Rainstorm: Oyebanji Laments Destruction of Buildings at Itapaji, Encourages Tree Planting

Rainstorm: Oyebanji Laments Destruction of Buildings at Itapaji, Encourages Tree Planting.

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has appealed to residents of the State to embrace tree planting around residential buildings to prevent alarming rate of destruction of buildings by rainstorm.

Oyebanji said recurrent decimal of building wreckage being witnessed in some communities could have been averted, if residents embraced tree planting that could break destructive wind during torrential downpour.

The Governor said these in Itapaji Ekiti, Ikole Local Government Area on Monday, while inspecting some buildings that were destroyed by tornado in the town last weekend.

During the destructive rainfall, no fewer than 10 buildings, including a public institution, were blown off, with over 50 rendered homeless .

During the on-the- spot appraisal of the level of havoc wreaked in the town, Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, regretted the alarming rate of destruction of buildings by rainstorm in Ekiti in recent time.

To arrest such sordid scenarios, the governor, said there was expediency of landlords ensuring adequate maintenance of their structures to either forestall or reduce such devastating occurrence.

Sympathising with the victims, Oyebanji pledged the support of the State Government for those who had been rendered homeless as a result of the highly distraught rainstorm incidence.

“This is one occurrence that was heart-rending, very devastating. I have never seen any rainstorm of this extent. Not long ago, we went to inspect some buildings that were destroyed at Ijelu and Omu Ekiti in Oye Local Government. The reoccurrence of this kind of incidence was becoming worrisome to us as a government .

“We thank God that nobody died, but losing property under this avoidable situation is painful. We want our people to embrace tree planting around their houses. Trees are wind breakers that can help us protect our structures against damage.

“Besides tree planting, we should endeavour to carry out regular turn around maintenance on our buildings. This is very essential to prevent us losing our buildings to rainstorm”, Oyebanji stated.

The Governor personally visited the home of a 120-year old victim, Chief Ajayi Fabunmi to sympathise with her over the wreckage on her building.

Conducting the governor and other officials round the wreckage, the Olu of Itapaji, Oba Abdulazees Adebanjo, applauded the state governor for showing compassion to the victims, particularly the expeditious way with which he visited the community. .

Oba Adebanjo, represented by Oluketu of Itapaji, Chief Olaoye Olusesan, pleaded with government to speedily grant the requests of the victims and give support that could bail them out their current precarious situation.

Speaking about other facilities that could add modernity to the agrarian community, the monarch appealed to government to restore electricity to the community that had been in perpetual darkness for about 20 years.

“The last time we had electricity supply here in Itapaji was 2008. This had affected our local economy. Some of those who were into private businesses had either folded up or left the town. We need help in this regard”, the monarch said.

On the governor’s entourage were: The Chairman of Ikole Local Government, Hon Bayo Omojola , his counterpart in Ajoni LCDA, Prince Michael Ogungbemi, Director General, Office of Community Engagement, Mrs Mary Oso- Omotoso, General Manager, Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Kayode Asaolu, among others.

First Anniversary: Oyebanji Lauds Seventh Assembly's Contributions To Good Governance In Ekiti.

First Anniversary: Oyebanji Lauds Seventh Assembly's Contributions To Good Governance In Ekiti.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has lauded the contributions of the Seventh Ekiti State House of Assembly to the good governance and implementation of the Shared Prosperity Agenda of his administration.

The Governor made the remarks on Sunday at a Special Thanksgiving Service to mark the First Anniversary in office of the Seventh Ekiti State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye.

The Governor who was represented by the First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, described the members of the Seventh Assembly as rare gifts to Ekiti State who are giving dependable support to his administration. 

The thanksgiving which was held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Wonderful Mega Area, New Iyin Road, Ado Ekiti was attended by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Habibat Adubiaro and some members of the State Executive Council; Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Chief Samuel Bejide and other political office holders.

Governor Oyebanji who scored Seventh Assembly high in prioritizing the welfare of the people of the state also showered plaudits on the present crop of legislators for putting Ekiti first in their legislative agenda and complementing the smooth running of governance.

He said: "This occasion is not only a celebration of your accomplishments but also a moment to reflect on the journey we have embarked upon together, to express our heartfelt gratitude, and to seek divine guidance for the future.

"In the past year, the Seventh Assembly has exhibited remarkable dedication to the principles of democracy, transparency, and service to the people of Ekiti State. 

"Your steadfast commitment to legislative excellence and good governance has been truly inspiring. The laws you have deliberated and enacted form the bedrock of a prosperous future for our beloved state.

"Today, as we give thanks, we are reminded of the power of unity, faith, and perseverance. These virtues have enabled us to overcome challenges and achieve significant milestones. I commend each member of this assembly for your devotion to your duties and for placing the needs of our citizens at the forefront of your legislative agenda."

Governor Biodun Oyebanji also called on the legislators to uphold the principles of democracy which are embedded in the power of love, dedication, commitment and transparency. This he said would always single out Ekiti State for good among the comity of states.

He appealed for more cooperation from the members of the 7th assembly as he described them as most committed and dedicated members Ekiti State House of Assembly ever produced in Ekiti State.

Earlier in his sermon, the Regional Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Region 20, Pastor Tunde Abdulahi, dwelt on the importance of thanksgiving and emphasized the need to give thanks as he cited the story of the ten lepers in the Bible.

In his thank you message, the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, commended the Governor for allowing independence of the three arms of government and said it has allowed mutual understanding and and continuous development in Ekiti State.

The legislators who were resplendent in their colourful Adire Ekiti attires were also joined by their family members and the Assembly staff at the thanksgiving service.

Minister of State for Youth Development, Olawande Facilitates NITDA/NYSC Partnership to Train 30 Million in Digital Skills.

Minister of State for Youth Development, Olawande Facilitates NITDA/NYSC Partnership to Train 30 Million in Digital Skills.

The Honourable Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande led a delegation consisting of the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi and his management team to the office of the NYSC Director General, Brig. Gen. Y.D. Ahmed to conclude on a partnership talk he initiated between the two agencies.

The meeting is aimed at harnessing a strategic partnership between the National Information Technology Development Agency and NYSC to foster digital literacy and cultivate talent through the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) initiative.

Through the partnership, millions of Nigerian youth would receive training in digital skills that will help them compete for employment, access vital digital services, engage in the digital economy, and generally improve their employability.

During the visit, NYSC Director-General, Brig Gen Y.D. Ahmed pledged to establish a Community Development Service (CDS) group to support this initiative which will go a long way to impact digital literacy and the development of a tech talent pool to transform the economy and produce long-term, inclusive growth.

In his remarks, the Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande reiterated the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu towards ensuring a conducive atmosphere for Nigerian youth to succeed, noting that the partnership with NITDA to train corp members is one effort that will improve the skill set of Nigerian youth and consequently guarantee a better future for all.

A statement by NITDA appreciates the efforts of Hon. Ayodele Olawande, the state minister for Youth Development, for facilitating the partnership.

Ward 12 Leaders Rejig APC Stakeholders Forum For BAO Continuity Project.

Ward 12 Leaders Rejig APC Stakeholders Forum For BAO Continuity Project.

....as 42 party stakeholders across the entire pooling units converged in Iyemero Ekiti to endorse BAO for second term.

The leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC ward 12 of Ajoni LCDA in Ikole Local Government Area came together to solidify and strengthen the base of the party towards Govenor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji continuity in office till 2030.

Arrays of APC critical stakeholders of the ward in the party from Itagbangba, Itapaji and Iyemero Ekiti respectively reiterated their unwavering commitment to the growth and development of the party across the ward.

The Chairman of Ajoni LCDA, Hon, (Amb) Prince Michael Ogungbemi fcpa briefed the stakeholders of the council activities in the last 5 months at the saddle of power at the Ajoni LCDA and charged the body of party stakeholders at the meeting to foster a lasting and well sustainable political integrated family inorder to conquer, capture and forge ahead. 

As the stakeholders agreed to ensure the return of BAO for the second term in an unanimous decision and in common consent, he urged the party faithful to begin earnest mobilization in all the pooling units and farmsteads for the return of BAO for the second term due to Mr Governor's general acceptability, impressive and excellent performances in the last 20 months in office. He categorically stated, "NO VACANCY IN THE GOVERNMENT HOUSE TILL 2030 AND BEYOND".

Prince Ogungbemi appointed additional political aides from the ward, hosted the stakeholders and gave donation to support and strengthen the party mobilization drive in the ward.

Likewise, Hon. Kehinde Ajayi appreciated the party for the opportunity given him to serve as the SSA on Agric Processing Zone to Mr Governor. He equally charged the stakeholders on the need to be united and indivisible body. He assured the party faithful to continue to give their support to BAO for the second term project. He stated, 4+4=8.

He gave out cash donation towards the growth and development of the party in the ward and also announced the cash donation of Mr. Speaker towards the meeting.

The Itapaji Ekiti leaders strongly agitated for additional political appointments/representation both at the state and local government levels apart from the elected councilor of the ward, considering the massive votes given to APC at all elections, by neglecting Itapaji Ekiti in terms of appointment, the state/party has not in anyway justify their support for the party and sought for an urgent redress.

Other party stakeholders who spoke at the gathering were Mr Caleb Omotosho member Ikole Local Government APC Elders council, Hon Bisi Abegunde, Hon Loveth Ekundayo the councilor of the ward, Chief Odofin from Itapaji, James odeleye Legislative Aides to the MHR, Joseph Osasona Legislative Aides to the Senator, Afeez Adeyemo legal adviser, Mr Samuel Oke APC Local Government Exco, Mr Niyi Adaralode and Alfa Jau Ashiru Kayode. 

The duo of Hon. (Amb) Prince Michael Ogungbemi, The Executive Chairman of Ajoni LCDA and Hon Kehinde Ajayi, Senior Special assistants to the Governor unites the party stakeholders of ward 12 in endorsing BAO for the secondterm.

They charged and call on all other APC leadership hierarchy in the remaining 11 wards in ikole Local Government Area to give credence to the superlative performances of the people's friendly Governor of the state to continue in the office beyond 2026.

Oyebanji has forged a convergence of interests for Ekiti progress- Dele Alake, Senator Bamidele.

Oyebanji has forged a convergence of interests for Ekiti progress- Dele Alake, Senator Bamidele.

The Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Dele Alake says Governor Biodun Oyebanji has forged a convergence of interest for the progress of Ekiti State. 

The minister who spoke at the launching of the MSMEs clinic in Ado Ekiti, the state capital on Thursday, described Oyebanji as a man of peace committed to the development of the state.  

Alake, who hails from Ikoro Ekiti Ekiti, said he was elated when Vice President Shettima informed him of the trip to Ekiti. 

“I was elated because this trip is an eloquent testimony to the fact that the Federal Government under the presidency of Bola Tinubu has Ekiti right inside his heart,” he said. 

“Because the VP, in his capacity as the number two man, has commissioned a lot of projects. The MSMEs project, and in fact the presence of this distinguished son of Nigeria in Ekiti today signposts the emergence of Ekiti into the front burner of national political calculations. 

“We are also very lucky that we have somebody who is level headed, who is piloting the affairs of Ekiti today. And I say this with empirical verification. My profession is journalism and we don't say things without personal conviction. I am saying this from ocular proof, what I have observed in the last several years. 

“We’ve had governors in Ekiti that came and introduced dichotomy into the body politics of Ekiti State. We've had governors that came and alienated critical stakeholders in the administration of the state, thereby stultifying the progressive emancipation of Ekiti State. We've had governors here, in the recent past, that demarcated and stifled the participation of those brains that we have in Ekiti scattered all over the world, through extreme, myopic perception, narrow-mindedness and parochialism. 

“But today, we are lucky that BAO came and forged a convergence of interests, and it is only through this convergence that you can have peace, and it is from peace that progress develops. So, from every available angle you look at it, Ekiti is lucky to have a man of peace, a man of progress.”

Alake said he has been in constant touch with Oyebanji since he assumed office. 

He said they both work hand in hand, exchanging notes and ideas.” 

“And as we speak, there are a number of federal projects that we are working on for the exclusive preserve of Ekiti. And this is coming on board pretty soon. In fact the VP is an unalloyed supporter of Ekiti State. Whenever we bring memos concerning developmental projects for Ekiti, be sure the VP has our back,” he said. 

In his remarks, Opeyemi Bamidele, Senate Majority Leader, representing Ekiti Central, also described Oyebanji as a bridge builder, who has provided a role for everybody. 

“I am able to concentrate on my job in Abuja because I have a governor who has my back. I have a governor with whom I'm in partnership,” Bamidele said.

VP Shettima lauds Oyebanji’s leadership style.

VP Shettima lauds Oyebanji’s leadership style.

….Says Ekiti has never had it so good.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has hailed the exemplary leadership of Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji. 

Shettima who was in Ado- Ekiti, the state capital on Thursday to launch the third edition of the MSMEs clinic, and commission a road project, said Ekiti has never had it so good. 

The Vice President who described Oyebanji as a committed leader said the Governor has been able to bring prominent figures from the state together for the good of the state. 

“For you in Ekiti, you have never had it so good,” the Vice President said. 

 “As Martin Luther King rightly said, we either learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools. I am quite delighted, the crème de la crème of Ekiti have aligned themselves with the governor for the greater good of Ekiti state.” 

The Vice President who went round Ado- Ekiti to commission a road project, visit the Ewi’s palace and the Adire Ekiti Hub, said he observed how much love and admiration the people of the state have for Oyebanji. He said President Bola Tinubu holds the Governor in highest esteem, adding that the Presidency is going to stand by him. 

The Vice President also thanked Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate Majority Leader representing Ekiti Central and Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals who accompanied him on the visit to the State. 

At the launching of the MSMEs clinic, Shettima announced the Federal Government 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 revealed that the new ICT hub was in honour of the request made by 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 fulfillment of President Tinubu’s electioneering promises.

He also disclosed 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.

Oyebanji had thanked President Tinubu for his keen interest in the development of Ekiti State as demonstrated in the President’s constant support for his administration’s development efforts.

Hon. Ojuawo Commends Gov. Oyebanji over Successful Visit of Vice President.

Hon. Ojuawo Commends Gov. Oyebanji over Successful Visit of Vice President.

The member of the House of Representatives representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1, Hon. (AVM Rtd) Ojuawo Rufus Adeniyi, has commended His Excellency, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, over the successful visit of Vice President, His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima GCON, to the Expanded National MSME Clinics Ekiti 2024. In his appreciation message, Hon. Ojuawo commended Governor Oyebanji's efforts in hosting a historic ceremony that has created opportunities for the youth in job creation and technology advancement.

'I must appreciate your purposeful governance, which has continued to bear fruits since your assumption of office. It has been a period of development and opportunity for our people in different areas of endeavor. The successful hosting of our Vice President, His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima, is another testament to your workaholic and restless efforts in making our dear state a pride. The commissioning of the MSME clinic at Odua Textile, the 9.2km road between Omisanjana-Deeper Life-Ajebamidele, and the inspection of Adire Ekiti Hub are significant developments for Ekiti at large. These developments have given birth to the establishment of an additional ICT hub in Ekiti and a grant of 150,000 Naira each to registered MSMEs, as pronounced by the Vice President. Mr. Governor, on behalf of my constituents and I, we say thank you for your courage and vision to make Ekiti an enviable state in the comity of states.'

Hon. Ojuawo also thanked the State Executive council, House of Assembly Members, traditional institutions, and members of our great party, APC, for their unflinching support to the Governor.

OJUAWO MEDIA TEAM