Gov. Oyebanji Launches N1 billion Loan for Businesswomen, Says Facility not National Cake.

Gov. Oyebanji Launches N1 billion Loan for Businesswomen, Says Facility not National Cake.

The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, has told female business owners that the Ekiti State Government (EKSG)/Access Bank N1 billion Loan Initiative shouldn’t be perceived as a a share of the “National Cake”.

The governor averred that the soft loan initiative was targeted at stimulating the economy and fully involve women in the evolving development process.

Oyebanji disclosed that the soft loan initiative was specifically designed to empower the women, create jobs and wealth, banish poverty out of the state and as well buffer the effect of hard biting economy on the populace.

The governor spoke in Ado Ekiti, on Tuesday at the official launching of the EKSG/ Access Bank Women Initiative, a bipartite partnership, where N1 billion soft loan will be given to female traders and business owners.

As a prelude to the Tuesday’s launching, the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, who represented the governor at the flag off, had on Monday led a road walk to all the major markets in Ado Ekiti metropolis to sensitize the business owners on the new initiative.

Addressing the female business owners from the 16 Local Government areas of the state at the event held at Jibowu Hall, Government House in Ado Ekiti, Oyebanji, said the soft loan offers succour to dismantle the barriers being encountered to raise capitals for the growth of businesses.

Oyebanji, who said adequate security was being provided to protect investments in Ekiti, urged the beneficiaries to plough the facility into their businesses to bring a better industrial and entrepreneurial facelift to the state.

The governor added that the ingenious measure was to propel the beneficiaries’ businesses and for them to break even under the current harsh business environment, saying his government had also put adequate security measures in motion to protect investments and businesses in Ekiti.

“This programme was to bridge the gap being experienced in our women having access to loans in Ekiti. I want to appeal to the beneficiaries to make good use of this loan.

“It is a revolving loan and not part of what you can consider as a share of national cake. You have to pay back, so that others who are still yearning for it can also have access. The state government decided to enter into this agreement with Access Bank, so that we can improve on the development of MSMEs in Ekiti”.

Speaking on similar efforts made by his administration to improve the economy, Oyebanji said: “My administration has set up what we called Office of the Ease of Doing Business and also providing functional industrial park , where investors will pay highly subsidized amount to acquire lands to establish their industries. We are also helping local contractors to to get technical partners, machinery and equipment.

“Let me inform you that this is also part of the plans put in place by the government to realise a change in Ekiti State economy from a public sector to a private sector driven economy”, the governor added.

In her contributions, the First Lady of Ekiti State, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, disclosed that the soft loan offers veritable opportunity to provide robust funding for entrepreneurs, saying every sector of the economy like education, health, industry and others required people taking loans for advancement.

Mrs Oyebanji said the success of women in business will have ripple effects that transcend their immediate families in the society and the country at large, lamenting how female owners of MSMEs are being confronted with encumbrances in accessing funds to propel their businesses.

“This is not a national cake, this is your working capital. Taking this loan and pay back will provide opportunity for other women, so don’t default. Don’t forget that you have guarantors and if you default, they are going to be the ones to be held liable”, she warned.

Offering the intending beneficiaries a message of hope, the Commissioner for Trade, Investment, Industry and Cooperatives, Mrs Omotayo Adeola, said access to capitals, had always been the bane of business development in the State, saying this will help in defeating this barrier.

As contained in the partnership arrangement, Adeola said those operating micro businesses can access a sum of N100,000, while the second category can access N500,000, and those operating at Marco level, with Certificates of Incorporation spanning over two years can obtain between One and Two Million Naira.

“The minimum banks can lend to businesses owners is 35%, but this one attracts only 10%; it has been subsidized by the government, so that the repayment can be easier. All over the world, it was recognised that those who have the capitals are true owners of businesses, that is why we are doing this”.

In his submission, the Regional Trade Manager, Access Bank PLC, Mr. Bolaji Aboderin stated that the the partnership was part of the roadmap designed by the financial institution to empower women across the nation being the foundation of the society and dependable weapon of economic development.

Aboderin was emphatic that the collaboration will enhance capacity building, create jobs in micro and macro economic sectors, stimulate family stability, imbue entrepreneurial spirit and spread the shared prosperity mantra of Oyebanji’s government to the citizens.

High profile figures at the occasion were: the wife of the Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, Deputy Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bolaji Olagbaju, Commissioners, Special Advisers, Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, top government functionaries, Access Bank officials, market women, among others.

Ekiti Deputy Gov Sensitizes Women Traders on Govt, Access Bank’s N1bn Loan Deal.

Ekiti Deputy Gov Sensitizes Women Traders on Govt, Access Bank’s N1bn Loan Deal.

…says Oyebanji intends to empower female business owners.

....Ekiti N1bn Loan Deal.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has revealed that Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration in partnership with Access Bank, has facilitated a N1 billion soft loan for women entrepreneurs to bolster investments in Ekiti.

Besides banishing poverty and combat spiraling unemployment indexes, Mrs Afuye added that the Governor’s ingenious and well thought-out policy will elevate female business owners and make them relevant in economic development strategy of the government.

Mrs Afuye revealed that the loan initiated by Governor Oyebanji through partnership with Access Bank, would expand the scope of women’s accessibility to soft loans to propel their businesses.

In a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, Mrs Afuye, said these on Monday, during a sensitization road walk to major markets in Ado Ekiti to interact with the traders on the EKSG-Access Bank Soft loan for women business owners that will be officially launched on Tuesday, July 9.

The sensitization train, led by Mrs Afuye, the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Mrs Omotayo Adeola, top government’s functionaries and access Bank officials, visited Okesa, Oja Oba, Atikankan, Oja Bisi and Irona Markets, to have direct interface with traders and would-be principal beneficiaries. .

Addressing the traders, Mrs Afuye, disclosed that part of the interest on the loan would be paid by the state government to make it easier for beneficiaries to repay the money to the loaner.

She stated that the intention of Governor Oyebanji’s administration was to ensure that women entrepreneurs are lifted in Ekiti through soft loans, so that they can contribute meaningfully to the economic growth.

“Let me start by appreciating Governor Oyebanji for initiating this partnership with Access Bank to empower businesswomen. We thank him for counting womenfolk worthy of being empowered as business owners, so that they can be relevant in the economic development process.

“What the governor was trying to extend to business, had been demonstrated in politics, where women are holding high positions in government. We are all living witnesses to this.

“With this partnership with access Bank, women can have unfettered access to soft and low interest rate loans that can make them owners of flourishing businesses to transform our economy and make them relevant in the scheme of things.

“These loans can be used to establish new businesses or used to expand the existing ones. The essence of this is to banish poverty, unemployment and reduce the hardship being caused by the current inflation in the system.

“Let me assure our women that Governor Oyebanji is highly desirous of producing good number of women business owners that can transform the economy of our great state”, she said.

Mrs Afuye described the loan facilitation as part of the efforts of Governor Oyebanji’s action to coalescing actions with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to bridle the rising inflation, joblessness, poverty and sporadic crime rate in the system.

In her submission during the business campaign procession, the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Mrs Omotayo Adeola, revealed that the loan is principally for women in business with 10% interest rate.

Adeola stated that the government had entered into agreement with the Bank and showed readiness to pay the remaining part of the interest to engender ease of doing business.

She said the least of the beneficiaries can access a sum of N250,000, while the second category can get between N500,000 and N1,000,000, depending on the strength and capital base of such business.

“Whoever that will be eligible to access the loan must have a guarantor, who will stand for the loanee. This is not a category of loans that can be called a national cake, it shall be repaid, but the government has made the repayment easier by its decision to pay part of the interest”.

Hon. Ojuawo Visits Empowerment Farm to Encourage Farmers.

Hon. Ojuawo Visits Empowerment Farm to Encourage Farmers.

In a bid to bolster agricultural development and support local farmers, the Honourable Member representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency, Hon (AVM Rtd) Ojuawo Rufus Adeniyi, visited the constituency empowerment farm site at Ogbese. The purpose of the visit was to inspect the progress of the farm and assess the performance of farmers working within their clusters.

The empowerment initiative began several months ago with Agricpreneur training, aimed at equipping farmers in the constituency with the necessary skills to cultivate a variety of crops, including tomatoes, okra, pepper, vegetables, and cucumber. The farm at Ogbese is now flourishing with tomato plantations, and the first harvest is expected to commence in a few weeks.

The development of the farm has followed a meticulous process, ensuring that each stage is thoroughly executed to maximize yield. This process includes:

- ●Comprehensive training for farmers

- ●Securing a suitable farm site

- ●Constructing a greenhouse for nursery operations

●Preparing the land for cultivation

●Establishing the nursery

●Transplanting seedlings to the main plot

●Regular weeding to maintain crop health

●Lining and pecking for crop organization

●Applying necessary fertilizers and herbicides.

During his visit, Hon. Ojuawo expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far and reiterated his commitment to supporting agricultural ventures in the region. He highlighted the importance of these initiatives in enhancing food security and providing economic opportunities for local farmers.

Additionally, Hon. Ojuawo announced the acquisition of 5 hectares of land at Ogotun Ekiti, specifically designated for farmers in Ekiti South West to cultivate pepper. The cultivation on this new site is set to commence shortly, further expanding the scope of the empowerment program.

The initiative has been widely praised for its potential to transform the agricultural landscape in Ekiti South, providing farmers with the tools and knowledge necessary to increase productivity and improve their livelihoods.

OJUAWO MEDIA TEAM

Compassionate Tycoon, Hon. Babatunde Adaba Donates 1 Million Naira to Complete Late APC Chairman's Relaxation Center.

Compassionate Tycoon, Hon. Babatunde Adaba Donates 1 Million Naira to Complete Late APC Chairman's Relaxation Center.

In a heartwarming display of kindness and community support, respected business tycoon and seasoned politician, Honorable Babatunde Adaba, has donated a staggering 1 million Naira to the family of the late Barrister Paul Omotosho, the former APC State Party Chairman. This generous contribution will go towards the completion of the relaxation center that the late chairman had envisioned, providing a lasting legacy and source of income for his bereaved family.

The touching ceremony, held on July 7th, 2024, was attended by a host of distinguished guests, including traditional rulers, local government officials, and political leaders. Honorable Adaba, accompanied by these dignitaries, presented the cash gift to the Omotosho family, demonstrating his unwavering support and compassion during their time of grief.

Speaking at the event, Honorable Adaba expressed his deep admiration for the late chairman and the need to rescue the family's businesses from financial hardship. "Barrister Omotosho was a dear friend and brother," he stated. "It is my honor to extend this support to his family, ensuring that his dream of establishing this relaxation center is realized."

The Owa Ooro of Agbado Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Samuel Adesina, lauded Honorable Adaba's gesture, describing him as an "adorer of human and societal development." The traditional ruler noted that such acts of kindness are rare and worthy of emulation, fostering a sense of unity and solidarity within the community.

Honorable Davies Adeyemo, the Aiyekire Local Government Chairman, expressed his deep gratitude for the donation, acknowledging that the lack of funding had been a major obstacle in reviving the relaxation center. "Honorable Adaba's generosity will now propel the work needed to complete this project, which will serve as a source of income for the Omotosho family," he said.

The news of Honorable Adaba's compassionate act has spread like wildfire, inspiring others to follow suit. In a time of mourning and uncertainty, this remarkable display of support has brought hope and solace to the Omotosho family, demonstrating the power of community and the transformative impact of kindness.

Honorable Babatunde Adaba, who was accompanied by some distinguished personalities, presented a cash gift of one million naira to the family of the Late APC State Party Chairman. Among those in attendance were; H.R.M Oba Samuel Adesina (Owa Ooro of Agbado kingdom), Hon Davies Adeyemo (Aiyekire Local Government Chairman), Chief Alhaji Osioyemi (Former Gbonyin Local Government APC Party Chairman), Honorable Joel Fagbemi (S.A to Aiyekire Local Government Chairman), Honorable Odesanmi Adeola (Former Gbonyin NULGE Chairman), and Afuye Sanmi (SSA to the State Governor).

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.