𝐄𝐤𝐢𝐭𝐢 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬.

𝐄𝐤𝐢𝐭𝐢 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬.

The Honourable Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment, and Cooperatives, Mrs. Tayo Adeola, met with a delegation from Cavista Holdings led by Mr. Dele Odufeye to discuss and review various projects and collaborations with the Ekiti State Government. 

Central to their discussions was the implementation plan for the multi-billion naira Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cavista Holdings to establish a state-of-the-art cassava farm spanning 100,000 hectares in Ekiti State.

The proposed cassava project is expected to significantly boost the agricultural sector, creating numerous job opportunities and enhancing the state's economic growth. Mrs. Adeola expressed her enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its potential to position Ekiti State as a leading cassava producer in Nigeria and contribute to the nation's food security.

"We are excited about this collaboration with Cavista Holdings. The establishment of the cassava farm is a monumental step towards achieving agricultural sustainability and economic development in Ekiti State," Mrs. Adeola stated.

In addition to the cassava farm project, discussions also covered the progress and level of work done at the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort. The resort, a key tourist attraction in Ekiti State, has been undergoing significant upgrades to enhance its facilities and services. Mrs. Adeola and the Cavista Holdings delegation reviewed the ongoing developments and explored further opportunities to boost tourism in the region.

Cavista Holdings expressed their commitment to supporting the Ekiti State Government in these initiatives, emphasizing the importance of public-private partnerships in driving sustainable development.

VP Shettima To Declare Open Third National MSMEs Business Clinics In Ekiti.

VP Shettima To Declare Open Third National MSMEs Business Clinics In Ekiti.

The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, is set to declare open the Third Expanded National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Business Clinics in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, on Thursday, June 6.

According to a statement by the State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, the event will hold at the Bishop Adetiloye Hall, Trade Fair Complex, Old Iyin Road, Ado Ekiti, at 9am.

The MSMEs Business Clinics, a collaborative effort between the Federal and Ekiti State governments, aims to enhance the ease of doing business in the state. The forum provides an opportunity for small business owners to interact with key Federal Government agencies and regulatory bodies, seeking lasting solutions to challenges hindering MSMEs development.

The focus areas include access to capital, business formalization, product advertising, and more. The Commissioner reiterated the commitment of the Governor Oyebanji administration to MSMEs development, as enshrined in the state's Youth Development and Job Creation, Infrastructure and Industrialization, and Human Capital Development pillars.

Entrepreneurs in the state are urged to take advantage of the government's gesture by attending the event and utilizing the opportunities provided to strengthen the sector.

The MSMEs Business Clinics promise to be a significant boost to small businesses in Ekiti State, and stakeholders are eager to explore the benefits.

EKSG Disburses N30.5m to Retirees Under CPS.

EKSG Disburses N30.5m to Retirees Under CPS.

In a bid to ensure speedy payment of retirement benefits, the Ekiti State Government has disbursed a whopping sum of N30.5 million to 30 retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

Distributing the Payment Documents to the beneficiaries in Ado Ekiti, on Tuesday, the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, promised that no retiree will be denied of his inalienable benefits after retiring from the service of the state in line with his policy.

The Governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, disclosed that the beneficiaries represent the fourth batch that received payments under the CPS, describing the policy as a game changer that will help in buffering the sufferings of the pensioners.

Speaking about the kernel of the scheme, Oyebanji said the CPS was conceptualised to ensure future financial security for the retirees, assuring that his government won’t dash the hope of pensioners or make them wait for too long before savouring their benefits.

“Considering the tremendous success the CPS had recorded in Ekiti State, efforts are on top gear to expand the coverage of the scheme by migrating all public servants, except those who will be retiring before 31st December, 2028 and the Justices from the Defined Benefit Scheme(DBS) to CPS.

“The DBS which had become unfashionable all over the world, is bedeviled with the problem of huge arrears of unpaid gratuity among other challenges that have rendered the scheme unsustainable.

“But the CPS is designed in such a way that when employees retire, they get their retirement benefits promptly. The CPS has come to stay in Ekiti. Since its inception, retirees under the scheme had been enjoying their retirement benefits without delay.

“Let me assure you of the commitment of Ekiti State government to the welfare of all workforce and the good people of the state”.

Oyebanji urged the beneficiaries to refrain from financial profligacy or indulgence in acts that could rob them of the benefit by being prudent, cautious and focus in their spendings after being paid the entitlements.

Applauding the governor for prioritising the welfare of pensioners, the Chairman, Ekiti chapter of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners(NUP), Com. Joel Akinola, said Governor Oyebanji had demonstrated enough love for his members through prompt payment of their gratuities, urging them to reciprocate the gesture by being supportive to the current government.

“It was like Governor Biodun Oyebanji is a God sent to pensioners. With the way he has been prioritising our welfare. The governor has tried and we are happy with him. Governor Oyebanji was sent to deliver pensioners from sufferings. He is here to flesh up our bones and give us good lives.

“We should all complement Governor Oyebanji’s gesture by investing this money wisely. Don’t squander this opportunity. Invest in something that can give you gains. Eat well and prioritise your health needs, so that your labour won’t be in vain”, Akinola stated.

In his submission, the Special Advisor on Pension Matters to the Governor, Com. Pius Owolabi, disclosed that Governor Oyebanji was responding positively to the Pensioners’ slogan that “Rest is Sweet After Payment” with expeditious payment of all benefits due to retirees.

Owolabi said the CPS under Oyebanji won’t be aborted nor scuttled through anti-pensioner policies, describing the governor as retiree-friendly and a strong believer in the doctrine of commensurate reward for those who had worked hard during their productive days to serve Ekiti State.

The Permanent Secretary, Ekiti State Pension Commission, Mrs Omotola Faseluka, described the CPS as a universal cure to the recurrent and painful cases of prolonged indebtedness of retirement benefits, saying Oyebanji shall work in tandem with the kernel of the policy to make lives more abundant for pensioners.

Faseluka added that the payment was a confident- booster and strong indication that the current government maintains high proclivity to fulfilling its obligations to the senior citizens, by keeping to the prompt payment of benefits under the CPS.

Team RST for BAO, Hold Monthly Meeting, Registered New Members.

Team RST for BAO, Hold Monthly Meeting, Registered New Members.

In a crusade-like atmosphere, the political team loyal to Governor Oyebanji, known as the RST Team for BAO, held their monthly meeting on Sunday, June 2. The meeting, convened by the team coordinator Otunba Alowonle, brought together key supporters and strategists to discuss the group's ongoing activities and future plans.

The Secretary of the team Mr. Yinka Egbeyemi read the minute of the last meeting which was unanimously endorsed by the members of the team. New members joined the team today, they said they were thrilled with exemplary leadership of Architect Tope Ogunleye, particularly as regards the crusade towards BAO till 2030. They prayed for continuity of Governor Oyebanji.

The Coordinator of the Team urged members to continue in their prayers for Architect Tope Ogunleye in his commitment to Governor Oyebanji’s shared prosperity mantra.

Otunba Alowonle urged members to shun anti-party activities, and remain focused on this path of Victory. He stressed that the continuity agenda of BAO should remain responsibility of all member of the team. Notable member of the group Hon. Mrs Kikelomo Adedipe thanked Architect Tope Ogunleye for his kind gestures, even beyond his constituency, she narrated how Architect Tope Ogunleye facilitated Borehole at Olokemeji and erecting street lights at various streets in Ado Ekiti.

#Teamrst4BAO

#Tiwantiwa

Oyebanji expresses satisfaction with progress on Ado-Ekiti flyover project.

Oyebanji expresses satisfaction with progress on Ado-Ekiti flyover project.

...Salutes professional role of Works Ministry, OTSD.

The Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, accompanied by the Special Adviser and Director General of the Office of Transformation and Service Delivery (OTSD), Engr. (Dr.) John Moyo Ekundayo, conducted an on-site assessment of the ongoing flyover project in Ado Ekiti in Friday.

During the visit, the governor expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the construction work.

He commended the quality of the construction and urged the contractor to maintain consistency in their efforts to ensure the project’s timely completion.

“The progress so far is commendable, and the quality of the construction work is impressive.

“I encourage the contractor to remain diligent and consistent in their efforts to meet our expectations and deadlines,” the governor said.

The governor also praised the expertise of the professionals within the Ministry of Works, noting their significant contributions to the project’s advancement.

He highlighted the pivotal role of the OTSD, under the leadership of Ekundayo, in monitoring and evaluating the project’s progress.

Ekundayo, who was part of the governor’s entourage, reiterated the commitment of the OTSD to ensuring the highest standards in project execution through rigorous monitoring and evaluation.

He emphasized that the collaboration between the Ministry of Works and the OTSD was crucial to the successful delivery of the flyover project.

The Ado Ekiti flyover is expected to ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity within the city, contributing to the overall development of Ekiti State.

You've Encouraged Us To Perform Our Duties, Resident Doctors Hail Oyebanji On Payment Of Allowances.

You've  Encouraged Us To Perform Our Duties, Resident Doctors Hail Oyebanji On Payment Of Allowances. 

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has commended Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji for being the first Governor in the country to pay the new hazard allowance and the newly adjusted Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) to resident doctors.

The association, in a letter co-signed by its President, Dr Dele Olaitan and Dr. Anaduaka Obinna, and dated June 1, 2024, said the payment of the hazard allowance and adjusted CONMESS would “go a long way to encourage resident doctors as well as improve their commitment to work and training”.

NARD equally noted with gratitude that the government of Biodun Oyebanji was the second to pay the Medical Residency Training Funds among State Tertiary Health Institutions in the Southwest region.

The Association expressed joy that Oyebanji’s gesture came at “a critical period of economic hardship during which many of our members are seeking to write their Part 1 and Part 2 examinations in the Colleges of Training”.

While commending Oyebanji for his unwavering support and commitment to health care delivery in the State, the resident doctors stressed that the Governor’s gesture “is worthy of emulation” as it projects the Biodun Oyebanji-led administration as “one which listens and a glaring example for others to follow”.

“We wish to express our immense gratitude for your continuous commitment to the furtherance of the Residency Training Programme in Ekiti State Teaching Hospital especially as demonstrated in prioritizing the welfare of our members. Sir, you were the first governor to pay the new Hazard allowance and the newly adjusted CONMESS. We have also noted that your government was the second to pay Medical Residency Training Funds among State Tertiary Health Institutions in the Southwest region”.

“At this critical period of economic hardship during which many of our members are seeking to write their Part 1 and Part 2 examinations in the Colleges of Training, the payment of these funds will go a long way to encourage the resident doctors as well as improve their commitment ti work and training. It is our belief that this feat is worthy of emulation and project your government as one which listens, a glaring example for others to follow”, the letter reads.

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)