EKSG Meets Estate Agents to Address Rent Hike.

EKSG Meets Estate Agents to Address Rent Hike.

In response to the growing concerns raised by residents of Ekiti about exorbitant house rents and outrageous increase of rents by property owners in Ekiti State, Governor Biodun Oyebanji has taken decisive action to address the issue by initiating an engagement with Estate Agents in the State. 

A government delegation led by the Special Adviser on Mortgage and Housing, Dr. Gboyega Oloniyo, engaged with the leadership and members of the Estate, Rent, and Commission Agents Association of Nigeria (ERCAAN), Ekiti State chapter at their monthly meeting held in Federal Housing road , Ado Ekiti to review their operations and activities .

Dr. Oloniyoo expressed dissatisfaction with the high cost of living in the state, particularly the relentless hike in house rents. “Many have attributed this to Estate Agents who acquire properties from landlords at low costs and lease them out at exorbitant rates. This deprives average citizens of access to decent housing.

Dr Oloniyoo stated that many agents and landlords have inflicted pains on their tenants unnecessarily noting that shelter is essential and must be available, accessible and affordable . 

The Special Adviser revealed that Governor Oyebanji’s administration is also working on ensuring housing availability and affordability for all in the state stating that 34 hectares of land have been approved for the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) to build affordable houses with many other interventions in the pipeline to improve housing conditions in the state.

The Director-General of the Office of Community Communications, Mrs. Mary Oso-Omosotso, emphasized the need for guidelines and regulations to curb alleged extortion by the association, which they attributed to quacks infiltrating their ranks. “Any business that does not solve problems is not a business,” she stressed while urging the association to cooperate with the government to achieve the shared prosperity vision of Governor Oyebanji.

The association members expressed their gratitude to the Governor for visiting them and giving them opportunity of engagement . They acknowledged the validity of the public complaints and admitted that bad actors were operating within their ranks and would cooperate with government  to flush them out. 

They also pointed out that some landlords are part of the problem, as they build houses even in slums and lease them out at high prices similar to houses in more developed areas . They expressed  their readiness to work with the government to bring sanity to their operations and to apprehend errant members. 

Meanwhile, representatives of the DG/ SA  Office of Transformation and Service Delivery (OTSD) , Dr. John Ekundayo assured members of the association of training and orientation programs aimed at changing mindsets and fostering professionalism .

Governor Oyebanji Appointed to Niger Delta Power Holding Board.

Governor Oyebanji Appointed to Niger Delta Power Holding Board.                                                   …..To Represent Southwest Region.

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has been appointed to the board of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), a pivotal entity in Nigeria’s power sector. 

This appointment was confirmed yesterday during the National Economic Council meeting, where six state governors representing the country's six geopolitical zones were nominated to the board.

Governor Oyebanji will serve as the representative for the Southwest region, bringing his expertise and leadership to the NDPHC, which plays a crucial role in the development and management of Nigeria’s power infrastructure. 

Governor Oyebanji’s inclusion on the NDPHC board is seen as a strategic move to ensure that the Southwest region has a voice in national power policies and initiatives. 

His new role is expected to foster greater regional representation and contribute to the overarching goals of improving power supply and reliability across the country.

Gov. Oyebanji bags MSME Award.

Gov. Oyebanji bags MSME Award.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, was presented an award of recognition for Outstanding Contribution to the MSMEs sub sector in Ekiti State. 

The award which was presented by the office of the Vice President, His Excellency Kashim Shettima, was received on behalf of the Governor by the Commissioner for Finance, Mr Akintunde Oyebode.

The award is in recognition of the Biodun Oyebanji administration’s huge support for MSMEs in the state including favorable tax regimes, counterpart funding arrangements with financial institutions, empowerment trainings, land clearing and provision of seedlings and inputs for farmers, support for cooperative societies, artisans and informal sector among others. 

Also at the event, an Ekiti young lady, Adesola Adedoyin of Desoor Bags won the Best Female Exhibitor Award and went home with the star prize of a car and N2 million cash.

EKSG Signs Agreement for the Establishment of Technology Training Hub.

EKSG Signs Agreement for the Establishment of Technology Training Hub.

Ekiti State Government has signed a Letter of Intent and Preliminary Memorandum of Understanding with the Centre for China-Africa Discourse Studies (CECADS) for the establishment of a state-of-the-art technology training hub in the state. 

Speaking at the ceremony in Hangzhou, China, Ekiti State Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Digital Economy, Mr Seun Fakuade, emphasised that the agreement marks the beginning of a transformative partnership between Ekiti State and CECADS that will foster innovation and digital transformation in Ekiti State. Execution of this project will commence immediately after the remaining agreements are signed and the land is allocated by the Ekiti State Government. 

Mr Fakuade also revealed that the short respite before completion of the signing of other documents and land allocation will allow the State Government to train local masons and artisans to meet the required specifications for the construction work. The first phase of the project is expected to be completed within a year of construction.

This initiative underscores our commitment to fostering technological advancement, prioritising local businesses, supporting MSMEs, enhancing human capital development through quality education and creating job opportunities for our youth. 

Dignitaries present at the signing included the Consul General of the Nigeria Embassy in Shanghai, China, Ambassador Gbadebo Afolabi, represented by Minister/Consul Econ/TRADE, Investment, Dr Ilesanmi Abiodun Bakare, and the CECADS Director, Miss Queen Modestus.

#DigitalEconomy #SharedProsperity #KeepingEkitiWorking #BAOGovernance

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.