Akol Hails Osun APC Chairman Sooko Tajudeen Lawal as a Game Changer on His Birthday.

Akol Hails Osun APC Chairman Sooko Tajudeen Lawal as a Game Changer on His Birthday.

Dr. Siji Olamiju, a former cabinet member and prominent APC leader in Oriade Obokun Federal Constituency, has extended heartfelt congratulations to Hon. Tajudeen Lawal, the Osun APC Chairman, popularly known as the Sooko of the Source, on his birthday. In a statement released through his media team in Osogbo, Osun State, Dr. Olamiju celebrated Sooko's transformative leadership and his significant contributions to the party's development across the state.

In Pic: Hon. Tajudeen Lawal, Osun APC Chairman

Dr. Olamiju praised Sooko's impactful tenure during their time together in the cabinet, highlighting his unique qualities and exceptional leadership. He emphasized that Sooko's leadership as party chairman embodies his royal heritage and progressive ideology, which he has consistently demonstrated throughout his political career.

Reflecting on Sooko's political journey, Dr. Olamiju noted his dedication and commitment to public service, evident from his time as the chairman of Ife Local Government and his bid for the state youth leader position within the progressive party. Sooko's election as deputy chairman of the APC in Osun was seen as a stepping stone to his current role as the state party chairman, a position Dr. Olamiju believes he was destined to hold.

Dr. Olamiju commended Sooko's relentless efforts in strengthening the party by touring the state, engaging with party members from each senatorial district to the local level. These actions underscore Sooko's dedication to leading the party to victory in the 2026 governorship election. He expressed strong confidence in Sooko's ability to implement reforms, uphold party supremacy, and steer the progressive faction towards success.

Concluding his statement, Dr. Olamiju prayed for divine wisdom and confidence for Alh. Tajudeen Lawal to continue his visionary and game-changing leadership within the Osun APC.

Future Leaders Start by Mastering the Art of Following.

Future Leaders Start by Mastering the Art of Following.

By Obababa GCFR.

Life is a process and in stages. For you to be a graduate, you have to pass through the process and allow the process to equally pass through you. In life, you crawl, staggered, walk before running. Wanting to do former before the later would only end in disaster. From primary education to secondary then to terriarry education, that is the educational sequence. The two analogies given are equally applicable to ones' accession to leadership role. 

There are some managers and school of thought that believe that leaders are born while some are of the opinion that they are made. The Trait Theory advocated that leaders are made through hard work. Supporting this claim was the famous quote from Coach Vince Lombardi who said "Leaders aren't born, they are made. And they are made just like anything else, through hard work.”

Also supporting the claim that leaders are born is 'The Great Man Theory'. The Great Man Theory, popularized in the 1840s by Thomas Carlyle, suggested that leadership traits are intrinsic, meaning that great leaders are born and will emerge when confronted with the appropriate situation." 

Which ever the stances, either born or made, one thing that is sacrosanct is the fact that such person must grow through the ladder and in doing so, he must watch and learn from people before him.

Examples replete", both home and abroad, in  religious circles and captains of industries of loyal followers that diligently understudied their superiors, acquired the necessary tutelage, worked and excelled tremendously. The story of Biblical Elijah and Elisha readily comes to mind.

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji is a classical case study, a democrat to the core, a progressive by choice, and a disciple of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu by devotion and passion. He is also a diligent and studious student of Asiwaju School of Politics. 

No wonder he is excelling and breaking new barriers as the Executive Governor of Ekiti State . His leadership style, ability to peacefully resolve tough issues, humanitarian nature and his natural tactical capacity stand him out. His unprecedented love for the youths, his eagle eyes for talents and his passion to nurture, motivate and encourage such individuals are traits he surely inherited from his political father, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Ekiti State is on the right trajectory with His Excellency Biodun Oyebanji  as the helmsman. He has acquired the needed skills, tutors while critically understanding the sage of our time, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Of truth, "He that will one day lead must surely learn to be a follower truly".

Oyebani receives board appointment committee report.

Oyebani receives board appointment committee report.

....Promises prompt  implementation.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. BIodun Abayomi Oyebanji, on Wednesday evening received the report of the Committee set up to recommend names for appointment into various boards, parastatals, and commissions in the state, with an assurance to promptly act on the recommendation.

Speaking while receiving the report in his office in Ado Ekiti, the Governor said the appointment committee was designed to ensure a merit-based, transparent, and inclusive appointment system that allow for party supremacy

Explaining that the appointment committee was in fulfilment of his campaign promise to return the party back to the leaders, the Governor said the committee’s recommendations were rooted in the best practice, aims to foster greater public service trust in government and to enhance effectiveness and transparency of board appointments across the state.

While expressing his appreciation to the committee members for their diligence in ensuring that the most qualified individuals are appointed to serve, the Governor assured that his administration would promptly implement the recommendation.

“Let me start on the note of appreciation for our leaders for the tedious job, it is a very tough assignment and I must thank you for accepting to serve our people and to also reiterate my belief  in party supremacy, what has happened today is a confirmation of my belief  in what I told party members when I was running that I will return the party back to the leaders and I have strong belief that the names here came from our leaders in respective wards and local government”. The Governor asserted.

Earlier in his  remarks, Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief Jide Awe, who stood in for the Committee Chairman and former Deputy Governor, Prof Modupe Adelabu, posited that the committee consulted with relevant stakeholders across the 177 wards in the state to ensure fair representation and inclusive governance.

He explained that the committee screened and recommended names of suitable candidates for appointment into boards and commissions based on merit and competence, adding that it also reflects gender balance, people living with disabilities, religious, and local peculiarities.

Other members of the committee present during the report presentation include Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt Hon Adeoye Aribasoye; Chairman, Local Service Commission, Elder Alaba  Bejide and Acting Chairman, Ekiti State APC, Barrister Sola Elesin.

16-Year-Old Ekiti Boy Emerges Best Candidate In Aviation School Entrance Exam.

16-Year-Old Ekiti Boy Emerges Best Candidate In Aviation School Entrance Exam.

...Appreciates Oyebanji, wife for supporting with school fee.

The best candidate in the National Entrance Examination into the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, Bright Olalekan Oladele from Ekiti State, has expressed gratitude to Governor Biodun Oyebanji and his wife, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji for facilitating his admission into the prestigious institution.

Oladele thanked the First Lady taking the prompt step of drawing the attention of her husband to his request for assistance in paying the fee required for his training at the Flying School which was graciously approved by the Governor.

In Pic: Zaria Bright Olalekan Oladele.

The 16-year-old who is proceeding to NCAT to commence his training as a pilot next week came first out of 600 candidates who sat the National Entrance Examination into NCAT.

After the national exam, 19 candidates were shortlisted and Oladele later emerged as the best candidate after further tests and interview.

Receiving the boy and his parents who paid a thank-you visit to her office on Wednesday, the First Lady described the prospective pilot who is a native of Aisegba Ekiti as a shining Ekiti star urging the young ones to emulate his brilliance, industry and excellence. 

She said the decision to foot the academic bills of Oladele by the Governor was not borne out of self-aggrandizement but the need not to allow his dream to die and to contribute to his development.

The First Lady hailed Oladele for showcasing academic brilliance Ekiti is noted for pointing out that the fact that Oladele attended a public secondary school in the state showed that there are many bright minds in government owned schools in the State.

Her Excellency, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji 
Ekiti First Lady.

Dr. Oyebanji said Ekiti is celebrating the feat achieved by Oladele because Governor Oyebanji is fully committed to creating environment conducive to learning and moulding of pupils and students in public schools to shining stars who can hold their own anywhere they compete with their peers.

She however counselled boys and girls of school ages against spending much of their productive time on social media instead of facing their studies squarely regretting that the negative side of social media is taking its toll on many youths who are involved in unwholesome activities.

Dr. Oyebanji however recalled that since inception of the Oyebanji administration, Ekiti State has been in the news for good reasons describing the feat achieved by Oladele as part of wonderful stories recorded under the administration expressing hope that more of it would come in days ahead.

"I want to congratulate Bright and I thank God for your life. I congratulate you for making us proud as a state. I believe you will go to the Flying School and come out in flying colours.

"We are here to celebrate excellence, we are here to celebrate grace, we are here to celebrate God's mercy and we are here to celebrate dint of hard work. When you get to the Flying School, face your studies as you resume next week, the First Lady said.

In her remarks, the Director General, Community Communication Ekiti State, Mrs Mary Oso-Omotoso who accompanied the parents and uncle of the best candidate to the office of the First Lady revealed that Oladele was the youngest among all the candidates that wrote the NCAT Entrance Examination.

Mrs. Oso-Omotoso noted that government had played a pivotal roles in assisting the boy to get admission to the flying school by approving the fee needed for his admission.

Earlier in his remarks, the best aviation college entrant, Bright Oladele, appreciated government and its contribution to education sector.

He said: "I want to appreciate our Governor and the First Lady for this great thing they have done for me. I had wanted to be a pilot I thank the Governor for supporting me by ensuring the payment of my school fee."

The father of the boy, Engr. Wale Oladele, who spoke on behalf of the mother, Mrs. Motunrayo Oladele, solicited continuous government's support for younger generation so as to restore the educational glory of the state the more.

They were joined on the visit by Bright's uncle, Mr. Ayodele Oladele.

Oyebanji Appoints Prof. Olaleye Special Adviser On Land, eGIS And Survey.

Oyebanji Appoints Prof. Olaleye Special Adviser On Land, eGIS And Survey. 

In Pic: Prof. James Bola Olaleye Special Adviser on Land, eGIS and Survey.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has approved the appointment of Prof. James Bola Olaleye as Special Adviser on Land, eGIS and Survey.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Yinka Oyebode, Prof Olaleye’s appointment takes effect from July 1, 2024.

Olaleye, a professor of Surveying Engineering bagged a First Class Bachelor’s degree in Surveying from University of Lagos, Akoka in 1981; and a Masters degree in Surveying from the same University in 1984. He bagged his PhD in Surveying Engineering from University of Brunswick, Canada in 1992.

He started his academic career as a Graduate Assistant at the University of Lagos in 1982 and rose to the position of a professor in 2015. He held different positions including Sub Dean, Faculty of Engineering; Head, Department of Surveying and Geoinformatics. He retired from the University in December 2023.

Prof Olaleye, a specialist in Digital Mapping, Hydrography and Geomatics has extensive work experience in resource mapping, GPS and modern survey methods especially coastal environment. He was awarded the price for the best paper publication in 1994 by the American Society for Photogrammetry.

While congratulating the new appointee on his appointment, Governor Oyebanji urges him to deploy his wealth of experience as a renowned scholar in the field of Surveying Engineering to boost the administration’s strategic efforts in areas of land administration, urban renewal project and safer environment.

Gov. Aiyedatiwa Appoints Special Advisers, SENIOR Special Assistants.

Gov. Aiyedatiwa Appoints Special Advisers, SENIOR Special Assistants. 

In continuation of efforts to enhance governance and service delivery to the people of the State, the Governor of Ondo State, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has approved the appointment of three new Special Advisers and seven Senior Special Assistants.

The new appointees are:

Special Advisers:

1. Women Affairs: Mrs. Seun Osamaye 

2. Environment: Hon. Adeyemi Olayemi 

3. Lagislative Matters and Special Duties: Dr. Jibayo Adeyeye.

Senior Special Assistants (SSA):

1. Security: Olugbenga Atiba

2. Youth Empowerment: Orioye Benedict Gbayisemore

3. Student Affairs: Solomon Olaolu Kevin

4. Women Affairs: Esakumoh Sarah Kebi

5. Community Engagement (North): Bode Obanla

6. Community Engagement (Central): Olufemi Fadairo

7. Community Engagement (South): Andrew Soga Ogunsakin

While congratulating the new appointees, the Governor urged them to bring to bear their wealth of experience and dedicate themselves to serving the people of the State. 

Hon. Ojuawo Hosts Ileya Party with APC Members in Ise/Orun.

Hon. Ojuawo Hosts Ileya Party with APC Members in Ise/Orun.

The Honourable Member Representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1, Hon. (AVM Rtd) Ojuawo Rufus Adeniyi, hosted an Ileya party with APC members in Ise/Orun to celebrate the season together. The event was attended by community opinion leaders, APC leaders in Ise/Orun, including elected and appointed government officials.

 

In his opening remarks, Hon. Dare Idowu, chairman of APC Ise/Orun, thanked Hon. Ojuawo for organizing the feast to mark Eid Kabir with party members. He praised Hon. Ojuawo as a unifying leader who promotes peace and love in the party. He also thanked Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for his purposeful governance, which has brought development to Ekiti. “We in Ise/Orun support Governor Oyebanji’s second term,” he declared.

The event became a platform for adopting Governor Oyebanji for a second term. Hon. Otunba Kayode Fasae, Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, cataloged the government’s achievements and programs, seeking cooperation from party faithful for their success. He announced Governor Oyebanji’s second term bid, promising delivery for Ise/Orun.

Hon. Otunba Kayode Fasae, Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment.

Other leaders, including Hon. Femi Ajayi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Independent Project Monitoring, commended Hon. Ojuawo for the Eid Kabir feast and affirmed the government’s commitment to Ekiti people’s welfare through social intervention programs. They promised to support Governor Oyebanji’s second term, citing his systematic approach to governance. The Chairman of Ise/Orun local Govt, Hon. Bamikole Ayodele, charged party members to sustain their unity for more government deliverables.

Hon. Ojuawo thanked the party members for their unity, saying it is key to achieving great things. “BAO’s second term is a done deal, sealed by God. We in Ise/Orun will not let him down.” He charged everyone to support the government with prayers to continue achieving its shared prosperity agenda.

The feast turned carnival was full of fun and celebration galore. There was enough food and drink for party faithful and members of the public who came to pay Sallah homage to Hon. Ojuawo. The bandstand entertained the guests with songs in admiration of the Governor Oyebanji-led government. 

Other dignitaries at the party included Ikere local Government Chairman, Hon. (Sqr. Ldr Rtd) Olu Adamolekun, Special Adviser on Rural Mobilisation, Hon Oluremi Ajayi Babington, Technical Advisor on Change Management, Mr Ade Fashoyin, Hon Femi Babalola, Elder Tunji Falana, Hon Deji Ajayi, Chief JS Alabi, Ward Chairmen, Women Stakeholders and many others.