Tinubu Hails Supreme Court Verdict on Local Government Autonomy.

Tinubu Hails Supreme Court Verdict on Local Government Autonomy.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the Supreme Court of Nigeria's landmark judgement affirming the constitutional rights of local governments. This decision, he says, underscores the Constitution's spirit and intent and marks a pivotal step towards improving local governance in Nigeria.

President Tinubu highlighted the chronic inefficacy of local government administration as a significant hindrance to national progress. He asserted that governance at the grassroots level has been virtually non-existent, affecting the delivery of essential services to the people.

He urged local council leaders to seize this opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to serving their communities. "The Renewed Hope Agenda is for all Nigerians, regardless of faith, tribe, gender, or political affiliation. This judgement empowers our people, especially the poor, to hold local leaders accountable for their actions," Tinubu said.

The President emphasized that transparency in the allocation and use of local government funds is now mandatory. "What is sent to local government accounts will be known, and services must be provided without excuses," he stated. 

Tinubu explained that his administration pursued this legal action out of a firm belief in providing relief to Nigerians through legitimate means. He sees the judgement as a validation of efforts to restructure Nigeria's governance and economy for a fairer and better society.

He also noted that the emasculation of local governments has hindered the provision of essential services such as road maintenance, street lighting, and community security. The Supreme Court's decision to uphold local government financial autonomy is a historic milestone in reinforcing Nigeria's federal structure.

The President commended Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), for his dedication to this cause. Tinubu reaffirmed his administration's commitment to upholding the principles of the Constitution, ensuring efficient governance, and fostering national development.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), issued the statement on July 11, 2024.

EKSG Disburses N35m to Fire Disaster Victims in Ekiti.

EKSG Disburses N35m to Fire Disaster Victims in Ekiti.

In a determined bid to restore their losses and offer them respite in a time of trial, the Ekiti State Government, has disbursed a whopping sum of N35 million to over 50 victims of fire accidents in the state.

The government described the philanthropic gesture as part of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s strategic and calculated measures to mitigate the negative effects of emergency situations on victims in the state.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, said these in Ado Ekiti, on Thursday, while distributing the funds to beneficiaries, who were victims of fire accidents between September, 2023 and March, 2024.

Mrs Afuye, in a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, urged the beneficiaries not to despair despite their situations, saying the government decided to offer them emotional and financial support to stabilise them to regain their losses.

Besides these support, Mrs Afuye, revealed that a sum of N47 million, had been approved by Governor Oyebanji for victims of rainstorm, while N12.3 million will soon be disbursed to another round of victims of fire disaster across the state, which signposted how committed the government was to liberate the distressed.

To mitigate the exponential and alarming increase in fire accidents in Ekiti, she promised that the state government will soon organise a training across the state to further broaden the horizons of the people on how to curb fire incidences .

The Deputy Governor stated that though the funds disbursed might not be suffice to rebuild their property that were engulfed by inferno, but pointed out that it will offer succour at this trying time.

“Some people are still in the habit of blocking the waterways with debris and refuse, thereby causing flooding and destruction of property. They must desist from these dangerous acts.

“The government is not happy with these unpleasant occurrences. However, Governor Oyebanji is assuring the people that prompt intervention will be given to any hardship that may occur through natural or man made disasters.

“Our determination is to make the people fit to contribute to economic development of our dear state. We must take precautions at all times. While going out, we must switch off our electrical appliances and avoid bush burning during dry season and storage of petrol in residential buildings during scarcity”, she advised.

Saluting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his strong anti-poverty policy, Mrs Afuye, said: “On behalf of the government, we appreciate the FG for distributing assorted foods to vulnerable people across the state. We also salute NEMA for collaborating to boost emergency management in our dear state”.

The General Manager, State Emergency Management Agency, Oludare Asaolu, said the governor was saddened by the events of fire accidents that ravaged some property in the state, calling on the victims to take the situations with equanimity and hope for the best.

Asaolu advised the residents to always take precautionary measures like putting off all electrical appliances and gas cylinder appropriately before leaving their residences for their respective offices or farms.

Describing partnership as the best way to tackle disasters, the National Emergency Management Agency’s Head of Operations, Ekiti and Ondo, Mr. Kofoworola Soleye, saluted Governor Oyebanji’s government for collaborating NEMA to give succour to the victims of emergency in the state.

In her submission, the Head of Service, Mrs Folakemi Olomojobi, saluted the governor for being passionate about the welfare of the populace, advising the residents to equip their residential and commercial buildings with fire fighting materials that can help mitigate these occurrences.

Saluting the government on behalf of the victims, Elder Michael Ajayi, said the government’s gesture would help in boosting their morales and help regain their losses.

Dignitaries at the event were: The Commissioner for Information, Hon Taiwo Olatunbosun, Head of Service, Folakemi Olomojobi, Director General, Office of Community Communications, Mrs Mary Oso- Omotoso , Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s Office, Mr. Abayomi Opeyemi, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Deputy Governor, Mr. Victor Adeniyi, among others.

University Of Ibadan VC, Principal Officers Shower Encomium On Ekiti First Lady, Hubby On Impact In Governance.

University Of Ibadan VC, Principal Officers Shower Encomium On Ekiti First Lady, Hubby On Impact In Governance.

Principal officers of the University of Ibadan (UI) led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale has showered encomium on Ekiti State First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, for her contribution to academia in particular and humanity at large.

They also hailed her husband, Governor Biodun Oyebanji for the great impact he has made so far in governance and making a difference in administering the Land of Honour the feat which they acknowledged was boosted by the quality support received from his wife.

The management team of the nation's premier university heaped the glowing plaudits on the Ekiti's first couple during a courtesy call by Dr. Oyebanji to the management in appreciation of her recent pronouncement as an Associate Professor in the Department of Education Management.

It was a grand homecoming for the Ekiti First Lady, who acquired a renown in the citadel of learning as a senior scholar of repute whose works have been globally acknowledged in her field as making immense contribution to learning and quoted widely in several reputable academic journals.

Appreciating the First Lady for her visit to the University, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adebowale said the university is lucky to have Dr. Oyebanji, as an academic staff member, judging by the value she had added to the system in many capacities she was privileged to serve.

Prof. Adebowale noted that Dr. Oyebanji contributed in no small measure to academic development in her department, faculty, and in administration before she became First Lady and had also produced and mentored many doctoral students.

Prof. Adebowale said the University of Ibadan is proud of the achievements of Ekiti Governor and the First Lady for living up to the expectations of the electorate nearly two years in office.

He commended Governor Oyebanji's style of governance and humility; which had brought lots of positive development to his state. He likewise appreciated Dr. Oyebanji for deeming it fit to pay a courtesy visit to her university .

The Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. K. Abiona said Dr. Oyebanji excelled in all positions of responsibilities handled at the university, of a particular note was her role as the assistant hall warden; ldia Hall, one of the major halls of residence, in the university. According to the Dean of Students, Dr. Oyebanji was on the verge of being made a warden of the hall when a call for a higher national assignment came up for her.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships, Prof. Oluyemisi Bamgbose; the Registrar, Mr. G.O. Saliu; the Bursar, Mr. Adewumi Popoola and the Librarian, Dr. Mercy Iroaganachi all took turns to acknowledge the resourcefulness and industry of Dr. Oyebanji in contributing to the excellence the University of lbadan is noted for.

In her response, the First Lady described UI as her second home and expressed appreciation to the staff and students for being part of her development as a senior academic.

She also expressed gratitude to the university management on her elevation to the rank of Associate Professor, which was long overdue promising to keep on giving her best as she awaits her full Professorship next year.

Ekiti Govt Quashes Installation of Regent, Describes Process Illegal.

Ekiti Govt Quashes Installation of Regent, Describes Process Illegal.

The Ekiti State Government has invalidated the process leading to the installation of Princess Taiwo Oladimeji, as the Regent of Emure Ekiti, Emure Local Government Area of the State.

The government through the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, branded the process through which the Regent ascended the throne as fraught with illegality and lacking the requisite approval from Governor Biodun Oyebanji- led government.

Princess Oladimeji was installed as the Regent, sequel to the demise of Elemure of Emure Ekiti, Oba Emmanuel Adebayo, on May 30, 2024, as the monarch belonged to Pelupelu, the topmost among the hierarchies of traditional rulers in the state.

Mrs Afuye, according to a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, handed down the harsh verdict, on Tuesday, during a meeting with the critical stakeholders from the community.

Mrs Afuye bemoaned over how the community brazenly flouted the State Chiefs Law, by blatantly refusing to crave government’s approval before proceeding on the installation, saying such illegality can’t stand in the face of the law.

She, however, restated that government was neither planning to impose nor foist anyone on them as Regent, saying the already installed individual can be represented for the coveted stool, thereby amplifying the imperative of strict compliance with the law.

“Let me emphasize here that you have no Regent yet. Why did you have to rush into taking such step without consulting the government ? Why couldn’t you seek government’s approval?

“What you have as far as we are concerned is illegal Regent. We are not here to impose anyone on you, you are free to take whatever steps that suits you, but we are emphasizing the need for you to comply with the State Chiefs Law.

“So, go back home and do what you are supposed to do, so that government can give the Regent the required recognition, because the one you have installed has no government’s approval”, she stated.

Also, Mrs Afuye stoutly debunked the widespread allegation that she was making surreptitious moves to impose one Chief Toyin Ojo, the Olisa of Emure Ekiti and second in command to Elemure as the Regent, describing such accusation as spurious and unfounded.

On the brewing crisis over the delay in the payment of April, May and June stipends to the traditional chiefs due to the illness suffered by the late monarch, Mrs Afuye, commandeered the Chairman of the Council, Hon Oluwatosin Adedayo to rectify the snag and pay with immediate effect.

The Deputy Governor added that the Local Government Chairman, the Head of Local Government Administration and the Director of Finance should be acting as signatories to the Traditional Council Accounts, pending the time a recognised Regent will be enthroned.

In her submission, the Lawmaker representing Emure constituency in the Ekiti House of Assembly, Hon. Maryam Ogunlade, applauded the government for resolving the logjam surrounding the delay in the payment of stipends and installation of the Regent.

Hon Ogunlade assured that the stakeholders will meet,v finetune arrangements and straighten all rough edges to avert unnecessary bedlam that could jeopardise the peace and stability being experienced under the current government.

Other dignitaries at the meeting were: Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Hon. Ojo Atobioke, Emure Local Government Chairman, Hon. Oluwatosin Adedayo, Permanent Secretaries, Deputy Governor’s Office, Mr. Abayomi Opeyemi, and the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Mrs Olabisi Akindele, former Assembly member representing Emure constituency, Hon. Febisola Adewale, kingmakers, traditional chiefs, prince and princesses, among others.

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.