Oyebanji Seeks Belgium's Partnership in Technology, Agriculture, Intellectual Capacity Devt for Wealth Creation.

Oyebanji Seeks Belgium's Partnership in Technology, Agriculture, Intellectual Capacity Devt for Wealth Creation.

…Says international collaboration needed to actualizse 30-year devt plan.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji says his administration is building blocks for mutual bilateral relationships between the State and developed countries of the world to turn around the fortunes of its citizens.

Governor Oyebanji made this known during a meeting with the Belgium Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Pieter Leenknegt at the Belgium Embassy in Abuja, on Wednesday, where potential areas of collaboration were discussed.

Governor Oyebanji who was accompanied by the some state officials, including Commissioner for Budget, Economic Planning and Performance Management, Mr Niyi Adebayo; and Commissioner for Finance, Mr Akin Oyebode, DG office of partnership Biodun Oyeleye, highlighted some critical areas of the State’s 30 - year development plan. 

He noted that the state government has a clear vision of opportunities in the areas of ecosystem innovation, technology, renewable energy, environmental management and agricultural production and exportation as well as intellectual capacity development for wealth creation.

"Our vision for Ekiti State is clear. Despite the various challenges, indices and factors being that we are landlocked, we are committed to exploring and leveraging opportunities in ecosystem innovation, technology, renewable energy, and agricultural production. Collaboration with developed nations is crucial for the actualization of our 30-year development plan and ensure sustainable growth and prosperity for our people."

The Governor highlighted the state's substantial investments in social programs, commercial agriculture, and various intervention initiatives aimed at boosting the purchasing power of Ekiti's citizens stressing the necessity of international collaboration to fully realize the state's ambitious 30-year development plan.

In his response, Ambassador Leenknegt acknowledged Ekiti state's efforts, which align with global best practices and ECOWAS standards. He advised the Ekiti government to expedite the completion of the state's airport to improve access and connectivity.

He commended the initiatives behind the Ekiti Knowledge zone noting its potential to transform local knowledge into wealth, expressing Belgium's interest in partnering with Ekiti State in areas such as communication technology, transportation, and tropical agriculture, including cacao and palm kernel production as well as enhancing academic partnerships between Belgian institutions and universities in Ekiti State.

 "We recognize and appreciate the significant strides being made by the Ekiti State government. The Ekiti Knowledge Zone is a remarkable initiative with the potential to turn local knowledge into wealth. Belgium is keen to explore collaboration in areas such as communication technology, transportation, and tropical agriculture, including cacao and palm kernel production." Said the Ambassador

Daurama Foundation Restores Access to Clean Water at Kuchingoro IDP Camp.

Daurama Foundation Restores Access to Clean Water at Kuchingoro IDP Camp.

The newly installed water taps at Kuchingoro IDP camp, thanks to the Daurama Foundation's initiative.

Daurama Foundation is pleased to announce the successful restoration of access to clean water at the Kuchingoro Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp. This transformative project has addressed one of the most pressing issues faced by the camp residents, significantly improving their quality of life.

During a recent visit to the Kuchingoro IDP camp, Daurama Foundation's founder, Dr. Samira Buhari, was deeply moved by the dire conditions. "Seeing the absence of clean water was heart-wrenching. It’s a basic necessity that no one should be deprived of, and the impact on the community, especially the women and children, who are already displaced from their original homes, was profound," she shared.

Technicians working diligently to repair a manual borehole at Kuchingoro IDP Camp ensuring access to clean water for the community.

One resident, Aisha Babuna, poignantly highlighted the struggle. "Without clean water, our daily lives were filled with hardship. We couldn’t cook, clean, or even drink safely. Our children were constantly at risk of diseases," Aisha explained to our team when they visited.

In response to this urgent need, the Daurama Foundation's Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) team immediately engaged with key stakeholders, including the camp’s chairman and secretary, to devise a sustainable solution. After thorough consultations, it was decided that repairing the existing boreholes would be the most effective approach.

"Our team collaborated with local experts to ensure the repairs were done swiftly and effectively," said Dr. Samira Buhari. "Today, it’s a delight to say that the residents of Kuchingoro IDP camp have access to clean and safe water once again."

The impact of this project has been profound. The Chairman of the IDP camp expressed immense gratitude: "The restoration of clean water has rejuvenated our community. It has brought hope and relief, allowing us to focus on rebuilding our lives."

Women in the camp, who are primarily responsible for fetching water, have felt a significant burden lifted. "Having clean water means our children are healthier, and we can take better care of our families," said one of the mothers in the camp. "It’s more than just water; it’s a lifeline."

 

 The Foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting communities in need. This project exemplifies our dedication to enhancing health and well-being through practical and impactful initiatives. By addressing the basic needs of vulnerable populations, we strive to create sustainable change and improve lives.

About the Daurama Foundation:

The Daurama Foundation, established by Dr. Samira Buhari, is committed to improving health outcomes and championing the rights of women and girls across Nigeria through advocacy, comprehensive education, and active community engagement. We work to tackle pressing issues that affect the well-being and rights of girls and women in the communities we serve. Our programs aim to address domestic violence, improve neonatal health, and advocate for menstrual health and hygiene. Empowering women and girls, fostering sustainable development, and attaining equality heavily rely on these pivotal focus areas.

Press Contact:

Press Office, Daurama Foundation: info@dauramafoundation.org

World Bank commits over $200m to Ekiti Development- Country Director.

World Bank commits  over $200m to Ekiti Development- Country Director.

….As Gov Oyebanji seeks more collaboration with development partners.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has sought for an increased collaboration and partnership with both local and international development agencies to ensure all round development of the state’s economy.

Governor Oyebanji, who made the request on Tuesday during a strategic meeting with Heads of Development Agencies at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, said with the right partnership and collaboration, the state’s development goals could be significantly accelerated through mutual cooperation and resources sharing.

Governor Oyebanji spoke just as the World Bank said it had committed over $200 million to Ekiti State, out of which $60 million has been disbursed so far in some critical aspects of the state’s development. 

The World Bank Country Director, Dr Ndiame Dipo who disclosed this during the Governor’s engagement, said the funds are directed at eight different projects. He called for more effective collaboration from the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure success of the projects. 

Governor Oyebanji had set the tone for the day’s discussion in his opening address, where he emphasized the fact that Ekiti State was not looking for help. Rather , he said what the state government wants is partnership and collaboration that would accelerate growth and development. 

Oyebanji said that his administration has positioned itself as reform-minded, transparent and accountable to build trust with stakeholders and ensure that development initiatives are effectively implemented. He said his administration is determined to harness and explore collaborations and gather necessary support and resources to drive development in the critical areas of the state economy which include infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare and education, among others.

Highlighting numerous reforms by his administration to create a conducive atmosphere for investment, the Governor emphasized the Ekiti’s top position in transparency index and its recognition as the safest  state in the country has made it an ideal environment for business operations.

He said his administration is intentional in its efforts towards achieving the state’s 30 years development plan through partnership and collaboration with national and international development partners.

While calling the development partners to consider Ekiti State as their next investment destination and take advantage of the numerous opportunities and advantages in the state, Governor Oyebanji said the state is open for business and eager to partner with investors who shared the state’s vision of sustainabile growth and development.

He said “We are government that is reform minded, transparent, we are accountable and am leading a team that is  competent and committed to the mandate of this administration. 

"Everything we are doing in Ekiti is already planned for. We know the track we are following, we know the step we have taken and we are trying our best within the available resources to as a state, but we know that we have the capacity and ability to do more and that is why we have invited you here today to say, please handhold us in areas where your institutions can partner and collaborate with us. Let us work together so that we can deliver good governance to the people of Ekiti State.

"We tick all boxes in transparency, we have regulatory instrument in the state that ensures that we deliver on projects, and for those of you that have one programs or the other in Ekiti, you will know that we adhere strictly to protocols for implementation, and that speaks to our commitment to doing things the right way.” The Governor added.

The Governor highlighted efforts by his administration to improve Ease of Doing Business 

In the state to include the establishment of small claims court, streamlining of business permit, enforcement of contracts, aligning tax policy to remove double taxation, as well as enhanced security among others. 

“On Ease of Doing Business, we have gone so far. I head and chair the committee on Ease of Doing Business. We have streamlined business permit, enforcement of contracts . We are at a point of having a one- stop shop physically and virtually that addresses the concerns of investors in the state. “

He also revealed that access to the state is being improved with investment in road infrastructure. He also revealed that the Ado Ekiti airport would be ready for commercial operation before the end of the year, adding that the airport is undergoing certification process by relevant aviation authorities. 

He said officials of the NCAA and FAAN are currently in the state for the certification for commercial operation of the airport, adding that commercial flights would become operative at the airport before the end of the year. 

The airport project, he said was conceived to aide economic development and growth in the state through access to local and international markets. 

Earlier in his goodwill message, the World Bank Country Director, Ndiame Diop, who commended the Governor for his determination to the state’s development and for engaging with development partners to discuss on ways to improve and leverage partnerships towards addressing development challenges in the state, said world bank has committed over 200 million dolars in Ekiti across key sectors such as Education, health, social protection,water and sanitation and women’s economic empowerment with about 60 million dollars disbursed so far.

While commending the state’s good track records of implementation of the bank’s projects, the Director said more projects opportunities would soon come to the state in critical sectors such as irrigation, hydro power, and agriculture, health and education, among others.

Also, the heads and representatives of several other international development agencies including British High Commission, USADF, USAID, Belgium Embassy, Japan Embassy and UNiDOC among others pelleted to strengthen commitment to the state, while lauding the Governor’s regular engagement. 

In his welcome address, the State Commissioner for Budget, Economic Planning and Performance Management , Mr Niyi Adebayo, in his presentation identified the state’s areas of competitive advantage as well as areas where it requires collaboration. 

The Director General, Office of Development Partnerships, Mr Biodun Oyeleye did an overview of the Biodun Oyebanji Administration’s six- pillar development agenda, drawing the attention of ten development agencies to each of ten agenda. 

Also at the event were members of the State Executive Council, Ambassadors, High Commissioners, Country Directors and representatives of International Organizations and Countries, among others.

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).