Ekiti Youth Empowered in Agricultural Endeavours under FADAMA Project.

Ekiti Youth Empowered in Agricultural Endeavours under FADAMA Project.

By Olamide Akinwumi.

In a significant move to bolster agricultural productivity and youth engagement, qualified members of the Ekiti Youth Entrepreneurs Cooperative Multipurpose Society (CMS) were empowered today in various agricultural endeavours under the FADAMA project in Ekiti State.

The initiative, directed by Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, aims to encourage the youth to return to farming and produce 50% of their food consumption. This aligns with the governor's vision of sustainable agriculture and youth empowerment in the state.

Beneficiaries of the project were provided with essential resources for various agricultural sectors. In poultry farming, they received 50-day-old chicks, vaccines, glucose, and a bag of feed. For cassava farming, they were given 8-month-old harvest-due cassava stems and herbicides. Fish farming enthusiasts were supplied with fish fingerlings and feed, while those venturing into tomato farming received seeds and herbicides.

Yemi Olubusoye, the Special Assistant on Youth Empowerment to the Ekiti State Governor, expressed gratitude to Governor Oyebanji, the Commissioner for Agriculture, and the State Coordinator for the FADAMA project for their support and consideration. "The beneficiaries are saying thank you. God bless you all," Olubusoye remarked.

This empowerment initiative is expected to significantly impact the agricultural sector in Ekiti State, promoting self-sufficiency and economic growth among the youth.

2026: No vacancy in Ekiti Government House - Senate Leader.

2026: No vacancy in Ekiti Government House - Senate Leader.

… As Ekiti NASS caucus plans public endorsement of Oyebanji for second term.

The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central) has declared that he and other members of Ekiti State Caucus in the National Assembly would join hands with other progressive minded people to support Governor Biodun Oyebanji for second term in office based on the Governor’s excellent performance and exemplary leadership quality.

The Senate Leader, who spoke at Igede-Ekiti on Friday during an inspection of some of his constituency projects across Ekiti Central Senatorial district, said himself and other National Assembly members from the state would soon publicly declare their support for the Governor’s second term in office. The declaration, according to him would be give wide publicity in all the national daily and broadcast media. 

Senator Bamidele who was accompanied on the project inspection and inauguration by Governor Biodun Oyebanji said the Governor’s transformative leadership and people oriented policies and programmes has brought a lot of significant development to the state and its people.

The Senate Leader who affirmed that Governor Oyebanji’s ability to unify every political tendencies in the state and mobilize the people for development has brought a huge and significant growth to the state.

He explained that the Governor has continued to collaborate with members of the National Assembly and get them actively involved in his development agenda. 

The Senator said he is able to carry out a lot of constituency projects across the six local governments that make up his Central Senatorial District because the Governor has created and sustained an atmosphere of peace and tranquility in the state that is devoid of hostility and mutual suspicion. 

He said the peaceful atmosphere, coupled with the Governor’s open hands to the various political tendencies has encouraged everyone to contribute his quotas to the development of the state. 

"I want to use this opportunity to thank our Governor, I say this everywhere I go to, if you elected somebody to represent you in Abuja and he comes back home to do something it is because they allow him to come back home. If they don't allow us, we will just remain in Abuja, we will not pass our boundary. 

“But we have a Governor today who will sit down with us and say this is what our people need, if you want to do your constituency project, please, work on this list and I know that market development was part of what the Governor discussed with us, transformer was part of it, solar street light was part of it and by the grace of God every member of the national Assembly would pick from the list given to us by the Governor because if we do not do what the people want at where they want it, it will be useless.

“Your Excellency, we are proud of you and I know that by the grace of God like everyone is saying, anybody that thinks there is vacancy in 2026 is only deceiving himself and I am begging you, don't let anybody deceive our people. You sent nine of us to Abuja, three senator and six House of Representative members and at the appropriate time, the nine of us will do our advert jointly signed endorsing Governor Oyebanji as our consensus candidate in all the dailies" the Senator stated. 

“Speaking further, the Senator who promised to rebuild the Igede- Ekiti market to Iyin Ekiti standard, said all the market, solar power, roads and hospital projects would be replicated across the six local Government areas on the district. 

Governor Oyebanji, in his response, hailed the commitment of the Senator Leader and his colleagues in the National Assembly to Ekiti development adding that their exemplary performance underscored the importance of electing people of proven integrity and capacity as representatives in government.

EKITI FIRST LADY HAILS TINUBU'S WIFE FOR GIFTING WIDOWS BAGS OF RICE.

EKITI FIRST LADY HAILS TINUBU'S WIFE FOR GIFTING WIDOWS BAGS OF RICE.                  .....Pledges to increase the number of Back to School Beneficiaries.

Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji has hailed the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for always giving succour to the vulnerable and the less privileged in the society.

Dr. Oyebanji who showered encomium on Senator Tinubu for deeming it fit to send another round of palliative in bags of rice for distribution to the vulnerable (widows inclusive) in Ekiti State under her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Project described the wife of the President as a "mother indeed and a compassionate woman."

Ekiti First Lady expressed gratitude to the mother of the nation on Friday while performing the symbolic handover of some of the bags of rice to the representatives of widows' associations in the state for onward distribution to needy widows in all the local council areas of the state.

Dr. Oyebanji said she was duty bound to disclose the source from which the consignment of rice came urging the benefitting widows' groups to always appreciate Senator Remi Tinubu's gesture and also pray for enablement to fulfill her lofty desires to better the lots of the less privileged in the country; especially the women and children.

"Let me start by thanking H.E. Senator Oluremi Tinubu because she is doing a lot of things to better the lots of the less privileged people in Nigeria. I must let you know that these bags of rice came from Mummy Remi Tinubu for the vulnerable members of our society.

"The matters of women and children are of utmost concern to her. So many times, l have been to Abuja taking our people to benefit from the goodies of her Renewed Hope Initiative.

"For instance, we have taken our women farmers to Abuja for support for their farming activities on the RHI platform.

Likewise, our students have benefitted from the scholarship award on the education platform of the Renewed Hope Initiative. 

"These are parts of H.E. Senator Tinubu's good works in order to give relief to our people during these challenging times.

Governors' wives are the coordinator of RHI in their respective states, and whatever she wants to give to women, she channels it through us. 

These bags of rice are from Mummy Tinubu for our vulnerable women," Dr. Oyebanji said.

She disclosed that the distribution exercise incorporated various widows' groups in Ekiti State.

Dr. Oyebanji noted that the people of Ekiti State have benefited immensely from the various components of H.E Senator Remi Tinubu's RHI. 

This includes Elders' Support Programme for the elderly, where a sum of N25 million was distributed to 250 elders at the rate of N100,000 per head.

Scholarships for deserving indigent students and Agricultural Support Programme for women, among others are parts of the kind gestures that extended to beneficiaries in Ekiti by Senator Tinubu on RHI platform.

According to the Ekiti Governor's wife, the various largesse received so far from the nation's First Lady complement the support the less privileged persons in the state have enjoyed though her Widows and Orphans Hope (WAOH) Project, Back to School Initiative and other support schemes for the vulnerable segment of the population.

Dr. Oyebanji used the opportunity of the event to announce that the number of beneficiaries of her Back to School Initiative to assist indigent pupils would increase from the 400 figure of last year to 500 this year when the programme comes on stream in August.

She gave an assurance that as long as her husband, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, remains on the saddle as Ekiti helmsman, the interest of widows would always receive paramount attention to alleviate their suffering and empower them economically.

Dr. Oyebanji enjoined the representatives of the groups to ensure that the rice is shared to needy widows in their domains. This is to ensure that the impact of the gesture is felt at the grassroots level.

A former commissioner in the state, Chief (Mrs.) Ronke Okusanya and Ekiti State All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Leader, Mrs. Caroline Egunlusi commended Senator Tinubu for her gesture and also hailed the First Lady for her care for widows and vulnerable people in the state.

Earlier in her remarks, the WAOH Coordinator, Mrs. Kemi Dairo noted that Dr. Oyebanji has been replicating what Senator Tinubu is doing at the national level, noting that "any widow that comes to her office with tears leaves with smiles."

She urged the beneficiaries to always assist Ekiti First Lady with prayers in appreciation of the tremendous and life-changing impact of her pet project on the them.

A total number of eighteen groups including WAOH Widows, Ekiti Widows Association, Police Officers Widows Association, Para -military Widows Association, Christian Assocation of Nigeria Widows, Muslim Widows, Nigeria Women Council Widows and widow-based Non-Governmental Organizations received bags of rice for onward sharing to their members.

Fayemi Mourns Passing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Leader, Chief Emmanuel Nwayanwu.

Fayemi Mourns Passing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Leader, Chief Emmanuel Nwayanwu.

Late Chief Emmanuel Nwayanwu, leader of the Ohaneze Ndigbo social-cultural Group. 

Dr Kayode Fayemi, the immediate-past Governor of Ekiti State and former Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) has expressed heartfelt sorrow on the passing of Chief Emmanuel Nwayanwu, leader of the Ohaneze Ndigbo social-cultural group. 

Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

In a press statement issued on his behalf by the head of the Fayemi Media Office in Abuja, Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, Fayemi described the late Nwayanwu as a respected elder statesman who dedicated his life to serving his people and promoting development causes in Nigeria.

Excerpts from the statement. 

“It is with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Nwayanwu, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and a distinguished elder statesman. On behalf of myself and my family, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Nwayanwu family, the people of Imo State, and the entire Igbo nation.

‘’Chief Nwayanwu's contributions to Nigeria's socio-economic and political landscape were immense and far-reaching. As a renowned entrepreneur, he created opportunities for countless Nigerians through his various business ventures. His passion for sports, exemplified by the Nwanyanwu Football Club, and his commitment to journalism through the Daily Champions newspaper, demonstrated his belief in nurturing talent and fostering public discourse.

‘’In his role as the leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nwayanwu worked tirelessly to promote unity and advance the interests of the Igbo people while also advocating for a more cohesive and equitable Nigeria. His wisdom, diplomacy, and dedication to national unity will be sorely missed, especially in these challenging times.

‘’As we mourn the loss of this great Nigerian, let us also celebrate his remarkable life and legacy. Chief Nwayanwu's journey from a young civil engineering graduate to a respected national leader is an inspiration to us all. His life reminds us of the power of vision, hard work, and commitment to community.

‘’May his soul rest in perfect peace, and may his family find comfort in the knowledge that he lived a life of purpose and left an indelible mark on our nation's history.’’

Signed 

Mallam Ahmad Sajoh

Head, the Fayemi Media Office

June 26, 2024

EKITI DRIVERS UNIONS DISSOCIATE SELF FROM NATION WIDE PLANNED PROTEST.

EKITI DRIVERS UNIONS DISSOCIATE SELF FROM NATION WIDE PLANNED PROTEST.

...commend Oyebanji Welfare packages.

Drivers Unions in Ekiti State say its  member across the 16 Local Government areas of the State will  not to involve in any protest that can lead to violence and distrupt the existing peace in the nation.

The NURTW Ekiti State Chairman, Chief Joseph Falope,  RTEAN Chairman, Mr Sunday Adeola and Chairman , Commercial Motorcyclists, Association, Mr kunle Asaolu who stated  this  in Ado-Ekiti  said such protest could lead to killing and destruction of property as experienced during the Endsars period.

According to them, "our members are responsible citizens who will not engage in activities that will affect the socio-economic and well-being of the people.

"We need to learn from what is happening in Kenya and Sudan where the protest embarked upon by citizens   turned to war and thereby affected everyone irrespective of their status and position in the countries."

Chief Falope known as Oloforo, Mr Adeola known as Abokede and Mr Asaolu  explained that during the war, parents bury their children but when there is peace, children bury their aged parents, hence the need for Nigerians to go for dialogue instead of embarking on protest that would complicate issues the more.

The drivers Unions leaders  said any member of the union that engage in the planned protest coming up on the 1st of August wolud be sanctioned and see as enemy of progress.

The leaders pleaded with Nigerians to exercise patience with President Bola Tinubu as he is working hard to improve on the economy of the country and commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji's developmental move to make life meaningful for the people.

Chief Falope, Mr Adeola and Asaolu  called on those at the helms of affairs to continue putting in place programmes and policies that would better the lots of Nigerians.

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.