My Insistence On Financial Propriety Led To Fajemirokun-Ajayi’s Accusations-Foreign Affairs, Perm Sec Replies Allegations.

My Insistence On Financial Propriety Led To Fajemirokun-Ajayi’s Accusations-Foreign Affairs, Perm Sec Replies Allegations.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Adamu Ibrahim Lamuwa has responded to allegations of sexual harassment by an aide to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Simisola O. Fajemirokun-Ajayi, in a response provided by sources close to the Permanent Secretary's legal representative led by Audu Anuga SAN.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry denied having made any sexual advances at the Ministerial aide, stating that his insistence on financial prudence and due process led to his friction with Mrs Fajemirokun-Ajayi. 

“We wish to state categorically that our client has never made any sexual advances towards Mrs. Simisola O. Fajemirokun-Ajayi, who he is aware is a married woman, neither has he ever made suggestive comments or innuendos that requested any form of untoward relationship between himself and her,” a part of the statement read. 

It further explained that the Permanent Secretary’s jocular remarks and ordinary conversations with the petitioner were misinterpreted by the aide. 

“Our client distinctly recalls the events that took place at the Ministry’s Retreat on October 7th 2023 where Mrs Simisola O. Fajemirokun-Ajayi claims that he invited her to his room. Our client states categorically that, he never made such an invitation and that his only communication with Mrs Fajemirokun-Ajayi, which was an overt one, was where he checked on her, like he did to all participants on whether they had been well-lodged in their hotels.

“He further recalls that the instance where he spoke of her as a nursing mother, during the same retreat was in a colloquial conversation they were having with other participants, where one participant even responded jokingly that when a woman says “her baby” it could mean either her husband or one of her children, of which he innocuously joked asking “how big is the baby?” Our client maintains that those conversations were made jokingly and sees their misinterpretation as malicious and with ill-intent,” the statement noted. 

Denying that Ambassador Lamuwa requested the Minister’s aide to travel with him to Hong Kong, the legal representative described the insinuation that such a request was made as absurd.

“Our client also maintains that it is an absurdity for Mrs. Fajemirokun-Ajayi to claim that he invited her to Hong Kong, given that the conversation they were both having was on how Honk Kong had digitised its work processes as far back as 1999. 

“Our client wonders how such a conversation became interpreted as an invitation for her to travel alongside himself knowing fully well that she is an aide to the Minister. How can she possibly leave the Minister to follow the Permanent Secretary, on a vacation? Would that not be the height of delusion for the one requesting, as well as the one heeding to the request?” 

The statement further stated that the Mrs. Fajemirokun-Ajayi had misinterpreted the ordinary conversations they had in public, and that this was tied to the Permanent Secretary’s “objections raised regarding improper requests” from the Minister’s aide. 

“It is clear that the Minister’s aide has misinterpreted ordinary conversations, made openly and in the presence of other participants, for untoward intentions. We believe that these allegations are directly tied to our client’s firm objections raised regarding improper requests that Mrs Fajemirokun-Ajayi made, particularly to financial matters in the Ministry.  

“For example, Mrs. Fajemirokun-Ajayi made a trip to the World Economic Forum (Davos), of which she sought a reimbursement from the Ministry for. Our client firmly explained to her that while the Ministry may look at avenues to refund her expenses, it is not the appropriate process for a trip to be made without an approval, and then funded with taxpayers money after the fact.” 

The statement went further to accuse Mrs. Fajemirokun-Ajayi of being unfamiliar with Civil Service Rules and processes, as she had requested for access to certain documents that were too sensitive for her clearance level as a political appointee. 

“Further to this, is the fact of Mrs Fajemirokun-Ajayi’s unfamiliarity with Civil Service rules and processes where she had requested from our client access to Policy Files and even Financial Records of high-level activities of the Ministry. 

“By no means, should the Permanent Secretary, as chief accounting officer of the Ministry provide such sensitive documents to an aide of the Minister, worse via a WhatsApp chat. There are due processes in government, and they must be followed. 

“We must emphasise that Mrs Fajemirokun-Ajayi is a political appointee, and not a civil servant. Thus, matters of finance and policy are out of bounds for her in this instance. 

“All these, seem to have angered Mrs Simisola O. Fajemirokun-Ajayi, so much that she has taken her offence to the level of concocting stories in order to tarnish our client’s image and character.”

Ambassador Adamu Lamuwa’s legal representative stated that he has served in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for over three decades, and has never received a query or report bothering on issues of harassment throughout the period; further stating that the Ambassador is confident of being vindicated. 

It would be recalled that Mrs. Fajemirokun-Ajayi, an aide to the Minister of Foreign Affairs had in a petition through her lawyers accused Ambassador Ibrahim Lamuwa of conducts of sexual harrassment at her place of work, as well as abuse of office and intimidation.

EKSG to patronize local cattle, ram sellers for Muslim festival.

EKSG to patronize local cattle, ram sellers for Muslim festival.

....as Gov Oyebanji restates commitment to local content policy.

As part of his administration’s commitment to the local content policy aimed at empowering local businesses in the state, Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has, again directed that cattle sellers in the state should be the sole suppliers of rams for coming Eid- el- Kabir festival.

The Secretary to the State Government, Dr( Mrs) Habibat Adubiaro disclosed the government’s position during a meeting with cattle sellers at the Adere cattle market in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday. 

Dr Adubiaro said the directive was in line with the administration’s policy of patronizing local businesses, adding that the effort is aimed at boosting the state’s economy through support for local entrepreneurs. 

"We are here this morning as directed by His Excellency, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who believes that the re-engineering of the economy value of Ekiti should go round the people and that is why he said this year again, our people should be patronized, they should be the sole suppliers of the rams. That’s why he sent us here to tell you that you are the ones that would supply all the rams that will be given to our people, the Muslims in Ekiti for the Ileya festival", she said. 

It is recalled that the Governor, last year mandated government at all levels to patronised local cattle sellers in the state, Dr Adubiaro said it is a precedence the Governor has set to encourage the private sector, enhance competitiveness of local businesses and reduce the state’s reliance on external suppliers.

She explained that all the rams that the state government intends to give out to Muslims in the state would be purchased and supplied locally.

While assuring them that the Oyebanji led-administration remains committed to ensuring a robust local economy that can withstand external economic pressures by championing local patronage to build self-sufficiency and prosperous Ekiti State, the SSG called on all residents and businesses in the state to follow suit by consistently supporting the local enterprises.

Responding on behalf of the cattle sellers association, Alhaji Alani Yakubu thanked the Governor for patronizing them since coming on board as governor of the state. He expressed optimism about potential increase in sales during the ileya festival.

He opined that patronage from the government would not only provide a substantial boost for their business but also stimulate local economy and foster a supportive environment for small and medium enterprises

EKSG to distribute another round of palliatives.

EKSG to distribute another round of palliatives. 

Moved by the need to further cushion the effect of current economic situation in the country, the Government of Ekiti State will distribute another round of palliatives to the people of the state on Thursday, June 13, 2024. 

The event which will be presided over by the State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji will hold at the Oshuntokun Pavilion, Government House grounds, Ado-Ekiti by 12.noon. 

According to a statement by the Palliatives Distribution Committee, representatives of various groups and associations  have been duly notified and expected to be seated at the venue by 11.00am.

President Tinubu Commemorates 25 Years of Unbroken Democracy in Nigeria.

President Tinubu Commemorates 25 Years of Unbroken Democracy in Nigeria.

By Olamide Akinwumi.

In a national broadcast marking Democracy Day on June 12, 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu celebrated Nigeria's 25 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, honoring the sacrifices of past heroes and highlighting the nation's steadfast commitment to democratic principles and economic reforms.

Read The Full Text Of Tinubu’s Democracy Day Address:

My fellow Nigerians, let me begin by congratulating all of us for witnessing the celebration of another Democracy Day today, the 12th day of June 2024. This year also marks our nation’s 25 years of uninterrupted democratic governance. 

On this day, 31 years ago, we entered our rites of passage to becoming a true and enduring democratic society.

Going through this passage was hard and dangerous. During the fateful six years that followed, we fought and struggled for our natural rights as human beings put on this earth by the divine hand of our Creator. 

We lost great heroes and heroines along the way. In this struggle, the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola, the most significant symbol of our democratic struggle, his wife, Kudirat, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and Pa Alfred Rewane, among others sacrificed their very lives. 

They bravely surrendered their futures, so that our nation might have a better one. 

Let us honour the memories of Chief Anthony Enahoro, Chief Abraham Adesanya, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Chief Arthur Nwankwo, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Chief Frank Kokori, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Adekunle Ajasin, Chief Ganiyu Dawodu, Chief Ayo Fasanmi, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Olabiyi Durojaiye, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Chima Ubani, and others who have transited to the higher realm. 

  

The sacrifices of General Alani Akinrinade, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Professor Wole Soyinka, Chief Ralph Obioha, Chief Cornelius Adebayo, among many others, should never be forgotten. For at least six years, they bore the pains and difficulties of life in exile.  

 

While the exiled pro-democracy activists kept the fire burning, their comrades at home sustained the pressure on the military brass hats. Among the latter are Olisa Agbakoba, Femi Falana, Abdul Oroh, Senator Shehu Sani, Governor Uba Sani, Chief Olu Falae, and other National Democratic Coalition leaders such as Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Ayo Opadokun. 

The sacrifices they made, and the precious gift brought about by their selfless devotion can never be repaid. Neither shall it be forgotten.

    

We could not have won the battle against military dictatorship without the irrepressible Nigerian journalists who mounted the barricades along with the pro-democracy activists. We celebrate them today, along with their media establishments such as The Punch, Guardian, National Concord, Tribune, The News/Tempo, and TELL Magazines. Military authorities proscribed these media establishments and jailed their journalists for standing for free speech and civil liberties 

Despite the lethal might of the military government, what appeared to be high and unyielding walls of dictatorship came tumbling down. The dismal fortress exists no longer. 

The power of an idea, the power of the people proved more potent than all the guns and munitions, than all the guns, the munitions and the threats of the strongmen.  

The nation exited the yoke of military rule in 1999 to become the most populous democracy on African soil, the beacon of democratic self-determination for the black race and one of the largest democracies in the world.

This change stands as a pivotal moment in human history. From this change, we shall never turn, nor shall the annals of mankind’s progress forget the sublime meaning of this great moment. 

Today, 25 years later, we celebrate the silver anniversary of our journey in democracy.   

We have steadied the course. 

Democracy is neither a foreign nor abstract concept devoid of real-life meaning for us. Neither can we afford to reduce or minimalise it to being nothing but the mere holding of periodic elections where one candidate and party outdo another. 

While elections attract dramatic attention, they are but one aspect of democracy. Democracy is a way of life that encompasses a broad outlook of which elections are but a part. As such, a nation can have elections without being democratic. But a nation cannot be truly democratic without holding elections.   

That we have established a tradition of holding transparent, open, and fair elections gives credence to our democratic bearing. That we have experienced peaceful transitions of government affirms our democratic temperament. 

Fellow Nigerians, true democracy shines its light into the daily lives of the people who live under its nurturing wings. It affords us the freedom and liberty to think as we want, live where we want and pursue whatever legitimate endeavour that suits us.

Democracy does not assume some false or forced unity of opinion. In fact, democracy assumes that conflicting ideas and differing opinions shall be the order of the day. Given the diversity and variety of the human experience, there must be diverse perspectives and viewpoints.

What democracy demands is that we do not resolve differences through force and repression. But we make allowance for the legitimacy of views that differ from our own.  

Where other forms of government impose against the will of the people, democracy aims to make leaders sufficiently humble that they conduct themselves as servants of the common good, not as viceroys of the narrow interests of the mighty.

My dear compatriots, Nigeria faced a decision of untold gravity twenty-five years ago: Whether to veer toward a better destination or continue aimlessly in the fog of dictatorship.

We made the right choice then. We must continue with that choice now.

As Nigerians, we must remind ourselves that no matter how complicated democracy may be, it is the best form of governance in the long run. We must also be aware that there are those among us who will try to exploit current challenges to undermine, if not destroy, this democracy for which so much has already been given. 

These people do this not to make things better but to subject all other people and things to their control and dominance until the point that, if you are not counted among their elite, then your life will be small and no longer owned by you.

This is the great battle of our day and the major reason we specially celebrate this Democracy day.

Fellow Nigerians, our Democracy is more than a historic fact. It is a living, breathing reality. 

The true meaning of this day is not to focus solely on the great deeds of the past that have brought us to this point.  

Yes, we pay eternal honour to those who laid down their lives, sacrificing everything to pave the way for the nation. 

I stand uniquely placed in this regard. I was among those who took the risk to midwife the birth of our democracy. I am now a direct and obvious beneficiary of the fruits of those historic efforts.

As president of this nation, I am morally and constitutionally bound to preserve this precious form of governance. I vow to do my utmost best to protect your rights, freedoms, and liberties as citizens of Nigeria.

Even more than that, I pledge to do whatever is necessary to cement democracy as our way of life. 

Although the challenges are steep and multiple, I am grateful to lead Nigeria at this moment in her history and point in her democratic journey.  

I come before you also to declare that our most important work remains before us. This real test has never been whether we would rise to challenge the slings of misfortune and grievous pain of dictatorship.

The real test is whether we shall lower our guards as the shadow of despotism and its evident physical danger fade.

I say to you here and now that as we celebrate the enshrinement of our political democracy, let us commit ourselves to the fulfilment of its equally important counterpart, the realisation of our economic democracy.

I understand the economic difficulties we face as a nation. 

Our economy has been in desperate need of reform for decades. It has been unbalanced because it was built on the flawed foundation of over-reliance on revenues from the exploitation of oil. 

The reforms we have initiated are intended to create a stronger, better foundation for future growth. There is no doubt the reforms have occasioned hardship. Yet, they are necessary repairs required to fix the economy over the long run so that everyone has access to economic opportunity, fair pay and compensation for his endeavour and labour. 

As we continue to reform the economy, I shall always listen to the people and will never turn my back on you. 

In this spirit, we have negotiated in good faith and with open arms with organized labour on a new national minimum wage. We shall soon send an executive bill to the National Assembly to enshrine what has been agreed upon as part of our law for the next five years or less.

In the face of labour’s call for a national strike, we did not seek to oppress or crack down on the workers as a dictatorial government would have done. We chose the path of cooperation over conflict.

No one was arrested or threatened. Instead, the labour leadership was invited to break bread and negotiate toward a good-faith resolution.  

Reasoned discussion and principled compromise are hallmarks of democracy. These themes shall continue to animate my policies and interaction with the constituent parts of our political economy.

I take on this vital task without fear or favour and I commit myself to this work until we have built a Nigeria where no man is oppressed.     

 

In the end, our national greatness will not be achieved by travelling the easy road. It can only be achieved by taking the right one. 

The words of the American President Franklin Roosevelt certainly ring true:

" There are many ways of going forward. But only one way of standing still"!

We dare not slumber lest the good things awaiting our immediate future pass us by. We dare not plant our feet in idle standstill in the middle of the intersection of hope and despair. 

We know the proper way forward and we shall take it!

The initial rays of a brighter tomorrow now appear on the early horizon. An abundant future and our capacity to achieve that future lie within our reach. Democracy and the institutions it begets offer to take us to our profound destination. 

Let us board this progressive train together. Together, let us move Nigeria forward. 

Let’s continue to keep the fire of democracy burning. Let’s keep the torch lit for generations to come. 

  

May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and preserve our democracy.

I wish us all a Happy Democracy Day.

*PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU*

Ekiti First Lady Demands Immediate Impact From Adire Ekiti Trainees.

Ekiti First Lady Demands Immediate Impact From Adire Ekiti Trainees. 

....Class of June Concludes Training.

Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji has charged the 200 trainees of Adire Ekiti from Ekiti South Senatorial District to make immediate impact with the training they had received from Adire Ekiti Hub.

Dr. Oyebanji who gave the charge at the Closing Ceremony for the trainees from Ekiti South (Class of June) on Tuesday said Adire Ekiti has come to stay and it will continue to make impact in promoting entrepreneurship and job creation in the state.

The First Lady, who was represented by the Technical Advisor to the Governor on Entrepreneurship Development, Dr. Abimbola Oni commended the trainees for their patience in learning the craft and their instructors for imparting knowledge on them.

Dr. Oyebanji expressed delight at the huge number of Adire fabrics produced by the trainees within one week of intensive training promising to invite them back in two weeks' time to receive their empowerment materials.

She announced a cash gift of N10,000 to each of the trainees to cover their transport fare for the one week spent under training noting that the start-up kits they will receive is a form of motivation to give them a sound footing to begin their trade.

"It will be a thing of joy for me to see you to start work without delay and make immediate impact in your localities. We have made sacrifices for this training to make you owners of your business and masters of your labour.

"I will be happy to see you practicing what you have learnt here. Anytime you have any problem, come over to Adire Ekiti Hub for assistance. You are free to make use of this facility whenever you want," she said.

Dr. Oyebanji expressed delight that a total number of 400 trainees from Ekiti Central and Ekiti South Senatorial Districts had undergone training at Adire Ekiti Hub which is expected to have positive effects on the grassroots economy.

Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Gold Adedayo showered encomiums on the First Lady for the Adire Ekiti initiative, which had trained 400 beneficiaries within the space of four months.

Mr. Adedayo said the First Lady has succeeded in giving Ekiti a special identity that is gaining popularity within and outside the state turning Ekiti to a destination of choice for the purchase of Adire fabrics for social and ceremonial occasions.

The Commissioner also lauded the First Lady for her role in the establishment of Garment Hub in the states, saying the initiatives are already changing the narrative for the good reasons in the Land of Honour.

He added that the youth of Ekiti appreciate all that Governor Biodun Oyebanji has been doing for them in giving them various forms of empowerment and support.

Mr. Adedayo urged the people of the state to visit the gallery of the Adire Ekiti Hub and buy the products to contribute to the growth of the economy of Ekiti State in the spirit of the Shared Prosperity mantra of the Oyebanji Administration.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Funmilayo Akinola expressed gratitude to the governor and the First Lady for giving them the platform of Adire Ekiti for skill acquisition so that they will not become liabilities to themselves and their families.

Mrs. Akinola promised that the trainees will not disappoint as they are poised to exhibit and market the skills they had acquired at the Adire Ekiti Hub for personal and societal benefits.

The ceremony was rounded off with the exhibition of the works of the beneficiaries, which were produced within the one week of their intensive, back to back training.

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.