Ekiti SUBEB Sanctions Head Teacher Over Illegal Collection of Fees.

Ekiti SUBEB Sanctions Head Teacher Over Illegal Collection of Fees.

The management of Ekiti State Universal Basic Education Board has suspendeď the Head Teacher of St. Philips CAC Nursery and Primary School, Erio – Ekiti, Mr. Adeniyi Olutayo Ayodele of his post for two months with immediate effect over allegation of illegal collection of fees from pupils of the school.

The Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Prof. Femi Akinwumi said in Ado Ekiti that the decision became necessary after the Head Teacher had confessed that he committed the infraction and pleaded guilty to some of the allegations leveled against him.

Prof. Akinwumi said the man had persisted in the illegal activity despite several warnings against such act which is described as sabotage against the free and compulsory education policy of the present administration in the state.

He revealed that evidence proved that Mr Ayodele was collecting the sum of N25,000.00 naira from each of 28 pupils in primary six while another N8,000.00 was being collected from each of primary four pupils.

Prof. Akinwumi said the punishment was to serve as deterrent to other Head Teachers in the state public primary schools who are fond of breeching government policies 

While instructing the offending head teacher to hand over to the most senior assistant head teacher in the school, the SUBEB boss said he should henceforth be reporting at the SUBEB headquarters pending further determination of the case.

The Chairman also asked the erring head teacher to quickly refund all the money he had collected from the pupils for repayment to their parents.

He reiterated the commitment of Governor Biodun Oyebanji towards the development of basic education sector as well as provisions of various incentives to encourage the teachers and therefore warned against collection of unauthorized charges in the state public primary schools, adding that the free and compulsory education policy of the state government is still in place.

Ekiti Police arrest killers of POS operator in Ado Ekiti.

Ekiti Police arrest killers of POS operator in Ado Ekiti.

The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested the killers of the Point of Sales Agent at the Teaching hospital area of Ado Ekiti, Last week.

Parading the suspects at the Headquarters of the command, in Ado, the Force Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Abutu, said the killers were also responsible for the other killings in the state last week.

Abutu said one of the members of the killer squad, Salawudeen Lookman, who is a member of “Eiye Confraternity”  confessed to have shot and killed the Okada ticketing officer, at Okesa, the POS agents and the rice hawker at Bisi market.

Recalled that this medium reported the killing of the trio last week.

ASP Abutu also reeled out other breakthroughs of the command to include the arrest of car snatchers, Armed Robberies suspects and a jail breaker.

READ THE FULL DETAIL OF THE PRESS CONFERENCE. 

EKITI STATE POLICE COMMAND

PRESS BRIEFING/PARADING OF SUSPECTS ON WEDNESDAY 26TH JUNE, 2024 AT THE STATE HEADQUARTERS, ADO-EKITI.

Gentlemen of the press,

I am delighted to welcome you all on behalf of the Officers and Men of the Command to today’s press briefing and parading of suspects arrested in connection with different crimes.

In order to ensure the sustainability of the peaceful atmosphere being enjoyed by the good people and residents of Ekiti State, the Command has continued to embark on intelligence-led and ground breaking operations thay have led to the arrest of these suspects.

Undoubtedly, the Command shall continue to prioritize the safety of lives and properties of all the good people of Ekiti State, while warning criminal elements to turn a new leaf, stay clear or risk facing the full wrath of the law.

Some of these recent achievements are:

1.  On 02/06/2024 at about 22:20hrs, a gang of armed robbers numbering about eight stormed Oshodi Community, Ado-Ekiti, with guns and other sophiscated weapons, attacked and robbed different residents of their belongings.

Upon the receipt of the information, the Command Rapid Response Squad (RRS) swung into action and arrested one Poyi Nambet Boka at the scene with one AK47 rifle loaded with ammunition.

The suspect led RRS operatives to WonderKing Hotel, Ado-Ekiti, where two of their gang members; Pompyal Domfas Yahanna a.k.a BOSS and Timnan Nimmyel Moses John were arrested.

The suspects equally led the operatives to YGL Hotel, Ado-Ekiti, where two locally made Barreta pistols with one magazine loaded with four rounds of live ammunition were recovered inside a Well within the hotel premises and one Peter Nalde, the security guard of the Hotel who concealed the weapons, was arrested.

On 16/06/2024, one of the gang members, David Dashe aka TOO MUCH, who escaped to Abuja, the Federal Capital Tractory, was trailed and arrested by RRS Operatives. Other gang Members arrested are: one katdul Joshua Sunday, Benjamin Dashe, Selna Luka and Saldu Marmap.

The suspects confessed to have been responsible for the robbery attacks on different innocent citizens in Ado-Ekiti and IKere-Ekiti on 05/01/2024, 07/04/2024, 19/05/2024, 26/05/2024, 30/05/2024, 22/05/2024, amongst others.

They equally confessed to be responsible for the robbery and the murder of one Adewumi Blessing ‘f’ on 06/02/2024 and the murder of one isijola Temitope Opeyemi, a POS operator on 22/05/2024.

*Exhibits Recovered are*

i. Two AK 47 rifles

ii. Two locally made Berreta Pistols

iii. Eleven 7.62mm live ammunition

iv. Four 9mm live ammunition

v. Four AK47 magazines

vi. Two Suspected stolen

vii. Bajaj Motorcycles.

Effort is ongoing to amest other fleeing members of the gang.

2.  CASE OF CONSPIRACY AND STEALING:

On 04/06/2024 the Command Rapid Response Squad, acting upon credible information, conducted a raid operation on Wonderking Hotel, Ado-Ekiti. During the operation, three suspects, one Eze kelechi, Godfrey Israel and Eze Orji, were arrested. During interrogation, two among the arrested suspected armed robbers, one Timnan Limmyel Moses John and Poyi Nambet Boka, indicted the three arrested suspects to be members of a syndicate that specializes in stealing vehicles from where parked within Ado-Ekiti.

3.  ARREST OF A JAIL  BREAKER AND NOTORIOUS ARMED ROBBER:

On 13/16/2024 at about 20:30hrs, the RRS operatives, through credible information, arrested one Omotuyi Temitope a.k.a TOPE JINADU SMALL inside Alex Grace Hotel, Ado-Ekiti. The suspect alongside four other suspects had earlier in 2012 been arrested for the offence of Conspiracy and Armed Robbery. They were charged to court and remanded in the Correctional Centre, Ado-Ekiti.

While in Correctional Centre, the suspect and one Jimoh Sadiku colluded with their gang members outside the Correctional Centre and broke the Correctional Centre gate which resulted to the escape of two hundred and twenty inmates.

Investigation revealed that the suspect thereafter, fled to United Arab Emirates (UAE) where he involved in a murder case, arrested, imprisoned for six years and later repatriated to Nigeria. Investigation revealed that the suspect alongside other members of his gang currently at large have robbed many innocent citizens within Ado-Ekiti.

4.  CASE OF CONSPIRACY, ARMED ROBBERY AND CULTISM:

The Command Rapid Response Squad, through a concerted effort, arrested one Adefemi Oluwatosin a.k.a WONDERFUL for attacking and robbing a POS operator and her husband at gun Point on 21/06/2024 at Olaoluwa Street, Ado-Ekiti.

The Suspect, who came with one other who is currently at large on a Motorcycle, robbed the victims of the sum of four hundred and seventy thousand naira (#470,000). The Victims, however, identified the suspect as one of the armed robbers that attacked and robbed them.

Investigation revealed that the suspect is a notorious member of the Supreme “Eiye” Confraternity Secret Cult and specializes in robbing POS operators within Ado-Ekiti.

5.  CASE OF CONSPIRACY, ARMED ROBBERY AND ATTEMPT TO KIDNAP:

On 12/06/2024 at about 01:00hrs, two armed men stormed the residence of an 87-year old woman at Ifaki-Ekiti and robbed her at gun point of a cash sum of one hundred and forty-seven naira (#147,000). The two hoodlums instructed the woman to withdraw additional cash of three million naira (₦3,000,000) from her bank account and give it to her House Help, one Adunola Precious ‘f’, who will deliver it to them. They threatened to kidnap the woman if she does not withdraw and send the money to them as demanded.

Upon the receipt of the complaint, the Command Rapid Response Squad (RRS) swung into action and arrested the principal suspects, one Shedrack Akpos and Lucky Akpos.

During interrogation, the two suspects confessed to the commission of the crime and said that they were invited by the old woman’s House Help to rob her. The house help was subsequently arrested.

6.  CASE OF CONSPIRACY, ARMED ROBBERY, CULTISM AND MURDER:

As a result of the recent fracas among rival secret cult group members, especially the Supreme “Eiye” Confraternity and the Black Axe “Aiye” Confraternity in Ado-Ekiti that led to serious unrest as well as killing and robbing of innocent citizens, suspected to have been perpetrated by some members of these secret cult groups.

The Command activated a full-scale manhunt to arrest the perpetrators, bring them to justice and restore a peaceful atmosphere. Through this, the Command RRS Operatives, acting on credible tip-off, arrested one Aluko Olamide a.k.a SANDA in Ado-Ekiti on 23/06/2024. A search was conducted in his house and three mobile phones, six ATM Cards and thirty-two different Sim Cards belonging to victims were recovered.

Further investigation led to the arrest of one Atewogboye Olumide Emmanuel at Ekute Quarters, Ado-Ekiti on 24/06/2024. A search of his room was carried out and two locally made Single Barrel guns and nine live cartridges were recovered.

Effort intensified on 24/06/2024 led to the arrest of one Salawudeen Lookman, one of the killer squad members and member of Eiye Confraternity. The suspects confessed that they, alonside other fleeing members of their gang identified as Atewogboye Ibrahim a.k.a Apeleko, Lati Olorifunfun and one nicknamed Tornado, were responsible for the killing of one Omoyajowo Olanipekun at Okesa Junction, Ado-Ekiti on 18/06/2024, the killing of one Ibrahim Taofeek Ayinde at Opposite Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado-Ekiti, and the killing of one Abdullahi Dogon-Daji inside Bisi Market, Ado-Ekiti, on 20/06/2024. They equally confessed to the attacking and killing of one Abdullahi Abubakar on 19/06/2024 during the process of robbing him of his motorcycle. The gang equally shot one Olakunle Rasak at Ori Apata, Along Adebayo Area, Ado-Ekiti, who is presently receiving treating in the hospital.

The Suspects confessed further that the Killing of Abdullahi Dogon-Daji inside Bisi Market was a mistake as they actually targetted a rival cult member who was standing beside the victim. According to them, the attack was to revenge the killing of one Okunola Dami a.k.a Dami Richie, who was their member, that was shot dead on 27/05/2024 around Dalimore Area, beside Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado-Ekiti, by members of a rival secret cult group.

Investigation is ongoing to arrest other fleeing members.

All the suspects arrested will be arraigned accordingly.

The Command wishes to appreciate all the good spirited members of the public whose credible and timely information supplied have led to these achievements. This we pray should be sustained in order to ensure a safer and better society.

Everyone is implored to be security conscious and report to the nearest Police Station any suspicious person or group of persons found around our environs or call 08062335577.

Ekiti First Lady Seeks Stakeholders' Collaboration To Curb Drug Abuse.

Ekiti First Lady Seeks Stakeholders' Collaboration To Curb Drug Abuse.

....Donates packs of Rice to Corps Members.

Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji has called for concerted efforts among stakeholders to focus on prevention strategies to combat the menace of drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

The First Lady made the call on Wednesday at the celebration of this year's edition of the United Nations Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking held at the conference hall of her office in Ado Ekiti, the state capital.

The theme of this year's celebration was "The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention," and the event attracted students, teachers, health professionals, officers from the nation's security agencies, civil society organizations and members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Speaking in her capacity as the State Champion Against Drug Abuse and the State Ambassador of War Against Drug Abuse (WADA), the First Lady urged the stakeholders "to take decisive action today, for a healthier, safer and better tomorrow."

Expressing concern that drug abuse and illicit trafficking have become a global menace, Dr. Oyebanji noted that education, awareness, and early prevention, are powerful tools in the fight against the scourge.

She said: "Drug abuse and illicit trafficking pose significant threats to our society, affecting our youth, families, and communities. Evidence shows that investing in prevention not only reduces the prevalence of drug abuse but also fosters healthier, more resilient societies.

"In Ekiti State, we are committed to implementing comprehensive prevention programs that address the root causes of drug abuse. By engaging our youth, educating our communities, and providing support for those at risk, we aim to build a future free from the scourge of drugs.

"I call on all stakeholders—governments, NGOs, communities, and individuals—to join forces and prioritize prevention. Together, we can create an environment where our children can thrive, unburdened by the dangers of drug abuse."

The First Lady brought smiles to the faces of NYSC corps members present at the event when she donated 10 kg packs of rice to each of them saying the gesture was to extend hands of fellowship to them in view of the prevailing economic situation.

The gesture elicited ovation from the corps members who were surprised at the unexpected gift.

In his welcome address, the Ekiti State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Sunday Aina, welcomed the attendees to the event on behalf of the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Marwa (retd.).

Mr. Aina advocated that the war against substance abuse should not be left to NDLEA alone. He therefore called for more vigorous involvement of governments, educational institutions, corporate bodies and civil society organizations for the preservation of the future generation.

The NDLEA boss disclosed that Ekiti is among the states in Nigeria where cannabis sativa, otherwise known as Indian hemp, is cultivated in commercial quantity hence, the need to support the agency to arrest and prosecute producers and sellers of the drug.

Shedding light on the agency's efforts in bringing culprits to justice, Mr. Aina said: "It is worthy to note that between June 2023 to June this year, out of the 250 arrested drug dealers and peddlers, 48 are females, which double the number that was recorded last year. 

"The most worrisome and disturbing aspect was the arrest of a 75-year-old Audu Jibril from Oke-Asa Village, Ijero-Ekiti. The command successfully prosecuted and secured convictions for 58 Males and 7 Females, making a total of 65 convictions."

Within the period, the NDLEA boss disclosed that the state command discovered and destroyed cannabis plantations in locations including Efon Alaaye Forest, Ara Forest reserve, Ise Forest, Isinbode Forest, Ijesa Isu Forest and Okatedo Forest in Imesi Ekiti.

He called on members of the public to always volunteer information to NDLEA that would lead to the arrest and prosecution of suspected drug abusers, traffickers and growers of drug plantations.

The guest lecturer at the event, Dr. Adedotun Ajiboye enlisted the support of traditional rulers, religious leaders, leaders of thought, and other influential perons to save the young generation from abuse of psychoactive substances.

Dr. Ajiboye, a clinical psychologist, also canvassed the regulation of the sale of pharmaceuticals in open shops and the implementation of evidence based programmes deliberately primed to curb abuse of drugs in the society especially among the youths.

Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of various stakeholders present at the ceremony.

Ekiti State National Assembly Caucus Congratulates Oyebanji on Successful Engagement with Ekiti Stakeholders in Abuja

Ekiti State National Assembly Caucus Congratulates Oyebanji on Successful Engagement with Ekiti Stakeholders in Abuja.

The Ekiti State National Assembly Caucus extends warm congratulations to the Governor of Ekiti State, H.E. Governor Biodun Oyebanji, on the successful hosting of the engagement with Ekiti stakeholders in Abuja. This event underscores the Governor's visionary leadership and commitment to fostering unity and collaboration among Ekiti indigenes.

The event, which convened over 300 senior officials from the public sector, civil service, and the private sector in the nation's Federal Capital Territory, was a resounding success. It provided a crucial platform for networking and dialogue, significantly advancing our collective goals for the progress and development of Ekiti State.

Distinguished attendees included Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele and all Ekiti National Assembly Members; former Governor of Ekiti State and former Minister of Trade and Industry, H.E. Otunba Niyi Adebayo; Minister of Solid Minerals, Mr. Dele Alake; FCT Mandate Secretary of Health and Environment, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe; Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; the Secretary to the Ekiti State Government, Dr. Habibat Adubiaro; members of the Ekiti State Executive Council; and Honorable Members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly.

Others include the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, Ms. Morelia Ojudu; Senior Special Assiatant to the President on School Feeding, Dr. Yetunde Adeniji; former Attorney General of Ekiti State, Mr. Wale Fapohunda (SAN), former Member, House of Representatives, Hon. Bimbo Daramola; and former Special Adviser to the Governor, Mr. Makinde Araoye.

Prior to the event, the Caucus held a productive meeting with Governor Oyebanji and the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, discussing strategies to improve health outcomes in Ekiti State. This interaction highlighted our shared commitment to enhancing the well-being of our people, and led to resolutions on key collaborations between the Ekiti NASS Caucus and the state government.

Distinguished Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate Leader and Ekiti NASS Caucus Leader, remarked, "Governor Oyebanji's initiative to bring together Ekiti stakeholders in Abuja demonstrates his unwavering dedication to our state's development. This event has strengthened bonds and laid a solid foundation for future collaborations that will propel Ekiti forward."

The Ekiti State National Assembly Caucus reaffirms its steadfast commitment and support for Governor Biodun Oyebanji's administration and the long-term peace and prosperity of Ekiti State. We look forward to continued collaboration with the state government to achieve our shared objectives.

We commend Governor Oyebanji and his team for organizing this impactful event and anticipate ongoing partnerships for the benefit of all Ekiti indigenes.

Signed,

Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr.

Secretary, Ekiti State National Assembly Caucus

We’ve changed narratives in Ekiti with our welfare packages, Gov Oyebanji tells stakeholders.

We’ve changed narratives in Ekiti with our welfare packages, Gov Oyebanji tells stakeholders.

…says over 17 billion naira paid as pensions, gratuities, car, housing loans.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has said that his government has been able to change the narratives in the state by being strong on welfare issues and creating economic opportunities for the citizens.

These, he said has impacted positively on the standard of living of the residents as well as improve on economic development programmes of his predecessors.

EKITI STATE GOVERNOR MR BIODUN ABAYOMI OYEBANJI DELIVERING HIS STEWARDSHIP TO STAKEHOLDERS IN ABUJA

Governor Oyebanji who stated these during an engagement with Ekiti Stakeholders in Abuja on Tuesday, said his administration in the last one and half years has led the state with a deep sense of responsibility, guided by the fear of God and principle of transparency and accountability .

The Governor added that every money that comes into the state’s coffers has been spent transparently and prudently, adding that his government has paid over 17 billion naira as pension, gratuity, car, and housing loans to Ekiti public servants since he took over as Governor of the State.

The Stakeholders meeting which held at Sheraton Hotel, Abuja had in attendance Ekiti indigenes who are in senior cadres in the Federal Civil service, top officials of Federal Parastatals and agencies, as well as para military organisations . Also in attendance were members of the Ekiti Caucus of the National Assembly; and some members of Ekiti State Executive Council.

At the gathering were the first Executive Governor of the State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Dele Alake; Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; Senators Yemi Adaramodu and Cyril Fasuyi; Secretary to the State Government, Dr Habibat Adubiaro; Permanent Secretary, State House, Engr Funsho Adebiyi, members of State Executive Council, and about 250 senior public servants of Ekiti extraction in Abuja, among others.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Oyebanji asserted that his administration remained focused on transforming the state’s economy into a productive and self-sufficient powerhouse by leveraging on the state’s resources and potentials to achieve sustainable development and economic dependency.

He said the stakeholders’ engagement meeting is part of his administration’s policy of inclusion and partnership with critical stakeholders to ensure sustainable development in the state, stressing that through forging an alignment of visions and unanimity of purpose with the stakeholders, the state could achieve the shared prosperity agenda of his administration.

Expressing confidence at what the state stands to gain by collaborating the stakeholders, the Governor said “We believe strongly that if we have alignment of visions, alignment of minds and unanimity of purpose, the Ekiti that our forefathers fought for, we can achieve it.

According to him, “We are conscious of the burden of history on us, we campaigned for this office, we made promises to the people, we begged them to vote for us, we are not here to complain and we are not complaining. We have accepted this responsibility and we don’t lack the capacity, we don’t lack the ability, we don’t lack the vision, we don’t lack the drive but we can do better than what we are doing with your help, so I’ve come to you today not as a Governor that knows it all, I’ve come to you as someone asking for help”.

Reeling out the achievement of his administration in less than two years, the Governor said he has connected over 45 communities that have not had electricity for over 10 years back to power grid, intervened in infrastructure, provision of free education, regular payment of salaries and pension as and when due, approval and payment of promotion arrears, payment of monthly deduction, and also revamping health care services.

The Governor disclosed that his administration has also taken giant steps towards checking incessant incidence of losing medical doctors in the state to federal government by approving pay parity between state and federal health workers.

Explaining his desire to be remembered as a Governor that created wealth and make people productive, he expressed his firm belief that productivity drive prosperity, hence his administration has engaged over 600 youths in agribusiness to enhance food security and stimulate economic growth.

He explained further that each participant of the youths in agribusiness would receive a parcel of already cleared land ranging from one to five hectares, depending on the type of agriculture activities they intend to pursue as well as receive high-quality seed, fertilizer, herbicides andthe purchase of their produce by government.

While calling on the federal workers to leverage their positions in the federal public service to facilitate more development to the state, provide information that can create access and opportunities for the people to prosper and achieve their potentials, the Governor said by sharing insights and data on federal initiatives and opportunities, they are helping the state to make informed decisions that can drive Ekiti’s growth and development.

He urged them to use their knowledge and resources to partner and support the state government to enhance the quality of life of the citizens and provide together an environment where every Ekiti citizen can thrive and prosper.

“I believe strongly that with you behind us, people will start to have a rethink about who Ekitis are. We are extremely dedicated people, we are hardworking, we are loyal, we are transparent, we are courageous but we don’t have access to opportunities and we lack platforms. But that platform that we lack is what God has provided through you. It is those platforms I’m asking, give us this platform, collaborate with us, assist us so that we can use your network and your platform to develop our people.

” We believe strongly that with our six point agenda in the state today, we are intervening in infrastructure, we are revamping our health care services, we are doing education, free education, we give grants to schools, in the medical sectors we are confronting the problem of infrastructure, the problem of drugs, and we are also combatting the problem with staff.

“We are the second state in the country that has paid hazard allowance. We paid over 14 billion in pension, we are paying gratuities, we have committed 200 million every month to gratuities, we pay salaries as at when due. As of today we are not owing workers salary since we were sworn into office. We have paid arrears of pensions, given promotion arrears, we have paid contributions to our workers and you can call your people at home, we are very faithful when it comes to the issues of pensioners. We pay pensions with salaries and we have not defaulted at all”. The Governor asserted.

Prior to the Governor’s address the Senior Adviser on Economic Matters and Chairman of the Economic Management team, Senator Olu Adetumbi and the Commissioner for Finance, Mr Akin Oyebode, had in separate presentation laid out the State’s economic prospects and challenges, stressing that with more support the citizens, the government would do greater exploits in the area of sustainable development.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Commissioner for Special Duties, who is also the Chairman, planning committee, Mr. Dolamu Adeniyi said the meeting was part of the Biodun Oyebanji administration’s strategies to ensure all inclusive government and involve various sectors in the decision making processes in the state.

In their separate goodwill messages, the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake, and Senator Dayo Adeyeye, commended the Governor for providing quality leadership and for bringing prominent figures from the state together to discuss Ekiti progress and development.

While urging the Governor to ensure that the meeting is regular, they charged the federal public servant to explore every opportunity at their disposal to facilitate more development to the state.

Ekiti Government to Sanction Non-Compliant Contractors for Violating Local Content Law.

Ekiti Government to Sanction Non-Compliant Contractors for Violating Local Content Law.

The Director-General of the Bureau of Local Content in Ekiti State, Olalekan Ijidale, announced on Tuesday that the state government will impose sanctions on contractors who fail to comply with the local content law.

Accompanied by the Senior Special Assistant on Local Content Development to the State Governor, Ogunsakin Michael Ayotunde, Ijidale made the statement during an inspection visit to various construction sites in the state.

The Director-General expressed dissatisfaction with one of the contractors for not adhering to the local content law, which requires the employment of at least 40% of Ekiti indigenes as skilled and unskilled workers.

"We conducted a headcount and found that only 13 out of the 69 workers employed for this project are from Ekiti State. This level of compliance is unacceptable, and the Bureau will not hesitate to sanction the contractor," Ijidale said.

He further emphasized that the failure to comply with the 40% local workforce requirement will result in a 5% deduction from the contractor's total contract sum.

Ijidale reiterated the commitment of Governor Biodun Oyebanji to ensuring that 40% of local artisans and materials are utilized in handling various projects, especially construction works, within the state.

"The law clearly states that 40% of Ekiti indigenes must be involved in the execution of contracts in Ekiti State. These are the taxpayers who funded this project, and it is only fair that they be given the opportunity to participate in the process," Ijidale said.

The Director-General warned that the Bureau of Local Content has been empowered by law to enforce compliance and will not tolerate any further violations. He stressed that the government's promise to the people of Ekiti State is to ensure the adequate engagement of local workforce in project execution, and the Bureau will ensure that this promise is upheld.

Oyebanji to Swear in Four New Permanent Secretaries Monday.

Oyebanji to Swear in Four New Permanent Secretaries Monday.

By Olamide Akinwumi.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, is set to swear in four newly appointed Permanent Secretaries on Monday, July 1, 2024. The ceremony will take place at the Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office in Ado-Ekiti at 12 noon.

According to a statement signed by Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, the four new Permanent Secretaries are Mrs. Janet Funke Ajibola, Mr. Michael Sunday Boluwade, Mr. Foluso Ebenezer Akinwumi, and Mr. Rotimi Gabriel Akomolede.

The statement further noted, “The swearing-in ceremony for the four newly appointed Permanent Secretaries will take place on Monday, July 1, 2024. The event, presided over by the State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, will hold at the Conference Hall, Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti by 12 noon. All government officials and invited guests are to be seated by 11 am.