2024 World Water Day: Governor Ayedatiwa Outlines Efforts to Ensure Access to Safe Water.

2024 World Water Day: Governor Ayedatiwa Outlines Efforts to Ensure Access to Safe Water.

In celebration of World Water Day 2024, the Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration's unwavering commitment to providing safe and potable water for all residents of the state.

The event, held in Akure, saw Governor Aiyedatiwa, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Temitayo Oluwatuyi, highlight the significant strides made by his administration in tackling the state's water challenges. The Governor recalled that upon taking office, only four percent of the population had access to potable water, primarily due to the neglect of water infrastructure.

However, through strategic investments in water restoration and expansion projects, this figure has notably increased. By 2020, 17.6 percent of the population had access to clean water, with the current figure standing at over 38 percent. Governor Aiyedatiwa underscored ongoing efforts to further improve water infrastructure, including the rehabilitation and reticulation of the Owena Multipurpose Dam, which serves six local government areas for the first phase, and plans to spread to other local government areas in due course.

The Governor also spoke about the "Ômi-Irorun" Water Policy, under which the administration aims to extend access to safe water to schools and eradicate open defecation by providing adequate sanitation facilities. He stressed the state's commitment to collaborating with international agencies and local communities to ensure sustainable water management.

The theme of this year's World Water Day, "Leveraging Water for Peace," was a focal point of the Governor's address. He stressed the vital role of water in fostering peace and stability within communities, urging residents to use water facilities responsibly and to appreciate the government's efforts to provide this essential resource.

Commissioner for Water Resources, Public Sanitation, and Hygiene, Hon. Sunday Akinwalire, highlighted the importance of collective action in addressing the global water crisis. He detailed his ministry's achievements, including the construction of boreholes and the rehabilitation of water infrastructure, and called for continued cooperation with relevant bodies to achieve universal access to clean water.

The Administrative Secretary, Mrs. Victoria Opeyemi Adetoye, also emphasized the importance of water in promoting peace and stability. She stressed the need for ongoing cooperation to reach the desired goals of improved water accessibility and quality of life for all residents.

The event featured a lecture by Prof. Benjamin Bankole of Ekiti State University, who spoke on the theme "Water for Peace."

The celebration was attended by a diverse group of dignitaries, including politicians, government officials, technocrats, traditional and religious leaders, union leaders, market women, and students, reflecting the wide-reaching support for the state's water initiatives.

This World Water Day celebration in Ondo State stands as a testament to the government's dedicated efforts to improve water accessibility and ensure a better quality of life for all its residents.

Signed:

Olukoju Clement; Communication Desk Officer, ODWC (PIU)

Cavista Holdings Donates Laptops to Ekiti State Ministry of Youth Development; Promises More for Ekiti Youth.

Cavista Holdings Donates Laptops to Ekiti State Ministry of Youth Development;  Promises More for Ekiti Youth.

In a bid to empower the youth of Ekiti State, Cavista Holdings, through its foundation, Agbeyewa Farms Community Development Foundation (AFCDF), has donated 23 laptops to the Ekiti State Ministry of Youth Development. The laptops were received by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Gold Adedayo, at the Ministry's Resource/Job Center.

The laptops will be distributed to selected young men and women to provide them with the necessary tools to enhance their skills, access vital information, and prepare for the competitive job market. This donation will undoubtedly contribute to the intellectual and professional development of the youth in Ekiti State.

The donation is part of Cavista Holdings' corporate social responsibility initiatives aimed at supporting the development of Ekiti State. The company, which has invested heavily in the state's tourism and agricultural sectors, has pledged to continue supporting the youth to achieve their full potential.

The Chairman of Cavista Holdings, Mr. Niyi John Olajide, represented at the ceremony by the organization's Director of Community Engagement, Dauda Lawal, said "Cavista Holdings is dedicated to investing in the future of Ekiti State and its youth. As we continue to invest and take advantage of business opportunities across the country, we will also invest in CSR initiatives like this, because we believe that by empowering the youth, we are building a brighter future for all."

The Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Gold Adedayo expressed his gratitude to Cavista Holdings for the donation, praising the company's commitment to social responsibility and dedication to the development of Ekiti State. He encouraged the youth to make good use of the laptops, promising that the Ministry would continue to work with partners like Cavista Holdings to provide more opportunities for Ekiti youth.

Recall that the company recently signed an MOU with the state government towards cultivating 100,000 hectares of cassava farm fields through one of its subsidiaries, Agbeyewa Farms, as part of its ambitious agricultural investments in the state.

The company's commitment to Ekiti State is a testament to its vision of building healthy and thriving communities through sustainable investments, job creation, and  poverty alleviation.

EKSG Approves N268 Million for Rehabilitation of Housing Roundabout to Prison Junction Road.

EKSG Approves N268 Million for Rehabilitation of Housing Roundabout to Prison Junction Road.

The Ekiti State Government has approved a total sum of N268,173,885 for the rehabilitation of the Housing Roundabout to Prison Junction road in Ado Ekiti. This project is part of the state government’s strategic efforts to maintain and enhance the condition of major roads in the state capital and other key towns.

The State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, announced this development in a statement issued after the State Executive Council meeting held at the Executive Council Chamber, New Governor’s Office in Ado Ekiti on Thursday, 30th May, 2024.

According to Olatunbosun, the decision to rehabilitate this critical road is aligned with the administration's commitment to ensuring that roads in the state are constantly in good condition and very motorable. This initiative aims to improve the quality of life for residents and facilitate smoother transportation within the state capital.

“The approval for this rehabilitation project underscores our dedication to infrastructure development and maintenance,” said Olatunbosun. “The project will be executed through direct labour by the Ekiti State Public Works Corporation, which will help us ensure quality control and timely completion.”

The Commissioner further detailed that the project is expected to be completed within six months, emphasizing the state government's commitment to swift and efficient execution of infrastructural projects. The rehabilitation of this road is anticipated to ease traffic congestion, improve road safety, and contribute to the overall economic development of the area by enhancing access for businesses and commuters alike.

Residents have been urged to cooperate with the government and the Public Works Corporation during the rehabilitation process, as temporary inconveniences such as detours and construction activities may occur.

The approval for this project is part of a broader initiative by the Oyebanji administration to invest in the state’s infrastructure, ensuring that roads and other critical public assets are maintained to high standards. This is seen as a key component of the administration's vision for a prosperous and well-connected Ekiti State.

With the continuous investment in infrastructure, the Ekiti State Government aims to create a conducive environment for economic activities and improve the standard of living for its citizens. The Housing Roundabout to Prison Junction road rehabilitation is just one of many projects designed to achieve this goal.

EKSG Approves N165.5 Million for Desiltation to Prevent Flooding.

EKSG Approves N165.5 Million for Desiltation to Prevent Flooding.

The Ekiti State Government has approved a sum of N165,554,230 for the desiltation of silted drains, culverts, and access slabs in Ado, Ikere, and Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Areas. This decision is part of the ongoing intervention efforts by the Oyebanji administration aimed at mitigating flood risks in the state.

The State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, disclosed this in a statement following the State Executive Council meeting held at the Executive Council Chamber, New Governor’s Office in Ado Ekiti on Thursday, 30th May, 2024.

According to the statement, this development underscores the administration's commitment to the continuous dredging of waterways and desiltation of all hydraulic infrastructures. This includes dams, reservoirs, canals, watercourses, culverts, bridges, and other flood control structures, with a particular focus on the Ado Ekiti metropolis.

"The proactive intervention of the administration has over time mitigated the potential impact of floods," said Olatunbosun. "Since December 2022, the administration has been actively engaged in precautionary measures to prevent flooding."

The Commissioner emphasized the importance of community cooperation in these efforts. He urged residents to support the government's initiatives by avoiding activities that could undermine flood prevention measures. This includes refraining from erecting structures on waterways, dumping waste and refuse in drainage systems, and obstructing canals.

The approved desiltation project aims to enhance the capacity of drainage systems to handle water flow, thereby reducing the risk of floods during heavy rains. The Ekiti State Government continues to prioritize the safety and well-being of its citizens through such proactive infrastructure projects.

Highlights of Ekiti State Executive Council Meeting.

Highlights of Ekiti State Executive Council Meeting.

Highlights of the State Executive Council Meeting of 30th May, 2024.

1. EKITI STATE GOVERNMENT APPROVES N165.5MILLION FOR CONTINUATION OF DESILTATION TO PREVENT FLOODING

Ekiti State Executive Council approved a sum of N165,554,230 for the desiltation of silted drains, culverts and access slabs in Ado, Ikere and Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Areas.

The approval is in furtherance of the continuous intervention of the Oyebanji administration in the dredging of waterways and desiltation of all hydraulic infrastructures including dams, reservoirs, canals, watercourses, culverts, bridges and other flood control structures across the State but particularly in Ado Ekiti metropolis.

The proactive intervention of the administration has overtime mitigated potential impact of flood as the administration has ceaselessly engaged in precautionary measures to prevent flood since December 2022.

It is however, pertinent to urge residents to support efforts of Government at safeguarding lives and property of people in the State by shunning acts that may be inimical to Government’s flood prevention initiatives such as erecting structures on waterways, dumping waste and refuse on drainages and obstruction of canals.

2. EKSG APPROVES N268MILLION FOR REHABILITATION OF HOUSING ROUNDABOUT TO PRISON JUNCTION ROAD

The State Executive Council also approved N268,173,885 for the rehabilitation of the Housing Roundabout to Prison Junction road in Ado Ekiti.

The development is in fulfilment of the desire of the State Government to strategically maintain roads and ensure that main roads in the State capital and other major towns in the State are constantly in good condition and very motorable.

The job will be carried out through direct labour by the Ekiti State Public Works Corporation and expected to be completed within six months.

3. EKITI GOVT. APPROVES N301.98MILLION FINAL TRANCHE COMPENSATION ON AIRPORT ACQUISITION

The State Executive Council approved the payment of a sum of N301,980,608.11 as the second and last tranche of compensation to the remaining 377 claimants whose crops and structures were affected by the Airport acquisition process.

While the present administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji is passionate about improving existing infrastructure and initiating new projects for economic advancement to the benefit of the people as enshrined in the Infrastructure and Industrial Development agenda of the administration, the State Government remains committed to ensuring that the original owners of crops and structures affected by the laudable projects are properly compensated.

The amount approved was premised on the report of the consultant, Jimosaf Resources Limited, engaged by the State Government to undertake the enumeration of affected properties.

The State Government under the immediate past Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi had in March, 2021 paid a sum of N500 million to 700 land owners whose lands were acquired for the Airport project.

To further ensure proper handling of the payment of the compensation, the State Executive Council constituted a committee tagged “Airport Land Compensation payment verification Committee” comprising the State Commissioner for Budget, Mr. Oyeniyi Adebayo; the Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof. Bolaji Aluko; Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investments, Mrs. Tayo Adeola; Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, (BPP), Mr. James Folorunso and the Director General of the Office of Transformation and Service Delivery, Dr. Moyo Ekundayo.

4. EKITI ENGAGES CONSULTANT TO CARRY OUT NEEDS ASSESSMENT OF URBAN PIPELINE WATER NETWORK

As part of the sector reforms aimed at improving the management and delivery of sustainable water supply services to the State under the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) programme, the State Executive Council approved the engagement of a consultant to carry out a Needs Assessment of Urban Pipeline Water Network in the State.

The Executive Council also approved a sum of N90million for the assignment and seven months completion period.

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5. EKITI EXCO APPROVES N150,000,000 FOR PROCUREMENT AND DISTRIBUTION OF AGRIC INPUT TO FARMERS

Ekiti State Executive Council similarly approved N150million for the procurement and distribution of improved seeds, agrochemicals, fertilizers amongst others to farmers in the State.

The focus is to support the agricultural sector of the State by actively stimulating the production side of the value chain through provision of inputs to farmers as well as serve as the State’s contribution to the Federal Government Agro Pocket Scheme, a programme aimed at supporting national agriculture growth and increasing food production.

The State Government had earlier approved a sum of N450million as the State’s support for the scheme but due to the delay from the Federal Government on input distribution, the approval of the N150million is to ensure prompt and timely distribution of the inputs while the remaining N300million will be reserved for procurement of fertilizer in case the State is not able to get the consignment requested for from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

Inputs to be distributed include maize, rice, cocoa, cassava stalks, improved yam setts, oil palm, cashew and agrochemicals.

6. GOVT. APPROVES N221.6MILLION FOR CONSTRUCTION OF ARTS AND CULTURAL CENTRE

The State Executive Council also approved a sum of N221,668,000 for the construction of the Arts and Cultural Centre at Water Works Area in Ado Ekiti.

The approval was to address the need for the State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy to have a befitting Cultural Centre that will promote and preserve the State’s cultural heritage.

The Centre will serve as the professional and exhibition space for the Creative Department of the Ministry, contribute to the development of the State Capital by creating dynamic spaces of cultural exchange, attract consumers and commerce, create new job opportunities as well as fostering revenue generation.

Components of the Centre include an arts theatre; arts gallery and museum; multipurpose hall; sales point for arts works, craft and souvenirs; 10 huts for craftsmen and women; two bush-bar and kitchens; conveniences; borehole; generator house; and security post.

The Centre which is expected to be completed within seven months is to be awarded to Messrs. Adedokun Alade & Company, a reputable company with specialty in the designing and construction of performance spaces.

7. EKITI GOVT. STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF COMPLYING WITH DISABILITY LAW.

The State Executive Council directed that all public buildings in the State must be in compliance with the Disability Law on creating access to people with mobility difficulties by providing ramps and equipment to help them access the buildings with ease by the end of 2025.

Public buildings are classified to include business malls & supermarkets, churches, mosques, educational institutions (schools), banks, official buildings.

Signed

Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun

Ekiti State Commissioner for Information

Ekiti First Lady Seeks SMEDAN'S Support For Adire Ekiti Hub.

Ekiti First Lady Seeks SMEDAN'S Support For Adire Ekiti Hub. 

....SMEDAN DG Visits Adire Ekiti Hub, Impressed With Creativity in Local Fabrics.

Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has canvassed the support of the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (SMEDAN) to equip Adire Ekiti Hub for it to experience higher turnover of production to meet ever-growing demand for its products.

The First Lady made the call when she played host to the Director General of SMEDAN, Mr. Charles Odii and his team from the federal agency who were on a working visit to Ekiti State.

Dr. Oyebanji first hosted the SMEDAN boss and his team in her office before leading them to the Adire Ekiti Hub on a facility tour where Mr. Odii expressed delight with what is being done at the centre in the areas of creativity, enterprise and productivity.

The First Lady and the SMEDAN chief were conducted round the facility by the Technical Advisor to the Governor on Entrepreneurship Development, Dr. Abimbola Oni with the SMEDAN team admiring and purchasing a good number of the Adire products.

The Governor's wife said the seed sown with the inauguration of the Hub in the month of March is growing rapidly and making waves but pointed out that the support of SMEDAN would be needed for massive equipment of the centre and empowerment of its trainees.

Specifically, Dr. Oyebanji noted that the centre would need industrial sewing machine to produce ready-to-wear Adire clothes, and other equipment to produce bags and shoes made with Adire to further boost the production process.

The First Lady further wooed SMEDAN in the area of supporting the Adire Ekiti Hub trainees with Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) as a form of empowerment for them to scale up the art of producing the fabrics and boosting the trade.

Dr. Oyebanji said the Hub a been overwhelmed with orders for supply of more of its products from both local and Diaspora clientele made up of individuals, groups, trade unions, corporate organizations, among others hence the call for support from SMEDAN.

She said: "I have listened to you and the long short of this conversation bothers on how to better the lots of our people through your organization (SMEDAN). Believe you me Sir, Adire Ekiti is going places and we are doing so wonderfully well."

During the facility tour of the Hub, Dr. Oyebanji said: "There is so much demand for the Adire Ekiti products now, we even have demand from our people in Diaspora. We are looking at getting machines to be producing readymade materials on a large scale."

Speaking earlier, SMEDAN DG, Mr. Odii, who said Ekiti State was picked as one of the benefitting states in the agency's National Business Skills Development Initiative said the agency would be open to supporting the various initiatives of the First Lady including the Adire Ekiti.

Mr. Odii identified SMEDAN's platforms through which Dr. Oyebanji's initiatives can be supported to include infrastructure development, capacity development, creation of policies and establishment of State Council of SMEDAN.

"When (State Council of SMEDAN is) inaugurated, it will remove bottlenecks towards job creation. We want to partner with you to merge funds with Ekiti State where SMEs can access money for working tools and business capital," he said.

Mr. Odii further disclosed that SMEDAN also as 'One Local Government, One Product Initiative' in which each local government area leverages on a product it has comparative advantage and potentials to produce adding that "we are here to support you especially in a natural resource-rich state like Ekiti."

Speaking during his visit to the Hub, Mr. Odii said: "I heard about Adire Ekiti, I have come, I have seen and I can assure you that we will be back because we can see the immediate impact on the lives of the people of Ekiti State.

"On Adire Ekiti, we can start to export Nigeria, more importantly, we can start to reduce high rate of unemployment in Nigeria and keeping a lot of families afloat. A lot of productivity is going on here and we can say confidently that something is happening in Ekiti State. Come to Ekiti and come to Adire Ekiti Hub."

The SMEDAN DG was accompanied by the Commissioner of Investment Trade and Industry, Mrs. Omotayo Adeola and other SMEDAN officials from the Abuja head office and Ekiti office.

Yoruba Leaders Felicitate with President Tinubu on First Anniversary, Praise Oyetola's Achievements.

Yoruba Leaders Felicitate with President Tinubu on First Anniversary, Praise Oyetola's Achievements.

The Yoruba Leaders of Thought, a prominent socio-political group, have extended their heartfelt congratulations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the occasion of his one-year anniversary as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The group also praised Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, for his remarkable achievements.

In a statement jointly signed by the Osun State Chapter's leadership, former Deputy Governor of Osun State, His Excellency Sooko Adeleke Adewoyin, and State Coordinator Arc Lekan Usman, and made available through the Publicity Secretary, Hon Tope Adebayo, the group lauded President Tinubu's administration for its significant strides over the past twelve months. They described the first year of Tinubu's presidency as a period of restoration and renewal of hope for Nigerians.

In Pic: Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

President, Commander-In-Chief of The Armed Forces Federal Republic of Nigeria.

"The Yoruba Socio-Political Group, Osun State Chapter, congratulates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the giant strides achieved in his first year in office. This administration has shown a commitment to restoring and renewing hope for the people of Nigeria," the statement read. The group highlighted President Tinubu's assurance that with patience and perseverance, the dividends of democracy would soon become evident, acknowledging the resilience and understanding of Nigerians during this period of transformation.

The group particularly commended President Tinubu for his bold decision to remove the fuel subsidy, a policy that had long been exploited by a select few. "Removing the fuel subsidy was a necessary step to ensure Nigeria's wealth benefits the broader population," they stated, urging continued prayer and support for the President, whom they believe has the country's best interests at heart.

In addition to celebrating President Tinubu, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought praised former Governor of Osun State, Alhaji Isiaka Gboyega Oyetola, for his exemplary performance as Minister of Marine and Blue Economy. The group expressed pride in Oyetola's achievements, noting his efforts in positioning Osun indigenes in strategic federal positions, which has enhanced capacity building and spread of influence at the national level.

"Oyetola's tenure as Minister has seen significant positive impacts on many lives and communities. His initiatives, such as the restoration of solar energy lights along Ajegunle and the Igbona market in Osogbo, are testament to his dedication and effectiveness," the group stated. They pledged to continue supporting and propagating the good work of the minister, urging him to persist in his efforts for the betterment of the state and the country.

Alhaji Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola CON, 
Honorable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.

The Yoruba Leaders of Thought concluded their message by reassuring both President Tinubu and Minister Oyetola of their unwavering support and appreciation, emphasizing that their contributions are recognized and valued by the people of Osun State.