Oyebanji lauds President Tinubu’s support for MSMEs.

Oyebanji lauds President Tinubu’s support for MSMEs.

....Inspects MSME clinic project ahead VP's visit.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has commended the President Tinubu- led Federal Government for his unwavering commitment and support for the development and empowerment of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the country targeted at boosting job creation and youth empowerment. 

Governor Oyebanji gave the commendation in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday while inspecting Ekiti MSME clinic housing the Ekiti Garment Hub, due for commissioning next week by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, describing youth development and job creation as key pillars of his administration’s development agenda. 

Speaking with Journalists shortly after inspecting the project, the Governor expressed his gratitude to the President for selecting Ekiti State as one of the few states to benefit from this phase of the Federal Government MSMEs support programme.

Highlighting the economic impact of the growth of MSMEs on the development of the state and the nation’s economy, the Governor said the MSME clinic, which is a fashion and garment hub, would train Ekiti indigene in fashion designing, create more jobs and also improve the living condition of the residents.

He said the hub would also serve as a catalyst for entrepreneur, providing necessary training and resources for individuals to start their businesses, achieve financial independence, and stimulate the economic growth of the state.

Expressing optimism about the future of Nigeria given the current administration’s proactive stance on economic and citizen welfare, the Governor said the President’s continue emphasis on MSMEs and other citizen-focused policies will not only enhance economic resilient but also ensure a better and quality life for all Nigerians.

“This is a project that the Federal Government is undertaking in Ekiti State in collaboration with the State government and we are grateful to the President for choosing Ekiti State as one of the few states that will benefit from this phase of the program and it is consonance with our promise to our people. You understand that job creation and youth development is one of the pillars of which we campaigned, so this hub will train Ekiti indigenes in fashion design, it will create job for them, it will also lead to the improvement in their living condition.

 “From this place, life will be changed, and people will come in and learn skills that they can use to develop themselves going forward.

“I just came on inspection of the project as a forerunner to the visit of the Vice President who will be coming next week Saturday to commission this project and many more programes like this will come to Ekiti and we can only be grateful to the president and we don’t have a choice than to continue to support and pray for him”. the Governor said.

The Governor restated the commitment of his administration to creating opportunities for the citizens to utilize their education and God - given talents to enhance their economic growth and development.

On the entourage of the Governor during the inspection were the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Adeoye Aribasoye; Commissioner for Investment, Trade and Industry, Mrs Tayo Adeola and other officials.

Erelu Bisi Fayemi Supports SODEF’s Pads Distribution To Secondary School Students In Ilaramokin.

Erelu Bisi Fayemi Supports SODEF’s Pads Distribution To Secondary School Students In Ilaramokin.

In commemoration of the 2024 World Menstrual Hygiene Day, the Society Development Foundation for Women and Children(SODEF) on Wednesday, distributed sanitary pads to female secondary school students in Ilaramokin, Ifedore LGA of Ondo state.

The programme was supported by former First Lady, Ekiti State, Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, a renowned gender advocate. 

The Executive Director of SODEF, Precious Olofinyokun said the gesture was in line with the commitment of the organization to cater for the needs of the girl child and the less privileged in the society.

Olofinyokun who spoke during the distribution to the students of Comprehensive High School, said lack of access to sanitary products, clean water, and proper sanitation facilities can lead to serious health issues and can have negative impact on education of teenage girls as well as their overall well-being.

She added that there is need for stakeholders to pay attention to the girl child especially those menstruating in order to avert outbreak of life-threatening diseases as a result of poor hygiene.

The Executive Director advised the girls to practice safe and healthier menstruation,and urged the students to stop the use of clothes and other unsafe items.

According to her, the organization would sustain the efforts of providing the sanitary pads to the girls and as well other interventions towards the educational and social development of every girl child in the society.

Architect Tope Ogunleye Donates Street Solar Lights to Communities in Ado Ekiti.

Architect Tope Ogunleye Donates Street Solar Lights to Communities in Ado Ekiti.

Special Adviser/Director General Bureau of Special Project, Architect Tope Ogunleye in his usual benevolent gesture has donated 20 points Street Solar lights to some selected streets in Ado Ekiti. Road 3, Egbewa community, Ward 11, Ado Ekiti where 10 points of this Solar lights were installed was used as a point of contact to commission this pet project yesterday 29th May, 2024. 

It was an uncontrolled joy as residents of road 3, Egbewa Community in Ado Ekiti troup out in large number to welcome Architect Tope Ogunleye, his team and APC bigwigs. 

The residents who were visibly enveloped immeasurably with joy, thanked Architect Tope Ogunleye for lighting up the street and says this would go a long way in tackling insecurity. 

In his remark, Architect Tope Ogunleye narrated the level of darkness experienced anytime he pass-by road 3 of Egbewa community and resolved to provide solar lights in order to lighting up the street. The installation of the solar lights tagged ‘BAO light’ (Ina BAO) became a reality yesterday at the neigbourhood. Architect Ogunleye says, it is important for political office holder to follow BAO’s footpath in order to create multiplying effects of good governance in our communities.

Acting APC State Chairman, Barrister. Sola Eleshin acknowledged this good gesture of Architect Tope Ogunleye, He stated that giving back to the people is synonymous to the Ado Ekiti born Architect. He further urged the people of road 3, Egbewa to maintain and secure the solar lights in order to encourage the donour.

APC Chairman in Ado local government, Hon. Michael Akinleye salutes Architect Ogunleye for his commendable leadership styles and for always see the need to impact on people’s life. He urged the residents of road 3. Egbewa to keep an eagle eyes on the solar lights from being vandalized.

Notable people that attended the event includes; APC Acting State Chairman Barrister Sola Elesin, APC Chairman Ado LG Hon Michael Akinleye, Chairman Ward 10 Chief Fakorede, Chairman Ward 11 Prince Adegoke Oba, Party leaders like Otunba Afolabi Alowonle, Hon. Kola Adakeja, Special Assistants, Senior Special Assistants to the Governor and other Party faithful.

Ekiti NYC Expresses Outrage Over the Killing of Two Young Men by the Anti-Kidnapper Arm of the Police in Omisanjana.

Ekiti NYC Expresses Outrage Over the Killing of Two Young Men by the Anti-Kidnapper Arm of the Police in Omisanjana.

The Nigerian Youth Congress, Ekiti State Chapter, is deeply saddened and outraged by the tragic killing of two young men by men of the Nigeria Police in the Omisanjana area of Ado-Ekiti. This act of violence is unacceptable and highlights the urgent need for comprehensive reform and accountability within our security forces, ensuring that there are lesser-tensive measures to douse tensions in the discharge of their lawful duties.

We vehemently condemn this atrocious incident and call upon our loving Governor, His Excellency Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, to take immediate action. Reports confirm that His Excellency has been informed of the situation and has swiftly initiated steps to ensure that justice is served. We urge the Governor to direct the security agencies in the state to take stringent measures to prevent such tragic occurrences and to hold the responsible officers accountable.

Our hearts are heavy with grief for the families of the deceased during this unimaginably difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences and stand in solidarity with them in their sorrow. The Nigerian Youth Congress assures the families and the entire community that we are closely monitoring the investigation and are committed to ensuring that justice is not only pursued but achieved.

The youth populace of Ekiti State is acutely aware of this incident and is following the developments closely. We trust that the state government and the security agencies will fulfill their duty to protect the citizens with integrity and transparency.

Signed:

Aare Adedara Temitope Moses

Chairman, Nigerian Youth Congress, Ekiti State

Unlocking Grassroots Development through Local Government Autonomy: The Ekiti State Example.

Unlocking Grassroots Development through Local Government Autonomy: The Ekiti State Example.

By Adl

The recent declaration by the President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade Ambali Olatunji, that Ekiti State has complied with the constitutional provision on local government autonomy is a welcome development. This milestone, achieved under the administration of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO), is a significant step towards empowering local governments to drive grassroots development. As one of only three states in Nigeria to have achieved this feat, Ekiti State is setting a commendable example for others to follow.

The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, grants local governments autonomy and recognizes them as the third tier of government. Section 7(1) of the Constitution states, "The system of local government by democratically elected local government councils is under this Constitution guaranteed; and accordingly, the government of every State shall, subject to section 8 of this Constitution, ensure their existence under a Law which provides for the establishment, structure, composition, finance, and functions of such councils."

The BAO administration's commitment to local government autonomy is a demonstration of its dedication to grassroots development. By granting financial autonomy to local governments, the state government is enabling them to take ownership of their development processes. This autonomy allows local governments to allocate resources effectively, respond to local needs, and promote economic growth.

The impact of local government autonomy on grassroots development cannot be overstated. With the ability to manage their finances and make decisions independently, local governments can:

1. Implement projects tailored to local needs, such as infrastructure development, healthcare, and education.

2. Promote agriculture and food security by supporting local farmers and initiatives.

3. Create jobs and stimulate economic growth through targeted interventions.

4. Enhance transparency and accountability in governance.

To build on this progress, the BAO administration should prioritize monitoring the quantum of funds allocated to local governments and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) to ensure they are utilized effectively for grassroots development. Additionally, the administration should focus on boosting agriculture and food production at the local level, as this is critical for job creation and food security.

As Ekiti State continues to blaze the trail in local government autonomy, it is essential to ensure that this autonomy is accompanied by effective monitoring and support, paving the way for a brighter future and a more prosperous state. With this milestone, the BAO administration is indeed "walking the talk" of grassroots development, and its impact will be felt for generations to come.

We’ll continue to create economic opportunities for Ekiti people, says Gov Oyebanji.

We’ll continue to create economic opportunities for Ekiti people, says Gov Oyebanji.

Ekiti state Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has reiterated his administration’s commitment to forging strategic partnerships that will uplift the socio-economic status of the state and create economic opportunities for the citizens. 

The Governor Oyebanji, who stated this in Ado- Ekiti on Tuesday during an intervention programme organised in support of MSMEs by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), said potentials in the state’s informal sector would be harnessed to achieve his administration’s economic prosperity target through an effective Public Private Partnership initiative.

Highlighting his administration’s efforts to support small and medium-sized enterprises through financial aids, training programs, and easier access to market, the Governor noted that partnering with SMEDAN and other financial institutions are being strengthened to further provide MSMEs in the state with necessary capital to grow and prosper their businesses. 

He said many individuals possess the necessary integrity, skills, education, resilience, and work ethic but lack opportunities to showcase their abilities, hence the need to forge partnership with development agencies to open doors of prospects for such individuals.

Governor Oyebanji further revealed that his administration is working on various strategies aimed at empowering small business owners in the state with a focus to leverage local content policies to elevate their business.

He urged the people to take full advantage of the opportunities being provided through SMEDAN to uplift their businesses with an assurance that his administration remains committed to the people’s welfare and prosperity and to fostering a more equitable and prosperous society with ultimate goal of transforming the state into a model of sustainable development and inclusive growth.

“The reason many of us are not rich in Ekiti is because we don’t have helpers, and if that is the only thing I will do for Ekiti as Governor, I will appreciate God.”

“I don’t agree that Ekiti is poor, but I agree that we lack helper. For the entrepreneurs I know their challenges but we can overcome and that’s why I have gone to invite SMEDAN to come and help us and they are here now, they have trained us and this is just the tip of the iceberg because we are still going to scale up”.

Earlier, in his remark, the Director General of SMEDAN, Mr. Charles Odil commended the Governor for exploiting all means in ensuring the development of MSMEs in the state and for enhancing sustainable economic development of the country.

Odii explained that SMEDAN’s intervention is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration determination to help business with guidance, resources, opportunities, and workforce support to boost the economic landscape of the country.

The SMEDAN boss explained that the agency’s intervention in Ekiti State include training of over 50 business owners on catering, fashion, and photography and providing them with necessary tools to grow their business, such as gas cooker and oven, sewing machine, camera, and 50,000 naira each to expand their business.

In her remarks, the Commissioner for Investment , Trade and Ineustry, Mrs Tayo Adeola said the intervention was a testament to the dedication and collaborative effort of the Oyebanji led-administration aimed at boosting the economic landscape of the state and ensuring the prosperity agenda of the Governor.

The SMEDAN boss and his team later visited the Ekiti Adire Hub, along Iworoko Road, where they were received by the Wife of the Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, and officials of the center, who took the SMEDAN team round the production processes at the hub, which is empowering youths with Adire making/ marketing skills.

600 Days In Office: Architect Tope Ogunleye Felicitates With Governor Oyebanji.

600 Days In Office: Architect Tope Ogunleye Felicitates With Governor Oyebanji. 

....Facilitates Drilling Of Borehole, Water Gantry and Generator At Olokemeji Area.

Architect Tope Ogunleye Special Adviser/ Director General Bureau of Special Projects, has sent congratulatory message to his Boss, the Executive Governor, Ekiti State Biodun Oyebanji on his giant stride of 600 days in office.

Architect Tope Ogunleye an astute grassroot mobilizer and youth ambassador describes governor Oyebanji as a compass of moral rectitude and a visioneer whose commendable achievement in the past 600 days in office have proved to the naysayers that good governance is not rocket science.

In a bid to commemorate the landmark achievement of Governor Oyebanji, and Mark his 600days in Office in a grand style, Architect Tope Ogunleye led his team and political bigwigs in Ekiti State to commission Borehole, he facilitated and Big electric Generator at Oloke Meji area at Odo-Ado in Ado Ekiti.

Architect Tope Ogunleye who was visibly enveloped with joy congratulated his team members "RST Team for BAO" for their commitment and unalloyed loyalty to BAO administration promised to always give back to the society, in his speech "A life of no impact is life of no value, Governor Oyebanji has under promised but over delivered, BAO all-inclusive administration has deepened democracy and all hands must be on deck towards ensuring shared prosperity" he added.

His Excellency Governor Oyebanji, ably represented by the Special Adviser on political matters, Chief Jide Awe, thanked the people of the community for warm reception, in his speech, he averred that Architect Ogunleye takes delight in making his people happy, he showered encomium on him for being an outstanding ambassador of BAO whose character is worthy of emulation. He urged political appointees to borrow a leaf from the robust representation of Architect Tope Ogunleye.

Notable people who attended the historic event includes Special Adviser Political matters Chief Jide Awe, Hon. Shola Elesin APC acting State Chairman, Hon Michael Akinleye APC Chairman Ado LG, Chief Bosun Osaloni Chairman Àdo LG, Prince Bolu Aladesanmi Chairman Àdo West, Regent omotunde Adelabu, Hon. Sunday Ibitoye, Alh. Tesi, Alh. Demola Bello, Hon. Jumoke Olaniyan, Otunba Alowonle, Hon. Yemi Olajuyin, Ward Chairmen lead by Hon. Kayode Oladimeji, Women leaders lead by Hon. Margret Adelusi, Special Assistants, Senior Special Assistants, party loyalists and others.