Ekiti agog as FG, EKSG sign MOU converting state specialist hospital to Federal Medical Centre.

Ekiti agog as FG, EKSG sign MOU converting state specialist hospital to Federal Medical Centre.

Ikole Ekiti went agog on Friday as the Federal Government on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ekiti State Government to convert and upgrade the Ikole Ekiti Specialist hospital into a Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in a bid to improve health care service delivery across the country.  

Speaking while signing the MoU at the State Specialist Hospital, Ikole Ekiti, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Tunji Alausa said the MoU was a testament to President Tinubu’s led-federal government commitment to ensuring that every single Nigerians, regardless of their location have access to quality and comprehensive healthcare.

He said the establishment of the Federal Medical Centre was in line with the Federal Government’s agenda to decentralize and democratize healthcare, making it more accessible to even the remote communities in the country.

The Minister explained that the facilities will be upgraded and equipped to provide comprehensive services, training, and research.

Commending the Governor for his decision to handover the state specialist hospital for the use of the federal government as federal medical centre, the Minister said it is a clear indication that the state government is dedicated to improving the healthcare infrastructure and service to the people of the state.

Explaining that the handing over of the facilities goes beyond just a transfer of asset, he said it is a transfer of hope and brighter future for Ekiti people and beyond, adding that the facilities would contribute to the overall improvement of the national healthcare service

“Todays event marks a significant milestone in our effort to improve  healthcare delivery across our nation. It is a testament to our commitment to ensure that every single Nigerian, regardless of their location, has access to quality and comprehensive healthcare.

“The establishment of this Federal Medical Centre aligns perfectly with the President’s agenda to decentralize and democratize healthcare, making it accessible to even the most remote communities. Your Excellency, the decision to seal this specialist hospital for the use of the federal government as Federal Medical Centre, is a clear indication of your administrations dedication to improving the healthcare infrastructure and service in Ekiti State. The Minister stated.

In his own remarks barely 24 hours after commissioning a mammogram machine at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, Governor,  Biodun Oyebanji, who expressed his deepest gratitude to the President for approving the Federal Medical Centre in Ekiti, emphasized that delivering quality healthcare to the people has always been a top priority of his administration which was what led to the state’s decision to sign the MoU with the Federal Ministry of Health.

The Governor explained that the Federal Tertiary Hospital in Ikole-Ekiti represents hope for patients battling illnesses beyond the capacity of secondary health care, brings comfort for families in distress, and increases the possibility of a healthier future for many more citizens within the state.

Expressing confidence that the initiative would bridge healthcare gaps and provide affordable and quality healthcare to the people of Ikole Ekiti and its environ, the Governor said the FMC would also attract skilled healthcare professionals to the region, fostering a better health care environment. 

He added that the influx of medical expertise to the facility would enhance the overall quality of care, leading to better health outcomes and increased life expectancy for the local population as well as serve as training ground for medical students and health profgessionals to enhance medical practices.

The governor further reveals that FMC would stimulate local economies through job creation and the growth of supporting industries such as pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, and housing. Saying local businesses would benefit from the increased demand for goods and services, leading to economic development and poverty reduction.

“The handover of the State Specialist Hospital Ikole-Ekiti signifies a crucial step in addressing the healthcare needs of Ikole Ekiti and Ekiti State as a whole. The presence of a Federal Tertiary Hospital in Ikole-Ekiti represents hope for patients battling illnesses beyond the capacity of secondary health care, brings comfort for families in distress, and increases the possibility of a healthier future for many more citizens within the state.

” The presence of a Federal Medical Centre in Ikole Ekiti would significantly benefit surrounding towns, including those in neighbouring states who already sometimes utilize the services of the State Specialist Hospital Ikole-Ekiti for convenience. 

In their separate goodwill messages, the Onikoyi of Ikoyi Ekiti, Oba Akinwande Ogundana, Elekole of Ikole, Oba Adewumi Adewale and the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, who appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji for the upgrade of the specialist hospital to federal medical centre, said the hospital would not only improve the healthcare delivery to the people but also engender a rapid economic development, infrastructural improvement, and a better educational opportunities for the people.

They maintained that the hospital would create more job opportunities and attract investments both in the healthcare sector and other related sectors, thereby leading to an overall economic boost for the community and its environment.

Also at the event were, the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Fulani Oyebanji,members of the State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, Local Government Chairmen, top Government Officials, Religious Leaders, and Traditional Rulers, among others.

Health Minister commissions world-class maternity ward built by Gov Oyebanji and siblings.

Health Minister commissions world-class maternity ward built by Gov Oyebanji and siblings.

.... Applauds President Tinubu’s emphasis on grassroots healthcare services.

The Minister of State for Health, Dr Tunji Alausa on Friday commissioned a state-of-the-art maternity ward built by Ekiti state Governor Biodun Oyebanji and his siblings in memory of their late mother Mrs Esther Bosede Oyebanji at the premises of Aramoko General Hospital, Aramoko Ekiti.

The Minister, who commended the Governor for the unparalleled vision of lifting healthcare facilities in the state to its enviable height, stated that healthcare is the fundamental right of citizens that should not be compromised on the altar of inexpedient political decisions.

He emphasized President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda of delivering quality healthcare services to the grassroots to ensure that every Nigerian has access to quality healthcare services irrespective of where they live.

The Minister lauded the Governor’s vision and commitment to the health sector stressing that it is instrumental to the achievements recorded in the sector so far,  adding that the Governor’s focus on maternal and child health reflect a deep understanding of the critical role healthcare plays in the development and wellbeing of the people. 

Dr Alausa stated  further that the maternity centre is a testament to what is achievable when you have leaders filled with passion and ready to give back to their community.

He commended the Governor and his siblings for lifting health care standard in the Aramoko Ekiti community with the newly maternity ward equipped with state- of- the- art facilities. 

“President Bola Tinubu’s Renew Hope agenda emphasizes the importance of bringing healthcare closer to the people, ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of their location has access to quality healthcare services. We are witnessing a manifestation of this agenda today. Sub-national governments have keyed in into the presidential initiative of taking quality healthcare to our rural populace. Ekiti has keyed in, in a much bigger role. He asserted.” The Minister added. 

Earlier, Governor Oyebanji said he and his siblings made up their  minds to establish a more befitting mother and child ward in the Aramoko General Hospital as a memorial to their late mother and also  to help address the deficit in skilled birth deliveries carried out per month in the hospital.

The Governor affirmed that the facility would contribute to the reduction in maternity and infant mortality by ensuring that every mother can have safe delivery as well as allowing every child to grow up healthy and strong.

While also disclosing that the facility was equipped with the latest technology and professional staff, Governor Oyebanji added that the ward is designed to offer a comprehensive range of services from pre-natal care to pediatric and emergency services, noting that the goal was to ensure that every mother can enjoy the birth of childbirth and hence allow the child grow to full potentials.

He used the opportunity to call on all and sundry to support his administration build a stronger, healthier, and more compassionate community where everyone enjoys the shared prosperity mantra of his administration.

Governor Oyebanji also seized the opportunity to inform the gathering that the project was fully funded by himself and his siblings and no state finances were involved. 

“As some of you may know, on the 21st of December 1967, I was born in this facility. I am where I am today, because my dear mother, in whose memory I have commissioned this building, ensured that against all odds, she visited a health facility where she was attended to by a skilled health worker.

Aramoko-Ekiti Rejoices as Gov. Oyebanji Commissions State-of-the-Art Maternity Ward.

Aramoko-Ekiti Rejoices as Gov. Oyebanji Commissions State-of-the-Art Maternity Ward.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

Aramoko-Ekiti was in high spirits on Friday, 5th July 2024, as the Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency Biodun Oyebanji, along with the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, inaugurated the Abiyamo Esther Bosede Oyebanji Maternity Ward at the General Hospital, Aramoko-Ekiti.

The maternity ward, constructed by Governor Oyebanji and his siblings, stands as a tribute to their late mother, Chief Mrs. Esther Bosede Oyebanji. This facility is a significant contribution to healthcare delivery in the state, equipped with state-of-the-art amenities aimed at improving maternal and child health services.

His Excellency Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji
The Executive Governor of Ekiti State, Nigeria. 

In his address, Governor Oyebanji expressed his family's commitment to enhancing the state's healthcare infrastructure. He noted, “This maternity ward is not just a memorial for our beloved mother, but also our contribution to ensuring better healthcare for our people. It is our hope that this facility will serve as a beacon of hope and health for many families.”

The ceremony was graced by the presence of the First Lady, who delivered a heartfelt speech, emphasizing the importance of maternal health and the enduring legacy of Chief Mrs. Esther Bosede Oyebanji. The Governor’s father, Pa Ezekiel Oyebanji, also attended the event, urging men to respect and honor their wives.

The event saw a gathering of the seven traditional rulers from the Ekiti West Local Government, along with other dignitaries and prominent figures in the community. The traditional rulers commended the Governor’s initiative, highlighting the positive impact such developments have on the local populace.

In Action:Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa

Dr. Tunji Alausa, in his remarks, praised the Oyebanji family for their philanthropic efforts and stressed the importance of private contributions to public health. He assured that the federal and state governments would continue to support such initiatives to uplift the healthcare system.

The Abiyamo Esther Bosede Oyebanji Maternity Ward is expected to significantly reduce maternal and infant mortality rates in the region, providing comprehensive maternal care services. The facility is equipped with modern delivery rooms, neonatal units, and postnatal care wards, ensuring that mothers and their newborns receive the highest standard of care.

As the community of Aramoko-Ekiti celebrates this monumental achievement, there is renewed hope and enthusiasm for the future of healthcare in the state. The Governor’s gesture has not only honored his mother’s memory but also set a precedent for other leaders and individuals to contribute meaningfully to societal development.

The commissioning of the maternity ward marks a new chapter in the healthcare delivery system in Ekiti State, with the promise of better health outcomes for all residents.

Oyebanji commissions mammogram machine at EKSUTH, urges Ekiti women to prioritize cancer screening.

Oyebanji commissions mammogram machine at EKSUTH, urges Ekiti women to prioritize cancer screening.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji on Thursday commissioned a state-of-the-art mammogram machine at the Adunni Olayinka Women Diagnostic Centre , Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, (EKSUTH) Ado Ekiti in a bid to ensure early detection and treatment of cancer.

Governor Oyebanji urged Ekiti women to take advantage of the machine to screen for cancer so as to live a more healthy life and reduce the high rate of breast cancer in the state. 

The Governor who said his administration is committed to improving health care also disclosed that 11 general hospitals across the state are undergoing comprehensive renovation to further enhance medical facilities in the state to provide quality healthcare to the citizens.

Speaking shortly before the commissioning of the mamogram machine by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Tunji Alausa, Governor Oyebanji highlighted the importance of early detection and treatment of breast cancer which the mammogram machine is expected to facilitate. He said the machine is a crucial tool in the early diagnosis and treatment of the dreaded disease.

Emphasizing his administration’s commitment to ensuring that the people have access to the best medical technology available, the Governor stressed the need for women across the state to utilize the facility for regular screening, maintaining that early detection would significantly increase the chances of successful treatment.

The Governor who hinted on the renovation of 11 general hospitals, explained that the renovation would include improvements to the hospital buildings, procurement of modern medical equipment, and enhancement of overall service delivery.

“Whatever God has revealed, is not supposed to kill anybody again. The machines here are designed to help us, if we can detect what is wrong early, the doctors will know what to prescribe but if we keep saying that undiagnosed diseases cannot kill, it is dangerous, so I am just begging you, the Iyalajes because you are very close to our people at home, tell them to come and check their body.

“As we are here, we have also awarded contracts for the renovation of 11 general hospitals across the state, we are going to renovate them, and equip them”. The Governor said.

 

Earlier in his remarks, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Tunji Alausa, who commended the Governor for being very passionate about the welfare of the citizens of the state, said Governor Oyebanji is  the first governor to reach out to him after assuming office as the Minister of State for Health to solicit his support for Ekiti people.

He said the Governor’s giant strides in advancing the health sector in the state was in line with the President Tinubu’s led-federal government determinations to providing excellent healthcare facilities to all Nigerians.

While noting that breast cancer ranked among the most prevalent cancers affecting women, according to national statistics, the Minister called on women across the state to make use of the mammogram machine to enable early detection and prevention of breast cancer.

He said his presence and those of the Governor and the First Lady, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji and other top government functionaries at the commissioning was to create awareness for cancer treatment and need for regular check up. 

In their separate goodwill messages, the Wife of the Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji and the Chief Medical Director, EKSUTH, Prof kayode Olabanji, appreciated the Governor for his support  and dedication to quality health care system in the state by ensuring that medical facilities are equipped with the latest available machine and technology.

They maintained that the mammogram machine would  not only enhance the state’s diagnosis capability, but also bring hope and relief to countless women in the state.

In his opening remarks, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Oyebanji Filani, who said the new mammogram machine would save countless lives through early detection of breast cancer, assured the public about the safety and accuracy of the procedure.

Also at the event were, Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adeoye Aribasoye, Secretary to Ekiti State Government, Dr (Mrs) Habibat Adubiaro, members of the State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, Chairman, Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Ayorinde Ilori Faboro, Health Care Professionals, Market Women, among others.

Oyebanji commissions multi-million naira palm kernel industry in Ekiti.

Oyebanji commissions multi-million naira palm kernel industry in Ekiti.

...Urges citizens to take advantage of industrialization process.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji on Thursday commissioned a new privately owned 200 metric tons per day capacity palm kernel oil (PKO) crushing plant in Ado-Ekiti with the assurance that the industrialization plans of the administration would reduce unemployment, hunger and poverty in the state.

Performing the commissioning of A-Bamisil Palm kernel Crushing Plant located along Ijan Road in Ado- Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji promised that his administration would play a supporting role for the businesses to thrive in the state adding that, his government views agriculture beyond food security but also as a business venture that would take the state to the next level of industrial and infrastructural growth and development.

He noted that the economic impact of the venture is enormous as it will generate the multiplier effects of job creation and increase production in the oil palm industry. He also called on Ekiti residents to take advantage of the venture and other industries being set up in the state to embark on aggressive plantation of palm fruits as the state now has ready market for the product in the state.

“We don’t have a choice as a government other than to walk this journey with you, I spoke with the Commissioner for Finance yesterday on the road that led to this place, and I said if someone can put this kind of investment here and the road will be like this and I promised that by next year, we will do the road because we have a government that is ready to partner with serious investors.

“It is through investments like this that the state can maximize her agricultural potential and create jobs for our teeming youth. Today’s event is another testimony to our resilience push in the actualization of our agenda for industrialization of our state through private sector investment.” , the Governor stated.

While admitting that Ekiti state is an agrarian economy with comparative advantage in agriculture and a natural haven for agro-allied industry because of the abundance of raw materials in Ekiti and its environs, Governor Oyebanji disclosed that at full capacity, the factory will consume six trailers of palm kernel per/day showing the reason why it is imperative for residents to ensure provision of raw materials that will make the industry thrive.

“Any serious-minded person that wants to make money in agriculture should start planting palm kernel now because there is ready market for it. I am just pleading with our people that there is no way the government can employ all of us or give appointments to everybody. What government can do is to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, what we can do is to plead with serious investors to Ekiti to invest while citizens will now produce to feed those industries and that is what we are doing.” He added. 

Earlier, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari commended the executive chairman of A-Bamisil International limited for the significant milestone as a pivotal moment in the advancement of agricultural particularly in the oil palm industry.

The Minister who was represented by a Director in the Ministry, Mr Iwora Bassey noted that the 200 metric ton capacity plant, equipped with the latest technology is a testament to promoting excellence in the sector to integrate vertically and enhance the oil palm upstream and downstream sectors.

In his speech, the Executive Chairman of the Company, Mr Alaba Owoyemi described the industry as a significant milestone in his quest for sustainable oil palm production and by extension, contributing to the opening up of the economy of the state.

Also at the event were members of the state House of Assembly; members of the state executive council including Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade; Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives, Mrs Tayo Adeola; Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe; Commissioner of Police, Akinwale Adeniran among other dignitaries.

Ekiti Youth Entrepreneurs Shine at "Youth Let's Talk with BAO 2.0".

Ekiti Youth Entrepreneurs Shine at "Youth Let's Talk with BAO 2.0".

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

The vibrant Adetiloye Hall in Ado Ekiti buzzed with excitement as Ekiti Youth Entrepreneurs showcased their innovative projects and products during the "Youth Let's Talk with BAO 2.0" interactive engagement with Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. The event, held on Wednesday, July 3rd, highlighted the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of over 1,000 youths from across the 16 local government areas of Ekiti State.

The exhibition featured an array of impressive products and initiatives, reflecting the diverse talents of the young entrepreneurs. Among the standout items were Adire clothes bearing the Governor's logo, leather bags, belts, shoes, intricately designed beads, artistic works, perfumes, creams, soaps, and various agribusiness products and craftworks. Each display was a testament to the youths' dedication to fostering economic growth and innovation within the state.

In his address, Governor Oyebanji expressed his admiration for the youths' creativity and entrepreneurial drive. He reaffirmed his administration's commitment to creating an enabling environment for young entrepreneurs to thrive. "No effort will be spared to ensure that productive and economically viable youths find Ekiti attractive to live in and do their businesses," the Governor stated, drawing enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Governor Oyebanji also announced several support initiatives aimed at bolstering youth entrepreneurship in the state. These included access to grants, mentorship programs, and partnerships with established businesses to provide a platform for the youths to scale their enterprises.

Group Hails Oyebanji as Ekiti Emerged First in IGR Collection Rating.

Group Hails Oyebanji as Ekiti Emerged First in IGR Collection Rating.

.....says rating shows governor has progressive economic policy.

A business oriented group in the Southwest Nigeria, New Initiative for Business Rights(NIBR), has said the report of favourable rating of Ekiti State in revenue collection by a prestigious tax organisation confirmed that Governor Biodun Oyebanji has progressive economic policy to propel prosperity. 

The group, which described Ekiti's  meteoric rise in IGR collection ladder, as contained in the report of Joint Tax Board(JTB), clearly attested to how effective Governor Oyebanji's economic policies were to launch the state to higher pedestal. 

The commendation  was contained in a statement signed by the  Coordinator and Chairman of Trustees of NIBR, Dr. Ademola George- Coker, and released to newsmen  in Ado Ekiti, on Thursday. 

In the report circulated by the Joint Tax Board (JTB) at its 155th meeting at Zuma Rock Resort, Suleja, Niger State, Ekiti State ranked first in the 2023 Annual Growth Rate Ranking, the state's Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) increased from ₦17.03b in 2022 to ₦29.82b in 2023, representing a 75 percent growth rate. 

Commenting on the rating, George-Coker, said it was wondrous how Governor Oyebanji achieved the feat without making the citizens to undergo harrowing experience  of heavy tax as obtainable in some states of the federation. 

George-Coker maintained that Governor Oyebanji didn't  introduce harsh tax policy that could drive away investment, rather he stunned the citizens with good performance, thereby propelling the tax payers to respond positively to their statutory obligations. 

The NIBR boss hailed the governor for being people-centric in tax policy and still achieved tremendous feat, saying this was a well amplified testimony to his astuteness in implementation of the right  policy. 

"We are pleased to hear the IBR attributing the improvement on trust surplus in governance, which elicited significant growth in IGR by the state. 

"It is not doubting the fact that Governor Oyebanji must have accomplished this feat by appealing to tax payers through his stunning and enigmatic performance. 

"IGR collection in a country like Nigeria,with high  poverty index and lacklustre  attitude to tax payment, requires the drivers of the economy gaining the people's trust, so that they can be receptive to tax ideas and initiatives.

"We could recollect that upon assumption of office, Governor Oyebanji did promise to block loopholes draining the revenues in all MDAs. He also pledged not to impose heavy tax burden on the citizens, yet, he accomplished this feat. 

"Before some states could shore up their revenue profiles, citizens and business owners had to pay heavy tax, which chased away  investors from such business environment. But there wasn't any case of such in Ekiti State. 

"Our findings revealed that investors are making inroad into Ekiti for huge investments in.all sectors. I think other governors must learn from Governor Biodun Oyebanji's IGR initiatives to really have a subnational that can stand on their own even without federal allocations".

However, George-Coker counseled the Governor to invest more in tourism, entertainment and hospitality sectors to increase Ekiti's revenue base exponentially in the 2024 IGR  report

As highlighted  in the JTB's report, Ekiti State moved up to 16th position in the Total Collections Ranking from its previous ranking of one of the worst five. 

Under the Direct Assessment Parameters, the dynamism of Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service is evident as Ekiti State improved from 33rd to 15th position. 

The State also ranked 25th in Withholding Tax collections and 28th in MDA collections.