost their property and businesses to the construction of the facilities, but clarified that the urban renewal policy was initiated in public interest.

Ekiti/Kwara Bloody Boundary Dispute: Oyebanji Wants Killers of Ekiti Indigene Arrested.

Ekiti/Kwara Bloody Boundary Dispute: Oyebanji Wants Killers of Ekiti Indigene Arrested.

The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, has directed the security agencies to investigate and fish out the killers of 32-year old Bayo Agbetoke, who was shot dead, on Saturday, during a bloody boundary dispute between Eda Oniyo Ekiti and Obbo Ayegunle in Kwara State.

The victim was said to have been killed, when some irate youths from Obbo Ayegunle allegedly invaded Eda Oniyo Ekiti, in Ilejemeje Local Government Area for the second time and unleashed terror on the residents over protracted bedlam on the ownership of a sprawling parcel of land located between the border towns .

Oyebanji, during a sympathy visit to the palace of Eleda of Eda Oniyo, Oba Julius Awolola and the deceased's family, on Monday, described the killing as saddening and unwarranted, promising to initiate peace- building process with Kwara State for accelerated resolution of the dispute. 

The governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, condemned the gruesome killing of the deceased, describing such action as callous and morally reprehensible.

Oyebanji promised that his government will work collaboratively with security agencies to nab the killers and bring them to justice, while pledging more security beef up in the town to ward off assailants.

The governor urged Eda Oniyo community to embrace peace and rein in their youths against taking reprisal actions that could further exacerbate the already supercharged atmosphere. 

"This killing was highly devastating and uncalled for. It becomes more painful to me because it came barely four days after I met with the stakeholders from Eda Oniyo, led by your royal highness, chiefs and elite. We promised that this matter will be resolved officially with Kwara State Government.

"The government of Governor Biodun Oyebanji places high value on the security of lives and property and under no guise would he allow anyone to kill any Ekiti indigene and go scot-free. I assure you, the killers will be brought to book.

"I have that confidence that his colleague in Kwara State won't be happy about the sordid turn of event between the two formerly friendly communities. How can we be killing ourselves over land?

"I really sympathise with you on the death of one of you. But I want to appeal to you not to take a reprisal action. Continue to maintain peace no matter the level of provocation. The government is on top of the situation, we are with you", Oyebanji assured. 

Consoling Eda Oniyo indigenes, who massed at the palace to mourn the deceased, Oyebanji added: "We have contacted the Kwara State State Government. Please don't take laws into your hands. What is most important is that, the killers should be apprehended and we will ensure this.

"Pending the time this tension will subside, I appeal to you, don't move about anytime after 8pm to avert further attacks. You can't fight for yourselves. You have intermarried with Obbo Ayegunle and shared relationships. 

"This incident might be painful, but Mr. Governor will not support you to take actions that suggest that you want to retaliate. It is not in the best interest of the two states", he warned.

On the governor's entourage were : lawmaker representing Ilejemeje state constituency in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon Iyabo Fakunle Okieimen, Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Chief Folorunso Olabode, Special Adviser on Internal Security, Brig Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana, Ilejemeje Council boss, Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor's Office, Mr. Abayomi Opeyemi, representative of Surveyor General, Surveyor Rufus Gbadura, Secretary of Ekiti State Boundary Commission, Surveyor Olalekan Olajide, security agencies, among others.

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.