EKITI FIRST LADY URGES STAKEHOLDERS' SUPPORT FOR MORE ACCESS TO EDUCATION.

EKITI FIRST LADY URGES STAKEHOLDERS' SUPPORT FOR MORE ACCESS TO EDUCATION.

Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has charged all stakeholders in the education sector to support all endeavours at ensuring that more children of school age have access to the best educational resources.

Dr. Oyebanji also reiterated the resolve of the administration led by her husband, Governor Biodun Oyebanji to provide an enabling environment for education to thrive for the state to maintain its good reputation in the sector.

The First Lady made the remarks on Thursday while performing the foundation laying ceremony of a two-storey building of a private school, Nurture Haven Academy located along NTA Road in Ado Ekiti, the state capital.

Dr. Oyebanji said the initiative of private school establishment aligns with the present administration's goals of fostering educational excellence and creating opportunity for every child to succeed.

The First Lady noted that the school represents the invaluable contribution of the private sector to the educational landscape of the state as it also symbolizes dedication to nurture minds and talents of the nation's future leaders.

She said: "As we lay foundation, we are not just building a school, we are constructing the future of Ekiti State, one that is bright, inclusive and full of promise. I commend the founders of Nurture Haven Academy for their visionary efforts and Commitment to education."

 

Dr. Oyebanji advised the potential beneficiaries of the academy to embrace all opportunities that comes their way for education remained the key that unlocks countless doors to success and fulfilment.

Earlier in his sermon, Pastor Anthony Obinna of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Ekiti Youth Province 9, said no man can achieve anything in life except God permits.

He encouraged the gathering from the book of Psalms 24 and urged Ekiti residents to look beyond the current situation in the country and continue to have trust in the Lord who he described as the author and finisher of our faith.

While appreciating the wife of Ekiti State Governor, the proprietress of the school, Mrs. Fola Richie-Adewusi described the gesture of the First Lady as impactful and encouraging owing to the short notice from her.

She described the vision to start the building for the school as God's ordained and echoed that the school has come to contribute meaningfully to the excellence that Ekiti State is known for in education.

Mrs. Richie-Adewusi said: "Her Excellency, the wife of the Governor has amazed me with her presence despite the short notice and she has again demonstrated that she is God's true servant and a lover of education, I can't thank her enough."

EKITI RANKED 4TH IN INAUGURAL SUBNATIONAL CLIMATE GOVERNANCE PERFORMANCE RANKING.

EKITI RANKED 4TH IN INAUGURAL SUBNATIONAL CLIMATE GOVERNANCE PERFORMANCE RANKING.

Ekiti State has been placed fourth in the first ever report on Climate Governance Performance of the 36 States in Nigeria.

The ranking was announced in Abuja on Thursday, during the launch of the report. The Subnational Climate Governance Performance Report, 2024 was compiled by the Society for Planet and Prosperity in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment. 

The ranking was in recognition of the efforts and achievements of states in climate action and efforts at promoting climate awareness at the subnational level.

Receiving the award on behalf of the State, the Ekiti State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mrs. Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe described the recognition as a fall-out of the commitment of Governor Biodun Oyebanji administration to maintaining sustainable practices aimed at steering social systems towards preventing, mitigating or adapting to the risks posed by climate change. 

Noting that the State Government has invested a considerable amount of money and efforts on climate change since inception of the present administration, Mrs. Aluko said that the State recently commenced planting of two million trees in the State, constantly checking vehicular emissions and discouraging bush burning amongst others. 

She solicited the continued support of all stakeholders in the State to achieve the desired goal of making the environment for people to live in. 

Mrs. Aluko assured that the State would continue to promote national and global environmental goals and strive towards helping Nigeria to meet the 2030 and 2050 climate targets.

The ranking placed Lagos in the first position, followed by Gombe while Ebonyi came third and Borno shared the fourth position with Ekiti.

BATSV Chairman Calls for Boycott of August Protest, Cites Government Achievements.

BATSV Chairman Calls for Boycott of August Protest, Cites Government Achievements.

The Global Chairman of Bola Ahmed Tinubu Solidarity Vanguard (BATSV), Ambassador Dr. Dare Owotomobi, has urged Nigerian youths, students, and market women to boycott the proposed nationwide protest slated for the first week of August 2024. He claims the protest is a diversionary tactic aimed at derailing the federal government's progress.

Owotomobi criticized the protest, labeling it as "ill-conceived, ill-timed, and politically motivated" by individuals with ulterior motives. He argued that the protest is an attempt by "bad losers and self-serving protectors of the masses" to tarnish the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In his statement, Dr. Owotomobi emphasized that the President has acknowledged there is room for improvement and highlighted several accomplishments within his first year in office. These include the signing of the North-West and South-East Development Commission Bills, the introduction of a ₦70,000 national minimum wage, and a 50% salary reduction for House of Representatives members.

Owotomobi listed several of Tinubu's achievements:

- New roads, bridges, and a metro rail line in Abuja.

- Easier passport procurement for Nigerians.

- SUPA's training of over 1 million Nigerian artisans to be globally competitive.

- ICT skills training for young Nigerians through 3MTT.

- Advancements in the entertainment industry by IDICE.

- Student loans improving the lives of Nigerian students.

- CNG revolutionizing transportation.

- Nearly half a trillion naira allocated as palliatives to governors and legislators.

- Autonomy for Local Government Areas.

- All-season farming initiatives.

- The daily operation of the PH-Aba railway.

- Activation of conditional cash transfers for millions of Nigerians.

- Payment of ASUU arrears and increased FAAC allocations.

- Ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.

- Increment of minimum wages.

He advised any dissatisfied 2023 presidential candidates to be patient and wait for the next election cycle in 2027.

Dr. Owotomobi also warned that the protest could be hijacked by "unscrupulous elements" intent on causing mayhem. He urged Nigerians to give the President more time to address their concerns.

Jimmy Nanyak Lar, Special Assistant Media to BATSV Global Chairman, conveyed these remarks in a press release.

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 .