EKSG to Launch Aso Oke center for Revival of Traditional Weaving industry, boosing Socio economic Development.

EKSG to Launch Aso Oke center for Revival of Traditional Weaving industry, boosing Socio economic Development. 

Ekiti State Government will soon launch an Aso Oke Weaving and Market Centre in Ado Ekiti as part of efforts to create employment opportunities for youths and resuscitate the traditional clothes weaving industry that the State was known for.

Ekiti State Executive Council had, in March this year, approved a sum of N100million for the establishment and construction of Aso-Oke weaving and market centre in the State capital among the measures to enhance socioeconomic development in the State.

The State Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives, Mrs. Omotayo Adeola who made this known while featuring on a live radio programme, reiterated the commitment of the Biodun Oyebanji administration to the industrialization of the State and youth development as enshrined in the six point agenda of the administration.

Mrs. Adeola decried the decline and stagnation of the once flourishing commercial activity with the attendant capital flight caused by people having to go outside the State to purchase Aso Oke for various ceremonies.

Stressing that the Aso Oke centre would facilitate a long term job without a predetermined end date that would provide opportunity for weavers to work all year-round, Adeola explained that the centre would accommodate 30 weavers to begin, adding that it would also offer a veritable souvenir for both domestic and international tourists to buy.

She urged artisans involved in bag and shoe making to incorporate Aso Oke into their craft, assuring that the traditional weaving methods would be modernized to streamline production, reduce waste and increase profits, making it more efficient, profitable and seamless.

The Commissioner said that the focus of the State Government is to attract youths and men to the trade.

Speaking on Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima recent announcement on the Federal Government’s approval to establish an additional Information Communication Technology (ICT) hub in the State, Adeola said the development would be of huge benefit the people.

She explained that the State Government is collaborating with Cavista Holdings and Alt School Africa to train Ekiti youths in ICT for immediate employment, noting that the newly approved ICT hub would enhance the success of the initiative with the provision of internet access and stable electricity.

Adeola added that the State Government would partner other establishments capable of employing the youths after training, stressing that the vision of the Oyebanji administration is to build capacity of Ekiti people to make them capable of working remotely around the globe.

She said that the State Government has also facilitated a loan scheme tagged ‘Ekiti Access Bank Women Loan initiative’ aimed at funding women to engage in trading besides organizing clinics for them to address their challenges.

Noting that the State Government is subsidizing the loan scheme to make it more conducive, Adeola disclosed that more than 3,000 people have applied for the credit facility which is expected to be launched before the end of July, this year.

She said that Government was also collaborating with banks and working with relevant stakeholders to review the existing Cooperative Laws as part of efforts to boost socioeconomic activities in the State.

Adeola assured that Government would carry out extensive sensitization to create awareness and educate the public about the abundant opportunities being facilitated by the State Government to make life more meaningful for the people.

Why I’m Supporting Ekiti Gov Despite Party Differences – Fayose.

Why I’m Supporting Ekiti Gov Despite Party Differences – Fayose.

Raphael Ogbonnaiye.

The former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has said his support for the incumbent state governor, Biodun Oyebanji, was because of the mutual respect between them, insisting that when it’s time for the election, he will not hesitate to go against him.

Fayose, a chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has come under criticism lately for allegedly hobnobbing with and benefiting from appointments from Governor Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

But addressing his supporters in Ado-Ekiti Monday ahead of the ward congress of the PDP coming up next month, Fayose stated that those saying that he got an appointment from Governor Oyebanji should stop playing politics of bitterness, stressing that the state belongs to the PDP and APC.

“I feel satisfied with the work of Governor Oyebanji, done so far in the state.

“Governor Oyebanji is a humble governor. Thirteen times, he has visited me in Lagos to greet me. We discussed the progress and development of the state. I have to respect him, which has nothing to do with politics; he is the only governor who has brought all governors in the state together.

“When it is time for the election, we will confront him. We supported Asiwaju in the last presidential election because he is a Yoruba man, and it’s time for our presidency. I am not looking for a position. If you say Fayose does not matter, wait; during the election you will see,” he added.

He also appealed to members of the PDP in the state to close ranks and work for peace for the party to win the next governorship and other elective positions in the state.

Fayose, who debunked the allegation that he has dumped the PDP for the APC, said he is not and will never be an APC member.

“When we come to the election period, we will fight Governor Oyebanji. The PDP is not in order in Ekiti; let us come together,” he added.

EKSG Wades into Eyemote Secondary School/ Asalu Family Land Encroachment Dispute.

EKSG Wades into Eyemote Secondary School/ Asalu Family Land Encroachment Dispute.

In a bid to broker truce in the brewing land dispute between the Eyemote Comprehensive High School, Iyin Ekiti and Asalu family, the Ekiti State Government, has directed the Boundary Technical Committee to visit the town for proper demarcation of the disputed land.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, gave the directive, while interfacing with some critical stakeholders in Ado Ekiti, on Tuesday, through a statement signed by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje. 

In resolving the matter, the Deputy Governor directed the school management to stop the fencing project being undertaken, pending the time the committee will visit the encumbered area for proper demarcation. 

In the same fashion, Mrs Afuye, told the institution not to exceed the area earlier released for the building of the school by Asalu family in 1967, to avert intra- communal violence that could trigger bloodshed or insurrection in Iyin Ekiti. 

She advised the feuding parties to have a "give and take mindset" in the resolution of the matter, saying win-win situation for all parties has been a potent strategy being adopted by government to resolve land disputes.

Speaking during the parley, the Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti, Oba Adeniyi Ajakaye, appreciated the Governor Biodun Oyebanji-led government for intervening in the matter that is gradually gathering tension. 

Oba Ajakaye, represented by Odofiyin of Iyin Ekiti, High Chief Ayodeji Esan, said the community places prime value on the protection of lives and property, and that the issue at hand shouldn't be allowed to degenerate to violent action. 

The monarch promised that his council will cooperate with the boundary committee to bring a lasting solution to the land encroachment dispute. 

Expressing their grievances over alleged encroachment into their lands, representative of Asalu family, Prof. Ayo Akinlua, lamented how the family's lands were being forcibly grabbed, calling on government to deploy all its powers to ensure that justice is done in the matter. 

Prof Akinlua claimed that the institution had exceeded the area allotted to it at inception in 1967, describing this as a great injustice and abridgement of the rights of Asalu family. 

To complement the peace-building policy of Oyebanji -led government, the Chairman of Araromi Local Council Development Area, Chief Adewole Alade, said the council had deployed security to the institution to ward off violence and loss of life. 

The council boss added that he decided to take such action when he noticed that some land sellers were infiltrating the school compound and importing those he described as "thugs" to the area.

Ekiti Deputy Gov Felicitates ex-First Lady, Erelu Bisi Fayemi at 61.

Ekiti Deputy Gov Felicitates ex-First Lady, Erelu Bisi Fayemi at 61.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has congratulated the former First Lady of Ekiti State and world acclaimed gender activist, Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, on her 61st birthday.

Mrs Afuye described the ex-First Lady as an amazon, whose career trajectory and socio-political sojourn typify honour, industry, honesty,  sacrifice and uplift of humanity for prosperity and progress  in all spheres. 

The Deputy Governor said these in a statement, on Thursday, felicitating Erelu Bisi Fayemi on her birthday. 

The Deputy Governor stated that Mrs Fayemi's giant leaps and surfeit of contributions in projection of  feminism and elevation of women in politics and socio-economy would remain evergreen in the hearts of the populace.  

Mrs Afuye described the over six decades of Mrs Fayemi's existence as positively rewarding, saying her  strides to rid the global community of endemic pangs of gender inequality, had garnered recognition and respect. 

She stated that the Ekiti populace would eternally be grateful to Mrs Fayemi for setting a pace and leading the struggle against female genital mutilation, a longstanding practice that endangered many lives and incapacitated their productive capacities.

She added that Mrs Fayemi also played landmark roles in the virulent wars against child trafficking, enslavement and the dismantling of all forms of cultural encumbrances inhibiting women from attaining their desirable heights in the society.

Speaking about Mrs Fayemi's intellectual and political prowess, Mrs Afuye stated that the former First Lady, had etched her name in gold as a thorough-bred academic and pro-democracy activist, who fought relentlessly for the actualisation of populist governance in Nigeria.

"I congratulate Her Excellency, Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi on her 61st birthday today, June 11, 2024. I am elated because your entire life stands for progress and prosperity for all, which has made you a relish of many. 

"Ekiti people, particularly the womenfolk  won't forget your imprints on the sand of time as an unrepentant proponent of a society devoid of gender  inequality. 

"As Ekiti First Lady, you gave hope to the hopeless and supported many to rise to the pinnacle of their careers. Your exploits are so rich  that generations coming behind us won't forget how you  stood for the less privileged  and promoted them. 

"The Gender Based Violence prohibition Law and Equal Opportunities Law that broke the shackles for the  promotion of women in politics and administration in Ekiti were enacted by government because of your relentless efforts.

"I pray that the good Lord shall continue to stand by you, grant you good health and strong mental capacity to be able to contribute more to humanity", Mrs Afuye prayed.

Hon. Ojuawo Felicitates with Erelu Bisi Fayemi on her Birthday.

Hon. Ojuawo Felicitates with Erelu Bisi Fayemi on her Birthday.

Hon. (AVM Rtd) Ojuawo Rufus Adeniyi, Member of the House of Representatives representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1, has joined the good people of Ekiti State in congratulating our former First Lady, Her Excellency Erelu Bisi Fayemi, on her 61st birthday.

In his congratulatory message, Ojuawo said, "Your birthday is a significant day for us in Ekiti, as we wish you many more years of good health and a sound mind. You are a woman of substance and virtue. Personally, I am delighted to celebrate you, especially for the indelible mark you have made for those coming behind you. Your advocacy against girl child abuse and protection of the rights of our women have made our state a safe place for our women to rise and fulfill their dreams. As an advocate for social change and philanthropist, I admire your love for our people, your empathetic spirit, and your solutions to every challenge that draws your attention. It is my prayer that God will grant you longevity to achieve even more in the service of humanity."

Hon. Ojuawo also seized the opportunity to thank the Feminist Activist for her investments in the African Women's Leadership Institute and the African Women's Development Fund. Erelu Bisi Fayemi is the founder of Above Whispers Media Foundation and writes a weekly column called "Loud Whispers."

Happy Birthday, Your Excellency!

 OJUAWO MEDIA TEAM

Our First Lady A Mother Indeed, Say Ekiti Delegates To Tinubu’s First Year Event.

Our First Lady A Mother Indeed, Say Ekiti Delegates To Tinubu’s First Year Event.

...Appreciate Dr Oyebanji's Milk of Human Kindness.

Ekiti State delegates to Nigerian youth interactive session with Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu in Abuja has commended the wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, for her kind gestures to them which made their stay in the nation's capital a memorable one.

The youth interactive session with the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was one of the activities held to mark the first anniversary in office of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administration which took place at the State House Banquet Hall.

The youth delegates on Monday paid a visit to Dr. Oyebanji in her office to show their gratitude to the Ekiti First Lady whom they commended for ensuring that they enjoyed the best of comfort in Abuja describing her as a "mother indeed." 

The youth said extending her milk of human kindness to them during the national assignment in Abuja showed that Dr. Oyebanji is a compassionate woman which has resonated in her humanitarian gestures to vulnerable segment of the population.

They hailed the Ekiti First Lady "for pampering them like babies," looking after their feeding, accommodation and financial support which made them comfortable.

Speaking on behalf of the delegates, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Students Engagement, Miss Oreoluwa Adetiba, said the attitude of Dr. Oyebanji before, during and after the engagement with Senator Tinubu "was the best anyone could get from a caring mother."

Miss Adetiba said: "She pampered us like babies and even called us after feeding, accommodation and pocket money, mummy still called us countless times to see to our welfare, how best can we describe you than to say you are indeed abiyamo tooto."

The group thanked Dr. Oyebanji for counting them worthy amongst Ekiti youths to represent the state and pledged their loyalty to the Oyebanji administration as they promised to always represent Ekiti well whenever the need arises.

Responding, the First Lady commended the youth for deeming it fit to appreciate her gesture of support to them at the national assignment.

Dr. Oyebanji described their comportment at the Abuja event as impressive and commendable adding that as the mother of the state, she was obliged to look after them as "babies."

She urged them to keep supporting the Biodun Oyebanji Administration with the promise that the government would do more for the youth segment of the population whom she described as the strength of the state and nation.

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.