Vice President Shettima hails Ekiti First Lady's Empowerment Initiatives.

Vice President Shettima hails Ekiti First Lady's Empowerment Initiatives.

….Lifts Adire Ekiti Hub with N5million.

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima on Thursday paid a visit to the Adire Ekiti Hub as part of his one day official visit to Ekiti State.

Vice President Shettima commended the First Lady of Ekiti State, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, for coming up with an initiative to give economic empowerment to hundreds of Ekiti youths and giving them an opportunity to be job creators.

He described Dr. Oyebanji as "a worthy princess, intelligent and brilliant woman committed to the development of Ekiti State."

The nation's number two citizen said Ekiti has never had it so good with Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the saddle being complemented by a wife who is passionate for better welfare for the citizens of the state.

Some of the facilities at the Adire Ekiti Hub visited by the august visitor included the pavilion occupied by some of the trainees, the workshop where many of them are working and the gallery where beautiful Adire fabrics were on display.

Apparently impressed with what he saw on ground, Vice President Shettima donated N5 million to Adire Hub on behalf of President Bola Tinubu to the admiration of the trainees and other guests present.

Vice President Shettima urged the entire people of the state to unite and support Governor Oyebanji for sustainable development of the state and change the Ekiti narrative for better.

Earlier in her remarks, Dr. Oyebanji gave an overview of how Adire Ekiti initiative and the Hub started telling the Vice President that the facility housing the centre was donated by a former National Assembly member, Senator Babafemi Ojudu.

Dr. Oyebanji explained that 200 youths from Ekiti Central Senatorial District had undergone training under the first phase from which 30 were selected from the Masters Class to train another batch of 200 trainees from Ekiti South Senatorial District presently undergoing training

She added that the fabrics from Adire Ekiti Hub are very much in demand locally and from people in Diaspora, groups, trade unions, among others.

Huge Investment in MSMEs Shows Tinubu's Readiness to Power Industrial Growth - Oyebanji.

Huge Investment in MSMEs Shows Tinubu's Readiness to Power Industrial Growth - Oyebanji.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has disclosed that the huge investment being made by the Federal Government  to ramp up the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises(MSMEs) underscored the high proclivity of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to enterprise development and bring inclusive growth to Nigerian economy.

Governor Oyebanji said MSMEs accounted for about 50 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the developed nations, saying huge investment being made towards developing the sector would help in driving Nigeria to overcoming the menace of poverty and unemployment.

The Governor added that considering the exponential spiraling in the level of  unemployment rate in the country, it has become increasingly important for Nigeria  to introduce more young people to entrepreneurship education.

Oyebanji said these on Thursday while  hosting the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima who visited Ekiti State to commission the MSMEs Clinic in Ado Ekiti built by the Federal Government in partnership with his government.

Present at the event were the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Dele Alake; Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Speaker Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Adeoye Aribasoye; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Mr Temitola Adekunle- Johnson and heads of economic regulatory agencies.  

Oyebanji in his speech at the event opined that the project represents a pragmatic step being taken by the Federal Government to make the youth economically conscious and contribute to the growth of GDP. 

He said: "This programme, for which we are here today, is another eloquent proof of the APC’s government commitment at both the Federal and State levels to enterprise development. 

"In Ekiti, as it is with the Federal Government, we believe in using MSMEs to drive inclusive economic growth, sustainable development, employment generation and poverty reduction.

" It is pleasing to note that MSME clinic does not only bridge the information gap between entrepreneurs and federal agencies, it also offers solutions to real time problems facing business owners today. Truly, this program is timely and I applaud President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for setting up this initiative aimed at addressing the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in the country.

"MSMEs account for about two-thirds of total employment in the developing countries and contribute about 50% to the GDP of developed countries".

However, Oyebanji said despite the positive contributions of Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises to the economy, Nigerian entrepreneurs are constantly faced with challenges when starting a business or running one.

"According to World Bank Ease of Doing Business 2017 Report, Sub-Saharan Africa continues to be home to the economies with the least business-friendly regulations on the average, with Nigeria ranking 169 out of 190 countries listed in the report. 

"Among the various issues facing MSMEs in the country is access to finance. It is no secret that the short term high interest rates charged by banks on credit facilities are at the top of the list of problems entrepreneurs encounter".

To  remedy this situation, Oyebanji said his  administration has put in place strategies to promote entrepreneurship in the State through our various credit schemes such as the Ekiti State Government/Access Bank initiative for women, Cooperative Intervention Fund, Ekiti State Government /Bank of Industry Intervention Fund, among others.

As a way of motivating  entrepreneurs and stimulate economic growth and development, Oyebanji called on other banks to provide long terms funds at a very minimal interest rate to entrepreneurs and small business owners

He stated that he had consented to the reconstitution of Ekiti State Council on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in the State to further maximise the rising gains in the sector through adequate focus and right investment .

"In Ekiti State, we have a passion to develop our agricultural potential. Hence, we are very intentional about our development planning.The core of our efforts and strategies is a partnership approach that hinges on creating the right conditions that would attract investors and development partners to support our goals".

The governor added that  Ekiti Cargo Airport is part of the integrated plans to ensure the success of both Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ) and Special Agro Processing Zone (SAPZ) by making the  State more accessible and relevant as a major destination for agro-allied industries with international linkages.

Agbeyewa Farms Showcases Cassava Varieties at MSME Clinics, Gears Up for Cassava Revolution.

Agbeyewa Farms Showcases Cassava Varieties at MSME Clinics, Gears Up for Cassava Revolution.

Agbeyewa Farms Limited stole the show at the Expanded National MSME Clinics in Ado Ekiti, showcasing an impressive array of cassava stems and root varieties, yam tubers, maize cobs, and other agricultural products. The event, inaugurated by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, aimed to promote job opportunities amongst youth, boost food security and share prosperity for all.

At the Agbeyewa stand, visitors from across the country flocked to inquire about the various cassava varieties on display, including TME 419, Ayaya, TMS 0581 (Dixon), and White Lion. The company's Cassava Revolution initiative generated significant interest, with many seeking to learn how to participate in the upcoming program.

Agbeyewa Farms' exhibition showcased the company's commitment to improving food security and supporting smallholder farmers in Ekiti State. By displaying high-quality cassava stems and roots, yam tubers, and maize products, the company demonstrated its dedication to promoting sustainable agriculture and reducing post-harvest losses.

The event provided a platform for Agbeyewa Farms to connect with potential partners, customers, and farmers, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing. The company's participation in the Expanded National MSME Clinics highlights its role in driving economic growth and development in Nigeria's agricultural sector.

As the Cassava Revolution initiative gains momentum, Agbeyewa Farms is poised to play a vital role in transforming Nigeria's agricultural landscape. By providing high-quality cassava stems and roots, the company is empowering smallholder farmers to increase their yields and improve their livelihoods. With its commitment to sustainable agriculture and food security, Agbeyewa Farms is a shining example of innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria's agricultural sector.

I am Adl 

FG approves establishment of additional ICT hub in Ekiti.

FG approves establishment of additional ICT hub in Ekiti.

.…as Vice President Shettima inaugurates 3rd Expanded National MSME Clinics in Ekiti.

The Federal Government on Thursday announced plans to establish an Information Communication Technology (ICT) hub in Ekiti State in addition to the newly inaugurated MSME Clinics Garment Hub in a bid to further enhance economic growth in the state.

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shetima disclosed this in Ado Ekiti on Thursday while declaring open the 3rd Expanded National MSME Clinics at Adetiloye Hall, Trade Fair Complex, Ado- Ekiti. He said the project would be completed within 90 days.

The Vice President revealed that the new ICT hub was in honour of the request made by Governor Biodun Oyebanji for the creation of an ICT hub during his last visit to the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Speaking about the MSME Clinics, the Vice President said the initiative was part of the Federal Government’s efforts at resuscitating the country’s economy and promoting an economically friendly environment, in fulfilment of President Bola Tinubu’s electioneering promises. 

He disclose that the President had also approved the payment of 150,000 naira grant to 365 outstanding beneficiaries of the MSMEs at the Ekiti Fashion and Garment hub.

While acknowledging the support of South West region for the emergence of President Tinubu as President of Nigeria, the Vice President remarked that President Tinubu’s led-Federal Government has shown zeal and passion to set Nigeria on the path of prosperity.  

 

“The future of work isn’t just about acquiring skills, the future of work is about cultivating a sustainable ecosystem where people can consistently learn and re-learn skills in demand, the world as we know it evolves every day and so should we. This is why we are here today in Ado Ekiti to fulfill the promises we have made to the people, and there is no nobler way to appeal to the Land of Honour and integrity than by ensuring that we not only expanding the labour markets but also supporting skills”

”Governor Oyebanji visited the Presidentila Villa in Abuja for a briefing on preparation for the launch of the MSME clinic and took the opportunity to request for the establishment of another ICT facility in Ado Ekiti, I have conveyed his request to the President who has graciously approved the creation of an additional ICT hub which will be completed within 90 days”

“President Tinubu has also directed me to ensure that all outstanding exhibiting MSMEs at the clinic today received a grant of 150,000 naira each. Said the Vice President, who also praised the Governor for being development- focused and for his inclusive governance style. 

In his own remark, Ekiti state Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji expressed his profound gratitude to President Tinubu for his unwavering support for Ekiti State and for the establishment of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in the state, the initiative which according to the Governor would bolster the state’s economic growth by providing essential service and resources to local entrepreneur and small business owners.

He revealed that the MSME clinic remains a testament to the President’s commitment to empowering grassroots business and thereby fostering sustainable economic development in the country

Governor Oyebanji who noted that access to opportunities has been the major challenge of Ekiti people, lauded the President Tinubu’s led-Federal Government for providing various developmental platforms for the of the state which was in line with the shared prosperity agenda of his administration.

Highlighting various achievement administration in the last one and half years which include, construction of over 126 kilometres of roads, renovation of 11 general hospitals, reconnection of more than 50 communities back to power grid, intervention in Agriculture sector, among others, the Governor maintained that he will continue to partner with the federal government, development partners and individuals who can help him realize the shared prosperity agenda of his government

“Please sir, convey our deepest appreciation to Mr President, Mr President has been a father indeed, everything he promised us when he came here during campaign is fulfilling them as we stand here today, Your Excellency, we are constructing over 216 kilometres of roads across Ekiti State , we are intervening in the health sector, we are renovating 11 general hospital across the state, we have connected more than 50 communities that had not had electricity for the past 15 to 16 years, we have revamp our agric centres.

“the only challenge we have and which has been a very big headeach for me is to provide access and opportunities for our private sectors players and the informal sector and you are here today to do that, am extremely grateful sir”. The Governor asserted. 

Earlier, the Vice President had commissioned the newly constructed Omisanjana- Deeper Life- Ajebandele Road as well as the MSME clinics Garment Hub. He also visited the Adire Ekiti Hub where he was taken round the workshop by the Wife of the Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji. 

The Vice President had earlier paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe where he was received by the Ewi in Council and prominent leaders of the town as well as representatives of the state council of traditional rulers. 

The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Dele Alake and Permanent Secretary State House, Engr Funso Adebiyi accompanied the Vice President on the visit. 

The Vice President was received at the Akure airport by the state Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye. He later boarded a chopper which landed at the Ekiti State Government House at around 12 noon.

Adire Ekiti A Laudable Initiative For Youth Empowerment, Says VP Shettima.

Adire Ekiti A Laudable Initiative For Youth Empowerment, Says VP Shettima.

... Showers encomium on Oyebanji, wife for life changing policies.

The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, has described the Adire Ekiti initiative of the First Lady of Ekiti State, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, as a laudable economic initiative for the empowerment of youths in the state.

Senator Shettima made the remarks on Thursday when he paid a visit to the Adire Ekiti Hub located along Iworoko Road in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, as part of his one-day official visit to the Land of Honour.

The Vice President, who was accompanied to the Adire Ekiti Hub by Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; Minister of Solid Minerals, Mr. Dele Alake; Deputy Governor Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye and other eminent personalities, was received by Dr. Oyebanji and the donor of the facility, Senator Babafemi Ojudu.

Senator Shettima has described the  initiative of training unemployed people in tye and dye known locally as Adire as one of the best means aimed at empowering hundreds of Ekiti youth from the three Senatorial Districts of the state.

Vice President Shettima commended the First Lady for coming up with an initiative to give economic empowerment to hundreds of Ekiti youths and giving them an opportunity to be job creators.

He described Dr. Oyebanji as "a worthy princess, intelligent and brilliant woman committed to the development of Ekiti State who is complementing her husband in making life easier for the masses"

The nation's number two citizen said Ekiti has never had it so good with Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the saddle being complemented by a wife who is passionate for better welfare for the citizens of the state.

Some of the facilities at the Adire Ekiti Hub visited by the august visitor included the pavilion occupied by some of the trainees, the workshop where many of them are working and the gallery where beautiful Adire fabrics were on display.

Apparently impressed with what he saw on ground, Vice President Shettima donated N5 million to Adire Hub on behalf of President Bola Tinubu to the admiration of the trainees and other guests present.

Vice President Shettima urged the entire people of the state to unite and support Governor Oyebanji for sustainable development of the state and change the Ekiti narrative for better.

Earlier in her remarks, Dr. Oyebanji gave an overview of how Adire Ekiti initiative and the Hub started telling the Vice President that the facility housing the centre was donated by a former National Assembly member, Senator Ojudu.

Dr. Oyebanji explained that 200 youths from Ekiti Central Senatorial District had undergone training under the first phase from which 30 were selected from the Masters Class to train another batch of 200 trainees from Ekiti South Senatorial District presently undergoing training

The First Lady added that the fabrics from Adire Ekiti Hub are very much in demand locally and from people in Diaspora, groups, trade unions, among others.

According to her, the Adire Ekiti Hub was her humble initiative to give youths and women economic empowerment and self fulfillment noting that the first batch of trainees were given start-up packs and financial support after concluding their training.

She therefore solicited the support of the Federal Government on the project primarily targeted at making the jobless become self reliant and employers of labour.

The trainees who were excited to receive the Vice President hailed Governor Oyebanji and his wife for giving them an opportunity to be trained in a craft that would assist them to be owners of their personal businesses.

The First Lady presented Adire fabrics of various colours to the Vice President after he inspected the gallery admiring the products made by trainees at the Hub.

First Lady Lists Gains Of Adire Ekiti To Local Economy.

First Lady Lists Gains Of Adire Ekiti To Local Economy. 

....Flags Off Training for 200 Beneficiaries from Ekiti South Senatorial District.

Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has listed the benefits of the production of local fabrics known as Adire Ekiti to the human capital development and the growth of Small and Medium Enterprise in the Land of Honour.

Dr. Oyebanji disclosed that within three months of its launch, Adire Ekiti has taken many youths off the streets, given them a source of livelihood and provided a ready market the products many of which are being demanded locally and internationally.

Besides, Dr. Oyebanji disclosed that Adire Ekiti has contributed immensely to reduction of capital flight from the state as more residents, indigenes and citizens of the state now patronize the Adire Ekiti Hub for the products rather than taking their money outside the state to purchase similar products elsewhere.

The First Lady made the remarks on Wednesday during the official flag off of the Second Phase of training of Adire Ekiti scheme for 200 beneficiaries from Ekiti South Senatorial District held at Adire Ekiti Hub, Ado Ekiti.

According to her, the commemorative attires used by the Ekiti State Councils of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Unions Congress (TUC) during the last May Day Celebration were produced at the Adire Ekiti Hub by the graduands of the first batch whose products were also patronized by the House of Assembly members and the state chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).

She said a good number of the graduands from the first batch of the scheme now have businesses of their own after being empowered with cash and start-up kits to assist them to kickstart their trade after undergoing the necessary training at the Hub.

Dr. Oyebanji noted that the success story Adire Ekiti has become should inspire the newly admitted trainees to give their best in learning the craft and responding to training to give themselves economic empowerment and also become a success story for those coming behind.

Flagging off the second phase, Dr. Oyebanji said: "This initiative represents our commitment to preserving our cultural heritage while empowering our youths with valuable skills for economic independence.

"Adire, a beautiful expression of our rich cultural tapestry, holds immense potential for job creation and economic growth. As you embark on this journey, I encourage you to embrace creativity, dedication, and excellence.

"The skills you acquire here will not only uplift you individually but also contribute to the collective prosperity of our state.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our partners and trainers for their support. Together, we are building a brighter future for Ekiti State."

The First Lady however, appreciated her husband Governor Biodun Oyebanji, for making available his personal money to support her initiative noting that the scheme wouldn't have been possible without the support of the state's number one citizen.

Earlier in her remarks, the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, who led political office holders from Ekiti South Senatorial District to the training flag off, said the Oyebanji Administration accords priority to entrepreneurship to boost the local economy and create more jobs.

Mrs Afuye hailed the Governor and the First Lady for their commitment in using Adire Ekiti to bring the shared prosperity agenda of the administration into reality noting that history would be kind to them for touching many homes in the state with the laudable initiative.

She said the First Lady has immortalized herself in the hearts of the beneficiaries as none of them would easily forget her gesture of coming up with the economic initiative adding that the Oyebanji Administration would continue to come up with policies that will make the lives of the citizens better.

While describing Adire Ekiti as an empowerment opportunity that must be taken seriously, the Deputy Governor urged the trainees to use the scheme to develop themselves noting that they could become millionaires in the future from the Adire business because of its bright prospects in the local and international markets.

Technical Advisor to the Governor on Enterprise Development who is also the Coordinator of Adire Ekiti Hub, Dr. Abimbola Oni, said the training of beneficiaries from Ekiti South was in fulfillment of the First Lady's vision to give opportunities to trainees from all the three senatorial zones.

She thanked individuals and groups who have patronized the Adire Ekiti Hub noting that demands for the products are increasing everyday from within and outside Nigeria.

The ALGON Chairman in the state, Hon. Olusegun Ojo, said Adire Ekiti has positively projected the image of the state within the short time of its existence urging the trainees to see the training as stepping stone to greatness.

Hon. Ojo, the Chairman of Ekiti East Local Government who led other Chairmen of Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas from Ekiti South to the flag off ceremony, said the council chiefs would continue to support Governor Oyebanji to take the state to greater heights.

One of the trainees, Mrs. Yetunde Adamu, appreciated the Governor and the First Lady for the opportunity and promised the readiness of the trainees to give the training their best shot for them to become a success story and even do better than members of the first batch.

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.