Ekiti HoS Komolafe bows out of service, commends Gov. Oyebanji on workers welfare, others.

Ekiti HoS Komolafe bows out of service, commends Gov. Oyebanji on workers welfare, others.

The immediate past Head of Service, Ekiti State Civil Service Engr. Sunday Komolafe has expressed his appreciation to Governor Biodun Oyebanji for availing him the opportunity to serve in that capacity, just as he commended the Governor’s welfare policy for civil servants. In the state. 

Speaking on Monday during the inauguration of four newly appointed permanent secretaries at the Conference Hall of the Governor’s office, Engr. Komolafe also thanked the Governor for giving him the rare opportunity to append his signature to the appointment letters of the permanent secretaries.

The inauguration ceremony was Engr Komolafe’s last public engagement as Head of Service , as his retirement took effect same day following his attainment of the mandatory 35 years in service. 

A visibly elated Komolafe said it was a great honour for him to have the opportunity to append his signatures on letters of appointment of some permanent secretaries before his exit. 

“Today marks my last day in the civil service of Ekiti state which I started thirty-five years ago in the old Ondo State. I wish to appreciate his Excellency, Governor Biodun Oyebanji for holding on to the tenets of merits in the appointments of public officials.” He said, adding that the four permanent secretaries were drawn from the list of successful candidates on the last examination conducted in 2023 for the state civil service and the local government service. 

“I want to acknowledge Mr Governor for the wonderful work he has done since my assumption to the office for helping me to lift the bar of the civil service during my short but eventful period. I thank you for the good things done for the civil servants. How many will I mention, the loans have been coming much more regular than it used to be by approving the recapitalization to ensure that more people benefit. It was done to the state and the local government.”

Engr. Komolafe highlighted other areas where civil servants benefitted from the welfare package of Governor Oyebanji’s administration to include approval of car and housing loans for primary school teachers who never enjoyed such largesse of government since creation of the state, adding that the Governor also inaugurated the SUBEB loans board to facilitate effective administration of the loans.

Other achievements in the area of workers’ welfare, according to Engr. Komolafe were regular payment of salaries and pension; payment of wage award which has eluded workers in many states as well as timely promotion of workers.

“When I came on board, we have two years arrears of promotion, 2022 and 2023, Mr Governor has approved and many workers have started receiving their letters of promotion. Shall we also talk about the free bus service that Mr Governor has graciously approve for civil servants which was later extended to Ikere Ekiti free of charge which has greatly enhance both attendance and punctuality in the office.”

Engr, Komolafe also commended the Governor for approving the regularization of the appointment of 326 temporary staff who have since been given permanent appointments. 

While commending labour union in the state, the former Head of Service said, “labour leaders have given a continuous and harmonious cooperation with government, it is on record that during my short period of time, there was no industrial action that is peculiar to Ekiti state and the few that were nationally declared were observed in Ekiti with caution because they are aware that our Governor does not take their welfare with levity.

He called on civil servants to continue to cooperate with Governor Oyebanji to achieve his shared prosperity agenda for Ekiti people, noting that everyone has a role to play in bringing to bear all the lofty programmes and policies of government to improve the lots of the people.

Cavista Holdings Limited Appoints OSKA as Group Director of Sales

Cavista Holdings Limited Appoints OSKA as Group Director of Sales.

A leading conglomerate in Technology, Agriculture, Hospitality, and Fintech, is excited to announce the appointment of Olaoluwaseyi Silvannus Kehinde Aiyeleso (OSKA) as its new Group Director of Sales. 

With over 30 years of experience in sales and marketing, OSKA will oversee sales strategies and operations across all subsidiaries, including Ikogosi Warm Spring Resorts, Agbeyewa Farms Ltd, Cavista Tech, and Payzeep.

OSKA's career spans senior roles in multinational corporations like Cadbury Nigeria Plc and Conoil Plc, where he excelled as General Manager (Sales) for West Africa. He also held leadership roles in the public sector in Ekiti State.

 He was a former Director-General of the Ekiti State Enterprise and Economic Development Agency. He was also a former Group Managing Director/CEO of Ekiti State Fountain Holdings Limited ( the Investment Arm of Ekiti State Government).

He holds a Bachelor's degree in Management Studies (Accounting) from the University of Jos, an MBA from Bayero University, Kano, and is currently pursuing a doctorate degree at Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti.

He is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Nigerian Institute of Marketing and the Nigerian Institute of Management.

"We are delighted to welcome OSKA to Cavista Holdings Limited," said Mr. John Olajide, Chairman of Cavista Holdings Limited. "His extensive experience and proven success in sales and marketing make him a valuable addition to our team."

OSKA's appointment underscores Cavista Holdings Limited's commitment to expanding its market presence and enhancing customer value across Nigeria and West Africa. With a focus on innovation and growth, the company is poised to strengthen its leadership in the hospitality, agriculture, technology, and finance sectors, delivering exceptional outcomes for stakeholders and communities alike.

Oyebanji inaugurates steering committee on Open Government Partnership.

Oyebanji inaugurates steering committee on Open Government Partnership.

….moves to strengthen public participation in govt at LG level.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has inaugurated the steering committee on Open Government Partnership (OGP) with a call on all local governments in the state to embrace the scheme in the drive to strengthen public participation, transparency, accountability, and effective citizens’ engagement in the affairs of government.

Inaugurating the committee at the Conference Hall, Governor’s office on Monday, Governor Oyebanji assured that his administration would replicate the scheme in the local government areas to prioritize inclusion of the needs and aspirations of the people in their governance adding that the OGP initiative would increase collaboration between government and other stakeholders to improve the standard of living of the people in the state.

“I will try my best to ensure all the local governments key into this. I believe that if we are transparent and accountable, the society will get better. The Governor asserted.

In his keynote address, the Director-General, Office of Development Partnerships, Ekiti State, Mr Oyeleye Abiodun, stated that OGP is a new multilateral initiative that aims to secure concrete commitments from governments to promote transparency, empower citizens, fight corruption, and harness new technologies to strengthen governance.

Oyeleye used the opportunity to thank Governor Oyebanji for his unrivaled support for the scheme in the state, stressing that it is a global effort to make governments better as citizens want more transparent, effective, and accountable government with institutions that empower citizens and responsive to their yearnings.

In their separate remarks, the co-chairmen, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Niyi Adebayo, and Chairman, Coalition of Ekiti Civil Society Organizations (COECSO), Prof. Oluwadare Christopher commended Governor Oyebanji for his various giant strides towards instituting and promoting good governance and fiscal discipline in the public service and in the management of resources of the state through open and transparent procurement process, budget consultative meetings with stakeholders and period town hall meetings.

The steering committee which is to be coordinated by the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning,  and co-chaired by Prof. Oluwadare Christopher has as other members, Director General, Development Partnerships; Special Adviser, Office of Transformation and Service Delivery; PS Ministry of Finance; PS Ministry of Budget; Accountant General, and Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities among others.

Oyebanji inaugurates four Perm Secs, harps on integrity, transparency, prudence.

Oyebanji inaugurates four Perm Secs, harps on integrity, transparency, prudence.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, on Monday, sworn in four new Permanent Secretaries in the state’s civil service with a charge to ensure they continue to exhibit transparency, integrity, and prudence in the discharge of their duty.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony held at the conference hall, Governor’s office Ado-Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji urged the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries to foster an atmosphere of teamwork, confidence building, and collective responsibility, stressing the need for them to inspire others by being solution providers. 

While urging the new appointees to embrace innovation and technology in their official duties, the Governor challenged them to justify their appointments by giving their best at all times and ensuring they bring creativity, compassion, and vigour to bear on their job as permanent secretaries.

The Governor called on all accounting officers across MDAs to re-double their efforts and increase the tempo of service delivery in order to achieve the shared prosperity agenda of his administration. 

“I am so happy that today's exercise is a product of a merit-based examination process and not as a result of man-know-man. I am also happy that people can become Permanent Secretaries without knowing anybody. I am so glad and proud of myself that this is happening.

The Governor who noted that the appointment is a continuation of the last competitive examinations for both the State and the Local Government held in 2023 urged them to see as “both managers of human and material resources of government.”

Speaking further he said “ You must therefore be committed to probity, transparency, and prudence, especially at a time like this. As human resource managers, you will be expected to foster an atmosphere of teamwork, confidence building, and collective responsibility. 

“You should be a leader who inspires others and a solution provider. You must also embrace innovation and technology.

“In the next few months, this administration will be two years in office, we therefore need to run faster than we have been; accordingly, all permanent secretaries must double up and increase the tempo of service delivery to achieve the shared prosperity agenda of government as it relates to their ministries, departments and agencies. He said.

The new permanent secretaries were Mrs. Funke Ajibola, Mr Michael Boluade, Mr Foluso Akinwumi, and Mr Rotimi Akomolede.

In his welcome address, the Head of Service, Engr. Sunday Komolafe expressed his appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for allowing him to serve. He also commended him for his various welfare packages for civil servants which have enlivened the lives of workers in the state as he lifted the bar of civil servants in the state.

Speaking on behalf of the new permanent secretaries, Mr Michael Boluade thanked the governor for the appointment, assuring that they will remain committed to developing the state as he commended the Governor for ensuring that all appointments during his administration were merit-based.

Also at the event were the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Secretary to the State Government, Dr Habibat Adubiaro; Head of Service, Engr. Sunday Komolafe; members of state executive council, body of permanent secretaries, and traditional rulers among others.

Abuja Stakeholders’ Engagement Will Boost Growth And Development – Ekiti Information Commissioner.

Abuja Stakeholders’ Engagement Will Boost Growth And Development – Ekiti Information Commissioner. 

Ekiti State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun has said that the recent stakeholders’ engagement by Governor Biodun Oyebanji in Abuja would bolster growth and development in the State.

Speaking in Ado Ekiti on the outcome of the meeting, Rt. Hon. Olatunbosun described the gathering as integral part of the policy of inclusion and partnership with stakeholders towards ensuring sustainable development in the State.

Olatunbosun said that the meeting which over 300 people attended including the first Executive Governor of the State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake; Senators Yemi Adaramodu and Cyril Fasuyi; Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; Permanent Secretary, State House, Engr Funsho Adebiyi, members of State Executive Council as well as over 250 senior public servants and members of the organized private sector of Ekiti extraction in Abuja among others, was strategically planned to create shared understanding and improve collaboration with vital stakeholders towards making Government work more effectively.

He noted that the meeting aided a continuous and improved connection with all parties and provided a robust opportunity for exchange of ideas, stressing that the focus is to continually network various players in the society for the benefit of all and good governance.

The Commissioner said “Governor Oyebanji’s strict adherence to the democratic principle of inclusiveness is ensuring that an average Ekiti person, anywhere, wherever they live, must have a say in the governance of the State and have the opportunity to participate to contribute to the growth of prosperity of Ekiti.

“The Governor, while briefing them of the activities of his administration from inception, spoke extensively on the six strategic pillars of his administration and how we have been able to change the narratives through the people oriented, people focused and the peoples welfare that government has been able to address.

“Mr. Governor has successfully taken the activities of his government to the doorstep of Ekiti indigenes in the Federal Capital with the programme, for them to be updated on the achievements of the administration. 

“How we met Ekiti and what we have been able to do in terms of the limited resources available, what we have done in terms of economic growth, what we have done in term of the Internally Generated Revenue to reduce the dependency on monthly revenue allocation from the Federation account.

“It was also an opportunity for the Governor to interact and create a strong bond with the indigenes of Ekiti who are in strategic positions and can contribute to the growth and development of the State.”  

According to him, emphasis is on collaboration in the areas of governance and improvement that the State can benefit in terms of infrastructures, investments and National presence amongst others.

Expressing appreciation to all stakeholders at the meeting for their words of encouragement, ideas, suggestions and other contributions, Olatunbosun reiterated the commitment of the Oyebanji administration to making the Governor’s Shared Prosperity vision a reality with genuine collaboration with all stakeholders.

“Governor Oyebanji holds it very dear to his heart that, together we can make a greater Ekiti, we can have a better Ekiti, we can have a more united Ekiti, and that we can have a very peaceful and prosperous Ekiti. And that is just the simple truth”, he enthused.

Oyebanji Honoured: Former Guber Candidate Popoola Applauds Governor on Prestigious Award, New Appointment.

Oyebanji Honoured: Former Guber Candidate Popoola Applauds Governor on Prestigious Award, New Appointment.

Otunba Demola Popoola, a former governorship candidate and accomplished businessman, philanthropist, and aviation expert, has congratulated Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, on his recent accolades. Governor Oyebanji was honored with the prestigious Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Award of Excellence, recognizing his significant contributions to the MSME sector in Ekiti State.

Popoola, who is also the chairman of the ODEP Foundation and an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, praised Governor Oyebanji for his unwavering dedication and tenacity in administering Ekiti State. He noted that the MSME award is a testament to the Governor’s relentless efforts and collaborative initiatives aimed at revitalizing the state’s economic landscape.

"Governor Oyebanji's administration has shown remarkable commitment to the development and support of MSMEs, which are crucial to job creation, innovation, and economic diversification," Popoola stated. "This award is a clear indication of the Governor’s success in driving the shared prosperity agenda for Ekiti State."

In Pic: Otunba Demola Popoola.

Under Governor Oyebanji's leadership, Ekiti State has made significant strides in economic development. The administration's focus on empowering MSMEs has not only boosted local businesses but also contributed to reducing unemployment and fostering youth empowerment. Popoola emphasized the importance of continuing this trajectory to further enhance job creation and sustain economic growth.

"Governor Oyebanji's vision for Ekiti State as a beacon of sustainable economic development in Nigeria is truly commendable. By providing robust support to MSMEs, his administration is setting a high standard for economic governance," Popoola added. "I urge the Governor to maintain his commitment to these initiatives, as they are pivotal in transforming Ekiti into a model state for economic resilience and prosperity."

His Excellency Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji
The Executive Governor of Ekiti State 

In addition to the MSME award, Popoola acknowledged Governor Oyebanji's recent appointment to the board of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), a critical institution in the power sector. He expressed optimism that this new role will enhance the energy sector in Ekiti State, providing a reliable power supply to support the growing MSME ecosystem and broader economic activities.

Popoola’s commendation reflects the broader appreciation within Ekiti State for Governor Oyebanji's efforts. The Governor’s strategic approach to nurturing the MSME sector has garnered widespread recognition, not only within the state but also on a national level, showcasing Ekiti as a thriving hub for small and medium enterprises.

As Governor Oyebanji continues to drive economic progress and innovation, the people of Ekiti State remain hopeful and supportive of his vision for a prosperous and sustainable future.

Ekiti State Rejects Planned Power Outages: Commissioner Demands Urgent Meeting with TCN, BEDC, NERC.

Ekiti State Rejects Planned Power Outages: Commissioner Demands Urgent Meeting with TCN, BEDC, NERC.

The Ekiti State Government has voiced strong opposition to a planned two-month power disruption proposed by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC).

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities, led by Commissioner Professor Mobolaji Aluko, has called for an immediate suspension of the outages, which are scheduled to last nine hours daily from July 1 to August 31, 2024.

In a letter addressed to the Managing Directors of TCN, BEDC, and the Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Professor Aluko criticized the lack of direct communication with the Ekiti State Ministry and the Ekiti State Electricity Regulatory Bureau (EKSERB).

He emphasized that the proposed 558 hours of outages would impose an unacceptable economic, financial, and social burden on the residents of Ekiti State.

“We were not consulted on this significant disruption. The planned outages represent an enormous cost to our citizens and local businesses,”Professor Aluko stated.

He called for an urgent meeting on July 2, 2024, to explore less disruptive alternatives for the necessary maintenance work on the 132KV Akure-Osogbo transmission line.

The meeting aims to find a sustainable solution that protects the interests of Ekiti State while allowing for critical infrastructure upgrades.

“We are eager to collaborate on a plan that minimizes the impact on our communities and ensures a continuous power supply during this maintenance period, Professor Aluko added.

He stressed the need for prompt action to address the concerns of Ekiti residents and maintain economic stability in the region.