Shelve protest, Oyebanji, police beg Ekiti youths.

Shelve protest, Oyebanji, police beg Ekiti youths.

Ekiti state governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has appealed to the youths in the state to shelve the planned nationwide protest in the overall interest of the country.

The governor said that the protest would not solve the country’s socio-economic challenges but only worsen the pains of Nigerians and further inflict damage on the country’s economy.

Oyebanji spoke on Monday, July 29, in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti state capital during a stakeholders meeting organized to brainstorm on the planned nationwide protest starting from August 1.

The governor represented by his special adviser on security, Brigadier General (rtd) Ebenezer Ogundana, called on the youths to embrace dialogue in pressing home their demand, warning the protest could be hijacked by criminal elements to cause mayhem and destabilize the country.

The governor who acknowledged that the country is currently going through challenges, said President Bola Tinubu had taken bold steps in addressing the economic challenges and the attendant hardship.

He urged Nigerians to exercise patience and give President Tinubu more time to implement his developmental blueprint towards making the renewed hope agenda a reality.

On his part, the Commissioner of Police, Adeniran Adewale, said that the meeting became necessary to engage relevant stakeholders and take feedback to the appropriate authorities for action.

Akinwale urged all the groups planning to protest in the state to come forward and give necessary details, saying this was necessary to ensure that the protest was peaceful.

Meanwhile, a group under the auspices of Nigerian Youth for Democracy (NYD), has advised Nigerian youths to explore dialogue instead of staging protests that can grind the economy to a halt.

The group’s national coordinator and former special assistant on youth and student Affairs in the state, Comrade Moses Ademiloye said past protests had resulted in arson attacks and violence on perceived political opponents.

Ademiloye added that any protest of national dimension has a high proclivity of causing economic disruptions, forcing businesses to close down, properties damaged, and public resources strained, which he warned can lead to job losses and exacerbate economic hardship for many Nigerians, particularly the struggling youths.

He said: “While protest is a form of expression, it should not replace constructive dialogue and democratic processes. Engaging in protests without exhausting other means of communication and negotiation can undermine the very democratic principles we seek to uphold.

“In light of these potential consequences, I urge all Nigerian youths to consider alternative, constructive means of effecting change. Let us engage with policymakers, community leaders, and stakeholders through dialogue. Present well-researched, viable solutions to the issues at hand. Constructive engagement can lead to meaningful changes without the risks associated with protests”, he added.

@The Nation News

OYEBANJI'S IMPACT: IT'S GOD AT WORK IN EKITI, SAYS FIRST LADY.

OYEBANJI'S IMPACT: IT'S GOD AT WORK IN EKITI, SAYS FIRST LADY.

...Solicits More Prayers for Hubby.

Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has ascribed the successes recorded so far by her husband, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, to divine support he enjoys in administering the state.

 According to her, "it is God at work in Ekiti" noting that the Almighty God has been the secret of her husband's impact under two years.

The First Lady made the remarks in her office on Monday when she received the executives of the Chartered Institute of Professional Secretariat Staff of Nigeria (CIPSSON), Ekiti State Chapter, led by their Chairman, Dr. Esther Adeleye on a courtesy visit.

The Ekiti CIPSSON leaders had showered encomium on Governor Oyebanji for what they described as "commendable and impactful performances which are visible to the blind to see and audible to the deaf to hear."

The commendation from the Professional Secretariat Staff was coming less than 48 hours after the main caucus of the ruling party in the state, the All Progressives Congress (APC), comprising former Governors, former Deputy Governors, former and serving National Assembly members, State Assembly members and party leaders endorsed Governor Oyebanji for a second term in office citing his exceptional performance and commendable leadership style.

The First Lady who solicited the support and prayers of members of CIPSSON for the governor described the body as an important stakeholder in the task to foster sustainable development in the Land of Honour.

She urged members of the Institute to always be ready to partner the state government in its developmental strides in the various institutions where they work in particular and the state at large. 

"I want you to continue to support BAO; it is God that is working through him. It can only get better and it will get better.

 We need your prayers and support for good the works to continue in Ekiti State and all for the betterment of our people.

"I always say life is about making impact. The governor is making impact and at our various ends, let us also try to make impact.

 

The First Lady used the opportunity to offer explanation on the impact of her pet project, Widows, Aged and Orphans Hope (WAOH), project, Adire Ekiti initiative, the Back-to-School Programme and other programmes packaged by her office to assist the vulnerables in the state.

Speaking earlier, the CIPSSON Chairman, Dr. Adeleye said her executives were delighted to pay the First Lady a courtesy visit to identify with the laudable programmes and initiatives of her office, which is making impact in the lives of the people of the state.

Dr. Adeleye, who described the First Lady as a "combination of beauty and brain," commended her for adding value to purposeful governance and good works going on in Ekiti State.

She said: "We want to appreciate you for the support you are giving to His Excellency. Even the blind is seeing what BAO is doing, and the deaf can hear what Ekiti has been transformed into under BAO's leadership."

Dr. Adeleye lauded the governor's wife for being a godly woman while holding an enviable position, a gesture she described as "very rare."

She pledged the readiness of CIPSSON to always collaborate with the office of the First Lady and by extension, the Ekiti State Government in areas that would be beneficial to the body's members, government and people of the state.

Hon. Ojuawo Rejoices with Senate Leader, Senator Bamidele on 61st Birthday Celebration.

Hon. Ojuawo Rejoices with Senate Leader, Senator Bamidele on 61st Birthday Celebration.

Hon (AVM Rtd) Ojuawo Rufus Adeniyi, representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1, extends his congratulatory message to Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele on his 61st birthday celebration, describing him as a trailblazer and leader with an uncommon difference in the political landscape.

According to Ojuawo, 'Ekiti State is blessed to have a pace-setter who is also the APC National Caucus Leader in the 10th Assembly. Our leader is a borderless politician with valuable respect for others' growth. He has justified his incredible leadership style since his inception into the political space, where all and sundry accord him great respect.

I, on behalf of the good people of my federal constituency, extend our warm greetings to Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele and wish him delightful years to come in serving humanity.'

OJUAWO MEDIA TEAM

Four Years Without Senator Ayo Fasanmi: A Tribute to an Indefatigable Leader.

Four Years Without Senator Ayo Fasanmi: A Tribute to an Indefatigable Leader.

By Tope Adebayo.

Today, July 29, 2024, marks exactly four years since the passing of Senator Ayo Fasanmi, an indefatigable leader and boss whose memory remains fresh in our hearts. Serving under his mentorship and leadership was akin to attending a political Cambridge, where the ideology of progressives was instilled in me, should I choose to join politics in the future.

Senator Fasanmi's diligent service to the nation is always vivid in my memory. At a very tender age, he served as a councillor in 1960 in the Ero Ijero Local Government. By 1963, he was serving in the House of Representatives until 1965, under the directive of his political mentor, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who was then serving jail time.

In 1979, after losing the governorship primary to Adekunle Ajasin, Fasanmi was persuaded to join the Senate due to his comradeship and dedication to service to God and humanity. Since his alignment with the progressive ideology, he consistently won with the progressives and dined with them. Despite his influence, he never sought personal enrichment, an ideology now lacking in the progressive political fold.

Fasanmi also served as the director of Western Housing Corporation under Brigadier General Oluwole Rotimi, Governor of the old Western Region. He introduced the Government Reserved Area (GRA) to Western Nigeria, allocating plots to many without claiming any for himself or his family.

On the issue of corruption plaguing Nigeria, Senator Fasanmi was a pioneer in introducing an anti-corruption agency with the support of former Inspector General of Police Sunday Adewusi and other foresighted Nigerians.

When the Second Republic collapsed, Fasanmi was a frontline leader in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), fighting the military and advocating for the return of democracy. He stood alongside prominent figures like General Alani Akinrinade, Barrister Ayo Opadokun, Dr. Tunji Otegbeye, Senator Biyi Durojaiye, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Chief Olusegun Osoba, Professor Wole Soyinka, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and Senator (now President) Bola Ahmed Tinubu, among many others.

Although not originally from Osun State, Fasanmi spent over 70 years there, contributing significantly to Osogbo, the state capital. During his tenure as Director of Western Housing Corporation, he brought Oroki Estate to Osogbo. His service to humanity earned him the titles of Seriki Agbaakin of Osogboland and Asiwaju of Ido-Osun.

Fasanmi's efforts in aligning the progressives to govern the nation culminated in General Muhammadu Buhari becoming the sixth democratically-elected president, a milestone that filled him with immense joy. He proudly proclaimed that he had a message to deliver to Awolowo.

In 2019, during a visit by Afenifere, led by Fasanmi, to President Buhari, the members returned to Lagos lodge at Asokoro, Abuja, for a dinner with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Chief Olusegun Osoba sought Fasanmi's blessing for Tinubu's presidential bid in the 2023 elections, a prophecy that came to fruition.

Despite not witnessing the swearing-in of the first progressive-minded president of Nigeria, Fasanmi's legacy lives on. I must acknowledge Dr. Kayode Fayemi, former Executive Governor of Ekiti State, under whom I served as an Executive Assistant. Fayemi immortalized Fasanmi during his lifetime by building the Senator Ayo Fasanmi Modern College in Ado-Ekiti. Former Governor Rauf Aregbesola also honored him by naming a new road in Osogbo after him, now known as Senator Ayo Fasanmi Way.

Though he is no longer with us, Fasanmi deserves national recognition. A day will come when a leader will rise to immortalize him at the national level. Today, I remember and honor my father, leader, mentor, and boss. May his soul continue to rest in perfect peace.

Your personal assistant,  

Adebayo Temitope (AKA Tope Fasanmi).

Ekiti State University Warns Public Against Social Media Fraudster Impersonating Vice Chancellor.

Ekiti State University Warns Public Against Social Media Fraudster Impersonating Vice Chancellor.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado Ekiti, has issued a stern warning to the public about a fraudulent individual impersonating the institution's Vice Chancellor, Professor Edward Olanipekun, on social media. This impersonator, operating primarily on Facebook, has been using the Vice Chancellor's image to deceive unsuspecting individuals.

In a statement released on June 23, 2024, by the Head of the Directorate of Information & Corporate Affairs, Mr. Bode Olofinmuagun, the university disclosed that the fraudster is using the phone number 09016597430 to lure people into engaging with him on WhatsApp. The impostor's intent appears to be duping members of the public under the guise of the Vice Chancellor.

"Professor Edward Olanipekun has no connection whatsoever with this person," the statement emphasized. "Members of the public are strongly advised to be cautious and to avoid any social media interactions claiming to be from Professor Olanipekun."

The university has also urged the public to report any suspicious activities or communications involving this phone number to the relevant authorities to prevent others from falling victim to this scam.

This warning comes as part of the university's efforts to protect its community and the general public from fraudulent schemes. The EKSU administration reassures everyone that it remains committed to ensuring the integrity and reputation of the institution and its officials.

Members of the public are reminded to verify the authenticity of any communication purportedly from university officials through official channels and to exercise vigilance in their online interactions.

For further information or to report suspicious activity, individuals are encouraged to contact the EKSU Directorate of Information & Corporate Affairs directly.

My collaboration with NASS members, stakeholders yielding positive results, says Gov Oyebanji.

My collaboration with NASS members, stakeholders yielding positive results, says Gov Oyebanji.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has said that his resolve to collaborate with National Assembly members and other critical stakeholders in the state has started yielding positive results, leading to sustainable growth and development within the state.

Governor Oyebanji disclosed this in Ado-Ekiti, when he joined the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele to commission some of his constituency projects including the one billion naira road project and hostels for medical students at Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti Campus.

The two-kilometer road was named after the Governor, while the male and female medical students’ hostels were named after two former deputy governors of the state- the late Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi and Prof Modupe Adelabu. Other projects include a digital library in Ado-Ekiti, market and road projects in Iyin-Ekiti.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor, Mr Yinka Oyebode, Governor Oyebanji said the seamless collaboration between the state government and National Assembly members has helped in mobilizing resources and projects that have direct impact on the people, adding that the partnership is a testament to what can be achieved when leaders work together in the interest of the people.

 

While expressing his deepest gratitude to the Senate Leader for his unwavering commitment to the development agenda of the state, the Governor explained that the infrastructural development in EKSU will further enhance significantly the capacity of the University to deliver quality education, improve the overall welfare of students and staff and also contribute to the state’s human capital development agenda.

 

Emphasizing the power of collaborative governance in achieving tangible development outcomes, Governor Oyebanji said he will continue to work with every well-meaning citizens of the state that can help develop the state irrespective of their political or religious affiliation.

 

He said Ekiti development remains a collective responsibility that transcends politics, adding that he will continue to prioritize the growth of the state over and above any political consideration.

 

The Governor said: “And for those that are comfortable with my style of governance and politics, I keep telling them, its not everything we politicize. There is a time for governance and when we get to politics, we will play it but Ekiti people elected us because we made certain promises to them and this is the time to fulfil those promises.

 

"Anybody that will assist me develop Ekiti is my friend irrespective of political affiliation, irrespective of where he comes from, and I stand here today to thank Senator Micheal Opeyemi Bamidele for the support he has been giving to me.”

 

While assuring that his administration remains committed to pursuing initiatives that drive development and improve the well-being of the citizens, the Governor called on all stakeholders to join the state’s development agenda, maintaining that the state’s progress depends on the collective efforts of its government, representatives, and citizens working together towards a common goal.

 

“What we are witnessing today is what the people get when there is mutual love and respect for each other, when there is alignment of vision and when there is unity and of purpose. The people stand to gain more when you have everybody entrusted with responsibility reading from the same page, drinking from the same cup and having the same vision.

“Ekiti people can now see the gain in unity. I appeal to all of us, we are one in Ekiti, we are the only homogenous state in the country and we should not allow politics to divide us”. The Governor added.

 

The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, in his remarks, commended the Governor’s visionary and exemplary leadership, stressing that he was able to contribute to the development of the state through constituency projects across his senatorial district, because the Governor created and sustained an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity that is devoid of hostility and mutual suspicion.

 

The Senate Leader explained that Governor Oyebanji had met all members of the 10th National Assembly upon resumption, shared his development vision with them and urged them to align their vision with the state government in order to accelerate development across the state. This, according to him, is now yielding positive results in the state.

 

Senator Bamidele said apart from the two kilometre EKSU internal road, medical male and female Medical Students’ hostels and various other projects that were commissioned across the Central Senatorial District, contractors have also moved to site in four different local governments for projects that range from mini stadia and sport complex, hospital intensive care units, construction of township roads, streel lights, among others.

Oyebanji Vows to Reproduce Ekiti Shining Stars as Babcock University honours Wole Olanipekun.

Oyebanji Vows to Reproduce Ekiti Shining Stars as Babcock University honours Wole Olanipekun.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has reiterated his administration's commitment to human capital development targeted at nurturing leaders across various fields and bringing the state to greater national and global prominence.

 Governor Oyebanji disclosed this on Sunday during the conferment of a honorary degree of Doctor of Law and Administration on former President of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), by Babcock University, Ilisan- Remo, at the institution’s convocation ceremony. 

Governor Oyebanji who extolled Chief Olanipekun’s sterling qualities as a legal luminary and a highly respected leader in the State, described him as a global star who has continually brought pride and recognition to Ekiti State. 

The Governor said his administration’s huge investment in human capital development is geared towards producing more professionals and leaders in the mold of Chief Olanipekun in different areas of human endeavors. 

While expressing gratitude to the authorities of Babcock University for recognizing and honoring Chief Olanipekun, Governor Oyebanji said the accolades showered on the respected legal icon also reflect the excellence of the entire state.

"I must, on behalf of Ekiti State Government, appreciate the management of Babcock University for joining the list of many universities that have honored Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN). This honor is not only for him but also for the entire people of Ekiti State. He is one of our leaders and a guiding light and shining star. To me personally, he is like a father," Governor Oyebanji stated.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who was also in attendance at the ceremony, also acknowledged Chief Olanipekun’s contributions, which he said extend beyond Nigeria’s borders but recognized globally.

 Governor Abiodun commended Babcock University for their choice in honoring Chief Olanipekun and another distinguished personality, Mrs. Bukola Smith.

Chief Olanipekun, who was also the convocation guest lecturer, urged the graduating students   to remain focused, resolute, and dedicated to the nation's development, encouraging them to continually seek knowledge and use it for the betterment of the society.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Tayo Adeola, explained that the decision to honor Chief Olanipekun and Mrs. Bukola Smith was due to their notable contributions to national growth and development.

 He hailed their achievements and emphasized the university's commitment to recognizing individuals who have positively impacted the society.