LGs’ Huge Investment in Economic Crops ‘ll Improve Ekiti’s GDP – Oyebanji.

LGs’ Huge Investment in Economic Crops ‘ll Improve Ekiti’s GDP – Oyebanji.

….says youths should be target of farming policies.

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has encouraged the Local Governments to make huge investment in the growth of economic crops to ramp up the State’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and bring exponential improvement in the standards of living of the populace.

Oyebanji gave the charge in Ikere Ekiti, on Thursday, during the distribution of seedlings and school uniforms to farmers and pupils by the Chairman of Ikere West Local Council Development Area, Hon. Rufus Olorunfemi, to mark his 200 days in office.

Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, opined that investment in production of economic trees, like Cocoa, Oil Palm trees, Coffees and Pawpaws, will radically improve the income earnings of the farmers and turn the state into reliable agriculture hub.

At the event, the Deputy Governor, made a donation of a sum of N100,000 on behalf of Governor Oyebanji to support the funding of education of the poverty-stricken children in the LCDA.

In his address, Oyebanji showered encomiums on the leadership of the LCDA for the exemplary initiative, appealing that youths should be the principal target to be attracted to propel the economic trees planting policy through provision of adequate incentives.

Reeling out the efforts of the federal government to bolster food production, Oyebanji urged the councils to key into the food production initiative of the wife of the President, Senator Remi Tinubu, who preaches that Nigerians should embrace Home farming.

“Agriculture and rural development forms a whole pillar in the cardinal objective and policy thrust of the Governor Oyebanji’s administration and what this LCDA is doing will go a long way in elevating the set standards and focus to help expand the frontiers of plantation agriculture.

” Governor Oyebanji has demonstrated avowed stand to develop plantation agriculture, with special focus on the growth of economic trees, by regular distribution of seedlings to farmers.

“It should be noted that huge investment in commercial trees like oil Palm trees, cocoa and pawpaw can make Ekiti a reliable agriculture hub in the southwest.

“I have the conviction that this policy will be of tremendous benefit to the people by way of income earnings to farmers and production of economic trees that can enrich the ecosystem, boost the internally generated revenue and contribute substantially to the the state’s GDP”.

On the free uniform scheme of the LCDA, Oyebanji, said the welfarist programme designed for the financially incapacitated pupils will expand access to quality education, thereby reducing poverty, dropouts and other negative indexes pummeling the sector.

“Distribution of school uniforms to pupils from poor backgrounds will enhance their access to education. Education remains a leveler in the society and no effort should be spared to ensure that our children are well educated. We must break all barriers that could prevent them from realising their ambitions in life”.

The Chairman of the LCDA, Hon. Olorunfemi, boasted that the council, had made significant milestone in the execution of its policies, by conceiving programmes that frontally combat poverty, promote academic excellence and expand the scope of farming, for food security.

Olorunfemi, who applauded Governor Oyebanji for giving the councils unrestricted financial independence , promised to initiate agro- allied policies that will fasttrack food security and buffer the effect of astronomic increase in food prices level.

The council boss pledged that prudency and accountability as well as open door policy will continue to be the cornerstone of his administration, to curtail corruption and misapplication of the revenues accruing to the LCDA.

Ekiti Deputy Gov Advocates Qualitative Education as Panacea to Economic Crisis.

Ekiti Deputy Gov Advocates Qualitative Education as Panacea to Economic Crisis.

…..Lauds Christ’s School Alumni for donating solar lights to school.

As part of the ways to set Ekiti State on a faster pace of economic renaissance, the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has solicited robust backing for qualitative education to make the youths acquire the requisite skills to operate under a 21st century economy.

To actualise the lofty dream, Mrs Afuye, called for a concerted efforts by the Alumni Associations, corporate bodies and individuals, coalescing efforts with Governor Biodun Oyebanji to provide adequate facilities in schools through give- back -to schools initiative.

Mrs Afuye gave the charge in Ado Ekiti, on Thursday, while commissioning the solar-powered streetlights donated by the Christ School Alumni , 1989-1994 Set, to mark the 30th Anniversary of their graduation from the prestigious school.

Commending the Alumni for the impactful gesture, Mrs Afuye, in a statement by her Special Assistant (Media), Victor Ogunje, noted that the donations aligned with Governor Oyebanji’s advocacy that graduates of schools should give back to their Alma Maters, to shore up facilities, for conducive learning environment in schools.

To catapult the concept of role modeling in the state to a higher pedestal, Mrs Afuye, revealed that Governor Oyebanji and his siblings recently built and donated a modern Maternity facility to the Aramoko General Hospital in honour of his late mother.

“This underscored the level of commitment Governor Oyebanji has for community development through personal efforts and contributions, besides using the instrumentality of governance to bring radical development to our dear state.

“It is on this premise that I commend the Christ’s School Alumni Association, 1994 set, for setting a good pace and remember their Alma Mater 30 years after, with these landmark projects that will enhance the beauty of this school and its general security level.

” It should be noted that the government can’t solely provide all the facilities needed to improve learning in schools. The government needs to partner individuals, corporate organisations and alumni groups to achieve this task, knowing full well that education is the best pride for an average Ekiti man.

“Having established this fact, then, we must join the government to give our children qualitative education that can add value to humanity and our society”.

She saluted the set for endowing a Scholarship Scheme to give a helping hand to the students from poor backgrounds, saying this will help in achieving the education- for- all initiative being aggressively spearheaded by Governor Oyebanji’s administration.

Mrs Afuye made passionate appeal to the management of the school to protect the project from vandals and make good use of it, so that other sets who are yet to make donations can be attracted to join the struggle being intensified to develop education.

“I also charge the alumni associations of other schools across the state to emulate this good gesture with high potential to transform the education sector where we derive so much pride and honour”.

In his submission, the Chairman of the 1989-1994 Set of the School, Mr. Babafemi Odofin, urged the graduates of the institution to be more conscious of the school’s future and contribute meaningful to every facet of its development.

Odofin said the project donated and the scholarship awards were conceptualised to complement the enormous government’s investments in education sector, to upscale the institution’s aesthetic and infrastructural facelift, for quality service delivery by teachers.

EKITI FIRST LADY TASKS VENITE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS ON FOOD SECURITY.

EKITI FIRST LADY TASKS VENITE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS ON FOOD SECURITY.

.....Urges Them To Grow 50 percent of vegetables Consumed on Campus.

Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji has charged the newly matriculated students of Venite University, Iloro Ekiti, to cultivate personal gardens by growing food items, thereby contributing to food security in Ekiti State and Nigeria.

Dr. Oyebanji said irrespective of the courses the students were admitted to study, they should make a valuable use of the arable land on their university campus to grow vegetables like tomatoes, pepper, maize, okro among others to boost food availability.

The First Lady who gave the admonition on Wednesday at the maiden matriculation ceremony held at the new university in Iloro Ekiti said; the students have the capacity of growing at least 50 per cent of what they eat on the campus noting that she had laid the example in the state by cultivating a garden from which she had already harvested food items.

Describing the university's maiden matriculation ceremony as "a monumental occasion marking the beginning of an exciting academic journey," Dr. Oyebanji urged the students to use the opportunity of their studentship to strive for excellence and make a difference in their generation.

The First Lady, an Associate Professor of Education Management, from the prestigious University of lbadan, spoke in her capacity as the Chairperson and Quintessential Mother of the Day of the ceremony.

She hailed the vision that birthed Venite University in order to make the dream to provide more access to education in the state a reality.

Dr. Oyebanji, on arrival on the campus, inspected a guard of honor mounted by the university security team to the admiration of the Visitor and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Prof. Patrick Aina; the Vice Chancellor, Prof. James Olaogun; the Registrar, Dr. Ezekiel Agbaje and the Director of Strategy, Advancement and Partnership, Hon. Dapo Kolawole.

The matriculation oath was administered by the Registrar, Dr. Agbaje, after which the students were counseled by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olaogun, to abide by the rules and regulations of the university and assure them of an enabling environment to equip them with skills to be creative and make an impact in the global community.

The First Lady had earlier presented the VC's award of N50,000 to a student; miss Tolulope Oluwatimilehin who had the highest Cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.82.

 The  university visitor also announced the award of scholarship to the best 50 students starting from the next year academic season.

The House of Representatives member representing Ekiti Central Federal Constituency 2, Hon. Biodun Omoleye also disclosed his readiness to support not less than 100 deserving students of the university as part of his own contribution to their development and the growth of the institution located in his constituency.

Dr. Oyebanji further, stressed the need for the students, especially the female ones among them, to boost their entrepreneurial skills by getting themselves involved in small scale agriculture through the "Own A Garden" initiative being championed by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Remi Tinubu, to encourage the women folk into the quest to boost food security.

She said: "Mr. Vice Chancellor, Sir, I wouldn't know what you have in store for your entrepreneurial programme, but I want to urge these students, including the young women, to get involved in agriculture. 

Let them own  gardens in cluster, let them grow their own vegetables, and let them grow their own pepper, among others. 

"My children, go and own your gardens; you don't have to be in the Faculty of Agriculture before you do that. You can also develop a passion for growing tomatoes, pepper, and vegetables. 

In some universities, the students there grow what they eat.

"I have my own garden. The news is on the internet. The First Lady of Nigeria said every state first lady should grow a garden as a symbolic one to encourage our women to grow gardens. I broadcast my seeds, and one month after, I came back, and the garden was full of fresh vegetables. I am also harvesting maize from my own garden.

"You can grow your own gardens because you have so much arable land here. It's not a serious farming. Just have your own garden; at least 50 percent of what you eat on this campus, let us grow it. You can invite me again and I will come and see what you are doing."

The First Lady also added: "Venite University is poised to provide world-class education, which will bring about innovation, and nurture talents that will drive our state's development and beyond.

 I commend the visionary leadership, dedicated governing council, and all those who have worked tirelessly to make this dream a reality.

"As you begin this new chapter, I encourage you to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Stay curious, remain diligent, and never stop striving for excellence. Your success will not only bring pride to your families but also contribute to the growth and progress of our beloved Ekiti State, nation, and the world at large"

The matriculation ceremony was attended by the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, who was ably represented by the Chairman, House Committee on Education, Hon. Jacob Awoyemi, who equally led a strong team of assembly members to the event.

Traditional rulers, community leaders, and senior academics from other universities, parents, and guidance were equally in attendance.

Oyebanji presents N1 billion gratuity cheques to 450 state pensioners.

Oyebanji presents N1 billion gratuity cheques to 450 state pensioners.

…says Ekiti govt has paid over N14 billion as pension, gratuity.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji on Tuesday presented gratuity cheques totaling one billion naira to another batch of 450 pensioners in the state just as he restated his administration’s resolve to defray all outstanding gratuity arrears within a short time. 

Governor Oyebanji while presenting the cheques at brief event at the Jibowu Hall, Government House, said his government would continue to prioritize the welfare of the senior citizens who had served the state diligently and meritoriously as a way of appreciating their services to humanity and to the growth of the state.

The Governor, who said he was not unmindful of the challenges being faced by the retirees due to delay in their gratuity payment, assured that his government is working hard to ensure that gratuity arrears become a thing of the past as he hope to achieve his goal of “pay as you go” basis. 

He also disclosed that his administration had paid over 14 billion Naira as gratuity and pension to deserving retirees as well as ensuring that all pension arrears of over one billion naira owned by the state government and 150 million outstanding deduction were paid.

Assuring that government would continue to support the elderly and the vulnerable group in the state with various social safety nets aimed at providing succour to them, the Governor said his administration has introduced a free health care for the retires through the state Ministry of Health and Human Services in conjunction with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

While congratulating the beneficiaries, the Governor urged the public servant to key into the contributing pension scheme recently introduced, which guaranteed a more seamless and quick payment of gratuity pattern.

“As elder statemen, your welfare is always a priority to this administration, and that is why your monthly pension has been on the first line charge.

“ I am proud to say that we have paid in total, the sum of N12,569,562,240.00 as pension since we assume office.”

“And similarly, this administration has paid a cumulative sum of two billion, three hundred million naira as gratuity to our retired senior citizens, this is apart from the gratuity already paid to local government retirees. Today and in this batch, we are paying out a total sum of one billion naira only to this batch  while continuing with the monthly gratuity payment of N200 million  to both state and local government pensioners.” The Governor asserted.

At the event which also graced by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; members of the state executive council and state house of Assembly and Labour leaders, Governor Oyebanji hinted on his government’s readiness to make public the state’s new minimum wage once the President signs the bill into law. 

He also assured pensioners that they will also benefit from the minimum wage. 

Earlier in his opening remark, the Head of Service, Dr (Mrs) Folakemi Olomojobi, who hailed the amount paid as gratuity  describing it as unprecedented, thanked the Governor for walking his talk.

The Head of Service, who said the cardinal programes and policies of the Governor were entirely people-centred and are being carefully implemented to impact positively on the people, maintained that despite the economic challenges confronting the nation, the Governor has continue to show great commitment to the welfare of the pensioners and the entire workforce in the state.   

In their separate goodwill messages the Chairmen of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Ekiti State Chapter, Elder Joel Akinola, Nigeria Labour Congress)NLC), Comrade Kolapo Olatunde; Trade Union Congress, Comrade Sola Adigun and Joint Negotiation Council, Comrade Femi Ajoloko expressed their gratitude to the Governor for prioritizing the welfare of the pensioners and the entire workforce in the state.

The labour leaders said the Governor’s land achievement in the last twenty months was a testament to the fact that Ekiti people make the right choice.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs Cecelia Ojo and Mr Fadare Ezekile, who spoke glowingly about the Governor, thanked him for fulfilling his promises to the pensioners and maintained that the Governor has restored the trust they have in government.

Also at the event were, the Minority Leader,  Hon Ogunsakin Olaoye, Secretary to the state Government, Dr (Mrs) Habibat Adubiaro among others .

Hon. Ojuawo Distributes Fertilizer to Farmers in His Constituency.

Hon. Ojuawo Distributes Fertilizer to Farmers in His Constituency.

In support of the Agricultural Emancipation and "Grow What You Eat" initiatives of the Ekiti State and Federal Governments, the Member of the House of Representatives representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency, Hon. (AVM Rtd) Ojuawo Rufus Adeniyi, has facilitated the distribution of fertilizers to farmers in Ikere, Ise Orun, and Ekiti South West Local Government Areas. The beneficiaries were farmers without political party affiliations.

The farmers thanked Hon. Ojuawo for his love towards agriculture, evident in his agricultural program for the establishment of an empowerment farm for his constituents. Hon. Ojuawo promised to earnestly continue this gesture to his constituents from time to time to address food shortage and encourage farmers, especially in crop production, to avoid dependence all year round.

'As I mentioned months back when we distributed fertilizer to farmers in the constituency, regardless of party affiliation, that more were still coming, the opportunity has beckoned again, and we have distributed them to farmers in the hinterland to support them in crop production and ease food shortage in our state. As a legislator, we cannot deny the reality of food shortage, which has led to food inflation in the country. This is why I encourage farming empowerment in my constituency. Our farmers will soon hit the state with their tomato production in days to come,' Ojuawo Assured 

OJUAWO MEDIA TEAM

EKITI FIRST LADY FLAGS OFF MATERNAL NEWBORN AND CHILD HEALTH WEEK FIRST ROUND.

EKITI FIRST LADY FLAGS OFF MATERNAL NEWBORN AND CHILD HEALTH WEEK FIRST ROUND.

Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has identified concerted efforts and collaboration by key stakeholders as critical to reducing infant mortality to the barest minimum in the Land of Honour.

Speaking on Monday while performing the flag off of the first round of 2024 Maternal Newborn and Child Health Week, Dr. Oyebanji identified pneumonia, malaria, childbirth complications, diarrhoea, among others as the leading causes of infant mortality.

The First Lady who was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Bimpe Aderiye at the ceremony which was attended by nursing mothers and health officials said the week aimed at addressing the triggers of infant mortality and ensuring the safety of newborns and their mothers.

According to her, the celebration of the week would also create avenue for detecting ailments in pregnant women as well as ensure preventable and curative measures.

 

Dr. Oyebanji however expressed regret that over 13,000 deaths are being recorded each day globally arising from preventable ailments which she noted is an alarming figure that should be of concern to all and sundry.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, expressed the state government's relentless efforts at providing all it requires for quality health among the people.

He therefore added that there would be improved sensitisation for the people and encouraging expectant mothers to always access primary health facilities in all the 177 wards across the state.

About 200 nursing mothers with their babies at the event were given vaccines and baby items including diapers for their convenience.

We’ll continue to support LGs, Oyebanji assures Service Commission board members.

We’ll continue to support LGs, Oyebanji assures Service Commission board members. 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has reassured the leadership of the Local Government Service Commission that his administration would continue to provide support for the local government administration in the state in order to ensure effective operations of the local government system for the good of the grassroots. 

Governor Oyebanji, who gave the assurance in Ado-Ekiti on Monday during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Local Government Service Commission led by its Chairman, Chief Samuel Abejide, said a well-resourced workforce would significantly transform local communities and improve service delivery to the grassroots.

 

Dispelling the notion that local government workers are second-class citizens, the Governor cited numerous initiatives and achievements recorded at various local governments as evidence of their potentials and capacity to transform various communities within their localities.

Stressing the importance of continuous training and professional development to equip workers with the necessary skills to meet the demand of their roles, the Governor assured that his administration remains committed to ensuring that local government become more effective in delivering essential service and fostering development.

While commending the leadership of the local government commission for providing a quality leadership, Oyebanji urged the local government workers to remain dedicated and professional in the discharge of their duties

“I keep telling people that local Government workers are not second class citizen, they are not, I believe that if they are properly resourced and I have said it during campaign that they have the capacity to change the narrative at the local government level and that is what they have been doing since I came on board, the interventions at various local government are quite commendable. 

“it is an affirmation of my belief in their capacity to do things rightly and when you have a critical sector like that being a partner in progress with our government, we don’t have a choice other than to support them and we will continue to provide support for the commission and the rank and file at the local government level”, the Governor assured. 

Earlier in his remarks, the Commission chairman, Chief Samuel Abejide, who expressed his profound gratitude to the Governor for his unwavering support for the local government administration in the state, said the purpose of the meeting was to thank the Governor for the recent appointment of two local government staff as permanent secretaries and other numerous achievements in the local Government.

He listed the Governor’s achievements in local government including the construction of local government service commission secretariat, approval of restoration of local government training fund, and various welfare packages for the workers, among others.

At the meeting were the Secretary to the State Government, Dr (Mrs) Habibat Adubiaro, Head of Service, Dr (Mrs) Folakemi Olomojobi; Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Chief Folorunso Olabode, Special Adviser Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, Commissioners in the Local Government Service Commission, and Permanent Secretary, Local Government Service Commission, among others.