Oyebanji returns from US trip.

Oyebanji returns from US trip.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji this morning returned from his working visit to the United States of America. 

A statement by the Special Adviser ( Media), to the Governor, Mr Yinka Oyebode said Oyebanji arrived the Muritala Mohammed Airport, Lagos around 10am and was received by some government officials. 

The Governor will attend to some scheduled meetings in Lagos later today and head to Abuja on Thursday for other scheduled assignments. 

Governor Oyebanji, in the course of the working visit to America, had extensive talks with some heads of governments and institutions, business leaders and development partners, exploring investment opportunities for the state’s power infrastructure, the Special Agriculture Processing Zone and the Ekiti Knowledge Zone, among others. 

These were outside his participation in the US-Africa Business Summit and the signing of MOU with CAVISTA Holdings for a multi billion naira 100,000 hectares cassava farm in the state.

Governor Ayedatiwa Prioritises Potable Water in Ondo State.

Governor Ayedatiwa Prioritises Potable Water in Ondo State.

From left: Engr. Remigius S. Ogunjobi, GM (ODWC), Mr. Dairra Mohamodu; AFD Country Deputy Director, Mrs. Victoria Adetoye, AS, Ministry of Water Resources, Hon. Sunday Akinwalire, Commissioner for Water Resources, Mr. Guillermit Jean, AFD Project Manager and Engr. Omoge Vincent, State Project Coordinator.

The Government of Ondo State, under the leadership of Hon. Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa, has made the provision of potable water a top priority. This initiative is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Water Resources, Public Sanitation, and Hygiene in collaboration with the Ondo State Water Corporation (ODWC), this initiative reflects a concerted effort to address a critical need in the state.

During a recent courtesy visit to the Agency Franchise De Development (AFD) Nigeria Head Office in Abuja, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Public Sanitation and Hygiene, Hon. Sunday Akinwalire, highlighted the government's commitment to ensuring that the residents of Ondo State have access to clean and safe drinking water. According to Hon. Akinwalire, the water project is currently in its physical component stage, aiming to transmit potable water from the Owena Multipurpose Dam to towns and villages within the Ondo Central Senatorial District as the first phase of the project. He assured that similar projects would soon be extended to other senatorial districts.

Mr. Guillermit Jean, AFD Project Manager, commended the Ondo State Government for its dedication to providing potable water to its people and assured that the AFD would deliver on its commitments to the project.

In attendance at the meeting were; Mr. Dairra Mohamodu; AFD Country Deputy Director, Mrs. Victoria Adetoye, AS, Ministry of Water Resources, Hon. Sunday Akinwalire, Commissioner for Water Resources, Public Sanitation and Hygiene, Mr. Guillermit Jean, AFD Project Manager, Engr. Remigius S. Ogunjobi, GM (ODWC), and Engr. Omoge Vincent, State Project Coordinator.

The meeting underscores the collaborative efforts between the Ondo State Government and international partners to enhance citizens' quality of life through improved access to potable water. This commitment to vital infrastructure projects reflects the administration's focus on addressing essential needs and promoting public health.

Signed:

Olukoju Clement, Communication Desk Officer, ODWC (PIU)

Ekiti First Lady: Teaching Students During My Husband's Tenure, An Opportunity To Make Impact.

Ekiti First Lady: Teaching Students During My Husband's Tenure, An Opportunity To Make Impact.

....Motivates Students to Pursue Greatness.

Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has described her decision to perform community service function of teaching in universities in the state while holding office as a First Lady as an opportunity to make impact.

Dr. Oyebanji who made the remarks on Tuesday after a teaching session with 300 Level students of Education Management at the Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado Ekiti said the community service also gave her a platform to contribute to education sector in the state.

The First Lady explained that her appearance before the students also afforded her the opportunity to assess the learning environment in the state-owned university where she started her teaching career noting that situation has improved from what it used to be in the past.

Dr. Oyebanji taught the students a course, Education Management 303 (EDM 303) under the topic, "Leadership in Formal Organizations," with the students listening with the rapt attention.The lecture was the continuation of her teaching in the Department of Education Management during the tenure of her husband, Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

Before she went into the nitty-gritty of the lecture, the First Lady advised the students to be focused on their studies and also pursue greatness in life which, according to her, started from their studentship in the university.

Dr. Oyebanji said if they remain focused and give their studies the best shot, there is no height they cannot reach in life adding that education provides the ladder to greatness for children who were born without silver spoons in their mouths.

The First Lady noted that the course was aimed at preparing the students for leadership positions in various sectors like education business, economy, politics, governance, civil society, religious organizations, and diplomacy, among others.

While describing teaching as her passion, Dr. Oyebanji said she decided to leave her comfort zone and make her wealth of experience as a senior academic at the University of Ibadan available for students of EKSU and Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD) in order to be a model of leadership and mentorship to the students.

She also used the opportunity of the academic interaction with the students to advise them to learn vocational skills to complement their education and overcome the challenge of dwindling spaces for white collar jobs.

Dr. Oyebanji said: "The primary reason of coming to the university is to learn and be a functional member of the society, so they should be focused, they should not be distracted. Let them focus on their education and graduate with good results.

"Let them also get engaged with vocational skills because there is no white collar jobs out there. We now have entrepreneurial programmes in the university system. They should take advantage of these so that when they completetheir courses, they can put their hands to work and also put food on their tables."

Expressing appreciation on behalf of his colleagues, the class governor, Joshua Owoniyi, said the students enjoyed Dr. Oyebanji's lecture, which he described as "very engaging and interactive."

A senior academic in the Faculty, Prof. Florence Adebayo hailed the First Lady for her rare leadership and sacrifice saying "the entire people of the state and Ekiti women are proud of her for being pleasant and showing respect to elders."

Another senior academic, Prof. Grace Akinleye commended Dr. Oyebanji for her "exemplary humility" in leaving the comfort of her office and coming back to teach at the state university and making impact on the students.

Boundary Disputes: Ekiti Govt Meets Residents of Border Towns, Warns Against Bloodshed.

Boundary Disputes: Ekiti Govt Meets Residents of Border Towns, Warns Against Bloodshed.

To avert violence that could culminate in bloodshed in border towns and ensure speedy resolution of inter- state boundary tussles, the Ekiti State Government, has warned towns sharing boundaries with other states against taking laws into their hands.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, gave the warning, on Tuesday, while interacting with stakeholders from Ogotun Ekiti and Efon Alaaye over raging land crises they were having with their neighbours in Ikeji Ile, Ikeji Arakeji and Erinmo, in Osun State.

This admonition came barely five days a boundary bedlam between Eda Oniyo Ekiti and Obbo Ayegunle in Kwara escalated into the killing of a 32 year old man, Bayo Agbetoke.

Harping on the expediency of peace during the parley, Mrs Afuye, according to a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, said peace building was in consonance with the policy of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s government, saying no state can develop while experiencing turmoil.

Mrs Afuye, represented by the Permanent Secretary in her office, Mr Abayomi Opeyemi, said she had met with her counterpart in Osun State, Prince Kola Adewusi, and agreement had been zealed over how to handle the land matters between the two states peacefully.

“At the meeting, the two Deputy Governors agreed that we should embrace peace on this matter, not violence or bloodshed. We have been embarking on the process of identification of actual boundaries with neighbouring states, we will visit you area soon.

“Anytime our experts come to you, I want you to be truthful. Show us the actual place that is the boundary. It is whatever you tell us that we will use to bargain with our neighbours, so we want you to be honest. I think you heard about the killing at Eda Oniyo, this shouldn’t repeat itself. Governor Oyebanji was saddened by this event. Please, help us appeal to your youths, they shouldn’t be violent or take laws into their hands.

“The two Deputy Governors had agreed that every issue between Osun and Ekiti will be resolved during Governor Biodun Oyebanji and Senator Ademola Adeleke tenures. We don’t want war between our people and Osun State. Our son that was killed in Eda Oniyo has gone, though it might be very painful”.

Speaking on behalf of his subjects, the Ologotun of Ogotun Ekiti, Oba Michael Adesanmi, clarified that his community shared boundaries with Ikeji Ile and Ikeji Arakeji, but hinted that that of the former has been the most recurrent and problematic.

The monarch, represented by High Chiefs Simon Ogunsuyi and Disu Bakare, appealed to government to take expeditious actions to halt incursion into their lands by their neighbours from Osun State to prevent violent reactions that could snowball into anarchy.

“The actions of our neighbours are becoming provocative. In fact, there were landmarks on some of the lands, this would make the matters to be easily resolved. We should warn the people in those towns because some of their actions are making our youths restive”, he said.

Speaking on the raging crisis between Efon Alaaye Ekiti and Erinmo in Osun State, Apostle Bojesomo Adegoke, insisted that the fight over the ownership of Ori Oke Agbara was misplaced, saying the place belonged to Efon from time immemorial.

Adegoke appreciated the government for being passionate about resolving the issue, appealing that more cohesive actions should be taken to avert the area from being hijacked by trespassers from Osun State.

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.