Oyebanji, at Erelu Fayemi’s Book Reading, tasks Authors on socio change.

Oyebanji, at Erelu Fayemi’s Book Reading, tasks Authors on socio change.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has called on Nigerian authors under the aegis of Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) to leverage more on their platforms to promote social justice, truth and unity through constructive dialogue that can positively change the nation's social and political narratives.

Governor Oyebanji who made the call in Abuja on Saturday at the June edition of Abuja ANA’s Reading and Writers’ Dialogue which featured former Ekiti State First Lady, Erelu Bisi Fayemi as Guest Writer, acknowledged the pivotal role of the association in driving social and political change for a better society.

Highlighting the importance of literature and the Arts in shaping public opinion and fostering societal progress, Governor Oyebanji commended the association for its contribution to the country’s intellectual and cultural development and urged writers to continue their advocacy for justice, equity, and good governance.

While appreciating ANA for acknowledging the great contributions of the former First Lady, Governor Oyebanji expressed optimism that with continued efforts from the association and support from various stakeholders, Nigeria literature would continue to thrive and contribute significantly to the nation’s development.

The Governor assured the Association that his administration would continue to collaborate, support and provide a conducive environment for literary activities in Ekiti State as well as promoting reading culture among the youth.

“ I thank ANA for the honour done to us in Ekiti State, because what you have done to Erelu Fayemi is an honour done to Ekiti people and as I sat down there, I just engaged in a conversation with myself that this is a conference of established writers and if people spend so much resources and effort to write, we must ensure that those works don’t go unnoticed but supported to lead to a better society in a country where people's reading culture is going into extinction.

“I can imagine Dr Kayode Fayemi sitting down here, reading from most of those books he wrote as Governor of Ekiti State with respect to policy and advocacy. I am sure that if he is seated here, most former Governors, many Governors, Ministers will be here. We have ANA members in the National Assembly, bring them here let them invite their members because people are so busy but once one of them is involved they will be here, so collectively we can navigate towards a better society that we all dream of”, Oyeebanji asserted.

Earlier in her keynote address, the former First Lady of Ekiti State and Guest Writer, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, who shared some insights into her motivations for writing and the impact of writing on her life, said her identity as a writer brings her immense peace and satisfaction.

Emphasizing the transformative power of writing on the society, the Erelu Fayemi  said she writes to change the narrative, challenge preconceived notions and stereotypes, to get justice against discrimination, amplifying the voice of the unheard and advocating for systemic change, and a better society.    

In their separate goodwill messages, former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi and Senate Majority Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, commended ANA for bridging the gap between the memories and forgetfulness, and for always reminding the people of their responsibilities as public figures, leaders, and citizens in order to create a better society where no one is left behind.

They maintained that authors have consistently used literature as a tool for awakening national consciousness, inspiring collective action and social reforms, challenging regimes and advocating for the rights of the marginalized.

Also at the event were, former and present first ladies, members of Ekiti National Assembly caucus, renowned authors, poets, and literary critics across the country, among others.

Oyebanji Moves to Fortify Disaster Management, Deploys Ekiti Experts to LASEMA.

Oyebanji Moves to Fortify Disaster Management, Deploys Ekiti Experts to LASEMA.

In a determined bid to bolster Ekiti State’s responses to disaster and emergency management to safeguard the lives of the citizens, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, has strengthened partnership with Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) in terms of personnel training and facilities.

Sequel to the foregoing, the governor has despatched a team of experts to Lagos to understudy LASEMA and domesticate part of their operations to lubricate frictions being experienced in disaster management in Ekiti.

The delegation, led by the Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s Office, Mr. Opeyemi Abayomi, in company of the General Manager, Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency (EKSEMA), Mr. Oludare Asaolu, on Friday visited LASEMA’s office in Lagos to cross fertilize ideas on how to exponentially improve responses to emergency situations in the State.

It would be recalled that Governor Oyebanji, had recently visited LASEMA’s headquarters in Lagos, where he sought a strong partnership with the agencies in critical areas that can be effectively domesticated in Ekiti for improved operation of EKSEMA.

Subsequently, a team of LASEMA experts were drafted to Ekiti to appraise the operational structures and facilities of EKSEMA and all the allied agencies associated with emergency management.

Speaking about the visit in a statement in Ado Ekiti, on Saturday, the leader of the Ekiti’s team and Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s Office, Mr Abayomi Opeyemi, said the partnership was in line with Governor Oyebanji’s resolve to have a safe and secured Ekiti.

Opeyemi stated that the team was deployed to LASEMA to understudy possible areas of collaboration and to ascertain operations obtainable in Lagos that can be adapted in the State in terms of swift response to emergency situations.

The Permanent Secretary added that the kernel of the governor’s strides was targeted at mitigating disasters towards the realization of the shared prosperity mantra of his administration.

According to Opeyemi, “In order to have a first hand information on the best practices in emergency management in Lagos State, Governor Oyebanji approved that EKSEMA, led by myself in company of EKSEMA General Manager, Director of Fire Services and other experts should undertake a study tour of LASEMA.

“The study tour is with a view to learning from the expertise of LASEMA, explore areas of collaboration and fashion out ways of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of SEMA especially in the areas emergency and disaster management, including fire services, rapid response initiatives, and ambulance services.

“The team were at the headquarters of LASEMA where they learnt about the integrated approach to disaster management, the Fire Services office, the LASEMA Response Unit at Cappa and its equipment hub, the Internally Displaced Persons camp at Igando, the Onipanu Response Base as well as the Lekki Response Base”.

As part of the interactive visit, the Permanent Secretary, revealed that the team had engaging sessions with the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, heads of LASEMA agencies, technical partners and the management team.

He said they also attended a workshop tagged: ‘Strengthening Flood Resilience in Vulnerable Communities in Lagos State’ to further expose EKSEMA’s experts and operators to modern techniques and innovations in disaster mitigation and management.

NiMET Flood Advisory: EKSG Takes Proactive Measures to Protect Lives, Infrastructure.

NiMET Flood Advisory: EKSG Takes Proactive Measures to Protect Lives, Infrastructure.

  

In response to the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NlMET)'s forecast, predicting heavy rainfall and potential flooding in Ekiti and twelve other states, the state Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources has announced proactive measures to safeguard lives of residents and public infrastructures in the State.

The State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Erelu Tosin Ajisafe Noshaking in a statement made available to Newsmen in Ado-Ekiti urged people to take NiMET's warnings seriously, noting that the State Government through the Ministry  has initiated efforts which include the  approved work plan to clear blocked drainages and waterways in Ado,ikere,and Ekiti South -West Local Government and desiltation of lined drains ,culverts and access slabs in Ado ,ikere and Irepodun/Ifelodun Local government,which were considered to be high risk flood zones between June to October, 2024.

The Commissioner explained  that the Ministry has equally launched a public awareness campaign to educate residents on flood safety measures. This campaign involved information dissemination through radio announcements, social media, and community engagement. 

According to her, the Ministry was working closely with relevant Ministries/Departments/Agencies and local governments to identify flood-proned areas within their jurisdiction and to coordinate advocacy campaign and mitigation measure, specifically in Ado Ekiti considered a high risk flood zones in  the State. 

The Ekiti State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources remains committed to prioritizing the safety and well-being of its residents by working together with relevant MDAs/LGAs/ and LCDAs so that members of the  public can effectively mitigate the impact of potential flash flooding and ensure timely responses to any emergencies that arise.

AVM Ojuawo Media Team Clears Air on Malicious Rejoinder, Absolves Bode Adeniyi of Allegations.

AVM Ojuawo Media Team Clears Air on Malicious Rejoinder, Absolves Bode Adeniyi of Allegations.

In a move to set the record straight and correct a damaging rejoinder, the AVM Ojuawo Media Team has issued a formal statement clearing Mr. Bode Adeniyi, a member of the team, of all allegations.

The rejoinder in question, which was purportedly published by the Media Team, accused Mr. Adeniyi of writing a damaging report about their principal, among other allegations. However, the team has now confirmed that the rejoinder was not authorized by them and was, in fact, a malicious attempt to tarnish Mr. Adeniyi's reputation.

According to the AVM Ojuawo Media Team, a thorough investigation was conducted, and it was revealed that Mr. Adeniyi was not involved in the writing or circulation of the said report. The team has apologized to Mr. Adeniyi for any harm caused by the false allegations and has reaffirmed his status as a valued member of the team.

This development has put to rest any speculation or doubt about Mr. Adeniyi's involvement in the matter. The AVM Ojuawo Media Team has reiterated its commitment to upholding the truth and ensuring that false information is not spread about its members or principal.

With this clarification, the team has demonstrated its dedication to professionalism and integrity in their operations. Mr. Adeniyi's reputation has been vindicated, and he continues to be an integral part of the team.

This news story serves as a testament to the importance of fact-checking and the need for media teams to verify information before publishing. The AVM Ojuawo Media Team's prompt action in correcting the false rejoinder has maintained the trust and confidence of their audience.

Signed:

AVM Ojuawo Media Team

Olawande visits Ilaje Fish Market, says '1 LGA, 1 Product' 'll harness the comparative advantage in local communities for job creation.

Olawande visits Ilaje Fish Market, says '1 LGA, 1 Product' 'll harness the comparative advantage in local communities for job creation.

Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the '1 LGA, 1 Product' initiative is aimed at advancing the most dominant economic activity in each local government area to create jobs and sustainable livelihood, especially for economically active youth at the grassroots.

The Minister stated this on Friday when he paid a working visit to one of the biggest fish markets in Nigeria situated in Ilaje, Ondo State. 

Received by the Founder/Managing Director of OjajaMoore, Ambassador Orioye Benedict Gbayisemore, who is also the founder of the market, the Minister appraised the huge potential of the market and applauded the founder for his foresight. 

Olawande, who could not hide his excitement with the level of economic activities going on in the market and the number of youth engaged, said he was proud that his vision to reduce youth unemployment, especially at the grassroots, is already taking root in Ondo State. 

"I'm proud this is happening in Ondo. I believe, firmly, that we cannot address unemployment by simply driving interventions in the urban centers alone, which in most cases benefit only the educated formal youth. I believe we must do our utmost to carry the informal youth in our local communities along by factoring them into all our job creation plans," Olawande said.

He added, "Almost all our local government areas have one outstanding product or economic mainstay. We must harness the peculiar and comparative economic activity in each local government area to create jobs, which is the thinking behind the '1 LGA, 1 Product' initiative."

The Minister, thereafter, assured of his commitment to facilitating the required support and collaborations that would improve the productive capacity of Ilaje Fish market and enable it to fully take advantage of the surging protein demand in Nigeria and across Africa.

EKSG Holds Emergency Meeting with Association of Mobile Money and Bank Agents in Nigeria.

EKSG Holds Emergency Meeting with Association of Mobile Money and Bank Agents in Nigeria.

Following the recent attacks on POS operators in Ekiti State, the Office of Community Communications convened an emergency meeting with the executives of Association of Mobile Money and Bank Agents in Nigeria ,aka “POS Operators” Ekiti State chapter.

The meeting which was at the instance of Governor Biodun Oyebanji who was saddened by the ugly development, had in attendance , Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters ; Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana(rtd),Director General Office of Community Communications; Mrs. Mary Oso-Omotosho; Chief Security Officer of the Governor ; CSP Ayodele Akinlua, DG Homeland Intelligence Agency, Dr. Dotun Adetuberu and Special Assistant Governor’s Office; Hon. Toyin Adetuase.

Addressing the executives during the meeting, Gen. Ogundana (rtd.), expressed the governor's deep concern over the current situation and reiterated Mr Governor’s assurances of bringing perpetrators to book . He emphasized that efforts are in top gear to flush out criminal elements in the State, noting that the good reputation that the Governor Oyebanji’s administration has been known for as the most peaceful, will not be damaged by any evil minded people.

Gen. Ogundana sympathized with the operators over the loss of their colleagues and highlighted the economic role POS operators play in the society . He assured them that the safety and security of all Ekiti citizens is of utmost importance to the Oyabanji led administration and must be handled with the seriousness it deserves.

Speaking on behalf of the executives, the President of the Association , Mr. Oluwatoyin Ajiboye, noted that the attacks on their members are not a new phenomenon and reflect a national issue. He acknowledged the governor's commitment to people’s welfare and expressed gratitude for the timely meeting which according to him ,they have been longing for . 

Mr. Ajiboye explained that POS operators under the umbrella body ‘Association of Mobile Money and Bank Agents in Nigeria (AMMBAN) have long faced all manner of challenges, including fraud through fake alerts and other fraudulent means. Mr Ajiboye also pointed out that some individuals disguise themselves as POS operators to engage in criminal activities, which prompted the association to start registering its members to enhance vigilance.

At the end of the meeting, guidelines on commercial POS operations were drawn while safety strategies and security tips were designed for the association .

Sen. Mudasiru Hussein Rejoins Osun APC: Dr. Siji Olamiju Hails 'Courageous Move'.

Sen. Mudasiru Hussein Rejoins Osun APC: Dr. Siji Olamiju Hails 'Courageous Move'.

Dr. Siji Olamiju (AKOL) has warmly welcomed Senator Mudasiru Hussein back into the fold of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State. In a press release, Dr. Olamiju lauded Senator Hussein's decision to part ways with the Omoluabi Group (formerly The Osun Progressives), describing it as a "courageous move."

In Pic: Senator Mudasiru Hussein.

Senator Hussein, a prominent political figure in Osun State, recently distanced himself from the Omoluabi Group, which Dr. Olamiju criticized as a "vehicle of perdition" deviating from the core principles of the APC. Dr. Olamiju expressed his admiration for Senator Hussein's independent stance and urged other leaders within the Omoluabi Group to follow suit, returning to the APC to support the party's vision for Osun State.

"Senator Hussein's decision to leave the Omoluabi Group and rejoin the APC is a testament to his commitment to our shared values and principles," Dr. Olamiju stated. He also called on other leaders to embrace their independence and rally behind the APC leadership, including Chief Bisi Akande, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, and Chairman Sooko Tajudeen Lawal.

In Pic Dr. Siji Olamiju (AKOL)

Dr. Olamiju extended his appreciation to Chairman Hon. Tajudeen Lawal Sooko for his inclusive approach in welcoming returnees to the party. He emphasized that the APC's tent is large enough to accommodate all who are dedicated to working under the leadership of Hon. Minister Isiaka Gboyega Oyetola and Chairman Hon. Tajudeen Lawal Sooko.

Dr. Olamiju emphasized that the compassionate leadership and collaborative spirit of our party leaders are crucial in liberating Osun State from the grip of pseudo-progressive governance, which we believe is detrimental to the state's progress. He further stressed that unity and collective effort are vital in eradicating the harmful influences that have held the state back, paving the way for a brighter future by 2026 and 2027

Senator Hussein's return marks a significant development in Osun State's political landscape, with the APC aiming to strengthen its ranks and consolidate support ahead of future elections. Dr. Olamiju's statement reflects the party's commitment to fostering inclusivity and unity among its members to achieve their shared goals.

As the political dynamics in Osun State continue to evolve, the APC leadership remains focused on maintaining a cohesive and robust party structure, welcoming all who share their vision for the state's future.