Ekiti Youths Endorse Governor Oyebanji for Second Term, Pass Vote of Confidence.

Ekiti Youths Endorse Governor Oyebanji for Second Term, Pass Vote of Confidence.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

The diverse youth groups in Ekiti State have endorsed Governor Biodun Oyebanji for a second term, citing his impressive performance and prioritization of policies benefiting the youth. The endorsement came during a plenary session organized by the Ekiti Youth Parliament at the Adetiloye Hall in Ado Ekiti, the state capital.

The session, presided over by the Speaker of the Parliament, Rt. Hon. Nathaniel Olusanya, saw unanimous support from members representing all 26 constituencies for Governor Oyebanji's re-election bid in the 2026 governorship poll. The motions for endorsement and the vote of confidence were moved by the Leader of the Business, Hon. Oyindamola Adegoke, and seconded by Hon. Adekunle Ayodele, representing Gbonyin Constituency.

Speaker Olusanya praised the governor for his commitment to youth development, highlighting Oyebanji's appointments of young individuals to strategic government positions and his efforts to improve their welfare through various policies and programmes.

"Governor Oyebanji has appointed many youths to high positions of authority in government. By actions and deeds, he has proven to be a youth-friendly governor," Olusanya stated.

He further noted that the governor has addressed the backlog of gratuity and pension arrears for retirees and resolved salary and deduction issues for workers. Oyebanji has also created the Ministries of Job and Wealth Creation and Innovation and Digital Economy, aimed at equipping Ekiti youths for success in the evolving global landscape.

The Speaker also pointed out the governor's efforts in promoting commercial farming in Northern Ekiti through public-private partnerships and the establishment of a Sports Commission to rejuvenate the sports sector.

"The youths, who make up about 70% of the voters in Ekiti, are proud of Governor Biodun Oyebanji and we are endorsing him for a second term. This endorsement is timely and well-deserved," Olusanya asserted.

The Youth Parliament commended the governor for establishing a Centre for youth interaction and innovation in Ado Ekiti, which they believe will further unify the youth. Additionally, they lauded the creation of the Adire Hub through the office of the First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, which has started training thousands of youths in self-employment skills.

In response, Governor Oyebanji, represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Gold Adesola Adedayo, expressed gratitude for the youths' unwavering support. He assured them of his commitment to delivering democracy dividends and initiating more youth-friendly programmes to tackle joblessness, poverty, and neglect.

"I promise not to betray the confidence reposed in my ability and character," Oyebanji said, pledging to continue his efforts to uplift the youth of Ekiti State.

Governor Oyebanji's Youth-Centric Initiatives:

1. Strategic Appointments: Numerous young individuals appointed to high government positions.

2. Gratuity and Pension Payments: Addressed backlog of gratuity and pension arrears for retirees.

3. Salary and Deductions: Resolved outstanding salary and deduction issues for workers.

4. New Ministries: Created Ministries of Job and Wealth Creation and Innovation and Digital Economy to modernize Ekiti's workforce.

5. Commercial Farming: Promoted youth involvement in farming through public-private partnerships in Northern Ekiti.

6. Sports Commission: Established to revitalize the sports sector.

7. Youth/Job Creation Centre: Created a hub in Ado Ekiti for youth interaction and innovation.

8. Adire Hub: Training thousands of youths in self-employment skills through the office of the First Lady.

The youths of Ekiti have voiced strong support for Governor Oyebanji's re-election, driven by his significant contributions to their development and welfare. Their endorsement is seen as a reflection of the governor's commitment to fostering a brighter future for the state's young population.

𝐄𝐤𝐢𝐭𝐢 𝐌𝐒𝐌𝐄, 𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐝𝐨𝐲𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐚, 𝐛𝐚𝐠𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐒𝐌𝐄 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝.

𝐄𝐤𝐢𝐭𝐢 𝐌𝐒𝐌𝐄, 𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐝𝐨𝐲𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐚, 𝐛𝐚𝐠𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐒𝐌𝐄 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝. 

.…testament of Gov. Oyebanji’s commitment to MSME development.

Adesola Adedoyin, founder of Desoor bags, wins a whopping sum of N2,000,000 and a brand new car at the National MSME Awards 2024.

Adesola Adedoyin had always believed in the power of creativity and resilience. Her brand, Desoor Bags, was more than just a business— it was a testament to her unwavering determination to succeed against all odds. Little did she know that her hard work and dedication would catapult her into the national spotlight.

The National MSME Awards 2024 proved to be a turning point for Adesola. Her innovative designs and commitment to quality not only earned her the admiration of customers but also caught the attention of the creative industry leaders.

Kudos to Governor Oyebanji's leadership style which has undeniably paved the way for success stories like Adesola's. His steadfast commitment to MSMEs development has created a fertile ground where dreams can flourish and aspirations can become reality. 

Also to the Honourable Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives Mrs. Omotayo Adeola, who continues to discover, nurture and connect Ekiti MSMEs to business financing, new markets and global recognition.

#EkitiMSMEdevelopment

#BAOisworking

Another 200 Adire Ekiti Trainees Get Start-up Kits.

Another 200 Adire Ekiti Trainees Get Start-up Kits. 

...First Lady Hails Oyebanji's Support for Empowerment Project.

Another 200 trainees of Adire Ekiti fabrics production have been empowered with start-up kits to commence their trade with an assurance of more opportunities to access grants to boost the enterprise.

Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, who distributed the empowerment materials to the 200 trainees from Ekiti South Senatorial District who have completed their training at the Adire Ekiti Hub urged them to utilize the opportunity to build a flourishing business enterprise.

At the empowerment ceremony held on Tuesday at the Adire Ekiti Hub along Iworoko Road in Ado Ekiti, each of the beneficiaries received a start-up pack containing clothing materials, wax, chemicals, dye and a sum of N25,000 to assist them in commencing production on their own and a certificate of completion.

Dr. Oyebanji who charged the Adire Ekiti training beneficiaries to effectively utilize the social media to showcase and market their products stressed that Adire has become a universal attire that is accepted and worn all over the world.

This, she said, is capable of opening doors of economic creativity, creating burgeoning market and stimulate demand from all parts of Nigeria and overseas for the practitioners of Adire trade who are increasing in number in Ekiti which she said is already becoming a destination of choice for the sale of the fabrics.

The First Lady used the opportunity of the forum to shower encomium on her husband, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, for being a pillar of support for the Adire Ekiti project stressing that the project was personally sponsored by him without commiting state funds to the venture.

Dr. Oyebanji said her husband is passionate about the Adire Ekiti project and is ever ready to keep the initiative going to ensure that more citizens of the state are empowered with skills and taken off the labour market to contribute to the economy in the grassroots.

She said: "If you have an idea or a vision and there is nobody to run the vision with or support you, the vision will just die. I want to appreciate my darling husband, the Governor, for his support for this project since we started with beneficiaries from Ekiti Central and now with those from Ekiti South.

"It takes a Governor who has compassion for his people. My husband said the WAOH Project is for intervention in the lives of widows and orphans while Adire Ekiti project is for productivity. Life is about impact and that is what Governor BAO is doing.

"If the Governor can do this for you (beneficiaries), then you must justify the resources spent on training and these empowerment materials. I want to commend you trainees from Ekiti South, your works stand you out.

"Showcase your works on social media and people will patronize you. Display and advertise your products on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok. Convert the social media to an advantage for your business rather than wasting your data on unproductive ventures."

The Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye, said things are taking positive shape under the Oyebanji Administration in Ekiti State commending the foresight of the first couple in the state in coming up with the Adire Ekiti and going ahead to bankroll it.

Mrs. Afuye said hundreds of Ekiti youths have benefitted from the milk of kindness of the Governor and his wife noting that the empowerment project is having multiplier effects on families and communities in the state.

The Deputy Governor urged the people of Ekiti to allow the good works under her boss to continue crediting the Governor with the feat of turning the Land of Honour to a centre of enterprise and entrepreneurship in Nigeria.

Commissioner for Special Duties, Otunba Dolamu Adeniyi, described the office of Ekiti First Lady as one of the busiest of its kind in Nigeria and a beehive of activities, generosity and kindness hailing the Governor and his wife for being keepers of promises.

He added that Governor Oyebanji has brought life to Ekiti and the people have seen governance in a different way especially in touching their personal welfare urging them to keep the good works going.

Chairman of the state chapter of Association of Local Governments in Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. Segun Ojo, congratulated the beneficiaries whom he said have been given an opportunity to become the chief executive officers of their businesses.

Hon. Ojo, who is also the Chairman of Ekiti East Local Government, said creation of job opportunities and productivity has being done with Adire Ekiti, is an effective and potent way of defeating poverty which he described as a global problem.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Director General of Adire Ekiti Hub, Dr. Abimbola Oni, said it was fulfilling to successfully train two batches of 400 trainees from Ekiti Central and Ekiti South noting that Ekiti North is billed to produce the next set of trainees.

One of the beneficiaries, Temitope Ale, appreciated the First Lady for giving them the platform of economic empowerment promising to justify the investment in their human capital to make impact in their localities and the state as a whole.

Excitement as Oyebanji swears in second female Head of Service.

Excitement as Oyebanji swears in second female Head of Service.

…..Gov charges new HoS to reposition service to meet modern realities.

There was great excitement on Tuesday as Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji inaugurated the new Head of Service, Dr (Mrs) Folakemi Olomojobi, urging her to sustain ongoing reforms in the state’s civil service.

Performing the swearing-in ceremony at the Conference Hall, Governor’s office, Ado-Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji stressed the need for the new Head of Service to mobilize the instrument of state to improve the talents and skills of the workforce for effective and efficient service delivery as well as ensure that there is no room for indolence and professional misconduct in the civil service.

Dr Olomojobi, who until her appointment was the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is the second female Head of Service in the history of the state. Her inauguration was withneseed by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; First Lady, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji and six former Heads of Service. 

Governor Oyebanji, in his address, commended the new HOS for her years of proficiency, patriotism, and professional service to the state . He affirmed that she earned the appointment on the strength of her competence, impactful service, and objective assessment in line with the merit-based policy of the administration. 

“There is no doubt that Dr Olomojobi is one of the highly trained, globally exposed, intellectually sophisticated piblic servants. She comes with a lot of skills that will definitely bring remarkable improvement to the civil and public service of Ekiti state. 

“The positive response that greeted her appointment across the ranks and files of the service is eloquent testimony to her suitability for the position.

The Governor called on Dr Olomojobi to ensure adequate mobilization of the bureaucratic family of the state in the realization of the six pillars of the administration, noting that a lot of expectation is demanded from her as the civil service as a trailblazer is supposed to be exceptional in all its ramifications.

Governor Oyebanji said his administration had demonstrated its unwavering commitment to the welfare of workers in the payment of salary arrears, leave bonus arrears, payment of minimum ways adjustment across all cadres, and wage award to cushion the current economic hardship on the people pending the conclusion of ongoing tripartite minimum wage negotiation among others.

He called on workers to reciprocate the good gesture of government through their hard work and commitment to the realization of the agenda of government while the government will continue to provide a conducive working atmosphere and tools for workers to thrive.

The Governor called on the new Head of service to be an inspiration to her colleagues across the cadres and ensure that she does not give room for indolence and professional misconduct under any guise. 

He expressed confidence that Dr Olomojobi will bring her experience to bear in transforming the civil service, noting that he had no doubt that the new HOS would deliver given her endowment with the requisite capacity, training, and competence to cope with the challenges ahead.

The Governor called on her to chart a new course of leadership that is based on fundamental values, integrity, service, and prudence.

He also used the opportunity to express his appreciation to labour leaders for their support and encouragement which had made labour and the government of Ekiti state partners in progress hoping that the appointment of the new head of service would further cement the relationship between the labour centers and government.

The Governor also urged the new Head of Service not to succumb to undue pressure from friends and families in the course of discharging her duty. He also appealed to leaders in her community and relations not to subject her to undue pressure so she could discharge her duty creditably well. 

In her response, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi praised the Governor for his leadership style and reforms which have made Ekiti State the envy of other states, and promised to do her best by ensuring that public servants work within the ambit of the six pillars of his administration to achieve the shared prosperity agenda of the government.

Dr Olomojobi affirmed that the preoccupation of civil servants is to ensure that all government policies promulgated to deliver the public good derivable from the six pillars are implemented efficiently and effectively.

APC Southwest Executives Celebrates Hon. Kekemeke's Birthday with Heartfelt Tribute.

APC Southwest Executives Celebrates Hon. Kekemeke's Birthday with Heartfelt Tribute.

In a show of camaraderie and respect, the Southwest Zonal Executives of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have extended warm and heartfelt birthday wishes to Hon. D.I. Kekemeke, the esteemed National Vice Chairman (Southwest) of the APC. The celebration underscores the admiration and appreciation for Kekemeke's unwavering commitment to the party's progressive ideals.

In a statement released by the Zonal Secretary, Vincent Bewaji, the executives praised Hon. Kekemeke for his steadfast leadership, unparalleled dedication, and unwavering resolve, which have been pivotal to the party's continued success in the Southwest region and Nigeria at large.

"Your unwavering self-belief and pragmatic approach to problem-solving have been the hallmarks of your distinguished tenure," the statement read. "These qualities have earned you the respect and admiration of your peers, followers, and constituents alike."

The executives highlighted Hon. Kekemeke's tireless efforts to strengthen the party's grassroots connections and foster unity among its ranks. They credited his leadership as instrumental in solidifying the APC's position as the dominant political force in the Southwest and across Nigeria.

"Today, as we celebrate your birthday, we are reminded of the invaluable contributions you have made to our great party and the people of the Southwest," Bewaji continued. "Your visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the progress and prosperity of our region that produced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have truly set you apart as a true champion of the people."

Hon. Kekemeke's leadership has not only been a beacon of inspiration within the APC but also a catalyst for development and unity in the Southwest region. His pragmatic approach and dedication have brought about significant progress, earning him accolades from various quarters.

The Southwest Zonal Executives of the APC used the occasion to express their best wishes for Hon. Kekemeke's continued good health, happiness, and success. "May this special day be a testament to your remarkable achievements and a harbinger of many more years of dedicated service to the APC and the people of the Southwest," Bewaji added.

In conclusion, they celebrated Hon. Kekemeke's birthday with a resounding affirmation of his impactful legacy. "Happy birthday, Our Leader! May your path be illuminated with the blessings of success and may your legacy continue to inspire generations to come."

The celebration of Hon. D.I. Kekemeke's birthday underscores the deep appreciation and respect he commands within the APC and beyond, as his contributions continue to shape the political landscape of the Southwest and Nigeria as a whole.

Ekiti Gradually Turning into Nigeria’s Investment Hub.

Ekiti Gradually Turning into Nigeria’s Investment Hub.

At the unveiling ceremony of the Adire Ekiti Hub in March, Nneka Moses of Goge Africa described Ekiti State as "Nigeria's best-kept secret." Few people could grasp the full significance of this eye-opening statement.

Until recently, many were unaware of the vast investment potential that Ekiti holds. However, thanks to Governor Oyebanji’s efforts, the state has been thrust into the spotlight. Through strategic initiatives, infrastructure development, and proactive policies, Ekiti is now positioned as an attractive destination for investors.

In the first quarter of 2024 (January - March), Ekiti was one of only three states that contributed to the country’s capital importation, recording a total of $12,750 in foreign capital inflow. This data, revealed in a National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report titled "Nigeria Capital Importation Q1 2024," underscores Ekiti’s rising prominence on the investment map.

This new development signifies several positive outcomes for Ekiti. They include:

♻️ *Economic Growth:* The influx of foreign capital will spur economic activities, leading to job creation and improved living standards for the citizens.

♻️ *Increased Visibility:* As more investors turn their attention to Ekiti, the state will gain national and international recognition, further enhancing its attractiveness.

♻️ *Enhanced Infrastructure:* Investments in various sectors will lead to the development of critical infrastructure, benefiting both residents and businesses.

Governor Oyebanji’s administration has laid a solid foundation for a thriving investment climate in Ekiti, and the recent capital importation figures are a testament to these efforts. 

This is a clarion call to prospective investors to consider Ekiti as their one-stop investment destination. With its strategic location, supportive government policies, and a growing economy, Ekiti offers a conducive environment for businesses to flourish.

The State is open for business, and the opportunities are boundless. Investors should seize this moment to explore and tap into the immense potential that Ekiti has to offer.

Gov. Oyebanji Appoints Engr. Atere As Technical Advisor.

Gov. Oyebanji Appoints Engr. Atere As Technical Advisor.

The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has approved the appointment of Engr. Phillip Atere as Technical Advisor on Power Infrastructure.

The appointment takes effect from Monday 8th July 2024.

Engr Atere until his retirement from the state civil service, was the Permanent Secretary, Ekiti State Electricity Board, where he played very significant roles in the administration’s development efforts in the area of power infrastructure upgrade.

Governor Oyebanji, while congratulating Engr Atere on his appointment, urges him to be prepared to deploy his wealth of experience and expertise to further boost power infrastructure in the state.

Signed:

Olayinka Oyebode

Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor, Ekiti State.

02-04-2024