Ekiti NYC Lauds Ekiti First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, and Others for the Success of 'Pad a Girl Up' Initiative.

Ekiti NYC Lauds Ekiti First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, and Others for the Success of 'Pad a Girl Up' Initiative.                                                           By Olamide Akinwumi. 

In a significant stride towards menstrual hygiene management and education, the Ladies’ Wing of the Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC), Ekiti State Chapter, under the leadership of Deputy Chairman Comrade Mercy Olowokere, has seen tremendous growth and impact with their 'Pad a Girl Up' initiative. This success is attributed to the dedication and support from key figures, including Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, the First Lady of Ekiti State.

Speaking with journalists, Aare Adedara Temitope Moses, Chairman of the Nigerian Youth Congress Ekiti State Chapter, expressed deep appreciation for the contributions of Her Excellency Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji. He also acknowledged the support from the Commissioner for Youth Development, the Director General of Community Communication Mary Oso-Omotosho, the DG Diaspora, the Ekiti State Accountant General, leader Adesuyi Peter, PTA, the SA Youth Development Maxwell, SSA Students Lady Comrade Adetiba, the team ladies wing of the Nigerian Youth Congress Ekiti State Chapter, the mother general wife of Baba Fasuan, and all the state executives of the Nigerian Youth Congress Ekiti State.

The first volume of the 'Pad a Girl Up' program, held on May 28, 2024, at Mary Immaculate, Old Garage, Ado-Ekiti, marked a significant step towards raising awareness and providing practical solutions for menstrual hygiene management. This event successfully reached many young girls, equipping them with the necessary tools and education to manage their menstrual health confidently.

The initiative's success highlights the importance of community-led efforts and the critical role of supportive leadership in addressing social issues. Dr. Oyebanji’s involvement has been instrumental in driving the initiative's impact, ensuring that the program not only meets immediate needs but also contributes to the long-term health and empowerment of young women in Ekiti State.

The 'Pad a Girl Up' initiative plans to extend its reach to all sixteen local government areas in the state. The continued support from the Nigerian Youth Congress and key figures like Dr. Oyebanji is essential in sustaining this momentum and driving further positive change.

The collective efforts and the program's success serve as a testament to the power of collaboration and the vital role of community and leadership in fostering progress. The ongoing commitment of the Ekiti State First Lady and the Nigerian Youth Congress remains a beacon of hope for continued advancements in menstrual health awareness and education.

The successful launch of the 'Pad a Girl Up' program underscores the importance of such initiatives in promoting health, education, and empowerment among young girls. The NYC looks forward to furthering this mission with the support of its partners and the community, paving the way for a brighter future for the young women of Ekiti State.

Daurama Foundation Marks World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2024 with Significant Contributions and Celebrations in FCT, Borno State.

Daurama Foundation Marks World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2024 with Significant Contributions and Celebrations in FCT, Borno State.

Dr. Samira Buhari and her Daurama Foundation celebrated World Menstrual Hygiene Day by spending the day advocating for, and enlightening girls on menstrual health and the importance of menstrual hygiene with young girls at the JSS Secondary School, Wuse, Zone 3, Abuja. This year's global theme, "Together for a "PeriodFriendlyWorld," emphasises the collective effort to eliminate the stigma around menstruation and ensure every girl has access to the resources they need for menstrual health and hygiene.

The Daurama Foundation team educated over 500 young girls on the importance of menstrual health and hygiene awareness. They also distributed period-friendly hygiene supplies, including sanitary pads, detergents, tissue papers, and exercise books to the students.

Dr. Samira Buhari, in her goodwill message, said "Every month, more than two billion people around the world menstruate. It is crucial that girls in Nigeria have access to the sanitary items they need to manage their periods safely and hygienically. Ensuring menstrual health aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, promoting gender equality, quality education, and good health and well-being. Today and every day, we must normalise conversations about menstruation and take action to end period poverty."

The school's principal, Mrs Adebimpe Ojo, expressed her gratitude for the foundation's support. "The Daurama Foundation's visit today has not only provided our students with essential hygiene supplies but also empowered them with knowledge. This is a significant step towards ensuring that our girls can attend school confidently and without interruption."

One of the students, Emmanuel Perfection, shared her excitement and appreciation. She said "Receiving these sanitary pads and learning about menstrual health today has been very helpful. Now I feel more prepared and confident. Thank you to Dr. Buhari and the Daurama Foundation for caring about us."

In addition to the events in Abuja, Dr. Samira Buhari, through the Daurama Foundation, donated 500 sanitary pads towards the WASH program in Borno State, Nigeria. This donation is part of the foundation's contribution to the WASH Partners initiative, aiming to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) standards in the region.

As the movement against period poverty celebrates ten years of collective action by women and girls worldwide, Daurama Foundation continues to champion menstrual hygiene management and awareness in Nigeria. Today's event highlights the ongoing commitment to making talking about periods a normal part of life and ensuring that no girl misses out on education due to lack of sanitary products.

The Daurama Foundation, led by Dr. Samira Buhari, is committed to improving health outcomes and championing the rights of women and girls across Nigeria through advocacy, comprehensive education, and active community engagement, we work to tackle pressing issues that affect the well-being and rights of girls and women in the communities we serve. Programs aim to address domestic violence, improve neonatal health, and advocate for menstrual health and hygiene. Empowering women and girls, fostering sustainable development, and attaining equality heavily rely on these pivotal focus areas.

For more information about the Daurama Foundation and its initiatives, please visit www.dauramafoundation.org

Contact Daurama Foundation at press@dauramafoundation.org

NULGE President Hails Ekiti State, Two Others On Local Government Autonomy.

NULGE President Hails Ekiti State, Two Others On Local Government Autonomy. 

 

Comrade Ambali Olatunji, NULGE President. 

The President of National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade Ambali Olatunji has commended Ekiti State Government for adhering to the constitutional provision of local government autonomy in the state.

Speaking on Channels Television’s programme, The Morning Brief on Tuesday, Comrade Olatunji, who criticised state governments for flouting the local government autonomy law, however cited Ekiti State as one of the three states that have followed the due process for local government autonomy.

He identified Rivers and Jigawa as two other states that have also complied with the constitutional provision.

The NULGE President who flayed what he described as flagrant disregard for the local government autonomy, by state government, alleged that many states have continued to deny the third tier of government democratic governance through the use of Caretaker committees or sole administrator as against elected officials, adding that many of them have also not complied with the financial independence aspect of the autonomy, through unwholesome practices that slow down growth and development at the third tier government.

When asked by the moderator to mention names of the states that are disregarding the local government autonomy law and who are in the habit of crediting and withdrawing money from the local government account, Comrade Olatunji said only the three states- Ekiti, Jigawa and Riverrs have complied with the law.

“Only three states are complying “mutantis mutandis with the provisions of the constitution -Ekiti, Jigawa and Rivers. These are the states that stand above board in the issue of local government autonomy.”, he added.

Shasha Market Crisis: EKSG Resolves Ikere Community, Hausa Traders Land dispute.

Shasha Market Crisis: EKSG Resolves Ikere Community, Hausa Traders Land dispute.

The Ekiti State Government, has resolved the protracted land dispute between Ikere community and Hausa traders over cases of massive land encroachments being allegedly perpetrated at Shasha market located along Ado-Ikere Highway.

The government urged the Hausa traders to continue to operate unhindered in the market, with a stringent warning that the market stalls and residential buildings being erected shouldn’t exceed the one kilometre radius allocated to them by the state government.

Sequel to a petition written by Ikere Community that Hausa traders were exceeding the lands allocated to them, the state government, had set up a powerful Boundary Technical Committee to visit the area and ascertain the veracity of the claim for peace to reign.

While giving the report of the Committee, on Tuesday, the Ekiti State Surveyor General, Adebayo Faleto, revealed that measurement indicated that the buildings erected by Hausa traders in the market didn’t transcend the area apportioned to them ab initio.

Presiding over the matter, the Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, told the Ikere land owners, who have not been compensated to officially write to government for excision of part of the lands in that axis to them based on the advice of experts.

Appealing to the land owners not to hinder business operation in the area , Mrs Afuye, in a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, said the community and the traders are Nigerians, who should continue to cohabit harmoniously without rancour and bad blood.

As part of their lofty contributions to the development of the state, the Deputy Governor, urged the traders operating in the market to pay their statutory taxes and rates to Ikere Local Government, to shore up the internally generated revenue of the council.

Mrs Afuye said: “The land you released to government in that area had been gazetted and it is now a matter of law. If you want to get some portions back, you have to pass through some processes.

“Let the families who want to be compensated with lands to write to the Bureau of Land, the government will consider your position. There is no reason to fight over land or start killing yourselves or destroying people’s property, it is against the law”, she warned.

On how to take full ownership of the Shasha area, Mrs Afuye added: “The local government must be alive to its responsibility of going there to collect taxes and rates from these traders, because the lands were acquired for development and this won’t be realised when you are not complying.

“Shasha market is a plus to Ikere community. They add to your population and voting strength. Please, allow the traders to continue to operate since they have not exceeded the radius allocated to them”, Mrs Afuye pleaded.

In her submission at the parley, the General Manager, Ekiti State Housing Corporation, Mrs Ilesanmi Abimbola, said 20 hectares of land were ceded to the agency in that area through the office of the Surveyor General of the State, out of which two hectares were legally allocated to Hausa community.

“The lands were allocated to Hausa traders through the normal processes of government and there was nothing like encroachment on government’s lands. The lands acquired were paid for and duly allocated”.

Commending the government for being painstaking and unbiased in the handling of the issues raised by his people, the Ogoga of Ikere, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado, said necessary steps will be taken for the excision of some lands to his people to serve as compensation.

The monarch, represented by the Saruku of Ikere kingdom, Chief Clement Alomoge posited that his people would continue to coexist peacefully with the traders in the overall interest of the community, saying what they stoutly stood against was undue and illegal land acquisition by strangers.

“We are not after anyone or trying to go into war with the Hausa traders, they belong to us, we consider them as part of our people. But we need to clarify that the lands ceded to Hausa traders were for market and not for residential purpose.

“The government acquired the lands from Ikere for development and not to be allocated to individuals as they were doing, that was our contention, not to fight anyone.

“We will write to government as rightly advised, so that part of these unused lands can be excised  families who are yet to be compensated for peace to reign”, the monarch said.

Divine Intervention Impact Foundation Hosts "Operation Feed an Orphan".

Divine Intervention Impact Foundation Hosts "Operation Feed an Orphan".

By Olamide Akinwumi

The Divine Intervention Impact Foundation organized "Operation Feed an Orphan" today, Monday, May 27th, aimed at addressing child hunger in the community.

The event held comprises of beneficiaries from Ketu Adie Owe, Orile Gboko, and Lusada communities, focused on providing support to orphans, fatherless, motherless, and less privileged children.

The Director of the foundation, delivered an inspiring speech urging the children to prioritize their education and listen to their parents. "Education is the best legacy your parents can give to you," she emphasized, "and you should not take it with a nonchalant attitude."

Mrs Oluwafunmilayo also spoke about contentment and determination, advising the children to be content with what they have and to avoid negative influences such as bad friends, smoking, excessive use of social media, procrastination, and neglecting their studies. She encouraged them to stay determined to achieve greatness in life.

Addressing the parents, the founder said, "Children are a heritage of God; they are given to us by God to train for Him. We, as parents, should always endeavor to take good care of them and provide for their necessary needs. They stand as our future leaders, therefore, they need care, support, and love."

The program also featured an awards ceremony, where Mrs. Dorcas Adesanya, the organization's Welfare Director, and Mrs. Modupe Fadare, the Matron of the organization, were honored with Awards of Excellence in Philanthropy.

In a heartfelt conversation with journalists, Mrs. Oluwafunmilayo extended her gratitude to all the volunteers, including Miss Esther, Miss Blessing, Mrs. Oyedepo, Mrs. Faniyi, and Mr. Fashina, as well as the donors ofthe programmes. She said, "May God Almighty continue to bless and enrich their pockets."

The event was marked by joy and overwhelming happiness, praised by both parents and children. Food items and other valuable goods were distributed to the participants, ensuring that the children felt supported and cherished.

The initiative was well-received by the community, with parents and guardians expressing their gratitude for the foundation's efforts. The event highlighted the importance of community support in fostering a nurturing environment for the less privileged.

The Divine Intervention Impact Foundation continues to make significant strides in addressing child hunger and promoting education, embodying the true spirit of community and care.

Leadership Excellence Personified: The Inspiring Governance of Governor Biodun Oyebanji (Part 1).

Leadership Excellence Personified: The Inspiring Governance of Governor Biodun Oyebanji (Part 1).

By Adewumi Sikiri

In the annals of Ekiti State's history, a new chapter of transformative leadership is being written under the visionary guidance of Governor Biodun Oyebanji. Demonstrating an unshakeable dedication to his constituents, Governor Oyebanji has consistently fulfilled his promises, inspiring hope and confidence in the future of the state.

Since assuming office, Governor Oyebanji has embarked on a mission to redefine governance, prioritizing the welfare and well-being of Ekiti's citizens. His administration's strategic initiatives and policy interventions have yielded tangible results, positively impacting lives across the state. From infrastructure development to education, healthcare, and youth empowerment, Governor Oyebanji's leadership has been marked by relentless pursuit of excellence and inclusive growth.

One hallmark of Governor Oyebanji's leadership is his ability to listen and engage with his constituents. Known for being accessible, empathetic, and responsive, he has fostered a sense of ownership and participation among citizens, who feel valued in the decision-making process.

Governor Oyebanji's commitment to education, a critical sector for human capital development, has been particularly noteworthy. His administration's investments in education infrastructure, teacher training, and curriculum reform have enhanced the quality of learning and increased access to education for all.

In healthcare, Governor Oyebanji's leadership has led to significant improvements. Efforts to revamp healthcare infrastructure, upgrade medical equipment, and enhance the capacity of healthcare personnel have resulted in better health outcomes and improved access to quality healthcare services.

Furthermore, Governor Oyebanji's dedication to youth empowerment and job creation has been a beacon of hope for the younger generation. Initiatives in entrepreneurship development, skills training, and job creation have begun to bear fruit, with many young people now gainfully employed and contributing to the state's economic growth.

In conclusion, Governor Biodun Oyebanji's leadership has been a breath of fresh air, bringing hope and inspiration to the people of Ekiti State. His unwavering commitment to fulfilling his promises has earned him respect and admiration. As we look forward to the future, Governor Oyebanji's vision for Ekiti State remains one of prosperity, inclusivity, and sustainable development.

To be continued in Part 2

Iyin Youth Forum Celebrates One-Year Milestone with Thanksgiving Ceremony.

Iyin Youth Forum Celebrates One-Year Milestone with Thanksgiving Ceremony.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

The Iyin Youth Forum marked a significant milestone yesterday, celebrating their one-year anniversary in office with a special thanksgiving ceremony held at the TCPGC, Iyin-Ekiti. The event brought together the executive members of the forum, former President Comrade Taiwo Jinadu, Miss Iyin Ajisafe Joy, and a group of vibrant youths from the community.

This momentous occasion was a celebration of the dedication, hard work, and commitment of the forum members in serving the community. The gathering was filled with joyful hearts as the attendees came together to give thanks and praise to God for the blessings and guidance that have sustained them over the past year.

The ceremony featured songs, prayers, and testimonies, with the youths reflecting on their journey. They acknowledged the challenges faced and triumphs achieved, expressing gratitude for the service, dedication, passion, and leadership that have positively impacted the forum and the community at large. The event celebrated the significant contributions made by the forum, the lives touched, and the hope inspired within the community. The members also reaffirmed their commitment to continuing their good work, striving for excellence, and making a positive impact.

Community leaders, well-wishers, and supporters joined the youths in this joyous and heartfelt expression of gratitude. The attendees were inspired by the passion and enthusiasm displayed by the youth forum. The ceremony served as a reminder of the power of faith, community, and service to others. It underscored that their accomplishments were by the grace of God and highlighted their dedication to paving the way for a brighter future for all.

In his closing remarks, Comrade Austin Gbenga Dada, the Public Relations Officer of the Iyin Youth Forum National Office, expressed the collective gratitude of the forum to God for His guidance, wisdom, and blessings throughout their first year in office. He emphasized that their achievements were not their own but by God's grace, and he called for continued dedication to being shining examples of God's love and grace in the community.

To God be the glory!

Comrade Austin Gbenga Dada

IYF Public Relations Officer, National Office, Iyin-Ekiti

May 27, 2024