Oyebanji lauds TETFUND for infrastructural projects in Ekiti institutions.

Oyebanji lauds TETFUND for infrastructural projects in Ekiti institutions.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has hailed the Tertiary Education Trust Fund for its interventions in providing succour to Ekiti State-owned tertiary institutions in the area of infrastructure.

The governor, represented by the Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi, spoke in Ado Ekiti, on Monday, during the oversight visit of the House of Representatives Committee on TETFUND and other services to the state.

Oyebanji said that TETFUND’s intervention was evident in many infrastructural projects in the Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti; Bamidele Olumilua University of Science and Technology, Ikere Ekiti and Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan Ekiti.

He said, “TETFUND has recorded positive impacts which have brought succour to tertiary education not only in terms of infrastructural development but also in the area of human capital development as well as funding of institution-based research”.

Oyebanji, who said that education was the priority of Ekiti State, said, “All bottlenecks militating against the utilization of funds from TETFUND across the institutions will be removed”.

The governor said that the state government would explore every available resource and avenue to utilize the opportunity that TETFUND had to offer to emplace 21st-century academic institutions in the state.

He said that it was on the strength of infrastructural development as entrenched in the six pillars of his administration that the government considered the need for further increase in the monthly subvention to the institutions.

The House Committee Chairman, Princess Miriam Onuona, said the committee was in the state to monitor and to ensure judicious and proper utilization of funds allocated for various development projects in tertiary institutions.

Onuona, called on the institutions to avail themselves of the opportunity of the visit to address any area of impediment or bottleneck to assessing the funds allocated to them to build infrastructure and learning in the institutions, adding that such funds if not assessed on time could lose value due to inflationary trend.

The lawmaker said that the three Ekiti State institutions, during the period under review, year 2021 to part of year 2024, still had some unassessed funds as she advised them to consult the team of consultants that the House Committee had put together to immediately diagnose impediments that made it difficult to assess the funds.

Onuona said that the committee was collaborating with the executive to ease whatever challenges including amendment of any law, if need be, that could serve as an impediment to assessing the funds allocated for the institutions.

Oyebanji Views Legislature as Strong Ally, Not Inferior Partner, Says Ekiti Deputy Gov.

Oyebanji Views Legislature as Strong Ally, Not Inferior Partner, Says Ekiti Deputy Gov.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has assured the members of the State House of Assembly that Governor Biodun Oyebanji will continually respect the sanctity of the Separation of Powers as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution.

Mrs Afuye stated that the Governor as a thorough-bred democrat, would sustain the frictionless relationships existing between the Executive and Legislative Arms, for the task of making Ekiti a microcosm of development realisable.

The Ekiti’s number two citizen, gave the assurance, on Wednesday, while receiving members of the State House of Assembly Committee on Governor and Deputy Governor’s Office, led by its Chairman, Hon. Bosede Olowookere, who paid a working visit to her office in Ado Ekiti, the State capital.

Mrs Afuye, in a statement by her Special Assistant (Media), Victor Ogunje, saluted the legislators for establishing a water-forced partnership with Governor Oyebanji to ramp up the level of development in the State.

She pledged that the current government will always perceive the legislature as democratic ally, and not as inferior partner, appreciating the lawmakers for their solid backings for Governor Oyebanji in the realisation of the six-point agenda of his administration .

“On behalf of Mr Governor, I need to appreciate you for your support. The Seventh Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, has been outstanding in many respects.

“I specially appreciate the Speaker for coordinating you well. I am happy that since you came on board over a year ago, there wasn’t any case of infighting, or any reason for Mr Governor calling you to settle any rift. In fact, this is commendable.

“I am indeed impressed with the way you organised collective empowerment for our citizens to mark your first year in office. After that, some of you still went to your various constituencies to do another empowerment for our people.

“Please, I am pleading that some of you who have not been reaching out to the people in the area of empowerment should go and do so, no matter how little, our people will appreciate this. We thank you for being there for us always”.

In her submission, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Olowookere, applauded the Deputy Governor for her uncommon loyalty to the governor, saying this has helped to smoothen governance and usher in steady progress in the polity.

Describing Mrs Afuye as a symbol of humility, Olowookere, said she was impressed with the way the number two citizen conducted the recent sensitisation programme, leading to the unveiling of the N1 billion EKSG-Access bank soft loan to some major markets to sensitize businesswomen.

Speaking about the working visit to the Office, the Lawmaker, representing Efon Constituency, revealed that the mission offers a veritable leeway to interact with the top government’s functionaries as part of their oversight functions.

“This working visit was part of our oversight functions as a committed to ensure that we have good governance at every level of government.

“However, we have been following your contributions to the development of this state, you are really an asset to Ekiti. We are always proud of you, particularly with the way you have been supporting the Governor. You are really a unique personality”.

Other Assembly members present were: The lawmaker representing Ijero Constituency And Committee Vice Chairman, Hon. Ademola Ojo, and the lawmaker representing Ikere Constituency II, Hon. Tunde Idowu.

Ekiti RAAMP Awards ₦17 Billion Rural Road Contracts to Seven Construction Companies, to Spur Agriculture boom.

Ekiti RAAMP Awards ₦17 Billion Rural Road Contracts to Seven Construction Companies, to Spur Agriculture boom.

The Ekiti State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) has awarded contracts worth ₦17.2 billion to seven contractors for the rehabilitation of 13 rural roads, as part of the move to enhance the state’s agricultural infrastructure and solidify its position as the food basket of the South West.

The awarded roads, divided into seven lots, include Enu Odi-Igirigiri Road, Omisanjana-Ben Folarin-Oke Aso Road, Ise-Imola Road, Owode-Anaye Road, Afolu-Odofin Road, Oye-Are Road, Ilupeju-Igbo Egan Road, Iye-Isapa-Olopemeji-Ikun Road, Erinmope-Irare-Ikosu Road, Igbole-Egan-Osi-Iropora Road, FMS Farm-Oke Ako Road, Ikogosi-Aba-Ori Okuta-Ikogosi Road, and Ara-Ekameta School Road.

The successful contractors are Dominant Engineering (Lot 1), Hallekem Limited (Lot 2), Millenium Technical Nigeria Limited (Lot 3), Tundis Nigeria Limited (Lot 4), Jadfem Nigeria Limited (Lot 5), HMF Construction Limited (Lot 6), and Heriprom Engineering Limited.

During the contract signing ceremony held at the Governor’s office conference hall in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday, State Project Coordinator Mr. Sunday Adunmo described the initiative as a significant milestone, with the projects expected to be completed within 18 months. Adunmo who urged the contractors to ensure high-quality work, noted that substandard performance would not be tolerated and could result in contract termination.

The RAAMP coordinator who also stressed the importance of local employment, instructed the contractors to hire local workers to boost rural livelihoods as contained in the local content policy and laws of the state. “This event marks the culmination of a transparent process that began earlier this year with advertisements for bids in national dailies. Out of 93 bids received, seven were selected based on merit,” he said.

Commending Governor Biodun Oyebanji for the support and consistent provision of counterpart funding, Adunmo noted the Governor’s frequent visits to the World Bank’s Nigeria office to expedite the project.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, who reiterated the government’s commitment to transforming the agricultural sector, outlined various initiatives aimed at ensuring that farmers receive fair value for their labor, thereby promoting food security in the state.

Other officials, including Secretary to the State Government Dr. Habibat Adubiaro, Head of Service Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, and Commissioner for Transportation Mr. Kolawole Ajobiewe, urged the contractors to adhere to the project timelines and quality standards.

Specifically, the State Commissioner for Information Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun highlighted Governor Oyebanji’s extensive investment in state development, noting that these new rural road projects complement over 25 state roads already undertaken by the current administration.

Olatunbosun emphasized the Governor’s commitment to making Ekiti State the agricultural hub of the Southwest, evidenced by recent multibillion-naira agreements with agricultural investors.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Independent Project Monitoring, Hon. Femi Ajayi, assured regular site visits to ensure adherence to project schedules and quality.

Responding on behalf of the contractors, the Managing Director of Tundis Nigeria Limited, Mr. Tunde Fagboyo, pledged to deliver top-notch work, ensuring the state government gets value for money.

Igede Ekiti community endorses Oyebanji for second term.

Igede Ekiti community endorses Oyebanji for second term.

…..As Governor commissions Guest House built by Onigede for Baptist Church.

Residents of Igede Ekiti community on Tuesday endorsed Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji for a second term in office just as the community promised to take a consensus position ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election in the state. 

The endorsement was made at the palace of Onigede of Igede Ekiti, Oba James Aladesuru during a visit by the Governor on his way to commission a guest house built by the monarch for the Baptist Church in the town. 

The endorsement was witnessed by the Onigede- in-council, members of Drivers’ union, Okada Riders Association, market women leaders, officials of the town union and other residents of the town. 

Speaking on behalf of the community, the President General of Igede Progressives Association (IPA), Mr. Austin Ibikunle hailed Governor Biodun Oyebanji for bringing development to Igede-Ekiti and appointing their sons and daughters into various positions.

Ibikunle also highlighted various developmental strides of the Governor, including road and power infrastructure upgrade, welfare of citizens, security and creation of economic opportunities for the people of the state. 

The IPA President said owing to Governor Oyebanji’s unique governance, he deserved to be supported for a second term in office. A decision was then reached on the endorsement of the Governor for a second term and was unanimous done through a voice vote. 

Speaking at the palace and during the commissioning of the facility, Governor Oyebanji extolled the sterling qualities of Oba Aladesuru,  who is the longest reigning king in Nigeria. 

He said he was drawn to the monarch because of his closeness to God. 

The Governor also stressed the need for all Ekiti indigenes wherever they are to work together in order to attract development to the state . He added that his relationship with former governors and members of National Assembly has immensely helped in attracting some development programmes and projects to the state. 

He urged the people to ensure that only those who can truly represent them and attract development programmes capable of lifting the state are voted as representatives in Government. 

“When there is cooperation between the Governor and other players in government, the benefit will be to the people, and if there is any form of confrontation or unhealthy rivalry, the people will feel the pain. Because of the cooperation between my  government and our representatives in the National Assembly, we have been able to attract development to the state. All of  them are working relentlessly for us in Abuja, so, when you see me, you have seen them.

“The wisdom in all these is that when we want to elect representatives in future, let us elect only those who can represent us well, who love our community. All our representatives from Ekiti are cooperating and working together to attract development to the state. I appeal to our people, let us work together, we must not be confrontational with ourselves on any issue whatsoever,” the Governor said. 

Commissioning the Guest House project, Governor Oyebanji commended the traditional ruler for his decision to sow to the work of God by building the facility for the Baptist Church . 

“When Kabiyesi was celebrating his 90th birthday last year, he promised to carry out this project for the church. I marveled at his decision and there and then, I made up my mind that I will sow to the project. In doing that, I sow into longevity, kabiyesi is a fertile ground to sow into because the best life is the life of service”. 

In his remarks, the Onigede of Igede Ekiti, Oba James Aladesuru commended Governor Oyebanji for his developmental strides in the community and called on all elected political office holders from the town to cooperate with the Governor to achieve more development in the town as well as work as a team towards the growth of Igede-Ekiti.

Also present at the event, were the Chairmen, Irepodun Ifelodun local government, Mr Oluwatuyi Gbenga; Ifedara LCDA, Mr Lawrence Ogunsanya and Araromi LCDA, Mr Adewale Alade and church leaders and members of Araromi Baptist Church.

NACOMYO Presents Oyebanji Governor of the Year Award.

NACOMYO Presents Oyebanji Governor of the Year Award.

…Islamic Body hails Governor’s unique leadership style.

…. Honours Ex- Gov Aregbesola, Senator Ojudu.

The National Council of Muslim Youth Organizations (NACOMYO), Ekiti State Chapter on Sunday presented Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji the Governor of he Year Award in recognition of his development strides in the state in the last one and a half years in office. 

The Islamic body described the body as an embodiment of many virtues of a true believer in Government, adding that the award was to demonstrate to the Governor that his actions and policies have direct impact on the people of the state. 

The award was one of the highlights of NACOMYO’s 2024 Hijirah Lecture and second edition of the Hon Ibrahim Kunle Olanrewaju Empowerment Programme held at the Fajuyi Pavilion, Ado Ekiti. 

Aside Governor Oyebanji, a former Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and former Nationak Assembly member, Senator Babafemi Ojudu as well as Bartuster Tajudeen Oluyole Ahmed were also presented different awards. 

Presenting the award to Governor Oyebanji, the President General. League of Imams and Alfas, Southwest, Edo and Delta States, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere Bello, who is the Spiritual father of the day, said the Governor is outstanding in the unique was he prioritizes the wellbeing and welfare of the citizens, the way he carries everybody along and in the area of infrastructure development. 

He said the Governor has brought joy to the people and has succeeded in united every tendencies in the state. “The award is to tell our Governor that his good works did not go unnoticed. May God continue to strengthen and guide him.”, he said. 

Other speakers at the event including Alajaji Mudasitu Oladele Yusuf, NACOMYO Coordinator in Ekiti State lauded Governor Oyebanji for his transparency, accountability and inclusivity, which they said have accounted for the growing profile of the state under his watch. 

Governor Oyebanji who thanked the Islamic body for the award, said he was humbled by the fact that the efforts of his administration is having the desired impact on the lives of the people of the state. 

The Governor said the award, coming from a body of eminent Islamic scholars and leaders meant a lot to him and would only spur him to do more using the six development pillars of the administration to drive growth and development as well as creating economic opportunities for the people. This he said is in addition to making Ekiti State the number one destination of choice for people looking for where to live, work, invest and relax. 

The Governor said the massive investment in infrastructure development, security,  agriculture and job creation are geared towards making the state number one destination of choice. 

“God will help us to continue to take decisions that will bring prosperity for all the citizens and make our dear state the number one destination of choice for people looking for a place to live, invest, relax and work. With your support and God’s backing, we shall achieve all our goals and more”, the Governor said . 

Senator Ojudu who was also presented an award of Distinguished Service to Islam award appreciate the body for the honour done to him, the Governor and other awardees. 

Other highlights of the day include lecture, empowerment progranme and special prayer for the Governor, whom the NACOMYO coordinator described and “Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji Saheed Akorede”.

BATSV Chairman, Owotomobi, Congratulates Sen. Adeyeye and Dr. Dantosho on NPA Appointments.

BATSV Chairman, Owotomobi, Congratulates Sen. Adeyeye and Dr. Dantosho on NPA Appointments.

The Global Chairman of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Solidarity Vanguard (BATSV), Ambassador Dr. Dare Owotomobi, has extended his congratulations to Senator Adedayo Adeyeye and Dr. Abubakar Dantosho on their recent appointments by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Senator Adeyeye has been appointed as the Board Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), while Dr. Dantosho will serve as the Managing Director of the NPA.

Sen. Dayo Adeyeye
Board Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority.

In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media, Jimmy Nanyak Lar, Ambassador Owotomobi lauded the appointments, highlighting the extensive experience both individuals bring to their new roles. He expressed confidence that their expertise will significantly contribute to the transformation and advancement of the NPA.

Dr. Abubakar Dantosho Managing Director of the NPA

Senator Adeyeye, who previously led the South West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA) during the 2023 election campaigns, has an impressive track record, including his tenure as Minister of State for Works and Housing and as a representative of Ekiti South in the Senate. Dr. Dantosho, on the other hand, served as a Technical Assistant to the Managing Director of the NPA, equipping him with valuable insights into the organization's operations.

Ambassador Owotomobi believes that with their combined experience and dedication, Senator Adeyeye and Dr. Dantosho are well-positioned to drive the Nigerian Ports Authority towards greater efficiency and success.

Oyebanji orders integrity test on Ekiti NYSC camp buildings.

Oyebanji orders integrity test on Ekiti NYSC camp buildings.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has directed the State’s Bureau of Special Projects to conduct an integrity test on all buildings in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp at Emure- Ekiti in order to determine how safe they are for the corps members.

 

Governor Oyebanji gave the directive in Ado Ekiti on Monday during a meeting with the members of the Governing Council of the NYSC led by the Chairman, Mr Gold Adedayo, who is also the Commissioner for Youth Development. He said the outcome of the integrity test will guide government’s further actions on the camp facilities in a bid to improve the overall living conditions within the camp.

The Governor explained that the integrity test would involve a thorough inspection of the camp's structures to assess their durability and safety standard.

Meanwhile, construction work commenced Monday morning on the new toilet facilities within the camp following the Governor’s directive after last week’s incident at the camp.

Governor Oyebanji, who was briefed on the commencement of the construction of the 45 units of toilet and bathrooms in the camp at the meeting, also directed the state electricity board to provide solar- powered electricity at the camp.

While highlighting the need for an urgent improvement in the infrastructure of the NYSC camp, the Governor assured the corps members of his administration’s continued support and recognition for their efforts.

 

“My response to your request, there are some that we will do immediately, the issue of solar light I will ask the people in charge of electricity to go there and see how we can put solar light, that will be done immediately. 

“The first thing we have to do is to conduct an integrity test on all the buildings in that camp, we need to do that, those that are not fit for the purpose, we have to stop using them.”, the Governor added.

Earlier in his remark, the State Coordinator of NYSC, Alhaji Riko Shuaibu, while thanking the Governor for his commitment to the safety and welfare of the youth corps and for the approval for the construction of 45 units of modern toilet and bathroom, said the purpose of the visit was to intimate the Governor with the challenges of the NYSC camp and solicit the state government's intervention.

Also at the meeting were, Commissioner for Education, Dr Kofoworola Aderiye, Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs Tayo Adeola, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Boluwade Ebenezer, Special Adviser Bureau of Special Project, Arch. Temitope Ogunleye, Special Adviser on media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr Micheal Omolayo, and members of the NYSC Governing Council, among others.