Our huge investment in Creative Industry is to boost state's economy - Oyebanji.

Our huge investment in Creative Industry is to boost state's economy - Oyebanji.

... Lays foundation of world class centre for arts, culture.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has reiterated his administration’s commitment to huge investment in the creative industry in the drive to boost the economy of the state.

Governor Oyebanji, who stated this in Ado Ekiti on Monday while performing the ground breaking ceremony of Ekiti state International Centre for Arts and Culture, said the state is already developing systems and infrastructure to enable it take advantage of all that the sector can offer to make the state an art and tourism destination of choice for both national and international communities.

While affirming that Ekiti State, over the years, had demonstrated comparative advantage in the creative industry, the Governor said the state will continue to harness its natural endowment to sell the huge potential in the creative industry and boost the economy.

At the event, which was also attended by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. (Hon.) Adeoye Aribasoye, members of the state Executive Council, Secretary to the State Government, Dr Habibat Adubiaro, Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi, members of the state traditional council, led by its chairman and Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Ilori Faboro, the Governor commended the state cultural troupe for their escapades nationally and internationally and assured them that his administration would continue to provide veritable platforms and support for them to continue to excel in all their future endeavours.

He also reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering determination and commitment to nurture talents, promote cultural exchange, and foster economic growth through the arts. He urged residents of the state to direct their passion towards efforts that will ginger everyone towards achieving the shared prosperity agenda of the government. 

The Governor, who noted that culture has grown to become the very essence of a people which shapes the identity, preserves traditions, and connects to the past, present, and future added that he was not only constructing a mere physical structure but laying the groundwork for a vibrant cultural ecosystem that will inspire future generations.

He used the opportunity to express his gratitude to some notable indigenes of the state, such as wife of the former Governor of the state, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, Senators Babafemi Ojudu,  Olu Adetunbi and Tony Adeniyi, who have dedicated themselves to the preservation and promotion of the state’s cultural heritage and had assisted in making the project a reality. 

"We are laying the groundwork for a vibrant ecosystem that will inspire generations to come. Ekiti State International Centre for Arts and Culture will be a melting point of creativity where artists from diverse cultures will converge to exchange ideas, showcase their talents, and celebrate the boundless beauty of human expressions.  It will be a place where Arts transcends language and borders, fostering understanding  and harmony among those who work through its doors.

"We recognize the transformative power of art in shaping society, igniting imagination and bridging divides. This centre will not only be a sanctuary for artists but a catalyst for social change and progress.

"Together, we are creating a legacy that will endure for generations,  inspiring creativity,  fostering unity, and showcasing the indomitable spirit of our people.  As we lay this foundation stone today, let it stand as a symbol of our collective vision, our shared passion for the arts, and our unwavering dedication to the cultural enrichment of Ekiti state. He stated.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Prof. Ojo Bakare commended Governor Oyebanji for all his investment in the creative industry and promised that the state performing arts company would continue to do the state proud in all its national and international engagements.

While describing the edifice as a world hub to engage in critical thinking by the befitting infrastructure, the commissioner added that the new project, when completed, will provide greater opportunities for the performing company to have better and improved platforms to excel.

Police nab ex-convict, others for killing PoS operators.

Police nab ex-convict, others for killing PoS operators.

Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State, Mr. Adeniran Akinwale

The Ekiti State Police Command says its operatives have arrested an ex-convict, Omowaye Ayodele, and two other suspects – Ojo Temidayo and Busarí Lookman, who confessed to killings and kidnappings of Point of Sales operators in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.

This was according to the state Commissioner of Police, Adeniran Akinwale in a statement issued by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, and made available to journalists on Sunday.

The CP said the three suspects, upon investigation, narrated their roles in the death of a woman, Aina Adeyemi, who was robbed and shot dead at the Federal Polytechnic Satellite Campus area in Ado Ekiti.

He stated that Ayodele confessed that “himself and his gang members have attacked and robbed different Point of Sale operators at different locations in Ado Ekiti such as Bawa Estate Area, Better Life Area, among others.”

He stated that after Adeyemi was killed by a gunman riding on an unregistered Boxer Bajaj motorcycle, the command “immediately deployed the Rapid Response Squad operatives to the scene. Investigation by the command led to the arrest of one of the suspects, Ayodele.

“During the investigation, the suspect confessed to having taken part in the commission of the crime and mentioned Temidayo and Lookman as accomplices.

“Ayodele said that Lookman robbed and shot the victim while himself and Temidayo were standing beside the road very close to the crime scene to monitor the environment and to describe the victim to Lookman who carried out the operation.”

The CP said Lookman “confessed during interrogation that he shot the deceased victim and robbed her of N155,000. He also mentioned one Sunday Onyema who is currently at large.

“According to him, the money was handed over to Ayodele, who in turn gave N50,000 to him. Temidayo, on his own, confessed that he is an Indian hemp seller and a fraudster.”

The police boss said the suspects are “currently undergoing investigation and shall be arraigned accordingly, while effort is ongoing to arrest the fleeing member of the gang who is allegedly in custody of the arms they use for their operations.”

The ex-convict, Ayodele, who completed his jail term in May 2024, was a member of the syndicate that kidnapped a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Prof. Femi Olaofe, from his residence on July 9, 2024.

Olaofe’s corpse was exhumed from a shallow grave and deposited in a morgue.

Politics Should Unite, not Divide us, Oyebanji Charges Ekiti Citizens.

Politics Should Unite, not Divide us, Oyebanji Charges Ekiti Citizens.

...As Ogoga commends governor for Developing Ikere town.

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has advised the citizens not to allow politics to stoke unwarranted cleavages and rift among them, urging that they should stand united to collectively pursue and achieve the development of the state in all spheres of the economy.

Oyebanji urged political players to perceive politics as instrument of unity, development and progress, rather than a weapon of destruction and enmity.

Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, gave the charge in Ikere Ekiti, on Saturday, during the 2024 edition of the Annual Odun Oba Festival, held at the palace of Ogoga, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado.

Oyebanji, who showered encomiums on the monarch for championing uncommon and radical development in the town since his enthronement, urged the royal father to work relentlessly to ensure that the indigenes remain bonded in love, regardless of political affiliations.

Oyebanji assured the town that his administration would continually provide water-forced security and rev up the pedal of project delivery, by fasttracking speedy completion of the Ikere-Igbara Odo and Ikere-Ilawe roads to further expose the town to modernity and business opportunities.

On the persistent case of power outage being experienced in a section of the town, Oyebanji revealed that efforts are on top gear for the supply of transformer to restore electricity in the affected area to bolster business activities and improve local economy.

“Approval has been given for the procurement of the transformer to restore electricity to the affected area. We are supplying new one and not refurbished one. Just be patient with us. This government is ready to make Ikere a beacon of development and progress.

“The development of all the towns in Ekiti is very paramount to us as a government. We have started the progress and no community will be neglected in our development plans”.

On the significance of the Odun Oba Festival, Oyebanji stated that it was primarily organised by the community to reinforce the unity among the people and celebrate the town’s rich cultural endowment.

In his submission, the highly elated Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado, commended Governor Oyebanji, for partnering the community to tackle perpetrators of recurrent bank robbery and marauding Fulani herders allegedly attacking farmers and subjecting the town to food shortage.

The monarch further applauded the governor on the construction of of Ikere-Igbara Odo, Ikere-Ise and Ikere-Ilawe roads and other highbrow projects in Ikere Ekiti, thereby exposing the community to better economic activities.

Revealing communal efforts being made to complement the government to combat insecurity, Oba Adu stated that the community was currently working on a Security Trust Fund that would be used to build a magnificent building that will be used for by the police as Area Command to ease policing work

Specifically, the monarch saluted the elites, honourary chieftaincy titles, private investors and all the indigenes of the town for their commitments to Ikere development, saying their partnerships have ushered in unquantifiable dividends to the citizens.

Harping on the imperative of all the indigenes standing united to strengthen the cord of unity among them, Oba Alagbado stressed that the annual Odun Oba, was specifically conceived to celebrate the town’s rich cultural heritage and to further unite the town.

“Let me specifically thank Governor Biodun Oyebanji and his Deputy, Mrs Monisade Afuye for their love for Ikere Ekiti. Their contributions have been reflecting in the development being witnessed across the town and in the success of this festival.

“But a lot more needed to be done. Let us be more committed, because there is no other town we can call ours. I know some people wanted to destroy the image of our town, but we must be patient with them. Don’t let us fight anybody, we have to protect our heritage”.

In their responses, the duo of the Chairmen of Ikere Local Government, Hon.Olu Adamolekun and his counterpart in Ikere West Local Council Development Area, Hon. Rufus Olorunfemi, described the festival as opportunity to celebrate and showcase the adorning cultural heritage of the town.

The council bosses, who warned against political bickerings and division, solicited the efforts of all the citizens for the community to be launched to a higher pedestal and become epicentre of progress.

Other high profile dignitaries at the event were: Former Deputy Governor Abiodun Aluko, Vice Chancellor, University of Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Victor Adeoluwa, Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s Office, Mr. Abayomi Opeyemi, Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Victor Adeniyi, Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, traditional rulers, politicians, members of Ikere Development Forum, youth groups, among others.

Ambassador Owotomobi Calls for Dialogue Over #Endbadgovernance Protest.

Ambassador Owotomobi Calls for Dialogue Over #Endbadgovernance Protest.

The Global Chairman of Bola Ahmed Tinubu Solidarity Vanguard (BATSV), Ambassador Dr. Dare Owotomobi, has urged the organizers of the ongoing national #Endbadgovernance protest to pursue dialogue instead of engaging with disgruntled politicians from the last general elections.

Dr. Owotomobi disclosed that after he exposed the involvement of these politicians, Omoyele Sowore volunteered to lead the protest, while Atiku Abubakar offered his support. He added that Peter Obi and other supporters were seen at the Freedom Park protest venue in Abuja.

Expressing shock, Dr. Owotomobi noted that Peter Obi chose to protest despite the recent deaths of Chief Emmanuel Iwanyanwu and Onyeka Onwenu. Obi, who had been present when Onwenu collapsed, was criticized for not honoring the deceased by mourning.

Last week, Dr. Owotomobi advised Nigerian youths not to let presidential election losers exploit them for protests. His concerns were validated when hoodlums hijacked the protest in Kano, leading to looting at the National Communications Commission office. Tragically, the unrest resulted in the loss of innocent lives, including security personnel.

The Global Chairman commended President Tinubu for allowing the protest, demonstrating democratic principles. However, he emphasized the importance of holding accountable those responsible for arson, vandalism, and security threats. He insisted that actions causing loss of lives and properties should be treated as treasonable offenses.

Dr. Owotomobi called for national unity, urging Nigerians to support the government or prepare for the next election rather than plotting political coups. He warned that mishandling the situation could lead to economic and human losses, citing the "stay-at-home" order in the South East as an example.

Concluding, Dr. Owotomobi appealed to protest participants to reconsider their actions to prevent further violence and destruction.

Jimmy Nanyak Lar.

Special Assistant Media to BATSV Global Chairman.

Hon. Ojuawo Empowerment Farm Project Commences in Ekiti South West.

Hon. Ojuawo Empowerment Farm Project Commences in Ekiti South West.

....Mission is to support the BAO- Ekiti Government in our best capacity.

In a bid to revolutionize agriculture and empower farmers in his constituency, Hon. (AVM Rtd) Ojuawo Rufus Adeniyi, Member representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency I, has embarked on an ambitious agricultural empowerment project.

The initiative, which commenced about four months ago after a two-day training for selected farmers from his constituents in Ikere, has birthed an empowerment farm at Ogbese for farmers from Ikere and Ise/Orun, focusing on tomato plantation. The farm project is now being expanded to Ogotun, with a 20-hectare land donated by Ologotun of Ogotun for farmers from Ekiti South West.

Speaking on the commencement of the Ogotun farm, Ojuawo said the process is still ongoing as planned. 'Like I mentioned to you during the commencement of the Ogbese farm, I said the Ogotun farm will begin shortly. We'll start harvesting here in a couple of days to come, and our people in Ekiti South West are still waiting for their own farm. 20 hectares has been donated by Ologotun of Ogotun Ekiti for the project, and work has begun at the farm. Currently, we are doing the nursery here at the Ogbese farm and will move them to the farm later.'

The Ogotun empowerment farm cluster will accommodate 22 farmers, set to commence with a 5-hectare of land as pilot scheme, that focuses on pepper cultivation, specifically the Atarodo and Shombo varieties. This strategic move is aimed at capitalizing on the region's fertile soil and favorable climate, creating a sustainable agricultural hub that will benefit local farmers and boost the local economy.

Hon. Ojuawo's vision is to empower farmers with modern agricultural techniques, improve crop yields, and enhance their socio-economic well-being by providing access to arable land, inputs, and expertise. This initiative seeks to transform agriculture in Ekiti South Federal Constituency into a thriving sector that will encourage even young graduates to join the agro-economy sector. 

The Ogotun empowerment farm is poised to become a model for agricultural development in the area, showcasing the potential for collaborative efforts between government, community leaders, and farmers to drive growth and share the prosperity agenda of the current administration.

OJUAWO MEDIA TEAM

OYEBANJI'S WIFE LEADS SEVEN EKITI STUDENTS TO ASO ROCK FOR SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS.

OYEBANJI'S WIFE LEADS SEVEN EKITI STUDENTS TO ASO ROCK FOR SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS.

....Hails Senator Tinubu for Providing Platform for Awardees.

Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, could not hide her excitement as seven students from the state were awarded scholarships under the AUDA-NEPAD/African School of Economics/Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Scholarship Scheme.

The Ekiti State First Lady joined the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and First Ladies from other states of the federation to unveil 200 beneficiaries at a ceremony held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, Abuja.

A total number of 200 students made up 100 males and 100 females were selected as beneficiaries of the scholarship scheme after a rigorous selection process from over 2,000 applications across the country.

The scheme was designed to reward academic excellence and to secure the future of Nigerian students through scholarship under the Renewed Hope Initiative Education Support programme of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The lucky beneficiaries from Ekiti who won scholarships are Olatise Michael Ifeoluwa, Asubiojo Daniel Olamiposi, Olajide Melody Oluwatumise, Adu Blessing Ayodele, Akingbade Tomiwa Daniel, Ajayi Marvelous Oluwaseyi and Olorunfemi Emmanuel Ayodele.

The Ekiti Governor's wife congratulated the awardees on their selection and urged them to justify the award with more stellar performances and do the state proud as the nation's Fountain of Knowledge and Land of Honour.

Dr. Oyebanji also hailed the nation's First Lady, Senator Tinubu, for providing the platform for the Ekiti young scholars and their counterparts from other parts of Nigeria to benefit from the scholarships and give relief to their parents and guardians.

While addressing the awardees and participants, Nigeria First Lady, Senator Tinubu said the initiative borne out of the passion President Tinubu has towards students and youth which according to her 200 awardees have been selected across the country.

 

"I am glad to present to you for this award this evening 100 male and 100 female students that have been drawn from all the state of the federation and I can assure you all that the selection was based on merit without bias". She said.

Senator Tinubu reiterated that through the rigorous selection process, 200 of the most talented students from 2000 applications have been gathered equally from across Nigeria's 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory and they have been offered admission and academic scholarships.

The beneficiaries are to study for different undergraduate degree programmes at the African School of Economics, Nigeria where they will have the opportunity to receive training from institutional partners in USA, Europe, Asia and other parts of Africa.

Earlier, there were goodwill messages from Princeton University, the United States, African School of Economics, Nigeria, the World Bank and Embassy of Finland.

The event also witnessed overview of the project, calisthenics, cultural dance and photo session.

Prince Aderosoye Emanuel Fadola Mourns the Passing of Hon. Oloropo Osanyibi.

Prince Aderosoye Emanuel Fadola Mourns the Passing of  Hon. Oloropo Osanyibi.

The Aderosoye Political Dynasty has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Hon. Oloropo Osanyibi, extending condolences to his family and the All Progressives Congress (APC) members in Ijare Local Council Development Area (LCDA). Osanyibi, an influential APC leader in Ifedore Local Government, passed away unexpectedly.

In a press statement issued from his media office, Prince Aderosoye Emanuel Fadola lauded Osanyibi's life as one marked by fulfillment and impactful. "Oloropo Osanyibi lived a life worthy of emulation as a public servant, and political leader," Fadola remarked. "He displayed discipline, wisdom, and honesty in his daily interactions with friends, associates, siblings, and offspring."

Prince Aderosoye further described Osanyibi as a grassroots politician who embodied hope and truth. "He was a beacon of hope, truth, and a voice to the voiceless," he said.

Reflecting on the inevitability of death, Prince Aderosoye emphasized the importance of living authentically and with purpose. "The passing of Ropo Osanyibi is a stark reminder of the inevitability of death, which underscores the importance of living authentically and with purpose. He was exemplary as a seasoned politician with progressive traits that served as an inspiration for the coming generations. As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate a life well lived."

Concluding his statement, Prince Aderosoye said, "May God give the family of the bereaved the fortitude to bear the irreparable exit of a great icon. Adieu Oloropo Osanyibi!"